Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! It’s your newsletter team, Sarah, Ella, Lydia, Eva, Dani, Diana, Marcy, Seren and Yodaris. We’ve got a good one for you today.
To start, we have a feature on things learned through expanding one’s music taste. Then, we have news on three campus groups receiving a research grant and the return of two beloved birds to a Chicago beach for the start of nesting season. Next, we have updates on the return of the Artemis II space mission and discussions between Israel and Lebanon. Finally, we have news on Karol G being the first Latina headliner at Coachella and a recommendation for a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 game releasing this week.
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With that, let’s get into it!
What it Means to “Know” Music
By Ella Malczyk
The older I get, the more I use music to self-identify. When meeting new people or forming bonds, I ask the question, “What music do you like?” In my experience, a question like this can give a lot away.
Even with my preferences, I’m not the type of person to judge someone’s music taste. The music we listen to can demonstrate someone’s upbringing, personality or aesthetic. Music holds meaning, and being criticized for something of such importance doesn’t seem valuable.
Talking to someone with niche music knowledge can feel like a conversation between them and themselves. I understand this stereotypical cockiness — it feels good to know something original or introduce a really good song to someone. Some music I listen to falls into the “niche” category, and it does give me pride to hold that power. That being said, my most listened to artist is Lana Del Rey, and that’s far from original.
I respect those who expose themselves to music in differing genres. Not for pride, but for passion.
It takes time to discover new music, especially good music. Finding your new favorite song doesn’t happen every time you open Spotify. It may take weeks of listening to find a piece of music that speaks to you. But, the effort you put into doing so adds to your known discography.
In the past, I may have chosen to not listen to certain albums because of personal biases or the time it would take. Listening to something different is intimidating. This year, I’ve taken it upon myself to listen to music I’ve steered away from.
Once I chose to leave my comfort zone, I learned so much more about myself. Music is the soundtrack to your life — there’s specific songs you associate certain times, locations or people with. We have playlists for different moods and settings. Music is meant for every moment.
Knowing music aligns with knowing yourself. At night, I listen to electronic music. A few years ago, I doubt I had any downloaded at all. I didn’t have enough care to listen until I gained exposure. As of now, there’s nothing I would rather listen to at night than electronic music.
I grew up playing the violin, music was very involved in my childhood. It wasn’t until my young adulthood, though, when I really found that connection with music.
Looking back, I assume it was the music I was playing. My 14-year-old self didn’t love performing Brahms and Bach, but loved Tchaikovsky’s “Pas de Deux”. While getting older, I understood that not loving the songs I was playing in the orchestra didn’t mean I disliked classical music.
I use this conception outside of music as well. The acknowledgement that two things can be true at once or that finding something good can also mean finding something bad is a good life lesson.
Music shouldn’t be a pretentious thing, it’s meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. Not knowing certain artists isn’t a testament towards yourself, what matters is the music that represents you.
DePaul News
By Sarah Janito
Three campus research groups receive grant for city housing initiative research — DePaul’s SPARK Center, the Institute for Housing Studies and the Visual Informatics and Data Analytics Group have received a $200,000 grant from the Steans Family Foundation for a collaborative project on how to “invest in neighborhood housing without displacing current residents.” Focusing on Chicago’s North Lawndale community, the campus groups will work together to help the foundation support sustainable housing initiatives in the area by conducting research, leveraging data and more. Kenneth Adusah with University News has more.
Athletics department partners with AI program — DePaul Athletics has partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) program JABA. The program “will support” DePaul athletes’ name, image and likeness (NIL) strategy through acts such as revenue sharing by identifying ideal brand partners, aid in campaign analytics, managing NIL deals and creating materials like pitch decks and proposals for student athletes.
“After careful review, we found that JABA makes accessing, evaluating and strengthening NIL opportunities even easier for our student athletes, which is critical given their busy schedules,” Associate Athletics Director for NIL Strategy & Innovation Brett Sible said. For more on the partnership, visit DePaul Athletics.
Chicago Headlines
By Lydia Nugent
Orland Park man charged after two officers injured in domestic disturbance response — 26-year-old Daniel Schmidt has been charged after two Orland Park officers were injured responding to a domestic disturbance on Sunday. Police say Schmidt was non-compliant and allegedly attacked the officers as they attempted to take him into custody. Both officers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and were later released. Schmidt now faces two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and one count of aggravated resisting arrests. No updates have been given since. This is an ongoing story. For more, read from staff at ABC7 Chicago.
Claim of abandoned toddler found to be falsely reported, police say — Chicago police said Tuesday that a reported case of a toddler found wandering alone on the city’s West Side was “unfounded.” Authorities initially said the girl, believed to be 2 or 3 years old, was found in Garfield Park after being left by a woman in a black SUV. By Tuesday morning, police confirmed the child had been identified and that a false police report had been filed in connection with the incident. A new report for filing a false report has since been “generated.” This is an ongoing story. For more, read from staff at NBC5 Chicago.
Endangered birds return to Montrose Beach for nesting season — Chicago’s beloved piping plover birds, Imani and Pippin, returned to Montrose Beach on Monday to mark the start of the year’s nesting season. The endangered shorebirds return to the beach every year, as Imani hatched in 2021 and Pippin has nested since 2023. Their return continues Montrose Beach’s role as a rare urban nesting sight for the threatened species and signals another important season for conservation efforts on Chicago’s North Side. For more, read Patty Wetli’s article with WTTW.
Two men killed in separate shootings on South and West sides — Two men were killed in separate shootings Monday night on Chicago’s South and West sides. The victims, aged 25 and 26, were fatally shot hours apart in the Englewood and East Garfield Park neighborhoods. Their names have not been made public and police are continuing to investigate both incidents. No arrests have been announced as of Tuesday afternoon. This is an ongoing story. For more read from staff at the Chicago Sun-Times.
National Headlines
By Eva Goddard
Artemis II touches down, talks of a third flight — Last Friday, the Artemis II crew landed in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California after making a 10-day trip around the moon. The mission broke the record for the farthest spacecraft flight. Next year, NASA is planning a third mission, which will orbit Earth and test gear in hopes of sending more astronauts to the moon’s surface, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Apollo 17’s mission in 1972. Alana Wise has more about the flight and future space plans in an article with NPR.
Severe weather alerts threaten over 50 million U.S. residents — The U.S. is being hit with many severe weather alerts. Around 50 million people are bracing for Tuesday as a level three out of five “enhanced risk” of severe weather is in place in parts of the Midwest. Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Ohio are expected to be hit with severe storms, possible tornadoes, damaging winds and hail. At least 14 tornados were reported in various spots around the country and winds blew roofs off of buildings on Monday, as well. Kenton Gewecke and Bill Hutchinson have more with ABC News.
School district reaches deal with staff to avoid strike — Staff, teachers and principals across three unions in the second-largest school district in the country, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), were preparing to go on strike when a last-minute tentative agreement was made Tuesday. Schools were able to stay open while the union and district “work to finalize the details” of the tentative deal. The agreement includes additional hours and pay raises for workers, pausing layoffs in information technology (IT) and more. Nearly 400,000 students would have been affected as the three unions have never gone on strike at the same time, as reported by staff at the AP.
7-Eleven plans to shut down hundreds of stores across North America — Convenience store 7-Eleven’s North American operator recently announced its plans to close 645 stores across the continent in the 2026 fiscal year. These closures also include “the conversion to wholesale fuel stores,” according to parent company Seven & i Holdings Co. It was revealed by financial documents published last week, but the company has not detailed which locations would be affected. Read more about the closures from staff at the AP.
International Headlines
By Dani Snedeker
Hungary election causes split reactions from world leaders — Parliament member Péter Magyar beat out Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the 2026 election by a landslide Sunday. After Magyar’s victory, several world leaders had many reactions to the outcome. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported Magyar, saying, “We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security and stability in Europe.” On the other hand, countries like Italy expressed dismay for Magyar’s win, with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni saying, “even from the opposition [Orbán] will continue to serve his nation.” More details can be found at the AP.
War in Middle East shows slowing economic growth — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned in a report Tuesday that oil market disruptions could “slow growth, fuel inflation and raise the possibility of a global recession” due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. In a written report, the IMF’s chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said, “The global outlook has abruptly darkened following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The war interrupted what had been a steady growth trajectory.” The IMF believes the war has done irreparable damage to the global economy and expects oil prices will rise even more, by an estimated 21.4 percent. To read more, details can be found with Alan Rappeport with The New York Times.
Israel and Lebanon begin discourse as war continues — Israel and Lebanon are in the midst of diplomatic discourse in Washington, D.C. over the war in the Middle East. This is the first time in decades the two countries have sat down for what Secretary of State Marco Rubio called a “historic opportunity.” The Trump administration understands the years of complexities they need to help both countries work through in order to make progress, but are reportedly happy to do so. Rubio believes the present discourse will be positive and begin to move forward with a framework, but stressed that no immediate breakthrough agreement would occur. To read more, the details can be found here, with Kareem Chehayeb and Matthew Lee at the AP.
14 East Pueblo: Karol G Becomes First Latina to Headline Coachella
By Diana Torres
Colombian-born singer Carolina Giraldo Navarro, professionally known as Karol G, took the Coachella stage on Sunday night, coming out to a sea of fans welcoming her with Colombian flags and cheers.
As the first Latina to headline the festival, she performed hits such as “AMARGURA,” a section of “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and “TQG.” There were also several surprise collaborations, for which she brought out guests such as Wisin, Becky G and Greg Gonzalez from the band Cigarettes After Sex.
Besides showcasing her own discography, Navarro performed her own renditions of a variety of Latin American classics, such as Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” and Daddy Yankee’s “Rompe.”
In addition to singing, Navarro also took part of her set to recognize the Latino community and what it means to her to be the festival’s first Latina headliner, as reported by Suzy Exposito with the Los Angeles Times.
“This is for my Latinos that have been struggling in this country lately,” Navarro told her fans. “We stand for them. I stand for my Latina community. I am very proud because this brings out the best in us: unity, resilience and a strong spirit. We do this because we want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, so I want everyone to feel proud of where you come from. Don’t feel fear — feel pride!”
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Yodaris Frausto
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for almost a year come June, and the catalogue is slowly but surely becoming stacked with great titles like Pokémon Pokopia. This Thursday, get ready to add one more game to your library.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is the newest entry in the series. If you don’t know what Tomodachi Life is, it’s basically The Sims but with Nintendo’s lovable and silly looking Miis. In this charming life sim, you play as God — yes, you read that right. You are in charge of everything that lives and breathes on your island: you decide what Miis you create and can customize what they wear, eat, drink, who they do and don’t fall in love with, their body types and even their height — you can also curate their personality and quirks.
In Living the Dream, the customization combinations are endless with the new “face paint” feature. You can go above and beyond the regular customization and take full control of what you want your Mii to look like. Additionally, your Miis aren’t the only thing you can customize — the island can be expanded, you can freely draw your own food, clothing patterns, buildings and more.
Unlike the original Tomodachi Life, you’re able to fully live your authentic life. In Living the Dream, your Miis can be nonbinary and you can pick their dating preferences; a huge step in the right direction when it comes to being inclusive. No longer will you have to make that one character into a girl so two Miis can marry each other and have a baby. Everyone will date everyone on my island.
This series has been around for some time now, with the first entry called Tomodachi Collection that was released in 2009 as a Japanese exclusive for the Nintendo DS. By 2010, Tomodachi Collection sold around 3.2 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games on the original DS.
This series is the perfect embodiment of controlled chaos; so many hilarious clips are already circling social media. Being able to add over 70 residents to live on your island sounds like so much endless fun. The number of residents has decreased from 100 since Tomodachi Life (2013), but I think it’s because we’ll have more to do with our residents.
If you’re a fan of The Sims this game might be for you, but if you’re still unsure, there’s a demo on the Nintendo eShop that you can download to get a little taste of what’s to come. I, personally, cannot wait for virtual singer Hatsune Miku, Taeyeon from the K-pop group Girls’ Generation and Aragorn from Lord of the Rings to become best friends on my island.
Resources
Need resources regarding cooling centers, rental assistance, abortion access, COVID-19 testing and vaccines or mental health? Check out our complete list here.
International students concerned about their visa status can contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Students can check their visa status through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
That’s it for today! See you next Monday.
The 14 East Newsletter Team