The Washington Nationals' 2025 MLB draft focused on high-upside players, including their top pick Eli Willits, a 17-year-old high school shortstop from Oklahoma, who is expected to sign below slot value. The team also added 11 hitters and nine pitchers, leveraging their draft position to maximize talent acquisition, with the overall success hinging on Willits' performance.
The class of 2024 reflects on their unique college experience shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted their senior year of high school and early college years. Students like Mei Lamison, Alexis Jones, and Anaka Srinivas discuss the challenges of online learning, the impact of global events like the Black Lives Matter movement, and how these experiences have fostered resilience and a sense of community among them.
Mark Wahlberg crashed a fraternity party at his daughter's college during parents' weekend and described it as "nuts." He expressed regret about not having the college experience himself and joked that he would still be in college if he had attended. Wahlberg also revealed that watching his daughter's college experience reminded him of his childhood dream of being an athlete, which he has fulfilled through his roles in sports-related films.
As federal student loan payments resume, college students and recent graduates are facing the challenge of repaying their loans after the pandemic disrupted their college experience. Many Black students, who already carry a higher burden of student debt, were hopeful for President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, which was struck down by the Supreme Court. While Biden aims to provide relief for loan borrowers, the resumption of payments has left students unprepared for the financial obligation. Black graduates face specific challenges due to disparities in generational wealth. Despite the difficulties, some students have found positive outcomes from the pandemic, such as increased focus on academics and stronger friendships.