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James Pollard

James Pollard

James is a junior from St. Louis, Mo. studying journalism and political science. He has previously served as managing editor and campus editor at The Daily Northwestern. His reporting experiences have taken him from St. Louis, where he interned at The Riverfront Times, to Washington, D.C., where he covered the first impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump for Medill News Service. Outside of The Daily, James loves watching cooking shows and playing guitar. He can be found on Twitter or by email.

All content by James Pollard
Graduating students during 2019 commencement. The University announced in addition to a remote commencement ceremony, the Class of 2021 would have the option for an in-person procession.

University plans for in-person processions over Graduation Weekend

March 16, 2021
Ravi Fernando, a respiratory therapist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, receives one dose of the vaccine. For Fernando and other healthcare professionals, the vaccine has provided a morale boost.

For Northwestern Memorial Hospital workers on the front lines, vaccine brings morale boost, continued resolve

January 20, 2021
It has been three months since Salah Bouacha received federal assistance. As Congress returns for the year’s final session, he hopes legislators strike a deal on a stimulus package.

As Congress returns for the year’s final session, laid-off staff seek relief package

November 15, 2020
A sign from a previous NU Community Not Cops demonstration, reading “Fund Communities Not Police.” Students reimagined justice in a Wednesday discussion led by FMO and NUCNC.

NUCNC and FMO talk transformative justice ahead of Angela Davis address

November 12, 2020
Northwestern students celebrate from a balcony at E2 Apartments. When news broke Saturday morning that Joe Biden had beaten Donald Trump, many students cheered.

Students celebrate rebuke of Trump, cautious of Biden’s centrism

November 8, 2020
Esther Joy King (Pritzker ’13), who ran against U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Moline) for a spot in Congress. Though the Associated Press called the race for Bustos on Thursday morning, King has not yet conceded.

Pritzker grad not conceding after AP calls narrow race for Dem opponent

November 5, 2020
NU grad to become youngest member of Utah’s congressional delegation

NU grad to become youngest member of Utah’s congressional delegation

November 5, 2020
President Donald Trump and Vice President Joe Biden. The two candidates remain deadlocked in an election with no clear winner yet.

Election results unclear as Michigan, Pennsylvania, other battleground states still counting votes

November 4, 2020
Police stand outside President Schapiro’s house during an NU Community Not Cops protest. Schapiro’s comments about recent protests sparked a campus-wide debate about anti-Semitism and abolition.

How conversations about anti-Semitism divided a campus

October 27, 2020
The final presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, moderated by NBC News White House Correspondent Kristen Welker.

Trump and Biden dig into COVID-19, immigration in final debate

October 23, 2020
One demonstrator holds up a sign reading “Defund or Resign” at Monday night’s march.

NU Community Not Cops calls on President Schapiro to resign following his condemnation of abolitionist protests

October 20, 2020
An NU Votes staffer asks a student to fill out a form at the voter van table. According to the group’s website, the Center for Civic Engagement and Office of the Registrar both provide ballot notarizations.

A small number of students may need ballot notarizations. Here’s where you can do that.

October 12, 2020
The vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris, moderated by USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page (Medill ‘73). Pence and Harris squared off on key issues like the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, economic policy and police reform.

Harris and Pence clash over Trump’s coronavirus response in vice presidential debate

October 8, 2020
The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, moderated by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace. Trump and Biden squared off on key issues like the pandemic, economic recovery and policing.

President Trump questions election’s integrity in chaotic first presidential debate

September 30, 2020
At at-home test kit from Picture Genetics. All students were mailed a swab test and required to send it by the last week of August.

What you need to know about Fulgent Genetic testing

August 24, 2020
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th) speaks at Sunday afternoon’s press conference. Rue Simmons and others called for specific actions to undo years of anti-black racism in a proclamation for black justice.

Ald. Rue Simmons, twelve black organizations announce proclamation for black justice

August 23, 2020
State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz. Gong-Gershowitz won reelection to the Illinois House of Representatives Tuesday night.

Rep. Gong-Gershowitz calls for Madigan to resign from leadership posts after implication in federal bribery scheme

August 17, 2020
Stacey Abrams, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and the Northwestern University College Democrats’ Fall 2019 speaker.

A look back on the 2019-20 school year’s speakers

August 16, 2020
How to have fun in quarantine: A brief guide to remote social interactions

How to have fun in quarantine: A brief guide to remote social interactions

August 16, 2020
The Northwestern Arch. A recent graduate sued NU in a class action suit alleging the University breached its contract when it charged full tuition for remote courses taught during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent grad sues NU for charging full tuition despite remote spring courses

August 15, 2020
Scott Hall, 601 University Pl., home of Northwestern’s Political Science Department.

Two-thirds of Americans say they are likely to vaccinate themselves against COVID-19 when possible, according to study

August 9, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center, which includes the office of the VP for Business and Finance. University administrators emphasized the Community Safety Advisory Board as a “clean slate.”

NU announces 87 staff layoffs, lowered F.Y. 2021 budget in financial update

August 5, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. Northwestern is going back to letter grading this fall, according to an email from the Provost’s Office.

NU to implement letter grading again for Fall term

July 22, 2020
Jen Perelman. The progressive candidate and NU alumna hopes to beat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the FL-23 primary on Aug. 18.

Northwestern alum challenges former DNC chair in Florida primary

July 21, 2020
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul at a hearing in 2019 at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago. Northwestern is participating in a lawsuit filed by Raoul and 17 other state AGs.

NU participating in state AG’s lawsuit against Trump administration over ICE directive

July 13, 2020
The International Office, 630 Dartmouth Pl.

The Trump administration targeted international students. Here’s how higher education has responded.

July 12, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. Northwestern is going back to letter grading this fall, according to an email from the Provost’s Office.

TGS extends milestone deadlines, though policy shift “does not imply a funding extension”

July 9, 2020
Mayor Steve Hagerty talks with protesters outside the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. Hagerty has not committed to defunding the Evanston Police Department.

Protest results in impromptu meeting with mayor as youth protesters push Hagerty on defunding EPD

July 6, 2020
Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Einstein Bros. Bagels evaluating whether to reopen downtown Evanston location

July 1, 2020
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot at last May’s inauguration. More than 800 students have signed a letter calling on the University to disinvite Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot from speaking at commencement.

Amid calls to boycott Lightfoot’s commencement speech, a look at the Chicago mayor’s history on policing

June 18, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. Northwestern announced the formation of a search committee for its next Chief Diversity Officer.

Northwestern forms search committee for next Chief Diversity Officer

June 16, 2020
E. Patrick Johnson. He will serve as the seventh School of Communication dean — and the school’s first African American dean.

E. Patrick Johnson named School of Communication dean; first African American in that position

June 13, 2020
Reporting while black: Faculty, alumni talk experiences in journalism

Reporting while black: Faculty, alumni talk experiences in journalism

June 7, 2020

A&O announces co-sponsored event with Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji “to celebrate Black joy, Black art, Black women”

June 5, 2020
Dr. Steven Thrasher is the inaugural Daniel H. Renberg Chair of social justice in reporting. His new class provides a space for students to think and learn about how viruses intersect with issues such as race, sexuality, disability, economics and the news media.

Dr. Steven Thrasher talks protests, coronavirus and policing

June 3, 2020
The album artwork for The Cure to Loneliness, Jai Wolf’s debut full-length album released last spring. Jai Wolf performed as one of three mainstage artists at Digital Dillo.

Jai Wolf brings stuffed animals, EDM and purple Helvetica font to Digital Dillo

May 30, 2020
Lydia Night and Sage Nicole of The Regrettes during Summerfest Music Festival on June 29, 2017. The Regrettes will be the third mainstage artist at this year’s Digital Dillo.

The Regrettes announced as final mainstage artist for Digital Dillo

May 28, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. The University outlined plans for a phased return to campus in an email sent to the Northwestern community.

University announces six-phase plan for a return to campus

May 22, 2020
John Mulaney accepting his Emmy he won for

A&O re-announces virtual Q&A on May 25 with John Mulaney

May 21, 2020
Northwestern University Women’s Center at 2000 Sheridan Rd. At its annual symposium over Zoom last Friday, infiltrators displayed pornographic images of child sex abuse on the screen.

“Zoombombers” share videos of child sexual abuse during Women’s Center symposium

May 20, 2020
The album artwork for The Cure to Loneliness, Jai Wolf’s debut full-length album released last spring. Jai Wolf will be one of the mainstage artists at this year’s Digital Dillo.

Mayfest announces Jai Wolf as first mainstage artist for Digital Dillo

May 15, 2020
Interim provost Kathleen Hagerty. Hagerty spoke with The Daily about remote instruction, tuition reductions and other topics concerning Fall Quarter.

In interview, Interim Provost Kathleen Hagerty talks fall quarter

May 12, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. Northwestern announced a potential budget deficit and more financial changes in a Monday email.

President Schapiro announces anticipated budget deficit, 250 staff furloughs

May 11, 2020
Searle Hall, home to University Health Service. Northwestern Student Insurance Office announced changes last week to the student health insurance plan for the upcoming year.

Changes to student health insurance include premium hike, prescription drug benefits

May 7, 2020
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos at a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic in the press briefing room of the White House on March 26, 2020. The Department of Education announced today new rules regarding Title IX on college campuses.

Education Department strengthens rights of students accused of sexual assault

May 6, 2020
Jonathan Van Ness, right, with the other four Queer Eye cast members onstage during the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Van Ness will be speaking at a virtual Q&A on May 7 as part of A&O’s Spring Speaker Series.

A&O announces virtual speaker event on May 7 with Jonathan Van Ness

May 5, 2020
Katherine Conte and Juan Zuniga. The ticket won 51.25 percent of the vote.

Conte, Zuniga narrowly win ASG election

May 2, 2020
Smiling people in purple and black garb and graduation caps walk, with two people in black commencement uniform in the front. In the background are a blurred crowd of people in waving motion.

Schapiro: In-person graduation ceremonies to be held next June

May 1, 2020
Students watch a musical act at Dillo Day. This year, Mayfest Productions is moving the event online.

Dillo Day 2020 moved online; “Digital Dillo” to be held May 30

April 29, 2020
University’s total confirmed cases of COVID-19 reach 21

University’s total confirmed cases of COVID-19 reach 21

April 28, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. Northwestern announced a potential budget deficit and more financial changes in a Monday email.

University rejects $8.5 million allocated through CARES Act

April 28, 2020
Teresa K. Woodruff. Having been selected as Michigan State University’s provost, Woodruff’s last day as dean of TGS will be May 31.

Teresa Woodruff, The Graduate School Dean, named provost at Michigan State

April 27, 2020
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot at last May’s inauguration. Lightfoot was chosen as this year’s commencement speaker for graduation, which has been moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northwestern graduation ceremony moved online, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to speak

April 22, 2020
Rebecca Crown Center. In an email to community members, University President Morton Schapiro detailed the financial challenges the coronavirus has brought on the University.

Schapiro: University funding hampered by COVID-19

April 16, 2020
Northwestern now has 18 total confirmed cases of COVID-19

Three more contractors, one student test positive for COVID-19

April 13, 2020
A graphic of a man wearing a homemade mask.

MASK ON: How to make your own face mask

April 12, 2020
Four contractors who visited several campus buildings have tested positive for COVID-19.

Four contractors test positive for COVID-19; no contact with employees or students

April 10, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump signs H.R. 748, the CARES Act in the Oval Office of the White House on March 27, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Earlier that day, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the $2 trillion stimulus bill that lawmakers hope will battle the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Millions of college students left out of coronavirus stimulus payments

April 6, 2020
Northwestern University will be employing a Pass/No Pass grading system for undergraduate students during Spring Quarter, according to an email sent to students Tuesday evening.

Northwestern to move to Pass/No Pass grading system for Spring Quarter

March 31, 2020
Northwestern's Chicago campus reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on Monday.

Northwestern reaches seventh confirmed case of COVID-19, first on Chicago campus

March 31, 2020
Many students had to change or cancel flights on short notice following the announcement that first- and second-year students would not be on campus this fall.

Undergraduate summer study abroad programs canceled, GLO email says

March 27, 2020
Students petition for partial refund of tuition; over 3,000 signatures collected

Students petition for partial refund of tuition; over 3,000 signatures collected

March 26, 2020
Deering Library. An eighth case of the novel coronavirus was reported Monday.

Registrar: ‘NR’ grades assigned temporarily if final assessments disrupted

March 25, 2020
The Norris University Center will be closed through April 7.

Norris closed through April 7; if necessary, would reopen under pandemic plan

March 23, 2020
Julie Payne-Kirchmeier.

Payne-Kirchmeier appointed vice president for Student Affairs

March 20, 2020
64 Squares, Northwestern’s chess club, competes in the Chicago Industrial Chess League against other schools like the University of Chicago and companies like Citadel and Google.

Northwestern chess club open to all skill levels, emphasizes community

December 4, 2019

Next Waa-Mu Show announced, titled “State of the Art”

November 26, 2019

University study helps limit search for life outside earth

November 18, 2019
The Office of Undergraduate Admission, Undergraduate Financial Aid, and Undergraduate Research. Weinberg is implementing a new pilot program to partially cover costs for supplies required in two introductory art courses this winter.

Weinberg to implement Art for Cats, pilot program that will cover art supplies

November 14, 2019

Study links delayed vocab with severe tantrums in toddlers

November 12, 2019
The Multicultural Center. Students marched in support of the DACA program, standing with the undocumented community.

Northwestern, ETHS students march for DACA, in solidarity with undocumented immigrants

November 11, 2019
Student activists gather outside University President Morton Schapiro's house in April 2016. Northwestern’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine is trying to build strong relationships with other activist groups on campus.

2020 Vision: Students for Justice in Palestine reckon with administration, future activism

November 5, 2019
More than 100 students and alumni staged a silent protest at Northwestern University in Qatar on Sunday afternoon. The protest followed NU-Q Prof. Justin D. Martin’s tweets alleging NU-Q’s Dean Everette E. Dennis’s insensitive comments during a January faculty meeting.

NU-Q students and alumni stage silent protest, dean responds after ‘To Hell with them’ comment

November 3, 2019
Provost Jonathan Holloway. Holloway discusses the admission scandal and his academic vision.

In interview, Provost Holloway lays out academic vision for NU, talks departmentalization and admissions scandal

October 31, 2019
Northwestern voting participation rate more than doubled in 2018 midterm elections

Northwestern voting participation rate more than doubled in 2018 midterm elections

October 30, 2019
Eric Andre. The comedian will come to NU as A&O Productions' fall speaker.

A&O announces comedian Eric Andre as fall speaker

October 24, 2019
David Shor. The director of clinical services at Counseling and Psychological Services spoke at Wednesday night’s Faculty Senate meeting.

CAPS clinical services director talks mental health crisis prevention with Faculty Senate

October 17, 2019

Search for next School of Communication dean begins

October 15, 2019
Stacey Abrams speaks at Cahn Auditorium. Abrams discussed the importance of the 2020 Census and her plan for free and fair elections.

Abrams talks unfair elections, importance of Census

October 11, 2019
Ten candidates appear onstage during the third round of debates in Houston. The event took place at Texas State University, a public historically black college.

2020 Breakdown: Where do the top polling democratic candidates stand on higher education policy?

October 9, 2019
Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law. Attorneys and Northwestern Profs. Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin have been representing Dassey since 2007, when Dassey was sentenced to life in prison for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach.

Pritzker Law professors petition for clemency for Brendan Dassey, featured in hit Netflix series “Making a Murderer.”

October 8, 2019
Northwestern elected six new members to the Board of Trustees, a University news release announced.

Northwestern announces six new members elected to Board of Trustees

October 7, 2019
Northwestern Political Union Co-President Jahan Sahni raises his gavel during the debate. The Political Union voted for a mock resolution in support of the decriminalization of illegal immigration.

Northwestern Political Union votes to support decriminalization of illegal immigration during first debate

October 1, 2019
rotesters set up road blocks on Nathan Road, a busy main street, outside the Mong Kok police station in Hong Kong, on September 8, 2019.

Students from Hong Kong and Venezuela reflect on uprisings at home and disconnection while abroad

September 29, 2019
Nancy Pelosi (D-California) speaks at a press conference in early January at the capitol. Pelosi announced the start of formal impeachment proceedings for President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Northwestern professors weigh in on Pelosi’s call for impeachment inquiry

September 25, 2019
Nancy Pelosi (D-California) speaks at a press conference in early January at the capitol. Pelosi announced the start of formal impeachment proceedings for President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Northwestern professors weigh in on Pelosi’s call for impeachment inquiry

September 25, 2019
Foster Walker Complex. Students said they were turned away from the West dining hall as seats filled up.

Students turned away from Plex dining hall due to confusion over dining hall schedules

September 22, 2019
Ten candidates crowd the stage during the third round of debates in Houston. More than 10 candidates have qualified for the fourth round of debates in October, which will take place over two nights.

Candidates clash over gun control, public education in third round of debates

September 14, 2019
Former Medill Prof. Alec Klein at an event in 2012. Klein is releasing a book next January titled “Aftermath: When It Felt Like Life Was Over But It Wasn’t.

Former Medill Prof. Alec Klein to release book after resignation, allegations of ‘predatory’ behavior

September 8, 2019
Student DJ Caroline Hughes, better known as Luminosity, performs at Battle of the DJs.

Dillo Day includes historic number of women in lineup, but still faces issues of inclusivity

May 29, 2019
After nearly seven weeks, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ended their strike after negotiations.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians end strike, get increased pay but not desired pension

May 22, 2019
She is one of the artists whose work will be featured in The Garage’s first ever pop up showcase.

Artist program to host first pop up at The Garage

May 16, 2019
Communication senior Faalon Andrews was one of four female acts at “Girls That Mix.”

Student group highlights female DJs

May 2, 2019
Kingsley Day acts as The Learned Judge in “Trial by Jury.” The actor said he likes the intimacy of City Lit Theater.

Northwestern alumni, staff star on and off stage in ‘Two Days in Court’

April 17, 2019
Customers shop for records at Vintage Vinyl. The store will have some of the 600 plus special releases available for purchase on Record Store Day.

Evanston, Chicago stores celebrate local record stores on Record Store Day

April 12, 2019
Pictured is “Direct Conversations” by Olea Nova. This 2015 painting and other visual art will be featured in “Air,” her upcoming exhibit at the Evanston Art Center.

Russian visual artist brings abstract exhibit to Evanston

April 11, 2019
A Chicago Symphony Orchestra musician plays in a chamber concert in Lutkin Hall as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s strike enters its fourth week.

Striking Chicago musicians perform at Northwestern

April 4, 2019
Career Options Night at ETHS. Board members discussed opportunities for students to explore different careers at a school board meeting Monday.

ETHS Board of Education discusses courses, workforce

March 13, 2019
Block 5: Pop it, Block it, Polka Dot it

Block 5: Pop it, Block it, Polka Dot it

March 9, 2019
Bernie Sanders speaks in the U.S. Capitol in early 2018.

Sanders talks economy, race in second campaign stop for 2020 presidential race

March 4, 2019
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