The Unfiltered Transcript
Julie Mahoney and Sierra Bausemer
November 12, 2025
The past couple weeks have been busy on and off campus with lots of news to recap. Halloween weekend was eventful with lots of fun costumes and events to celebrate the spooky vibes. The annual Norton town parade was held on Sunday October 26, with Wheaton Athletics participating. A new addition to the parade this year was a suggestion to dress up, a request the Artistic Swimming team took seriously, dawning bald caps and button ups to appear as Alan Wickstrom, Wharton’s Director of Athletics Communication.
Daylight savings occurred Sunday November 2, giving everyone an extra hour to sleep. However many people probably did not do so, like the Los Angeles Dodgers who just won the World Series, back-to-back. This is the first time a team has done so in 25 years. On the East Coast, a major election took place in New York City, with lots of media coverage surrounding a new candidate and the next mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who is gaining popularity with a younger generation. The turnout for election day was the largest in over a decade. Still in New York, more than thirty people were charged with illegal sports betting, including Chauncey Billups a coach and former Hall of Fame player and Terry Rozier, a guard on the Miami Heat. This comes after previous investigations into these individuals and is one of the largest insider betting schemes since sports betting became illegal.
Earlier in October, the community unity project displayed on the dimple, the yarn project, was removed. It still looms next to Mars Arts, hidden behind a wall. Before it was removed, it showed the diversity and connection here at Wheaton. In federal news, the Supreme Court is hearing a pending appeal to overturn the landmark case of Obergfell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage. The request will be heard sometime this fall.
Other big news, Hurricane Melissa has claimed the lives of at least 60. The category five hurricane hit the Caribbean and was the most powerful hurricane to ever strike Jamaica. Americans have been hit with a different disaster with the cut back on SNAP benefits due to the continued government shutdown. Initially the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would not tap into its contingency funds to cover food stamps in November, but two federal judges ordered USDA to provide full or partial funds. Almost 42 million Americans receive food stamps.
The last week of October saw the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for President Trump’s plan of a ballroom. The pictures and quick actions sparked outrage online especially since the actions did not have prior approval from the appropriate government agencies, which Trump said was not required. Trump also just returned from a tour in Asia where he met with leaders from Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia.
In the world of ballet, there was a big change as Misty Copeland danced in her last show on October 22. She became the first Black female principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history and has become an inspiration for many young dancers. Now she will focus her energy in other parts of her life, such as her family and writing.
Sources:
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/live/dodgers-world-series-championship-parade
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/24/politics/usda-contingency-fund-november-snap
https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/03/politics/november-snap-benefits-government-trump
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/nx-s1-5583517/misty-copeland-retire
https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-57512e0d91432f75529946fddfbfe2c5
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-japan-korea-trip-government-shutdown-10-28-25
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/world/asia/trump-asia-photos.html
The Unfiltered Transcript
Julie Mahoney and Sierra Bausemer
October 29, 2025
Juggling assignments, sports, and work can be a daunting enough challenge without adding keeping up with news to the long list of to-do’s. I have compiled some of the most prevalent and major news stories from the international, national, and campus spheres to keep you informed and in the loop.
The United States government shutdown remains on the forefront of many news outlets, as it reaches nearly three weeks. Since the shutdown began on October 1st, there have been thousands of federal employees laid off or furloughed, which accounts for roughly 1.4 million employees. An October 15th ruling put an end to any layoffs currently underway and ceased any from happening until the government shutdown is resolved. Despite this, a large amount of reductions in force (RIFs) are still occurring. Internationally, the Gaza ceasefire was tested on Sunday, October 19th, following Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip. This resulted in the Rafah border crossing, which allows Palestinians to seek medical care and access Egypt, remaining unopened on October 19th. The next steps of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan include disarming Hamas and Israel withdrawing from Gaza.
In Wheaton news, fall break was a weekend of rain for those that remained on campus, although many students traveled home to visit family and friends. One day of classes later and MAP day arrived on October 16th. All students began their day with faculty-led panels on the topic of reciprocity and abundance, a call back to the first year common reading of The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The remainder of the day included academic programming, a graduate school fair, and various fun activities around campus. MAP day led into the weekend, which saw 7 million people organize in over 2,700 US cities for “No Kings” protests. Protestors are rallied at peaceful protests against policies of the Trump administration and what is being described as President Donald Trump’s abuse of power.
With Halloween fast approaching, Dean Irish was ahead of the ball with an email sent to the student body on October 17th, which reminded students of the drug and alcohol policy, the Title IX policy, how to report a bias related incident, and a reminder on respectful costumes. Additionally, Dean Irish encouraged students to attend the SGA Halloween on the Dimple, happening October 26th from 2-4pm following the Norton Halloween parade at 12pm. If you are still looking for a treat, a campus obsession offers free drinks once a week. Aroma Joes, the popular coffee spot located only a few minutes off campus in Mansfield, offers free rushes every week from 3-4pm on Wednesdays!
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado on October 10th. She received this award in reflection of her work to promote the democratic rights of the people of Venezuela. In France, the Louvre was robbed on October 19th just as the museum opened. The thieves took with them nine pieces of the French Crown Jewels in a seven minute heist that ended in an escape on scooters. Experts say that because the items are so notable they can not be sold, therefore they will either be melted down or a buyer was already secured prior to the heist.
Sadly, Diane Keaton, Oscar award winning actor of “Annie Hall” and “The First Wives Club,” passed away on October 11th of pneumonia. In more uplifting news, the Wheaton Men’s Water Polo took their first victory in program history on October 18th, in a 16-13 win over Washington and Jefferson College.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-government-shutdown-news-10-20-25
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5574111/government-shutdown-federal-employees-congress-rif
https://wheatoncollege.edu/event/map-day-fall-2025/
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nationwide-kings-rallies-set-protest-trump/story?id=126611770
https://apnews.com/article/diane-keaton-dead-d2f890b961fb906cfbbbab4b7af309c6
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2025/press-release/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna238596
The Unfiltered Transcript
Julie Mahoney and Sierra Bausemer
October 15, 2025
A lot can happen in a week. I feel as though now more than ever, there is constant change and a million different things going on. Amidst the chaos of classes, sports, and extracurriculars there are other things to look out for on campus and out in the world. In this new column, I will bring your attention to some major things in world and national news, as well as on campus.
The government shut down on October 1, meaning some government services were suspended. This was as a result of democrats and republicans being unable to agree on a bill on federal funding. According to the White House website “Democrats Have Shut Down the Government,” when in reality it is because both parties could not decide on the passing of funding for the federal government for the month of October. Facing political backlash in a different way, Bad Bunny was named the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer for the 2026 game. This comes after the end of his 31 show residency in Puerto Rico, with issues and debates about ICE sitting at the forefront of the debate.
Over the weekend at Wheaton was Fall Fest/Friends and Family weekend, with events on Friday and Saturday. The campus was full of celebrations with the quad party and visiting alumni spending the weekend reminiscing. Once the clock turned to October, spooky decor was spotted on campus with skeletons placed on the tree trunk near Watson. On Friday the 3rd, the Red Sox lost to the Yankees (BOO!), kicking them out of the playoffs for the season. Although not in the running for the World Series, the Sox saw tremendous growth this season with hope for the future.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, was finally sentenced to four years (50 months) with counts for transporting prostitutes. This comes after the defense and prosecution fought over preferred sentencing, which ranged from 14 months to 11 years. Back on campus, two fire alarms went off this past week, one in Pine and one in Haas. Additionally people’s attention was called to the salaries of President Whelan, administrators, and professors after flyers were posted around campus. This garnered strong opinions with over 300 upvotes on YikYak and comments about what each position actually does.
Yom Kippur fell on October 1st into the 2nd, which sadly coincided with an attack on a synagogue in the UK, killing 2 and injuring 3 others. Manchester police shot and killed the attacker afterwards, yet it does not stop the antisemetic violence in the UK and the world. These types of attacks have increased since October 7, 2023 and continue to, as does the war in Israel and Palestine. The fight to get aid into the Gaza strip has been difficult, with a new group of ships carrying food and medicine getting intercepted by Israel Occupational Forces. The Global Sumud Flotilla had 42 boats with citizens from 57 different countries to get humanitarian aid into Gaza. All were intercepted with hundreds of individuals detained or imprisoned including Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg. Now they are being held in Israel, with some already deported to Europe, like Thunberg.
Some sad news, Jane Goodall, an advocate, conservationist, and primatologist died on the 2nd. Her legacy and work is foundational and will be continued by the thousands she inspired. She devoted her life to research in Chimpanzees with a love and devotion that was unmatched.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrj1znp0pyo
https://www.whitehouse.gov/government-shutdown-clock/
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/red-sox-yankees-wild-card-mlb-playoffs-rafaela-cora/
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6686450/2025/10/03/red-sox-yankees-wild-card/
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/diddy-sentencing-hearing/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qz32wzeego
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/06/middleeast/global-sumud-flotilla-gaza-activists-spain-intl-hnk
https://globalsumudflotilla.org/
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03227-w
https://www.today.com/health/news/jane-goodall-cause-of-death-rcna235130
New and Returning Faces in the Athletics Department
By Julie Mahoney and Sierra Bausemer
September 17, 2025
Wheaton Athletics saw a big change over the summer with 2 new coaches, 3 coaches promoted, and 2 changes in administrative roles. New to Wheaton are Dan Tischler, the Head Baseball Coach and Lindsey Keen, the Artistic Swimming Coach. Both have extensive experience in their sports and have goals for this season and those in the future.
Tischler previously was at Boston College as an assistant coach for 2 seasons and spent 11 seasons prior to that at Columbia University as an assistant coach and Associate head coach. He said being here at Wheaton there is “more responsibility for every facet of the program than I have ever had. From organizing practice, to alumni relations, to secondary duties within the department, there’s just more. It is an exciting opportunity.” He plans for this year’s team to be “one of the most competitive in our conference,” one that other schools are scared to play.
In the administrative office, Lisa Yenush took on the title Interim Senior Director of Athletics from previously being Associate Director. While the role is temporary in nature she is really excited about all the change this year from new coaches to new programs and continuing her journey at Wheaton. Yenush is an alum herself, having graduated in 1990 and being a student athlete and resident advisor. “My job is to support (others in athletics) as best as I can,” she said. This fall marks the beginning of her 13th year at Wheaton and she is “oozing with pride” for this school.
Keen joins the Wheaton Artistic Swimming team from the Pacific Waves club artistic swimming team in Seattle, after being approached for the position by USA Artistic Swimming CEO Adam Andrasko. Keen sees this a new opportunity, whereas the collegiate system has various intricacies that the club system does not. She noted “I had the support of USA Artistic Swimming, which gave me the confidence to pursue this.” Additionally, this new role offers her the ability to work with higher level, more intense, athletes. Although an important factor in her move to Wheaton, Keen also said that it “felt like home,” during her interviews with the athletics team and athletes. In her first season with Wheaton she is hoping to get the team “back on the map as a real contender for top three (teams)” and to “be a threat again.”
Brian Walmsley, the previous Head Coach for Men’s Basketball, is now the Senior Associate Director for Athletics. He spent 28 years as Coach for Men’s Basketball and is still a mentor and pillar in the community. Yenush mentioned how Walmsley’s transition was seamless and how he has everyone’s trust. DuBrow takes the place of Walmsley as the Interim Head Coach, an advancement from his prior position as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for the last 2 years. The role is similar, but with more responsibility, he said. “I was fortunate that Coach Walmsley gave me a lot of responsibility within all aspects of the program, so stepping into this new role I feel comfortable.” DuBrow is also an alum, having graduated in 2020 as a student athlete on the Men’s Basketball team.
Alexander Evans, Luis Platas and Alex DuBrow have been promoted from their past positions to head coaches. Evans was just formally named the Head Coach for Women’s and Men’s Cross Country with this season being his 6th at Wheaton. Platas is now the Head Coach for the Men’s Tennis program with Dan Munsey becoming the Director of Tennis but continuing his role as Head Coach for the Women’s program. More information on these promotions can be found at wheatoncollegelyons.com.
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