April 20, 2023 | The Pace Press

TRUMP’S ARRAIGNMENT SPARKS PROTEST AND CELEBRATION IN LOWER MANHATTAN

APRIL 6, 2023

SARAH BERGIN

Arts Editor Former President Donald Trump was arraigned in the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on April 4, 2023, provoking New Yorkers to rally outside of the Lower Manhattan courthouse in anticipation of his arrival.

The night before his trial, Trump was staying in Trump Tower on 5th Ave. before arriving in court the next day at 2:15 p.m. According to CNN, only five photographers were permitted to photograph Trump and the court prior to the arraignment, with broadcast material prohibited throughout the hearing. The case entails several charges related to business fraud, including payments in 2016 to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared in front of NYC crowds late Tuesday morning. Rep. George Santos was also caught in the protests, according to CBS News. Even though she was met with disapproval amongst the masses, Rep. Greene stated that Trump is a “top Republican candidate for president for 2024.”

At 1:00 p.m., heavier crowds started to congregate around City Hall. The sidewalks on Worth St. were split between traffic, but that didn’t stop passionate individuals from taking their side— both figuratively and literally. “No one is above the law, Trump is not above the law,” was chanted from one side of the street, while the other was full of citizens holding signs in support of the former president.

Walking from Worth St. to the front of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse brought rich sunlight from the warm spring day, with multiple couples emerging from a neighboring court wearing

wedding attire. Others were waving signs and chanting happily through megaphones. There was a stark contrast between the reasons for celebration, but the energy was relatively matched.

The Manhattan Criminal Courthouse had even more division than Worth St., with two large barricades in the small park across from the entrance. These sections were clearly divided between those who were against and for Trump. The tourist attraction, Naked Cowboy, was in character singing “All lives matter,” while a drum set printed with “Unf*ck the world” was placed across the way–the singer and performers in favor of the indictment charges.

University student Jess Bircaj stated, “Apart from the few hostile interactions that Trump supporters brought upon the park to take signs from protesters…it was a beautiful celebration on the anti-Trump side. Music played, cowbells were ringing and whistles blew as people celebrated the news.”

Posters included phrases such as “All indictments matter” and “Trump’s depravity is a danger to us all,” both of which are directly referring to the arraignment itself. “Trump 2024” flags waved opposite of them, creating a contradictory sight for a passerby.

There was an even split between the number of celebrators and protestors. Despite the claims from Bircaj of the occasional barbarity, both crowds mainly kept to themselves, speaking their voice and exclaiming to whoever was willing to listen.

There was a helicopter hovering over the court for the duration of the protests and hearing, bringing some unease to those rallying around the area. The NYPD was also present in every open area, watching the crowd intently for any commotion. This

did not hinder their energy, though, feeling the liberating effects of their free speech.

New York City resident Johanna Swoyer stated, “Last time I felt this energy being out here was the summer of 2020, when New Yorkers gathered together to protest after [the death of] George Floyd.” Swoyer continued, “I was really excited to get out here and just see everyone excited about the same thing. It’s finally time that he’s going down.”

The arraignment results quickly turned public, with the Associated Press reporting that Trump “pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts” stemming from the 2016 transactions sent to Daniels. He then headed to Mar-a-Lago, leaving New York City for the time being.

After his immediate flight back to Florida, Trump made a public statement at his Florida estate, where he held confidential information and was consequently searched on Aug. 8, 2022. During this speech, Trump called this instance an “unconstitutional raid,” continuing to say that “our country is going to hell.” He proceeded to speak about the public’s stance on the court hearing results with insufficient evidence: “Even people that aren’t big fans have said it; they said, ‘this is not the right thing to do.’”

Trump’s next court appearance will take place on Dec. 4, 2023, cutting close to the Iowa GOP caucus on Feb. 5, 2024. Many speculate that these charges could cut into his 2024 presidential run, with the New Hampshire GOP primary landing approximately a week after the Iowa caucus.

New Yorkers are not loving new ‘We NYC’ logo

APRIL 1, 2023

Officials have released a modernized version of the iconic "I NY" logo nearly 50 years after the original insignia first appeared.The new "We NYC" logo was introduced by officials on March 21 as part of a new initiative to promote civic participation and volunteerism in the city.the city.

SHEILA RAFIZADEH Staff Writer

The new logo had a difficult first 24 hours online, where design experts and regular New Yorkers alike began heaping criticism on it. University sophomore Catherine Hussey shared, “I think it’s stupid for them to change it because [the original logo has] already been established...it is just unnecessary.”

The iconic "I NY" logo is one of the most widely used and copied images in the world. To advertise the city and state, when crime rates were at an all-time high and tourism was at an all-time low, graphic designer Milton Glaser first came up with the universally recognizable logo in 1977. In 1975, President Ford refused government assistance to save New York City from bankruptcy and 1977 saw a widespread blackout that resulted in extensive looting and 4,500 arrests. The subsequent negative press caused tourists to avoid visiting New York. The New York State Department for Economic Development hired Wells Rich Greene, the Madison Avenue advertising agency, to promote tourism in the city.

While traveling in the back of a cab, Glaser first sketched the “I NY" logo for the city on the back of a scrap of paper with red crayon (some say a napkin, others say an envelope). The final logo would go on to become one of the most well-known symbols around the world, set in the font aptly called American Typewriter.

According to The New York Times, Graham Clifford, the designer who supervised the creation of the new logo, used a modified font found throughout the city’s subway signs. “The subway system is the veins or the beating heart of the city,” he stated. “[You] can have Wall Street types sitting next to construction workers. It’s a place where you can bring everybody together, and we’re cognizant of that.” According to marketing executive Maryam Banikarim, the design is intended to coexist with the initial “I NY” design rather than completely replace it. Still, she added, “This is a moment for we, not I.” In addition, the new logo makes a distinction between the city and the state.

"We NYC's" creators claimed that it is a symbol for a different time, but they draw comparisons to the turbulent period that gave birth to “I NY.” Partnership for New York City, a non-profit in charge of the campaign, and CEO Kathryn Wylde mentioned surveys that her organization had carried out during the pandemic. “People in New York want to take part in fixing what they perceive as broken in the city, according to the findings that have been returned,” she said. According to the most recent survey, 67 percent of respondents felt that the city was headed in the wrong direction, but 70 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 40 said they wanted to volunteer to help change that.

In a statement announcing the initiative, Mayor Eric Adams said, “This city overcame the darkest days of the pandemic because of the selfless work of everyday New Yorkers. If each of us gives just one hour a week in an act of service, the result will be transformative.” He continued, “The ‘We NYC’ campaign asks everyone who loves the greatest city in the world to show it by lending a helping hand and spreading that love to every block across all five boroughs.”

Walgreens stops selling abortion pill in 21 states

MIKAYLA MEACHEM

Staff Writer In March 2023 Walgreens, the nation’s second-largest pharmacy chain, released a statement confirming that it will not dispense the FDA-approved abortion pill mifepristone in 21 states.

This decision came in response to a Feb. 1 letter in which 20 Republican State attorney generals (AG) threatened to take legal action if Walgreens followed through with their plan to obtain and sell abortion pills via mail. The 20 AGs have also written to CVS, Albertsons, Rite Aid, Costco, Walmart and Kroger, demanding they not dispense abortion pills. Since then, conservative government signatories of the letter are moving to not only ban access to the abortion pill but to further restrict abortion access overall.

Mifepristone is a two-step medication followed by misoprostol and is commonly referred to as the standard “abortion pill.” Medicated abortions account for more than half of abortions in the United States. Planned Parenthood outlines that abortion pills can be obtained through private doctors or gynecologists, family planning clinics and abortion clinics and can be mailed to or sent to your local pharmacy in specific states.

Research provided by the FDA assures Mifeprex (the brand name of mifepristone) is safe and a highly effective method of terminating a pregnancy. The New York Times also highlighted that more than 100 scientific studies conducted over more than 30 years have examined the effectiveness and safety of concluding that the mifepristone-misoprostol pills are safe for terminating a pregnancy and that 86 of 101 studies had no serious complications.

Walgreens has confirmed to state officials that they will not be distributing mifepristone in states where abortion is banned or has restrictive laws proposed or pending, preventing pharmacists in those states from dispensing the pills. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. In Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and Montana, abortion and medicated abortions are legal, but laws are proposed to restrict abortion pills.

In response to the letter written to Walgreens, the Kansas attorney general stated, “We made clear that Kansas will not hesitate to enforce the laws against mailing and dispensing abortion pills, including bringing a RICO action to enforce the federal law prohibiting the mailing of abortion pills.” Kansas Republican

JEREMY

lawmakers are pushing for a bill that requires providers to tell patients that a medicated abortion can be reversed once it started. Even with an expected veto, absent voters can vote “Yes” for an override. According to ABC, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology stated that there’s no scientific evidence of the reversal method and that this would lead to providers being forced to give patients inaccurate information.

Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Texas federal judge, issued a ruling invalidating the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. Reports from Politico mentioned that the judge’s decision includes language commonly used by anti-abortion advocates to describe the intent of the pill “to kill the unborn human.” The consequences of Judge Kacsmaryk’s verdict will likely impact and prevent access to medication for people in every state. The ruling expressed that the decision for abortion pills to be prescribed via telemedicine was unlawful. Politico also reports that the conservative Christian group The Alliance Defending Freedom brought forth the case stating that the FDA went beyond its authority when approving the medication.

The New York Times quoted Ilisa Bernstein, the interim chief executive of the American Pharmacists Association, who stated that the letter sent to Walgreens is a concern for all pharmacies that are licensed under the state as they must follow state law to maintain their license. Within the letter, the attorney generals have argued that federal law prohibits using mail to send or receive “any drug that will be used or applied for producing abortion.” In addition, the letter claims that abortion pills are riskier than surgical abortions and “invite the horror of an increase in coerced abortions.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared his intent to cut ties with Walgreens following their abortion policy and statement, yet this action cannot be taken as it would violate Federal Medicare restrictions and undermine access for low-income individuals as Tony Cava, spokesman for the California Department of Healthcare Services explained. Governor Newsom has made a deal to purchase abortion medication in order to form a stockpile in the event of further restrictions.

Governors from California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Illinois sent a letter to executives at CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Safeway, Health Mart, Kroger, Costco and Target in response to the Walgreens policy. Illinois Governor Pritzker expressed deep disappointment and

urged other pharmacies to preserve access to abortion pills.

University student Anna Dziem Tran asserted that “Walgreens’ recent decision demonstrates their willingness to dismiss and disrespect people’s reproductive rights.”

On April 3, the Florida State Senate approved the six-week abortion ban supported by Ron DeSantis and GOP lawmakers. Currently, Florida has a 15-week ban on abortion that was enacted last year following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Idaho became the first state to make it illegal for minors to access out-of-state abortions. House Bill 242 criminalizes “abortion trafficking,” making it illegal to obtain abortion pills for minors, with any attempts at leaving the state to obtain an abortion resulting in up to five years in prison. Adults could face felony charges with two to five years in state prison and aiding the process of an abortion. Under the new law, any adult that attempts to assist in terminating a pregnancy or hide the pregnancy can also be sued by the father grandparents, siblings, aunt or uncle of the fetus.

“In the wake of Roe v. Wade, conservative states and anti-choice groups are incentivized to roll back access to basic forms of reproductive autonomy and bodily justice,” explained Dr. Emily Bent, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies. “We must continue to challenge and be outraged by any politic that coerces pregnancy and parenthood, threatens the lives of women, poor and otherwise marginalized people and denies us of our shared civil and reproductive rights under the law.”

Without the protection of Roe v. Wade and the statutory right for people to seek abortion care nationally, conservative-governed states will continue to restrict, ban and outlaw abortions. Whether it be medically necessary or simply exercising the right to autonomy, abortion will remain in the news with more stories of people being denied abortion care due to the state they reside in. To support the fight for reproductive justice, donate directly to abortion networks such as the National Network of Abortion Funds and Abortion Care Network.

If you or someone you know needs help to find legal abortion providers near you, turn to the National Abortion Federation, Planned Parenthood, Abortion Clinic Pages, Abortion Finder, Abortion Care Network or the National Network of Abortion Funds.

Two major bank failures spark fears of greater contagion

SANDERS

Contributor

APRIL 3, 2023

Economic instability in America has been a hallmark these past few years highlighted by immense market volatility and soaring inflation.

Until recently, the impact of economic instability has primarily been felt by individuals and businesses with the overall banking system in America remaining stable. Earlier this March, banks began to struggle and two major banks completely failed. First came the failure of California’s Silicon Valley Bank, followed by New York’s Signature Bank.

Founded in 1983 and based in Santa Clara, CA, Silicon Valley Bank holds over $200 billion in assets. Nearly half of all venture capitalist-backed companies in America, notably those in healthcare and technology, are financed by Silicon Valley Bank. The bank has a history of funding startups and was long considered a safe haven for these companies and their backing venture capitalists.

Silicon Valley Bank invested most of its deposits into long-term Treasury bonds, which are generally considered to be among the safest assets available. However, as inflation continued to rise, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates in order to help curb inflation and bring down the cost of basic goods. Interest rates and bond prices have an inverse relationship, meaning when interest rates go up, bond values go down. This is because new bonds released after a rise in interest rates have a higher payout, making them a better investment and thus lowering the value of bonds sold under the previous interest rate.

On March 10, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation closed Silicon Valley Bank and handed all assets over to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Not long after the failure and takeover of Silicon Valley Bank, New York’s own Signature Bank suffered a similar fate. Founded in 2001, Signature Bank offered banking services to both individuals and businesses, with a focus on real estate development and small business loans. At the time of its demise, Signature Bank held over $100 billion in assets, including $88 billion in deposits and roughly 12 percent of Greater New York’s commercial real estate lending market.

As soon as Silicon Valley Bank failed, fears of a greater banking crisis quickly spread. With fears of a repeat of 2008’s financial crisis, many individuals and businesses began to withdraw their deposits, placing strain on small and mid-size banks. Signature Bank was among these, and while some banks were able to cover withdrawals and remain stable, Signature Bank’s cash reserves dried up on March 12. This resulted in the bank’s failure and subsequent shutdown by federal regulators,

further inducing fear of a banking contagion.

Since 1970, nearly 100 banks have failed in the United States, the largest being Washington Mutual in 2008. In general, bank failures occur when a bank’s total asset value falls below its total liability value, scrapping depositors’ ability to withdraw their money. Due to the increase in digital banking operations, which allow for faster and more frequent transactions, the risk of such mismatches in asset and liability values has increased.

As explained by University finance Professor Padma Kadiyala, “Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank both had atypical business models. A combination of a large proportion of uninsured deposits and a mismatch between the maturity of deposits and assets created a liquidity problem at the banks, which was resolved by placing the banks into FDIC receiverships. These developments have increased awareness of the new risks that come from banks operating in an increasingly digital economy.”

While the FDIC has been able to protect depositors and so far, prevent a major banking crisis, recent events have sparked echoes of the 2008 financial crisis. In particular, the consistent raising of interest rates has caused concern for many Americans.

“All of America has been shocked and troubled by the recent bank failures. The Silicon Valley Bank collapse was especially shocking, considering it financed nearly half of all venture capitalist-backed startups in the United States,” said University finance sophomore Braden Watson. “We are seeing physical bank runs occur, which was thought to be something of the past. It’s not unjustified that Americans are losing faith in the banking system. Although I don’t think that the recent collapses are the beginning of a larger banking disaster, it is an example of how interest rates affect the entire economy. If the Fed continues to raise rates, we could be looking at the first piece of a destructive domino effect.”

California and New York’s recent bank failures have been major contributions and prime examples of the continued economic instability in the United States. Whether or not this trend will continue over the next few years depends primarily on the Federal Reserve’s ability to curb inflation, along with the stabilization of capital markets.

APRIL 16, 2023

Credit: @welovenyc on Instagram

University enters final phases of multi-million dollar capital development project

APRIL 20, 2023

MANDI KARPO Editor-in-Chief

The University is nearing the end of its four-phased multi-million dollar capital development project, with 15 Beekman projected to be completed by August 2023 and the renovations of One Pace Plaza East anticipated by January 2026.

According to Wayne Chen, the Director of Campus Planning, Phase One updated One Pace Plaza West and the first three floors of 41 Park Row. The most significant changes are noticeable at the main entrance of One Pace Plaza, the student circulation centers and the courtyard connection between the East and West Wing. Phase Two consisted of reconstructing One Pace Plaza West floors four, five and six for the Lubin School of Business.

Phase Three is currently underway at 15 Beekman. The University signed a long-term lease agreement to occupy the building, working closely with a developer to construct a University-immersed building from the ground up.

Phase Four will begin with the decommissioning of One Pace Plaza East in September 2023 and demolition in October 2023, at which point no entry will be permitted to the East Wing until renovations are complete.

According to Robert Almon, the CFO and University’s Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration, financing 15 Beekman and One Pace Plaza East is subject to change in the event circumstances shift, however, the academic section of 15 Beekman will cost $56.75 million, funded by a segregated Construction Fund.

One Pace Plaza East will cost $255 million, (including the Maria’s Tower reconstruction), $30 million of which has been secured through grants from the State and Federal governments, Almon confirmed. The University plans to “announce a substantial gift from a donor as a part of a border fundraising campaign,” he explained. $65 million is expected to be funded by the University’s internal resources, for which $23 million is already isolated in the Construction Fund, with the remainder being financed with the proceeds of a bond issue.

In partnership with FXCollaborative, a Brooklyn-based architecture firm, the University’s Architecture Research Office conducted a Town Hall on March 24 in the Student Center to present renderings of 15 Beekman and the final schematic design of One Pace Plaza East.

Austin Sakong, FXCollaborative’s Design Director of Cultural and Educational Studio, led the Town Hall and expressed that the University’s mantra “Opportunitas” was essential when creating the Master Plan of the University’s four-phased reconstruction.

According to the University’s website, 15 Beekman will utilize 103,000 gross square footage (GSF) across the lower eleven floors and 94,000 GSF for student residential housing and amenities on the upper thirteen floors. “While the building shares a single public entry, the ground floor has been designed with discreet elevator lobbies for accessing the residential part of the building and the academic portion of the building,” reads the University’s website.

The library’s circulation desk and group study room can be found on the fourth floor, leading up to the fifth floor, where students will find approximately 50,000 volumes of books and five enclosed study rooms that can be reserved. The new library will replace the Birnbaum Library, which is being reconfigured into a Medium Venue, or black box theater, as part of the One Pace Plaza East renovation.

The sixth floor is reserved for the cafeteria and outdoor terrace and the seventh floor will be the new learning commons for peer tutoring. Floors nine, 10 and 11 will be the new home

of the Seidenberg School of Information Systems and Computer Science, with state-of-the-art design factors that will be able to support events like hackathons.

To address concerns regarding fall protection or self-inflicting harm, University Campus Planning and Facilities will be installing code-compliant eight feet tall railings along the terrace in conjunction with security cameras for maximum safety, according to Chen.

Floors 13 to 25 will house the newest residence hall with suite-style living. Most suite configurations will be a 10-person unit (two doubles and two triples) where students will share two bathrooms and a common area.

“Residential life understands the need to monitor and to be prepared to adapt as needed to any changes in how roommate and suitemate conflicts develop,” said Patrick Roger-Gordon, the Assistant Dean of Students and University Director of Housing Operations. “They are currently reviewing and updating their training plans for Residence Directors and Resident Assistants to ensure that they are prepared to manage any shift in the way our students experience conflict.”

“Residential Life, Security and Housing Operations [will] always work to respond to safety concerns brought forth by students, including student staff members, but no concerns whatsoever have been brought forth by anyone on the RA staff,” Roger-Gordon assured.

Roger-Gordon also expressed that this is not the first time the University has had multi-student suites, as virtually all first-year students on the Pleasantville campus live in five-person suites. “Our NYC Residential Life Staff will no doubt learn a lot from their partners in Pleasantville, who have had years of experience in managing students in suites,” he stipulated.

The heart of the One Pace Plaza East project lies in the three performing arts theaters. The Schimmel Center Theater will be converted into a proscenium theater that Sakong said will closely resemble that of a Broadway stage and seating arrangement. The new Schimmel will also feature a dressing room and green room anchored to the east wing. Cafe 101 will be replaced with a Medium Venue black box theater that will seat approximately 160 to 180 people. Another Small Venue black box will be housed on the second floor with 99 seats, next to a Screening Room.

The East Wing will be tricked out for the Art Department, including an animation studio and a post-production lab, alongside design and light labs and entertainment spaces on the cellar level. A large dance rehearsal studio overlooking the courtyard will be featured on the upper level.

“The renovation is a total gut renovation. So the whole building is getting reshuffled. There will be a new floor plate demolition of the existing floor plate. Everything’s changing,” said Chen. He also assured that the asbestos fireproofing that is used in the existing structure throughout the entire East side of One Pace Plaza will be abated in an organized manner and be replaced with asbestos-free spray-on fireproofing.

The Dyson College of Arts and Sciences has identified the need to build 12 faculty offices that the University’s Campus Planning and Facilities is looking to design and build this summer Displaced professors whose offices are located in the East Wing will be relocated into these office spaces on the second floor of One Pace Plaza West, where the dance studio currently resides.

Laurie Kindred, the University’s Assistant Director of Finance and Facilities, Production Manager and a Performing Arts Professor, confirmed that the new Performing Arts studio spaces in One Pace Plaza East will not be open to non-PPA majors or student organizations.

“Many of these spaces replace PPA spaces that have been taken away over the years and/or space that is rented not only for academics but also production lab work,” said Kindred.

Additionally, the University intends to remove Pace Sustainability Initiative’s (PSI) garden on Gold St. and replace it with a PPA-designated elevator, which currently provides the food pantry with fresh produce. Non-PPA majors will not be permitted to use the elevator. The logistics of how the elevator will be used have not been disclosed and the University has yet to find a suitable relocation of the garden, leaving students and professors worried about the continual perpetuation of food insecurity on campus.

According to documents obtained by the University’s Campus Planning and Facilities, 15 Beekman’s sustainability strategy is comprised of four main goals: “Carbon emission reductions through a high-performance building envelope; Incorporating biophilic design at the exterior planted terrace spaces for occupant wellness; Extensive daylighting at open podium floors; and Selection of sustainable furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE), low emitting furniture and flow fixtures.”

Most notably, the University is pursuing a NYC Zoning and Energy Conservation program entitled Zone Green, which will increase “allowable floor area in exchange for high-performance building envelopes,” according to the 15 Beekman Sustainability Strategy Sheet. The University’s Office of Energy and Resiliency calculated that compliance with Zone Green will save the University approximately $1.25 million in electrical and natural gas consumption over the next 25 years. Reducing carbon costs is also estimated to save the University $500,00 over 25 years.

The University will implement a range of sustainable strategies into 15 Beekman, including but not limited to energy-efficient LED lights, increased insulation, installation of energy-efficient heat pumps, efficient HVAC equipment, biophilic design for the interior and rooftop terrace aimed to benefit mental health, kitchen waste management to be composted offsite and bi-polar ionization to increase indoor air quality.

With these strategies implemented across 15 Beekman, the focus is not only “on sustainable design of new buildings and renovations, but also making sure that the operations of these buildings is also sustainable,” according to Ryan McEnany, the University’s Director of Energy and Resiliency. “It is important to note that throughout the planning process, we have been focused on making sure this building will be energy efficient and exceed the requirements set forth by NYC’s Local Law 97 [of 2019].”

McEnany attended the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) Better Buildings Summit in Washington D.C. where the University won the “Better Practice Award,” which recognized the University for being an innovative industry leader in decarbonization, energy and water efficiency or waste reduction. According to McEnany, the University is the first in the nation to receive such an honor.

The University’s Campus Planning and Facilities encourages students, professors and faculty to contact facilities@pace.edu to continue the discussion and informal dialogue regarding the 15 Beekman and One Pace Plaza construction as they are currently and will be actively seeking feedback even after renovations are complete.

This is America: 2023’s 128th mass shooting leaves three children dead

APRIL 16, 2023

ANAIS DENUCCIO

Staff Writer

America’s deadly love affair with guns has hit an all-time high and continues to be an overlooked recipe for disaster. To put this issue into perspective, the United States has faced 128 mass shootings since the start of 2023. There have been more mass shootings than days in this year alone.

On March 27, a tragic shooting took place at the Covenant School, a Pre-K-6 private Christian school located in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooting reportedly began in a classroom and continued as the perpetrator moved throughout the school, targeting innocent children. The details of the shooting are still emerging, but this disastrous event that left three 9-year-olds and three adults killed, shocked the community and the nation. Authorities identified the victims as 9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, as well as 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce and 61-year-old Mike Hill, according to CBS News.

The grade-school shooting was carried out by Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old individual from Nashville, who was armed with at least two assault-style weapons and a handgun. There was speculation about the killer’s gender identity but reports quickly confirmed that the shooter was transgender.

According to officials, “the shooter legally purchased seven firearms from five different gun local stores, and three of those seven weapons were used in the shooting.” Additionally, the shooter was “under doctor’s care for an emotional disorder,” according to the police chief, John Drake.

Law enforcement officials also revealed that they obtained a manifesto, other written materials related to the Covenant School shooting, and a map detailing the plan of the shooting, all belonging to Hale. Drake told reporters that they were reviewing the materials to gain a better understanding of the shooter’s motives and intentions.

For those who survived the attack, the experience will likely leave lasting physical and psychological scars. Many students may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges in the aftermath of the shooting.

The Covenant School shooting is yet another example of the

ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America. Despite repeated calls for stricter gun control laws and increased mental health resources, mass shootings continue to occur at an alarming rate, with devastating consequences for communities across the country. In the wake of this tragedy, it is vital that we come together to address the deep-rooted causes of gun violence and work towards creating a safer, more peaceful society for all, especially children of generations to come.

The reality will not be negated because of different opinions on gun ownership and regulations, and while those supportive viewpoints stand strong in America’s culture and mentality, the United States has the highest rate of gun violence in the world. There are multiple stakeholders required to develop ways to conjure solutions to this phenomenon of gun violence, which include, but are not limited to, the government, law enforcement agencies, gun manufacturers, gun owners, mental health professionals, community organizations and non-profit/non-governmental funded organizations, school officials and educators, religious leaders, and victims and survivors of gun violence.

March for Our Lives is a student-led movement that was formed in response to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The movement’s main goal is to advocate for stricter gun control laws and to reduce gun violence in the United States. It has become a national movement, which has focused on promoting policies such as universal background checks for gun purchases, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and implementing “red flag” laws that allow law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from individuals who are deemed a threat to themselves or others. This organization has currently resulted in thousands of students, activists, and community members reaching out to elected officials at the state capital, in Nashville, to demand action.

Two students at Pace University shared their thoughts on the matter of gun violence in America.

“I would like the public, government officials and all others to understand how grievous the gun violence issue has become in the U.S. A country that was intended to represent freedom, liberty and justice is instead being represented by violence, division, and hate.

Gun violence is a symptom of a deeper issue that has yet to be properly addressed. Each shooting is like a cut upon the body of our country. We do not look at what it is that is cutting us, instead we focus on how to stop the bleeding of that one cut. Desmond Tutu once said, ‘there comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in,’” said Darby Gallagher, a senior University student.

“A huge problem regarding gun violence seems to be a lack of disconnect within communities and schools, which I believe would be helped by giving students access to professionals. No matter how strong the efforts are at a local level to reduce gun violence, it is important for gun violence reform to come at the federal level. For years schools all over this country have implemented lock down drills and active shooter training to attempt to keep students safe, as their government cannot,” stated by Mai Clifford, a first-year student.

Springtime picnics: April Press-Playlist

APRIL 15, 2023

SARAH BERGIN

Arts Editor

The weather is getting warmer, creating more opportunities to go outside and get some fresh air. April showers bring May flowers, but April’s sunshine also brings an opportunity for picnicking.

Whether you are munching on a charcuterie board in Battery Park or playing frisbee in The Ramble, a playlist can always come in handy. Feel free to press play on this month’s Press-Playlist while lounging in the sun with your friends.

Charlotte Dos Santos - “Hello Hello”

Charlotte Dos Santos is known for merging genres and exploring the bounds of music, creating a unique sound that only she can capture. Her unmistakable soul-filled vocals shine through in “Hello Hello,” mixing a catchy beat with her individualized, rich tone. This track is off of her 2022 album “Morfo,” the second record in her discography. This is a perfect song for the warm weather, starting off the Press-Playlist on a high note.

Spaceport - “Submarine”

With around 400 monthly listeners on Spotify, Spaceport is the next band that you can claim to know “before it was cool.” Calming instrumentals mixed with light inflection on “Submarine” create a tone that is reminiscent of the slight breeze in the air on a Spring day. An ideal day consists of lying on the grass, eating tiny sandwiches and listening to Spaceport. Trust me and try it for yourself–you won’t regret it.

Glüme & of Montreal - “Wedding Cake Shop”

“Wedding Cake Shop” is ethereal in its composition, having multiple layers to its content without making the listener overwhelmed. Its pop-infused rhythm is captivating, which is sure to appeal to every one of your friends. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, lead artist Glüme spoke on her experiences with making music: “I’ve been able to express myself in a way that I haven’t known how to in my life… it was an outlet for me to say what I was actually thinking and feeling.”

Glüme’s most recent release, “Main Character,” is her second album to date.

Bowerbirds - “In Our Talons”

Bowerbirds is not a newcomer to the scene, as they have been making music since the mid-2000s. They have since sculpted their tone through the lens of freak folk. “In Our Talons” is off of Bowerbirds’ debut album, “Hymns for a Dark Horse.” Although this is one of their earlier songs, it still remains iconic in their discography due to the melodic repetition and haunting patience at the end of the track. Bowerbirds incorporate the traditional folk while making their own distinct sound.

Men I Trust - “Seven”

Men I Trust has risen in popularity over the last few years due to its soft indie pop style. The Canadian group has performed at festivals around the United States, including Coachella. “Seven” puts listeners into a trance with a sound-defining single, encapsulating an essence that can be heard in their other pieces. In early August, Men I Trust will be playing Lollapalooza 2023 following the leg of their tour in Europe.

niceboy ed

It is likely that you have already heard the discourse about the mysterious newcomer to the industry, niceboy ed. Fans of Taylor Swift have expressed their speculations on Twitter revolving around the bewildering “Easter eggs” that niceboy ed has been releasing on social media. Regardless of whether niceboy ed is connected to Swift or not, their newest single “Moonlight” earns a rightful spot on this playlist. This song is sure to be stuck in your head all day after listening, making it a contender for your Spring 2023 anthem.

As the titular track from Strawberry Guy’s debut album, “Sun Outside My Window” provides a dream-like escape for listeners. The mystical keys compliment the crisp percussion, creating an immersive listening experience. “Sun Outside My Window” trails off with a soothing saxophone lead, bringing it to a close. Alex Stephens is the man behind the act, with his music coming from a seemingly genuine, heartfelt place.

What would Spring be without flowers? April’s Press-Playlist ends on the Brooklyn resident Oropendola. The mind behind the alias, Joanna Schubert, came out with her first LP in March 2023. She has an abundant history in music, actively working in the field and collaborating with other artists when not making her own music. If you are interested in discovering more about this NYC artist, Oropendola will be performing in Brooklyn on June 1 at Our Wicked Lady.

English band takes Flyte in Brooklyn

APRIL 20, 2023

GIA SPARACINO Secretary Liquids slosh politely out of glasses as a flock of twenty-something-yearolds shuffle their way from the bar to the petite venue tucked away in the back of Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Dozens of mason jars adorning multi-colored lights face the audience, backlighting two figures fastened with acoustic guitars who breeze their way on stage. The crowd whoops, bubbling with excitement as they’re welcomed by crisp English accents. This is their very first show of their headlining tour in the United States. This is Flyte.

Will Taylor takes the lead, cheekily slipping the pair into their first song, “Mistress America.” Guitarist and co-writer Nick Hill strum along beside him, the two guitars falling into contrasting rhythms with stunning chemistry. Taylor has a distinct nasal quality to his voice aligning well with the elusive vintage feel the band provides. This elusiveness comes not from the inability to pinpoint a certain quality of their sound but instead from the simple timelessness of it. There’s no set list, instead, the two converse with the crowd asking for requests and checking in to see how much time they have left on stage. It’s affable and relaxed, with a respectful crowd considerate of the power their voice holds in this 250-person venue. Taylor prefaces most songs with their experience writing them. “White Roses” was written in honor of his late grandfather; their soon-to-be-released song “Even On Bad Days” is an homage to Taylor’s partner; “Chelsea Smiles” is another unreleased song written about football, that area of London, and really nothing at all.

When the show came to a close, Taylor and Hill shared that they would personally be selling and signing posters so they could meet any fans who have come and enjoyed the show. Taylor said that starting off the tour in Brooklyn felt very appropriate somehow. Being from London, they have a bit of an affinity for New Yorkers as the two cities have much

in common and given that their music is entrenched in London culture, it translates well to New York.

Flyte’s musical rite of passage was guided by classics such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Radiohead and The Smiths, but now feel their sound has developed into something more self-influenced that feels like their own.

“Starting out, maybe we were channeling a lot of the artists we grew up loving but now we’ve kind of gotten to the point where it’s less helpful to have references or music playing in the studio and instead channel the truth of us,” Taylor commented on their upcoming album.

“We’re a lot more comfortable in our own skin. We trust ourselves more,” Hill added.

“It’s just a natural development for all artists. You begin to take influences from your own life, and cinema and literature and music is the tool, I suppose, to transmute it. I think that’s the thing. You take influence from as many things as you can, and then eventually, you find that you’re… you,” continued Taylor. “I would say quite confidently that this latest record is our best work yet. It’s very true to us and features a lovely combination of all the wonderful musicians that live around us in London. Just an extraordinary group of musical corporators.”

Flyte has a single set to release on May 4, 2023, as well as a new record on the horizon.

- “Moonlight”

Strawberry Guy - “Sun Outside My Window”

Oropendola - “Flowers on My Front Stoop”

‘The Record’ sacrifices collaboration for individual triumph

APRIL

SARAH BERGIN Arts Editor

On their debut album, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker come together as boygenius, crooning “I want to hear your story/And be a part of it.” This heartfelt lyric on the opening track of “The Record” conveys what is yet to come: an experience of beautifully fragmented anecdotes from each individual artist.

After a long-winded five-year hiatus, the trio reunited to release a monumental comeback album. The highly anticipated piece caught fans by surprise, as it was ultimately a result of their resurfacing musical relationships. Bridgers, Dacus and Baker reinstated boygenius after exploring their successful solo careers, landing on “The Record.”

Their first project, a self-titled EP, set the bar high for their future releases. The flow of each song crashed like a wave onto the shore, subtly ebbing and flowing into each other. In a four-day span, boygenius managed to create a critically acclaimed work of art to stand the test of time.

Surpassing the breathtaking art produced in their first project seemed impossible, but they still attempted to accomplish that through copious facets. boygenius’s debut album contains all of their best characteristics, compiled of haunting lyricism, intricate musicianship and stunning vocals.

Despite this, it is lacking the collaborative adhesive that was

holding their EP together. Although there is a clear separation between the tracks, each one single-handedly overshadows the disjointed aspects of the whole. The evidence communicates boygenius’s decision to focus on their own originality while coming together to cultivate the album. There are some songs that reflect their enthusiastic partnership, though, namely “Cool About It,” “Not Strong Enough” and “Without You Without Them.”

Anguished topics backed by pleasing harmonies dispose the audience to many different tastes. boygenius satisfied multiple listeners across the alternative realm, but all for distinct reasons.

“Emily I’m Sorry” is a staple for those who are fans of emotional recounts while “Leonard Cohen” is for those who appreciate storytelling in its evident form.

The four singles that were released prior to the album’s launch have held up their reputation of being the notable tracks on “The Record.” The aforementioned “Emily I’m Sorry” falls under a similar category as “$20” and “True Blue,” as all three of them are reminiscent of the given lead singer’s style. Each is indistinguishable when compared to their respective artist’s solo catalogs, which makes them perfect candidates as singles for the album.

“Not Strong Enough” followed the initial triplet, attesting their underlying loyalty to boygenius’s true, synergic sound.

Each member of the group has tremendous respect and love for each other, and it is shown through their discography. Every

piece of “The Record” was generated by the whole, with “Leonard Cohen” being an exception, adding HoJun Yu as a co-writer alongside a writing sample from Cohen’s previous work. “We’re In Love” has been theorized to be about Dacus’ appreciation for both Baker and Bridgers. Not every song is necessarily proclaiming love in its theme, but the co-written lyrics are intertwined in their very being.

“Letter To An Old Poet” is the strongest song on the album, showcasing each of their strengths in a melancholic euphony led by Bridgers. A callback to “Me & My Dog,” “Letter To An Old Poet” displays the magnitude of their EP. The trio exasperatedly sings, “I wanna be happy/I’m ready,” ending the album on a hopeful yet reluctant undertone; hesitant to act, waiting for something to change.

“The Record” is meant to be played live. Listeners can easily picture the chaotic and energetic vibes that radiate from “Satanist” and “$20.” “Anti-Curse” is another standout, accompanied by rhythmic instrumentals and memorable chord progressions. Coachella 2023 attendees will potentially be one of the first to see this album performed in full, with boygenius as one of the prominent acts listed on the Saturday lineup.

Rating: 8.5/10

‘The Last of Us’ claims the spot of best video game adaptation

APRIL

Based on the award-winning video game that came out in 2013, “The Last of Us” is a post-apocalyptic television series that began airing on Jan. 15 on HBO to its season finale on March 12. The show used the same writer and creative director from the game, Neil Druckmann, as well as musical composer Gustavo Santaolalla.

LYDIA LUTCHMAN Staff Writer

The series is set across various locations in the United States in 2023. A fungal infection caused by a deadly mutation of Cordyceps starts 20 years prior in 2003 and quickly becomes a widespread pandemic, infecting individuals and turning them into irrational zombie-like creatures with no cure or vaccine in sight. This results in the downfall of society and pushes the rest of humanity to find ways to survive, even if it means going to extreme, unlawful methods.

Construction worker turned smuggler Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with taking 14-yearold Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country to the Fireflies, a revolutionary group that opposes the martial law of the near future. Throughout their journey, they encounter circumstances that deepen their relationship, maintaining the audience’s interest for the entirety of the season. 4.7 million viewers from the United States watched the pilot in its first night of streaming on HBO Max, making it the second highest number of streams that HBO had since 2010.

As an adaptation of a beloved video game, the TV show iteration did not disappoint. Both Pascal and Ramsey embodied Joel and Ellie as strangers just trying to get through life but finding comfort–and almost family values–within each other.

Supporting characters played by Merle Dandridge, Anna Torv, Gabriel Luna and Ashley Johnson are not overwritten by the main protagonists, but instead serve to push the plot forward, allowing other perspectives to be considered. Even if they are actively working against Joel and Ellie you might even feel empathetic towards their plights.

University sophomore Brooke Lyn Sicignano shared her thoughts. “The show is amazing! I’m an acting major… and let me say that all the actors are amazing, but the young actors hit it out of the

park! I really hope that we will get to see them again in other works.”

Sicignano continued, “I also like that they had the podcast where they would talk about the episode and the creation process and there are some easter eggs for the players of the game. When award season comes around again, I feel like ‘The Last of Us’ will clean up.”

Craig Mazin, who co-wrote the script with Druckmann, is a huge fan of the game franchise. He ensured that Druckmann’s wishes of certain plot-points being included were directly executed. Inevitably, the show does take some creative liberty, but not to an extreme. It feels like a deviation from the game’s original mindset and further helps to enhance the viewer’s experience, providing those who have played the video game with a new image of what could pan out.

University freshman Serenity Smith said, “What gravitated me towards watching [‘The Last of Us’] was my love for the games, but what keeps me to continue watching the show is that it provides new heart shattering bits the game doesn’t provide. [Episode three] left me with so much emotional baggage I haven’t picked it up since–though I am going to eventually. If you’re anything like me and you need to cry hysterically… to consider something good, you’ll love this show.”

Smith expressed her admiration further, “Considering video game franchises usually do bad when they turn into a show, I am incredibly happy that my favorite franchise turned out better than previous ones.”

A fan-favorite aspect of the show is its nonlinear timeline, relying on flashbacks to truly immerse the audience and set the scene for the events to come. It even goes as far back as the ‘60s and as far away as Indonesia in just the first two episodes. “The Last of Us” is not just another zombie apocalypse show that solely relies on terror to keep its audience hooked. The show is so acclaimed because it mixes in slice-of-life points, themes like found family and portrays relatable yet hopeful characters even in the face of an unrecognizable future. With the show being renewed for a second season, “TLOU” fans are excited to see what the next season has in store for the franchise.

‘Beau is Afraid’: Ari Aster’s new nightmare

JULES KELLY Staff Writer

Jonathan Majors charged with assault and harassment in Manhattan

“I hope you went to the bathroom, it’s long,” Aster told the audience before stepping away from the screen.

Clocking in at two hours and fifty-nine minutes, Aster once described his new film as “a Jewish ‘Lord of the Rings’ but he’s just going to his mom’s house.” “Beau is Afraid” plays out like a Greek tragedy as it feels like you live a hundred lives with the titular character.

“I want you to, like, go through his guts and come out of his butt,” Aster joked during the Q+A panel, which was hosted by actress Emma Stone.

Combining the horror Aster is already known for with comedy, drama, action and psychological thrills, “Beau is Afraid” is a non-stop adventure that you definitely don’t want to be a part of but coincidentally are. It’s rooted in anxiety, fear and regret while making you laugh the whole way through. “It’s a very niche thing to be terrified or scared sh*tless but also laughing, and it’s not something people can achieve very easily,” Stone praised the triple threat.

The film follows Beau, a feeble man with serious mommy issues who lives in an unsavory part of town. The streets outside of his apartment are filled with prostitutes, corpses, drug addicts and a nude murderer known as the Birthday Boy Stab Man. Beau wants to return to his hometown to visit his mother, but in rapid succession, tragic events unfold in the first act and reach their climax when Beau is hit by a car and comatose for two days.

Waking up from his coma, Beau finds himself in the home of Grace and Roger, a rich couple who devotes themselves to taking care of the less fortunate, and also happens to be the people that hit Beau in the first place. Roger, who is brought to life by an incredible performance from Nathan Lane, is a friendly surgeon who vows to fix Beau up and bring him back to his mother’s once he feels better. Roger dons tracksuits, large-rimmed glasses and a perfectly trimmed mustache, and refers to Beau as “my brotha” and “ma dude,” serving as a comic relief and feeling like a caricature of the typical family man. It’s clear early on the movie is set in an alternate reality, as country names and states in the film are all fake, but Roger

feels deliberately like a parody of the everyday, American father. Everything seems a bit too good to be true; because it is.

Phoenix gives a sublime performance throughout the film, making himself small and weak as Beau. Phoenix has played similar roles in the past of playing an awkward man like in “Her” or “Joker,” but neither one of those roles go to the heights of strangeness and patheticness as Beau. Beau is helpless and woeful as he deals with these Kafkaesque scenarios at every possible turn. “The joke here for a long time was just, ‘Okay well, Beau is really worried about everything. Let’s put him in a situation that can go wrong one of ten ways. What’s the eleventh way?’” Aster told the audience. It’s pure sadism on Aster’s part (which is unsurprising considering his body of work) as he does not shy away from referring to Beau as lame and “a total dweeb.”

But after living this man’s life for three hours, you pity the loser. Beau has only known fear, which was instilled in him by his mother (Patti LuPone), and it’s not hard to see why when she enters the film. LuPone is horrifying and strikes terror in the hearts of all that may cross her path. She’s an intense, articulate and petrifying encapsulation of all of Beau’s fears with more money than she knows what to do with. She uses her power and status in ways that are so unbelievable, it will most definitely require a second viewing to fully understand.

“Beau is Afraid” is so dense that it requires allotted time afterward to digest what the hell just happened. There’s so much to mull over in this film–from the outrageous plotlines, the off-putting performances, the hilarious set designs, a 10-second cameo from Bill Hader and a full portion of the movie that is hand-drawn storybook-style animation with a real Phoenix walking through.

Despite the film’s insane intricacy, Aster had no words to describe his film or the creative process behind it.

“What is this?” Emma Stone asked the director during the live Q+A.

“I don’t know,” he responded almost immediately. The mastermind behind the film’s confusion about his own work only adds more proof to the fact that “Beau is Afraid” is completely psychotic. If the director, producer and writer of the film says he really doesn’t understand how his film came to fruition, then the audience surely won’t get it either. But the confusion seems to only amplify the movie and makes you want to study every scene under a microscope.

Rating: 9/10

APRIL 3, 2023

time.

CHARLIE MESSINGER Staff Writer

Actor Jonathan Majors was arrested in Chelsea on the morning of March 25 and was later charged with multiple misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment during his arraignment on March 26 following a domestic argument with a 30-year-old woman.

An NYPD statement obtained by CBS News proclaimed he was taken into police custody in Manhattan after his arrest on suspicion of strangulation, assault and harassment. More specifically, he was charged with “three counts of assault in the third degree, aggravated harassment in the second degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree," according to court documents obtained by People. The woman involved in the incident experienced minor head and neck injuries and was taken to the hospital shortly after police arrived.

Although Majors was officially charged following his arraignment, the “Creed III” and “Ant-Man” star denied any wrongdoing. His defense attorney, Priya Chaudhry, claimed that the actor is innocent. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Chaudhry stated that “this evidence includes video footage from the vehicle where this episode took place, witness testimony from the driver and others who both saw and heard the episode, and most importantly, two written statements from the woman recanting these allegations.”

In addition, she added that “all the evidence proves that Mr. Majors is entirely innocent and did not assault her whatsoever.” Chaudhry also alleged that the woman involved in the dispute was having an emotional crisis at the

Majors’s was released on his own recognizance after prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office requested that the actor be placed under supervised release following the charge. The judge also granted a limited order of protection for the woman involved.

Following the charges, advertisements that featured Majors for the U.S. Army have been pulled from airing. Varietyreported that Majors was involved in two commercials for the “Be All You Can Be” campaign for the U.S. Army that was to be featured heavily during the NCAA March Madness tournament as a way to boost recruitment. The Army Enterprise Marketing Office public affairs chief, Laura DeFrancisco, clarified to Variety in a statement that “while Mr. Majors is innocent until proven guilty, prudence dictates that we pull our ads until the investigation into these allegations is complete.”

Instead of featuring Majors as the narrator of the commercials like originally planned, the Army marketing team has revised those advertisements to remove Majors from appearing completely, according to The Associated Press. However, other advertisements for the campaign that don’t include Majors are still airing as previously scheduled.

Majors began his recent rise to fame after starring in films in the Marvel and "Creed" franchises, which were both released in theaters in early 2023. At the time of writing, the actor is still set to appear in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” for a theater release in May 2025.

Majors is scheduled to appear in court on May 8.

THE PACE PRESS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Mandi Karpo

Editor-in-Chief

Jaeden Pinder

Executive Editor

Gia Sparacino

Secretary

Lyndsey Brown Treasurer

Adam Klein & Lanie Presswood

Faculty Consultants

EDITORIAL BOARD

Emily Shafer

News Editor

Sarah Bergin

Arts Editor

Zoe Poulis

Features Editor

Priya Persaud

Opinion & Editorial Editor

Chloe Fuller

Photo Editor

Mikayla Meachem

Social Media Manager

ADOBE INDESIGN

PRODUCTION TEAM

Lexi Krakowski

Adobe InDesign Production Manager

Olivia Eleni Athan

Adobe Illustrator and Graphics Manager

Josh Ilano

Adobe Photoshop Designer

The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City Campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above.

The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited.

All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information.

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Copyright 2023

Dear fellow reader,

For the life of me, I can’t remember who shared this sentiment, but someone told me never to take advice from a person who leads a life with aspects that you wouldn’t want to emulate or practice yourself, and it’s proven to be the most rewarding piece of advice I have ever received.

It’s important to know who you keep in your inner circle and recognize those your inner circle can do without. If the last three years have taught me anything, it’s having to choose and lose friends wisely.

I am notorious for being that girl who consults her friends for advice, going on 30-minute tangents about my latest crisis or predicament, asking people in my inner circle what my next course of action should be, and by the end of the conversation, I never end up taking their advice. While they stick around to hear my rant, eventually my friends give up on me and the conversation inevitably ends with, “You’re not going to listen to me anyway. You’re gonna do what you want to do.”

It’s not because I don’t value their opinions or appreciate aspects of their life that I would want to mirror in my own; the fact is, I have always been someone who insists on learning things the hard way. So in a very Mandi fashion, the bed I make is not always the bed I wish to sleep in, oftentimes getting the “I told you so” from the friend who advised me otherwise. The same could arguably be said about everyone, including you, dear reader.

All of this to say, we are a product of our environment, attributing our behavior and everyday tendencies to those we spend the most time with. Spring in Manhattan is my favorite time of year; the refreshing breeze coming from the Hudson River when I’m in the FiDi, the 70-degree weather and not having to lug a heavy coat around the bar anytime I go out is the definition of serendipity.

This time of year also introduces the perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning–and I’m not talking about your closet. The end of the 2022-23 academic year is just four weeks away, but there’s no time like the present to re-evaluate who in your life you no longer benefit from. If you’re anything like me, you’ll take it one step further and do some deep self-evaluation to realize whose life you no longer benefit. Richard Bach’s proverb summarizes my own to a T: “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they’re yours; if they don’t, they never were.”

The in-print edition you hold before you is the last of the 2022-23 academic year, with this being the last Letter from the Editor I will ever write. Someone recently asked me what I am going to do once I can no longer write for The Pace Press, and I honestly don’t have a clue. I wish I could say that I’ll start a Medium or Substack and go the independent journalist route, becoming the next Chris Hedges or Seymore Hersh, but the reality is old habits die hard and wishful thinking can lead to tremendous disappointment. Self-preservation in the face of reality bodes naturally for someone like me.

Needless to say, I have no way of knowing if anyone reads this section of the newspaper, but I hope whoever does, gets a kick out of the sorry excuse of various pieces of advice I’ve perpetuated in all seven of this year ’s Pace Press in-prints. And if you haven’t caught on by now, I’ve used this section of the newspaper to allude to different personal experiences of my life, playfully wondering if those who read this know what I’m talking about or can somehow relate. If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, for those who don’t know me personally, I would keep my first paragraph in mind before you go making beds your body doesn’t belong in.

Transitioning into my sentimental waters, I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for the community we have fostered within The Pace Press this past academic year. I have every bit of confidence that the incoming Executive Board for the 2023-24 academic year will take this organization to the next level, proudly continuing to evolve the legacy that this year ’s staff has worked so tirelessly to achieve. I want to give a special thank you to our Faculty Advisors Adam Klein and Lanie Presswood, as well as our Student Engagement Advisor Grace Salle for advocating for this organization’s presence on campus and for full-heartedly believing in the work we put out to the student body

Last but not least, I want to reiterate that The Pace Press is a rolling admissions organization and it is never too late to join as a contributor. From now until the remainder of the semester, we meet every Monday at 12:30 p.m. in Room W509 in One Pace Plaza. I urge you to join us, if you don’t already, in continuing to provide a voice for the student body to be heard, recognized and appreciated; leave your legacy at the University with us, embossed in black ink forever—or digitally within cyberspace.

Yours truly signing off,

Mandi Karpo President, Editor-in-Chief

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors (students, faculty, administration and staff) to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press, the members of The Pace Press staff or Pace University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

Springing forward into new beginnings: April’s Literature Lineup

APRIL 17, 2023

As we wrap up the school year and allow our personalities to thaw from the chill of winter, now might be the ideal time to make some changes in our lives. After all, the spring season is often thought of as a reawakening; a time for starting over and moving forward. In this month’s Literature Lineup, walk (or read) alongside these characters as they take their first steps into a new phase of life. Whether it’s the first book of a series or the end of an era, each character evolves in their own way, just as we all do. Even though it’s necessary, change can be scary, but if this lineup teaches us anything, it might be that we don’t have to go through it alone. I hope that these April showers bring you all the May flowers and then some.

ZOE POULIS Features Editor

Zoe Poulis, Features Editor – “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins

I know what you’re thinking: “Zoe, didn’t you recommend a “Hunger Games” book last month?” and the answer to that is, yes, reader, I did. But that goes to show how good they are, or how obsessive I am, whichever way you want to see it. In the third book of the series, Katniss has now lost her home and several loved ones, causing her to lose her mind a little as a result. In all fairness, I would lose my mind if I lost Peeta Mellark, too. Now that she’s even more desperate for change, Katniss is closer than ever to taking down the Capitol once and for all, knowing that after she does, she will be forced to rebuild her life from the ground up, a seemingly even more daunting task than the former. Although “Mockingjay” signifies the end of Suzanne Collins’ renowned trilogy, it truly serves as a fresh start for all of its characters and a hope that things can be made new even after all that’s been said and done.

Mandi Karpo, Editor-in-Chief – “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

When he got hit in the face by a baseball bat on the last day of his sophomore year of high school, James Clear spent the next two years of his life recovering from a broken nose, half a dozen facial fractures and a bulging left eye that took more than a month to return to its socket entirely. He managed to return to high school baseball after his recovery and went on to attend Denison University as a collegiate athlete. In “Atomic Habits,” Clear recounts the tiny changes he made throughout his life that showed remarkable results, even ones as simple as keeping his room neat and going to bed early, getting him out of depression and anxiety during the aftermath of his injury. His practice led him to earn straight As his freshman year, become team captain of Denison’s baseball team his junior year, eventually got selected as the top male athlete at Denison and was named one of the players on the ESPN Academic All-America team. With graduation looming four weeks away for some of us, now is the time to get rid of the old and welcome the new, letting those old habits die off and implementing habits that will have a lasting impact. While they say, “New year, new me,” I, for one, believe it’s never too late to rebrand yourself.

Jaeden Pinder, Executive Editor – “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

Nothing says new beginnings like the apocalypse, and in “Parable of the Sower,” Octavia Butler envisions a col- lapsed and devastated Earth that is at times terrifyingly similar to ours now. Through her journal, Lauren Olamina documents the happenings of her neighborhood and journey as she creates a new religion in the face of ecological and social despair. Olamina also experiences “hyper-empathy” as she feels the pain of those around her and she grapples with saving her community and reconstructing society from scratch under her Earthseed principles. While Butler published “Parable of the Sower” in 1993, the novel takes place in 2024, making now the best time to read this sci-fi classic.

Gia Sparacino, Secretary – “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner

New beginnings don’t have to be fresh. Sometimes they are set in motion because of the end of something else. “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner speaks of her own new beginnings in a memoir surrounding the loss of her mother to cancer. Zauner earnestly presents the different layers of guilt and grief she was forced to face throughout her mother’s cancer journey from the perspective of not only a daughter but an imperfect one, as every daughter is. Being half Korean on her mother ’s side, Zauner questions what legitimacy her Koreanness will still hold in her mother’s absence and explores the part her Koreaness has played throughout her life. Hungry for validation, Zauner seeks to connect through the Korean meals she and her mother shared growing up. For anyone looking to get into audiobooks, Zauner self-narrates this memoir giving non-Korean readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and will leave both your eyes and mouths watering.

Lyndsey Brown, Treasurer – “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green

The Anthropocene is our current geological state marked by humanity’s distinct impact on our ecosystem. Based on his podcast, John Green explores human existence through a collection of short essays, deconstructing thoughts and connections he’s made throughout his own lifetime. From Diet Dr. Pepper to Haley’s Comet, Green wraps up his thoughts with short anecdotes summarizing our human existence. Green’s book allows readers to think deeply about the universe and put our time on Earth into perspective. While we continue in the Anthropocene epoch, Green’s stories might be able to open readers’ eyes to the themes and ideas that surround our human-centered planet as we enter this new season.

Emily Shafer, News Editor – “The Soloist” by Steve Lopez

I don’t read many things that have “new beginnings” as a theme, but I read “The Soloist” a while ago after it was recommended to me by a high school English teacher, and couldn’t think of a more perfect book to fit this theme. This true story follows author Steve Lopez, a journalist, as he begins a friendship with a homeless person on Skid Row in Los Angeles named Nathaniel Ayers and tries to get him off of the street and into supportive housing. As he begins to understand what makes him happy and what he wants to achieve in life, Lopez finds out that Nathaniel was a classically trained musician who studied at Julliard, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. Follow Nathaniel’s journey through the eyes of Lopez as he turns what was supposed to be a newspaper column into a whole book.

Sarah Bergin, Arts Editor – “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan

From the book series to the new Disney+ television show and everything in between, Rick Riordan has created an everlasting fanbase (not kidding, someone was wearing a “Camp Half-Blood” t-shirt in my class very recently). “The Lightning Thief” is the book that started it all, chronicling Percy Jackson’s life as a demigod and all of the perks, quirks and challenges surrounding it. Even though the series was released almost two decades ago, it still lives on through its many adaptations and Riordan’s immersive worldbuilding spinoffs. If you love Greek mythology and a lighthearted YA, pick up the first book of this series!

Priya Persaud, Opinion & Editorial Editor – “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Every year, Nina Riva throws an end-of-summer party known for its legendary stories and celebrity appearances. Also in attendance is her famed family, Jay, Hud and Kit. The family’s fortune is derived from their acclaimed father, Mick Riva, an iconic singer. By midnight, the party grows out of control as family secrets and various levels of “party favors” are served around the household. By morning, the Riva mansion is set aflame. The first section of this book introduces you to each family member, as well as their conflicts in past-present alternating chapters, while the second section serves as a catalyst for each character’s new beginning. Taylor Jenkins Reid holds the key to trilogy fans have dubbed the “Mick Riva Universe,” where Mick Riva serves as a character in three separate novels. Though you don’t have to read them in any particular order to understand his character, “Malibu Rising” is a great place to start as you get a full encapsulation of his persona. Full of complex family dynamics, California scenery and great writing, you’re sure to want to follow this read up with another one of the author ’s classics, whether it be “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” or “Daisy Jones and the Six.”

Ways to celebrate Mother Nature in an urban environment

APRIL 17, 2023

SAVANNAH FORD Staff Writer Feeling connected to nature and all of its wonders can be difficult while living amidst the hustle and bustle of the largest city in the United States. Even so, it is crucial to give back to the planet that sustains our livelihoods and hosts the organic beauties of nature, which should be aimed to preserve for generations to come. Earth Day (April 22), serves as a way to heighten awareness surrounding the protection of Earth’s natural resources, as well as being a celebratory day that can be pivotal for environmental advocates. Listed below are just a few of the ways you can contribute to the cause, even in the cosmopolitan setting of NYC.

DOT Car-Free Earth Day

New York City’s Department of Transportation will be holding its seventh annual Car-Free Earth Day on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in seven locations throughout the five boroughs. In doing this, 24 streets will be completely opened up without cars as a way of promoting activism and education in regard to climate change and sustainable living. Programming will be presented on the open streets by City and community organizations. Local artists will also perform on the fuel-free avenues for all to enjoy.

Queens Farm: Earth Day Service Day

From noon to 4:30 p.m. on Earth Day, volunteers are able to participate in the Queens Farm “Bee-A-Pollinator” event, working to reconfigure perceptions of how society interacts with the environment and impacts crucial environmental protection legislation. Volunteers will take part in the spring cleaning of the Children’s Garden, garden bed prep, sifting compost and removing rocks to support agricultural expansion. Additionally, sustainability-themed activities will be offered including a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle book swap, Eco Scavenger hunt and Apiary talks.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Earth Month Events

Brooklyn Bridge Park has an environmental education center that works with the community to provide knowledge regarding the ecology, history and infrastructure of the Brooklyn waterfront. As part of their celebrations this year, the park Conservancy is hosting “Earth Month” with several interactive events planned throughout April to get the public involved. On April 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Horticulture team is hosting a Horticulture Walk beginning at Pier 1 and ending at Pier 4, aiming to bring awareness to the park’s green initiatives and planting strategies. On Earth Day from 10:00 a.m. to noon, you can join the Green Team, a dedicated collection of volunteers, to plant, mulch and remove invasive plants. If you want to check out some other events, a more comprehensive list can be found on their website.

Compost Bike Tour (+ Other Biking Activities)

This Earth Day, join the Lower East Side (LES) Ecology Center through DonateNYC on an eight-mile community bike ride from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On this environmentally enhanced display of athleticism, learn how the city’s food scraps are collected and processed at local community compost sites in Upper Manhattan. This event is an incredible way to get outside of the apartment and indulge in ongoing green initiatives hosted by the city itself! If you aren’t feeling up to an organized bike tour, Citi Bike will offer free, unlimited 30-minute rides the entire day with the promo code CARFREE23–so grab a Citi Bike, head toward the West Side Highway and ride along the river for a more scenic view of NYC.

How to do Smorgasburg the right way

APRIL 19, 2023

Kick off the new season with these spring activities

MARCH 27, 2023

ZOE POULIS Features Editor

As life in the city begins to defrost with rising temperatures, New Yorkers are on the hunt for ways to spend more time outside. If you’re a foodie who enjoys spending time in Downtown Manhattan or is willing to make the trip, Smorgasburg is the perfect place for you.

Typically running until the end of October, Smorgasburg is a weekly food festival that gathers right outside of the Oculus every Friday, complete with nearly 30 vendors to choose from. According to the food festival’s website, it was initially launched as a spin-off of Brooklyn Flea and has grown to be the “largest open-air food market in America.” There are three locations of Smorgasburg: World Trade Center, Williamsburg and Prospect Park. For students who live on campus or near the University, you won’t want to miss out on what the WTC location has to offer, and since there are so many options, The Pace Press has narrowed it down so you know how to do Smorgasburg the right way.

Best Entrée: Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

Start off with a bang and head over to Carlitos, one of the most popular stands at the festival and an option that keeps me coming back year after year. If you tend to steer clear of NYC’s Mexican food options but can’t fight the cravings, these tacos might just be your saving grace—more specifically: the quesatacos. A quesataco is the love child of a taco and a quesadilla and a specialty of Carlitos. For meat lovers, they serve pulled pork, brisket, chicken and carne asada and while all are amazing, the brisket is out of this world.

Don’t worry, vegetarians and pescatarians, Carlitos has not forgotten you: the sweet plantain or crispy fish quesatacos are also menu features. All of these options are street-size, so if you’re having trouble making up your mind, just order them all! The line is usually pretty long, and rightfully so, but it goes quickly and gives you time to watch them hand-make the tortillas, which is arguably the most important part of the quesataco.

Best Desserts: Bona Bona or Petisco Brazuca

While there is a plethora of dessert vendors to choose from, ice cream is typically the best option for a hot summer day. Bona Bona is a combination of Italian gelato and American ice cream, hand-crafted by Chef Nick Di Bona in small batches, making each flavor totally unique and of the highest quality. From classic flavors like an animal cracker to key lime pie and plenty of vegan options, there is something here for everyone! All scoops are topped with their signature Italian meringue which resembles a toasted marshmallow in both taste and appearance.

If you don’t want ice cream but still feel the urge for something sweet, Petisco Brazuca is a Brazilian snack shop that serves mini churros with either Dulce de Leche or Nutella inside. The food there is also quite good, but if you only saved room for dessert, an order of churros is the perfect sweet treat to end your day

Best Drink: Last Call Mixology

To wash all of that down, you’ll definitely need a drink. There are so many specialty options that it’s almost impossible to recommend just one especially when several vendors make their own fresh-squeezed juices which are an absolute must for a humid day in the city. These can change weekly but are certainly worth trying. However, for any readers who are over 21 and looking to spice up their day, be sure to check out Last Call Mixology, which uses “fresh, locally sourced, in-season ingredients” to make for a refreshing blend of spirits. They also make non-alcoholic juices if there’s a specific flavor that you’re dying to try. Either way, stay hydrated–we all know how brutal the NYC heat can get!

The cultural revolution of Italian fashion in America

APRIL 17, 2023

The “Made in Italy, Sold in America” exhibit takes a deep dive into exploring the cultural revolution of fashion and tells the story of what happened to Attenzione magazine.

MILANA POGRETSKAIA Staff Writer

Attenzione, meaning attention or focus in Italian, was meant for the readership of the elite and was first published in the United States in the early ‘80s. It was launched by Luigino “Jeno” Francesco Paulucci, who started 70 companies, including Paulucci Publications, through which he launched his magazine. The whole purpose of the publication was to pass on the cultural heritage and history of Italy to the United States. It included a variety of different sections and topics, including food, society, politics, the arts and fashion.

Two years after its launch, the Attenzione was highlighted in The New York Times in an article published in 1981 for surviving “19 issues in an area where others could not make it to six.” For those fortunate enough to be involved, it was a moment of pride and the beginning of several success stories, being that many of today’s well-known Italian designers were published on the magazine’s cover. Nevertheless, some readers were unhappy about the way fashion was handled by the magazine, as they didn’t believe that it truly captured Italian culture the way they had hoped it would. Despite this, Italian fashion became one of the most notable topics, introducing Americans to some of the world’s most influential designers, like Gianni Versace and Franco Moschino.

Throughout the exhibit, viewers are able to browse different issues of Attenzione magazine as well as gain an understanding of the history and development of the fashion industry as a whole. The ‘80s were a time when there were lots of contradictory messages about womanhood and the consumption of both fashion and food. While women were facing gender inequality and discrimination, the industry began to grow as they began to find a place in society. This cultural revolution was propelled by the fashion industry, especially as many Italian designs started to be considered luxury around the world due to their excellence in creativity and craftsmanship.

“Made in Italy, Sold in America” was put together by NYU, with Marcella Martin as its main curator. Throughout her career, she has worked on publications on clothing and Italian fashion. Martin received a B.A. in Italian Language and Literature from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Since then, she has also obtained her MA in Costume Studies at NYU and is currently serving on the Board of the Costume Society of America. Martin now is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Department of Italian Studies at NYU.

Open until May 5, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Italian fashion culture and its revolution by learning about the history and fate of the Attenzione magazine. Open on weekdays, it welcomes all students, especially those interested in fashion or journalism-related fields at NYU’s Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò. For anyone wishing to attend, the exhibit is free, with the option of booking a guided tour with its curator.

SHEILA RAFIZADEH Staff Writer

As warmer weather approaches, the list of outdoor activities grows accordingly. New Yorkers can finally shake off their winter blues and venture outside to take in the Earth’s rebirth. While spending a day in one of New York City’s many beautiful parks is a more than acceptable way to spend a spring afternoon, it’s also important to take advantage of the many other events, festivals and exhibits the city provides during the early months of spring. Here are some of the best ways to kick off the new season.

Macy’s Flower Show

Located in Midtown, the annual Macy’s Flower Show is a true signifier for the beginning of spring in the city. Seeing all the flowers in bloom fully captures the essence of spring and gets people excited for the warmer weather that’s just around the corner. This year’s show will be running from March 26 to April 10 and is free and open to the public during store hours.

Nowruz Persian Festival and Parade

Nowruz is an ancient Persian holiday with Zoroastrian roots that celebrates the spring equinox. This festival of spring is celebrated by thousands of people throughout the Middle East, the Balkans and Central Asia. While the official day of Nowruz is March 20, the holiday lasts for weeks. Those who celebrate take this time to be with loved ones, commemorating the beginning of a new season after the long cold winter. Organized by the Persian Parade committee, this annual celebration takes place on April 23 at noon and is free and open to all.

Governors Island Egg Hunt

The island’s first-ever large egg hunt of its kind is being hosted by the Trust for Governors Island and the Friends of Governors Island. Organizers will be hiding 10,000 wooden painted eggs all around the island that the participants must search for. Open to everyone and completely free to attend, the event will also feature a magic performance, arts and crafts projects, a puppet show, food and drink and an Island-wide scavenger hunt that anyone can participate in. It will take place on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Indoor Orchid Show (New York Botanical Garden, Bronx)

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show is perfect for those brisk spring afternoons, the ones where it’s not quite hot enough to spend the day outside, as it takes place indoors in a greenhouse. Designed by artist Lily Kwong, the orchid show runs through April 23. When you purchase tickets to the show, you will also receive access to the rest of the garden. Feel free to explore the grounds and other gardens to your desire. Tickets are $31 per person with a valid student ID and can be purchased online through the NYBG’s website.

Sailing Around the City

For the more adventurous people out there, this activity is the perfect way to spend a spring afternoon. Located on Pier 5, Brooklyn Sail offers group sailing around Brooklyn and Manhattan for up to six people at a time on their sailboat, The Enchantress. The sailing season officially begins on April 2, and rates differ depending on how long you rent out the boat. On average, a two-hour and 30-minute boat ride costs $75-$85 per person. If you want to celebrate the end of winter with a little bit of luxury, this is the way to do it!

The future of (HBO) Max

APRIL 20, 2023

Max–who has officially dropped HBO out of its title–is a coveted streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery, proven by a wide audience of 96 million active users at the end of 2022. Despite the large variety of acquired film and television shows that draw viewers in, the public is left wondering: what will happen to Max after their acclaimed original series have run their course and their Discovery+ merger begins?

As part of the weekly Sunday premieres, I sit attentively in front of my computer, waiting to see what happens next to the Roy family or what cheeky, pure comment Noho Hank will say next. I am not alone, with “Succession” and “Barry” becoming some of the most talked about shows of Spring 2023. Film critic Zoë Rose Bryant posted on Twitter after season four’s third episode of “Succession” premiered: “I don’t think it’s too soon to say that tonight’s episode of Succession was literally one of the greatest in the history of television.” This is just one of the many praises that have been shared following the episode of “Succession” on April 9, which became an instant favorite. The voyeuristic feel of a 30-minute, one-shot take intercut with other perspectives hovered over the characters for what seemed like forever, creating an illusion. It somehow manipulated time even further by contradicting itself, passing by in a second as a heart-racing portrayal of grief. It’s needless to say that this episode alone enamored viewers.

2.5 million people across the world watched it upon its release, breaking its previous record of 2.3 million for the first episode of the show’s final season. Now, 2.5 million is not a staggering amount compared to its 96 million users, but 2.5 million watched it the night it was released. These statistics don’t include other demographics that are watching it at a later date.

On April 16, the highly anticipated final season of “Barry” will premiere, aligning with “Succession.” Due to this, viewership may increase even more. Having two beautifully composed and unique shows ending at a similar time is terrifying, not just as a fan, but also presumably for the company and its creatives.

With these two staples coming

to an end, Max has been attempting to one-up their catalog. One of their upcoming new series is from the infamous “Euphoria” creator, Sam Levinson. His new project, “The Idol,” has a star-studded cast, including Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily Rose-Depp, among other notable names in the entertainment industry. Rolling Stone released a tell-all about the behind-the-scenes environment on “The Idol” set at the beginning of March. This angered The Weeknd, leading him to respond with a scene from the show on Twitter. The messy chaos may be a PR stunt, but the scene he shared is not leaving me begging for more. If anything, it is making me beg them to free Daniel Levy.

Another addition has been the “Harry Potter” television adaption–a series based on the same exact material that the original eight movies and seven books contain. This news is unsurprising considering the wealth and success stemming from the video game “Hogwarts Legacy,” Disney+’s successful “Star Wars” series spinoffs and the streaming numbers from “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon.” In Disney+’s case, along with Max’s “House of the Dragon,” at least the material itself is new, yet placed in an existing world. Feeding off of nostalgia is nothing new, but it is disappointing to see a decision like this being made by a streaming service that is respected for prioritizing original material.

The unfortunate news is that people will watch the “Harry Potter” television series regardless. Whether it be a “hate-watch,” just out of pure curiosity or true, unbridled excitement, audiences will tune in. This adds to the perpetual cycle of reused material, something that will never end until the money stops rolling in. In turn, it prevents new, creative material from being produced by large media conglomerates.

Despite this, there are some exciting releases coming to Max, including a new season of “True Detective.” Fans are excited about the revamp of the anthology, with Jodie Foster playing one of the main characters. Even though it is an intriguing addition to the platform, viewers are still skeptical of Max as a platform. Filmmaker Kevin Kunze replied on Twitter, “I’m excited to watch this on HBO. Get the Max out of here.”

Streaming services as a whole bring their own dilemma to the table:

a lack of physical media. It is possible for these media conglomerates to wipe shows off the face of the earth, which has already begun. Max, in anticipation of its upcoming Spring 2023 merger with Discovery+, has dropped multiple HBO and Warner Bros. properties to cut monetary costs. Children’s programming is at the forefront, with “Sesame Street” affiliated works and other material from Cartoon Network on the chopping block. Variety has reported that there is little to no information about whether these cuts are available physically after their disappearance. Art has a price, and it’s clear that the price is being conveniently valued over accessibility.

Since they have scraped “HBO” out of their name, the general public is left with no connection that they are affiliated with HBO titles. Warner Bros. Discovery formally announced the streaming service’s new title, Max, on April 12. Taking “HBO” away is like naming NBC “Company” or Showtime “Show” - it just doesn’t work. Why take away the best piece of your brand loyalty?

Max will also have tiered plans beginning on May 23, with price ranges from $9.99 to $19.99. The tiered prices are also a sign of bribery, giving the highest paying customers the ability to stream with four different devices at once and 4K viewership from the comfort of their home, while the lowest paying customers are left with advertisements. They are not alone in this, as streaming limits have been prioritized as a part of Netflix’s business model. Time will tell whether these elements will impact Max’s amount of subscribers for the worse.

There is a bright side to Max’s platform, though. The Gen-Z-influenced sitcom “Hacks” remains alongside the video game adaptation “The Last of Us.” “The White Lotus” is still around with its quirky yet dark murder mystery alongside Nathan Fielder’s uncanny “The Rehearsal.” Thankfully, we can also revisit the hilariously political “Veep” and the everlasting classic “The Sopranos.” Regardless of what is to come, taking a nostalgic path down the HBO rabbit hole (or discovering these series for the first time) is something that will never fade away. Unless streaming ceases to exist altogether, then these wonderfully original pieces will be taken down forever with well-funded, unwarranted remakes.

SARAH BERGIN Arts Editor

It’s okay to stop the grind The death of music festival culture

MAKIYA JONES Staff Writer

As summer approaches, people begin to plan how to spend their time during the extended break: from catching up with old friends and exploring a new city to occupying the beach and staying inside, summer is a time of relaxation. However, the average three months off from school has transformed into an age of working.

Hustle culture has become the latest trend to influence the minds of young people, believing that the more time spent on a project, the higher chance they have of obtaining their dream job. This mindset creates an imbalance between work and pleasure, and utilizes this leisure period as an extension of work. Free time is now used as workplace overtime expanding past the office, and amplifying the guilt people feel using their recreation for its intended purpose.

From a young age, children are asked the dreaded existential question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Rarely do five and six-yearolds have their lives planned out, as most figure it out along the way, and this forms a divide between “go-getters” and everyone else. Those on the “wrong” side push themselves with artificial motivation from a point of envy, comparing themselves to those who seem to have a more rooted sense of preparedness (and usually a substantial amount of resources). In high school, students are encouraged to construct a plan that ultimately lines up with their career path after graduation. The whole experience, looking back, is extremely calculated.

College applications are stress-inducing and time-consuming, as deadlines vary starting with early admission during the fall semester of high school. As a result, summer is spent preparing though the process begins much earlier. College Board suggests that high-schoolers “start early” in reviewing the SAT/ACT prior to junior and senior year, though Harvard University takes a different approach. They formulated a high school/college-prep outline that views freshman year as a time to “explore your interest[s]” but also recommends creating a college resume consisting of “school clubs, volunteer and community service events, awards, jobs and internships, college classes and college-prep programs.” It is quite hypocritical to advise one to discover their passions under the guise of fulfilling a list of requirements.

Neuroscience major and freshman Blen Alemayehu said, “It’s a lot to catch up on. Overall, working and gaining experience is a plus to add to your resume with a bunch of workstudy and internship opportunities next semester. I’d rather relax during the school year and focus on my grades than at home doing nothing when I can spend that time catching up.”

Internships are recommended during the junior and senior years of college, but with the hype of achieving success early, it has become the norm to start early as a way of feeling ahead, which is true to a certain extent. Hard work does pay off, but at what cost? By treating life as a competition, everything becomes overwhelming. Talkspace, an online therapy company, points out the cons of hustle culture as it increases health risks, stress, anxiety and even creates an “apathetic attitude” where “nothing seems good enough or rewarding.”

As Ferris Bueller said, “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Life has been constructed to be continuously moving with no time wasted. We should spend our time making memories and establishing boundaries between work and leisure time.

Summer is the off-season from the constant on-the-go schedule that can feel wavering from the discipline of staying on track despite the stress it may cause. It is important to put effort into career goals, though there has to be a balance between productivity and relaxation, even if that means doing nothing.

MAI CLIFFORD

Contributor

SAVANNAH FORD AND SHEILA RAFIZADEH Staff Writers

Coachella, an annual music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA quickly gained popularity as the biggest and most highly-anticipated music festival of the country over the last two decades. But circumstances have changed recently, causing the festival to lose much of its traction.

The first-ever music festival took place in Ancient Greece; Grecians would compete in singing contests as a part of the nation’s Pythian Games. Since then, the idea of a modern music event has changed. It is normal for the sensory environment during music festivals to vary in some ways. However, rather than a certain sound or dress code, the change that has occurred over the past few years is concentrated on the semantics these events are constructed on.

Today’s festival culture has changed in a way that doesn’t feel unique or unusual, since the qualities that make a festival good are so tepid. Instead, it is altering in a horrifyingly dull manner. This transformation is partially due to how similar these events have become. From Coachella to Lollapalooza, the festival experience has essentially crystallized into a single, resellable version of the same concept. The uniformization of music festivals has transformed what should be a unique experience into something that is nearly mundane.

As the festival economy burst in the early 2010s, the larger events needed to appeal to a wider audience in order to sell tickets. Because of this, there is a variety of overlap across current festivals. Music festivals have arguably lost the key element that made them fascinating, which was that they signaled an unexpected experience, by organizing themselves into these identikit experiences.

Meanwhile, as Coachella loses its momentum as more of a brand-focused festival, another music festival has emerged into the mainstream. Rolling Loud is known as the world’s largest hip-hop festival, depending entirely on its talent rather than driven by a network of influencers, digital brands, pop-up shops and art installations, as Coachella has done so. Rolling Loud places a higher priority on their interactions with artists, subduing influencer culture.

When the same product is offered in the same locations, the music festival scene becomes saturated. Organizations must pinpoint niches and concentrate on underutilized talent. Rolling Loud has handled this on a broad scale, which explains why it has expanded yearly.

In accordance with the melding of the festival experi-

ence across various different proprietors and sponsors, the culture of these events within themselves speaks volumes of their prevailing, and now fleeting, allure. Influencers and content creators establish much of the dazzle and spectacle surrounding festivals, painting a façade of flawless entertainment and a euphoric experience. Fear of missing such an occasion propels momentous publicizing and hype–both of which are deeply ingrained in the culture of these festivals, with attendees’ expectation of undergoing an incredibly sensational assimilation of music, performances, optics, acoustics and celebrity experiences. Social media and influencers undoubtedly prompt fuss and eagerness regarding festivals, as the posts and content are ceaseless. During the weeks of Coachella and Co., we observe the highlight reels from behind our screens, captivated by the glamor and charm of fashion, artistry and experience. Social media markets and influencers promote this front of unadulterated, fulfilling pleasure with realities and flaws masked. The appearance of music festivals is utterly magnetic, luring individuals from every corner of the world to come together for the adventure of a lifetime. When the layers of festivals are peeled back to reveal the truth, the agents of their intoxicating seduction are conspicuous. Despite the fact that festival culture is heavily reliant on social media influencers and drug fueled bliss, at their core music festivals serve as a means to bring communities together. Lineups and wellknown performers excite crowds, bringing individuals on the brink of exhaustion back night after night for the chance to see one amazing artist or another. In essence, the purpose of music festivals has been tainted by the presence of pretense, unmet expectations and misconstrued flawlessness from influencers and irresistible promotion from social media platforms.

For these reasons, music festivals will not die out completely any time soon. They will continue to exist as long as there is music to be performed and listeners to enjoy it. Although the heyday of large music festivals has passed, the doors are still open and ready for something new to enter.

A potential felon as a presidential candidate

On March 30, former President Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges. These charges included falsifying business records and included Trump’s payment to Stormy Daniels, a pornstar he had an affair with, to keep her quiet in lieu of the 2016 Presidential election. Trump’s indictment makes him the first-ever former President to have been charged with a crime.

Trump’s indictment has raised questions regarding whether or not the former president will be treated differently based on his public status. The answer lies in the fact that despite his previous status, Trump is not above the law.

A person is indicted when a jury finds sufficient evidence or grounds to charge that person with a crime. Once indicted, prosecutors can establish and move forward with their case. Prosecutors normally have numerous options in terms of bringing charges against that indicted person; for instance, they can bring charges directly to the person or can employ a grand jury, which they often do in high profile cases, such as Trump’s, as it helps protect prosecutors involved. However, New York is one of 25 states that implements a grand jury for felony charges. In previous Presidential cases like United States v. Nixon and Clinton v. Jones, the understanding that no one is above the legal process, was also displayed.

In Trump’s case, it is important to note that despite being indicted and potentially convicted, he will still be eligible to run for, and if he wins, become president. Qualifications and requirements for presidents, written in the United States Constitution, simply state that a person must have been born in the United States, be a minimum of 35 years of age and have resided in the US for 14 years to qualify. Within the United States Constitution, there is no mention of criminal charges and no qualification that states a president can not have a criminal record.

Although Trump has the potential to be re-elected president, there are numerous challenges and obstacles that may make the road to president much trickier. An ironic, yet mind-boggling fact pointed out by many legal experts lies in the rules established by the electoral system, which prohibits felons from voting but not from running in an election. Within the United States, 48 states have laws implemented that ban and prohibit those with felony convictions from being able to vote. With that law in place, there might even be a situation where Trump runs for the presidential election, but will be unable to vote for himself.

Taurus horoscopes

APRIL 20, 2023

PRIYA PERSAUD Opinion & Editorial Editor

Taurus, welcome to your season! Ambitious, loyal and the zodiac’s favorite homebody, Tauruses are the sign that has perfected the balance of discipline and living lavishly. Though many may be judgemental of your ability to pamper yourself, you know the value of money, which pushes you to work hard to deserve these niceties. During your season, take the opportunity to relax and treat yourself to nice activi- ties, whether it’s taking a warm bubble bath or finally clicking the purchase button on an online shopping cart you’ve

Gemini,youhavebeenfacing setbackaftersetbackrecently.Itmayfeelas thougheverythingisonestepforward,three stepsbackandthatyouarereadytostop fighting,butyouhavetohaveenough faithinyourselftounderstandthatthese hardtimesareapartoflifeandyou’re strongenoughtoovercomeit.You havedealtwithmuchworseinless timeandthereisnotasingleperson whobelievesyouarenotcapable ofcopingwiththesestressful times.TheMercuryretrograde inTauruswillshowyouthat youmustspendthisperiod healinginwhateverwaythat meansforyou.Toquote BillyJoel,“Slowdown, you’redoingfine,you can’tbeeverythingyou wanttobebeforeyour time.”Prioritizeyour physicalandmental healthaboveall, andunderstand thatitisokaytotakeastep back.

Leo, this time period will be more refl ective than anything else for you. As the Mercury retrograde in Taurus unfolds, you will fi nd yourself meditating on situations of the past that occurred and analyzing their outcomes and your role in all of them. This is not necessarily a bad thing; however, understanding these past experiences will assist in helping you prepare a course of action to work towards your overall goals. If you have been having trouble deliberating how to get to where you would like to go, take this time to ruminate on your feelings and therefore be better equipped for the future.

Taurus seasonwill awakenyoutoa newfoundbatchof opportunities thatmayseemmore worthwhileorfulfilling. Recently,youhave musteredupthe courage tostandupfor yourselfwhenothersarenot pullingtheir weightandbydoingthis,you have restoreda vast amountof confidence andtrustwithin yourself.Usethistoyouradvantageandtakeastepinto committingtoactivitieswithpeoplewhowill serveyou long-term. Sometimesthepathisnotclearforwhatwe should do,butyoudoan amazingand intentionaljobof attemptingto figureoutwhatisforyou.This traitisnoteasytocomeby, andby innately havingit, youshould alwaysfollow yourgut instinctstodo whatfeelsright.

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