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The digital-first, student-run magazine of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Journalism Department

Amherst Wire

The digital-first, student-run magazine of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Journalism Department

Amherst Wire

The digital-first, student-run magazine of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Journalism Department

Amherst Wire

Graphic by Brianna Silva

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

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.
Photo Credit: Remy Rossi  (flickr)

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

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" 

Getting Through with “The Wilds” 

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 Awareness Month: My Story

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.
Artwork by Gracie Donovan

(Fake) Blonde Moment: Olivia Rodrigo and Demi Lovato

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
(John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons)

Boston Public Schools sued by parent coalition

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.
(Photo of a sweater from Buffalo Exchange)

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

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

Getting Through with Zack Snyder’s Justice League

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. 
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Skyline from South Field/ Wikimedia Commons user Eraboin

UMass must do more for the Racial Justice Coalition

Zach Steward, Contributor March 9, 2021
Chancellor Subbaswamy has neglected his responsibilities in regards to the Racial Justice Coalition and UMass for Black Lives.
Theta Chi house courtesy of thetachiumass.com

UMass fraternity throws party against COVID-19 restrictions

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

The legacy of odd Trump imagery

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?

Are snow days dead?

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. 
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