Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
May 9, 2025 May 9, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Editorial

ET LAMBORGHINI / CC BY-SA 3.0 The Charm City Circulator is a free transit system that primarily runs through the “White L” of Baltimore.

Charm City needs to circulate more

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | February 22, 2024

If you’ve ever traveled from Homewood Campus to Fells Point, you’ll know how hard it can be to get to certain parts of Baltimore without shelling out money for an Uber. The Blue Jay Shuttle only offers rides within a limited radius, making it difficult to get to neighborhoods in East, West and South Baltimore. But, there’s an alternative to calling a shuttle or an Uber — Baltimore has a public transportation system. Why don’t we use it more often?

ARANTZA GARCIA / DESIGN AND LAYOUT EDITOR The Editorial Board expresses their concerns about AI-powered “journalism” websites.

Journalistic theft is not a victimless crime.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | February 16, 2024

In contrast to the careless mass production of content by AI, student journalists at The News-Letter devote much more time and effort to their work. Our staff spends hours attending events, conducting and transcribing interviews, and writing and polishing content, all while balancing school work. It is a slap in the face to have our work lazily swiped.

ARANTZA GARCIA / DESIGN AND LAYOUT EDITOR The Editorial Board encourages Hopkins students to prioritize finding a hobby that brings them joy. 

Workaholics are out. Hobbies are in.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | February 8, 2024

At a competitive school like Hopkins, students can often feel pressured into activities that improve their resumes and medical school applications at the expense of engaging in activities for leisure. Although you may claim that doing research, volunteering at a clinic or participating in a consulting club is a hobby, at the end of the day, you are probably doing it with the aim of advancing your career. We should find fulfillment outside of pursuits for academic or professional validation.

Deepfake porn requires immediate action

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | February 1, 2024

Despite the ways in which AI proves itself useful, it also harbors the potential to be used for far more sinister purposes. Last week, deepfake pornography of Taylor Swift circulated online, sparking public discourse on the potential dangers posed by AI. A deepfake is defined as “an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.”

STEVEN SIMPSON / PHOTO EDITOR The Editorial Board shares their 2023 Wrapped and reflects on the changes Hopkins has undergone this year. 

2023 wrapped: Has the University been listening?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | December 7, 2023

As the end of semester approaches and we close out 2023, it is important to reflect back on the various shifts that have occurred in the University’s academic landscape. In our final editorial of the year, we review the pleasant surprises and disappointing setbacks we’ve seen from Hopkins in 2023.

Hopkins must hold Dr. Darren Klugman accountable

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 30, 2023

The News-Letter believes that no one supporting hateful ideology against Palestinian people, or any people, should practice medicine. Regardless of our varying views on the Israel-Hamas war and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict, members of the Hopkins community should agree on this. We call on the institution to treat this matter with the gravity it necessitates and come to a just decision soon.

STEVEN SIMPSON / PHOTO EDITOR The Editorial Board encourages you to make the most of your time at college, whatever that may look like for you.

Don’t just find your fit, make it

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 16, 2023

It’s officially that time of year. It’s college admissions season, and many high school students are whittling down their college lists and submitting applications. In the last decade, college admissions have only become more competitive, especially at top universities like Hopkins. The University’s acceptance rate has substantially decreased from 20.4% in 2010 to 7% in recent years. We’re here today because we beat the odds. But, what now?

Hopkins has a serious case of the blues — and mustaches

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 9, 2023

This November, we’re seeing more men around campus growing mustaches. While you might assume that the CVS Pharmacy on St. Paul Street has stopped stocking razors, it’s actually for Movember, an annual month-long push to raise awareness for men’s health issues — including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide — by sporting mustaches.

COURTESY OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY The Editorial Board argues that the University must address student concerns regarding the MSE library’s closure and provide an adequate solution for students.

If you’re going to take all of our money, at least give us a library.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 2, 2023

As we enter the last month of fall semester classes, students will inevitably hunker down in the library while they prepare for exams and frantically type out papers. Typically, The News-Letter reminds students to leave the library and enjoy the sunlight; we tell students to prioritize their mental health and take breaks from continuous studying. Although that still holds true, we would like to highlight the importance of the Milton S. Eisenhower (MSE) library to this campus and its students.

Reflecting on the role of The News-Letter in campus discourse

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 26, 2023

The News-Letter published an op-ed last week titled “The Israel-Hamas war is not too complicated for Hopkins students,” which took a pro-Israel stance on the conflict. Following its publication, The News-Letter and the article’s author received backlash for its lack of historical context on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

MARK DIXON / CC BY 2.0 DEED The Editorial Board hopes that the new School of Government and Policy will increase collaboration between STEM and the social sciences to bridge the gap between policy and research.

Politicians need to get behind the Petri dish

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 12, 2023

When we mention to people back home that we go to Hopkins, many of us are asked if we want to be doctors. While it is true that pre-med culture is prominent on campus and Hopkins is renowned for its medical institution, the University is strengthening its reputation of academic excellence in the social sciences.

MAARTEN COLLEN / CC BY 2.0 The Editorial Board warns readers to recognize when a celebrity obsession becomes unhealthy.

Proceed with caution: Parasocial relationships can be parasitic

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 5, 2023

If you’ve been following the news this week, you’ve likely seen Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s rumored relationship front and center. Following her appearance at his football game, fans have been analyzing short clips of the two interacting in an attempt to piece together the details of their relationship. Even senators are speculating on how well-matched the two are. 

KHEEL CENTER / CC BY 2.0 The Editorial Board encourages readers to shift their view of what a union looks like. 

Can’t bust this: Unions are here to stay

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 26, 2023

This summer has seen Hollywood production come to a screeching halt after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild went on strike in May and July, respectively. Although these strikes may no longer be making the front page, Drew Barrymore has brought them back to the public’s attention this week. Barrymore announced (and later rescinded) plans to renew production on her weekday talk show after previously declaring her support for WGA.

Is democracy alive and well? Vote around and find out

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 14, 2023

Being politically active doesn’t seem as meaningful as it used to. For those of us who were excited to finally turn 18 and bubble in a ballot, voting may now feel more symbolic of our civic power than actually capable of enacting change. If you feel disillusioned with the political sphere, we’re in the same boat.

Blue Jays, don’t get the LinkedIn blues

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 7, 2023

If you have scrolled through LinkedIn recently, chances are your feed has been filled with posts from fellow students reflecting on their summer 2023 internships, announcing summer 2024 internships or showing off full-time job offers alongside the logos of Fortune 500 companies. 

Can our small wins be stepping stones to real change?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | August 31, 2023

As freshmen are adjusting to campus, so are we. For returning students, this isn’t the Hopkins we’ve always known (though that’s not necessarily a bad thing). With new physical changes and new policy changes, our ever-evolving campus looks a bit different this semester. 

Looking back as we move forward

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 27, 2023

As the semester draws to a close, students are itching to start their summer plans and move on from the school year. However, before we begin our vacations, we should take the time to look back on the past year and reflect on all that has happened on campus. 

STEVEN SIMPSON / PHOTO EDITOR The Editorial Board evaluates the University’s successes and shortcomings in meeting the goals outlined in the Ten by Twenty plan.

Buzzwords are just white noise

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 20, 2023

The University released the Ten for One draft, a document detailing 10 goals that Hopkins seeks to achieve by the end of 2030, on April 14. The Ten for One framework follows Ten by Twenty, the 2013 framework which outlined priorities to guide the University through 2020. The University has checked in on these goals through three progress reports and a final report card in 2020. 

Here’s a tip: Tip your service workers

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 13, 2023

Have you ever checked out at Brody Cafe and, with a long line snaking behind you, been presented with an iPad asking: “Add a tip?” As the tip options appear before us and we’re forced to make a decision in a few seconds, the pressure to get out of line quickly creeps in. 

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