The Oakland Post 02.18.2026

A Trusted Source of Independent Student Journalism since 1987.

FEATHERS RUFFLED In Board we Trustees PAGE 10

PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA

Volume 52 l Issue 6 | February 18, 2026

CUPID’S AIRPODS

O’RENA RAIDED

PAGE 12-13

PAGE 21

Love song reccomendations

No Grizzly offense

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Adrian Jimenez Morales Editor-in-Chief ajimenezmorales@oakland.edu Mallory Waligora Content Editor mallorywaligora@oakland.edu August Wicker Managing Editor wicker@oakland.edu

EDITORS

Ava Webb Photo Editor awebb3@oakland.edu James Elling Sports Editor jmelling@oakland.edu Addison Koch Campus Editor aekoch@oakland.edu Marissa Getschman Arts Editor getschman@oakland.edu Cael Tanner Features Editor caeltanner@oakland.edu Sophia Curran Political Editor sophiacurran@oakland.edu BLU EXPLORES NEW HORIZONS hand in hand with their trainer, Paige Labaie. The junior student takes Blu for walks to different places every week to get the future leader dog used to unusual environments to provide the best service for their future owner.

PHOTO BY EVELYN APAHIDEAN

MARKETING

Ruby Hernandez Marketing Director ahernandez4@oakland.edu Maryam Somo Marketing Assistant maryamsomo@oakland.edu Michael Okoronkwo Marketing Assistant mokoronkwo@oakland.edu

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Maddie Short

CORRECTIONS CORNER: The Oakland Post corrects all known errors of fact. If you know of an error, please email editor@oaklandpostonline.com.

CAMPUS Why do OU students choose their majors?

ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter

For decades, college students have been encouraged to pursue majors that align with intellectual interests and long-term goals.

While many students choose their major based on passion, others decide based on factors like projected salary, job demand and career longevity.

Through exploration, students attending Oakland University transition from academic exploration to passionate academic specializations. OU offers a comprehensive list of resources for students to explore nearly one hundred and twenty fields to major in.

At OU, Junior Matthew Colletti and senior Santi Santurtun selected their majors after exploring the university’s extensive range of academic programs.

By learning more about the opportunities available, each discovered a field that matched their interests and ultimately developed a strong passion for their chosen area of study.

Colletti originally decided to pursue a major in exercise science, driven by a love of medicine.

During this time, Colletti worked in a physical therapy clinic, where the hands-on experience reinforced a passion for patient care.

After working in the clinic, Colletti realized that attending medical school would be the ideal path for the future. Eventually, Colletti was granted the opportunity to shadow medical professionals.

Witnessing professionals in action fostered a love

for the medical field.

“I decided to shadow some doctors and nurses, and decided this was it for me,” Colletti said.

Inspired by this shadowing experience, Colletti decided to major in clinical and diagnostic sciences, with a concentration in pre-clinical professions, wanting to turn a passion for medicine into a career.

Colletti values clinical and diagnostic sciences for fostering a passion for medicine while maintaining flexibility as a field of study.

Similar to Colletti, Santurtun found a major through experimentation at OU. Santurtun initially developed a passion for math in high school, leading to experimenting with finance and engineering during college.

“I enjoyed the theoretical, proving things and discovering why things work,” Santurtun said.

Eventually, Santurtun chose to major in mathematics after exploring fields that sparked the strongest interest. Santurtun channels a love for mathematics into Oakland University’s Mathematics Student Society.

Santurtun believes that mathematicians pursue their careers out of a genuine passion for the field.

“The thing with math is you only do it if you love it,” Santurtun said.

Santurtun notes that some mathematicians do not receive fair wages, a factor that influenced the decision to minor in artificial intelligence. An interest in the field also contributed to this choice, as AI provides a stable backup career while still allowing continued engagement in other fields like mathematics.

“I just got really interested in it, even before it

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was really popular,” Santurtun said.

Artificial intelligence and mathematics are closely interconnected, providing Santurtun with career opportunities in fields that align with academic and professional interests.

After exploring fields of interest at OU, Colletti and Santurtun declared majors. For both students, passion was a driving force in selecting a major.

Students at Oakland University often defy the pressure to pick a major for a lucrative career, instead using campus resources to align academic pursuits with personal interests.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

Future Leader Dog club brings puppy love to Oakview Hall SARAH BULGARELLI Campus Reporter

The Future Leader Dog Club hosted its “Smooches and Pooches” event in the Laidlaw Room of Oakview Hall on Feb. 9, inviting students to decorate Valentine-themed cookies and meet puppies raised for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

The event combined community engagement with a stress-relieving activity, offering students a break from classes while learning about the club’s mission. Attendees interacted with the puppies, decorated cookies and took photos with the dogs at a backdrop in the room.

Ella Talbot, president of the Future Leader Dog Club and a senior majoring in industrial systems engineering, said the club’s mission is to raise leader dogs while providing a fun and educational experience for the campus community.

“Our mission is to raise leader dogs for Leader Dogs for the Blind, in Rochester. We raise the puppies for the first six months to a year of their life before they return or enter another program. This event really is to bring awareness to our community in a fun way,” Talbot said.

Talbot said events like Smooches and Pooches help the puppies’ development by allowing them to socialize and experience new environments.

“We try and make our events where all of our dogs are not working, so people can pet them and have fun because they work all the time,” Talbot said

Paige Labadie, a junior majoring in elementary education and puppy raiser of Blu, explained the responsibility of raising a future leader dog, including introducing them to new situations and teaching them calmness.

“As a puppy raiser, it’s our responsibility to socialize them, so we take them places, anytime I go to the store or come to OU,” Labadie said.

“Being in this club allows us to bring them to our

PHOTO COURTESY OF FUTURE LEADER DOGS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

classes. We teach them basic training, introduce them to loud noises, new people and new dogs.”

Labadie said the experience is demanding but rewarding, especially as it teaches patience, a skill needed for a career in education.

“It’s amazing to think that something I’m doing could help someone in need,” Labadie said Students said the event offered a fun break from their daily routines. Vanessa Padilla, a junior majoring in clinical diagnostic sciences, said she came to relax and enjoy time with friends.

“I decided to come to the event to relieve stress and have fun. It was fun to decorate cookies with friends and be in the company of cute puppies,” Padilla said. “My favorite part was seeing the puppies and learning more about what the Future Leader Dog Club does,” Marisa Siadi, a junior majoring in health sciences, attended after class.

“I came here right after class and thought it would be fun and relaxing. I love decorating cookies, being around puppies and socializing with other students.” Siadi said. “These events help with stress because they let me focus on something other than school work,” The Future Leader Dog Club has approximately 200 members and supports puppy raisers through a puppy pantry, transportation assistance and campus buddies. With events like this, the club hopes to continue building community while raising awareness about the work involved in training leader dogs.

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Gender and Sexuality Center hosts “Not-Just-Food-Drive” ERIN BANES

Campus Reporter

OU’s Gender and Sexuality Center is hosting “NotJust-Food-Drive”, a food and essentials drive running from Jan. 19 through Feb. 19 as part of Oakland University’s 2026 African American Celebration Month.

The drive collects food and personal care items for the Golden Grizzlies Pantry, a campus resource that provides food and basic necessities to Oakland University students throughout the academic year.

“The goal of the Not-Just-Food-Drive is to promote and support the Golden Grizzlies Pantry,” Blake Illan, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center, said.

The name of the drive reflects the variety of items accepted by the pantry beyond traditional food donations.

In addition to non-perishable food items, the pantry distributes hygiene products, paper goods and other essential supplies while available.

“We want to raise awareness that the pantry distributes non-food items when they are available, including toiletries, paper products and menstrual supplies,” Illan said. “Condiments are also important, since food insecurity can be made worse when only bland or plain foods are accessible.”

The Golden Grizzlies Pantry accepts shelf-stable food items, refrigerated perishables, hygiene products and gift cards to local stores. Items such as expired food, frozen items, medications and homemade food are not accepted.

In-demand items currently include canned meat such as tuna and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, spices and condiments, microwaveable meals and hygiene

products. The pantry also accepts dietary-specific options, including halal, vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree items.

Donation drop-off locations for the drive include the Golden Grizzlies Pantry, the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and the Gender and Sexuality Center.

Donations can be dropped off during pantry hours of operation or in designated donation bins on campus.

Not-Just-Food-Drive is one of several events taking place during African American Celebration Month, which runs from Jan. 19 to Feb. 19. The monthlong celebration highlights the historical and cultural

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

contributions of African Americans and reflects OU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by food and financial insecurity,” Illan said.

“LGBTQ+ communities and communities of color often face overlapping challenges, and those at the intersection of these identities may experience increased need for campus resources.”

African American Celebration Month is organized by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and features a variety of educational, cultural and community-based events throughout the month. Events are open to students, faculty, staff and community members.

The Gender and Sexuality Center frequently collaborates with other campus offices and resources to support student well-being and access to essential services.

“We aim to build mutually beneficial relationships with campus services that support student success,” Blake said. “Many LGBTQ+ students and allies rely on the pantry both as a resource and as a service opportunity.”

In addition to providing immediate support through essential items, Not-Just-Food-Drive encourages a sense of community engagement and social responsibility among OU students. By participating in the drive, students have the opportunity to contribute to a campuswide effort that directly addresses food insecurity.

A full list of in-demand pantry items and information on how to donate is available through Oakland University’s Office of Student Involvement website.

Additional information about African American Celebration Month events can be found through the Center for Multicultural Initiatives.

Sustainability Shark Tank crowns Bear Lake restoration proposal CAEL TANNER Features Editor

Students gathered in Founders Ballroom B in the Oakland Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, as Oakland University Student Congress partnered with university administrators to host the final round of the Sustainability Shark Tank, a campus-wide initiative and competition created to turn one winning student’s idea into tangible environmental improvements.

Modeled after the recognizable reality television series “Shark Tank,” the event brought five student finalists to the stage to pitch sustainability proposals to four administrationmember judges, or “Sharks.”

The first-place proposal would receive a $5,000 implementation budget backed by the OUSC and OU administration, along with oversight through April, and additional prizes awarded across categories.

The initiative was designed and organized by OUSC Director of Sustainability Riley Demond, who said the goal was to create a space where student ideas could realize environmental goals with resources and oversight from both administrators and other experts.

“It was actually inspired by the efforts of Christopher Reed and Dr. Mozhgon Rajaee,” Demond said. “They started a sustainability committee a few years ago, but they never got enough funding to actually follow through with it, so I took it upon myself to use our OUSC funding.”

Demond said the “Shark Tank” format was intentionally chosen to make the process accessible and engaging for students unfamiliar with administrative proposal processes.

“People know the ‘Shark Tank’ name, and they know what

a business proposal for ‘Shark Tank’ looks like,” Demond said. “The vibe, it’s fun. I thought it’d be a great idea to have students bring their ideas on stage and compete to make an impact on our campus.”

Following an application period and a series of one-on-one preparation meetings, the field was narrowed to five finalists representing a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Student proposals included a campus waste audit, a push for brine solution as a green alternative to road salt for deicing sidewalks, the cutting down of single-use plastic waste by incorporating reusable mugs at Kresge Library, an app that incentivizes documenting sustainability efforts while walking routes, and an ecological restoration plan for Bear Lake.

“These students were very interested, inspired and they

PHOTO BY CAEL TANNER

had so much dedication and heart in their presentations,” Demond said. “I’m very proud of the ideas and dedication each of these students have shown.”

After each presentation and a closed-door deliberation, judges awarded first place to sophomore Bambie Johnson for “Saving Bear Lake,” a proposal focused on shoreline restoration, vegetation growth and habitat improvement.

Johnson also received the Ecosystem Engineer/Most Inventive Award, determined by audience gallery voting.

Stepping off the stage, Johnson felt both surprised and honored.

“I was shocked,” Johnson said. “I definitely put a lot of work into the project, but honestly, everyone’s ideas were amazing.”

Johnson, an electrical engineering major with a minor in computer science, said the project reflects a desire among students to engage directly with environmental work on campus.

“I feel that students really want hands-on experience in doing something for their communities,” Johnson said. “This project is a fantastic way to actually be able to go about it.”

With the competition concluded, Johnson said implementation will begin immediately, starting with expert consultation.

“My next move is going to be meeting with the biology department,” Johnson said. “We’re also going to be getting in touch with coordinators from the Clinton River Watershed Council to determine what is feasible to do with the lake.”

Demond said OUSC will work closely with Johnson and volunteers throughout the semester to ensure the restoration project is implemented and publicly documented. She hopes the Sustainability Shark Tank becomes an annual tradition carried on by future student leaders.

CAMPUS

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UNICEF and OU FPOA bring Valentine’s Day joy to children in hospitals MARYAM SOMO Campus Reporter

On Feb. 12, 2026, the Lake Huron room in the Oakland Center was filled with students celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving back to the community.

To celebrate the holiday, the United Nations Children’s Fund of OU (UNICEF) and OU Future Pediatrics of America (OU FPOA) came together to wrap toys provided by Bottomless Toy Chest for children in local hospitals, while also creating Valentine’s Day cards to spread love and joy to hospitalized children.

The Valentine’s-themed event was hosted by UNICEF with the goal of giving back to children who are hospitalized and may be going through a difficult time. It invited OU FPOA to join them in hands-on service activities, creating heartfelt items and connecting with fellow students on campus while spreading kindness and encouragement.

“They’re a non-profit organization that has toys that they provide to children’s hospitals in Michigan,” Ayena Imtiaz, president of UNICEF, said. “It’s a really good initiative that we’ve volunteered for in the past as well. We wrap these presents, send them out to them and then they send them out to the hospitals.”

Imtiaz shared that she had once been a recipient of the organization’s support herself, explaining how even a small and simple gesture can make a meaningful difference for a hospital patient at their lowest point by bringing a bit of light to their day.

“Our organization is based on children and making them happy, and this is going to make them happy,” Imtiaz said.

UNICEF of OU is a chapter of the United Nations agency established in 1946 that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children and mothers worldwide. The organization focuses on protecting children’s rights, improving health, nutrition, education and providing emergency

PHOTO BY MARYAM SOMO

relief during crises.

At OU, students help support its mission by volunteering with local and nationwide organizations to help fundraise and advocate for children.

“We really do it for the good of our own hearts,” Imtiaz said. “We have a lot of prehealth majors that work with us, so it’s nice to meet them. I’m a mechanical engineering major myself, but I love doing philanthropy work, and I really want to go into being a philanthropist on the side of my own career.”

The collaboration between the two organizations brought together students from diverse majors and interests, united by a shared passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“A lot of people will just go about their daily jobs and just go in and out,” Lourd Lazar, president of OU FPOA, said. “But we’re teaching them not only to do their jobs, but also to help make a difference by learning to be compassionate and caring.”

Although wrapping presents was the main priority of the event, attendees were also given the option of helping out with creating Valentine’s Day cards that will be sent out to the Royal Oak Beaumont Children’s Hospital.

“I resonated with a lot of the things UNICEF was doing, so I just wanted to be a part of it,” freshman attendee Mya Maktabi said. “Making a card can make someone’s day, even though it might be something simple to us.”

AWC and WIB celebrate women at Galentine’s pajama party ADDISON KOCH Campus Reporter

The Association of Women in Communications (AWC), in collaboration with Women In Business (WIB), hosted a pajama-themed galantine’s party on Monday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Oakland Center Gold Room A. The event invited students to step away from their academic responsibilities and connect with fellow women on campus in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Attendees were encouraged to wear pajamas while participating in activities such as flower bouquet making, bracelet crafting, coloring page decorating and games of UNO. Free food, including pizza, brownies and drinks were provided at the event.

The collaboration between AWC and WIB aimed to bring together women from different academic backgrounds who share similar goals of professional growth, leadership and mutual support.

Ruby Hernandez, president of the AWC at Oakland University, spoke about the importance of these connections for women navigating male-dominated industries.

“Since we are all working towards a bright future, having these connections early on is something that all college students should be working on, especially women who plan on going into more male-dominated fields. Having these connections and making them early on is an incredible opportunity,” Hernandez said. “Having a smaller group and a group of women that understand and can unite towards their goals, is something that we really need.”

For AWC, the pajama-themed social also represented a meaningful step toward expanding the organization’s reach

and rebuilding its presence on campus.

Hernandez emphasized the significance of the event in bringing together women from across Oakland University.

“I think Oakland University is such a diverse community, and having all women attend this event makes it even more amazing,” Hernandez said.

AWC Treasurer Molly Slivensky highlighted how collaborative events and increased visibility on campus are essential to the organization’s long-term success.

Partnering with other student organizations like WIB allows AWC to reach more students while strengthening its sense of community.

“We definitely want to be here to stay,” Slivensky said.

“One of the things that I think will definitely help out with that is by hosting more social events to try and get more people in the club. Especially with social media and physical flyers, because people see them all around campus.

Just getting the word out will definitely help grow the club.”

The laid-back atmosphere of the event allowed attendees from both organizations to connect without the pressure of formal networking. Creative activities such as coloring, bracelet making and flower arranging encouraged conversation and collaboration, helping participants form bonds in an informal and supportive setting.

Attendee Summer Aldred shared what she enjoyed most about the event.

“Personally, from this amazing event, I liked the coloring and the opportunity to be with fellow women who share the passion of being here for one another,” Aldred said.

As the Association of Women in Communications and Women in Business continue to host events and meetings, both organizations hope to create lasting spaces where women can support one another academically,

professionally and personally.

By encouraging early involvement and connection, these groups aim to empower women to build strong networks that will benefit them throughout their college experience and future careers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AWC AND WIB

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Guest speaker Claire St. Amant reflects on the realities of true crime reporting JENNIFER THOMASMA Campus Reporter

Claire St. Amant has built a career rooted in investigative reporting, long-form storytelling and ethical responsibility. From local newspapers to national television, St. Amant has reported on complex true crime cases across the country.

St. Amant was a key speaker at Professional Panel of Communication Practitioners From Across the U.S., a communications career workshop presented by the Faculty Advisory Board for Lambda Pi Eta — the honor society of the National Communication Association — on Friday, Jan. 30. The event brought media professionals together to discuss career paths and communication practices with Oakland University students.

Following the panel, St. Amant participated in a one-on-one interview focused on true crime reporting, emotional preparedness and ethics in journalism.

St. Amant’s interest in journalism developed at a young age while growing up in Houston, where newspapers were part of daily life.

“I have always been a storyteller from a young age,” she said. “When I was a kid, we had the Houston Chronicle delivered to our doorstep every day, and I loved the idea that your job could be to tell stories.”

True crime was not an intentional career goal. Her focus emerged gradually through reporting experience.

“I had no idea that I would end up working in true crime,” St. Amant said. “It just unfolded story by story, and one thing led to the next.”

Covering violent crime required emotional growth and professional awareness, and for St. Amant, these early experiences revealed the true psychological demands of the beat.

“I was not emotionally prepared to cover true crime.” she said. “I didn’t realize how emotionally taxing it would be or how different it would be from covering other kinds of stories.”

Reporting on active investigations also raised safety concerns that shaped field practices.

“There were situations where I was alone with suspected killers who hadn’t been apprehended yet,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

she said. “Looking back, there were times that probably weren’t the safest.”

St. Amant later transitioned to national television as a field producer for CBS’s prime-time true crime television series “48 Hours.” St. Amant indicated that in this working environment, the competitive culture of network true crime reporting became much more clearly apparent.

“It’s a blood sport,” St. Amant said. “If it were a big case, all the shows were there, and these are extremely competitive people.”

This environment is examined in St. Amant’s 2025 memoir, “Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television.” The book dives deeper into newsroom competition, access journalism and the emotional toll of the investigative journalism industry.

St. Amant also hosts the podcast “Final Days on Earth.” The podcast functions in a seasonal format, granting St. Amant the necessary timeframe to conduct an extensive analysis of a single case across each season.

“The podcast allows me to go into these stories so much deeper than a television show can,” St. Amant said. “I was able to look at one case for an entire season and explore details that would never fit into a television timeline.”

For students interested in challenging beats, practice and persistence remain essential qualities. St. Amant indicated that college newsrooms function as training environments where skills develop through experience.

“Use your student newspaper as a learning lab.” she said. “There’s no substitute for doing the work.”

Card making at OU Day of Kindness MICHAEL GORDON Campus Reporter

This past Feb. 11, for the Office for Student Involvement (OSI), it was OU Day of Kindness, an event centered around intentional positivity and care.

There were many things to do in the room ranging from writing cards to using t-shirts to create designs.

Daniel Vital-Puente, a fourth-year student who participated in the event, said the card-writing station stood out to him.

“I was able to create postcards for people that need kind messages and people that are going through tough times,” Vital-Puente said. “One thing that I’ve learned is that words are really powerful. When reading kind words, that can make your day even better and have an impact.”

Tables were lined with colorful markers, many stickers and stacks of blank cards. Students could write notes to individuals in hospitals or to a valentine or to anyone who might need encouragement showing the beauty in choosing words meant to brighten someone’s day.

Vital-Puente said kindness does not always have to be complicated.

“Just trying to put a smile out there when walking around campus and asking people how their day is going…that alone can change someone’s day,” he said. “You don’t know what people are dealing with.”

Across the room, piles of donated T-shirts were sorted and repurposed for community outreach efforts. According to event organizers, many of the shirts were donated by a graduate student’s family and collected over time for service projects like this one.

Jen Yetter, the coordinator of student organization programs in the OSI, said the steady turnout throughout the day was encouraging.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

“The turnout was pretty good, especially since we just did something similar not even a month ago,” Yetter said. “We had a steady flow of people coming in, and a lot of projects were completed.”

While the event was structured around service, the atmosphere remained very very calm.

Students stopped in between classes or just throughout the day during th multiple hours it was open, some staying for a few minutes and others lingering longer.

Yetter noted that the card-making station continues to be one of the most popular aspects of OU Day of Kindness.

“We set it up where they could write whatever message they want, and they could create their own design too,” she said. “Card-making is always super popular.”

OU Day of Kindness is part of a broader effort

by OSI to encourage positive campus culture, “Leading with kindness every day is always the best thing to do,” Yetter said. “You don’t know what people are going through in their own life.”

As the afternoon wrapped up, stacks of completed cards sat ready to be delivered, all this just a small part of the spectacle that was OU Kindness week.

OU Day of Kindness offered a pause to check in, to write something thoughtful, and to remember that community is built through everyday actions.

FEATURES

7 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

“Grammy Awards or political awards?”: OU student reaction to Grammys politicization MADI TURNER Features Reporter

The Grammy Awards are designed to celebrate musical excellence. In recent years, however — particularly during the 2026 ceremony — the stage has increasingly doubled as a platform for political expression, prompting debate over whether award shows should remain entertainment-focused or embrace activism.

Acceptance speeches, once largely reserved for gratitude and acknowledgments, have gradually evolved into moments of unscripted cultural commentary, amplified by live broadcasts and instant social media circulation.

At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower” and used her acceptance speech to deliver a pointed political message.

“No one is illegal on stolen land… I feel really hopeful in this room… and f--- ICE,” Eilish said.

Her comments immediately sparked backlash from political figures and commentators. Reactions unfolded in real time across digital platforms, illustrating how hot-button moments now quickly extend far beyond the ceremony itself. Sen. Mike Lee, R–Utah, responded to Eilish on X. “Any White person who does a public ‘stolen land’ acknowledgment should immediately give his or her land to Native Americans … Otherwise, they don’t mean it.”

The exchange illustrates how quickly award-show

commentary can shift into national political discourse.

Political messaging at the Grammys is not new.

Artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé have used the platform in past years to address issues ranging from systemic racism to reproductive rights.

What has changed, analysts suggest, is the frequency and bluntness of such statements, reflecting broader societal shifts toward open political alignment.

Cultural analysts note, however, that the tone of recent ceremonies has become more direct and less coded.

Brandon Owens, an Oakland University senior

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

majoring in journalism and media studies, expressed a positive reaction to the platform’s use by celebrities.

“I think it is truly important for award shows like the Grammys to continue to have this space to speak out on political views,” Owens said. “Music artists’ communities are under attack, and it is important that influential people speak up.”

Owens said the volume of political commentary this year surprised him.

“I was shocked with the amount of people who spoke up and made political statements, and I was pleased the Grammys gave that platform,” he said.

Still, he acknowledged that backlash is inevitable.

“The public backlash is bound to happen because they have such a huge platform and they’re using it to speak out against the higher-ups and the government,” Owens said.

Media scholars argue that celebrity activism reflects broader cultural polarization. For younger audiences, entertainers often occupy a hybrid role as both cultural figures and informal opinion leaders.

As public trust in institutions fluctuates, these entertainers often become alternative voices in national conversations concerning governmental policy.

Whether audiences view political statements at award shows as courageous advocacy or misplaced commentary depends largely on perspective. What is clear is that the Grammy stage is no longer confined strictly to music.

As artists continue to merge performance with political expression, the question remains: whether the Grammys are evolving alongside culture or redefining what the awards represent altogether.

The legacy of Barbara L. Reynolds: Oakland University as a messenger ANDREW MCNAMARA MAY Features Reporter

To be a tourist In a land desecrated Is surely solemn.

Barbara L. Reynolds is not a household name. In many ways, that is by design.

She and her husband, Earle L. Reynolds, sailed around the globe protesting nuclear testing. They were arrested.

Branded traitorous. Made to feel unwelcome in the very nation that had detonated the bombs they sought to confront.

In her years as an anti-nuclear and peace activist, Barbara Reynolds became a pivotal force in giving an international voice to the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

The Reynolds family first arrived in Hiroshima in 1951 so Earle Reynolds could study the long-term effects of radiation exposure. Barbara Reynolds arrived, by her own account, with apathy. She left transformed. The devastation she witnessed — the human cost of splitting the atom — compelled the family to sail directly into nuclear testing zones in protest.

They traveled on a modest yacht crafted by Hiroshima shipbuilders — artisans from the very city scarred by atomic fire. A family propelled, quite literally, by the hands of those whose suffering they sought to amplify.

“This is a message Oakland University is so happy to share,” Claude Baillargeon, OU professor of art history, said. “This is a message we are actually willing to share with the world.”

Baillargeon is curating the “Memorializing of the

Hibakusha” exhibition, currently being hosted by Oakland University at Wilson Hall through April.

At Oakland University, the message is not carried by boat but by artifact: haunting photographs, warped relics recovered from rubble, objects still bearing the imprint of annihilation. They are not dramatic. They are worse — they are real.

The message is powerful, even haunting.

Never again.

Barbara Reynolds was described by the people of Hiroshima as an “American nightingale.” It is the first time this collection has left its previous home at Wilmington College — a small Quaker institution in Ohio — since she brought it there in 1975 to spark academic dialogue about nuclear devastation.

In the 51 years since, humanity’s understanding of nuclear destruction has only deepened. So too has the danger. More nations now possess nuclear weapons than in 1975. The game theory underpinning deterrence has grown more unstable, not less.

More unsettling still is the rise of another intelligence — engineered rather than born — inching its silicon tendrils ever closer to systems of command and control.

Is it not time to be alarmed?

As of recent weeks, there is not a single active nuclear arms treaty in force worldwide.

Politicians did not birth those treaties from sudden moral clarity. They signed them — often reluctantly — under immense social pressure. That pressure emerged from a multipronged intellectual and cultural campaign.

It involved activists like Barbara Reynolds risking arrest and reputation to expose reality. It involved filmmakers depicting nuclear apocalypse in unbearable detail.

Musicians protested. Schoolchildren practiced duck-andcover drills beneath desks.

It was not passive.

It was an organized moral insistence.

Oakland students should consider what it means to host this legacy in a university gallery. Exhibiting these artifacts is not neutral. It is not aesthetic. It is not historical tourism.

It is an inheritance.

And inheritance carries obligation.

If Reynolds helped ignite one wave of anti-nuclear consciousness, perhaps institutions like Oakland must help ignite the next.

PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA

8 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

OU announces new public arts competition ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter

On Monday, Feb. 7, 2026, the Office of the President launched the Spirit of Place Public Arts Competition to fund a new sculpture, elevating Oakland University’s position as a cultural destination.

The funding for this competition was provided by a $250,000 gift from President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and a $100,000 donation from the university.

The final artwork will function as a permanent, tangible sign of Oakland University’s commitment to public arts.

This competition, as a part of the Cultural Ambassadors Initiative under Strategic Vision 2030, integrates the arts through campus, reflecting on a legacy of commitment to the common good.

This installation will provide a powerful and visually compelling representation of OU culture.

The first round proposal for this competition is due at 2 p.m. on March 20, 2026.

The Spirit of Place Public Arts committee, composed of a wide range of individuals from different disciplines, ensures that the competition and artwork resonate with the various voices that compose OU’s community.

Andrea Eis, a film professor at OU and co-chair of the competition, encourages the OU community to maintain involvement in the selection process.

“The feedback that the community gives will be greatly appreciated, so please let us know what you think,” Eis said.

In the fall of 2026, semi-finalists will be coming to

campus to present these projects. Eis encourages the campus community to engage with the participants during the competition.

“Students, faculty, staff and members of the public will have the chance to hear the artists talk about their proposed artwork and to ask questions,” Eis said.

During late November to early December of 2026, the finalist will be selected.

“We hope this effort becomes a cornerstone of place-based creativity and a testament to the enduring spirit of our university,” Mike Westfall, vice president of university advancement and co-chair of the competition, said.

In August of 2025, the OU campus plan 2035 was completed. A key focus of the plan is how campus landscapes contribute to creating a memorable environment at OU. The Spirit of Place Committee aims to select a sculpture that embodies the spirit of the Oakland community.

Alongside the Spirit of Place Public Arts Committee, Westfall and Eis are tasked with ensuring that the final project captures signature elements of the spirit of the OU experience.

President Pescovitz said the artwork will capture many elements, such as a “commitment to a just world, civil discourse belonging, and community engagement.”

The committee is looking to select an art piece that reflects the energy and spirit of OU while expressing the core strengths of the community.

“OU is a place where people come together to learn and be creative, to experiment and explore, to engage and share ideas and to be inspired and see the world in new ways,” Eis said.

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By creating a unifying and lasting piece of artwork, the Spirit of Place finalist will exemplify the university’s initiative to become a vibrant cultural destination, ensuring that the spirit of OU is experienced by the community.

“As OU continues to grow academically, culturally and socially, it is vital that our physical spaces reflect who we are and where we are headed,” Westfall said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Stefen Welch: Tell a story with your resume ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Editor-in-Chief

Illuminating the paths of Oakland University students, Stefen J. Welch, OU alumnus and trustee, sat down for a fireside chat on career development on Feb. 11. As Vice President of Public Affairs for the Detroit Pistons and a prominent figure in local DEI efforts, he advised students on how to advance their careers with a degree in communications.

Members of the Oakland Post moderated the chat at the Habitat, where, to open the conversation with freshmen and alumni alike, Welch confessed to feeling lost in his last semester of college.

“So I said, ‘Okay, let me figure out how I can do something different.’ I still like telling stories. I still like engaging with folks,” Welch said. “And so I had an opportunity to intern at a public relations firm in Bloomfield.”

It was at the metropolitan YMCA in Detroit where he learned the foundations of his career — how to tell stories, persuade groups and connect with people. At OU, he channeled those skills into career pathways.

“Classes such as multicultural communication helped me understand: one, my passion for people, my passion for engagement, my passion for access and two, turning that into my own professional story where I could actually not only have it as my passion, but also something that I can do on a daily basis,” Welch said.

A Detroit native, the trustee wanted to focus on helping the city under the motto “things with the city, not for the city.” In that same vein, he invited students to diversify

their classes, internships and volunteer opportunities for a holistic immersion in their community.

With a degree in communications, the speaker illustrated the diverse, adjacent and unexpected career paths students in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) can take. CAS Director of Philanthropy, Lori Posey, explained how this is particularly important for students embarking on interdisciplinary fields.

“Sometimes it’s hard for students to see the career paths that are available to them, because our degrees aren’t necessarily profession-specific, right?” Posey said.

“A nursing degree is easy to see that you are going to be a nurse, whereas a degree in communications doesn’t always say that you’re going to be a communicator.”

A degree in communications not only allowed him

PHOTO BY CLAIRE SANDERLIN

to work for the Detroit News and figure in the Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders, but also to meet his wife and advance DEI in Michigan. Beyond the roles and titles, finding a job is about telling a story with your resume, he explained.

“Find out who the hiring manager is in that role,” Welch said. “Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date.

Make sure you apply for that role and send that hiring manager or that recruiter a message on LinkedIn.” Advising to start applying for internships in January, the speaker also recommended students to engage on campus to network with people and learn soft skills.

Through anecdotes, Welch demonstrated that a major, while important, is less a defining factor and more of a tool to display your skills.

“Oftentimes, people think you have to major in sports management to work for a sports organization. That’s not true. The majority of folks in our organization do not major in sports management,” Welch said. “You look at our COO, who is an attorney as well; he was a history major at U of M. You look at Melanie Harris, who’s our president of business operations. She wasn’t in sports management.”

As students asked questions near the end of the talk, Shay Bailey, chair of the student engagement committee who put on the event, exhorted students to follow Welch’s footsteps.

“For those who are graduating,” Bailey said. “The best way that you can support future OU students is by making sure that you stay connected, that you rep the Grizz and that you’re mindful of what’s happening on campus and how it connects to ways that you can serve by way of your time or your talent.”

FEATURES Black History Month reflections JENNIFER THOMASMA Campus Reporter

Black History Month provides time for reflection, celebration and visibility across Oakland University’s campus. While February highlights black history nationally, students, faculty and campus leaders said the meaning of the month extends beyond symbolic recognition.

Across campus, Black History Month is viewed as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of ongoing responsibility. Students and faculty emphasized the importance of recognition that continues throughout the academic year.

Student perspectives on community and visibility For Aniyah Stinson, a junior majoring in general management, Black History Month represents joy, resilience and black excellence rather than a focus solely on historical injustice. Stinson said the month highlights the strength of black communities and shared cultural experiences.

“Black history to me means joy and black excellence,” Stinson said. “It’s about showing how we prevailed and that we’re more than what happened to us back then.”

Stinson said Black History Month emphasizes the importance of community on campus. Moments of connection, laughter and cultural pride were described when black students came together.

“When we get together, there’s definitely joy and a lot of community going on,” Stinson said.

While the month holds personal significance, Stinson said campus recognition of black history feels limited outside of February. Much of the cultural celebration comes from student organizations rather than university-wide initiatives.

“Honestly, it’s not recognized enough, sometimes it feels like it’s just shown to prove diversity instead of actually celebrating it all year,” Stinson said.

Stinson referenced a recent event hosted by a historically black sorority in collaboration with the Center for Multicultural Initiatives. Conversations during the event addressed challenges related to funding, visibility and sustained engagement.

“There was a conversation about how hard it is to do things consistently when there’s a limited budget,” Stinson said. “It feels like students are the ones really showing appreciation more than the university itself.”

Despite these challenges, Stinson pointed to student-led organizations such as the African Student Union and Divine Nine fraternities and sororities as consistent sources of cultural celebration.

“Those organizations are always doing something,” Stinson said. “ASU has a whole week of events and a lot of students really show up for those.”

Dwaine Watkins, a senior majoring in sociology, said concentrating black history into a single month limits understanding. Watkins said black history should be recognized as an essential part of American history rather than separated into its own category.

“I honestly think Black History Month shouldn’t exist because putting everything into one month, especially the shortest one, doesn’t make sense to me,” Watkins said. “Black history is a part of American history, including everything that has happened since the beginning.”

Watkins said separating black history into a single month leads to disengagement once February ends. Broader discussion throughout the year was emphasized.

“After this month, nobody really cares about

it anymore,” Watkins said. “Not saying it should be in everyone’s face all the time, but it should be mentioned way more than it is now,” Watkins said many people remain unaware of the influence black innovation has had on modern society.

“Most people don’t know that a lot of things today were invented by black people,” Watkins said.

“People have to wait until February just to maybe hear about it.”

Watkins said recognition does not need to be elaborate to be meaningful.

“It doesn’t have to be big,” Watkins said. “Something as simple as a poster, a banner or acknowledgement around campus would make a difference.”

Year-round recognition and student leadership Isaiah Noel Howell, a third-year criminal justice student, said Black History Month highlights black contributions to society and perseverance in the face of inequity. Howell said black history should be understood as an ongoing movement rather than something confined to a single month.

“To me, Black History Month means highlighting black individuals’ contributions to the advancement of society,” Howell said. “It serves not only as a reminder but also as a testament to black perseverance in the face of inequity.”

Howell said educational institutions have a responsibility to recognize black history throughout the academic year.

“It’s important not to think of black history as a moment but rather as a living movement that cannot be confined to a single month,” Howell said.

Howell said Oakland University demonstrates that commitment through programming and campus initiatives.

“I can proudly say that Oakland University supports and recognizes black history and culture throughout the year,” Howell said.

Howell pointed to campus events and initiatives that reflect that support.

“MLK Day of Service, supporting black vendors in the Oakland Center, honoring Juneteenth, the Black Alumni Chapter and the Black Excellence Student Success Celebration make me proud to call Oakland University my academic home,” Howell said.

Leadership responsibility beyond February Marcus Johnson, student body president of Student Congress, said Black History Month carries both personal and institutional responsibility. Johnson said the month reinforces the importance of representation and advocacy within student leadership.

“For me, Black History Month is both a moment of reflection and a reminder of responsibility,” Johnson said.

“As a black student, it is a time to honor generations of resilience, brilliance and sacrifice that made my presence in spaces like Oakland University possible,” Johnson said black history is reflected in everyday experiences navigating institutions not originally built with black students in mind.

“As student body president, Black History Month reinforces the importance of representation and advocacy within student leadership,” Johnson said.

“It challenges leaders to ensure black students are not only celebrated symbolically but meaningfully supported through policy, access and opportunity,” Johnson said Oakland University has made progress in supporting black students through cultural programming, student organizations and academic initiatives. Continued accountability was emphasized.

“Sustained commitment matters more than momentary recognition,” Johnson said. “Continued investment in black student success, leadership development and

9 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026 institutional accountability is essential,” Black excellence and inequity in STEM Richard Olawoyin, a professor in STEM fields at Oakland University, said Black History Month holds dual significance. Olawoyin said the month highlights intellectual achievement while exposing ongoing inequities.

“Black History Month in STEM for me has always been a two-faceted event, celebrating the intellectual brilliance of black people while reflecting on persistent inequities,” Olawoyin said.

Olawoyin said black pioneers have shaped science, engineering and technology in ways that are often overlooked.

“The influence of black minds in the advancement of the modern world is beyond measure,” Olawoyin said. “Yet many still enter systems where their abilities must be constantly proven,” Olawoyin said mentorship, opportunity and recognition remain essential components of progress.

“While talent is everywhere, opportunity and recognition are not,” Olawoyin said. “Black History Month reinforces a responsibility to create avenues that give future generations influence rather than just access,” Olawoyin said institutions must move beyond symbolic recognition.

“Supporting black excellence in STEM and academia requires sustained commitment,” Olawoyin said. “That includes partnerships with K-12 schools, early pathways to STEM and meaningful support for black organizations on campus.”

International perspectives within the black diaspora Marieme Samb, a third-year health science major with a concentration in holistic health, said Black History Month represents both celebration and complexity. Samb, a Keeper of the Dream award recipient and an active member of the African Student Union at Oakland University, said growing up in Africa shaped a different understanding of race than experiences in the United States.

“Having grown up in Africa, I did not grow up constantly thinking about race the way I do now in the United States. Here, I am often first seen as a black Muslim woman before anything else,” Samb said.

Samb said learning about the historical construction of race reshaped how institutions are understood.

“Learning that race is not a biological reality but a social and political creation changed the way I see many systems in this country,” Samb said.

Samb said Black History Month creates space for visibility while highlighting differences within the black diaspora.

“I deeply admire the way achievements are honored and how cultural heritage is uplifted,” Samb said. “At the same time, I am still navigating the gap between how I define myself and how I am identified here.”

Samb said Oakland University makes efforts to recognize black history beyond February.

“As someone involved in campus leadership and planning committees, I see firsthand the work that goes into creating programming that highlights black voices year-round,” Samb said.

As Black History Month continues, students, faculty and campus leaders emphasized the importance of year-round recognition. Advocacy, mentorship and sustained investment were identified as central to the future of black history and excellence at Oakland University.

FEATURES Hidden money: Why many scholarships go unclaimed 10 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

MADI TURNER Features Reporter

Millions of dollars in scholarship funding are available to college students each year. However, many students never apply — and nationally, some awards go unclaimed.

At Oakland University, scholarships operate through two primary pathways. According to Nicole Boelk, director of financial aid and scholarships at Oakland University, automatic scholarships are awarded based on GPA and admissions criteria, while the OU Annual Scholarship application — open Dec. 1 through March 1 — matches students to more than 350 donor-funded awards based on submitted information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

Many of those scholarships carry specific eligibility requirements tied to major, GPA, background or extracurricular involvement. Boelk explained that these conditions are often established by donors.

“Our Advancement team works closely with these donors to help them understand our students while also balancing the passion of the donors to support our students,” Boelk said.

According to scholarship expert Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Private Scholarships and Fellowships, unused scholarship money is a documented national issue.

“Students leave billions of dollars of financial aid unclaimed each year simply because they don’t apply for it,” Kantrowitz said.

The gap between availability and application reflects what some students describe as hesitation.

Maggie Quinn, an OU senior and public relations major, said scholarships represent opportunity — but applying can feel overwhelming.

“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of scholarships is the amount of opportunities it provides to a lot of students,” Quinn said. “College is really, really expensive … scholarships symbolize just an opportunity for you to continue your education.”

Despite receiving annual reminder emails about the OU annual scholarship application, Quinn admitted she has often skipped the application process in the past.

“As a full-time college student with on-campus jobs, I just haven’t had the time to sit down and do the paperwork,” she said. “I definitely have skipped applying for a scholarship because I didn’t think I would qualify.”

Boelk said self-disqualification is a common misconception among students who would otherwise find ample opportunities for financial aid.

“I would say the single biggest misconception is that students believe they aren’t going to be awarded anything and then simply don’t give themselves a chance,” she said. “Give yourself a chance. Submit the application.”

Boelk added that it is rare for university-managed scholarships to go unused.

“I would say it’s very rare that a scholarship is not awarded,” she said. “We want to award scholarship funding to students — which is why we communicate with every student to apply.”

The university has worked to streamline the process. The annual scholarship tool uses studentrecord data to match applicants automatically, and built-in smart logic ensures students only see scholarships relevant to their program.

Still, experts say awareness and follow-through remain national challenges. Kantrowitz has emphasized that the largest barrier is not eligibility, but effort.

“The biggest mistake students make is not applying for scholarships,” Kantrowitz said.

For students balancing coursework, employment, and rising tuition costs, scholarships represent not just aid, but practical accessibility. The funding exists; students must only understand that it is meant for them — and take the time to apply.

Criteria and renewal rules are publicly available through Oakland’s scholarship page.

Board of trustees: Chaos wearing a Gucci belt ANDREW MCNAMARA MAY Features Reporter

Oakland University’s board of trustees did an excellent job of creating the appearance of business as usual on Friday Jan. 12.

President Pescovitz delivered a presentation that was vaguely optimistic, somewhat milquetoast — the sort of progressivism that gets approved by a committee of a Fortune 500 company.

A safe campus commission, an award in honor of the late beloved faculty member Glenn Macintosh, a few cutting-edge grants — all super safe.

All the interesting and truly relevant matters of the press conference were sheathed within the public comment section.

Oakland has not been free from controversy in recent months. On the contrary, the typically peaceful and rather sleepy campus has been racked by a series of unfortunate events.

Union contract disputes constitute the most typical of these misfortunes.

“I know at least six guys in skilled trades that have left here,” Greg Meehan, a locksmith at the university, said to the board. “And they are getting 10 bucks more an hour. They are going other places. Other colleges, DTE, GM, starting their own companies.”

The board replied with the grace of a politician. One even remarked to another, barely audibly, “You should run for governor.”

The Midwest has a long relationship with labor unions. Rarely, except for the most isolated and

privileged — and in this region, oftentimes not even then — is there a family more than a generation or two removed from intense union ties.

The board relied on this very heavily in their answer.

Vague assurances, like one’s father being in a union, were common. Assurances of better pay and benefits were much less freely given.

A very well-dressed answer to very significant unhappiness. Designer stitching. Immaculate texture.

But beneath the velvet lining, what this answer truly adorns becomes harder to ignore.

Perhaps the clearest example arrived in the form of the proposed on-campus data center, planned for construction on campus near Native American historical ground and a wildlife preserve. The

PHOTO BY ADRIEN JIMENEZ MORALES

placement feels almost cinematic — 1980s movievillain energy — except there is no Patrick Swayze riding in to restore balance.

“We see that the harms and risks to our campus community with this project far outweigh the benefits it may provide,” Clover DeVore, OUSC speaker of the legislature and political science major, said. “Sitting in silence means nothing ever changes.”

There were also voices eager to highlight the upside.

“A 26-megawatt data center would significantly enhance exponential learning opportunity for students,” Louay M. Chamra, dean of the School of Engineering and Information Technology, said. “It supports handson education, workforce readiness and industry-aligned curriculum, while increasing the long-term value of an Oakland degree.”

Both visions cannot be equally true.

The long-term value of large-scale AI infrastructure remains speculative. What is not speculative is the weight of the land it would occupy and the precedent it would set. If there are tangible benefits for students or the surrounding community, they were not clearly articulated at the meeting.

Universities are at their best when debate is invited, not managed — and when concerns are addressed directly, not upholstered and stitched away.

Oakland can present itself as polished and forwardthinking, but polish without clarity is branding — and branding is not governance.

FEATURES Wanderlust: Why you should take a solo trip MADDIE SHORT Features Reporter

When we think of traveling, we often think of doing it with the people we love, whether family or friends. Why not consider doing it alone? For many travelers, the assumption is that meaningful experiences require shared memories, yet solo travel challenges that idea with a focus on the wealth of opportunity for self-discovery.

The idea of traveling solo may seem scary or intimidating. Going to a new place alone can feel overwhelming, and those feelings are normal. Concerns about safety, loneliness and unfamiliar surroundings can dominate the early planning stages, especially for first-time solo travelers. Instead of focusing on potential negatives, it is important to recognize the personal growth that can come from traveling solo.

According to Forbes, “solo travel is shown to be a major trend among young travelers, with 76% of Millennials and Gen Z planning solo trips this year.

Solo trips are easier to plan and allow travellers to pursue their interests without group compromises.”

Through solo traveling, people are ultimately forced to sit with their own thoughts and become comfortable with themselves. Without constant conversation or joint decision-making, these moments of personal reflection become a key part of the journey.

“There is not another person with you to lean on for support and therefore you learn to trust your own judgement, which in the long run reduces anxiety in uncertain situations,” Jenna Kirtley, a clinical

psychologist, said.

Solo trips can create a sense of independence and freedom. Travelers plan their days without adjusting schedules for others and choose activities based solely on personal interests. This autonomy can be particularly desirable after periods of academic, professional or family obligations that leave little room for spontaneity.

Not having to account for others’ opinions can open up new opportunities.

Traveling alone can also push people out of their comfort zones, encouraging interaction with others and the formation of new connections. Simple interactions, such as asking for directions or sharing a meal with

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

11 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

strangers, can become more intentional and meaningful when experienced alone.

“Engaging with people you might not normally engage with could lead you to become more open minded, and less judgemental, of people in general,” Kirtley said.

These connections can change how travelers view the world, prompting them to reconsider any past judgments while focusing on the present. Exposure to unfamiliar customs and perspectives often highlights how culturally shaped everyday assumptions can be.

Depending on the destination, local culture may play a central role in the experience. Speaking with locals and experiencing their way of life independently can lead to unexpected relationships.

Traveling alone can boost confidence. No matter how much preparation is done beforehand, unexpected situations are inevitable. While stressful, common situations involving missed transportation, language barriers or sudden changes in plans can become valuable learning moments.

“Given you’re entering the unknown, it will offer opportunities to learn how to face various types of scenarios,” Houghton said.

Navigating these scenarios allows travelers to reflect on challenges they overcame on their own. Over time, these small victories can even reshape how individuals approach uncertainty back home.

While initially daunting in the beginning, solo travel’s growing appeal is clearly apparent. The experience sets travelers on a path of self-discovery, forging meaningful, often-unexpected connections with new cultures and people encountered along the way.

SVP speed dating brings prizes and connection MICHAEL GORDON Campus Reporter

On Friday Feb. 13, Student Video Productions ran one of their few events of the year; “Speed Dating” which consisted of much more than that.

Participants were given the option to select different name tag stickers indicating what they were looking for.

It could have been friendship, a relationship or simply prizes, creating a pretty low-pressure social experience.

“I think people actually came for the speed dating aspect,” said Ivaramoix Del Rosario (Moe), president of Student Video Productions. “We had different name tags, and a lot of people chose the relationship name tag. But some just came to make friends.”

The event also featured raffle prizes, which added another layer of excitement. While some students admitted they were motivated by the chance to win, Del Rosario said the connection was still the main draw.

“We did have more of the relationship ones than just the ‘here for prizes’ or friendship ones,” she said.

Prizes like a Nintendo switch lite, or Sony headphones added excitement to the night, the structure of the event kept the focus on conversation. Students rotated through timed conversations and played games to ease into introductions and break some ice.

Del Rosario said that although some participants arrived unsure of what to expect, many grew more comfortable as the evening went on.

“Just people not knowing the games,” she said when asked about challenges. “But that’s entirely fine. We were happy to teach them.”

For attendees like freshman Jenna Gomez, the event was less about a romantic gesture and more about meeting new faces.

“It was good,” Gomez said. “I came here with my friend Isabella and we wanted to get to know some folks, so we ended up making new friends! like my friend Nick and T’challa.”

Beyond speed dating, Del Rosario noted that events like this reflect Student Video Productions’ broader role on campus.

“We’re not just a film club,” she said. “We’re here for students. We put on movie nights, we host events and we try to create spaces where people can come together.”

As the raffle winners were announced and conversations lingered past the final rotations, the room one could say happened to carry a certain sense.

Not everyone walked away with a prize or a new relationship, but many left having stepped outside their comfort zone and that, organizers said, was the real success of the night, and that is one of the things that really matters in college.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Golden recommendations:

o 1Valentine’s playlist2 o As social media stories light up with couples galore, flowers and chocolates sell out in stores and love is running rampant, choosing the right tune can help set the mood. Whether this Valentine’s Day is spent out at dinner with a partner, friends, family or spending an evening alone, here are some good picks to accompany the Hallmark holiday.

“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars This debut solo single off Bruno Mars’ debut album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” was an instant hit. Even 16 years later, the song is just as touching as the day it was released in 2010.

“Just the way you are,” Bruno Mars sings that he wouldn’t change anything about his girl, assuring the listener that they are perfect as is and that “when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while.”

This pop ballad reinforces an unconditional love that does not require the other person to change, but celebrates them just the way they are.

“It Had to Be You” by Frank Sinatra

“L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

Leave it to “Swoonatra” to sing jazz about the thrill that is love. “It Had to Be You” is a contrast to that thrill. Rather, it speaks to the comfort that love can bring. Famously featured in the soundtrack of “When Harry Met Sally,” the sound of serenading strings, a low voice of a lover and a tranquil trumpet line congregate to parade the feeling only that special someone can give.

An oldie but a goodie, “L-O-V-E” was originally released in 1964. The soft, swingy jazz song immediately sets a romantic mood. The jazz icon Nat King Cole croons, “take my heart and please don’t break it. Love was made for me and you,” as he assures the listener of his affection.

In a fun wordplay similar to an acrostic poem, Nat King Cole spells out the word love and what it means to him. Fans of the 1998 family comedy “The Parent Trap” may recognize the song from the movie’s opening sequence.

Best enjoyed with a glass of wine, champagne or potion of your preference, pair it with the sweetness of chocolate and love. After all, Sinatra always did.

“Kiss Me Quick” by Elvis Presley “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, “Be My Baby” by the bad girl group of the 1960s is an all-time favorite by several generations. Used all over TikTok, Gen Z has particularly acclimated themselves to this selection, as well as several others

by The Ronettes.

The way to describe this classic: the butterflies one feels on that first date. The prolonged, exhilarating episode of fantasization that hits in the middle of class as you begin believing that this may actually be the one. Naturally, this is a great one for all the singles out there.

Wouldn’t anyone love to kiss him quick? For readers who are without love this year, no need to fret — Elvis always makes the heart dance. From the “Pot Luck with Elvis” album, the combination of The King’s voice and ceaseless charisma will make anyone want to fall in love.

A pop ballad featuring The Jordainaires, a rock pulse is certainly evident, perhaps alluding to an intermittent relationship. Nonetheless, his pleading melodic lines remind one of the insistent nature that frequently arises in a certain kind of fling.

“Everybody Loves Somebody”

by Dean Martin A tune written by the composer, lyricist and screenwriter Irving Taylor and pianist Ken Lane, Martin released his recording of the song in 1964.

Near the time of its debut, the Italian American entertainer’s hit dethroned The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” from the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, catapulting straight to the top.

The “King of Cool” who hosted his own series “The Dean Martin Show,” frequently sang on air about longing, love, devotion, heartbreak and all that lies between. The chart-topping single echoes the purest form of love and affection: the kind you hope that every single person experiences.

“XO” by John Mayer

two people, locking eyes, forgetting there is an entire world outside of the infatuation they possess for each other — the type of endearment that feels hypnotic.

“Bones – Wedding Version” by Russell Dickerson

“I’m Gonna Love You” by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood Released in 2024, this song is the lead single off the deluxe edition of Cody Johnson’s ninth studio album, “Leather.” The two country stars join up to intertwine their vocals for a laid-back song, acknowledging the Beyoncé originally released “XO” as the lead single hardships of life, but regardless of them, they sing to on her 2013 studio album simply titled “Beyoncé.” each other of a persistent love. A low-profile production Her version is an electro-pop ballad that makes allows the singers to shine, as they compare their heavy use of electronic instruments. Two years The lead single on “Famous Back Home,” Russell lasting and true love to other inevitabilities of life. later, John Mayer received permission to cover Dickerson’s fourth studio album, “Bones” is an anthem the song and put his own unique spin on it. to a love that lasts until death. Dickerson wrote the Mayer’s rendition changes the feel of the song for his wife, Kailey, who married him over a song, removing the electronic sound and decade ago and now has two children with him. replacing it with just a piano and harmonica.

This version of the song is now more plaintive and simple, but all the more intimate and romantic for the changes. While Beyoncé’s version was deservedly popular, John Mayer adds a certain sweetness and gentleness to the song.

The song covers the span of a relationship, from the nervous moments of first meeting, through marriage, and all the way until death after many long and fulfilling years together.

The wedding version of the song replaces the original driving guitar strum with a string and piano instrumental accompaniment “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos that makes the song that much more “You are here and so am I. Maybe millions of people tender and meaningful. go by, but they all disappear from view and I only have eyes for you.”

Moving slowly, stuck in time, wishing that special moment would never end. The ambiance of “I Only Have Eyes for You” sincerely feels like a daydream. Just

story by Maria Magnoli and Sarah Wasielewski graphic by August Wicker

FEATURES Notes on Bourdainism, Shohei Ohtani and spontaneity 14 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

MALLORY WALIGORA Content Editor

I leave for Japan in six days, and I have nothing planned except a plane ticket – no hotel, no itinerary. I don’t even know which cities I will be in.

By all standards, this is the point in the trip where I should have everything planned out. Normally, I would have created a color-coded Excel spreadsheet with multiple tabs and an accompanying Google Map with pins.

I would have searched through Reddit forums from 2015 late at night. I would have bookmarked breakfast spots near my hotel and stuffed sticky notes into Lonely Planet guidebooks borrowed from the library. Above all, I am a meticulous planner.

Instead, all I have is a Delta boarding pass on my iPhone and a calendar reminder telling me when I need to be at DTW. Anyone who knows me knows this is deeply out of character.

When people ask what my plans are, I shrug – a fullbody shrug that denotes I have genuinely no idea where I will be going or what I will be doing.

Technically, the schedule is in the hands of the Japanese government, which feels equal parts pretentious and ridiculous to admit. I’ll be meeting up with three coworkers, so yes, Mom, I’ll be safe. Not that Japan is unsafe anyway.

Normally, uncertainty like this would make me anxious. I like knowing what I’m supposed to do and when. I like knowing what train I’m catching and where my hotel is. I like having backup plans for my

backup plans.

But for this trip, my Excel spreadsheet is blank.

There isn’t even a spreadsheet.

The strangest part of all of this is that I’ve done exactly one thing to prepare: I dove into Shohei Ohtani’s Wikipedia page. Apparently, Japan is very into baseball, which is excellent news for me. I now know enough niche statistics to feel cultured. Ohtani has become my one allowed comfort in a sea of uncertainty.

I’m not someone who shows up and trusts the process. I’m not someone who blindly lands in Haneda Airport with nothing but the blind faith that everything will work out.

I’ve always admired Anthony Bourdain from afar, simply because he seemed so unlike me – relaxed, effortlessly cool and rugged. His kind of travel always

felt slightly impossible to me, with his willingness to let the trip unfold without trying to control it. I’ve always been secretly envious of that freedom.

For the first time in my life, I’ll be doing something very unlike myself. The itinerary exists somewhere in a Japanese email thread I’ve never seen, in a document written in a language I don’t speak. And for once, I’m okay with that.

In approximately six days, I will be flying over the Pacific Ocean, eating airplane pasta with a ginger ale and watching “Crazy Rich Asians.” I’ll stare at the tiny airplane on the flight map, inching over the ocean, and I will think about every life decision I’ve ever made. I might take a nap. But one thing is for sure: There will be no plan.

That’s the part that feels quietly exciting.

Maybe I’ll wander into a new neighborhood in Tokyo that I’ve never heard of and stumble down a tiny street glowing with lanterns and full of locals – the kind of evening that just can’t be planned from a guidebook.

Maybe I’ll sit down at a counter next to strangers and eat the best meal of my life in a place that isn’t labeled on Google Maps. Maybe the best part of my trip will be something I never could have scheduled in the first place.

Maybe it will be good for me.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Are there true benefits behind moderated sunlight exposure?

MADDIE SHORT Features Reporter

When people think about sunlight, they often focus on the dangers of overexposure, sometimes overlooking that moderate sunlight can also offer health benefits.

Public health campaigns have long emphasized sunscreen use and skin cancer prevention, which, while important, can unintentionally overshadow discussion of safe, limited exposure.

Feeling happier while spending time in the sun is common and can be linked to increased serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in regulating mood, sleep and emotional well-being, making it especially important during months with limited daylight.

“Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused,” Sarah Nall, a medical writer for Healthline, said. “This may alleviate symptoms of depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety related disorders.”

A lack of sunlight exposure can have the opposite effect on mental health. Seasonal mood changes are widely reported, particularly in northern regions where winter days are shorter and outdoor activity is reduced.

“Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern,” Nall said.

In states such as Michigan, limited sunlight can be a concern. Colder weather and earlier sunsets last for much of the year, making consistent sun exposure more difficult to maintain. These environmental factors can contribute to both physical inactivity and reduced

natural light exposure.

While excessive sunlight exposure carries risks, moderate exposure can support vitamin D production.

Vitamin D plays a key role in overall health. Unlike many vitamins, vitamin D is synthesized through skin exposure to sunlight rather than solely through diet.

“The sun is our primary source of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health, immune function, and cancer prevention,” the Nashville Dermatology Physicians website said. “Many studies have shown that even brief sun exposure can significantly boost vitamin D levels, with variations based on skin pigmentation.”

Experts recommend limiting exposure and avoiding peak ultraviolet hours. This approach balances the benefits of sunlight while reducing the likelihood of skin damage.

“Aim for short, regular exposures, especially during non-peak UV hours,” the site said. “For most people, 10-15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week can be beneficial without leading to significant skin damage,” the Nashville Dermatology Physicians website said.

Simple outdoor activities such as walking, reading outside or biking can increase vitamin D levels and serotonin production, which may help improve mood during colder months. These activities also promote physical movement, which independently supports mental health.

Mental health improvements have been linked to serotonin, while vitamin D supports bone health.

Research also suggests sunlight exposure may help treat certain skin conditions and illnesses. Medical professionals sometimes use controlled light exposure

as a therapeutic option.

“While light therapy isn’t for everyone, a dermatologist can recommend whether light treatments will benefit your specific skin concerns,” Nall said.

In most discussions, sunlight is framed primarily as a cause of skin cancer. However, regulated exposure may also play a role in prevention. According to Healthline, people who live in areas with fewer hours of sunlight have higher risks of colon, ovarian and prostate cancers. Researchers continue to examine the complex relationship between sunlight, vitamin D and disease risk.

Although sunlight exposure offers potential benefits such as improved mental health and illness prevention, those benefits depend on moderation. Health experts stress that mindful exposure, combined with protective measures, allows individuals to gain benefits without unnecessary risk.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

ARTS

15 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

“The Jerry Springer Show” highlighted in Varner Hall performance MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter

Faculty members of the Oakland University School of Music are set to perform a concert full of unconventional, exceedingly modern repertoire on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Varner Hall.

One of the works being performed by the nOU — pronounced “new” — Music Ensemble will feature snippets of spoken commotion from 90s talk shows like “The Jerry Springer Show.”

The “fixed media” composition “Heartbreakers”

by Dutch composer JacobTV is a suite for jazz sextet or sax quartet, audio and concert video. Fixed media music is a type of electroacoustic music that is prerecorded, then utilized in performance to accompany the ensemble it plays with. Because the ensemble has significant freedom to improvise, the piece can last anywhere from 17 to 24 minutes in length.

Faculty involved in the project include saxophone professor Jeffrey Heisler, piano professor I-Chen Yeh, trumpet professor Amanda Ross, percussion professor Justin Lamb, SMTD admissions and recruitment manager Alex Sellers and saxophone professor Chris DeLouis, serving while Heisler is on sabbatical. nOU Music Ensemble, formed last semester, is a group of professional musicians pushing the boundaries of classical repertoire. Many musicians in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) gravitate toward performing Western classical music consisting of three main categories: Baroque

(1600–1750), Classical (1750–1820) and Romantic (1800–1915).

A fourth category focusing on contemporary music is also required, but some students do not actively seek opportunities to perform it. In her own teaching, Yeh finds that aversion is true for many students she has taught.

“Often people have a misunderstanding of contemporary music being very dissonant and difficult writing for no good reason. However, contemporary music has such diverse style and often a reaction to historical events and aesthetics

at the time,” Yeh said.

Lamb, an avid performer of electronic music, selected the piece and appreciates its avant-garde nature. Having immersed himself in the style for over a decade, he has grown accustomed to the equipment and its challenges. In this particular piece, all musicians are given in-ear monitors (IEM) with a click track only they can hear — similar to what many mainstream artists wear during concerts.

“The IEM allows the performers to stay in sync with all of the prerecorded electronic tracks that they are performing with,” Lamb said. “IEMs have been popular since the mid-1980s, allowing performers to reduce unwanted noise, to protect the musicians’ hearing and to create personalized mixes for each ensemble member.”

Instrumentalists each play their separate parts as a mix track of phrases from 90s talk shows blasts sporadically in the background. The overall timbre is exceedingly brassy, given the heavy use of saxophones and trumpet in pop and jazz. Words will be displayed on screen behind the ensemble, illustrating the unhinged expressions mentioned on air.

“Shows like these make entertainment out of people’s real suffering, so playing this music along with the bits from the show exaggerates that effect.

What seems like harmless comedy ends up ruining people’s lives,” Ross said.

This concert will feature other pieces, ensembles and styles. Attendees are available to watch for free, and this program is open to the public.

PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA

On thin ice: Sequins, skates and music copyrights SARAH WASIELEWSKI Arts Reporter

Every four years, winter sports take the world stage during the Winter Olympics, and figure skating is no exception. But the sport also made the news for recent copyright infringement issues, with several skaters running into problems procuring the necessary licensing permissions to compete with their chosen music.

Figure skating routines are choreographed to music, and until recently, figure skaters were not allowed to use music with lyrics for their programs.

As a resul,t they pulled heavily from a library of classical music, most of which is public domain.

But in 2014, the International Skating Union relaxed the rules and allowed skaters to choose music with lyrics. While this opened up a host of new artistic choices for the figure skaters, it also meant they were now drawing on a modern repertoire of music that is not public domain.

With the use of modern pop music, skaters now have to jump through a series of hoops to receive the necessary licensing to use the music. Not only do they need performance rights, but there are also licenses needed for the venue to play the music, for the broadcasters to air it and even different licenses if the performance is recorded and posted online.

International competitions, such as the Olympics, add another level of complications.

Amber Glenn, an Olympic figure skater, recently came under fire for not reaching out to an artist for

permission to use his song for her free skate. Seb Mckinnon, who produced the song “The Return,” was never asked for permission to use his music.

Instead, he was surprised to hear his music while watching the Olympics, writing on social media platform X, “So just found out an Olympic figure skater used one of my songs without permission for their routine. It aired all over the world... what? Is that usual practice for the Olympics?”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY

Glenn is not the only skater to run into copyright issues. Spaniard Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté encountered difficulties just before the Olympics began. Normally, he skates to a mix of songs from the movie “Minions” while dressed as one of the iconic yellow characters.

However, Universal Studios waited until the last minute to approve the music for international competition, leaving the skater uncertain if he would be able to compete until shortly before his event.

Amber Glenn cleared up the issue with the artist, receiving the necessary permission to continue skating to the music before competing again at the Olympics.

McKinnon responded that he was not trying to cause controversy with his comment, but rather that it is important to him that the rights of artists are respected and observed, and he was honoredthat Amber Glenn chose to skate to his music.

Other artists have not felt the same way, with the band Heavy Young Heathens suing an American pairs team for using their cover of “House of the Rising Sun” at the Beijing Olympics without proper licensing. Ultimately, it is an artist’s right whether or not to allow others to use their music.

Copyright laws allow artists to control distribution, reproduction and generate revenue from their work.

If copyright laws are not observed, artists would be unable to collect royalties to support themselves and foster further creative work.

ARTS

16 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

“Guardians of the Four Winds”: A game of strategy and lore MARISSA GETSCHMAN Arts Editor

“Guardians of the Four Winds” is a strategic card game created by Steven Warren for the fantasy style world he has created around his social media account; “Quincy’s Tavern.” Not only is the game fun and engaging, Warren has created lore, poetry and alcoholfree drink recipes to go along with it.

The game is played a bit like dominoes, using similar rules to create patterns detailed on each player’s game mat. The goal is to create four specific patterns, each of a different color; orange, green, blue or grey. Each color, in turn, matches to a different faction.

As stated above, the factions are attached to lore within the world of “Quincy’s Tavern.” The rule packet has a spread for each faction in which players can delve deeper into the story: “The Dragon Synod” is represented by a green seal with a dragon pictured. The faction is known for killing monsters, each member being strong enough to solo almost any quest. Warren chose to pair a drink he calls the “Potion of Relics,” which is a black tea-based beverage featuring oranges, maraschino cherries and cinnamon.

More studious players who like a little mystery might choose to align themselves with “The Kitsune Conclave,” the blue seal with a kitsune mascot.

The faction is known for the secrets they keep, an entire archival library filled to the brim with hidden knowledge. They don’t go around spreading secrets, but rather hold them close to their chests, treasuring the

act of simply knowing.

Warren paired “The Kitsune Conclave” with the “Potion of Hope,” a purple lemonade. This drink may be a little more familiar thanks to its use of butterfly pea flower. The blue flower turns purple when mixed with lemon juice, an edible chemical experiment that went viral on TikTok a few years ago. For a little extra magic, Warren recommends adding food-grade luster dust.

The most inclusive of the four factions comes in the form of “The Phoenix Menage,” the orange seal with a phoenix in flight. The faction is the biggest within the lore and likely the most highly sought after for players as people seem to be drawn to the idea of rebirth and

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATALYST GAME LABS

found family.

Coffee lovers rejoice, Warren paired this faction with the “Potion of Moxie,” a lovely blend of coffee, cocoa powder and spices. Fitting for the busy nature and inviting of “The Phoenix Menage.”

“The Gryphon Watch” is the newest faction within the lore and is represented by a gray seal picturing a gryphon. Defensive and entrepreneurial players will want to ally themselves with this faction. This faction is paired with a drink similar to glögg called “Quincy’s Healing Potion.” The drink is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute for its spicier cousin.

The lore is only a fun way to engage with the fantastical elements of the world. Players can choose any token simply because they like the color or animal or for any reason; the chosen faction does not affect gameplay.

“Guardian’s of the Four Winds” is a fun, everevolving game that can be played for fun or to solve a debate as it is used within the lore. Players can choose how much they want to engage with the story: playing a light-hearted match, a serious one or a thoroughly thought-out endeavor.

“May the Four Winds be at your back. Be safe out there,” Warren signs off at the end of the rule packet, reciting Quincy’s usual catchphrase.

POLITICS

17 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

US unemployment has reached a new standard after 2025 MATILDE RABAJOLI Political Reporter

The current U.S. unemployment rate has jumped to 4.7% in the first few weeks of January.

To correct this, the federal government began the new year with an increased number of job positions and opportunities in order to help correct the alarming unemployment rate.

This call to increase employment has allowed the rate to decrease slightly. The break it has offered has allowed President Donald Trump to call for decreasing interest rates, saying how the U.S. should “be paying the LOWEST INTEREST RATE, by far.”

He further added that the predicted monthly figure from the job’s report would be “FAR GREATER THAN EXPECTED!” in a post on social media.

The annual earnings have increased by 3.7%, and the hourly monthly wages have increased by 0.4%, both falling in line with the forecast. The Chief Economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union, Heather Long, said that “it was a January job surge.”

“The surprisingly strong job gains in January were driven mainly by health care and social assistance. But it is enough to stabilize the job market and send the unemployment rate slightly lower. This is still a largely frozen job market, but it is stabilizing. That’s an encouraging sign to start the year, especially after the hiring recession in 2025,” Long said in a statement.

Though the January numbers highlight a sense of

optimism, other issues have affected the predictions for unemployment and Americans’ worries regarding them.

The current immigration crackdowns have affected the conviction in the American employment security for work visas and permits for non-U.S.born residents and citizens.

“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all screening and vetting policies to ensure that immigrants from high-risk countries do not unlawfully utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge,” the Department of State revealed.

This screening process has left 7.8 million

foreign-born workers distraught by the visa pause in 2025, and more than 100,000 visas have been revoked from the government system in the same period.

This has caused thousands of students and specialized workers to not return to the U.S. The State Department explained this as a way of keeping the country safe and secure.

“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” the Department said on social media.

Furthermore, the Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on the first day of the year, addressed the government’s plans for certain foreign workers.

“The United States fully or partially suspended entry for and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, and individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority,” the proclamation said.

This proclamation has caused a range of 200,000 to 1 million foreign-born workers to stop working in the US. Though the working immigrant population has hit such a large decline, the unemployment rate has not decreased to the desired or expected level.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHIO.GOV

EPA overturns 2009 greenhouse gas finding SOPHIA CURRAN Political Editor

On Feb. 12, President Donald Trump and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that they would be eliminating the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding — the biggest act of deregulation in U.S. history.

The deregulation includes former President Barack Obama’s 2009 GHG Endangerment Finding and related emission standards for vehicles and engines from models that are from 2012 to 2027 and future models. It is expected that this change will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion.

“The Endangerment Finding has been the source of 16 years of consumer choice restrictions and trillions of dollars in hidden costs for Americans,” Zeldin said. “Referred to by some as the ‘Holy Grail’ of the ‘climate change religion,’ the Endangerment Finding is now eliminated. The Trump EPA is strictly following the letter of the law, returning commonsense to policy, delivering consumer choice to Americans and advancing the American Dream.

As EPA Administrator, I am proud to deliver the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history on behalf of American taxpayers and consumers. As an added bonus, the off-cycle credit for the almost universally despised start-stop feature on vehicles has been removed.”

On Dec. 7, 2009, the Obama-era EPA found two endangerment findings under Section 202(a) of the

Clean Air Act that GHG emissions harmed public health and welfare: Six GHGs – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride harm current and future generations.

The six GHGs are found in motor vehicle emissions, contributing to their overall pollution that harms public welfare.

The increase in GHG contributions to air pollution also leads to the ongoing climate crisis and increase in global warming. This can lead to an increase in deaths and illness from severe heat, respiratory issues, a rise in diseases such as Lyme disease and worsened extremities in the production of aeroallergens and an increase in natural disasters caused by a quickly shifting climate.

The change is expected to be a big win for oil and gasoline companies and gas-reliant car manufacturers.

However, the electric vehicle industry is expected to take quite a blow from the decision.

Detroit, also known as the “Motor City” and the automobile capital of the U.S., is one of the country’s biggest vehicle manufacturers, but has been facing economic struggles since the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and Canada.

While some Michigan officials believe that this will lower costs and boost the economic growth of the state’s auto industry, many are also worried about the deregulation’s environmental implications in the Great Lakes State.

The Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) replied to the EPA changes in a

written statement, arguing that it “significantly affects” the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“At this time, it is unclear what impact these federal changes may have on Michigan’s regulatory framework. Regardless, EGLE remains committed to protecting the environment and public health and will continue enforcing all applicable air quality rules and regulations,” the agency said.

Michigan government officials have their own policies towards environmental protection, including air quality standards established by the federal Clean Air Act. Auto companies will soon have to adjust to the changing standards, having to reroute their own systems of manufacturing but still maintain their net growth as a company.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRASCOPE

18 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Malala Yousafzai’s “Finding My Way”: A review MARYAM MOSS Political Reporter

Malala Yousafzai’s new memoir, “Finding My Way,” released in October 2025, doesn’t just pick up where her 2013 autobiography, “I am Malala,” left off, but reintroduces herself to the world—not as the hero free of flaw that the media characterized her as, but as a young woman ultimately choosing who she wants to be.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATRIA BOOKS

As stated in the book’s preface, Malala’s sharing of her joys, pains and even more mundane moments reminds us “that real role models aren’t perfect, they’re human.” Yousafzai, in debuting her memoir, described it as the story she has been waiting to tell.

Set during her years as a student at the University of Oxford, it is a story of self-discovery and reinvention that defines the transition to college for many.

Yet, it is still intertwined with memories that invite us into a world unbeknownst to us— narratives of growing up in her native Mingora, Pakistan and the trauma of the 2012 shooting where Malala, then 15, was targeted by a member of the extremist Taliban group.

Yousafzai was the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, which she received in 2014 for her courage, resistance, and activism for girls’ education amid the Taliban’s closing of schools in her hometown.

Now 28 years old, she continues her international advocacy at the Malala Fund, an organization that

works with civil societies and local affiliates to support girls in continuing their education through upper-secondary school.

A full 12 years of schooling, as Malala emphasizes, is key to protecting their futures. It helps to prevent the risks of child marriages and forced labor that girls not in school are more vulnerable to, while forging a path to higher education.

Her career as an activist doesn’t occupy the background in “Finding My Way”, but still remains center-stage. Yet, new meaning can be found in the way the struggles characteristic of adolescence relate to a monumental mission.

Malala, for perhaps the first time, revealed how publicity negatively affected her at a young age. With PR-style coaching before a speaking engagement and the spotlight always trained on her, Malala’s authentic self was stifled by her mediated image.

“Suddenly, everyone wanted to tell me who I was. An inspiration, a hero, an activist. But also a wallflower, a punching bag, a paycheck,” she reflects in the initial chapters of “Finding My Way”.

At some point in her college journey, Malala wrestled off the labels others imposed on her, allowing herself to make mistakes — even if it meant falling behind on work to spend a night with friends.

During an interview with the Daily Show, Malala agreed with host Jon Stewart that “you can’t be everything for everybody.” As she explained, it was a choice between social life, sleep or academic honors. Malala learned to value the first, which she felt had been underprivileged during her teenage years.

One of the book’s greatest triumphs, aside from allowing us to appreciate the different dimensions of Malala, lies in its challenge of dichotomies.

Throughout her life, people wanted Malala to be either an ambassador of her culture or a more Western stereotype of femininity — Malala refused both of these ultimatums.

“I wouldn’t justify my choices to the secular mob any more than I would the denim police,” she candidly wrote in “Finding My Way” of a viral 2017 photo taken of her in jeans. For Malala, being comfortable in her own skin meant wearing the headscarf as a proud symbol of her faith and ethnic identity, while getting to choose her own fashions — a small act of rebellion.

Amid the many tumultuous episodes of her personal life was Malala’s avowed obligation to the girls of her homeland and to the cause she advocated for. This did not come without a feeling of guilt she harbored beyond her college years, when, in 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops — reversing gains for countless women and girls.

After nearly failing an exam in university, Yousafzai stressed over whether she would be criticized for championing education while struggling in her own. Nevertheless, she continued to sacrifice in ways no one would realize — giving up study breaks to accept invitations or interview requests to speak out on female empowerment.

“I tell my story not because it is unique, but because it is the story of many girls,” she is quoted as saying on the Malala Fund site.

The unlikely meeting of the traditional and new is one of the most potent and resonating themes of

POLITICS

the book, which integrates personal tales of heritage with contemporary, universal struggles. Through a non-linear telling, Malala shows us that past and present are never estranged in time.

In a tribute to readers on Instagram, Yousafzai dedicated her book to anyone who has ever felt alone, “who yearns to find love and connection,” and is seeking out their place in the world.

Through reading these deeply-personal reflections, she hopes young audiences will resonate with the person she is beyond the headlines, while finding resolve, courage and self-acceptance in navigating their own journeys.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

POLITICS

19 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych disqualified from 2026 Winter Olympics MATILDE RABAJOLI Political Reporter

The 2026 Winter Olympics have gone viral for many reasons, including the newfound love of curling, the famous American figure skater Ilia Manlin and the act of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych.

The Winter Olympics have graced our television and news outlets with the wonder that athletes can bring to daily life.

From the beloved Opening Ceremony in the San Siro Stadium of Milan, Italy, to the incredible performances done by athletes all over the world for the breathtaking, dangerous winter sports, the Olympics have become an escape from current political attitudes around the world.

Yet, one athlete tried calling attention to a political and brutal reality that he cannot escape from.

The Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych was recently disqualified from the Games, for he wishes to compete wearing a custom helmet that commemorates fellow Ukrainian athletes who had lost their lives since the Russian invasion first began.

The athlete had pushed to compete in his sport and to carry their memory with him as he competed on the global stage.

“I made a great proposal this morning to wear this helmet and show solidarity with Ukraine — I believe it’s a great way (for the IOC) to show it has solidarity with Ukraine — and to remove all the scandal,” Heraskevych said after he had a meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A meeting was held to discuss the logistics behind Heraskevych’s wish to wear this helmet.

“The IOC was very keen for Mr Heraskevych to compete,” the committee said. “This is why the IOC sat down with him to look for the most respectful way to address his desire to remember his fellow athletes who have lost their lives following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The essence of this case is not about the message, it is about where he wanted to express it.”

The decision was also reviewed by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation And ultimately, due to Heraskevych’s not adhering to the code of conduct or charter for expression, he was ultimately disqualified.

The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, was interviewed about this final decision, in which she shed light on the request made by other athletes back in 2020, where many would prefer to avoid any political discussion or demonstration.

“They also asked us to keep certain areas, so the field of play, the podium, the olympic village: safe ones,” she said.“Because they also realized that they could use that for their own personal messaging, they could also be asked to use that for others and for political messaging and how could we keep them safe in order to not be asked to use the field of play or the podium for something that they didn’t agree with.

The request for a reprieve from political opinions during the Olympic Games has been a famous argument as to whether or not it is correct for athletes to use the stage that they earn as a moment to protest or not. The new rules of conduct in this matter were created to give athletes a chance to also not partake in

politics if they did not feel comfortable doing so, as Coventry explains.

Though multiple compromises were offered, none were able to appease all parties. The “emotional morning” had caused many tears to be shed regarding these individuals, both Coventry and Heraskevych, trying to express something as large as understanding and remembrance.

Yet Vladyslav Heraskevych replied to the news shared by the interview in that, though he appreciated the sympathy and Coventry’s willingness to listen, his helmet still carried an important message he wished to share.

“In Ukraine, we have a lot of tears, and I don’t want to doubt her feelings,” Heraskevych said in regard to the interview. “But I don’t believe we violated the rules. I also want to thank her for her kind words in the meeting, but as I told her, this situation plays along with Russian propaganda and doesn’t look good.”

PHOTO BY ALESSANDRA TARANTINO

POLITICS Opinion: The White House’s contempt for a free press 20 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

MARYAM MOSS Political Reporter

President Donald Trump, since returning to office, has drawn upon numerous strategies to silence, delegitimize and infringe upon the work of journalists.

Among the most shocking of these incidents occurred last month, when government institutions searched a Washington Post reporter’s home and federally charged journalists who covered a protest at a church in St. Paul.

These actions represent a contrast to the historically exercised caution when curtailing the freedom of the press. Throughout the 20th century, Supreme Court decisions on most of the lawsuits brought by plaintiffs against journalists on accusations of false publishing, source confidentiality and incitement have favored the latter.

At the end of January, an appeals court complied with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to arrest nine individuals for their presence at a protest at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Among them were independent journalists Georgia Fort and former CNN anchor Don Lemon, now host of the “The Don Lemon Show” on YouTube.

The two represent the newest faces in the pushback against a rising federal persecution of free speech.

These especially ramped up last year, when many pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, were claimed by the federal government to present adverse foreign policy consequences. Nearly a year later, Khalil is still fighting deportation in court.

On Jan. 18, a crowd interrupted a church service held at Cities Church to protest Pastor David Easterwood’s alleged involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was not in attendance at the gathering.

The Cities Church protest, as Religion News Service notes, has received relatively little support and led to discomfort among prominent religious leaders, some of whom have declined to comment. In video footage, the uncomfortable expressions among congregants can be seen as protestors chant slogans like “ICE out” and “hands up, don’t shoot” in the midst of prayers.

Attorney General Pam Bondi described the disruption as a “takeover-style attack” and noted that the protestors’ tactics were intimidating, making congregants apprehensive about a mass shooting.

The DOJ furthermore accused protestors of occupying the aisles to prevent people from exiting the building.

It invoked the Freedom of Access to Clinical Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994, which prohibits interference with the rights to access reproductive health services or places of worship, to support the accusations.

A federal magistrate later signed arrest warrants for three of the protestors, but did not issue them for Lemon and four others. After this declination, senior DOJ officials appealed the decision, obtaining a warrant for Lemon through an appeals court. Finally, nine defendants, among them journalists and protesters, were indicted by a federal grand jury on felony offenses.

According to an article by Lawfare, “the Cities Church protest may fairly be characterized as disruptive, disrespectful, or even unlawful under local state or trespass law,” but expresses that the statutes invoked and the federal government’s level of investment seem like an overreach.

The charges pressed against all defendants alleged conspiracy to violate religious freedoms and the acts of injuring, intimidating and obstructing worshippers, but do these accusations match up?

Houses of worship are recognized as private property, reserving the right to establish codes of conduct on premises, permit or deny entrance. By extension, an individual who violates rules can be asked to leave and will likely be treated as a trespasser if they refuse.

Furthermore, journalists, under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech clause, are allowed to gather information on pub lic, rather than private grounds, and may not interfere in the event they are documenting.

As an all-encompassing guideline, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics encourages journalists to balance competing obligations in their profession while being courageous in collecting and reporting information.

Evidence shows that the federal charges against the journalists, in particular, are problematic.

Don Lemon, present in the raw video footage of the incident, affirmed that while interviewing congregants and protestors, he was not part of the rallying group but, rather, only intended to report on them. In livestreaming the protest from an observer role, Lemon, as a journalist, was exercising his First Amendment right and duty to report in the public interest.

As Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, notes, in order to charge him, prosecutors would need to prove that Lemon had attempted to physically obstruct, threaten or intimidate the church congregants from exercising their rights. There is no proof of any of these actions.

Lemon, who appeared at an arraignment hearing on Feb. 13, is pleading not guilty to the charges.

Minnesota Chief Judge Patrick J. Schlitz rejected the premises behind the arrests of Fort and Lemon. He affirmed that they were “not protestors at all,” but “a journalist and his producer,” who had not engaged in criminal behavior.

Government officials, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, have cast a spin on Lemon’s actions and accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey of promoting unrest.

In an interview with Fox News, Bondi accused Don Lemon of conspiring with the protestors who entered Cities Church, obstructing fearful congregants from exiting and violating the FACE act. She asserts that Lemon had endorsed the protestors and initially gathered with them before proceeding towards the church, framing his role in the controversy as a more active one.

“We’re going to prosecute you, and you will be held accountable,” Bondi said.

Harmeet Dhillon denounced the protest, characterizing Lemon’s actions as “pseudojournalism” not protected by the First Amendment.

Despite conflicting accounts, one thing remains clear: the arrests of Fort and Lemon send a chilling message to journalistic independence. In an interview with MS Now anchor Rachel Maddow, journalist Georgia Fort referred to a “strategic attack on freedom of the press,” citing the previous attempts by Trump to censor a segment that aired on the CBS show, 60 Minutes and take the Jimmy Kimmel, host of the Jimmy Kimmel Show, off air. She believes that hers and Lemon’s arrests represent a new level to criminalize journalism as a profession.

Fort said that government agencies and other powerful institutions have often attempted to cover up misdeeds in the past. The work of journalists has always played a pivotal role in bringing those truths to the forefront.

“I really want American people to understand— attacking the press is not simply just attacking journalists, it’s attacking the public’s right to know,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY TO THE NEW YORK TIMES

21 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026 SPORTS Oakland struggles offensively in loss to Wright State MARYANNE SANFORD Sports Reporter

The Oakland University women’s basketball team returned to the OU Credit Union O’Rena on Saturday, Feb. 14, but fell 62-44 to the Wright State Raiders in Horizon League play.

Oakland battled defensively and controlled the glass at times, but offensive struggles proved costly.

The Golden Grizzlies shot just under 30% from the field and committed 20 turnovers, allowing Wright State to create separation as the game went on.

Mackenzie Luehring led Oakland offensively with 14 points, continuing her role as the team’s primary scoring option. Fillippa Goula followed with 13 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc and providing perimeter energy throughout the contest.

While the final score did not go in Oakland’s favor, freshman Karinna Trotter delivered a breakout performance. Trotter pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds to anchor Oakland’s interior presence and generate second-chance opportunities.

Oakland opened the game with defensive intensity thanks to an early block from redshirt senior Lianna Baxter. Goula and Luehring helped spark the offense; however, turnovers stalled momentum, and the Golden Grizzlies trailed after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Grizzlies found a brief rhythm behind Luehring’s shots and late scoring from Layla Gold, but Wright State capitalized in transition to extend the lead heading into halftime.

Gold opened the third quarter with a three-point shot, Baxter converted through contact for a three-point play, and Luehring continued attacking at the rim. Still, a pair of Raider threes and Oakland turnovers widened the gap entering the fourth quarter.

Oakland’s defense tightened late, limiting Wright State’s scoring in the final quarter, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

Saturday’s loss drops Oakland to 8-18 overall and 5-11 in the Horizon League as the regular season enters the final stretch.

Despite the record, the Golden Grizzlies have remained competitive statistically in several key areas.

Oakland is averaging 63.6 points per game while shooting 39.9% from the field and 31.0% from the three-point line. From the free-throw line, the team holds a strong 72.0% success rate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDEN GRIZZLIES

Rebounding has been one of Oakland’s strengths.

The Golden Grizzlies average 35.7 rebounds per game, outrebounding opponents by a 1.2 margin.

However, ball security has presented challenges.

Oakland averages 17.0 turnovers per game, contributing to a 7.7 scoring margin on the season.

When it comes to team leaders, Luehring leads the team in scoring with 14.0 points per game, adding over four rebounds and three assists per contest. Her offensive production and ability to create shots have been central to Oakland’s attack.

Angie Smith follows with 10.3 points per game while shooting over 46% from the field, providing efficiency in the frontcourt.

Gold contributes 9.8 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds per game, showing versatility on both ends.

Goula stands at 8.8 points per game and Baxter at 8.7 points per game, showing a balanced scoring core.

Each of them is playing major minutes and contributing across multiple statistical categories.

When looking ahead to the Horizon League tournament, Oakland will plan on building its rebounding strength and defensive flashes while improving shooting efficiency and turnover control.

If young contributors like Trotter and Luehring continue to develop alongside veteran leadership from Baxter and Goula, the Golden Grizzlies could find late momentum at the right time.

While Saturday’s game might not have been what the Grizzlies wanted, individual growth and statistical progress continue to shape the foundation of the program’s future.

Defensive struggles and fatigue mount in Oakland’s loss to Robert Morris MIKE OKORONKWO Sports Reporter

The Oakland Men’s Basketball team fell flat in a 93-69 loss at Robert Morris on Sunday, Feb. 15.

The scoreline from the UPMC Events Center on Feb. 15, 2026, represents more than just a single loss; it is a symptom of a team hitting a physical and tactical wall. After a three-game skid, the 1413 record reflects a team searching for answers after being outscored 51-31 in the second half.

Robert Morris managed to pull away for a 93-69 victory, handing the Golden Grizzlies their most difficult stretch of form this season.

Defensive inconsistencies and the efficiency gap While Oakland has relied on its length throughout the season, there have been growing inconsistencies in rim protection that were exploited in this contest.

Robert Morris treated the paint like a layup line, scoring 50 points in the interior.

Isaac Garrett returned to his role in the middle of the zone after an injury absence, but the team struggled to find a defensive anchor as the Colonials shot a clinical 66.7% in the second half.

Offensively, efficiency was a major hurdle for the Grizzlies. Based on the official box score, Garrett finished 1-of-11 from the field, while Tuburu Naivalurua faced significant pressure from the Robert Morris defense, finishing 2-of-10. As a collective unit, Oakland’s 39.3% shooting was not enough to keep pace with a Robert Morris squad that finished at 57.6%.

The perimeter barrage The second half saw Robert Morris pull away largely due to its proficiency from beyond the arc.

The Colonials finished the game with 13 made three-pointers on 43.3% shooting. Ryan Prather Jr. was a constant threat, hitting three long-range shots, while Darius Livingston was even more surgical, converting 5-of-9 from deep to finish with

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDEN GRIZZLIES

15 points. Ta’Zir Smith provided a massive spark off the bench, adding four more triples on 57% shooting from distance.

This perimeter efficiency, combined with 31 total assists, allowed Robert Morris to effectively dismantle the Oakland zone.

The fatigue factor: a pattern of crumbling Oakland has shown a tendency to struggle in the closing stages of recent games, a pattern that mirrored the late-game difficulties seen against Cleveland State.

When fatigue sets in, communication in the zone often suffers, leading to the late closeouts that allowed Robert Morris to record 31 assists on 38 made field goals.

This fatigue is also visible in the rotation; Warren Marshall IV was limited to just 11 minutes despite his defensive versatility, while Zaire Wells and Brody Robinson were pushed to 38 and 33 minutes respectively.

By the time the second half arrived, the team’s shooting percentage dropped from a respectable 46.4% to 32.1%.

The verdict At this stage of the season, the focus must shift from division standings to fundamental execution.

The late closeouts remain a primary concern, and the coaching staff may need to consider more frequent man-to-man switches when the zone is being exploited.

Robert Morris held the lead for more than 31 minutes of 40 and led by as many as 27 points in the final moments. If Oakland cannot find a way to manage its fatigue and defensive inconsistencies, the path through the postseason will become significantly more difficult.

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22 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Team USA Hockey makes early statement at Winter Olympics MATT LEWAKOWSKI Sports Reporter

The U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team has started the 2026 Winter Olympics on a strong note, asserting itself as a serious contender for a medal in Milan-Cortina.

With NHL players back on Olympic ice for the first time in 12 years, expectations were high, and through the preliminary rounds, the Americans have delivered results that justify the optimism.

The tournament opened for Team USA on Feb. 12 with a convincing 5-1 victory over Latvia. In that game, the Americans quickly took control, outshooting their opponents and showcasing balanced scoring.

Brock Nelson led the attack with two goals, while Jack Hughes contributed two assists, underscoring his return to full health after a brief injury absence. Despite having a couple of early goals disallowed in the first period, the U.S. dominated possession and was the better team across all three periods.

Two days later, the U.S. faced Denmark in its second preliminary match and again emerged victorious with a 6-3 win. Denmark grabbed an early 2-1 lead, surprising many viewers, but the Americans responded emphatically.

Jack Eichel’s goal and assist helped spark the comeback, and the scoring was distributed across the lineup. Brady Tkachuk, Matt Boldy, Noah Hanifin, Jake Guentzel and Hughes all found the back of the net, highlighting the depth and versatility of the roster.

That 2-0 start gives Team USA six points atop Group C with one preliminary game remaining,

putting it in a prime position to secure a top seed entering the knockout stage. According to USA Hockey’s official schedule, the final group game for the Americans will be against Germany on Feb. 15 at 3:10 p.m. ET. A win in that contest would cement a perfect 3-0 record in group play and likely earn the U.S. a bye into the quarterfinals.

Despite the strong start, the road ahead won’t be easy.

Germany has been competitive in this tournament, and its ability to challenge top opponents suggests that America’s final group game will be a meaningful barometer of its medal prospects. The Germans’ more structured defensive play and experience at international events make them a tougher matchup than the previous two opponents.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC OLYMPICS

Looking beyond the preliminary rounds, the Olympic schedule is daunting but promising for the U.S. Should it advance, the team will proceed to the playoff round and, if successful, into the quarterfinals, semifinals and ultimately a chance to compete for the gold medal on Feb. 22. With NHL talent on the roster and offensive firepower spread throughout the lines, the Americans have the tools to go deep into the tournament.

One of the narrative threads of this year’s Olympic hockey story is the return of NHL players to the international stage. This restored level of competition favors teams like the United States, whose roster boasts active NHL stars.

Many of these players — like Hughes, Tkachuk and Nelson — are not just skilled but battle-tested in highstakes environments, making them valuable assets as the tournament intensifies.

While early victories are crucial for momentum, they are also a reminder that this team still must prove itself against elite European competition. Canada, Sweden, Finland and other traditional hockey powerhouses have maintained strong performances in MilanCortina, each posing a unique tactical challenge. As the group stage concludes and the knockout rounds begin, coaching decisions and line management will become even more critical.

For fans and observers, the most exciting aspect of this year’s U.S. team is the combination of established stars and emerging talent stepping up on the Olympic stage. If Team USA can sustain its current play, limit costly mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities, a medal — and perhaps even gold — remains within reach.

Tigers reinforce rotation as they push toward contention MATT LEWAKOWSKI Sports Reporter

The Detroit Tigers entered the offseason with a clear objective: take the next step from rebuilding curiosity to legitimate American League contender.

After showing flashes of progress late last season, the front office approached the winter with a blend of patience and purpose, prioritizing internal growth while selectively addressing roster needs.

Rather than making splashy, headline-grabbing moves, the Tigers focused on stability, development and long-term flexibility.

At the center of the offseason conversation was the pitching staff, led by ace left-hander Tarik Skubal.

Skubal’s continued emergence as one of baseball’s most dominant starters has reshaped the Tigers’ outlook.

His presence gives Detroit a true frontline pitcher to build around, and the organization’s offseason strategy reflected that confidence. Rather than overhaul the rotation, the Tigers emphasized depth and durability, ensuring they have capable arms ready to step in throughout a long season.

Behind Skubal, Detroit leaned heavily on internal options and young pitchers who gained valuable experience last year. The offseason became less about adding star power and more about refining mechanics, improving command and managing workloads.

One of the most impactful moves of the Tigers’ offseason came with the reunion of franchise icon Justin Verlander, whose return to Detroit instantly altered the perception of the club’s rotation.

While Verlander is no longer the overpowering ace of his prime, his presence brings invaluable leadership, postseason experience and credibility to a young pitching staff. For a rotation anchored by Skubal, Verlander provides both a stabilizing veteran arm and a mentor capable of elevating those around him.

The Tigers viewed the move not just as a nostalgic reunion but as a calculated addition that raises the floor of the rotation while reinforcing a winning mindset inside the clubhouse.

Detroit further strengthened its pitching outlook by acquiring left-hander Framber Valdez, a move that signaled the organization’s growing urgency to compete.

Valdez brings durability, ground-ball dominance and proven success at the highest level, giving the Tigers a second frontline starter to pair with Skubal.

His ability to consistently pitch deep into games also helps protect a bullpen that was overextended at times last season. The addition of Valdez represents a shift in philosophy, moving from purely developmental patience to calculated aggression as Detroit begins surrounding its young core with proven performers capable of winning now.

That developmental approach extended into spring preparation, where competition for rotation and bullpen roles remained a key theme.

Offensively, the Tigers’ offseason focused on incremental improvement rather than dramatic reinvention. Detroit’s lineup showed stretches of promise last season, particularly from its young core, but consistency remained an issue.

Instead of blocking prospects with expensive veterans, the organization chose to keep pathways open for emerging hitters to claim everyday roles. The emphasis was on

plate discipline, situational hitting and cutting down on prolonged scoring droughts that plagued the team at times.

Defensively, the Tigers placed a premium on versatility. Several roster decisions reflected a desire for players who can move around the diamond, providing manager A.J. Hinch with flexibility in both matchups and late-game situations.

That adaptability is especially important for a club still blending youth with experience, allowing Detroit to adjust without sacrificing defense or lineup balance.

One of the most notable aspects of the Tigers’ offseason was what they didn’t do. There was no massive free-agent contract or blockbuster trade signaling an all-in push.

Instead, Detroit maintained financial flexibility while keeping its long-term vision intact.

That restraint suggests confidence in the organization’s player development pipeline and belief that the core is closer to contention than in previous years.

The front office also emphasized culture and continuity. Retaining familiar faces and reinforcing clubhouse leadership were quiet but important elements of the offseason. After years of roster turnover during the rebuild, the Tigers are clearly prioritizing chemistry and shared expectations as they transition into a more competitive phase.

As spring approaches, optimism surrounds the Tigers, though expectations remain measured. The offseason did not radically transform the roster, but it reinforced a sense of direction.

Detroit believes its best improvements will come from within — from young players taking the next step, pitchers refining their craft and a lineup learning how to win tight games consistently.

SPORTS Team USA sits third at Olympics midway point MARYANNE SANFORD Sports Reporter

The Milano Cortina 2028 Winter Olympics are at the midway point, and Team USA has firmly established itself as a strong force on the global stage. After the opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, the competition quickly ramped up across Italy’s venues.

The United States sits in third place overall with 14 medals: four gold, seven silver and three bronze. The team is fueled by standout performances, emotional storylines and a few unexpected setbacks.

One of Team USA’s strongest medal contributors comes from the figure skating team, which delivered a historic performance in the Olympic team event. Led by star Ilia Malinin, Team USA clinched the gold medal and successfully defended its Olympic title.

Malinin posted the top men’s free skate score in the team competition to boost the team into securing the necessary points to overcome Japan. The victory highlighted the depth of the U.S. figure skating team and continued the nation’s streak of medaling in every Olympic team figure skating event since the event’s debut in 2014.

However, Malinin’s individual campaign told a completely different story. Entering the men’s singles event as the overwhelming gold-medal favorite, expectations were astronomically high. After a strong short program kept him in medal position, the free skate unraveled.

Multiple jumping errors and falls derailed his routine, dropping him into an unexpected eighthplace finish — one of the most shocking upsets of the Olympic Games so far. Despite the disappointment,

his role in the team gold remains a defining highlight for Team USA’s skating success.

The ice dance event also brought podium glory and controversy for the Americans. The duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates delivered a flawless free dance and received the silver medal.

The result sparked debate after judging score sheets revealed significant discrepancies, including one judge who scored the French team almost eight points higher than any other panelist. The scoring gap fueled backlash from fans and analysts, reigniting conversations about transparency and fairness in Olympic figure skating judging.

On the snowboarding side of the Games, Chloe Kim added another Olympic medal to her decorated résumé.

Entering the women’s halfpipe final with hopes of winning a third consecutive gold medal, Kim opened with a strong first run that briefly held the top spot.

However, a late surge from the competition pushed her into second place. Kim ultimately secured the silver medal, reinforcing her status as one of the most dominant athletes in the sport.

Meanwhile, alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn delivered one of the most emotional moments of the

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR

23 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Olympic Games. Vonn aimed to add to her storied career but saw her run cut short in dramatic fashion. During the women’s downhill event, she crashed after catching a flag, tumbling hard on the course.

She was airlifted from the mountain and later underwent surgery to repair a complex tibia fracture. In a post-surgery message, Vonn reassured fans, urging them not to feel sorry for her and emphasizing that the pursuit of Olympic competition always carries risk. Though her Olympic Games ended early, her determination and resilience once again defined her legacy.

Another major bright spot for Team USA has come from the ice with the women’s ice hockey team, which has looked dominant through the first half of the Olympic Games. The Americans have showcased overwhelming depth, speed and offensive firepower.

They have outscored opponents by wide margins in preliminary matchups, prompting analysts and coaches to point to this roster as possibly the most elite U.S. women’s hockey team ever assembled. Their physicality, puck control and defensive discipline have positioned them as strong gold-medal contenders as the tournament moves on.

Through triumphs and heartbreak alike, Team USA’s performance at the halfway mark reflects both depth and star power. From powerhouse teams on the ice to Kim’s podium finish to Vonn’s injury and Malinin’s upset, the first half of the 2026 Olympic Games has delivered no shortage of drama.

With several events still ahead, the United States remains within reach of climbing the medal standings. Team USA’s mix of veteran leadership and rising talent keeps the door open for an even stronger finish in the days to come.

Why the Detroit Pistons should be your next sports obsession JAMES ELLING Sports Editor

With football season over, many Detroit sports fans are searching for their next obsession — and they might find it at Little Caesars Arena.

For Lions fans, the end of football season always feels abrupt. One week we’re living and dying with every third down, every red-zone snap, every Dan Campbell gamble. The next week, the helmets are packed away, Ford Field is quiet and our Sundays suddenly feel a little too calm.

But Detroit sports aren’t done with us yet. Not even close.

Because while the Lions catch their breath, the Pistons are giving you every reason to keep the fire going. If you haven’t been watching, now is the time to jump in — and if you have been watching, you already know why.

Why the Pistons should be your next team Detroit is in the middle of a sports renaissance. The Lions have become contenders. The Red Wings and Tigers are rising. And the Pistons — after years of frustration — finally have a foundation that feels real.

That foundation is the All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, and a roster that plays every game like it’s their last, from top to bottom.

Cunningham is the maestro — the leader who controls the game the way a great quarterback controls a drive.

Duren is the force — the finisher and athletic marvel who turns every lob into a highlight and every rebound into a second chance.

Together, they’ve transformed Detroit’s offense into one of the most exciting young units in the NBA. Fans who love the Lions because they’re tough, disciplined and built on culture can expect to love this Pistons team for the same reasons.

What you might’ve missed while you were focused on football Cade Cunningham became a superstar Last season, Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds — earning All-NBA honors and his first All-Star appearance. This year, he’s been even better. He’s scoring more efficiently, facilitating at an elite level and controlling games with a calmness that feels familiar to anyone who watched Jared Goff evolve into a franchise cornerstone.

He even joined Michael Jordan in the record books with a 40-point triple-double that included five steals.

Yes — that Michael Jordan.

Jalen Duren became one of the league’s most dominant bigs

PHOTO COURTESY OF YAHOO SPORTS

Duren is averaging career highs across the board, leads the NBA in dunks and has become a nightly double-double machine. He’s the Pistons’ version of a downhill running back — powerful, explosive and impossible to ignore.

And the chemistry between him and Cunningham? It’s becoming one of the best two-man games in basketball.

The Pistons have won — a lot — and they’re fun!

Detroit has already beaten playoff teams, dominated stretches of November and February and climbed the to the mountaintop of the Eastern Conference standings at 40-13.

Where they’re at now They play fast, they play connected and they play with a joy that’s contagious — and it’s been effective to the tune of the best record in the NBA at the All-Star break.

If the Lions gave you belief, the Pistons are ready to give you momentum.

Both teams share the same DNA: young stars, a clear identity, a potent culture and a fan base starving for something real.

The Lions showed Detroit what it looks like when talent meets toughness. The Pistons are showing what it looks like when talent meets chemistry.

So hop on now — it’s not too late.

Football season may be over, but Detroit sports aren’t slowing down. The Pistons are rising, their stars are blossoming and their games are becoming appointment viewing.

So if you’re looking for your next team to believe in, the Pistons are right here — and you’re going to want to say you were watching from the beginning.

24 | FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Grizzlies’ effort undone by details in tight loss MIKE OKORONKWO Sports Reporter

The Oakland University men’s basketball team faced a grueling test at the OU Credit Union O’rena on Thursday, falling 86-82 to Youngstown State in a game defined by execution errors.

Despite shooting an impressive 53.4 percent from the field—notably higher than the Penguins’ 45.9 percent—the Golden Grizzlies could not secure the victory. While the hot shooting kept the game within reach, the disparity ultimately came down to a lack of interior rim protection, a perfect night at the line for the opposition, and self-inflicted mistakes in transition.

Early sparks and defensive lapses The contest began with Tuburu Naivalurua setting the tone early. Naivalurua put together an A-game performance, shooting an efficient 7 of 10 from the field for 15 points while pulling down seven rebounds. His energy provided a necessary spark, yet the defensive end of the floor told a different story for much of the rotation.

Ziare Wells faced a frustrating opening half; while he contributed eight points and four steals, his positioning was a recurring issue. Wells was frequently caught ballwatching, which allowed Bryson Dawkins to find highpercentage cuts to the basket for multiple open scores.

Dawkins was arguably the most athletic player on the court, utilizing an explosive first step and elite burst to blow past defenders off the dribble. His savvy off-ball movement was the primary engine behind his gamehigh 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting.

Personnel gaps and perimeter highlights The absence of Isaac Garrett loomed large throughout the evening, leaving a void in the paint that Oakland struggled to fill. Without a consistent interior presence, the rim protection was compromised as the Penguins attacked the paint at will.

However, Warren Marshall IV provided a masterclass in perimeter defense. Coming off the bench, Marshall’s standout moment was a high-energy block on the perimeter, using his length to shut down an outside attempt. His ability to switch and close out on shooters was a primary reason he was credited with multiple defensive stops, providing a blueprint for how Oakland must defend the arc when the interior is vulnerable.\ Transition struggles and traffic issues The most glaring issue for the Grizzlies was the struggle in transition, particularly from Brody Robinson. While Robinson showed his range with a clutch buzzer-beater to end the first half, his overall performance was marred by poor decision-making under pressure.

Robinson repeatedly ran into heavy traffic in the open

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDEN GRIZZLIES

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court, losing the ball on multiple possessions where Oakland had the numbers. These live-ball turnovers contributed to YSU’s 17 points off turnovers and prevented the Grizzlies from establishing a consistent rhythm.

Robinson’s tendency to drive into a crowded paint without a clear outlet proved to be a turning point that negated his 16-point, 8-assist effort.

The Carroll and Polak show The defining factor of the game was the unstoppable performance of Cris Carroll. Carroll was hot from the jump and only intensified his scoring output in the second half, finishing with 19 points.

Beyond scoring, he dominated the glass with a gamehigh 10 rebounds and facilitated the offense with 5 assists. While Oakland’s defense was forced to play him aggressively, leading to frequent fouls, Carroll was automatic from the charity stripe, finishing a perfect 9-of9 despite the mounting pressure.

A conversation for best player of the game must also include Cam Polak, who was lethal from deep. In the first half, Polak appeared incapable of missing, specifically on contested three-pointers. He finished the night with 26 points, fueled by an incredible 7-of-14 performance from beyond the arc.

Looking ahead While Michael Houge’s 21 points and Brett White’s five three-pointers kept Oakland in the hunt, the combination of transition errors and the Penguins’ perfect 18-of-18 execution at the free-throw line sealed their fate.

Fortunately, a Detroit Mercy victory over Wright State keeps Oakland just one game back in the Horizon League standings, but the transition discipline must be cleaned up as the season transitions into crunch time.