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How Donald Trump is Transforming the Identity of the Modern Republican Party

Courtesy of the New York Times

By Hank Bartholomew

During a tumultuous first few months in office, forty-seventh president Donald Trump has demonstrated, in no uncertain terms, that he is willing to push the powers of the presidency to their limits. With the backing of both Congress and the Supreme Court behind him, Trump has taken unprecedented actions that can be seen as a necessary exertion of power for the greater good, or an overreach of executive influence, depending on who you ask. Regardless, what is clear is that America’s Commander-in-Chief is testing–and thus expanding– the powers of the president. It is a move that contradicts the very philosophies of the party to which he belongs to (or, perhaps more accurately, the party that belongs to him). By expanding the power of the executive branch, Donald Trump is doing away with one of the primary ideologies of the American Republican party, and thus causing great upheaval throughout the political landscape.

If one were to visit the GOP official website, or read any of the flyers from their 2024 national convention in Milwaukee, they will experience a wave of rhetoric preaching the significance of individual and personal rights, as well as lamenting the power and overbearing nature of a then-Democrat-led government. This is no surprise. Since the mid-twentieth century, the modern American Republican party has been a champion of individual and state rights. Access to firearms. Limited federal government economic intervention. Leaving abortion up to the states. All policies stemming from a philosophy of limited government influence. This is the persona the GOP has carefully crafted: that of a group of people seeking to protect tradition and defend voters from power-hungry, socialist leftists. On the other side, Democrats have employed similar tactics, portraying themselves as advocates of a system that will truly care for the people and protect them from lawlessness. Like it or not, these are – or perhaps were – the identities of our two political parties. Democrats favor a strong central government, and Republicans are against it.

Only now, it’s not so clear if that’s true. In his rush to implement his agenda, Trump may have forgotten core tenants of the party that he has come to be the face of, and that got him into office. He has become, at least by one metric, the antithesis of his party.

A plethora of evidence for this theory can be found in Trump’s actions during his second term. Since January 20th, Donald Trump has pushed the powers of the federal government, straining against both historical precedents and pre-existing legislation. 

To begin, consider Trump’s heavy focus on and targeting of American culture and society. While within the discretion of a president, America’s leaders have generally shied away from action regarding non-legal customs. Although there have been exceptions, such decisions are generally left up to community and local leaders. But from the moment he took office – perhaps even before – Trump has made it his mission to wage war on what he describes as “woke culture.” He has been behind many forays and intrusions into daily life, be it his banning of transgender athletes, his crusades against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, or even telling colleges such as Columbia University what they could and couldn’t teach their students. 

These are large, blatant intrusions into American culture and life, and they are incredibly characteristic of the modern conservative party. Rather than reigning in the federal government, Trump has pushed its influence into new fields and areas, expanding his legal authority into largely unbothered regions. While his authority to do so is still being decided in the courts, these actions nonetheless represent a philosophical change in the principles of the GOP.

Next, examine the President’s economic policies since he came to once again occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Trump has launched scores of tariffs at rival nations, as well as many historical allies. The economic ripples – or rather, waves – from these actions are already being felt. In essence, Trump and his tariffs have almost complete control over the American economy and its health. Trump has directly interfered in the economy, even going so far as to target specific industries.

Compare these aforementioned policies to those of past conservative leaders. Ronald Reagan, during his two terms as President, maintained a largely hands-off economic policy in which he tried to distance the government and the economy from each other as much as possible. For the most part, Reagan maintained a Laissez-Faire economic strategy, in which he allowed businesses to do as they saw fit, with limited government interference. 

I mention Reagan’s policies only to illustrate their distinctiveness from Trump’s. Reagan followed the traditional format and philosophy of the Republican party, seeking to limit the power of the federal government and prevent intrusion into daily life. Trump, alternately, has taken strict control of the economy, using his legal and political power to control America’s financial state.

Furthermore, it is worth noting Trump’s recent attempts to reform what he has dubbed “election security.” While in office, Trump has passed orders and legislation that have called for new guidelines on the voting process, such as a passport or similar document of citizenship in order to vote. Yet legal historians generally allege that such action is outside the scope of the President’s power. How elections are run generally falls to Congress, meaning that Trump may be pushing the powers of the Oval Office without the legal authority to do so.

As the face of a party allegedly dedicated to preventing the oppressive federal government from enforcing intrusive laws that limit the legal rights and freedoms of the American people, Trump’s new election laws are a direct contradiction of his party’s guidelines. Historically – and presumably, currently – Republicans have sought to limit federal interference into political processes. But with Trump at the helm, perhaps the conservative ship is sailing for different ideological waters.

Perhaps it is the changing of the guard for the GOP. Familiar leaders like Mitch McConell and Charles Grassely are growing older and stepping aside, and younger, more far-right lawmakers are emerging. Maybe Trump’s policy reversal is a sort of rejection of tradition within the conservative party. Or perhaps it’s just Trump. He has made a political career out of doing whatever he believes to be best, and throwing caution, expert advice, and tradition to the wind. His dominance within his party and cult of personality have given him an air of impenetrability, so perhaps it is no surprise that he no longer feels the need to follow the historical guidelines of his party. 

Whatever the catalyst may have been, Trump has directly and openly rejected one of the core tenants of the conservative philosophy. He has, in some ways, become a sort of lesser dictator, transforming into what he has pledged to fight and destroy. And as the undisputed leader of the GOP, the party Trump is attached to will likely follow him, be it of their own accord or not. For better or for worse, Donald Trump is reshaping what it means to be a conservative in America.

Trump, FAFSA, and he Changing Landscape of College Aid

By Manha Masood

As conversations around higher education evolve, financial aid remains a central concern for students and families. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) plays a critical role in determining eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs, making it a key factor in college affordability. Over the years, policies surrounding FAFSA have shifted under different administrations, including during Donald Trump’s presidency, which saw several changes to federal student aid and higher education policies.

During Trump’s first time in office, there were efforts to streamline the FAFSA process, aiming to make it more accessible and less time-consuming. The administration supported legislation that simplified the application by reducing the number of required questions, making it easier for students to apply for aid. However, Trump also proposed significant budget cuts to the Department of Education, which raised concerns about reduced funding for federal grants and loan forgiveness programs. His administration attempted to eliminate subsidized student loans and cut funding for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which provides relief for borrowers working in government and nonprofit sectors.

Another major focus was deregulation in higher education, particularly regarding for-profit colleges. The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era policies that held for-profit institutions accountable for student outcomes, such as the “gainful employment” rule, which measured whether graduates earned enough to justify their student debt. Critics argued that these changes benefited for-profit colleges, at the expense of students who might be left with high debt and limited job prospects.

FAFSA and financial aid continue to be pressing issues, especially as the rising cost of college places greater strain on students. While some of Trump’s proposed cuts did not pass through Congress, his policies reflected broader debates on the role of government in funding higher education. As discussions about student debt relief and FAFSA reforms continue, the long-term impact of these policy shifts remains a key concern for students navigating the financial realities of college.

Senator Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Speech: A Testament to Courage and Democracy

By Darshini Dayanidhi

In an awe-inspiring display of endurance and conviction, Senator Cory Booker has made history by delivering the longest speech ever recorded on the Senate floor. Speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes, Booker’s passionate address has captured national attention, demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment to democratic values.

Taking the floor at 7 p.m. on March 31st and concluding after 8 p.m. on April 1st, Booker’s speech was a powerful protest against what he described as a “crisis in leadership” under President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. Throughout his address, Booker emphasized threats to democracy, the erosion of voting rights, and the disproportionate impact of conservative policies on marginalized communities. “We are at a crossroads,” he declared. “Will we stand up for the values that define our nation, or will we allow corruption and disenfranchisement to take root?” He called for unity in the fight against authoritarianism, urging lawmakers to stand up for justice. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he reminded the Senate that “the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, but only if we make it so.”

A central focus of Booker’s speech was voting rights, as he decried efforts to restrict ballot access. “This is not just about politics; it’s about the fundamental right of every American to have their voice heard,” he said. He also criticized economic policies that, in his words, “protect the wealthy at the expense of the working class.” Citing statistics on wage stagnation and rising corporate profits, he called for legislative action to address economic inequality. Additionally, he spoke passionately about criminal justice reform, reminding his fellow colleagues that “justice should not be a privilege of the powerful, but a right for all.”

The sheer physical and mental resilience required for such a feat is astounding. To prepare, Booker underwent a four-day fast and relied on only water to sustain himself. Wearing comfortable Hoka Clifton sneakers, he remained on the Senate floor without pause, battling fatigue and dehydration. Aided by a team providing notes and binders filled with over a thousand pages of material, he ensured that his message remained sharp and impactful.

What made this moment even more extraordinary was its reach beyond the Senate chamber. Through strategic social media use—most notably launching his official Senate TikTok account—Booker connected with millions in real-time. His speech garnered over 350 million likes and attracted 700,000 new followers, proving that his words resonated far beyond Washington, engaging young voters and political observers nationwide.

The response from fellow politicians was swift and polarized. Former President Barack Obama praised Booker’s “unwavering dedication to democracy,” and Senator Bernie Sanders called the speech “a necessary wake-up call for all who believe in justice.” On the other side of the aisle, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed it as “grandstanding,” and House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled it “political theater at its finest.” Yet, even critics acknowledged the sheer determination it took to stand for over a day, dehydrated and starving, and make his case without repeating any piece of information while ensuring he was delivering  accurate facts to the people of America. 

Adding a striking layer of irony to the moment, the previous record-holder for the longest Senate speech was none other than Strom Thurmond, a staunch segregationist who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act. In stark contrast, Booker—a Black senator—used his time to advocate for justice, equality, and the protection of democracy, flipping history on its head.

While not a traditional filibuster, as it did not delay a legislative vote, Booker’s marathon speech was a symbolic stand. It was a bold reminder that democracy thrives when leaders dare to speak truth to power, even at great personal cost. His ability to sustain both the physical strain and intellectual rigor of such a prolonged address speaks to his dedication to the principles of justice and equality.

As reactions pour in, one thing is clear: Booker’s speech has reignited national discourse about the responsibilities of leadership. It has reaffirmed that the Senate floor is not just a space for policy debates, but a platform for those willing to fight for the people they represent. His determination has left an indelible mark, proving that one voice, when strong enough, can indeed shake an entire nation.

President Impeached! The Future of South Korea

By Jessica Park

South Korea’s president has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to uphold his impeachment on April 4, 2025. Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from duty in December after being impeached by parliament, following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024. 

The decision was met with tears of joy and sadness among Yoon’s critics and supporters, who had gathered in various parts of Seoul to watch the verdict live.  It’s a remarkable fall from grace for the former prosecutor-turned-politician, who rose to prominence for his role in the impeachment and imprisonment of another president years ago – only to now meet the same fate. 

Friday’s unanimous ruling, delivered by the Constitutional Court’s eight justices, described the president’s actions as a “grave betrayal of the people’s trust.” The court’s acting head judge, Moon Hyung-bae shown in the photo above, pointed to the chaotic night of December 3, when the president sent troops to parliament and ordered soldiers to “drag out” lawmakers, noting that such actions “cannot be justified.” There was no national emergency, said Moon, and such a decree was simply unconstitutional.  A special presidential election to replace Yoon must be held by June 3 in accordance with South Korea’s constitutional mandate.

What next for South Korea?

After months of anxiously waiting, South Koreans have some badly needed closure. The country can now start to heal and move forward, the first step being to elect a new leader. 

But the political crisis caused by Yoon’s actions is still unfolding.  Although his military takeover lasted only six hours, the political fallout has intensified since. It also reawakened the painful memories of the country’s violent, dictatorial past and reminded people that martial law was not consigned to history. Many are still upset by what happened that night, and afraid that the threat of martial law could happen again. For now, it is a victory for South Korea’s democracy, which for a while looked as if it was on dangerous ground. 

The acting head judge Moon Hyung-bae said Yoon’s implementation of martial law was not justified, describing it as “against the people he was supposed to protect” that “damaged people’s basic political rights” and “violated the principles of the rule of law and democracy”. Since the verdict, there have been growing calls to change South Korea’s constitution – to strengthen its institutions and limit the powers of the president – to guard against this happening again. However, such reforms would require a future president willing to reduce their own authority.

As Yoon left office, he left behind not just a shaken country, but a divided one. But Yoon showed no remorse and continues to dangle the same unsubstantiated conspiracy theories that he used to justify his actions. He claimed that the country and his political opposition had been infiltrated by North Korean and Chinese spies, and that these “anti-state forces” had rigged past elections. His conspiracy theories have firmly taken root, and far-right extremism is flourishing. More than a third of people now say they do not trust the Constitutional Court which delivered Yoon’s verdict; more than a quarter do not trust the voting system. 

Within this climate of distrust, South Korea must prepare for a new presidential election. A successor needs to be chosen in the next 60 days. These days are sure to be tense and even more divisive, and some may not accept the result that comes. Yet, South Korea urgently needs a new leader who can advocate for the country as a whole and represent South Korea’s interests on the global level. One of the first challenges will be dealing with the U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korea is already at a disadvantage as Trump’s 25% tariffs on cars and steel have hurt South Korea’s economy. According to a CNN report, many Koreans believe worse is coming, with Trump who will soon turn his focus to South Korea, demanding to pay more for its defence and seeking deals with North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un.

The Vances Receive A Rather Chilly Welcome in Greenland

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

On Friday, March 28th, U.S. Vice President JD Vance controversially touched down at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. Accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his spouse, the ultimately three-hour visit, despite being initially promoted as a cultural engagement centered around a local dogsled race, took on a more political tone. Amidst the growing tensions between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark, the Vances’ reception in Greenland was, to be frank, chilly.

Although plans were made for public outreach, they were quickly scaled back after prominent Greenlandic politicians and businesses began boycotting the presence of the affluent Americans. As such, the American delegation remained within the bounds of the remote Pituffik installation, nestled on the northwest coast of Greenland. There they spent their time meeting with U.S. military personnel for photo opportunities and eating lunch. No Greenlandic representatives were present.

At a press conference held on the base, Vice President Vance criticized Denmark’s role in Arctic security, suggesting that increased U.S. involvement would bring greater stability. Preaching this colonial jargon to a room filled only with American military staff, it is of note that the delegation never left the American-controlled facility during their stay.

“We think we’re going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style,” Vance said, “to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America.”

Polls among Greenlanders have continued to demonstrate strong support for maintaining Greenland’s current status as a Danish autonomous region. Additionally, even the Danish government has responded to Vance’s remarks, firmly reaffirming that Greenland’s political future is not up for sale or discussion.

Tensions surrounding the visit extended even within U.S. ranks. Col. Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik at the time, privately expressed concerns about the political nature of the trip and its impact on personnel morale. She was dismissed by the military one day before the visit was publicly announced, with the Pentagon citing its “zero-tolerance” stance on dissent toward the administration’s Arctic policy

Pope Francis Dies at 88 Following Stroke and Heart Failure

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern religious history, died on April 21, 2025, at the Saint Martha House, Vatican City. He was 88 years old, with officials having released that he passed following complications from a stroke and heart failure. His passing comes just weeks after a recent hospitalization for pneumonia, which had initially shown signs of improvement.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history on multiple fronts when he ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. His decade-plus tenure redefined papal leadership, marked by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernize and humanize the Church.

Pope Francis was often seen as a bridge between the ancient traditions of the Church and the complex realities of the modern world. Among his most noted contributions were his outspoken support for environmental stewardship—most prominently through his encyclical Laudato Si’—his focus on poverty and human dignity, and his calls for greater inclusivity, including toward the international LGBTQ+ community. He also pushed for broader roles for women in Church governance, challenged the global community on refugee rights, and advanced interfaith dialogue with humility and openness.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing beginning tomorrow morning. Dignitaries, faithful pilgrims, and clergy from across the globe are expected to travel to Rome to pay their respects.

The funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square later this week, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, expected to preside over the rites. Heads of state, religious leaders, and humanitarian figures closely associated with the pope’s causes are expected to attend.

With the papacy now vacant, the College of Cardinals will soon convene for a conclave to elect the next pope. As the Church enters a new chapter, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of moral courage, deep compassion, and a pursuit of justice—for all.

CDC Warns of Dangerous Health Effects of Being a Washington Wizards Fan

By Hank Bartholomew

In a statement released to the press this week, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, warned of the potentially debilitating health effects of long-term exposure to the Washington Wizards basketball team. In the seventy-four-page press release, the nation’s leading scientists laid out not only how rooting for the Wizards can have negative mental health effects but also how exposure to such poor basketball can lead viewers to regress in their physical capabilities with regard to the sport.

Susan Monarez, PhD, the current director of the CDC, did not mince her words during a press conference a few days later. “We have to protect our kids,” Dr. Monarez proclaimed. “An epidemic is on the horizon. The Wizards aren’t going to get any better. They’re building around their current corps. Things aren’t going to improve. I don’t even think Cooper Flagg can make much of a difference. It’s that bad. We have to prepare for the contingency that the Wizards are going to be like this for the next decade.”

Monarez wasn’t the only medical professional to express concerns over this pressing issue. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, urged those who were at risk of being exposed to Wizards basketball to be careful. “If you live anywhere remotely close to the D.C. metropolitan area, please refrain from turning on ESPN whenever possible. Make no mistake, this is not the same Wizards team from ten years ago. John Wall is gone. There is no one to save you.” Murthy went on to explain how exactly the Wizards are dangerous. “Attaching emotion to this team’s success is guaranteed to lead to severe depression and potentially even repressed memories. The human mind is not able to comprehend this much loss—most especially losing by so many points. Humans as a species are not designed to handle this,” noted Murthy. “As far as reducing the viewer’s basketball skill, that is pretty self-explanatory. When watching the Wizards, your mind will struggle to accept the fact that this is a professional basketball team. In order to comprehend and acknowledge this fact, your body will instinctively reduce its own skill level so that the skill level difference between yourself and these professional players is appropriate.”

The city of D.C. has already taken action to stop the spread of this health epidemic. Any restaurants that show Wizards games on television will receive a severe fine, and local judges have stated that they will enforce these fines up to the maximum amount punishable by the law. Furthermore, vendors will not be allowed to sell Wizards merchandise, such as jerseys, to anyone under twenty-one. City officials argue that this is a necessity, as minors are not capable of understanding the dangers of becoming a Wizards fan.

Our thoughts go out to D.C. residents. We wish the best for them and hope relief comes soon. There is some good news, however: scientists at the Cleveland Clinic believe they may have found a partial antidote to any symptoms caused by the Wizards. Per these scientists, symptoms can be reduced by Derrick White highlights.

What To Know For The Champions League Semi-Finals

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By: Jack Stewart

With the Champions League quarter finals now over, only four teams remain to win club football’s most prestigious trophy. This round featured some of the most exciting goals and moments from the entire tournament, including key upsets. Last year’s winner, Real Madrid, as well as last year’s runner-up Borussia Dortmund, were both eliminated in this round, as was German powerhouse Bayern Munich. This leaves only four teams remaining: Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and Inter Milan. Neither Arsenal nor PSG have ever won the Champions League, and it’s been over a decade since Barcelona or Inter have won, meaning this year’s final will feature some of the highest stakes in recent memory. These four sides all proved themselves in this year’s quarter-finals and gave fans lots to take away from their performances, setting up what could be one of the best Champions League semi-finals in years.

This May Be Arsenal’s Year

If one thing has defined the Mikel Arteta era of Arsenal, it’s choking. The club has become notorious for their second-place finishes in the Premier League and their disappointing performances in the Champions League. They made the final once back in 2006; however, they fell short to Barcelona 2-1. Recently, they’ve fared no better, with a disastrous loss to Chelsea in the 2021 Europa League final and two disappointing stints in the Champions League in 2023 and 2024. While another second-place finish in the Premier League feels almost certain, a strong Champions League performance is looking very promising. Over both legs of the quarter-finals, Arsenal looked in complete control over reigning champions Real Madrid, winning 5-1 on aggregate. The first leg at The Emirates was led by an incredible performance by Declan Rice, whose two free-kick goals stunned both players and fans alike. The second leg at the Bernabeu, while not as dominant, still saw Arsenal put up a great showing. While this club may seem cursed at times, if anything were to be a sign of a changing future, it’d be beating the reigning European champion.

Paris Saint-Germain Looks Better Without Mbappé

Over the summer of 2024, superstar striker Kylian Mbappé  left PSG to join Real Madrid, rounding out a squad that’s now worth $1.47 billion. This move seemed disastrous to PSG, as not only did they lose their best player, and arguably the best player in the world, but Mbappé also left on a free transfer, meaning that PSG made nothing from his departure. Hopes were low for PSG; however, the club has shocked everyone by being even better than before. In Mbappé’s absence, numerous players have now been able to step up and take a greater role in the French side. Ousmane Dembele has led one of the most dangerous attacks in all of Europe, which features him up top alongside Bradley Barcola and recent signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings. Joao Neves, another recent signing, has helped anchor PSG’s midfield, along with fellow Portugal national team member Vitinha. This PSG side also features what’s easily the best fullback pairing in the world, with Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi both having standout seasons. This squad is one of the most well-rounded in all of Europe, featuring some of the game’s biggest stars working together in a fluid and brilliant system. Paris Saint-Germain has never won the Champions League, and despite coming close with Mbappé, this year’s team seems as close as ever to finally finishing the job. Despite expectations of a down year, this iteration of PSG is one of the strongest in recent memory, and 2025 could easily be their year.

Barcelona Still Looks Like The Favorites

It has been a decade since FC Barcelona has won the Champions League, with recent squads living in the shadow of former teams. The post-Messi era of Barcelona has presented a lot of challenges for the club, but this season has proven that they’ve pieced themselves back together. This Barcelona squad has been one of the most exciting teams to watch in all of Europe, mainly due to their front three. Brazilian left winger Raphinha has been the standout this year, and he makes a strong case to win the Ballon d’Or. On the other side has been Lamine Yamal, who is the most promising young talent in world football. At only seventeen years old, Yamal has been tearing up defenses and shows promise of becoming an all-time great. Other key players like Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde have also all been in great form, and this Barcelona team looks like the strongest in Europe. They’ve been one of the favorites for the entire tournament and became most fans’ number one favorite after Liverpool’s elimination at the hands of PSG. This side is truly special, and their dominance has become reminiscent of Barcelona teams of the early to mid-2010s. Many have cited Barcelona as the favorites for this year’s final, and it’s clear to see why; they’ve played at a top level both domestically and internationally, and they don’t look like slowing down any time soon.

Inter Milan Is A True Dark Horse

Ever since losing the 2023 Champions League final to Manchester City, Inter Milan has been seeking that finals win, which they haven’t had since 2010. Their 2024 season has been hard-fought, with a tight title race between them and Napoli in the Serie A and an underdog win against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. This Inter squad has branded itself on its efficiency and depth, with an extremely disciplined and balanced squad. They edged out Bayern Munich in a tough matchup that saw Inter advance 4-3 on aggregate to advance to the semi-finals. Players like Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Alessandro Bastoni have been the soul of this team and have helped to create the balance that this squad has become known for. Despite some challenges, both these players and the team as a whole have proved themselves over the course of this Champions League tournament. They defeated a tough Arsenal squad in the group stages, secured quality victories over Feyenoord in the round of 16, and won a tight contest against Bayern Munich in the quarters, as previously mentioned. While they may not always have been the favorites, this year’s Inter Milan squad has seemingly proven themselves again and again. Despite being up against an intimidating Barcelona team, Inter has shown that their efficiency and tactical brilliance can make anything happen.

Russian to Australian: Daria Kasatkina

By: Grace Wang

Since February 24th, 2022, Russian-born tennis player Daria Kasatkina has been one of the most vocal critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Coming out as gay in July 2022 while publicly condemning Putin’s actions, Kasatkina has not returned home for over two and a half years. Over the past three years, Kasatkina and fellow Russian and Belarusian players have competed under a neutral flag, facing refusal of post-match handshakes from Ukrainian opponents. However, she will no longer be playing under a neutral flag. On March 29th, 2025, Kasatkina announced that she will be representing Australia as a professional tennis player, automatically becoming the highest-ranked Australian women’s tennis player in a surprise Instagram post.  Explaining her decision to pursue Australian citizenship, Kasatkina stated: “Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming, and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there. As part of this, I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards.” The switch in nationality was met with positive reactions by Russian expats, Daria Saville and Arina Rodionova, as well as Australian social media accounts. Now that Kasatkina has officially played as an Australian at the Charleston Open last week, it remains to be seen whether Ukrainian players will acknowledge her with post-match handshakes. 

Back by Popular Demand: Williamsville East Reinstates the Pit—With a Dystopian Twist

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

Once upon a time, when high school was full of opportunity and my GPA was still pleasant to look at, there was a pit in the commons where students could gather, socialize, and consume ungodly amounts of cafeteria burritos. It was a sanctuary—a place of camaraderie and bonding. But those days are gone, lost to time and only found in the memories of the occasional upperclassman. Now, the pit returns, reimagined not as a haven, but as an unforgiving arena of discipline. Think less “general sense of happiness” and more… Hunger Games.

In a groundbreaking move, the administration at Williamsville East High School has decided to expand the school’s detention zones to include its swimming pool, transforming it into a space where escape is futile and suffering is mandatory. Once the varsity swim season wraps up, the pool will be drained of its water and filled instead with those foolish enough to talk back to a teacher. The administration believes this “Detention Pit” will serve as the ultimate corrective measure, making students think twice before pulling out their phones in class.

“We’ve tried everything else,” grumbled an administrator. “Lunch detentions? Ignored. Saturday school? Mocked. Calling parents? They laugh at us. This—this is our magnum opus.”

Lest any brave soul attempt a daring escape, the administration has taken precautions to ensure that climbing out of the pit is nearly impossible. The sloped shallow end will be thoroughly coated with oil (organic and allergen-friendly, obviously), transforming it into a nightmarish slip-and-slide. Any attempts to scale the walls will also be in vain—the lifeguard-turned-Pit-Warden will be stationed above, ready to pour scalding hot coffee as a “necessary defensive measure,” ensuring mild burns and maximum regret.

To add to the misery, the bottom of the pool will be strewn with random debris—discarded desk chairs, forgotten textbooks, upturned lockers, and suspiciously placed gym mats—all to create an unpredictable landscape of discomfort. Hidden among the wreckage are a few rogue mousetraps and thumbtacks, just to keep things interesting. Every hour, the pit of horror will unleash a new punishment, from the number-1 pencil-only Scantron sheets to AP-style pop quizzes. Pencils in the Detention Pit will have to be sharpened manually (teeth or whittling), since the pencil sharpener is always out of sight but never out of earshot.

Despite students citing this as cruel and unusual punishment and parents raising concerns over the appropriation of their tax dollars, the administration remains firm in its conviction that this innovative approach will bring order to Williamsville East.