Morgan Warneke Content Editor morganwarneke@oakland.edu
Megan Judy Managing Editor meganjudy@oakland.edu
EDITORS
Courtney Blackett Photo Editor courtneyblacket@oakland.edu
Kurt Szymanski Sports Editor kurtszymanski@oakland.edu
Adrian Jimenez Morales Campus Editor ajimenezmorales@oakland.edu
Noah Francis Features Editor nfrancis2@oakland.edu
Mallory Waligora Political Editor mallorywaligora@oakland.edu
DISTRIBUTION
Rory Strachan Distribution Director
Zachary Oberdier Distribution
Katie Reid Photographer
Carlee Morgan Photographer
Alyssa Putnam Graphic Designer
Zachary Oberdier Graphic Designer
Brian Einowski Ads Director ads@oaklandpostonline.com
REPORTERS
Chelsea Bossert Reporter
Moe Del Rosario Reporter
Summer Weathers Reporter
Nicholas Kablak Reporter
Angelina Toma Reporter
ADVISING
Garry Gilbert Editorial Adviser
gjgilber@oakland.edu
248.370.2105
Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
OU STUDENT ARTIST Danielle Pagano showcases her piece “Hoarding Island” to be displayed at the Detroit Artists Market from July 12 to August 10.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLE PAGANO
Letter from the editor: A new era for volume 50
OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI
Editor-in-Chief
I first joined The Oakland Post during the winter semester of my freshman year here at Oakland University.
I had spent the duration of my first semester trailing behind the paper cart of my now best friend, a newly hired Post distributor, who let me go on her routes with her so we could talk about unimportant things and I could hang out in the office without actually being on staff.
After befriending some posties and reluctantly revealing that I did love writing, I was urged to apply to be a reporter so I could “actually get paid for being around.”
It was all I heard every time I stopped by, and yet somehow I found the fall semester over and myself unpaid, uncommitted and unsure if I took myself seriously enough to be a “real writer.”
What truly made me take the leap to apply was past Content Editor Lauren Reid.
Lauren was someone who readily expressed this unbridled faith in me, even when it felt completely unfounded. I had never even written in a journalistic style before, and yet Lauren was sure that just the way I passionately talked about things was a signal that I had a storytelling voice that could flourish on a page.
I was initially hired as a features reporter, but was soon asked to be a reporter for the newly implemented arts section — a chance I excitedly jumped at.
The arts section is where I truly found my groove — and my voice — as a writer. I had the unique
experience of being afforded such creative freedom to write stories not only pertaining to OU’s campus, but the culture of the world at large.
I was promoted to arts editor during the summer before my junior year, and got my first real taste of leadership at The Oakland Post. In my new role, I found myself yearning to create those close connections I had felt with past posties with my new reporters, and worked to make sure that I was giving the same support that I was so lucky to receive.
My time at The Oakland Post has truly informed my academic path, the student organizations I have been a part of, my hopes for my future career and — most of all — how I view myself.
From taking on the role of vice president of OU’s
chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to helping found OU’s first fashion magazine, BeGolden, traces of The Oakland Post exist in everything that I do.
So, after reflecting on all that The Oakland Post has given me, I feel an overwhelming desire to pay it forward in my new role as editor-in-chief.
I want to set The Oakland Post up with a collaborative team and an inviting environment that will prepare the publication for the future, and ensure that its legacy continues strong for all those who will one day discover themselves through it.
A touchstone that I always tend to go back to regarding leadership is a quote Olivia Wilde once said about the job of a film director from the series “Screen Stories.”
“The job is to set the tone and to hire everyone and to delegate well and to be a leader and to communicate well. It is not your job to have every best idea, it is not your job to control everyone and make them feel less important than you and it is not your job to singularly inherit the glory. It is important for directors to talk about everyone who contributes to the process. It doesn’t make you less impressive or powerful that you had a team.”
So, as much as this is a new “era” at The Oakland Post, I am immensely aware of how much bigger this is than just me, and am beyond honored to join the ranks of past editors-in-chief of the publication. I am so thankful to have the support of The Oakland Post alums, advisers and staff, and hope to do them proud as the summer winds down and we embark on a new school year — starting with volume 50.
South Foundation Hall: from the oldest to the newest building on campus
NOAH FRANCIS
Features Editor
First built in 1959, South Foundation Hall has been one of Oakland University’s oldest buildings, standing alongside North Foundation Hall and the Oakland Center as the original three buildings Oakland University had to offer when they first opened their doors.
Since February 2021, South Foundation Hall has been shut down and under renovations in order to expand the space by 25,000 square feet from the building’s original 55,041 square feet and update the building to a modern 21st century design.
As of July 8, the main renovations on South Foundation Hall have been completed, adding to the traditional red brick exterior by sporting light gray metal along its walls, large glass windows and an overhang reminiscent of the Engineering Center’s design. Originally holding 37 classrooms, South Foundation Hall’s remodel adds 10 more classrooms, as well as an updated lounge area for students to study.
Jean Ann Miller, the senior director for the Office for Student Involvement, has been guiding private tours of the updated building, and assures that along with the increase in classrooms, the new rooms won’t be cramped for students.
“The classrooms, especially in the front where all the windows are, they’re huge,” Miller said. “The
rooms are inviting to interact with the professors and have a great classroom atmosphere that will be very welcoming and not stuffy.”
Being both a faculty member and an alumni, Miller explains how the differences between the old building and the new building are striking.
“Having been here all these years, seeing it from a student perspective and seeing it from a staff
perspective, the whole thing is just a wow factor,” Miller said. “What we’ve seen so far, the outside and the inside, they just match in terms of that wow factor of what it used to be to what it is now.”
While a majority of the building is finished, the building is not yet open to the public, as finishing touches are being made. While the furniture has yet to be implemented, Miller gives a glimpse of how the furniture will be unique.
“The furniture is supposed to be very mobile, so students have the opportunity for how they want to interact with each other,” Miller said. “Hopefully that will be helpful with ways that they can configure the furniture, but that’s one piece I haven’t seen.”
One defining feature of the old South Foundation Hall was its atrium, commonly referred to as the fish bowl. Although the landmark was not brought back with the new renovation, Miller explains how members of the staff are searching for a way to bring it back.
“We’ve had a discussion about [the fish bowl] because we want to bring that back in some way to memorialize it,” Miller said. “It’s there that we’re going to be able to do the bake sales or give other opportunities for student organizations to use it. The concept is coming back, we just don’t know what it’s gonna look like.”
South Foundation Hall will be open to students and faculty as of the Fall 2024 semester, growing in its design and ideas for years to come.
PHOTO BY ROBERT HALL, COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
PHOTO BY ROBERT HALL, COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
OU faculty contract negotiations: Workload, salary increase and special lecturer status
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
Contract negotiations between The Oakland University American Association of University Professors (OU-AAUP) and the OU administration began on June 4 to renew the 2021-2024 agreement for at least three more years.
“The temperature is lower than it has been in some previous negotiating years,” Kevin Corcoran, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. “People are trying to get the work done and that’s good for both sides, for the students and the campus.”
Eight bargaining sessions have been held at Kresge Library’s main floor, where nine OU-AAUP negotiators and six OU administration negotiators work on agreements regarding language and economic proposals.
“Both sides sit across from one another at a table and we pass pieces of paper back and forth,” Tom Discenna, OU-AAUP chief negotiator, said. “We read those pieces of paper and we ask questions, then answer those questions for each other.”
“Sometimes we take breaks and we go in our own rooms, talk amongst ourselves, come back and do more of the talking and the paper passing,” Amy Pollard, OU-AAUP executive director, said.
Language proposals are among the first items on the list, addressing specific terminology and grammar that impact how the contract is followed.
“The language has to mean the same thing to both of us, so we have to be really careful that the words we use mean what we think they mean to everybody sitting at the table and to the folks who will read them,” Pollard said.
Some of the first points addressed for language clarification were the faculty salary increase application, special lecturer priority hire and the internal posting of special instructor positions.
“About half of the classes at Oakland are taught by a category of employees called ‘special lecturers,’” Discenna said. “We want to make sure that those protections that exist for [full-time professors] and everyone else are robust enough.”
By June 19, the third bargaining session was held with the OU administration team presenting 10 noneconomic proposals. Some of these touched on the arbitration list, faculty tuition waiver and Article VII, “Faculty employment, Reemployment, and Tenure.”
An additional proposal addresses Article IX, “Discipline and Discharge.” This proposal would “equalize workloads for special instructors and improve various processes for administering the contract,” the administration said in their bargaining updates. It could potentially allow OU administration to increase faculty workload if there are deficiencies in research or service performance, OU-AAUP said in their bargaining diary.
Tentative agreements were made on June 26 regarding Article XVII, “Tuition Benefits.” OUAAUP’s proposal on emeritus status eligibility was also agreed upon. Initially opposing the
administration’s discipline and discharge proposal, OU-AAUP also tentatively agreed to a temporary increase in the teaching workload on Article IX.
On the other hand, Article X, “Professional Responsibility,” sparked controversy as a universal workload plan for special instructors was proposed by the administration team, instead of the current system which leaves workload management to the discretion of each department.
“One possibility coming out of this is that [a model] gets laid out and then the units develop their own that align with a university model,” Corcoran said about the workload plan in the Article X proposal.
OU administration also proposed several changes to Appendix A, “Research and Full-Time Practitioner Faculty,” like removing the cap on research professors. This also presented the possibility to “eliminate promotions for these faculty and Full-Time Practitioner Faculty, thereby removing the associated promotional raise,” OU-AAUP said in the bargaining diary.
By July 3, the OU administration presented its initial economic proposals. A salary increase of 12.75% over the proposed five-year contract was part of the proposal alongside a 4% raise for the 2024-2025 academic year, applicable to all faculty.
OU also presented a proposal on Article X interpreting workload increase as “relief” from research or service expectations. In the union’s diary, OU-AAUP said the proposals interfere with the academic units’ workload statements.
“The workload statement is a document that each academic unit has written and has been approved by the university,” Pollard said. “It dictates the three main categories — teaching, research and service. It breaks down what faculty have to do percentage-wise for those things.”
On July 10, OU-AAUP presented its economic proposals. Among increases to promotional raises and travel funds, they proposed:
A $12,000 one-time lump sum to be added to the base salary of full-time faculty for the 2024-2025 period
A market adjustment for 2025-2026 and a cost of living adjustment for 2026-2027
A 4% merit pool in all academic years
“Since 2020, if we look at faculty salaries and their purchasing power, $12,000 is the amount that our salaries have decreased,” Discenna said. “In essence, I make $12,000 less to do my job today than I did in 2020.”
Tentative agreements were made on Article VII, maintaining three years of credit for prior experience for new faculty, including special instructors.
Budget presentations, economic counter-proposals and the discussion of remaining language items were conducted on July 16. Both economic proposals remained stagnant regarding faculty travel fund increase, professional development and the increase of research leave funding.
OU-AAUP presented a counter-proposal on Article X, rejecting the universal teaching load for special instructors. The union also presented a proposal on Article XXIX, “Calendar,” addressing concerns on class days and potential holidays.
OU administration presented a budget and economic update detailing revenue challenges, and budget projections to respond to the union’s economic proposal. In this projection, the administration increased its economic offering to a 12.95% raise over five years.
“We don’t have a bottomless pit of money,” Corcoran said. “If three out of every $4 we have comes from tuition, how do we make it affordable so that students are able to get the benefit of an OU education?”
Appendix Q, “Medical Insurance Advisory Group,” saw a refusal from the administration to introduce an advisory group as proposed by the union.
The last meeting, held on July 18, saw little progress on workload changes — now encompassed within Article X, “Professional Responsibilities.” Counter proposals regarding academic titles and compensations were exchanged, specifically about the special lecturer definition and retirement contributions.
Academic calendar nuances were also being discussed. The union presented a proposal on Article XXIX and also mentioned the need for campus-wide discussions on calendar updates.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 23, with expected discussions on the remaining language items and economic counter proposals.
Corcoran gave some final thoughts on the bargaining process thus far.
“This contract that’s coming to an end in a month was negotiated in the summer of 2021,” Corcoran said. “Did we know what the world was going to look like? Did we know what enrollment was going to look like? It was a really challenging time to do a contract negotiation.”
“While at times there will be some heated discussions — because we’re talking about people’s livelihood here — everybody still has the student’s best interests at heart. It is important that we recognize that we’re all trying to get to the same place, we’re just trying to take different paths.”
For more information, visit the OU-AAUP bargaining diary and OU administration updates.
PHOTO BY LINDSEY SOBKOWSKI
Alumni Association webinar focuses on three keys to healthy boundaries
ANGELINA TOMA
Campus Reporter
On July 11, OU’s Alumni Association hosted their “3 Keys to Healthy Boundaries: Say No, Speak Up For Yourself, and Confidently Express What You Want” webinar. The webinar expressed a sense of freedom and power by using relevant skills to build healthy relationships, deeper connections and more confidence in work life.
Dr. Aziz Gazipura, the world’s leading confidence expert and author of six best-selling books, including “Not Nice” and “Less Nice, More You,” addressed the importance of healthy boundaries to accelerate in personal and work lives.
Gazipura first addressed his background experiences with social anxiety that led him to advise others further.
“I was afraid of talking to anyone I didn’t know and saw it as ‘this is just how I am,’” Gazipura said. “I discovered that you could learn confidence and it steered my life path.”
Gazipura expressed the need to set boundaries as preferences, in other words, as what you want and do not want.
“Setting boundaries will help you say ‘no’ when you need to speak up for yourself and confidently express what you want,” Gazipura said. “When you say no, you’re able to steer your energy towards what it is you want to focus on.”
He also shared the necessity of considering your obstacles before setting these preferences.
“The biggest obstacle I see is a fear of upsetting
others. Fear is felt by not wanting to hurt others or to be seen negatively,” Gazipura said.
Gazipura explained that fear has conditioned humans to hate rejection by others but are more so afraid of direct contact.
“Direct contact is when a group of expressive and truthful people come together to share experiences,” Gazipura said. “When we share a boundary with someone we have a deeper relationship with, we are afraid of others seeing the real us and fearing direct contact with them.”
He further explained the skills to stand up for
yourself and to do so without hesitation.
“The first key is building an assertive mindset including permission, healthy entitlement and making yourself a part of the equation,” Gazipura said.
Gazipura’s explanation of permission focused on personal preferences being essential in the process of developing assertiveness.
“The healthy entitlement is the part of the assertive mindset that provides the fuel allowing to speak up,” Gazipura said. “Finally, making yourself a part of the equation is the way to say your needs matter.”
Gazipura further explained that the assertive mindset takes the responsibility to communicate and stand up for yourself.
“Less is more when it comes to being assertive,” Gazipura said. “The second key focuses on eliminating over-explanations and pushing yourself all different ways.”
He then focused on the challenges to avoid overexplaining and permitting yourself to accomplish all tasks.
“The last key to having healthy boundaries is the right amount of vulnerability,” Gazipura said. “An attempt you have to be able to learn when someone is trying to control you is being vulnerable with people means they could control you more.”
Gazipura expressed vulnerability as a powerful tool for influencing others through an authentic connection. In the end, all three keys addressed newfound skills in setting boundaries and the power to direct life without fear or hesitation.
Visit the OU Events Calendar through the Alumni Association for more information about Gazipura and future guest speakers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Student involvement and engagement at Rock and Enroll Day
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
With the steady arrival of the fall semester, July 16 was Rock and Enroll Day at Oakland University. Housing tours, tabling and swag giveaways were among the activities held at the Oakland Center (OC) to inform all returning and new students.
Organized by the Office of the Registrar, Rock and Enroll Day was an introductory event allowing students to meet with advisers, get informed about financial aid and take care of class registration needs.
“Lots of times over the summer you want to keep connections with students,” Michael Wadsworth, dean of students, said. “Rock and Enroll is just an initiative that helps us do that because you want students to stay interested and not forget what’s going on at school.”
The corridors on the main floor of the OC were populated by the tables of major departments and offices at OU. From the Graham Health Center to the Honors College, many administration members introduced their offices, resources and contact information to students.
“None of the people I talked to knew what the Dean of Students office was,” Wadsworth said. “And that’s great because those are the people we wanted to talk to and share what we do with.”
The Office of Global Engagement, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Center for Multicultural Initiatives were also present to answer questions and introduce specific programs taking place throughout the academic year.
“The more you can get students connected, the more
likely they are to stay here [at OU],” Wadsworth said. “When you can have events like this, and you have all of these offices participating, I think is the only way you’re going to really get to students in a big way.”
The importance of such introductory events was also echoed by the student attendees.
“Anything that’s a good environment for just asking questions and getting important info — like your tuition or what’s housing going to look like — I love places like that,” returning student Brendley Carey said. “They let you just fire those questions off and get those answers.”
However, while attendance at the event was steady, a desire for more student engagement was expressed.
“We had a pretty typical flow, a steady flow,” Wadsworth said. “I would still love to see more students at the event … but getting people to see there’s a need before it becomes immediate is the big challenge.”
Carey echoed the urge to not only attend the events but also engage.
“It’s only as informative as you make it,” Carey said. “You’re only going to get the most you can out of it by applying yourself and being outspoken. Ask the dumb questions first and then ask a stupid one. It’s about setting yourself up for when you’re out of college.”
As the semester begins, Student Congress legislator Alex Verzillo also recommended spending time on campus as a way to maintain involvement.
“Spend more time at the Oakland Center, walk around and see what is happening,” Verzillo said. “Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask questions or be present.”
For more information, visit the OU Events Calendar or the Office of the Registrar’s website.
OU student Danielle Pagano makes waves in the Metro Detroit art scene
Payton Bucki Contributor
For Danielle Pagano, art is more than just a hobby. Art is an escape, an outlet to express her feelings and a way to connect with others. However, Pagano never viewed art as a way to make a livelihood for herself, that is, until recently.
Pagano, an Oakland University junior majoring in computer science, has spent her college career making waves in the Metro Detroit art scene.
This summer, two of Pagano’s pieces, “Hoarding Island” and “Duality,” were selected to be showcased at the Detroit Artists Market.
Pagano’s “Hoarding Island,” which depicts a pile of various items on a kitchen countertop, invites the viewer to consider the paradoxical nature of maximalism. While some find clutter to be an eyesore, others find
it comforting to be prepared for their uncertain future.
“Beyond its visual complexity, “Hoarding Island” aims to encapsulate the anxieties of late-stage capitalism — a period where leisure time is increasingly spent in the pursuit of consumption,” Pagano said. “The normalization of online shopping blurs the line between consumer and product, while trends shift as rapidly as the break of dawn.”
Katie Pfohl, curator of modern and contemporary art at the New Orleans Museum of Art, hand-selected Pangano’s “Hoarding Island” for Hot DAM!, an annual Detroit art exhibition.
“Facing a time of transformation in
Detroit and beyond, [the exhibiting artists] yearn for change, seek solace and imagine new ways of being and belonging in a complicated world,” Pfohl said about the Hot DAM! exhibition.
Pagano’s pathway to success as an artist has been far from linear. In fact, she came close to giving up art altogether.
“I went to an International Baccalaureate school (International Academy of Macomb) for high school. While there, I was able to take a lot of art classes, and fell in love with painting,” Pagano said. “I got pretty good throughout the years. My manager saw my art and was impressed; he asked to commission a piece from me.”
It meant a lot to Pagano to commission a piece as it was her first experience having someone find monetary value in her artwork.
“I took over a year to complete my first commissioned piece. I experienced extreme feelings of selfdoubt and put a lot of pressure on myself to make the piece perfect,” Pagano said. “I almost stopped painting because I could not handle the pressure. For some time, I went back to painting as just a hobby.”
Pagano began painting more seriously again as she faced numerous challenges in her personal life. She found painting as an effective way to channel her emotions.
“I went through a lot of big hardships in my personal life [throughout college] where painting became an outlet for me, or, sometimes, just a way to escape,” Pagano said. “When I am faced with hard times, art is a good
way to forget about what I am going through. Art is the light at the end of the tunnel, letting me know that I will be okay.”
Pagano’s most recent exhibition piece, “Duality,” demonstrates Pagano’s sentiments of escapism. “Duality” features three self-portraits and portrays themes of mental illness and drug abuse.
“We sometimes take communication for granted, that is, being able to express your thoughts in words. But feelings are so internal that they are difficult to express in just words,” Pagano said. “I like art because it gives me the ability to express my emotions in a unique way. We can unlock a new level of humanity by seeing the world we all share filtered through someone’s existence.”
Pagano’s “Duality” will be shown at the Detroit Artists Market’s Summer Block Party on Saturday, July 27 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
To see more of Pagano’s art and upcoming showcases, visit her Instagram page, @daniellepaganoart. Those interested in commissioning a piece from Pagano may contact her via email at idalion@gmail.com.
DANIELLE PAGANO‘S “ HOARDING ISLAND.”
DANIELLE PAGANO‘S STUDIO
DANIELLE PAGANO‘S “ DUALITY.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLE PAGANO
The Muscle Biology Laboratory at Oakland University
ANGELINA TOMA Campus Reporter
The Muscle Biology Laboratory at Oakland University, organized by Dr. Vandré Casagrande Figueiredo two years ago, focuses on research in biology and muscle growth.
“When I was young, I started in a small gym and years later I was taking it seriously,” Figueiredo said. “I started to read a lot about how to build muscle, which one day ended up being a biochemistry of exercise book.”
As Figueiredo developed an interest in physiology, he entered his studies purely to learn how muscles grow.
“My lab still focuses on how muscles can become bigger, but also understanding how muscles are lost and how we can recover them,” Figueiredo said.
He explained that his current research interests involve rapid aging concerning muscle mass (sarcopenia) and the risk of cancer cachexia.
“We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for muscle atrophy during aging, cancer cachexia, muscle disease during limb immobilization and how we can preserve muscle mass during those conditions to recover faster,” Figueiredo said.
The laboratory is working on several projects that relate to muscle atrophy during cancer cachexia such as using a mouse model.
“We are also working to understand how stimulated microgravity may influence muscle mass,” Figueiredo said. “Also, the fundamental biological questions
related to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms to regulate muscle mass.”
Figueiredo explained that the National Institute of Health (NIH) funded a research project, investigating a transcriptional factor key synthesizing ribosomes leading to muscle atrophy.
There are also many ways OU students can take part in Figueiredo’s laboratory.
“We are always open to new students that are committed to applying themselves to the challenges of undertaking a project or helping our graduate students,” Figueiredo said. “Perhaps even having a project for themselves.”
Figueiredo continues to work with undergraduate research volunteers, honors students and graduate students.
Within just two years of the Muscle Biology Laboratory’s creation, students have attended and submitted poster presentations for both local and statelevel conferences.
“We only expect that students getting into the lab have the interest and curiosity to make discoveries. We expect students to apply themselves and dedicate enough time to produce something meaningful,” Figueiredo said.
Figueiredo also addressed his position as the principal investigator (PI) and how he guides his students.
“As a new PI and assistant professor, we have a lot of responsibilities that take time away from the lab,” Figueiredo said. “I believe a constant presence in the lab, guiding, training and being involved are all important aspects.”
“Students should feel safe to make errors, to try, to ask questions, so I try to be open and encouraging,” Figueiredo said.
The scientific laboratory aims to achieve many goals while ensuring research projects work.
“I hope one day to say that we learned so much about how muscle mass is regulated, or at least enough to mitigate muscle mass during aging and cancer,” Figueiredo said. “I hope to help pave the way to the cure of cancer, cachexia and sarcopenia.”
For more information about joining the Muscle Biology Laboratory visit the lab webpage, or contact Figueiredo via email at vcdigueiredo@oakland.edu.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINKEDIN
brat summer
mascara, eyeliner, blush and lip gloss in a frenzy trying to get ready. Each outfit, hairstyle and vibe is perfect. The camaraderie is immaculate, you’re about to have the time of your life. You and your friends are going to a club downtown, the goal: To have a “Brat summer.”
Aitchison, is living her best life right now. She’s making music, she’s engaged and she wants you to live your best life too — despite all of its struggles. “Brat” is no ordinary electronic pop, dance fusion record, “Brat” is a way of being.
and the cover art was revealed, fans were skeptical. Why the minimalist, compressed art? Why the lowercase spelling? Why “Brat”?
a lifestyle and it is a part of the culture zeitgeist that many young people find themselves in. Gen Z in particular has been drawn to not only this record, but the culture and spectacle behind it.
A trend on TikTok right now is the infamous “Apple dance” from the track “Apple” off “Brat.” Like most TikTok dances, the “Apple dance” is a synched up dance that has excited a lot of corners of the internet. Even the casts of popular TV shows and movies have gotten in on this trend — the “Twisters” cast’s interpretation in particular is hilarious.
“I think the apple’s rotten right to the core/ From all the things passed down/From all the apples coming before/I split the apple down symmetrical lines/And what I find is kinda scary/Makes me just wanna drive,” Charli sings.
“Apple” is a song that is a microcosm of “Brat.” It’s eclectic, eccentric and filled to the brim with electronic melodies and rhythms. The beats and Charli’s vocals are mesmerizing at times, her vocal delivery rides the line between monotone and excruciatingly emotional.
The grasp “Brat” has on the culture right now is staggering. The opening week of sales for “Brat” had her number two on the U.K. charts, trailing behind the extended, U.K. exclusive tracks released for Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”
“Brat” fans were furious. Was this calculated? How could Taylor release U.K. exclusive tracks just to spite Charli? Do Taylor and Charli have beef?
However, what is clear is that Taylor may have won the charts, but Charli has conquered the culture.
“Brat” is not just for the girls and the gays, it is not just for Gen Z and younger listeners — hell it is not just for fans of her music. “Brat” is for people who are trying to make a change.
On Sunday, July 21, President Biden announced that he would not seek a second term in office and that he would be dropping out of the presidential race. Biden then pledged that he would wholeheartedly support his vice president, Kamala Harris, for her bid for the presidency.
The official account for the Harris campaign on X, “Kamala HQ,” has rebranded to a “Brat” theme. Charli has even come out in her support for Harris, saying in a tweet that, “kamala IS brat.”
The seamless rebrand and Charli’s endorsement of Harris is a moment in which this complicated, excruciatingly painful summer — at least politically and culturally — finally seems like it is converging to a singular point.
The culture is uniting around “Brat.” Every sector of the internet seems to be obsessing around the cultural icon that is Charli XCX. She has been making music for over a decade, but her time is now. Now, is “Brat summer.”
story by chelsea bossert design by megan judy photos courtesy of billboard media
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She’s a star: ‘MaXXXine’ concludes the ‘X’ trilogy
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
Fans of slashers and Mia Goth alike were ecstatic when “X” released in March 2022.
The film grossed $15.1 million in theaters — making it a box office success. The star packed cast included Mia Goth in dual roles of Maxine Minx and antagonist Pearl, Jenna Ortega as Lorraine, Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne, Kid Cudi as Jackson, Owen Campbell as RJ and Martin Henderson as Wayne.
Fans loved the revival of summer slasher films, and Ti West announced that the film would be part of a trilogy series. In September of the same year, “Pearl” was released.
“We had the idea for ‘Pearl’ before making ‘X’ but only by a month or two. When we went to New Zealand to make ‘X,’ we had a two-week mandatory quarantine in a hotel, so that’s when the ‘Pearl’ script was written,” director Ti West said in an interview with Forbes.
The film was a prequel to the original movie and was another success, grossing over $10 million in theaters. Goth reprised her role as the titular character Pearl, but this time the film followed her young adult years.
Goth received praise for her acting in both films and audiences watched a young Pearl devolve into who we knew her as in “X.”
Following the release of the prequel, the sequel was announced to be in production and was set to release in 2024.
“MaXXXine” added new cast members including Halsey, Lily Collins, Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Debicki and Sophie Thatcher.
The film follows Maxine trying to become an actress in 1985 Hollywood after the events of the Texas chainsaw massacre in “X.”
Along with her murderous past haunting her, a mysterious private detective is following her every move. Meanwhile, Hollywood is being terrorized by the Night Stalker — a fictional expansion of the real life serial killer. The perfect concoction for chaos and anxiety.
The film is a question of who will catch up to Maxine first.
Spoilers ahead for “MaXXXine.”
Everything seems well when Maxine finally lands a role for an upcoming B-list movie. However, she soon becomes involved in the investigation of the suspicious death of her coworker — who went to a party she previously declined to attend.
I personally really enjoyed how convoluted the story was. Throughout the entire film, some of Maxine’s friends start getting picked off one by one as they attend a mysterious party that Maxine continuously declines.
While the plot follows this storyline, the film also introduces possible causes of the disappearances —
‘The Boys’ Supe-r season 4 finale
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
The previous season finales of “The Boys” never seemed to disappoint, and season four’s is no different.
The season finale managed to surprise fans with different plot twists, unexpected character deaths and horrifying alliances. Here’s everything that happened in the finale — spoilers ahead for “The Boys” season four.
One of the great things about “The Boys ”is how they manage to take the audience by surprise without even needing the shock factor to do so.
A-Train’s character was theorized by many to be the big character death at the end of the finale. He was previously revealed to be the rat, and The Seven don’t take lightly to anything that could potentially take them down.
Surprisingly to many fans, A-Train actually does survive the season. His redemption arc was completed within the season, and he leaves with his family. He attempts to persuade Ashley to join, but she declines.
Ashley staying at Vought also introduces one of the finale’s cliffhangers. After overhearing The Seven saying they need to get rid of anyone who could potentially hurt their reputation, Ashley takes Compound-V and the camera cuts at her developing powers.
Starlight’s powers also develop in the season finale — after previously being lost — and she can
now surprisingly fly, with Starlight showcasing her powers toward the end of the episode. Starlight’s identity had been stolen by Doppelganger.
Victoria Neuman is a fan favorite, and while she plays for her own team, she decides to help The Boys towards the end. That is, until Billy Butcher uses his powers he’s developed from using Compound-V to rip her in half in front of the team.
Butcher nears the title of villain for the upcoming and final season, with the fourth season being a build up to his Supe status.
enter the Night Stalker. This was a great red herring to deflect from the true mysterious antagonist who is obsessed with Maxine, but who isn’t revealed until the end.
While the Night Stalker was active during the film, the identity of the killer is actually Maxine’s estranged father, Ernest Miller — a murderous cult leader-like televangelist who claims Hollywood has stolen his daughter.
It is revealed that Miller and his followers have been making a snuff film to expose the “sinful” nature of Hollywood.
While the plot twist isn’t entirely surprising given the fact that he’s mentioned several times in both “X” and the beginning of “MaXXXine,” it’s still satisfying that the film came full circle back to him.
After Maxine confronts her father and kills him, we watch her make it big in Hollywood as a biographical film is made about her life — with her finally as the star.
“Playing Maxine and Pearl has been the most creatively fulfilling experience of my life,” Mia Goth said in an interview with Time Magazine.
While the “X” trilogy has concluded, director Ti West has teased that he is working on a fourth film connected to the franchise — with its release depending on the success of “MaXXXine.”
Ryan is a catalyst in Butcher’s decision as he kills Grace Mallory. This decision leaves Ryan’s alliance up in the air to be explored in the next season.
Homelander is left to control the White House after Singer is framed for killing Victoria, and the country is left in a martial law, with all reporting to Homelander.
The rest of The Boys are captured except for Starlight and Butcher. Cate and Sam from “Gen V” also make an appearance to capture the team. The Boys’ fate is left unknown, but it is theorized that other characters from “Gen V” will make an appearance.
In a post-credit scene, it is revealed that Soldier Boy has been left in a regulated coma. His alliance is left unknown, although this could definitely create a problem for Homelander in the following season.
With the chaos that was left uncovered, audiences were left attempting to grasp what could happen in the final season. Several characters’ alliances are already flimsy, so it’s nerve-racking to see what will happen in the future of the show.
A season five release date has not been given yet, but it is speculated to be released during the summer following the pattern of previous release dates.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEADLINE
‘I
Saw The TV Glow:’ There is still time
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Reporter
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FILM: “I SAW THE TV GLOW”
“There is still time.”
Horror movies have made quite the resurgence through the production studio, A24. Films like “Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” “Get Out,” “The Lighthouse” and “Climax” offer disturbing looks into the real and the surreal, the grounded and the supernatural.
Personally, I am not one to enjoy these types of horror movies, often they rely too much on their shock value or jumpscares in order to provoke an emotional response out of the audience. I prefer films that are scary based solely on the fact that their world feels too real. I would much rather be scared by what I know than by what I don’t.
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Director Jane Schoenbrun’s narrative feature length debut, “I Saw The TV Glow,” takes the viewer on a trip through the life of Owen, a gloomy, solemn kid who merely wanders through life until he meets Maddy, an older high schooler who dyes and bleaches parts of her hair, wears long sleeves and speaks in a dull, unenthusiastic drone.
They both have an interest in a late-night, youngadult TV series called “The Pink Opaque,” a monsterof-the-week serialized outing into the lives of Tara
and Isabel, two friends who discover and utilize their psychic powers.
Owen — through watching this TV show with Maddy every night that it airs — discovers more about himself than he ever has before. Through stunning cinematography, visuals and a life-giving color palette, we go through Owen’s journey of self-discovery with him, seeing the newfound beauty and awe in the world.
But then… Maddy disappears.
“…all they found was her TV set — burning in the backyard,” Owen narrates.
Jump-cut to eight years later, Owen is 24 years old and is working a job at a funplex. His life has grown dim, he has lost everything. His mother died of cancer, Maddy is gone and his father does not even talk to him.
Owen then runs into Maddy at a grocery store.
Maddy explains her whereabouts within the past eight years and begs Owen to come with her, back to “The Pink Opaque.”
The film takes a drastic tonal shift at this point, changing from an eerie yet nostalgic view into the 90s and early 2000s late-night TV show aesthetics to a full on techno-sci-fi horror film.
The shots get visually darker, you can barely see the characters in most of the scenes, only being illuminated by the faint glow of the moon, electronics or neon lights.
Maddy reveals to Owen — in one of the most impactful monologues I have heard in the past five years — that she is Tara and that he is Isabel. Owen
begs Maddy to listen to reality and that he is not who she thinks he is.
Maddy plans on burying her and Owen alive in order to get back to “The Pink Opaque,” however, Owen flees from the scene.
During this point in the film, the viewer might be thinking, “Is Owen really not who he thinks he is? Has Maddy lost it? Why do they have to bury themselves alive in order to be born again?”
This is the film’s only weak point in my view. The amazing performances, the stunning visuals, the creepily perfect sound design, the music — all of which are fantastic and painstakingly done — all fall short if the viewer does not relate to the main themes of the film.
In an age where it is obvious that queer and trans people are under attack through legislative means and through a pointless “culture war,” cinema like this is absolutely necessary, if not vital, to the protection of queer people.
The subtext — even if it is not subtle — is clear to those who are paying attention: No matter who you are, no matter how you were raised, no matter the societal expectation, if you feel that something is wrong with you… do something, because there is still time.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Campus reaction to Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
In an already turbulent month for U.S. politics, the nation saw another dramatic turning point — President Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
In a letter to the American people, Biden announced his decline to run for the 2024 presidential election. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down,” Biden said.
Days after Former President Trump’s assassination attempt and sick with COVID-19, Biden also expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. In the hours that followed, global leaders, national celebrities and anyone with a social media account reacted to Biden’s decision.
At Oakland University, students also expressed their perspectives on the announcement.
“I was at Blake’s Lavender Fest, and when I saw the headline in my notifications it felt like the world stopped moving,” Ethan, a junior Spanish and history major, said. “I knew that big things were happening.”
“I think it was for the best. After the events of the past few weeks, especially that debate, I don’t think he had any real road to recovery,” Ethan said. “While I was cautiously enthusiastic about Biden’s chances before the debate, from the moment he opened his mouth on that stage I knew that he
needed to consider his exit.”
“It was a long time coming,” Rose, a sophomore political science major, said. “There was a lot of speculation in the college Democratic circles. I monitor what people in the statewide chapters are saying, and people were just ready for it.”
Rose explained that when the announcement was made public, “there was kind of a moment of chaos.” However, the Democratic Party’s support for Kamala Harris as the new candidate signaled a “very clear sense of optimism,” Rose said.
“Biden’s the first president to not accept his
nomination for the convention since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968,” Rose said. “There are going to be a million people saying, ‘This is going to happen, that’s not going to happen,’ but at the end of the day, we’ll have to give it a couple of weeks before polling comes out.”
“It was all over the internet and I will say I was expecting it,” Anthony, a sophomore computer science major, said. “After the major incident last week with former President Trump, [Biden’s] numbers were changing.”
“I think it is a good thing for society,” Anthony said about Biden’s decision, pointing out that if a president is responsible for crucial decisionmaking, they should be able to perform tasks that Biden seemed to struggle with.
“I was expecting that one of [the presidential candidates] was not making it to the presidential race by November,” a source who asked to remain anonymous said. “So when I heard rumors on X that Biden wanted to do that, and I saw the news on Sunday, I wasn’t surprised.”
The anonymous student cited Trump’s assassination attempt and Biden’s performance in the last debate as threats that, in their opinion, would prevent them from continuing their respective campaigns.
For more information regarding the 2024 presidential election, visit usa.gov.
Trump assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
The 2024 race for the presidential office has been relatively uneventful. However, the past few days have been filled with shocking advancements. From an attempted assassination attempt to fallout after the debate to the Republican National Convention (RNC), a lot is going on right now in U.S. politics.
One of the most shocking moments in recent days was the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. This moment marks the first attempted presidential assassination that Gen Z has witnessed.
It’s difficult to tell how much this will affect the race. Polling will likely go in further favor of Trump.
Picture this: Your Great Aunt Betsy was someone part of your extended family who you never really liked. When you see her on the holidays, she turns the TV on too loud, she smells like expired beans and you’ve never seen eye to eye with her on politics when the debate ensues at the Thanksgiving table. One day, you get a phone call that she’s in the hospital. She suffered a serious heart attack, but she’s still alive. Of course, you’re going to feel bad and potentially even visit her.
Trump stands in stark contrast to your great aunt,
but the comparison still stands. Although many Americans didn’t agree with his values or agenda, people are still going to feel bad about the incident. Potentially, this serves as a great opportunity for Trump to win over some independent voters or voters still deciding.
How has President Joe Biden responded to this? Immediately after, he temporarily took down all ads for his campaign — many of the ads portrayed Trump in a negative light. Biden continued to condemn the attack while speaking at the NAACP convention on July 16.
“It’s time for an important conversation in this country. Our politics has gotten too heated … We all have a responsibility to lower the temperature and condemn violence in any form,” Biden said.
On July 14, Biden also had an Oval Office address — a rare action from him. In addition to the address, Biden also spoke with Trump on the phone, and the two candidates shared a rare yet cordial exchange. Biden’s PR team is working extra hard this week, fighting both concerns over his age and attempting to properly address the recent attack.
“A former president was shot. An American citizen killed while simply exercising his freedom to support the candidate of his choosing … We cannot, we must not go down this road in America. We’ve traveled it before throughout our history. Violence has never been the answer,” Biden said
in his address.
Biden also had a much-anticipated interview on NBC with Lester Holt. This interview was a vital public appearance post-debate for Biden to calm concerns. The interview ranged from topics like the recent assassination attempt to political temperature.
“Look, I’ve been doing this a long time. The idea that I’m the old guy, I am. I’m old. But I’m only three years older than Trump, number one. And number two, my mental acuity’s been pretty damn good. I’ve gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time in three and a half years. So I’m willing to be judged on that. I understand. I understand why people say, ‘God, he’s 81 years old. Whoa. What’s he gonna be when he’s 83 years old, or 84 years?’ It’s a legitimate question to ask,” Biden said.
Amid all this press, it seems that a lot of concerns over Biden’s old age have been glossed over. His poor performance at the debated caused an uproar of calls from various politicians for him to drop out. However, with the recent assassination attempt, media focus has shifted elsewhere. Both Democrats and Republicans have admitted to the concerning political tension and promised collaboration, but will these wishes turn into action?
PHOTO COURTESY OF CNN
Alternative Republican stances on Israel
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
The Republican Party in the United States has been a staunch ally of Israel not only in their recent war with Hamas following the October 7th attacks but in nearly all conflicts. With many considering this support to be unconditional, an alternative approach to the U.S.Israel relationship has sprung up amongst some in the Republican Party.
This alternative view largely follows from a libertarian instinct amongst some Republicans. Thus, many Republicans who hold this alternative view tend to deviate from their more conservativeminded colleagues.
Many of the bills in the United States that are in support of Israel are in reference to foreign aid. These bills are met with opposition by those on the fringes of the Republican Party on grounds of fiscal responsibility and a critical view of Israel’s conduct in its wars.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) is probably the most prominent Republican who holds this more Libertarian view of Israel. Massie has voted against Israeli aid bills multiple times.
“We can’t afford the money, we’re broke … when Congress says something is paid for, what they mean is they’re taking some program that’s not paid for and they’re canceling it and substituting it with another program that’s not paid for,” Massie said in an interview with Forbes.
Many of these sentiments of withholding funding for Israel are also backed up by criticisms of how Israel is
waging its war with Hamas. These criticisms are more common amongst those on the political Left than those on the political Right. Yet, many on the Right still find problems with Israel’s conduct, which has led to an estimated 1% of all civilians in Gaza being killed.
“If 1% of the US civilian population were eliminated that’d be three and a half million people, that would be a thousand 9/11s, so I don’t accept these numbers,” Massie said in a House Rules Committee hearing.
A lot of the pro-Israel legislation coming out recently has also been directed at internal U.S. affairs. Many of these bills are being seen by some Republicans as running afoul of free speech ideals and sometimes even Christian religious beliefs.
Recently, the House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act. This bill would have the Education Department use a definition of antisemitism as used by an independent group, called the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), when prosecuting people on college campuses for discrimination.
Some Republicans opposed this bill on the grounds of free speech, while also making the point that the particulars of this bill could ban certain aspects of the Christian faith on college campuses.
“Antisemitism is wrong but I will not be voting for the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 (H.R. 6090) today that could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews,” Representative Majorie Taylor Greene said on a post on the social platform X.
The Republicans that deviate from the norm on the issue of Israel find themselves in interesting political
Meet JD Vance: Trump’s VP pick
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On July 15, former President Donald Trump officially selected JD Vance as the Vice President for his campaign.
This decision was made on the opening night of the Republican National Convention (RNC). As someone who enjoys tension and surprises, Trump kept his selection a mystery for a long time. Political commentators and average Americans made their guesses as to who would fill this spot. Now that the place has been filled, let’s discuss Vance and his background.
Vance is a Senator from Ohio. He was elected to office in 2022 and was sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2023. Some of his most important legislative accomplishments have been in bipartisan partnerships. Most notably, he collaborated with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on a railway safety reform bill.
The Midwest is vital for Trump to win this election — specifically, swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin. By choosing an Ohio native, Vance can appeal to working-class voters in the Rust Belt. Geography can play a role in this election, and by choosing Vance, Trump has strategically targeted an essential demographic of working-class Americans.
Vance is well-known for writing “Hillbilly Elegy,” a memoir about his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio and his family’s Appalachian culture stemming from Breathitt County, Kentucky. His working-class family’s background adds a relatable touch to the typically upper-class Senate.
Vance joined the Marines in 2003, directly after graduating high school. Vance was a combat correspondent — also known as a military journalist. In 2005, he was deployed to Iraq where he wrote personal stories about marines and helped escort civilian press.
Following his time in the Marines, Vance attended Ohio State University to study political science and philosophy. He then attended Yale Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2013. While at Yale Law School, Vance met his current wife, Usha.
Born the daughter of two Indian immigrants, Usha has the potential to attract Indian voters. At Yale, she served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal and a close friend to Vance. Before attending law school, she received a master’s in philosophy from the University of Cambridge. Although she had a successful career practicing law, she recently resigned to take care of their three children.
One of the major reasons why Vance was chosen is because of his age. By selecting a younger politician, Trump paves the way for a future generation of Republicans to follow after him. Ben Carson and Marco Rubio were both other potential candidates, though they are both older.
In the past, Vance openly criticized Trump. He’s a Trump convert now, obviously, but this past has come back to haunt him. Vance once stated that Trump was “America’s Hitler,” according to his former roommate. In 2016, Vance talked with Kentucky radio host Matt Jones and spoke openly about his negative views about Trump.
“I cannot stand Trump because I think he’s a fraud. Well, I think he’s a total fraud that is exploiting these
waters. Many times, Republicans like Greene and Massie find themselves voting alongside Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Talib.
Massie also brought up how he is independent of the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group in American politics.
“I may be the only Republican in Congress who hasn’t done homework for AIPAC,” Massie said in an interview with Tucker Carlson.
Being on the outside of powerful lobbying groups like AIPAC means that Representatives like Massie are removed from AIPAC funding that other Representatives enjoy. AIPAC spent over $400,000 in an attempt to replace Massie in his district’s primary. Although AIPAC’s attempt was strong, Massie won 75.9% of the vote.
While Republicans are overwhelmingly proIsrael with party norms and lobbying groups acting as powerful motivators, there are still those in the party who offer an alternative approach to the issue. Will the Republicans continue with their current path of foreign involvement or turn to Libertarian ideals of divestment?
people,” Jones said.
“I do too. I agree with you on Trump, because I don’t think that he’s the person. I don’t think he actually cares about folks. I think he just recognizes that there was a hole in the conversation and that hole is that people from these regions of the country, they feel ignored. They feel left out, and they feel very frustrated. And I think of course in a lot of ways they feel that way for totally justifiable reasons. So, it’s a problem that Trump has been the vessel of a lot of that frustration,” Vance replied.
In an interview in 2016 with NPR, Vance said that he might even vote for Hillary Clinton.
“I think there’s a chance, if I feel like Trump has a really good chance of winning, that I might have to hold my nose and vote for Hillary Clinton,” Vance said.
Besides his tumultuous past with the former president, Vance has been criticized for his strong isolationist views — specifically his opposition to aid for Ukraine. President Joe Biden’s campaign website has also pointed out that Vance supports a nationwide abortion ban.
Vance previously refused current Vice President Kamala Harris’s offer to debate ahead of the Democratic National Convention, but with Biden now dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee, who will Vance now face?
Kenya lands police in Haiti as both nations struggle
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
The Caribbean Island nation of Haiti has been embroiled in gang violence, murder and instability ever since the assassination of its president, Joevenel Moise. Now, Kenya’s president, William Ruto, is landing armed police in Haiti on behalf of an international response.
Kenya’s official reasoning for its involvement in Haiti is based on the humanitarian needs of the Haitians. Kenya seems eager to fill a role that is often filled by the United Nations or the United States.
“We are looking forward to this deployment, because we believe that the women and children in Haiti deserve peace like all other women and children and people around the world,” Ruto said in a news conference.
These actions have been unpopular in Kenya. This police deployment is expensive, and Kenya is already facing many financial struggles, leading to mass protests and riots in Kenya over not only the expedition to Haiti, but also for proposed tax hikes.
Many Kenyans who oppose their nation’s decision to get involved in Haiti have brought up the fact that Kenya is in crippling debt. This debt is a burden that disproportionately hurts the poor.
The fact that the Kenyan government decided that now is the best time to get involved in a foreign nation’s affairs is questionable, especially considering that half of the country’s revenue is
spent servicing its debt.
In Haiti, 1,500 people have been killed from gang violence just this year, as the practically nonexistent Haitian government continually reels and loses ground to violent gangs. Because of this, many in the international community have called for this foreign intervention.
“I’m very grateful for President Ruto’s leadership here … for Kenya’s willingness to really lead this matter,” President Biden said in a news conference.
The United States has been providing the Kenyans with all kinds of support during their operation, including supplies, funding and intelligence. At the same time, President Joe Biden has recently named Kenya a major non-NATO ally, which brings the African nation numerous benefits.
For these reasons, it is questionable the extent to which Kenya’s involvement in Haiti is an independent decision, or if it is an extension of the United States exerting control and influence over Kenya.
Regardless of the exact motivation behind Kenya’s decision-making, these actions will undoubtedly be a moment for change in Haiti. However, the exact outcome is hard to predict.
Conflict will certainly ensue between the Kenyan forces and the gangs that currently control swaths of Haiti. It is also unclear how the citizens of Haiti will view these events.
Haiti has possibly the most extensive and brutal history with foreign intervention, which adds to
the complexity of the issue at hand and the delicate psychology of those involved.
From the genocidal French invasion of 1802, all the way up to the scandal-ridden U.N. peacekeeping mission of 2004, Haiti has been a nation that has been caught in a cycle of political instability, violence and invasion.
Because nearly all of these foreign interventions in Haiti have left bad memories and produced many problems for the Haitians, many in the country are skeptical of this newest foreign intervention led by the Kenyans.
“I don’t care if they are white or black since they are not Haitian and are on Haitian soil, I consider them to be invaders … let us remember what they have already done to us,” Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier said.
Yet, to many the current situation is so insufferable that an international response is seen as preferable.
“We asked for the police force to arrive because we know they can help us,” Moises Gaillard, a Haitian resident, told Firstpost in an interview.
The situation in Haiti allows the world to see many moving parts: Human suffering, competing interest, geopolitical competition, financial pressures, foreign entanglement and historic pains all coming together in the collapsing state of Haiti.
Changing of the guard: A new era in UK politics
MALLORY WALIGORA Political Editor
The U.K. general election took place on July 4, 2024. While in the US, the most heated debate was whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog.
Of the 650 total seats in Parliament, 411 were won by the Labour Party, signaling a dramatic shift in majority rule. The Conservatives — who once held power — won only 121, marking a significant defeat. This election starkly contrasts the 2019 results, where the Conservatives had a strong majority. The Labour Party gained 209 seats compared to 2019 ,while the Conservatives lost 244 seats.
The Conservatives are known for national security, military investment and the protection of traditional cultural values. The Labour Party is more left-leaning, supporting the provision of social services.
Other parties made notable gains. The Liberal Democrats now hold 72 seats — an increase of 61 from 2019. The Scottish National Party won nine seats and The Green Party of England and Wales secured four.
Former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — part of The Conservatives — announced the election. His party had been trailing in the polls for a while. For Sunak, favorability would likely worsen if he pushed the election back further, leading him to call the election earlier than expected.
“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its
future and decide whether it wants to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one and no certainty,” Sunak said after calling the election.
Keir Starmer of the Labour Party was confirmed to be Britain’s new prime minister, following Rishi Sunak. Following his party’s poor performance in the polls, Sunak publicly apologized.
“And for those of us in my party, let me begin with a message to those who are no longer sitting behind me (in Parliament). I am sorry. We have lost too
many diligent community-spirited representatives whose wisdom and expertise will be missed in the debates and discussions ahead,” Sunak said.
Starmer has met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, and he officially accepted the role. Starmer was the first in his family to go to university, and he studied law at Leeds University and became a lawyer after graduation. He later became the head of the Crown Prosecution Service and received a knighthood for his services in criminal justice. Later in life, he entered politics and was elected to Parliament in 2015. In 2020, he was elected to be the leader of the Labour Party.
In recent news, Starmer has publicly defended President Joe Biden, despite negative press. After meeting with Biden at the NATO summit, Starmer complimented his leadership.
“We covered a lot of ground — strategic ground, international stuff, not just Ukraine. He was on good form,” Starmer shared.
While Great Britain seems to be moving toward the left, other countries throughout Europe seem to be doing the opposite — notably France. The National Rally Party just took a record number of seats in Parliament. Championed by Marine Le Pen, the party elected a record number of deputies to the National Assembly.
The National Rally won the biggest share of votes in the first round, but it finished third in the second round. Although a weaker performance in the later round, the party’s rise is still notable.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC NEWS
Brian Nelson to replace Jordan Banfield as interim head coach fo r Oakland baseball
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
On Wednesday, July 17, Brian Nelson, the Oakland University baseball team’s director of program operations, was appointed interim head coach.
The move to make Nelson the interim head coach came just five days after it was announced that head coach Jordan Banfield resigned from the program.
“Oakland will always be home to me and I am forever a Golden Grizzly fan,” Banfield said in a press release. “I leave behind a group of tremendous people and know that the program is in good hands. We’ve proven you can win at Oakland, and I look forward to watching the team achieve even greater success in the years to come.”
Banfield, who coached the Golden Grizzlies the last four seasons and was awarded the Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2022, will take over as the head coach of Cal State University of Bakersfield’s baseball team, competing in the Big West Conference.
“First off, I can’t thank Steve Waterfield and the entire Oakland athletic administration staff enough for this opportunity,” Nelson said in a press release. “I am humbled and extremely grateful. Becoming the Interim Head Baseball Coach for Oakland is truly a dream come true for me and my family.”
Nelson acknowledged the support and trust placed in him and expressed his deep appreciation for the chance to lead the team. He then turned his attention to the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“I want to thank Coach Banfield for everything he has done to help elevate Oakland’s baseball program to places it has never been before. Those efforts have laid a foundation of success that I am excited to continue to build upon.”
Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield echoed Nelson’s sentiments and expressed confidence in Nelson’s ability to lead the team forward.
“I am glad that Brian will be serving as interim head coach for the 2024-25 season,” Waterfield said in a press release. “I look forward to seeing what the team accomplishes on and off the field under his leadership.”
Waterfield further elaborated on the decision to appoint Nelson, highlighting his track record and rapport with the players.
“Brian has been a staff member on some of the best teams in Oakland University baseball history and has built strong connections with returning and incoming players,” Waterfield said in a press release. “Brian’s connections with the players, familiarity with the program, coaching philosophy and character position the program well for success this upcoming season.”
With Waterfield excited that Nelson will be at the
helm for next season, Nelson recognizes the enormous expectations that he will have to deliver on. Notably, the Golden Grizzlies have reached the Horizon League Championship in two of the last three seasons.
“From day one, our expectation will be to compete for Horizon League conference championships,” Nelson said in a press release. “We have a roster full of great ball players and even better people, and I consider myself fortunate to serve them and this university. Exciting times ahead for the Golden Grizzlies!”
While Nelson has assumed the interim head coaching positioning immediately, the Golden Grizzlies’ search for a permanent head coach will start at the end of next season.
A look at the Detroit Pistons’ off-season
SUMMER WEATHERS
Sports Reporter
The Detroit Pistons have had quite the off-season so far.
Newly appointed President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, has made some quick, strategic moves, starting with hiring a new head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.
Having spent five years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and leading a playoff-contending team, Bickerstaff brings a dynamic coaching style to help unlock the team’s potential.
The Pistons have added more to their core and acquired the electrifying 19-year-old Ron Holland as the No. 5 pick in the 2024 Draft, who last played for the Ignite in the G-League.
Holland was already a highly-ranked prospect and will serve as a great inside player. The NBA Summer League is a great opportunity for newcomers to showcase their talents, and Holland did exactly that.
Bobi Klintman, the 37th pick, proving that he might just be the steal of the draft, displayed an all-around performance throughout the Summer League as well — averaging 11.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and four assists. Holland and Klintman both have the size and have shown signs of making a positive impact this upcoming season, promising to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
Other big news for the Motor City
The next order of business from Langdon was ensuring that Cade Cunningham stayed long-term.
Cunningham is the cornerstone of Detroit’s future, and the star solidified his commitment by signing a record-breaking $226 million, five-year max rookie contract extension.
With the signing, Cunningham became the highestpaid player in franchise history.
Cunningham averaged 22.7 points per game, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season while shooting 45% from the field. What he displayed on the court last season only justifies the franchise’s investment, and for Cunningham, it is a well-deserved contract.
Free agency and trades
The Pistons had a good chunk of money in free agency funds and used it to help fortify their roster. After representing the Pistons from 2016-18, they welcomed Tobias Harris back on a two-year, $52 million deal. When Tobias was last in Detroit, he was only 23 years old. Now, with 13 years under his belt playing professionally, he has a goal for the team.
“To be the best leader that I can be for this group,” Harris said. “To make sure every guy on this team reaches their potential in their ability. That’s the biggest goal for me.”
Last season, the Pistons were missing a veteran piece, could adding his style of play and knowledge be the boost that the Pistons need?
Also, the Pistons acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal after reaching the Western Conference finals this past season. Hardaway Jr. will be another asset to help mentor. Hardway Jr.
averaged 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season.
To help the Pistons work towards becoming a team that is a threat beyond the arc, the team also brought in Malik Beasley, a volume shooter who shot 41% from three-point range in the 2023-24 season.
What else is important about the roster?
The Pistons still have Jalen Duren. The center was selected as one of 15 players to play for the USA Men’s Select Team, and throughout, he showed that he’s extended his game and seems to be more comfortable shooting his mid-range shots and, of course, having powerful dunks on some of the best in the game.
Ausar Thompson is looking to make a full recovery and return to playing basketball, which is a good sign — especially defensively for the team.
As for Jaden Ivey, we can predict he is looking to have a breakout year after not being as involved in the rotation last season.
Overall, with this newly built roster, the Detroit Pistons can turn the tide, and there are high hopes that they can become a team capable of competing.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL REEDY, COURTESY OF OU BASEBALL
Oakland volleyball unveils full 2024 season schedule
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
With the start of the season under a month away, the Oakland University women’s volleyball team has announced its full 2024 schedule.
Last season, the Golden Grizzlies finished with an overall record of 17-14 and a conference record of 11-7. The team’s 11 conference wins are the most since the 2017 season. Additionally, OU’s trip to the postseason last year was their first since 2019.
The season unofficially starts for OU on Friday, Aug. 23, with the Black & Gold Scrimmage at the OU Credit Union O’Rena. The next day, on Aug. 24, the Golden Grizzlies will face the Bowling Green Falcons on the road.
Following the tilt against the Falcons, the Golden Grizzlies will travel to Buffalo, N.Y., to participate in the Buffalo Invite hosted by the University of Buffalo.
The Buffalo Invite begins Friday, Aug. 30, with the Golden Grizzlies facing the Buffalo Bulls and continues the next day, Aug. 31, against Army. OU will close the Buffalo Invite on Sep. 1, facing Hampton University.
After the Buffalo Invite, OU will trek to Ypsilanti, MI, for the EMU Tournament. The tournament kicks off with two games against the George Washington Revolutionaries and the Marshall Thundering Herd on Friday, Sep. 6.
The Golden Grizzlies will finish the tournament
on Sep. 7, when they face the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Remarkably, OU has defeated the Eagles in their last four meetings.
After two tournaments, OU will take a break from tournament play and host Sacramento State on Friday, Sep. 13, and Saint Francis University on Sep. 14.
Next, the Golden Grizzlies will take a brief excursion to Ann Arbor, MI, to face the University of Michigan Wolverines. This is the first meeting between the Golden Grizzlies and the Wolverines since 2019 and the first Power Five opponent for OU since 2022, when OU played Michigan State University.
The Golden Grizzlies will then voyage to Athens, Ohio, for the Ohio Invitational, rounding out the non-conference schedule. The event starts for OU on Friday, Sep. 20, with a matchup against Liberty University and Eastern Kentucky University.
On Saturday, Sep. 21, the Golden Grizzlies will face the Ohio University Bobcats, marking the end of the Ohio Invitational and the start of conference play in the Horizon League.
Below is a complete list of the Horizon League games for the Golden Grizzlies:
Sep. 27 vs. Milwaukee
Sep. 28 vs. Milwaukee
Oct. 1 at Cleveland State
Oct. 4 vs. Robert Morris
Oct. 5 vs. Robert Morris
Oct. 11 at Purdue Fort Wayne
Oct. 12 at Purdue Fort Wayne
Oct. 18 at Green Bay
Oct. 19 at Green Bay
Oct. 25 vs. IU Indy (Formerly known as IUPUI)
Oct. 26 vs. IU Indy
Oct. 29 vs. Cleveland State
Nov. 1 at Youngstown State
Nov. 2 at Youngstown State
Nov. 8 at Northern Kentucky
Nov. 9 at Northern Kentucky
Nov. 15 vs Wright State
Nov. 16 vs Wright State
A conference matchup to look out for includes the regular season finale against the Wright State Raiders, the back-to-back defending Horizon League champions. Notably, last season, OU snapped a tengame losing streak against the Raiders that dated back to 2018.
By the season’s end, the top six teams in the Horizon League, which is determined by conference record, will advance to the Horizon League playoffs.
If the playoff schedule follows the pattern of previous years, the playoffs will start on Friday, Nov. 22, and conclude on Sunday, Nov. 24. The team atop the Horizon League standings will host the playoffs.
Team WNBA takes the win 117-109 in the All-Star game
SUMMER WEATHERS
Sports Reporter
There was so much excitement surrounding the WNBA All-Star game this past Saturday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
This was an epic game between the Women’s National Team and a team comprised of stars from the WNBA who were not on the Women’s National Team. The final score was 117-109 in favor of the WNBA.
The majority of the production came from Arike Ogunbowale, who put up insane numbers. She led all scorers with 34 points and six assists, and made WNBA All-Star history.
After her grand performance, she was named WNBA All-Star MVP for the second time in her career. In the third quarter, she had 21 points and was 5-7 from 3-point in just that quarter.
Team WNBA was led by head coach Cheryl Miller, and she gave Ogunbowale one simple piece of advice.
“She told me to take a deep breath and go out and play my game,” Ogunbowale said.
Ogunbowale did exactly that and instantly got everyone’s attention. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese also made headlines and suited up for their first appearance as All-Stars in their rookie year.
After being rivals in college, the two were finally able to team up. Clark made history with the most assists in a game as a rookie — with one of those flashy passes down to Reese. They looked like the
dynamic duo everyone had been waiting to see team up together.
“It’s so cool, when she gets the ball I’m running looking for the ball because I know she’s going to throw it,” Reese said during an interview on ESPN. “So she’s been great to play with. I mean, in the future, we’re going to be playing with each other a lot. Hopefully, in four years, we’ll be Olympians together.”
Meanwhile, Reese is fresh off 17 double-doubles in 24 games as a rookie in the regular season so far, and she carried that right over, becoming the
first rookie to record a double-double in the AllStar game as well, with 12 points and 11 rebounds. No surprise there, and it’s only right that she was nominated to join the elite and play against some of the best in the league.
Reflecting on memorable moments shared with fellow players and fans, Clark expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm shown throughout the event.
“Such a fun first All-Star experience in Phoenix,” Clark said on X. “The fans and city were amazing. Now time for some rest and relaxation, see you all in a month.”
The regular season will resume on Thursday, Aug. 15, after the Olympic break. Although the Women’s National Team fell short, Breanna Stewart scored 31 points and secured 10 rebounds. She believes that this loss serves as an opportunity to improve before preparing for the Olympics.
“This is going to help us tremendously. We don’t get that many game opportunities,” Stewart said. “We can go back and watch the film and focus on how we can continue to be better. It was like a little bit of déjà vu feeling, but just locking in.”
They now have their eyes set on bringing back another gold medal.
2024 Paris Olympics Schedule
July 29: U.S. vs Japan 3 p.m. ET
Aug. 1: U.S. vs Belgium at 3 p.m. ET
Aug. 4: U.S. vs Germany at 11:15 a.m. ET All games will be broadcast live on NBC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AP NEWS
Grizzlies Racing secures second place at inaugural Oakland University Grand Prix
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
On Saturday, June 29, Oakland University’s Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team, Grizzlies Racing, placed second at the inaugural Oakland University Grand Prix.
“With the team we have, I’m beyond proud of the work that has been put into this car,” Grizzlies Racing President Breckin Helfen said. “Being top five was all 100% expected, and being top two is even better.”
The second-place finish comes off the tires of Grizzlies Racing placing 14th out of 108 universities at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, Mich.
Despite some rainy conditions at the start, the weather slowly shifted to bright and sunny as the day continued. The Grand Prix attracted more than 300 people who lined the grass along parking lot P37 to watch the competition.
“Seeing that many people is very exciting,” Business Director Morgan North said. “And so I’m glad that the weather held and that so many people were able to come out and enjoy a nice day of motorcar racing.”
Seven schools and eight teams competed in the event, including OU, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Ohio State University (OSU), Western Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, Wayne State University and Grand Valley State University.
All eight teams had ample opportunities to complete an autocross course designed by former Grizzlies Racing member and OU alum Matthew Solnik. The course opened at 10 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m., with an
hour set aside at noon for teams to regroup and break for lunch.
The final placement of teams was determined by which school could complete the autocross course in the fastest time. As the weather improved and drivers gained a better understanding of the course after multiple attempts, most teams gradually improved their times.
Grizzlies Racing held first place for most of the Grand Prix. However, with just 15 minutes remaining to compete, the Formula Buckeyes from OSU made it across the finish line just 0.099 seconds faster than OU.
Staying competitive with the Formula Buckeyes was a massive goal for Grizzlies Racing ahead of the Grand Prix. Remarkably, OSU placed first in the recent competition at the MIS.
Notably, there were 110 attempts between OU’s best time on the track and the Formula Buckeyes’ best time. In total, there were 163 tries at the autocross course throughout the entire event.
The final results include:
First place: The Ohio State University: 42.365
Second place: Oakland University: 42.464
Third place: University of Michigan-Dearborn: 44.64
Fourth place: Western Michigan (IC): 45.512
Fifth place: Western Michigan (EV): 46.803
Sixth place: Wayne State University: 47.159
Seventh place: Lawrence Technological University: 48.251
Eighth place: Grand Valley State University: 49.714
By the Grand Prix’s conclusion, the members of the Grizzlies Racing team were satisfied with the event.
“I think the results that we are seeing today, with how well this shootout turned out, will translate into coming years with the excitement surrounding it,” North said. “So I can’t wait for next year. And hopefully, it turns out as big and bigger and better than this year.”
Helfen added, “Things went pretty flawlessly, in my opinion. The previous leads, who set it up and directly did everything, did an absolutely fantastic job. We’ve been working with the school, and we’ve been working with sponsors and companies to get this going, and it was just fantastic.”
The next Grizzlies Racing event will be held at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex on Saturday, Sep. 14, in Pittsburgh, Pa. The team will then travel across the border to compete in Brechin, Ontario, on Saturday, Sep. 28 at Brechin Motorsports Park.
