The newest film in the Predator series, Prey, was released Aug. 5 as a Hulu original starring Amber Midthunder and Dakota Beavers. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison, the film is set in the early 18th century in the Great Plains, where a young Comanche woman witnesses the crash landing of a spacecraft and sets out to prove herself as a hunter.

Prey differs from the rest of the Predator series as it predates the original films and consists almost entirely of Native American and First Nation actors and actresses. The casting of this film made it possible for more Indigenous talent to premiere on the big screen.

Naru, played by Amber Midthunder, is a healer who dreams of becoming a distinguished hunter like her older brother, Taabe, played by Dakota Beavers. While pursuing a deer in the forest with her dog, Naru witnesses what looks like a Thunderbird falling from the sky. She takes this as a sign to prove herself. She returns to her village to find out that one of the hunters was taken by a mountain lion. Naru insists on coming along with the search party to help track and provide medical care but soon comes across signs that something alien is out there.

After healing the hunter, she encounters the mountain lion on the tree branch but gets distracted by mysterious sounds and lights and falls, hitting her head. Naru becomes frustrated after her failed attempt to catch the mountain lion. Her brother is successful and is rewarded by the tribe, becoming War Chief. She wanders from her tribe to investigate. Meanwhile, a Predator hunts for a formidable opponent worthy of fighting.

The cinematography was simply beautiful, with panoramic shots of nature and ancient North American landscapes. The use of the landscape really sets the movie’s tone while following Naru’s growth and use of her surroundings.

The introduction of the Predator was epic, showing off his robustness and strength. His weaponry and use of limited technology showed how primitive and powerful the Predator can be without its traditional armor and weapons.

I would say the representation of the Comanche Nation was done well and with love from the people who all worked together on this film. I loved that they showed subtle nods toward the indigenous tribe, from the knowledge of medicine to crafting an arm stretcher out of wood and sticks.

Midthunder’s performance as Naru was refreshing because it differs from previous Predator films. She portrays Naru as a girl relying on her intellect and observation skills and using her surroundings to her advantage. There is no military, no advanced weaponry to eliminate alien creatures. There is just Naru simply being strategic and using her home-field advantage to defeat the Predator.

What surprised me about this movie was the actors did a Comanche dubbed version. I do not think this has ever occurred in a Hollywood film.

“I think this is the best Predator movie I have seen so far. One of the best in the series,” said Dr. Kim Morrison.

“I liked the fact this film wasn’t compared to the original franchise movies. It’s not male-dominated,” said librarian Eugenia Chan.

Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico as a Category 1 storm on Sept. 18 with historically large amounts of rainfall and shut down electricity on the island. Parts of Puerto Rico were hit with over 30 inches of rain, causing significant damage to bridges and roads from flooding and mudslides. 

Hurricane Fiona came five years after Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm that left nearly 3,000 people dead in 2017 and devastated the island’s power grid. Afterward, it took almost a year for electricity to be restored to all residents of Puerto Rico in 2018. 

At least 21 people have died from Fiona, according to the Department of Health in Puerto Rico. 

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico had asked Biden to prioritize rebuilding the island’s transportation infrastructure. 

“We want to be treated in the same way as our fellow Americans in times of need. All American citizens, regardless of where they live in the United States, should receive the same support from the federal government,” said Pierluisi. 

President Biden traveled to Puerto Rico on Oct. 2 and promised $60 million in hurricane relief funds from the federal government to help rebuild areas in Puerto Rico that Fiona hit.

As Puerto Rico slowly recovers from Hurricane Fiona, Florida was decimated by Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm. Many residents on the mainland and island communities were left without power, and many found themselves homeless. 

The current death toll from Hurricane Ian is 127 in Florida. Five deaths were attributed to the storm in North Carolina. 

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden traveled on Oct. 5, Wednesday, to survey the damage in Florida. 

Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis put aside their political differences to work together on rescue and recovery efforts for the people of Florida. 

“I think he’s done a good job,” Biden said when asked about DeSantis’ response to the storm. 

On Oct. 5 news broke of an altercation between Poole and Draymond Green during a routine team practice. The team released a statement that they are working on a solution internally.

A few days later, TMZ released a video clip of the altercation. In the video, you can see Draymond going toward Poole and exchanging words. Then Draymond struck Poole in the face. The video was leaked a few days later.

This situation raises many questions. The main one being how will this situation affect Draymond and Poole’s relationship. But also Draymond’s relationship with his teammates. Draymond is seen as the alpha dog on the team. He’s supposed to be there in your corner when a situation arises on the court. With this situation occurring it diminishes this role. 

During his first interview after the incident, Draymond expressed his remorse regarding the punch. “ I was wrong for my actions that took place on Oct.5  and for that, I have apologized to my team. I have apologized to Jordan.”

Draymond continued, “With the video leaking, there is a huge embarrassment that comes with that not only for myself, but the embarrassment that Jordan has to deal with, the team has to deal with, the organization has to deal with and his family…Quite frankly if my mother saw that video, I know how she would feel…I apologize to his mother and father, his family & friends who care for him.”

About the situation Poole added, “You know, (Draymond) apologized. It was professional, and we plan on handling ourselves that way. We’re here to play basketball. And everybody in the locker room and on our team knows what it takes to win a championship, and we’re gonna do that on the court.”

The Warriors are currently in twelfth place in the Western Conference with a disappointing record of 4-7. Not an ideal start for the defending champs. Many of the early season struggles have been attributed to the bench units play. This unit is led by Poole who has been struggling to put up shots.The Warriors have 64 games remaining this season. There is more than enough time for the Warriors to find a consistent groove and to hash things out with Draymond.

On Aug. 24, the White House briefing room posted a news release stating that they plan on pushing forward a plan in regards to federal student loan forgiveness.

This historic plan will provide students with “$20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the Department of Education, and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers are eligible for this relief if their individual income is less than $125,000 ($250,000 for married couples).” Students will be able to apply for loan forgiveness starting on Oct. 1.

In addition to the loan forgiveness, President Biden has also announced that he plans to extend a pause on student loan payments until the end of December 2022.

Despite heavy support from students across the country, this plan has been met with reservations from several Republican figures. One outspoken voice has been Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. During her on-air interview with Newsmax, Congresswoman Greene stated, “Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay off the great big student loan debt for some college student that piled up massive debt going to some Ivy League school. That’s not fair.” 

In response to the statement made by Congresswoman Greene, the official White House Twitter page reposted a video of Congresswoman Greene speaking about her dismay of the student loan forgiveness and captioned it with “Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene had $183,504 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans forgiven.”

The White House Twitter also posted numerous republican figures who also stated their frustrations toward student loan forgiveness and the amount of PPP loans that have been forgiven for them as well.

On Monday, Sep. 13, Florida Gov. Rob DeSantis and 21 other Grand Old Party (GOP) senators released a joint letter asking President Biden to withdraw his student loan plan. “Simply put, your plan rewards the rich and punishes the poor,” They also stated that “College may not be the right decision for every American, but for the students who took out loans, it was their decision: able adults and willing borrowers who knowingly agreed to the terms of the loan and consented to taking on debt in exchange for taking classes.”

This statement comes after news broke that the GOP planned on blocking the student loan forgiveness plan. 

Despite pushback from GOP senators, the loan forgiveness plan has been a win for the Biden campaign in the eyes of many Americans, primarily students. UC Merced student David Gutierrez stated, “Loan forgiveness is a step in the right direction. These funds that will be allocated to students will directly help them, and myself, graduate from college debt free.” 

There have also been some students who recently took out loans that are worried about whether or not they will be able to receive help as well. CSU East Bay student Gary Alvarado stated, “ I think it should not be limited to previous loans accepted before June 2022. With our current state of the economy, it only puts those borrowers at a disadvantage.”

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood makes a comeback to the screen with her newest film The Woman King, starring Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega. Inspired by historical events, Prince-Bythewood’s most ambitious project is about a group of women warriors defending the Western African kingdom of Dahomey during the 19th century.  The film premiered across the United States on Sept. 16. 

Prince-Bythewood is known for her other films featuring black women protagonists, such as The Secret Life of Bees and Beyond the Lights. Her previous film, The Old Guard, premiered on Netflix in July 2020 garnered much success. 

The movie starts off following the kingdom of Dahomey, what is now known as present day Benin, with an army of women warriors known as the Agojie. The Agojie are led by tough General Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, fighting against the soldiers of the Oyo Empire that have been attacking Dahomey villages to capture and sell slaves. King Ghezo, played by John Boyega, is provoked by the attacks and wants to fight against the Oyo. With rising tensions, Nanisca trains new recruitments for her female army. Among the new recruits is impulsive Nawi, played by Thuso Mdedu, who was sent to the Agojie as she did not want to marry someone who would beat her to obey. Veteran Agojie Izogie, played by Lashana Lynch, takes Nawi under her wing as she begins her training. As Nawi clashes with Nansica questioning her rules, she becomes a fearful warrior defending her kingdom and her kin. 

Davis’ performance as battle-scarred Nanisca may be her best yet. It was refreshing to see her play a complex character as a general. Not only because of her remarkable fight scenes and tough persona but also because of her intricate relationship with Nawi. Along with Davis’ acting being well received, Mbedu’s breakout role as Nawi was exciting, especially her friendship with Izogie. 

The cinematography was amazing and the fight scenes were fluid and attention grabbing. Davis’ fight scenes were compelling and evoked such raw emotions, she captured everyone’s attention on the screen. 

This film brought back Black actors together for the big screen once again. Prince-Bythewood directed a beautiful film that not only highlighted on black women and African culture, but about sisterhood, family, and self-discovery.

Minority representation was a major theme in this years ‘2022’ Emmy awards with many actors and actresses making history in their respective categories.

“Squid Game” actor Lee Jung-Jae made history by becoming the first Asian actor to win outstanding lead actor in a drama series. “Thank you to director Hwang [Dong-hyuk] for the realistic problems we all face coming to life creatively on the screen with a great script and amazing visuals,” stated Lee while accepting his award.

Continuing their historic run, “Squid Game” director Hwang Dong Hyuk won Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. This is the first time a non-English show has won in this category. Hwang stated in his acceptance speech, “People keep telling me that I made history, but I don’t think I made history by myself because it was you who opened up the doors for ‘Squid Game,’ inviting us here tonight at the Emmys. I have to say we all made history together. I truly hope that ‘Squid Game’ won’t be the last non-English series at the Emmys.”

Zendaya became the youngest actress to win two awards in the outstanding lead actress in a Drama series for her role in “Euphoria”. She won her first-ever Emmy in 2020 at the age of 24, which made history for the youngest winner at the time. In her acceptance speech, Zendaya expressed her gratitude towards the viewers of Euphoria. “My greatest wish for ‘Euphoria’ was that it could help heal people, and I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their story with me.”

She continued. “I want you to know that anyone who has loved a Rue (Zendaya’s character role) or feels like they are Rue, I want you to know that I’m so grateful for your stories, and I carry them with me, and I carry them with her.”

All eyes were on veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as she delivered a moving speech for her first career Emmy win for her role in “Abbott Elementary” for best-supporting actress. Sheryl Lee is the second Black woman to receive this award. She started off her speech by singing “Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves. “I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim’s song. I am a woman, I am an artist and I know where my voice belongs.”

She continued, “To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever, ever give up on you.”

Lead actress and writer of “Abbott Elementary” Quinta Brunson also took home her first ever Emmy win for outstanding comedy writer, making her the second black woman to win this award. Despite this being a huge achievement for Quinta, it was clouded by controversy.

While accepting her win for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, TV show host Jimmy Kimmel laid on the floor near her, acting as if he were unconscious. He continued to lay there for the entire speech. After the show, Quinta was asked about her thoughts on Kimmel’s actions. “I don’t know, I know Jimmy Kimmel. The bit didn’t bother me. Honestly, Jimmy gave me my first big late-night spot, he was one of the first people to see Abbott Elementary. He was the first person to message me on Instagram. He was so excited it was going to be on ABC. I was happy it was Jimmy. He’s one of the comedy godfathers. Tomorrow maybe I’ll be mad at him.”

Although Quinta was not bothered by Jimmy’s actions, it wasn’t well received by many people including her co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph. “I was like, ‘I wish that man would just get up off of the ground.’ And then I realized it was Jimmy Kimmel, and I was like, ‘Ooh, the disrespect, Jimmy!’ But that’s just me.” She continued, “I told him, too! To his face! And he understood.”

Ironically, Quinta was slated to appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” a few days after the Emmys. During the opening monologue of the show, Quinta came out and asked Jimmy if she could finish her speech. “So you know how when you win an Emmy, you only have 45 seconds to do an acceptance speech? It’s, like, not that much time. And then you get less time because someone does a dumb comedy bit that goes on a bit too long?”

After crashing Jimmy’s opening monologue, the two sat down for an interview where they addressed the situation. “People got upset. They said I stole your moment and maybe I did. And I’m very sorry if I did that. I’m sorry I did do that, actually. And also the last thing I would ever want to do is upset you because I think so much of you and I think you know that, and I hope you know that.”

Quinata accepted Jimmy’s apology, “Well, Jimmy, let me just say thank you. It is very kind of you to say that.”

She continued, “I honestly was in such a moment of just having a good time. Like, I won my first Emmy! I was up there, you know, happy, and I was wrapped up in the moment and just having a good time… I saw you and I saw Will Arnett and my Emmy and I’m like, ‘Oh my God! I’m having so much fun!’ But thank you, that’s kind. But honestly, I had a good night. I had a great night.” The two were able to bury the hatchet and put this situation behind them.

The hit show ‘Abbott Elementary’ showcases teachers trying to navigate their work life in an underfunded school. Earlier this year during an interview with NPR, Quinta announced that the ‘Abbott Elementary’ team and ABC planned on donating a portion of their marketing money to underfunded schools and teachers. It was later announced in a tweet by actress Yvette Nicole Brown that they donated the entire Emmy promotional budget. “Learning that the @AbbottElemABC team gave their entire #Emmy’s promotion budget to schools in need should tell you all you need to know to celebrate and support @quintabrunson and the show! #love.”

Season 2 of ‘Abbott Elementary’ premiered Sept. 21 on ABC

Here at Chabot College there is a special program named The Dream Center. According to Coordinator Maria Gutierrez, “The Chabot Dream Center provides Bilingual (English/Spanish) support, resources, information and referrals for all Dreamer, undocumented, AB 540, and DACA students and allies.  All are welcome here.  You are not alone. We’re in this together.”

One of the program’s biggest goals is to be able to provide a safe and confidential space where students feel more confident in continuing to pursue their academic goals. According to peer guide Citlali Hernandez, “Having a place like the dream center is great because it’s a program that addresses one of the most important situations this country faces in regards of immigration status.” She continues, “In the Dream Center, undocumented students can be heard, look for assistance and academic guidance, and most importantly, feel safe and Comfortable. Confidentiality is secured here. Everyone is welcome to learn about us, and in doing so, helps the community grow, be noticed and be acknowledged by many more.”

Chabot College student Kevin frequently seeks assistance from The Dream Center. When Kevin was asked about the importance of this program he stated, “I feel grateful for the program. Without it, I wouldn’t feel that it was the right decision to attend school. They’ve helped me by giving me information I needed to feel more confident about attending Chabot and college in general as an undocumented student.” 

Coordinator Maria understands the importance of undocumented students being comfortable in attending college. “We want students to know they belong at Chabot College regardless of immigration status. We hope to foster a sense of belonging in an environment that allows them to be their authentic self.”

In addition to the resources they provide, they also have ‘The Dreamers Club’. The goal of this club is to support, inform and represent undocumented students and allies at Chabot College. “The club is student lead and open to all undocumented students regardless of immigration status. Our first meeting is September 22, 2022 in person at the 700S conference room (in front of the Dream Center). Not only are we welcoming new members, but we are searching for a treasurer and ICC representative. Club Topics & Activities include: Post-election Update, AB-540/ SB 68, DACA, CA Dream Act, Financial Aid/Scholarships for Dreamers, Transfer Resources for Dreamers, High School Outreach, Immigration Workshops, Fundraising, Field Trips, Potlucks & Social Events

Students can contact The Dream Center via email: cc-dreamcenter@chabotcollege.edu phone: 5109361151. Students can also follow them on instagram or facebook @chabotdreamcenter. 

The 50th annual Castro Valley Fall Festival was held on Sept. 10 and 11 on Castro Valley Boulevard. The festival was hosted by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, with an estimated attendance of 32,000 attendees. It stretched into Norbridge Avenue and part of the Castro Valley Library parking lot. 

Many vendors and booths were lined up selling merchandise, drinks, and food and sharing information with the community, like CV Sanitary and Hayward Recreational Parks. Live entertainment was provided, such as the 80s Tribute Band and Castro Valley High School’s choir program. 

The Fall Festival started in 1972 and went on a two-year hiatus due to coronavirus restrictions. Besides heavy traffic and limited parking spaces, many attendees seemed to have enjoyed their time at this year’s festival. 

“It was nice having the festival, I saw lots of businesses getting exposure which is good, and it gave people a reason to get out of the house,” said Chabot College student Dakota Brown. 

“After being out for two years, it was amazing to see our community come together and see so many happy faces,” said Fall Festival co-chair Janella Anguiano. “I loved seeing the 80s Tribute band and seeing folks dancing and enjoying themselves.”

The Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their next event, the Light Parade in Castro Valley, on Nov. 12.