Sanya Bandekar is a writer for the features section of the Daily. She is a first-year who is interested in majoring in international relations and political science and can be reached at Sanya.Bandekar@tufts.edu.
As part of Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life’s 2026 event programming, professors from the history and political science departments gathered for a panel on Feb. 26 to answer one question: Given your area of expertise, what is on your mind as the United States approaches the milestone of 250 years?
At the heart of journalism are stakes. At the Daily, this often takes the form of stakes for the school, the writer, the subject matter and members of the greater Tufts community. During some of the most tense moments at Tufts and in the world around us, the Daily holds itself to the highest standards of reporting. It prioritizes objectivity and a commitment to providing information for the university community, even when its subject matter may be highly sensitive or controversial. Yet, in the past year in particular, writers have been faced with tackling difficult topics as current events have begun to hit closer to home.
Between Goddard Chapel and Ballou Hall, overlooking President’s Lawn, stands the Tufts cannon. This piece of history is constantly adorned with political, cultural and prideful messaging painted by student groups, making it a centerpiece of free speech on campus. Yet, at the start of the 2025–26 academic year, the decades-old tradition of ‘painting the cannon’ embraced a new policy.
As the air turns crisp and bright leaves fall from the trees lining President’s Lawn, a familiar taste of cinnamon, maple and chai — and perhaps some notes of consumerism — fills the aisles of a fan-favorite grocery store: Trader Joe’s.
