A love letter to our freshman-year selves

Dear freshman-year Alli,

We have all become ‘Weapons’

It has been an excellent summer for cinema. We found out Hollywood could still make a winning superhero film (“Superman”). We saw the return of the studio comedy that could deliver belly laughs to a crowded theater (“The Naked Gun”). We enjoyed franchise revivals full of verve and creativity (“Final Destination: Bloodlines” and “28 Years Later”). And we even saw an original, auteur-driven film receive critical and commercial success: Zach Cregger’s “Weapons.”

Print Edition for Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Freshmen at Holy Cross participate in annual matriculation ceremony

On Friday Holy Cross College conducted their annual matriculation ceremony for incoming freshman in the class of 2029. Freshmen, with the help of their families, moved into their dorms between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Parents were also invited to the ceremony, which began at 7 p.m. in front of the Pfeil Center.

President Dowd welcomes students at Academic Year Opening Mass

University of Notre Dame President Fr. Robert Dowd welcomed students back to campus for the 2025-26 academic year at Tuesday’s opening Mass. Addressing the congregation in Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, Dowd, wearing red vestments, emphasized the importance of Christian hope as the new school year begins.

The Michiana Renaissance Festival is the fairest of them all

My neighbor and I were at the Michiana Renaissance Festival, watching an ensemble called The Knights of the Rose don plate armor and fight with dull swords. I was sitting on a bench with my friend to my left and an empty seat to my right. A man and his three little daughters were sitting nearby. An old woman in a fanny pack approached me, and — because of how all of us were arranged — she misunderstood who the girls’ father was, asking me whether I was saving the open seat for my daughters, and if not, asking whether she could take it.

Less than 5 days to kickoff: Boubacar Traore and Cam Williams

Just five days separate Notre Dame from its season opener under the lights in Miami. The build-up grows each day as the Irish prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await in 2025. As part of our series, we turn our attention to jersey number 5 on both defense and offense.

Meowcus Freemeown raises resilient army in face of imminent kitty cat attack

Beneath a vaulted sky, bruised and swollen with ancient storm clouds, the Earth held its breath, trembling with quiet dread. From the sun-baked marshes of Meowmi, Florida, where shadows clung like whiskers, surged an unstoppable tide. An army of a million ferocious kittens, their fur gleaming with wet silk sheen, eyes blazing emerald fires, was advancing north. Some among them towered nearly three feet tall, sinew coiled beneath velvet coats, claws sharp and silent as winter’s edge. At their head strode Meowpolean Bonapawte, a figure cloaked in menace, his banner a flicker of green and orange lightning, heralding the coming of the Iron Claw, a kitten supreme world order bent on reshaping the very soul of this nation. 

Five things to know from Marcus Freeman’s presser

On Tuesday afternoon, Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman took to the podium for his first game-week press conference of the 2025 season. The Irish are set to open the campaign on Sunday night at Miami. Here are five key takeaways from Freeman’s presser.

Students react to South Dining Hall changes

As students return to the familiar faces, routines and landmarks of campus, they are also stumbling into an unfamiliar South Dining Hall.

I wish I knew who you are

It is lovely to be walking alone again, taking long strides of certainty on the campus that I have come to know so well over the last three years. I gently weave through the crowds of excited freshmen and their parents, give a half-annoyed, half-amused smile as I navigate past the many carts and suitcases that are staples of Welcome Weekend. I walk through South Quad with the confidence of a senior.

Saint Mary’s awarded $1.1 million grant for first-gen students

On Aug. 13, Saint Mary’s College announced in a press release that it has been awarded a $1.1 million, four-year grant to continue its participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative. The grant was awarded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation. The Kessler Scholars Collaborative funds scholarships for 15 other colleges and universities nationwide.

Saint Mary's soccer prepares for a new season

As they prepare for their upcoming 2025–26 season, the Saint Mary’s soccer team welcomes back returners and numerous newcomers under head coach Farkhod Kurbonov who is now entering his fourth season with the Belles.

Learning news over hard-boiled eggs

I lived with a New York City finance bro this summer who checked off all the typical intern-in-the-city requirements: gray Patagonia vest, khaki chinos, three desktop monitors for elaborate Excel spreadsheets and a commute to FiDi.

Notre Dame women’s soccer welcomes rival Wolverines

The No. 7 Notre Dame women’s soccer team will square off against Michigan in the first leg of the soccer programs’ double-header this Thursday at Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the men’s team following right after at 8:30 p.m. against Oregon State.

Irish men’s soccer prepares to host Oregon State

Notre Dame men’s soccer returns to the pitch Thursday evening to play host to the Oregon State Beavers.

Saint Mary’s volleyball looks for a more successful 2025-26 season

The Saint Mary’s volleyball team will enter its 11th season under head coach Denise Van De Walle, and the team is looking for a more successful 2025-26 season. Last year, the Belles finished 10-13 overall and 2-6 in conference play, not giving them an avenue to the MIAA tournament. Saint Mary’s went 5-3 at home while going 2-6 during their away games. This year, they look to improve on that disparity.

Less than 6 days to kickoff: Jordan Faison and Christian Gray

Welcome to game week. Less than six days remain until kickoff in Hard Rock Stadium and the beginning of Notre Dame’s 2025-26 season. The week one test against Miami may have major implications for their hopes of reaching the mountaintop. Fueled by a storied history, the Catholics vs. Convicts rivalry will be reignited for the first time since 2017. As gameday approaches, we will spotlight the #6 on offense and defense for the Irish.

Blackout strikes Notre Dame campus, interrupts freshman activities

Just before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, multiple power outages were reported at residence halls, academic and utility buildings across campus at Notre Dame. 

The masculine urge to ... pt 3

I write this article to create the trilogy of Opinion articles (read the first and second) that focus on men and their masculine urges. To be honest, this isn’t a sex-ed article, but rather a reflection on a recent bachelor party trip for the upcoming wedding of my best friend named Dan. I wouldn’t want to mislead you.