This year, the video game industry took a gamble that did not pay off. On Feb. 20, independent developer LocalThunk released the rogue-like deck-building game Balatro to immediate commercial and critical success. But the game’s celebrated launch quickly turned to controversy when publisher Playstack revealed a confusing development. According to their March 1 statement, Balatro’s content rating had suddenly changed...

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Westwood has found a good home for Yemeni cuisine. House of Mandi opened its doors on March 15 near the corner of Gayley and Kinross Avenue, a brief walk from the university apartments. Owner Faris Alkabass developed the restaurant as a space for authentic Yemeni cuisine in the United States. It captures this vision with style, offering a focused menu...

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MiJa Books is changing the landscape of children’s literature, one story at a time. The online bookstore, founded by alumnus Stephanie Reed and her husband Muammar Reed, houses a variety of children’s books that spotlight the adventures and challenges of characters of color, LGBTQ+ protagonists and disabled individuals. Stephanie Reed said that the goal in developing this collection is to...

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“Another Crab’s Treasure” It’s time to dive into a new aquatic adventure. The second game from indie studio Aggro Crab, “Another Crab’s Treasure,” is slated to release April 25. In the game, players will assume the role of Kril, a hermit crab who sets out on an adventure through an underwater kingdom to reclaim his shell. Players must take advantage...

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Azaila Jules is using fashion and lifestyle content to promote positivity and creative exploration. Known mononymously across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok by her username @axaila, Jules said her content includes a range of media, from lifestyle vlogs and comedic skits to curated outfits and style choices. The first-year film and television student said her social media journey started in the...

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The final hour of Dance Marathon 2024 rushed to its close. By the end of the evening, which concluded around 12:20 a.m., the Pediatric AIDS Coalition at UCLA had raised $48,070. Last year, PAC raised $118,413.83. Third-year molecular, cell and developmental biology student and PAC President Sasha Avakyan said although this year’s total was lower than last year’s, the team...

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In Dance Marathon’s final hours, UCLA is still grooving as a new lineup of performers takes the stage. At 8 p.m., with four hours left in the fundraiser, students took a break for dinner while the Pediatric AIDS Coalition prepared for another round of performances. Katerina Rally, a fourth-year communication student and the co-director of entertainment at PAC, said there...

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“The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo Leigh Bardugo’s newest novel made her ancestral history more familiar. Bardugo’s newest historical fantasy “The Familiar” will be unveiled in bookstores April 9, exploring a corrupt pursuit of power in politics, magic, religion and love. In 16th century Madrid, servant Luzia Cotado uses her gift for magic to help her in ceaseless tasks. But when...

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The doors of the coffee shop read “push,” and what awaited me was a studious ambience, attentive and amiable baristas and an iced latte made diligently and dutifully. During my visit to 10 Speed Coffee’s location in Sawtelle, I was warmly embraced with cheaper yet much more well-crafted espresso than other older and significantly established surrounding coffee shops. The barista...

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Rorey Elam is threading her self-expression through her small business. The UCLA alumnus said she conceptualized the idea for Opulence Design Co. on a trip to New York. She said she was inspired by the artistry in the different museums she visited. With a lifelong love for fashion, Elam added that she decided to delve into the industry through jewelry...

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