JOINING THE MAJOR LEAGUES OU joins the list of colleges across the Mitten that have an offical crochet club. Hooked on yarn and stitches, Grizzlies in the group welcome returning hobby enthusiasts and curious beginners.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Adrian Jimenez Morales Editor-in-Chief ajimenezmorales@oakland.edu
Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
Dylan Hecker Graphic Designer ADVISING
CORRECTIONS
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
Letter from the editor: Own up to it
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Editor-in-Chief
“I love ICE, I’ve called ICE on people before,” was one of the first statements that greeted me as I came back to campus this winter semester. Frankly, it paralyzed me in the moment and leaves me stunned every time I think about it.
The fact that it was said at OU—a campus that is championed for its advocacy for diversity—and that it was said with a smile a day after the killing of Renee Good. It was said so openly in a room full of individuals who look, speak and bleed the same as the thousands brutalized by the agency is more than concerning.
It makes me sick to my stomach.
Since then, I’ve needed to understand how one comes to endorse ICE.
Founded in 2003 as a response to 9/11, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a subsidiary of the Department of Homeland Security. It’s charged with enforcement and removal operations, investigating and detaining “those who present a danger to our national security, are a threat to public safety, or who otherwise undermine the integrity of our immigration system.”
By 2004, of the 13,100 Arab Americans put into deportation proceedings by DHS — in a domestic front of the “war on terror” — only 11 were determined to have “links to terrorism.” Even after that, DHS said they were “not sure” if they had criminal convictions.
If someone supports ICE because it is fulfilling its mission, the argument falls short; they remain as ineffective as they were 20 years ago. Of the more than 68,000 currently detained by the agency, only 26.4% have criminal convictions, 26.2% with pending criminal charges. According to their own records, of the 71,405 deported last year, only 17,157 were convicted criminals.
Again, the idea that ICE is deporting violent criminals falls by its own weight. The agency is deporting a majority of workers and their families. It has deported innocent U.S.-born children, including a deaf child. It is no coincidence that these detentions are taking place in community spaces like schools, churches and gathering spaces. As disingenuous as it is, if one wants to categorize people who migrate “illegally” as criminals, the argument of legality results in a contradiction.
Legality is something ICE — and I guess, by that matter, its most patriotic supporters — seem to care little about. With 4,400 rulings of illegal detentions without due process, the agency still disregards and blocks investigations like the killing of Alex Pretti.
This agency keeps its detention centers with diminishing inspections, its agents with minimal training and mismanagement of tax payer money. If this is what people are proud of, I would like them to own up to it.
If someone supports ICE just because it’s Trump’s passion project, just because it follows a contradictory sense of lawfulness or simply because, as recent events reflect, it enables them to brutalize people who look different, then I would
like them to own up to it.
In the era of post-truth, when the person standing in front of me can deny these and other facts — like government officials do — it is imperative that, if civil discourse cannot be founded in evidence, we at least return to sincerity. Why does the Department of Homeland Security and its supporters hide behind far-right dog whistles like the “America for Americans” slogan?
If you support the killing of three Americans at the hands of “patriots” working for an agency claiming to protect national interests, if you support the violation of human rights by law enforcement that behaves the same in Michigan and Palestine, if you find yourself supporting systems that mask hate as legality, I would like you to own up to it.
OU’s endowment: The $180 million question
MADI TURNER Features Reporter
Oakland University has a $180 million endowment.
That number, plainly listed on the university’s Fast Facts page, surprises many students who may not even know it exists — let alone how it works.
For many students, that number raises one question: Where does that money actually go?
It is not sitting in a vault, nor is it a pool of cash the university can freely spend.
It is invested, structured and largely untouchable.
“Oakland University’s endowment consists of invested philanthropic gifts and designated university assets structured to provide enduring long-term support for students and the university’s mission,” Michael Westfall, vice president for University Advancement, said.
“When a donor creates an endowed fund, the gift is invested, and a prudent portion of the earnings is distributed quarterly to advance the donor’s specified purpose such as scholarships, faculty positions, research, or programs,” he said.
“The original gift is typically preserved, allowing it to generate support in perpetuity,” Westfall said.
“Simply stated, an endowment is a permanent gift that provides ongoing support year after year.”
That means OU does not spend the principal.
Instead, about 4.5% of the endowment’s trailing average market value is distributed annually, preserving long-term growth while generating steady support.
Nearly all of those funds are restricted by donor intent.
“Most endowment funds are legally and contractually restricted to specific donor-defined purposes, such as scholarships, faculty support, or academic programs,” Westfall said.
The most visible impact comes in the form of scholarship subsidies.
Oakland University currently administers over 350 endowed scholarships.
“A significant portion of Oakland University’s philanthropic endowments, approximately 68%, are dedicated to scholarships, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to student access and affordability,” Westfall said.
Those funds directly reduce financial barriers for hundreds of students each year.
Beyond scholarships, endowment earnings support research initiatives, faculty chairs, experiential learning programs, athletics and academic innovation.
Endowment growth comes from both investment
performance and philanthropy. One philanthropic example includes the Donna and Walt Young Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Fund, named for a recent $10 million commitment.
During OU’s comprehensive campaign from 2018 to 2024, 167 new endowments were established. Since then, 64 additional endowed funds have been created, reflecting sustained donor engagement.
Oversight and financial governance are handled through structured policies and board review, outlined by the university’s Treasury Management division.
Westfall said misunderstandings about the nature of endowments as they pertain to Oakland University are common.
“One of the most persistent misconceptions… is the belief that the endowment functions as a large, unrestricted reserve that can be freely spent to address any need,” he said.
“An endowment is not an unrestricted reserve,” Westfall said. “Rather, it is a long-term investment portfolio comprising hundreds of individual funds, most of which are restricted for donor-defined purposes. Only a small percentage of its value is distributed each year.”
If a scholarship is not fully awarded in a given year, unspent earnings are typically carried forward.
Endowments are structured to exist in perpetuity — security with no fixed maturity date.
For students, $180 million does not constitute instant access to funding. It instead pertains to a long-term investment in affordability, academic strength and institutional stability.
Civil Discourse and Antisemitism: Addressing the Oldest Hatred in 2026
ADDISON KOCH
Campus Editor
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., students, faculty, and community members gathered in 110 O’Dowd Hall for Civil Discourse and Antisemitism: Addressing the Oldest Hatred in 2026, an event led by Rabbi Jeremy Yoslonitz.
The meeting invited participants into a conversation about polarization on campus and beyond. It challenged attendees to rethink what civil discourse really means, and why it has become urgent not only for democracy, but for patient safety, campus culture and the fight against antisemitism.
Rabbi Yoslonitz began with a simple but demanding definition.
Civil discourse, he explained, is “mutually respectful conversation on topics of shared interest where there may be disagreement” and “communication for the purpose of objectively enhancing the understanding of matters of shared or public concern.”
He emphasized that this goes beyond politeness or surface harmony.
“Debate is something very, very different,” he said. “Debate is about winning. Civil discourse is about understanding.”
In a university setting shaped by hierarchy — faculty, graduate students, undergraduates and administrators — power dynamics inevitably shape conversations. Rabbi Yoslonitz encouraged participants to be mindful of those dynamics while resisting the instinct to prejudge motives.
Participants were urged to check their assumptions and approach each exchange in good faith, even when prior experiences make that difficult.
“Each time, we check ourselves and go in fresh with the intention of fully recognizing not just the good intentions of that individual, but keeping that as a given throughout the conversation, even if things get spicy,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in academic medicine, Rabbi Yoslonitz warned that polarization has tangible consequences beyond hurt feelings or political frustration.
“Polarization has become a patient safety issue,” he said.
Toxic professional relationships and eroded trust can compromise communication in hospitals and teaching environments, directly affecting patient care. When communication breaks down between colleagues, critical information can be lost. If a patient refuses care based on identity, or a provider feels unsafe treating a patient, the breakdown is no longer theoretical; it is dangerous.
Civility, he argued, is not simply about being nice; it is about protecting human well-being.
He described a “global erosion of trust,” where identity-based assumptions, insults and threats replace dialogue.
In a country as diverse as the United States, he noted, each person holds multiple identities, religious, racial, political, professional and more. Reducing someone to a single label fractures relationships and undermines institutions that depend on collaboration.
“Effective institutional leadership and cultural
survival are at stake,” he said.
The event then turned to antisemitism, which Rabbi Yoslonitz traced from ancient theological anti-Judaism to modern racialized antisemitism, including its industrialized horror during the Holocaust.
He emphasized that antisemitism adapts to its environment, taking on new language and political frameworks while recycling old tropes.
Today, he argued, antisemitism appears across the political spectrum, from right-wing conspiracy theories about “globalists” and demographic “replacement,” to left-wing frameworks that erase Jewish history by categorizing Jews solely as privileged or white. Both, he said, flatten Jewish identity and distort reality.
On college campuses, the issue has intensified. He noted that many Jewish students report experiencing antisemitism, and families increasingly factor campus climate into college decisions.
Rabbi Yoslonitz referenced the widely adopted working definition from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, including the “3D test”: demonization, double standards and delegitimization.
Universities, he said, must move beyond general statements and adopt clear standards, enforce civil rights protections and reform diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to meaningfully include Jewish identity.
“Neutrality is complicity,” Rabbi Yoslonitz said. “We have to explicitly name antisemitism when it occurs.”
The path forward, he concluded, lies not in silencing disagreement but in strengthening civil discourse, choosing dialogue over debate, accountability over avoidance and courage over comfort.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Strands of support: Crafting connections and saving lives
ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter
As the semester progresses, college students face an array of challenges, with mental health being at the forefront.
Oakland University’s Mental Health Matters (MHM) aims to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health and connect students with valuable resources.
MHM is a student-led organization at OU that empowers students to openly discuss mental health and challenge stigma. The organization provides access to supportive resources, hosts events that help students relieve stress, and advocates for the well-being of all individuals.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m, Oakland University’s MHM partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to raise awareness on suicide prevention and community support.
In Ambassador Room A of the Oakland Center, MHM and the AFSP delivered a Talk Saves Lives presentation.
Volunteer presenter with the AFSP, Laura Distelrath, spoke to students as they crafted bracelets from an assortment of colorful beads and string, while also enjoying refreshments during the presentation.
“We believe this is the right presentation for OU because suicide impacts so many,” Sean Sellars, president of MHM at OU said. “By bringing this to OU, we are empowering students and opening the
discussion for suicide prevention.”
Students attending the event engaged with one another while learning about suicide prevention resources. The presentation emphasized the importance of community support for individuals who may be struggling.
Mercy Jeffries, an attendee, appreciated how this event facilitated knowledge renewal about mental health awareness. Jeffries valued that the opportunity broadened the perspective on mental health.
“You can never know too much about mental health awareness and I find re-education important,” Jeffries said.
The presentation highlighted the importance of peer support, which attendees found especially valuable.
MJ Cole, a social work major, emphasized the importance of building a community full of peer support.
“These types of events are very important because it shows the community that we truly have,” Cole said. “It shows that we are seen, understood and that we can lean on people.”
Jeffries emphasized how this event helps normalize conversations surrounding mental health and suicide awareness.
“I really support making mental health more normalized and learning more about it,” Jeffries said.
Student attendees felt inspired by seeing their peers lead conversations about suicide awareness, as these student leaders helped normalize and destigmatize discussions surrounding mental health at the event.
“Seeing peers at this event makes it more comfortable and normalized to speak about these
Eating disorder awareness event at OU
MARYAM SOMO Campus Reporter
In recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, held Feb. 23–March 1, Oakland University hosted an interactive campus event to raise awareness, promote discussion and support those affected.
On Feb. 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Rec Well Herman Room in the Recreation Center welcomed students, faculty and community members for a campuswide event focused on increasing awareness of eating disorders.
Hosted by Madison Wyatt, a visiting instructor of nutrition and sports dietitian, the gathering encouraged education, conversation and community support.
“We had an education session with a panel on Monday and we had a screening on Wednesday, and then this was just a crafting therapeutic session,” Wyatt said. “At the eating disorder clinic I work at, there’s a lot of art therapy and positive affirmation, so we wanted to do something like that.”
Attendees came together to show support for people affected by eating disorders through small acts of kindness.
The interactive event featured crafts, decorating activities, eating disorder awareness ribbons and positive message cards, along with information about how to access the counseling center.
The OU Counseling Center supports student wellbeing by offering confidential, short-term mental health services, including personal counseling,
crisis intervention and group therapy. The center serves as a vital resource for students facing mental health challenges, including eating disorders.
“They helped with some of the behind-the-scenes planning of the idea and what we’re doing, but we don’t have anyone specifically on the panel,” Waytt said. “We want to keep growing this week into next year for Eating Disorder Awareness Week by getting them involved a little bit more. We also paired with the PA program, so their students helped us.”
topics,” Jeffries said.
As the event came to a close, students were informed of mental health resources.
Sellars hopes that MHM can provide a supportive community for students who may be struggling.
“Above all, I want the participants and community who attend this event to know that they are not alone in their struggles: there is a community ready to support you,” Sellars said.
Sellars noted that many college students feel isolated in their mental health journey, and without community support, many students feel less inclined to speak up about their mental health.
“Please reach out, do not suffer alone,” Sellars said. “You are worthy of support.”
Waytt emphasized that mental health challenges such as eating disorders are far more common than many realize, yet they often go undiscussed.
She said hosting awareness events is crucial because many individuals are hesitant to speak up or seek help. She added that the event was not only intended for those who may be struggling but also designed to uplift anyone who might simply need a moment of encouragement.
A message of support written by Natalya Huffaker, a wellness ambassador for OU’s Rec Well, read: “I will trust my body’s wisdom and honor its needs.”
“I think if people especially resonate or relate to the message, it’s important to write it,” Huffaker said. “If I was, for example, in their shoes and I see that people are showing support, it builds a strong community. A tiny message can do a lot.”
After completing their awareness ribbons and positive message cards, participants distributed them throughout campus buildings, including Rec Well and the athletics department. The goal was to create visible reminders of encouragement and solidarity; small but meaningful signs to let anyone who may be struggling know they are seen, supported and not alone.
Students experiencing mental health challenges are encouraged to seek support through Oakland University’s Counseling Center, located in the Graham Health Center.
Reaching out is an important first step and trained professionals are available to provide guidance and connect students with additional resources beyond awareness events like these.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
G2G welcomes students with community and support
ERIN BANES Campus Reporter
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Grizzlies Together in Grief (G2G), a student organization founded in 2025 to support students experiencing loss, hosted its first campus event of the semester, “Let’s Taco ’Bout Grief,” in the Lake Erie Room of the Oakland Center.
The event invited students to gather in a relaxed setting to learn about G2G and engage in open conversation about grief and loss.
Free food was provided as students stopped by to talk with organizers, meet peers and learn about the organization’s mission.
Grizzlies Together in Grief is a peer-led grief support group that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding grief on college campuses by providing a space for students to connect with others experiencing loss.
“It is a grief peer support group, and the goal is to destigmatize grief and bereavement on college campuses,” Red Douglas, president and co-founder of G2G, said. “Today’s event is about creating a space for people to come in and look around the room and know that they’re not the only person who might be grieving the loss of something or someone.”
Douglas explained that grief is often not openly discussed in college environments, which can lead students to feel isolated during bereavement.
“The idea of grief and bereavement doesn’t really vibe with a college campus,” Douglas said. “There’s a great deal of isolation of bereaved students because they don’t know that there are other people going
through the same thing.”
The kickoff event was designed as an informal, conversation-based gathering inspired by the concept of grief or death cafés, non-structured spaces where people can talk openly without an agenda or a clinician present.
“It’s kind of like group therapy, but in a much more relaxed setting and without a clinician presence,” Douglas said. “The peer aspect of it is the key here.”
In addition to death-related loss, G2G also aims to support students experiencing other forms of grief, such as strained relationships, breakups or lifestyle changes.
“Grief doesn’t have to be the loss of a relative who passed away,” Douglas said. “If something is materially important to you and you lose it, that’s valid grief.”
Maggie Quinn, a G2G organizer, said the organization offers students a safe space to process difficult emotions that are often suppressed.
“Society often tells us there’s never a right time to talk about grief,” Quinn said. “G2G provides that space for students to talk about their circumstances and lighten the burden a little bit.”
Quinn said groups like G2G are important because many students grieve quietly and without support.
“A lot of people go through the grieving process silently,” Quinn said. “When grief is isolated, it can act out in different ways. Having a safe space to talk about it just makes that grieving process a lot easier.”
Organizers hope students leave events like this feeling less alone and more connected to a community that understands what they are going through.
“That they’re in good company,” Douglas said. “There are a lot of people who struggle with this, and you never give up grief. You just learn how to carry it better.”
First Generation in Medicine at OU welcomes students
SARAH BULGARELLI Campus Reporter
First Generation in Medicine at Oakland University held its first general body meeting on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in Room 127 at the Oakland Center.
The student organization provides resources, mentorship, and a supportive community for firstgeneration students pursuing careers in medicine.
The meeting began with an introduction to the group and the opportunities it offers first-generation students. The organization strives to create a welcoming and supportive space where students can connect with peers, gain knowledge, and develop skills as they pursue careers in healthcare.
Through mentorship, workshops, volunteer opportunities and access to career resources, students receive guidance on navigating the path into medicine. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical tips on applications, resumes, interviews, and ways to obtain patient-care experience.
Angela Poles, a junior majoring in health sciences and pre-health professional, and president of First Generation in Medicine at OU, explained how the group was formed.
“I came up with this group as an idea on my own and I thought of members who are also first-generation students and people who I know and trust,” Poles said. “The board members I chose were people who I knew had the same goals as me while understanding the struggle of being a first-generation college student,” Poles also discussed the unique challenges that
first-generation students encounter when navigating healthcare pathways on their own.
“Being a first-generation in medicine student comes with its own difficulties,” Poles said. “It’s hard not relying on anyone to guide you through the college life of medicine and experiencing that on your own is a troubling feeling.”
“The point of me making this group is to help students not have this feeling,” Poles said. “My goal is to be the helping hand that most students don’t have
being first generation.”
Poles added that personal experiences inspired the creation of a space where students could seek guidance, share advice, and build meaningful connections.
“I understand the feeling of having nowhere to go for advice or connections for a job or volunteering so I put myself in a place to be that person for other people,” Poles said.
Asal Mrjanh, a sophomore majoring in biology and vice president of First Generation in Medicine at OU, explained how the group provides valuable support and resources for students pursuing careers in medicine.
“It is important because we will be interacting with prior students who were first generation and ask them how they got by,” Mrjanh said.
“The first meeting was to introduce the board to members and share general information about different paths in medicine,” Mrjanh said. “We hope to keep making events and that people benefit from them.”
Mrjanh highlighted the resources the group plans to offer to students.
“We will provide guest speakers, job opportunities, and volunteering,” Mrjanh said. “I intend to eventually keep building volunteer opportunities and resources as we grow in the group, especially on how to apply to any of the programs they want to get into, helpful tips and what to watch out for during the application process.”
The group plans to continue growing its membership and expanding resources for first-generation students pursuing healthcare careers. Through regular meetings, mentorship and professional opportunities, First Generation in Medicine at OU hopes to build a strong, supportive community.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Hooked on OU: New crochet club debuts
ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter
Whether it’s used for personal expression, a way to bond with friends or a method to unwind, the crochet craze has captured the attention of college students.
At Oakland University, students are fostering a close-knit community, one stitch at a time.
Through hooks and yarn, the Crochet Club of OU weaves a creative connection among students. The club provides students with a chance to learn new stitches, share projects with others and hang out with friends while creating handmade projects.
Shefali Khullar, president of the crochet club, was surprised that OU did not already have a club for crochet enthusiasts and decided to start one after recognizing the gap.
“I noticed that major universities in Michigan had crochet and knitting clubs, but Oakland University did not, so I took the opportunity,” Khullar said.
Like Khullar, other students also recognized the absence of a crochet club at OU. The meeting attendees shared a passion for crochet but previously lacked an outlet on campus to nurture that interest.
“I’ve been wanting to join a crochet club for a while, and when they posted the announcement for the first meeting, I loved it,” said Emma Ostrau, an attendee.
From 12:00 to 1:00 p.m on Thursday, Feb 26, Oakland University’s Crochet Club kicked off the club’s first-ever meeting in meeting room 127 of the Oakland Center. At the meeting, students were provided with yarn, hooks and refreshments as they
engaged in crocheting.
As the meeting started, attendees greeted each other and shared their experience level with crocheting. Regardless of experience level, the Crochet Club invited all students to participate in the club’s first meeting.
“I want students to know that anyone can come whether they’re beginners or not,” Khullar said. “This is a relaxing space to just create.”
The event featured crochet tutorials, provided free supplies, and offered a relaxing atmosphere where students could bond over their creative projects.
Students value the club for its supportive atmosphere and the strong sense of community it fosters at events.
Allison Mills, an attendee, finds united spaces beneficial for mental health.
“I see this club getting me back into having a sense of community,” Mills said. “Being around a bunch of people with similar interests will be really helpful for my mental health.”
Khullar wants this club to unite students as a creative community. As students join, Khullar hopes they inspire one another creatively while forming a united community.
“I want to create a community of crocheters and hopefully teach somebody how to crochet,” Khullar said.
Khullar acknowledges that starting a new hobby can often feel intimidating or overwhelming, especially for students balancing busy schedules and academic responsibilities.
The vision for the crochet club is to create a welcoming and relaxing environment where students can unwind, express themselves creatively, and connect with one another, fostering meaningful interactions and a sense of community on campus.
“It is always good to learn a new hobby, and this relaxing, low-barrier environment is a great space to start a new hobby,” Khullar said.
Games and puppies: Future leader dog club jeopardy night
SARAH BULGARELLI Campus Reporter
On Feb. 23, at 4:30 p.m., the Future Leader Dog Club hosted a club-themed Jeopardy night in the Laidlaw Room of Oakview Hall, bringing students together to test their knowledge about the club and its puppies through a fun interactive game.
Students were split into two teams, brown lab and black lab, to answer Jeopardy questions about the club. The questions covered fun and informative facts, including the club’s history, the number of puppies involved and their names, giving students a chance to get to know each dog.
After the game, students were able to interact with the club’s puppies, providing a relaxed and engaging way to learn more about the organization.
Ella Talbot, president of the Future Leader Dog Club, said the club organized the event to combine learning with a fun activity for students.
“We always try to have one fun event and one informational event a month,” Talbot said. “We like to make our informational events fun, so people can learn more about the club while also playing games and being around their friends.”
Talbot said events like the Jeopardy night help the club share its mission and connect with students on campus.
“Having a meeting where people learn more about our organization, how it came to be and what goes into it is really important so we can share our story,” Talbot said.
Talbot said that splitting students into teams also helps build community.
“Having teams allows people to get together, hang out and meet new friends,” Talbot said.
Grace Upthegrove, an attendee, went to the event after hearing about the club and wanting to get involved on campus.
“I’ve always grown up with dogs, and it sounded like a really great way to get back to my community,”
Upthegrove said. “I was thinking about a couple of clubs I could join since I haven’t joined any yet, and this one is super relaxed and easy.”
PHOTO BY EVELYN APAHIDEAN
Upthegrove hoped the event would provide an opportunity to learn more about the dogs and the people supported through the club.
“I wanted to learn more about the dogs and also the people I’m supporting,” Upthegrove said. “This meeting was very informational in that aspect.”
Addy Arntz, an attendee, is a member already involved with the club and tries to go to meetings when possible.
“I was already a part of the club before, and I get weekly newsletters about the different events, so I figured, why not?” Arntz said. “Since I’m already part of the club, I try to make it to every meeting I can.” Arntz said the Jeopardy game made learning about the club more engaging than a typical meeting format.
“I wanted to learn more about all the puppy raisers and the dogs on campus, and it’s a fun way to learn instead of just watching slideshows,” Arntz said.
Through participating in the interactive game and spending time with the club’s puppies, students were able to gain a deeper understanding of the organization, including its history, mission, and the unique personalities of its puppies.
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
An Oakland Post alumna reflects
JENNIFER THOMASMA Campus Reporter
For Oakland University alumna Shelby Tankersley, The Oakland Post was more than just a newsroom. The experience shaped leadership skills, professional confidence and a long-term commitment to storytelling.
Tankersley joined The Oakland Post as a reporter and remained involved all four years at Oakland University.
Responsibilities expanded into editing, photography and page design before eventually serving as Editorin-Chief.
“I was very lucky to have access to student editors who were willing to let me learn and try new things,” she said.
Although hired as a reporter, Tankersley said the newsroom encouraged exploration across roles. Exposure to multiple disciplines built confidence and revealed new interests, including photography.
“Being at the Post for all four years of college taught me the value of helping others and investing time in your peers and people younger than you,” she said.
The newsroom environment became central to Tankersley’s college experience. Beyond deadlines, the space served as a gathering place for collaboration, studying and creative discussion.
“The newsroom became my favorite place on campus and was somewhere I made a lot of friends,” Tankersley said.
As Editor-in-Chief, Tankersley valued late production nights spent finalizing pages alongside editors and copy staff. Shared responsibility and
teamwork created a close-knit culture that extended beyond publication day.
Tankersley emphasized the importance of student journalism in maintaining accountability on campus. Independent reporting allows students to track spending, question decision-makers and provide oversight of university leadership.
“Oversight of authority and government bodies is so important, and the Post is able to provide that as an independent news source,” she said.
The hands-on experience also prepares students for professional environments in ways traditional classrooms cannot replicate. Real deadlines and editorial decisions mirror newsroom pressure beyond campus.
Serving as Editor-in-Chief required leadership beyond writing and editing. Managing between 30 and 40 students demanded adaptability, communication and patience.
“I learned very quickly that EIC is just as much of a people’s job as it is a journalism job,” Tankersley said.
Tankersley said leading watchdog reporting required courage. Early encounters with criticism from readers and administrators proved intimidating but ultimately strengthened resilience.
“But when I became a professional, I was so incredibly grateful to have had those first experiences as a student with an advisor and a team of peers around me,” she said.
Skills developed at The Oakland Post continue to influence professional work today. Critical thinking, thoughtful questioning and the ability to adapt quickly remain central to daily responsibilities.
“Journalists develop a lot of soft skills that benefit
you in any career,” she said.
Tankersley now serves as the Communication and Content Specialist for PACE Southeast Michigan, a nonprofit providing all-inclusive healthcare to lowincome, chronically ill seniors.
“I still tell stories every day, and working for a nonprofit that serves the community scratches the itch that my inner journalist will always have to do something good with my time,” Tankersley said.
Tankersley encouraged current Post staff members to explore multiple roles and embrace the opportunity. Experimentation, Tankersley said, allows students to discover strengths early.
“Try as much as you can,” she said.
Tankersley also advised Oakland University students considering student media to view the newsroom as hands-on preparation for future careers.
“To journalism students, I’d say the Post is the best ‘class’ they could take.”
Reflecting on time at The Oakland Post, Tankersley described the experience as both formative and memorable. Lessons learned in the newsroom continue to shape leadership style and professional direction.
“It’s the best learning experience you can get as a student reporter, and it’s also a ton of fun.”
The first patients: Inside OUWB’s body donation program
CAEL TANNER
Features Editor
On a crisp February morning, warm light glimmers through the broad windows of lofty Hannah Hall’s third floor into Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s Anatomy Lab. The expansive, well-lit room is far removed from the sepulchral depths of the previous Dodge Hall basement space.
Within, thanks to the efforts of dedicated faculty and staff, students are now studying human anatomy directly from local donors who chose to give their bodies to science through the recently-instituted OUWB Body Donation Program, granting the final wishes of generous OU community members in the form of crucial firsthand anatomical experience.
Program Coordinator Christina Drakos explained that whole body donation functions as both a “truly impactful end-of-life planning option, and an alternative to organ donation.”
Malli Barremkala, associate professor of anatomy in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies, helped establish the program and serves as its founding director.
“When I came here 11 years ago, I was surprised that there was no body donation program for a medical school of this size,” Barremkala said.
For years, OUWB had relied on donors provided through other universities, including programs at other universities across the state, as well as the University of Toledo and Wright State University in Ohio. Establishing a local program required extensive planning, even calling for changes to state legislation.
“It seemed that Michigan legislation only allowed the three big universities — Wayne State University, University of Michigan and Michigan State University — to have a program, so the first step was to change the legislation.” Barremkala said. “We then worked with the OU administration and legal teams to meet all the requirements needed to operate the program.”
Two years ago, the program officially launched. Its first donor arrived in Nov. 2024, and study commenced this year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in localized anatomy education at OU.
“As more and more local people register with our program, we’ll have less of a need to obtain donors from Ohio,” Drakos said. “We never take their trust for granted, and we’re always mindful that we’re always earning it all the time.”
For faculty and staff involved in the program, respect for the individuals who constitute this gift is central to how students are introduced to the lab.
“From day one, we tell students these donors are their first patients,” Barremkala said.
“We’re trying to further emphasize donor agency and remind people that they gave willingly,” Dan Schlegel, anatomy lab manager, said.
The anatomy lab itself opened in Hannah Hall in 2013 and supports a range of hands-on learning experiences for medical and health sciences students.
“Our primary anatomy course is full body dissection,” Schlegel said. “Medical students and physical therapy students both study the entire body through dissection.”
The donors also support advanced training opportunities for students preparing to enter clinical practice.
“For surgical boot camps, surgeons come to our lab and guide students through procedures step by step,” Barremkala said. “They practice procedures on donors before working with actual patients.”
The program additionally aims to expand awareness within the broader community, where body donation can often be misunderstood.
“A lot of the public confuses it with organ donation,” Drakos said. “They don’t realize it’s something different, and many people don’t even know we exist.”
For students involved in the program, the educational experience is rooted in a consistent understanding that anatomical study was the express wish of each donor.
“It’s very normal to have fear and anxiety when you’re about to dissect for the first time.” Drakos said. “It helps students to know that their first patient asked to be there… They consented to this. They become teaching partners.”
Each year, OUWB holds a memorial ceremony to honor the donors who make such irreplicable close study possible.
“I think of it as a gratitude ceremony,” Drakos said. “It’s somber and respectful. It’s about honoring what they have given.”
More information on the OUWB Body Donation Program can be found at the program’s webpage or by email at bodydonation@oakland.edu.
A plane ticket to Japan and a week of saying yes
MALLORY WALIGORA
Content Editor
There’s a Waligora tale that gets passed around my family far too often, resurfacing at least once a year, usually over dinner and always at my personal expense.
I was fifteen years old, standing on the Rialto Bridge in Venice, my mom to my side and gondolas drifting romantically below. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.
“I have officially been everywhere I wanted to be,” I proclaimed.
At that moment, I fully meant it. There was no hint of irony whatsoever.
Some context is necessary. I come from parents who backpacked Europe before it was cool — catching night trains, figuring it out as they went and rewearing the same pair of jeans.
My family’s vacations consist of packing only a carry-on and walking around museums until our feet hurt. I don’t come from a religious family, so Rick Steves is the closest thing I have to a spiritual guide. His voice plays in my head like a guru. I hear his sweet nothings of fresh pastries and scenic backstreets and take them as gospel. I listen. I obey.
I had a fortunate childhood, traveling to several European countries, including France, England, Germany and ultimately Italy, where I made this statement. I had stood in front of enough cathedrals to feel cultured. I had confidently decided that I had seen enough of the world.
That statement is now a running joke in my household because, today, it could not be further from the truth. At the age of 21, I have never had a more vigorous appetite to see more of the world.
I have money tucked away in a savings account
for graduation, reserved exclusively for whatever expedition inevitably calls to me in May. I have countless countries on my bucket list, and I keep foreign currencies in my change drawer that I consider unfinished business – I’ll spend them someday when I’m there. Fifteen-year-old Mallory would be shocked.
Since my proclamation, I learned Czech –briefly and imperfectly – for a few months in my sophomore year in Prague. I studied architecture in Paris the summer before my senior year, where I developed strong opinions about brutalism and even stronger opinions about pastries. I’ve been to countries I never once considered visiting, one of them being Japan.
“What brings you to Japan?”
“What brings you to Japan?” the man next to me asked as I slid into my seat, noticing I was traveling alone.
“Work,” I said, smiling politely.
“What kind? You look so young.”
I clocked him immediately as a Midwesterner — my flight was out of Detroit — so he was friendly, curious and absolutely not letting this conversation end.
“It’s a long story,” I said. “The Japanese Embassy is sending me to Tokyo for a week.”
That’s a sentence I never imagined I would be saying my entire life.
I never imagined I would be going to Japan. I don’t like anime or Pokémon. A 14-hour flight sounded awful, and the jet lag sounded even worse. It was one of those things that never crossed my mind. But after arriving, I promptly fell in love with the country. It was one of the best trips of my life.
I recognize that I am absurdly lucky. People save for decades to travel to Japan. Some people never make it at all. At 21, I was about to go for free.
I ended up here in a series of fortunate events. How it happened
Last April, I was Miss New Hampshire for the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. I spent the week doing diplomacy work with the Japanese Embassy and shaking hands with politicians.
Somehow, against all odds, the Japanese Embassy was impressed. They liked my résumé, my energy and apparently my ability to smalltalk foreign politics without embarrassing myself (thank you, Oakland University Department of Political Science).
I was selected as one of four women out of all 50 states to travel to Japan on behalf of the U.S. government for a diplomatic visit.
It felt like one of those things you simply can’t say no to: a fully funded trip to Japan — flight, accommodations and food all paid for. It was a true pinch-me moment.
On official business
So there I was, sitting on a plane somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, traveling on behalf of the U.S. government. My only task for the week? Keep my eyes and ears open, be a friendly representative of the U.S. and say yes to things.
It’s a weirdly wonderful thing traveling on behalf of someone else because it changes the way you travel. You say yes to things you normally would say no to. You feel a responsibility to experience things fully and put your best foot forward.
And this time, I was in Japan, ready to eat, drink and wander my way through the country. I was ready to sing karaoke, to try foods I couldn’t pronounce, to visit temples older than anything I’ve seen in the U.S. and to soak it all in. And if the U.S. government is reading this: I was absolutely there to work.
PHOTO COURTESY
A legacy of Oakland’s postseason hopes vanish
The pursuit of a championship often requires a perfect alignment of talent, timing and execution.
For the 2025–26 Oakland Golden Grizzlies, that alignment shattered on March 4, 2026, in a performance that will be remembered as much for its individual brilliance as for its collective heartbreak. Facing off against Northern Kentucky in the opening round of the Horizon League Tournament, Oakland fell 85–84 at the OU Credit Union O’rena.
This loss was not just another tally in the column; it was a definitive end to a season built on the ambition of returning to Indianapolis for the conference semifinals and finals.
After a grueling regular season where the program tested itself against elite national competition like Houston, Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State, the early exit in the tournament transformed those high‑stakes preparations into what feels like an absolute failure.
The Brody Robinson masterclass: A historic final act
To discuss this game without centering on Brody Robinson would be to ignore one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the Horizon League.
looks like it belongs in a video game: 36 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Robinson’s shooting display was a clinical exhibition of range and confidence.
He connected on 10‑of‑20 attempts from three‑point territory, accounting for nearly all of Oakland’s perimeter production. Many of these makes were high‑degree‑of‑difficulty shots — contested triples off the dribble that forced the Northern Kentucky defense to extend well beyond its comfort zone.
His ability to navigate the Norse’s defensive pressure, combined with his twitchy instincts and a relentless willingness to jump passing lanes, kept the Grizzlies within striking distance even as the deficit ballooned to 14 points in the second half.
Standing as an undersized but elite playmaker, Robinson’s future likely lies in the professional ranks overseas, where his absurd free‑throw rates and defensive tenacity will undoubtedly translate.
Defensive breakdowns and tactical failures
The game was ultimately decided by the same defensive issues that have haunted Oakland throughout the 2025–26 campaign. Despite the high stakes of the postseason, the Golden Grizzlies struggled with late closeouts on the perimeter. This lack of defensive urgency allowed Northern Kentucky’s Dan Gherezgher to find his rhythm early, as he was repeatedly given an inch too much space to operate, finishing with 17 points.
Robinson was the heartbeat of the Golden Grizzlies, serving as the primary reason the game did not descend into a blowout victory for the Norse. In his final appearance in an Oakland uniform, the guard logged 37:33 of playing time, delivering a stat line that
The closing moments of the game only added to the drama.
Robinson hit a deep buzzer‑beating three‑pointer to bring the final score to 84–85, a shot that would have been the highlight of the year had there been just one more second on the clock.
However, the night was not without its cruel ironies. Robinson, usually so reliable, committed six turnovers and missed a critical free throw in the clutch that likely would have forced overtime. Despite these minor lapses, his status as one of the best guards in recent conference memory remains secure.
Furthermore, the team struggled significantly to defend inside the paint once again. Northern Kentucky’s LJ Wells and Donovan Oday exploited this weakness consistently, combining for 37 points. The Grizzlies’ primary interior defenders, including Michael Houge and Isaac Garrett, often appeared a step slow in their rotations, failing to get their hands up in time to contest shots at the rim and the perimeter.
Perhaps the most frustrating sequence of the night occurred in the second half when Oakland failed to box out on a Northern Kentucky free throw. The Norse not only secured the offensive
of what‑ifs: vanish in heartbreaking tournament exit
rebound but scored and were sent right back to the line for another opportunity. In a game decided by a single point, these fundamental lapses in concentration were catastrophic.
While Oakland won the overall rebounding battle 43–40, they allowed the Norse to collect 19 second‑chance points, nearly negating their own 21 second‑chance points.
Officiating frustrations and the end of the road
The atmosphere at the OU Credit Union O’rena was tense, not just because of the score, but because of what many thought to be highly questionable officiating throughout the night. Multiple sequences featured contact that went uncalled against Northern Kentucky but resulted in whistles against Oakland.
for a team that finished 16–16 overall.
The statistics tell the story of a game that was won in the margins. Oakland actually had a higher three‑point percentage (38.2%) and a better free‑throw percentage (75.0%) than its opponents. However, Northern Kentucky’s 40 points in the paint and 21 points on the fast break proved to be the difference‑maker. The Grizzlies were outpaced in transition and overpowered in the interior, ending a season that once held so much promise.
This inconsistency led to uncharacteristic outbursts from the Oakland bench, as the coaching staff watched their season‑long preparation being tested by factors outside their control.
The loss marks an “absolute failure” in the context of the season’s goals. The program intentionally scheduled high‑major opponents like Houston, Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State specifically to prepare the roster for the pressure of the Horizon League Tournament and a run
As the program looks toward the future, the primary challenge will be addressing the defensive rotations that remained a step slow and finding a way to replace the historic production of Brody Robinson.
For now, the Golden Grizzlies are left to wonder what might have been if the closeouts had been faster and the free throws had dropped.
To fall in the first round on their home floor — especially after the disappointment of Senior Night — is a bitter pill to swallow
story by Mike Okoronkwo photos by Liliana Valenza graphic by August Wicker
Viviane Partridge: Chasing the rings
MADI TURNER Features Reporter
At eight years old, swimmer Viviane Partridge did not bring home the gold at first — but she found her passion.
“I didn’t even win my race, but I touched the wall with a big smile on my face,” Partridge said. “It was so natural to me… it was my calling.”
Swimming stopped being something she simply did and became who she was.
Now a sophomore majoring in psychology at Oakland University, Partridge is a Horizon League champion in the 400 and 800 free relays. She competed in every regular-season meet, finished top three in 14 events, and helped set the school and league record in the 400 free relay with a time of 3:20.09.
Collegiate dominance is one thing.
The Olympics are another.
When Partridge watches the Games now, it feels different from when she was younger.
“As I became a teenager, I understood the reality of it and how difficult it would be to reach that level,” she said. “Some of the women competing are my age.”
The Olympic Games represent the highest level of international competition, bringing together athletes who qualify through performance standards and national trials overseen by their sport’s governing bodies. In swimming, that often means hitting Olympic qualifying times and finishing among the very best at national trials.
Partridge has already stepped into that environment.
At the 2024 Canadian Olympic Trials, she experienced the intensity of swimmers competing for limited Olympic spots.
“The decorum was the most impressive that I have ever experienced,” she said. “People are competing for Olympic standards and a place on the team.”
Behind that stage is a schedule few outside the sport truly understand.
Nine in-water practices per week. Two hours each. Three weight sessions layered in. Tuesday “test sets” where times are recorded and racing suits seek to replicate the pressure of a real championship.
Ice baths after major races, ice packs after difficult sessions and equipping Normatec boots to flush
lactic acid from her legs are all key elements of the preparation strategy.
“Recovery is an essential part of getting stronger and faster,” Partridge said. “Olympic-level athletes will have mastered their recovery routine.”
Head Golden Grizzlies swimming and diving coach Mitchell Alters said the difference between a strong NCAA swimmer and an Olympian is not just talent.
“Athletes must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve greatness,” Alters said. “Very good athletes dream of being there, but Olympians know they can be there and will do whatever it takes.”
The commitment extends year-round.
“There is no offseason for an Olympian,” Alters said. “It takes 24/7 commitment.”
For Partridge, that has meant missing social events, always meeting early mornings and pushing through fatigue when necessary.
“I think every athlete can relate to the amount of times we had to give up on different things,” she said.
When doubt creeps in, she returns to what she knows.
“I focus back on my training.” Partridge said. “I trust my training.”
The Olympics are not a fantasy for her. They are a benchmark.
And while only a small percentage of swimmers ever reach that stage, the pursuit itself has consistently reshaped her habits, priorities and identity.
“It takes trust, patience and determination,” Partridge said. “Nothing will come in one day.”
Her pursuit begins with first making contact at the finish, knowing she had found where she was meant to be and choosing, every day since, to keep going.
Mental health toolkit reducing police brutality against autistic
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Editor-in-Chief
At a time of increased and enhanced law enforcement presence nationwide and with recent news of an autistic adult fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis, a California-based team is making a difference with a preventive toolkit for people with autism.
“Interacting safely with law enforcement” is the latest toolkit, among the first of its kind, published by Kipekee, a nonprofit supporting autistic adults with resources and a community.
“I interact a lot with folks on the spectrum. I myself, I’m on the spectrum,” Jacob Nyamu, credit analyst and Kipekee founder, said. “I’ve never been pulled over, but when I drive, I always get tense when I see a cop car behind me. I’m pretty sure, pretty much for everybody, but I was always concerned for folks on the spectrum … so I just wanted to do something about that.”
The resource addresses what individuals with autism and their families can do to prepare in case of a mental health crisis and how to communicate with police to avoid complications. Pulling from research conducted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the resource guide was put together in remembrance of black and brown teens with autism killed by law enforcement.
“In this larger conversation about mental health and police officers being able to deal with mental health calls, that’s kind of what came to my mind when Jacob brought up this idea: this is a huge rights issue for policing,” Jaleel
Baker, law student at UC Davis and Kipekee team member, said. “Are they capable of handling mental health calls? Dealing and recognizing and understanding how to treat people who are on the spectrum?”
The guide’s main focus is de-escalation and prevention. Keeping calm and asking things like “Would it help if you had a moment alone?” or “Is there anything I can do to help you right now?” are the first de-escalation tactics listed. Reaching out to mental health providers or a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is also listed as a preventive option.
Similar to other states, in Michigan, the crisis helpline is available 24/7 by call or text at 988 or online at Lifeline Chat. Oakland, Wayne and other counties also have Health Networks that provide resources for neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals.
Informing officers and first responders about the disabilities of people involved is also a key aspect of the guide, helping inform everyone as they approach the situation. Smartphone automations, a Kipekee safety card and a medical emergency wristband are also encouraged resources in the guide.
“Putting a card specifically or a wristband together was one tangible things that we felt, you know, made it a holistic toolkit,” Baker said. “We just hope that they have a large deterrent effect and can reduce police brutality.”
Echoing tactics used to maintain other law enforcement agencies accountable and inform change, the guide also has notes on how to identify officers and record interactions with police to keep accurate records of events.
“All we want from neurotypical people is just understanding,” Nyamu said. “We’re not requiring much. This is understanding and acceptance.”
Baker recognized the advances in integrating additional
mental health crisis professionals to police forces and collaborations with other CITs in California, but was still critical of the institutional complexities of law enforcement responding to mental health crises.
“I don’t think the answer, necessarily, is that police get more training in this; there are folks already that have so much experience, but there’s a resource gap when it comes to crisis intervention teams,” Baker said. “There are local law enforcement agencies that will maybe deny mental health calls at this point because they want to divert that issue and those calls to crisis intervention teams but they’re still not being staffed and funded in the way that they should to adequately address the issue.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIPEKEE SOCIETY
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Opinion: The Venezuelan diaspora’s voice at OU
ANDREW MCNAMARA MAY Features Reporter
A lot has been said about the mass migration from Venezuela. The exodus has been over a decade in the making, and the scale and rate of the diaspora are almost unrivaled in recent history.
However, as with every story, there are two sides — and only one side has yet been able to dominate the conversation.
This is an error that, on Feb. 26, Oakland University set out to correct.
In the “Voices from the Venezuelan Diaspora” panel, OU’s Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and the Klein Center for Culture and Globalization featured two compelling guest speakers with stories to share about loss, journey, the family of a nation in crisis.
Adolfo Campoy-Cubillo, OU associate professor of Spanish, hosted the panel.
“I mean nothing against journalists, but it’s not someone [the two speakers] who has to gather information to do an article,” Campoy-Cubillo said. “It is someone who is there. Every day. In front of the immigration judge.”
There is something that simply cannot be replaced in being there. Even when reporters are there, the very nature of reporting calls for a voice both impartial and detached. An overly invested narrator jades the story.
Lermit Díaz-Salazar and Freddy Geraldo, the two speakers, demonstrated the merit of their unadulterated narratives.
“Since 2014, about 7 million people have left Venezuela,” Díaz-Salazar, an acclaimed author and translator, said.
“Venezuela is very small, only 30 million people,” he said. “It is the largest human movement in Latin American history.”
The number exceeds that of the Great Migration, an early to mid-20th century movement in which approximately 6 million African Americans moved from the Southern United States to the Northeast, Midwest and West.
It is easy to look at such a massive number of people and jump to conclusions. It is harder — but nauseatingly necessary — to really digest the scale of human suffering that can push a people to an exodus of biblical scale.
Inflation of the Venezuelan bolivar peaked in the millions of percent in 2019.
Stories are often passed around that a wheelbarrow of money was needed to buy a loaf of bread in Germany before the Second World War. Venezuelan hyperinflation reached even greater numbers (in terms of overall rate — the Weimar Republic experienced a much faster rate of hyperinflation).
It takes a lot to push a person on a hike through jungles and deserts across 11 countries. Waking up to one’s money being worth nothing with no official coherent solution might be just that push.
“It is important,” Freddy Geraldo, a financial analyst, said, “for the Venezuelan people, being one of the wealthiest countries in the world in the early 20th century … to make a salary close to 3$ (USD) a month.”
For decades, Venezuela was the wealthiest country in Latin America, and for several of those decades boasted a greater GDP than that of many countries in Europe. The nation’s massive oil revenue led to the nickname, ‘Saudi Venezuela.’
However, Venezuela in the 21st century demonstrates that, like a building, an economy too
dependent on one pillar will suffer the same fatal architectural fault: collapse.
The wealth of Venezuela was incredibly stratified, constituting a driving force behind the Bolivarian Revolution. People searching for equality seemingly wished for it with a monkey’s paw.
They found it. Together. In the gutter. The glistening skyscrapers of Caracas — built meticulously in the 1960s and 1970s — are slowly rotting, like a goat being picked at by turkey vultures.
This story goes almost entirely untold.
The Darien Pass has more in common with “Mad Max” than what a typical Westerner would conceptualize as a path to freedom. It is a lawless, treacherous and dangerous odyssey across the least navigable regions of 11 countries.
Every step is a late-night dance, risking death, human trafficking, beasts of the jungle and fates perhaps even worse. The smell of the green canopy, gunpowder and death fills the air.
The presence of many of the world’s largest criminal syndicates is far more evident than the law enforcement arms of any nation across the globe.
If the event was meant to start a dialogue, then let the dialogue commence.
Would anyone flee the South Side of Chicago through the Darien Pass for a mere chance at a better life? Benton Harbor? Saginaw? Flint?
This same drive has brought much success to the Venezuelan community — and many others before. Consider how well the Cuban American, Irish American, Lebanese American and Iraqi American communities have flourished.
There is clearly an existing model of flight from a country that is falling apart, regardless of whether or not the motherland ever rises again.
The event creates a unique human opportunity to appreciate the importance of translation work. Language is universal, but it does not always capture the same ideas, and even when it does, those ideas are presented very differently.
Translators are not like computer programs; not simply Google Translate or ChatGPT. They are
also storytellers.
Language carries within it unique cultural memes and traumas used to convey incredibly important concepts and imagery.
Translators do not get to bill 20 cents a word because they are sophisticated, charming and well-educated. Those 20 cents a word are because words do not always mean precisely what they appear to mean. Feelings are human and contained by the speaker.
Yet, as a culture, there is a great stigma towards foreign language speakers.
Consider the outrage at the recent Bad Bunny halftime show.
The anxiety felt by many when they sit next to an Arabic speaker in a shemagh on a plane.
Why the negativity? Arabic and Spanish are two of the most economically industrious languages in the world.
Crime affiliations? Our investigation agencies almost always report having too few foreign language speakers.
Yet, in education, bilingual children face real problems. Efforts to teach foreign languages in public schools are constantly attacked, and there is a real push on the right to enshrine English as the true legal official language of the US.
This would disenfranchise the non-English-fluent in myriad ways.
With many humanitarian crises mounting south of the border and across the ocean, and a stagnating economy at home, it is likely time to stop cutting the ties that bind us.
Immigration is becoming harder, not easier. Languages are silent, not saved. Schools like Oakland can continue to decide whether to have a voice in the great language debate — and in the fate of the Venezuelan diaspora.
Campoy-Cubillo and the speakers stressed that amid the crisis, two kinds of people leave their homes: those who leave by choice, because of privilege, and those who must leave it all behind.
There is a great need for dialogue about the fate of the latter.
PHOTO BY ANDREW MCNAMARA MAY
Golden Recommendations: Women’s History Month
MARIA MAGNOLI & SOPHIA CURRAN
Women’s History Month is a meditation on the many milestones women have achieved and what is to come. Whether that be women’s right to vote, the feminist movement as a whole or even recognizing characteristics of women daily, this month is the time to show appreciation for the women in one’s life. Here are some songs to honor the occasion.
“Famine” Sinead O’Connor
Late Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor released “Famine” in 1994, during a time of rising ethno-nationalism in Northern Ireland due to English conflict. The song’s lyrics discuss the “Great Famine,” a dark time in Irish history where the failure of the potato crop reduced around 20% of Ireland’s population. However, O’Connor asserts that the Irish starved after being forced to give all of their exports to their English colonizers.
O’Connor had a reputation for being able to say what other performers have been afraid to. Growing up in an abusive household, she was sent to a reform school run by the Catholic Church after shoplifting, where she faced even more abuse from nuns. In 1992, she created an uproar when she controversially ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live ‘out of protest from the Catholic Church’s silence regarding cases of child sex abuse.
Her music is for those who often face the shame of being outspoken. She shows that no matter the platform, there is always a space to advocate for others who don’t have a voice.
“You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore
“You Don’t Own Me,” the highly acclaimed feminist anthem released in 1963, was recorded by Gore at just 17 years old. Released in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement and Second Wave Feminism, the rebellious undertones of the tune echo the widespread call for women’s equality occurring at that time.
Standing the test of time, the song was featured in the film “First Wives Club” (1996) starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and the late Diane Keaton. In the picture, a woman takes her own life after her husband leaves her for a much younger woman. At the funeral, three friends in mourning end up reconnecting, rekindling a familiar sisterhood. As their husbands also deceive them, they empower each other to get back what they
rightfully deserve — creating the “First Wives Club.”
Gore’s song, referenced several times in the film, symbolizes the end to the crippling oppression that women often face in marriage. As the three musketeers reclaim their identities without husbands beside them, the ending performance of “You Don’t Own Me” created a lasting impression in film history.
“Like a Tattoo” Sade (Live from San Diego) Intimate, tranquil yet emotional, who else could this be describing other than Sade? Her live 1993 performance at the SDSU Open Air Theatre in San Diego is truly her at her strongest. Performing in a sparkling white two-piece, she looks ethereal like her voice, and the mix of live instruments along with her adlibbing makes her stage unforgettable.
“Like a Tattoo” and “Pearls” were some of the best performances of the night. However, “Like a Tattoo” is where Sade truly shows her excellence as a musician. She sings about a conversation she once had with a man at a bar in New York City, where he shared his experiences of war. By the end of the song, the live performance breaks away from its original version, giving the spotlight to a trumpet musician who encapsulates the emotional intimacy of the song into a small 30-second solo.
Sade and O’Connor are different sides of the same coin. O’Connor is raw and straightforward, while Sade is metaphorical and melodic. Both birth such beauty and musicality from destruction, which in itself is what it feels like to be a woman in a world created by men.
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“I’m beautiful in my way, ’cause God makes no mistakes. I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”
One of the most outspoken artists of our time, Lady Gaga, announced the release of her new album “Born This Way” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in her iconic meat dress. The song itself won countless awards, including Best Video with a Message and Best Female Video at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Gaga herself has deliberately divulged that “Born This Way” is an anthem for self-acceptance, self-discovery and embracing one’s own identity regardless of background, race or sexual orientation. Widely known for its connection to the LGBTQ+ community, it is also highly relevant to women during
Women’s History Month. Women take on numerous identities: friend, daughter, sister, wife, mom, coworker, boss, the list goes on. One promise that rings true while listening is to unapologetically own who they are, not society’s expectation of who they are.
“Losing You” Solange
Released in 2012, Solange perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic sound of the early 2010s; it’s fun and bouncy with yearning undertones that align with the same feeling one gets when they’re hopelessly in love. While her sound is now much more mature, “Losing You” is an ode to all of those who are in love for the first time.
It’s the type of song you sing with a microphone (hairbrush) in your hand while you jump on your bed. Solange describes its atmosphere best when performing the hit at the Sydney Opera House in 2018, saying she wants to turn the audience into a “middle school dance.”
Even though she’s Beyoncé’s little sister, Solange’s wisdom in her lyrics makes her a big sister for listeners.
“Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin
“Ain’t No Way” (1968) projects how difficult love becomes when someone is closed off to vulnerability. Perhaps the most vocally challenging song by the Queen of Soul, it was written by her sister Carolyn Franklin, featuring background vocals by Cissy Houston and saxophone by King Curtis. Recently performed live by “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo, modern audiences still appreciate the powerful message and talent of Aretha Franklin.
The Detroit native was a strong advocate for feminism. Her song “Respect” is an anthem for women’s liberation and Civil Rights. Both in her music and in her life, she encouraged women to stand on their own — without needing a man. The 2021 film “Respect,” made about her life, documents the hardships she endured, further explaining her fight for equal rights.
Franklin’s performance of “Ain’t No Way” particularly earned her massive amounts of respect from individuals in the music industry. The late George Michael was an enormous fan of the Queen and revered her as one of his all-time favorite artists. In 1987, the pair collaborated on “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).”
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
PHOTO COURTESY OF PBS
Have a sham-rockin’ day: Local St. Patrick’s Day activities
SARAH WASIELEWSKI
Arts Reporter
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner on March 17, held on the traditional death day of the saint. Historically, Lenten fasting and bans on alcohol were lifted on the day, which has given rise to a tradition of revelry and merrymaking even among those who do not follow any religious beliefs. Regardless of faith or heritage, all are welcome to participate in the festivities.
Here are a few local St. Patrick’s Day events for all to enjoy.
Shamrock Social
For students looking for a fun on-campus St. Patrick’s Day activity, look no further. The Association of Latino Professionals for America and Business Professionals of America are hosting a Shamrock Social on March 17.
Join them in the Stinson Center 4 to 5:30 p.m. for an opportunity to network and connect with students with similar interests. While the event is directed at business and engineering students, all students are welcome to attend and partake in snacks, freebies and good company.
St. Patrick’s Day Fest/Detroit Shamrock Festival
For those in search of a party, the St. Patrick’s Day Fest is a twelve-hour extravaganza of fun, from 2 p.m. on March 27 until 2 a.m. the next day. There will be three bars and two heated tents, with a variety of games, drinks and food to choose from.
Music is provided by a selection of DJ’s, or head down to the Detroit Festival grounds for the Detroit Shamrock Festival on March 14, with 15 different DJs, food trucks and a full bar.
Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Corktown Races
Detroit is hosting its 68th St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15. It is one of the largest St.
Patrick’s Day parades in the country, attracting upwards of 80,000 people each year.
Those who are inclined can also participate in the Corktown races earlier in the morning before the parade, with a variety of lengths from the kids’ quarter mile to a 5km, with all proceeds benefiting the St. Patrick Senior Center. Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and was settled by Irish immigrants in the 1800s.
Canterbury Village
The historic village in Lake Orion offers a wide range of activities and festivities throughout the year, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Leprechaun Days, held March 14 and 15, is a family-friendly affair.
Take part in a scavenger hunt to gather a pot of gold, check out the talented Irish dancers or take care of a little shopping around the village. Or come back on March 17 for the St. Patrick’s Day party. It’s 21 and up only, but those who are eligible can enjoy live music, Irish food, drinks and dancing inside the heated tent.
In Michigan, over a million people have Irish ancestry, and Oakland County alone has close to 150,000 people of Irish ancestry. Whether Irish or not, use the day as a chance to take a welldeserved break from the textbooks and enjoy a little of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Internationally acclaimed pianist and pedagogue visits Varner Hall
MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter
Highly eminent concert pianist, Spencer Myer, Steinway artist and associate professor of piano at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, arrived at Varner Recital Hall on Feb. 22 to perform a recital and present a masterclass.
After a 30-minute delay caused by a shouting fire alarm, Myer sat down and went straight to work. His program offered a diversified palette of sound to satisfy each attendee’s taste. Opening with Haydn’s Fantasia in C Major, Hob. XVII: 4, he captured the essence of the classical era with overwhelmingly clear articulation in this bright work.
Haydn, an early composer in the classical period, transitioned from harpsichords and clavichords to the emerging pianoforte — the beginning stages of the piano that exists today. When playing these works, the pianist must have a light touch with crisp articulation, mimicking the approach needed on the previous instruments.
Myer’s execution was positively brilliant. Excessive ornamentation in a Presto tempo typically poses a challenge to staying in time and character. That, of course, would be an amateur mistake for Myer. The extent of control in his dynamics while still hearing every note was a characteristic found in every piece that afternoon.
Transitioning to French Impressionism, the artist played the five-movement suite “Miroirs” by Maurice Ravel. French music, particularly by composers like Ravel and Debussy, is different from standard “classical repertoire.” It is not about developing a standard form with classic
harmony realization. Rather, it aims to create a specific soundscape, often emulating nature.
The first movement, “Noctuelles” (“Night Moths”), focuses on the sporadic fluttering of moths at night. While the piano has a percussive reputation, Myer achieved a sound as light as strings. He maintained that effect through all movements, gradually playing with the ebbs and flows of volume and harmony. Two standout movements included “Une barque sur l’océan” (“A Boat on the Ocean”) and “Alborada del gracioso” (“Morning Song of the Jester”).
In “Une barque sur l’océan,” Myer produced waves of sound that progressively rose and fell — capturing a
feeling of sailing, rather than a poignant vocal line. His playing was effortless, the kind that makes one want to go to a practice room and recreate the near-perfect performance he gave concertgoers.
Myer’s intersectionality of dexterity and control sent the audience into transitory hypnosis.
“When he [Myer] played ‘Une barque sur l’océan,’ I couldn’t even fathom how smooth and tranquil the sound was coming out of the piano. He is incredible,” Martyna Gogołkiewicz, junior double major in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with a minor in Jazz Studies, said.
One of the flashiest moments of the afternoon was the Liszt set, playing “Tre Sonetti del Petrarca” (“Three Petrarch Sonnets”). The movement and sound produced with the utmost ease were extraordinarily decadent.
“The Petrarch Sonnets are pieces that I played about 15 years ago that I just love, and I just wanted to come back to them,” Myer said.
To end, he played Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata No. 1 and delivered an encore of Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 62 No. 1 in B Major.
Afterward, Tony Perez-Chavez and Jillian Comistock, undergraduate and graduate piano students, performed the first movement of Haydn’s Sonata in B minor, Hob. XVI: 32 and the first two movements of Beethoven’s Sonata in F-sharp Major, Op. 78.
Perez-Chavez commented on the fantastic direction he was given for the Haydn Sonata.
“I was highly impressed by the level of expertise that he [Myer] had in both his playing and teaching. He solved many of my major issues quickly, and I hope to bring that level of professionalism to my own piano students,” Perez-Chavez said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARADE
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPENCER MYER
The $110.9 billion deal: Paramount Skydance purchases Warner Bros.
SARAH WASIELEWSKI Arts Reporter
The latest move in the streaming wars is the media and entertainment conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery going up for sale. A bidding war resulted in November of last year, with Netflix, Comcast and Paramount Skydance all submitting bids.
Warner originally accepted Netflix’s deal; however, in a hostile takeover, Paramount came back with an all-cash deal and a revised proposal of $110.9 billion. Warner Bros. accepted the revised deal, giving Netflix four days to match the offer or drop out. Netflix declined to match Paramount’s offer and withdrew, with Netflix’s co-CEOs stating that Warner Bros. would have been nice to have at the right price, but not at any price.
The sale, in some ways, is surprising. Warner Bros. movies “One Battle After Another ” and “Sinners” as well as their TV show “White Lotus”, have been racking up award show nominations nonstop this year. Furthermore, Warner Bros. was planning on cutting its cable channels off into a separate company, which would only further improve its financial state.
But Warner Bros. has a decades-long history of disastrous mergers that left the company $53 million in debt as of 2022. CEO David Zaslav also stands to gain $500 million from the sale, as under his contract, his 21 million shares would vest immediately after the sale.
With the deal with Paramount confirmed, top executives at Warner Bros. are now allowed to sell their stock. Many took advantage of this opening, with
Warner CEO David Zaslav selling over 4 million shares with an estimated value of $114 million.
Other execs were quick to jump on board as well, with CFO Gunner Weidenfels, streaming chief JB Perrette, chief revenue and strategy officer Bruce Campbell and international chief Gerhard Zeiler all selling shares worth millions.
The sale of Warner Bros. to either Netflix or Paramount Skydance results in a disruption of the entertainment industry. In the past, production and distribution of entertainment were separated between the studios and the movie theatres, which helped to avoid monopolization. But now, streaming services both produce and distribute content, leaving the purchaser of Warner Bros. with exclusive access and distribution rights for their movie library.
Netflix is the number one streaming service, and the purchase of Warner Bros. would have only solidified that placement more immovably. While Paramount+ is only the number five streaming service and does not cause as much drastic consolidation as a Netflix purchase, the result down the road is still the same. The Paramount sale also leads to drastic layoffs and labor cuts.
While the deal is not closed and could take as long as 18 months to completely finalize, it’s highly likely the sale will proceed. The absorption of the centuryold Warner Bros. into Paramount and their takeover of HBO and CNN highlights the decline of theatrical distribution and the increasing consolidation of streaming services.
Regardless of how Paramount decides to rearrange its streaming services to include HBO, the media industry is sitting on the brink of a new streaming era that may be more harmful than good to the future of quality films and TV shows.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY.
National concerns and local affordability at State of the County Address
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Editor-in-Chief
Oakland County Executive David Coulter announced a new debt relief initiative in partnership with the SAVI Student Loan Support Program during his March 5, 2026, State of the County Address. Highlighting bipartisan collaborations at a time of national polarization, the county executive championed recent affordability initiatives across the area.
With a focus on private and nonprofit partnerships to eliminate economic barriers, and a year after beginning his 2025 address with deep concern, Coulter said he was feeling “even more concerned,” this time around.
“Last year was the first year I sort of broached that subject of the larger environment that we live in and all the stuff going on,” Coulter said in an exclusive interview with The Oakland Post. “Oakland County is a great place, but we don’t live in a vacuum and the stuff that’s going on in the world affects us.”
While Coulter characterized Oakland County as one of the most prosperous in Michigan, with a per capita income in the top 3% of the U.S. and a GDP larger than that of 10 states, he also acknowledged that trust in civic institutions is at an all-time low, “stoked in part by irresponsible elected leaders and social media influencers,” Coulter said.
Affordable education
Since July 2024, the county has established a Debt Relief Initiative in collaboration with the SAVI Student Loan Support Program, allocating a total of $800,000 for the project. SAVI helps students find loan repayment or forgiveness options. Oakland County residents get a year of free services on the platform and government employees also get oneon-one support.
The county executive also commented on the career counseling initiative, Oakland80, started in 2022 with the goal of having 80% of adult residents with a post-secondary degree or certified training certificate by 2030.
“When I became county executive, we had 60, 61% of our adults in Oakland County with something more than a high school diploma,” Coulter said. “So we said, ‘we want to get to 80%.’ You probably heard that right now. We’re right about 70,% so in just three and a half years, we’ve gotten just short of 70%.”
Beyond post-secondary degrees, a $4.6 million grant from the Ballmer Group is set to help Southfield and Hazel Park schools, while summer job training programs keep running after years in Ferndale, Madison Heights, Oak Park and Pontiac.
Affordable healthcare
A partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit that buys medical debts to pay them off for eligible debtors, was one of the affordability initiatives celebrated by the speaker. A $2 million investment into the program helped 14,000 families last year and an additional 6,300 residents this year with $6 million in debt.
In 2025, the county opened the Oakland 360 clinic in Pontiac, providing physical and mental health services that have now branched out into Hazel Park. More than $2 million put into the Rx Kids program has also helped pregnant women with their newborns across the county.
Affordable housing
For affordable housing, the Housing Trust
Fund started the development of more than 1,100 affordable residential units in Rochester Hills, Pontiac, Hazel Park, Southfield, Auburn Hills, Ferndale and Royal Oak.
“43% of Oakland County residents are housing insecure, which means they spend more than 30% of their household income on housing and that’s not sustainable,” Coulter said to The Oakland Post. “When I moved to Ferndale, it was a very affordable community. There wasn’t a house that sold for more than $100,000 now it has become one of the dominant issues in Ferndale. I hear from people who, all the time, say ‘the people who helped make Ferndale can no longer afford to live here.’ And that’s not just Ferndale, but that’s across the county.”
Supporting the affordable housing initiatives, the new Oakland Connects program was reported to improve access to housing resources and community services to reduce homelessness. Emergency shelters and Wellness Wednesdays have also contributed to a 22% decline in homelessness in the last five years.
“We have to kind of sort through before we launch a program; How are we going to sustain it? Who’s going to do it? How are we going to measure progress?” Coulter said. “That’s one of the things I’ve been really big on since I became executive is how are we going to measure it, so that I know five years from now, or three years from now, that we’re actually succeeding.”
Immigration
In 2025, for the first time in decades, Coulter explained, the population of every community in Oakland County grew, in part, thanks to immigrants. Since 2019, the county has hosted two naturalization ceremonies for new citizens from foreign countries, reflecting the local industry.
From the Japanese auto parts supplier, Astemos,
the county got a $95 million investment for a regional headquarters and tech center, while the German company, Rheinmetall, expands military vehicle production in Auburn Hills.
“I will tell you that we do not cooperate with ICE. We do not help them with arrests. We do not assist them in any way,” Coulter said. “There’s a formal agreement [287(g) program] that some communities have said, ‘yes, we’ll help ICE when you don’t have enough manpower.’ We’ve not signed that.”
Afterthoughts
The address, widely celebrated by attendees, was also met with some skepticism. District 19 County Commissioner Charlie Cavell pointed out that ethical concerns, such as the voting down of ethics reforms like financial disclosure and whistleblower policies and shortcomings of chief deputies were missing from the speech.
“We didn’t have any questions [about] what we were supposed to be working towards as a team for the upcoming year,” Cavell said. “We get a billion dollars a year of taxpayer money to use to make your quality of life better. What is our team’s plan to make things better for people? That whole speech was all about things we’ve done two, three, four years ago, nothing about what we could do this upcoming year to make your life better.”
During the exclusive interview with The Oakland Post, the county executive addressed college students in his closing remarks, inviting them to support the local community with their presence.
“Stay here after you graduate, please. That’s not an Oakland County problem. That’s a Michigan problem. Maybe it’s a Midwest problem,” Coulter said. “You’re probably looking at some of those other places, too, but look around Michigan more than just your experience in the hometown where you grew up. There are a lot of opportunities here.”
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Abdul El-Sayed For Senate: What are his campaign priorities?
MARYAM MOSS Political Reporter
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the Oakland Center Ballroom, Oakland College Democrats invited Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed to discuss his key campaign priorities as the election season approaches.
“It shouldn’t be this hard,” Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive democrat running for U.S. Senate, said in reference to homeownership for those under 40, student loans that haunt for decades after graduation and living without the worry of falling into debt if one gets sick.
El-Sayed, a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia University, was previously the director of Health, Human and Veteran Services for Wayne County. El-Sayed explained that during his years in health administration, he realized that policy impact in the healthcare sector was about applied practice: issues of clean air and equitable care delivery over medical terminology.
During his address, he identified three priorities: getting big money out of politics and putting it back in pockets, corporate responsibility and reviving a populace-centered approach to policy.
“Donald Trump himself is not the disease of our politics, he is the symptom of the disease of our politics,” El-Sayed said of the influence political action committees (PAC) and super PACs have on elections.
El-Sayed, who has himself refused to accept PAC funds, took note of the outsized power corporations can gain when they develop a lobbying presence and form PACS to endorse political candidates. He reasoned that money can be put back into pockets when the large corporations providing utilities are held accountable to the public interest and small businesses capture more investments.
In keeping with this vision, tech firms wishing to build data centers would ideally contract with communities — delivering on promises to keep costs level, avoid burdening local water infrastructure and create jobs as an investment return for residents.
When it comes to expanding access to healthcare, education and housing, El-Sayed supported taxes on the wealthy. He framed a tax on the highest earners as a means of ensuring that everyone’s kids can enjoy the same opportunities and a high standard of education.
In 2021, El-Sayed coauthored “Medicare For All: A Citizen’s Guide” with Micah Johnson, M.D., to offer a vision of what universal health insurance coverage could look like. He hopes that, if elected to the U.S. Senate, the strategy outlined in the book can become a template for building a “cradle to the grave” insurance policy.
“It thinks through the policies and politics to guarantee Medicare. It offers a guidepost for what we could have if we’re willing to push past insurance companies and pharmaceuticals,” El-Sayed said.
After the cost of living, healthcare, according to data from Tufts University, is the second-greatest concern among voters aged 18-34. El-Sayed referenced the staffing shortages in the healthcare sector that are leaving Americans with decreased access to professional services and care options. The statewide disparities have led to the creation of new mid-level positions like dental therapists and doctors of nursing to help bridge a widening gap of doctors in Michigan.
El-Sayed expressed that he supports these new licenses to expand practice for nurses and physician assistants, who are especially important in rural communities where people may not have access to doctors. However, he maintained that the insecurity caused by medical debt must first be alleviated through coverage before various delivery models can be weighed.
El-Sayed, when it comes to education, identified a two-pronged approach: formal investment in state education and technological literacy. As part of his campaign promise for “More And Better Education, Not Less,” he affirmed a commitment to invest in childcare, higher education and public school infrastructure.
He also affirmed some of the challenges faced by educators, who often assume functions that are beyond their training to support students.
“We’re asking teachers now to be nurses, to be social workers, also to be able to take care of everything in the classroom, and that’s not possible,” he said.
El-Sayed also identified a need for what he describes as “informal education” among the general U.S. population for technological literacy. He argued that verifying algorithmic content could help offset the ideological divides deepened by misinformation.
While home ownership has long been part of the American dream, it feels out of reach for young adults, many of whom struggle to pay off student loans or find that the availability of entry-level jobs after graduation have decreased.
During the open Q&A session, a student presented the question of how to make affordable housing a reality, citing the low percentage of homeowners under 40. El-Sayed traced the housing crisis to underbuilding and stock investments. He pointed out that more people, fewer companies should own houses, and said having a select number of legal bodies to issue permits for building is among the primary obstacles to creating
better housing options.
“I have no idea what it feels like to be 20 years old right now,” he said in reference to the tumultuous political climate that many youth came of age in during Trump’s first administration.
Frustrations among youth were reinforced with a surprising statement.
“I think you all deserve an apology from us,” ElSayed said of the culpability that all-too-often failed promises have in promoting voter apathy.
An antidote to this, as he identified, is encouraging the youth to develop a unified, active presence in the rally to defend the causes they care about.
El-Sayed rejected the notion of “these rights” or “those rights,” emphasizing that when one group’s rights are infringed upon, every other community stands to lose. El-Sayed emphasized that, beyond political party lines, there are shared, basic values among voters — those that underlie the American dream.
He advised college students to engage in discourse with others — reopening a door to genuine, human conversations that soften a partisanship towards one’s viewpoint.
In closing, El-Sayed zeroed in on the critical support of young voters.
“We need them. This is your future, and our job is to help us build it for you—and so, come and help us build it,” he said as his final statement.
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
Russia-Ukraine war reaches fourth anniversary
MATILDE RABAJOLI
Political Reporter
As of Feb. 24, Ukraine has reached the fourth year of being under the siege of the Russian invasion.
The new anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict brought new rumors of a promise for newly increased aid from the European Union.
The EU has been helping the state of Ukraine since the beginning of the war in 2022 with its first initial commission for monetary support for the military, humanitarian aid and financial aid.
The total fiscal support in the last four years has amounted to a total of nearly €195 billion, equivalent to about $216 billion USD.
“Our commitment to Ukraine is firm as ever. We work across the board to strengthen the country and support a just and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms. Today’s disbursement and agreements are also an investment in a shared common future. We are backing Ukraine’s impressive reform efforts and deepening our ties—from space, security and defence to building a thriving business environment.
Ми з вами,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“Ми з вами” translates to “we are with you” in the Ukrainian language.
Leyen reiterated the Union’s unwavering support in this fourth year of war. The EU has promised another €90 billion to the commitment to the war’s end.
“This winter, the EU and its Member States
have delivered unprecedented energy assistance to Ukraine, alongside air defence and antidrone systems, as well as humanitarian aid,” the European Parliament released in a statement regarding the war.
The conflict has come to a new, unforgivable
measure of disaster. Though the capital city of Kyiv still stands, the conflict has wrought havoc on more than 15,000 civilians, with more than twice as many injured. Russian striking has also left another part of the population to suffer through the harsh Ukrainian winter season without heating, electricity and sometimes water as well.
The Ukrainian population has been newly revered for not only their military’s resilience, but for the humanitarian tenacity that the people have shown in these past four years of never-ending war. The city of Kyiv has created “invincibility points,” known as communal areas that provide warmth. Newly created crews have been working day and night in order to maintain at least a minimal level of power for the nation.
“We need unity, we need pressure, we need sanctions, we need the weapon support,” Vitaly Klitschko, the city’s mayor, said. “We defend our city, our houses, our families.”
Mayor Klitschko has also famously paused and been humored by the constant questioning of whether or not the U.S. is a stable and reliable ally in these hard times.
The promise by President Donald Trump to fully stop this war in a single day of his administration’s second term has yet to be achieved. Although he was able to stop Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s strikes on energy infrastructure to give the country a week’s worth of respite in January, we have yet to see substantial influence from President Trump over the situation he suggests he has under control.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested, marking a change in British succession
MATILDE RABAJOLI Political Reporter
The constitutional monarchy of Australia is working to ensure that a scandal-ridden royal will never take the lead as head of state.
Australia, though an independent nation, is under the ceremonial lead of the British crown of King Charles III. The monarchy is nationally represented by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the Governor-General, who acts as a more formal and actual head of state, and the office has been held by Samantha Mostyn since 2024.
The recent rumors of the Australian Royal line being adjusted are derived from the scandal of the former Prince of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was recently arrested by the British police for the suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor is a new title, as he was also recently in the news for being affiliated with Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender. The ties with Epstein, and what would have inevitably meant bad press for the crown, led to his title as Prince and as Duke of York being stripped before the end of the last year.
The loss of title and further damnation from any position remains a present issue, as during Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as trading envoy for the British government in the years 2001 to 2011, he was said to have shared confidential information and government documents.
The recent release of the Epstein Files has also
shed some light on sexual abuse charges that had already been levied against Andrew MountbattenWindsor around the same time that pictures of him and Epstein were first taken.
This friendship has been giving the royal family trouble for the past fifteen years, and after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on Thursday, King Charles III released a statement revealing that the “law must take its course.” He also added that the investigative process is “full, fair and proper.”
“I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the royal family,” President Donald Trump said regarding the arrest.
Many victims who were once subjected to Epstein’s treatment and crimes have expressed their relief at the action of justice.
Virginia Giuffre, a young woman who first released sexual abuse charges against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019, had released pictures that showcased her and Mountbatten-Windsor. Guiffre recalled her trauma, expressing that she was often “passed around like a platter of fruit.”
Unfortunately, Virginia Giuffre died in April of last year, but is strongly remembered by her family as “a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking,” who would undoubtedly find comfort in the former prince’s arrest.
The newest efforts by the Royal Family involve trying to convince Parliament to permanently remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from being eighth in line for the throne. Members of the British Commonwealth, such as New Zealand and Australia, have already voiced their support for the suggested Act of Parliament.
“My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all,” King Charles said in light of distancing himself from Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor, and for finding a better option for Australia’s future ceremonial head of state.
Marking the first arrest of a British royal since 1649, when King Charles I was tried for high treason and later executed following the loss in the English Civil War, Mountbatten-Windsor won’t be facing the same gruesome fate as the former King, but he will be given the same shame for betraying the British people.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP
PHOTO COURTESY OF REUTERS
Planned office for ICE meets protest from the Southfield communit y
MARYAM MOSS Political Reporter
This month, the City of Southfield reported that the General Services Administration (GSA) had leased space for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office from REDICO in a tenant building at the One Town Square commercial center.
Elected officials and community members, who gathered to protest the lease decision on Feb. 17, see it as a broader move to expand immigration enforcement into the city.
Although the city affirmed that ICE would not be operating on the building premises nor be permitted to make arrests, many share the belief that an administrative presence—the arm/cornerstone of ICE’s operations—is dangerous alone.
It doesn’t serve a detached administrative and legal function, but in the view of Rabbi Nate DeGroot, is a command center for “a presidential paramilitary force,” relying on legal research to find loopholes and invoke the articles of law to support aggressive enforcement.
Hidden agreements for leases through GSA enable ICE’s expansion throughout the country, WIRED reports.
The General Services Administration is responsible for constructing, managing and preserving federal buildings in addition to securing leased spaces for government agencies and the military.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which works with the GSA to acquire administrative offices, asked it to disregard a typical procedure for government lease procurements and hide lease listings for tenant space.
The purpose of these secret leases is evident: they help ICE establish a presence in certain locales before opposition can take root. This isn’t the first time, though, that a sensitive area became the grounds for a lease agreement—nor will it be the last.
Similar agreements have taken effect in California, Texas and New York near the cornerstones of communal life: medical offices, schools, places of worship and administrative centers.
During a protest held outside of Towne Square on Tuesday, Feb. 17, leaders echoed their constituents’ fears of ICE expansion, speaking out against its presence in Southeast Michigan.
Jason Hoskins, state representative of District 18, acknowledged an administrative intent for the lease approved by REDICO. However, he expressed that beyond its purpose, ICE’s expansion is a potent symbol of intimidation and control, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
Other speakers like Rev. Chris Yaw of St. David’s Episcopal Church and Representative Rashida Tlaib of District 12 referenced the trauma evoked for many Americans by images of masked ICE agents policing communities, and the sense of uncertainty overshadowing Southfield residents — most of whom are individuals of color.
These fears are heightened amid the federal government’s increased delegation of powers to agents, enabling them to question individuals on the premises of their accent, spoken language, race or other characteristics that they believe may warrant an immigration stop.
ACLU of Minnesota, in January, sued the federal government to end these racially profiled arrests and “warrantless stops” made by CBP and ICE agents, stating that these were without probable cause.
Senator Jeremy Moss, who described the version of ICE under Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security
Kristi Noem as irreparable, denounced the lowered hiring standards for ICE that put communities at risk.
Tlaib accused the landlord, REDICO, of masking ICE’s usage intents. She described a visit to an office building near the Ambassador Bridge that contained adult and child-sized cots and other evidence of preparation for holding.
“It’s all coordinated,” she said.
Southfield officials said the city lacks the jurisdiction to prevent the lease between GSA and the landlord company REDICO, due to zoning restrictions. These do not give local governments the power to instate or reject certain tenants in private commercial deals.
At a recent meeting, the city council of Southfield approved legislation to affirm “local control, community safety, and the protection of civil rights” while acknowledging that a direct intervention in the lease agreement is outside of its jurisdiction.
The most intense immigration operations have taken place in major US cities: Chicago, twin cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, and California. Recently, counties in Michigan and the city of Detroit have received more attention from federal immigration operations due to the North Lake Baldwin detention center, student walkouts in Detroit, and another planned conversion of a warehouse in Romulus into an ICE facility.
As efforts ramp up, one may wonder, what’s next for Metro Detroit residents?
At the Feb. 23 Southfield City Council meeting, a 15-year-old stepped up to the podium during the public comment section with a candid statement.
He asked: “Are we going to keep waiting for the
grand finale to happen, until families are actually being taken off the streets, until your votes don’t count anymore?”
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist, then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist, then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not Jewish—then they came for me and there was no one to speak for me.”
The young speaker’s comment echoed a grievance among many of those who attend local government meetings: that the few minutes allotted to each speaker means that officials merely get to hear their demands, but cannot fully redress them.
Other community members arrived with their own action items for the council. Two urged it to write a letter to REDICO to terminate the lease agreement and pass ordinances to regulate immigration enforcement within city limits.
The City of Southfield, in a press release issued the same day as the meeting, stated its commitment to transparency, factual communication and helping citizens understand the limits of municipal authority.
However, community members want more than a bureaucratic statement, but seek the draft of a clear, implementable response to ICE’s expansion — one that elected officials would fully involve their voices in.
PHOTO COURTESY TO BRIDGE MICHIGAN
Mexican cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ killed—violence ensues across the country
SOPHIA CURRAN
Adrian Jimenez Morales
On Feb. 22, in intelligence handed over by the CIA, Mexican special operations were able to track down, capture and kill Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes—one of Mexico’s most prominent cartel leaders. Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most powerful crime organizations.
Since his killing, violence has erupted across the country, especially in the state of Jalisco. Roadblocks and fires have been reported—with videos on social media appearing of tourists being stranded in airports, unable to leave due to the ongoing violence.
Mexico-native Ana Samaniego is in her third year of psychology at OU. While she has never experienced or heard much about the narco (organized crime organization) in her home state of Querétaro, her relatives that reside in other states, such as Michoacán, have been her source of knowledge regarding the ongoing violence.
Samaniego found out about the ongoing cartel attacks from the social media app TikTok when shortly after she received a text message from her mother— who was in Querétaro after El Mencho’s death.
“My mom sent a message saying that—well she traveled to Querétaro—that they were in a mall walking around, and then they were evacuated from the plaza, from everywhere,” Samaniego said. “Classes were canceled and you don’t really hear about that kind of thing in Querétaro. So it gives you an idea of how big this was that [it] happened in other states. People were very scared; they couldn’t leave their homes.”
Samaniego’s relatives are currently safe, however those who reside closer to the affected areas like Jalisco are currently in lockdown to protect themselves. In addition, many business owners have closed their shops for several days, causing a pause in their lifestyle and income as the violence continues.
The biggest question is what comes next, and for Samaniego, she is asking what these specific plans are to protect her and her people.
“Obviously, this narcotrafficking system isn’t just about ‘catching one person and that’s it, they killed the leader and that’s it.’ It really isn’t. This is a much deeper system that isn’t just about violent aggression; it’s also a mentality, and I think this idea, for example, of narcocorridos, the narco-culture, is something else that also needs to be combated. So I’d like to know what steps are being taken, what’s next, what has improved, what’s going to get worse, or what’s going to stay the same.”
For those who reside in Mexico, such as University of Guanajuato student Francisco Centeno, that question of ‘what comes next’ can’t come any sooner. Centeno originally resides in Irapuato, an agricultural-based and historic city in the state of Guanajuato. The University of Guanajuato is located in the capital of the state, Guanajuato city, 137 miles from Jalisco but still within the CJNG’s reach and a contested ground for warring cartels.
He and other citizens in Guanajuato first heard of the capture of El Mencho along with a wave of uncertainty as to what was currently ensuing. Accounts of misinformation created a “great deal of fear” among his fellow students and his family.
“At that moment, I was outside walking down the
street on one of my usual routes—and I didn’t know about the chaos happening in Jalisco, nor what had happened in my hometown, since in a neighborhood across the street from where I currently live—about a kilometer away—fires were started where arson was commited against commercial establishments,” Centeno said.
It wasn’t until the community as a whole started reacting that Centeno realized the urgency and magnitude of the situation.
“I didn’t find out until almost three hours after the events—that everyone was hysterical, so to speak; the buses stopped running, my family’s phone kept ringing and it was at that moment that I realized the seriousness of the matter,” he said.
“I also found out that in the city where I study [Guanajuato], which is very different from my hometown, commercial establishments have been burned down in the downtown area, which is the most important tourist area in my state,” Centeno said.
The downtown of Guanajuato city contains complex road-route systems, according to Centeno, that are difficult to navigate through unless in a vehicle. With that being said, it makes it easier to block-off and catch criminals in dead-ends of the city, which is what happened to the arsonists who burned down the commercial establishments.
There have been narco-related attacks in the past, such as in Culiacán with the arrest of major narco-leader El Chapo’s son, in which its effects reverberated across the country. The current attacks, however, aren’t the first time that something from a national level has affected Centeno and Guanajuato to such a degree.
In 2021, one of Centeno’s classmates was killed by the National Guard who were patrolling the area following the capture of Santa Rosa de Lima cartel leader José Antonio Yépez Ortis, known as “El Marro”.
The Centeno family has faced their own pain from narcoviolence.
“The narco isn’t something that runs in my family, so to speak, in the sense of a family member being involved. However we have had many encounters with an extension of narcotrafficking, the narcoviolence. I have relatives from a rural community in a place called Aldama who suffered the disappearance and subsequent discovery of a cadaver of one of our family members. This isn’t exactly immediate family, but because they are extended family who knew immediate family, it did affect us,” he said.
His family now resides in the U.S.
“Regarding our migration to the United States, it was partly driven by narcotrafficking but it was, so to speak, the third reason out of five. The main reason we decided to stay [in the U.S.] was precisely to give my sister a slightly safer environment to live in and not to be under, so to speak, the uncertainty of drug-related violence here in Guanajuato.”
Centeno, like many others, quickly learned that it wasn’t just El Mencho who was captured, but many other high-ranking members of their cartel as well. As he and many professors have analyzed, this may just be the beginning, not the end.
“It’s very likely that more than one of my classmates, a very, very large generation of young people, who have this ease, so to speak, of being from a middle-class background, can leave the country” he said. “I think it’s very likely that they will.”
However, that will depend on how much the government chooses to intervene, and what tactics they choose to take to combat these ongoing and generational issues.
For the time being, citizens will have to continue their daily routines if that means they want to be able to provide for themselves and their families.
“This is now a matter of personal ideology,” Centeno said. “So, despite the violence that has been going on for many years, despite a relative economic boom, the people on the streets, the ordinary people, can’t be intimidated. Because putting food on the table doesn’t come easily, right? We cannot let ourselves be defeated by fear. And likewise, fear does not govern those who are in need of work, but we should have much more regulation, much more security from the relevant authorities so that ordinary people, the common people, can carry out their necessary activities with relative safety, integrity, decency and without being affected by violence.”
As both Samaniego and Centeno have said, exterminating a cartel isn’t as easy as it may seem. And for the Mexican government, they have been struggling for decades.
As said by Professor Cristian Cantir, Associate Professor of OU’s political science department, the narcos are “complex and powerful institutions” due to their heavy artillery and financial stability. As a result, this even allows them to “overwhelm” police and military forces.
Cartels are able to gain more members by targeting vulnerable, often impoverished, citizens. They offer opportunities to take work in other countries that are struggling with poverty and underdevelopment, thus using a weak justice system to utilize their ability to corrupt communities and gain profit. These jobs are mostly illegal work that often involves trafficking drugs and artillery.
The recent events following the killing of El Mencho are an example of the struggles a sovereign state has in effectively and peacefully rid themselves of the complex criminal organizations, according to Professor Cantir.
For what he believes may happen next—based upon historical examples and scholarship on the topic—the ongoing power struggle between the government and the cartel will lead to further violence and instability within the country.
“The government in Mexico is inevitably aware of this issue, and I hope they have a strategy for dealing with the consequences,” Professor Cantir said. “Simply taking out leaders of cartels isn’t a coherent and long-term recipe for success; that approach has to be part of a broader and multidimensional policy to deal with root problems that facilitate the continuing existence and success of cartels, as experts from the International Crisis Group, for instance, have asserted repeatedly in the past.”
Americans off to hot start in World Baseball Classic
MATT LEWAKOWSKI Sports Reporter
The World Baseball Classic returned this week with packed stadiums, national pride and playoff‑style intensity, and Team USA wasted little time reminding the baseball world why it remains one of the tournament favorites.
Over the course of Friday and Saturday’s games, the United States showcased its deep lineup, powerful offense and reliable pitching while setting the tone for what could be another strong run in the international tournament.
Friday’s matchup 15 5 win over Brazil served as an important opening test for Team USA as the team looked to establish rhythm early in pool play. From the first inning, the American lineup demonstrated the offensive depth that has become a trademark of the roster.
The United States jumped ahead quickly thanks to aggressive baserunning and timely hitting. Several early hits allowed the lineup to string together rallies, forcing opposing pitchers into difficult counts and creating scoring opportunities. Power hitting played a major role as well, with extra‑base hits helping the U.S. stretch its lead and keep pressure on the opposing defense.
On the mound, the American pitching staff delivered a steady performance. The starting pitcher worked efficiently through the early innings, mixing fastballs and off‑speed pitches to keep hitters off balance. Relievers later closed the door, preventing any late
comeback attempt and preserving the victory.
The combination of explosive offense and controlled pitching allowed Team USA to secure a convincing opening win, giving the club early momentum and confidence as the tournament schedule intensified.
Saturday’s game presented a different challenge for the Americans. While the offense remained dangerous, the matchup evolved into more of a strategic battle that highlighted pitching depth and defensive execution.
Team USA relied heavily on its pitching rotation to control the tempo of the game. The starter delivered several strong innings, limiting scoring chances and forcing opposing hitters into weak contact. The bullpen also proved crucial, entering in key moments and shutting down rallies to maintain the lead.
Defensively, the United States played a clean game, making several important stops that prevented runs and kept momentum on its side. Solid infield communication and strong outfield coverage ensured that extra bases were limited.
Offensively, the Americans continued to capitalize on opportunities. Even when big home runs were not available, the lineup produced runs through situational hitting, advancing runners and taking advantage of defensive mistakes.
A 9 1 victory over Great Britain on Saturday pushed Team USA to a strong start in tournament play and further demonstrated the roster’s balance between power, pitching and defense.
With two games in the books, the United States now turns its attention to the remaining matchups in pool play. While the early results are encouraging, the upcoming games are expected to present tougher
competition as teams fight for advancement into the knockout rounds.
Several key factors will determine how far the Americans can go in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
First, pitching management will be critical. Because of pitch limits and the condensed tournament schedule, managers must carefully balance workloads between starters and relievers. Maintaining a fresh bullpen could be the difference in tight elimination games later in the tournament.
Second, lineup consistency will be important. The American roster features some of the most talented hitters in the tournament, but continuing to produce timely hits with runners on base will remain essential against elite international pitching.
Finally, defensive execution will play a major role as competition intensifies. In short tournament formats like the World Baseball Classic, a single defensive mistake can quickly shift momentum.
If the opening weekend is any indication, Team USA appears well‑positioned to make another deep run. The combination of power hitting, reliable pitching and experienced players gives the United States a strong foundation moving forward.
With pool play continuing and the stakes rising, the American squad will look to build on its strong Friday and Saturday performances and carry that momentum into the next stage of the tournament. For fans of international baseball, the early action suggests that Team USA could once again be a major contender for the World Baseball Classic title.
From gold to backlash: U.S. men’s hockey and their controversial
MARYANNE SANFORD Sports Reporter
The 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, but one sport in particular remains at the center of national conversation: the United States men’s hockey team.
After their historic gold medal win in Milan, the team received a congratulatory phone call from President Donald Trump, a moment that quickly altered the attention from celebration to controversy.
Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to secure their first Olympic Gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980. The victory marked a defining moment for the program and topped off a tournament many people called ‘one of the most competitive in recent Olympic history.’
However, shortly after their historic win, Trump phoned the team’s locker room celebration to congratulate the players and extend an invitation to White House and his State of the Union address. During the call, the president made a joke referring to the U.S. women’s hockey team, who had also won gold and suggested that he would “have to invite them as well or else he would be impeached.”
Video of the call quickly started to circulate online, with many viewers criticizing the men’s team for laughing during the chat, sparking debate across social media platforms, with some accusing players of being dismissive or politically aligned.
The U.S. men’s hockey team general manager, Bill Guerin, addressed the backlash, emphasizing that the team’s decision to take the call was not meant to make a political statement.
“We love our Country, this was about celebrating a gold medal for the United States,” Guerin said in interviews.
Several players also declared their stance. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman acknowledged that the team could have reacted differently to the joke, but stressed that there is deep respect between the men’s and women’s programs.
Jack Hughes also stated that the locker room admires the women’s team and their accomplishments.
On the women’s side, team captain Hilary Knight called the president’s remark “distasteful,” noting that it belittled what should have been a celebratory moment for both teams. However, she also emphasized the unity between the two teams and discouraged division.
Meanwhile, gold medalist Abbey Murphy said she
found it “sad” that the men’s team felt the need to apologize. Murphy described positive interactions between the two teams in Milan and said the controversy had been amplified beyond what was experienced behind the scenes.
The men’s team ended up accepting Trump’s invitation and attended events in Washington, D.C., including the State of the Union address. The women’s team declined due to prior academic and professional commitments but indicated openness to a future White House visit.
The situation reignited ongoing conversations about the intersection of sports and politics. Traditionally, championship teams have been invited to the White House regardless of party affiliation, though recent years have seen athletes increasingly vocal about political and social issues.
Despite the controversy, both teams made history in Milan, capturing gold medals in the same Olympic cycle, a rare feat that underscored the strength of American hockey on the biggest stage in the world.
As the players return to their regular seasons, the debate surrounding the phone call continues. For some, the moment represents the unavoidable intersections of sports and politics. For others, it serves as a reminder that even historic athletic achievement can be overshadowed by a few seconds of a viral video.
What remains unquestioned, however, is what happened on the ice: two gold medals, hard-fought victories and a milestone Olympic performance that will be remembered long after the headlines fade.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
Senior night sting: Oakland drops regular-season finale to Detro it Mercy
MIKE OKORONKWO Sports Reporter
The regular season concluded on a somber note at the OU Credit Union O’rena as the Oakland Golden Grizzlies fell 95–89 to the Detroit Mercy Titans on Feb. 28.
On a night meant to celebrate the program’s seniors, the Grizzlies were plagued by defensive lapses and an inability to contain the Titans’ perimeter attack, dropping their final record to 16–15 overall and 12–8 in conference play. It was an extremely frustrating loss where, despite several things going Oakland’s way, fundamental errors in late‑game execution and defensive positioning became the team’s undoing. Defensive lapses and the Titans’ offensive surge
The primary catalyst for the defeat was a series of defensive breakdowns that allowed Detroit Mercy to shoot a blistering 54.1% from the field. The Titans were led by Orlando Lovejoy, who was nearly unstoppable inside, scoring 29 points on an efficient 13‑for‑16 shooting. Lovejoy acted as a “demon” in the paint, consistently finding ways to penetrate the Oakland interior.
Complementing Lovejoy’s interior presence was TJ Nadeau, who proved to be a nightmare from the perimeter. Nadeau was lights‑out, particularly in the first half, making contested shots off the catch and the dribble to finish with 28 points, including five three‑pointers. He further punished Oakland by drawing fouls on three‑point attempts, contributing to his 9‑for‑10 performance from the free‑throw line.
Oakland’s defensive struggles were most apparent at the dunker spot — the area on the baseline just outside
the lane — where Lovejoy and other Titans frequently overpowered defenders. Often, Grizzly defenders — including Michael Houge, Tuburu Naivalurua and Isaac Garrett — failed to get their hands up in time to contest shots effectively. This lack of verticality allowed the Titans to score 40 points in the paint.
Furthermore, while Oakland technically out‑rebounded the Titans 30–29, several missed box‑outs led to critical second‑chance opportunities that allowed Detroit Mercy to maintain its momentum.
Individual highs and frustrating lows
Despite the overall result, several Golden Grizzlies delivered standout performances that kept the game competitive. Tuburu Naivalurua was a force early on, ending the first half with 16 points and finishing the game with a team‑high 24 points on 9‑for‑12 shooting, including two makes from beyond the arc.
Brett White provided a massive spark off the bench, starting the game a perfect 3‑for‑3 from deep and finishing with 17 points on 5‑for‑9 shooting from beyond the arc. Brody Robinson continued his steady play as well, chipping in 19 points and seven assists while playing nearly the entire game.
However, these efforts were offset by individual frustrations and uncharacteristic mistakes. Isaac Garrett had a productive scoring night with 15 points, but his impact was negated by four turnovers — many of which were clumsy ball‑handling errors that led directly to Titans baskets. His defensive effort also wavered, as he failed to contest multiple shots, eventually leading Coach Greg Kampe to pull him from the lineup in the final minutes.
Senior Night was particularly difficult for Ziare
Wells, who struggled to find any rhythm in his final regular‑season home game, finishing just 1‑for‑5 from the field for three points. While Michael Houge showed high energy and was “all over the place” defensively, his efforts weren’t enough to stabilize a unit that surrendered 49 points in the first half alone.
An emotional conclusion to the regular season
The game ended with emotional scenes as the Grizzlies realized they had let the regular‑season finale slip away on their home floor.
Although Oakland played decently in stretches — shooting 54.4% themselves and winning the fast‑break battle 20–16 — the inability to close out on shooters and secure the paint proved fatal. Detroit Mercy held the lead for nearly 33 minutes of the contest, effectively stifling Oakland’s late‑game comeback attempts.
The frustration was visible among the players after the buzzer, as the hope of ending the season on a three‑game winning streak evaporated.
The Grizzlies now head into the postseason tournament looking to recapture the defensive intensity and floor‑general leadership that defined their mid‑season turnaround, knowing that leaving shooters even an inch too much space will no longer be an option in do‑or‑die play.
