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Eric Adams was sworn in as New York City’s Mayor on January 1st, 2022 He was the second African American to be Mayor, the first since David Dinkins took office in 1990 Despite this historic swearing-in, the Adams Administration has been marred with controversy On Wednesday, September 18th, Adams was indicted in a federal corruption investigation: he faces five corruption charges, two of which are related to the illegal campaign contributions he solicited from high-power Turkish officials in the months preceding his election
Adams first formed his Turkish ties in 2013 when he was elected Brooklyn Borough President, as he sought out luxury travel benefits from Turkish citizens According to the indictment, “[w]ithin a year, [Adams] began building relationships with foreign nationals who were seeking influence” When the Turkish consulate general in New York arranged for Adams to travel to Turkey in 2015, he began to foster relationships that would eventually aid him in rising through New York’s competitive political scene By offering Adams luxury travel benefits and making campaign donations in exchange for political favors, Turkish officials aided Adams’ campaign He nurtured these relationships, receiving free international flights to Hungary, Sri Lanka, France, China, India, and Turkey, paid for by Turkish businessmen In addition, he received free or discounted stays at deluxe hotels
Understanding the Eric Adams Scandal
and other benefits worth more than $100,000 – all while making his staff erase evidence of his affiliation His connection became public when he attended over 80 Turkish events, a disproportionately large number given that just 34,000 Turks reside in New York City proper According to the attorney overseeing the case, “this was a multiyear scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise ” The benefits Adams reaped came mostly from wealthy Turkish businessmen looking to bribe Adams with luxuries; however, at least one Turkish government official was in on the scheme Starting in 2018, Adams began accepting thousands of illegal contributions from Turkish business leaders towards his campaign for mayor
In exchange for these luxuries and support, Adams allowed Turkish officials to gain access and influence in the competitive New York political economy In 2021, after he had won the Democratic mayoral primary, he approved an occupancy permit for a Turkish consular building in NYC that the FDNY said was unsafe, reaping more luxury travel benefits and illegal campaign contributions in exchange Adams won the NYC mayoral race by a slim margin, with campaign promises to make the city safer and improve police conduct However, as soon as he was sworn in, he agreed to accept illegal international contributions to fund his 2025 mayoral campaign
The Mayor’s indictment accuses him of crimes stretching from 2014 to the present; after the indictment, he was still trying to solicit campaign donations On September 19th, the FB I searched Gracie Mansion, the historic home of the NYC mayor, and authorized its agents to confiscate Adams’s electronic devices Mr Adams’s Attorney, Alex Spiro, accused the prosecutors of leaking the information solely in order to publicize the case Adams has become the first NYC Mayor to be federally charged while in office Adams denied every claim, saying that, “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit ”
DECEMBER
He refuted all charges in a video, and said that they were all lies meant to rob him of the mayoral office in retaliation for his criticism of the Biden Administration’s handling of the migrant crisis
As of mid-October, six of Adams’s associates, all being investigated in tandem with the mayor, have resigned or are in the process of resigning, presenting his team with a significant staffing issue In addition, the chief advisor to the Mayor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, has been served a subpoena, and many other administration officials have had their homes and offices searched
In summary, Adams currently faces five federal charges One count is conspiracy to commit wire fraud, solicit foreign contributions, and accept bribes related to his acceptance of luxury Turkish travel benefits and the approval of the Turkish consulate building in Manhattan The second count is wire fraud, relating to secretly stealing public NYC funds for his campaign He is also charged with two counts of soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, related to the accusations that Adams received illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials and businessmen The last count is specifically related to bribery, related to his receipt of Turkish benefits in exchange for forcing the FDNY to approve the Turkish Consulate building in Manhattan
Not surprisingly, there have been
BC Girls & NB Volleyball Team See p 4 for details on their season of success
Cleo L. '26
The Upper School Play Into The Woods Read about the show on page 15
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many calls for Adams to resign since the indictment If Adams resigns or is removed by Governor Kathy Hochul, Jumaane Williams, the NYC Public Advocate would replace Adams as mayor Williams would hold office until a special election within 90 days of Adams leaving office If Hochul, the Governor of New York, were to remove Adams, she would remove him as per the City Charter, which defines the essential procedures of the NYC government
Despite Adams’ charge–and concern that his pitch is a power grab–New York voters approved ballot measures to expand his authority over the City Council. These measures, which voters approved
in the November 5th election, include a plan allowing the mayor’s budget office to gauge the fiscal impact of council bills before they are passed, and another requiring more notice if the council plans to vote on legislation impacting public safety
The trial against Adams is slated to begin in April The investigation is ongoing, prosecutors have indicated there could be more people charged And it is presently unclear whether Adams will be removed from office or face more charges After the November 5th election, there have been rampant rumors that Adams is hoping to get a pardon from new President
Trump when he takes office Despite being a member of the Democratic Party, Adams and Trump have historically had a beneficial relationship, with Trump saying this past year that “We were persecuted, Eric I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric” Adams seems to be appealing to Trump in hopes of a presidential pardon that would permanently remove all of Adams’ charges Trump has expressed sympathy for Adams, but it is unclear if he will use his power to help the mayor The President-Elect may be Adams’ only hope, not just to continue his political career, but to stay out of jail
Meet the First-Year US Faculty
Briana L ‘28
Ms. Saini:
Ms Saini is the new Upper School Library Assistant You can find her in the fourth floor library alongside Ms Murphy and Mr Mabry. She moved to NYC this past August from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she worked in the Vassar College library When asked what compelled her to join BC, Ms Saini explained that she “most enjoys working with youth," and wants to help students navigate the academic and social experiences of high school She is excited to introduce students and faculty alike to the numerous resources the Upper School library has to offer In her free time, Ms Saini enjoys baking and is interested in linguistics and psychology She is excited about participating in BC traditions and is thankful for how welcoming the community has already been So far, the hardest part of BC integration has been navigating the many halls and shortcuts throughout campus. She looks forward to helping students find sources for their research papers
Mr Feng, who previously worked at the Riverdale Country School and as a software engineer, is a new computer science teacher He teaches three 9th grade sections of Computer Programming Essentials, the Machine Learning Elective, and Algorithmic Problem Solving He also guest lectured in Cabrina Kang's Asian American History Course He was drawn to BC by the opportunity to teach "such an important introlevel course to students just beginning to hone their academic focuses " Additionally, he loves the intimacy and collaboration fostered in the hallways and classrooms of BC Originally from Bloomington-Normal in Central Illinois, Mr Feng finds peace in the outdoors, but has also come to love the pace and fervor of New York since moving in 2022 He emphasized that his students have been central to his smooth integration into BC, reflecting fondly on a class when his students passionately debated about whether Tupac or Biggie is the better rapper Mr Feng is particularly excited to get close with his advisees over the next four years and to participate in the plethora of traditions at BC
Ms Iuni is a new English teacher and Speech Coach in the Berkeley Carroll Upper School After obtaining her masters in English from NYU, she worked as a middle school teacher at The Xaverian School in Manhattan and as an instructor for the Brooklyn Debate League When asked why she was drawn to BC, Ms Iuni talked about the inclusivity and celebratory nature of the community Now that she's taught here a full semester, she describes her students as vivacious and a joy to be around all day Ms Iuni hopes to learn more about Spring Intensives and her students and colleagues She is also excited to grow as a teacher and enjoy Prospect Park’s scenery So far, she’s enjoyed the election speaker series, senior speeches, and Meatless Mondays Ms Iuni is a dedicated reader, and a proud second degree black belt in Shotokan Karate! In the future, Ms Iuni hopes to join the faculty choir and become a guest writer for The Blotter
Mr. Feng:
Ms. Iuni:
This year, three new teachers joined the upper school community:
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Local Business Highlight: Inside "La Taq"
Rory O.C. '25
La Taq, a newly reopened restaurant on 7th Avenue between Berkeley Place and Lincoln Place, is the ideal spot to eat lunch with your friends, and enjoy a hearty Mexican meal Not only is this restaurant visually appealing and convivial, but it also serves delicious food at affordable prices If you, like me, are bored of your cyclical rotation of lunch spots and want to support a local business, I urge you to try La Taq
My first thought stepping into the restaurant was how lively its atmosphere was With people flowing in and out, cooks assembling a variety of meals, and conversations echoing through the restaurant, La Taq is bustling with life The ceiling is textured gold, the left wall is covered in old pictures, collages, and restaurant reviews, and the right wall is lined with the display of menus The back of the restaurant is reserved for seating areas, with checkered floors, bright red chairs, and a sign above the staircase with large red letters spelling out “La Taq”.
Next, I approached the counter–and for the sake of good journalism–placed a very large order: Carnitas tacos, LA-style burrito, Carne Asada tacos, and an order of nachos I dug into the burrito first, enticed by its smell and sheer size (easily as big as my head!) It was absolutely
delicious The first bite hit me with countless different flavors at once: the chicken buzzed with many spices; the tangy sour cream balanced the piquancy of the green sauce; the beans and rice provided mild, yet flavorful additions to the burrito; and the hand-made tortilla, toasted to warm and crispy perfection, tied all the spices and tastes together It was delectable Next, I tried the Carnitas and Carne Asada tacos I personally prefer flour to corn tortillas, so for me, the tacos did not surpass the burritos However, they were still delicious, with each bite packing savory and tangy flavors alike. The nachos were also tasty, balancing a crunchiness from the freshly-fried tortilla chips and a softness from the delicious toppings
The mastermind behind La Taq is owner Marty Medina, who was kind enough to let me interview him during the busy lunch service Marty grew up in California and his love for cooking began at a young age, stemming from experiences of cooking authentic Mexican food with his mom As a young adult, Marty moved to New York City with a dream of opening a restaurant; “When I came to New York,” he told me, “there wasn’t anybody serving the kind of food that I grew up on So, I started off on a hot dog stand and then someone suggested Park Slope so I came here ” In 1989, Marty, at the age of 30, transformed his portable hot dog stand into an authentic, Californian style, Mexican restaurant, with the intention of spreading his love for Mexican food throughout Park Slope The restaurant, a beloved neighborhood staple, closed in 2011 after a 21year run. That might have been the end of the story. However, a few years later, Louis, the owner of Cousin John’s coffee shop and bakery, decided to move his local business to the corner of the street, opening up prime space right next door to La Taq’s former spot Louis had been neighbors with Marty’s taqueria for 25 years, so when Louis announced this big move, Marty was startled, to say the least “Louis and I are good friends, and we’ve known each other for many years And when he decided to move to the corner of Lincoln Place and 7th Avenue, I asked him ‘what are you going to do with this space here’ and we both looked at each other and laughed ” That was when Marty knew he wanted to reopen his restaurant using the new neighboring and inhabited space
Marty suggested a few must-try lunches during the school day at La Taq His suggestions: Rachel’s tacos, which are semi-fried shell tacos with a ground beef filling, and the LA-style burrito, which he laughingly warned is not for one person, but to be shared by many La Taq is the place to go for lunch as a Berkeley Carroll student for its delicious meals, fair prices, easy accessibility, and as an added plus, supporting small-owned businesses overall is a great way to show support to your community
The Blotter’s Top 10 Movies of 2024
Genevieve E. '26
This past year has been filled with some amazing new films Whether you love action, comedy, romance, or documentaries, there is no shortage of contemporary movies Without further ado, here is the Blotter’ s official list of the top-10 movies of 2024
#1) Thelma by Josh Margolin
In this "dramady" directed by Josh Margolin, we meet Thelma – a fierce 93-year-old woman played by June Squibb After falling prey to a scammer impersonating her son, she loses a whopping $10,000 Determined to retrieve her money (and prove her youth, strength, and independence to her now doubtful family), Thelma embarks on an unexpectedly wild journey, encountering challenging (and
#2) Robot Dreams by Pablo Berger
Pablo Berger’s animated film Robot Dreams takes us back to 1980s New York City with a heartfelt tale of a lonely dog and his loyal robot friend After a summer of beautiful moments like roller skating together in Central Park, disaster strikes the duo on a trip to Coney Island The robot begins to rust and gets stuck in the sand When night falls, Dog is forced to leave Robot stranded on the
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comical) obstacles along the way Squibb’s performance beautifully captures the humility and determination of the 93-year-old woman striving to prove she is still capable of living life on her own terms I recommend this film to anyone looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with a protagonist Plus, who doesn’t love watching adorable seniors roam around on mopeds?
#3) Jim Henson: Idea Man by Ron Howard
Ron Howard’s documentary Jim Henson: Idea Man, provides a private and personal look into the genius behind a show we all know and love: The Muppets This film includes rare footage into -- and captivating interviews inside -- Jim Henson’s creative world and process Through this documentary, Henson’s legacy is beautifully celebrated; he is embraced as the man who transformed childhood entertainment forever by imbuing it with magic and whim
Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwedar, shines a light on resilience and hope within prison walls The film surrounds a group of incarcerated men in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility who participate in a theater group together They attempt to put on a production, while one man, Divine G, seeks to prove his innocence Things become more complicated when Divine G makes an enemy of a fellow inmate in the production I recommend this film to anyone who is drawn to drama, emotion, and tales of great
#7) My Old Ass by Megan
My Old Ass, directed by Megan Park, follows teenager Elliot as she prepares for her new life away from her childhood home and farm On an overnight camping trip, however, Elliott is suddenly introduced to her “older self” after drinking a little too much mushroom tea with her friends As Elliott and her hallucinated future-self become close friends, Elliott learns devastating truths about what’s to come in her life Marked a "future classic" by several critics, My Old Ass pushes the boundaries of the quintessential coming-of-age genre
#9) Will & Harper by Josh Greenbaum
This powerful documentary, directed by Josh Greenbaum, follows Will Ferrell and Harper Steele as they embark on a seventeen-day road trip across the United States During their journey, they stop at an Indiana Pacers game, which is where they first hear of a recent bill banning gender-affirming care for minors in Indiana The two continue on, striving to learn more about the injustices surrounding genderaffirming care for minors around the country Will & Harper provides an inside look into this celebrity friendship, while exploring urgent social issues in society today
beach, and come back the next day with excavatory tools The dog does all he can to save his dear friend, but will he succeed? Watch this film to experience the shocking end of this nostalgic and unexpectedly impactful story
#4) Inside Out 2 by Kelsey Mann
The much-anticipated Inside Out sequel dives deeper into the prequal’s protagonist, Riley, and her emotional maturation as she enters teenagehood The film tackles the complexity of adolescence, introducing new emotions like Anxiety to Riley’s internal cast With impressive animations and relatable themes, Inside Out 2 will resonate with anyone growing up in today’s world
This exciting drama by Jason Reitman recreates the chaotic debut of Saturday Night Live on October 11th, 1975 Saturday Night takes viewers back to the mayhem of a legendary night that changed the landscape of comedy as we know it today, through poignant depictions of iconic original cast members including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner
Dìdi, directed by Sean Wang, highlights an insecure boy preparing to leave for college Dìdi makes funny YouTube videos with his friends, which ultimately earn the attention of three older skateboard kids in need of a cameraman. From there, we follow Dìdi's journey to find himself as he experiences “cool kid" treatment for the first time Heartfelt and funny, this film explores important themes like identity, maturation and honesty
#10) Deadpool & Wolverine by Shawn Levy
Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, is an action-packed film centring two quintessential superheroes When Deadpool learns time-sensitive information, he recruits an extremely reluctant Wolverine to help safeguard the universe A comical fusion of powers and personalities, this witty duo imbues the screen with both combat scenes and sentimental moments
#5) Sing Sing by Greg Kwedar
#6) Saturday Night by Jason Reitman
#8) Dìdi by Sean Wang
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The Brooklyn Museum Turns Two Hundred
Fiona K. '28
Over the past 200 years, The Brooklyn Museum has honed its mission of “broadening the narratives of art, uplifting a multitude of voices, and centering creative expression within important dialogues of the day” Today, it stands among New York’s foremost cultural institutions and America’s event-programming leaders–and it’s practically in Berkeley Carroll’s backyard So, what are our neighbors doing to celebrate two centuries of innovation, activism, and art?
The Brooklyn Museum is doubling down on its new installations It recently unveiled The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition (Oct 4th 2024 - Jan 26th, 2025), and is preparing to open both Solid Gold and Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200 in the next four months
The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition is exactly what it sounds like: a showcase of local paintings, photographs, sculptures, and films that portray Brooklyn’s urban ethos With only 200 of 4,000 submissions on display, this exhibit has the capacity to launch the careers of many lesser-known featured artists Earlier this year, BM curators held a blind call open to anyone who has lived in or maintained a studio in Brooklyn over the past five years Reviewing and selecting submissions 100% anonymously, the exhibit showcases young, old, established, and undiscovered artists alike, and their respectively miscellaneous contributions–from a short film on the Gowanus Canal, to a photo collection of the MTA, and several people-watching portraits
Located on the First Floor in the Great Hall, the exhibit begins with an insightful artist's statement, proclaiming “this major group show highlights the remarkable creativity and diversity of Brooklyn’s populace ”
It doesn’t disappoint Each of the seven galleries displays a wide variety of artistic mediums, styles, messages, and perspectives, from Laura Ortman’s Someday We’ll Be Together cover art to Loren Munk’s Colliding Timelines of the Pictures Generation quilt There is also a screening room displaying short films on topics like Black Lives Matter, Sudanese immigration, and missing landscapes in Saudi Arabia
One standout piece was Shosh Goller’s Monument to the NRA (National Rifle Association) in Gallery 5 At first glance, Goller’s powerful sculpture appears like a relatively simple replica of the Washington Monument Upon further inspection, however, one sees that it’s formed from hundreds of newspaper headlines–all reporting gun violence in the United States since 2012 This sculpture’s imposing stature speaks to the
shocking scale of American firearm violence, and its title accentuates the NRA’s hold over U S lawmakers According to the work’s description, “Goller intends to complete this sculpture only when gun violence is eradicated ”
True to its mission, the Brooklyn Museum is celebrating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting Brooklyn’s extraordinary range of talent With the Brooklyn Museum offering all students free admission, there’s no reason not to check out this cultural gem less than a mile from Berkeley Carroll
Halloween Traditions
Genevieve E. '26
From the candy stash in the dean’s office to departmental costumes, Berkeley Carroll has cemented several Halloween traditions in recent years
None loom quite as large as BC’s annual lower school Halloween festival Ms Drezner recalls her first party vividly; “It was roughly 2005, and Mr Vitalo [the previous Head of School] frightened the little kids so much in his Gorilla costume that several parents asked him to leave He ended up just taking the gorilla mask off ” BC lifer Linus R ‘26 recounts a particularly spooky festival, saying, “I was so scared of the haunted house that I made my dad carry me through and fend off the skeletons grabbing at my feet ”
This festival transitions to a Halloween costume contest in BC Middle School Cleo L ‘26 explains the importance of this tradition for her younger brother in 7th grade, Nick Logan She told me, “Nick looks forward to the costume contest every single year Some of his most memorable costumes have been the charcuterie board, medieval zombie, and a very shiny refrigerator for this year’s contest ” And Nick is not alone; more and more middle schoolers dress up each year, traipsing proudly through the hallways
The Berkeley Carroll Upper School carries on the spooky spirit with its Halloween parade, where tens of students and faculty march up to the gym podium and present their dazzling costumes to the broader community A major highlight this year was the history department's ode to “reputable sources ” Who knows what scares next year's celebrations will bring?
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Precious Stokes, Senior Security Associate, has put her all into her role here at Berkeley Carroll over the past seven years. As a community, we are uplifted by her joyful demeanor, and know she is a leading contributor to 181 Lincoln Place's welcoming vibe She found BC through a security guard agency called Star Security, and was hired almost immediately after being interviewed by former Head of School, Mr Vitalo, who "loved the way she worked "
But did you know that aside from her life in the Berkeley Carroll community she is also juggling education and motherhood? Precious is currently studying to become a radiologist at Medgar Evers College, with only one year left of classes Every morning, Precious drives to school from her home in Brooklyn, arriving at 7:30 AM and staying until 4:00 PM You may find her notes and homework sprawled out on her desk throughout the day, find her studying in Prospect Park during lunch, or even spot her in classrooms receiving help from some teachers at our school Precious works hard to get her homework done during the day so that when she arrives home, she can be available for her eleven year old son, Peyton, and her dog, Kendall. Precious and her son spend lots
Spotlight: Security Associate Precious
Maggie G. '25
of time together, and she makes sure to plan a new activity for Peyton every Sunday, like traveling to the Launch trampoline park or dining at different restaurants
She tells us that she is very proud of her son for being independent, walking to and from school daily. Precious says that “Peyton is the one who sleeps with Kendall every night and he is definitely the dog's favorite ”
Precious loves Berkeley Carroll for the community, noting how our school's teachers take the time out of their day to aid her in finishing her homework whether English, Math, or Science Seeing all of the students at Berkeley Carroll go off to college each year has inspired her to get her degree in radiology "If they can do it, I can do it too," she proclaimed
Although leaving Berkeley Carroll in the future is going to be a difficult transition, she is ready to bring her warm spirit into the medical setting, giving sonograms or mammograms to patients She wants to provide help during situations where bad news might have to be given She says that the Berkeley Carroll community has changed her life for the better, and that she is endlessly grateful However, we are the ones who need to acknowledge Precious for her unending positivity and hard work
Thank you, Precious.
Berkeley Carroll's Season of Victories
James K '26
The fall season of Berkeley Carroll athletics was a success as high school students displayed skill, hard work, and commitment The championship streak began on October 23, with the JV Girls and NonBinary Volleyball domination against Leman, the game ending 2-0 Berkeley Carroll Volleyball continued to conquer, as the Girls and Non-Binary Varsity Volleyball team secured their back-to-back title with a 3-1 win over Friends Seminary The Athletic Center was electric, with loud chants from both teams' student sections fueling the intensity of every play After losing seminal senior leader Arden Burkett to an early ankle injury, the team rallied with grit and camaraderie
Continuing the streak, the Berkeley Carroll Girls and Non-Binary Varsity Soccer team defeated Friends Seminary in a 4-1 victory, clinching another championship title.
Despite entering the game with an underdog mindset following a tightly contested match earlier in the season, the Berkeley Carroll team came out strong Junior Rory O was a standout, scoring a hat trick that propelled her team to victory The win assuaged their earlier doubts and solidified Berkeley Carroll's reputation as a dominant force The team's determination and O'Connor’s goal-scoring brilliance were key to sealing this consecutive league championship
The Varsity Cross-Country team geared up for their championship meet on October 29th at 4:30 in Van Cortland Park They fought valiantly, and emerged the trails victorious; Clare Mahedy and Sam Farjami led the Girls & Non Binary and Boys & Non Binary squads to respective overall wins "Last year, the team won by a good amount, which made our team confident," said junior runner Sebastian Cohen “Going into the ACIS championship, we were focused on winning the larger NYSAIS championship down the road ”
Sadly the team fell just short of their goal, placing second at the meet behind Riverdale This wasn’t the end of their season, though, as they still qualified for New York Federations Berkeley Carroll XC competed in Federations for the first time in school history, which Sebastian Cohen ‘26 described as "unforgettably fulfilling "
Procuring five ACIS championships in a single season is unprecedented dominance, and Berkeley Carroll athletics show no sign of slowing heading into the winter season Girls Varsity basketball player, Addie Russo ‘25, disclosed what she expects from her basketball season
Russo is excited for the team to create strong bonds and she has high hopes for the team's success “I want to feel more fulfilled at the end of he season with the amount of effort our team puts into practices, film review sessions, and games
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I want to leave the season knowing we had an impact on the Girls basketball program,” she said Though she feels optimistic about the season's outcome, she has doubts as well One of the biggest challenges she anticipates for the team is confidence She says, “Our team needs to be more goal oriented, which will demand that we push and challenge one another”
Russo isn’t the only player with high hopes for her season With another season ramping up, the Berkeley Carroll athletic teams are seeing diligence continue in athletics Boys Varsity basketball has been practicing six times a week in preparation for the season, and the Varsity Swim team has a multitude of meets lined up. Can winter sports teams continue the winning streak?
The Power of Young Voices: The 2024 Election
Among one of the most crucial forces in this past election was the young voter demographic – members of Gen Z who have begun to make their mark on American democracy Following Election Day, Tufts University released statistics showing that young voters (aged 18-29) represented 14% of all ballots cast in the presidential election Among Gen Z voters, Kamala Harris was favored over Donald Trump with a ratio of 52% to 46%, making young voters Harris’s strongest demographic by far However, the data revealed a significant gender gap among these young voters Unsurprisingly, there was a significant preference for Harris among women 58% of all female Gen Z voters voted for Harris, but only 44% of young male voters cast their votes for Harris. There was also a significant racial gap among young people White Gen Z voters favored Trump over Harris with a ratio of 54% to 44%, but strong majorities of Black (75%), Asian (72%), and Latino (58%) youth backed Harris
For many young adults, especially first-time voters, participating in elections can feel both empowering and daunting Critics often label Gen Z voters as uninformed and apathetic, but that narrative is fading with each election cycle Conversations with high school seniors both within and outside of the Berkeley Carroll community reveal a generation of voters that are eager to take on their civic duties
“I’m excited to vote I feel like I have such a bigger role in society,” said Dahlia G, a member of BC’s class of 2025 Theodore D ‘25, a student at the Saint Ann’s School, echoed this sentiment, adding: “Many people don’t think we’re informed because we’re young If you look around at every other generation of voters, many of them actually aren’t as informed Don’t look at us just because we’re the new guys on the block ” These voices reflect a strong, growing confidence among their generation Evidently, the eighteen year old's of today are far from disengaged, and approached the polls on November 5th with determination Understanding where young voters gather their information is key to appreciating their influence and impact
For many eighteen year olds, social media and news organizations, as well as family conversations, played significant roles in their political decisions Oskana M ‘25 indicated that reputable sources like the New York Times were crucial in developing her opinions, as did Dahlia G , who also credited the New York Times, as well as her parents for helping to inform her vote
Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are among the most influential platforms shaping Gen Z’s opinions Theodore D highlighted the evolving role of social media in forming young voters’ perspectives and emphasized the importance of seeking diverse viewpoints
“Social media is big. Beyond that, I would say family and relatives are my biggest influence Ultimately though, I try to listen to the people I trust to find the unvarnished truth,” he explained He also expressed reluctance to rely solely on news outlets like CNN or FOX, noting their biases He values depth and nuance in his research–a sentiment that reflects a broader trend among Gen Z Voters who are challenging the idea that their generation lacks political sophistication Dahlia reiterated this idea, sharing her commitment to exploring various perspectives before forming her own political opinions
All of the students agreed that issues like immigration policies, reproductive rights, and climate change are among the most pressing concerns their generation – and all of us – face today While this election’s outcome may have not aligned with the hopes of all voters, it’s evident that Gen Z’s engagement is changing the political landscape Their dedication to addressing critical issues, seeking diverse perspectives, and prioritizing informed decision making exhibits a generation ready to take charge of its future As we look ahead to 2028 and beyond, Gen Z’s vision for a better tomorrow remains a powerful force
Members of 18by Vote engaging in youth peer-to-peer organizing
Sydney L '25
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Discovering Park Slope's Best Bagel
Who doesn’t love a good bagel? The key question is: which establishment produces the best bagel in Park Slope? In order to answer this question, we went to four of Park Slope’s finest businesses Bagel World, Bagel Pub, La Bagel Delight, and Bagel Market to determine the ultimate winner. All are well within walking distance of Berkeley Carroll To assess them fairly, Russell ordered a bagel with bacon, eggs, and cheese, and Kieran ordered a bagel with lox and cream cheese at each of the stores they tried, expanding the criteria as they journeyed Both toasted, of course (because are we really New Yorkers if we don’t toast them?)
Our first stop was Bagel World on 5th Avenue and 4th Street, where we placed our orders and were quickly served our first bagels of the day We were pleased to find an extra bag of chips, which came free of charge We sat down, unwrapped our bagels, and were quickly delighted Feeling optimistic, we tasted the bagels. They were constructed with perfect ingredient ratios, but unfortunately, we were faced with an unavoidable flaw: its lack of structural integrity As we attempted to eat these bagels, we noticed that more filling ended up on our laps than stayed on our bagels Though a 24 dollar order merited good
Russell H. ‘26 & Kieran M. ‘26
taste, it didn’t deliver any stability Mildly dissatisfied, we packed our bags and left for 7th Avenue We worked our way back to Lincoln Place, arriving at Bagel Pub Just down the street from our school, this Berkeley Carroll staple is by far the most popular among students, so we wanted to see if it lived up to the hype Well, it didn’t Yes, the bagel stayed together and had acceptable ratios, but that was purely because they were far too small to satiate one for lunch
Additionally, they took longer to arrive than the F train and cost more than a five-star meal Disappointed, we left, looking for the next place to try, continuing to La Bagel Delight Looking to raise our spirits, we walked to President Street and placed our orders at La Bagel Delight
We were appalled to realize that there was a worse option than Bagel Pub The store gave us bagels with no structure, an improper cream cheese to bagel ratio, no bacon, slow service, and an overall poor taste The only upside was the fact that we only spent a total of $18. Further demoralized, we looked over to the next street in a last ditch effort There, we found our savior: Bagel Market
Instantly, we were greeted with speedy service, a structurally sound bagel, a price of $16 total for our hefty bagels, fit for even the most stingy BC student It was the experience we had been looking for all day The ratios were perfect egg to bacon, cream cheese to lox making each mouthful memorable The bagels were perfectly toasted, served warm and fresh in a sturdy paper bag It was love at first bite
So don’t settle for the convenience of overpriced Bagel Pub Don’t let your bagels fall apart at Bagel World And whatever you do, don’t step foot in La Bagel Delight Do yourself the liberty of going the three extra blocks to Bagel Market for Park Slope’s finest bagel shop
To Test or Not to To Test?
As the workload ramps up, 11th graders are now beginning to understand the infamous reputation of junior year However, another hurdle awaits us as we look ahead: the college process Ty B ‘26 emphasizes the pressures of having college applications on the horizon, stating that “college is a really big deal, so we put an immense amount of pressure on ourselves ” Furthermore, while many schools remain test-optional, some have returned to a required SAT/ACT score, adding stress to the already strenuous college process Here, we face the ultimate decision: to test, or not to test?
In asking upperclassmen who are in the midst of the application process, I found varying opinions “It depends If you do decide to take a test, for most schools, it’ll only be worth it to submit if you're getting very strong scores,” said Sydney L ‘25 For many juniors, this stance raises pressing questions: Will I be wasting my time preparing for months, only to get a mediocre score? What score is even worthy of submission?
While some are in favor of going test-optional, others not so much Chloe N ‘25 told me that "getting high test scores opens your choices
to so many more schools,” a position which raises doubts about the integrity of the optional system for many Are schools biased towards students who do submit scores, particularly if they are high? Do they secretly prefer it?
Juliette M ‘25 has her own take on the testing system, expressing her dislike for it as a whole, and her appreciation for the test-optional choice “The test itself is just about how good of a test taker you are, not how smart you are,” she told The Blotter Some participants value it as a backbone in their application, while others scrap the idea altogether, relying on the fact that testing is such a minimal part of the college process
Checking in with Berkeley Carroll's college office, Carolyn Middleton, Director of College Counseling, stated that “these tests are not fair That’s one thing to be very aware of They are very much influenced by socio economics That’s the biggest factor impacting test scores ”
The reality of this is that people who are in a higher socioeconomic
Genevieve E '26
The Berkeley Carroll Blotter
bracket have the opportunity to hire private tutors to hopefully raise their test scores This, in and of itself, is a whole other sector that contributes to the broad and complex issues of test taking and college admissions Taking the test or steering away from it is up to the student, their family, and their college advisor Choosing the best route for you can be a complex decision, but with that, it is important to remember that no matter what choice you make when completing your application, specifically whether you test or not, neither is the wrong choice.
With these factors in mind, the question of competition during the college process between classmates arises What is the dynamic like with the seniors? Do they feel they are in a supportive environment with their peers? Isaac L ‘25 answered some of these questions He told me, “I don’t feel like there’s a lot of competition, but when there is, it feels healthy and productive Everyone is really supportive of each other and wants everyone else to succeed ” From this, it was clear to me that most seniors feel support from each other and their teachers
After learning more about how students perceive the college admissions process, I began to wonder about other perspectives, such as BC parents Selene Milano, mother of Dylan A ‘26 and alum Jade A ‘23, expressed her frustration with the college process: “Often, college counselors advise students to not send in your test scores unless it is up to a certain standard Then it becomes a whole other situation of if the student should take the test or not.”
This brings up another complex sector of the college process; the college counselors and advisers that students utilize in the midst of the difficult process At the Berkeley Carroll Upper School, we are fortunate to have three wonderful college counselors: Luis Almonte, Carolyn Middleton, and Joal Chen The motto that the college office has here at BC is, “College is not a prize to be won, but a match to be made ” In putting this motto and Selene’s opinion side by side, there is an element of balancing high expectations with strong support for students during the college process
In many, if not most schools, college advisors and counselors stick with the safe theme of trying not to get students’ hopes up The college process is so particular, and anything can happen as a result. This opinion from the counselors comes with pros and cons On the pro side, it allows students to be more grounded and often more realistic when applying to colleges In addition, the college process is already such a demanding procedure that can lower students’ self-esteem, therefore by having lower expectations, students have a better chance at feeling more confident in themselves when they are accepted into a seemingly impossible school for them based on GPA or application materials
However, there are downsides to this approach, leading to students not applying to their “dream school” because of their lowered expectations It takes away the possible opportunity students have at going to a school that they didn’t think they could get into Though this approach can raise students' confidence, it can also contribute to lowering students’ confidence in themselves: if college counselors urge students away from EDing to a school that might be a far reach or a waste of an ED, it can convey the idea that their college counselors don’t believe in them, feeling like their dreams were crushed after giving up their dream schools
Regardless, the fact is that there are a variety of experiences within the college admissions process, and many things occur that aren’t expected Alumni Khalil F ‘23 said, “I was really nervous about my college process and was very discouraged after getting rejected from University of Miami I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that everything is going to work out and I’m thriving at Syracuse ” In this case, Khalil was disappointed with the outcome of his early decision,
but ended up loving Syracuse Another BC alum who does not wish to be named, told me, “I really wanted to go to this school, but in hindsight, I’m not sure this is the place for me I might have been happier at a different kind of school ” These two contrasting experiences show how different the college process is for everyone
We don’t know what the future holds You ultimately may be happiest at your second choice school You may meet professors that have a profound, positive influence on your life at your last choice school College admissions leave students with both confusion and disappointment, but also joy to be found all around the globe The college process is very particular Different people have different paths, and that’s okay
Prospect Park Brush Fire
On the evening of November 8th, more than 100 firefighters were deployed to Prospect Park to extinguish a two-acre brush fire The FDNY first received calls about a fire in the area southeast of the dog beach at 6:40 pm on that Friday night–the cause of the fire was unclear Park Slope residents were urged to stay away from the park and close their windows to protect against the smoke while firefighters worked to extinguish the fire with the help of drones Introduced in 2011, the FDNY’s drones are used to identify hotspots and determine which way a fire is moving. Drones were essential firefighting tools in the Prospect Park brush fire and helped to prevent its spread both inside and outside of the park
It was difficult to evacuate Prospect Park because of the dark and the large emergency equipment firefighters utilized to extinguish the flames However, there were no reported injuries, and the animals that occupied the part of the park that burned were all unharmed This was the first forest fire in the history of Prospect Park Morgan Monaco, President of the Prospect Park Alliance, told the Brooklyn Paper that “It could have been a lot worse But the damage does include burning to some of our older, more mature trees, and all of our forest’s ground cover”
On Friday night, while the fire was burning, Mayor Eric Adams tweeted that the city was under a red flag warning for fire risk because of strong winds and dry conditions Zachary Iscol, NYC’s Commissioner of Emergency Management, echoed Adams’ statement and reminded New Yorkers of the drought watch that was put into effect on November 2nd Additionally, New York issued a statewide ban on outdoor fires used for cooking and other activities through the end of November New Yorkers are also being encouraged to conserve water and call the fire department if they see any evidence of flames
Cleo L '26
The FDNY has not released any statement about an official cause of the fire, however, climate change is generally blamed for the increase in drought conditions that make fires like this more likely According to John Vaillant for the New York Times, “This is not just a “bad year Globally, 2023 was the hottest year in recorded history, and that record is already being broken This year is on track to be not only one of the driest autumns in U S history since records have been kept but also the first full year in which global temperatures rose 1 5 degrees Celsius above
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pre industrial levels” (NY Times) Park experts say that it could take years for the burned Nethermead area of the park to completely revitalize and for animals to reoccupy the space Much of the layer of vegetation underneath the forest floor was burned, which drove small animals that normally reside underneath that layer away In order to protect against soil erosion, the Parks Department is planning to reinforce burned hilled areas In addition, the department pledged to plant more species of plants in the Nethermed area by the spring, which will revitalize that section
of the park and encourage animals to reoccupy the space In addition to Prospect Park, brush fires have caught in Manhattan’s Inwood Park, the Bronx, and New Jersey recently On November 17th, FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker announced the creation of a specialized brush fire unit that will work across the five boroughs. The unit will heavily utilize tactical drones to track wind patterns and hotspots to extinguish brush fires as quickly as possible According to the FDNY, the task force will decrease emergency response
time for brush fires, conduct thorough investigations to find the source of the fires, and "enhance" data sharing to prevent fires from occurring ”
The fire in Prospect Park occurred during New York City’s worst drought in 22 years–the Fire Department has extinguished 271 brush fires across the five boroughs in November alone. This is the highest number of brush fires in a period of two weeks that the city has ever seen, and years of revitalization efforts will be required for places like Prospect Park to completely recover
The New York Liberty’s Long Road to Victory
After 27 years of battling, the New York Liberty were finally declared champions this past October They were the last of the original WNBA franchises to win a championship, and the first New York City major league team in any sport to win a championship since the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011 The Liberty's victory embodied the recent rise of women's basketball and created deserved recognition for female athletes all around the world.
In 1997, the first year of the WNBA, the Liberty advanced to the championship round, but lost to the Houston Comets They returned to the finals shortly after in 1999, and lost again In 2000 and 2002, they made it to the finals as well, and lost two more times
By 2006, the Liberty were one of the worst teams in the league, winning only eleven games that season After that disappointment, the next year, they changed the team lineup and snagged the last spot in the playoffs They lost in the first round, but it was a positive step forward The team kept rebuilding the next year and in 2008, had the youngest average age of any WNBA team. That same year, they hosted the “Liberty Outdoor Classic”, playing the Indiana Fever in Arthur Ashe stadium on July 19, claiming the title of the first ever regular season professional basketball game to be played outside That year was the last with head coach Pat Coyle, who had been the coach since replacing original head coach Richie Adubato in 2004
The Liberty's original homebase was Madison Square Garden (MSG) But in 2011, the legendary arena was being renovated and the Liberty were forced to play their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons All of those years were under head coach John
Sadie M. '27
This change in arenas changed the dynamic of the team's fanbase The Liberty were back on track as they reentered in MSG and made it to the playoffs in 2015 and 2016, but did not make it far In 2017, MSG announced that they were selling the franchise and relocated the team temporarily to the tiny Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, a serious downgrade and another setback A new era was born on January 23, 2019 when the team was bought by Joseph Tsai and his wife Clara Wu Tsai, who also own 49% of the Brooklyn Nets
They moved the Liberty team's home base into Barclays Center, the arena of the Nets, less than one mile from Berkeley Carroll This switch began the rise of the team we know today In 2020, the Liberty drafted Sabrina Ionescu and rebranded their logo to depict the statue of liberty That year, the pandemic caused the team to have to play in Florida in a “Covid Bubble,” and Ionescu’s repeated ankle injuries caused the season to be one of the worst ever in team history This didn’t stop the Liberty’s overall comeback: in 2021, the team made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, a profound display of resilliance.
In 2022, they hired new head coach Sandy Brondello, which is when we began seeing a championship team blossom: The Liberty made the playoffs for the second year in a row In 2023, the team acquired key players like former league MVPs, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, as well as three-time former all-star, Courtney Vandersloot That year, the team set a franchise record by winning 32 games, advancing to the playoff finals for the first time since 2002, where they lost to the formidable Las Vegas Aces
In 2024, they matched their winning record from the previous year and ultimately won it all, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a fivegame series After 27 hard years, 8 different head coaches, and 4 different home arenas, they finally did it
The Liberty’s march to a championship coincided with an explosion in fan interest in the WNBA and women’s sports, where the Liberty fanbase has skyrocketed From 2023 to 2024, the viewership on ESPN of WNBA games increased 170 percent
During the championship game in October, all of Barclays' 19,000 seats were filled with WNBA fans, watching the Liberty claim their title Spectators have spoken of the welcoming and kind spirit of Liberty fans and their happiness in finding that the kind of toxicity common during sports games is infrequent Non-sports fans have even emphasized that the Liberty fanbase has given them a newfound interest in sports
Young girls growing up are now able to watch the Liberty and dream of themselves as female athletes in a male dominated athletic environment The Liberty represents New York City well, and we are optimistic for their future seasons
TD Bank Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering The Berkeley Carroll Blotter
Claudia R '25
Over the past two centuries, TD Bank has grown into one of North America's largest financial corporations However, recent legal troubles have stunted its further development The bank has pleaded guilty to allowing drug cartels to launder hundreds of millions of dollars, resulting in a record $3 billion dollar fine Banks are legally required to monitor and flag suspicious activity (large or unusual transactions) through anti-money-laundering systems: TD Bank was found to have not done so The question is, was this simply a once-off oversight, or is there a systematic failure on the part of TD?
Money laundering is the “concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses ” Over the past years, Da Ying Sze, the central criminal in the scandal, was able to deposit $653 million through TD Bank with the help of his laundering organization The money was funneled through branches around the US, mainly in large cities such as New York and Philadelphia, where large cash deposits were not as noticeable At times, members in play with Sze were depositing over $100,000 of cash at a time After the deposits had been finalized, the illicit funds were easily accessible for criminals in Mexico, China, and Colombia, who withdraw money through wire transfers and cashier checks
The desire to expand bank chains over the country–along with the disregard for expensive, anti-money laundering systems–created an optimal environment for criminal activity Moreover, TD Bank's focus on growth and profit meant that the safeguards were ignored, allowing businesses like Sze’s to take advantage through “dirty” money In fact, regulators have been wary of TD Banks' systems since 2023, when TD Bank was blocked from acquiring a smaller institution, First Horizon Bank, due to deficiencies in their precautionary infrastructure
Through surveillance footage and communication chains, it was clear that TD employees were aware of this unauthorized behavior, with some expressing discomfort In one instance, a branch manager pleaded with his superiors to shut these schemes down after tellers became uncomfortable with the large amounts of money being deposited In July 2020, surveillance footage showed Sze standing at a tellers box in New York City with $372,000 in bags Despite internal warnings within TD Bank, no measures were taken to halt the operation
And it wasn’t just Sze's transactions that were allowed to proceed without oversight: in total, TD Bank failed to monitor a staggering 92% of its total transactions through the bank, creating a porous system for criminals to launder through the bank One striking example happened between March 2021 and March 2023 was when a jewelry business was able to move $120 million through shell accounts in TD Bank without any red flags being raised
While other banks have been involved in illegal laundering, they shut down the schemes much more quickly In April 2023, customer accounts at Chase Bank were being shut with fear that their large amounts of deposits were actually from laundering TD, on the other hand, turned a blind eye and succumbed to extortion, likely due to their desperate desire to grow their bank business, for example “with corrupt bank employees accepting over $57,000 in bribes to help the illicit actors launder money” In addition to the record fine, TD Bank has been forced to improve their AML programs in order to redeem trust among both law enforcement and their customer base They are now subject to an asset cap preventing the bank from expanding as an establishment New monitors are being put in place in the bank with regulators now overseeing bank statements and deposits This case serves as a reminder that even renowned institutions can fall victim to systemic failure, especially when profits are prioritized
A New Trump Economy: Short-Term Relief Propagandized as “Anti-Inflationary”
Last June, a CNN poll revealed that the top three issues among American voters in the 2024 general election were: (1) jobs/the economy, (2) immigration, and (3) inflation/prices A full forty percent of voters cited the economy as their top issue, and those voters backed Trump by a 22% margin President-Elect Donald J Trump’s landslide victory, then, reveals popular opinion: America is better served by an ironed-fisted Trump economy than a regulatory Harris economy This past July, however, 16 Nobel Prize-winning economists – 9 of whom identify as nonpartisan – signed a letter expressing fear that “Trump’s proposals would reignite inflation, which has plummeted since peaking at 9 1% in 2022, and is nearly back to the Fed’s 2% target ” So, what do Trump’s “anti-inflationary” proposals actually entail?
Ahead of his decisive win, Trump made several economic promises most of which represent a departure from decades of American free trade policy According to The Wharton School of Business, his protectionist policies would “benefit households across income groups," meaning that
elements of his proposals like tax cuts and deregulation will give families more disposable income On a macro level, however, Wharton has projected that these proposals increase primary deficits by more than $5 8 trillion, reduce GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 0 5%, capital stock by 0 4%, and hours worked by 0 3% Additionally, his plan would both drive up stock prices and increase general consumption by a projected 2 2%, which would cause irreparable environmental damage Here’s what the Trump administration has planned for this upcoming term:
Implementing Tariffs on All Imports
Trump plans to levy a universal tariff ranging from 10-20% on all imports, and up to 60% on Chinese imports He claims that these tariffs will protect America’s pharmaceutical, soybean, and plastic manufacturing industries, while reducing foreign reliance on key imports like computer software (an industry America spends $108 billion on annually) However, many experts believe a
universal tariff would prompt a selfdefeating trade war During Trump’s first term, he levied 10% and 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel, respectively, spurring six trading partners (including close allies like Canada and the European Union) to impose retaliatory, agriculture-based tariffs
A study in 2021 conducted by The U S Department of Agriculture estimated that from “mid-2018 to the end of 2019, tariffs caused a reduction of more than $27 billion on agricultural exports ”
Additionally, his proposals violate several key agreements of the World Trade Organization By imposing a sweeping tariff of 10% on all imports (the lower end of his threat), Trump is exceeding U S bound tariffs–which are the agreed-upon maximum tariffs America can levy on specific industries–on chemical/pharmaceutical products by 4-8%, wood and paper products by 4-10%, industrial products by 5-10%, and electronic products by 6-10% Further, by taxing Chinese goods more aggressively than
Kaya C '25
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other WTO members, Trump’s plan breaches the Most-Favored-Nation Principle, which mandates that trade advantages be granted to all WTO members on an equal basis Trump's blatant disregard of these tenets would not only hurt American businesses reliant on international supply chains, but also threaten national security by aggravating foreign governments
Extending His 2017 Tax Cuts
With his signature “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” set to expire in 2025, Trump plans to reinstate and intensify its contents by completely eliminating taxation on tips and social security benefits, and by lowering corporate taxes from 21% to 15% The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy nonprofit, has noted that while Trump’s plan may yield small increases in post-tax income for all earners, the upper class will see disproportionately
larger benefits Trump has also failed to specify how the US Treasury will compensate for the expected $5 8 trillion in lost tax revenue
Conducting Mass Deportation
Trump and Vice President-Elect J D Vance have repeatedly promised to conduct the largest deportation program in U S history, even threatening to employ military personnel in their crusade Trump argues that competition will cease and home scarcity will self-correct as immigrants vacate their homes However, in 2023, Amy Riquier of USA Today reported that there is no clear causal link between undocumented immigration and housing affordability This logic also fails to consider the chain reaction of mass deportation on housing; immigrant vacancy will magnify America’s already significant labor shortage, forcing business owners to increase stock prices, ultimately leaving consumers with less spending
money to purchase homes Additionally, immigrants make up a significant share of the construction labor force, so mass deportation would cripple urban development efforts in the future Lastly, The American Immigration council estimates that deporting Trump's target of 11 million people will cost approximately $315 billion, adding further to the national debt
The Rich get Richer & The Poor get Poorer
The beneficiaries of Trump’s economic policy are the already wealthy While tax cuts outweigh inflation on common goods for the upper class, they cause significant net losses for the lower class The result: America's already historically large socioeconomic gap widens, reinforcing power imbalances and straining welfare systems
“A Glorious Future:” Tesla’s Robotaxi
On October 10th, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hosted a showcase event for the company in Burbank, California Musk’s late arrival to the invitation-only event was overshadowed by the unveiling of the new, fully automated Tesla Cybercab With no steering wheel or pedals, Tesla promises a fully automated driving experience and a “glorious future” for electric vehicles; however, the Cybercab debuted after a decade of missed deadlines for developing and releasing the cabs Currently, only 21 Cybercabs are fully functional, but Musk said that Tesla aims to release more before 2027, with a price of $30,000
After the Cybercab, the second fully automated Tesla vehicle rolled into the studio lot This flashy vehicle nicknamed the “Robovan” aims to revolutionize highdensity travel, with a carrying capacity of 20
people Musk also unveiled the car’s inductive (wireless) charging capabilities, and invited guests to test drive these new vehicles
In addition, Musk introduced Tesla’s personal robot, “Optimus,” at this event, programming it to converse and serve cocktails to guests
Although Musk claimed that the AI robots were fully autonomous, leaked videos revealed operators directly controlling the Optimus robots in a lab environment Since the event, many online accounts have accused Tesla of faking their demonstration and lying about Optimus’ technical capabilities These claims are still being evaluated, and Musk argues that the videos were from the robot’s initial testing phase
Critics of the demonstration claimed that Tesla debuted all the vehicles in a closed studio, and it’s unclear how the cars would function on the streets From October 10th to October 20th, Tesla’s stock dropped $18 per share – an 8% decrease However, the company’s valuation remains high and Musk’s close relationship with Presidentelect Trump provides additional security for investors
Bennett H '25
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Album Review: Chromakopia
Dylan A. '26
Hip Hop phenomenon Tyler, The Creator dropped his ninth studio album, titled Chromakopia, on October 28, 2024, by far his most personal and introspective album yet This album showcases a new era of growth and maturity for Tyler In contrast to his older works like Goblin or Wolf, themes in his music have shifted from violence, anger, and alter-ego personas, often using abrasive and provocative language For example, tracks like “Yonkers” from Goblin include controversial and confrontational lines Chromokopia, on the other hand, explores more introspective themes such as responsibility, parent-hood, and trust
The influence of Tyler’s mother appears as a common motif throughout the album She offers advice, which provides listeners with a window into his childhood while also narrating issues he’s tackled or is presently tackling in his life
In order to understand Chromakopia, you must understand “Hey Jane,” a personal favorite of the album This is a powerful track, grappling with the difficult reality of unplanned pregnancies, a culmination of all the major themes of the album The song opens with Bonita Smith (Tyler’s mother) providing him with advice we’ve all learned in health class: to always make sure to use contraceptives Her lines end with her saying “Don’t trust-” and then promptly getting cut off, reflecting Tyler’s neglect of this advice
The rest of the track features dialogue between Tyler and a woman named Jane, upon discovering she is pregnant with Tyler’s child
What makes this track so special is Tyler’s storytelling from the present moment “Hey Jane” walks us through his complex emotions
His self-reflection begins with initial stress and disappointment in himself for not taking the proper precautions, saying: “I don’t wanna give my freedom up, or sanitize it ” He signifies that he does not yet feel prepared to “give up” his independence, and all that comes with the responsibility of fatherhood. Later, he delves deeper into his relationship with Jane, alluding to the fact that they don’t truly know one another on a deep level: “That is not a good foundation to have kids with ” Conflicted, Tyler grapples with what a future would look like with Jane and this child However, he still desires to be supportive of Jane in whatever choice she decides to make He says: “But, hey Jane, who am I to come b***h and complain? You gotta deal with all the mental and physical change All the heaviest emotions, and the physical pain ” He ends his reflection with the lines: “Look Jane, it's your choice at the end of the day Just know I support either way, no pressure ”
The song also offers Jane’s perspective, offering powerful insights into the reality of womanhood, explaining that due to her age this could be her last chance to have a child She expresses her desire to have the baby, but that Tyler has no obligation to be a part of the kid's life Jane emphasizes her belief in her independence and that she doesn’t need his “money or status” to take care of the baby
Beyond that, the two offer a powerful consideration on their childhoods, their similarities and differences, and how it led them to connect with one another In the song, Jane reassures Tyler of her capability to raise their child alone, reminding Tyler of their shared experience of being raised by single mothers
This track serves as a comprehensive combination of all the main themes of Chromakopia “Hey Jane” embodies the heart of the album with a blend of vulnerability, growth, and self-awareness Themes of trust permeate the track, from Tyler’s doubts surrounding his readiness for fatherhood to the recognition of the importance of building trust with a partner/co-parent He expands on these themes in a track titled “Take Your Mask Off,” which explores the experience of a man trapped in a marriage built on deception with a woman, as he was forced to hide his homosexuality Through this track, Tyler underscores the dangers of denying one’s true self and the negative ripple effects it can have on relationships
With Chromakopia, Tyler has truly solidified his legacy as a visionary artist capable of blending storytelling with captivating emotions While we all can hope his future projects will top even this one, his three album streak of Igor, Call Me If You Get Lost, and now Chromakopia has been nothing short of remarkable His reflection on life’s nuances and complexities ensure that his work will continue to be celebrated as both thought-provoking and timeless
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Top 5 NYC Winter Recommendations
Dylan W-R ‘28 & Ahsha G-S ‘28
New York City is one of the most iconic locations for winter time, and the city certainly has made their mark with winter activities Whether you ’ re a tourist or local, there are a great number of things to do in the city to get into the holiday spirit, and much of it doesn't require spending a lot of money Here are five fun things to do with your friends and family this winter
Union Square Winter Village:
Though lesser known than the Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square boasts similar booths, all without the hassle of a crowd of eager tourists During late fall, Union Square in Manhattan is transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with local vendors selling numerous food options such as empanadas, holiday cookies and chocolates and truffle cheesesteaks, as well as artisanal crafts The winter market opened on November 14, and closes December 23, with hours from 11am to 8pm from Monday-to-Friday and from 10am to 8pm on the weekend
Pier 15:
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Pier 15 offers its iconic waterfront views of New York City, while maintaining a festive holiday ambiance There are activities for all ages, such as writing a letter to Santa and taking a ride on the Magical Carousel The pier also has reserved seating in illuminated heated glasshouses with a curated holiday menu, including a make-your-own smores experience If you are looking to enjoy an authentic winter wonderland, Pier 15 is the spot for you.
Rockefeller Center:
Rockefeller Center is a legendary location for many winter activities in NYC One main attraction is the Rockefeller Center skating rink, offering a picturesque backdrop to capture the holiday spirit It is open from late October to early April and features a small, charming skating area that draws in a variety of audiences The area around the rink has a variety of restaurants and cafes; one highlight is %Arabica, a Japanese coffee business In the same location, The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit each year in early December This abnormally large evergreen tree stands at over 75 feet tall and is covered head to toe in ornaments and lights At the top
top you can find a stunning Swarovski crystal star that can be spotted from a mile away The tree serves as a beloved centerpiece in the heart of Manhattan, attracting large crowds from all around the world and perfectly capturing the holiday spirit of our city
Similar to Pier 15's glasshouses, igloo dining in Manhattan offers a unique and cozy way to enjoy a meal during the winter It combines the charm of outdoor dining with the comfort of a private and heated igloo You might find yourself perched on the rooftop with breathtaking views of Times Square, or nestled in by the East River Igloo dining is the perfect activity for a special night out, and can be found in various locations around NYC including the City Winery, Rockefeller Center, Somewhere Nowhere, and 230 Fifth Rooftop
Lightscape Show Botanical Garden:
The Lightscape Show is a breathtaking winter event, where people walk through the magnificently transformation Brooklyn Botanic Garden The spectacle runs from late November through early January, featuring a mile-long walking path with vibrant light installations and enchanting music It is the perfect winter outing to to take a "special someone" with both beautiful floral arangements and holiday spirit.
Igloo Dining:
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Fall Production: Into The Woods
Genevieve E. '26
The Upper School production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods ran from November 6th through November 9th The production made waves throughout the school, sparking numerous positive reactions.
Lucia R ‘26, a show attendee, said: “The musical was fun and incredibly impressive The set design was really amazing ”
Indeed, the set was certainly a standout feature of the production Upstage, scaffolding created a platform for the actors and supported Rapunzel’s impressively tall tower Downstage, and spanning the ceiling, were “trees” made up of nets that crew members manually lowered during scenes in the forest The creative staging of this production added depth and magic to the performance
Scarlett M ‘26 who delivered a heartfelt and comedic performance as Rapunzel, said: “Being in Into the Woods was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced ” Her enthusiasm shone brightly on the stage, as the cast brought complex songs, lines, and constantly changing sets to life The endurance of the performers, who withstood a three-hour performance, was also nothing short of remarkable
Soraya G. ‘26 spoke on her personal performance as the witch; “It was my best performance and I think the whole cast got a lot of opportunities
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to show their full potential, especially with the understudy play It was a great year for the community”
When asked if the cast ever doubted they could pull it off, Scarlett admitted, “It was difficult at first to think about learning all the material and getting it together, especially with only six weeks of rehearsal However, it was clear after the first two weeks that we were the right group of people for the job ” And indeed they were Into the Woods will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in Berkeley Carroll's theatrical history
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Staff Writers:
Siri Davis ‘25
Mikaela Gerstenhaber ‘26
Ahsha Ghosh-Setlur ‘28
Bennett Hilgenberg ‘25
Russell Horowitz ‘26
Fiona Kay ‘28
Brianna Lewis ‘28
Kieran Moorcroft ‘26
Sadie Moorcroft ‘27
Rory O'Connor ‘26
Peter Rothberg, Parent Adviser
Kaya Costom, Editor-in-chief
Sydney Levy, Deputy Editor
Claudia Rothberg, Deputy Editor
Cleo Logan, News Editor
Genevieve Eisner, School Life Editor
Spencer Gaddie, Photo Editor
Dylan Angel, Opinion Editor
James Kirven, Sports Editor
Maggie Graham, Profile Editor
WK Kay, Faculty Adviser