Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu 248.370.2533
PAWS-ITIVITY A participant in the Color Walk poses with a colorful furry friend.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Goat Yoga brings relaxation and laughter to campus
ADDISON KOCH Features Reporter
Students, faculty and staff gathered on the lawn near Kresge Library and Elliott Tower on Monday, Oct. 6, for a one-of-a-kind experience: Goat Yoga. The event invited participants to relax, stretch and laugh alongside goats from Eden Acres Homestead, a petting zoo and animal rides organization, and Seeded Faith Farm Rescue, a non-profit animal welfare organization.
Two 30-minute sessions were offered – one from noon to 12:30 p.m. and another from 12:30 to 1 p.m. – to allow as many attendees as possible to take part. Mats were provided, and registration was not required. Participants could simply stop by between classes or jobs, join a session and connect with the goats.
The event aimed to provide a fun, therapeutic break for students and staff while also highlighting the importance of animal rescue. The goats featured at the event came from Eden Acres Homestead and Seeded Faith Farm Rescue, which partnered to raise awareness about animals in need of rehoming.
“We’re based out of Almont, Michigan,” Justin Velic, co-owner of Eden Acres Homestead, said. “We partner with Seeded Faith Rescue, and we do a whole lot of petting zoos and community events like this. Our goal is to rescue as many animals as we can.”
Velic explained that while Eden Acres focuses on both petting zoo events and rescue efforts, Seeded Faith is dedicated strictly to animal rescue.
“Seeded Faith takes in animals from bad situations or from people who just can’t take care of them anymore,” he said. “They make sure those animals get a second chance.”
The partnership between the two organizations allows them to reach more animals in need while
also creating educational and joyful experiences for the public – like Goat Yoga. Events like these not only help fund their operations but also introduce people to the animals.
Participants described the event as both relaxing and entertaining. “It’s not every day you get to do yoga with goats climbing around you,” Justin Victor, co-owner of Eden Acres and fellow organizer of the event, said. “It’s a fun way for people to de-stress, and it helps spread awareness about animal rescue at the same time.”
Between yoga poses and laughter, the goats wandered through the crowd, occasionally stopping for pets or nibbling on the grass. For participants, the experience offered a much-needed moment of calm in the middle of a busy first semester.
Events like Goat Yoga are part of a growing trend that blends wellness, mindfulness and animal interaction. Spending time with animals can lower stress levels and increase feelings of happiness –something students say they can always use more of during the semester.
As the event came to a close, participants left with smiles, stories and – for some – a new appreciation for animal rescue efforts. For Eden Acres and Seeded Faith Rescue, that’s the best outcome of all.
“At the end of the day, we want people to have fun,” Velic said. “But we also want them to know these animals have stories. When you interact with them, you’re part of giving them a better one.”
Exploring the World with Oakland University
RUBY HERNANDEZ Campus Reporter
For Oakland University students, studying abroad offers more than just a change of scenery — it’s a chance to expand their worldviews, gain cultural awareness and experience hands-on learning in new environments.
Oakland’s Office of International Education offers more than 300 programs in over 45 countries, giving students the opportunity to study in locations ranging from Italy, Morocco and Australia.
“We design our programs to be beneficial to the students we have,” Alex Zimmerman, director of International Education, said. “Many of our students haven’t traveled much — even outside of Michigan, so this gives them the chance to experience the world in a way they haven’t before.”
OU’s faculty-led programs are among the most popular options. These shorter trips, typically lasting two to six weeks, allow students to travel with classmates and professors.
“You go as a group of Oakland students with a faculty leader and another staff member,” Priscilla Arciniega, study abroad coordinator, said. “Students feel more secure because they’re going with familiar faces.”
For those looking for longer immersion, OU also partners with organizations such as CIEE and GEO to offer semester and year-long experiences. Programs range across disciplines, from language study and art to business and health sciences, with credits that align with OU degree paths.
Financial accessibility remains a top priority. Most financial aid and scholarships apply to study abroad, and OU distributes over $100,000 annually in additional funding.
“We’ve had students whose entire costs were covered by scholarships,” Zimmerman said. “Many more receive partial funding.”
OU students who have traveled abroad describe their experiences as transformative.
Crystal Orser, who studied in Greece and Costa Rica, said the trips were “nothing short of incredible and life changing.” As a theater major, she found the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the arts.
“Seeing how theatre, dance, and performance are universal languages was moving,” Orser said. “OU has been extremely generous in scholarships and support.”
Gabriella Barczys participated in the two-week Tuder Intruders: Cross and Crown program in London.
“The experience opened my mind to new perspectives and taught me how to adapt to a new environment while exploring historic sites and engaging with locals,” Barczys said. “OU made sure everyone felt safe, informed, and connected.”
In Morocco, student August Wicker described living with a host family and exploring Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.
“Being immersed in Moroccan culture, art, and architecture was magical,” Wicker said. “The people were peaceful and welcoming, and their art was beautiful.”
Audrey Stemen, who studied in Barcelona, shared how the program pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
“I practiced my Spanish every day, even when I didn’t want to,” Stemen said. “OU supported me with scholarships and advisors who made the process simple.
I would do it again a million times.”
Whether spending a few weeks or an entire semester abroad, OU students gained experiences that shape their academic and personal growth.
“Students come back with a greater sense of what they want to do after they graduate,” Zimmerman said. “They’re more confident and capable of navigating new environments.”
To learn more about upcoming programs or available scholarships, visit oakland.edu/ie or stop by the Office of International Education on campus.
PHOTO BY ADDISON KOCH
Reducing the stigma of sobriety with a Color Walk
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
Grizz Recovery’s team made a rainbow out of the Oakland University’s campus and students for their first Color Walk event. The addiction and substance abuse recovery group took on the new initiative to reduce the stigma of sobriety and have substance-free fun.
With only two years since its conception, Grizz Recovery — an initiative of the counseling center — has seen an increase in its membership as more students decide to live in sobriety at OU.
“We’ve had an exponential growth this year, just a few weeks into the semester, and we’ve already had a handful of new members that are regularly attending our meetings,” Alaina Humphreys, Grizz Recovery student ambassador, said. “As the stigma is decreasing, the awareness is increasing, and the word is getting around campus, we’re seeing these students flood in, a few, every single week so far.”
On Oct. 11, multiple stations with resources and fabric paint made for a trail on campus where students and community members could learn about the resources to help with recovery. Student organizations, campus offices and community partners were stationed at each stop of the color walk.
“The idea here is to have a place on campus that can kind of be the safe place for students to congregate, hang out, have events like this,” David Schwartz, director of the OU Counseling Center, said. “We can do alternative Spring Break
mocktails, you know, sober events, so that they can still have the college experience, have fun and also have the support of the community, of each other.”
With more students attending their events, Sarah Super, coordinator of Grizz Recovery, explained that the attitude towards sobriety has improved with the years.
“I remember in my first AA meeting I was like, ‘what if I know somebody?’” Super said. “ I think people are more proud of it now. I don’t see a lot of new students saying, ‘I’ll join, but I don’t want anyone to know,’ because we are a community of like minded people, who have come together and we’re loud and proud about it.”
Schwartz highlighted the importance of allyship not only at the event but also for students starting recovery. Instead of treating addiction as a character flaw or moral failing, we should understand it as a medical issue, he explained. The results are more resources and efforts in supporting recovery, rather than making it a punitive moment.
“I recently learned about the angel program that Michigan State Police is doing where somebody who is desiring recovery — or they’re using drugs and they want to stop — can take their drugs into a Michigan State Police officer’s office and they can turn over their drugs with no penalty,” Humphreys said. “Also, they will be set up with some resources to get them into treatment.”
Following a period of professionalization, Grizz Recovery has been preparing to grow alongside other university recovery programs and with the local community.
“We’re registered with the Association of Recovery and Higher Education,” Humphreys said. “Maybe in the future we have a summit where we can bring these schools together. Big schools like University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western all have collegiate recovery programs. I’d love to get us all in the same place to discuss how we can make change at a state level.”
If you or anyone you know is ready to enter recovery and try sobriety, you can reach out to Grizz Recovery at grizzrecovery@gmail.com.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
The inside scoop: WXOU Harvest Fest
MARIA MAGNOLI
Arts Reporter
On Friday, Oct. 9, Oakland University’s student-run radio station, WXOU, held its annual Harvest Fest at Elliott Tower.
Thanks to the Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB), the Student Program Board (SPB), OU Eats, OU Recreation and Well-Being, OU Student Congress (OUSC), StudiOU and The Oakland Post, students were able to step away from the books for a few hours.
The on-campus fall festival was organized for the first time last year as a way to bring OU students, faculty and alumni together. Attendees were welcomed with live music played by WXOU staff and guest performers, setting the tone for an entertaining evening.
Fall foods like donuts, cider, baked goods and corn were available in addition to hot dogs and hot sauce. Vendors included OU students, as well as small businesses who wanted to share their art with the community.
Alvin Toma, founder of Hacker Hot Sauce, started his business two years ago. He and his team are now in their fifth year of operation.
“I saw this event on Instagram and my friend had also sent it to me. Ever since I was little, I always carried a small Tabasco bottle with me; I’d take it to birthday parties, communions, weddings, cousins houses and I’d pull it out from my jacket. Right before COVID I started making hot sauce as a joke and it kinda took off from there,” Toma said.
Sisters Nashrah and Zoya Mistry, both OU students, showcased a delicious display of homemade desserts.
“We started our business back home in India when we started to learn how to bake … We ended up going to baking school over there, and then when we moved here, we thought of pursuing this as a side career for a bit of cash. We started off with cheesecake cups, but this is now the first time we’ve made brownies, fall special
chai latte cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes and all new things,” Mistry said.
A table that many students flocked to was run by Yoshino Watanabe and her mother. The two women offered crochet animals, blankets, hats and even card readings. Several students spoke highly of the readings particularly.
“I saw so many people enjoying themselves and the people around them. One thing that caught the eye of my friends and I was the tarot readings; we were amazed at how scarily accurate she was! The event’s ability to bring people together in a harmonious manner was so special,” Laronte Woodward-Brooks said.
Nearby vendors had vintage clothing, handmade jewelry and ceramics, hoping to share their creations with attendees.
Mila Yurenka, a jewelry designer who also happens to be an OU freshman, expressed her interest in the annual affair.
“I wanted to be a part of Harvest Fest to be connected to the community as a new student while sharing my art. I think because art is less appreciated these days, we need to share it to express ourselves,” Yurenka said.
Danielle Rancilio, founder of The Crone
Ceramics, offered a craft which had been part of her entire life. Small bowls, ghosts and even mugs were for sale.
“I have been doing ceramics since I was little. When my kids got older, I decided to turn it into a business. I love our art community here in Rochester; we have so many amazing creative people, and I think it’s great to support each other at fun events like this. Art brings people together for something positive … and we need way more of that right now,” Rancilio said.
As the sun went down and attendance grew, guests pet therapy dogs, had their faces painted, carved pumpkins, participated in potato sack races and in corn hole tournaments.
OU alum, May Chang, returned to campus as she does quite frequently — appreciative for a community she called home for over four years.
“OU is close to home. I found a marketing internship at Mopec right now and I’m working toward securing a full-time position. During those times when I want to relax, OU is always a nice choice and with Harvest Fest going on, I thought to come and visit,” Chang said.
Maya Kirksey, General Manager of WXOU, was overwhelmed with gratitude for an event well done. The celebration of fall is the highlight of the semester for many students at OU.
“I am so happy with the turnout, with all of the vendors showing up and all of the SAFAC orgs coming together to put on this fantastic event. It was super fun, a great outcome, lots of yummy cider and donuts and General Dogs came all the way from Home Depot to give us free hot dogs. Overall, I’m super pleased, and I hope next year will have bigger and better things,” Kirksey said.
PHOTOS BY EVELYN APAHIDEAN
Banned book fair: a fight against censorship
MARYAM SOMO Campus Reporter
Oct. 5 to Oct. 11 marked the annual Banned Book Week — an event put on by the American Library Association (ALA). Oakland University participated in highlighting and promoting the freedom to read with a banned book fair on Oct. 7 at Kresge Library. The fair showcased challenged or banned books for students, faculty and the community to explore. The event was co-hosted by Kresge Library and the Educational Resources Lab, with participation by the Writing Center.
The book fair was set up for participants to interact with the books set out. There were novels varying from reading levels to genres. Along with each book station were interactive flip warning cards that displayed why the books were challenged or banned. Bookmarks stating “Read banned books” were set out for people to pick up, along with stickers and attendees were even able to pick up and check out a volume from the library.
“We took a look at the two main booklets that the American Library Association and PEN America put out to pick which books to display today,” Melissa Kempski, director of the Educational Resources Lab, said. “We were able to pick the majority of the books from the information put out by them and we have about just over 100 books here.”
Banned Book Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores and schools. This
annual celebration of the freedom to read is put on by the Banned Books Week Coalition, which aims to inspire communities and individuals to continue the long-lasting struggle against harmful reading restrictions. Although books have long been subject to challenges, as shown by the existence of Banned Books Week, the number of banned books has also surged in recent years.
“The country is more divided than it has been, more openly divided,” Beth Wallis, professor and associate dean of Kresge Library, said. “There’s definitely a climate of distrust among people who disagree at a political level, and I think that seeps
down into personal distress in an unhealthy way.”
Books that are targeted usually have topics or themes related to race, racism and LGBTQ+ experiences. Censorship efforts target these themes across a range of genres, including fiction, history, biography, memoir and even picture books. Many of those books challenged or banned years ago are also widely popular, often considered classics or best sellers now.
“I’ve read most of John Green’s books, which are part of the banned list and those are the really shocking ones to see,” senior Sara Nickel said. “Also, classical books like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ or any of those books, I think, are shocking to see banned; they hold such valuable meaning and teachings for youth, and they need to see those valuable teachings when young, so they understand it.”
Book bans make it more difficult for students to access certain works, either by removing them from the library or from the curriculum. The act of banning books diminishes the quality of education students have access to and restricts their exposure to important perspectives.
“Books are powerful and the reason they want to ban them is because of the power within them,” Nickel said. “It’s really tragic because even if you don’t like a book or agree with the contents, someone out there will agree with the contents of the book and they should be able to access it regardless of what other people think.”
Student body opposes a proposed 73% reeducation in mensural product dispensers
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
As Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC) begins talks of institutionalizing the menstrual product dispenser initiative, the university’s administration proposes taking over the entire costs and upkeep if they reduce the number of dispensers to one per building. A resolution and counter proposal are on the works to reach an agreement by next semester.
Of the current 91 dispensers with free tampons and pads for students across campus,17 would remain per the proposal posed by the administration on Oct 1. While no decision will be made until the student body meets with the university administration, the initial reaction at OUSC was of total opposition.
“It’s a big concerning thing for both the campus and Student Congress as a whole, because it can basically gut the entire program,” Clover DeVore, OUSC speaker of the legislature, said. “We need at least two per building. So we need at least one in a woman’s bathroom and one in a gender neutral bathroom to provide for both groups of students on campus. I would like to see that expanded more.”
As one of OUSC’s most popular initiatives, the menstrual products dispenser initiative was conceived in 2017 and consolidated by 2023 after many challenges. After overcoming difficulties with housing and legalities years prior, now the main concerns for OUSC are accessibility, inclusion and staffing. The university shares the concern for staffing and ads budgeting considerations.
“When we relied solely on our legislative staff to do it, we have to factor that these people have classes, they have jobs, they have lives, they have other things to do, and don’t have
time to dedicate their entire self to this one thing,” Student Body President, Marcus Johnson said.
For the past three years, OUSC has tried to institutionalize the program — make it an annual budget item for the university with methods for expansion and continuance. This push for institutionalization comes from the student body which drafted a statement against the disparagement of the initiative with over 120 signatures.
“So 10 organizations used all of their special initiative budget for these machines, which totaled to $15,000 and if we sell these machines, SAFB can’t give them that money back,” Hallie Ludgwig, Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB) chairperson said. “The menstrual product dispensers that SAFB bought were bought by
students. Students wanted these on campus and my entire [SAFB] board does not agree with the proposal, there was a unanimous vote against it.”
Funding the menstrual products takes $4,000 at most per semester, DeVore explained, something achievable for OUSC which goes $40,000 under budget per semester. Similarly, 48 students pledged to fill the dispensers weekly, a task currently on the shoulders of 10 students to limited success. Thus started the conversations at legislative meetings to come up with a counter proposal.
“I’m going to revitalize what we used to have here in Student Congress called the Presidential Task Force,” Johnson said. “So that way I can get a sample consensus of where folks are feeling about it, and so that communication can be spread out quicker.”
With a bill to amend the menstrual product initiative awaiting approval at the next OUSC meeting, the counterproposal is also to be presented to Stephen Mackey, vice president in the following weeks.
On Oct. 10, the OUSC legislature met to work on the proposals. It was agreed that the university could maintain and refill dispensers at specific buildings with the possibility of taking on more buildings in the future. Staffing the initiative will remain within OUSC during a trial period to delineate how many people are needed. A record keeping system for tentative volunteers or sensitive patterns was also prepared to present in the following weeks.
“Because of how many administrations have been working to get to a point where the university is willing to discuss it, I don’t think we should summarily just shoot down anything they propose without offering anything to counter,” Johnson said.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Spotify faces leadership shift and controversy over AI and artist boycotts
MADISON SHORT
Features Reporter
Spotify is facing multiple controversies, including issues surrounding artificial intelligence–generated content and artists geoblocking their music in the State of Israel, as CEO Daniel Ek announced plans to step down and assume the role of executive chairman.
Ek, who co-founded the Swedish company in 2006, has led Spotify since its early days as a startup that helped revolutionize how the world consumes music. His shift marks one of the company’s most significant leadership transitions since going public in 2018.
While some students were unaware of the recent leadership change, several shared their opinions on the ongoing disputes.
Despite Ek’s claim that AI integration on Spotify would help users find music more easily and promote creative collaboration, the company has faced criticism for failing to label AIgenerated content.
In recent months, thousands of AI-created tracks have flooded the platform, some uploaded by independent users through third-party distributors. Many of these songs mimic popular artists’ voices or styles without disclosure, sparking backlash from both listeners and the recording industry.
Spotify has reportedly removed large batches of AI-generated uploads, but critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent and that clearer
labeling standards are needed.
“I think that any form of generative AI, especially when it is used to replace actual art, is bad,” Roman Contesti, graphic designer for WXOU, said. He noted that several bands have removed their music from Spotify and switched to other streaming platforms as a result of AI proliferation.
AI-generated artists, Contesti said, impede the personal connection listeners form with music.
“I want to be listening to something that was made with intent,” River Dyke, WXOU program director, said. “The greatest songs I’ve ever listened to were written with these intense emotions and feelings and thoughts and experiences put into them. Something that a computer is generating based on a statistical text model is not something I want to be listening to.”
Michaiah Williams, secretary of Student Video Productions, shared a similar view, saying AI artists interfere with “the people that actually put their artistry into their music.”
In response to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Israel, some Spotify artists have chosen to geoblock their music in Israel as a form of protest. The movement, known as “No Music for Genocide,” aims to express solidarity with Palestinians by restricting access to their work in Israel through Spotify’s streaming service.
The online campaign began in late 2023 as tensions escalated in the region and quickly spread across streaming services, encouraging musicians to use their platforms as tools for political expression. Contesti maintains a positive opinion on artists
taking part in the boycott.
“I think that it is important. I strongly agree with it,” he said.
Dyke said he understands the artists’ perspective but remains uncertain about the impact.
“I get where they’re coming from,” he said, “but I’m not sure how much of a difference it will actually make.”
Maya Hall, a member of Student Video Productions, offered a contrasting view. “We neglect the people in Israel – the ones who are innocent citizens,” she said, questioning what artists are “truly doing” by blocking their music.
Williams added that artists should reflect on their motives.
“It’s important that artists distinguish whether they’re joining the boycott because of their own beliefs or because they want to appear a certain way to their audience,” she said.
The debate reflects a broader question about the intersection of music, politics and ethics –whether streaming platforms should remain neutral distributors or allow artists to make political statements through these access restrictions.
Spotify has not released an official statement linking Ek’s transition to the controversies, though analysts note that public scrutiny over AI ethics and political activism on the platform has intensified in past years.
Lance Markowitz leads the charge for competitive roundnet’s growth on campus
CAEL TANNER
Features Editor
The sound of the rubber ball snapped off the net and echoed through the gym – blur of motion, a serve too fast to track. OU senior Lance Markowitz stood stunned at a Livonia pickup game, realizing he’d just been schooled by one of the top five roundnet players in the world. It was only his second time playing, but that humbling afternoon three years ago sparked an intense passion for the sport.
That passion has since earned Markowitz premier division status, a title reserved for the top 1% of competitive roundnet players worldwide. He is the second OU player ever to earn premier status, and the only current student to hold it.
Roundnet, known casually as Spikeball, is a fastpaced game involving four players hitting a small rubber ball onto a trampoline-like net. For many, it’s a fun, casual pastime. For Markowitz, it’s a discipline demanding sharp focus and wide knowledge of strategy.
“Once I was introduced to how good people could get, it made me a little hungry,” he said.
That hunger led to long hours of practice, countrywide tournament travel and a growing leadership role in the sport’s local promotion. As treasurer, organizer and de facto head of the OU Roundnet Club, Markowitz manages nearly every aspect of the sport’s presence on campus – from hosting pickup games, rallies and tournaments to securing equipment and operating the club’s Instagram.
Markowitz seeks to improve the marketability of the sport, even hoping one day to bring it to the Olympics.
“I love growing the sport, and college campuses are a great way to fuel that growth,” he said. “I really want to build up a team again so we can start by competing against other schools.”
Since taking over in June, he has secured sponsorships, purchased new equipment, and worked with the Recreation Center and the Athletic Dome, as well as external facilities, to improve club meet timeslots and availability. He’s even in talks with vendors to design custom jerseys and shorts for future competitive play.
“I’ve spent so many hours trying to build the club into what I know it can be,” he said. “Most of my efforts have been focused on recruiting, which I didn’t anticipate being a challenge.”
Markowitz explained that while a formal, tournamentready roundnet team only needs six players, he would like to have several OU teams, each ready to compete.
“At the level that we will be playing at, we can bring two or three teams, and I think it’s better for the longevity of the club if we have people that go to tournaments,” he said.
Markowitz finds the promotional challenge lies in public perception. He contrasts roundnet’s limited competitive recognition with that of more established sports he participates in on campus, such as the OU hockey team.
“I think a lot of people just look at it as kind of a backyard game, one that you don’t really get better at,” he said. “But what I’ve realized is that it’s just so much more fun once you get good at it, so I’ve really been trying to establish that culture at OU.”
Markowitz’s efforts over recent months are already making an impact. Since he took over, four OU players have competed in external tournaments.
“Once people go to tournaments, they say, ‘Oh, dang, this is so sick, I want to do more,’” he said. “It’s made a huge difference in how much they care.”
His own highlight came this August in Boston, where he and a teammate from Chicago took first place in the contender division – the performance that elevated him to premier status.
“It was my last chance to make premier for the season,” he said. “That was definitely the highlight.”
Despite his interests in other sports, roundnet has become the sport he hopes to carry beyond college.
“This is my last year playing competitive hockey,” he said. “The fact that I can still compete at the highest level of another sport after my hockey career is over –that’s very, very appealing.”
Between classes, hockey games, and roundnet contributions, Markowitz still remains driven by the sport’s potential.
“It’s fun to goof around,” he said, “but it’s also really fun to work a little more at it and get creative with the way in which you play the game.”
The club welcomes both new and experienced players and hosts weekly pickup games across campus. Meet times, locations, and more information can be found on its Instagram page.
PHOTOS BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
OU alum shares lessons on building a brand from the ground up
ADDISON KOCH & MADISON SHORT
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Oakland University students were invited to hear Michael Sana, an OU marketing alum, speak about his Detroit-based clothing brand, Sana.
What began as a project born out of curiosity for photography, design and web building grew into a brand redefining Detroit streetwear. Throughout his talk, Sana discussed the challenges of building a brand and outlined key steps to creating a successful one from the ground up.
Sana said his focus from day one was building a brand identity. He described spending five years perfecting his first tracksuit, noting that the process taught him to balance creativity with practicality.
“Don’t let perfectionism stop you from releasing your ideas,” he advised. “If you obsess over the details, make sure it’s because you care about the brand – not because you’re scared to start.”
He added that a brand is more than just a logo –it’s an identity.
Throughout the talk, Sana emphasized the importance of discovering your “why.” Why did you start the brand, and how do you plan to engage your audience? He explained that understanding your purpose helps shape your brand’s direction and build stronger connections with consumers.
“Find a community that needs to be targeted,” he said.
Instead of approaching streetwear broadly, Sana focused specifically on Detroit streetwear to create
something authentic and lasting.
“If I had gone too broad too early, I would’ve killed the brand,” he said.
Sana said a brand isn’t just about one product but about the entire experience. He recalled visiting an Off-White store and being struck not only by the designs but also by the atmosphere.
“It taught me that a brand lives in all five senses,” he said.
Because of that experience, Sana works to establish a distinct smell, sound, touch, sight and taste within his own brand to create a memorable impression among consumers.
“The number one idea is to sell the experience, not the thought,” he explained. “I want people to walk in and feel something – the smell, the music, the vibe – it should all say ‘Sana.’”
“You need to obsess over your brand,” Sana said. “There are no shortcuts when building your brand. If you’re not obsessive over the minor details, then who else is going to be?”
However, Sana also acknowledged that striving for perfection can hold creators back.
“Being perfect is literally brand suicide and creative suicide for anybody,” he said.
He also spoke candidly about his evolution as a creator and the importance of authenticity in branding.
“People don’t follow brands; they follow stories,” he said, explaining that audiences are drawn to genuine people they can relate to. In the beginning stages of his brand, he believed everything needed to look “cool” and “designer,” but that image didn’t feel true to who he was.
“I hated it,” Sana said.
Over time, he embraced his humor and personality, allowing those traits to shine through his work.
“I realized people connect more when you’re genuine. It’s okay to show humor, mistakes and real life,” he said. “People don’t just buy the hoodie –they buy the story behind it. That’s why you have to show who you are.”
Sana said there were moments when he thought he wouldn’t be able to continue the brand, but those challenges ultimately pushed him forward.
“It only takes one person wearing something, one person finding something, one person saying something for your brand to take off,” he said. “I don’t think it’s ever going to be perfect, and I also don’t think it’s perfect now. But I love to do what I do.”
PHOTO BY ADDISON KOCH
There are a few images burned into my brain quite like this one: a TikTok video showing a stream of urine, panning up to Elliott Tower in the background.
Oakland University, like most college campuses across the U.S., has a long history of tomfoolery on campus. This September is no exception, with the emergence of the OU Pisser on TikTok.
With over 800 followers, almost 10,000 likes and a video surpassing 94,000 views, the OU Pisser has managed to enter the explore page of many OU students.
On campus, this TikTok account has become a hot topic. Who is the OU Pisser? Are they actually peeing, or is it a water bottle? What made them do it?
The Oakland Post set out to find some answers.
Although the OU Pisser did not respond to The Oakland Post’s request for comment, a close friend of the OU Pisser agreed to an interview. Per their request, The Oakland Post has granted anonymity to the source.
“He’s a friend. I met him over the summer, and then I think we were at something, and he was like, ‘Do you want to know something funny?’ I was like, ‘What?’ He’s like, ‘I’m the Oakland pisser,’” the OU student said.
“And then I was like ‘Wait, I need proof,’ and he showed me his phone and the TikTok.”
The humor of the situation soon set in.
“It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” the student said. “I’m not gonna snitch on him for it.”
To pee or not the OU pisser and public
Editor’s Note: The Oakland Post does not endorse indecent
The friend explained that although this specific social media account may seem outrageous, it’s not unique to OU. Similar viral trends have emerged across dozens of universities around the country.
“If you guys haven’t known, [it’s become] a really big trend on a lot of campuses. I have a friend at Penn State – there’s five different people doing it … It’s really just like a sh*ts and giggles trend on social.”
The source compared it to other high school or college stunts, such as the “Devious Licks” challenge.
“I remember in high school – do you remember Devious Licks, and someone tried stealing a sink from one of the bathrooms? … I feel like it’s very much on those lines.”
The Oakland Post asked about the potential reasons behind the creation of this account.
“He genuinely just does it because he thinks it’s funny. Low key, it is pretty funny.”
Still, the friend admits they have warned the OU Pisser about potential consequences.
“But I told him, I was like, ‘If you get caught, you do know that’s like indecent exposure, and you can get on the sex offenders list.’ Even though I think peeing in public is not something you can get put on the sex offenders list for.”
Technically, public urination is a criminal offense, and it often falls
not to pee: public urination on campus
indecent exposure or disorderly conduct on campus.
under laws regarding indecent exposure or disorderly conduct. A first-time offender will not have to register as a sex offender, unless under severe circumstances. However, the law leaves room for interpretation.
OU addresses public urination in its core standards and behavioral expectations section in the student code of conduct. Public urination is considered a violation under public exposure policies.
“Public Exposure: Includes without limitation deliberately and publicly exposing one’s intimate body parts, public urination, defecation and public sex acts,” the code reads.
If caught violating this behavioral expectation, students are subject to OU policies and applicable local laws.
“Students and student organizations who attempt to violate, conspire to violate and/or violate any of these standards, any OU Policies and/or any Applicable Law are subject to sanctions as described in this SCC,” the code explains.
Despite the policies, a debate has spread across campus: Is the OU Pisser actually, well, peeing?
“A few of them, yes, 100% he’s actually peeing,” the friend said. Still, the source admitted that not every video may involve real urine.
“I do think there have been occurrences in such a spot where it is a water bottle, but I’m not for sure that it’s not all him peeing. I know he has actually gone pee, though.”
When asked what inspired the student to post videos like this, the friend responded quickly.
“Clout chasing,” the student said. “Especially within that friend group that he’s in, I’m like, ‘yeah, this tracks.’”
His intentions are not necessarily malicious – instead, it was explained that it is more of an inside joke within a friend group.
“I think it’s just a funny joke between him and his friends, mainly, to see how crazy can this get.”
When asked if there were any hints about his identity, the friend said:
“It’s not someone I think a lot of people would expect it to be, unless you knew them. If you knew who it is, you’d be like, ‘No, that tracks so hard.’ [But if] you just heard about him, you’d be like, ‘No, like that feels so weird he would do that.’”
When asked if there are student organizations he is involved in that would offer a clue, the source couldn’t share.
“That would give it away. Especially like, if I named the specific org, it would give it away.”
So, the OU Pisser remains anonymous – but his story certainly does not.
A strange, bawdy campus legend is in the making. One thing is for sure: a lot of people on campus are talking about him.
story
Mallory
by
Waligora graphic by August Wicker & Ava Guest photos by Matthew Vigelius and courtesy of @oupisser4 on TikTok
Golden recommendations: YouTubers to watch this fall
SARAH WASIELEWSKI AND MARIA MAGNOLI
There is nothing quite like an autumn walk followed by a good watch from under the covers. For a brief pause, watching a YouTube video makes for a nice brain break. Finding a channel that aligns with personal interests and maps out fun activities for the season provides a much-needed de-escalation of stress. Having said that, here are some YouTubers to keep an eye out for.
Trout and Coffee
Trout and Coffee is the kind of YouTube channel that feels like a deep breath of fresh autumn air. Created by filmmaker Huck, the channel follows him as he drives his vintage cars through New England’s scenic roads. Each video is calm and cinematic, filled with the gentle beauty of everyday life. Huck’s storytelling and eye for detail turn simple moments into something poetic, especially during the fall months when the trees are painted in shades of red and orange. More than just a vlog, Trout and Coffee invites viewers to slow down, appreciate nature and find comfort in quiet moments.
Hannah Adkins
For those seeking to embrace the transition into fall, look no further than Hannah Adkins. An English YouTuber born and raised in the Cotswolds, her vlogs narrated by her calming voice include baking, book recommendations and other activities for the fall fanatics. Her beautiful bordeaux manicure, oversized sweaters and cozy pajama sets give
viewers something to look forward to this season. Documenting her autumn walks in the countryside, she shows the beauty of a fall afternoon — visions of multi-colored leaves, hidden trails, her Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix “Roo” by her side and the
crisp air, before settling in at a cafe by the fire. As the semester gets busier, watching one of Adkins’ vlogs is sure to help the stressed student unwind.
Via Li
At just twenty-four years old, Via Li shares her everyday life in New York City through heartfelt and stylish vlogs. Her earlier videos, filmed when she lived in Boston, capture the cozy charm of fall with warm colors and beautiful city views. Since moving to New York, her channel has focused more on the challenges of starting over in a new place, making new friends and learning to enjoy time alone. With her mix of outfit inspiration, makeup tutorials and big sister style advice, Via creates a comforting and relatable space for viewers. From visits to cute cafes to grocery runs and quiet evenings spent cleaning her apartment, she shows that even the most ordinary days can be special.
Darling Desi
Darling Desi is the ultimate guide to making this fall an entertaining one. She provides an “Enchanted List” in her video titled “Autumn Starter Pack”, featuring unique ideas like a haunted library crawl, having dinner on a candlelit porch and even hosting a storytelling soiree. As she explains every detail, she peacefully sits on a blanket out in nature, surrounded by the landscape of fall. Her video filming style and ideas are far from cliché, making each day all the more interesting. With her bright red hair, vintage fashion and artistic delivery, she is a supreme autumn connoisseur for those who enjoy a bit of individuality.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TROUT AND COFFEE.
A world of bitterness and beauty: László Krasznahorkai wins the Nobel Prize
SARAH WASIELEWSKI
Arts Reporter
The Nobel Prize winners for 2025 are announced between Oct. 6 through Oct. 13, with each day dedicated to a different category. On Oct. 9 the Nobel Prize for literature was announced at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, awarded to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai. The author joins a distinguished list of literary greats such as Ernest Hemingway and Toni Morrison.
Born in Gyula, Hungary, in 1954, Krasznahorkai showed an early interest in language and literature. In college, he initially studied law before switching to Hungarian language and literature. Two years after receiving his degree, he published his debut novel “Sátántangó.” The book was an immediate success, and the film adaptation became famous for its seven-hour running time.
After the fall of the Eastern Bloc, Krasznahorkai traveled extensively and his work is heavily influenced by his time spent abroad. Despite these travels and a brief stint in Berlin, Krasnahorkai now lives reclusively, splitting his time between Hungary, Germany and Vienna. At 71, his body of work is extensive, including numerous novels, short stories and essays, earning him a reputation as one of Europe’s most original and challenging authors.
“I’m very happy and very proud,” Krasznahorkai said in an interview with the Nobel Prize committee, expressing both joy and melancholy, later adding much of his work is inspired by bitterness. “I am very
sad when I think of the status of the world now.”
Krasznahorkai’s writing continues the tradition of great central and eastern European authors such as Franz Kafka. His novels are known for their long winding sentences and themes of isolation, despair and the absurd. His early experiences growing up in communist Hungary features strongly in his work, and “Sátántangó” predicted the fall of the communist regime just a few years before it
occurred.
While Krasnahorkai’s work is widely celebrated, the Nobel Prizes are not without their share of controversy. Established by Swedish inventor, Alfred Nobel, to honor achievements in science, literature and peace, the prizes have long been criticized for their biases and omissions. Notably, there is no Nobel Prize for mathematics.
The majority of Nobel Prize recipients have been European, with a disproportionate amount of them from Sweden. In 2016, the decision to award singer-songwriter Bob Dylan the Nobel Literature Prize received sparked intense debate about what is considered literature. Many critics argued that the award should have gone to a traditional author or poet. Beyond literature, the Nobel Prizes reflect political tension and differing views of merit. Former U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the prize for peace, just nine months into his first term as president. More recently President Donald Trump claims he deserves the same honor, saying he should have received the Nobel Peace Prize four or five times already.
The controversies put into perspective how the Nobel Prize’s true intent has evolved over the years. Alfred Nobel aimed to reward those who “conferred the greatest benefit to mankind.” While some argue that the awards have strayed from that vision, for Krasznarhorkai the award is recognition of decades of work that has influenced readers around the world. His stories, filled with introspection, remind of literature’s power to reflect the human condition.
“Lovesick” over The Happy Fits new album
MARISSA GETSCHMAN Arts Editor
Indie-rock band, The Happy Fits, have released their 4th album titled “Lovesick” featuring two new faces, the loss of one and the same unique style that fans have fallen in love with over the years.
On Jan. 24, 2024, The Happy Fits officially announced that two incredibly skilled women, Nico Rose and Raina Mullen, would be joining their ranks. Many fans were thrilled after already getting a taste of the new sound brought in when the two filled in for founding members Luke Davis and Ross Monteith, performing alongside front-runner Calvin Langman in the Fall 2023 tour for “Under the Shade of Green.”
“Lovesick” as a whole beautifully illustrates both the soaring highs and painful lows of falling in love with someone that simply isn’t right for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s falling for a friend or still feeling love for an ex.
The band chose to release one song at a time for the last few months leading up to the full album release, starting with “Everything You Do” on May 1. The first release is happy go lucky and filled with the hope that maybe the love will be reciprocated.
The lyrics “there’s no stopping this disaster. Save me, won’t you say you love me too?” show lovesickness in the feeling of helplessness that accompanies a crush.
The song was a brilliant first taste of the album, featuring a similar vibe to previous releases while
also giving a glimpse of what to expect —most noteworthily, solo vocals from Mullen.
“Cruel Power” was released next on June 5. The song is much angstier in feel, drawing up the feeling of being led on. The release was accompanied by a spectacular music video featuring dancer Lucy Vallely alongside the entire band in one continuous take.
Following on July 17 came “Wild in Love” with lyrics that stir up another scary emotion in love, the feeling of losing control. The words are spastic, never seeming to settle on a desired outcome until the final lapse of “don’t you know I want to be with you?”
Fans were ecstatic to discover that the song featured lead vocals from Davis, a rare occurrence as the drummer typically only sings backup.
Next came “Do You See Me?” on August 14, the first slow song of the album. The beginning of the
song sounds muted, almost blurry before coming in clearer. Feelings tend to creep in slowly at first and then all at once and “Do You See Me?” brews the exact feeling.
The song also features a prolonged instrumental line at the end of the song that brings in full orchestra before fading to a soft, legato strings section. The feeling is warm — one might even say rose-tinted. This song invokes the happiness of falling in love.
The final song released before the full album was “Black Hole” on Sept. 4. The song is angrily poetic, crying out to a partner who seems to think only of themself.
“Coming to terms with the idea that love is inherently selfish has allowed me to understand and engage in my relationships in a more intentional and honest way,” Langman said in an Instagram post. The message is woven throughout the album, and it isn’t as pessimistic as it sounds.
“It’s allowed me to not just accept all the desperation and hopelessness of falling for someone, but embrace the misery or unrequited love and wallow in the limerence. Sure, I can’t be with you, but at least I can enjoy all these indescribable things you make me feel that make me feel alive” Langman continued.
“Lovesick” is about being human and feeling all the emotions that come with falling in love, the good and the bad. The full album dropped Sept. 19 and has since amassed over 5 million well-deserved streams.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ECONOMIST.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAPPY FITS.
The controversies of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’
MARYAM SOMO Campus Reporter
On Aug. 13, Taylor Swift made her first appearance on the podcast “New Heights,” hosted by her fiancé, Travis Kelce. On the podcast, Swift revealed her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Released on Oct. 3, multiple controversies followed its debut, making for a difficult promotional week for Swift.
The album was a major commercial success in its first week, breaking sales records with 3.5 million sales. The success was driven by high physical sales, including 2.7 million in the first 24 hours and strong streaming numbers. The accompanying film, “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” also added to its commercial performance unlike the public reaction.
Taylor Swift vs. Charli XCX
Swift and Charli XCX have a long history. In 2015, Charli joined Swift on stage during the “1989 World Tour,” and in 2018, she served as an opening act on the “Reputation Stadium Tour.” However, after Charli released her acclaimed summer album “Brat” in 2024, fans began to speculate about a feud between the two artists, sparked by the song “Sympathy Is a Knife.”
The song explores Charli’s feelings of insecurity toward a woman in her boyfriend’s circle. Fans connected the lyrics to Swift, who previously dated Matty Healy, the bandmate of Charli’s husband, George Daniel, from The 1975.
“I’m seeing online that some people think there are diss tracks on Brat and I just wanted to come on here and clarify that there aren’t,” Charli said on TikTok. “But the other tracks in question aren’t diss tracks. They’re really just about how it’s so complicated being an artist, especially a female artist, where you are pitted against your peers, but also expected to be best friends with every single person constantly.”
The seventh track on “The Life of a Showgirl,” “Actually Romantic,” resurfaced speculation about the rumored feud. The song is widely seen as a pointed critique of Charli, especially with some of the lyrics appearing to reference Charli’s work and public persona in a negative light.
Swift’s song follows a storyline in which she describes a woman so fixated on her that it feels almost like an obsession or even infatuation. In an Amazon Music Introduction for “Actually Romantic” Swift describes it as: “a song about realizing that someone else has kind of had a one-sided, adversarial relationship with you that you didn’t know about and all of a sudden they start doing too much and they start letting you know that actually, you’ve been living in their head rent-free and you had no idea.”
Neither of them has officially confirmed or addressed the feud. On the other hand, fans of both artists have made it clear whose side they’re on by sharing their opinions on social media. Casual listeners following the drama believe Charli’s song addresses the insecurities women face rather than serving as a nasty diss, while Swift’s track is seen by many as a poorly written retaliation aimed at a diss track some say never existed.
Cancel culture
Another song on the album that garnered a lot of attention was the tenth track on the album, “CANCELLED!”
With this song, Swift reflects on her experience with cancel culture while celebrating the friendships that have endured public scrutiny. She emphasizes her ability to face scandal and controversy head-on, ultimately emerging stronger.
Drawing connections between the lyrics and Swift’s personal life, many believe the song may reference
Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a recent addition to Swift’s inner circle, as well as longtime friend Blake Lively. Brittany Mahomes got backlash for her political views, which don’t exactly line up with the ones Swift has publicly supported. Meanwhile, Blake Lively was caught up in a defamation lawsuit that somehow pulled Swift into the mix, putting even more attention on their friendship.
Many fans felt the song was tone-deaf, especially given the current political climate. There’s been disappointment over the fact that, after a long period of silence on major social and political matters, this is how Swift chose to respond to criticism, by focusing on her personal experiences and defending those close to her.
AI used for promotion
Fans took to social media to call out Swift for her alleged use of generative AI on promo videos. On TikTok and X, some Swift fans started using the hashtag #SwiftiesAgainstAI to show their disappointment and concerns.
Swift had addressed AI-generated images and videos during her endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 with an Instagram post where she stated, “recently, I was made aware that an AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation.”
Despite her previous cautions about AI, many fans were taken aback when Swift used AI-generated art to promote her album. Known for advocating for artists’ rights, especially regarding creative ownership, her decision surprised and disappointed many.
The promotional videos were later taken off all platforms without the issue being addressed by Swift or her team.
Every new Taylor Swift album gets its fair share of criticism, but this one is getting the most so far and the controversies around it aren’t helping either. Swift responded to all the backlash on the album in a Zane Lowe interview for Apple Music.
“I welcome the chaos,” Swift replied to Lowe in the interview. “The rule of show business is, if it’s the first
IMAGE COURTESY OF REPUBLIC RECORDS
María Corina Machado awarded Nobel Peace Price
MATILDE RABAJOLI
Political Reporter
On Oct. 10, María Corina Machado was given the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in Venezuela.
The Nobel Peace Prize is a prize that has existed since the beginning of the 20th century. It revolves around the aspect of reducing conflict and creating welfare for citizens all around the world, or as Alfred Nobel himself put it, its recipient will be “who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotions of peace congresses.”
Many voices were spreading, as of late, around social media about who should receive this year’s prize. Many shouted their support for Greta Thunberg due to her support and activism with the Global Sumud Flotilla. Others voiced their opinions on whether or not President Donald Trump should be considered for his work with the Israel-Palestine conflicts and the latest on the peace agreements he was able to help organize.
On Oct. 10, María Corina Machado, however, was selected for her work in peacebuilding in Venezuela.
She is recognized as a conservative that was a previous member of the national assembly and who has been a “driving force” in the opposition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his repressive regime.
Machado herself had tried to run for presidency, but after she was stopped from doing so, she took to living in hiding after President Maduro found her as a source of opposition after his fraudulent election in 2024.
The official biography that the Nobel website gives Machado states her win and reasoning for it as a right, “Ms. Machado is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize first and foremost for her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela.”
“Democracy is also in retreat internationally. Democracy – understood as the right to freely express one’s opinion, to cast one’s vote and to be represented
in elective government – is the foundation of peace both within countries and between countries,” the website said.
CNN shared that President Trump and Machado have actually spoken over the phone in regard to her win. Both were very amicable to her winning the title and President Trump has been trying to aid her in various ways.
“The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today, called me and said, ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it,’” Trump said. “A very nice thing to do. I didn’t, I didn’t say, ‘Then give it to me,’ though I think she might have. She was very nice.”
He further added in regard to their conversation that, “I’ve been helping her along the way,” Trump added. “They need a lot of help in Venezuela; it’s a basic disaster. So, and you could also say it was given out for ‘24 and I was running for office in ‘24.”
The Nobel Peace Prize announcer and Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, stated that, “She is an extraordinary example of civilian courage.”
According to the Prize Announcement page, “Watne Frydnes also says he hopes the prize conveys a message for Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro and other authoritarian leaders, and he hopes that the prize will inspire people working for democracy all around the world.”
“We want to send a message to all authoritarian leaders: choose ballots, not bullets.”
Machando’s win proves that problem-solving through peaceful resolutions can be rewarding for oneself and their nation.
PHOTO COURTESY TO AP
Court of appeals blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois
SOPHIA CURRAN Political Editor
On Oct. 12, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit — located in Chicago, Illinois — ruled that the Trump Administration is legally allowed to keep National Guard members in the state. However, they are not permitted to be deployed, as for now.
“We think that we have the authority to provide proper safety to our citizens all over the United States, but particularly in Chicago,” Vice President J.D. Vance said while speaking on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Oct 12.
Chicago is just one of the many cities that are currently facing threats from the Trump administration regarding the further presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Since taking office earlier this year, President Donald Trump has vowed to, “prioritize the safety, security and financial and economic well-being of Americans,” thus by enacting the Immigration and Nationality ACT (INA).
INA allows ICE officers Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to delegate to state and local authorities as a way to arrest and remove those the enforcement identifies as “criminal aliens.”
Many state governments and mayors have detested the presence of ICE within their local premises.
On August 30, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed Executive Order 2025-6 set to establish the Protecting Chicago Initiative.
The goal of the executive order is to help ensure that every resident in Chicago has available resources to ensure their legal rights and safety within the city.
“Chicago will oppose efforts by the U.S. military, National Guard or federal immigration agents to police our communities in ways that violate our rights,” Johnson’s office said in a statement. “The Mayor has demanded that President Trump and his administration stand down from any attempt to send the military or National Guard into Chicago. The City will fight back through every legal and legislative tool available.”
On Oct. 6, Mayor Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an attempt to prevent them from sending in National Guard troops into the state and city. They argued that the decision violates Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
Active Duty (Title 10) calls for the deployment of National Guard members under commandment from the president. However, the National Guard can also be called in for active-duty service by the governor of a state through Full-Time National Guard Duty (Title 32) and State Active Duty (SAD).
While Mayor Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have insisted that there is no need to send in ICE or the National Guard, President Trump can legally gain the jurisdiction through the Supremacy Clause and the Insurrection Act.
The Supremacy Clause can be found under Article VI of the Constitution, stating that federal law is to be considered the “supreme Law of the Land.” As an original response to the problems conceived under the Articles of Confederation, it affirms to states that the federal government is the overall authority.
However, the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits federal troops from engaging in military force against civilians. The Posse Comitatus Act acts inversely with the Insurrection Act, with the Posse Comitatus Act resuming when there is no presumed threat of violence within a city or state.
If President Trump and his administration feel that the city of Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland or even Washington D.C. is under threat of a rebellion and the state government refuses to act on the threat, he could send in the National Guard via the Insurrection Act.
Federal Judge April Perry ruled that there is no current “danger of a rebellion” in the state of Illinois. The troops will be allowed to stay within the state but will not be deployed until further hearings
Mount Everest faces new problems as trekker population rises
MATILDE RABAJOLI
Political Reporter
It comes to no surprise that the world’s tallest mountain is unforgiving in its climate and routes. Experts on Mountain Everest note that the climb to the summit requires about four encampments (C2, C3 and C4) before the final Summit push, not including its base camp.
As of late, videos of the mountain becoming more and more overcrowded have surfaced on social media. Huge, compact, lines existing from the few dips on the mountain before the infamous summit. “In 2025, teams will have 100 members, 150 Sherpas, for 250 total climbers! Some with even more,” world mountaineer and Everest summiteer Alan Arnette said.
2019 was one of the worst with its overpopulation of the base camp and following C2, C3 and C4. Over-crowdedness is an issue when taking on such an impossible climb because of the consequences that follow. This includes fewer resources, spaces for encampments and higher risks for death when it comes to sicknesses and climbing accidents.
This year has shown many ambitious alpinists that wish to take on the peak that the Tibetans call the “Mother Goddess of the Earth.” But one of the many challenges that these climbers faced occurred in the beginning of the month of October.
Bad weather is renowned as one of the biggest environmental factors for anyone that climbs or engages with mountains of high elevations. Part of the reason as to why timing is so crucial when going for final summit
pushes is the so-called “windows” of good, or preferable, weather to climb in, to reach the highest altitude of the earth’s surface.
October of 2025, however, brought a horrible snowstorm to the mountain’s east side. About 1,000 trekkers had been trapped on the eastern side due to the blizzard that had hit the eastern front. Rescuers had been able to reach and direct about 350 people toward the town of Qudang and had made contact with the rest. All of the rescue efforts had been made by the local government.
The severe weather conditions that have been increasing death rates around Mount Everest are starting to become a genuine surprise to even the most seasoned Sherpas.
“The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly,” traveler Chen Geshuang said.
This blizzard has proved to be one of the many concerns for the Himalayans, as climate change is proving to be changing the Everstian landscape and routes have begun to change. BBC mentioned veteran guide Pasang Yanjee Sherpa, and how he discussed these changes post-Spring seasons of 2022. “They’re saying that every time they go back, the mountain looks different. So where there used to be ice last year, there’s water, where there used to be hard snow, now it’s soft snow.”
Not only are climate changes worsening the natural state of the tallest mountain on Earth, concerns about the unnatural mutations that are occurring are rising as well.
The first ever recorded summit expedition was on May 29, 1953. The first ever team to reach the top of the world was with New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and the team’s last surviving member is Kanchha Sherpa, who in 2024, voiced his concerns.
“It is very dirty now. People throw tins and wrappings after eating food. Who is going to pick them up now?” Kanchha said. “Some climbers just dump their trash in the crevasse, which would be hidden at that time, but eventually it will flow down to base camp as the snow melts and carries them downward.”
“It would be better for the mountain to reduce the number of climbers,” Kanchha said. “Right now, there is always a big crowd of people at the summit.”
Kancha expressed the importance of keeping the historic mountain clean, calling it a “god” and stating that hikers “should not be dirtying the gods.”
The Nepali government and Tibetans will now have to work to preserve the authenticity and cleanliness of the historic mountain range, for both the locals who worship it and the tourists who come to appreciate it.
PHOTO COURTESY TO THE NEW YORK TIMES
TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD SEEN IN ELWOOD, ILLINOIS, PHOTO COURTESY TO AP
A look at Oakland’s challenging non-conference schedule
MIKE OKORONKWO
Sports Reporter
Oakland University Men’s Basketball is set to embark on a non-conference slate that is as formidable as it is ambitious.
Featuring road contests against the likes of Houston, UCF, Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State, this schedule positions Oakland with one of the most challenging nonconference schedules in all of mid-major basketball.
It’s a path that places Oakland on the highest stage, and gives the team an opportunity to showcase how well it can compete with the best players in the country.
Such a schedule is set to test and build character and will give an exciting set of matchups for Oakland fans, especially given the significant roster turnover since the program’s 2024 March Madness run.
The challenge for the Golden Grizzlies is made clear by the sheer quality of its opponents. The schedule reads like a wish list for a high major program.
Nov. 3 at Michigan
The season starts up with a classic in-state rivalry that doubles as a trial by fire.
The Golden Grizzlies will face the Michigan Wolverines, another team heavily impacted by the chaotic transfer portal. The program is undergoing a strategic overhaul under new head coach Dusty May.
May, pretty fresh off a Final Four run at FAU, is known for an efficient, fast-paced offensive system and a strong emphasis on player development and intelligence.
For the Wolverines, the opening game would be a chance to make a statement as to the talent of the squad, and that they should be considered contenders for the national championship.
For the Golden Grizzlies, they will face a team that is superior in size and athleticism, most notably in the front court and on the wing. Oakland will have to battle against the likes of Trey McKenney, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr and Yaxel Lendeborg.
Given the likely chaotic atmosphere at the Chrysler Center, the Golden Grizzlies would likely need excellent execution on both ends — and a little luck — in order to come close to securing a win against the Wolverines.
They will be immediate underdogs, and they’ll need to block out the noise and feed off of the energy from the crowd and put it onto their focus of getting the job done.
Because Michigan is loaded with size and talent, Oakland will have to force them to take tough shots and force them into long possessions. The defense would have to be consistent throughout, as even a small lull could put Oakland down by double digit points in only a couple of minutes.
Offensively, Oakland would have to be consistent — even just a couple of turnovers could single-handedly cause the team to play catch up early on.
Nov. 7 at Purdue
Four days after the physical battle in Ann Arbor, the Grizzlies will face an even more grueling test at Mackey Arena against the Purdue Boilermakers.
This trip will require a massive mental and physical recovery, as Mackey is known for being one of the most hostile road environments in the country.
The central problem is not just the environment, but the inescapable size of the Purdue program.
Facing a team built around a potential NBA lottery pick like Daniel Jacobson in the post is a tactical nightmare. This game will immediately expose any deficiencies in Oakland’s rebounding and interior defense, as Purdue’s depth allows them to consistently punish smaller opponents.
For Oakland to have any chance at a colossal upset, the game must be won on the perimeter.
The Grizzlies must embrace a philosophy of highvolume, high-efficiency three-point shooting, turning the contest into a track meet to keep the ball out of the post.
Defensively, the scheme must be perfectly executed, demanding a collective effort to front the post and prevent the center from establishing a deep position.
Barring an upset, real success here will be about resilience; holding the Purdue star under his season average and avoiding a non-competitive final margin would be an incredible achievement that would serve as one of the most valuable non-conference losses, should the Grizzlies pursue an at-large bid later in the season.
Nov. 12 at Houston
Just five days after facing Purdue’s overwhelming interior size, the Golden Grizzlies will travel to the Fertitta Center to battle the Houston Cougars, the reigning National Runner-Up.
This game is not just an opportunity for a massive win; it is a clash with the most disciplined, defensively suffocating program in the nation under veteran coach Kelvin Sampson.
The Cougars are famously built on a relentless “line of scrimmage” defense — aggressively blitzing the ball screen, denying passes with high hands and dominating the offensive glass — a scheme that is designed to minimize possessions and prevent any opponent from getting comfortable.
For a young Oakland team, this translates to an unavoidable increase in turnovers and a profound physical toll.
The tactical complexity is compounded by Houston’s recruiting haul.
While the defense is a given, the Cougars now boast a star-studded group of newcomers, including the highly-touted backcourt of Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings — and a versatile frontcourt presence in Chris Cenac Jr.
These additions mean Oakland must contend with Houston’s suffocating defensive scheme while also guarding a starting five loaded with potential NBA talent.
A successful outing for Oakland is less about scoring and more about self-preservation: limiting turnovers to a single-digit total and forcing the game to be played in the half-court for all 40 minutes.
Anything less than that level of focus will result in a long night in Texas.
The opening nine days of the regular season represent a gauntlet unlike any other in mid-major basketball.
Facing Michigan, Purdue and Houston back-toback-to-back is not merely a scheduling quirk; it is a profound and intentional test of the program’s entire foundation.
This trilogy demands three distinct defensive schemes, three physically taxing road trips and three straight games against rosters featuring future NBA talent.
For this new Oakland squad, the stretch is less about securing victories and more about survival and growth. The key metric will be the team’s ability to minimize the physical and psychological toll.
If the Grizzlies can emerge from this stretch with their offensive identity intact and their defensive focus sharp — regardless of the win-loss column — they will have successfully navigated the most challenging opening stretch in their history and proven that their ambition is matched by their fortitude.
PHOTO BY CASSIE BUCHHOLZ
Unity and inclusion the stars of Unified Basketball League
JAMES ELLING Sports Editor
The sounds of basketballs bouncing and fans cheering echoing throughout Woodside Bible Church’s gyms each Saturday for six weeks aren’t an indication of fierce rivalry, but of unity and inclusion.
Woodside Bible Church’s special needs ministry concluded the third season of its Unified Basketball League on Oct. 11.
The Unified Basketball League, or UBL, established in 2023, is made up of six teams — the Cardinals, Lakers, Spartans, Tar Heels, Wolverines and Yellow Jackets — that play a six-week season in September and October.
Each team rosters players with and without intellectual disabilities. Players represent a full spectrum of abilities, personalities, interests and ages — from 14 to 56 — yet they all come for the same reason: to have a good, inclusive time.
Scott Preisler, special needs ministry director at Woodside Bible Church, said the league exists simply because “inclusion is important.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, participation in sports helps people with special needs grow socially and build confidence, communication skills and happiness.
Preisler added that the league is meant to be a place where players with disabilities can play alongside neurotypical players — not as the focal point, but simply as equals.
“There is a lot of stuff that is just for people with disabilities,” Preisler said, “but there are not enough
opportunities for them to be in community and friendship with people of all abilities.”
Such community and friendship were on full display Saturday when Lakers star Alex Teper scored the first of his game-high 18 points in a 60–59 victory.
The game happened to fall on Teper’s 24th birthday.
As soon as his first shot fell, players from both teams — along with everyone in the packed bleachers — began to sing “Happy Birthday” to him in unison.
The final game of the season lined up within a day of Teper’s birthday for the second year in a row — and for the second year in a row, the whole community rallied behind him as he led the game in scoring.
It doesn’t take a special day for the community to rally together, though. Players and their families gather throughout the year, even in the offseason.
“It’s a community unlike any other,” Preisler said. “I have to pinch myself every time I remember this is my job.”
Miles Kubik has played for the Lakers each of the last two years. He now aspires to be a coach — potentially the league’s first coach with special needs — which would make not only the rosters unified, but the coaching staff too.
“I enjoy having a great time with my teammates,” Kubik said, “and I like to practice my basketball skills that will hopefully encourage me to help coach a team in the future.”
Kubik also loves the continuity of the rosters, as teams get a chance to build deeper relationships year after year.
Whether drawn in by the relationships, the basketball, the service opportunities or something else, the league gives its players, coaches and fans a picture of what unity and inclusion can look like — in sports and in life.
“It’s really inspiring,” Preisler said. “People with disabilities are told time after time that they aren’t like everyone else, or even that they’re lesser, but we have the opportunity to change that narrative through the game of basketball — to show that we are all more alike than different.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT PREISLER
Oakland Volleyball advances to 5-2 in Horizon League
MARYANNE SANFORD Distributor
After a slow start, Oakland University’s volleyball team extended its winning streak to five matches over the weekend, sweeping the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons in straight sets Friday and earning a 3-1 victory Saturday, Oct. 11, at the OU Credit Union O’Rena.
On Friday, Oct. 10, middle blocker Anika Prisby led the Golden Grizzlies with 11 kills and a .476 hitting percentage — her second-best mark this season with 10 or more attempts. Setter Delaney Stern posted 27 assists and 12 digs for her sixth double-double, while Lyse Bates added 12 digs and matched her career high with three service aces.
Oakland rallied from an early deficit in the opening set, using key kills from Ella Schomer and Molly Reck to gain momentum. A 4-1 run midway through the frame, sparked by a Libby Smith kill and a Bates ace, helped the Grizzlies pull ahead. Key plays from Prisby and Schomer closed out the set, 25-21.
The Grizzlies controlled the entirety of the second set thanks to kills from Schomer and Grace Cooney. Prisby and Reck added points to retake the lead after a brief tie at 3-3, and Bates delivered another ace to extend the margin. Oakland held off a late push by the Mastodons and closed out the set 25-19.
In the third set, early errors from the Mastodons helped Oakland jump ahead 5-2. Smith and Stern fueled the offense, combining for kills and a service
ace to stretch the lead to 13-6. Purdue Fort Wayne then narrowed the gap, bringing the score to an intense 24-23, until Schomer sealed the sweep with the final kill.
Oakland carried its momentum into Saturday’s match, winning in four sets and improving its conference record to 5-2.
Outside hitter Libby Smith led the way with 12 kills and six blocks, totaling a team-high 15.5 points. Stern recorded another double-double with 39 assists and 16 digs. Cooney hit at a .545 rate with seven kills and five blocks, while Caroline Moore added nine kills on a .471 clip. Bates anchored the defense with several key digs and a service ace.
On Saturday, Purdue Fort Wayne stole the first set 25-17 from the Grizzlies, capitalizing on Oakland’s errors.
The Grizzlies responded in the second set with a 4-0 run sparked by a Cooney kill and Stern ace. Moore and Reck provided steady offense on the wings, and Smith and Prisby helped close out a 2515 win.
Oakland dominated the third set, opening with a Bates ace and an 8-2 run led by Smith and Moore. The Mastodons continued to struggle against Oakland’s serving and the Grizzlies dominated defensively at the net, cruising to a 25-13 win. In the fourth, Cooney and Smith combined for an early block, and Prisby and Moore added kills to extend the lead. Stern kept the offense in rhythm, and Oakland forced multiple errors to go up 22-11. Smith delivered back-to-back kills before Cooney ended the match with a final strike, 25-11.
Oakland returns to action Friday, Oct. 17, looking to add to their conference wins against Green Bay at 6 p.m. at the O’Rena.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OU ATHLETICS AND GOLDEN GRIZZLIES VOLLEYBALL
Skubal shines, but Tigers’ bats stay quiet in season’s final game
MATT LEWAKOWSKI Sports Reporter
On Friday, Oct. 10, the Detroit Tigers’ season came to a close in dramatic fashion as they were eliminated from the post season, falling to the Seattle Mariners 3-2 in a 15-inning Game 5 that many fans viewed as tragic and heartbreaking.
The American League Division Series was a battle, with both teams trading wins through the first four games. Detroit took Games 1 and 4, while Seattle claimed Games 2 and 3. Each team won once at home and once on the road, setting up a decisive winner-take-all Game 5 in Seattle to determine who would advance to face the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS. Toronto swept the Yankees in dominant fashion, winning all three games of their series.
Game 5 began at 8 p.m. and kept fans up past 1 a.m., lasting nearly five hours and making MLB history as the longest winner-takeall postseason game ever played. The game featured 472 pitches, 115 plate appearances, 15 pitchers, 37 strikeouts — tying for thirdmost in postseason history — and 22 runners left on base (10 by the Tigers).
Detroit’s pitching staff delivered a strong performance throughout the night. Starter Tarik Skubal, a pending free agent and likely Cy Young winner, was electric on the mound. He pitched six innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out 13.
Skubal also set an MLB postseason record by striking out seven consecutive batters.
Despite the dominant outing from Skubal, the Tigers couldn’t capitalize offensively. Kerry Carpenter was the lone bright spot at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The rest of the lineup struggled, going just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding 10 runners — a key factor in the late extra innings.
The game remained tied deep into extra innings until the 15th, when reliever Tommy Kahnle surrendered a walk-off single to Mariner’s infielder Jorge Polanco. Kahnle allowed two hits, one earned run and one walk in the final frame, sealing Detroit’s 2025 fate.
The loss not only ended the Tigers’ postseason hopes but also raised questions about the future of their ace. Skubal is expected to command a major contract in free agency, and Friday’s outing certainly supported his case. New York’s teams, the Mets and Yankees, are among the top suitors.
While Detroit has financial flexibility, the franchise has historically been conservative with high-value signings, and re-signing Skubal would be uncharacteristically expensive.
For Tigers fans, the ending was bitter. The team showed promise, especially on the mound, but the lack of timely hitting proved costly. The frustration among fans is palpable, and the offseason now looms with uncertainty.
Detroit may need to reevaluate its roster,
explore trades and address its offensive shortcomings. The way the season ended doesn’t sit well with fans, and it could mark the beginning of another difficult chapter for the franchise.
Whether Skubal stays or goes, the Tigers face a pivotal offseason — one that could shape the future of the team for years to come.
