‘A dream role’: Marie Hardin named Quinnipiac University’s next president
By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief
Last Thursday, Chuck Saia, chairman of the Board of Trustees, stood up in front of the full Mt. Carmel Auditorium and announced Marie Hardin’s name as the 10th president of Quinnipiac University.
“It’s a great day for Bobcat nation,” Saia said. “Early on in the process, I remember thinking ‘this is like finding a needle in a haystack’ and saying ‘we are not turning the keys over to just anyone.’”
The search, supported by Spencer Stuart, the global search firm, surveyed hundreds of applicants — until a unanimous board decision picked Hardin as the university’s second female president in its history.
The search for a new president began after current President Judy Olian announced her intentions to step down three days before the start of the fall 2024 semester.
“There’s no question that there’s a mix of emotions,” Olian said. “When I first announced that I was stepping down, I don’t think I got through a sentence. We had such a warm and gratifying experience here. It’s hard to leave but you wanna leave when things are going really, really well, and you wanna leave when the person coming in after you can continue not just respect what has happened, but accelerate it.”
Olian will continue to serve in her role until July 1, when Hardin will officially take over.
“Can you tell I’m excited?” Hardin said after being introduced to the booming crowd in Mt. Carmel Auditorium.
“I heard (Olian) earlier use the term ‘dream role,’” Hardin said. “For a president, I believe, a dream role happens because you’re in a community that lifts you up, that is interested in propelling the entire institution forward and supporting its students everyday. That’s the institution that’s
made this a dream role for her and I know will make it a dream role for me.”
But who is Marie Hardin?
Hardin is a first-generation college graduate from Houston, Texas, from a working class community and is the second child of four siblings.
Just like Olian, Hardin hails to Quinnipiac from Pennsylvania State University where she currently serves as the dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications for the last decade.
During her time leading the college — the largest accredited mass communications program in the country — “Hardin directed efforts that bolstered the program’s repu -
tation for high-quality undergraduate and graduate education, broadened its impact in interdisciplinary research and expanded its outreach. Under Hardin’s leadership, the Bellisario College’s ongoing success has been the result of internationally renowned faculty and a highly collegial, collaborative culture fostered by employees and highachieving, motivated students,” according to Penn State’s press release.
“I really like Marie and I hope she likes me,” Olian said. “We have a very easy relationship. We’ll be having a lot of conversations.”
During her time as a professor she amassed a 4.7 rating on ratemyprofessors website — the largest professor rating website for col-
leges and universities.
“If you have the opportunity to take a class with Dean Hardin, do not waste it,” the last review from January 2021 said. “She is amazing, her lectures were always incredible and the assignments were helpful. Make sure to go to her office hours to get to know her better! She expects us to work hard for the A, but it’s totally worth it. She was my favorite professor so far.”
The Bellisario College also has one of the highest graduation rates at Penn State under her leadership.
“Dean Hardin has provided more than two decades of exemplary leadership and service to both the Bellisario College and the wider Penn State community,” said Penn State Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde in the university’s press release. “Her strategic leadership and dedication to the University have provided an example that permeates Penn State and has built an exceptional reputation for the college at Penn State and far beyond. She has positioned the Bellisario College for continuing success going forward.”
Outside of her role at Penn State, in 2019 Hardin served as president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication — a nonprofit, educational association of journalism and mass communication educators, students and media professionals. She chairs the committee for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and serves on the leadership board of the Alliance of Schools and Colleges of Communication and Journalism. She is also the chair of the steering committee for the Hearts Journalism Awards Program — a program awards scholarships to students for outstanding performance in college-level journalism, with matching grants to the students’ schools.
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
Marie Hardin joins Quinnipiac University as only its second female president.
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Hardin set to replace Olian July 1
Hardin is also the author of more than 60 journal articles and one of the authors of “American Sports in the Shadow of a Pandemic” and “Routledge Handbook of Sport and Social Media.” She also works as a co-editor of Sage Journal “Communication and Sport,” which is a peer-reviewed, bimonthly journal that “publishes research to foster international scholarly understanding of the nexus of communication and sport.”
Hardin earned her Bachelor’s degree in theology from Ambassador University, Master’s in communication from Georgia State University and a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Georgia.
She will be joined by her husband, a retired Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, Jerry Kammer.
“This is all really impressive but that’s not the only reason the board selected (Hardin,)” Saia said. “She comes from the School of Communications, which was attractive with what’s going on in higher ed today and she has a knack for developing long term relationships. She is someone who is going to fit into our culture.”
“When I opened up the strategic plan and I read about the University of the Future, those really spoke to me and resonated with me,” Hardin said. “What a
“There’s a culture here that is unique to Quinnipiac and I want to understand it and work with the community to evolve it.”
– Marie Hardin
FUTURE PRESIDENT OF QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
journey this university has been on.”
For now Hardin will continue her role at Penn State, while working with Olian to ensure a smooth transition between the two presidents.
“The mark of a great institution is the transition that is smooth and takes the momentum and moves it forward,” Hardin said. “I have been so honored, privileged and blessed to be working with (Saia) and (Olian) on this transition and I just want to thank them.”
Hardin is very passionate about continuing the work Olian started — including her
tradition of president-student hours.
“I’m very fortunate, this university is at a very strong place and it gives me the luxury of time to really get to know this community,” Hardin said. “There’s a culture here that is unique to Quinnipiac and I want to understand it and work with the community to evolve it.”
Hardin also said she can’t wait to start coming to student and athletic events, and so the women’s ice hockey jersey bearing the number 10 on its back, which Olian gifted her at the announcement ceremony, will definitely be put to good use.
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Hardin is joined by her husband, a retired Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, Jerry Kammer.
TRIPP MENHALL/CHRONICLE
Marie Hardin, similar to President Judy Olian, joins Quinnipiac University after serving as dean at Pennsylvania State University.
TRIPP MENHALL/CHRONICLE Hardin addresses the crowd in the Mt. Carmel Auditorium, on Thursday Jan. 30, 2025.
Students still unable to move back in following a pipe burst in Mountainview
By AVA HIGHLAND Associate News Editor
Students are still relocated one week after a pipe burst in Mountainview residence hall on the Mount Carmel Campus.
The pipe burst Wednesday Jan. 29, around 7 p.m., flooding three suites and forcing 24 students to relocate.
John Morgan, associate vice president for public relations, confirmed in an email to The Chronicle that it was a hot water pipe burst.
“We have determined that while a mechanic was working on plumbing, the pipe failed and burst,” Thomas Rouse, director of residential life, wrote in an email to The Chronicle.
Quinnipiac offered temporary housing to students in affected suites. Several students relocated to Hill, Village or Commons, while others stayed with friends or siblings.
“The impacted students have been offered an opportunity to relocate to other university housing while repairs are being made,” Morgan wrote.
Around 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, students in room 460 received an email from Shi Malcolm, residence hall director. Malcolm informed students that SERVPRO — Quinnipiac’s contracted repair company — would begin repairs on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 9:00 a.m. Students in rooms 260 and 360 began moving back in on the same day.
“Unfortunately, testing in (460) indicates that moisture levels are too high, and that further repairs are needed before the space can be reoccupied,” Rouse wrote. “We are working to make sure the students who have been affected are able to retrieve personal belongings.”
Rouse said the repairs are expected to take about two weeks.
“Most of the damage involves water in-
trusion in the walls, particularly in this one suite,” Rouse wrote. “Sheetrock, insulation and ceiling tiles need to be replaced.”
The night of the burst students affected by the water received an email from Rouse around 10:30 p.m.
“I want to take a moment to personally thank you for your patience, understanding, and positive energy tonight as we worked through the unexpected flooding in your room,” Rouse wrote. “I know this was a frustrating situation, and I truly appreciate your flexibility.”
Rouse followed up with students the next morning around 10:00 a.m. regarding information on when they could return to their rooms.
“After further assessing the space, we have been informed that you will not be able to return to your Mountainview assignment until at least next week,” Rouse wrote. “I understand that this is not the update you were hoping for, and I appreciate your continued patience as we work through this situation.”
The night of the flooding, facilities were seen working on repairs in suite 460’s bathroom toilet on Floor 4 where the pipe burst. Water flooded on the floor at least an inch high to the naked eye.
Water then flooded down to the second floor, causing ceiling tile damage and soaked carpets. Facilities workers and resident assistants told residents in suites 460, 360 and 260 to collect their items and they would be relocated.
Several personal items were damaged, including a student’s laptop, several students’ bedding and more. The flooding also caused irritable fumes in the affected suites.
Additional facilities workers and Student Affairs immediately arrived at the scene. They used vacuums to drain water from all
A hot water pipe burst floods three suits in the Mountainview Residence Hall, tempo
rarily relocating 24 students.
the suites and worked to repair ceiling tiles.
Workers checked the surrounding suites for damages but only the aforementioned three were affected.
Information about the incident instantly spread to other students and parent pages on social media, causing concern and confusion.
“(We) were walking by and then we saw a huge waterfall come down from the ceiling,”
Robert Testa, a first-year finance major, said. “And then the whole tile came down, basically making a Moutainview waterfall.”
To restore damages in the suite, trim was removed from the walls and SERVPRO continued with the reparations in the suites and hallways.
At 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, students received another email from Rouse with steps to report damaged items. Rouse instructed the students to complete an Excel form with “a detailed list of all damaged items and price” and, “if possible, attach photos of damaged items and any receipts for affected belongings.”
About a year ago, on Jan. 17, 2024, Mountainview faced a burst sprinkler head causing damage to six suites. Students affected by the burst were displaced for over two weeks.
“Our Facilities Management team is continuing to look at this incident and is working to prevent any future occurences,” Rouse wrote.
Quinnipiac launches new Conferences and Events Department
By AVA HIGHLAND Associate News Editor
Quinnipiac University staff created the Conferences and Events Department with several goals to increase the university’s brand awareness, draw in more revenue and ensure limiting liability in July 2024.
The department provides full service planning for external events held on Quinnipiac’s campus.
“As an extension to that company or associations team, our staff will be there to help with the logistics of the conference so that their team can focus more on the content and the marketing of their programs,” Shannon LeGault, associate vice president of conferences and events said.
LeGault hopes for the department to aid in connecting the university to the surrounding communities, as well as giving them the opportunity to take advantage of the spaces and resources.
The department works directly with campus partners including facilities, public safety, audio visual and Chartwells dining.
“(We) start(ed) talking to work with all of them on how we can host events during the academic year and the summer,” LeGault said. “And be a little bit more streamlined in the processes to make sure that
we’re getting information in a timely manner to each other and helping kind of ease the lift off of some of their teams by taking on some of the logistics by our team.”
As an alumni of the university, the Hamden, Connecticut native has had the opportunity to come back and see the places she used to spend her time at, as well as what’s different.
“It’s great to be back on the campus and see how much has changed since I left, but there are still some things that are the same, which is also really cool to be able to kind of pop back into where I used to take classes,” LeGault said. “But it’s great to see, you know, the new buildings that are being opened and all of the different programs that they’ve added since I’ve left.”
LeGault returns to Quinnipiac after working at Yale University alongside Charity Kuchyt, director of conferences and events. With their combined expertise and experience, both former Bobcats make a strong team.
“Between her historical knowledge and the existing relationship she has with campus partners and my background in strategic planning at Yale, I think so far, we’re making great strides in building the department pretty quickly,” LeGault said.
While still being fairly new, the depart -
ment has made significant progress, beginning with launching their website.
The website includes a form for those interested in hosting an event on campus. The form keeps the department organized and able to respond quickly as new inquiries roll in.
The department has held meetings to build, or build upon existing relationships.
“We have met with leading stakeholders and campus partners to see how we can best collaborate with them to streamline existing processes and create some more efficiency between departments,” LeGault said. “And (to) have the ability to scale up as we continue to grow.”
Currently, the department works on a marketing strategy, as well as collecting interest for summer housing for interns.
These summer housing options would be open to Quinnipiac students, as well as students from other college students, who are partaking in internships locally.
LeGault hopes for this option to extend beyond college students as well, with the growing number of events taking place in the summer months.
“We started meeting with our campus partners to discuss the number of events and conferences on campus during the summer,
so being able to offer more opportunity to adults and high school students to stay on campus,” LeGault said. “So that will continue to be a conversation going forward.”
The department has already worked with several companies and organizations to hold events.
“We just recently hosted an event for the Rotary International Club in conjunction with the Albert Schweitzer Institute,” LeGault said. “We hosted an event for Advanced CT that the governor was in attendance for. We helped the CT STEM conference that happened a few weeks ago.”
While drawing awareness to Quinnipiac, the department also has a heavy focus on bringing alumni back to campus.
“I’m most looking forward to reconnecting alumni to the university,” LeGault said. “Giving them the opportunity to come back to campus and see the tremendous growth and innovation that the university has had since they left.”
Looking ahead, the department will be hosting the wedding ceremony of two former students in the chapel in October. They are also planning for the summer, in line with the overall goal of increasing brand awareness.
Opinion
Why the movies are a special place
By NEVE WILSON Staff Writer
In the wise words of actress Nicole Kidman, “We come to this place for magic.” These are the opening lines to her viral ad for AMC theaters, which often plays during previews. She goes on to say, “We come to AMC theaters to laugh, to cry, to care.”
The ad was created to encourage people to go to the theater after the coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay home. The pandemic, plus two separate Hollywood strikes in 2023, led to an increase in the popularity of streaming movies as an alternative. Still, there is still something irreplaceable about the experience of going to see a movie in theaters.
Going to the theater turns passively watching a movie into an experience which you can share with friends — and strangers. Experiencing the same emotions creates a sense of connection and community. An article from The Washington Post also found that laughter is scientifically contagious. Think about how much more expressive you may be at the theater, compared to watching something alone in your living room.
The movie theater also features better technology than the average person has at home, which allows you to become more immersed in the film. At AMC theaters — the largest movie theater chain in the world — this includes Dolby brand audio systems with surround sound, IMAX image enhancement, laser and 3D projection. And of course, the comfortable reclining chairs, which a striking 37% of respondents said
was their reason for going to the movies in a poll for IndieWire.
Over the summer I saw the movie “Twisters” starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones in 4D and I can absolutely say that it enhanced my movie watching experience. It’s a sequel to the 1996 film “Twister” about a group of storm chasers. At the theater I went to, my seat moved back and forth during the tornado scenes and I had wind and water sprayed at me, making me feel like I was chasing storms alongside Powell and Edgar-Jones — though I don’t want to know how old that water was.
Similarly, when I saw “Wicked” in November, the high-quality speakers enhanced Cynthia Erivo’s iconic whistle tone and the big screen made me feel like I was attending Shiz University myself. I dressed in green for the occasion and forced my sister to wear pink.
I was inspired by trends on TikTok which encouraged people to dress up in suits for the release of “Minions: The Rise of Gru” in 2022 and to dress up as their favorite version of the titular character for “Barbie” in 2023. I wore pink to “Barbie” and invited my mom with me after I heard people talking about the sense of nostalgia and girlhood elicited by the film. It was cool to look around the theater and see almost everybody dressed up as well. Talk about bonding before the movie even starts!
Once I’m inside the theater, I live for the excitement of finding my seat and the suspense of the lights going down and the open-
ing scene beginning. I decided my preferred movie snack was Junior Mints in probably fourth grade, and I have yet to stray from it. Once the movie is done, I also love the feeling of refreshment walking out of the theater after taking a break from real life.
Although watching movies at home is more convenient and cheaper, I feel as though you get less value out of the film. It’s sort of like making coffee at home vs going to Starbucks.
In today’s world we are inundated by content on social media and streaming services, causing us to sometimes prioritize quantity over quality. Taking time to really appreciate a film makes it more satisfying and memorable. To this day my friend Nathalie and I like to brag about iconic movies
we saw in theaters (“The Hunger Games,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” “The Greatest Showman”).
Plus, as I’ve noticed my attention span getting shorter thanks to the popularity of short-form content, I find myself having difficulty sitting through a movie at home. I‘m tempted to pause movies and I don’t always return to them, or I just scroll on my phone while they are playing.
The good news for theater lovers like myself is that box office revenue did increase 31% from 2022 to 2023, but it is still 15% lower than in 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In order to preserve this valuable experience I encourage you to grab your friends and go out to see a movie in theaters.
ICE’s deportations are inhumane
By JAZZMELY FAJARDO Contributing Writer
During the first week of President Donald Trump’s second term, he signed executive orders to start mass deportations across the United States. What was planned to be a deportation of immigrants who have committed crimes, has now become a deportation of any immigrant that ICE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — deportation policy can find.
His deportation policy is for what he calls “dangerous aliens” according to an X post from Trump’s team. He has also signed executive orders to get rid of the protection of birthright citizens.
Birthright citizenship is part of the 14th Amendment, which, in 1868, stated that the U.S. grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U. S., including formerly enslaved individuals and guarantees equal protection under the law. In short, anyone born on U.S. land has the right to citizenship, regardless of whether their parents are immigrants. A ban on birthright citizens could do enormous damage to the country.
It’s disgusting for the president of the free world to talk about people in such a way where it dehumanizes them. Such hatred strips away the integrity of the individuals who came here seeking a better life and wanting to contribute to the American dream.
What Trump has done in his first weeks in office is a horror to watch.
These mass deportations have hit 24 major cities, including Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City and Los Angeles. But, in reality, they have also hit many more small cities and towns.
ICE has been completely abusing its power when it comes to what was supposed to be just a raid for criminals. They are now targeting schools, churches and hospitals.
For someone who claims to be religious,
I find it hypocritical that Trump is allowing ICE to be in churches and places of worship.
Given that a church is supposed to be a place where everyone should feel accepted and safe, what type of message is he sending?
For immigration to go after schools, which are supposed to be a safe place for children, is crossing the line. It’s completely inhumane. Children already worry about their safety when it comes to school shootings, and now they have to worry if they will be taken by ICE while studying in class.
Immigration officers have started to disguise their cars from a normal ICE vehicle to lure immigrants out of their houses with fake warrants.
To see and read about what is going on in this country and what they’re doing to these poor people who had left their countries for a better opportunity is so sad to see. Some might say, “Well, they should’ve come legally,” but at the same time don’t understand how polarized immigration is in America.
Legalization is an extremely long, hard and expensive process. It’s extremely rare for an immigrant to get their documents easily, which is why most don’t go through the process legally.
I have first-hand experience of being a part of a community of “dangerous aliens,” and to see how the country is treating these people is sickening. People tend to forget that the mass immigration order hurts people who came to this country for a better opportunity. They came here to get jobs that most wouldn’t want. They are fathers, mothers and children; they don’t deserve this inhumanity, mostly on land that was stolen.
It’s completely unacceptable what is going on, and these humans, not “dangerous aliens,” deserve better. It’s heartbreaking to see families torn apart and people that are a part of the immigration community living in constant fear.
ILLUSTRATION
CHARLES REED/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, ICE has been enabled to freely abuse their power.
Opinion
It’s time to appreciate greatness
Patrick Mahomes is on the brink of history, but why has be become the most hated man in sports?
By COLIN KENNEDY Managing Editor
It’s rare in the world of professional sports when you get to witness a once-in-ageneration athlete. Those types of athletes are just so far and few between. Whether it was Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Bill Russell or Serena Williams, you usually know when you’re seeing someone special, someone that transcends the sport itself.
Another athlete has already joined their ranks, Patrick Mahomes, and Sunday, Feb. 9, he has the chance to do something never seen before — win three-straight Super Bowls and his fourth overall at the age of 29.
But on the cusp of a historic championship why has he become the most hated man, on what now seems the most hated team in sports?
The answer isn’t simple, it’s probably more complex and needs way more time to explain, but it more than likely boils down to a simple emotion — jealousy.
Every team is jealous that they don’t have a guy like Mahomes. Every athlete is jealous that they aren’t Mahomes. Every fan is jealous that Mahomes isn’t on their squad. Every single one of them is jealous, and they just can’t stand that he just keeps winning.
And it’s understandable too, whether you’re a fan or an athlete you want to be the best, you want to be the one raising the trophy at the end of the season. So when Ma-
homes plays the role of spoiler every single year, ripping the heart out of teams and fans across America, it’s understandable why so many have grown to hate them.
But what is so hard to understand is why, after three Super Bowls and seven-straight AFC Champion ship appearances, the entire country has turned completely against him and the Kan sas City Chiefs. Are people just that soft that they can’t handle seeing a single athlete dominate in the way Ma homes has?
And the argument of wanting parity in the game is also understandable. Many fans would probably love to see Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills finally get past Mahomes, or to see Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals get back to the Big Game. Or quite frankly just see any other team besides the Chiefs.
and just playing tomato cans en route to each title either. He’s going up against the best the league has to offer, and they just can’t beat him. Allen is 0-4 against Mahomes in the postseason, and Burrow is 1-1 but hasn’t sniffed the Super Bowl since beating the Chiefs three years ago.
ation, it probably ends with him on top. Maybe it’s just time to admit he is one of the greatest competitors to ever grace a field of competition. And maybe it’s time for people to truly appreciate what they are witnessing, because you just don’t know when you’ll see something like this again.
It’s not like Mahomes is skipping the line
So, after nearly seven years of running laps around the league, he has become a modern-day supervillain. People continue to grasp at straws to discredit his historical career. Whether he has the refs in his back pocket, or some unnatural force that somehow wills him to victory, it’s all been said — and he continues to prove them all wrong. There was no phantom penalty call that bailed him out on Jan. 26 in a 32-29 win over Buffalo. Mahomes made enough winning plays to come out on top. Allen had the ball with a chance to win the game, he couldn’t get the job done. If Mahomes was in that situ-
Basketball malpractice
Mahomes and the Chiefs are one win away from something truly historic. No team has ever won three-straight Super Bowls — we are witnessing history unfolding in front of our eyes.
Just think about all the stories you’ve heard about Jordan’s six rings or Joe Montana’s four Super Bowl victories. Many alive today have no memory of either, and there are countless great moments in sports that you can only relive through old ESPN documentaries.
Super Bowl LIX provides you with the opportunity to witness one of these great moments in sports. A moment that will be talked about for decades as one of the greatest runs in professional sports.
So if Sunday ends with Mahomes hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with red and white confetti raining down on him — don’t be mad. Don’t just throw your hands up and complain that the Chiefs won again. Instead take a moment and appreciate what you’re witnessing. Because you just may never see it again — unless he wins next year too.
The most shocking trade in NBA history makes zero
By BEN BUSILLO Opinion Editor
Basketball fans will forever remember where they were when they heard that the Dallas Mavericks traded away their franchise.
I was laying on my dorm room couch half asleep, upset.
Why? Because John Cena just lost the WWE Royal Rumble. Little did I know what was in store for me in the near future.
At 12:12 a.m. I received an X notification from Shams Charania, the senior NBA insider from ESPN.
The 25-year-old NBA superstar Luka Doncic had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team-deal with the Utah Jazz, for a package that included Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first round pick.
I genuinely thought that Charania had been hacked, and there would be a follow up post declaring the trade a false alarm. But no. My fears were confirmed when Charania released a follow up post with the message “Yes, this is real,” along with the full terms of the trade.
He literally had to double down because of how ridiculous it is. Even Charania didn’t believe the trade at first, as he said on the ESPN show “Get Up” : “I thought my phone was hacked.”
I was in utter shock, and still am.
This deal makes absolutely zero sense. You don’t just trade a perennial MVP candidate like Doncic. There are zero ways to justify this move.
The Mavericks reportedly had “major concerns about moving forward with (Doncic) due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming
commitment of another super max contract extension this summer,” according to ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon.
So, Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison just traded away the potential best player in franchise history, who is beloved in the city of Dallas and who wanted to stay there for the entirety of his career, all because he put on a little weight?
That may be the dumbest thing I ever heard.
Even if Doncic is overweight and has some conditioning issues, who cares. He just led the team to the NBA Finals last year and was the leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goals during the playoffs.
And to fix that problem by trading for Davis, who was given the nickname ‘street clothes’ because he has been constantly sidelined from injuries over the course of his career.
Harrison further justified the move by claiming “I believe that defense wins championships,”
“I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.” Harrison told ESPN.
The Mavericks were three wins away from a championship last year, and traded away the guy who made it happen.
Even if it was a good idea to ship away Doncic, the manner in which the Mavericks conducted
sense
this trade should be considered malpractice. Harrison didn’t even bother to feel out the market.
In the early stages of discussion with the Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka thought that Harrison was joking when he floated the idea of a Doncic and Davis swap.
Can you imagine the haul the Mavericks would have gotten if they actually shopped Doncic around the league, creating a massive public bidding war?
Rudy Gobert was acquired from the Utah Jazz in 2022 by the Minnesota Timberwolves for five players (three of them starters) and five first round draft picks. But the Mavericks only got back Davis, Christie and a first round pick?
The Mavericks return, to put it bluntly, sucks. Davis turns 32 in March, and with his proneness to injuries, signs point to him being an expiring good. Don’t get me wrong. Davis is an unbelievable basketball player on both sides of the floor, and will definitely help the Mavericks in the short term, but for Doncic?
Doncic is a player that should be untouchable. Former majority owner Mark Cuban agreed, even admitting that he would rather divorce his wife than trade away Doncic.
He has generational talent, and has perhaps the highest career ceiling since his now teammate LeBron James.
The Mavericks are not a franchise with a track record of historical excellence. If you are a team who is lucky enough to wander into a player like Doncic, you lock him in the arena and throw away the key.
ERIK DROST/WIKIMEDIA
BY BEN BUSILLO
ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA
Arts & Life
‘An evening of music and solidarity’ Fire Aid hosts star-studded lineup to raise money for L.A. wildfires
By GINA LORUSSO Arts & Life Editor
In response to the devastating California wildfires, over two dozen artists across all genres came together, on Jan. 30, to perform a five-hour benefit concert that would raise money for relief efforts.
With tickets starting at $99 each, all funds raised went to short-term relief and long-term fire prevention projects, according to Fire and Safety Journal Americas. Fire Aid simultaneously hosted two venues in Inglewood, California: Intuit Dome and Kia Forum.
Former CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, and former CEO of Ticketmaster, Irving Azoff, organized the event with the Annenberg Foundation, a nonprofit that provides funding to other nonprofits and community projects. Ballmer promised to match every dollar donated to the cause.
The concert debuted across 25 streaming platforms including YouTube, Max, Prime Video and Disney+ allowing people across the world to tune in.
Today’s biggest stars and icons from the past joined together to put on a night of ballads, dance numbers and upbeat tunes. Names like Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Katie Perry, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Earth, Wind & Fire, P!nk, No
Doubt, Nirvana, Stevie Nicks, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, Green Day and more delivered unforgettable performances.
Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara designed the merchandise available for purchase online and at the venues. From posters to sweatshirts and shirts, Nara’s art features a character with a guitar and the words “Rock You!” above it.
Many of the artists and celebrities in
“When life gives you lemons or burnt houses, you make lemonade,” Roberts said.
Eilish made an early surprise appearance during Green Day’s set joining them for “Last Night on Earth” as photos from the fires appeared on the screen behind them.
The surviving members of Nirvana — Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear — reunited for a nostalgia-filled performance. A rotation of Joan Jett,
such a beautiful reflection of what music does, is bring people together in this way,” singersongwriter Gracie Abrams said. “I’m just inspired by all of you in this community, and I love Los Angeles very much.”
The concert also brought firefighters and people who lost their homes in the fires on stage to speak about the tragedy. One of the speakers was 10-year-old Grayson Roberts from Altadena, whose family lost everything.
Nirvana’s “All Apologies.”
Esteemed folk singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell made a rare public appearance and performed her 1969 ballad “Both Sides, Now” while seated on a golden throne. Her moving performance brought tears to the audience and she was thanked with a standing ovation from the thousands present.
Rising star Tate McRae toned things down on Thursday, straying from her usual
high energy performances. She sang one of her most popular songs “You Broke Me First” and covered Crowded House’s “Don't Dream It's Over,” a beautiful rendition highlighting her raw vocals and emotional depth.
Lady Gaga closed the show with a series of songs from her 2018 film “A Star Is Born” and an original piece she wrote for the benefit. The singer showcased “All I Need is Time,” a light jazz piece about taking time to heal before getting back on your feet — a hopeful message for those affected by the fires.
“This has been a horrible scary time," Gaga said. "But during these times, I feel like people come together and we see how much we need each other. And I want to always remember us just like this.”
As Gaga wrapped up her performance, the night ended on an optimistic note, reminding everyone of the healing power of music.
Fire Aid was a testament to the resilience of the County of Los Angeles and the generosity of those willing to come together for a greater good.
With $60 million raised on ticket sales and sponsors alone, the benefit proved that even in the face of tragedy, compassion and solidarity can make a real change.
Super Bowl showdown
Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles rematch in Super Bowl LIX
By ZACHARY REAGAN Staff Writer
After all of the tension and stress of two conference championship games have passed, NFL fans are forced to wait in limbo for an extra week before the biggest event of the year. Until Feb. 9, all they can do is speculate before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs square off in Super Bowl LIX.
Will Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirriani prove their doubters wrong? Will Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid cement themselves as the NFL’s newest dynasty? Who benefits the most from winning the big one?
I think it’s important to detail how each team actually managed to get to Super Bowl LIX, starting with the Chiefs. They finished the regular season with a remarkable 15-2 record, losing only to the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos in Week 18 where almost every important starter did not play.
But while the Chief’s dominance of the league is reflected in their record, they were also 12-0 in games decided by one score or less. They can close unlike any team in the league this year and arguably in its whole history.
The Chiefs are able to pull off these close wins because of the guy everyone knows.
Mahomes had an off year on paper, but he didn’t need to do as much as he had in previous seasons for his team to win.
He’s been able to lean on the likes of running backs Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. His receiving core has admittedly been questionable this year, but rookie
receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce have proven to be Mahomes’ most reliable targets. Worthy just had the best performance of his first year in the AFC Championship game against the Bills, proving the sky’s the limit for their offense.
Their defense, manned by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, has been top five in scoring defense and opponent points per game. They’ve been a stalwart unit all year, and a big reason why Mahomes was able to play his worst statistical season and still make the Super Bowl.
Player-wise, they’re led by the defensive line, namely defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis. The secondary has also locked down receivers all year, with safety Justin Reid and cornerback Trent McDuffie.
On the other side though, the Eagles have had an insane turnaround over the last year. After finishing their 2023 season 1-6 and losing their Wild Card game to the Buccaneers, general manager Howie Roseman got to work.
He revamped the offensive line by moving Cam Jurgens to center, and brought in a former first-round tackle, Mekhi Becton. Instead of playing him there, Becton played guard for the Eagles in a breakout year. A lot of credit should go to Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles offensive line coach. This unit has consistently been the best in the league during his tenure, earning him the moniker of Stoutland University.
The offense also got a huge bump from
free agent Saquon Barkley, who had the NFL’s seventh ever 2,000 yard rushing season in 2024.
Now how will these teams match up? I think, like most football games, this one will be won in the trenches. The Eagles offensive line versus the Chiefs defensive line is set to be the most interesting battle of the night.
I predict Hurts will be under a lot of pressure and probably take a few sacks. One of his biggest weaknesses as a quarterback is getting the ball out in a timely manner, and I expect it’ll continue to be an issue for him in the Super Bowl.
Despite that, Hurts has been great at keeping the ball in the hands of his offense. He hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 10, but neither has Mahomes. Turnovers will be especially decisive in a game where neither team gives up the ball often. Super Bowl LIX is set up to be an electric game of football. It’s also a Super Bowl LVII rematch, which hikes the stakes up even more. With Mahomes and Reid on the edge of football immortality, I don’t think the Eagles and head coach Sirriani will get it done. My final prediction is 3127 Chiefs.
ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA
From soulful hits to shock value Bruno Mars’ bold shift
By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Associate Arts & Life Editor
The name Bruno Mars holds substantial importance in the music world.
Since 2010, Mars has crafted songs that hit the soul, evoking a range of emotions with his powerful vocals, layered melodies and strong lyrics.
As one of the most talented artists today, Mars has won 15 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and has had nine No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. If that wasn’t enough, Mars has sold 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the bestselling music artists ever.
A top song of his, “Just the Way You Are,” is diamond-certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with more than 10 million copies sold.
Among his impressive discography, Mars has written dozens of successful songs for other artists, including “All I Ask,” for Adele in 2015. He later collaborated with Cardi B on “Finesse” in 2018 and “Please Me” in 2019.
Never slowing down, producing hit after hit, Mars officially became the first artist to reach 150 million monthly listeners in Spotify history as of Jan. 27, 2024.
But that number might waver with the release of Mars’ newest single.
“Fat Juicy & Wet” is the title of his latest hit. Collaborating with rapper Sexyy Red, Mars takes his music in a different
direction from his previous work.
My mouth dropped when I first heard the lyrics.
I was taken aback and had to doublecheck to make sure that his name was truly listed below the track, saying a silent goodbye to the love-song musical persona we all knew and loved.
Now, not all of his songs fit into the same genre. Even though some of his sadder, emotionally driven love songs have caught the attention of the masses, he bounces between different sounds of funk, soul and pop — consistently pushing the boundaries of music.
But to say he’s departing from his original style would be an extreme understatement.
Marketed as a “strip club anthem,” explicit lyrics with a strong sexual nature and provocative themes suggest more than just a desire to break from his
previous catalog.
Mars has always been about groove and soul, but this takes it one step further. This song is more about shock value than artistry. It makes me question whether this is a bold experiment or an evolution in sound.
Online speculation suggests Mars’ collaboration is linked to a $50 million gambling debt to MGM Resorts International. Rumors claim he is paying it off with the money he earned from his residency at Park MGM
Mars promoted his new song with a joke about the recent rumors that he gambled his way into a deep hole of debt. “KEEP STREAMING! I’ll be out of debt in no time,” he posted on his Instagram
His recent collaborations could be another way to help him pay his “dues.” In addition to
Sexyy Red, he is featured on BLACKPINK’s Rose’s track “APT,” which has held strong in the top 10 list for weeks.
More recently, Mars worked with Lady Gaga and released “Die With a Smile” which hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mars first alluded to rumors last summer when he reposted a video of influencer Kaeli Dance dancing with the caption: “Lady Gaga on her way to get Bruno Mars out of debt.”
MGM has denied all accusations that speculate Mars is in debt to them and calling his supposedly racked-up charges at the poker tables “completely false.”
In June 2024, when asked in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal about addressing the gambling rumors, Mars jokingly declined.
"I love the lore that I am a Las Vegas lounge singer in debt to the mob," the artist said. “I can work with that.”
And at this rate, Mars could pay off the debt in no time, with 2.3 million streams for “Fat Juicy & Wet” already securing a spot in Spotify’s top 40.
So whether Mars is paying off his gambling debt or reshaping his musical identity, this song confirms his evolving range, shift in audience and has redefined his signature groove.
On the road again Morgan Wallen announces 2025 "I'm The Problem Tour"
By JOHN PILATO Contributing Writer
On Jan. 24, country music superstar Morgan Wallen announced his newest tour, titled the “I’m The Problem Tour.”
This news comes in tandem with Wallen’s announcement of a new single, which shares the same name as the tour itself, and will be the title track on his upcoming album.
The country singer said via his social media pages that he is “still working on” the album, which he hasn’t publicly set a release date for yet.
Wallen hasn’t released an album since his chart-topping “One Thing At A Time,” which came out in March 2023.
“One Thing At A Time,” was technically his fourth studio album, and one of his most successful. Wallen’s old label released his earliest album, “Stand Alone,” this past year without his permission. So while “One Thing At A Time” is his fourth studio album, it is only the third one that he and his team have released.
That album features some of Wallen’s most popular and well-known songs, including “Cowgirls,” which he released with his good friend and country singer ERNEST, as well as “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” both of which have eclipsed 500,000 streams on Spotify.
The album also features Wallen’s most popular song to date, “Last Night,” which has over a billion streams on Spotify and was nominated for Best Country Song at the 2024 Grammy Awards. “Last Night” was also voted Billboard’s No. 1 Song of the Summer.
Both “One Thing At A Time,” and Wallen’s 2021 album “Dangerous,” still
rank in the top 10 most streamed albums in the U.S., at No. 2 and No. 8 respectively. Both albums helped him earn the No. 4 spot for Most Streamed Artist in the U. S. in 2024, only behind Taylor Swift, Drake and Zach Bryan.
Wallen has already released three singles prior to the upcoming title track, all of which have debuted in the top 30 of the
and Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 2025 Grammys.
The next song was “Love Somebody,” which he released in October 2024. It debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 list, and still sits in the top 10, one song ahead of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
The last and most recent song is “Smile,” which Wallen released unannounced on
Billboard Hot 100 list.
The first of which was “Lies, Lies, Lies,” released in July 2024 and debuted at No. 7 on the Hot 100 list. This song directly followed Wallen and Post Malone’s megahit “I Had Some Help,” which swept the nation and was nominated for Best Country Song
New Years Eve. The song has a slower feel than the other two, yet still debuted at No. 27 and later peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100 list. The song currently sits at No. 18, meaning Wallen has three total songs in the top 20.
In recent years, Wallen has seen his
life shrouded in controversy, including an incident involving a barstool being thrown from a rooftop bar. However, he always seems to bounce back better than ever, and this album seems like it may be a sign of that.
A couple of weeks ago, Wallen shared via his Instagram story a photo of himself in the studio captioned “Locked in.” Here’s to hoping that statement is true and that Wallen’s new album sees the light of day in the oncoming months.
Only touring in 10 locations, including cities in both the U.S. and Canada, he is spending two days in all locations, making the tour as it stands 20 different shows.
Wallen has stops in Madison, Wisconsin, Miami Gardens, Florida, Glendale, Arizona, Santa Clara, California and Foxborough, Massachusetts, as well as Houston, Seattle and Cleveland. He also heads North for shows in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta.
To many fans' dismay, Wallen left large hubs like New York and Pennsylvania off his tour list, as well as his home state of Tennessee.
Wallen is taking some of country music's biggest names along with him, including Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert and Brooks and Dunn.
Along with them, Wallen is also bringing some of the genre’s biggest upand-coming artists, including Ella Langley, Corey Kent, Koe Wetzel, Gavin Adcock and Anne Wilson.
Suffice to say, Wallen still remains at the top of country music’s hierarchy and is likely not going anywhere anytime soon. This tour is lining up to be one of his best, based on the new music and the crew that is joining him, which excites fans all around.
Becoming the voice of a generation Lola Young is an unfiltered, unapologetic star
By GINA LORUSSO Arts & Life Editor
The expression “we made the right person famous” carries a lot of weight.
Those six words get thrown around on social media all the time, but, in reality, should be reserved for those who stand out in their art form, using their talent to create what genuinely resonates with their audience.
In the case of Lola Young, it feels less like a short-lived sentiment and more like an undeniable truth. With just over 40.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Young is on the fast track to becoming a mainstream artist.
Young is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Beckenham, South London who has quickly risen to fame with her hit song “Messy.”
The track went viral on social media at the end of 2024 as listeners were able to relate to the frustrations of constant criticism.
After a two month climb to the top of the charts, “Messy” has finally, and deservingly so, reached the No. 1 spot in the United Kingdom, according to BBC.
Young grew up in a home with an abundance of musical influence, according to Rolling Stone. Her dad was a professional bass guitar player and her mum always played music around the house. At six years old, Young’s mother forced her to play piano and guitar and take on singing lessons, ultimately setting her daughter up for stardom.
Young attended BRIT School, England’s renowned performing and creative arts
school, which has produced stars like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Imogen Heap and Jessie J.
In June 2024, Young released her second studio album “This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway” which featured the single “Messy.”
“It’s an ADHD anthem, that’s the best way I can put it. It’s very much like, “Look, I’m too messy. I’m this and that. I’m all over the place, but you choose to love me, so why don’t you accept that, accept who I am?”
Young said in an interview with Beat Route.
The album’s title essentially claps back at criticism before people even get a chance to listen to it. If you like the music on the record, great, you like Young’s style and attitude. If you don’t like the tracks, well, the album wasn’t meant for you anyway — you’re just not on Young’s wavelength.
This title dives into Young’s unapologetic behavior that is slowly becoming a trademark. She understands that she doesn’t look like your run-of-the-mill pop star, and that’s exactly what she wants, or rather doesn’t want, to be.
Ahead of a busy few months on the sold-out European leg of her tour, Young is making her rounds in New York City.
On Jan. 21, Young made her debut on U.S. late-night television performing “Messy” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Her presentation of the song replicated the music video on a simple red carpeted stage with a beige back wall and a fivetiered cake front and center.
This passionate rendition of the hit
featured Young’s distinct alto rasp while she sang about not meeting varying expectations of those around her. Toward the end of her set, she grabs a fitsful of cake and throws it on the stage.
Just a few days later, Young joined “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” to talk about adjusting to the limelight and embracing her all-or-nothing approach to fame.
“You’ve got one life, why not just, you
know, make the most of it?” Young said. “I never had a plan B so this was always my (only) option.”
Despite Young being on the U.K.’s radar for years, she is only just making a splash in the U.S.
We’re witnessing the birth of a popstar — and one who is wholeheartedly authentic, embracing her uniqueness and living unapologetically.
‘The Bachelor’: Golden or outdated?
By NICOLE GEMMATI Contributing Writer
Mondays are meant to be hated, as Garfield famously says. But if you’re a fan of “The Bachelor” — you have something to look forward to — at least until 11 p.m. when the program ends.
“The Bachelor,” a reality television show that has aired since 2002, follows one man and over a dozen women vying for his heart and attention in hopes of getting engaged at the end. This season follows Grant Ellis, a former contestant of the 21st season of “The Bachelorette," the female version of “The Bachelor.”
Despite the show garnering tens of millions of viewers (although that number has depleted in recent years), “The Bachelor” has faced lots of criticism on account of their portrayal of healthy relationships and supposedly false drama.
One could argue that these elements make for good television, and they’re probably right. “The Bachelor” has been on air for over two decades, and has accumulated over 10 spinoff series’, not to mention wedding specials. After all, I wouldn’t be writing about it if I didn’t consider myself a part of Bachelor Nation.
But while the show draws many viewers in, it also unintentionally leaves them out, with many commenting on the lack of diversity, an issue that has gained presedence in recent years.
Eric Deggans, author of “Dismantling ‘The Bachelor’s’ Racist And Sexist Elements Has Only Just Begun,” published in 2020, goes into detail on “The Bachelor’s” racist elements, pointing out that the show went without a non-white lead until 2014, and without a Black lead until the 25th season,
which aired in 2021.
Similarly, “The Bachelorette” didn’t see a Black female lead until 2017: Rachel Lindsay. Contestants of both shows are also predominantly white, and in the women's case, usually blonde.
on the lead’s “type,” it’s no secret that these women fit the stereotypical beauty standard, with a few people of color thrown into the mix simply for representation.
cancel culture, depending on how you look at it.
who identify as POC are often put on a pedestal as well, with their tagline labeling them as such.
For example, Jenn Tran, the lead of the 21st season of “The Bachelorette” was said to make history as the first Asian American lead. It can also be noted that Tran was a last-minute choice, as Daisy Kent and Maria Georgas (both white contestants and runners-up of “The Bachelor” season 28) were offered the role but declined for different reasons.
also famous for their destination trips, which can be viewed as classist; as well as the fact that contestants are required to buy their own gowns (without sharing or repeating an outfit, that would be at least 11 gowns, to account for the number of episodes that airs
Contestants are also not paid, unlike the leads, and many rely on the popularity they gain on social media, with some even
Aside from the lack of diversity, “The Bachelor” is also outdated in terms of the plot, which many call sexist and
Many other dating reality shows, such as “Love Island,” feature a mix of both men and women contestants, categorizing each of them as equals instead of putting one of
In true reality TV show fashion, episodes and talking heads detail what the characters really thinking, with many female contestants worrying about their connection with the lead and their limited time spent with him due to the fact that he splits his
Hometown dates also reveal their family
members' negative thoughts on the dating situation, and many female friendships are put on the line in favor of more dramatic “cat fights.”
Producers are also notorious for their careless background checks, with at least two contestants from the recent “Bachelorette” season having allegations of abuse. Also, the lead of the 23rd season of “The Bachelor,” Colton Underwood faced claims of stalking and terrorizing his previous girlfriend, only stopping once a restraining issue had been ordered.
While “The Bachelor” prides itself on making romantic connections, it is ironically infamous for its low success rate, which, according to a 2023 article by Pinkvilla, is a mere 19% (which seems significantly smaller when you realize that it’s combined with “The Bachelorette”).
The article also states that with the addition of “Bachelor in Paradise,” another spinoff series, the percentage is almost doubled.
“The Bachelor” has clearly found a formula they are comfortable with, as well as their veteran viewers. While the show numbers have dwindled, the number of social media users have never been higher.
Multiple social media posts follow after an episode's release, and contestants following grow tremendously after their appearance, especially if they make an impact.
But can the outdated show keep up with the changing times, especially when many people are quick to label something as offensive? Analyticals may say yes, but with one generation's lowered attention span, “The Bachelor” may need to find a way to spice up their formula without the repetitive drama.
REBECCA COLLINS
ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ
Are influencers’ ‘What I Eat in a Day’ harmful or helpful?
By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Associate Arts & Life Editor
If you regularly scroll on social media — whether it be TikTok, Instagram, X or Facebook, you’ll likely come across various food content, from restaurant ratings and baking recipes to dinner ideas.
And maybe you'll browse enough to see someone's “WIEIAD.”
“WIEIAD” stands for “What I Eat in a Day,” a common acronym describing an influencer’s daily food intake.
The trend started in 2010 on YouTube but has recently been revived on other platforms, mainly TikTok. The hashtag #WIEIAD has over 13 billion views and counting.
Content creators, especially fitness influencers, often curate their content to include what they eat daily, unveiling another layer of their lives to a mass following.
Sometimes, this is done from a marketing standpoint — a way to collaborate with food brands to endorse their product. These influencers show how food can be incorporated into different recipes or with fun combinations that become trends themselves.
So while some influencers claim to be authentic, we cannot fully trust that what they say is true. Depending on whom you’re watching, these videos can be very dangerous to those who struggle with disordered eating or who are in recovery.
“WIEIAD” has been categorized as part of diet culture. It is a system that promotes being skinny and thin, making weight loss a priority regardless of an individual's health and wellness.
Watching “WIEIAD” videos can keep
us from eating the foods our body needs, neglecting nutrients in pursuit of the so-called “perfect body.”
It can start to be an obsession — a cycle of constant comparison to other people and other bodies, the amount of calories they need daily to sustain it and dieting without
over-awareness of what you consume, almost giving food more power and importance over you than necessary.
A key point in all of these videos is that everyone is different. Just because you eat the same foods as someone else does not mean you will look like them.
researching the health benefits or risks.
Many influencers are not qualified to give nutrition advice, so it's best to take their content with a grain of salt or consult a registered dietician for advice.
Following the intricate diets of influencers can do more harm than good, promoting an
Several uncontrollable factors, such as genetics, affect how you look. Solely associating food with physical appearance is a dangerous mindset.
Sometimes, the videos I watch are laughable. It's insane to see people starve themselves but call it “low calorie” or a temporary fast to
prepare for the summer or special events.
Slapping the word “wellness” on a video can make it seem like a healthy approach, but that label can be deceiving. We can never fully trust that what influencers put online is truly what they eat and not for show.
While there are some videos you should avoid or not take seriously, it is important to note that not all “WIEIAD” videos are problematic. A positive side to this trend is exposing those who promote a false sense of wellness through restrictive eating.
Some influencers dedicate their accounts solely to reviewing “WIEIAD” videos and analyzing whether they promote healthy eating habits.
Registered dietitian Abby Sharp has a TikTok account offering advice on “WIEIAD” videos. Her bio reads, “Wellness culture BS busting dietitian.”
She critiques and praises those who share their food intake online, helps people who struggle with what to eat and recommends food that will fuel their bodies and make them feel good.
Influencers who promote intuitive and non-restrictive eating habits — a more flexible eating style, encourage the idea that one's plate does not have to look like anyone else's.
Sometimes, watching these videos can make you believe there is a “right” and “wrong” way to eat. But, the whole point of intuitive eating is that it’s unique to each person.
Regardless of this trend, even if videos are made with good intentions, it is important to remember that appetite and eating habits vary from person to person. What works for one person may not work for another.
The controversial life of Trevor Bauer
By RYAN JOHANSON Associate Sports Editor
Former MLB player Trevor Bauer played for four different teams throughout his 10-year playing career, and those years have been nothing short of controversial.
Bauer got his starts in 2011 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, only making four starts for the one-time World Series champions. The Diamondbacks took him with the No. 3 pick in the 2011 MLB draft, and it didn’t take long for the 10year veteran to make his debut the next season. His tenure didn’t last long after being traded to the Cleveland Guardians in a three-team deal.
After Bauer’s former Arizona Diamondbacks’ teammates discussed their concerns about the Los Angeles, California, native. He had a record of not listening to the leaders on his team, the staff and his teammates. It started becoming a problem in the locker room from his first day.
“Since day one in spring training, I caught him, and he killed me because he threw about 100 pitches the first day,” Bauer’s former teammate Miguel Montero told ArizonaSports.com in 2012. “The next time he threw I saw him doing the same thing. He never wanted to listen.”
In his July 28, 2019 start against the Kansas City Royals, Bauer launched the ball from the pitching mound over the center field fence and into the stands before being taken out of the game. This antic got him traded three days later to the Reds and fined by the MLB.
Bauer didn’t seem to live up to the No. 3 pick aspirations given to him during
his short time with the Diamondbacks in Cleveland, but he turned into a solid No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher. On the Guardians, he hovered around a 3.89 ERA in seven years. His time in Cincinnati though, changed this perception of him to become an ace for the organization.
In the shortened 2020 60 game season in 2020, he showed his skills on the mound, being named the National League Cy Young — an award given to the best pitcher in both leagues — and bringing the Reds to the playoffs. Bauer’s career-year earned him a three-year, $102 million deal with the 2020 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, making him one of the highestpaid pitchers in the league.
Bauer joined Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer — who were also Cy Young winners — looking to return to the mountain top.
He only lasted 17 starts until controversy struck again.
Bauer faced many off-the-field difficulties during his short tenure with the Dodgers. On July 2, 2021, sexual assault allegations were made against him, forcing MLB to place him on administrative leave.
Due to the MLB lockout during the 20212022 season, the length of his suspension was pushed to April 2022. Rob Manfred, commissioner of the MLB, announced that Bauer would be suspended for 324 games — two full seasons — without pay after violating the league's Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Then in December 2022, MLB announced that his suspension was shortened to 194 games, allowing him to
join the Dodgers and ride out the remainder of his contract. But with all of the media circulating , L.A. decided to release him, and he has not touched an MLB field since.
It didn’t take long for Bauer to touch the diamond once again, signing with the Yokohama Bay Stars in the Japan Central League in 2023. With Bauer still searching his way back into the MLB, he took time to build his craft, playing in Japan before signing with Diablos Rojos del México in 2024.
Through his time in Japan and Mexico, he gave the fans an in-depth look into his time out of the MLB, vlogging to his 931,000 subscribers on YouTube. Bauer posts baseball-related content, whether it
is playing baseball tic-tac-toe or golfing with baseballs, Bauer found a new way of earning media attention, earning over 500,000 views per video.
His channel started to increase in subscribers when he played in Mexico, having hour-long videos with Bauer talking over them and giving his insight into what he did during the game. He now has found something that has not happened in the MLB and made it his own, connecting back to his way of his way or the highway.
Bauer has resigned from the Yokohama Bay Stars, delaying a return to the MLB for another season, but he has now found a way to make a name for himself.
ILLUSTRATION BY KLARA DHANDILI
ERIK DROST/FLICKR
Trevor Bauer's sexual assault allegations prevent him from returning to the MLB.
Leaving the jersey in a better place Tim Clifton’s mark on Quinnipiac men’s hockey
By TONI WETMORE Contributing Writer
Tim Clifton ‘17 was never supposed to play Division I hockey, let alone play in 155 out of 162 games throughout his career.
But then he did.
When Clifton was a senior in high school, he and his younger brother Connor ‘17, decided to play together in college.
“He was playing in the junior route, and he was like, ‘Why don’t I just do three years and we can be freshmen together?’” Connor said.
Their father, Tim Clifton Sr., recalls when the two made that decision.
“Timmy went from a 5-foot-1 freshman to a 6-foot-1 junior in high school,” Tim Sr. said. “He had some good skills and playing in college looked like a viable option. They said if it’s Division III then it’s Division III, but they wanted to play together.
“We saw a couple schools, and we obviously loved Quinnipiac and everything about it,” Connor said. “And we decided to go there together and that was the plan.”
When asked why Quinnipiac, Tim leaned back and chuckled.
“No. 1 is they wanted me to play there,” he said.
While Connor received a full ride, Tim only received a partial scholarship.
“He went in there with a two-for-four, and by the time he left he was on a full ride his senior year,” Connor said. “I thought that was a pretty great story because I know it doesn’t happen too much.”
So how did Tim go from being promised little time on the ice to playing in every game his first season as a Bobcat?
Physically, he increased his skating ability, speed and acceleration. But there was more to it than just how he performed on the ice.
“Timmy’s got people skills,” Tim Sr. said. “He knew how to work the system … he was always about the team and has been from a very young age. My boys always knew how to fight for themselves, and that culture was instilled at Quinnipiac.”
During his junior year in 2016, Quinnipiac made it to the Frozen Four in Tampa, Florida.
“Twenty-six guys,” Tim said. “It took 26 guys,
four coaches, it took the entire medical staff, it took the entire training staff, it took our equipment managers … it took 26 guys on the ice, but 40-50 people to get us there.
“The more time I spent in hockey, the more time I really appreciated all the people behind the scenes that let us kids play the game. Because we don’t do it alone. And there are a lot of people that deserve credit that don’t wear a jersey.”
During the 2016 National Championship against North Dakota, Tim became the first Quinnipiac player to score a goal in a NCAA Division I National Championship game.
“At the time, that stat didn’t really mean much,” Tim said.
The assist on the goal was a pass from Connor to Tim after former forward Travis St. Dennis ‘16 won a face-off in a five-on-three power play and crossed the puck over to Connor.
Although his name is the one etched in the history books, Tim wouldn’t give himself any credit for the goal.
“Nine times out of 10, I think if it’s on the other side of the ice too, it’s (St. Dennis) taking that shot,” Tim said. “And frankly, I think we got the five on three because (forward) Sam Anas ‘16 took a cross-check against the boards. So truthfully, I think he was getting looked over by the medical staff … but a couple minor things
change, and that’s Sammy Anas taking that shot … I’m not the shooter, but all in all, cool memory to think back on.”
Connor described the goal with the same exact details.
“Obviously I remember it pretty good,” he said. “I don’t remember all my assists that well.”
He wasn’t surprised when he heard Tim didn’t give himself any credit for the goal.
“That’s who he is,” Connor said. “He’s humble, hardworking and extremely dedicated.”
And it was his hard work and dedication that earned (Tim) an assistant captain role in his senior year.
“I think the four of us — Connor, (defenseman Derek Smith ‘17), (forward Tommy Schutt ‘17) and I had really proven to a lot of people that we deserved to be Division I players,” Tim said. “I remember being very humbled by the choice. I don’t know if it was something I ever strived towards, meaning I didn’t write it down on my list of goals, but I think part of it is just doing the right thing, on and off the ice. It’s leading by example, no matter if you’re wearing a letter or not.”
Connor credited those lessons from the “great” captains that came before them.
“You just kind of learn from each one of them as the years go by and you mold into the kind of person and the kind of leader you want to be,”
Connor said. “Tim was our most vocal captain and that’s just kind of the way he played and that’s just kind of the person he was.”
Tim’s dedication to Quinnipiac was shown once again in his decision to return to Hamden for his senior season.
“Timmy was recruited to play for more than a dozen NHL teams but wanted to finish his degree first,” Tim. Sr. said.
Connor was always impressed with Tim’s decision to stay another year, especially considering the financial aspects involved.
“Tim Clifton was an integral part of our success at Quinnipiac during his four years,” former Quinnipiac assistant coach Bill Riga said. “He worked himself to an NHL contract and could’ve left after the three years but chose to return and continue to push the program forward.”
When asked if he knew freshman year what would be in store for his future at Quinnipiac, Tim shook his head.
“I definitely think it served me better, especially because hockey’s not a great game when you’re gripping your stick too tight,” Tim said. “I think I was fortunate enough where that never really happened to me. Sure, I would’ve loved to be a superstar and a high draft pick, or a draft pick at all, but I’m very fortunate how my life has been up to this point.”
Tim paused for a while thinking about the impact he hoped he left on and off the ice at Quinnipiac.
“I think the most important thing is to leave the jersey in a better place than you found it,” Tim said.
Riga further attested to the impact Tim left.
“On the ice, he was a great face-off man, was physical at both net fronts and became a 200-foot player that excelled in every situation,” he said. “He, along with Connor, left their lasting mark on the Quinnipiac hockey program.”
After the last game of his freshman year, Tim remembers sitting next to a senior in the locker room who was heartbroken to take the jersey off for the last time.
“I remember doing that my senior year and I thought about him a bit,” Tim said. “And it sucked. I can confidently say that individual left the jersey in a better place, and I’m hoping I was able to do the same.”
COURTESY OF QUINNIPIAC ATHLETICS
Tim Clifton ‘17 is the first Quinnipiac player to notch a goal in a NCAA Division I National Championship game.
Khaden Bennett’s sophomore comeback
By MICHAEL PETITTO Copy Editor
It can be frustrating and difficult for collegiate athletes to see minimal playing time in their first year and still have a positive attitude moving forward. But sophomore guard Khaden Bennett, took it in stride.
The Texas native played just 16 games — logging 111 minutes — during his freshman campaign with Quinnipiac, and his season-high in points sat at just four. In other words, the guard was unable to contribute much of anything on the court.
But this year, whether it was just getting an opportunity or making a change in his game, Bennett has seen massive improvements during his sophomore season.
Bennett has multiplied his scoring average tenfold — from averaging 1.4 points per game to 11.3 while also seeing anywhere from 20-30 minutes a night.
But before he suited up for the Bobcats, Bennett played for South Grand Prairie high school in Grand Prairie, Texas under his father.
“He was my high school basketball coach in Texas, that was a big part of my development,” Bennett said. “Him being there every day continued to push me to be the best I can be every day. And in Texas, the talent level we have there is high, so every night, most games are gonna be hard teams.”
Not only was the talent level in Texas
tough, Bennett had adversity to deal with. During his senior year he tore his ACL which not only set him back physically, but mentally.
“Not being able to walk for two months, having rehab every single day, I think just kind of shows my journey,” Bennett said. “Even when I got (to Quinnipiac) I con tinued to go through adversity. I think my injury continued to prepare me to keep go ing every day. You know, always believe in myself and just continue to keep going.”
But Bennett is not the only one who’s taken note of his journey as a Bobcat.
“I’m so proud of that kid,” junior for ward Amarri Monroe said. “Being that he barely played last year, we all know he’s super talented and he got his chance this year. He just showed that he’s able to not only be a point guard but be a great player for us.”
Along with Monroe, Bennett pointed out former Quinnipiac guard Matt Balanc and graduate student guard Savion Lewis as key contributors to his development.
“Matt obviously, and Savion being the leader he is for us, just seeing how those guys prepare every day was big for me,” Bennett said.
With Bennett getting his opportunity to shine this year, head coach Tom Peco ra continues to notice the small details he brings to the table.
Women’s basketball making noise in MAAC as second half approaches
By JAMES KASSAN Staff Writer
Almost a year after a quarterfinal exit in the 2024 MAAC Tournament, Quinnipiac women’s basketball has undergone a complete turnaround. The Bobcats are finding their groove at the right time, currently sitting No. 2 in the MAAC.
It wasn’t until six games in when the Bobcats had their first loss handed to them, in a tough overtime battle against a power four school in the University of Miami.
This year’s squad has shown grit and toughness, with freshman guard Gal Raviv leading the charge. The Kadima, Israel native, averages 17.4 points per game and has been a key factor in the team’s success.
“She’s just so fearless, she’s so confident in her abilities,” Quinnipiac head coach Tri -
cia Fabbri said on Feb. 1. “She’s so confident in what she can do and how she controls the game and the tempo for us. Finding her teammates on some great dimes.”
In her first year at Quinnipiac, Raviv has been a standout, earning MAAC Rookie of the Week honors seven times and MAAC Player of the Week one time with a month remaining in the regular season.
“She’s going to be a problem for a lot of years,” Fairfield head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis said on Jan. 30. “I think she’s special because she can create her own shot in difficult ways. She’s very crafty with the ball. But the hard part is, she’s a great passer.”
Raviv’s talent has helped spread the floor, creating opportunities for her teammates.
However, Quinnipiac’s strength doesn’t stop with just one great guard. The Bobcats have three, which gives them an edge.
Senior guard Jackie Grisdale, who missed most of last season due to injury, and sophomore guard Karson Martin have both played key roles in the Bobcats’ 17-3 record.
Grisdale has been a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 1.3 steals per game and 40.7% from beyond the arc, while Martin, who started in 21 games a year ago, has averaged 10 points per game, best for fourth on the team. The Woodstock, Georgia, native is shooting 43% from the field and ranks third in minutes played behind Grisdale and Raviv.
As the second half of conference play looms, Quinnipiac is poised to make noise in the MAAC. If they continue their strong play, the Bobcats could be a tough matchup for opposing teams down the stretch. Averaging 68.8 points per game — the second most in the MAAC — and a point differential of +8.6, the Bobcats are in a strong position as the regular season winds down.
Fairfield, who defeated Quinnipiac 72-63 on Jan. 30, currently sits ahead of the Bobcats in first place. The two teams will meet again on March 8 in the regular-season finale before heading to Atlantic City for the MAAC Tournament.
“If we can get a couple of people out there to make some shots, and (sophomore forward Anna) Foley stays on the floor, we’ll have the opportunity again when we see them a second time, and maybe even a third time in March,” Fabbri said after the loss to the Stags.
One factor that sets this year’s team
apart is its depth and ability to stay healthy throughout the season. Last year, injuries derailed the Bobcats’ campaign, but this year’s team has seen consistent contributions from various players like graduate student forward Caranda Perea, senior forward Grace LaBarge and junior forward Ella O’Donnell. Fabbri might not go as deep with her bench as other teams, but when she does go to the bench, she has two quality forwards who are also starting caliber, helping the starters take a breather and not have to worry about a drop in production.
LaBarge has missed some time this year due to injury, but is averaging 14.3 minutes per game off the bench. In her absence, Foley and O’Donnell have been seeing an uptick in minutes late in games, highlighting the trust the coaching staff has in the frontcourt.
Foley is a prime example of someone who has stepped up this year. After starting 31 games as a freshman, she has made a noticeable leap in her sophomore campaign as a key facilitator on offense and a strong presence on defense. Her continued success will be crucial for the Bobcats as they approach the final stretch of the season.
“We said this in the locker room: just continue to have that championship mentality,” Foley said on Feb. 1. “Not be afraid to lose, really want it, and have that hunger to be the best team we can be.”
If the Bobcats keep up the tempo that they have this season, they should finish in the top two and earn a bye to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament in March, where Fabbri is no stranger to taking her team all the way.
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‘This could be our year’
A rebuild for Quinnipiac baseball
By AMANDA DRONZEK Sports Editor
Last February, Quinnipiac baseball was pinned second in the 2024 MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. By the time May rolled around, the Bobcats were in the bottom half of the conference and playing under .500.
“There’s definitely been a shift in the mentality and I think that as a unit everyone’s bought in,” graduate student first baseman Sebastian Mueller said. “The culture is different this year and it’s kind of a different buzz around the team than there was last year.”
From the outside, it seems like the right season to rebuild a shaken roster and even sneak up on some stronger MAAC teams along the way.
“(The team last year) it wasn’t the best dynamic,” junior RHP Matt Alduino said. “But this year, with all the transfers that we’ve gotten, they’re all great guys. I believe that this could be our year.”
ROSTER DEEP DIVE
Heading into 2025, the Bobcats have gone through major roster turmoil, losing roughly 20 players in the offseason to graduation or the transfer portal.
The portal is a great mechanism for larger schools, but it tends to wreak havoc across mid-major organizations such as Quinnipiac who lose highly talented players to those bigger and more successful programs.
The Bobcats are out graduates OF Jared Zimbardo, (Notre Dame, ACC) INF/ RHP Sean Swenson (VCU, Atlantic 10) and 2023 NEIBA All-New England First Teamer, catcher Keegan O’Connor (Kansas State, Big 12).
The largest jump is Zimbardo to Notre Dame, following a very similar path to
Anthony Donofrio ‘24 who transferred to UNC and is currently a 10th-round pick by the Seattle Mariners.
Zimbardo’s reputation precedes him, as he led Quinnipiac in batting average (.353), hits (67) and slugging percentage (.579) last season.
O’Connor was arguably one of Quinnipiac’s best, batting .321 in four years in Hamden and posting a .982 fielding percentage behind the plate. Replacing a catcher is not an easy job, but the Bobcats have a promising two in redshirt freshman Cole Constable or junior Christian Smith.
The Bobcats did dabble in the portal themselves over the summer, grabbing three players from Maryland after senior INF Dominick Proctor transferred and became a Terp himself.
Juniors INF Alex Irizzary and OF Luke Zeisloft should also fill some gaps in Quinnipiac’s lineup or stand as future focal points in the program.
Also dawning the navy and gold for the first time will be sophomore RHP and Xavier transfer Griffin Seibel and graduate INF Johnny Knox of Nichols.
Knox, who made the transition from Division III to Division I, batted .419 for the Bison in 2024 and recorded 75 hits to earn him numerous accolades, including a spot on the 2024 ACBA/Rawlings AllAmerican Second Team.
Analyzing the current roster, the Bobcats do not have a young group, only bringing in six freshmen. So as much as this season should serve as a reset for Quinnipiac, 2026 likely will too.
Losses aside, the Bobcats did hold on to a handful of assets. Junior outfielder Gabe Wright had an integral role in 2024, batting .228 in his 38-hit season.
Additionally, Mueller returns from
a labrum injury after a stellar start to his senior campaign.
“I feel good,” Mueller said. “Arm feels good. I think about arm injuries that a lot of times like the rehab you probably overlook parts of arm care. I feel better now than I was before I got hurt.”
The Bobcats also have a unique pair of infielders this season, freshman twins Ian and Christian Nilsen. Prior to college, the nationally recognized brothers played under the region’s No. 1 baseball travel program, The Clubhouse.
As for the rotation, they have eight guys to shuffle around, most notably Alduino and senior Mason Ulsh. Last season, it was clear that pitching was an area Quinnipiac needed to hone in on for next year. Well, next year has arrived.
“We lost a lot of arms just to the transfer portal and then along with graduation, so we kind of rebuilt over the summer and changed our perspective on how we want to go about the season,” Alduino said. “We sat down at the beginning of the fall and we just talked about how we didn’t want to repeat last year.”
Alduino was a huge reliever for the Bobcats in 2024 with a 3.90 ERA in 30 innings. Ulsh on the other hand, snagged 74.1 innings with a 7.63 ERA. Also fighting for a starting slot are offseason standouts sophomore utility player Nick Balcom and junior RHPs Josh Lajoie and Andrew Rubayo.
SCHEDULE ANALYSIS
To be blunt, Quinnipiac does not have an easy start to the season. The Bobcats kick off 2025 with a 10-game road trip, spending the first few playing UNC Wilmington and Georgia — a top-10 program in college baseball.
“I think kind of why you play college
sports is to play the best,” Mueller said. “So I think for our team to play the best teams in the country right out of the gates, I think it’ll be a good test and I think a lot of fun.”
MAAC opening day for Quinnipiac doesn’t begin until March 7 when it hosts Iona for a three-game series.
Aside from a few wild card nonconference matchups — CCSU, UConn, Yale, UMass Lowell and URI — the Bobcats continue the rest of the season with MAAC contests, which should ultimately be their focus anyway.
The Bobcats did take two out of a threegame series against incoming MAAC squad Merrimack in 2024 but fell 8-7 in their single game against conference newcomer Sacred Heart University.
As for the rest of the MAAC, well, things were bleak. Quinnipiac was swept by conference juggernauts Rider and Niagara, while also losing two out of three to the almighty MAAC champion Fairfield.
“We feel really strongly that we’re going to compete really well with it,” Mueller said. “I think with all the transferring and everything, no one knows what to expect.”
After severely underperforming in 2024, Quinnipiac should at the very least be shooting for a winning record. Because if the Bobcats aren’t predicted to take the MAAC, they should aim to measure up to whoever will.
Head coach John Delaney did not respond to requests for interviews
