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Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Emma Malinak, ‘25, decorates Ring-tum Phi newsstands. Photo by Michael Todd of the Journalism and Mass Communications Department

Letter from the editor: in defense of independence

As I say goodbye to my Ring-tum Phi team, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come and how far we’re destined to go
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2025
The Trump administration has largely sidelined soft power, writes columnist John Milas, ’28. Photo by Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, ’28

America’s soft power is disappearing. We need to get it back

The ability to hold global sway is slipping away from our nation
John Milas, Opinions Staff Writer
May 19, 2025
The plausibility of the American Dream in our modern age is coming back into question. Photo by Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, ’28

Can the American Dream be more than a phrase?

Social mobility is stagnant, but we can’t be directionless
John Milas, Opinions Staff Writer
May 19, 2025
Two young lovers embrace in Thomas Rowlandson’s 1785 etching entitled “Love.” Photo courtesy of The Met under use of the Public Domain.

We are all becoming lonelier

In our age of uber connectivity, many still feel lonely
Jackson Doane, Co-opinions Editor
May 19, 2025
Rioters banded together from all across the U.S. to “take back America” on Jan. 6, 2021.

We cannot become a nation of kings

MAGA’s plans for a third Trump term threaten fundamental American principles
Elizabeth Ososanya
April 7, 2025
After three years as the Ring-tum Phi’s opinions editor, Georgia Bernbaum will graduate in May.

Until next time, W&L

Adios, au revoir and ciao. It’s been fun!
Georgia Bernbaum, Opinions Editor
April 7, 2025
While some groups extort young people to commit violence or share child sexual abuse material, many of the groups also seek to radicalize young people into becoming agents of violence.

Let’s stand against accelerationism

A new, prevailing ideology is fueling youth violence
Jackson Doane
April 7, 2025
Traveller has kept students safe from the dangers of drunk driving, but recent events have limited its capabilities.

Is Trav effective?

Drunk-driving incidents continue despite university efforts to prevent tragedy
Gaby Heberling
April 7, 2025
Young voters follow different political trends, writes contributor John Milas, ’28.

The politics of a new generation

How and why does Gen Z vote?
John Milas, Opinions Staff Writer
March 24, 2025
Celebrating Uncle O’Grimacey: the Irish legend

Celebrating Uncle O’Grimacey: the Irish legend

St. Patricks Day 2025 marks the return of a famed Irishman
Jackson Doane
March 24, 2025
“Trad wives” represent a lifestyle framed by some as a return to simplicity, contributor Judy Gong writes.

Trad Wives mark the return of dangerous trends

As the “trad wife” trend grows, the dangers of outdated gender roles become more apparent
Judy Gong
March 24, 2025
LeAnna Baker, ’26, is studying abroad in Tunisia, Africa.

What nobody tells you about studying abroad

I’ve been abroad for over a month. Here’s my honest reflections on living and learning away from campus
LeAnna Baker
March 24, 2025
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