Your favorite bots fall flat. They won’t replace us.

I remember when AI’s grip began tightening two years ago. 

Bats spotted inside Saint Mary's residence halls

Saint Mary’s College's campus is home to a variety of wildlife, from squirrels to groundhogs to raccoons. It’s not uncommon for students to see animals in the grass or hiding between buildings. Sometimes, though, the animals wander out of their homes and into students’ homes.

Senate reconvenes in first post-impeachment meeting

After two weeks dominated by impeachment proceedings, the student senate convened for a brief session to discuss announcements and upcoming events on campus. In a surprise twist, Wednesday’s session was facilitated by student-body president Jerry Vielhauer. Traditionally, vice president Sonia Lumley runs the meetings. This week Vielhauer stepped in to take her place, explaining that Lumley was sick and thus unable to attend the meeting. 

The cost of a colonial crown

This past week, my London seminar class took a trip to the Tower of London. After looking at torture contraptions and Catholic carvings on the walls, our trip ended at the famous Crown Jewels exhibit. The ornate, bejeweled crowns and sparkling gold chalices are just a small part of the 23,578-gemstone collection. However, behind the displays of British opulence is a trail of blood leading back to Britain’s violent past.

The India you think you know

This article began writing itself in my brain when my friend asked me in all seriousness if Indians, when they encountered a cow, stopped everything they were doing to bow down and worship. I answered with a loud laugh that clearly said: “You are being so ridiculous right now!” The answer, just in case you were wondering, is no: All Indians do not worship cows because India is a religiously plural country.

Saints women's soccer seeks first program win against Olivet-Nazarene

Holy Cross College women’s soccer (3-4) is set to take on Olivet Nazarene University (2-0-3) Saturday at Saints Field.

Notre Dame volleyball prepares for next two home games

Notre Dame volleyball dropped two matches this week against rival Michigan — one at home and one on the road. Despite the losses, the matches were very competitive statistically, giving the Irish areas to improve as they prepare to face Syracuse on Sept. 26 and Boston College on Sept. 28. 

Mass incarceration is helping no one

America has consistently boasted the top spot in incarceration rates worldwide. We incarcerate 25% of the world’s prisoners even though we house just over 4% of the global population. The intention of the American prison system is to reduce crime and punish. However, I can say with full confidence that we are only succeeding at punishing. At least one in four people who go to jail will be arrested within the same year. Recidivism in the U.S. is at an all-time high, with 82% of prisoners going back to prison within 10 years of their release. This number is abhorrent, but it is also indicative of the uselessness of American prison systems.

Is Clash Royale harder than chess?

On Sunday morning, my unemployed friend John texted me with an intriguing opinion: “Clash of royal is harder than chess,” he declared.  

A tribute to ‘Undertale’

On Sept. 15, 2025, “Undertale” turned 10 to much fanfare from old and new fans alike. 

Print Edition for Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Notre Dame men’s soccer beats Wright State thanks to hat trick

Notre Dame men’s soccer continued their seven-game homestand with a non-conference matchup against Wright State Tuesday night, defeating the Raiders 3-2 behind a first-half hat trick by senior defender Mitch Ferguson. The Raiders attempted to rally by scoring two goals late into the second, making for a high-intensity end to the game.

Columbia professor presents upcoming book on political discontent in Latin America

Tuesday afternoon, Maria Victoria Murillo, a professor of political science and international affairs at Columbia University, presented on her upcoming book in the Hesburgh Center. Her work addresses questions as to why many Latin Americans are increasingly disillusioned with democracy, despite social progress. It is co-edited with Gabriel Kessler, an Argentinian sociologist and professor.

Eddy Street Commons sees increase in crime

Two weeks ago, multiple gunshots were fired at Eddy Street Commons during the Notre Dame v. Texas A&M game, damaging two apartments and five vehicles. Last weekend, shots were fired near the same area early Sunday morning, this time damaging a window at the Embassy Suites hotel. 

University launches ethical framework for AI use at summit

University leaders, business executives, academics, journalists and other prominent individuals have gathered on campus this week for the Notre Dame Summit on AI, Faith and Human Flourishing, hosted by the University’s Institute for Ethics and the Common Good and the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative.

Important things happen here

Not too long ago, I heard a comment from one of my classmates during a discussion that struck me in all the wrong ways. Amid remarking on the state of press associations in America (typical political science banter), this classmate blurted out, “There is no news in South Bend.” They were referring to the presumption that our local newspaper, “The South Bend Tribune,” was struggling due to a lack of local news because there wasn’t enough worthy information to report. Our professor, a resident of South Bend, quickly refuted this claim. A back-and-forth ensued, but my mind remained transfixed on the initial statement. How could someone believe that nothing happens at all in a city? Especially a city they live right next to? The student body of Notre Dame has become increasingly insulated from the broader South Bend community, to the point where some of us no longer believe anything of importance occurs outside of the Notre Dame bubble.  

No. 2 Notre Dame women's soccer prepares to host No. 22 North Carolina

Tomorrow night at 6 p.m. the Notre Dame women’s soccer team will take the pitch for what is sure to be an intense matchup. The Irish have dominated their ACC play so far, winning their first two games in the conference slate against NC State and Duke. They look to continue that streak at home on Wednesday night against the defending national champions, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels.

Saint Mary’s volleyball readies for intense matchup

This past weekend, Saint Mary’s played three matches against tough competition and was able to walk away with three wins, moving the Belles to 11-0 on the season and continuing their perfect start. The Belles defeated Dominican and Beloit with 3-0 wins, but had a close game against Grinnell where they snuck away with a 3-2 win. Across the weekend, sophomore outside hitter Kalli Lewkowski led her team in kills with 28, sophomore setter Giuliana Graczyk led the Belles with 55 assists and 31 digs and freshman outside hitter and defensive specialist Shannon Rudge led with 11 aces. Another big contributor for the Belles this past weekend was junior middle hitter Caroline Carens, who was an explosive player able to control the net, showing her significant impact even without needing to rack up the most kills on the team. Carens scored a total of 37 points on offense for her team, and Rudge was able to score 38 points for her team with her combined efforts on offense and defense.

Saint Mary’s golf takes fourth at first MIAA Jamboree

On Monday, Saint Mary’s golf traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to compete in the first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Jamboree. The event is the first of four conference jamborees throughout the year. For the conference, the champion is determined by total scores through the four jamborees and two rounds in the MIAA Championship in April. Last year, the Belles took home the MIAA Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Championships. They will be looking to continue last year’s success after finishing fourth in Monday’s contest.

A democracy without dissent is not a democracy

Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of American democracy. It sparks debate that informs the people and fuels the free exchange of ideas. It holds our leaders accountable, guarding against tyranny. Above all else, it ensures that every voice is given the chance to be heard. It provides every citizen — regardless of their ideology — a seat at the table of democracy. History shows that when authoritarians try to take the reins of power, they begin by stifling the voice of the opposition. In the United States today, we are witnessing that very historical pattern unfold.