Amherst Wire

Looking Back: Corona lungs, pandemic time warp and Zoom University

Three students reflect on life the past year during the coronavirus pandemic

Jess Galvin, Catherine Hurley and Kaci Madden , Contributors • May 7, 2021

The following stories are the first part of Looking Back, a two-part series of first-person blog posts looking back at life the past year produced by Professor Steve Fox's Journalism 300 course in the Journalism Department at UMass Amherst.

The Elephant in the Room: Tiger parenting and Asian American suicide

Racially motivated violence and high expectations are detrimental stressors for Asian Americans

Aaron Vincent Facundo, TV/Film Editor • May 5, 2021

Intentional self-harm (suicide) is the leading cause of death in Asian Americans age 15-24, according to the CDC. This cause of death does not lead for any other group of people.

Getting Through with “The Wilds”

An epic coming of age saga with a twist

Emma Sammuli, Lifestyle Editor • April 15, 2021

There are eight girls in total who are stranded on the island, each with their own past that follows them wherever they go. It’s a thrilling, emotional saga that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful plot and artful storytelling.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: My Story

Sexual assault and abuse happens more often than some may think, now is the time for me to tell my story and journey towards healing

Aliana Liz Tavares, Contributor • April 13, 2021

My partner knew I had no previous sexual experience and that I was nervous to explore that side of myself. I was naïve and so excited about the start of this relationship that I didn’t process what happened to me until much later.

(Fake) Blonde Moment: Olivia Rodrigo and Demi Lovato

Tune in to hear Grace and Chad's review Demi Lovato's new music

Chad Douty and Grace Sherwood • April 7, 2021

Is it "deja vu" or has Olivia Rodrigo released another hit song? Chad and Grace investigate in their latest episode

Boston Public Schools sued by parent coalition

Exam schools are considering eliminating entrance exams and tackling inequality

Olivia Mahoney, Contributor • March 30, 2021

The new plan creates an applicant pool that takes into account either 2019 MCAS results or student grades, all of which are pre-pandemic. 20% of the seats for each exam school are reserved for the highest-ranking students across Boston, based solely on GPA. The remaining 80% will receive invitations using a combination of GPA and ZIP codes.

“Massachusetts 2050: A Warming State” Suggestions for better fashion habits

In a consumer driven economy, can the decisions made at the mall impact our environment?

Chloe Ostiguy and Melissa Meltzer • March 26, 2021

A company cannot survive without the financial support of the everyday consumer. When feeling powerless in one’s ability to make an impact it is important to remember that we enact change by deciding what we support financially and that it is the middle class that drives the market, not the top 1% on their own.

Getting Through with Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Spoiler Alert!

Emma Sammuli, Lifestyle Editor • March 25, 2021

Even though some scenes were the same, it felt like a completely different film from start to finish. It felt like what Justice League should have been.

UMass must do more for the Racial Justice Coalition

It's time for UMass to show support through actions, not just words

Zach Steward, Contributor • March 9, 2021

Chancellor Subbaswamy has neglected his responsibilities in regards to the Racial Justice Coalition and UMass for Black Lives.

UMass fraternity throws party against COVID-19 restrictions

Students express strong emotions against first documented large gathering

Nicole Biagioni, Writer • February 9, 2021

The UMass community reacts to the COVID-spreading party that took place at the Theta Chi fraternity this past weekend.

The legacy of odd Trump imagery

Now that the Trump presidency has ended, it is time to reckon with the odd iconography that his candidacy engendered—and what it means for the future of our politics

Joe Lancaster, Contributor • January 28, 2021

In the Internet age, the traditional campaign ad has been enhanced by Twitter videos, and the traditional campaign poster has largely been supplanted by the meme. And in the age of Donald Trump, the pro-Trump memes and placards became a bizarre form of outsider art.

Are snow days dead?

They should not end with the introduction of online school

Yang Yi Chen, Contributor • January 15, 2021

Snow days might become non-existent to future generations as remote learning becomes a norm for schools all across the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this newfound way of teaching, schools can now continue classes online during big snowstorms instead of canceling classes as they did before.