Jack Walker’s Journalist Portfolio

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Student group’s push for name change raises questions around LGBTQ visibility at Duquesne

Student group’s push for name change raises questions around LGBTQ visibility at Duquesne

PublicSource — In May 2023, the student leaders of Lambda — an LGBTQ affinity group at Duquesne University — asked school administrators to change their organization’s name to something more recognizable: the Queer Student Union. Today, the fate of that name change is uncertain.

County commissioners just gave a men's basketball team $25K. Why didn't they disclose its purpose?

County commissioners just gave a men's basketball team $25K. Why didn't they disclose its purpose?

Times West Virginian — On a humid Wednesday morning, the Marion County Commission gathered at its usual meeting place: the fourth floor of an administrative building in downtown Fairmont. Blinds covered each window, despite the overcast, and four rows of chairs provided limited space for the public. Regardless, attendance was sparse.

Riders with disabilities saddle up and soar at local nonprofit On Eagle’s Wings

Riders with disabilities saddle up and soar at local nonprofit On Eagle’s Wings

Times West Virginian — Michael was born with spina bifida, a condition caused by incomplete spinal development in the womb. Spina bifida is a complicated — and lifelong — condition. Recurring surgeries have meant that the progress Michael makes can get set back on a moment’s notice. So Michael began horseback riding 10 years ago with On Eagle’s Wings, a nonprofit based in Fairmont that focuses on therapeutic horsemanship.

‘Afraid of a tragedy,’ Fairview officials ask county to act on Main Street property nearing collapse

‘Afraid of a tragedy,’ Fairview officials ask county to act on Main Street property nearing collapse

Times West Virginian — Located on the outskirts of Marion County, Fairview is a small town with a big problem. For years, residents have expressed concerns over a neglected property in the heart of Main Street, less than one-tenth of a mile away from the U.S. Post Office, fire department, and even the elementary school.

Sarah McBride seeks reelection to Delaware Senate

Sarah McBride seeks reelection to Delaware Senate

Washington Blade — Sarah McBride, who currently represents Delaware’s 1st State Senate District, is seeking reelection this fall as her first term comes to a close. McBride made headlines in 2020 when she became the first openly transgender state senator in the nation’s history, and for the past two years has worked to reform social services and on healthcare legislation in the Delaware Senate.

'Spinning straw into gold': Quilting guild unites generations of women via Appalachian art

'Spinning straw into gold': Quilting guild unites generations of women via Appalachian art

Times West Virginian — There’s more than one way to make a quilt. Any of the 70 women who are part of the Mountain Heritage Quilters Guild could tell you as much, with armfuls of colorful fabric to show for it. The camaraderie stitched into quilting is what brings together members of the Guild each month for meetings that last hours.

Out on the field: Life as an LGBTQ student-athlete at Brown

Out on the field: Life as an LGBTQ student-athlete at Brown

The Brown Daily Herald — During his high school recruiting visit with Brown track and field, Philip Batler ’20 came to campus bearing in mind the question of how his identity as a queer athlete would fit into the team culture. He first became interested in running competitively in middle school, and throughout high school his growing passion pointed him toward a collegiate athletic career. But Batler knew that there was more to athletics than just competing. As he met potential teammates and coaches on College Hill, he also paid close attention to the social atmosphere.

Skunk sightings spark cautious curiosity

Skunk sightings spark cautious curiosity

The Brown Daily Herald — As students settle into the rhythm of the first fully in-person semester in nearly two years, an unlikely population has also joined them in their return to Brown's campus: Mephitis mephitis, or the striped skunk. Since the start of the semester, skunk sightings have spiked on College Hill.

Silhouettes

Silhouettes

The College Hill Independent — Those of us who’ve spent some time on College Hill have likely passed the Providence Art Club. Spanning four colorful buildings on Thomas Street—a mountain of a road that takes you from the Providence riverfront to RISD’s campus—the Club brings a certain picturesque quality to an otherwise cumbersome hike uphill. (Or, alternatively, your ever-graceful stumble downhill.)