Portland State Vanguard

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Portland State Vanguard

Portland State's student-run newspaper since 1946. Covers local, breaking news, and more It publishes every Tuesday during the academic year.

The tabloid format newspaper has a circulation of 5,000, and is distributed for free in the Portland State campus area. The Portland State Media Board, which consists of four students, four faculty members, and one community member, acts as the Vanguard’s publishing body. The board hires the newspaper’s editor each year, and the remainder of the staff is hired by the editor. Editors serve a one ye

ar term from June to June. The Vanguard is entirely student-run, employing about 60 paid student reporters, photographers, graphic designers and editors. The newspaper and its staff have won several collegiate journalism awards, including the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association General Excellence Award and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award. The current editor-in-chief is Colleen Leary. Go to psuvanguard.com/about for a full list of editors. The Vanguard’s advisor is Reaz Mahmood. This page is managed by the Vanguard online editor, Jaime Dunkle.

11/29/2024

Seeing Triples
A Phenomenon to watch as winter Approaches
By: Anish Arumugam & Vaishnavi Srinath

Seen mostly at sunrise or sunset, sundogs are like nature’s own light show, created through the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals high up in the atmosphere. Their appearance has captured human imagination for centuries, serving as symbols in art, myth, and even weather prediction.
…
So, the next time you’re outside on a cold day, take a look toward the sun. If you’re lucky, you might see one or even two glowing patches of light—nature’s own dazzling display. Sundogs may look otherworldly, but they’re simply a result of sunlight interacting with ice crystals in just the right way.

“Sundogs are a sub-occurrence of halos, forming from the refraction of light through small ice crystals high in the atmosphere. They typically appear on the 22-degree arc, at horizontal positions, and are best seen when the sun is near the horizon.”—Dr. Andrew Rice—Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at PSU

Slide 1: Illustration by Parker Patnode
Slide 2 & 3: Anish Arumugam/PSU Vanguard

11/28/2024

The Other Red Wave
Why progressive candidates won where Kamala Harris lost
By: J.J. Christensen

To many, the Election results on the fifth came as a shock. Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America. Not only did he sweep aside the democrats in every single swing state, he also won the popular vote by – at the time of writing – about three million.
…
These numbers, however, leave out what I think are key parts of the story. Donald Trump did not expand his popular vote count very far beyond what he won in 2020. It seems like instead of voters breaking for Trump, many Democrats were undermotivated and stayed home. The Harris-Walz campaign ran one of the most right wing Democratic campaigns in recent memory.
…
Donald Trump’s base did not get larger, Kamala Harris’ got smaller.

Let's be clear on what the lesson is here: retreating from popular progressive policies on the border, on trans issues, on protecting labor and on healthcare makes for a losing platform. By running the most conservative Democratic campaign in recent memory, Kamala Harris deflated her supporters and many of them simply decided to stay home. She reinforced the popular refrain that there is no fundamental difference between the Democrats and the Republicans

Slide 1: Illustration by Haley Hsu/PSU Vanguard
Slide 2: Born Isopod

11/27/2024

AI + Design
AI sparks interests, challenging design boundaries
By: Sarah Applin

Within the modern world, our technology evolves at an unprecedented pace. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a revolutionary tool and a polarizing force within the design world. As a society, it is essential to understand how these technologies impact our daily lives as more and more, they further infiltrate development of innovation and tradition.

“This course introduced students to the fundamental principles and techniques of AI as it pertains to the disciplines of art and design. Students explored topics related to the implementation, impact, ethics and collaborative opportunities of AI and its various forms.”—Isabel Bo-Linn, Assistant Professor of Art + Art History + Design

Slide 1: AI: Art + Emotion, by Chelle Parks, aims to show "how artists communicate their methodologies and solutions to the public at large." Briana Cieri/PSU Vanguard
Slide 2: A tv screen featuring some of the work at the exhibit. Briana Cieri/PSU Vanguard
Slide 3: The cookbook draws from Lnu's nostalgic tastes, aiming to evoke the theme of "home through taste." Briana Cieri/PSU Vanguard

11/26/2024

The surprising Greek life on the Park Blocks
PSU’s fraternities and sororities navigate being ‘Greek” at a commuter school
By: Noah Carandanis

While not having the same footprint on campus as those at University of Oregon or Oregon State University, PSU has a handful of fraternities and sororities on campus that provide a social outlet for students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Being situated in downtown Portland on a commuter campus presents unique challenges and opportunities to Greek organizations. PSU Vanguard spoke with the Theta Epsilon chapter of the fraternity Kappa Sigma along with the Delta Omicron chapter of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega.
…
With PSU’s commuter school culture at times providing a chilling effect on socialization on campus, Greek organizations can provide a sense of community for students during their time downtown.

“We’re really big on just community. This is a commuter school, guys don’t come here to [party], we are trying to make it a community that will have your back. We try to invest our time and resources into programs that we believe they give back to the campus of our specific university.”—Antonio Veaudry—the PSU Kappa Sigma Chapter President

Slide 1 & 3: Members of Kappa Sigma fraternity pose for a picture. Courtesy of Antonio Veaudry

11/25/2024

The Hairy Situation by Arianna Thomas

11/25/2024

Daylight Savings by Abigail Green

11/25/2024

Then and Now by Devin Singh

11/25/2024

Find out what's happening on campus and the resources available to students and community members with our Community & Wellness Resources. Updated every week. Use the link in our bio for the full list, accessible version, and links to all the great resources.

11/25/2024

Check out our newest issue in print across campus or by clicking the link in our bio.

Cover design by Briana Cieri

11/24/2024

Cheers to Health?
Understanding the Science Behind Beer’s Benefits and Risks
By: Anish Arumugam & Vaishnavi Srinath

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol consumption is linked to a range of health issues—from liver disease to increased cancer risk and cognitive impairment.
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Although beer isn’t likely to become a go-to workout drink, some research suggests that—in moderation—it might not be harmful to athletes. Certain compounds found in beer—such as polyphenols and antioxidants—can help combat the oxidative stress caused by intense exercise.

“There’s something to be said about the psychological benefits of moderate drinking, particularly in a communal setting. It helps people relax, de-stress and even bond with one another—which can improve mental well-being.”—John Wilson, an Assistant Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University

Slide 1: Two mugs full of beer, one light and one dark. Isaiah Burns/PSU Vanguard
Slide 2: Isaiah Burns/PSU Vanguard
Slide 3: Isaiah Burns/PSU Vanguard

11/23/2024

State Flags Should be Changed
Why redesigning boring flags is important
By: J.J. Christensen

In Maine, amongst all the local state ordinances being voted on, is “Question 5, State Flag Referendum.” This referendum is on changing their state flag from the standard “Seal on a Bedsheet” design to a flag more unique and representative of Maine as a whole.
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I am, broadly, in favor of states updating their flags. I think that the current flags that represent—say, Oregon—are indistinct and muddled into a vague mass of different blue shades when shown alongside each other. Creating new flags that not only better represent a state’s heritage and culture but are also more visually appealing would help people feel a deeper connection and pride with that state. Regional identities in the U.S. are hard to maintain as it is and are made all the more difficult to maintain when states and regions are devoid of good, interesting symbolism.

Slide 1: Illustration by Abby Raymundo/PSU Vanguard

11/22/2024

Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Association at PSU presents Brains on Crafts
Creativity and the Brain
By: Sarah Applin

The Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Association at PSU hosts Brains on Crafts every Wednesday, bringing the PSU community together to explore how the brain responds to creativity—complete with food! The Neuroscience Association connects students across the university and between research development.

“Using art as a way to engage people in science is a helpful way of understanding things that have been historically taught to us in really binary ways.”—Sam Mutschler-Aldine, Science Officer in the Neuroscience Association

Slide 1: Courtesy of Dan Jang, Alumni Advisor
Slide 2: Neuroscience club members at the NW Noggin Outreach event in Chicago, Oct. 7 2024. Courtesy of Dan Jang, Alumni Advisor
Slide 3:Neuroscience club members at the NW Noggin Outreach event in Chicago, Oct. 7 2024. Courtesy of Dan Jang, Alumni Advisor

11/21/2024

Practicing Self-Care at PSU
ASPSU hosts weekly Camellia Self-Care Group for students
By: Noah Carandanis and Isaiah Burns

Portland State University (PSU) community has undergone its fair share of tumultuous events in recent years. As a largely commuter campus, it can be difficult to find spaces where one can process hardships and trauma that occur at PSU. Mental health challenges and grief encountered downtown do not need to be faced alone.

The Associated Students of Portland State University’s (ASPSU) Mental Health Awareness Ad-Hoc Committee is holding the Camellia Self-Care Group from Nov. 6 to Nov. 27. The group is committed to providing a space for students to process any grief or mental health struggles they may be experiencing.

“We saw a strong need for spaces like these, where students can come together and feel free to share their feelings in a supportive, safe environment. Everyone has things going on in their daily lives that impact their well-being, and we wanted to create a place where students can address these feelings without judgment - letting them know that there are people who are willing to listen and care for them.”—Karen Agustin-Paz—an ASPSU Senator

Slide 1 & 3: Illustration by Parker Patnode/PSU Vanguard

11/20/2024

Introducing PSU Vanguard 2024-2025 editors 📝

Isaiah Burns: Editor in Chief
JJ Christensen: Opinion Editor
Briana Cieri: Creative Director
Noah Carandanis: News Editor

11/19/2024

Letter to the Editor
Lack of Voice in Ethnic Cleansing
By: Endalu Debela

Editor’s Note: The perspectives and opinions printed in this Letter to the Editor are the views and statements of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the positions of Portland State Vanguard or its editorial staff. Some claims have not been independently verified by PSU Vanguard.

Dear Editor in Chief

My name is Endalu, a Master of Public Health Student at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. I would like to let you know that this past week has been a difficult week for me because back in Ethiopia where I was born and raised and now my family members live, villages were ransacked by a rebel group called Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Believed to be a paramilitary force, they killed more than 35 innocent people, burned down more than 65 houses and many livestock just 7 days ago. In this vicious attack conducted in the middle of the night, my ethnic group, the Sodo-Gurage (original name: Kestane), are a target. The OLA has been killing the Kestanes here and there in small numbers (2-5 civilians) for the last 2-3 years, but not in such a scale as happened last week. The OLA believes in eliminating the Kestanes and claiming their land.

11/18/2024

Halloween Decor by Abigail Green

11/18/2024

Turkey Time by Arianna Thomas

11/18/2024

Depressive State by Devin Singh

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Videos

How our phones harm productivity and distract us, by Sergio Cervantes. Featuring interviews from Portland State psychology professors. #portlandstateuniversity #productivity #collegelife #minidoc #psuvanguard

JJ Christensen is here to give some of the news from the past week. Tensions remain at an all-time high between PSU-AAUP and University Administration as union members' contract expiration date is just days away. On Thursday, November 21, the Board of Trustees held its November meeting. Numerous faculty members and students spoke during the public comment section. #portlandstateuniversity #psuvanguard #pdxnews #studentnewspaper

PSU Vanguard’s full Halloween Special comes out tomorrow morning on our YouTube channel! Check it out using the link in our bio! 🎃 #portlandstateuniversity #psuvanguard #hauntedpdx #hauntedportland

BREAKING NEWS: A walkout and march is currently being staged in the park blocks. The demonstration is in protest of PSU's relationship with Boeing and is in solidarity with Palestine. #portlandstateuniversity #breakingnews #portlandstatenews #psuvanguard

BREAKING NEWS: At around 3:15pm today, PSU President Ann Cudd briefly met with PSU-AAUP members inside the Neuberger Center. Several members spoke with Cudd, requesting a fair contract be agreed upon before the bargaining window closes. #portlandstateuniversity #portlandstate #psuvanguard #breakingnews

This just in: a large number of non-tenure faculty members have reportedly received notices of potential layoffs by December 15th of this year. According to an email sent out by the PSU American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the Board of Trustees and the Cudd administration are proposing $12.5 million worth of budget cuts towards academics. #portlandstateuniversity #psuvanguard #portlandnews #studentjournalism

PSU Board of Trustees Criticism, New Fashion Exhibit, Earth’s Second Moon and more! - The Schmitt Show! #studentjournalism #portlandnews #pdxnews #studentnews #portlandstudents #campuslife #university #collegelife

Join us as we cover three local cafes and see what's at the heart of the businesses - "Exploring Coffee Shops on PSU Campus," by Sarah Applin and Sergio Cervantes. #portlandstateuniversity #coffee #collegelife #minidoc #psuvanguard

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE - The individual has been confirmed to be a student, please stay clear of the area and refer to your PSU email for more information.

BREAKING NEWS - Fatal fall outside parking structure 1

PSU Party in the Park, New Food Carts, local cafés and more - The Schmitt Show! #studentjournalism #portlandnews #pdxnews #studentnews #portlandstudents #campuslife #university #collegelife

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