The Daily Northwestern - October 30th, 2023 by The Daily Northwestern

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The Daily Northwestern Monday, October 30, 2023

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Climate Hope event generates joy in city Residents discuss climate solutions and local advocacy By LILY OGBURN

daily senior staffer @lilyogburn

When Jessy Bradish, a board member for Climate Action Evanston, took out her ukelele and played a song about climate action for a crowd of community members at Sunday’s Climate Hope event, the audience applauded her witty lyrics. Bradish’s performance was one of many testimonies during the event’s open mic, where residents and organizers discussed their feelings about climate change and their hopes for the future. CAE, an organization that works with residents, businesses, faith communities and city government on climate action in Evanston, helped organize the event in collaboration with Evanston Township High School’s E-Town Sunrise and Fossil Free Northwestern. Around 40 residents made their way through tables inside Arrington Lakefront Lagoon shelter at Dawes Park, creating crafts, reading educational

materials and engaging in conversations with other community members. Event organizers said they wanted to spark dialogue among residents, students and activists about climate change, and share ideas for how to build a more sustainable future. Milo Slevin, an ETHS senior and the hub coordinator for E-Town Sunrise, said the event’s purpose was to instill hope in a topic surrounded by “doomism.” “There’s just a lot of negativity, and it’s really hard to stay positive when the world is at stake,” Slevin said. “We feel like there needs to be a space for climate hope.” Slevin also highlighted that Climate Hope was an “intergenerational event.” People of all ages attended the event to discuss climate solutions and learn about local organizations. According to Bradish, the idea for the event stemmed from conversations among collaborators after an Oct. 6 presentation at Northwestern by Adam Aron, a professor from the University of California San Diego. Following the presentation, members of E-Town

» See CLIMATE HOPE, page 1

Yanyan Li/The Daily Northwestern

Graduate student midfielder Alia Marshall prepares to shoot. Marshall notched a goal and two assists in Northwestern’s 5-1 rout of Maryland Thursday.

Field hockey secures Big Ten title NU’s win is the first outright regular season championship since 1994 By ALEX CERVANTES

daily senior staffer @cervantespalex

What’s important now? That was Northwestern’s

message ahead of its clash with No. 7 Maryland. It’s the same message — abbreviated to W.I.N. — that has guided the No. 1 Wildcats to the nation’s top ranking, the program’s longest-ever win streak and a perfect 8-0 finish in conference

play. Above all else, the motto has carried NU (16-1, 8-0 Big Ten) to its first outright regular season championship since 1994, officially stamped following a 5-1 rout of the Terrapins (14-4, 6-2

Big Ten) on Thursday. “It’s just a testament to all of our hard work,” graduate student midfielder Alia Marshall said. “It’s all culminated to this moment …

» See FIELD HOCKEY, page 6

Faculty demand Ryan Field answers Local labor union The resolution raises concerns over University’s plans to fund new field By JOANNA HOU

daily senior staffer @joannah_11

More than 200 faculty members have signed a resolution demanding Northwestern administrators answer their questions regarding how the University will fund its Rebuild Ryan Field project. The resolution, initially drafted by nine Faculty Senate members, raises concerns about the University’s plans to fund Ryan Field outside of a $480 million gift from the Patrick and Shirley Ryan family. It calls on Luke Figora — NU’s chief operating officer and vice president for operations — to answer ten questions related to the financial upkeep, funding and long-term sustainability of the Ryan Field project. The Rebuild Ryan Field project is estimated to cost about $800 million, leaving about $320 million in remaining costs. At an Oct. 16 Faculty Senate meeting, University President Michael Schill said three other components will make up this gap: additional philanthropy, some University capital and a debt, which will be owed by

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NU’s operation. It remains unclear how much money in the Ryan family gift is set aside specifically for rebuilding Ryan Field. The University did not immediately respond to The Daily’s request for comment about where Rebuild Ryan Field funding will come from or how much debt the University might incur. Economics Prof. Joseph Ferrie, who helped draft the resolution, said administrators had never raised the possibility of incurring debt before that meeting, which concerns him because of how much interest rates have increased over the past year. Borrowing at a 7% rate — or even a 5% one — would become a “large recurring cost” for the University, he said. This issue, combined with the downgrading of NU’s bonds, means further costs, Ferrie added. “The other problem is that there’s a limit to how much debt the market is willing to accept from Northwestern,” Ferrie said. “So if we get into another challenging financial situation for reasons unrelated to Ryan Field in the future, our ability to maneuver is going to be substantially reduced by the fact that we’ve got additional outstanding debt as a result

members rally Organizers call for city to pass new contract ordinance By LILY CAREY

daily senior staffer @lilylcarey

Daily file photo by Leah Schroeder

University President Michael Schill addressed questions about Ryan Field funding at the Oct. 16 Faculty Senate meeting.

of Ryan Field.” Ferrie also cited NU’s recent financial history as a point of concern, as the University has faced several budgetary challenges in the past decade. In 2017, spending on financial aid, high-profile faculty and new construction projects sent the University into a multi-million dollar budget deficit. The Faculty Senate was alerted to this deficit

in January 2018. Though thenProvost Jonathan Holloway told The Daily no cuts would be made to faculty or staff in May 2018, the University laid off 80 staff members in July 2018. After anticipating a $90 million budgetary shortfall at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, NU furloughed 250 staff members,

» See FACULTY, page 6

About 25 local labor organizers — and a fleet of giant inflatable rats — lined Sherman Avenue early Thursday morning, calling for the city to pass a Responsible Bidder Ordinance. Under current city law, publicly bid contracts for city construction projects go by default to the lowest bidder that is a “responsive and responsible” business. A Responsible Bidder Ordinance would specify that the city must award contracts to the lowest “responsible” bidder, encouraging officials to take into account contractors’ treatment of workers. The city doesn’t currently have a specific ordinance defining what qualifies as a “responsible” bidder. As protesters pointed out Thursday, the lowest bidder isn’t always the “best.” “A lot of times, we’ll have

contractors that bid the lowest, and there are issues with their work performance or issues with their timelines or issues with their safety and having consistent manpower for projects,” Jeremy Esparza, a business agent with Laborers Local One who attended Thursday’s rally, said. “So RBO, in essence, is simply a taxpayer protection plan (to) make sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.” Thursday’s rally drew members of local carpenter, ironworker, painter, electrician and bricklayer unions, many of whom came to emphasize the importance of prioritizing worker safety in choosing responsible bidders for city projects. It was not the first time union members have called for safer conditions at job sites in downtown Evanston. Last month, several members of bricklayer and carpenter unions gathered outside of a construction site at 1710 Sherman Ave. to call for a fair contract at the site. And as post-pandemic construction projects spring up throughout

» See UNION RALLY, page 6

INSIDE: Around Town 2 | On Campus 3 | A&E 4 | Classifieds & Puzzles 6 | Sports 8

2 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

AROUND TOWN

Council approves affordable housing development By SELENA KUZNIKOV

daily senior staffer @selenakuznikov

Following several months of deliberation, City Council unanimously approved a 60-unit affordable housing development on South Boulevard at its Oct. 23 meeting. As housing costs in the city continue to rise, Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) told The Daily the approval of the development, in the works since 2022, is a victory for renters. “What makes Evanston is the people,” he said. “I am committed to try to keep Evanstonians here. It’s a tough situation for renters right now.” The proposed unit mix is 30 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom units. The mix provides more two- and three-bedroom units than typical in a project of this size, in order to provide more rental housing that is adequate for families. The development will offer rental units costing between 30% and 80% of Evanston’s median household income, according to city planner Cade Sterling. He said there is a need to provide more affordable housing, especially for those who might work in Evanston but are not able to live in the city because of high rents. “It’s a nice model for moving forward with similar sites that the city owns,” Sterling said. “Hopefully this is the first of many of these proposals.” PIRHL Developers LLC, an affordable housing organization, and the Housing Authority of Cook County will develop the mixed-income property, located at 504-514 South Boulevard near the border of the 3rd and 9th Wards. The project was reviewed by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and approved for use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which allows state and local agencies “to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households.” The Land Use Commission recommended approval of the

Photo courtesy of PIRHL Developers, LLC

A rendering of the affordable housing development on South Boulevard that City Council approved Monday. Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) said the approval is a win for Evanston renters.

project in early September. Geracaris said that as an Evanston/Skokie School District 65 parent, he knows many friends, colleagues and parents who have moved out of Evanston because of rising living costs. He said it is difficult to find an affordable apartment and stay in that unit for an extended period of time. Promoting affordable housing is one of the council’s top priorities, he said. Councilmembers unanimously voted to approve the action

as part of the consent agenda — a cluster of items that pass at each meeting with no discussion — at the Oct. 23 meeting. Sterling said the development’s proximity to accessible public transit, including the South Boulevard CTA station, fulfills a significant need. He said housing and transportation are two of the largest costs for most people, and by reducing the costs of both, renters can save more money. Bonnie Wilson, a real estate agent and

Evanston resident, said one of the most difficult parts of her job has been finding affordable rental housing for clients who want to live in Evanston but cannot afford to purchase property. “My client tenants will be very happy that they can now afford to live in Evanston and work in Evanston,” she said during public comment at Monday night’s meeting. “This is very much needed.” selenakuznikov2025@u.northwestern.edu

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

ON CAMPUS

NU dietician wants to ‘multiply herself’

The Daily Northwestern

www.dailynorthwestern.com Editor in Chief Avani Kalra

By TABI PARENT

daily senior staffer @tabithaparent12

eic@dailynorthwestern.com

When Weinberg junior Kydie Al Moutaa first started eating in Northwestern’s dining halls, she said she felt confused and overwhelmed by the dining options on campus. Used to eating meals cooked by her mother at home, Al Moutaa reached out to Madeline McDonough — NU’s campus dietitian — her sophomore year. “I needed somebody to help me navigate that, and I found that (Northwestern Dining) offered free appointments with a nutritionist,” Al Moutaa said. “I contacted (McDonough) and she was very happy to meet with me and help me throughout my journey of learning how to eat by myself and get in my nutrients.” McDonough studied public health at Miami University at Ohio during her undergraduate years. Afterward, she moved to Boston, where she trained to be a dietitian and later transitioned to private practice. Despite her career trajectory, McDonough said nutritional science wasn’t even on her radar during her undergraduate years until she did an internship at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine. “(Cleveland Clinic) was a functional medicine center, so I saw a lot of people paying more attention to what they were eating to resolve some chronic health conditions,” McDonough said. “The science behind it is compelling, but what really felt aligned for me was the helping nature of the job.” Now, as NU’s on-campus dietitian, McDonough said she has the chance to work with and help students every day. She said helping people find what makes sense for them is rewarding. The bulk of the work McDonough does at NU is nutrition counseling, but she also works with Northwestern Dining to make sure NU’s dining halls are accommodating to students with allergies or dietary restrictions. In any given week, she said she works with about 20 students for one-on-one nutrition

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McDonough studied public health at Miami University of Ohio. Afterward, she moved to Boston, where she trained to be a dietitian and later secured her first job working in private practice.

guidance. Fallon Weatherspoon, the eating concerns coordinator for NU’s Counseling and Psychological Services, works closely with McDonough on a weekly basis, meeting together on CAPS’ Eating Concerns and Assessment Treatment Team. “We go over ways to best support students that we’re working with together, as well as just giving consultation to all of our clinicians here within CAPS,” Weatherspoon said. A lot of what McDonough and Weatherspoon do together involves behind the scenes programming and developing treatment plans — removing calorie counts from dining halls on campus is a product of their work. But Weatherspoon said McDonough’s strength lies in humanizing the process of managing nutritional and dietary needs. Al Moutaa encouraged more students to take advantage of McDonough’s resources. “Maddy is awesome,” Al Moutaa said. “She always takes the time after our meetings to research things that could be helpful for me

and emails me about them later on. She always keeps a positive attitude about food and never tells me not to eat something that I’m craving. She’s very welcoming.” According to Al Moutaa, McDonough has helped her navigate challenges like managing her hunger cues, balancing her hormones, transitioning into living and eating off-campus, and fitting in her dietary needs while Al Moutaa fasting. For McDonough, the hardest part about her job isn’t the heaviness of the topics she might be dealing with or coordinating efforts for such a large group of people — it’s the fact that she is only one person. “I wish I had more bandwidth to see more people,” McDonough said. “If I’m not able to consistently work with somebody who would benefit from more nutrition counseling, I’ll refer them out to another dietitian. I wish I could multiply myself and see everybody.” tabiparent2025@u.northwestern.edu

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

A& A&E E arts & & entertainment entertainment arts

Lexi Goldstein/Daily Senior Staffer

TV Girl’s newest album and tour feature religious motifs, including a stained glass style version of their glowing logo.

Indie-pop band TV Girl makes Chicago stop on tour By LEXI GOLDSTEIN AND VIRGINIA HUNT

the daily northwestern @lexipgoldstein

Indie-pop, ‘60s-sampling band TV Girl put on a show explicitly targeted toward the younger generation at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom Sunday night. Baroque castle towers adorning the venue set the tone for the stellar musical performance. The motif accentuated the contrast of vintage and modern sounds and aesthetics, which underscore the identity of the band. The Southern California-based group is touring its new album, “Grapes Upon the Vine,” a summer release that the internet gave mixed reviews. The album stayed true to TV Girl’s signature sound, but introduced gospel choirs and religious themes. Supporting single-man act Monster Rally

opened up the show with a dynamic performance, temporarily transporting the audience to a tropical paradise. With a fluorescent mushroom — his staple motif — sitting atop his Mellotron, Ted Feighan crafted layered songs with instruments ranging from egg shakers to a bass guitar that vibrated through the floor of the venue. Following Feighan’s 30-minute set and another half hour of anticipation, TV Girl came onstage to a roaring crowd, some of whom had been waiting since 11 a.m. for the 7 p.m. show. “Grapes Upon the Vine” album opener “I’ll Be Faithful” kicked off the set before the band moved onto a variety of songs from their hit album “French Exit.” Among these tracks was “Louise,” featuring a boppy groove and tones of longing that are characteristic of TV Girl’s vibrant sound. The new record is heavily influenced by gospel style, and a stained glass-inspired TV Girl logo took center stage during the performance. For the majority of the set, two background singers sang

gospel riffs and danced on a platform, sometimes pantomiming the lyrics in a way that demonstrated they were enjoying the performance as much as the audience. Only five songs of the 21-track setlist, including the encore, were off “Grapes Upon the Vine.”Lead singer Brad Petering’s tone teetered between sardonic and awkward while pausing to talk about the new album, which became more uncomfortable with each subsequent mention of the album’s poor sales. Petering apologized to fans for playing three tracks consecutively, saying, “I see the sales figures every night, you guys don’t like (the album), that’s ok.” One of those three songs, “Fire,” speaks to some of the downfalls of the album. The backing choir sounds beautiful, but lyrically the piece falls short — the end of the song includes repetitive lyrics eerily similar to The Police’s arguably creepy and overplayed “Every Breath You Take.” As he drank rosé from a bottle in between

songs, Petering gave a hello to the “depressed, repressed, horny, depraved, hedonistic, godless, socially-awkward … freaky little teenagers,” in the audience, acknowledging them as the heart of TV Girl’s fanbase. Despite Petering’s unpredictable commentary, the music quality spoke for itself. Hits from 2016 album “Who Really Cares,” such as “Cigarettes Out the Window” and “Not Allowed,” had the crowd belting each word with zeal. Given TV Girl’s internet fame, fans and concert attendees skewed younger, bringing a youthful passion to the venue. The encore featured the band’s biggest hit, “Lovers Rock,” which was met with cheers as Petering teased fans that it was finally time for their favorite song. And for good reason –– the transcendent beats closed out the night as their best piece yet. lexigoldstein2026@u.northwestern.edu virginiahunt2026@u.northwestern.edu

Student curator job offers opportunity for work in the arts By MARY RANDOLPH

the daily northwestern

Among clerical work, research positions and frontdesk jobs, curatorship has been a part-time work option for students for more than 20 years at Norris University Center’s Dittmar Gallery. Norris Programs Assistant Director Debra Blade said she created the student supervisor/curator role at Dittmar when she began running the gallery in the hopes of increasing student involvement in art on campus. “We empower them to curate and learn about setting up and installing gallery exhibitions,” Blade said. The student curator role entails organizing logistics for each exhibition held in Dittmar, putting together the gallery’s annual community show and selecting the five to six shows each year that Dittmar will host. Weinberg seniors Eve Downing and Ellie Lyons are the current student curators and have both held the role since their sophomore year. Downing said the selection process for Dittmar’s exhibits, which happens in conversation with the curators and Blade and Dittmar’s four assistants, is a rewarding part of the job. “We have a lot of freedom to really take the gallery in new directions we’re interested in,” Downing said. “I think that’s one of the most exciting things we get to do.” Those conversations happen at the end of each calendar year, and the group works together to choose a “diverse” and “relevant” group of exhibitions from emerging artists, Blade said. So far this year, Dittmar has shown selected exhibitions “The Story of Ka’Makana

o’ ka,” “Radiant Compositions lI” and “I Love You. I Love You? I Love You!” The gallery is currently showing “Muse.” Blade said she appreciates having students lead the selection process, since the exhibits’ target audience is students. “They find things that are fresh, and they see things through their eyes and aesthetic lens, which is different from mine,” Blade said. “They’re more risk takers.” After the selection process, the student curators work with the artists to ensure the exhibitions run smoothly. This can look like anything from overseeing the installation of pieces to advising artists on how to curate the pieces for their creative vision, Downing said, depending on what sort of support the artist wants. Downing said her favorite exhibition she’s worked on was “Anthro-obscene: What We Choose Not to See,” an installation by Stefan Petranek in the fall of 2021. The photographic exhibition explored themes of climate change and mental health, and Downing said she loved seeing the intersection of art and activism. “It was just a really interesting way to start conversations and have people talk about the way they feel and how climate change affects them and their mental health,” Downing said. “I really loved how the art was creating change and creating community within Northwestern.” For Lyons, her favorite part of the role is the annual community show, she said. The student curators create a theme and curate the entire show, which features an “eclectic” mix of work as all community members are invited to participate in it, she said. Lyons said the show’s ability to foster community

is meaningful to her. “Seeing them all come together and being able to chat with everyone and also seeing the artists talk amongst themselves is a really beautiful thing,” Lyons said. “It really is probably my favorite part of the job.” Before they graduate, Lyons and Downing said they have several goals for the gallery, including installing glass doors, rehanging Norris’s permanent art collection and preparing the student assistants to take over the curator role. Though Downing does not plan to work in the art

world, she said the role has taught her important lessons about managerial skills, working independently and making difficult decisions. For Lyons, the student curator position was specifically applicable to her career goals. “Public art space is really important, having that very accessible community space,” Lyons said. “I want to work in a space where I can make that happen.” maryrandolph2026@u.northwestern.edu

Contributed by Ellie Lyons

Weinberg senior Ellie Lyons is one of two student curators for the Dittmar Gallery. She helps organize Dittmar’s community show each year, which features work from community members.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

Swift ‘never goes out of style’ with ‘1989’ re-recording By MARY RANDOLPH

the daily northwestern

If 2023 belongs to anyone, it is undoubtedly Taylor Swift. From her monumental Eras Tour to the rerelease of her third studio album, “Speak Now,” and especially considering her recent Sunday Night Football appearances, Swift’s influence has broken through all facets of pop culture this year. Now, she’s reclaimed her ownership of another year: 1989. “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” released Oct. 27, is Swift’s fourth stop on her mission to own her entire discography through a series of rerecordings. And while her previous re-records have suffered at times because of Swift’s emotional and chronological distance from their initial meanings, she comes out swinging in “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” with nearly all the charisma and feeling of the original. In the 16 songs from the original tracklist, Swift comes closest so far to creating an exact replica of the original album, bringing a more mature voice but the same genuine sound to songs like “Shake It Off,” “How You Get The Girl” and “Out Of The Woods.” The original “1989” album, released in 2014, was a turning point for Swift, marking her official shift from country to pop music and catapulting her into full-blown pop-star status. The media focused relentlessly on everything from her friend group to her romantic partners — a fact she played off of in songs like “Shake It Off ” and “Blank Space.” After years of keeping her personal life out of the spotlight, she’s stepping back into it with

pride. This fall, she cheered on rumored beau, Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, made a surprise “Saturday Night Live” cameo and strutted around New York with her starstudded groups of friends. Of course, she is nearly a decade older than the 24-year-old rising superstar who originally released “1989.” But, with the return of her private life to the public eye, much of the album’s messaging holds true: Swift is enjoying New York City with her best friends; she has countless evidence that she’ll “never go out of style”; and she is paying little mind to critics. The most highly anticipated part of the rerecording was the five “From the Vault” tracks — songs that originally did not make the cut. Swift herself called this album her favorite rerecording thus far in the album’s announcement because the five unreleased tracks were “so insane.” Safe to say, they did not disappoint. All five feel like natural continuations of the tracklist, depictions of a 20-something woman in the center of the universe set against 1980s synth production. “Slut!’” to much surprise, was a hopeful love song, a grown-up version of “Ours” from “Speak Now” detailing the importance of prioritizing a relationship despite criticism. Complex break-up tracks “Now That We Don’t Talk” and “Suburban Legends” show off Swift’s expert lyricism with lines like “The only way back to my dignity / Was to turn into a shrouded mystery.” “Is It Over Now?,” arguably the star of the vault songs, shows off both the power of Swift’s voice now and the heartbreaking emotion of her songwriting then. The only let-down of the vault tracks was “Say Don’t Go,” a continuation of themes in “All You Had To Do Was Stay” that relies on tired

Illustration by Shveta Shah

Taylor Swift released “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” to much fanfare, which has accompanied pretty much everything she’s done this year.

metaphors of tightropes, shots in the dark and twisting knives. But overall, these tracks show Swift at her strongest and could easily have found a place on the original tracklist. As Swift sings on “Welcome To New York,” the album’s opening track, “It’s a new soundtrack.”

But more than that, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” is a return, a homecoming, a reminder that Swift is as much at the top of her game as she was a decade ago — and she plans to stay there. maryrandolph2026@u.northwestern.edu

Prague is filmmaking study abroad hotspot for students By NAOMI TAXAY

the daily northwestern

With a long history of filmmaking and some of the best film schools in the world, Prague, Czech Republic, has become a popular studyabroad destination among Northwestern students majoring in Radio, Television and Film. Communication juniors Goldie Beck and Lynne Park said they decided to study in Prague after speaking with upperclassmen who had just returned from Prague Film School. At NU, you need to be very “entrepreneurial” to make films, putting in extra time on the weekends to work on film sets, said Beck. “(NU has) an amazing communication program, but you need to guide yourself, and that’s how it is in the real world too,” Beck said. But, studying at a conservatory like Prague Film School allows students to focus solely on film, rather than balancing their passion with homework and other classes. A typical day at Prague Film School involves two-hour blocks of cinematography, editing class, learning equipment, directing and electives. Beck said this trains students to garner experience maneuvering every part of a film set. “Prague Film School, because it trains you in literally every specialization in film, it makes you appreciate everything that goes into the making of a film,” Park said. Prague is also home to leading production

facilities and equipment, which students studying film can use, said Beck. She said it’s been amazing not only to learn fundamentals of film but also to practice using equipment she couldn’t have otherwise. “We’re using industry standards. We’re learning this program called Avid, we’re using Arri cameras, Blackmagics, equipment we don’t necessarily have access to at Northwestern,” Beck said. In addition, each Prague Film School student writes, directs and edits four projects of their own and works on around 15 other students’ sets, Park said. The program doesn’t allow much room for travel due to the intense workload. Communication junior Tanner Flood chose to study at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, also known as FAMU. Flood said he was drawn to this program because it allowed him more time to travel around Europe. In the professional world, Prague is often a film destination because of its versatile architecture, which allows it to serve as a stand-in set for many European cities. “It just comes off to Americans as an undefined European city,” Flood said. “People come here because you can film a movie that takes place in three cities all in Prague, and it’s relatively cheap to do so.” It’s been Moscow in “Hellboy,” Warsaw in “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and a German town in “Jojo

Rabbit.” Flood said he’s also seen movies where Prague is Vienna, Munich and even Miami. Flood said being in a foreign country inspires him to have his camera out even without an assignment. “Film can be a really intimate way to get to

know a place,” Flood said. “That’s one of my favorite things about doing film classes here … you can really get to know the city by creating something.” naomitaxay2027@u.northwestern.edu

Photo courtesy to Goldie Beck

Prague Film School students have access to leading production facilities and equipment.

Brent Faiyaz challenges R&B greats with ‘Larger than Life’ By FRANCESCO THORIK-SABOIA

the daily northwestern @francescothorik

Brent Faiyaz is the next Usher. I may have just angered some R&B fans with that statement (and definitely some Usher fans), but with the release of his third fulllength studio album “Larger Than Life,” Faiyaz cements himself into the same contemporary R&B echelon as legends like Usher, Ginuwine and D’Angelo. Released Friday without a pre-announced date, “Larger Than Life” was expected after Faiyaz released singles “Moment of Your Life” and “WY@” earlier this fall. The opening track, “Tim’s Intro,” starts with a dial-up phone call and a myriad of sound effects that pan between each ear and instantly draw the listener in. Acclaimed producer Timbaland ad libs over Faiyaz’s signature silky vocals, and the song’s production clearly pays tribute to Timbaland. Throughout the song, producers Dpat, Mannyvelli and Sparkheem use a distinctive

“stuttering” rhythmic style, as well as many of the same sound effects and drum mixing techniques Timbaland is known for. The energy of the intro carries into the next track, “Last One Left,” which features legendary rapper Missy Elliott and underground artist Lil Gray. In classic fashion, Faiyaz sings about the struggle of situationships and talking stages. Elliott performs the chorus with him and is part of the song’s beautiful vocal layering. Lil Gray has the spotlight on this song but falls short. The Maryland rapper’s performance is reminiscent of Joony’s verse on “FYTB,” a song on Faiyaz’s last album “ Wasteland,” another instance where Faiyaz gave a lesser known artist an opportunity to shine. While Joony had an engaging, enjoyable performance, Lil Gray only delivered a decent but forgettable verse that blends into the track. Songs like “Forever Yours” and “Best Time” have stunning production but are too short, only at about a minute and a half each. If they were made into full length pieces, they would have been standout tracks on the project. Faiyaz pays homage to R&B pioneers as “Best Time” sounds similar to “U Don’t Have to Call”

by Usher, and “Wherever I Go” is reminiscent of “No. 1 Fan” by Ginuwine. The 28-year-old puts modern twists on early 2000s R&B, adding an impressive layer of depth to the tracklist. The best song on the record is “Upset” featuring Virginia vocalist Tommy Richman and rapper FELIX!. Richman’s verse is the highlight of the entire LP, where he sings relatable lyrics with his distinctive, high-pitched voice over choppy synths. One of my favorite lines from Richman is, “Don’t judge me / You lyin’ in my bed now, it’s above me / So don’t get it off your chest, I know you love me.” The worst song on the album, “On This Side,” featuring A$AP Ant and Cruddy Murda, follows this spectacular track. The verses from both featured artists are boring and corny, and it’s the worst-produced song on the record by far, with an uninspired beat. The only redeeming part of the song is Faiyaz’s chorus with fluctuating vocal intonations. Despite a couple of boring tracks, the only real problem with Brent Faiyaz’s “Larger Than Life” is that it’s too short. This album features the best production of all of his projects, and it’s a beautiful display of his growth and ability

to work well with various artists. This record is a strong eight out of 10. francescothorik-saboia2027@u.northwestern.edu

arts & entertainment Editor Elena Hubert Assistant Editors Emily Lichty Mary Randolph Design Editors Danny O’Grady Paloma Leone-Getten

6 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

FIELD HOCKEY From page 1

super well deserved for this group.” The ‘Cats struck first less than nine minutes in — even while enduring the elements. As senior midfielder Lauren Wadas attempted to split a pair of Maryland defenders, the ball was poked free. It fell right in the path of graduate student midfielder Lindsey Frank, who took one dribble before firing a shot into the back of the cage — her first goal in an NU uniform. Four minutes later, Marshall picked up the ball near midfield. As she charged at the Terrapin backline, her first intention was to look for her teammates. But they were all marked, leaving ample space for the Delaware native to push into, she said. When two defenders eventually attempted to impede her solo run, it was too late. Like a hot knife through butter, she sliced right through the spine of

FACULTY From page 1

shuttered hiring and projects, froze pay and suspended contributions to faculty’s retirement plans. In April 2022, faculty expressed concerns over their lost pensions from that time, and the University expressed no intention of repaying them. History Prof. Deborah Cohen, who raised some of the initial questions in the October meeting and also helped draft the faculty resolution, said faculty felt obligated to speak out after they considered the implications amassing debt might have on the University’s academic mission. Cohen added that the 2017 budget crisis — and the subsequent elimination of many staff positions — made a number of standard departmental tasks “much more difficult to accomplish.” Cohen said she is not opposed to the Ryan Field project but wants clearer answers to funding questions. “If the donor’s funds covered the entire cost of the project, that would be a totally different story,” she said. “I think the issue is, what are the priorities in terms of balancing the academic mission and the teaching and the research mission with extracurricular commitments?” The faculty draft resolution raises these funding questions alongside concerns about Ryan Field’s longterm sustainability. It establishes that football revenue is not expected to increase in the upcoming years and points toward the instability of generating income from concerts. Evanston’s Land Use Commission recommended against concerts at the new Ryan Field at an Oct. 12 meeting, but NU officials have said they would not proceed with the project without concerts. The resolution was not drafted through the traditional Faculty Senate process, as faculty members felt they needed answers addressed before the next Senate meeting on Nov. 15, Cohen said. The Senate meeting is scheduled for two days after the Nov. 13 Evanston City Council meeting, where the council is expected to make a final decision on the rebuilding project. Figora has told faculty members to expect a

the Maryland defense to tally the second score of the game “Their defenders had kind of jumped on my teammates, which left the center open for me to do quick little pulls and then just a nice little finish over the goalie,” Marshall said. At the start of the second frame, the ‘Cats tacked on a third score just 71 seconds in, as Marshall found graduate student midfielder Peyton Halsey in the circle for a tap-in finish. The goal was Halsey’s 11th on the season and the first of two assists for Marshall on the day. Coach Tracey Fuchs said “everything went our way” offensively in the game’s opening minutes. “We were really, really good in the attacking circle,” Fuchs said. “We’ve been working on circle balance and getting touches on cross balls all year, and it certainly paid off today.” Despite facing a three-goal deficit, the Terrapins didn’t retreat to their shells, quickly bagging a penalty response after Monday’s City Council meeting, where the Ryan Field changes will be introduced, Cohen added. Both Cohen and Ferrie said that as faculty sent emails through NU’s Microsoft Outlook system on Monday notifying their department members of the resolution, email messages that linked to an earlier draft of the resolution — including those that were received and read by other people — were removed from inboxes overnight. Faculty authors have since started circulating a new draft. In a statement to The Daily, University spokesperson Hilary Hurd Anyaso said NU Information Technology investigated the incident and found that NU’s online security tool, Microsoft Defender, identified the circulating Google Doc as “having the characteristics of a phishing message.” “As a result, the Microsoft application quarantined this email, and the quarantine process removed the message from the mailboxes of the recipients,” Anyaso wrote. Ferrie said he doesn’t want to experience another situation where the University’s inability to make ends meet forces money out of its academic investments, which he believes should be NU’s primary interest. Right now, Ferrie said faculty just want “satisfactory” answers from the University. He said how administrators respond will determine how the faculty reacts. He added administrators’ replies will also signal how much they value faculty governance — whose role in shaping University policy is “something of a work in progress.” “This is probably one of the best test cases for the role of University governance going forward,” he said. “If it turns out that we don’t find the University responsive to our questions for simple clarification on the financing of the stadium, then that’ll be at the very least disappointing and a blow to those of us who have a relatively optimistic view of how faculty governance has been evolving over time.”

corner score to trim NU’s advance to two. Fuchs was complimentary of Maryland’s second quarter performance, which saw the ‘Cats sit a little deeper than they had in the previous frame. After not managing a single shot in the first quarter, the Terrapins registered nine in the second frame, while senior goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz made five saves. At the intermission, Fuchs made a couple of tweaks to get NU pressuring Maryland’s backline once again. “We just pinched in, and we really wanted them to play on the outside because we’re really good at swarming and putting pressure on the ball,” Fuchs said. “Once we got pressure on the ball, I thought we did a great job.” The adjustments paid dividends, with the Terrapins managing just one more shot on goal in the final 30 minutes of action. The ‘Cats, meanwhile, saw their lead balloon to four, following scores from freshman back Ilse Tromp on a penalty corner

and a blistering effort from junior midfielder Regan Cornelius. When the clock hit zero, a gaggle of black jerseys swarmed Skubisz to celebrate the program’s first undefeated Big Ten finish since 1988. In NU’s postgame huddle, Fuchs was doused in orange Gatorade to cap off the on-field celebrations. Now, sights turn to the Big Ten Tournament in Ann Arbor, where the ‘Cats are the No. 1 seed and will receive a first-round bye — the spoils for being the conference’s regular season victor. “Season number two is over and we did what we had to do,” Fuchs said. “There’s another trophy up for grabs. That was our goal: to vie for (the Big Ten) regular season (title), for (the Big Ten) tournament (title) and then make a run in the NCAA (Tournament). So far, we’ve checked all the boxes, but season number three starts on Sunday.” alexcervantes2024@u.northwestern.edu

UNION RALLY

CLIMATE HOPE

Evanston, city officials have continued to debate workers’ rights initiatives, including a potential minimum wage increase. Robert Piane, a representative from the Carpenters Local 58 Union who attended last month’s picketing, said at Thursday’s rally union members have started discussing the need for an RBO with city councilmembers and hope to see it introduced at an upcoming meeting. “It’s a process,” Piane said. “We’re trying to get more people from programs in the neighborhood to work in Evanston, that’s been an issue forever.” Evanston currently has a Local Employment Program, which mandates that at least 15% of workers on job sites for city projects costing over $25,000 must live in the city. However, Piane said that during his 21 years working in the field as a carpenter, he always struggled to find Evanston residents on Evanston-based projects. Esparza said a potential RBO could “further the ideals” of the LEP by encouraging the city to select contractors that are part of apprenticeship programs, which work to get Evanston residents on local job sites. “Without us protecting market share, there will be no jobs for apprentices to go to,” John Gallagher, a representative of the Iron Workers Local 1 Union who attended Thursday’s rally, said. “So part of the RBO would be local participation on the job site giving (Evanston Township High School) students a pathway into the trades.” Several local municipalities have passed RBOs, including Des Plaines, Forest Park and Oak Forest. Cook County also passed a county RBO in 2018. As discussions with city officials continue, union members are hopeful that Evanston could soon join its neighbors in passing the ordinance. “We want to make sure there’s a middle class in Evanston, especially around construction,” Esparza said. “This RBO can help ensure that.”

Sunrise wanted to promote hope in climate activism and started planning the event alongside the other activist groups. Bradish said she hoped attendees would “make new friends that they can do actions with together, and that they see there’s other people that also care.” She also noted that most Americans are anxious about climate change. “The fossil fuel companies probably want us to be hopeless because it’ll be easier to continue their path of business as usual,” she said. “We have to have hope, so we believe we can change.” Fossil Free members, Bienen sophomore Alex Neuser and Weinberg sophomore Ruth Debono, also attended Climate Hope. Debono said that climate can feel like “a hopeless space,” so they wanted to work with Evanston climate organizations on the event. Neuser and Debono acknowledged the need for NU students to continuously collaborate with students and leaders in Evanston to work on climate solutions. “Northwestern can be such an isolating little bubble,” Neuser said. “As Northwestern students, we’re just guests in this bigger Evanston community, and so I think it’s really important that we reach out and get in touch with the community.” Bradish and Slevin said the organizations hope to collaborate to host similar events in the future. “If you’re worried about climate change, you’re not alone. Talk to people about it,” Bradish said. We have way more power than we think.”

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THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

Bitter Blossom aims to revive city nightlife scene By EMILY KIM

daily senior staffer @heyyitsemoly

Nestled in Evanston’s Church Street Plaza, a new establishment has blossomed. Bitter Blossom, a bar owned by the same proprietors as downtown spot Evanston Games and Cafe, invites the community to an intimate, moody space filled with life — an atmosphere that general manager Lo McGrath described as “punk rock for fairies.” Led by a team of four individuals, McGrath said the bar aims to redefine nightlife in Evanston. “We wanted to do something that downtown Evanston was missing,” McGrath said.

“We were also trying to fill a void that nobody else wanted to.” McGrath said the name Bitter Blossom comes from the distinctive juxtaposition of words, symbolizing alcohol as both a delightful pleasure and a potential poison. The bar radiates a blend of nerd-friendly, a little off-the-beaten-path, fantasy-themed decor, according to McGrath. They said the decor items were contributed by the team members, and are primarily personal items from their homes. “Everybody who works there, there’s a lot of them physically on the walls,” McGrath said. The team encountered challenges leading to the opening. McGrath said it sometimes takes a bit longer to open a business in Evanston

because of permits and regulations, and the bar opened later than originally anticipated. But, McGrath said they look forward to revamping Evanston’s nightlife despite the initial trouble. “We’re one of the first places with boots on the ground, so we’re going to get to play a big role in how bar culture and nightlife culture comes back into Evanston,” McGrath said. Brad Sillars, a bartender at Bitter Blossom, said he hopes to bring an element of camaraderie to the bar, fostering a sense of community. “Evanston is a place that I think is just ready to move into a new chapter,” McGrath said. “We want (people in) Evanston to be able to go out again and have a nightlife, (since) there’s not a ton to do late (at) night,” Sillars said.

Bitter Blossom has a range of drink offerings, from beers to custom cocktails. Some of the signature cocktails made by the team include the Fuschia City Sour, Nyla Rose and High Hopewell. “No idea is a bad idea until we try it and it doesn’t work,” Team Member Maeve Crecco said. McGrath said they envision Bitter Blossom as a haven for Evanston’s counterculture, emphasizing community and diverse experiences. They said they hope to foster a space that welcomes the queer community, filling a void they’ve noticed in Evanston. “We love this industry, and we hope others love it,” McGrath said. emilykim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Photo Courtesy of Maeve Crecco

Community members gather at Bitter Blossom. The bar recently opened in Church Street Plaza.

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SPORTS

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Monday, October 30, 2023

FOOTBALL

Defensive back Azema seals Northwestern victory By JAKE EPSTEIN

daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Holding on to a slim six-point lead on Saturday, Northwestern’s defense appeared on the wrong side of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s two-minute drill. After the Terrapins nabbed a quickfire touchdown and forced a Wildcat three-and-out, the visitors were just 31 yards away from pulverizing a valiant upset effort into the chilly late-October air. For interim head coach David Braun, this game was never going to be easy. He said he often tells his team that he wants warriors and not mercenaries — guys who put on the pads for the love

of the game and battle for their teammates. “We’ve talked frequently about the difference between warriors and mercenaries,” Braun said. “Warriors are purpose driven. They know their purpose, (and) they know what they’re playing for.” Needing a player to step up at the final round of a fight against a double-digit point favorite, one of Braun’s most willpowered warriors won the day, sinking a dagger into his opponent’s resurgence. In a game-sealing moment, NU’s veteran defensive back — fitted for battle in gothic gear — shifted the course of the team’s season. As Tagovailoa’s thirddown throw left his hand and veered toward redshirt senior

safety Coco Azema, the Texas native said he knew he needed to make a play. Azema, who’s faced character building trials and tribulations throughout his NU career, met the low-arcing pass before it could strike the Ryan Field grass. The play all but cemented a 33-27 victory for the ‘Cats, pushing them onward in their quest for bowl eligibility. “All the work that you put in and being able to seal a game off like that — it’s amazing,” Azema said. Once Azema secured the crucial catch, the veteran leapt to his feet, high stepping on the surface where he’d grown from a gadget player at running back to the engine of the team’s secondary. The defensive back played

in just three games last season before his redshirt junior campaign came to a screeching halt with a torn ACL. NU’s senior captain had a long and bumpy road ahead in his recovery. “Had to get a cleanup surgery on that (ACL), so (there were) a lot of setbacks,” Azema said. “But having faith in God, and knowing that your time is going to come. That’s all you can do.” Even after he overcame the debilitating injury, Azema’s most difficult moments still remained ahead. One month before the ‘Cats kicked off their season-opener at Rutgers, Azema’s brother Cameron tragically passed away in a shooting on Aug. 3. After last month’s Minnesota game, Azema described how

Braun — who’d just been thrust into head coaching duties — was right there for him during that time of loss and grief. Braun said this resilience and heart make Azema’s value to NU immeasurable. “When I speak with pro scouts about Coco, it is very easy to say ‘You find a way to get this young man on your team, he’s gonna make everyone around him better,’” Braun said. “His presence in the locker room, on this team, on the sideline makes everyone around him better.” Through eight games, Azema has made his mark in a multitude of ways, rising to the occasion in the grandest of moments. Barreling between the sidelines, the safety imposes his will on every ball carrier that crosses his path.

But on Saturday, Azema’s ferocious play took a backseat to his finesse. He practically put the weight of the team’s offense on his back during the third quarter, breaking loose for a 61-yard kick return that secured the quarter’s lone three points for the ‘Cats. Although he momentarily tended to his battle scars in the locker room, Azema trotted right back onto the field when his team needed him the most. When he was tested in coverage, Azema delivered the most vital play of his season — and possibly his collegiate career. “This is why you play college football, Azema said. “You want to be in that spotlight. You want to have those plays come to you.” jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Well-rounded offense Sullivan first half crucial to win helps NU secure win By ALEX CERVANTES

daily senior staffer @CervantesPAlex

By PALOMA LEONE-GETTEN

daily senior staffer @pleonegetten

Propelled by a well-rounded offense, Northwestern secured a hard-fought victory against Indiana Sunday. The Wildcats (11-11, 5-7 Big Ten) defeated the Hoosiers (16-9, 6-6 Big Ten) in five sets in their first and only meeting of the season. “I think a huge part of today was also a response from last match,” sophomore outside hitter Averie Hernandez said. “I mean, we lost in three to Ohio State and we definitely could compete with that team. I think one of our goals was to kill the ball more and that’s what we did.” Senior setter Alexa Rousseau led the way for the ‘Cats, tallying a season-high 53 assists along with eight kills. Junior libero Ellee Stinson held things down in the back row with 17 digs. As the Big Ten’s leader in aces, the Hoosiers served up eight, but NU’s defense was ready. “I think our passers are some of the best in the conference when they’re confident … they did really well and didn’t let outside factors impact them,” senior middle blocker Leilani Dodson said. It was a career match for two ‘Cats — sophomore middle blocker Kennedy Hill posted a career-high 12 kills and 11 blocks, while Hernandez recorded career-highs with 21 kills and 14 digs and earned her first double-double. “You see (Hernandez) digging the balls, attacking in a lot of tough situations,” coach Shane Davis said. “A lot of medium systems situations, where she’s hitting against the double block and then out of the back row … So she’s doing it all for us at this point.” The first set saw some well-rounded play by NU. Five digs apiece from Hernandez and Stinson provided a solid defense, while Rousseau dished out 13 assists to five hitters. Despite a last-minute rally by Indiana, the ‘Cats capped off a successful start to the

match, leading 25-23. The second set began with a 5-0 run by the Hoosiers. The ‘Cats, capitalizing on Indiana’s errors, battled back to tie the match at seven. By set point, NU was poised to take a two-set lead. However, Indiana pushed back, forcing 12 set points and ultimately winning the set 34-32. “We weren’t even thinking about the score at that point, and trying to respond to what they were giving us,” Hernandez said. Set three similarly started strong for the Hoosiers, and they maintained control throughout. Hill brought some life to the team, providing three kills and taking part in two blocks throughout the set, but Indiana stayed consistent, winning 25-21. The ‘Cats bounced back in the fourth set, and had the lead four points in. Three Indiana service errors and a balanced attack from Dodson, Hernandez and Hill powered NU toward set five, 25-22. The fifth set started strong for the ‘Cats with the help of a block from Hill and a kill from Dodson. Two kills from Hernandez secured them a 4-2 lead, the point of no return for NU as they worked their way to a 15-10 win to take the match. “We came into it wanting a sense of pride in playing at home,” Dodson said. “It would take a lot to beat us at home. So I think from serving, passing, killing the ball everyone all around did really well.” After three games without Julia Sangiacomo, the graduate outside hitter suited up and subbed into the match twice, but didn’t touch the ball. Davis said Sangiacomo’s status is “day to day.” Still without Sangiacomo’s regular double-digit kill contributions, the ‘Cats seem to be figuring things out with six players adding to the offense Sunday. “I feel like there were lots of hitters who had like a chunk of winning tonight,” Hernandez said. “No one had to carry the full load, which was nice.” NU will return to the court against Illinois on Wednesday.

Brendan Sullivan was about to get rocked. With 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the junior quarterback felt the pressure from Maryland’s front bearing down on him. As he rolled out of the pocket, he pointed downfield before planting and unwinding on a deep throw. Right as the ball left his hands, he was hammered. His throw was perfectly placed, connecting with senior wide receiver A.J. Henning, who made a diving catch for a 34-yard gain, down to the Terrapins’ seven-yard line. “Brendan can make plays with his legs,” Henning said of the late-game linkage. “So (I’m) always being available, always looking to uncover and get open knowing he can make a play at any time.” Sullivan’s dart was emblematic of his performance Saturday, one in which he absorbed hit after hit en route to a career-high 265-yard passing day, a team-high 56 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Northwestern’s 33-27 triumph — a victory which puts the Wildcats (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten) just two wins away from bowl eligibility. Interim head coach David Braun beamed while discussing Sullivan’s

performance postgame, hailing the Davison, Michigan, native as a “warrior.” Coming off a disappointing offensive performance in Lincoln the previous weekend, Sullivan showed his resilience and fight while battling the Terrapins, Braun said. “Guys just gravitate toward (Sullivan),” Braun said. “We talk frequently about the difference between warriors and mercenaries. Warriors are purpose-driven — they know what they’re playing for. I don’t use that word lightly. He certainly knows what he’s playing for; he knows his purpose.” On NU’s opening drive, Sullivan was sacked twice — a foreboding sign that Saturday’s game could see a repeat of Nebraska’s eight-sack performance. But, following Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s fumble, Sullivan’s 10-yard rush put the ‘Cats inside the one-yard line where senior running back Cam Porter capitalized on the Terrapin turnover. After a Maryland touchdown, Sullivan completed a trio of throws to senior wide receiver Bryce Kirtz, the last of which saw the wideout haul in a 23-yard pass for six points. Sullivan completed his first seven throws before an incompletion in the red zone on NU’s third drive. His next pass was anything but errant. Facing a third-and-goal, Sullivan escaped the gaggle of white jerseys

converging on him in the backfield. As a Terrapin defender lunged at his ankles, he floated a pass to Porter who waltzed into the endzone untouched. Porter’s score capped off a 10-play, 97-yard drive from the ‘Cats — their third consecutive touchdown. Just like that, NU, which entered Saturday’s contest as two-touchdown underdogs, held a 21-14 lead over Maryland at the start of the second quarter, propelled by Sullivan’s play. “Finally, our offense was playing like we practiced,” Sullivan said. “It finally just started to click today, started to click early.” Though the offense stalled in the third quarter — their three drives accounted for just three total yards — Sullivan and the ‘Cats made timely plays, including that completion to Henning in the final frame to secure a victory. Saturday’s win marks NU’s second triumph with Sullivan as their starter. And for the quarterback whose first career start in 2022 was against Maryland, the win meant a little more. “Yeah, it’s definitely that much sweeter,” Sullivan said. “Knowing that we could’ve had these guys last year, but it was a tough loss — Coming out here and getting this win, it means a lot.” alexcervantes2024@u.northwestern.edu

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Northwestern players celebrate. The Wildcats picked up a five-set victory over Indiana Sunday.

Junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan. Sullivan threw for a career-high 265 yards and two touchdowns in Northwestern’s 33-27 win over Maryland Saturday.