Political News Packages
Molly Gill
In this news segment, I explore how D.C. organizations are working to preserve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite federal rollbacks. My guest, Nikia Gray, attorney and executive director at the National Association of Law Placement (NALP), shares insights on why DEI remains essential in workplaces, particularly the legal field, and how local efforts are pushing back against restrictive policies. We discuss the impact of recent government actions, particularly under the Trump administration, and what it means for businesses and employees in D.C. Nikia highlights the challenges and opportunities in sustaining DEI programs amid political and legal shifts.
Logan Poore
This news package revisits the pro-Palestine encampments at The George Washington University, examining how the student movement has evolved in the wake of the recent ceasefire agreement. Through archival footage from last spring’s protests and new interviews with Professor Bahador, a media and peacebuilding expert, and a student organizer, the segment explores the impact of activism, the challenges under the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and what the future holds for student-led protests at GWU. With tensions still lingering on campus, the report asks: Has anything changed, or is this movement just beginning?
Carolina Carmo
This package covers how the Deaf community is impacted by Trump's rhetoric and stance on DEI and DEIA. I spoke with a couple of sources, but in the package you hear from Professor Mike O'Donnell, who's been an active member of DC's Deaf community since his time at Gallaudet University in the 80s. Before teaching, he held positions in the pricate sector and in the federal workforce, including working in Congress when the ADA was passed. We talked about how the Deaf community is small but mighty, and that even with setbacks they know how to rise above it.
Jenna Stanco
The new Trump administration has ushered in a plethora of questions. That being said, while the elected president cracks down on Hispanic and Latino neighborhood and harshens his rhetoric surrounding immigration, real-world implications strike these communities. Through the historic neighborhood of Columbia Heights, how is Donald Trump’s vernacular, rhetoric, and policy affecting the Latino community in the DC area and the US as a whole? How are communities resisting Trump’s attacks? And most importantly, what does the Latino community in America really sound like?
Caroline White
Since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, antisemitism on college campuses has increased drastically. As tensions rise again due to fragile ceasefire agreements and Trump’s claims that he wants to occupy Gaza, Jewish college students fear another rise in antisemitic incidents. Caroline White discusses this issue with GW senior Noa Taussky and GW Hillel Executive Director Adena Kirstein.
Kelsey Baker
With President Trump’s recent executive orders rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives—commonly known as DEI—college campuses across the country are facing uncertainty. Students preparing to enter the workforce worry about how these changes could affect job opportunities within the federal government, while university faculty and staff question the future of DEI programs on campus. Hear from students and staff about the concerns and obstacles they are facing with these executive orders from the Trump Administration.
Nneoma Iloeje
What goes up and never comes down? If you said "age," you're close — but we're talking about the cost of education. DC holds the highest average student debt in the country, and spoiler alert: it's not going down anytime soon. Between budget cuts and Trump-era education rollbacks, the pressure is real. I sat down with Valeria Poplizio, DC Student Advocate for the DC State Board of Education, and Hana Arslanagic, an American University law student, to break it all down. Grab a pen — because these numbers might just ruin your day.
Avril Silva
With March ringing in Women’s History Month, now is a better time than ever to reflect on the growth of attention toward women’s sports around the world, and that attention bleeds into Congress. The Fair Play for Women Act is a bill reintroduced to Congress in February that looks to expand Title IX protections and establish accountability and education measures from elementary schools to the nation’s top universities. Hear from advocates, lawyers, and lawmakers about what the Fair Play for Women Act could mean for athletes in the United States and the obstacles the bill faces on the path toward ratification, including the issue around transgender athletes in sports.
Serena Caneva
In this episode of Meet Me At The Movies, I discuss the closing of Landmark E Cinema, a beloved movie theater among DC filmgoers. I talk to two E Street fanatics, Oliver and Nikki, about their reactions to the theater's closing. I also talked with Paul Klein, a film historian who worked at E Street, about why the theater closed down, what it says about the company, and the state of movie theaters today.
Crosslin Silcott
After the American Airlines and Army Blackhawk helicopter collision over the Potomac, many are thinking about air travel safety. This news package looks at how the tragedy has influenced people’s thoughts on flying, especially those who frequently travel through Reagan National Airport. Two George Washington University students—one who has more flight anxiety than the other—share their perspectives on the incident and how it has, or hasn’t, affected their feelings about flying. Jennifer Silcott, a flight attendant with over 25 years of experience, discusses her confidence in aviation safety, her thoughts on the recent crash, and the expertise of pilots, airplane engineers, and maintenance crews responsible for inspecting and preparing aircraft before takeoff. How does an accident like this change the way people think about flying, and what can be done to reassure nervous travelers?
Serena Caneva
In this episode of Got a Queer-y, we are talking about anti-LGBT, specifically anti-trans legislation, and the importance of queer spaces in response to it. Why has there been a rise in this type of legislation? And why are queer spaces important during a time of rising anti-LGBT legislation? On this episode, we are joined by Sasha Buchert, a lawyer from Lambda Legal the oldest and largest organization dedicated to advancing the civil rights of LGBT individuals. We also have Capucine Anquetil, an E-board member of Allied in Pride, the largest queer organization on the GWUcampus. Join us on this episode to learn more!
Crosslin Silcott
Beyond the Diploma
What does hope look like for college seniors in 2025? As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, they’re stepping into a world shaped by political uncertainty, economic instability, and climate anxiety. In a city like Washington, DC—where activism and policy shape everyday life—how are young adults navigating this major life transition?
In this episode of Beyond the Diploma, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst to unpack the mental and emotional challenges of graduating in today’s world. We discuss how young adults process uncertainty, cultivate hope, and redefine success beyond a degree. Then, GW seniors Julia Deriso and Kai Pourzanjani share their personal perspectives—one looking ahead with excitement, the other grappling with doubt—on what life after college really means.