Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
MASTER MECHANIC Cesar Ruiz-Belteran tinkers with the battery management system on an electric vehicle.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Letter from the Editor: Making waves together in Volume 51
CHELSEA BOSSERT Editor-in-Chief
The story of The Oakland Post is one of resilience and adaptation. Founded in October 1959 as “The Oakland Observer,” OU’s student-run newspaper has been covering the campus community for over 65 years. It has gone by several names besides The Oakland Observer, including The Oakland Sail.
The Oakland Post, as it stands in its current form, is a voice for students — by students.
The Oakland Post that I know and have come to love is made up by a talented team of editors, staff writers, graphic designers, savvy marketers, talented photographers and a boots-on-the-ground distribution team.
When I joined The Post in June of 2023 — per a recommendation from OU Journalism and Media Studies full-time adjunct Garry Gilbert — I was frankly intimidated by the sheer amount of creative freedom I had as a staff writer. However, I was also amazed seeing the grand opportunity to improve and elevate my journalistic writing.
I was an amateur journalist. I transferred from Kalamazoo College in the fall of 2022 after a failed attempt at a French and English degree.
I was a beaten-down, 20 year-old college
sophomore who still did not quite know who she wanted to be, or what path she would choose for a career. I went to Oakland as a last-chance effort to give college another shot.
And it worked out pretty well.
Oakland gave me a purpose, it reinvigorated my passion for journalism through the wonderful instruction and tutelage of OU’s Journalism department. I feel like I could write fully and truly as myself.
During my time as a staff writer and arts editor, I was a key contact point between OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) and The Oakland Post. From fall 2023 through this summer I reviewed student productions, concerts and dance performances and established rapport with the community.
My first ever article in my first full semester at OU was a story covering the OU Art Gallery’s newest exhibit: “Remains, Remnants, Reliquaries.” It definitely was not my best work, but I slowly improved and got better at covering community art events on campus — as well as writing the occasional album review.
I would like to thank Olivia Chiappelli for being my arts editor for the first year of my tenure at The Post, then taking on the responsibility of being Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year.
Your leadership inspired me to take on this role and continue the long-lasting legacy of The Oakland Post being a positive force in the community.
My tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Oakland Post started in April of this year and will conclude at the end of the fall 2025 semester. My time here will be short in the grand scheme of things, but I hope to keep making connections with student leaders and voices at OU.
So, if you have a question about The Oakland Post, or even if you want to get involved by contributing with us — reach me through editor@ oaklandpostonline.com.
I am looking forward to working with my wonderful staff and campus leaders in SAFAC and beyond. Let’s head towards a better, brighter future — together.
I hope everyone also has a great and safe rest of their summer! Let’s make some waves.
Best wishes,
Chelsea Bossert
(Editor-in-Chief of The Oakland Post)
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Revamped Electric Racing Association: first team competing at ev GrandPrix
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
The Engineering Center at Oakland University held its breath on June 18, expecting the growling of a motor dormant for over a year. The cheering of the Electric Racing Association’s (ERA) team was the first step in taking their revamped car for the win at the Purdue evGrandPrix.
After a year with a decreasing membership, tools missing and management problems, the electric racing club experienced a new era of enthusiasm over the summer. With the risk of the battery catching on fire and only two months of experience with the vehicle, the ERA club’s main concern was the battery voltage.
“This battery hasn’t been charged for a while. I think it has been over a year,” Cesar Ruiz Beltran, a mechanical engineering student, said. “That’s a huge issue we have with the battery, just like anything else, if you don’t charge your phone for a couple of months, it will stop working.”
In the days prior to the car’s awakening, three different teams within the club had to coordinate the powertrain, sensors and battery for it to run again.
“What we are doing is trying to program the BMS, a battery management system, which is like the brain that gives its function to the heart, the battery,” Mauricio Cervantes, a mechanical engineering major, said. “We want to program the brain to tell the battery how to work.”
The team described the car as a puzzle — a 2023 senior design project, left unattended for a year with
parts going missing and a self-made battery created by another generation of OU engineers. However, that same team has kept close contact with the new generation to help them figure out how to revive the project.
“Our main project is connecting the BMS to a computer so we can program it and from there start the car and check that it works,” Cervantes said. “What the BMS does is it regulates the battery charge and we need a display so we can keep track of it all. From there, we check the competition’s rulebook and make necessary adjustments.”
With almost 30 new members, the lab now hosts three different teams with first-time leaders: powertrain and batteries, data acquisition and sensors, and mechanical and electrical integration. Beyond the engineers, interdisciplinary teams like marketing, safety, web design, business and even AI have also taken the club’s
learning and leadership outside the box.
Guillermo Valenzuela, ERA vice president, explained that the leaders focus on making weekly progress, finding learning resources for their team and coordinating with other groups.
“Week by week, I’m focused on making sure the car is running and that we learn as much as we can,” Valenzuela said. “I myself have to learn as I go to teach others how the car works and how they can improve it. I have goals for myself to learn about the car and I’m in contact with the guys who built it, so whenever I have a question, I ask them.”
In its corporate-like organization, the new ERA has three clear goals — learning, competing and career development. And all the roads lead to Lalo Barrios.
“One of my goals is that when we go to a career fair, everyone gets an internship or a job,” Barrios, ERA president and mechanical engineering major, said. “The second one is that we win at Purdue, which we will, I’m confident with the team, we have the best engineers.”
A first-time leader himself, Barrios started assembling the team before the summer began, consolidating a plan and listing the members’ dreams to accomplish them during the next academic year. With the engine running and nine months to go for the April 26 race, Barrios and his rookie team are determined to be the first at OU to win the evGrandPrix.
“Eventually, I want to see more than one go-kart being run at Purdue,” Barrios said. “I want to see them join more things like drone racing, robotics, autonomous racing, stuff like that. That’d be cool. So that’s why you have to set the foundations strong and clear, for future members to know where to go.”
Immigration policies increase fear and stress among the campus community
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
Volatile immigration policies during the Trump administration have oscillated over the summer, with one of the few constants being the growing concern of some Oakland University members whose communities, academic standing and career plans remain in tension.
One of the first challenges for international students at OU came on May 27, when the U.S. Department of State ordered consular offices to stop appointments for student visa applicants. By June 18, the pause was lifted and prospective students could schedule an appointment to continue their process, now with an enhanced social media screening.
At OU, this has affected returning international student registration, Enrollment Management Vice President Dawn Aubry explained.
“We’ve noticed that returning international students, Oakland students [who] were here, [who] aren’t graduating, there’s been a dip in their registration activity,” Aubry said. “Some of them will return, especially if they’re here in the country, but there are others that are pausing… and they may make a decision not to return, and in that case, we will try to work with those students, for example, if they can enroll in classes online.”
Also in June, the Department of State restricted the entry of citizens from 12 countries and partially suspended nationals from seven other nations in line with their efforts to “protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public
safety threats,” the Department of State wrote.
An international OU student, from Venezuela, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the policy affected him directly as his plans of returning in the Fall to continue his junior year have become uncertain.
“All the immigration issues have been stressful, not knowing where I’ll be in my future, since we as immigrants are perceived as invaders or people incapable of doing certain things,” the junior student said. “It’s exhausting to study without knowing if you’ll have the opportunity to stay and work where you’ve always dreamed of being. It’s sad to know that you’re studying and preparing to integrate into a system in which you may be seen as an invader or a thief when really you just want to show that you came to prepare yourself to the best of your abilities.”
Once in the U.S. and with more than 30,000 deportation cases open in Michigan after the nationwide
increase in ICE raids, some OU students are also concerned for their communities and their studies.
“It hasn’t prevented me from engaging on education related business (as delays in paperwork are unfortunately not uncommon even in the best of times for immigrants), however, I am now fearful of engaging in protests, boycotts, and relating in any way to any socio political movement I would have participated otherwise, all in fear of retaliation,” a first year graduate student who wished to remain anonymous said.
The graduate student highlighted the Immigrant Legal Resource Center as an information hub for anyone interested in helping the community, as ICE raids continue to affect communities beyond immigrants.
“Someone’s legal status cannot save them at this point if ICE decides they are not worthy of being on US soil at this point, even if they are coming into the country as a tourist. It’s terrifying.”
Thy Hoang, a studio art and clinical & diagnostic major, explained that her family arrived in the U.S. as refugees of the Vietnam War, but now has witnessed an increase in deportations among the Vietnamese diaspora.
“Even those who have lived and worked here for many decades are no longer protected. Watching families that look like my own get torn apart has left me heartbroken. What happens to one of us affects us all,” Hoang said. “These policies have sparked fear and trauma in my community, as we are people who have experienced displacement from the war. It feels like a betrayal for the place that we sacrificed everything to find safety in to now turn its back on us and try to send us away.”
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Rooted in community: Campus Student Organic Farm offers more than fresh produce
CAEL TANNER
Features Editor
Nearing its 15th anniversary, Oakland University’s Campus Student Organic Farm (CSOF) is in full swing this summer. The farm continues to nurture sustainable agriculture education while also providing students and community members with opportunities to get involved. Tours and programs abound, and the farm welcomes volunteer help from students, clubs and local residents alike.
The farm’s current operations are a major aspect of the efforts of OU-LORACS, the Laboratory for Outdoor Research, Agriculture, Conservation and Sustainability, which provides support for ecological research and educational opportunities within the OU community.
“With the designation of LORACS, just recently, community engagement is a priority, and it’s big,” Faye Hansen, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, founder and director of the CSOF, said.
“Clubs, different groups and classes like to come out for a day. All summer long, Fridays are volunteer days from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and people can just drop by. I also have volunteer hours on the weekends, 3:30-5 p.m. on Sundays,” Hansen said. “We’re having three other camps here with the OUCARES program, something I’ve looked forward to having a partnership with for a long time.”
Summer volunteers can expect a variety of handson tasks, from weeding and harvesting to personal public interfacing and even assistance through artistic endeavors. Hansen encourages community
members with unique skill sets to participate and implement their abilities for the benefit of the farm and the community as a whole.
“We have one volunteer from the community that comes every Friday, and she’s a joy because she’s also an artist. She’s painting some new Farm Stand signs for us,” Hansen said. “Maybe you don’t like to weed, but, man, we could use some more signs painted.”
The farm is also supported by a dedicated group of students who take their participation further, becoming CSOF staff. While assisting with each stage of the farm’s growing cycle each summer, Hansen said that student staff develop professional skills and leadership experience along the way.
“Being on the student crew is a really great experience because you learn even more,” Hansen said. “You come away with four main things employers in every field are looking for: the ability to show leadership, communicate across disciplines, integrate knowledge from different areas and solve problems creatively.”
Among the farm’s most popular produce offerings are the Personal Summer Farm and Flower Shares programs. Subscribers receive a half bushel of fresh vegetables or a seasonal bouquet, with partial or full season optionality, though the full season option sold out well ahead of its start in May of this year.
“We always have a waiting list [for the full season option],” Hansen said. “This year we even started a new four-week very late season that goes into the fall with squash and things that aren’t quite ready for harvest – things you might want to prepare for Thanksgiving or fall soups and such.”
As the farm continues growing into the fall,
students and staff operate an on-campus Farm Stand from September through mid-October.
“Lots of crops until then,” Hansen said. “With the hoop house, we can keep harvesting a lot of our leafy greens in time for our November produce and bake sale.”
As Hansen continues to manage the farm’s operations with coordinated efforts from students, staff and volunteers, she also participates in outreach events to promote agricultural interaction, such as leading a Teaching Talk for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
“In the fall, through the CETL, I’m giving a workshop about how classes can be involved with the farm in different ways,” Hansen said.
In fact, the farm has collaborated with capstone classes, illustrating the bond between education and hands-on experience.
“We’ve even had a few interesting projects with engineering capstone classes. In the most recent one, we helped to test out a solar-powered garden cart that was meant to be a prototype of something that could be used in Africa,” she said. “You never know. There are so many ways that classes or special projects can be accommodated here with the farms.”
For students and community members looking for ways to get involved and connect through agricultural means, the Campus Student Organic Farm remains a welcoming place for hands-on education, participation and collaboration.
“2010 was our first farm year,” Hansen said. “15 years – it’s like it flies by.”
PHOTO BY CAEL TANNER
Why do people protest?
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
With the first half of the year gone by, the U.S. witnessed 14,713 protests just in the first five months — 1,000 more protests than those that occurred in the same days of Trump’s previous administration. Participants at the “Funeral for Democracy” demonstration in Lansing explained why protests take place and their relevance in the present day.
For those present at the demonstration, protest is about visibility, community building and organizing for political and social change. While not all boots have to, or can, be on the ground, participants also highlighted civic involvement and mutual help initiatives as a way of pushing for change.
“Protest is one part of a triangle that holds up change, that causes change,” Ari Stewart, part of the 50501 Movement organization, said. “Protest, on its own, isn’t going to change anything, but it is protest, direct action and mutual aid. They are like the three legs of a table without one; the whole thing falls.”
The 50501 Movement is a decentralized initiative to organize and coordinate protests, rallies, demonstrations and mutual aid drives. Present and in collaboration with other grassroots activists, 50501 helped coordinate the Presidents Day, No Kings and Hands Off protests among others.
As part of the Michigan chapter of 50501 Movement, Stewart is part of the graphic design team. However, they are part of the organizing process before and during protests at Lansing.
“The purpose of protest, in that relationship with the
others, is to bring people in and increase visibility. Protest gets people in the door. Protest makes people hear about it,” Stewart said. “Protest is not going to convince our overlords to benevolently change their minds and stop hurting people. No amount of protest is going to do that.”
In line with the mourning motifs of the “Funeral for Democracy” demonstration, feelings of solidarity, support and community building echoed amongst attendants.
“I also went to Pride this year… I found that being there and being surrounded by like-minded people who care about the same things that I do makes me feel like it’s not so bleak and hopeless,” Mari Ruiz, a college student at the protest, said. “It kind of feels like a lot of people have gotten misconstrued ideas of what protesting is and what it means to everyone who decides to attend one.”
For others, the act of congregating with their communities and reclaiming public spaces helps to assert or discuss their
struggles and causes while drawing attention away from harmful rhetoric.
“Even if we’re not going out and actively doing something physically, the act of showing up and existing is resisting,” Erin, a community organizer who wished their name to remain anonymous, said. “They will try and do whatever they can to twist your messaging, and they’ll call you names or whatever. But as long as you show up and you exist and you speak your point, they cannot change the meaning of your words.”
Marshals, medics, legal observers and rapid response teams are other forms of supporting social movements, Stewart said. If not taking to the streets, involvement in government structure is a more hands-on option, as explained by Elyon Badger, a veteran running for Michigan House seventh district.
“This is the system we get to inherit, so we’ve got to work with it, what we can for now, because revolution is not overnight,” Badger said. “So if I’m gonna work hard to keep capitalism alive, I think capitalism can do a little favor back and make sure that we have shelter, food and medicine, and that way we can work happily and healthily.”
At the core of protests and political movements, mutual aid is the catalyst and result of direct actions, Stewart explained.
People do it for different reasons… but really you do it because when somebody needs help and you can help them, then you do, and it’s a good thing,” Stewart said. “You do it because it’s a good thing, because it makes the world better, it makes their life easier, and they’re a human person, and making their life easier is worth it on its own merits.”
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
The dying art of the meet-cute
MALLORY WALIGORA
Content Editor
“We met on Hinge,” you say, holding your fiancé’s hand while introducing him to your grandmother. It’s oddly unromantic.
In an age of digitalization, it makes sense that our romantic lives have switched online. Physical credit cards in our wallets have become Apple Pay. Ringing on your friend’s doorbell to let them know you’re here to pick them up has become a text saying “I’m here.” Naturally, meeting someone while waiting in line for coffee has turned into swiping through Tinder at midnight.
More and more couples are meeting through dating apps. In a 2009 survey, 22% of heterosexual couples reported meeting their partner online. By 2021, that number rose to above 50%. Traditional ways of meeting a partner, such as through family, friends or a social group, have been in decline as the popularity of dating apps rises.
Yet, through this digital change, a small part of me secretly hopes these dating apps magically disappear off the face of the Earth.
As the resident love and relationships guru for The Oakland Post, I set out to collect stories about how couples met before the age of the internet. I sent desperate messages in group chats, brought my recorder to brunch and searched for the cutest stories to defend my cynical, idealistic opinion.
Just a quick note in defense of online dating –I see the arguments. There’s no uncertainty if a person is romantically interested in you, since you both swiped right. Finding someone who aligns with your values, such as political affiliation or religion, is easier, especially with the option of filters. Online dating is fast and efficient.
These are all valid points, but then again, the meet-cute prevails. Let’s hear the stories.
How they met
Joey’s parents met at a magic show. His dad was the magician, charming audience members with his sleight-of-hand tricks and a deck of cards. Joey’s mom was in the audience, bringing her six-year-old son to the show.
“My dad is a magician, and he was doing a show at one of the public libraries,” Joey said. “My mom brought my oldest brother, who was six at the time, to the show. They ended up meeting, and they talked after the show. They ended up getting along really well, and so they exchanged numbers.”
After their first meeting, the magic continued. Joey’s mom started attending more of the shows, using her children as an excuse to visit, but really, she just wanted to see him again.
“My mom kept on going to more of the shows with my siblings using the cover, ‘Hey, I can bring my children to these shows so I can see him.’”
It worked. “And then they ended up dating. They’ve been married for 25 years,” Joey said with a grin.
“Did he ever bring her up onstage as an assistant or as an audience volunteer?” I asked.
“No, no, not at all. I think my mom would have killed him if he did that,” Joey laughed. “They have a really funny relationship.”
I guess you could say she fell under his magic spell.
Anastasia’s parents met at a birthday party for a mutual friend. Her mom made her entrance alongside a friend who was carrying the gigantic birthday cake around the corner of the house.
In a dramatic moment, the cake slipped out of her friend’s hands and fell flat on the ground. Everyone gasped.
But her dad wasn’t even looking at the cake. While everyone stared in shock at the disastrous moment, all he could think about was this woman who had just turned the corner, who would become his future wife. The frosting on the ground was the last thing on his mind.
Maya’s parents met at a party at Oakland University. Unlike most college party meet-cutes, theirs didn’t involve alcohol in red solo cups or beer pong. They were the only two sober people at the party, and they instantly bonded over the fact.
“They both were at a house party off Squirrel. Basically, my dad lived there, and my mom was just kind of there, and they both bonded because they were both sober,” Maya said. “They’ve been married for 20 years.”
Oakland University is a great educational institution, but you can also find your lifelong partner here. Go Grizzlies!
Sebastian’s parents met in line waiting for tickets for a Bruce Springsteen concert. His mom knew Sebastian’s uncle, who mentioned that his brother would be camping out to score tickets and that he would save her a spot in line.
She found him in line that morning, only to find out that tickets had already sold out. She felt bad and offered to take him out for coffee since he waited. They immediately hit it off. Although they never saw the Boss play, something else sparked.
As if you didn’t hate Ticket Master enough for the service fees, you can now hate them for one more reason. It took away your ability to meet someone cute in line who shares the same music tastes as you.
Ava’s parents met at an alternative dance club in Detroit. Her dad was the DJ, and her mom had just been dumped and was not in the mood to meet someone new.
“My dad DJed at an alternative dance club in the ‘80s,” Ava said. “It was super shady, by the way. They were wondering if their car was gonna get stolen when they came back outside.”
“My mom had just gotten broken up with, and she was like, ‘Oh, I’m so tired of annoying men.’”
Her mom was dancing off the heartbreak with friends when her dad spotted her from the DJ booth.
“My dad sees her, and he’s DJing, and he sends his friend. His friend comes over and is like, ‘Hey, my friend really wants to meet you.’ My mom was like, ‘No, leave me alone. I’m good,’” Ava said.
“But then my dad is really persistent, and the friend came back over and was like, ‘Hey, he really wants to meet you.’ And she’s like, ‘Leave me alone. I’m busy. I’m dancing, leave me alone.’”
So he sent his friend a third time, and she finally caved.
“He worked as a technician for AT&T, and he had a pager. He gave her his pager number,” Ava said. “She was like, ‘Is this guy a drug dealer, like, who has a pager?’”
Ava’s mom eventually learned two things. First, he wasn’t a drug dealer – just really into telecommunications. Second, she actually liked him a lot.
“Eventually, they ended up getting together, and now it’s 25 years later,” Ava said.
Bobby’s parents met in a semi-awkward way. Their friends had set up a large dinner party with a mission: introduce the two of them and hope that sparks would fly.
Bobby’s dad completely missed the memo. He showed up with a date, unbeknownst that he was secretly being set up. He brought another girl to the dinner where he was supposed to meet his future wife.
They met anyway, despite the third wheel. Eventually, the setup still worked. They got married and have been happily together ever since. When Bobby’s mom told me the story, she beamed with laughter at the absurdity of her aloof future husband bringing a date to their first meeting.
Aidan’s parents met at a party in Detroit in the 90s. His dad described it as “love at first sight.” His mom, on the other hand, wasn’t sold.
But that didn’t stop his dad. He chased her for the next two years, begging her for a first date. After a relentless and persistent try, his efforts finally paid off, and she gave in.
“I guess you could say my father had his eyes on the prize,” Aidan said.
After hearing all of these stories, from a cake catastrophe to a magic show, I’m reminded that love can begin in the least expected places. Yes, dating apps offer convenience, but they can’t replicate these coincidences sprinkled with persistence, fate and a little bit of magic.
I’ve finally started to fall into a good routine in Paris. The initial overwhelm and chaos has faded. I (mostly) know my way around the city. Tuesday dinners are now reserved for Taco Tuesdays. A restaurant five minutes from my apartment offers oneeuro tacos. It’s a deal, especially
I found a movie theater near my apartment that has nw become a part of my weekly routine. On the humid days when none of my friends are in town, but I don’t want to be stuck in my apartment, I buy a ticket and see
It’s weirdly comforting. There are cultural norms that feel so different compared to the U.S. Do I just sit down at this café or do I have to ask for a seat?
Do I have to ask for the check? But at the movies, I know what I’m doing. I slip into the silence of the theater and find a place in the back row on the velvet seats.
Sometimes I go with a friend, and we whisper between previews. Sometimes I go by myself and enjoy the silence of the experience.
The movie selection is not ideal. Most of the movies are in English, but most of those aren’t my taste, such as loud action movies or the newest Disney film. So I see movies in French. The theater is tucked in a more residential area, so they don’t cater to tourists and don’t offer subtitles.
Instead of an enjoyable, calm movie experience, it’s a crash course in French. I sit straight up, with my eyes squinted and try to pick up every word. I get by for the most part. I hear phrases that I hear on the street and silently take note of new words.
Outside of the movie theater, I tried to build a version of Paris that felt like mine. To be honest, the first arrondissement, with the Louvre and the tourist crowds, stresses me out. Everyone walks slowly, someone is always yelling and I’m always convinced that someone is trying to pickpocket me. I visit when I have to, and otherwise I stay far away. Instead, I found little gems and corners of the city that feels like hushed secrets. La Felicità became one of my favorite spots – a
place I found in early May on my third day in Paris. Picture an old train station turned into a vibrant food hall. Within days, this place soon became my friend group’s spot for everything: early morning study sessions, late night karaoke or a reliable dinner.
La Felicità also turned into a social hub. Everyone would meet there before heading out. They also host weekly bingo nights, where you play with coffee beans as markers instead of plastic chips. It’s cute. The guys making the pizzas always make small talk with me and make me smile.
I’m also a big fan of the Marais neighborhood. On weekends, it’s my ideal spot for a solo adventure. My perfect afternoon consists of thrifting and getting a coffee, and the Marais is the best place for that. Thrift stores line the streets. The baristas have cool tattoos. Every person walking past you looks like a supermodel. “I will never be as cool as anyone here,” I joked. It’s hip. It’s young. It’s artsy.
This is the Paris that I’ve grown to love: the bingo games, the thrift stores where you weigh your jeans to pay and the quiet walks back home from the movies. In a city so far from Michigan, finding pockets of familiarity feels comforting.
A weekend away
The French had a national holiday for Ascension Day, which meant there were no classes on Thursday or Friday. A long weekend off was the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new.
My close friend and I booked tickets a few days in advance and plotted out our ambitious itinerary. I packed my backpack, slung my tote bag over my shoulder and left Paris. I was heading to Amsterdam for two nights and then Brussels for another two nights.
I survived one train, two FlixBuses and two hostels. It wasn’t glamorous. I lived off a bag of granola and devoured cheap fries from street vendors.
Amsterdam was not what I was expecting at all. I heard all the stereotypes about Amsterdam: the sex, the drugs and everything in between. I was mildly scared. But the city was clean, safe and gorgeous. I had never seen anything quite like it. The narrow buildings were charming, and the canals were romantic. The tune of bikes passing by were the soundtrack to the city.
I did all the touristy things. I had fries, sat on the canal, visited the Anne Frank House, marveled at the art collection in the Rijksmuseum and explored the picturesque streets.
My favorite thing in Amsterdam was the Begijnhof. It’s a historic courtyard tucked into the busy city that once served as a sanctuary for Catholic women. Single women lived here and prayed in peace. You enter from a small street, turn a corner and suddenly, it’s quiet. It feels like you left Amsterdam entirely.
The Begijnhof still operates today. Tourists (including me) gawk at the beauty of the space, but many forget that it still remains a residence.
I saw an older woman sitting by her window, wrapped in a shawl and sipping her tea. I started crying. It was the most wholesome thing that I had seen in a long time. After weeks of hectic chaos – including catcalling, loud sirens and confusing metro stations – this little moment of peace hit me hard.
“I think I should live in the Begijnhof,” I sobbed.
Brussels was next on the itinerary. I also did all the touristy things. I had fries (again) and saw the Mannekin Pis. I also decided that I prefer Belgian fries over Dutch fries.
Amsterdam did me good, but Brussels did me dirty. I was excited to visit a French-speaking city. In Amsterdam, I stumbled around my words and panicked when ordering. But coming to Brussels meant that I could order my food in French at least.
Brussels was not at all what I expected. The city felt more industrial and less lively than Amsterdam. Maybe I just did all the wrong things. In my defense, I researched and listened to people’s recommendations. Honestly, I really tried the first day to do the city justice.
By my second day in Brussels, I was exhausted. My FlixBus to Brussels left at an ungodly hour in the morning. I had walked too much. My body was defeated.
So I gave up on being a tourist. I had a nice hearty meal and found a sauna. It was healing. I didn’t even try to check anything
off my list. Maybe that’s the lesson here: you can be a tourist and do all the touristy things, but sometimes you have to slow down. Amsterdam showed me beauty and peace. Brussels taught me the importance of rest.
Vive la France!
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Champions League on a Saturday night. For context: someone described this win to me as the equivalent of the American Super Bowl. It’s a big deal. Football (soccer) is a religion in Europe, and when PSG won, Paris exploded with celebration.
I wasn’t even in Paris when it happened – I was in Belgium, postdinner and post-sauna, miles away from Paris.
My phone was going crazy. My friends were flooding the streets and joining the celebrations. The ChampsÉlysées and essentially every street of Paris were flooded. Fireworks were going off, people were chanting and the metro system was shut down.
Things got so bad that my school sent out an emergency alert system. They warned us to stay off the streets and told us the locations where riots would be the most intense.
“So helpful that our university sent out the best locations to party at,” someone joked in the group chat. Some of my other friends, still in Paris, stayed at home. Even in our quiet residential area, full of elderly couples and tiny dogs, it was intense.
It wasn’t all pretty. Someone I know got tear gassed. Someone else woke up with mysterious bruises. My friend of mine took a girl on a first date to the riots. If nothing else, it’s a great story.
My elevator isn’t working. My friend (who will remain undisclosed because I am not a snitch) popped a bottle of champagne in the elevator during the celebrations. In his defense, this was an accident – he meant just to take the foil off on the elevator and then pop the cork on the street.
However, an accident ensued around midnight. The cork flew off inside the elevator. A whole bottle of champagne flooded the elevator.
I’m not entirely sure of what happened, but here’s what I know:
the elevator has not worked in over two weeks. Every single person in my apartment has been forced to climb the stairs. The walk up to my sixth story with two arms full of groceries is not pleasant.
I can’t be too mad. It’s a funny story. The small amount of French patriotism I have for PSG’s win overrides my frustration. At least I’m getting a good workout.
Back in Paris
I caught a 5 a.m. Flix Bus back to Paris from Brussels. I somehow managed to sleep most of the journey. I’m also proud to announce that my French is functional on only three hours of sleep. A kind, older couple sat across from me. When the bus randomly stopped somewhere in the French countryside, they explained to me what happened in in soft, whispered French. I sat there with my arms crossed, eyes weary and fully understood them. No Google Translate to save me, but just me and my foggy brain hanging in there.
Returning back to Paris felt weirdly comfortable. I knew my metro stop and the walk home. I knew the code to my apartment. I knew the exact route to my favorite grocery store. That night, I had dinner with a friend who had stayed the weekend in Paris. It happened to be bingo night at La Felicità, so obviously we went. The next morning, I visited my local boulangerie. I have a shameful confession to make: I have not had a croissant yet. I have been in France for over a month, and I have not tasted the most iconic pastry. I know that sounds blasphemous, but there are just so many options of pastries. I haven’t even heard of some of these pastries before. Ordering a croissant feels like picking a nude color at the nail salon: classy, but I’m looking for variety.
I’m also allergic to almonds, and French bakers love almonds. Almonds are everywhere. I have been treading very carefully and avoiding any suspicious pastries. I have finally memorized all the needed vocabulary and now know what names to avoid. Next time, I might go for the croissant. Maybe I’ll try a new quiche. Either way, I’m happy to be back in Paris.
Superman: A hopeful new start for DC
SARAH WASIELEWSKI Arts Reporter
With the release of “Superman” in theaters on July 11, DC Studios officially turns the page on a tumultuous decade and launches a reboot for their cinematic universe. Directed by James Gunn and starring Daven Corenswet as the man of steel, this film reintroduces one of pop culture’s most iconic heroes in a portrayal that is bright, bold and unapologetically hopeful.
Originally appearing in comic books in 1938, Superman is widely regarded as the first superhero. In the decades since, a multitude of actors have played the character in video games, television shows and films. Most recently, Henry Cavill starred as a dark and brooding Superman in the 2013 film “Man of Steel”. This newest Superman is set apart from his predecessors by his touching combination of strength and vulnerability.
From the opening scene, Superman is already saving lives and writing headlines. The choice to skip origin story flashbacks or lengthy exposition allows the film to keep a steady pacing despite a runtime of over two hours. The result is an assured film that delivers equal parts action, heart and humor. The tone marks a shift from earlier DC films, embracing a style that is light and fun, reminiscent of early Marvel films such as “Iron Man.” This Superman cracks jokes, smiles and proudly sports his signature red trunks.
David Corenswet brings an endearing mixture of strength and vulnerability to the superhero. While he is strong in his conviction to protect the people of Earth,
Superman hesitates before using force. He focuses first on protecting the helpless before attacking the bad guys. A defining trait of the character since his inception, Corenswet’s Superman is compassionate and moved by his belief in the beauty and goodness of humanity.
As the spirited Lois Lane, Rachel Brosnahan brings intelligence and energy to the screen. The character is no damsel in distress, going after Superman when he needs rescuing despite any danger. Lois Lane is an
even match for Superman, unafraid to challenge his choices and make him consider the implications of his actions. Affectionate scenes highlighting Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s bantering relationship provide much needed breaks in the action and show a more vulnerable side of the superhero.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a cold and calculating villain, obsessed with dismantling Superman’s heroic image. While Lex Luthor may lack the depth or relatability of other superhero villains, such as Marvel’s Thanos, Hoult’s performance makes this crazed villain intimidating in his willingness to do anything in his power to take down Superman.
The film is not without its critics. Some find fault with James Gunn’s directing, claiming that he attempted to introduce too many new characters with too many subplots. Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl make appearances, as well as Superman’s cousin Supergirl, creating a large ensemble cast that may be daunting for viewers unfamiliar with the characters. Others criticized the choice to use the fictional countries Boravia and Jarhanpur to allude to the conflict between the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite inevitable flaws and shortcomings “Superman” is a fun watch overall. Ending on a happy and upbeat note, the film wraps up loose ends while still leaving space for future installments in the DC Extended Universe. With its hopeful tone and charismatic performances, “Superman” signals a fresh, optimistic direction for the DC Extended Universe. The movie is a reminder that at its core, heroism is about compassion, courage, and believing in something greater than oneself.
Creativity in times of overstimulation; Put the phone down!
MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter
With the expansion of social media, society has become addicted to comparison and perfection: “She’s on vacation in Europe,” “They just bought a house together,” “She’s a nice girl, but I follow prettier ones.” It never ends.
Everyone peeks at the highlights of each other’s lives and attaches the glorious pictures to an identity. More often than not, it’s inaccurate and unhealthy to assume that it’s real. This is a point in history where relationships have become transactional, and feelings are slowly being suppressed.
It is not a personal fault to be jumping from one app to the next for a dopamine rush. After all, there are attention engineers, behavioral scientists and designers and user experience specialists employed to guarantee society’s addiction to devices. What matters more is identifying this addiction and making a conscious effort to improve. Creativity and boredom. That is what must be implemented more frequently in a world of overstimulation.
Don’t think of this as scolding. It’s a gentle reminder that there’s a world to explore beyond technology. Society is being held back from a life worth living. Imagine all of the fantastic achievements that could be made by having control over this fixation. Spending time with loved ones, exercising, traveling, having a successful career — the options are endless. They all start with being more in tune to the real world and not the artificial one.
As Tom Brady famously said, “To be successful at anything, the truth is, you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”
How does this translate to ending a dependency on technology? It means taking tiny steps toward a substantial goal and staying consistent. Replacing scrolling with another task is a great place to start. Learn how to play an instrument, read a book, journal or learn how to cook something new. And when engaging in any activities, take time to cherish that experience. Attention spans have shortened drastically and it’s important to savor these moments.
According to a 2024 GlobalWebIndex study, 80% of Gen Z reported strong feelings of loneliness, contributing to the ‘loneliness epidemic’. These results scored significantly higher than all other generations in the study, which is absolutely abysmal. Find hobbies which stimulate brain activity and invite friends to join. Go out to dinner or host. Meet new people through close friends.
Connection is essential!
Here is your new best friend: silence. The world needs more of it. How often do you find yourself listening to music or a podcast? I’m willing to bet it’s more often than you think. The next time you’re doing your morning routine, taking a walk, cooking or cleaning, do it without the noise. Pay attention to only the sounds surrounding you and not what you decide to click.
I highly encourage this not only to regain a sense of peace, but also because outstanding ideas emerge when ruminating in your thoughts.
Thinking critically and building emotional intelligence is significantly easier without the brain rot. The million-dollar idea could be discovered simply because you are beginning to understand the world better. Let that be a possibility for you. Give yourself that chance.
And as your parents say, “PUT THE PHONE DOWN!”
IMAGE COURTESY OF FANDANGO
IMAGE COURTESY OF NEW YORK TIMES
Box office hits and hidden gems: Best films of 2025 so far
SARAH WASIELEWSKI
Arts Reporter
Time is flying, and somehow the year is already more than halfway over. Now is the perfect moment to step back and take a look at some of the standout films from the first half of the year, a diverse list spanning animation, action and sports drama.
“Thunderbolts*”
Marvel continues to expand their cinematic universe with “Thunderbolts*”, a film that assembles the MCU’s B-list heroes and tasks them with saving the world in the absence of the original Avengers such as Iron Man and Captain America. Familiar sidekicks Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova and the Red Guardian are forced to unite as they confront the ghosts of their past and an uncertain future.
“Lilo & Stitch”
The live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch” made a major splash at the box office as one of the top ten highest grossing films of the year. While the film retains the heart of the animated original and its central theme of ‘ohana,’ the Hawaiian word for family, it made several significant plot changes. Some fans felt that the changes diluted the storyline, while others felt that they provided a more hopeful
future for the characters and set the movie up for its sequel, already in development.
“Mission Impossible – Final Reckoning”
Tom Cruise is back once again as Ethan Hunt in his eighth Mission Impossible film. This newest installment “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” serves as an action-packed final installment in the series. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the film doesn’t hold back on action, delivering the death-defying stunts and international intrigue fans have come to expect. While not for the faint of heart, it is a fitting conclusion to a series
known for pushing the boundaries of practical effects and cinematic scale.
“KPop Demon Hunters”
After the widespread success of “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” Sony Pictures Animation is back with “KPop Demon Hunters.” More than just a niche novelty, the movie is a vibrant, highenergy adventure. Released directly on Netflix, the film celebrates Korean culture with dazzling visuals, catchy songs and sharp humor. The movie satirizes the world of K-pop while simultaneously embracing its appeal, making the film accessible to longtime fans and newcomers.
“F1”
Brad Pitt returns to screen as a nomadic racecar driver in the film “F1,” a feel-good story about redemption and second chances. The movie is a spectacle of speed and daring, capturing the adrenaline and danger of Formula 1 racing. The highly decorated racecar driver Lewis Hamilton appears throughout the film and also served as a producer, lending a touch of reality to the drama. Even for those unfamiliar with motorsport, the film is an accessible entry point to introduce viewers to the drama and excitement of Formula 1.
The first half of the year has delivered a wide variety of standout films, offering something for nearly every kind of moviegoer. From superhero ensembles and animated adventures to high-speed racing dramas and action-packed finales, this year’s releases have showcased creativity and range across genres. Whether enjoyed in theaters or streamed at home, these films have made a strong case for the enduring power of cinematic storytelling.
IMAGE COURTESY OF IMDb
Falling for fall: Fashion trends of 2025
MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter
With summer passing by quickly, as it always does, fall fashion trends are swiftly making an appearance. Although the weather may be scorching, that is not stopping these fashion trends from surfacing. So, when the weather cools down, what will people be wearing this fall?
The first trend may come as no surprise. SUEDE. And lots of it.
The timeless texture remains a fall favorite, but it’s certainly more amped up this season than ever before. Whether it be shoes, bags, jackets or pants, suede can instantly take any outfit from casual to interesting. Bella Hadid was spotted recently with the Valentino Garavani Nellcôte crossbody in a striking tan color with studs and fringe. The public is definitely seeing a great deal of fringe lately, following an outbreak of boho fashion from this summer.
Western-themed ensembles are here to stay
Varying designs of belts paired with boots are dominating the fashion scene. With past seasons featuring plenty of denim, which remains prominent this time around, leather and suede accents are the cherry on top. Music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach are circulating the trends heavily, and Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album and tour are surely helping it spread like wildfire.
Cropped trench coats
These coats are storming social media. Ideal for the transition in weather, it adds edge, yet still a touch of sophistication to any outfit. A classic beige or camel color is what most celebrities and influencers have been seen in, which pairs well with a turtleneck, one’s favorite pair of jeans and ballet flats. For an alternative look, try a basic white tee with dress pants or a mini skirt and loafers. Trench coats of any kind allow for excellent versatility. So have fun with it!
Fall’s standout colors
Earth tones like chocolate brown, classic rusts, olive and burgundies make for quite a conventional palette, but this season will also feature jewel tones like turquoise and brighter reds with hints of pastels. Although a unique combination of hues, look to Dua Lipa, who never fails to style a snappy set. The Albanian-American artist was seen rocking a lilac slip dress with a Chloé leather and shearling coat and Paris Texas heels while out in Paris for Haute Couture Week. If this fall teaches anything about color, it is to take risks!
Form and function are being heavily prioritized with utilitarian pieces
Belts, bags, coats and pants are seen with many pockets, adding structure and space for any of numerous items. Cargo pants will endure through yet another fashion term with utilitarian bags being all the rage at this moment. Toteme showcased minimalist, oversized tailoring at their fall 2025 runway show — a display of utilitarian elegance.
Skinny Jeans
This may be great news for some, perhaps not for others. With riding boots growing in popularity, it only makes sense that they are matched with a slimmer pant. For a nice balance, style with an oversized sweater and shoes of one’s choice. When going for a slimming look, perhaps a button up shirt in an interesting color, print, or texture.
As always, fashion is expression. Dressing in a way to flatter one’s personality and shape can go a long way. Let these trends not only serve as inspiration for future outfits, but also as a creative process. Trying new pieces can bring out a side of someone that perhaps has been in hiding. This fall, have fun and embrace the adventure!
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLAMOUR
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLE
PHOTO COURTESY OF VOGUE
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOY PUP
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLE AUSTRAILA
Michigan’s North Lake Correctional Facility reopens as an immigration detention center
SOPHIA CURRAN Political Editor
On June 16, the first immigrants to be detained by ICE were sent to a facility located in the rural city of Baldwin, Michigan. This newest detention center, known as the North Lake Correctional Facility, is being labeled as the “largest immigration center in the Midwest.”
It can fit up to 1,800 detainees for their max capacity. It provides medical care, legal aid, family visitation, general and legal library access, dietitian-approved meals, religious and specialty diets and recreational amenities.
The facility was originally opened in 1999 as a state-run facility. It had been going through multiple phases of being opened and closed, with most recently reopening in 2019 during the Trump administration until its closing in 2022. Shortly after its closing, during the Biden administration, 53 advocacy groups from Michigan and other states urged former President Joe Biden and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to keep the facility closed to prevent it from turning into an ICE detention center.
Baldwin is a small city located on the west side of Michigan. The city has a population of around 1,000 people, with only a little more than 1% of the population being born outside of the country. As of a 2023 census, no homes reported speaking a nonEnglish language as their primary language.
Non-Hispanic Whites make up a majority of the city’s population, with a total of 63% of the city’s residents. Black and Hispanic residents make up 26% of the population.
The facility is owned by the nation’s largest private prison and electronic monitoring company GEO Group INC. On June 10, the company had a legal complaint dropped by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its alleged
mistreatment of employees.
During the Biden administration, GEO Group had allegedly had workers using the disinfectant “Halt” at the Adeltanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in California. Users of the product are advised to use protective clothing such as goggles or a face shield and chemical resistant gloves to avoid any harmful events. The EPA warns that the use of no protective clothing could result in irreversible eye damage and skin burns.
In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health concerns grew for inmates within the facility as the company delayed the release of COVID-19 statistics and information. The treatment towards the detainees led to many activists and family members sending a plea to the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to handle the situation.
The company has also been a major donor for President Donald Trump’s political campaign. They have been estimated to have donated $1 million to Make America Great Again Inc., along with more millions being donated to other recipients that supported the President’s run for reelection. In addition, nearly 68% of their profits are sourced from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
GEO’s ICE Processing Centers have also been independently accredited by the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, according to the company.
The state of Illinois currently has laws that prohibit the use of private prisons. In addition, state laws passed in 2021 ended local contracts and cooperative agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for county detention centers.
However, immigrants detained in the state could
be transported to neighboring states, including the North Lake Correctional Facility.
State Sen. Elissa Slotkin has criticized the presence of ICE in the state. On July 15, she introduced a bill that would require agents to identify themselves. In a statement posted on X, she expressed her dissatisfaction with how they have dealt with undocumented immigrants.
“In recent months, we have seen police, wearing hoodies and masks, make arrests that look more like kidnappings in an authoritarian country,” Slotkin said. “Law enforcement should be required to identify themselves while enforcing our immigration laws.”
On July 4, nearly 100 demonstrators gathered in a coalition of advocacy groups to protest against the opening of the detention center.
However, many residents also hope that the facility will help create more jobs. In an interview with Bridge Michigan, Lake County Commissioner Robert Sanders expressed the reasoning as to why the facility needs to open.
“There’s a large portion of our country that doesn’t support ICE detentions. I try to keep that out of what our decisions are, because we don’t have any control of that,” Sanders said. “Step back and look at Lake County, what we have. It’s the poorest county in the state of Michigan. We’re trying to keep our schools, our seniors, and our people safe through the taxes that they capture from those facilities.”
Around 20% of residents in Lake County live below the federal poverty line. They are reliant on the tax money brought in from the facility, expecting to receive some profit from the $70 million expected in annualized revenues.
While the current living standards for detainees are unknown, those surrounding the facility will expect to face an economic boom from tax revenues.
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EPA to cut Office of Research and Development
SOPHIA CURRAN Political Editor
The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to close its scientific research arm and announce mass layoffs.
On July 18, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they would be reducing their staff size by cutting their Office of Research and Development (ORD) in a Reductions in Force (RIF).
This will be done as a way to “save taxpayers nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars,” estimating $748.8 million in savings.
The EPA’s purpose is to help protect human health and maintain safe environment standards. They help ensure that Americans have clean air, land and water. In addition, their scientific committee helps find effective solutions to the biggest environmental pollutants to help prevent harmful illnesses caused by smog, toxic water and other contaminants that affect the American people.
The RIF is expected to mainly impact the Office of Research and Development (ORD). The office will instead be replaced by the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), which they believe will allow the EPA to “prioritize research and science more than ever before.”
The Office of Research and Development was responsible for creating reliable and scientific-backed decisions through conducted research. Their decisions helped create a “safeguard” towards human health and environmental protections against pollution. They analyzed environmental and human health hazards such as toxic chemicals, climate change, smog, wildfires, water pollution and other forms of ensuring the protection of the country’s ecosystems.
In a statement released by the agency, they stated that they will be able to create a new agency that will be efficient
in protecting human health and the environment while also being conscious of their government spending.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback. This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars, said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Some lawmakers expressed concern and their dissatisfaction towards their decision to cut the office. Zoe Lofgren of California serves as a ranking member on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. She condemned the Trump administration, calling the decision a “travesty.”
“Administrator Zeldin has finally confirmed what he had denied for months and months — the destruction of the Office of Research and Development. The Trump Administration is firing hardworking scientists while employing political appointees who it is to lie incessantly to Congress and to the American people. The obliteration of ORD will have generational impacts on Americans’ health and safety. This is a travesty,” said Lofgren in a statement.
This comes after the Trump administration had been deregulating the EPA’s presence in manufacturing and its environmental regulations.
On July 17, the White House released clarifications regarding their decision to grant two years of regulatory relief from “stringent Biden-era regulations” that they believed harmed the country. The four proclamations include a change of wide range American manufacturing, such as coal plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities, chemical manufacturers that produce chemicals related to semiconductors, medical device sterilization, advanced
manufacturing and national defense systems.
They chose to grant relief to these manufacturers because past regulations in the Biden administration resulted in “unattainable compliance requirements” that they believe prevent the nation from achieving proper “energy reliability, economic vitality and national security.”
The EPA is expected to lose more than 3,700 employees, cutting nearly 23% from their staff and leaving thousands of federal workers without jobs or being forced into early retirement.
In March, the EPA officially launched 31 actions, their biggest deregulatory proclamation in U.S. history, as a way to push towards the “Great American Comeback.”
“Today is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the U.S. and more,” said Zeldin in a statement.
The EPA released an array of deregulations for manufacturers as a way to help create stronger efficiency and growth in the economy. The list includes reconsiderations towards regulations in the oil and gas industry, regulations regarding toxic air standards towards coal-fired power plants and guidelines and standards towards the Steam Electric Power Generating Industry.
In an email sent to staffers before their announcement, the EPA proposed a newer arm that will be “much smaller” than the past office. Known as the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), it will instead be focused more on short-term projects that will still meet the regulations granted by the EPA.
The reconstruction of a new office within the EPA will allow the Trump administration to help balance proper government spending as well as find ways to help ensure the safety of the American people and the environment.
The Honolulu Blueprint: A Lions Offseason Review
JAMES ELLING Sports Editor
With many considering the 2025 season “Super Bowl or bust” for the Detroit Lions, expectations are as high as ever — and a successful offseason is key to meeting and exceeding expectations.
Some expected the Lions to push all their chips to the middle — splash signings and trades, and consensus home run picks in the NFL Draft.
Instead, Lions fans saw relatively mild player acquisitions and a draft filled with what many consider “reaches.”
Only time will tell if the new roster personnel pay off, but I expect some players to play huge roles — others, not as much.
Top three free agent grades
DJ Reed — Cornerback, New York Jets — three years, $48 million
A+ This is the gem of the offseason. Reed has been excellent over his past five seasons in Seattle and New York. Pro Football Focus ranked Reed as a top-6 corner in the NFL, and he should provide an inspiring locker room presence alongside invaluable mentorship to young corners Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.
The Lions signed Reed just minutes after the departure of their top corner from last year, Carlton Davis — Reed is the better player, he stays healthy and he comes at a $4 million per year discount to Davis.
Avonte Maddox — Defensive Back, Philadelphia Eagles — one year, $1.4 million
B+ Maddox spent the first seven years of his career in Philadelphia, where he took his snaps at slot cornerback. Maddox might have a tough time cracking a deep rotation of Lions corners — I expect the Lions to transition him to safety, where he can utilize his zone coverage savvy and aggressive tackling to play behind superstars Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Maddox isn’t a star, but he should provide quality play at a position that is otherwise barren behind the starters. His Detroit ties, Super Bowl winning experience, cheap price tag and versatility make him my favorite signing of the Lions’ behind DJ Reed.
Grant Stuard — Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts — one year, $1.7 million
B The 2021 NFL Draft’s Mr. Irrelevant is undersized at 5-foot-11, 230, but his relentless play style and special teams strength have kept him on NFL rosters since entering the league. He appeared in all 17 games for the Colts in 2024 and started in five. Highlights included a blocked-punt touchdown against the Titans and a 19-tackle outing against the Miami Dolphins.
Stuard will continue to be limited by his lack of elite traits, but his instincts and hustle should give him the ability to earn a key role on special teams, a rotational role in the linebacker room and Dan Campbell’s favor — I expect Stuard’s contributions to be worth the $1.7 million he will earn in 2025.
A+ Ratledge is one of my favorite players in the draft. He checks all of the boxes. Ratledge was an All-American and a captain at Georgia, where in three years as a starter he produced an abundance of film that shows high-level technique and understanding of his responsibilities. He’s more than a technician, though — Ratledge recorded a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 out of 10, one of the top five marks ever recorded by an offensive guard.
Whether he winds up a guard or a center, Ratledge is a plug-and-play player in a position group where the Lions need to compensate for the departures of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. Learning under Offensive Line Coach and guru
Hank Fraley, I think Ratledge can be a future AllPro offensive lineman.
Miles Frazier — Guard, LSU — round five, 171 overall
A The Lions took a 100-pick hiatus after selecting WR Isaac TeSlaa and they came back strong with Frazier. Frazier is a dependable pass protector with great size (6-foot-6, 317) who can play all over the offensive line. You’d have to go back 21 games to find the last time Frazier allowed a sack, despite matchups with high-level SEC competition.
Frazier has room to improve as a run blocker, but his positional flexibility, size and pass protection technique make him well worth a late fifth-round selection. I had Frazier ranked the sixthbest guard in the class — he was the 11th taken.
Tyleik Williams — Defensive Tackle, Ohio State — round one, 28 overall
B- Williams is a good player. He’s a talented run stuffer, and many think he has some of the best instincts and IQ in the draft. He was a leader on an elite Ohio State defense, and I think he can contribute right away for the Lions. However, it seems the Lions could have traded back into the early second round and still selected Williams.
Williams enters a deep defensive tackle room that includes Alim McNeil, DJ Reader and Roy Lopez — who all deserve quality snaps — along with unproven prospects Brodric Martin and Mekhi Wingo, which will make it very tough for Williams to get the amount of playing time you’d hope to see out of a first-rounder.
Lions fans can hope to look back at any or all of these new names on the roster as the needle-moving acquisitions that pushed the Lions from contenders to conquerors.
Full story on oaklandpostonline.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF MLIVE
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is introduced as the Detroit Lions’ first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft at the Detroit Lions Allen Park training facility on Thursday, April 24 2025.
Tigers leaders of the clubhouse at All-Star Break — But the hunt’s not over
JAMES ELLING
Sports Editor
The MLB All-Star break marks the halfway point of the regular season. For both the teams and the players, the break provides some much-needed rest — for you and me, it provides the perfect opportunity to take a breath and reflect on the season thus far.
Going into the 95th All-Star Game in Atlanta, the Detroit Tigers sit at 59–38, the best record in baseball. They also hold a franchise-record 11 1/2-game lead in the American League Central.
After what has felt like a decade of rebuilding, the pieces may finally be falling into place for Detroit’s beloved squad.
This season marks the Tigers’ seventh time owning baseball’s best record at the break — the first since 2006, when they went on to reach the World Series.
The Tigers also trotted out a league-leading six All-Stars in Atlanta’s festivities this year, the most in franchise history.
Outfielders Riley Greene and Javier Báez, second baseman Gleyber Torres and pitcher Tarik Skubal complete the quartet of Tigers All-Star starters.
Casey Mize made the team as a reserve pitcher, and Zach McKinstry’s versatility was honored as a reserve able to fill in for any of the six positions he’s played this season.
Earning Their Stripes: The Six All‑Stars
Tarik Skubal
Reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has once again dominated, earning the selection as the AL’s starting pitcher. His numbers speak for themselves: a dominant 2.23 ERA and frequent double-digit strikeouts. Skubal became the first Tigers pitcher to ever record at least 13 strikeouts with one hit or fewer— and then he did it again. He’s firmly established himself among the most talented and valuable players the MLB has to offer.
Casey Mize
After a slow start marred by hamstring issues, Mize has rebounded spectacularly. His 9–2 record with a 2.63 ERA
justifies his reserve All-Star nod. His mid-season return added stability and depth to a rotation that, despite the season’s success thus far, really needed it.
Riley Greene
The 24-year-old outfielder has exploded this season, joining Hall-of-Famers Hank Greenberg and Miguel Cabrera as the only Tigers to notch at least 21 doubles, 21 home runs, 69 RBI and 42 extra-base hits by the break. Greene has 24 homers, 78 RBI, a .284 batting average, a .348 on-base percentage, a .524 slugging rate and electric speed — he’s anchoring Detroit’s offense and leading the team in virtually every key category.
Gleyber Torres
Signed to a one-year “prove-it” deal, Torres has – well –proved it. His .387 OBP leads the Tigers and ranks among MLB’s best. As the AL’s starting second baseman, he has grounded his comeback from a rocky Yankees finish and silenced critics with clutch at-bats and a .279 average, nine home runs and 43 RBI.
Javier Báez
Known affectionately as “El Mago,” Báez has reinvented himself. Last year, many fans wanted Báez off the team — but after transitioning into a utility role that includes center field, he is the first player ever to start All-Star Games at both infield and outfield positions. With a .275 average, 10 homers, 39 RBI and a .304 average against breaking pitches, Báez has more than earned his keep.
Zach McKinstry
Selected as an injury replacement, McKinstry’s adaptability has earned him a spot on the All-Star roster. Playing six positions — second base, third base, shortstop, left field, right field and even first base — and batting .285 with eight homers and 15 steals, his 2.7 WAR reflects not just versatility but value.
The All-Stars deserved their honors, but they aren’t the only ones making plays — beyond the headline talent, Detroit’s roster depth has been a quiet strength.
Spencer Torkelson has re-emerged, shaking off early struggles to contribute power and discipline. Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter have also chipped in, adding threatening options to assist the main core.
It will take a top-to-bottom effort for the Tigers to achieve their dreams over the rest of the season, from the All-Stars to the supporting cast.
Job’s Not Finished
Despite the heroics at the half-point, Detroit has a long way to go.
No trophies are handed out for having the best record going into the All-Star break. There aren’t even any for having the best record at the end of the season.
The Tigers must stay vigilant and keep fighting as the scrappy underdogs they once were — regardless of what the standings say.
The break couldn’t come at a better time for the Tigers. With 65 games after the break, there’s room to regroup and retool before the July 31 trade deadline.
The Tigers were reminded of their mortality when they stumbled out of the final weekend before the All-Star festivities. The Seattle Mariners imposed their will on the Tigers, outscoring them 35-14 in a series sweep.
Twenty-six of those 35 runs came against the Tigers’ bullpen, which has become an area of legitimate concern — the Tigers’ bullpen ranks in the bottom third of the league with a 4.13 ERA.
The front office, led by President Scott Harris, may look to bolster the bullpen (and add some complementary bats) to boost a team that’s otherwise ready for October.
The Tigers are expected to be aggressive buyers, but there’s pressure to make the right moves without disrupting team chemistry — making final touches to the roster before the deadline could make or break the possibilities of a championship run.
As the Tigers paused at 59–38, they hadn’t just topped the AL Central — they dominated it. There’s been swagger in their lead, credibility in their performers and depth in their deck. But the imperfect season has been filled with reminders that dominance is earned every day, every inning.
Detroit’s pride ought to be tempered with purpose. The narrative isn’t about a miracle first half—it’s about sustaining it. And when the season resumes, so will Detroit’s chase for the playoffs, the pennant and the prize — a World Series title.
