Table of Contents Editor-in-Chief Isabella Fuertes
Cover Art Ava Chen World/National News (page 5) Alice Oustatcher, Editor Student/Teacher Spotlight (page 22) Gianluca Damiano, Editor Reviews (page 25) Isabella Fuertes, Editor-in-Chief Faculty Advisor Mr. McAuley
NOTE: The opinions expressed in the following articles do not represent the opinions of the administrative staff at GCHS, merely those of the writers themselves.
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A Note From the Editor Dear Readers, I’m very excited to be releasing ECHO’s first issue of the 2025-26 year. Please enjoy the following articles, which are completely written and edited by GCHS students. From local school news to government to pop culture, I hope you each find something that resonates with you and, in the process, learn something new from us and your fellow students. I’m pleased to say our team of writers has grown from the fall, with many new journalists that will continue to grow the newspaper. I implore any students reading to consider joining ECHO for our spring issue or during next school year. I hope you enjoy this issue and have a wonderful 2026! Sincerely, Isabella Fuertes Class of 2026
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The 2026 World Cup: A Tournament Across Nations by Abigail Perisa
The world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, is coming to North America in 2026 and is drawing significant attention. For the first time in history, the tournament will be cohosted by three countries including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This collaboration is set to make the 2026 World Cup one of the most exciting events in soccer. A New Chapter The 2026 World Cup will be the first time the tournament is hosted
by
three
nations.
Previously, the World Cup was co-hosted only once, in 2002, in South Korea and Japan. The 2026 edition is also a milestone because it will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, an increase from the usual 32. This change promises to bring even more excitement, with
more countries than ever before having
the
opportunity
soccer evolution.
to Mexico
compete in the World Cup. The Hosts Each of the three host nations has a deep connection to soccer, and the World Cup is expected to showcase their passion for the sport in different ways. United States While soccer is not traditionally the most popular sport in the U.S., the country’s growing interest in the sport has become obvious in the recent decades. The U.S. will host 60 of the 80 matches, including the championship at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With the growing popularity of Major League Soccer and the U.S. National Team's improving performance on the world stage, America’s role as host will showcase the nation’s
Mexico is a soccer powerhouse with a rich World Cup history, having hosted the tournament twice before, once in 1970 and again in 1986. The passion of many Mexican fans will make World Cup matches in the nation’s cities unforgettable. Mexico’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup is an amazing opportunity for them to show their long lasting love for the game. Canada Canada’s soccer culture has been rapidly growing in recent years, with both the men’s and women’s
teams
making
impressive achievements on the international scale. Hosting the World Cup will give Canada the chance to showcase its talented players and develop a
Courtesy of ABC10
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The 2026 World Cup: A Tournament Across Nations by Abigail Perisa
new generation of soccer stars.
Soccer’s Expanding Reach
Matches will be held in popular cities like Toronto, Vancouver,
With 48 teams participating, there will be opportunities for
and Montreal, where soccer is
countries to play that have not
Looking Ahead
quickly becoming one of the
been a part of this tournament
most popular sports, behind
in the past. This expansion will
With over a billion people expected to tune in worldwide,
hockey.
create more thrilling matches
the 2026 World Cup will be a
and a more global sense of
global celebration of sport,
Stadiums and Locations
competition. Fans will get to
culture, and unity. For soccer
The tournament will be held across 16 cities, with the U.S.
see new soccer nations perform,
fans,
offering
and
opportunity to witness history
hosting the most matches and
competition throughout each
being made as North America
the
championship.
Stadiums
game.
such
as
Stadium,
takes center stage. As we count down the years until the 2026 World Cup, the whole world is getting excited. This tournament will not only define the future of soccer in North America but will also inspire millions around the globe to come together and celebrate the world’s most popular and beloved sport.
MetLife
rivalries
excitement of the tournament.
Economic & Cultural Impact The World Cup is expected to bring tremendous economic
Mexico’s rich soccer culture,
benefits to the host countries.
Canada’s vibrant cities, and
Tourism,
America’s
global visibility will provide a
AT&T Stadium, and the Rose Bowl
will
enhance
world
the
renowned
development,
huge
help in making this a special
economies. In addition, the
World Cup in history. The wide range of venues across these countries provides
event
an incredible opportunity for
from all corners of the world
soccer fans from around the
will come together to celebrate
globe to experience the World the busy streets of New York to
the beautiful game. Overall, the event will have a lasting impact on the soccer
the
of
culture in North America. It
Vancouver, the tournament will
will leave a legacy of improved
be a collaborative celebration of
facilities, increased youth sport
diversity and unity.
participation, and a greater
beautiful
beaches
boost will
to
the
and
soccer stars are all expected to
Cup amid diverse scenery. From
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new
strengthen
local the
appreciation for soccer all over the world.
it
represents
an
cultural ties between the three host nations, as soccer fans
The 12 groups for this summer’s World Cup Courtesy of Facebook
WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
Hurricane Season by Fallon Grant
2025 is… Less Than Average?! After being anticipated to be a busy hurricane season, 2025 is shaping up to be below average this year. So far, there have been seven tropical storms and four hurricanes this year, including 3 major hurricanes. This falls below the average for this point in the year, as there are usually at least 12 storms by this point in the year. As hurricane season winds down, 2025 is expected to fall short of the 1991-2020 average of 14 named storms. Why the season has been below average This year, conditions were expected to be favorable, with high water temperatures and higher activity from the West African Monsoon, which provides the tropical waves that eventually become hurricanes. However, these conditions did not end up happening. The Monsoon was less active than expected, giving hurricanes less material to form from. The air in the Atlantic was dry and stable this season, which makes it harder for tropical waves to gather the moisture needed to become named storms. Most importantly, there was strong wind shear in the Atlantic this year. Wind shear can rip hurricanes apart from the top, making them weaker or preventing formation altogether. Besides being below average, the hurricanes that have happened (notably Major Hurricanes Erin, Gabrielle, and Humberto) have mostly not hit the coast, instead veering out to sea. This is a result of the Bermuda High, a high-pressure system in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that shapes the path of hurricanes. This year, the Bermuda high was situated further east than normal, forcing many storms to be drawn out to sea rather than make landfall on the coast.
Could hurricane season still be on average? Most likely not, but we are not entirely in the clear yet. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so there is still potential for more storms. The most active period, which runs from mid August to mid-October, is over, however. Storms are rare at this point in the season, with only 4 storms ever impacting the US during the month of November. The chances of there being enough named storms to put this season into the average category are not high. However, it is important to remain vigilant of any tropical threats to come, as even one storm can cause devastation. A note on Melissa This article was originally written on October 19, 2025, prior to the development of Major Hurricane Melissa. As of noon on October 26, Melissa is a slow-moving Category 4 storm, and is expected to reach Category 5 by Monday. Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, becoming the strongest storm on record to make landfall on the island. By the time this article is published, Melissa will have most likely had catastrophic consequences for the island of Jamaica and other islands in its path. Melissa goes to show that it only takes one storm for a hurricane season to be devastating, and serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant for storms even late in the season.
A satellite image shows Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
Sudanese Civil War - A Forgotten Conflict by Fallon Grant
Since 2023, a deadly civil war has plagued the Saharan nation of Sudan. Despite over 150,000 people dying and 14 million being displaced from their homes, this conflict has received limited Western media attention. (UN) What caused the civil war? Sudan has been dealing with conflict since it gained independence from the joint Egypt-UK protectorate in 1956. Since then, the government has swapped hands multiple times, with a civil war being fought (mainly in the Southern part of the country) from independence to 1972, when this conflict was temporarily ended. This civil war reignited in 1983 as the Second Sudanese Civil War, causing mass suffering and devastation until a ceasefire was called in 2005. In 1989, during the Second Sudanese Civil War, dictator Omar Al-Bashir led a coup against the government and gained power. He ended up leading Sudan in a dictatorship for nearly three decades. While in office, he was wanted for war crimes and was known for violent suppression of protests. The latest civil war (Third Sudanese Civil War) circles back to a coup in 2019, when longtime dictator Omar Al-Bashir was ousted from office in a coup. Leading this coup was General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the armed forces and de facto president, and his deputy, Rapid Security Forces (RSF) leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. However, neither man wanted to relinquish power to the other after the coup was over. Their main issue with each other was how to incorporate the RSF force into the army, and who would ultimately lead that force.
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This dispute continued, growing more intense as the RSF and SAF became more divided than ever. The army disagreement came to a head on April 15, 2023, when the two sides exchanged fire for the first time, plunging the country into civil war. Key Players The civil war is currently being fought between the RSF and the SAF. The RSF, or Rapid Security Forces, is a paramilitary group with 100,000 troops. They were originally organized under the banner of Janjaweed by Al-Bashir to fight in Darfur, a key area of conflict in Sudan. Prior to 2019, the RSF was used to protect Al-Bashir, suppress uprisings, and to help enforce his power. The RSF has been accused of human rights violations and war crimes for their actions, especially during the Darfur conflict. Their leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, supported the coup against Al- Bashir in 2019, and vied for control of Sudan after the coup. The RSF was originally supposed to be incorporated into the Sudanese Army, but this never occurred due to their desire for independent power and disagreement over leadership. This failed integration increased tensions between the Sudanese military and RSF, spiraling the country towards civil war. The SAF is the Sudanese Armed Forces. They are fighting under the control of the official government of Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. They have approximately 300,000 personnel, though numbers vary. Founded in 1956, they also engaged in the coup against Omar Al-Bashir but their alliance with the RSF has since been terminated. It is also important to note that they have also been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during this conflict and in the two previous civil wars.
WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
Sudanese Civil War - A Forgotten Conflict by Fallon Grant
Latest Developments The SAF currently has control over the Eastern and Northern portions of the country, including the Red Sea. The RSF is concentrated in Southwest Sudan, mainly in the Darfur region. In March 2025, the SAF retook Khartoum from the RSF, marking a key shift towards SAF power. The RSF has maintained a sizable portion of the country, occupying most of Darfur. Fighting has been occurring across the country, but has been concentrated in the capital and Darfur. There has not been any indication that the conflict will end soon. Since the onset of the conflict, the population of Sudan has suffered immensely. Since the start of the war, more than 14 million people have been displaced and at least 150,000 people have died. It is estimated that both of these figures are significantly higher, but it is extremely difficult to get accurate figures due to government barriers to data collection and rapidly changing conditions. Conditions for survivors are harrowing. Medical care is difficult to access, with 80 percent of facilities rendered unusable. Clean water is also difficult to get, which has caused an increase in water borne disease rates. Previously treatable conditions such as malaria are now causing mass deaths because the healthcare system is so unstable. Sudan is also experiencing its worst famine in 40 years as a direct consequence of the violence. As of April 2025, about 25 million people (or half the population) are suffering from extreme levels of hunger. Gender based violence has been used a tactic of war in Sudan, with both sides being accused of raping, assaulting, and abducting female civilians.
The Council on Foreign Relations estimates that 6.7 million women are facing gender based violence, but this figure could be even higher. Sudan was already one of the poorest countries in the world, but its economy has tanked since the civil war started. Estimates from November 2023 (The most recent precise figures available) say that economic losses from the conflict have exceeded 26 billion dollars, or more than half of the country’s economy. This leaves the Sudanese population more vulnerable to poverty than ever, and limits the government’s ability to provide aid. It is important to note that both sides have committed crimes against humanity and war crimes during this conflict. What is being done to help? Despite attempts at funding humanitarian assistance, aid targets in Sudan are not being met. The UN funding goal for 2024 was only 48 percent met, leaving the population with not enough aid. In addition to a lack of funding, both sides have used aid blocking as a tactic of war. Even when aid checkpoints are opened, aid trucks have reported being looted and hijacked by armed groups. Conditions have been dangerous for staff, with USAID receiving reports of humanitarian workers being shot at or killed. CARE and the International Rescue Committee still maintain a presence in Sudan, but their operations are limited. This leaves the civilian population of Sudan without the help needed to recover from this conflict. Sudan is desperate for much needed peace and international attention, but this seems like a distant dream.
Satellite imagery shows the sprawling growth of tents in Chad near its border with Sudan, as refugees flocked to the border away from conflict at home.
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
History of Grunge Music by Madeline Healey
What is Grunge?
and 90s, Washington State was
consequences
In the late 1980s and 90s, a new genre of rock music
overrun by drug users. Because
wages and a worsening of labor
the 80s saw a shift away from
rights. Jobs became outsourced
flourished: grunge, a mixture of
Crack cocaine and towards
meaning
sludge metal and alternative
heroin. Unlike crack, heroin is
protection. This shifted the
rock. Performers aimed to be
often
if
economic power to a few
seen as dirty, so their songs
people are desperate enough,
consisted of: heavy vocals, dark
they can reuse needles, which spreads HIV, Hepatitis B, and
wealthy elites. This increased social discontent. Furthermore, other political issues were a
lyrics, guitar sludge, distortion, and lots of power chord riffs. Grunge was meant to be more underground
than
previous
genres, such as 80s rock. Artists often
wore
street
clothes
inspired by the citizens of Seattle to accomplish this look. Additionally, grunge lyrics were often inspired by movements
injected,
meaning
Hepatitis C. Additionally, heroin has much stronger effects than crack. Along with the increased drug use, there was also a rise in homelessness. This environment helped to push the music scene because it inspired many young adults to sing about local issues.
such as feminism, poverty, and the drug epidemic that appealed
Additional issues came along
to teenagers who wanted to
with the rise of neoliberalism,
rebel against the status quo.
an ideology that prioritizes corporate power over public
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What caused grunge? Grunge is believed to have
welfare. This political ideology
started in Seattle; many say this is the city of grunge because Nirvana and Pearl Jam both originated there. In the 1980s
leadership at the time. Leaders
came
from
conservative
had prided themselves on the privatization and free trade agreements. However, the
Nirvana on the cover of Rolling stone Courtesy of the Rolling Stone
were
weakened
disconnection
stagnant
workers'
between the government and the citizens. People grew up in a Cold War era, meaning families were raised in fear of war, and nuclear annihilation. There were large physiological effects on the United States citizens. The government was constantly fighting about anti-communist ideals and how to impose its own beliefs on other countries. Many people found the constant accusations of being a communist were tearing the country apart. The government used this fear and disunity among the American people to justify the war.
WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
History of Grunge Music by Madeline Healey
One of the most pivotal points
in faith and trust in our political
a weird position where the
of the Cold War was the
leaders. It made them cynical
liberal end of their music
Vietnam War. Teens were being
about
government.
spectrum pushed for tons of
raised in a post-Vietnam era.
Americans were sick and tired
change; however, on the other
Their parents experienced these
of the government lying to
end, they were almost giving
traumatic experiences not only
them.
up.
the
The fall of grunge
in war but also on the home reported on, people watched in
Now, of course, teens and young adults of this time didn't
However, grunge changed when it got popular, it became
horror, hearing how their family
directly experience these events
the
and friends were being brutally
firsthand;
their
mainstream. Grunge was meant
killed. The television networks
parents did, and when you are
to be underground, and when
served as a catalyst for the
raised to believe something, it
grunge appeared on the runway
growing public discontent about
sticks with you. Especially
with army boots and flannel
the Vietnam War. This caused many American citizens to lose trust in the government because
when these major events shaped the nation, and when this happens they are extremely
shirts most knew it was the end.
they had been misled and the progression of the war, the conditions, injuries, and deaths.
hard to shake off the atmosphere. What came from these issues
Another factor that added to the
All of these factors added to the creation of grunge. The
did. For example, the lead singer of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, took his own life, and the singer of Alice in Chains, Layne Staley, overdosed. The decline of grunge gave rise to several genres like house and rave music.
front. When the combat was
distrust between the White House and the American public was the Watergate scandal. In 1972, members of Nixon's reelection campaign broke into the Watergate and planted listening devices in the DNC headquarters. Nixon tried to pay off the people who caught his staff to keep quiet, and he lied about having any knowledge. However, his involvement became known, and the scandal forced him to resign from office. The result was a decrease
however,
whole point was for people to express the pains they see, and how they are tired of living in a disconnected
and
thing
it
hated:
the
Additionally, grunge started to fade out when the major bands
broken
nation. A question that many kids faced was “Do we want change, or should we stand for nothing?”
People
chose
somewhere in the middle. In this music scene, they weren't happy-go-lucky, everything-isgreat 60’s music, but they also were not like punk rockers who were totally ready to give up on the world. This put these kids in
Vol. 21 No. 5 (2018): nineties Courtesy of M/C Journal
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The Beauty of Tarrifs and Their Cost by Isabella Fuertes
According to USA Facts, “President Trump says tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary”. In early 2025, President Trump imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and the European Union. The implementation of these International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs contrast with the President’s actions in 2020, when President Trump signed the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). This acted as a free trade agreement which granted duty free and reduced rates on trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (with the U.S. Supreme Court having yet to rule whether the President holds the power to impose these tariffs under the IEEPA). There are historical studies and recent evidence that suggest raising tariffs can result in lower incomes, reduce employment, and lower economic output. Why, then, is the U.S. executive increasing tariffs? First, it must be considered what a tariff is. Also referred to as duties or custom duties, tariffs are taxes placed on foreign goods when entering a country. In 2020, 80% of U.S. imports were goods (with 20% being services). Tariffs can allow a country to control international trade and are utilized in a political sense to achieve foreign policy goals. As a result, all tariff rates have complex political reasons behind them, and trade agreements with other countries are considered when deciding which countries have to pay them. In 2024, the US. imposed high tariffs on Cuba, Belarus, Russia, and North Korea, intending to deter trade with those countries whilst simultaneously promulgating their own trade. In essence, then, the tariff rate placed on a foreign country depends on its relationship with the U.S.
The economic burden of tariffs falls on the consumers of the country imposing the tariff, adding an economic “wedge” between the price the importer sells their goods at and the price at which consumers pay for those said goods. So, if the U.S. wants to encourage domestic industries, why does the U.S. import so many goods? Consider this question: why are 96% of shoes sold in the US imported from abroad? The answer is outsourcing. Outsourcing is when a company moves the production of a good to a third location (potentially abroad) to decrease prices whilst also increasing their profit margins and transport efficiency. Companies benefit from outsourcing the production of goods and services because there is cheaper labor available abroad. What does U.S. trade look like? In 2024, the U.S. imported $4.3 trillion worth of goods and services, and exported $3.2 trillion worth of goods and services. This is known as a trade deficit, where a country imports more than it exports. An increase in tariffs will result in an increase in revenue received by the federal government, made more significant if the country imports a large amount of its goods and services. In the early history of the country, in fact, tariffs provided significant revenue for the American government. However, in the last 70 years, tariffs hardly provide 2% of government revenue.
Tariffs Hit Home: New trade costs top $233 billion, with Texas, California, and Michigan bearing the heaviest burden Courtesy of AXIOS
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The Beauty of Tarrifs and Their Cost by Isabella Fuertes
If tariffs have negative effects, why do governments implement them? When a tariff is placed on a foreign country, domestic goods indirectly become more competitive, as the price becomes comparably less than taxed foreign imports. President Trump reasons that the higher the tariff, the more likely it is for the company to come into the United States and build a factory, resulting in more jobs for Americans. Tariffs come with tradeoffs, however. A tariff may produce more jobs in the US (when companies build factories in America), and higher prices in the U.S. (consumers can no longer purchase foreign goods in their cheapest form). The U.S. is one of 166 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO)—a low tariff, rulesbased system, which aims to promote free trade between member nations. Member nations, in turn, cooperate with rules set by the WTO. Within America, the rules of trade are set by the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to “regulate commerce with foreign nations” in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3, and the power to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imports, and excises” in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1.
So, what impact do tariffs have on the country? Federal government data does not provide a clear answer of the impact tariffs have on jobs and prices within the United States. For example, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration research in 2022, 10.2 million jobs in the U.S. are linked to exports. However, there is no official government data on the role of imports in keeping jobs in the U.S. In a 2020 study, the Bureau of Labor Statistics claimed “higher tariffs indirectly raise domestic prices” while “protect[ing] some U.S. jobs”. Studies by the Congressional Research Center and the United States International Trade Commission say lower tariffs on foreign goods lead to lower prices and higher incomes for American consumers, resulting in both job losses and gains. The question still stands: should a government priotize lower prices or more available jobs? What role do tariffs really play in America today? As the Trump Administration and Congress continue to regulate U.S. commerce, it is up to Americans to consider the matter for themselves.
But in the early 20th century, Congress passed laws giving some of this tariff power to the President in order to protect national security, safeguard domestic industries, and respond to other countries’ trade and tariff practices. President Trump has put this power into practice by imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada to cut the flow of immigrants and drugs into the country.
President Donald Trump presents data outlining his administration’s approach to reciprocal tariffs during a policy briefing Courtesy of The Guardian
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The Creepy Truth About the “Kissing Bug” Disease by Isabella Parlanti
It sounds harmless, even sweet, but the so-called “kissing bug” isn’t something you’d want anywhere near your face. Behind the cute name hides a dangerous insect and a serious illness that’s quietly spreading across the Americas. The “kissing bug” is actually a type of insect known as a triatomine bug, and it got its nickname because it tends to bite people around the mouth and eyes while they sleep. But it’s not the bite itself that’s dangerous; it’s what comes afterward. The Silent Parasite When the kissing bug feeds on blood, it can carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. After biting, the bug often defecates near the wound. If a person scratches the area, the parasite can enter through the skin or mucous membranes, causing a potentially severe infection that can cause serious health problems. The acute stage may cause mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or swelling near the bite. But the chronic stage, which can appear years later, may lead to heart disease, digestive issues, and even sudden cardiac arrest. Where Is It Found? Chagas disease is most common in Latin America, where kissing bugs thrive in rural areas and old housing with cracks or thatched roofs. However, in recent years, scientists have found infected bugs in parts of the southern United States, including Texas, Arizona, and even as far north as Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 300,000 people in the U.S. may currently be living with Chagas disease, many of them unaware of it. Prevention and Awareness There’s no vaccine for Chagas disease, but there are ways to lower the risk. Experts recommend sealing cracks in walls, using window screens, and avoiding sleeping outdoors in areas where the bugs are known to live. If someone suspects a kissing bug has bitten them or develops symptoms after exposure, they should see a doctor immediately. Early treatment with anti-parasitic medication can prevent long-term complications. Why It Matters The kissing bug might not get as much attention as mosquitoes or ticks, but its impact is real. Global health organizations are calling for more awareness, testing, and research, especially as climate change and migration allow the bug to expand its range. So next time you hear about the “kissing bug,” remember, this is one kiss you definitely want to avoid.
Eastern bloodsucking conenose "kissing bug" (Triatoma sanguisuga) on a leaf. Courtesy of National Geographic
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The Government Shutdown by Roger Wang
At midnight on October 1, 2025, the US government officially shut down, marking the first government shutdown since 2018. The last time this had happened was in December of 2018, which lasted for 35 days, with large impacts on federal workers, government services, as well as the broader economy. But what exactly is a government shutdown, how does it occur, and what are the effects of a shutdown? The government hires millions of workers, contributing to many different government services. As a result, in order to keep the
Courtesy of Holy Cross Magazine
government running, sufficient funding is necessary. Funding for the government is decided by Congress, but when funding for the government
cannot
be
agreed
upon,
a
government shutdown occurs. Every budget agreed upon by Congress only keeps the government funded to a certain date, and if an agreement cannot be reached by the deadline, the government is forced to partially shut down due to a lack of funding. This is the case for the most recent government shutdown. As Congress could not come to an agreement due to a budget dispute between Republican and Democratic politicians, the government officially shut down on October 1.
Courtesy of InCharge Debt Solutions
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
The Government Shutdown By Roger Wang
When the government does
Many federal workers are now
Although most impacts on
shut down, there are numerous impacts, with many consequences for the American people. Following a government shutdown, non-essential government services are temporarily paused or significantly reduced, including national parks and museums, scientific/medical research, government data/reports, government agencies, and more, while essential government services such as military, law enforcement, air traffic controllers, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue to operate. Workers for essential services such as military personnel and law enforcement continue to work without pay, while non-essential employees are furloughed (put on unpaid leave). Due to the shutdown on October 1, around 1.4 million federal employees are now either furloughed or working without pay if deemed essential.
struggling, and are living with
GDP are short term and will resolve once the government reopens and resumes spending, the shutdown’s effects on the US economy will continue to grow the longer the government remains closed. Furthermore, government services related to economic data releases and statistics have also ceased, resulting in more uncertainty and fear towards the economy and investments.
no paycheck. As the length of the government shutdown increases, there will be more and more harmful impacts on the millions of workers for the federal government, who are struggling to keep up with bills, payments, and expenses. In addition to many workers either furloughed or working without pay, the government shutdown will also affect the economy and GDP. During the last government shutdown beginning on December 22, 2018 which lasted until January 25, 2019, the United States lost an estimated $3 billion in GDP according to the Congressional Budget Office.
As of October 21, 2025, the government has shut down for more than 3 weeks, and with no end in sight, the shutdown’s effects will continue to be felt throughout the country until a resolution is reached on the budget for the government. The longer the government shutdown continues, the more widespread the impacts will be on the American people and the American economy. The partial closure of the government has had significant impacts on millions of people as well as the economy, and the longer the shutdown continues, the more severe those effects will be.
Angry furloughed federal workers protest shutdown at the White House. Courtesy of NBC News
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
NYS Cellphone Ban By Elizabeth Sanchez
On May 9, 2025, the governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul, signed into law an amendment restricting cellphone usage during the school day. This makes New York the fifth state to limit phone use within school hours, alongside California, Florida, Arkansas, and Virginia. The governor has justified this bill by describing it as an effort to protect mental health among youth and promote student success in the age of technology. Although this ban is statewide, school districts in New York were instructed to adopt a written policy prohibiting the use of internet-connected devices during educational hours, now referred to as a “bell-to-bell” policy. In other words, districts were allowed to independently decide the way in which they disallow phones, and were required to make them publicly available by August 1, 2025. In addition, schools were required to grant at least one method of parent contact during the school day to students. In GCHS, this is done through a phone in the main office, where students can call home and speak to their parents or guardians.
In specific cases, cellphone usage can be allowed or excused. This includes but is not limited to: with a teacher’s permission for educational purposes, during an emergency, regarding a student’s healthcare, and for translation purposes. Otherwise, phones are meant to be inaccessible to students throughout the day. At Garden City High School, the first bell rings at 7:40, and the last bell rings at 2:43. In total, students are restricted from their phones for 7 hours and 3 minutes. The school website’s policy manual states that students at the elementary level may not bring internet-enabled devices into school, students at the middle school level must keep their devices in lockers or classroom-by-classroom caddies, and high school students keep them in designated device holders, lockers, classroom-by-classroom caddies, or individual pouches. School officials are given the right to confiscate devices outside of their designated areas, and require the student to pick them up at the end of the school day. Compared to other schools, GCHS policies appear to be more relaxed than other school districts in New York. At Roosevelt High School, all 1,100 students were issued Yondr pouches, which locks phones in a holder with a magnetized seal. It allows students to keep their devices on their person without being able to use them during the day.
A student places their cellphone in to a phone holder as they enter class Courtesy of Bloomberg
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WORLD/NATIONAL NEWS
NYS Cellphone Ban By Elizabeth Sanchez
Other areas, like Walton High School in the Bronx, collect student phones in boxes at the beginning of the day and return them at the end. Jericho High School states that devices are to be kept in lockers during the day. These methods, alongside keeping phones in backpacks, are the most common enforcements of the new policy. The biggest concern surrounding the cellphone ban is safety. With gun violence and school shootings becoming as common as they have across the United States, parents and students both worry about not being able to contact anyone if an intruder were to enter the school. Schools with policies like GCHS—where students are able to access their phones in the classroom if absolutely necessary—do not face this issue as strongly as those who use Yondr pouches, lockers, and collection boxes. However, because students are able to access their phones constantly, Garden City High School has struggled to make sure students are properly following the new policy. Teachers are constantly reminding students out in the hallway, and there are too many teens per teacher to keep an eye on all of them.
Cellphone bans are becoming more prominent in schools across the United States following Florida’s lead in 2023. School faculty, educators, students, and parents alike are adapting to both less distraction and less communication within classrooms, and are waiting to see if the benefits outweigh negative reactions to these new changes.
New York would join several other states that currently have similar restrictions in place. Courtesy of 6News WRBG Albany
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STUDENT/TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Welcoming Ms. Bocca to GCHS by Isabella Fuertes
It has been one year since Ms.
Ms. Bocca decided to be an
Ms. Bocca’s favorite book
Bocca became an English teacher at GCHS. I have had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Bocca to interview her about how her time at GCHS has been so far.
while she was in high school was The Scarlet Letter. Her
GCHS thus far. Ms. Bocca says
English teacher because of her strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children, and “be the light in someone's day”. Ms. Bocca was always a reader and writer, and believes that some of the most meaningful kinds of thinking and learning can happen in the
she has made “so many good
English classroom. She believes
ones”, and that it is “so hard to
it is a place where we can better
choose”. She points out that
“understand ourselves and each
some of her best memories have
other”. Next, I asked Ms. Bocca for her number one bucket list item this year. Ms. Bocca is teaching four sections of AP classes this year, and so her number one goal is to reach the point where her students feel comfortable taking the AP exam. She hopes that her classroom, as a safe space, can help her students bring a sense of calmness and confidence so they can perform well on test day, and "sprinkle" some “Ms. Bocca energy…onto their test!”
First, I asked which memory has been Ms. Bocca’s favorite at
been when students have had their
“aha”
moment
moment—the
when
understands
a
student
something
with
very little help or on their own. Ms. Bocca is happy and proud of her students every time they experience
this
accomplishment. On the other hand, starting at a new school is a nerve wracking experience. Ms. Bocca formed some of her fondest memories when she fostered
meaningful
relationships with her students that made her classroom a comfortable, safe space for them.
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Cover of The Scarlet Letter. Courtesy of Dover
favorite book that she teaches at GCHS, then, is also The Scarlet Letter. This book was Ms. Bocca’s first experience being “really good” at English. She discovered that she enjoyed putting the pieces of this book together and “getting…what [she] was supposed to get out of it.” This special feeling was ultimately what Ms. Bocca hoped to pursue studying English. What is Ms. Bocca’s #1 lesson she hopes to teach her students in her time at GCHS? “Being kind to others is a worthwhile endeavor”, and that there is “value in treating others with kindness.” Ms. Bocca notes that “sometimes, qualities of energy and positivity and excitement are sometimes discounted in favor of competitiveness and seriousness, which are also important”, and that “as long as you are doing your best… that is all you can ask of yourself” because “active pursuit… is where our results really produce themselves.” Ultimately, Ms. Bocca hopes she is modeling that.
STUDENT/TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Welcoming Ms. Bocca to GCHS by Isabella Fuertes
Outside of teaching, Ms. Bocca has been very engaged in the GCHS community. As a teacher advisor of the Literary Circle, she finds the club is the “embodiment of what [she] is trying to do” as a teacher. The engagement between peers while reading poetry she feels is "proof that what teachers do works.” Additionally, Ms. Bocca has had so much fun as the sophomore class advisor. She was a cheerleader when she was young, and loves to boost school spirits and people's moods—and, of course, get people involved! She enjoys the fun that comes from seeing students being silly and themselves because "that's what high school is supposed to be about.” Finally, Ms. Bocca is also involved as a speech and debate club coach. She has realized as a coach that all high school students can truly “be really good at what they want to be really good at.”
Image of Ms. Bocca Courtesy of GCHS
Ultimately, Ms. Bocca loves her job very much, and feels each day in the classroom is a “real blessing”. She feels incredibly thankful for the whole English department for their support. All in all, Ms. Bocca feels incredibly grateful that everyone has been so fantastic and helpful, and is excited for what is to come this year.
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STUDENT/TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Hauser: Our New Assistant Principal by Chloe Lin
How does it feel to go from Coordinator of Music and Arts to Assistant Principal? It feels surreal. I knew I would love this role, but I didn’t realize how much I would love it until I actually took on the challenge. It just solidified for me just how wonderful our students are, and our district is. Being with students all day, whether it's welcoming them or seeing them get on buses in the afternoon, or seeing them in the cafeteria, or just seeing them in really organic spaces, is amazing to see our students smiling and talking to one another. I’m just loving it!
What do you see as your biggest challenge in this new role? I wouldn't say there's a specific challenge—everyday looks so different depending on what may come up. My role is to manage the unexpected, but I prefer to plan ahead, so not being able to plan for the unexpected is a huge shift for me.
How has your day-to-day work changed since taking on this new role? Before, as a music and arts coordinator, I knew exactly what my day would look like because I was able to What leadership lessons/skills did you learn from schedule it. I would know which people I would have managing music and arts programs that you'll carry meetings with or which building I would go to. But in into this new role? this role, it’s so different, which is what I’m loving I’m grateful to have had that experience because while about it. I never thought that I would love this, where managing the music and arts programs, there are so every day looks so different, and I don’t necessarily many balls in the air that one must juggle at once. While have that schedule that I used to have. the roles are quite different in some ways, they are similar in that there are many moving parts, and it What advice would you give to students who are becomes essential to be organized enough to work your thinking about leadership roles in the future? way through challenging, unpredictable situations. Of Do it. We all, as human beings, always look for a leader. course, student safety is always at the forefront, and so Oftentimes, people think “oh, I could never do that,” or being able to manage the different moving parts while “no one will follow me,” or "I like to look to see what deciding what must be addressed first is an essential other people are doing.” But oftentimes when we think part of my new role that I feel I can prioritize better about what makes a great leader, it's not always the through organizational skills I learned as Coordinator or smartest person in the room, or the person with the most Music and Arts. experience. If you think about someone in your life whom you would consider a great leader,r you probably What is one change or improvement you hope to help think of how they are kind, charismatic, confident, and implement in the school this year? how they look out for others. Those are things and We’re already such a great school, so it's hard to go attributes that we all aspire to have, so there is a leader from great to greater. Helping teachers and students stay in all of us. It’s just a matter of leading the thing that up-to-date with the changing world around us, whether excites you the most. that includes technological advancements or changes passed down from the state, is a priority. I hope to What's your go-to drink or snack when going support teachers and students through all of the changes through a hectic day? that we're constantly trying to keep up with—whether There are so many, but I would have to say that there is that includes me being in classrooms or whether that something really amazing about a crisp Pepsi. I love includes facilities. My main focus is on how we can anything salty too; chips, bread, pretzels, and guac are adapt to all that’s changing around us. Our teachers' all delicious for a busy day! main focus is on our students, and my main goal is how I can support the teachers in making their students the best they can possibly be.
22
REVIEWS
A Swiftie’s Take On Taylor’s New Album by Ava Wolk
Taylor Swift doesn't give a crap what you think about her new album, Life of a Showgirl. But as a lifelong Swiftie, I think you should give it a listen. If I took anything away from listening to the album, I found that Swift is right where she wants to be in her personal life and career right now. Swift has spent years finishing up the Eras tour, reclaiming her masters, and making new music. Her relationship with Travis Kelce and her business success are sprinkled throughout her album, giving us a glimpse of her personal life and her life as a showgirl. Taylor Swift sold 4.002 million copies of Life of a Showgirl in seven days, according to Billboard. This is an amazing feat that most singers could never have accomplished, but this album is not receiving her best reviews. However, she has so much of a footprint and fanbase she will never need to care about what people want her to write anymore, stating in her song “The Life of a Showgirl”, “Who wish I’d hurry up and die, but I'm immortal now baby dolls, I couldn’t if I tried”. Whether you like it or not, Taylor Swift will have an undeniable footprint in the music industry forever. In Father Figure, she says, “This empire belongs to me, leave it with me.” Father Figure showed another side to Taylor Swift’s brilliant songwriting. One of Swift’s many talents is to step into another character’s shoes and write a song about that. The song is based on a young protege learning from their arrogant teacher. I liked this song because not only did it have a really satisfying key change in the end, but it had a really cool Godfather-type vibe to it. When I first listened to the song “Elizabeth Taylor”, I didn’t know who Elizabeth Taylor was until I researched it. Elizabeth Taylor was a movie star icon in the 1950s. While she was a powerful female lead and activist, she was also most known for having 7 husbands in her lifetime. I love this song because while it is a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor herself, it also shows the parallels between Taylor Swift and Elizabeth Taylor. I think that was really interesting and a great compassion for someone like Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift’s new album cover Courtesy of Country Lowdown
On her final track, “The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)”, Taylor Swift gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to be one of the most famous musicians in the world. Although the character in the song warns us about the ugly side of show business, she wouldn't trade it for anything. Swift seems to be in a good place now, as seen in songs like “Wi$h Li$t” and “Opalite”. Both songs are about her current relationship and future with Travis Kelce. This album has a positive and upbeat vibe to it, which we haven’t seen in her past few albums. Songs like the “Fate of Ophelia” will get you in a good mood and get you trying the dance from the music video. Swift also adds a piece of the Eras Tour to the end of the song, “The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)" with a clip from the final show in Vancouver. With the crowd cheering, she says, “We’ll see you next time”. Is album lucky number 13 on its way? I certainly hope so.
Taylor Swift on stage during the Eras Tour, Courtesy of the Yale Review
23
REVIEWS
Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album by Nicole Geiger
Conan Lee Gray is a 26 year
It is unfortunately not as talked
Some fans do not like this song
old singer who was born in Lemon Grove, California on December 5, 1998 and was raised in Georgetown, Texas. After creating Youtube videos from a young age, he eventually became more well known for his music. This brings us to 2025 when he would release his fourth studio album, Wishbone.
about compared to other songs on the album. It is about losing someone you care about and trying to move on with your life, except you keep hearing about what is going on in theirs because of mutual friends. It can make a person crazy to be trying to move on from someone yet hearing how great their life is without them while doing so, hence the repeated lyrics, “don’t tell me”. Even this song, ranked last on the list, is a good song. It is just not considered as good as the other songs on this list by many. In fact, Conan lets a fan choose any of his songs they want him to sing at his Wishbone Pajama
much but some also absolutely love this song. Personally, I love this song very much because the message behind it to me is about how it is impossible to stop caring about people who are close to you no matter how much they hurt you. It is about the cycle of being treated badly by someone but letting things slide because of how much you care about them and how much you don’t want to lose them.
This breakup album was created after Conan had his first real relationship and breakup and was released on August 15, 2025 after being announced on May 22, 2025. Wishbone encompasses 12 amazing songs about love, heartbreak, and being your own person. Here is my honest rating, opinion, and interpretation of each song on the album:
Show tour and at the one I went to, the fan chose Sunset Tower
Ranked #12 on the list is “Sunset Tower”. This is a very
out of any of his songs. Ranked
good song overall with unique
gentle and comforting song has
sounds and a swingy beat.
a love-hate relationship with
#11 on the list is “Care”. This
fans.
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Courtesy of AP News
Ranked #10 on the list is “This Song”. This was the first song released from Wishbone. It is part 1 of a trilogy of music videos about a love story featuring Wilson, played by Conan Gray and Brando, played by Corey Fogelmanis. This music video absolutely shocked fans because Conan had his first kiss on camera during it.
REVIEWS
Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album by Nicole Geiger
This is a big moment for Coneheads
(Conan
fans)
because of how many times Conan has joked about being a liar for writing all of these sad relationship songs even though he had never even kissed/dated anyone! “This Song” is a very elegant and beautiful song about not knowing if someone likes you back until finally acquiring the courage to ask them if they do. It features a violin part that would alone make your heart flutter. I believe it is a beautiful song and the cinematography in the music video gives such optimistic summer vibes. Ranked #9 on the list is “My World”. “My World” is an extremely optimistic, bright, encouraging song about selfdiscovery.
It starts playing off another
My favorite part is when
song on this album, “Romeo”, which is a song about someone Conan liked where he sang, “your no Romeo”. So the fact that Conan starts the song off clocking Romeo by saying “Romeo, I do not need a referee, telling me we’re just a summer fling”, is absolutely genius. After mentioning this in
Conan deepens his voice to be very low when he says “guys” in the lyrics, “So you can keep drinking and living a lie, and talking all low when you're out with the guys”. This song just sounds so freeing.
the beginning it switches up when he exclaims, “it’s my world and it’s my life. It’s my girl and it’s my guy. I’ll kiss ‘em if I might like. I don’t have you in mind. It’s my world and it’s my time. I’ll waste it how I might like. I don’t have you in mind. I don’t have you in mind.” This song is a time of realizing the freedoms you now have while not worrying about someone else making you feel small.
Ranked #8 on the list is “Eleven Eleven”. This song is a very sappy love song about wishing for a relationship to work no matter how toxic it might be. It is about trying to seek out signs like “shooting stars”, “wishbones”, “clovers”, “numbers from heaven”, “shapes in the stars to invent [a] connection”, and “[wishing for someone] at eleven-eleven”, yet ignoring the “black cats”, “broke glass”, “cracks on the pavement”, and not being able to “accept that it’s too late to save [a relationship]”.
Promotional image for Conan Grey’s third album, Found Heaven. Courtesy of Spottily
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Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album
REVIEWS
by Nicole Geiger
No matter how much it is clear
Ranked #6 on the list is
that a relationship is over, a
“Romeo”. This song is a clever play on the story of “Romeo & Juliet” by William Shakespeare. It utilizes trumpets to bring the allusion of being in the medieval time period to listeners. This is an extremely triumphant song about waiting for someone who will never give the attention to you that you rightfully deserve. It states: “I was out waiting for you but now you’ve gotta wait for me” and uses language like, “You
person can’t help but still wish for it back at 11:11. This song is one of my favorites on the album lyric-wise. Ranked #7 on the list is “Class Clown”. “Class Clown” is a very melancholy and bittersweet song about never being able to escape putting a mask on in front of others. Conan references his childhood when he was always the “class clown” of his school even though this was an act that hid all of his pain. Being a kid/teen in school is hard, it feels like you always have to put on a happy/funny persona just so people like you. No matter what you do, it’s always hard to find yourself buried in all of the jokes and fake smiles. Although it helps to hide the pain, it only causes that pain to grow. In my opinion, class clown is a powerful song about laughing through the pain so as to ensure no one else notices it. It is a heartbreaking yet gorgeous song about navigating through the pain of your childhood, and even healing from it afterwards; it is one of the saddest songs on the album.
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don’t want to know all I did. I drank your poison from your lips. I took that blade into my ribs. You took away my will to live.” To further play on the end of Romeo and Juliet when They both commit suicide after they think each other are already dead. Then Conan states, “So I hope you know I’m never gonna want you back. You put me in a grave of stone, but now it only makes me laugh. Spending my summer in love, then I went and got dumped. So I did it all, damn, for what? You’re no Romeo.”
Courtesy of The New York Post
REVIEWS
Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album by Nicole Geiger
I love this song just because of
He then names “Connell”
how triumphant it is and the
which is a reference to a character, Connell Waldron, who is described as being a pivotal figure featured in the book Normal People by Sally
trumpet part is what I’d describe as being yummy and very satisfying. Whenever you feel like anyone in your life has betrayed you, just plop this song on and start vibing to it and I am telling you, at least some of that anger will just evaporate. Ranked #5 on the list is “Connell”. “Connell” is a very emotional and vulnerable song for Conan, talking about the trauma he endured through his father and how this causes him to allow men to make him feel worthless. This song is, in my opinion, the saddest song on the album with lyrics like, “deep in my bones I know pain is what I earned”, “and you remind me of how good it feels to hurt”, “you remind me of how little I deserve”, “break apart my own heart again”, “validate the worst thoughts inside my head. That I’m not worth s-, and I’m better dead. Who’s the victim in the end?”, and “you remind me of my father slurring words”.
Rooney. Conan wrote this song inspired by the book which is why he wrote it from the perspective of Marianne, who went through an extremely tiring on-again, off-again relationship with Connell. Conan very much relates to Marianne in the sense that the people that he has dated have acted similar to how Connell Waldron acts in his relationship within the book: secretive and emotionally avoidant. This song is one of my favorites because of how much emotion is put into it, which shows in every note and lyric of the song, especially in his performances on stage when he gets really emotional as the song breaks down to the part at the end when the name “Connell” is repeated; some fans even call this part of the show the “Connell Crashout”.
Courtesy of Spotify
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Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album
REVIEWS
by Nicole Geiger
Ranked #4 on the list is
However, as Wilson got off the
Ranked #3 on the list is
“Caramel”. This song is a
bus, Brando was waiting there with his car. At the end, they hug and that is the music video. It very much encompasses the lyrics and sounds of the song
“Nauseous”. “Nauseous” is a
“your love is a threat and I’m
“Vodka
very well. Comparing the relationship to “Caramel” shows how even though this relationship was extremely
Cranberry”. In this music video,
toxic and not good for him to be
sings the word “Nauseous” is
Wilson (Conan), after being left
in, he still wanted it so bad
enough for me to have it on the
by Brando (Corey) was minding
especially when deprived of it,
top half of this list. Those notes
his own business trying to get
just like caramel. I love this
together are just so satisfying
over Brando when that’s who he
song for its hard hitting, clever
that it’s ridiculous. Overall in
ran into at the supermarket. This
lyrics
the
the album there are so many
started up their relationship
amazing music video. This song
different references in songs to
again which was bittersweet
also makes me laugh because of
not only other songs in the
because of how toxic their
the joke Conan made about it,
album, but other songs of his
relationship
is.
stating in a TikTok how he
from other albums and EP. For
Throughout the music video it
would have to delete the song
example, in this song the lyrics
shows the good times but also
because he pronounced it care-
read: “Too trusting and loving,
flashes back to all of the bad
ah-mehl instead of how people
depending, and kind, behind
times
were
was
every kiss is a jaw that could
causing Wilson to leave instead
supposed to be pronounced as:
bite, and maybe that’s why I
of the other way around this
car-ah-mahl.
feel safe with bad guys, because
bittersweet song about falling back into a toxic relationship no matter how many times you try to move on and escape it. “Caramel” is part three of the music
video
trilogy
also
including part one, “This Song” and
part
in
two,
actually
their
relationship,
and
notes,
telling
him
plus
it
time.
song about liking someone so much that the fear of being rejected or losing them makes you “Nauseous”. As it says, Nauseous. Scares me to death how I want it”. Just the notes sung and played when Conan
when they hurt me I won’t be surprised”.
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“Wishbone” showcases lyrical genius and genuine heartbreak, while maintaining a mix of lilting melodies and up-tempo hits. Courtesy of Cavalier Daily
REVIEWS
Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album by Nicole Geiger
This relates back to “Connell”
It includes scenes such as
Ranked #1 on the list is
where he sings about how the trauma his dad had inflicted on him makes him vulnerable to maltreatment in future relationships. In the first lyrics of “Nauseous” , “I just wanna dance”, hits you very softly like you are in a room alone just waltzing like no one is watching. It is such a calming, relaxing song that you can listen to for chilling and to calm down. This, along with the lyrics visualizer, gives such coffee shop vibes, it is very nice in my opinion.
Wilson trying to hold Brando’s hand but he takes his hand away to continue talking to the female bartender instead or when he tries to fix Brando’s hair yet gets turned down. I love this song so much for its numerous lyrics, catchy beat,
“Actor”. Actor is my absolute
plus the amazing cinematography and perfection in editing. The lyrics, “got way too drunk off a vodka cranberry” is Conan putting his smart humor into song lyrics by poking fun at himself admitting
down when all they considered
how he barely ever drinks and
this relationship. You can’t stop
Ranked #2 on the list is “Vodka Cranberry”. This is a song about a person acting as though they are not in a relationship with you even though they are. This song is about thinking in your relationship: “if you won’t end things, then I will.” In the Vodka Cranberry music video Wilson (Conan) keeps being saddened by the way that Brando (Corey) is treating him.
thinks it is not good for him so
thinking, what if? As Conan
when he does, it only takes him
says, “but the church bells
one to become drunk. This song
won’t stop ringing for an
is arguably the most famous of
undead
wedding
the album after being played on
you’ve
spent
the radio on Z100 and being the
drinking, while I’ve spent it
closing
performance
VMA’s.
Conan
favorite song on this album. It takes you on a journey into the sad story of what was never supposed to be a summer fling. This song is about believing to be in a serious relationship with someone, and then becoming let you to be was their summer fling. Although you understand that you were never actually cared about by this person, it is also impossible to forget what you thought was so real about
day.
the
And
summer
at
the
being erased. And I tried to hide
posed
as
the feeling, but it just won’t go
Romeo and Corey as Juliet at
away. Let’s pretend nothing
the VMA’s as a nod to another
happened, I agree.
song in his album, “Romeo”.
Conan Gray performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California on Oct. 3. Courtesy of The Stanford Daily
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Wishbone: Reviewing the Rankings of Conan Grey’s New Album by Nicole Geiger
But, you’re a much better actor
He has also been gaining more
than me. A friend of mine asked you, ‘Ever talked to Conan?’ You didn’t react, you said, ‘I barely even f- know him.’” This harshly but accurately describes the way these types of relationships go. It is hard to let go of something that’s not good for you, because of how good it feels when you have it, and you fantasize about what it would look like if you could achieve that again. This song is just so beautiful and stunning to me in every way including the lyricism, the instrumentals, and even just the way Conan uses his voice to evoke emotion in the listeners. It is truly an amazing song.
popularity after his song “Vodka Cranberry” becoming popular on TikTok through a TikTok dance made for it, on the radio, and eventually performing as the closer on the MTV music awards as Romeo and Corey being Juliet, after Conan was interviewed in his ravishing sailor WB (Wishbone)
All of the songs in Wishbone are no less than good songs, they are just ranked in which stand out more than others to me, however it is clear that none of them are bad songs. Conan, after having a small tour of his Wishbone Pajama show, announced his Wishbone World Tour! He will be playing at the UBS arena!
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dress on the red carpet. What helped him get to this point is not only his determination and mad lyricism skills, but his newfound ability to story tell in Wishbone. I know he will only continue to gain popularity and grow as an artist and person as he continues his unbelievably successful career as an artist. Thank you for blessing the world with this earth-shattering (in a good way, not a “run, the world is ending!” Type way) album, Conan!
Courtesy of eBay
REVIEWS