Volume 105 Issue 16

Fordham Graduate Students Bargain for a Fair Contract

By NORA MALONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Of the more than 450 classes Fordham offers, 30% are taught by graduate students. These students are expected to balance their lives and research along with the classes they teach. According to some graduate students, was minimal communication between departments in the graduate school until 2020, when the pandemic put international students’ visas at risk.

“There was a big question of whether taking online classes qualified you to keep your visa,” said Alfredo Dueñas, a graduate student in the philosophy department. “Then, of course, once communication started between the departments, they realized the oneoff problems that they were finding were actually problems that were all around the graduate school.”

The process took a few years, but in April 2022, the graduate students voted, and with 94% of the vote in favor of forming

SEE FGSW, PAGE 3

CPS Introduces Peer Counseling Program

By SOFIA DONOHUE ASST.

Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) launched the Peer Counseling Program on Sept. 18. The program is available to support Fordham College and Gabelli undergraduate students with concerns such as the transition to college, stress management and loneliness. The Peer Counseling Program is composed of nine Fordham undergraduate students.

Jeffrey Ng, director of CPS, said that the CPS office has been thinking about implementing a peer counseling program for about 2 ½ years. Ultimately, CPS decided to launch the program because research shows that peer counseling programs are highly effective at universities — students feel more comfortable seeking support and positive affirmations from a peer.

El Grito and Office of Multicultural Affairs Celebrate Latine Heritage Month

By SOFIA DONOHUE DIGITAL PRODUCER

“I think, most importantly, we would want the students to not feel alone with their struggles. That they have a space to go to

By EMMA KIM NEWS EDITOR

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, different organizations are celebrating Latine Heritage Month across campus, including the student-run club El Grito De Lares and the university's Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

“We are doing everything to celebrate this month,” said Alan C. Ventura, FCRH ’24,

president of El Grito.

El Grito kicked off Latine Heritage Month on Sept. 14 on the McShane front lawn with an outdoor social and planned five more events throughout the month — including a dance session with Candela Latina, a Diversity Panel, a Yankees game, a Latin Night Market excursion and Museo del Barrio excursion.

“I’m very big on visibility. Last year with President Tetlow coming in and like all the different changes, I’ve been trying to do my part to, you know, speak with administration to kind of push for just different things that I think Latines specifically need on campus,” said Ventura. “And El Grito really is a place where I think we can give that visibility to

SEE PEER, PAGE 4 SEE LATINE, PAGE 4

Fordham Falls in 2024 College Ranking

By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In a new release from U.S. News, Fordham University dropped to 89 in a 2024 ranking for colleges and universities.

Fordham is tied with Temple University, Southern Methodist University and the University of South Florida. Fordham sees a 17-point drop in rankings from the previous spot it held as 72 on the list.

Fordham Faces Record-Breaking Rain Throughout

By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Six inches of record-breaking rain caused flooding across Fordham’s Rose Hill campus and the greater New York City area on Friday, leading city

officials to declare a state of emergency and suspend public transportation.

The rain led to the shutdown of major parkways, including the Hutchinson River and Bronx River. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state

of emergency for New York City and surrounding counties Friday morning advising New Yorkers to avoid traveling until the flash flood warning was lifted. On campus, students reported leaks and flooding in academic and SEE FLOODING, PAGE 5

Schools at the top of this list are predominantly Ivies and known for their status as having coveted resources such as top-tier research programs and

alumni networks like Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

U.S. News has revealed criteria they consider when crunching the numbers to produce the list of the best nations and universities in the country. Factors such as graduation rates, borrower debt, faculty salaries, number of full-time faculty and peer assessment are all factors that are incorporated into rankings.

Despite the decline that has been occurring throughout the past few years, Fordham’s administration has particular views that reveal reasons for the sudden drop in a year’s worth of activities.

14

COURTESY OF ANNA NGUYEN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

On campus, students reported leaks and flooding in academic and residential buildings.

El Grito de Lares kicked off Latine Heritage Month with an outdoor social featuring food and games.

COURTESY OF ALAN VENTURA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Sept. 26 McShane Campus Center

5:28 p.m.

On Tuesday, there was a person stuck in the McShane Campus Center elevator. The supervisor responded and notified the elevator company to respond. Due to a delay, the supervisor called the FDNY to respond. The FDNY freed the occupant.

Sept. 28

Freeman Hall

1:45 p.m.

On Thursday, a student reported a smoke condition on the third floor of Freeman Hall. The supervisor responded, and investigation revealed the exhaust fan vent in Room 302 was causing the smoke. The room was vented and facilities were notified. They responded and repaired the fan.

Sept. 30

Off-Campus

4:05 a.m.

On Saturday, two students reported that they were assaulted outside the Cantina Bar, located at 2467 Arthur Avenue. The supervisor responded and interviewed the students, who stated that as they were leaving the bar two females approached and began speaking with them. Several males then approached the students and began cursing at and punching the students. Both students ran into the RAMS Deli, located at 475 E. Fordham Road and called the police. The NYPD responded and transported the students to campus. Both students declined to make a police report.

Jesuit Priest Speaks to IPED Students

on Cybersecurity and AI

By ALEXANDER HOM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fr. Collins C. Obidiagha, S.J. delivered a discussion on the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) involvement in global affairs on Sept. 27. The GSAS ’24 cybersecurity major’s talk, “International Political Economy and Development in the Era of Cybersecurity and AI,” illustrated how the intersectionality of his studies combine Obidiagha’s passions for technology and his Catholic faith, through his guest lecture for Fordham’s IPED program.

“As a Jesuit, I’m called to the mission of human flourishing, justice and safety — dedicated to defending every human being from the constantly-shifting threat landscape,” said Obidiagha. “Tech is deeply interwoven into our lives’ every facet, indispensably influential in socioeconomic, political or religious dimensions, transforming our world into a global village. The IT domain confronts increasingly sophisticated threats: cyberattacks that disrupt our critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive data and erode trust in digital systems. Cybersecurity is entrusted with the confidentiality, integrity, availability and safety of infotech users, networks and infrastructure.”

Obidiagha’s seminar sought the balance of cybersecurity/ AI in worldly economics, and the effects of both applications on each other. Throughout his talk, Obidiagha highlighted AI’s fight for and against cybersecurity measures. The graduate student expounded the rising roles of cybersecurity/AI fueled by growing needs for competitiveness and efficiency, pointing to cybersecurity’s need to successfully stabilize the planet’s rapidlymodernizing global economies. Obidiagha highlighted these technological implications on IPED cooperation, namely how companies and countries engage on the global stage through economic

Wednesday Oct. 4 Fall Internship Fair

McShane Campus Center 1-3 p.m.

Join the Career Center at the 2023 Fall Internship Fair and take advantage of the prime opportunity to meet with a wide variety of employers, network and learn about internships.

policies, trade agreements and international development initiatives.

“The geopolitics of cybersecurity and AI are significant factors in international relations, leading to shifting alliances and rivalries,” Obidiagha said. He illustrated AI’s advantages, including its potential for economic growth, development of solutions inconceivable by humankind and their self-defense, but listed challenges of job displacement, algorithmic biases and privacy violations. “Cybersecurity measures can enable more proactive and adaptive defense strategies,” Obidiagha said.

He detailed how AI is weaponized to supercharge cyberattacks, obversely noting the juxtaposition of machine-learning that robustly enhances digital protections against dangerous malware. “The era of cybersecurity/AI is marked by both promise and peril,” he concluded. “How corporations, nations and international bodies navigate the intricate interaction of these tech forces will define the trajectory of IPED in the 21st century — a pivotal moment requiring careful consideration of human rights and social justice.”

Like his emphasis on technology’s prevalence in people’s lives, Obidiagha wove his personal experiences into his discussion. An eastern Nigerian expatriate of Awo-Omamma, Imo State, Obidiagha was born and raised in the town of Bariga. His journey into faith began when he joined the altar servers in his church, St. Denis. “My faith and understanding of the Church respectively strengthened and deepened,” Obidiagha recalled. Technology met faith when he joined the Development Research and Action Network skill acquisition center. Excellence in the program propelled him to graduate second in his class cohort, and landed him his first job as a peer educator, during which he realized his programming aptitude. Obidiagha earned a Diploma Certificate in computer

engineering; a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Zimbabwe Arrupe College Jesuit School of Philosophy and Humanities; and a B.A. in theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Hekima University College. At Fordham, he’s pursuing his M.S. in cybersecurity and Advanced Certificate in data science for cybersecurity.

“Being in tech in Nigeria since 2004, I witnessed with great admiration the era of technological boom, how various sectors of our economy welcomed this with open arms, how the youth interfaced and embraced tech because they saw the enormous impact it would have on their future,” Obidiagha said. “I also noticed that the same technological advancement that gives us life could ruin it if we don’t properly utilize it. My journey as a Jesuit priest in info-tech has heightened my awareness of the need to harness AI while ensuring its benefits are equitably distributed, so our global economy remains stable and just.” Obidiagha outlined his diverse studies and fascination with tech as an interconnected catalyst for progressively positive change. “Tech is a remarkably dynamic force able to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, promote sustainable development and continually evolve with humanity’s evolving needs,” he added. Obidiagha credits his rigorous philosophical training for priesthood with honing his critical thinking, enabling him to comprehensively engage with various fields. “My theological studies instill in me the belief that tech’s advancements are God’s blessings to humanity,” declared Obidiagha. “This perspective integrates my search for applications promoting life and human development, reinforcing my commitment to harvest it for the greater good and value principles inherent in my faith.”

“What particularly motivated my discussion were the is-

This Week at Fordham

Thursday Oct. 5

Study Skills Workshop

Keating B21 1 p.m.

Prepare for exams by participating in a study skills workshop. The workshop will focus on balancing self-prioritization and study skills as well as learning how to manage stress.

Thursday-Sunday Oct. 5

Blonde”

Collins Auditorium

8 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Support Fordham’s Mimes and Mummers in “Legally Blonde.” Thursday night’s show is free for students and Saturday and Sunday’s shows are $5 for students and $10 for non-students.

sues outlined in it,” Obidiagha explained. “I’ve realized the potential agathokakological powers of cybersecurity/AI: their capacity to revolutionize entire industries, spur economic growth and improve quality of life, yet simultaneously underscore vulnerabilities inherent in our escalating dependence on digital systems.” He aspires for his talk to stimulate further dialogues on technology in IPED. “I aim to inspire IPED students and faculty to probingly question the interplay between these areas of study. I’m optimistic these discussions will catalyze actions harnessing the benefits of these technologies while addressing associated challenges.”

“Fr. Collins was selected to participate in the weekly lecture series as he is a Master’s candidate in cybersecurity,” specified IPED lecture coordinator Mmafatse Ndlebe, GSAS ’24. “Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in the advancement of IPED by ensuring the integrity of international trade and financial systems.” Ndlebe, who’s pursuing an M.A. in IPED, noted the importance for students to better understand the impacts of cybersecurity/AI on international relations and economic competition. “Such talks empower students with knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate complexities at intersections of tech, politics, and economics, ensuring they can shape a resiliently prosperous IPED,” Ndlebe said.

“An education in philosophy, theology and computers has prepared me for ordination, but empowered me to bridge the worlds of tech and faith as complementary facets of human existence,” he continued. He identified his priesthood and cybersecurity careers as uniquely synthesizing in him a deep sense of purpose. “I’ve the unwavering belief that both realms contribute positively to our world’s well-being.”

Friday Oct. 6

2023 President’s Ball

Edward’s Parade 9-12 p.m.

Enjoy a night of dancing, food and fun at the annual President’s Ball. The event is free and students can register online. The dress code is semi-formal attire.

Saturday Oct. 7

Fordham vs. Lehigh

Jack Coffey Field 1 p.m.

Join fellow alumni, fans and friends to cheer on the Fordham Football team and celebrate the Ramily at the annual homecoming game. Students tickets are free.

“Legally

Fordham Graduate Students Bargain for a Fair Contract

FROM FGSW, PAGE 1

a union, the Fordham Graduate Student Workers (FGSW) was born. Their negotiations began almost immediately but did not have the impact the union hoped for. In April of this year, they had a three-day walkout in protest of the stagnation of their negotiations.

“Since the walkout last semester, we’ve seen some movement, and we want to keep that momentum going,” said Dueñas.

The Fordham Ram contacted Bob Howe, the associate vice president for communications, for a statement regarding recent negotiations with the union. Howe declined to comment.

The University’s website has a page on union negotiations, which states that its goal is to “ensure that we are sharing real-time, transparent information with the community.”

According to Dueñas, the FGSW does not feel their requests have been taken seriously.

“We want to make sure we have a say in our safety and working conditions. We want to be able to do the best for our students.”

Many undergraduate students, whether they are taught by graduate students or not, are not impartial to these negotiations.

“I think the student union is doing something great by trying to actually help these people that are students and doing a full-time job,” said Molly May, FCRH ’25.

“I work in the mood and behavior lab with a graduate student. If you’re in the psychology program, you have to give therapy to other Fordham students, and you’re not compensated for that.”

The union said it has worked hard on outreach, and their support comes not only from other graduate students but also from alumni and undergraduate families.

“I know I received a flier about it for the club fair; it seems like a serious issue, and I wish I knew more about it,” said Ian Colton, GSB ’27.

Due to the university's Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy, the university does not provide easy access to all graduate students for ease of contact.

“We don’t want to know your grades, we don’t want to know your

dissertation focus. That’s not of our concern. We just want to protect ourselves as workers,” said Dueñas.

Graduate students do not have dental or vision insurance and often face immense difficulty claiming dependents on the health insurance they do have. Many international graduate students experience additional issues when working with the university. The union also states that many offices are unable to work with students who are not citizens and do not know how to modify documents to work with student visas.

The contract negotiations began almost a year and a half ago, with no final decision. Dueñas said the wait has not dissuaded the students, and they have grown in number as negotiations continue. They hope their negotiations will continue this year and be more successful.

“What we’re fighting for isn’t really just for us. Fordham overall benefits from this,” Dueñas said.

Further updates on the union's work can be seen on their Instagram page, @fordhamgsw.

Fordham Falls in 2024 College Ranking

FROM RANK, PAGE 1

Provost Dennis Jacobs said the university’s reason for Fordham’s drop in rankings by addressing how U.S. News & World Report has “substantially changed its ranking methodology this year,” while also revealing that the university is “still evaluating how the new methodology affected our ranking.”

Provost Jacobs also emphasized Fordham’s commitment to keeping class size small, and “fostering the kind of close attention from faculty that helps students thrive academically.”

Provost Jacobs added that Fordham “will continue to improve its retention rate and graduation rate for students.” The idea that Fordham is a “buffer school” for students who wish to transfer to “better schools” is something

that is widely discussed amongst students. Though Fordham Rose Hill has dropped in rankings, there are positives out of the recent reveals from the rankings as the Gabelli School of Business ranks #68 in U.S. News rankings, tying with other universities.

Jacobs said that there are positives despite the ranking. Jacobs said, “In 2023-24, Fordham is ranked among the top 10 universities in the state of New York.”

He added that there might be an apparent bias in the rankings, as there was a trend in public universities moving up in rankings while private universities tended to fall. Jacobs said that these findings were confirmed by the university’s “in-house research.”

Grace Duffy, GSB ’26, said, “Since I am in Gabelli, and that went up in the rankings, I’m not as concerned. However, I don’t think that the level of work that Fordham students do reflects the rankings.”

Duffy also added that “cost is one of the factors for rankings versus value. Since Fordham just had a tuition increase on an already expensive tuition, I think that’s one of the biggest reasons our ranking dipped.”

Dakota Calcaterra, FCRH26, said, “I suppose I feel the same I would feel going to any school ranked after the top 25.” Adding, “it’s obviously incredibly disappointing that we’ve dropped, however, even that proves this is an elastic number.

Fordham Launches Academic Wellbeing Website

By EVA ELIZONDO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This fall semester, the university implemented the Academic Wellbeing website. The platform serves as a hub of resources and available support for students aiming to ensure academic wellbeing. This student-driven page was created due to increased stress levels and mental health needs over time. Because these factors can affect academic performance, the Dean’s office began to think, “How can we help students optimize their academic performance?”

According to Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives Rachel Annunziato, the university conducts regular surveys to get information on students’ wellbeing; this summer, when upper-class students received this survey, their responses were taken into account in creating the webpage. Mostly, students expressed difficulty finding the

resources Fordham offers.

Roxana Villanueva-Aquino, GSB ’27 said that “some resources, like tutoring, you wouldn’t know about unless you asked, and probably a lot of people are scared to ask.”

Simultaneously, the university implemented TerminalFour — a content management system that “empowers universities and colleges across the world to deliver innovative digital strategies and web solutions.

According to Annunziato, for this reason, a team of students decided to “put the wheels in motion” to make “the most accessible” platform for all well-being necessities.

Kristina Stevanovic, FCRH ’22, and Kyle Blake, FCRH ’22, worked with Annunziato as an intern and research assistant respectively during their time at Fordham and said they began to consider academic wellness “holistically.”

This includes individual tech-

niques to use, places to go for support outside the classroom and Wellness Wednesday tips on social media. “[The Academic Wellbeing website] offers a gamut of strategies that students may find useful for them,” said Annunziato.

Ultimately, the project launched once Fordham switched to TerminalFour.

Before the beginning of the 2023 fall semester, Fordham psychology graduate student, Mikela Murphy, and academic counselor, Alexander DiFiore, rendered content creation for the webpage that is relevant to student life this fall semester — for example, an upcoming workshop on “How Not to Study for Midterms.”

Students can expect a scope of information surrounding stress and time management, academic coaching, as well as student tutoring through Knack. Some available resources are the Managing Test

Anxiety and Time Management Strategies.

While this webpage is new, it consolidates other resources that were previously available by Campus Ministry, Student Life, Office of Disability Services (ODS), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) on their respective websites. These partnerships on the Academic Wellbeing website aim to allow for a more holistic perspective on wellbeing, taking all aspects of student life into account.

This page is meant to “streamline” the information and resources from these departments under one hub. The Academic Wellbeing website can be found at the Student Resources tab, specifically under the Dean’s Office Resources.

Annunziato said she hopes it “helps students connect with what they need by offering the correct information and resources.”

Some of these resources include

the CPS weekly drop-in sessions. These are 30-minute workshops on a variety of topics related to wellbeing — for example, “Take Stock Tuesdays,” which offers weekly mindful journaling sessions from 12:00 to 12:30, and guided meditations on “Thoughtful Thursdays” from 12:00 to 12:30.

Annunziato said the website centers on “a culture of wellness.” The goal is to “meet students’ needs and pacify their concerns.”

“Fordham does a lot to make students feel supported, however many do not know where to go when it comes to academic wellbeing,” said Beatriz Costa, GSB ’27.

For this reason, Annunziato said, “This platform is still developing itself and is open to student input.”

The Student Connection & Feedback Form is available for students to submit any questions, concerns or suggestions.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

FGSW officially voted to form their union in April 2022.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Fordham dropped in the U.S. News Ranking from 72 to 89.

where they can speak about it and be heard and validated,” said Ng.

CPS sent out a call for applications to become a peer counselor in spring 2023 — mainly through the psychology department. Applicants submitted required materials, references and were interviewed. CPS received more interest in the peer counselor position than they originally anticipated. The department received around 30 applicants and narrowed it down to nine.

“Originally, we were leaning towards having five, but because there were so many amazing students we decided to develop

CPS Introduces Peer Counseling

a bigger cohort,” said Ng.

Peer counselors receive academic credit for their participation in the year-long internship. Typically, peer counselors work three hours a week: two hours dedicated to providing counseling services and one hour dedicated to group supervision. In their role as a peer counselor, students are given the opportunity to learn foundational counseling and therapy skills which Ng hopes will aid them professionally.

Anastasia Pezza, FCRH ’24, a psychology major, was primarily interested in becoming a peer counselor because the program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students

to acquire first-hand practice in the field.

“I was interested in getting experience in a clinical setting because it’s really hard to find an internship without a bachelor’s. I thought it’d be great to get some hands-on experience,” said Pezza.

Since the launch of the peer counseling program, CPS has scheduled over 15 appointments for undergraduate students.

“I had a few clients and I left feeling really happy because I like what I do here. I like thinking that I’m able to help people,” said Pezza.

Students can sign up for 45-minute sessions online, and there is no limit to how many

appointments a student can schedule. However, there may be occasions where the student may need another level of support — peer counselors are trained on how to refer students and engage with students based on their individual needs. Ultimately, the goal of the peer counseling program is to provide students with quicker access to care on campus.

“We’re always thinking about how to increase student access to mental health support. We hope that adding another level of care will increase accessibility,” said Ng.

Similarly, Pezza expects that the peer counseling program will allow students to feel more comfortable connecting with their

peers for help: “I hope more students will be open to reaching out for mental health resources.

I know it’s intimidating sometimes, so I think the program can serve as a bridge for people who are on the fence about receiving help.”

Since the peer counseling program is a relatively new initiative, Ng asks that students remain patient as CPS works to develop the program in a way that is sustainable and becomes a reliable resource for students. Students can schedule an in-person appointment with a peer counselor online free of charge.

There are eight peer counselors at Rose Hill and one at Lincoln Center.

El Grito and Office of Multicultural Affairs Celebrate Latine Heritage Month

Latines when they don’t get it in other spaces.”

Ventura added that they try to cover all the different aspects at their club meetings — from Latine music, pop culture, fashion, food and anything that has to do with Latine culture.

Camila Da Silva, FCRH ’24, vice president of El Grito, said that her favorite part of the club is learning new things about Latine culture.

“Since all the Latine cultures are so different, it’s really enjoyable to learn from the members and from the other people on e-board about what their traditions are and what they think is important for the month,” Da Silva said.

She added that she is most looking forward to the event with Candela Latina — the Latine dance club on campus — where they will be teaching bachata and salsa.

OMA also has different

events — some in collaboration with El Grito, like the Yankees Game — throughout the month.

“Fordham has a very large Latine community, and those students deserve to have their heritage celebrated and acknowledged. Family is extremely important to many members of the Latine community, and simply acknowledging and celebrating their heritage is a way to combat homesickness,” said Rashain Adams Jr., the graduate intern at OMA who organized the Latine Heritage Month events.

He said that “Sabor de Cafe” is his favorite program of the month. It is a partnership with Campus Ministry to bring in different fair trade coffee and pastry brands from different Latin Countries around the world.

One change that Adams wanted to highlight is the month’s name at OMA from Latinx Heritage Month to Latine Heritage Month. He explained that Latine allows nonbinary students to be included in

the conversation and celebration. He added: “We want everyone to know that all these words have different roots and mean different things when discussing something or someone within the diaspora. Hispanic was adopted by the United States in the 1970s to identify people of Spanish-speaking origin yet it excludes countries where Spanish is not normally spoken like in Brazil. Latin/o/a is used to describe people from the Latin American diaspora. Latinx is a more recent term that is gender-neutral. However, Spanish speakers have pointed out the colonizing nature of the letter ‘X.’ Latine is another gender-neutral alternative that is preferred, with ‘e’ being more commonly used in native Spanish.”

Overall, Ventura added that the month and different events are a great opportunity to raise more awareness of Latine culture.

“I think this month is a perfect opportunity for us to penetrate those spaces in Fordham where we aren’t seen, we aren’t heard

and make our faces seen and our voices heard,” said Ventura.

FROM LATINE, PAGE 1 find different ways to kind of give more credence to Latine voices.” Further updates can be seen on their Instagrams: @fordhamoma and @elgritodelares.

“I think this is a great month for us as a club, but also us as a community to experiment and

Fordham Community Discusses Changes to COVID-19 Precautions

By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR

On Aug. 31, Marco Valera, vice president for administration, sent an update email regarding Fordham’s fall COVID-19 precautions. The update recommended that the Fordham community continue to receive updated COVID-19 vaccines, but reaffirmed that the vaccination is no longer mandatory. The update also encouraged students to continue testing at the appearance of symptoms, masking in large crowds and isolating for five days following a positive test.

Coinciding with the start of the fall semester, several members of the Fordham community noticed a lack of sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer containers in each classroom. Additionally, many classrooms are lacking HEPA air filters, which were originally placed in classrooms in fall 2021.

Fordham biological science professor J.D. Lewis said they take the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. Lewis, who is a microbiologist, said that the Fordham administration has remained very communicative

in updating the faculty and staff on the current university COVID-19 precautions. Lewis added, “today we received, from HR, an update about why the University has taken the steps that it has.”

Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is not spread on surfaces, having access to the sanitizing wipes is less of a COVID-19 concern for professors like Lewis. Instead, the wipes can be better used to prevent other viruses.

“It [COVID-19] spreads more by aerosoles; it spreads by breathing. The wipes are perhaps less of a concern, because from a COVID standpoint they don’t seem to have that much of an effect. On the other hand, there are several other viruses kicking around that can spread by touch, so even though we don’t have the wipes, maintaining good hygiene and washing our hands regularly is very important,” said Lewis.

Lewis added that Fordham has updated buildings with centralized HVAC to reflect increased air handling where needed, essentially eliminating the need for HEPA filters.

They also mentioned that some HEPA filters still remain in classrooms.

Lewis said, “We do have HEPA filters in some classrooms that aren’t under centralized air flow. In a lot of buildings it is not possible, because there is no centralized air conditioning. There is only centralized heating, so we can’t control air flow. Particularly in large classrooms, you would need a pretty big filter to have any effect. In our classroom [Freeman 103], it is less beneficial, because it is such a large air space. That is going to have more of an effect in a smaller classroom, rather than a larger classroom.”

Several Fordham students expressed that lack of sanitizing materials in the classrooms is not an issue.

Berkley Dorsten, FCRH ’27, did not notice the removal of sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer containers.

She said, “I didn’t notice they were gone. Most of my classes right now are big lecture halls, so I think it would be more of an inconvenience to go use them in that big of a room.”

She also added that the lack of sanitizing materials is not a problem.

“I carry hand sanitizer with me, so I don’t think I would use the sanitizer or wipes anyway, because I have my own,” she said.

Both Serafina Paolini, FCRH ’26, and Sarah Urbano, FCRH ’25, also did not notice the removal of the sanitizing devices.

Paolini said, “I did not use them before and also did not notice their removal.”

Urbano said, “To be honest, I didn’t use them when they were accessible in the classrooms. I didn’t even notice when they disappeared.”

El Grito and OMA did an excursion to the Yankees for Latine Heritage Month.

Some people noticed a lack of HEPA air filters in the classrooms this fall.

Fordham Faces Record-Breaking Rain Throughout Campus

FROM FLOODING, PAGE 1

residential buildings as well as reports of “waterfall-like” floods around the grounds. Elevator shafts in residence halls flooded, putting the lifts out of commission for the day. Students reported flooding in residence hall basements and bathrooms including Loyola Hall and Walsh Hall.

Ram Vans continued normal service until rides were suspended by Public Safety at 7 p.m. “The University remains on a normal schedule, but members of the University community should exercise caution while walking on campus, and avoid walking near or under large trees,” said Public Safety in an email sent on Friday at 12:49 p.m.

“I think it’s actually so irresponsible and evident about how little the students’ well-being is prioritized,” said Caitlin Sweeney, FCRH ’25. “It is also so telling how far removed the administration is actually from the students.”

Students traveled through the rain to attend classes, with some professors opting to cancel instruction or move to Zoom on a case-by-case basis.

“One of Fordham’s slogans is ‘Fordham is my school, New York is my campus.’ So, if New York is our campus, why are our safety regulations not adhering to the governor’s wishes?” said Sophia Luna, FCRH ’27.

“Commuters and teachers are being put at risk and even instructed to disregard the emergency alerts sent by the state,” continued Luna. “If something were to happen to any of those individuals while trying to travel to and from Fordham, it would be in the school’s hands.”

Fordham is no stranger to flooding. After the intense rainfall following Hurricane Ida in September 2021, the campus faced damages due to flooding in Walsh Library, Queen’s Court and the McShane Campus Center.

“I think given the high tuition and the New York location, Fordham should be more prepared for weather like this,” said Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27. “These types of rains are not uncommon here and you’d think they’d be better equipped to deal with it.”

Bob Howe, associate vice president for communications, stated, “There was no damage from flooding, and no building closures. The University has made improvements to Walsh Library to reduce the risk of damage from flooding, and Facilities continues to harden campus infrastructure against severe weather.”

Metro-North travel, including the two lines that run to Fordham’s station, and select subway lines were suspended on Friday due to flooding. These closures, coupled with intense

flooding on roadways, made travel to campus extremely difficult.

“I couldn’t make it to campus, all the roads were blocked off around my house,” said Lauren Blanc, FCRH ’27, who commutes to campus for classes. “I was literally trapped.”

Sayegh shared that her sister, Gabriella Sayegh, FCRH ’24, who commutes to campus, was stuck in Yonkers for hours due to the flooding. Other students who made the commute were left traveling for extended periods of time in unsafe conditions.

“My commute wasn’t awful because I beat the really bad flooding,” said Charlotte Luster, GSB ’27. “I saw a lot of cars stuck in the middle of the road on the Henry Hudson Parkway.” She shared that her commute home would have been three hours long due to the flooding and road closures, so Luster spent the night in a friend’s dorm.

“I think it’s ridiculous that the school is not prioritizing safe transportation, especially for commuters and staff members, while we’re under a state of

emergency,” said Olivia Schwab, GSB ’25.

Students said that even though campus flooding is no surprise, difficult situations like this allow the campus community to come together.

“Through the years, I was always so impressed with the way that residents at Fordham have reached out and provided support/shelter to commuters when the weather is bad,” said Amanda Boiano, FCRH ’25. “It just really speaks to how warm and considerate the Fordham community is.”

To learn how you can begin taking graduate courses during your senior year and save up to 30 percent on tuition, contact fuga@fordham.edu. No application fee. No GRE required.

To learn more, visit fordham.edu/gsas/accelerated or scan the QR code.

COURTESY OF NORA MALONE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Across from Finlay Hall, there was a significant amount of flooding onto the sidewalk.

R OPINION

From the Desk | Nicole Braun

I Choose The Fordham Ram

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918

The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses.

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The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram.

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The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of the The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

A few production nights ago, the philosophical question we considered was, “Is happiness a choice?”

Philosophy Hour, for those who don’t know, is the point during production night when most of us on the Ram have wrapped up our work and we all start swiveling our chairs around to face the copy table and pick at the stale Starbursts at the bottom of the Vol. 104 candy bucket. We might have played MadLibs or skribbl.io earlier in the night, but this is different from our regular shenanigans — this is the time for Michael to ask his question and the rest of us to wax poetic. It’s my favorite part of the night and it’s what helped turn us from strangers into friends back in the spring of 2022.

This question is one that’s been on my mind since the start of this new school year and in the shadow of the last one, which had some extreme peaks and valleys for me. Hannah argued that happiness depends on your brain chemicals. Jamison and Kari said it is just a matter of your attitude. Isabel poked her head above her computer and gave us an amused look before returning to her Editor in Chief duties. Michael leaned back in his chair and considered the question without really answering it. Like most Philosophy Hour conversations, this one did not reach a conclusive answer.

I’ve written before about feeling lost at college, and I don’t know if we can choose to be happy, but I do know that when I was a sad and lonely sophomore, I took a leap of faith and applied to be the Opinion Editor of the Ram. It was the best decision I ever made. Emma, my first co-editor, was right: the Ram

did become my whole life, and I couldn’t be more grateful. This newspaper has given me so much: A coworker, a roommate, a baking buddy, a writing partner with whom I’ll eventually share a few Emmys, volleyball teammates who make up for what we lack in handeye coordination with unbridled enthusiasm. In other words, my very best friends.

Every Tuesday I can count on a slice from Pugsley’s, roughly four pages to format on InDesign and about two dozen captions to brainstorm. More often than not, there’s a Michael-Hanif debate that devolves into their inside jokes that none of us know but laugh at anyway. At least once a night we spend 15 minutes finagling with the syntax of a single sentence and spitball a lot of alliterative headlines — my favorite activities.

Some bemoan the windowless nature of our basement office, and one would think that spending 12 hours a week in a fluorescent-lit, cluttered and crowded space would compound one’s feelings of pressure and anxiety. But I’ve always felt like B-52 was a pocket of air, especially during the times when it was hard for me to breathe.

Jamison, Sophia, Hannah and Nora, your energetic spirits are contagious, and they light up the room as well as my day. Thanks for leaving the cutest little bubbles on my pages. Kari, I’m so glad you escaped the sports room and dislike “Jane Eyre” as much as I do.

Michael, I’m sorry that so many of my articles were late. But one day we’ll have a nice chuckle, or maybe a chortle, about it, right? No? Okay. Luckily for me, your capacity for kindness and friendship

(hopefully) outweighs the frustration I might have caused you. You’re a great editor, but an even better friend.

Isabel, thank you for being our fearless leader as well as an exceptional friend. There’s no one sweeter than you — or the cakes that you bake.

Not a lot of people read the Ram. Much of the work that we do goes unnoticed and the papers are left to warp on the newsstands. But the work is so fulfilling and fun regardless of readership. I love being an editor, and I’m so lucky to be a part of such an amazing team and work with the two best assistant editors, Evan and Allison. I’m so excited to see what you guys do with the section.

Though we still have several more issues to go before we wrap up Volume 105, I hope we all linger near the door a little longer these remaining production nights. I know this isn’t the last article I’ll write, but it still hurts to say a formal goodbye and know that this is my shot to wrap up all the big

Editorial | American Xenophobia

feelings I have about this club that is so much more than just a club. The other night, long after we both should have been asleep, Sophia shared with me one of her favorite poems and it resonated deeply with me. It was “The Lost Hotels of Paris” by Jack Gilbert and, among other things, it’s about saying goodbye and being grateful for “the having not the keeping.” B-52 will just be the place “that used to be when we used to be,” and though we will soon become editors emeriti, I have a feeling we’ll be friends long after we close that basement door on our last production night. I’ve started to write this article a hundred times — in pieces and fragments and starts and stops. I think Gilbert was right when he said that writing isn’t perfect, but it’s the only thing we have that can capture the biggest feelings inside of us. Hopefully this From the Desk gets it right enough. While the jury is still out on whether or not we can choose to be happy, regardless, I choose The Fordham Ram.

Americans Are Losing Their Humanity

On Sept. 17, a one-year-old boy died at his Bronx daycare center after being exposed to fentanyl. Two other kids at the center were also found unconscious and unresponsive at the center, and after running some tests at the hospital, it was found that there were traces of fentanyl in their systems. In the face of this undeniably tragic event, conversations have taken an inappropriate shift to discussing immigration in the U.S. instead of remaining focused on the death of a one-year-old boy.

Many Republican politicians have fed their supporters the incorrect idea that whenever drugs are involved, and especially cases surrounding fentanyl, immigrants from Latin American countries are to blame for bringing that drug to the U.S. The reality is that 80% of drug dealers are United States citizens. This is not a problem that can be blamed on an outside factor from the U.S. This is a crisis that American citizens are fueling themselves, so creating stricter immigration parameters isn’t going to solve the problem. The U.S. has long had a problem of not supporting their immigrants and instead villainizes migrants which creates a pervasive xenophobic perspective with Americans.

The focus of this conversation should be on how this child’s death could even happen in a place he

was supposed to be safe and cared for. How could a caretaker allegedly expose children to a drug that is 50 times more potent than heroin? How can she allege that she didn’t know that fentanyl on the premises when traces were found all over the building and not just within the apartment she was renting out? And why did she waste those few minutes that could have potentially been life saving and not immediately call for an ambulance?

These are the questions and concerns that people should be voicing. This is also the time to be evaluating how the U.S. is offering support to drug users. In this case, it was lucky that Narcan was quickly produced on the scene. Without it, there may have been even more casualties at the daycare. Health officials are hopeful that with the drug being available over the counter that it will become a more commonplace, household staple. The hope is to combat increasing overdose rates and save more lives with the over the counter availability of Narcan. This is a positive step forward for ordinary citizens to be able to help while lawmakers work to find a solution to the growing number of overdose rates and the opioid crisis ravaging the nation.

The wake of this tragedy is not the time to launch a smear campaign against immigration in the U.S., specifically on immigrants

coming from Latin America. However, some have used this time to take to social media to validate their discrimination against immigrants in the U.S. with the false belief that they are creating and fueling the drug crisis in the states.

The disrespect for immigrants in the U.S. doesn’t end with the drug debate. Take, for example, what has been dubbed the migrant crisis here in New York. New York City has a larger migrant population than they can support right now, and Republicans have taken this as an opportunity to try and point to Democrat stronghold cities being unable to support the immigrant population they are fighting to give rights to in the U.S. However, this is another example of the wrong questions being asked, and how the humanity of the situation has been lost yet again.

What’s ignored is the luring of these migrants onto buses, paid for by Republican lawmakers, such as Texas Governor Gregg Abbott, with the false promise of jobs and housing at their destination. The immigrants are then transported from Texas to New York where none of these promises are being

fulfilled due to lack of support, resources and funding in one city for the 118,800 immigrants who have arrived since spring 2022. This influx will cost the city $12 billion by the three-year mark and space in shelters and housing is running out.

Instead of addressing Abbott’s cruelty, all people point to is New York’s request to be relieved from their mandatory shelter requirement for migrants seeking refugee in the city.

Where is the humanity in pointing fingers at a city who was considering housing migrants on a cruise ship instead of turning them away and not instead asking what kind of despicable person would purposefully send people into a situation where they don’t have enough resources to support the demand?

Scenarios like these show the lack of compassion and empathy that Americans have for our immigrant population. These are not opportunities to send a political message by steam rolling over vulnerable populations. Our humanity, or lack thereof, is showing, and it is, quite frankly, appalling.

Is the Republican Debate a Waste of Our Time?

By MICHAEL SLUCK PRODUCTION EDITOR

If you’re a political news junkie like me, and you’ve been following the Republican presidential primary, you might come to the conclusion that the race to be the Republican nominee in 2024 is tight. Certainly, the way it’s being portrayed in the media — with a focus on the individual gains and losses of each candidate — you might think it’s still anyone’s game. Until you look at the polls, that is, and see that former President Donald Trump is in a dominant lead with 55% of the Republican vote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in second, with 13% (more than 40 points behind Trump), and none of the other candidates have even reached double digits.

At this point, even if all the other candidates coalesced their support behind one person (assuming none of their voters went over to Trump), they would still be behind Trump. And as I watched the second Republican debate this past Wednesday, I was forced to wonder: is this all a waste of our time?

A lot can happen in a year. But Trump has been indicted. He’s incited an insurrection.

He’s made so many controversial statements that they barely make headlines anymore. It’s hard to imagine him doing anything that could possibly lose him support. And over the past year of campaigning, no Republican contender has made significant headway into damaging Trump’s lead. Earlier this year, DeSantis seemed to stand a chance, coming within two points of Trump — but his support has only decreased as the year went on, and he remained a distant second. After two debates, no candidate has seemed to gain any significant momentum, meaning that Trump is an almost sure bet for the 2024 presidential nomination.

Yet despite all of that, both the Republicans on the debate stage Wednesday night and the media at large have tried to paint a picture of a race that’s still anybody’s game. Most of the candidates don’t seem willing to talk about “the elephant not in the room.” While Trump has drawn some criticism on the debate stage, it’s not nearly as much as would be expected for a frontrunner with such a large lead. And since Trump seems to take running against him as a personal affront, it’s highly unlikely that any of

these people will end up as vice president.

Over the past few years, with the rise of the 24-hour news cycle, the lines between politics and entertainment have become increasingly blurred. Sometimes, I find myself wondering why I’m reading or watching the news that I do: is it to become an informed voter and active political participant? Or is it just for the horror, shock and amusement of the spectacle of it all?

The Republican debate this past Wednesday had plenty of the latter. From corny namecalling (“Donald Duck”) to fierce insults (“Everytime I hear you, I feel a little dumber”), the debate’s most memorable moments were never the concrete policy recommendations the candidates put forward, but instead, the catty things that were said. You could probably count on one hand the number of times the debaters actually answered the question put forth to them by the moderator. Usually, they just went on a tangent about something else they wanted to talk about anyway (not unlike when you’re given a question on a test to which you don’t know the answer, and you answer about something

completely different, hoping the professor won’t notice).

All the pageantry culminated in a ridiculous finale, where the moderators quite literally used the phrase “vote someone off the island” in asking what candidate the group as a whole thought should drop out of the race.

This isn’t politics. This isn’t news. This is entertainment for the bored American television watcher, somewhere between a reality TV show and a sporting event. All of these candidates are so far behind Trump, they don’t stand a chance against him — and yet we tune in anyway. For the same reason we watch “Survivor.” For the same reason we watch “Veep.” For the same reason we watch WWE wrestling. It may not be real, but hey, it’s entertaining.

The Republicans on the stage want voters and donors

to believe they stand a chance. The media wants people to believe so, too, so they keep tuning in to watch. But as Trump’s lead remains undented in the week following the debate, yet again, that doesn’t seem like the case.

Look, maybe there is some value to all of this. For if Trump were to suddenly be out of the race. For the future of the Republican Party — not in 2024, but 2028 and beyond. To understand the mentality of Republican Party leadership. But in regards to the Republican nomination for president in 2024, we need to stop pretending these debates are anything other than what they are: a circus sideshow.

The Scripted Existence of Social Media Influencers

By CAILEE ZERAAT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When tears stain the cheeks of those we idolize the most, all wrongdoing is forgotten and our hearts open back up to them. At least, that’s what the hope is with the trend of influencer apologies. Gone are the days of written notes and silent Instagram posts; to be seen is to be heard, and to be heard is to be forgiven. Though, at what point did we start to see through the laughable attempts of connection between us and those who carefully curate their existence into a neat online portfolio?

One of the most infamous influencer apologies is Colleen Ballinger’s ukulele-led video titled “hi.” Following allegations of grooming her underage fans and making inappropriate comments, a vulnerablelooking Ballinger, also known as Miranda Sings, took to songwriting to express her sincerest apologies. Set up on her couch and wearing a plain black tank top, she appears down to earth, raw and even a tad bit remorseful; but with the first strum of the ukulele in her lap, the tone changes from apologetic to mocking. The “toxic gossip train” that spread allegations of Ballinger’s misconduct is used as the catchy centerpiece of her song’s chorus, while the YouTube star chalks the whole thing up to a mere misunderstanding.

Aside from the fact that

Ballinger’s apology video was met with obvious criticism for its lack of sensitivity towards the topic, her attempts to be relatable are all too obvious, starting even before the video is played. The video’s thumbnail is the look of a defeated influencer, with downturned eyes and an expression that almost makes me feel sorry for her. Even the title of the video, a single word in lowercase letters, works to humanize her: the meek and ignorant influencer who simply made a mistake.

While a flippant attitude and poor choice of medium are not present in all influencer apologies, one thing Ballinger’s video and others have in common is the way they are perfectly scripted to seem totally not scripted. Although Ballinger’s apology is in the form of a song, which she obviously wrote ahead of time, there are multiple points in the 10minute video in which she “breaks character” and uses a speaking voice rather than singing. These parts are made to seem like she is conveniently recalling important information as the video is being recorded, but any viewer can see those “breaks” are just as scripted as the rhyming in the song. What often gets lost amongst those who believe influencer apologies to be sincere is the fact that they are indeed scripted. Even if they are not scripted, we have no idea how many times an influencer

re-recorded their video to get the perfect take.

Think about a friend who wronged you. You were probably hurt and shocked that someone you love so much would wrong you in such a terrible way. Now, think about their apology. Did they have a script in front of them? Did they strum the wrong chord on their ukulele and ask to start over? Real apologies filled with remorse don’t get a second take to hide behind. They also don’t get a PR team telling them which hairstyle will garner the most sympathy from those they wronged.

Influencers are not us, although they want us to feel like they are. Rich, but not too rich. Perfect, but not too perfect. The life of an influencer is that of a balancing act, trying to elevate themselves amongst the masses for brand deals and sponsorships but never getting high enough to lose touch with their parasocial friends. What is attractive about an influencer is not their lavish and unattainable lifestyle, as is the case with true celebrities. Influencers gain fame because we believe they are one of us, which is why when they do mess up, they have historically been allowed to apologize and gain forgiveness. Unfortunately for them, fans are beginning to see through the crocodile tears.

Everything about the existence of influencers is scripted. Social media is a tiny fraction of real life, which truly holds

no basis in the real world. Seeing my favorite Instagram influencer promote a sponsored protein powder doesn’t make me believe I will achieve their already-perfect body by purchasing the product. Why should hearing an influencer apologize for doing something so clearly wrong make me believe they are sorry? While apologies aren’t attempts to sell a product, they are attempts to sell the idea that someone who should have known better is only human and deserves a second chance.

I don’t buy that logic, and I don’t think anyone else should. One thing that always comes with fame is the responsibility of being someone worthy of it. If there are PR teams at the ready when an influencer does wrong, they are just as accessible to tell influencers how to avoid doing something wrong in the first place. There is no

excuse for people with money and fame to make such obviously wrong mistakes. I want to note that I disagree with dredging up mistakes from someone’s pre-influencer past to implicate them years down the line.

However, making mistakes when you already have an influencer’s status is unacceptable. These influencers have nothing but time and money to learn how to be worthy of the fame their fans are giving them. So again, I want to remind you that influencers are not us, no matter how hard they try to pretend they are. They are people with wealth and endless resources that should be able to prevent mistakes before they happen, and not give half-hearted apologies when they do.

Michael Sluck, FCRH ’24, is a computer science and political science major fromVerona,N.J.

Scripted and insincere apologies from influencers aren’t cutting it anymore. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Cailee Zeraat, FCRH ’25, is an English major from Fairfax, Va.

The Republican primary debates are entertainment but nothing more. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Government Shutdowns: What Are They Good For?

By LUCA AMATURO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Right with the deadline approaching, Congress struck a continuing resolution delaying a government shutdown to continue negotiations. We are safe for now; rather, we are safe for another 45 days, when we might find ourselves back in the same position. Recently, the public has felt that Congress has frequently failed it’s citizens that they are supposed to represent by allowing government shutdowns that have absolutely zero political value far too often. A government shutdown halts all non-essential federal services due to a lack of funding because of the inability of Congress to pass annual federal spending bills by the start of the new fiscal year at midnight on Oct. 1. Within the past five years, the government has shut down three times, all of which happened during the Trump administration, and it has increasingly become a threat amongst politicians to further their political agenda. However, anyone with a rational outlook on politics would preach that government shutdowns have extremely little value relative to the consequences that occur when shutdowns happen.

Congress is meant to represent the people and act on

behalf of the will of their respective states and districts who voted them into power, but when they allow a government shutdown to occur, they are failing their constituents. In a study done by Pew Research Center before the 2019 government shutdown, 58% of U.S. adults believed that a government shutdown was a serious problem, and 22% believed it was somewhat of a serious problem. This was not just a sentiment felt during the highly controversial Trump presidency, but even historical polls highlight that American citizens predominately disagree with any form of the government shutting down. When congressional officials allow the government to shut down, they no longer act on behalf of the public’s desire and infringe on the promise they made to the people of the United States.

Congressional officials not fulfilling their duty to their constituents benefits absolutely no one involved and only angers their voters. Contrary to how Congress often acts, citizens are not blind, nor are they inept, and they can tell when their elected officials are not serving them. There is a reason why Politico reported that “Republicans are feeling a keen sense of apprehension that their party will suffer badly should a shutdown transpire.” Voters continue

to vocalize their dislike for government shutdowns, and their contempt for politicians who fail to negotiate with the ultimate goal of a compromise, throughout the media and in the polls. Politicians continue to use a political threat that is clearly opposed by the constituents that vote for them and only brings animosity towards them during their tenure in Congress. Government shutdowns tend to a harm the economy that the government officials, who allow these shutdowns, claim that they are attempting to strengthen. The minute a shutdown occurs, hundreds of thousands of workers are furloughed, and even more will continue to work in the hopes that they will be reimbursed at a future date. Often, many of these workers are eventually compensated for the work they lost during the shutdown, meaning millions of dollars are spent on paying back federal workers who were unable to work while Congress squabbled over their staunchly partisan ideas. Museums and national parks will be blocked from the public and closed, harming the surrounding small businesses that rely on these tourist attractions to garner customers. Goldman Sachs recently reported that economic growth would reduce by 0.2% each week

that a shutdown would last. The economy and workers will suffer because of a shutdown, and yet Congress allows it to happen under the guise of fighting for a spending bill that protects the future of the American economy.

The last government shutdown, which the next one could mimic due to the status quo of partisanship and contention in politics from 2019, lasted 34 days and cost the government a total of $11 billion. Republicans who complain about the country’s deficit and Democrats who preach that we need to increase spending in specific segments are willing to potentially allow $3 billion to be permanently lost from the federal government. Even if the shutdown lasts less than 34 days, taxpayer money is permanently lost, and when congressional officials refuse to compromise, it sends a clear message that their priority is not federal spending nor the economy but their political power agenda. There is only one word to describe any politician who refuses to come to the table and compromise for the benefit of the United States: hypocrisy.

The only politicians who refuse to avoid a government shutdown are extremists on the spectrum of their party and hypocrites in a misguided attempt not to further

their agenda but their own political power. All government shutdowns end; they have to. But politicians will hold out and force a government shutdown to pander to their extremist supporters and force the attention of U.S. politics on them. Eventually, they will compromise and a federal spending bill will be passed, but only after they can spew their irrational and staunchly partisan ideology. However, the attention they gain eventually subsides, and what these politicians need to realize is that their agenda is never furthered because the rest of the country sees right through their act.

We went 15 years without a government shutdown; now, we may have four in five years. The partisan power plays, contestation and irrationality need to end; it serves no one and fulfills no means. Politicians need to focus less on attention, winning and power, and return to what their job is meant to be: serving the American people. They work for us, not the other way around, and it is time that we make them realize that forcing a government shutdown has no political value because we, the people, say it doesn’t.

Statue Showdown: Don’t Tread on Monuments

By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City officials have recently disclosed a potential plan to replace statues of our founding fathers and historical leaders. Being one of many controversial measures being discussed by Democratic leaders in New York City, the discussion of removing or updating statues harms not only the culture of New York City but is immoral in its roots. The specific measures that the city is considering are tearing down statues or adding plaques to statues to explain “Not just what we like to celebrate them for, but what other things did they do to harm certain people,” said NYC Councilwoman Nantasha Williams.

Some monuments being considered to be either removed or defaced with new plaques are the Christopher Columbus statue located in Columbus Circle, Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in Washington Square Park and others that represent leaders who helped shape our country into the nation that we are today. To rewrite history to fit today’s narrative by tampering with stat-

ues or tearing them down is comparable to the insensitive and ignorant actions of activists throwing soup at priceless paintings as a show of intimidation and activism. More importantly, it destroys the ravishing truth known as history.

In 1892, 59th Street and Eighth Avenue were forever changed when a statue of Columbus was unveiled and has stood tall ever since. The statue took two years to make, is 76 feet tall and symbolizes New York City and the hard work of the city’s Italian-American workingclass citizens. An Italian, Gaetano Russo, was even commissioned to transform the statue from a concept to what 16 million people a year visit to honor one man who changed the course of history.

However, the actions that city leaders in New York City aim to take are apologetic about a past they have not personally experienced or taken part in, all while claiming they are telling the whole story. The irony is that they are vandalizing history by considering tearing down the literal concrete examples that remind us of history. For example, a statue that stood remembering our nation’s third President, Jefferson,

was removed in 2021 from the NYC Council Chamber to atone for Jefferson’s owning of slaves. Since the removal, the city has tried to promote a holistic approach to his legacy, but it has yet to actually show his legacy’s elements of good, bad and anything in between.

Nevertheless, if it is not enough that statues are going to be taken away due to the history that politicians on the left hope to bury, steps have been taken to ensure this, as it has been suggested that plaques should be planted on statues that NYC politicians deem “offensive.” It is a measure meant to remind viewers of the hyper-polarized takes on history and devalues the impact these statues currently hold on society.

The NATO Association of Canada has commented on removing statues, saying, “In fact, once a statue or monument is removed, it is hard to bring it back.” It also states, “Every time a statue or monument is removed, it reduces the amount of history succeeding generations have to learn from.” So the question must be asked as to why such a notable group in Canada, operating within arguably one of the most progressive and left-leaning

countries on the globe, gets this debate right.

The answer to this question comes from principles of right and wrong, free speech and austere morals. In a Gen Z panel discussing the removal of statues, an author and universiy student, Christian Hodges, cites these movements to deface and remove statues as a First Amendment issue on the rights to free speech and expression.

Dating back to 1931, the Federal Courts have ruled that regardless of individuals claiming insensitivity, symbolic speech such as statues are protected under the First Amendment, and given the history behind statues, particularly those such as Columbus, Washington, or Jefferson, any move to deface or remove them is a blatant

violation of the most crucial element of the Bill of Rights.

Nevertheless, many people will continue to attempt to tear down monuments. In that case, we are not only in danger of repeating history, but we are in danger of the hyper-degradation of the rights that the government is actively diminishing and aiming to reclaim.

Statues represent history because they are relics of history. History is not subjective; it is factual and strictly the truth, which is up to individuals to learn and understand. Governments and administrators should not be the ones who tell us what we can see and what we can learn. If they are to do this, it is simply authoritarian.

Luca Amaturo, FCRH ’26, is a communications major from Marlboro, N.J.

Michael Duke, GSB ’26, is undecided from Scottsdale, Ariz.

Tearing down statues violates free speech and erases our histoy. COURTESY of TWITTER

Canada’s Accusations Cause Economic Troubles

By CLAIRE BICKEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood in the House of Commons and accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

This claim is certain to have a long-lasting effect on the two countries’ relations, and there is no easy path forward for either nation. India will never admit wrongdoing, and even if Canada retracts its accusation, the damage is done.

Nijjar was shot and killed outside of a Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia in June.

A prominent figure in the Sikh community of Canada, of which there are approximately 770,000 people, Nijjar was also a leader in the call to create an independent Sikh homeland, Khalistan, which would include parts of India.

The movement for Khalistan began in 1948 after the partition, but it gained real momentum in diaspora communities, like Canada, in the 1970s. It came to a head in 1984 when Indian forces stormed the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest site. In retaliation, thenPrime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had ordered the raid, was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. Her death triggered a series of anti-Sikh riots, in which mobs went from house to house across northern India, pulling Sikhs from their homes, hacking many to death and burning others alive. The following year, a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182 over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people on board. An investigation into the bombing

revealed that Canadian-based Sikh fighters orchestrated it as revenge for the Golden Temple operation.

Since the beginning of the movement, many Khalistan supporters have been placed on terrorist lists by India. When Nijjar was added three years ago, India gave a statement accusing him of “trying to incite Sikhs to vote for secession, agitate against the Government of India, and carry out violent activities.” Despite numerous claims that the Sikh separatists are no longer a national security risk, the Indian government has continued to claim them as such. Therefore, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly brought concerns regarding Sikh separatists to Prime Minister Trudeau on the sidelines of the G-20 early in September. In the same conversation, Trudeau reportedly addressed his concerns about India’s involvement in the assassination. It seems Canada does not share Prime Minister Modi’s concerns regarding the Sikh community, nor does India seem concerned regarding Canada’s accusations.

In response to Canada’s public allegations, the Indian government issued a strong denial, calling them “absurd and politically motivated” and claiming that “such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Both India and Canada are making serious claims regarding sovereignty. For context, India’s statement regarding harboring terrorists

is not dissimilar to the United States’ rationale for the invasion of Afghanistan.

However, India’s unequivocal denial of any involvement in the killing of Nijjar is cause for substantial doubt in whether or not the incident occurred. Furthermore, it is exceedingly rare and virtually unheard of for a democratic country such as India to conduct a covert, extrajudicial killing in another democratic country, Canada. Therefore, the Indian government should be considered innocent until publicly proven guilty. On the other hand, for Canada to present their accusation publicly to the House of Commons and the world is not a step taken without significant evidence. Furthermore, with the addition of outside intelligence from Five Eyes (U.S.-U.K. intelligence sharing), Canada’s accusation is not to be taken lightly either.

The accusation of an assassination by the Indian government is sure to send ripples through the international community, and Canada is not the only country with a large diaspora community of Sikhs. The U.K. and the U.S. have communities that are only slightly smaller.

From an international law point of view, the accusation is a claim of sovereignty violation, which, combined with assassination, is a violation of both international law and international human rights law. However, this scenario is unlikely, considering India, a commonwealth country like Canada, would have to consent to a trial, which they will not do.

As of now, in response to Canada’s allegations, India has stopped granting visas to

Canadian citizens, citing “security threats.” Additionally, both countries have expelled each other’s intelligence officers and canceled future trade talks. The cancellation of trade talks is very relevant due to trade volume between the two countries. As of 2022, bilateral trade between India and Canada reached nine billion, and while this trade won’t yet cease due to the canceled trade talks, it does put it on shakier ground.

Secondly, this means that Canada has serious issues regarding sovereignty with Asia’s three major economic powers: China, India and Russia. Last year, Canada accused China of interfering in Canadian elections. The souring of ties means that India is no longer a candidate for Canada to act as an economic counterbalance to China.

It is important to note that while the Five Eye countries may have assisted with shared intelligence, none are jumping to back Canada’s claims against India. India’s role

as a political and economic counterbalance to China appears to be too important for many countries to wade too deeply into this dispute. This also shows that Canada’s relatively passive policies regarding international politics may be hurting them. India seems to have very little concern about losing Canada as a close partner and even less with this harming their relationship with the U.S., to whom they have made themselves almost invaluable. Recent events show that “Prime Minister Modi is not afraid to intervene in another country if he feels India’s interests are threatened.” The “allegations and India’s denial of them show that India is not always going to play by the rulesbased global system in which Canada has a profound stake.”

Overdose Prevention Centers Help Struggling Communities

By SAISHA ISLAM STAFF WRITER

Overdose Prevention Centers (OPC), also known as safe or supervised injection sites, are facilities that allow individuals to use drugs under supervision by trained staff who have equipment to help prevent overdoses. OPCs also contain other materials, such as clean needles to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases and fentanyl testing strips. Additionally, OPCs can also provide mental health support services and allow drug users to connect with drug addiction treatments. OPCs utilize harm reduction strategies, which involve minimization of negative consequences from drug use without requiring complete sobriety from drugs.

OPCs have been around globally since the 1970s. In the U.S., OPCs aren’t federally legalized, although some state

and local levels provide leeway for them. While many people support OPCs and believe they are important in fighting the rising number of deaths due to overdose every year, others, like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), deride them and see them as “heroin shooting galleries that only encourage drug use and deteriorate our quality of life.” In the last two years, two of the first OPCs in the United States created by OnPoint NYC opened up in East Harlem and Washington Heights. Many residents in East Harlem near the OPC complain about the increasing number of people brought by the facility and some of the issues caused by the individuals who access them. The controversy between OPCs and the communities they are in opens up the question of whether OPCs are actually good for the community, and how they can coexist to benefit individuals who use drugs and

community members as much as possible.

The drug use crisis is multifaceted and complex. OPCs handle one aspect of this crisis, mainly in preventing overdoses and the spread of diseases. While many may argue that OPCs go too far in utilizing harm reduction strategies, they are a first step in making drug use safer, reducing the shame and stigma attached to drug use and helping connect users to mental health and addiction treatment services. This is especially medically necessary today, considering that deaths due to overdoses are increasing. In 2021 in New York City, “2,668 individuals died of a drug overdose,” which is “an increase of 78% since 2019 and 27% since 2020.” The rise in overdose deaths is largely based on the fact that more of the drug supply is contaminated with fentanyl, which a person can’t detect with sight, smell

or touch. In 2021, in New York City, fentanyl was “detected in 80% of drug overdose deaths… and was the most common substance involved in overdose deaths for the fifth year in a row.” The use of harm reduction strategies in drug use is centered on the basic idea that there will always be drug use in society and frames its efforts on reducing the illness and deaths associated with drug use. OPCs aren’t single-handedly going to cure drug usage in America, but they will save lives and reduce the devastation and illness associated with it.

Residents of East Harlem complain that the crime rate has gone up since the opening of the OPC. “Narcotics arrests for East Harlem’s 25th Precinct up 229% for the week as of Dec. 4, 2022 (23 arrests, compared to seven in 2021)” with the attraction of more drug dealers, and many notice that police presence has increased. While

OPCs have been shown to save lives, their presence may not be as well-received in neighborhoods where residents believe that their communities are becoming more unsafe. In order to mitigate this tension, OPCs should communicate with the community they reside in as well as the NYPD so they can be more aware of the problems that residents face. It is also important to note the complaints brought up by many, including Rep. Adriano Espaillat (DN.Y.), that “drug programs, in general, are unfairly concentrated in the injection sites’ neighborhoods and kept out of whiter, wealthier areas.”

This brings up questions about the range of OPCs and which locations would equitably benefit all users.

Claire Bickel, FCRH ’24, is an international political economy and political science major from Branford, Conn.

Saisha Islam, FCRH ’25, is a biology major from New York, N.Y.

India denies allegations of assasinating Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Murdoch’s Exit is a Sign of Fox News’ Waning Dominance

By BEN OPPENHEIMER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Sept. 21, 92-year-old billionaire and media proprietor Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of News Corp and the Fox Corporation, entrusting the position to his son, Lachlan Murdoch. He made a statement in a note to employees clarifying that he was not stepping down due to poor health, saying, “Our companies are in robust health, as am I. We have every reason to be optimistic about the coming years — I certainly am, and plan to be here to participate in them. But the battle for freedom of speech, and ultimately, freedom of thought, has never been more intense.”

Murdoch and his media empire have had enormous influence on the political direction of numerous Western countries, impacting the United States in particular. When Fox News was launched in 1996, it coincided with the rise of conservative talk radio, along with an increasingly polarizing political climate that featured hardline conservative politicians in Congress such as Newt Gingrich. The network’s influence only seemed to grow bigger as the years went by, and it became the dominant cable news subscription network in the United States. Hosts such

and Tucker Carlson have been known as personalities that were able to significantly influence public opinion on crucial issues, particularly on the conservative audience that watch the channel. So, with a media conglomerate that is so prominent, why would Murdoch step down now? Perhaps it’s because he’d rather have others deal with the mess his company helped create.

Dominion Voting Systems, after the 2020 election, initiated a defamation lawsuit against Fox, regarding many of their hosts, including Tucker Carlson, Maria Bartiromo and Sean Hannity, and their statements that Dominion’s voting machines had been “rigged” to steal the 2020 presidential election from former President Donald Trump. In the pre-trial discovery, it was found that many of the hosts repeating these false claims knew that they were false but continued to do so to retain viewership, which made Fox look even worse in the trial. In 2023, the two sides reached a settlement, with Fox agreeing to pay Dominion $787.5 million. It became the largest known media settlement for defamation in U.S. history. While this lawsuit can be perceived as having done significant damage to Fox and its reputation, the firing of the network’s biggest star can be a bigger reason for

Tucker Carlson Tonight was Fox’s flagship show, as it was one of the most-watched cable news shows in America, averaging over 3 million viewers nightly. It also differed from other Fox nightly shows in that Tucker attracted a younger conservative audience than his network contemporaries such as Hannity and Mark Levin, perhaps due to his “populist” persona. When his show was abruptly taken off Fox News in April 2023, many wondered why Fox would take its cash cow off the air with no explanation. Some outlets speculated that Carlson was fired for his involvement in the Dominion lawsuit, while others thought it was because of his coverage of Jan. 6. Some suggested it was because of his views on the war in Ukraine or because of the hostile and bigoted environment in his workplace. We will never know for sure. What can be observed, though, is the decline of Fox’s influence since Carlson’s firing.

In the wake of Carlson’s firing, many prominent conservatives on social media claimed that Fox was no longer a place where those on the right could honestly state their views and said that Carlson was fired because of his authenticity. Others said, for reasons besides Carlson’s firing, that Fox was going “woke.” Many encouraged conservatives to consume

right-wing media, such as the Daily Wire, as opposed to “legacy” cable media, such as Fox, which appeared to be outdated. While these claims may have appeared to be unsubstantiated at first, when Nielsen ratings came out in May, it showed a significant decline in Fox viewership, with the network averaging 1.42 million viewers in primetime, which was a 32% decline from April. While one report shows that Fox’s ratings are making a slight comeback with new host Jesse Watters replacing Carlson’s 8 p.m. time slot, it can be argued that Fox’s loss is much bigger than their former star’s. Carlson is now getting views on X (formerly known as Twitter) that, according to Elon Musk, are “more than the population of the United States.” While Musk’s statement is likely an exaggeration, it is true that Carlson’s new show on X has had clips that have reached almost 100 million views.

What is most important to note is the larger theme throughout this tumultuous time for Fox. And that is, despite the network’s over 20year dominance in cable television, its uncontested position as the centerpiece of conservative media may be coming to an end. As cable television continues to decline, and online spaces like X and YouTube become increasingly popular plat-

personalities, the landscape of the news in general becomes more splintered. While most people got their news from the same sources back in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, everyone today is getting their news from a different outlet, which makes it harder for Americans to find common ground in an increasingly polarized world. As even conservatives who were once loyal to Fox have abandoned it for more right-wing pastures, more corporate entities that were once considered apolitical are now being forced to choose sides in culture wars. For corporations that are deemed “too woke,” which Fox is now a part of, the right is now planning to create alternatives wherever they can be made.

With his company roiled by controversies in the past few years and the audience he once had an iron grip over splintering, it makes sense that Rupert Murdoch would want to step down. While he said in his statement that he is “optimistic about the coming years,” the future of traditional cable news may be in jeopardy. At 92 years old and with children to pass his legacy along to, why would Murdoch want to partake in the chaos that will ensue in the next few years?

Ben Oppenheimer, FCRH ’24, is a film and television major

NYC Neighborhoods | Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights is Soothing and Simple

By CALEB STINE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York, more than any other city in the world, has pockets of the city that are beautifully nondescript. No, I don’t see those two adjectives as an oxymoron. Nondescriptness doesn’t imply a degree of aesthetic pleasure to me. Some of my favorite outfits are nondescript. In fact, a lot of them are.

Shout out to my gray hoodie from Old Navy.

Morningside Heights is the gray hoodie of Manhattan neighborhoods, a badge it should absolutely wear with pride. Where music-filled streets and high-rise penthouses are found in much of the city, neatly arranged row houses and quiet French cafés are found here.

The neighborhood’s crowd is calming and steady in a way I wish I could put my finger on.

If a writer for the prestigious Fordham Ram struggles to describe why they like a neighborhood, then the magic of the city is fully at play.

Anything that falls between 110th and 125th Street and west of Morningside Park makes up one of Manhattan’s smallest neighborhoods. As rigid as Manhattan’s neighborhoods are, Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side are relatively similar. But there is a noticeable difference when one crosses onto 110th on Broadway, as I have done all too many times. The air clears, the traffic slows and the

city for the city’s sake takes over. Dogs bark, students laugh and people from all walks of life fill your path. Morningside Heights feels natural and easy, without being sleazy or disheveled.

As Manhattan’s population surpassed one million residents near the turn of the 20th century, the buildings in Morningside Heights were primarily constructed in the Colonial, Georgian or Renaissance Revival styles, which greatly differed from those throughout Manhattan at the time. During the construction of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue between 110th and 113th, the first institution committed to be built in the neighborhood, a vast 15-building expansion of Columbia University simultaneously occurred. This development includes the iconic Low Memorial Library and many of Columbia’s student dorms.

Outside of visiting the city’s second-most prestigious school (hint: NYU is third on this very official ranking), there are a plethora of sites to see and foods to eat.

Riverside Park offers a spectacular view of the Hudson River to your west and gorgeous apartment buildings with gardens to the east. For fans of the show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” you all know to check out Riverside Drive and 113th, where main character Midge calls home.

Complete with tennis courts, basketball courts and similar odds of being crowded as the Jets winning the Super Bowl

this year, Morningside Park is the perfect place to grab a coffee and read a book. You won’t be distracted and will only be inspired by the tranquility of the park.

Riverside Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke during his time on Earth, is a sight to see. Complete with a theater inside to see plays and other shows, the church’s exterior is art in and of itself.

Tom’s Diner could technically act as a dining or attraction recommendation. Take my advice and use it as the latter. There are plenty of other restaurant options. If the Mrs. Maisel reference didn’t catch your eye, that’s okay. Any self-respecting fan of comedy television should make

the pilgrimage to where Elaine, Jerry, George and Kramer dished out laughs and zingers for nine beloved seasons on “Seinfeld” on 112th and Broadway.

Wu and Nussbaum on 113th and Broadway is a place that frankly there should be more of: quick and affordable bites in a classy, yet casual atmosphere. Essentially, if Starbucks or Pret offered dumplings and lox bagels along with their staple baked goods, Wu and Nussbaum have it together and have culinary range and then some.

From pork dumplings to blackand-white cookies, their menu spanning three continents hits the mark, but never the wallet.

Le Monde is the perfect place to go to with your parents. One,

because they’ll pick up the check. They’ll also never complain about the music being too loud, or the restaurant being too crowded. Le Monde is a classic French spot with high-end favorites on tap in a spacious and comfortable environment. Not too formal and offering outdoor dining, it’s a place to put on your list and wait to splurge on. The salmon and ambience are well worth it.

Morningside Heights does what it does well: lives life with little frills or spectacle. Boring by absolutely no means and continuing on with a steady pulse of life that doesn’t invigorate, but soothes, Morningside Heights is the perfect neighborhood to discover: a true gift to the city.

How to See the Best Fall Colors

By CLAIRE KRIEGER DIGITAL PRODUCER

Every year without fail, the fall season starts gradually making itself known through the foliage all around us. It becomes a waiting game for the trees to turn into the fall color staples: beautiful hues of reds, oranges and yellows. However, you truly have to keep your eyes peeled. A few years have gone by where I felt like I blinked and missed the transitional period between the vibrant summer greenery and the barrenness of winter.

This is not a risk that anyone should be willing to take in New York City. With numerous swaths of greenery spread all across the city in places such as Central Park or any of the surrounding smaller parks, the turning of the trees is even more beautiful since it is done on such a large scale. A personal goal of mine this year is to take advantage of the turning of the trees and carve out the time to really enjoy the colors. Thankfully, a couple of websites have been created with the sole purpose of assisting New Yorkers with this. These fall foliage websites, although differing in layout and the tools available, essentially serve the same purpose. They

both try to estimate the best times to view the autumn leaves in New York.

The official NYC Parks website has a very specific foliage tracker. It first explains the reasons why the colors may appear earlier or later in the season, due to reasons such as air conditions and rainfall. For example, since we have been getting such heavy

rainfall lately, there is a chance leaves are prematurely falling off the trees. This could lead to a shorter period of the ideal fall colors. However, the current prediction on the site for the peak fall colors is around the first weekend of November.

It not only gives a general idea of the turning timeline, but it gets as specific as the specific types of

trees. So, if any botanists have a favorite tree, this site can give an idea of when that tree will be at its peak colors. For instance, the maple tree is known and loved by most people. The NYC Parks website predicts that the traditional fiery red and orange leaves will make an appearance mid-fall. It also has a link to all the parks in the boroughs and what trees you can expect to see at each. If you want to educate yourself even further on this topic, they have helpful guides that teach you how to recognize different leaves and trees so you can identify them when you see them in real life.

The second website comes from the I Love NY site, which helps travelers plan trips to New York by giving helpful, seasonal information. This website gives weekly status updates on the state of the leaf colors, released every Wednesday afternoon. The most recent report states that parts of the Adirondacks are reaching peak colors. If you scroll underneath the general run-down, you can get an in-depth description of certain areas of the state that list the percentage of changes in the respective regions.

On top of the reports, there is a map of the entire state of New York that is color-coded by how

far along the foliage is in the turning process. The more green an area is, the less the leaves are developed. Manhattan is one of the greenest parts of the map. While there are no fully red areas yet, northern New York’s leaves are clearly turning at a faster rate than the urban areas. Along with the color dispersion, there are linked areas on the map that show fun activities you can do in that region of the state. So, if you want to travel to a certain area to see the leaves, chances are there are other activities to do nearby you can discover by using the site’s interactive map.

Both the NYC Parks and I Love NY websites are fabulous places to go when trying to figure out which weekend should be saved for apple picking and leaf viewing. When trying to figure out which is the best to use, I think both are amazing sources of information to use when planning a fall excursion. If you are trying to go farther upstate for fall activities, then I recommend the I Love NY website, since they cover the entire state. However, if you are trying to stay local to Fordham, the NYC Parks site gives great recommendations on the best parks to visit based on what experience you want to get out of seeing the leaves.

Take advantage of autumn with NYC Parks and I Love NY websites.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Filled with beautifully unique architecture and delicious eats, Morningside Heights is calmly captivating.

Who’s That Kid? | Christian Hidalgo ’25

Junior Shares Secret to a Balanced College Life

By JULIA OCELLO DIGITAL PRODUCER

For Christian Hidalgo, FCRH ’25, Fordham wasn’t always in the picture. As a California native, Fordham was far from his radar, but the allure of an urban environment matched perfectly with his adventurous spirit.

Upon his arrival at Fordham, Hidalgo was overwhelmed and thrilled by the boundless opportunities Fordham had to offer. His initial encounter with the club fair as an ambitious freshman involved signing up for numerous clubs without giving them much thought. Later, Hidalgo received interest emails from these clubs, prompting him to question his true interests. Some

clubs he attended once but never returned to, a decision he finds completely acceptable. Hidalgo emphasizes that students should never feel embarrassed or awkward about exploring different interests and should feel free to try new things, as it is better to give something a chance than not to try at all.

Hidalgo has come a long way since his initial club fair experience, affording him the opportunity to uncover his genuine passions and interests. Now, as a junior, Hidalgo has become deeply involved both on and off Fordham’s campus. His impressive list of leadership roles and extracurricular activities includes serving as a resident assistant, research assistant and co-lead

divestment leader for Students for Environmental Action and Justice (SEAJ). Remarkably, Hidalgo still finds time to pursue other hobbies and passions, including exploring New York City, embarking on hikes in the Hudson Valley, all while training to participate in the NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon.

Hidalgo attributes his success to staying organized and practicing self-care. Hidalgo said that he dedicates at least one day a week to activities that nurture his passions outside of academics, a crucial element in maintaining motivation, energy and focus. His personal days often involve exploring the cultural richness of New York City or immersing himself in the tranquility of nature during his Hudson Valley hikes. Hidalgo stresses that the key is to allocate time for these personal interests, completely free from the pressures of homework, studying or email-checking.

Balancing a double major in general science and sociology on a pre-med track is undoubtedly challenging, but Hidalgo understands the importance of keeping the flames of motivation burning.

and studying.” However, Hidalgo has learned that changing his study environment, such as transitioning from Walsh Library to his own room, can make a significant difference in productivity. He’s also open to experimenting with various time management techniques, recently adopting a planner to create a weekly schedule, all in the name of maintaining a balanced college life.

Hidalgo’s connection between passion and purpose drive his goals.

“It is easier to be motivated with clubs than with classes because with clubs you can fully remove yourself for a few days if you need to,” Hidalgo explained. “They are never a 24/7 thing. School is sometimes harder because you are constantly in classes, doing work

Throughout his college journey, Hidalgo exemplifies the powerful link between passion and purpose. He demonstrates that aligning your academic pursuits with your personal passions can lead to increased motivation and engagement, making it more manageable to excel academically while nurturing your personal interests. His interest in environmental activism flourished after he attended his first environmental protest through SEAJ during his first year. While there, Hidalgo said he recalls two reporters from TIME Magazine interviewing him for a documentary on youth climate activism. “For that to happen to me my first month of freshman year was mind blowing, and I still think about it to this day.” Ever since, Hidalgo’s unique passion for environmental activism has shaped his academic and professional endeavors. This commitment was particularly evident during his research program over the past summer, during which he worked

under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Rosenbaum. During this period, Hidalgo conducted a study that explored the connection between public housing within the Bronx and ambient air pollutants. He said the experience was one of the most memorable of his college career. “It was really cool to know that my research was helping people understand the broader implication of environmental processes,” said Hidalgo.

He said his research journey ignited a love for research, fueling his future aspirations to work in medical research after his time at Fordham. Hidalgo added that his connection between passion and purpose has aided him in finding a balance between his academic commitments and personal interests, offering a sense of fulfillment beyond the classroom.

Hidalgo embodies the spirit of Fordham, thriving in both the bustling city life and the spirited turbulence of college. Amidst the various responsibilities he holds on and off campus, Hidalgo’s stellar time-management skills shine as he embarks on his latest venture as a student lead in the Middle State Self-Study, which holds importance as Fordham prepares for its re-accreditation as a distinguished research institution. To many, his determination is nothing short of inspiring, reminding us that even in the most chaotic circumstances, success is attainable.

Angel Olsen and New Hope for Country Music

By FRANCES SCHNEPFF MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Angel Olsen has a way of making grief feel good. She describes her music as “fresh grief, like fresh love” with a capacity to sharpen our vision by bringing about “painful clarifications.” I’ve been listening to Angel Olsen since I was 16 when I found “Shut Up Kiss Me” on my Discover Weekly. For the longest time, I thought she was saying something completely different than “Shut Up Kiss Me,” so I would just mouth the word “watermelon” over and over again as my 5th grade choir teacher told us to do if we forgot the words to “Ode to Joy.” But when I discovered that Olsen was writing lyrics much more eloquent than variations of summer fruit, I became entranced by her music.

Her new song, “Greenville,” was originally recorded by artist Lucinda Williams. Williams is a classic country rock singer who also happens to have a very folky sound. Her recording features little background instrumental support, other than what I presume to be a guitar and the lulling repetition of a snare drum. Williams’ gravely voice is complemented by the soft strum of the acoustic instruments, which paints a compelling sort of melancholy, one that only folk

rock stars can create.

Olsen recorded her version of “Greenville” with Kyle Thomas a few summers ago, and was prompted to release it when she was reminded of Williams’ work at the beginning of the pandemic. Olsen claims she loves “how Lucinda Williams cuts through to the heart with a casual turn of a phrase,” and this song, both the original and the cover, does just that.

However, I also find it important to recognize how this recording is just a cover, and to me, one of the most valuable parts of a song is the ingenuity of the lyrics. If I was writing about Olsen’s other albums and singles, this point would be more clear, but because this is just a cover, it’s important to stick to feeling and the context of the cover’s release.

Olsen’s cover differs from the original, mostly because of the unique tonal quality of her voice.

I find most of Olsen’s music to be very ethereal. She did a cover of “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats in 2021, and it has the same effect that her cover of “Greenville” has, a more heavenly, sweeping version of the original. In “Greenville,” the synthesizer that Men Without Hats used is not present, but the fullness of her voice creates a warmer and rounder feeling than Williams’ original cover.

I think “Greenville” is a great follow up for Olsen’s audience after her 2022 album “Big Time.” Olsen talks about this album and her venture into the country genre with Pitchfork in 2022. I think that following this album by releasing a cover is an interesting choice, and could in some situations be worthy of criticism. However, I think that the release of her “Greenville” was a smart decision. Feeding her audience more soft, classic country music that hits the heart and induces a sort of love-filled grief is the perfect way to cast her unique shadow on the country music genre.

Folk country music needs a fresh face like Olsen, a new take on the same country that classics like Lucinda Williams or Loretta Lynn once dominated. I am excited to see Olsen enter a similar space to Faye Webster, who has created a folk country sound in the indie space. I also think that folk country music is often misinterpreted when compared to modern artists like Luke Bryan or Morgan Wallen, when in reality, there is so much more to the genre, and thanks to artists like Olsen, we are getting fresh renditions of the classics we love. Olsen’s “Greenville” makes me excited to listen to a new generation of folk country music, and although I will miss her

pop rock era, she herself claims that sometimes “brightness is tempered by a profound sense

of loss,” which is exactly how her fresh sound and unique cover make me feel.

COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN HIDALGO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Olsen, a fresh face in the folk-rock scene, puts a spin on classics.

Zach Bryan Keeps Fans Engaged With Surprise EP

By ZOE ENNIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the past year, Zach Bryan has exploded onto the country scene with his raw folk-rock sound and poetic lyricism. Just weeks after the release of his self-titled album, Bryan suprised fans with his EP “Boys of Faith” on Sept. 22. Though this may seem like a poorly-timed move in terms of maximizing sales, Bryan has never been keen on following the rules of the music industry. This five-song

EP highlights Bryan’s consistently remarkable songwriting abilities and classic country-folk sound that keeps fans, old and new, coming back for more.

The first track of the EP, titled “Nine Ball,” captures the point of view of a young boy whose father has a gambling and alcohol addiction. Bryan pulls on listeners’ heartstrings as he sings, “Won’t you take me fishing? And I want to try out / For the seventh-grade football team.”

This song has both the classic country-folk style of Bryan’s

discography and his vivid storytelling that captivates listeners and provides comfort for those who can relate.

The second track, titled “Sarah’s Place,” is my personal favorite and features alternative artist Noah Kahan. This song seamlessly combines both Bryan and Kahan’s signature styles, producing this indie-folk hit that’s already stuck in my head. The song seems like an open letter to an ex, as Bryan fondly reminisces on their time together while acknowledging the emptiness he feels in this place without her. This emptiness is explicit in the chorus of the song and truly brought to life when he sings, “And your picnic chair is just sittin’there in the yard.” While he grieves the loss, he also urges her to move on as he belts, “Don’t come back lover, I’m proud you’re under the skyline,” a line that I can already imagine crowds will be screaming during his next tour. Throughout the song, he insinuates that he’s not good enough for her, calling her “the better half of our good times.” Bryan encapsulates all of the mixed emotions that come with breakups, proving that the relatability of his songs is much of what makes them so adored.

Another favorite of mine, the title track “Boys of Faith,” features the indie folk band Bon Iver, whose signature melancholy and haunting sound is evident in this slower-paced song. Bryan sings

Editor’s Pick | Film

with resounding emotion about the value of brotherhood and sticking with people through hard times. It’s easy to tell that Bryan truly appreciates the loyalty of those in his life when he shouts, “But you stuck around when I was down / And I’ll owe you all my days.” This song brings a new sound to Bryan’s discography that I really like, thanks to Bon Iver, and I would like to hear him continue to experiment with new sounds in future projects.

A previously unreleased fanfavorite, “Deep Satin,” reflects on a lonely and painful end to an exhilarating romance. This breakup track differs from “Sarah’s Place,” emitting more anger than nostalgia. Bryan is lost and defeated as he reflects on the failed relationship, asking, “When you see the lights, when you hear the rain / Is there a chance you’re thinkin’ of me?” He feels like he’s painted as the bad guy in the situation, comparing himself to a song they listened to, “Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful Dead. You can hear the frustration in his gravelly voice as he asks, “Is that just what your friends want me to be?” The slew of questions in the song suggests that he has things left unsaid with this ex. It’s clear that this track is a deepcut since it certainly fits his original rugged folk sound that older fans fell in love with.

The closing track, “Pain, Sweet, Pain,” wraps up the EP with a

message about fighting on during hard times and choosing to learn from the pain. Bryan compares this struggle to summiting a mountain, implying that there’s a reward on the other side of the battle. He starts off the song in desperation, singing, “I’ve been pinin’ and pinin’ for so damn long / Thinkin’ it’s about time someone else is strong.” As the song moves into the chorus, he becomes more encouraging as he sings, “You’re so tired, but the top is nigh / Keep on goin’, you’ll soon arrive.” However, he concludes the song with the same distraught lyrics he began it with, mirroring the threeword title, “Pain, Sweet, Pain,” in the structure of the song. Bryan sticks to his sound and knows how to tell a thousand words with just one song. His lyrics have a way of perfectly describing a distant memory, like you’re living through one of the old photographs on his album covers. After several listens, I can conclude that “Boys of Faith” as a whole is about getting through rough patches, keeping faith, and coming out of it stronger. It’s Bryan’s message to listeners that everyone goes through hard times, but they don’t last forever.

Although Bryan is exploding in popularity, this EP is proof that he will never lose the authentic style and lyricism that made his fans, old and new, fall in love with his music in the first place.

“Cars” Offers Important Lessons on Self-Improvement

By ISABEL DANZIS EDITOR IN CHIEF

As Editor in Chief of The Fordham Ram, I often feel pressure to write extremely intelligent, well-thought-out articles. So, for my final Editor’s Pick, I felt compelled to choose something brilliant to talk about. Maybe a classic novel or a festival film, but that wouldn’t be honest. I really want to write about one of my favorite movies of all time, the greatest Pixar movie ever created, “Cars.”

If you’ve ever talked to me for an extended period, there’s a good chance I’ve brought up my love of “Cars.” Not “Cars 2.” “Cars 3” was okay, but the original “Cars” is a masterpiece. Since coming to college, I have probably watched “Cars” once every two months.

Pinpointing why I actually love “Cars” is a difficult task, mainly because I don’t have an exact reason. But I think it all surrounds the movie’s plot and symbolism.

“Cars” follows a hot-shot race car, Lightning McQueen, voiced by Owen Wilson, as he navigates the little town of Radiator Springs after accidentally ending up there. Radiator Springs is a perfect caricature of a small, run-down, western American town. After initially being disgusted by the town, Lightning McQueen finds the beauty within

the space and other cars there. The music itself is worth a paragraph or two of this article. “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts is one of the shining stars. It is tailored to “Cars,” and it also encapsulates the film’s broader themes. Not to mention, it makes you smile the second it starts playing. The first song on the soundtrack, “Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow, is hands down one of my favorites; it’s just so fun to listen to. The entire soundtrack is emotional but also makes you want to dance. I am no music expert; I only know that it works for me. But don’t take it from me. Take it from my roommate, a singer and musician, Madeline Ryan, FCRH ’24, who perked up the second I started playing “Real Gone.” “This slaps. The ‘Cars’ soundtrack is excellent,” said Ryan.

The plot is fun and deep, which is always the best combination. The racing scenes are fast-paced and entertaining. Watching the cars zoom around the track is almost hypnotic, even though they are just cartoons. The crowd cheering and anxiety of the entire track make the scenes fun to watch.

But what makes “Cars” so special is the layered plot. Having a multilevel plot is typical for animated movies. While the genre is typically targeted towards kids, it often attacks

complex topics for kids. Whether it’s “Inside Out” addressing growing up and mental health or “Luca” talking about friendship and moving away from home, deeper themes often lie below the surface in children’s movies. “Cars” strikes the balance perfectly of having a more profound element present, but not having it overpower being a fun, animated kid’s movie.

Coming to college and starting a new life away from home and the people you know is incredibly intimidating. But as a senior, the idea of my life post-graduation is even more intimidating. Facing the job market and building a new life without the training wheels of meeting people in classes and a meal plan is terrifying. Luckily for me, one of the key pillars of the “Cars” plot deals with this very concept.

Lightning McQueen is selfish. He doesn’t care about anyone else until his horizons are broadened in Radiator Springs, where he changes for the better. Moving into new environments and exposing yourself to new people is crucial for self-improvement. In college and after, keeping that mentality is important. When I first got to Fordham, I felt like a fish out of water. I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I’ve met some of my best friends and know what I want

to do, at least for the next few years. Moving on to the next phase of my life, I need to remember how coming to a new place changed me for the better, despite my initial fear. Being a little scared and a little uncomfortable is good, and “Cars” conveys that change and opening yourself up to people is good.

In “Cars,” Lightning McQueen is challenged for the first time and taken away from everything he knows. And he can either be miserable in the change or make it work. For this turbulent era of college and early postgrad life, I recommend taking a page from “Cars” and try to see the beauty of wherever you are. I know I will.

“Cars” tackles complex themes while still remaining a fun family film.

Zach Bryan’s latest EP “Boys of Faith” was a pleasant surprise for fans.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

By LAUREN LOMBARDI ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

In August, I saw the annual Global Citizen Festival lineup and knew I had to be there; a free concert in Central Park to start off my school year, what more could I ask for? The festival is hosted by Global Citizen, also known as Global Poverty Project, an education and advocacy organization that seeks to end poverty and promote social justice. This year, the festival’s headliners were Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Jungkook of BTS (replacing Megan Thee Stallion who bailed a few weeks prior for a feature on Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” stage in their hometown of Houston).

In order to win a pair of tickets, all you have to do is download the Global Citizen app and take quizzes, sign petitions and write messages of support, which all gain you points to enter weekly raffles. It’s easy enough to win but, of course, I wanted to attend with 11 of my closest friends. As we came close to crunch time, until we had at least six winners in the group (so all 12 of us could go), I was worried. I was scared, even!

About two weeks before the festival, everyone finally had a ticket. Then, came the next obstacle: a horrible projected weather forecast for Sept. 23, the day of the concert. Scattered rain storms and a coastal flood warning was definitely not the ideal weather we were picturing; we were meant to lay on a blanket and soak in the sun to the

Global Citizen’s Star-Studded Lineup

soundtrack of Conan Gray. As the day inched closer, poncho orders were submitted and Amazon’s next-day delivery rain boot selection was scoured, though I (stupidly) deemed none of them cute enough to actually spend money on.

The day of the show, our group trudged up Fordham Road in ponchos of varying colors, braving the heavy rain and wind. The commute was easy enough; the entrance to Global Citizen was on West 72nd Street, luckily right across the street from a subway station. Upon walking in, we were met with a long line. It took an estimated hour and 45 minutes, but I don’t know why we were shocked. We entered at 72nd Street, and the location of the stage, The Great Lawn, is at 85th Street. The water making a home out of my Converse from the moment I stepped in the gates of Central Park and missing the whole of Anitta’s set whilst in line was tough, but we persisted.

Finally, after passing through the last security tent, we ran up a hill to The Great Lawn. My friends, quite literally, jumped with joy at catching Gray’s last two songs, “Heather” and “Maniac.” Afterwards, some went to the bathroom and others decided to check out the food vendors (jam-packed with vegan options) because, again, we were in line for nearly two hours.

A few of us stayed in the crowd and heard 3RACHA for the first time, the K-Pop group Stray Kids’ rap sub-unit. Stray Kids, as a whole, was supposed to perform but couldn’t, due to

an “unforeseen accident.” I’ve been to K-pop concerts before, but it was fun to see my friends’ reactions to the fans’ excitement. It hyped us all up and we rejoiced in the cheers under the rain.

Next, after several videos played on the big screen of a mix of celebrities and activists speaking, with a few of them speaking on the stage, Sofia Carson, of Disney’s “Descendants” fame, performed. She sang “Come Back Home,” a simple peaceful pop song, followed by a cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” It was so random, all we could do was laugh as we stood in the rain and cracked jokes about the 2020 mid-COVID-19 celebrity compiled rendition of the song, but Carson did a fine job covering the classic.

There was another long break of celebrities, such as Katie Holmes and Sophia Bush, speaking to an audience who was looking for music to move to, in order to shake the unbearable cold from our bodies (this became quite a trend, just picture me saying this over and over again in between every set). Afterwards, Jungkook of BTS took the stage. The popstar seamlessly transitioned from pop to jazz, English to Korean lyrics and his solo music to BTS’s most famous hits. He ended with his latest song, “Seven,” and a surprise appearance from its featured artist, Latto. The BTS fans were, of course, pleased, and I’d be right to say he won over the rest of the crowd as well. My friends have been sending me screenshots of them listening to “Seven” nonstop for

the past week.

During D-Nice’s set, a parade of special guests came on to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, including Common, Busta Rhymes and Big Daddy Kane, which got everyone up and moving. Following the highenergy set was another anniversary celebration: Ms. Lauryn Hill took the stage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her iconic album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The crowd loved Hill and, despite the rain, had an unmatched excitement throughout her performance. I’d be remiss not to recall the zealous reaction from the audience during “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Killing Me Softly,” both of which the Fugees came onstage to join Hill for. Seeing Hill live truly felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’d wait in a flood again to do so. For an uncomfortable amount of time following Hill, we waited for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as D-Nice decided to DJ (or

possibly hit play on Spotify’s “Today’s Top Hits” playlist). Finally, Chris Rock, randomly enough, came on to introduce the band. It was at this point that I noticed the sea of classic RHCP shirts around me and was sucked into the enthusiasm of the hardcore fans. We danced around in the cold to “Scar Tissue” and swayed to “Snow (Hey Oh).” However, my friends and I tapped out 10 minutes early to avoid the crowd of people trying to leave because getting in was hard enough.

Not only did we take in the magic of some of the best entertainment, but France and Norway announced a $240 million commitment to International Fund for Agricultural Development and, Global Citizen said, “$290 million worth of total commitments were rallied for Global Citizen Festival, leading to a total of $470 million as a result of the campaign.” It’s possible to host good music and make a difference; take that, Coachella!

Ice Spice’s Munchkin Drink Is Not A Munch

By HANNAH BORING COPY CHIEF

Ice Spice has a drink at Dunkin’, and I knew, in my heart, that she did this for me.

There are many reasons I deserve to be the only person ever reviewing this drink. First, every time I went anywhere while I was studying abroad in London, I requested Ice Spice. The DJs were slightly confused and occasionally accepted my request, but I never stopped pushing the Ice Spice agenda across the pond. Second, I am the self-proclaimed queen of fall.

I’m a double September Virgo and I actually count down the days until pumpkin spice returns to Starbucks. No one supports the fall drink takeover like I do.

That being said, welcome, friends and family, to the Ice Spice MUNCHKINS review.

The MUNCHKINS drink, named after her fans, is a frozen coffee with sugar and cream, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. The star of the show: pumpkin munchkins. Yes, there are actual pumpkin munchkins blended into the frozen coffee.

During the fall, my usual

Dunkin’ order is an iced pumpkin coffee with a pumpkin donut on the side. This drink seemed to basically blend my order together — a one-anddone sort of deal.

Now, there’s no way I could do this without my friend Charlotte Maravelis, GSB ’25, because, as Ice Spice declared, “She a baddie with her baddie friend,” and I personally think we’re both baddies. Also, she’s my roommate and I asked her to join me for moral support at 9:30 a.m. on a Tuesday.

But unfortunately for us, this drink was… not a munch.

The lack of coffee mixed with the lack of pumpkin spice is just disappointing, and there’s way too much caramel. If I thought critically before deciding to review this drink, I would remember that I don’t actually like caramel and probably wouldn’t have ordered it.

There is, however, a nostalgic factor to this drink. It reminds me of being a kid and my mom telling me not to eat the entire bag of candy I got from the mall. Of course, because I’m a kid (12 years old) and why would I listen to my mom, I ate the entire bag. Then, I immediately threw it all up while my mom had to

hold back from saying, “I told you so.” I know the drink is bad, but I can’t stop taking another sip, praying the next one is better than the last.

Maravelis did not like the drink either, saying, “I keep wanting it to get better, but it doesn’t.”

“It’s like if you put pumpkin bread in the oven for like three hours and it’s just charred,” she continued. “It tastes burnt with a hint of pumpkin. I don’t even taste the caramel!”

We both agreed that the chunks of pumpkin munchkins sprinkled throughout the drink really added to the experience, but not in a good way. It was like a bad version of boba, or like a smoothie where the banana just will not blend all the way and you have to suffer through the chunks to get to the good stuff. But in the MUNCHKINS drink, there’s no good stuff that outweighs the suffering.

I had high hopes for this drink. I was mostly doing it for the bit, because who would’ve thought Ice Spice would do a collaboration with Dunkin’? But as much as I love the people’s princess, I cannot support this drink. Please, Ice Spice, why? Why did you do this to me? I wanted to support you!

I wanted to love this drink! How could you do this to me?

I stood by Ice Spice after her remix of Taylor Swift’s “Karma” came out. I constantly request her music. I so desperately wanted this to be a good review, but I can’t lie — that’s against my

journalistic integrity, my ethical code to always tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

Ice Spice, I will always love and support you. But I cannot support this drink. I hope you forgive me. Final rating: a lackluster one star.

COURTESY OF LAUREN LOMBARDI / THE FORDHAM RAM Global Citizen 2023 managed to host great music and do good.

“Dumb Money” Lives Up To Its Title

By HANIF AMANULLAH MANAGING EDITOR EMERITUS

And its title probably refers to the whopping $14 I paid to see it. At least movies I dislike give me food for thought. Instead, this stock-trading comedy featuring Paul Dano, Pete Davidson and America Fererra left me racking my brain to remember the plot, themes and points mere days after seeing it. The movie bears passing resemblances to Adam McKay’s “The Big Short” and Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” –– passing in that you get the feeling director Craig Gillespie watched the two films and thought to himself, “I should make one of those.” In looking for subject matter, it seems he stumbled upon the 2021 short squeeze of GameStop by Wall Street investors.

The GameStop short squeeze probably rings a bell for most people reading this article: in early 2021, financial analyst and YouTuber Keith Gill (Dano) ushered in the massbuying of GameStop stock by retail traders around the US. Seeing the stock as undervalued by the institutional Wall Street investors attempting to short-sell it, millions of Americans bought shares of the video game retail company through relatively accessible investment platforms like Robinhood. The resulting “short squeeze” and stock volatility saw GameStop stock reach an all-time high (over 1,600% at some points); most retail traders made a few thousand bucks, several investors made a billion or more and a couple of hedge funds lost

enough money to close down. Then everyone moved on (except for Gillespie).

“Dumb Money” is based on the book called “The Antisocial Network” by Ben Mezrich.

He’s the same guy who wrote “The Accidental Billionaires,” which David Fincher turned into the acclaimed movie “The Social Network,” about the founding of Facebook. Whereas “The Accidental Billionaires” led to the creation of one the decade’s best movies, “The Antisocial Network” led to the creation of a movie.

“Dumb Money” showcases Gill’s initial investment in GameStop, the rallying of subreddit “r/wallstreetbets” around him and the quick rise and fall of GameStop stock. Along the way, average Joes flip the bird to billionaire Kenneth Griffin (Nick Offerman) and Robinhood co-founder Vlad Tenev (Sebastian Stan) –– both of whom are unbothered. It’s a story that supposedly follows a modern-day uprising of people against elites. And yet, it doesn’t carry much weight.

We’re all aware of dramatization, but “Dumb Money” proceeds with an air of bigbudget gravitas that the actual content can’t keep up with. At best, it creates a glossy, fairly linear story and backs it up with some polished performances by Dano and Davidson.

At its worst, “Dumb Money” plods superficially, skimming buzzwords off of meme and finance-bro culture. It fails to follow the story into the rabbit holes of the crass yet rousing r/wallstreetbets culture, or into how investors actually make money off of betting against

failing companies.

Additionally, most of the reviews I’ve read of the movie so far knock comparisons to famous business dramedies. They feel it misses the point, and that “Dumb Money” highlights an interesting and unique phenomenon in the world of stock trading, one recent enough to be relevant. But what those reviews leave out is that comparing “Dumb Money” to successful films about similar topics will tell you exactly why it’s doing so poorly.

Yes, this isn’t “The Big Short.” Nor is it “The Wolf of Wall Street,” nor “The Social Network.” But “Dumb Money” does draw upon these films’ cinematic language, tone and scripts. Where “Dumb Money” doesn’t try to recreate the frenetic pacing or the bombastic language you can find in those films, it does buy into the luxurious locales, the frantic dialogue, the competition for most f-bombs in any given minute of screentime. Meanwhile, the resulting film feels as if it has taken on too big a task with too small an event.

“Dumb Money’s” epilogue text –– akin to the sobering statistics shown after “The Big Short” or “The Social Network” –– neatly summarizes that the Davids of the stock market slung some well-timed share purchases at the Goliaths of trading and won, even though the rise of GameStop stock through retail trading was a blip in Wall Street history. Gillespie seems to push this idea that corporate and retail investors are now on level playing fields. Although, the fact that Wall Street traders might now check reddit every so often isn’t as strong a victory

as he would have us believe .

So what is “Dumb Money”?

It’s entertaining, certainly. And it’s got more than a few familiar faces. But it spreads itself thin: an intellectual critique on short squeezes; a family dramedy; another fastpaced business tech commentary full of people looking worriedly at iPhone screens; a chronicle of the Great Economic Event of the 2020s, if that Event was something you briefly read about on an Instagram post while waiting in line for coffee once. What it lacks in real, concrete plot, it makes up for in showing lots of TikTok videos and off-color reddit memes at the same time.

“Dumb Money” doesn’t lean

into the economic terminology and business lingo, so it feels pseudo-intellectual. It doesn’t lean into the excesses of wealth or poverty, so it feels low-stakes. It doesn’t lean into Robinhood’s unfair and possibly-criminal restriction over buying GameStop shares, so for the most part it feels apolitical. It doesn’t lean into the gritty reality of wrestling the elite, because it features Seth Rogan’s portrayal of millionaire Gabe Plotkin going “oh s**t” while looking at his bank account, and it pretends that the GameStop affair actually made a dent in Wall Street’s system. At least it does not go over an hour and 45 minutes.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

“Dumb Money” fails to capture the drama of the GameStop short.

Volleyball Slides with Three Straight Losses

By BRETT TULIP STAFF WRITER

Fordham Volleyball’s historic season has experienced a bit of a stutter as of late, dropping both matches against the University of Dayton this weekend, bringing their losing streak to three. Fans should not be too disappointed, however, as Fordham was on the road against Dayton, which is a nationally ranked program, currently at #21. Many knew this would be one of the team’s toughest matchups yet, as the Flyers’ great season is reflected in their 15-2 record.

It is hard to find much promise for Fordham in two 0-3 losses, but it is again important to emphasize that the Rams were simply outmatched. Beginning with Friday’s match, Fordham’s slow start would be representative of the rest of the series, as they started by giving up six straight points. They were unable to get any sort of runs or momentum going, as anytime they would try to find a rhythm they were immediately denied by Dayton. In the first set, their longest scoring run was of three, compared to Dayton’s runs of six, five and four throughout. The struggles continued on offense even after set one. In fact, three would be Fordham’s longest scoring streak all day, as they just could not get any sort of consistency going. They dropped the first 25-15, the

Overtime: How to Live With A Losing Team

By MADDIE BIMONTE SPORTS EDITOR

second 25-12 and the third 25-14.

Day two of the matchup continued on Saturday, with Fordham showing a bit more signs of life near the end. The Rams lost the first two sets by scores of 25-16 and 25-14 respectively, but rallied a bit in the third. They finally started out with six straight points, and things were starting to look up.

However, Dayton was able to slowly whittle away at their lead, crawling back to go on a 9-1 run which they were able to use to run away with the rest of the set. The third set would end 25-20, closer than the other five on the weekend, but still disappointing.

It would have been nice to have been able to come away with a set or two, but Dayton was the superior team and played like it.

Standout performances from Fordham throughout this series included both freshman Tatum Holderied and sophomore Zoe Talabong, each playing well despite the losses.

The team will be back in action in a rare midweek appearance at home against the University of Rhode Island on Wednesday, with their second match against them coming later in the month.

This is a must win for Fordham, as they need to continue strong as conference play continues, especially considering Rhode Island’s 3-13 record to start this season.

Athletes of the Week

Mensah recorded shutouts against Dayton University and Davidson University this past week, the fifth and sixth of her career. She tallied seven saves against Dayton and nine against Davidson as Fordham picked up two big results in Atlantic 10 play. Since taking over for sophomore Kyla King, Mensah has provided a steady presence in net for the Rams.

It’s the final week of the regular season for Major League Baseball, and honestly, I never thought I’d say I’m happy it’s over.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the sport, the adrenaline and the energy of cheering on my favorite team. But what happens when your favorite team just absolutely sucks?

Many New York baseball fans can probably agree with my sentiments as the New York Mets imploded after being predicted to be World Series contenders at the beginning of the year. And the New York Yankees had a slew of talented players, spearheaded by the ever-great Aaron Judge.

But things didn’t go to plan this season. Now here we are, 162 games later, more miserable than ever.

So I guess the question is, how do you deal with a losing team? How do you come back to earth after being promised the gold and ending up in last? Well, it’s simply not easy.

First off, you have to have faith things will be different, that things will change. New York is home to some of the most cynical people on planet Earth, and that thinking doesn’t change about their sports teams.

In fact, I’ve probably seen some awful New York Mets baseball in my lifetime. Heck, I’ve probably seen even worse seasons, but the one thing I have to keep in mind is that this stuff happens. Better yet, it’ll happen again.

But now, the Mets finally hired a President of Baseball Operations in David Stearns. He plans to “fix” the organization now, as Buck Showalter was just ousted from the managerial position just this past week.

He’s making promises all Mets fans want to hear, from keeping Pete Alonso to a commitment to winning. For me, I’ll believe it when I see it.

With these promises, I just have to hope that the plan to get a World

AWAY

Series win in my lifetime isn’t over, just delayed.

Secondly, fans have to realize that the world isn’t just sports. It’s not all about the team. The world will still spin regardless of if the Yankees or the Mets go to the World Series. Personally, I think some fans just need to put the remote down every once in a while and take a walk.

Yeah, I might sound harsh, but while it’s great to be passionate about your favorite team, if you’re constantly complaining about your life sucking because your team sucks, you need to find a new thing to watch on television.

Sports are supposed to be fun, community-building fun, not depressing. And yeah, sometimes that’s how life is, but it’s not how every second should be.

So now that I’ve gotten a couple of things off my chest, let’s take a walk down memory lane and reflect on baseball in New York this past year.

Injuries can demoralize a team. We saw it happen before the season with Edwin Diaz. The Mets star closer went down with a fullthickness tear of his patellar tendon, leaving the bullpen to fill in the gaps throughout the season.

We saw similar events happen in the Bronx with Judge, the star captain for the Yankees, a guy with

incredible talent, running into a fence in the Los Angeles Dodgers stadium and injuring his toe, sidelining him for 42 games. Without him, the team just wasn’t the same, as not only did they lose a critical part of their outfield, they lost their leader in the clubhouse.

But nowadays, teams just need to be better prepared for things like this, as injuries happen so often. Depth should be at the forefront of these general managers’ minds, not just immediate star talent.

I think looking at it now, as a fan, you just have to have hope things will get better. That the road ahead looks potentially awful, but it’s the road you chose to take. A team can’t be bad for the entirety of its life.

Most importantly, and as cheesy as this might sound, you’re not alone. Literally thousands of other people are in the same boat as you, complaining about an extra inning loss in August, to watching West Coast games until 3 a.m. and celebrating when your team sweeps a division rival. That’s why we continue to watch sports amidst all of the pain and suffering our favorite teams put us through, for the hope and joy that one day it will be better. That’s why I’ll continue to be a Mets fan, even if it’s one of the more difficult tasks in my life to try and deal with.

Varsity Calendar

Silvestri was named Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)

Defensive Player of the Week for his strong play across three games last weekend. The junior didn’t allow a goal from the two-meter defender position in addition to notching three steals as Fordham won all three contests against George Washington University, U.S. Naval Academy and Johns Hopkins University.

Each week,

sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Tennis

The Fordham Ram’s

Serena Mensah Senior, Women’s Soccer

Luca Silvestri Junior, Water Polo

season sucked, and as a New York Mets fan, I’m glad it’s over.

Student Athlete Column: The Rambearables, Undefeated (in Spirit)

By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The hours that I have spent on the courts in Lombardi Fieldhouse have been instrumental in shaping my time at Fordham. I am an intramural athlete first, and a student second.

This is my first student athlete column, but it is not my first intramural sports team. In my three years at Fordham, I have tried every intramural sport you can imagine: kickball, basketball and flag football. Seeing as this is my third semester at Fordham, I decided to give volleyball a try.

First, I asked some of my friends to join my volleyball team. When they denied me the chance to join a team that was undoubtedly headed straight for the playoffs, I turned to some of the most loyal people I know: the staff of The Fordham Ram. To fill the roster, I harassed some of my fellow staff members, including newsroom favorites like juniors Evan McManus, Sofia Donohue and Matt Colucci.

Despite joining the intramural league late, and missing the first week of games, we have improved tenfold in our time on the courts.

Even though we have lost the first and only two games that we have played so far, the referees have repeatedly complimented our team sportsmanship. Besides, as campus-renowned amazing libero McManus always says, “We play for values greater than ourselves!”

In other words, who cares about the score when you are having fun with your friends.

As a team, we have overcome many challenges. For example, the intramural sports website, IMLeagues, is the most horribly designed website I have ever used. Senior Michael Sluck, who happens to be a computer science major with experience designing websites, has been quoted multiple times saying, “I can design a website better than that.”

Another issue we encountered was our first game, which we had to forfeit due to a lack of players. Or our second game, which we didn’t know about until the day of, because of the awfully designed IMLeagues website. (Special shoutout to Colucci for bringing the game to my attention!) Or our third game, which we found out about during the second game.

Listen, I don’t want to take full credit for The Rambearables losing

Varsity Scores & Stats

record. But, as the team captain, they would be nothing without me. I am totally kidding; if anything, I am nothing without my dedicated team members.

Seriously though, forming an intramural team really is a great chance to hang out with your friends, meet new people and to find out who took gym class too seriously in high school.

I also have to take this opportunity to shout out The Rambearables’ most dedicated fans, Sluck and Lauren Lombardi. Your hardwork cheering from the bench does not go unnoticed.

Come cheer on The Rambearables during our next game on Oct. 11. Or if you can’t make that game, we will be playing our rivals (the other Ram team who stabbed us in the back and created a team without inviting us) sometime soon.

If you take anything away from this article, it should probably be to form an intramural sports team with your friends. You will definitely laugh and have fun. Special shoutout to Sports Editors Nick and Maddie for begging me to write this column.

You’re welcome, guys! Also, if you are the creator of IMLeagues, please pursue another career.

I Love Minor League Baseball, and You Should Too

By BEN OPPENHEIMER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There’s a saying that “roads were made for journeys and not destinations.” It seems like a nice expression that most people would like to apply into their lives, but few end up doing so. In every field and career, people are so hyperfixated on their final goal that they forget to step back and appreciate the world around them while they are still on the road to their destination. This can be particularly applied to sports. More specifically, minor league baseball.

Compared with other major American sports leagues such as the NBA and NFL, players coming out of college or high school who are drafted into the MLB are not expected to make an immediate impact. Instead, they must earn their stripes through hard work in the minor leagues, a journey that will sometimes take up to five years to make it to the majors. This lengthy developmental period makes the MLB stand out compared to a league such as the NBA, where a highly scouted five-star recruit will spend one year in college and then get drafted into the league. But maybe that long journey that baseball players take to make it to the majors is not a bad thing, but an experience in itself, and one that fans can also enjoy.

At first, the idea of going to a minor league baseball game just for fun can be unappealing to the lukewarm sports fan. People may

News & Notes

Homecoming Weekend Kicks Off on Thursday

Fordham University’s big homecoming weekend starts things off on Thursday, Oct. 5, with an induction ceremony to the Athletics Hall of Fame. This event will honor eight inductees from Fordham football, women’s basketball, women’s track and field, softball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s tennis, along with four special award recipients. Later, on Oct. 7, the Rams take on the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks at 1 p.m. at Jack Coffey Field. Tickets can be purchased on the university’s website.

Fordham SAAC Hosts Hilinski’s Hope Mental Health Week

think at first: “Why would I want to see a bunch of no-name players compete in games that don’t matter, in a league that is inferior to its bigger counterpart?” But from my experience beat reporting this summer for both the independent league Long Island Ducks and the Mets’ minor league High A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones, there are many good reasons to check out a minor league baseball game.

One of the first major reasons to catch a minor league game is to see top-level prospects develop and improve their skills over the course of the season. I was able to watch the Mets’ right-handed pitching prospect, Blade Tidwell, in my reporting for the Cyclones this summer, as he went 8-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 17 games and 81 innings pitched, along with 112 strikeouts. Because of his solid numbers in Brooklyn, he was promoted to the Mets’ Double A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, as he continues to advance in his journey to the majors. As a Mets fan, I now feel that I know Tidwell’s strengths and weaknesses better because I watched him in Brooklyn this year. While most baseball fans are unfamiliar with new prospects besides from what they’ve seen on Twitter or on MLB Network, I feel that I am more familiar with Tidwell’s game than I would be if I had never watched a minor league game.

Another reason to watch a minor league game is to watch players who you never would’ve expected develop into stars once they reach the major leagues.

Numerous notable players over the years have been drafted very late, and yet still turned into household names. Keith Hernandez was drafted 785th overall in the 42nd round of the draft. Mike Piazza was drafted 1,390th in the 62nd round. Albert Pujols was drafted 402nd overall in the 13th round. You never know what potential future superstar you are watching when you go to a minor league game. The relaxed atmosphere of the minors also gives highly touted players breathing room to make mistakes, unlike the harsh expectations of instant success in other leagues. You could also potentially see your favorite major league player play a game in the minors to rehab from an injury, or see an older major leaguer play just because he signed a short contract with the team (I had the opportunity to see former all-star Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy play for the Long Island Ducks this season before he left to sign a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels).

Another reason to attend a minor league game is the fun and intimate atmosphere you experience on a summer evening. Many minor league teams form the basis of a city’s town or culture, and small towns that normally wouldn’t attract the attention of sports executives can become lively hubs for baseball fans trying to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Attending a game can be a great way to have safe fun with family and friends in the summer. Minor

This week, Fordham University Student Athlete Advisory Committee is hosting Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, featuring multiple days of raising awareness as student athletes will be out and about, providing food and activities for people to destress.

league teams also significantly support local economies, providing jobs and revenue for small communities. When the MLB went ahead with its decision to slash its number of minor league teams, even prominent nationally known politicians such as Bernie Sanders decried the decision.

Sanders criticized the removal of his native Burlington Vermont Lake Monsters from the minor leagues, and stated that “closing down minor league teams, like the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a disaster for baseball fans, workers, and communities across the country.”

It should also be mentioned that Minor League players work hard at their craft and receive little pay for it. While someone would usually think most baseball players are rich, as the minimum MLB salary is $700,000, the minors are a different story entirely. Salaries can range from $4,800

a year to $14,00 a year, less than half of what someone would make working full time at a minimum wage job. When reporting for the Ducks this summer, I noticed that the team even has advertisements at the stadium and on their website for “Host Families” for their players to live with during the season. In areas with a high cost of living like Long Island or Brooklyn, finding adequate housing with a minor league salary can be very difficult.

The grind of being a minor league player is often thankless, and their dedication to baseball is often forgotten by casual fans. But when you attend a minor league baseball game, you can watch an up-and-coming prospect continue to improve, see your favorite major leaguer play in a rehab game or just enjoy a great summer occasion of a baseball game with your family and friends. Why not go to a minor league baseball game next summer?

NYCFC’s New Stadium: Game Changer or Inconvenience for Some Diehard Fans?

By GRIFFIN STEVENSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City’s decision to approve a privately-funded $780 million stadium for the city’s only Major League Soccer team, New York City FC (NYCFC), has left many of the team’s diehard fans unhappy about what they consider the remote location of the new 25,000-seat venue in Willets Point, Queens.

The team has played most of its last seven seasons at Yankee Stadium, occasionally rotating to the Mets’ home of Citi Field or Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. While plenty of fans deride the team’s current home field, a slightly squashed rectangle across the outfield of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx with lousy sightlines, NYCFC supporters from Westchester and New Jersey say they’ve received an unfavorable side of the deal. “Coming from Eastern New Jersey, I can get to Yankee Stadium in sometimes as low as 20 minutes, but getting to Queens is not only a longer trip but typically more expensive unless I burn an extra 30 minutes trying to go over the Queensboro Bridge,” said NYCFC supporter Scott Churchson.

Another fan, George from Yonkers, said, “With the airport and traffic, I probably won’t come out here as much.”

The development plan, built by union labor, will include New York’s largest public housing complex in over 40 years, with an estimated 2,500 housing units, over 40,000 square feet of open space and a 650-seat school.

The new stadium aims to counteract traffic struggles with its ease of access to public transport. Mets-Willets Point offers services from the 7 Subway line, the Long Island Railroad and the Q48 bus.

With the stadium at the heart of a busy transit hub, one fan worries about the busy crowds flocking to the area.

“I mean, it’s a good thing the stadium and housing… but, my concern just looking at it now is safety near the stadium,” said Jackson, another local NYCFC supporter.

Safety is not the only concern fans have for the new stadium.

The plans to erect a new community in Willets Point have Tran, an NYCFC Supporter, worried about the potential impact on neighboring areas, including Flushing, the

Women’s Soccer Ties Dayton, Defeats Davidson

By NOAH HOFFMAN STAFF WRITER

After officially finishing up non-conference play last Monday with a loss to Yale University, the Fordham women’s soccer team came into a crucial stretch of conference matchups starting at the University of Dayton this past Thursday.

The Rams came into play sporting a 3-6-2 overall record and a 1-1-1 record in Atlantic 10 games. Dayton came out firing from the first whistle, with an excellent scoring opportunity just two minutes into the game, but the shot was wide to the right. After Dayton continued to pressure, they had a second chance at the 15th-minute mark with a shot that appeared to be going into the top right corner. However, Fordham senior goalie Serena Menash made an incredible leaping save to get a fingertip on it at the last second. Off the rebound just seconds later, Dayton again struck for the net, with Mensah able to prevent the ball from crossing over the goal line while still on the ground. This started what would be an excellent game for Mensah in which she would have seven saves en route to a shutout.

The Fordham offense struggled to move the ball downfield throughout the game but still got off 11 total shots. Six of the 11 shots were on target, with freshman Riley Carroll leading the way with three total shots, two being on goal. Some of the

heart of a low-income neighborhood composed mainly of Chinese immigrants.

“There always are concerns for gentrification, especially when being so close to Flushing, which has a huge Asian population… I think it’s a matter of, like… what are you doing for the neighborhoods surrounding that area as well,” she said.

According to the Mayor’s Office, the stadium is expected to generate upwards of $6.1 billion in revenue over the next 30 years, creating 1,500 permanent jobs and 14,000 construction jobs.

Fans say they know the team needs its own venue. “We are a laughing stock…I’m a diehard NYCFC fan, but you know, sometimes you have to agree with what other people are saying… I think we should move from baseball stadiums,” said Joel, an NYCFC fan and Queens Native.

“Our club has been investing in New York City for over a decade, and we are eager to invest these funds to help build a new community for our first team, our dedicated fans and our great city,” said NYCFC Vice Chairman Marty Edelman.

The new stadium represents

a more significant commitment from the city to aid in developing a New York that currently faces a housing and labor crisis. Affordable housing and the implementation of new lively communities are all part of Mayor Eric Adam’s commitment to making NYC a “city of yes.”

“Willets Point exemplifies the city’s bold vision for placemaking development, anchored by deeply affordable housing,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.

This project comes as MLS fan viewership is at an all-time high in the United States, with international superstar Lionel Messi joining Florida-based club Inter Miami. Apple recently purchased the streaming rights to the MLS in a $2.5 billion, 10-year deal. These advancements in league development coincide with the United States co-hosting of the World Cup in 2026. New York will get the chance to promote the sport citywide as MetLife Stadium is slated to host group-stage matches and potentially the final, with only itself and Dallas’ AT&T Stadium still in the running.

While NYCFC’s new stadium

isn’t planned to be completed before the start of the World Cup, it can undoubtedly piggyback off the hype created by the hundreds of thousands of fans flocking to the city the previous summer.

NYCFC last won a championship in 2021, when they defeated the Portland Timbers in a thrilling penalty shootout, with star keeper Sean Johnson saving two penalties. Johnson has since moved on from the team, with stars Santiago Rodriguez and Gabriel Pereira now at the forefront. The club sits on 38 points, smack dab in the middle of a tight Eastern Conference playoff race, ahead of the pack by one point despite injury struggles.

With the impending World Cup and other international stars being encouraged to move out west, NYCFC fans hope a dedicated soccer stadium will increase the former MLS champion’s credibility.

Patrick, a Connecticut native, said, “It will be the first soccer stadium in New York City, which will be huge for the sport and huge for the city… hopefully it brings in, you know, superstars from around the world, and we can compete with Inter Miami.”

Men’s Soccer Defeats Davidson at Home

By MADDIE BIMONTE SPORTS EDITOR

Rams’ best opportunities came on through balls to what looked like surefire goals but could not find the back of the net. Mensah’s shutout preserved the 0-0 tie for Fordham, their second draw in conference play.

The Rams headed back home for their second game of the week this past Sunday, another A-10 contest versus Davidson College. This game was heading in the same direction as Fordham’s previous match, with zero shots taken in the first 20 minutes. The game remained scoreless through almost the entirety of the game, even with both teams getting their fair share of opportunities. In the 89th minute, graduate student Cianna Elmazaj found freshman Lena Johnsen for the buzzer-beating goal off the top left crossbar and into the back of the net.

Goalie Serena Mensah had another fantastic game with nine saves, tying her career-high, en route to her second consecutive shutout.

The win was also Mensah’s first of the season after recently taking over full-time duties in goal in place of sophomore Kyla King.

The tie and win put the Rams at 4-6-3 overall and 2-1-2 in conference play. The team now gets some much-needed rest before continuing their stretch of A-10 games on Sunday, Oct. 8 with an away game against the University of Rhode Island.

The Fordham men’s soccer team defied the odds this past week, defeating the Davidson College Wildcats, who were leaders atop the Atlantic 10 standings, with a score of 2-1.

The Rams came out strong, forcing the Wildcats back into their own end as they outshot Davidson 12-1 in the first half.

In the 13th minute, the Rams finally got on the board. On the left side, junior Jed Dixon sent a long cross near the penalty spot intended for graduate student Liam Salmon.

With an easy flick of his head, the ball found the body of senior Florian Deletioglu, who slammed it into the back of the net right past Davidson goalkeeper Lou Liedtka for the 1-0 advantage.

At the end of the first half, the Rams also held an advantage in corner kicks, getting the opportunity to run five more set pieces compared to Davidson’s zero.

Things opened back up for the Rams in the second half, as they promptly returned to scoring in the 58th minute.

Sophomore Nathan Simes was able to connect with graduate student teammate Kai Greise off of a throw in. With some back-and-forth action, the two passed the ball off of one another down the field.

Making it all the way to the top of the 18-yard box, Griese, with a strike from his left foot, sent a ball into the bottom-right corner of the net, increasing the Rams’ lead to

2-0. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Rams, as the Wildcats were determined to battle back.

Courtesy of Davidson’s leading scorer, Vincent Bennage finished a well-placed ball in the box, past Fordham’s graduate student goalkeeper Carter Abbott’s reach. Things went south for Davidson as Alonzo Clarke was sent off with his second yellow card of the match in the 78th minute.

With the score at 2-1, Davidson was eagerly trying to even the score, yet to no avail. Another attempt would come in the last few minutes of regulation, with Bennage once again on the attack. Getting his head on a ball from the left midfield, he attempted to find the back of the cage, but it missed

just wide right.

Now, Fordham moves to 5-13 on the year, including a 4-0-1 mark at home, and improved their A-10 record to 2-1-0.

This is Davidson’s second loss of the season, which marked only the second time this season the Wildcats surrendered multiple goals in the same game.

The Rams have a jam-packed week, starting on Wednesday as they face Saint Joseph’s University at home in the Bronx.

Then, the Rams’ attention shifts to Rhode Island University on Saturday on the road, before making the trek back to play once again on Tuesday against Hofstra University for one of their last non-conference games of the season.

The Rams knocked off one of the top Atlantic 10 competitors

By ALLIE COPPOLA STAFF WRITER

Despite an abysmal preseason so far, encouraging lineup changes appear to be on the horizon for the New York Rangers as they approach the start of the regular season. The Rangers’ top prospects, Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle, have been performing well with a couple of points each, while some of the other forwards appear to be struggling to find their footing.

The Rangers started the preseason against the Bruins with a 3-0 shutout loss, as they were unable to solve the B’s prospect goalie Brandon Bussi. A preseason loss like this makes sense as the Blueshirts only played four of last year’s starters, and the score doesn’t demonstrate the impact some of the prospects made on the game. Defenseman Connor Mackey had a strong first game with three blocked shots and three hits. Forward Will Cuylle also had three hits along with two shots, showing his versatility in the left wing position. Despite racking up the most ice time of all the forwards, Alexis Lafreniere went scoreless and statless besides three shots, only one of which was on net. The pressure is on for him going into the regular season, because if he doesn’t start to perform, he will likely be traded at the deadline to make room for some of the prospects that are outplaying him. In terms of goalies, Louis Domingue posted an eight-save shutout in his 30

Rangers Preseason Review (So Far)

minutes of play, while Jonathan Quick let up three goals in his first appearance as a New York Ranger.

Two days later, the Rangers bounced back with a 4-2 win over the Islanders at home. Kaapo Kakko and Chris Kreider both scored in the game, while newcomers Tyler Pitlick and Blake Wheeler added the other two goals. Pitlick totalled five hits, demonstrating an aggressiveness the Rangers have been missing since trading away Ryan Reaves last season. Othmann made his first preseason appearance in the game, throwing two hits and posting a +2 plus/minus. Eric Gustafsson, one of the Rangers’ biggest free agent signings, assisted Pitlick’s goal and showed his talent on both sides of the puck with two blocked shots. Against an Islanders’ team that played most of their top players, Blueshirt goalie prospect Dylan Garand made 11 saves on 12 shots, and Igor Shesterkin made 10 saves on 11 shots. It wasn’t a cohesive performance from the Rangers, but in the preseason, new coach Peter Laviolette is just looking for the best players to put on the roster.

In a rematch of the first round of the playoffs last season, the Rangers played their third preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. The prospects and new additions showed off their talent once again: Othmann scored his first goal of the preseason, and Cuylle assisted Gustafsson’s early goal.

Cross Country Competes at Paul Short Run

By COLIN LOUGHRAN STAFF WRITER

The men and women of cross country traveled to Bethlehem, Pa. and competed in this past Saturday’s Paul Short Run at Lehigh University. The men’s side placed 29th out of 43 teams, and the women’s section finished 43rd in a field of 44 teams.

The men’s College Gold 8K circuit was won by Penn State senior Evan Dorenkamp with a time of 23:53.7, and the team crown was attained by Yale.

The Fordham men were led by senior Steven Zucca. The senior placed 70th overall in the fivemile dash with a time of 24:52.6.

Graduate student Colin Flood finished 120th overall in 25:11.7, and freshman Sean Reidy grabbed 168th with a mark of 25:30.9.

Freshman Jack Boerger placed 240th in 25:57.6. Freshman Matthew McCabe finished 310th with a time of 26:28.0.

Sophomore Darren Croke was 319th with a mark of 26:33.5.

Sophomore Nicolas Grabarz placed 358th in 27:18.2.

Freshmen John Corrigan and Tadael Mihret were 365th in 27:42.0 and 378th in 28:41.9, respectively.

As for the women’s end,

Fordham did not not have a top 100 finisher. South Carolina freshman Judy Kosgei won the women’s Gold 6K with a time of 19:54.9, and the team title went to Utah Valley.

Junior Caitrina Barton was the Rams’ strongest runner. She nabbed 222nd overall and completed the 6K course in 22:37.0. The seven remaining Fordham runners placed outside of the top 300 finishers.

Senior Marin Bogulski placed 344th in 23:47.6. Junior Madeleine Ryan was 349th with a final time of 23:56.7. Freshman Kate Meeks nabbed 354th with a time of 24:05.4.

Sophomore Alexis Smith was 366th in 24:34.5. Sophomore Quincy Biddle placed 367th in 24:34.7.

Senior Maddy Kopec finished the course in 24:54.0, good enough for 377th place, and graduate student Alexandra Thomas ranked 378th with a time of 24:54.4.

It was not an ideal showing for the Rams, and the scope of the competition seemingly made attaining top spots much harder.

Cross Country will have a chance to bounce back this weeknd when they travel to Newark on Oct. 7 for the NJIT-hosted Metropolitan Championship.

The Rangers’ mainstays on defense, K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider, tallied assists. Despite the young talent carrying the team, they fell to the Devils 3-2. In their fourth preseason game, they lost once again, but Cuylle and Othmann both scored goals in the 5-3 tilt. Star forward Artemi Panarin played his first preseason game but gave the puck away twice, and was on the ice for three opposing goals. Dylan Garand put up another halfgame shutout while Quick let up four goals on 25 shots. The last two games made it clear that the young talent on the team will

be important for progression this year, after they failed to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the past two seasons. If Othmann and Cuylle don’t make the roster after their performances in the beginning of the preseason, it would be shocking. Laviolette should be willing to send underperforming veterans to the bench or to the AHL to make room for the new talent, which is something the Rangers have made the mistake of not doing in the past. The veteran signings, Wheeler, Pitlick and Nick Bonino, are starting to become questionable considering the young talent coming up. The

defensive signings make sense, as Gustafsson will probably slot in alongside Schneider, and Quick will likely be the backup goalie, but it’s not easy to predict how the forward lines will shake out.

The Rangers look forward to another game against the Devils on Wednesday and will see the Bruins again on Thursday to close out the preseason. They’ll start the regular season in Buffalo on October 12 against the bestlooking Sabres team in recent years. The Stanley Cup window is still open for the Blueshirts, but suppressing the young talent would force that window closed in the next couple of seasons.

Golf Finishes Sixth at Columbia Autumn Invitational

By WILL TALLANT STAFF WRITER

The Fordham golf team competed in their fourth outing of the fall season, this time in Lake Placid, N.Y. for the Columbia Autumn Invitational. It was highlighted by yet another dominant showing from junior Jake Mrva. Mrva had an impressive four-round weekend, finishing in the top four in individual standing. The junior remained amongst the top of the Rams’ roster through each round tallying a cumulative score of 141 over Saturday’s rounds. Sitting just seven strokes behind Saturday’s leader Marcus Lim of Sacred Heart University, Mrva finished his first two rounds in a tie for fifth by day’s end. The Rams slotted into the sixth spot of the 10-team field and, once again, benefited greatly from their freshmen. Tucker Silva remained consistent from the weekend prior and more after reaching the top 10 of the individual leaderboard after action on Saturday. Silva opened play with a 73 in his first 18, topping the two-over with a oneunder 70 in his second round to give the freshman a share of ninth. Two Rams were tied for 35th in junior Chris Konefal and

freshman Felix Luetke Meyring, both of which had two-round scores of 74-76 and 73-77 respectively.

Sunday saw great consistency from this Ram’s squad, finishing sixth in overall standing as a team. Mrva continued to add to his decorated feats of the season after recording his third consecutive round of par or better. In his lone Sunday round, the junior navigated a two-under on the back-nine holes en route to even-par 71 score. Mrva finished in fourth for individual standing, giving him his second top-five finish of the fall season. It remained Lim of Sacred Heart, who had an excellent weekend leading the field from the initial tee-off and recording a threeround tally of 63-71-71. Silva saw a slight dip in standing from Saturday, although collecting his second-best finish of his collegiate career thus far in a tie for 13th. The freshman carded a 75 in his final round and posted a four-over score of 218 over the course of his three rounds played.

Fellow freshman Felix Luetke Meyring saw a slight jump from the opening rounds, supporting

a final-round score of 74 and in a tie for 32nd. The key for this Fordham Golf season was to have the juniors of this roster to take over leadership duties with no returning seniors, and the coaching staff has gotten just that with an excellent supporting cast of freshmen. The Rams will return to action in two weeks when they will enter their fifth or six outings in this fall season over in Milford, Conn. for the Sacred Heart Classic at Great River Golf Club on Oct. 15-17.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle’s promising play may force the Rangers to make difficult roster decisions. Jake Mrva finished in the top four.

Football Stumbles Against Georgetown

By NICK GUZMAN SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham Football entered Washington, D.C. on Saturday for a Patriot League clash with Georgetown University as overwhelming favorites.

Fordham was fresh off a 44-0 shutout win over Stonehill College a week prior, the same Stonehill team that topped the Hoyas 23-20 in mid-September.

Sports books had the Rams as 16.5 point favorites over the Hoyas, but as we see all the time in sports, the odds makers don’t decide who wins. Behind three touchdowns from quarterback Tyler Knoop, Georgetown defeated Fordham 28-24 and sent the Rams to a 0-1 start in Patriot League play.

It was a truly historic win for Georgetown on their homecoming weekend. Fordham came into the game ranked #15 in the FCS Coaches Poll, making this Georgetown’s first win against a ranked opponent since they entered Division I football in 1993.

Sophomore quarterback CJ Montes was not at his best for Fordham, completing just 46% of his passes on the day for 189 yards. The University of New Mexico transfer did add three scores, but he was not nearly as effective as previous efforts against Wagner College and the University of Buffalo.

Fordham started slow against the Hoyas, something they’ve often done this season even in their victories. The Rams’ opening

drive of the game stalled thanks in large part to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from junior running back Julius Loughridge, which knocked them back 15 yards and forced a punt.

Knoop led the Hoyas right down the field on their first drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown to Isaiah Grimes. The extra point couldn’t be converted because of a low snap, making the score 6-0 Georgetown midway through the first quarter.

Fordham struck back right away on a 24-yard touchdown from Montes to graduate student receiver Garrett Cody after an excellent kick return from sophomore Mason Hatfield set the Rams up in plus territory.

In the second quarter, Georgetown once again found themselves deep in Fordham territory. The Rams’ defense stepped up inside their own five-yard line, and senior defensive back Nahil Perkins made an excellent play to intercept a pass from Knoop in the endzone.

That only momentarily delayed the Hoyas offense. Montes

and Fordham went three-andout on their next drive, handing the ball right back to Knoop. The senior hit Joshua Stakely for a 17-yard touchdown, putting the Hoyas ahead 14-7 after a successful two-point conversion.

Despite another interception from Knoop later in the quarter, a missed 40-yard field goal from senior Brandon Peskin ensured the Hoyas entered halftime with a seven-point lead.

It was a sluggish first half from Fordham, with just 82 yards of total offense compared to 221 yards for Georgetown. If the Rams were asleep at the wheel in the first half, they still were when things got going in the second.

On Georgetown’s third play of the half, Hoyas running back Naieem Kearney broke a 70-yard touchdown run to put the hosts up by two scores. Now down 21-7 and unable to create much on offense, Fordham were in desperate need of a spark.

Thankfully, the offense finally woke up in the third quarter and were able to move the ball in a similar manner as they have all

season long. Montes found senior Mekai Felton for a 22-yard touchdown on Fordham’s next drive, getting them back within seven.

The defense then held on fourth down in their own territory to get Montes and company the ball back with three minutes to go in the third. That drive eventually stalled early in the fourth, but a 26-yard field goal from Peskin cut Georgetown’s lead down to 21-17.

With eight minutes to go, Fordham’s offense got the ball back on the Georgetown 47-yard line following a punt. The Rams ate up a large chunk of the clock as Montes led them down the field, culminating in a seven-yard touchdown throw to Cody with just under four minutes left.

Fordham now had a narrow 24-21 lead. But there was still plenty of time for Knoop and Georgetown to pull off some heroics.

That’s exactly what the Hoyas did. Aided by a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty, Georgetown moved the ball into a first-and-goal

situation with under two minutes left. On third-and-goal, Knoop made a beautiful throw to the back left corner of the endzone, connecting with a diving Brock Biestek for the go-ahead score with just 57 seconds left.

Montes and Fordham moved the ball near midfield, but they were in need of a touchdown down by four. With four seconds left on fourth down, a desperation Hail Mary heave from Montes was knocked away by Georgetown in the endzone securing the 28-24 win for the Hoyas.

As a team that came into the season with Patriot League title aspirations, this loss particularly stings for Fordham. They were not supposed to lose this game. Starting 0-1 in conference play was certainly not a part of the script, especially considering how well Fordham were playing coming into the game, and how Georgetown struggled against the same Stonehill team that the Rams defeated so handily.

Fordham will need to bounce back this coming weekend with another Patriot League Clash against Lehigh University at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field. It’s homecoming weekend at Fordham, so the Rams will hope their home support is loud and proud as they seek their first conference win of the season. Fordham against Lehigh is set for 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday and can be streamed live on ESPN+ or listened to on WFUV 90.7 FM.

Water Polo Extends Conference Winning Streak to 25 Games

By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

An extra week of rest had no adverse effect on Fordham Water Polo, who picked up right where they left off two weeks ago, sweeping yet another weekend series to extend their winning streak to seven games. It’s not just seven straight wins. All seven have come against Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) opponents as the #18 ranked Rams continue to enact their will in conference play, improving to 7-0 in conference play and 11-3 overall.

Fordham spent this weekend in the Washington metropolitan area, kicking things off with a 10 a.m. match in our nation’s capital against George Washington University. Entering Saturday’s action at 6-6, GW had fallen back down to earth following a 2022 season that saw them tie their program wins record, ending the year 23-7 overall. The Revolutionaries were a force to be reckoned with in the MAWPC last season, going 14-2 in conference play with both losses coming against Fordham.

This year’s squad hasn’t quite had the same success, still recovering from the departure of center Theodoros Pateros, who posted 120 goals, four shy of the all time GW single season record,

in a season that earned him First Team All-MAWPC honors.

The Revolutionaries quickly grabbed an early 2-0 lead, but Fordham retaliated quickly, ripping six straight goals to take a 6-2 lead at the end of the first.

The Rams took advantage of some GW penalties, netting three extra-man goals in the second quarter and taking a 10-3 lead into halftime. It was smooth sailing the rest of the way as Fordham held the GW offense to three second half goals to clinch a 18-6 win, their fourth straight game winning by double digits.

Fordham got 12 of their 18 goals from juniors Luca Silvestri and George Papanikolaou and freshman Barnabas Eppel, who each had four goals and two assists.

Junior Riccardo Di Giueseppe posted five saves and two steals in a stellar effort in net.

The day wasn’t over yet as the Rams crossed state lines for a highly anticipated nightcap in Annapolis, Md. against the United States Naval Academy. At #19 in the national Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) polls, Navy is ranked right behind #18 Fordham and seems to pose the biggest threat to the Rams’ dreams of a third straight conference title.

Fordham, however, doesn’t seem ready to relinquish their stronghold on the MAWPC, defeating Navy 12-9. The Rams jumped out to a 4-0 lead after one quarter of play, thanks in large part to extra-man markers from Papanikolauo and senior Christos Loupakis. Trailing 8-2 at halftime, Navy battled back, outscoring Fordham 5-1 in the third as they cut the Ram lead to 9-7. Fordham netted the first

two goals of the fourth and rode that cushion to a three-goal victory. Silvestri led the scoring effort once again, posting his fifth straight hat trick, while junior Jacopo Parrella added a tally and three assists.

Baltimore was the site for the final match as Fordham capped off a perfect weekend with a 28-12 victory over Johns Hopkins University.

Parrella and Papanikolaou led the offensive onslaught with four goals apiece while freshman Christopher Gray notched three goals and three steals alongside a hat trick from Loupakis. It’s just the second time since 1971 that Fordham has scored 28 goals in a single game, the other occasion being last year against Gannon University.

The successful weekend brought individual honors as well. Luca Silvestri was selected as this week’s MAWPC Defensive Player

of the Week while Barnabas Eppel earned Rookie of the Week honors. Silvestri in particular has shined, leading the Rams with 32 goals through just 13 games. Building off of an inaugural campaign that saw Silvestri finish third on the team with 54 goals, the junior has become one of the elite scorers in the MAWPC.

After 14 straight road games, Fordham will finally have a taste of home cooking, returning to the Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center for the first time since their MAWPC championship win in November. The Rams will take on Wagner College in their home opener on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. After that, it’s a Saturday doubleheader at home, featuring a rematch against #19 Navy and a non-conference match against Gannon.

At this point, it feels like every week brings more history and more ridiculous numbers. With a perfect weekend in MAWPC play and a 7-0 start in conference play, Fordham extends their conference winning streak to 25 games.

Fordham’s been tested by the likes of last year’s excellent GW team and this year’s #19 Navy squad, but emerged victorious nonetheless. If it wasn’t clear already, this conference is theirs until it isn’t.

Fordham Football were heavily favored over Georgetown, but the Hoyas flipped the script and came away with the win.

Fordham Water Polo rolled through the weekend to continue their dominance of the MAWPC in recent years.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS