Print Edition of The Observer for Friday, January 26, 2018

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Volume 52, Issue 69 | friday, january 26, 2018 ndsmcobserver.com

McGlinn prepares to host Casino Night All proceeds raised during fundraiser will directly benefit St. Adalbert Catholic School in South Bend

By KELLI SMITH News Writer

The women of McGlinn Hall will be taking on South Dining Hall’s Oak Room as blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold ’em dealers for Casino Night, the hall’s signature event, starting at 10 p.m. Friday.

Open to all Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross students for $5, Casino Night is McGlinn’s annual three-hour fundraiser for St. Adalbert Catholic School, a grammar school in South Bend. Junior Rachel Belans, co-commissioner of the event, said all proceeds will directly benefit the school.

“The money we make at this

event goes a long way in helping [Saint Adalbert’s] do all that they do to support their students,” she said. “Beyond that, Casino Night will be a ton of fun — all the games are easy to learn, there is the potential to win some awesome prizes and there will be lots and lots of food.“ To start the night, Belans said attendees will receive $2,000 in fake money and can gamble away the money for a variety of prizes to be showcased at the end of the night.

“The winner gets a $50 bookstore gift card, and we also have lots of other cool prizes up for grabs: a Pure Barre starter pack with five see CASINO PAGE 3

Panelists reflect on Sisters of Holy Cross mission

By MARTHA REILLY Saint Mary’s Editor

Viewing injustices through the lens of those who endure mistreatment can help realities click and breakthroughs come into focus, Sister Mary Turgi said at a panel discussion about the Sisters of the Holy Cross, which took place in Rice Commons on Thursday.

Turgi said her role as director of the Holy Cross International Justice Office affords her the rewarding opportunity to attend to relevant societal issues and develop action strategies. “[The Sisters of the Holy Cross] have a very strong and long-standing commitment to working toward systemic change,” she said. “That tends to be where our congregation has done the most work.”

The irrepressible desire to seek avenues for reform,

news PAGE 3

Turgi said, motivates her congregation to address issues such as human trafficking, climate change and immigration.

“We have a number of corporate stands, one on water as a human right,” she said.

“Even though I trained as a mathematician, most of my ministries in my 54 years in the congregation have been working in some form with social justice activities.”

The Holy Cross International Justice Office, she said, has promoted what it considers to be worthy causes ever since its conception.

“Back in the late 1990s, there was a movement among the congregation to bring some project together that would really, really force our unity and our working together, and a committee was set up to organize that,” see HOLY CROSS PAGE 4

scene PAGE 5

Photo courtesy of Marisa Lucht

Women of McGlinn Hall gather at last year’s Casino Night. This year’s event will be held Friday, and all participants will be given $2,000 of fake money to gamble for various prizes that will be awarded.

Fr. Pete McCormick speaks about authenticity

By MARY STEURER News Writer

Fr. Pete McCormick, director of campus ministry, challenged Notre Dame students to share their vulnerabilities with each other and ground themselves in God‘s love in a talk titled “Can Christianity be Cool? ” hosted by Campus Ministry on

Thursday night.

The talk was the first in a monthly speaker series, “Taste of Faith,” which aims to promote the discussion of Christianity in a casual environment.

The talk opened with a reading from the Gospel of Luke, the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector. After the reading, McCormick asked

the audience to consider the significance of Zacchaeus’ interactions with Jesus.

“W hat does it mean to be seen [by Jesus] in the way Zacchaeus was seen? ” he asked.

Unlike the honest and personable manner in which Jesus treated Zacchaeus, see McCORMICK PAGE 4

College plans to host interfaith conference

By GINA TWARDOSZ Associate Saint Mary’s Editor

Saint Mary’s will host “Building an Interreligious Community,” an interfaith conference on Feb. 2 and 3 in Rice Commons that will allow students, faculty and staff to engage in peaceful religious dialogue.

Sophomore Sophia

viewpoint PAGE 6

McDevitt said the goal of the conference is to produce citizens who are better informed about religion.

“It’s through an organization called Interfaith Youth Core, and their goal is to cross religious boundaries because, in building relationships across religious boundaries, the world can become better through

nd w basketball PAGE 12

more religiously informed citizens,” she said.

The conference will consist of workshops, activities and a panel of experts who will discuss religion, McDevitt said.

“We’ll have a panel of different religious leaders and [students] will get see CONFERENCE PAGE 4

men’s basketball PAGE 12

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TODAY

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Ten Years Hence Lecture Series Jordan Auditorium 10:40 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Talk on the effect of robots on society.

Men’s and Women’s Fencing: DeCicco Duals Joyce Center all day Free to the public.

Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Additional mass served at 11:45 a.m.

Lecture: “What is Military History?”

119 DeBartolo Hall 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Discussing the role of war in history.

Exhibit: Modern Women’s Prints Snite Museum of Art all day Styles from different cultural traditions.

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Exploring trading.

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Author to speak on torture, prison

By SELENA PONIO News Writer

Members of the Notre Dame community will explore themes of torture, terrorism and identity Sunday at 4 p.m. as part of an event led by the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Christine Cervenak, associate director for the center, said this event is a collaboration of several groups on campus including the Film, Theatre and Television Department and the Center for Social Concerns. The main event will be a video conference with Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a former prisoner at Guantanamo Bay. Slahi wrote “Guantanamo Diary,” a book recounting his treatment at the notorious prison.

“To read his book is to deeply be moved and admire him,” Cervenak said. “In person, he is the person he is in the book. He’s extremely funny, ironic, he’s so articulate in what I think is his third or fourth language and he’s honest.”

The book was released about a year before Slahi was released from Guantanamo Bay. Its editor, Larry Siems, is a Notre Dame alumnus from the class of 1981.

Through this event, the audience will be given the opportunity to explore the deeper

themes of humane treatment and torture, Cervenak said.

“For me, he’s the Nelson Mandela of Guantanamo Bay,” she said. “He was innocent, and he suffered the worst torture that we inflicted on detainees. And he comes out on the other side wanting to forgive.”

Cervenak said the event is truly interdisciplinary in nature, as evidenced by the efforts of multiple campus departments. In addition to the video conference on Sunday, several other events to invite the public to further engage in conversation. Notre Dame students will perform excerpts from “Guantanamo Bay” at the Philbin Studio Theater in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The Center for Social Concerns is also hosting a discussion session about the book.

Cervenak said this event is the first university-wide initiative to engage with Slahi’s story.

“I hope that [people] take away new questions and new perspectives on how the United States treats its prisoners and especially about the use of torture,” she said.

As a human rights lawyer, Cervenak said she has been interested in Guantanamo Bay for quite some time.

“There’s something going on in our culture where we’re seeing torture as

acceptable under certain circumstances, and I hope that an hour and a half with Mohamedou and our guests will help them understand how this diminishes us as a country,” she said.

The event on Sunday will use a forumstyle format and will culminate with five students asking their questions to Slahi.

Afterwards, there will be a reception and a book sale.

“You get the perspective that you wouldn’t get otherwise that you can’t get from any reports at what’s happening in Guantanamo and you get to know this human being,” Cervenak said. “You get to know a fascinating, brilliant, talented human being from Mauritania. A computer engineer from Mauritania who you normally wouldn’t cross paths with.

“I would hope that those who’ve engaged with this book take his story and the lessons out to their family, their friends, whatever they do next in their lives. As a Catholic institution we are taught the value of respecting every individual and the dignity of every individual, so exploring how Mohamedou’s dignity was violated should be of interest to all of us.”

Contact Selena Ponio at sponio@nd.edu

News

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, january 26, 2018 | The Observer

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Panelists discuss definition of marriage

By MARIAH RUSH News Writer

In a debate Thursday, Tom West, professor of politics at Hillsdale College, argued marriage should be defined according to early American state laws as an institution that is primarily for procreation, while Alexander Tsesis, Loyola University law professor, rejected this definition, saying it did not leave room for changes in the culture.

W hile the debate, hosted by the Constitutional Studies Program and the Tocqueville Program, was meant to focus on the role of the Constitution in defining marriage, West said this question was primarily the focus of state laws.

“The Constitution did not really have much to do with sex and the family because that was regarded as part of Paid Advertisement

the state law … and so my focus is going to be mostly on state government policy on the subject because that’s where all the action was,” he said.

West cited a quote from the Massachusetts Supreme Court from 1810, placing the importance of marriage in the idea that every marriage would produce children.

“Marriage is intended to multiply, preserve and improve the species. … A lasting community needs children to create a lasting generation of citizens,” he said.

Tsesis said taking the originalist interpretation of marriage from the core documents of our founding is a mistake. Instead, he said, the definition should allow for equality for the common good.

“One of the problems with using the founding as the determinative is the lack of plasticity that it allows for developments in the modern age,” he said.

After reviewing some of the changes in the interpretations of the Constitution and discussing the importance of human rights, Tsesis suggested a way for Americans to both use the core documents from our founding and apply them to modern day times.

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“I believe that grounding things in the principles of the Declaration of Independence — pursuit of happiness, life and liberty, general welfare — allows us as a nation to take those roots and to evolve in our interpretation of their thought in a pluralistic way … a way that uses the past as a critical anchor to our understanding, and yet does not also close our eyes to the development of American culture, so that those ideals exist despite the fact that this nation is marred by slavery, sexual inequality, Indian removal and non-white inequality,” he said.

During the question and answer section of the lecture, Tsesis debated with West about what happens to women with ovarian cancer, or women who are in a postmenopausal stage and are unable to produce children if, according to West, marriage is centrally for the purpose of producing offspring.

“W hat happens after they can’t have children? Can society bar them from marriage? ” Tsesis said. “It would be uncountable for the government to deny 70-year-old men and women from getting married.”

West responded by saying early state laws did not prohibit elderly people

from marrying.

“They didn’t have the view that people could not get married, just that if they were young and did not produce children, that could be grounds for divorce in some states,” West said. “For the founders, the question was ‘who’s going to be the future of America?’ They didn’t believe immigration was the answer, like we seem to today. They thought that was what marriage was for, and that’s why we discouraged sex outside of marriage.”

Even attempts to gain a child through adoption offer a child that is “no one’s except for the law,” West said.

Without a biological relationship to parents, he argued, a child will not be cared for as much.

“You can adopt, but that’s not the same,” West said. “It’s not anyone’s child except by the law.”

In response, Tsesis said many women “do not want to have children” and that the idea that they do and that women should focus on nurturing children is a “stereotypical view”.

The lecture closed with a debate on the validity of marriage in the present and future. Prompted by an audience member‘s question about the legalization of polygamy, West said marriage as an institution is over.

“We have replaced the

model of raising children with the child support model,” he said. “Marriage is over. … At this point, the Supreme Court can define marriage however they’d like and it would make no difference. Men are being put under a mandate of being forced to pay for their children and are unable to take part in raising the child.

So fine — polygamy, incest, what’s the difference?”

West said men are not equal to women in this process, and if the state got out of the child support system, men and women could be equal.

“The idea that we are in an area of equality is insane,” he said. “Men are always behind the eight ball in custody, marriage and children … and within a marriage women run it because she knows she can go divorce him and get child support.”

In response, Tsesis said that marriage is “a central institution.”

“I can’t imagine the government will get out of it,” he said. “If the government got out of child support the children would likely suffer and many males would be deadbeats and not give support because it would make their lives easier. But overall I think marriage is an institution and I don’t see any reason for it to end.”

Casino

Hold ’em, so ever y thing w ill be ver y laid back — we can go as slow or as fast as anyone wants to go,” Belans said.

Sr. Mary Lynch, the rector of McGlinn, said Casino Night has been a strong tradition of the dorm, predating her arrival 13 years ago.

“W hen we do things on this campus that are fundraisers, I think it’s important that students as much as possible participate in those types of events especially,” Lynch said. “I think the other thing is that it helps reinforce and build the whole dynamic of community — working together to put the event on, working together during the event and then knowing that we’re benefitting children who might not have some of the things they could get if it weren’t for our contributions.”

Lynch said McGlinn treats Casino Night as a high-class event, with some women dressing up as they would for a semi-formal.

“It always has intrigued me that a women’s hall has a gambling event, but it’s a success,” she said.

Continued from page 1

free classes and some Pure Barre gear, a pound of fudge from Kilwins and gift cards to a number of Eddy Street establishments,” she said.

With a new location as well as a variety of decorations and prizes, Belans said she hopes to draw record attendance to the event and raise as much money as possible for St. Adalbert’s.

“The night will be a lot of fun — there will be music, food and fun photo-ops, plus everyone will receive plenty of [fake gambling] money to use any way they’d like,” she said.

Along with co-commissioner junior Elizabeth Greason and other McGlinn residents, Belans said the event organizers have prepared for the night by ordering decorations, collecting prize donations from Eddy Street businesses, publicizing the event across campus and running blackjack training sessions. (Editor’s note: Greason is the Sports Editor for The Observer.)

“There w ill be people w ith all levels of experience w ith roulette, blackjack and Texas

Contact Mariah Rush at mrush@nd.edu

Contact Kelli Smith at ksmith67@nd.edu

4

NEWS

The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

Conference Continued from page 1

to ask questions and then throughout the weekend, [students] will be put with different groups to work with during the activities,” she said.

Sophomore Alayna Haff said the conference looks to create an environment where students can avidly participate in religious discourse.

“The two-day conference will teach students and faculty how to have better interfaith dialogue and how to have productive, peaceful and beneficial conversations with people that are religiously different,” she said. “We want to create that environment on campus and at other campuses, as the conference is regional and includes Saint Mary’s, IUSB [Indiana University South Bend], Bethel, Notre Dame, DePaul and Lewis [University].”

Haff said she believes the interfaith conference is necessary and timely.

“I feel like communication is so hostile now, with arguments all the time, which is negative, unhealthy and unproductive,” she said.

“Interfaith dialogue promotes a healthy and productive way to refrain from that kind of dialogue. You’re welcoming someone else’s opinions in with open arms.

Once you learn how to have interfaith dialogue with someone, you learn to have dialogue with anyone that’s different from you with different kinds of views.”

McDevitt said she has always enjoyed the mindful dialogue that interfaith discussions provide.

“I’ve always been interested in the idea of dialogue across religions because I think it is so important to be informed global citizens, especially in our current political climate,” she said. “Too often, incorrect information is spread about people’s religions and that hurts because, as a person of faith, it would hurt me if people misunderstood Catholicism and thought something of me that wasn’t true just because they had misinformation. It’s important to me that we come together and form communities with other religious people so that we are able to support each other. If we don’t support each other, who will?”

Haff said interfaith dialogue has allowed her to feel more comfortable with herself and her religious views.

“Learning about other religions has helped me feel more comfortable about myself and how I feel,” she said. “It’s also been helping me figure out what type

of faith I am interested in.

I’m learning about myself, about other people and my place in the world. I believe that that’s what interfaith dialogue does for people.”

Students who want to create an open, interfaith dialogue can do so by opening themselves up to people who practice different religions, McDevitt said.

“Get to know people of other faiths, don’t assume you know things about their faith and be wary of what sources you are getting information about religion from,” she said.

The best way to learn about a religion is to listen to those who practice it, McDevitt said.

“Listen to people,” she said. “If you have doubts about what people of other religions believe, ask someone of that religion. If you’re open, and even if you say the wrong thing, if you’re being truly honest and they can tell that you want to learn more, they are very accommodating. All places of worship are open to all people.”

Haff said unhealthy dialogue is created by the need to assert a difference of opinion.

“When having a conversation with someone who has a different opinion from you, it’s our natural response to then give our opinion, especially if [our] opinion contradicts their opinion,” she said. “This is when the dialogue becomes unhealthy. When someone’s giving their opinion, they’re not always asking for the other person’s opinion.”

The only way to have a healthy and productive discussion is to withhold differing opinions until the very end, Haff said.

“When your immediate response is your opinion, you don’t learn anything,“ she said. “The only way to learn is to ask them questions, show interest in that person and try not offend that person.”

McDevitt said the goal of this conference, and all future ones, is to encourage an interfaith community.

“We’re hoping to build an interreligious community among young people,” she said. “South Bend is a wonderful place for interreligious dialogue because it has a women’s religious group that has Jewish, Muslim and Christian women in it and a lot of other groups like that. These groups have really been trying to build the attendance of young people so that they’re more informed as they grow older.”

Registration for the interfaith conference closes Friday.

Contact Gina Twardosz at gtwardosz01@saintmarys.edu

Holy Cross Continued from page 1

Turgi said. “The idea of creating an office that would support the idea of justice surfaced ver y quick ly, and after a lot of discussion and dialogue, they decided that that’s what they would do. … In total, we ser ve 20 countries in the world.”

Senior Kat herine Soper sa id she has obser ved f irstha nd t he love a nd dedicat ion t hat radiates t hroughout t he Holy Cross communit y.

As a f irst yea r, she joined a n orga ni zat ion k now n as Friends w it h Sisters, which promotes bonding a nd cama raderie bet ween students a nd sisters by a llow ing t hem to sha re conversat ions a nd mea ls.

“For those of you who haven’t been over [to the convent] for dinner, it’s amazing,” Soper said. “You sit in that room, and you know you’re just surrounded by women of God who are doing ever y thing that they can to support human dignit y — which is, I believe, the bottom line of social justice.”

The sisters’ support and encouragement, Soper said, led her to apply for the Uganda Summer Practicum — a ser v ice-oriented study

McCormick Continued from page 1

Notre Dame students struggle to be authentic with one another, McCormick said. In today’s culture, individuals have the tendency to “brand” themselves superficially according to how they wish to be seen by others, he added.

McCormick said he attributes this inclination to a social pressure to perpetually maintain a facade of perfection.

Taken to its extreme, he said, this can lead one to conform to their “brand” completely.

The danger in this, McCormick said, is that in doing so, individuals stray from whom God intends them to be.

McCormick elaborated by drawing upon his own life experiences. He said the greatest barrier which kept him from pursuing the priesthood was his fear of how the decision would be received by his friends and family.

“I let that fear paralyze me,” McCormick said.

In order to combat similar fears, individuals ought to strive to be open about their vulnerabilities instead of keeping them unvoiced, McCormick said.

“In order for us to truly encounter a sense of authenticity, we need to be aware of those aspects of our lives [and] to share them with the people who are closest with

abroad program that allows education and nursing majors to work alongside sisters in the Moreau Nurser y and Primar y School and the Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Centre.

“My time in Uganda was eye-opening,” she said. “I saw the sisters going each and ever y day and giv ing their all and looking at those students in the eyes and believ ing in them and telling them ‘You don’t know what your future is. You don’t know what God’s plan is for you, but let’s take the first step right here by learning t wo plus t wo.’”

Senior Therese Dudro also partook in the Uganda Summer Practicum, though she assisted Holy Cross nurses at the health clinic — an opportunit y she said she learned of during the first tour she took of Saint Mar y’s and one that swayed her college decision.

“I just knew that I wanted to do that,” Dudro said. “[The sisters] don’t ask for any thing in return. They just do it out of love because they know Christ’s love, and they want to share it w ith ever yone.”

Dudro said obser v ing the sisters’ grace and compassion under all circumstances showed her how to embrace the unexpected.

“Ever y day, [the sisters] walk into that clinic, and they don’t know the challenges that they’re going to be faced w ith, but they face them w ith smiles on their faces, and they just exude love wherever they go,” she said. “They fight for all their patients.”

The sisters exemplified self lessness and recognition of a common humanit y, Dudro said.

“We had some patients whose families could not afford the care that we were giv ing, but the sisters do not care,” she said. “They said ‘No, your child is getting this treatment. You’re not going any where. We don’t care what you’re going to say. We’re going to treat the patient.’”

Soper said the sisters’ inf luence was not solely academic or medical, for their spiritual example resonated w ith the students too.

“I’ve never seen anyone pray as hard as those students do,” she said. “The joy they show in their faces while they’re pray ing was ver y inspiring and makes the work that the sisters are doing and that Saint Mar y’s students are able to experience there worth it.”

us,” he said.

He said he believes sharing insecurities with others is one of the elements of human relationships to be treasured most. A reluctance to share these elements with others, he said, results in not only compromised friendships, but also puts individuals out of touch with themselves and prevents them from achieving their higher purposes in life.

McCormick said this also affects academic life at Notre Dame.

“How can we learn truly and genuinely on campus if the focus is on being something that [we’re] not?” he asked.

A life centered in the Christian faith is the key to overcoming this behavior, McCormick said.

“The reminder of God’s great love for us is what we truly need,” he said. Anchoring

one’s self-image in this idea, he said, prevents it from being swayed by day-to-day highs and lows, thereby promoting a healthy sense of self. If individuals make an effort to internalize this sense of selfworth, he said, they will find themselves more able to open up to others because they will no longer fear how they are perceived by them.

McCormick ended the talk by leaving the audience with another question to contemplate.

“Are we willing to be authentic with ourselves?” he asked.

“If so, I believe Christianity can be very cool.”

Subsequent “Taste of Faith” lectures will be hosted monthly until April. More information can be found on the Campus Ministry website.

Contact Martha Reilly at mreilly01@saintmarys.edu

Contact Mary Steurer at msteurer1@nd.edu

ROSIE LoVOI | The Observer

Fr. Pete McCormick delivers a talk titled “Can Christianity be Cool?” on Thursday night. The talk was hosted by Campus Ministry.

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The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

By NORA McGREEVY Associate Scene Editor

Newsroom dramas as a genre tend to share a few common traits. Think of movie classics like “All the President’s Men,” or newer ones like “Spotlight” ­— usually there’s thrilling, heart-pumping music as bespectacled men and women dramatically rip open newspapers and type furiously on typewriters.

“The Post,” directed by Steven Spielberg, has all of these ingredients in abundance. The quick-paced thriller tells the story of what came to be known as the Pentagon Papers and their publication by the Washington Post.

The papers were originally leaked by an unhappy government employee to the New York Times. The papers contained troves of sensitive government information about the Vietnam War. TL;DR, the U.S. government had known by 1965 that the Vietnam War was impossible to win, yet chose to continue sending troops overseas and lie about their progress, killing thousands of Americans and Vietnamese people in the process. When the White House, spurred on by Richard Nixon, sued the Times for violating the Espionage Act, the upper management at the Post had to decide whether to continue to publish the papers and risk the chance of going to prison in the process.

The publication of the Pentagon Papers, the movie

By MAGGIE WALSH Scene Writer

In the fall of my freshman year, homesick and overwhelmed, I would sit at my desk and listen to music. I often turned to First Aid Kit’s nostalgic 2014 record, “Stay Gold,” as a remedy for loneliness. Now in the spring of my senior year, I’m once again sitting at my desk listening to the Swedish sisters, specifically to their newest release “Ruins,” this time much less homesick but probably more sentimental than ever.

In the four years since their last release, Johanna and Klara Söderberg have not been idle. The interim saw the duo touring internationally, navigating countless television appearances and, most notably, releasing a fiery and defiant single for International Women’s Day called “You Are the Problem Here.” Following that single’s departure from the sisters’ typical sound, First Aid Kit’s fourth studio record, “Ruins,” reveals the sisters’ music as more varied and slightly more world-weary than ever before.

“Ruins” is a quintessential breakup record. Klara ended her engagement in 2015, an ordeal that caused her to turn back to songwriting for comfort. Between the heartbreak of that broken engagement and sorting out her sometimes-rocky relationship with Johanna, the lyrics paint a picture of two sisters recovering from an exhausting tour schedule and the resulting major changes in their lives. “Ruins” is built around endings and the loneliness that so often accompanies these

argues, marked a defining moment in the history of the Washington Post — the moment the paper shifted from being a local paper to the national, global giant it is today.

The acting in this film is excellent, but that’s to be expected: It’s Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks starring in the same movie, for crying out loud. Hanks plays Ben Bradlee, the editor of the Post. Streep plays Katharine Graham, the reluctant heiress to the Washington Post company who, at the beginning of the film, is still struggling to find her footing as a female CEO in a dominantly male industry.

Graham, who only inherited the company after her husband committed suicide and struggles to earn the respect of her board members, ultimately has to make the decision: to publish the papers and risk ruining the company and inciting the legal wrath of the government, or to let the true story of the Vietnam War go untold.

In this sense, the whole plot of the movie hinges on Graham’s decision. In order to flesh out the story, the movie weaves between flashes of intimate exploration into Graham’s personal life — her close personal relationship with Henry Kissinger, her relationships to her daughter and granddaughter — as well as fast-paced newsroom action. The result is something of a collage, with the traditional political thriller format studded with scenes that more accurately reflect a biopic.

The marriage of the two genres can be halting at times, but the exploration of Graham’s character ultimately

proves valuable. To her credit, Meryl Streep delivers a flawless performance, to the point that I forgot I was watching a reenactment and not raw footage of Katharine Graham herself. Spielberg augments Streep’s incredible acting with interesting camera work that often highlights Graham’s struggles to position herself in male-dominated spaces: We follow Graham’s gaze as she enters a board room to a crowded screen of white men, and get dizzy as the camera spins around her head, mimicking the anxiety that such a difficult decision can induce even in someone as levelheaded as Graham herself. Streep beautiful captures the overwhelming, nebulous self-doubt that comes with taking charge, especially as a woman pioneer.

The moment of the Pentagon Papers defined how major publications, especially the Post, viewed their relationship with Washington. Gone, now, are the days when editors of newspapers would cozy up to the President. It also marked a pivotal point in the life of Katharine Graham, who went on to an illustrious career as editor and a champion of gender equity in the workplace. Through its unification of the classic, fast-paced thriller format with a deeper exploration of Graham’s life and work, “The Post” manages to craft a historical narrative that is at once compelling, accurate and strikingly relevant to contemporary discussions today.

ends.

Throughout the record, the dark lyricism is juxtaposed with the sisters’ buoyant harmonies and mellifluous tunes. Tucker Martine, known for his work with The Decemberists and Neko Case, worked with First Aid Kit to produce “Ruins.” Peter Buck of R.E.M. lends his legendary guitar skills in collaboration with the sisters as well. He is presumably responsible for the enticing, Johnny Marr-esque guitar riff during the coda of “Rebel Heart.” Wilco’s Glen Kotche and Midlake’s McKenzie Smith worked as backing musicians throughout “Ruins.” Klara and Johanna also credit their musical family with contributing backup vocals and bass guitar.

Although the Söderberg sisters are often labeled as an Americana band, the influences for “Ruins” transcend the folk genre. The anthemic song “My Wild Sweet Love” opens with the line “What comes after this? Momentary bliss,” a reference to dream pop outfit Beach House’s song “Myth.” The sing-along track, “Hem of Her Dress,” is First Aid Kit’s tribute to one of their favorite groups, Neutral Milk Hotel. The record’s first single, “It’s A Shame,” recalls the upbeat, energetic vibe of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album “Rumours.” Folk is certainly still a touchpoint for First Aid Kit, but the diversity of genres in their influences has expanded their sound.

The album’s strongest songs are two of the singles, “Fireworks” and “Ruins.” The band recently released a ‘80s prom–themed music video for “Fireworks” which perfectly conjures the waltz-y, nostalgic tone of the song.

“Fireworks” poignantly evokes unmet expectations and

lost love. “Ruins,” the title track, takes a slightly more optimistic stance — one of the lights at the end of this album’s tunnel. The song’s ascending melodies leave listeners feeling purified even as the lyrics examine the ruins of failed relationships and the following impulse to rebuild.

“Ruins” may be a breakup record, but it definitely isn’t vengeful; it’s not even despondent. In fact, the overwhelming tone of the album is hopeful. The sisters are still exploring their sound and perfecting their lyrics, but “Ruins” shares advice that my homesick, freshman self would have appreciated, and that my existentially anxious and constantly sentimental current self needs to hear: The loneliest of ruins can also be strong foundations for new beginnings.

Contact Nora McGreevy at nmcgreev@nd.edu

Contact Maggie Walsh at mwalsh30@nd.edu

“Ruins” First Aid Kit Label: Columbia Records Tracks: “Fireworks,” “Ruins” If you like: Neko Case, Fleet Foxes, Sharon Van Etton

DIANE PARK | The Observer

6

The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

Inside Column

Love letters to South Bend Nora McGreevy Associate Scene Editor

I’ve been thinking a lot this year about how people relate to their hometowns. Part of this has to do with the fact that I was away — really away — from home for the first time ever last semester, for five months of study abroad.

Coincidentally or not, hometowns featured in lots of the popular culture I consumed during my time away. For instance, in John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden,” which I read in halting bits and pieces over the course of many months, he writes about idyllic childhood memories in the harsh yet gorgeous landscape of the Salinas Valley.

I also had the chance to see “Lady Bird,” which is full of stunningly beautiful shots of driving around Sacramento at sunset.

The angsty title character, Lady Bird, f latly states time and time again that she hates Sacramento. W hen the principle of her Catholic school, Sr. Sarah Joan, points out that she writes about Sacramento with great detail in her college essay, Lady Bird responds that she doesn’t love Sacramento — she just pays attention. “Don’t you think they’re the same thing? ” asks Sister. “Love and attention? ” This is a long-winded way of saying that “Lady Bird” and “East of Eden” are linked: Through their works, both Ger wig and Steinbeck have written love letters to their respective Californian hometowns.

I live in the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend, Indiana, and I’ve been here for nearly my entire life. A ll of this hometownrelated pop culture has me thinking: W hat, exactly, would the love letters to South Bend read like?

It’s easy enough to wa x poetic about California sunshine — how about love letters to polar vortexes and brutal, unrelenting winters that stretch well into March? Maybe the letters would go on to praise the quality of South Bend’s inhabitants and leaders, its burgeoning food and coffee cultures or its massive and under-appreciated librar y system.

Maybe they would mention the way the River Lights look at night over a misty Saint Joe river, or the captivating beauty of an urban landscape that can be at once gritty and exciting.

Maybe the letters would mention the challenges South Bend still faces as a city; love letters, after all, can be complicated. Maybe they would trace the long arc of South Bend’s incremental progress, from dying city to a Rust Belt redemption stor y.

Works like Steinbeck’s, Ger wig’s and others are personal stories, but they also help to define how outsiders perceive the places their authors call home. In the coming weeks and months, I want to investigate how members of the South Bend community have already explored their relationships to the city through creation, be it artistic or other wise. Other people are paying attention to South Bend; I should be paying attention, too.

Contact Nora McGreevy at nmcgreev@nd.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

A slam Dunc of a student center The outlets — my goodness, the sheer number of outlets alone.

Walking into the brand new Duncan Student Center for the first time feels like unw rapping a gift that keeps on giv ing. After multiple semesters of watching the gargantuan “Campus Crossroads” project take shape, we can finally bask in all the planning and hard work the Universit y administration has put in to deliver us, the students of Notre Dame, a top-of-the-line student center.

As an Editorial Board, we each have our ow n favorite parts in the new facilit y, and we are sure it w ill be a positive fixture on campus for years to come. However, we would also like to contribute some suggestions that we believe w ill help capitalize on the building’s potential for future classes of students.

One of the most highly anticipated features was the promise of three new eateries; now that they have arrived, students have been largely impressed. Star Ginger Asian Grill and Noodle Bar, Modern Market and Hagert y Family Cafe offer a diverse and healthy new set of dining options.

These new restaurants represent wonderful additions to the prev iously limited number of options outside of the dining hall, especially given its convenient location for anyone looking for a quick bite bet ween classes.

However, one issue we have noticed is the cafe’s early 7 p.m. closing time on weeknights may hinder long periods of study, especially w ith the impending closing of Reckers — which was at one time the Universit y’s only 24-hour eater y before even it reduced its hours. The realit y is that many students depend on an evening snack or the dreaded 11 p.m. caffeine kick, and not hav ing a source for that cup of coffee after 7 p.m. makes the space less conducive to productive studying. Changing the cafe into a late-night dining

location could foster communit y and ensure an even greater student experience.

We have also been quick to note how helpful and open the new recreational sports facilities are to student life, as they prov ide the communit y w ith access to a number of new workout options in a high-tech, mixed-use facilit y. This artful design permeates throughout much of the student center, creating an env ironment that is both modern and fresh.

Yet, the design of the student center goes far beyond the aesthetics. Thanks in part to the many w indows, walking through the student center feels like getting a bite-sized tour of campus. On the second f loor alone, one can obser ve the inside of four different radio studios, a telev ision studio, a graduate student lounge, a rockclimbing wall and an array of distinct study spot options.

Additionally, the campus groups now located in the student center have generally benefited from the state-of-the-art facilities. W V FI, Notre Dame’s student-run radio station, now has an improved studio w ith much needed equipment upgrades. Notre Dame’s student-run telev ision station, NDtv, also has an impressive master control room in its new space. And both groups now enjoy studios more v isible to the communit y as well.

W hile the decor of the student center is generally mar velous, allow ing students to express themselves and advertise events v ia posters and signage could help make the student center feel more connected to the rest of campus. and it would only take a few bulletin boards. Given the new facilit y was built for the students of Notre Dame, then allow ing those ver y beneficiaries to advertise events and causes they are passionate about would more fully achieve that ambition.

Despite these minor issues, however, the future of Notre Dame and its brand new student center is bright, and that’s not just a product of all its new outlets — though they certainly help.

Join the conversation.

Submit a Letter to the Editor:

Email viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.com

The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

End bullying at Notre Dame Yesterday, a friend came to me with a text message sitting on the screen of her phone. Through the chatter and noise of the dining hall surrounding us, I pulled the device closer and scanned what was printed: Staring back, in unmistakable black iPhone lettering surrounded by a grey text box, were the words “you fat a-- sl--.”

Profound disbelief and disgust instantly coursed through my body, as was evidenced by my caught breath and gaping jaw. This message was irrefutably meant to harm the woman sitting next to me, and I could not believe that anyone could conceive of, let alone follow through with, sending such a note. I was even more jostled, though, to discover its sender was a fellow student at Notre Dame.

Through boiling blood, I eventually left behind talk of the message and continued with my meal.

Just as happens any other encounter with college drama, I expected to shake the emotions associated with this incident within hours, despite the egregiousness of the situation. W hat I saw in the eyes of my friend, though, made this simply impossible. Usually, I encounter a sharp and bubbly young woman; instead, I was met with emptiness,

exhaustion and indescribable anxiety and pain.

Confronting her anonymous assailant would not be a productive use of time or energ y, as drama and attention is the last thing my friend should face following this abuse. Here I am though, in an attempt to distill a generalizable conclusion from this seemingly random act of misog yny and interpersonal violence, directed at a young woman with whom each of us lives and learns.

To my fellow students at Notre Dame: This behavior is, by definition, bullying. We have heard the term repeated endlessly in high school assemblies and talks with our parents, but it is astoundingly relevant to our social experiences today. To send this form of message toward another human transcends mean-spiritedness; its intention is to force another into emotional submission.

This manipulation of power is wrong, and we as a community cannot accept environments where this form of interaction is tolerated.

To my fellow students at Notre Dame: This behavior is harmful — both to those to whom the language is directed and to others. To shame someone’s physicality and sexuality inevitably,

and potentially irrevocably, undermines a victim’s self-confidence and self-worth, leading to unpredictable consequences. More broadly, though, it injects toxicity into a community that, at least in principle, stands against it. There is simply no excuse not to recognize that our words (whether texted, spoken or thought) have real, tangible impacts on the lives of others, and we must be accountable for what these effects and implications are.

To my fellow students at Notre Dame: This behavior must end. This form of anonymous interpersonal expression, put blatantly, cannot be tolerated as acceptable as part of our campus community. There are around 4,000 undergraduate young women at the Notre Dame, and I refuse to stand idle in the face of their victimization — as must we all. Derogatory, inf lammatory and offensive language has no place at our University.

It’s time we hold one another accountable to ensuring this is true.

Katharine Janes senior Dec. 9

Dressing better makes a difference Nicholas Marr Civics Corner

Earlier this week, a new columnist wrote about dressing well and lit a fire in the Viewpoint section, the likes of which any opinion columnist would be proud. Since there are two articles against her point, it is only fair to present another argument for why you should dress better for class, or for why you should at least give it a try.

I agree with the original column’s end, though based on the responses, its means inspired passionate division, rather than thoughtful and potential change.

If you just read the response articles, you might think the original column argues that you are a dumb, lazy and a potentially bad person if you do not dress well for class. The original columnist isn’t actually that judgmental – – she’s pretty nice.

In any case, this column will begin from this statement: Your choice of clothing has nothing to do with and does not ref lect those negative qualities. Sometimes we’re sick, tired or just haven’t done laundry in three weeks. I get it. I have been, and still sometimes am, guilty of it. Plenty of my close friends wear sweatpants or leggings to class every day.

The issue of dressing well or not dressing well comes down to two considerations that have no bearing on your intelligence, work ethic or morality. The first consideration is the margin. There is benefit, however marginal, to you and your

education from dressing well. You will still receive the same education and may even be smarter than the kids who choose to dress well. But the quality of your education here depends upon the margins. The quality depends on what you do both inside and outside of the classroom. Not just that you attend class, but that if you engage readings and visit office hours, you can learn and explore important questions more deeply and thus, receive a higher quality education. Bottom line is that you should take particular actions outside of class to gain more from your education. In the same way, taking particular actions inside of the classroom can help you. Taking notes on paper instead of on a computer, for example. Choosing to dress well for class is another intentional decision that can help you in the classroom.

Dressing well for class can help you because of the second consideration: respect. This is a respect both for yourself and your professor. It does not mean that disrespect exists before dressing well, but it does mean that more respect exists after that decision. We all recognize that our professors dress well, day in and day out. Some would prefer that their students choose to dress well provided they have the means to do so, but others are not affected by their students’ choice of attire.

Here’s where the respect plays in. Simply put, if it’s good enough for the people who have dedicated their careers to the subject which they are now teaching you, then it’s good enough for you.

Professors get tired, sick and forget to do laundry.

They also have full-time jobs, bills, kids, spouses

and more to worry about. And they still find time to dress respectably. So ultimately they may not care whether you wear khakis or sweatpants, but choosing to wear khakis may show professors an intentional level of respect befitting the occasion of their class. And this result will be purely good.

So why not?

Ultimately, the choice to dress well for class is a small one. But for how little it requires, it can make a difference that contributes to the quality of your education as professors may see a more serious, intentionally respectful student.

Even if they do not, the choice to dress better nevertheless ref lects a higher level of respect for the academic environment and your place in it.

The original columnist did make a good closing point: You never know who you will meet, and you should want to make a good impression on someone who could be important to you. Setting this small choice in the context of a potentially life-changing situation gives the choice particular force. It should provide enough force for you to try, at least once, leaving the sweatpants in the drawer and dressing better for class.

Nick Marr is a sophomore from San Diego, California.

He is majoring in history and political science with a certificate in international security. His favorite liberal is John F. Kennedy. He knows there could be opinions other than his own, and he encourages them to be directed to nmarr@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

@ObserverViewpnt

8

DAIly

The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

Crossword | Will Shortz

Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Be careful what you share and with whom. Personal information should be kept a secret until you have all the kinks ironed out.

Your ability to put persuasive pressure on others in order to get what you want will be to your advantage. Have a set goal and refuse to let your emotions interfere with what you are trying to achieve. Your numbers are 5, 9, 14, 20, 29, 34, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): What you do for others might not be appreciated.

Don’t let anyone take you for granted. Take care of your responsibilities before you invest your time in helping others. Don’t let an emotional matter interfere with your responsibilities.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep moving forward. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your progress. Set your goal and don’t stop until you reach your destination. Refuse to let emotional issues lead to indulgent behavior. Protect and nurture important relationships.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Deal with money, legal and medical matters realistically. Have a plan in place and only share it with people who are dependable. There is money to be made if you are smart with your investments. Moderation is encouraged. Simplify your life.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Strike up a friendship with someone who has something to offer you in return. A partnership will give you more time to dedicate to what you do best. Taking time to rejuvenate will be necessary. Don’t abuse your health.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Moderation will be necessary. Keep your life simple and uncomplicated. Strive for personal growth, greater understanding and meaningful interactions with others. Say “no” to excessive behavior and verbal abuse.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can pick up valuable information if you participate in networking functions, conferences or classes. Adding to your knowledge, skills and experience will result in unusual opportunities. Avoid donating or investing in something you know little about.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’ll be offered something that sounds good in theory, but is likely to fall short when put into play. You are better off investing more time and energy into perfecting your skills and adding to your qualifications.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll avoid a scene if you deal with work or personal relationship matters in a diplomatic manner. Emotional stress will lead to ill health and personal loss if you aren’t careful. Try to avoid being used or taken for granted.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll have the discipline to get things done.

Pull out your to-do list and start at the top. The more organized you are, the better you will feel and the more you will be able to accomplish throughout the day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll be able to make positive changes.

Partnerships are favored, and working alongside like-minded people will encourage success. The cause of emotional stress should be handled quickly.

Walk away from toxic situations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Help those close to you. Remember that charity begins at home and you need to protect those you love. Communication and travel will lead to knowledge and clear choices. Your intuition will not disappoint you or lead you astray.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take care of your physical and emotional health.

Listen to expert advice and find ways to alter your routine to accommodate better dietary habits and required exercise. A unique opportunity can turn into a prosperous venture. Protect your secrets and personal information.

Birthday Baby: You are intuitive, smart and ambitious. You are steadfast and earnest.

WINGin’ it | BAILEE EGAN & Olivia wang

Sudoku | The Mepham Group

Jumble | David Hoyt and Jeff knurek

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sports

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, january 26, 2018 | The Observer

Sports Authority

NCAAW Basketball | baylor 81, texas 56

Why leaks hurt team camaraderie Marek Mazurek Assistant Managing Editor

As a journalist, I love to know stuff as soon as possible.

I want to know as soon as my favorite teams hire coaches, sign players or make any decisions.

And it irks me when teams and other institutions delay the release of information, especially when speculation f lies about hirings and firings. Organizations being up front and transparent is a big plus in my book.

But there are a few instances when I appreciate prudence in making information available.

Like Monday afternoon, when the Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Jason Kidd.

Kidd had been on the receiving end of much criticism in recent weeks, and many felt the Bucks were underachieving given the talent on the roster.

When ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that Kidd had been fired, it wasn’t a big shock. A lot of people around the league saw it coming, and a lot of Bucks fans were very happy.

The only problem was that Jason Kidd didn’t. In fact, star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo learned about the move and called Kidd offering to help save his job before the Bucks officially told Kidd he was gone.

That’s too bad.

I get that sports is a business and tough business decisions have to be made to appease fan bases, but should Kidd have to learn about his firing from his players? Or even worse, from an ESPN reporter on Twitter?

Could the Milwaukee leadership not be troubled to break the life-altering news faceto-face? Or at the very least, by phone?

Someone in the Bucks upper management tipped off Wojnarowski before they even told Kidd, and that isn’t right. It ref lects poorly on the Bucks and hopefully gives pause to other coaches looking to take Kidd’s place.

Kidd was an NBA All-Star as a player and had done an admirable job with a young Bucks team. He deserved better. He deserved to be able to break the news to his family.

9

General manager Jon Horst’s letter to the fans offering an explanation for Kidd’s firing would have been nice, but with the organization not having the decency to tell him before the news broke, the gesture rings hollow.

But the Bucks aren’t alone.

Just last week, Charlotte Hornets star guard Kemba Walker found out that he was actively on the trade block through media reports, instead of through the team.

According to Jordan Schultz, Walker was “legitimately hurt” by the news, and he has a right to be. He’s given nothing but his best efforts in Charlotte and has drawn fans to a struggling team with no other bright spots.

Again, I understand that sports at the professional level is a business before anything else. Players and coaches are traded and fired at the drop of a hat.

But in a business, players aren’t fired or relocated over social media. The manager calls you into their office and tells you the news. There may be tears, but there’s also justification given and at least you don’t hear it from your co-workers or friends.

Some may choose to point blame at the media for these leaks, but reporters like Wojnarowski don’t report without a source. If you criticize Wojnarowski, and others like him, for not waiting until official word in reporting hirings and firings and for their willingness to use anonymous sources, there’s a point to be made.

But Wojnarowski knew Kidd was fired because someone in the Bucks organization told him. He knew Walker was put on the trade block because someone in the league told him.

I don’t fault Wojnarowski for reporting information. I don’t fault the Bucks for firing Kidd or the Hornets for wanting to trade Walker.

It would just be nice if teams could tell the parties involved before they tip off the media. It’s the decent thing to do.

Contact Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Follow us on Twitter. @ObserverSports

Baylor wins 15th straight in win over Texas Associated Press

WACO, Texas — Kristy Wallace scored a career-high 27 points, big posts Kalani Brown and Lauren Cox both had double-doubles and No. 3 Baylor won its 15th straight game by overwhelming No. 6 Texas 81-56 in a matchup of the Big 12’s top two teams Thursday night.

Wallace scored nine of her points in a game-turning 28-7 run for the Lady Bears (18-1, 8-0 Big 12), who were in control before the end of the first quarter. That spurt included a 14-4 run over the final 3 1/2 minutes of the first quarter and a 14-3 start to the second quarter.

Brown had 17 points and 11 rebounds, her ninth doubledouble this season and 21st in her career. Cox had 17 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-7 Brown and 6-4 Cox have combined for 129 points and 83 rebounds the last three games.

Brooke McCarty led Texas (15-4, 6-2) with 16 points on

5-of-19 shooting. Lashann Higgs added 13 points and Ariel Atkins 11.

Texas went the final 3 1/2 minutes of the first quarter without a field goal after a Joyner Holmes layup tied the game at 14-all. Brown’s tiebreaking free started the quarter-ending 14-4 run.

Big picture Texas: Just 10 days earlier, Texas took No. 1 Connecticut to the wire before falling 7571 at home. The Longhorns were also coming off a record 51-point win at Texas Tech.

But they were only able to tie the game five times in the first 6 1/2 minutes, and never led, before the Lady Bears took over. McCarty and Atkins were a combined 2-of-15 shooting before halftime.

Baylor: After winning their first seven Big 12 games by an average margin of nearly 23 points, this was supposed to be the first significant test for the Lady Bears. They passed it without no problem and have

a two-game lead over secondplace Texas going into their next game that will mark the halfway mark of the 18-game conference schedule.

Remembering Chameka There was a video tribute moment of silence before the game Chameka Scott, the player that coach Kim Mulkey called “the heartbeat” of Baylor’s first national championship team in 2005. Scott died Sunday from colon cancer that was first discovered in 2015. Members of Scott’s family and former Lady Bears teammates attended the game.

Up next Texas plays four its next six games at home. The Longhorns host Iowa State on Saturday night.

Baylor also faces Top 25 games in its next two games, Sunday at No. 20 West Virginia and back at home next Wednesday against No. 19 Oklahoma State.

NHl | penguins 6, wild 3

Pittsburgh offense dominates Minnesota Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Evgeni Malkin scored two powerplay goals and Sidney Crosby had three assists to reach another career milestone as the Pittsburgh Penguins topped the Minnesota Wild 6-3 on Thursday night.

Malkin, who has 23 goals, added an assist to give him 16 goals and 31 points in his last 24 games. Crosby passed Jaromir Jagr for second on the team’s all-time scoring list with 1,082 points and is now behind only current Penguins owner Mario Lemieux, who finished his career with 1,723 points.

Dominik Simon scored two goals, Carl Hagelin had a goal and an assist and Brian Dumoulin scored one goal for Pittsburgh. Phil Kessel, the Penguins’ leading scorer with 58 points, also had three assists for the Penguins, who won their fifth straight home game.

Pittsburgh has wins in seven of its last nine games overall.

Rookie Casey DeSmith,

making his fourth straight start for Pittsburgh, stopped 23 shots. DeSmith had his bid for his first NHL shutout end when Eric Staal scored with 11:16 to play.

Staal scored his 20th of the season, Mikael Granlund added his 15th on the power play and Jonas Brodin had his fifth for the Wild, whose season-best six-game points streak ended.

Devan Dubnyk made 17 saves on 21 shots before he was pulled after Dumoulin’s goal in the second period.

Alex Stalock stopped 16 shots in relief.

Simon opened the scoring at 3:54 of the first period on a pass from Crosby, who extended his season-best assists and points streak to nine games — the NHL’s longest active run. Crosby has three goals and 19 points during the streak. He is one goal shy of his 400th of his NHL career.

Malkin scored a powerplay goal later in the period.

His centering attempt from behind the net hit Wild D Ryan Suter and Dubnyk and

crossed the line.

Pittsburgh extended the lead to 4-0 on second-period goals scored by Hagelin and Dumoulin.

Hagelin scored from the slot on Malkin’s setup, and Dumoulin finished a tic-tactoe passing sequence from Crosby and Hagelin 1:27 later.

Malkin scored his second power-play goal off Suter’s skate at 1:42 of the third period and Simon scored his second of the game, making it 6-0, just 50 seconds later.

Notes Wild F Matt Cullen, who helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups, returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since signing with Minnesota in the summer as a free agent. ... Penguins G Matt Murray was active for the first time since Jan. 7, serving as the backup to DeSmith. He returned home to Canada on Jan. 17 following the death of his father, James. ... Malkin appeared in his 753rd game, tying Jean Pronovost for fourth on the team’s all-time list.

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Sports

The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

a double-overtime loss to Louisville on Jan. 16 and another 32 minutes in a loss to No. 18 Clemson on Saturday, Farrell was unable to participate in practice Sunday and Monday before being very limited Tuesday, according to Brey.

With Farrell out of the lineup, Brey said he will plug sophomore guard Nikola Djogo into the starting lineup. With the injuries piling up, the Irish have found themselves shuff ling players into and out of the starting lineup, having used seven different iterations of the unit already this season. However,

Brey said he has liked what he’s seen from certain guys who have been asked to step up in wake of the injuries, and he plans to have a little more continuity in the lineup going forward.

“The one thing you like is we want to keep [sophomore forward John Mooney] in the starting lineup,” Brey said.

“He played well — he didn’t just score — and a guy who can just make shots, and he holds his own on the backboard. Obviously, [Nikola Djogo] goes into the starting lineup now with Matt out.

Both those guys can make shots, so that will help us a little bit.”

However, despite the regular changes to the lineup, one thing has remained a constant for the Irish since the injuries: an emphasis on defense and rebounding. In six of its seven ACC games, Notre Dame has outrebounded its opponent, and it has allowed no more than 60 points in four of its seven games. Brey said he will continue to preach that emphasis going forward and hopes a few more plays on the offensive end will lead to some wins for his squad.

“My theme to our guys is, ‘You just got to continue to defend and rebound. You can’t let up on that end because that’s putting us in position,’” Brey said. “We’ve not been able to score enough, especially on the road … and we’re getting some pretty good looks, and we’ve got to make a couple of those to

double-double of the season.

It was also her fourth game of the season with over 20 points.

“We generally try to work inside out and I thought Jessica had the size advantage really right from the tip,” Irish head coach Muffet McGraw said. “I thought we could’ve done a little better job of making some shots in the first half — what was it 38 percent in the first quarter?

— we just didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half. She did a little better later on, she missed her first four I think, but was better later.”

McGraw noted that the strategy to get the ball to Shepard was particularly effective Thursday against the Panthers.

“The high-low was working for us,” McGraw said. “We were really looking for each other from the high post and I thought the guards did a good job.”

Defensively, the Irish shone bright at times against the Panthers. They held Pitt scoreless for nearly four minutes during the second quarter. While the margins between the Panthers and the Irish got closer in the third and fourth quarters — eight points and three points, respectively — Notre Dame’s

lead grew, despite giving up a few late 3-pointers.

“I thought [the defense] was good, I thought we were active in the zone,” McGraw said. “They got some 3s late, but I thought overall we had a lot of pressure on the ball.”

To start the fourth quarter, Mabrey drained back-to-back 3-pointers, which helped add to her welcome rebound from her two-point performance against Clemson on Sunday.

Midway through the final period, McGraw began to pull the members of her starting rotation to allow the shorthanded Irish scholarship players to sit, rotating in sophomore guard Kaitlin Cole, junior forward Maureen Butler and freshman guard Nicole Benz. With just seven scholarship players remaining on the Irish roster and no depth at the guard position, McGraw’s starters have had very little time to rest this season, so the Hall of Famer noted the final quarter afforded them a welcome opportunity.

“It was nice to be able to play the bench,” McGraw said. “Marina played — I had to leave her in — but it’s great to play the bench, to give them some reward because they’re working hard at practice too.”

ZACHARY YIM | The Observer

Irish senior forward Martinas Geben finishes a dunk during Notre Dame’s 82-78 double-overtime loss against Louisville on Jan. 16.

M Bball Continued from page 12

sprain. The swelling is down, but the bone bruise was there, so definitely out the next two [games], maybe more.”

Farrell, who leads the team in assists with just over five a game while also serving as the team’s second-leading scorer at 15.7 points per game, had already missed three games this season, sitting out for a win over Syracuse and losses to Georgia Tech and No. 10 North Carolina with the sprained ankle.

After playing 48 minutes in

W Bball Continued from page 12

remained stagnant until the end of the first quarter, as the Irish went on a 13-2 run over the final four minutes to go up 20-11 at the first buzzer.

However, the energetic Notre Dame offense did not truly wake up until the second quarter, in which the Irish outscored the Panthers by a margin of 14 points.

Junior guard Marina Mabrey, who has switched over to playing the point guard position since graduate student guard Lili Thompson went down for the season with a torn ACL on Dec. 31, was a major contributor for the Irish on both ends of the court, tallying 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Junior guard Arike Ogunbowale, the reigning ACC Player of the Week and USBWA National Player of the Week, also played a major role in the Irish win, pitching in 14 points, six rebounds and two steals.

It was Shepard who stole the show. Her 28 points — including 13 points in the first quarter and an individual run of 11-consecutive Notre Dame points — and 12 rebounds marked her seventh

come home and get a win.”

Brey has continued to bring a positive attitude into the locker room, despite blow after blow being felt due to injuries, and the Irish head coach said he hasn’t had much of a problem keeping his team focused and confident they can fight through the tough stretch. While Brey said graduate student forward Austin Torres has provided a leadership boost of late, including after last Saturday’s loss, Torres said he’s been just one of the many players who have stepped up with two of the squad’s key seniors now out for the time being.

“It’s really difficult, but we’ve got the voice of great leaders on this team,” Torres said. “We’re going to continue to do our best. [Irish senior forward Martinas] Geben and [junior guard] Rex Pf lueger have brought a lot of energy and brought a lot of leadership to this team, and that’s what we’re going to need throughout the rest of the year.”

That leadership will immediately be put to the test, as the Irish welcome a Hokies squad that is fresh off a victory against the 10th-ranked Tar Heels on Monday night.

Given a victory in any ACC game is difficult to come by, Geben said finding a way to come away with a win Saturday at Purcell Pavilion could provide some much needed momentum heading into perhaps the team’s most difficult matchup — a

road trip to Durham, North Carolina, to take on No. 4 Duke. “[A win would mean] a lot,” Geben said. “It would boost the team morale a lot, give us energy moving forward. We have a stretch of games coming up that are very important, and this win could be a make-or-break for us.”

And according to Torres, the key to getting that win for the Irish will just be playing within themselves and not worrying about any perceived pressure to fill the void created by the injuries.

“We’ve just got to continue to stay together, enjoy the journey and not necessarily feel like we’ve got a lot of pressure on ourselves because we really don’t,” Torres said. “It’s about our team and it’s about us, and it’s about our guys getting better each and every day to try to get wins at home and also on the road, so we’re just going to continue to do our best.”

And when the Irish and Hokies tip off Saturday at 8 p.m. in Purcell Pavilion, that’s precisely what Brey expects from his team: Its best.

“We will battle, we’ll compete — I mean, that’s who we’ve been,” Brey said. “Since Georgia Tech, we’ve had to deal with all of it, and we’re putting ourselves in position.

I have every reason to believe we’ll put ourselves in position on Saturday night again.”

Contact Ben Padanilam at bpadanil@nd.edu

Chris Collins | The Observer

Irish junior guard Marina Mabrey looks to make an entry pass during Notre Dame’s 84-70 home victory against Tennessee on Jan. 18.

Next up for the Irish is a battle against No. 8 Florida State, one of the other three team tied atop the ACC standings at the moment.

The Seminoles (18-2, 6-1) most recently downed Louisville — Notre Dame’s only ACC loss this season and its third-ever loss in the conference — 50-49. Senior forward Shakayla Thomas and

redshirt-senior guard Imani Wright each put up doubledigit performances in the outing.

The Irish will head to Tallahasse, Florida, to face off against the Seminoles with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m.

Contact Elizabeth Greason at egreason@nd.edu

Sports

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, january 26, 2018 | The Observer

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Irish junior Rachel Chong hits a forehand during Notre Dame’s 5-2 win against Purdue on Feb. 22, 2017, at Eck Tennis Pavilion.

W Tennis Continued from page 12

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we had two tight matches [against them],” he said.

“Really, we look for a lot of the same. We’re focused right now on our doubles in playing really aggressive and trying to control matches and trying to control points.”

With an Irish team consisting of plenty of freshmen, Louderback praised his upperclassmen for their handling of the younger athletes.

The mix of young and veteran talent has been of help to the team.

“It’s been really good, our older ones — our juniors, seniors — have done a great job of helping the freshmen blend in with the team and how we do things at practice and everything. It’s been a great combination of older, experienced players and then a lot of freshmen. The freshmen are all very good

Fencing Continued from page 12

indiv idual development, which is most important.”

In regards to this weekend’s competition, Notre Dame gets a bit of a reprieve compared to last weekend’s elite programs. The schools participating this weekend include Northwestern, Wayne State, Cleveland State and Detroit Mercy, as well as a number of club teams as the weekend progresses.

Kvaratskhelia said he recognizes this, and with a number of top team members missing this weekend as they participate in the USA Fencing North American Cup, he has high hopes for the remaining group that will get a crack at the action this weekend.

“We have a tough matchup w ith Northwestern, a school we haven’t faced yet, and they’re doing well,” Kvaratsk helia said. “With some of our athletes away competing in the North American Cup, we’ll be rely ing on backups and role players. There are a bunch of

players and just really enjoy playing tennis. I really credit our juniors and seniors with the way they’ve handled everything.”

This season could very well be better than the last, as Louderback argues that the depth in the lineup and the team is superb, with plenty of potential.

“We had a good year last year; we lost in the second round of the NCAA’s — I felt like that was a good year.

This year, a big part of it is our depth; I feel like we have really good depth,” he said.

“You go through the year and you have injuries, you have players sick and miss matches, and that can make a big difference with your depth.

I feel like with our depth — we have a lot of good players. I feel like that’s why this year could be better than last year.”

Contact Charlie Ortega Guifarro at cortegag@nd.edu

teams from Midwest coming in this weekend, and we w ill take them serious and hope to come out on top.”

As Kvaratsk helia mentions, this w ill be a rarer opportunit y for some of his team to see some live competition. W hile the game plan w ill not change and he still hopes to see strong play this weekend, he is excited to see some of these team members take advantage of the stage and put up strong performances.

“We’re hoping for improvement from last week.

We’re going to evaluate our athletes the way we did in New York, and we’ve prepared and hope to get better compared to last week,” Kvaratsk helia said. “This is a time to shine for our second and third string members who don’t normally get to travel and w ill get to compete this weekend. Our starters w ill be there to support them, and it prov ides a great opportunit y to build camaraderie for this team.”

Contact Alex Bender at abender@nd.edu

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The observer | friday, january 26, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com

fencing

nd women’s basketball | ND 87, Pittsburgh 53

Shepard, ND dominate Pitt in road matchup

Squad set to host competition

By ELIZABETH GREASON

By ALEX BENDER

Sports Editor

Sports Writer

In a season that has been plagued by bad news, Jessica Shepard has been a bright spot for the No. 5 Irish.

The junior forward’s presence on the team has been a difference-maker for Notre Dame (19-2, 7-1 ACC) on numerous occasions in her first season on the team since transferring from Nebraska.

And Thursday’s win over Pitt was no different.

W hile the outcome of the game was in doubt for just over half of the first quarter in which the Panthers (9-12, 1-7) led by up to four points.

However, once the Irish tied the game at nine points apiece with 3:43 remaining in the first quarter, there was no looking back, as Shepard and the Irish charged ahead to an 87-53 victory.

W hile the Irish outscored the Panthers in each stanza, the Notre Dame offense

This weekend, the Irish w ill have an opportunit y to show off their talents at home when they host the DiCicco Duals on Friday and Saturday in the Castellan Family Fencing Center. The team comes into the competition ranked first in the nation in both men’s and women’s, who have records of 9-4 and 13-1 respectively.

So far, the team has been able to live up to the hy pe.

Just this past weekend, the Irish took a trip to the east coast where they participated in the St. John’s SuperCup, as well as the Philadelphia Inv itational, putting together t wo days of solid performances against tough competition that featured six of the top 10 programs in the nation. Notre Dame’s head coach Gia Kvaratsk helia has noted the impressive play of his squad and said he feels good about the position his team has put

see W BBALL PAGE 10

Anna Mason | The Observer

Irish junior forward Jessica Shepard dribbles up the court during Notre Dame’s 90-59 victory over Michigan State on Dec. 6.

Nd Women’s tennis

Sports Writer

After sweeping Western Michigan 7-0 on Tuesday, Notre Dame is set to host Eastern Illinois on Saturday in their second match of 2018. The Irish (1-0) enter Saturday’s meeting against the Panthers with some momentum after cruising to a win over the Broncos. The Panthers meanwhile, are on the other side of the fence with a 0-2 record to open the season.

But regardless of how EIU has fared so far, for head coach Jay Louderback, the Irish are focused more on cultivating their own style of play and getting better at it.

Opponent-specific preparations will come in the latter part of the season.

“For tennis, we play against other players and all of our opponents are completely different. You never know who you’re getting. As the

see FENCING PAGE 11

MEn’s BasketbaLl

Notre Dame aims to keep rolling

By CHARLIE ORTEGA GUIFARRO

themselves in thus far this season.

“We are definitely in a good place in terms of our preparation for meets this season.

We’re display ing good form and getting the chance to be together as a team has been a factor,” Kvaratsk helia said.

“Know ing that we have eight weeks to go until we get into ACCs and NCA As, I feel confident w ith where we are at.”

As the reigning national champions, the Irish recognize they have a target on their back and are going to get the best out of their competition. As such, Kvaratsk helia has stressed the importance to his team of being well-prepared for this weekend’s action, especially in some of their smaller areas of focus.

“We want to work on the details, looking to get better physically as well as technically and tactically,” Kvaratsk helia said. “As of now, we want to work on

Farrell out indefinitely as Irish prepare for Hokies

season goes along and we know teams what positions people play we are able to prepare more for a certain kind of player,” Louderback said. “So right now, we’re just worried more about until it gets later in the year how we play, and whoever we play with, that’s fine. We just want to be ready to play a lot of different styles of tennis.”

For Louderback, the most important part that the Irish will have to watch for are the top-three players in the Panthers’ lineup. Luckily, Notre Dame has already faced a similar test. “[Eastern Illinois] is going to be a lot like Western Michigan was.

Eastern Illinois, their top of their lineup—their top three players—is probably their strength. Their top-three players have all done well. I felt like [Western Michigan] were the same—their [toptwo] players were very good,

Heading into Saturday’s home game against Virginia Tech, Notre Dame knew it would be a little shorthanded. After all, the team has been without senior forward Bonzie Colson for its last six games and freshman wing D.J. Harvey for most of the last two.

However, the Irish (13-7, 3-4 ACC) found out Thursday that the rotation against the Hokies (14-6, 3-4) would be a little thinner than even it expected.

“We’re going to shut [senior guard] Matt Farrell down again indefinitely,” Irish head coach Mike Brey said. “We didn’t make any progress with that thing healing up. …

He was really sore Wednesday morning’s practice, so we MRI’d it and we got a bone bruise in that thing, so obviously it was a pretty violent

see W TENNIS PAGE 11

see M BBALL PAGE 10

By BEN PADANILAM Editor-in-Chief

ZACHARY YIM | The Observer

Irish senior guard Matt Farrell looks to the pass the ball during Notre Dame’s 82-78 double-overtime loss to Louisville on Jan. 16.