• Coverage of yesterday’s solar eclipse
• An argument for a motto change
• A review of Black Arts Company’s “Block Party”

Solar eclipse draws large crowds: Yesterday afternoon, the Princeton community watched the first solar eclipse visible from this part of the country since 2017. In Princeton, the eclipse began at 2:09 p.m., reaching 90 percent totality at 3:24 p.m. and officially ending at 4:35 p.m. While Princeton wasn’t in the path of totality, students and faculty gathered` all around campus and town to view the eclipse. The Princeton Astronomy Club held an event on the Frist North Lawn while the Astrophysical Sciences Department, the Council on Science and Technology, and the Office of Science Outreach hosted a viewing at a packed Palmer Square. The next solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States will occur in 2044, but it’ll only be visible in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota. 

READ THE STORY→

Admitted students talk ChatGPT in essays amid changing admissions policies: The popularity of ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has sparked worries over its use in the classroom, spilling into the realm of college admissions. The ‘Prince’ interviewed four incoming members of the Class of 2028, finding that none of the four had used any form of AI for their essays. One of the four tried using AI, but found that his essay “lost its emotional touch.” University Spokesperson Jennifer Morrill agreed, writing to the ‘Prince’ that “an essay generated by an AI platform is unlikely to be as rich and nuanced as a student’s own words.” Associate Professor of Computer Science Arvind Narayanan added that writing an essay using AI wouldn’t be easier than writing an essay without AI assistance and that schools shouldn’t utilize AI-detection technology because it isn’t accurate enough. As of now, Princeton applicants will have to sign a statement certifying all information in the application is their own work. 

READ THE STORY→

OPINION | Under a new motto, she flourishes

You probably know Princeton’s informal motto: “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity,” but do you know Princeton’s formal motto? It’s: “Melita domi adsum.” I’m just kidding. But I am sure even if you knew it wasn’t right, you didn’t know what the real motto was — and it doesn’t matter. In my opinion, I argue we should abandon our official motto and replace it with just “In the service of humanity.”
                  
                                                   — Community Opinion Editor Christofer Robles               
READ THE PIECE →

At your leisure

• PODCAST: Listen to this week’s special episode of Daybreak, The Daily Princetonian’s daily news podcast.

SPORTS | Women’s tennis narrowly defeats Columbia 4–3 to notch first Ivy League win

The No. 52 Princeton women’s tennis team (11–6 overall, 2–1 Ivy League) won their first Ivy League game on Saturday against the No. 44 Columbia Lions (13–4, 1–1). Princeton had been struggling to win doubles matches in prior contests but was able to win the doubles point, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead in points. Following back-and-forth singles wins for Princeton and Columbia, Princeton came out on top 4–3. It’s important to note that Princeton only has nine players on its roster, with all six of Princeton’s singles players also playing doubles. Columbia, on the other hand, has 14 players, with only four of six singles players also playing doubles. The Tigers hope to win another Ivy League matchup this upcoming Saturday against Brown (10–9, 1–2) on the road.

READ THE PIECE →

THE PROSPECT | Black Arts Company throws Princeton’s biggest block party

The Black Arts Company (BAC) performed its spring show, “Block Party” on April 5 and 6 in Frist Theater. The promotional photos and teasers were eye-catching and reminiscent of the early 2000s, giving the audience a sneak peek of what was to come. Through a variety of dance styles focused on groove, popping, and personality, the individual pieces came together into a dramatic performance bursting with vibey, hype energy. The show invited the audience to engage with the performances, including a mid-show dance competition. The final judgment: BAC successfully threw the best block party in Princeton!

READ THE PIECE →