Author: jpvt27

SPORTS: MLB and the ABS challenge system

by Justin Patrick and Sean Hughes–

April is here, and the MLB season is officially in full swing as teams look to define their destiny in the early months of 2026. The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the year with massive expectations, aiming for a historic “three-peat” after securing the last two World Series titles. With a roster led by global icon Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers remain the team to beat, while the New York Yankees are fighting for a bounce-back year. After a disappointing previous season, the Bronx Bombers are banking on a healthy Aaron Judge to lead them back to postseason relevance.

Beyond the star power, the most significant shift this season is the implementation of the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system. This “robot umpire” technology allows players to challenge a call by simply tapping their helmets, triggering a near-instant digital review of the pitch’s trajectory. While proponents argue that the system eliminates human error and ensures fairness, others worry that it strips the game of its traditional grit and the “thrill” of arguing with the home-plate umpire. As the season progresses, the tension between high-tech accuracy and baseball’s long-standing human elements will be a central narrative for fans and players alike.

INTERNATIONAL: Russia’s ban on photographers

Photo by Lian Rodriguez

by Anna Payne, Justin Patrick–

Photojournalism serves as a vital tool for political transparency, capturing the reality of politics and serving as a form of communication to the public. The Russian State Duma’s recent ban on photographers, sparked by complaints of “unflattering” images, highlights the growing friction between public appearances and the public’s right to know. When photography is taken out of the equation to protect a politician’s image, the line between governance and performance begins to blur.

From the Duma’s restrictions to Christopher Anderson’s intimate Vanity Fair portraits of the Trump administration, visual storytelling remains a powerful tool for debate, truth, and outright information. These moments force a choice between objective reporting and artistic taste.