Ayanna Pressley elected MA’s first black woman in Congress

Ayanna Pressley elected MA’s first black woman in Congress

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

“I know for a fact none of us ran to make history. We ran to make change,” said Ayanna Pressley during her Congressional election acceptance speech. “However, the historical significance of this evening is not lost on me.”

2018 midterm election results in Massachusetts

2018 midterm election results in Massachusetts

BY ALLYSON HUNTOON ’19

As of Wednesday evening, midterm election results from around the country were still coming in. In Massachusetts, Democrats won all of the Congressional races on the ballot, including the state’s nine seats in the House of Representatives and one Senate seat, to which Senator Elizabeth Warren was re-elected. At the state level, Republican governor Charlie Baker was re-elected, defeating Democrat Jay Gonzalez.

Proposed change to Title IX alters definition of gender

Proposed change to Title IX alters definition of gender

BY LILY REAVIS ’ 21

The Trump Administration is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish a legal definition of gender under Title IX, according to a New York Times article published on Oct. 21.

How to vote in Massachusetts

How to vote in Massachusetts

BY ALLYSON HUNTOON ’19

Early voting has been underway in Massachusetts since Oct. 22, and in under a week, voters will have the opportunity to go to the polls on Election Day. On the ballot in Massachusetts, there are candidates for both state and federal offices as well as three statewide ballot questions.

Local communities consider switch from “Columbus Day”

Local communities consider switch from “Columbus Day”

BY EMMA RUBIN ’20

The second Monday in October, known in most cities throughout the U.S. as Columbus Day, has recently been the subject of increasing contention. The growing controversy is part of a national reckoning with the human rights abuses that followed the arrival of the holiday’s namesake, Christopher Columbus, to the Americas in 1492.

Senator Elizabeth Warren holds town hall in Holyoke

Senator Elizabeth Warren holds town hall in Holyoke

BY ANNA HASSON ’21

“After Nov. 6, I will take a hard look at running for president.” U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren made this statement during a town hall in Holyoke last Saturday, after an attendee asked if she was planning to run in 2020. Up until this point, Warren had deflected questions about a potential presidential run by emphasizing her focus on the Nov. 6 midterm elections, the importance of which she continues to emphasize.

Hurricane Florence makes landfall, campus responds

Hurricane Florence makes landfall, campus responds

BY ANNA SHORTRIDGE ’19

Hurricane Florence hit the coast of North Carolina in the early morning of Friday, Sept. 14, according to the National Weather Service. North and South Carolina suffered the most damage, but Virginia, Georgia and Maryland were also affected. These states all declared states of emergency as monumental levels of rain were expected. 100,000 people lost power the night before the storm began, according to the Weather Channel. The storm has caused at least 34 deaths since Sept. 14.

South Hadley receives pedestrian safety grant

South Hadley receives pedestrian safety grant

BY MELISSA JOHNSON ’20

South Hadley is one of 22 local communities to which the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has awarded funding to be part of the Complete Streets Program. According to the Massachusetts government website, “a Complete Street is one that provides safe and accessible options for all modes of transportation — walking, biking, transit and vehicles — for people of all ages and abilities.”

Mount Holyoke students react to Brett Kavanaugh hearings

Mount Holyoke students react to Brett Kavanaugh hearings

BY ANNA HASSON ’21 AND ANNA SHORTRIDGE ’19

Senate confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh concluded on Friday, Sept. 7. Several activist groups protested the event; the groups opposed his nomination for a variety of reasons. Many Republicans, however, are hoping to confirm his nomination as soon as possible.

Mount Holyoke alumnae run for office

Mount Holyoke alumnae run for office

BY EMMA RUBIN ’20

The 2018 election cycle has been known for its almost unprecedented number of women running for office at all levels of government. This year, women have appeared on the ballot in record- breaking numbers, according to Time. Several record-breaking women who filed candidacy in races across the country are Mount Holyoke alumnae.