basketball program mergers
Lange’s six-season record at St. Joe’s was 81-104.
Steve Donahue was officially named the 16th head coach of St. Joe’s men’s basketball program Sept. 10 following the departure of former head coach Billy Lange, who accepted a player development position with the New York Knicks.
Donahue’s appointment was confirmed by Jill Bodensteiner, JD, vice president and director of Athletics, in a 2:31 p.m. email to the St. Joe’s community. The email was sent a little over two and a half hours after ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news of Lange’s departure. Lange was set to enter his seventh season with the Hawks, and his decision came seven weeks before the start of the 2025-2026 season.
“Back in May, Billy Lange called me and said, ‘We have a chance to add one of the best basketball coaches and one of my closest friends to our staff,’” Bodensteiner said in Donahue’s introductory press conference Sept. 11. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe our good fortune when we named Steve Donahue our associate head coach, and today, it’s with immense joy and pride that I announce Steve Donahue as the 16th head coach in St Joe’s men’s basketball history.”
Before coaching at St. Joe’s, Donahue was head coach of the University of Pennsylvania Quakers for nine seasons, leaving with a total record of 131-130.
Donahue said Lange first mentioned his potential departure to him Sept. 7.
“He didn’t say it was 100%, but he wanted to let me know that he was thinking about this move,” Donahue said at the press conference.
Lange then told Donahue about his definite departure Tuesday, Sept. 9, the night before the news of his decision was leaked. The team, who found out about the news through social media Sept. 10, was spoken to later in the day. Donahue said the team was “really taken back by this late decision.”
“We ended up gathering the group as quickly as we could yesterday afternoon,” Donahue said. “[It was] as emotional locker room as you could imagine, with Billy, and the players, and us, honestly.”
Donahue said his vision for the team is the same and that he’s trying to help the players through the transition.
“I’m not going to assume that every single guy in that locker room likes what happened,” Donahue said. “I’m going to respect them and try to serve them and try to elevate them as Billy’s core values state to make sure we cover all that and move forward in the right direction.”
Surya Vaddadi ’27, a member of 54th Airborne, the official student section of SJU Athletics, said he’s excited about Donahue’s appointment because of his
experience. However, a main concern of his is players transferring before the start of the season.
“My only concern is players having to leave or wanting to leave just because they were committed to the previous coach … We have no idea who’s staying or going,” Vaddadi said.
When asked about transfers, Donahue said he didn’t want to assume anything and that, in addition to speaking with many of the players individually, he’s spoken with many of their parents.
“I feel so strongly that they believe in this university, they love this school, they love what the basketball team does,” Donahue said. “The commitment that this place has for these guys, I think they believe in it.”
Vaddadi said he wished there was more transparency about Donahue’s opening presser and wished Donahue had the opportunity to introduce himself to St. Joe’s students.
“I was also kind of disappointed in how they handled the whole press conference situation with the Steve Donahue opening presser — it being only available to media personnel, being 25 minutes, then not posting it anywhere,” Vaddadi said.
Lange’s departure has already caused changes. A Sept. 13 statement posted on the SJU Athletics website announced the team would no longer
be allowed to participate in the Players Era Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team’s invitation was contingent on Lange’s position as head coach, as Lange was friends with Seth Berger, one of the showcase’s organizers.
Bodensteiner said her message for fans was that the program and Donahue needs their support coming into the season.
“Our expectations for this year don’t change,” Bodensteiner said. “We think we can be a pretty good basketball team, and I think Steve can reach the expectations that we had going into the season.”
Donahue, who has multiple family members who are St. Joe’s alum, said he saw the enthusiasm of St. Joe’s basketball fans firsthand at the St. Joe’s vs. Virginia Tech at The Palestra Dec. 21. Donahue said he was “kind of jealous” of the energy of the fans and has always felt that “people care” at St. Joe’s.
“All I would ask you is to get behind a place that you love,” Donahue said. “I [saw] it front and center with that last year. Give us a chance to really show you what we’re all about this year.”
The Student Newspaper of Saint Joseph’s University
Toby Peck ’26 discusses Gen Z’s relationship with social media.
Steve Donahue was appointed the 16th head coach of St. Joe’s men’s basketball program Sept. 10 following Billy Lange’s departure. PHOTOS
Romito ’26 tries
SJU Dance’s first male dancer joins Eagles cheerleading team.
University announces sale of multiple UCity buildings
The university announced the sale of multiple properties at the University City campus in a Sept. 12 email to students from Jill Dougherty Cleary, B.S. ’00, Ed.D. ’23, vice president of administration and operations, and Joseph Kender, senior vice president of university relations.
A total of 15 buildings are included in the sale, wrote Kevin Gfeller, associate director of public relations in the Office of Marketing and Communications, in an email to The Hawk.
All buildings south of Woodland Avenue will be sold, but St. Joe’s will
retain ownership of the buildings north of Woodland Avenue, according to the Sept. 12 email. This includes Griffith Hall, Kline Hall, the Pharmacology/Toxicology Center, McNeil Graduate Study and Research Center and Whitecar Hall.
Additionally, the university will lease back three buildings from the buyer: the Integrated Professional Education Complex, Woodland Hall and Glasser Hall. This will allow the university to “maintain a hub for graduate health professions and pharmaceutical science programs” at the UCity campus, Gfeller said.
The Sept. 12 email also said St. Joe’s is planning its “departure from the Living and Learning Commons, which is anticipated
in the late summer 2026.” The LLC has the capacity for 416 residents and is the only housing option for students at the UCity campus.
The UCity Office of Public Safety and Security, which was previously located in Alumni Hall, south of Woodland Avenue, has been moved to Griffith Hall and is now fully operational out of the new office, Gfeller said.
Gfeller said the Office of Facilities Management, also formerly located south of Woodland Avenue, has been relocated to the Griffith Annex, and remaining materials in the warehouse spaces will be moved within the next month.
According to the Sept. 12 email, the
Q&A: Kelly Academic Plaza
When can students expect to have access to all entrances of Merion Hall again?
The Hawk spoke with Kevin Mueller, MBA ’22, senior director of construction and planning, via email Sept. 12 to confirm details regarding the new Kelly Academic Plaza located in front of Merion Hall. The plaza will serve as a natural gathering space for members of the St. Joe’s community.
Is there an official opening date for the new Kelly Academic Plaza?
Kelly Academic Plaza and the accessible walkway to the Merion Hall quad are expected to open in October of this year. A fun side note: There will be lawn games available for checkout from the O’Pake Recreation and Fitness front desk for use on the created lawn, including Spikeball, ladders, volleyball, footballs and more.
At what stage of completion is Kelly Academic Plaza? What has been accomplished, and what still needs to be done?
The new plaza and main walkway have been completed. Construction is currently underway on the secondary pathways to connect to existing campus pathways. Once that work is complete, landscaping, lighting and other site furnishings will be installed. Twelve new trees will be planted as part of the project.
Student safety is our top priority at Saint Joseph’s University. As part of the university’s campus-wide access control updates, which require students to use their IDs to enter buildings, the side entrance of Merion Hall facing Kelly Plaza will be locked. It will now be exit-only.
We understand that this will be an adjustment for some community members, but these updates are designed to enhance security for everyone on campus. We kindly ask students to use the main entrance doors off the lobby when entering Merion Hall.
What are the accessibility features of the new design, leading from the underpass, around Foley Center and toward Merion Hall?
For the first time in the history of Saint Joseph’s University, there will be a direct, accessible pathway from the Chapel Lawn to the Merion Hall quad. This will allow all individuals to navigate safely and easily across our campus in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Previously, the accessible pathway was confusing and required a lengthy detour to Fine Arts East. Funding for the project was made possible through a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority Multimodal grant.
properties are being sold to the Belmont Neighborhood Educational Alliance, a non-profit that runs a Philadelphia-based network of charter schools. Michael Karp, a real estate mogul who owns student housing in University City and West Philadelphia, is the chair of the Belmont Neighborhood Educational Alliance board of directors.
The Sept. 12 email also states that potential plans for the properties include “a new affordable teachers college, which may help alleviate Philadelphia’s chronic shortage of well-qualified and experienced teachers, as well as a potential new school emphasizing public service and leadership.”
The email states these plans “align with [the university’s] Jesuit mission.”
Construction crews work on the Kelly Academic Plaza outside Cardinal Foley Center, Sept. 13.
SOPHIA GALANTE ’26 News Reporter
LIV BIELAWSKI ’27 News Editor
Renovations continue on Barbelin Hall at St. Joe’s Sept. 13.
Construction continues on the Kelly Academic Plaza outside Cardinal Foley Center, Sept. 13. PHOTOS: DEE ALABEDE ’26/THE HAWK
Renovation work continues on the roof of Barbelin Hall at St. Joe’s, Sept. 13.
Sister Thea Bowman Hall, a new residence hall at St. Joe’s, nears completion Sept. 13. PHOTOS: DEE ALABEDE ’26/THE HAWK
Construction barriers surround renovations outside Cardinal Foley Center near Merion Hall, Sept. 13.
What you should know: Shadow dockets
GRACE O'MEARA ’27
Assistant News Editor
The U.S. Supreme Court issued the decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo (2025) to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to resume raids in California, in which immigration officers may “interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien” about their immigration status.
The decision now allows for ethnicity to be considered a “relevant factor” for interrogation when alongside “other salient factors” like profession, language and accent. The court made this decision through a “shadow docket,” without oral arguments or a written opinion.
What is a shadow docket?
A shadow docket is used to describe a procedure in which the Supreme Court makes a decision without the typical hearings and oral arguments. The term was coined by William Baude, a professor at University of Chicago Law School, in 2015. Normally, cases are decided through the Supreme Court’s “merit docket,” where justices hear oral arguments, read briefs and issue full written opinions. Other judges will often concur or dissent. These cases can take up to weeks or months at a time.
The shadow docket procedure is used when the Supreme Court believes an applicant is “at risk of suffering irreparable
harm in the event their case was not decided as quickly as possible,” according to EBSCO. While these decisions are often brief, judges have the option to dissent if they disagree with the majority.
Why are shadow dockets in the news?
The shadow docket is being used more frequently to make quick decisions in controversial cases, according to the Harvard Political Review.
Throughout the 2024-25 Supreme Court term, 111 cases were decided by shadow docket, a greater than a 150% increase from the 2023-24 term. This spike in the use of shadow dockets has gained media attention, as the Court has used this process to rule on controversial issues, including gerrymandering, environmental regulation, the covid-19 pandemic and abortion.
Historically, when a case was on a shadow docket, the individual justice assigned to that part of the country took oral argument and issued a signed order explaining their reasoning, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. However, the Court’s treatment of the shadow docket began to change in the 1980s when the Court stopped formally adjourning during the summer. Because of this change, justices began to stop holding hearings, as they could work on shadow dockets collectively rather than individually.
Examples of shadow dockets
The most recent use of the shadow docket is Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo (2025). Other examples include Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, New York v. Cuomo (2020), in which the Supreme Court suspended New York’s capacity restrictions on religious ceremonies during the covid-19 pandemic.
In Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson (2021), the Supreme Court refused to block a Texas abortion restriction that prohibits abortions after the fetal heartbeat, in a one-paragraph unsigned order. In Louisiana v. American Rivers (2022), the Supreme Court supported Trump’s regulation preventing states from
blocking infrastructure projects that would contaminate rivers and lakes.
The most high-profile shadow docket decision was Bush v. Gore in 2000, in which the Supreme Court ruled that a recount in Florida was not necessary, thus giving George W. Bush the presidency.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, the use of the shadow docket typically reverses or suspends lower courts’ orders while a case is still being decided.
New vaccine guidelines cause confusion, delay access
SANTILLI ’24, M.A. ’26
Copy Chief
As the 2025-26 vaccine season approaches, new covid-19 vaccine eligibility guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Aug. 27 have created confusion across Pennsylvania, with many unsure about whether they will be able to receive the vaccine. These guidelines limit eligibility to individuals 65 and older and anyone six months or older who has at least one high-risk health condition. Previously, anyone six months and older could receive the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Sept. 18-19 to provide further recommendations. However, in the current absence of official guidance, some major pharmacy chains, including CVS, began requiring prescriptions for people under 65.
Michelle Jeon, PharmD, associate professor of clinical pharmacy, said without clear direction from the ACIP, pharmacies struggled to interpret the new rules, which delayed access to the vaccine for many.
“There were some pharmacies that had the vaccine, and it was in stock and it was in their store, but they didn’t have the guidance of when they’re allowed to
administer it and who they’re allowed to administer it to,” Jeon said.
The confusion surrounding eligibility prompted Gov. Josh Shapiro to call on the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy to take action. The board voted Sept. 3 to allow pharmacists to follow recommendations from several trusted medical bodies, including the FDA, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. All four of these organizations have supported expanding access to the covid vaccine, especially for those who qualify under the FDA’s new guidelines.
Jeon recommended that anyone who is uncertain of their eligibility call their local pharmacy to ask about their specific eligibility criteria, as there could be some differences in guidance depending on what organization’s guidelines a pharmacy chooses to follow.
“Across the board, those over the age of 65 should be eligible, regardless of their risk,” Jeon said. “I would also ask patients when they’re calling their pharmacy to see if they’re eligible to make sure that it’s covered under their insurance because insurance plans do update their coverage on an annual basis, so it’s hard to predict whether it’s covered or not this year.”
Sally Kuykendall, Ph.D., professor of health services, wrote in an email to The
Hawk that while there are many strategies to help prevent and control infectious diseases, vaccinations are highly effective.
“Anyone, staff or students, deciding whether to get the vaccine should speak with a trusted healthcare provider who has your best interests in mind, someone who knows your personal medical history and has earned professional training in disease prevention,” Kuykendall said.
In the midst of these regulatory changes, St. Joe’s is ensuring its community has access to the vaccine.
The Student Health Center is hosting combined covid and flu clinics, open to all students, faculty and staff, Eileen Bevilacqua, RN, director of the Student Health Center, wrote in an email to The Hawk.
The first clinic will take place at the University City campus Oct. 7 in the Integrated Professional Education Complex 202 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Following clinics will take place on the Hawk Hill campus Oct. 9 in the North Lounge in Campion Student Center from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Oct. 15 in the North Lounge from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants must bring their insurance card and state-issued ID.
The flu and covid vaccines are recommended but not required for faculty, staff and students, according to Bevilacqua.
CARA
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Editor-in-Chief
Hannah Pajtis ’26
Managing Editor Bella Privitera ’26
Copy Chief Cara Santilli ’24, M.A.
Editorial: Community is essential in times of turmoil
During current times of global turmoil, conflicts around the world, such as in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Africa, Nepal and here in the U.S., have resulted in vastly polarized politics, divided electorates and political violence. Consequently, many people are left feeling overwhelmed, discouraged and bereft.
In these trying times, it is our Jesuit values and principles that guide us in the direction of finding solace and meaning in our communities, and in building relationships with one another. We need to prioritize practicing empathy, especially when it’s easiest not to do so. Such sentiments are highlighted by leaders like Pope Leo XIV, who spoke in
an interview published Sept. 14, saying, “We live in times when polarization seems to be one of the words of the day, but it’s not helping anybody. Or if it’s helping anyone, it’s very few when everyone else is suffering.”
We should also strive to take active roles in our community by using our moral clarity to call out injustice in all its forms.
However, in our efforts to strengthen our communities and maintain our integrity, we must also prioritize our own mental health and physical safety. Our motto of “cura personalis” reminds us that if we neglect caring for ourselves, we cannot fully dedicate ourselves to serving others, including our most
oppressed peoples. Though it is difficult to regulate our feelings in these moments, it is essential we practice discernment, look inward and reflect. This is how we preserve strength during times of division. Now more than ever, we are called to live with honesty and practice open and civil discourse. It is of utmost importance we remember to carry out our mission of serving “with and for others.” It is in these instances where we are tested the most that we are called to find courage, strength and hope within ourselves and through our community.
A conservative tragedy
Why gun control can no longer be ignored
JUDE
SCIOLI ’29 Guest Columnist
27
Lisbeth Urena 27
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Sports Section
Tess Margis ’26*
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Creative Team
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*Section Editor, Assistant Section Editor or Team Manager
Right-wing conservative political commentator and social media influencer
Charlie Kirk, 31, was tragically shot and killed Sept. 10 during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University.
The late Kirk is quoted as saying, “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”
Kirk’s words now take on a grim irony. His view that gun rights are necessary
for safety and protection is largely echoed among many conservatives, a group Kirk identified with. But, many in this group are staunchly opposed to most, if not all, forms of gun control. What they may neglect to consider are the significant ramifications gun violence poses in America, especially its impact on countless communities who are left grieving in the wake of this violence. Each death represents a family shattered.
Rather than Kirk surviving and potentially becoming a warning about gun violence, Kirk, unfortunately, became a victim of lax gun laws.
Utah’s House Bill 60, passed in 2021, allows anyone to carry a firearm concealed without a permit. This legislation enabled someone to enter
a college campus and commit murder. This is deeply troubling and reveals the devastating flaws in so-called “constitutional carry” policies. Gun violence is not a partisan issue — it affects Americans of every state, class and background. Every day, 125 people die due to gun violence in the U.S. — a staggering number that should concern all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. In the midst of this tragedy, it is my hope that Kirk’s death prompts Americans to reconsider the consequences of unrestricted gun rights. Awareness, advocacy and policy change are desperately needed. We cannot wait for another life to be lost before we face the deadly consequences of our inaction.
Sucked up in social media?
How Nepal’s recent protests highlight our online dependency
TOBY PECK ’26 Guest Columnist
In response to a social media shut down, Nepal’s Gen Z population took to the streets to protest against the political corruption that caused the ban. These protests, while violent, have affected Nepal’s leadership, as seen by the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and the return of social media to the country. Whether there is agreement or disagreement on the methods used to make political change (51 deaths counted by the protests), it is abundantly clear social media is becoming a necessity for today’s age. However, is this reliance on social media a good thing for young people? Social media is deemed important by the United Nations, as shown in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights’ Article 19 declaring the universal right to express opinions and access information through media. The global communication that comes with social media has its perks. The widespread use of social media leads to the increased volume of information flows to far reaching places. Media like Mr. Beast’s YouTube videos building wells and TikTok videos of refugees and war highlight the different struggles and ways to help digitally.
But like any good-intentioned information source, social media has its price. There are many examples of social media’s dark side. Bots, misinformation, disinformation and online bullying plague almost every online platform, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to decipher what is true online. Recent studies have shown increased usage of social media is harmful to mental health, while other studies found that misinformation and disinformation online contribute to division and distrust.
Is social media’s role in our lives a good thing? Unfortunately, I believe social media, for better or for worse, is a fact of life for most people. We have created a virtual crutch on which we need to walk, and it is apparent by the reaction to the shutdown in Nepal. Social media is an important part of life in 2025. So, whether you like it or not, it’s here to stay.
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Education or indoctrination?
Christian nationalist efforts seek to discard the First Amendment
CAROLINE TRIMBLE ’26
Assistant Opinions Editor
When a state mandates that religious materials be displayed in every public school classroom, it sends a clear message: Public schools are no longer neutral spaces. Across the U.S., legislators are attempting to turn classrooms into platforms for Christian nationalism, placing one faith above all others and challenging constitutional principles designed to protect religious freedom.
Louisiana became the first state to pass such a bill, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments along with a state-approved “context statement”
explaining the importance of Christianity to the history of the United States. Texas followed suit with the signing of Senate Bill 10 mandating displays of the Ten Commandments. Similar efforts were seen in 2022 when Texas lawmakers approved a law requiring schools to display “In God We Trust” posters in schools under various guidelines, reframing the nation’s official motto from a civic emblem into a religious endorsement.
The Supreme Court previously struck down a law demanding the display of the Ten Commandments in 1980, citing the First Amendment’s establishment clause as reason for the unconstitutionality. More recently, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court ruled against the state of Louisiana’s
mandate, reinforcing the constitutional provisions preventing one religion being favored above all others. Yet, with the current Supreme Court’s stray from legal precedents, it is unclear how the justices would decide a case like this if it was presented to them today.
Public schools must serve as a neutral space for students to come together to learn how to think, not to be told what they must believe. These mandates are nothing less than an attack on religious freedom, and the First Amendment. Courts must rule in favor of the law, emphasizing that the government has no authority to indoctrinate children in the Christian faith, or any faith for that matter.
How can we rest assured?
Supreme Court ruling on racial profiling a win for Trump administration
SHARON JONNALAGADDA ’29 Guest Columnist
On Sept. 8, the U.S. Supreme Court paused a ruling from a federal judge that barred Los Angeles immigration officers from stopping civilians for searches based on race, language, job or location. In Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, the 9th Circuit Court concluded that, in districts where a large portion of the population was Latino, there wasn’t enough grounds for “reasonable suspicion” based on whether they spoke Spanish, their race, their job or if they were found in places that undocumented individuals were stereotyped to be
in. This temporary restraining order was initially set in place to prevent the “roving patrols” ICE officers frequently conducted in LA that often led to detaining innocent people. Following the decision, the Trump administration and non-governmental organizations filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, claiming the new restrictions placed a damper on the administration’s crack-down on immigration.
This recent 6-3 decision lifted the temporary restraining order and expanded ICE’s freedom in conducting searches. Some of the justices have publicly dissented against the ruling, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who criticized the ruling for subjecting thousands of people to unconstitutional
searches and detainment.
Federal attorneys have said such searches were based on suspicion of unlawful presence, not on the aforementioned four factors alone. Instead, these are only aspects officers may consider when investigating unlawful presence. However, ICE has a well-known reputation of prejudice toward members of the Hispanic community. Critics have pointed out that, without judicial oversight to keep it in check, the administration’s offenses toward targeted communities will continue.
This ruling comes as another judicial victory for the Trump administration in its mass deportation plan. The U.S. government is founded on the principle of checks and balances so that no
individual branch’s agenda overpowers the others. However, the Supreme Court’s recent rulings have been lenient toward the recent administration, with three justices having been appointed by Trump. When the systems meant to protect our community cannot do so, how can we rest assured?
Environmental justice: A civil rights issue
Everyone deserves access to healthy living conditions
JOMARIA FURICCHIA ’27
Guest Columnist
The first thing many of us picture when we hear “civil rights” is probably a protest, a demonstration or a case going to the Supreme Court. However, recent civil rights issues are also erupting in neighborhoods poisoned by environmental toxins, communities trying to recover from contaminated drinking water and even in prisons. This is where environmental justice must play a role.
Environmental justice means ensuring everyone has equal access to clean air, safe water and a healthy environment. The fact is, this playing field is far from level. Research has shown that low-income communities and communities of color are most likely to be near facilities that burn toxic waste, busy roads with toxic
air emissions or factories with toxic chemical emissions. The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and the decades of health issues in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” are just two examples of this extreme.
As someone majoring in criminal justice, I find myself taking note of how these issues interrelate with the justice system. Prisons, for instance, tend to be located on previously polluted land or in flood zones, subjecting inmates to exposure to heat waves, contaminated water and environmental hazards. Meanwhile, corporations that cause irreversible damage to the environment face only minor fines. The imbalance of who pays the fine and who bears the blame is a form of unjust legal judgment.
Individuals have taken action to fight the imbalance. In Juliana v. United States, for instance, activists and students demanded the government take more action on climate change, the way we do constitutional rights. On St. Joe’s campus,
fighting for sustainable initiatives and holding institutions accountable are part of that same battle.
Environmental justice is not just about the Earth or our individual campus. It is also about dignity, equality and the
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Another year, another deferred budget
Pennsylvania’s continuous budget woes
JARED NACHIMSON ’27 Hawk Columnist
Throughout this past summer, I had the “distinct” honor of seeing firsthand how our state government functions when grappling with the time-old question every large business-like entity faces: How can funds be effectively distributed to maintain fiscal responsibility while sustaining institutional wherewithal? As with personal finances, deciding where and how to allocate money is an all-consuming headache that demands compromise and discipline. However, unlike individualized spending, the state budget requires the consensus of most, if not all, leading political actors throughout Pennsylvania. The added entanglement of political factions vying to ensure fiscal integrity while chasing political points to showcase steadfastness to constituents
has drawn a fine, consequential line. This recurring tension has undermined funding-dependent services and institutions that suffer from politicians’ indecisiveness and irresponsibility in not fulfilling their constitutionally-mandated duty to produce a balanced budget on time.
When we last left the state budget in February 2025, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro confidently presented his $51.5 billion proposal to the legislature. The slim Democratic-controlled House largely supported its education, infrastructure and tax reforms, but the Republican-dominated Senate lambasted it as fiscally irresponsible. Regardless, both sides initially signaled willingness to compromise in closed-door meetings during the anticipated arduous budget process. However, since then, only speculative discussions have reportedly occurred between the three lead negotiators: Shapiro, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and House Majority
A parasocial problem
Leader Matt Bradford. Now months past the deadline, the impasse persists, fueling uncertainty for Pennsylvania institutions — particularly education, transportation and infrastructure — on how they should be fairly funded.
While some issues like equitable education remain non-negotiable, permeating issues like college grants, the underlying factors driving the almost yearly budget delay seem to be characterized by partisan stunts. These stunts are aimed more at beating the other side than serving Pennsylvanians. A more holistic approach must be pursued, whether the legislature passes the budget tomorrow or weeks from now. This is to ensure funds are allocated fairly across the state and, more importantly, to restore public confidence that our government can responsibly manage public spending, just as millions of Pennsylvanians strive to do with their own finances.
Parasocial relationships impact both you and your favorite stars
MACKENZIE AUSTIN ’27
Guest Columnist
Recently online, I’ve noticed an uptick in toxic parasocial relationships. For those who don’t know what parasocial means, it’s essentially a one-sided relationship with a person with notoriety who you form an attachment to. I’ve noticed a cultural shift where people don’t know the difference between being a fan and being obsessive. Slowly but surely, it’s become the norm to harass someone because they didn’t drop an album or did something fans felt didn’t align with how they should act. It’s gotten to the point where celebrities, actors, musicians and others have had to physically set boundaries with their fans.
This reoccurring behavior gets into dangerous territory, not just because of who it’s happening to but also why.
Respecting boundaries is basic human decency, and if we’re not doing that for people we don’t even know (who also happen to be the biggest contributors to our beloved media machine), there is a bigger issue at hand. It devalues the individual and the importance of everyone who contributes to pop culture. A hive mind can be harmful without proper context and self-awareness. The normalization of the thought, “It shouldn’t matter because I’m a fan of XYZ,” has produced a ripple effect over time.
Toxic parasocial relationships aren’t always intentionally formed but have grave consequences. This was seen in the case of the Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who was murdered by a follower who formed a fan club for her. People saw how Selena’s death affected people who didn’t know her personally, and those who did were
The power of creatine
devastated. This story is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident, and can happen to anyone. The only difference is, on a smaller level, inappropriate behavior is seen as stalking and is often not
taken seriously unless you have the resources and spotlight. Toxic parasocial relationships not only have an impact on popular media but you as well due to the violation of basic human decency.
Not just for the muscles, but the mind
Creatine has been established as a reliable and effective supplement in athletic training and the exercise community. Creatine enhances short-term muscular drive by rapidly recycling energy during intense anaerobic exercise. In the bodybuilding community, creatine has sprouted as a supplement to grow muscle, with it being very effective at attracting and holding onto water as a way to “bloat” your muscles. But creatine is not only stored in muscle but also the brain. Due to creatine’s energy-buffering effects and how highly metabolic the brain is, there has been an emerging body of research looking into creatine’s role and the effects of supplementation. Once muscle
creatine stores are maximized, additional creatine may increase brain power.
Numerous studies point to claims such as improved cognitive function, memory and processing speed from taking creatine. There was also a research study performed on a group of young adults in stressed conditions (sleep deprivation) where a large single dose of creatine (20 grams) was administered before sleeping hours to examine if creatine would attenuate the effects of the lack of sleep. This study found that creatine intake could improve some energy markers, aid short-term memory throughout the night and increase reaction time.
Looking at the effects of creatine, it is pretty clear that creatine is not just an athletic enhancer supplement but could also be an important support for brain health. Careful consideration should
always be taken, however, as most studies looked at individuals that would almost never eat it, like vegans, or had a state of cognition below average. Most studies also did not have large groups to compare to, so remembering that creatine affects everyone differently is important. Lastly, no one should see it as a long-term shortcut to replace sleep or healthy habits without possible repercussions.
Creatine deserves a place in the conversation beyond weight rooms. For people already taking it, the potential brain benefits are a welcome bonus. And for those who have never tried it, creatine is one of the safest, most researched supplements available. It may be worth considering, not just for muscles but also for the mind.
GRAPHIC: BLADIMIR LEMUS ’26/THE HAWK
VALENTYN SUKHYY ’27
Guest Columnist
GRAPHIC: BLADIMIR LEMUS ’26/THE HAWK
GRAPHIC: BLADIMIR LEMUS ’26/THE HAWK
Currently in Pop Culture: Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA perfomance
As Sabrina Carpenter shimmered across the stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in an outfit reminiscent of Britney Spears’ 2001 VMAs look, she shared the moment with others she felt deserved to be seen and represented. A few who joined her on stage were Symone, Denali Foxx and Lexi Love, all stars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Their presence on stage highlighted Carpenter’s commitment to representation and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community as they held up signs advocating for equality and transgender rights.
Her nominations
The 2025 VMA’s marked Carpenter’s second time on the iconic stage — her
first being last year when she sang her hits “Espresso,” “Taste” and “Please Please Please.” For her second year, she performed “Tears” from her new album, “Man’s Best Friend.” The pop star had eight nominations for the night, which included Best Album for “Short n’ Sweet” and Video of the Year for her hit single “Manchild.” She brought home three trophies: Best Visual Effects, Best Album and Best Pop Artist. With her wins and outstanding performance, Carpenter solidified her status even more as one of today’s leading pop artists.
What her performance represented At a time when many transgender communities are under attack and are facing limitations to gender identity care, Carpenter used her VMA performance as a way to powerfully uplift the LGBTQ community. A longtime ally, Carpenter recently raised over $1 million dollars
for LGBTQ+ causes through The Sabrina Carpenter Fund, which launched during her Short n’ Sweet Tour. The Sabrina Carpenter Fund is in partnership with PLUS1, a non-profit organization that partners with artists and brands to fund non-profit organizations supporting social justice causes. In an interview with Forbes, Carpenter shared that her goal is to “support some of the issue areas that matter most to [her]: mental health, animal welfare and LGBTQ+ rights.” This performance is one of many ways Carpenter has used her platform to spark change and show her support for the LGBTQ community.
Backlash
While many supported and applauded Carpenter’s performance, it also sparked debate and controversy. Some have called her performance “performative activism,” using it as a way to improve
One more hit: Seven days without a vape
CARTER KARPINSKI ’25, M.S. ’27 Hawk Staff
I come from a very long line of nicotine addicts.
We were a Marlboro family for a long time, but members of my family got nicotine in all forms: cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars and now, vapes. My grandma once said, “My vape is my favorite thing in my life. Besides my family, I guess.”
Once, I was a kid with big dreams. I still remember the D.A.R.E. presentations and anti-smoking assemblies in school. I promised myself I would never smoke. My grandma smoked around me, and it always smelled terrible. But then, someone invented a way to get nicotine that smelled like blue raspberry and tasted like candy.
I’ve been vaping for three years. I started when my roommate let me try his vape. Then, I got my own. A pretty common story.
“Everything goes back to social pressure,” said Taylor Moran, M.A. ’25, assistant director of the Prevention Academy and leader of St. Joe’s Collegiate Recovery Program. “Wanting to fit in, not wanting to go against the grain of what others are doing.”
Moran noted the prevalence of nicotine on college campuses, where vaping, like alcohol, often feels socially expected. When I spoke to other college-aged adults who vape, I heard the same thing.
“I didn’t vape all throughout high school, and then before I got to college and I started meeting people, it’s just something I got introduced to,” said Zachary Serinsky, 21, of King of Prussia. “Then I occasionally did it, and then my roommate had one and then I got my own.”
Serinksy’s experience is common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15.5% of adults aged 21 to 24 report using electronic cigarettes.
Serinsky vaped for two years before recently quitting. At first, vaping felt temporary.
“When you’re in college, you try new things, and then once you get out of college, you quit,” Serinsky said. “But then I heard myself saying that too much, and I went home for Winter Break, and I was like, ‘You know what, I’m just gonna end this now.’”
That mindset resonated. I used to vape only around friends. Then it became constant.
The ease of access is what separates vapes from cigarettes: You can do it inside, it doesn’t smell and it fits in your pocket. Slowly, vaping became a fixture in my life. If I went too long without it, I got antsy and had to step away.
“When I started, [I’d get] home from class and be like, ‘Let me rip this real quick,’ get a nice little buzz and then go on with my day,” Serinsky said. “But once I became fully addicted to it, it was more like I needed it to have a day and less like something that enhanced my day.”
For most people, there’s that eye-opening moment: Vaping is no longer a stress relief. It’s the stressor.
“I definitely realized it two or three months into me having it,” said Noah Hilliard, 24, of Norfolk, Virginia. “I’d been using it every single day, almost hourly. I remember an instance where I had gone to the beach, and I forgot to bring my vape with me. The first inclination I had that something was wrong was the fact I kept reaching for my right pocket, and it was because I kept my vape in my right pocket all the time. I would notice, too, I would get really antsy, and I wouldn’t really find myself being interested in conversations. There was a certain anxiety proceeding over everything.”
Hilliard has been using nicotine products for three years. He’s tried to quit before but said stress always pulled him back in.
While I can’t pinpoint the moment I realized I was addicted, I know I am. So, in mid-April, I decided to quit.
Day 1 felt strange. The craving wasn’t unbearable, but the absence was glaring. For three years, the first thing I did every morning was hit my vape. This time, I utilized coping skills, like chewing gum and drinking water.
Eileen Bevilacqua, RN, director of the Student Health Center, recommends NRT, or nicotine replacement therapy, which delivers nicotine without the harmful chemicals in tobacco and vapes. Research shows NRT can nearly double your chances of quitting, according to Bevilacqua.
The Student Health Center carries free samples of NRT gum and will assist students in building a plan to quit. I didn’t use these resources, though I should have.
Days 2 and 3 were harder. I was tired, my throat hurt and I was furious at
her career image and standing. This conversation highlights the question of whether celebrities are genuine advocates toward social issues or if it’s all just a part of their image.
everything. Every minor inconvenience felt like a personal attack. My brain was foggy, my body uncomfortable and I kept reaching for something that wasn’t there.
“When you’re addicted to something, your brain will always be wired to think that using that substance is the answer to all of your problems,” Moran said. “So, when you’re experiencing withdrawal, your mind will see that as a reason to justify use, to help with the discomfort.”
Days 4 through 6 were an emotional blur. Physically, I felt better, no more nausea or sore throat, but emotionally, I was on edge. One minute I was fine, and the next, I was crying. I’m an emotional person, but I sobbed to “Inside Out 2” like it was “Schindler’s List.” My body was missing dopamine, and everything felt hollow.
Day 7 was still emotional, but the fog had cleared. A week isn’t long enough to kick an addiction, but after three years of constant vaping, seven days felt like a small miracle.
For many students, it’s hard to ask for help. It can be hard to be open about addiction due to fear of judgment from peers or family. But support can be the difference between success and continuing the status quo. It’s possible to quit alone, but it’s harder.
“Addiction is a disease,” Moran said. “While it is preventable, there are so many factors that contribute to someone developing an addiction. I think people are
quick to judge and write things off that they don’t fully understand.”
I’ll still sometimes catch myself fidgeting or putting my hand near my mouth like I’m vaping, but four months later, I still haven’t. Addiction doesn’t end after one week or four months. Honestly, I don’t think it ever ends. Every time I pass a vape shop, which is quite often considering there’s about three on every block in Philly, I still think about going in and buying one. Every time I see someone hit their vape, I think about asking for a hit. But I don’t.
Members of the St. Joe’s community seeking support are encouraged to contact the following resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 610-660-1090
Campus Ministry, 610-660-1030
The Office of Student Outreach & Support, 610-660-1149
The Jesuit community, 610-660-1400
Employee Assistance Program, 866-799-2728
Carter Karpinski ’25, M.S. ’27, stands strong after quitting vaping. PHOTO: MAX FISHER ’25, M.S. ’27/THE HAWK
OLIVIA GASPARRO ’27
Features Columnist
GRAPHIC: CARMEN KNOPF ’27/THE HAWK
CineHawk: ‘Superman’ (2025)
TAYLA J. EVANS ’27 Features Editor
Embedded with feelings of pure hope, the comic adaptation “Superman” (2025) is an immediate classic. Written and directed by James Gunn, “Superman” is currently playing in theaters and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
The movie follows Clark Kent (David Corenswet), who was sent to Earth from a dying, distant planet Krypton to save his life, where he is adopted and raised by humans. A bumbling reporter from Kansas by day, Clark takes on the mantle of Superman, pledging himself to serve humanity from all levels of threats.
At the start of the film, the fictional country of Boravia attempts to invade neighboring fictional country Jarhanpur. By stopping this, Superman incidentally causes international strife as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a billionaire scientist, does everything in his power to destroy Superman. All the while, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and her fellow journalists at the Daily Planet attempt to find out the truth behind the conflict.
While well-paced and witty, the film takes on the huge task of balancing a large
ensemble cast while progressing its plot. Adding concepts of an entire team of reporters and “gang” of superheroes on top of the intricate plot proved to be difficult. Balancing all of these characters in a significant way didn’t allow for meaningful character growth beyond the three leads: Superman, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor.
Regardless, the soundtrack to the film was impressive. The film’s score, composed by John Murphy and David Fleming, incorporates past Superman themes. Imbued with feelings of hope and determination, the theme reinvents the iconic John Williams score from “Superman: The Movie” (1978).
The villain’s main theme, “LuthorCorp,” contrasts the optimistic “Last Son” with electric, almost slimy-sounding synth.
The film’s coloring evokes the sense of a bright comic book page, honoring the iconic character and his love for humanity. Even in times of darkness, vivid lighting shines through. Further, the vibrant blue and red suit adorned by Superman pays homage to the original comic suit, with a modern, sleek edge.
Additionally, the chemistry between Corenswet and both Hoult and Brosnahan, respectively, was palpable. Corenswet’s incredible performance showcased the
witty, heartfelt dialogue, “Superman” is a delightful reimagining of one of the very first and most iconic superheroes.
AI therapy promises help, but is it the real deal?
REBECCA ROMITO ’26 Hawk Staff
“Hi there! How can I help you? What happened today?” my therapist asked.
“I have been feeling really stressed with juggling my school work,” I replied.
“I hear you,” they reassured me. “Schoolwork can often feel like a heavy load, especially with everything else going on. Can you share what specifically about your schoolwork is causing you stress?”
I paused for a moment, took a breath and told my new therapist, an artificial intelligence bot, what was going on.
AI therapy is a type of virtual mental health treatment that involves using artificial intelligence to provide mental health support, and a growing number of people are considering the option, given the difficulty, and cost, of accessing traditional therapists. According to YouGov, in May 2024, 34% of Americans said they would be comfortable sharing their mental health concerns with an AI chatbot over a human therapist.
Nearly 50% of individuals who could benefit from therapeutic services are unable to reach them. AI therapy has its benefits: It’s accessible and cost-effective. While some platforms charge per month to use their chatbots, plenty of sites are free to use. Furthermore, AI therapy can be accessed instantly and is available 24/7.
Using Earkick, a previously free personal AI therapist, I did a 45-minute session equivalent to a typical in-person therapy session to better understand the considerations of AI therapy. Most of Earkick is no longer free and only supports limited use before needing a plan.
Operating AI therapy was simple. I would type how I was feeling into the chat, and the chatbot would respond with guidance, follow-up questions, support and strategies.
In September 2024, Nicholas Fearn, a freelance journalist from Neath, United Kingdom, spent a month with an AI therapist. I asked Fearn what that was like.
“Due to being autistic, I struggle to speak to people in real life,” Fearn said. “So, when I had the opportunity to review Wysa, I thought it was worth a try.”
Wysa is an AI-powered personal coach
with accessible mental health support.
Fearn noted the often long waiting lists for mental health therapy through the U.K.’s National Health Service. He said private therapy was out of his budget.
“The AI chatbot did a great job of understanding my feelings and providing actionable advice,” Fearn said. “For instance, ahead of my nephew’s christening, I was nervous about seeing loads of old and new faces. I asked Wysa for advice on overcoming social anxiety, and it advised strategies like saying a simple hello when greeting someone and asking how they are.”
While working with Earkick, I quickly realized how easy it was to open up to the chatbot, even if at a surface level. The bot did not judge me. In addition, it was quick and convenient to access. I was able to have my session at a convenient time for my busy student schedule.
Torrey Creed, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania, works to help human therapists.
“Lots of the work that I do is designed to support human therapists in doing the best possible job they can,” Creed said.
Creed noted she is hesitant about the idea of AI therapists.
“People sometimes think that because it’s a computer, it’s infallible,” Creed said. “That’s not true because it takes in so many of the good things about people but also the shortcomings that people carry. It’s really important that people use a grain of salt when they’re looking at AI.”
I recognized other limitations in my experience with the Earkick chatbot. It was clear human interaction was missing. As the session continued, I withheld deeper information on myself, as no trust was built.
Leila Hodzic, a licensed clinical social worker based in New Jersey also isn’t a fan of AI for therapy.
“Society is already becoming too socially withdrawn,” Hodzic said. “Seeking this human interaction from a computer promotes even more isolation.”
Hodzic also noted that AI isn’t a good substitute for human connection.
“From a clinical perspective, there’s no way to build a relationship like connecting on an emotional level with another person,”
Hodzic said. “It can’t be replicated with a computer … A computer can analyze and spit out some sort of a response to you, but it’s not feeling anything. It’s not also providing anything to you about the computer’s personality or life or experiences with which you could connect.”
Creed emphasized the lack of connection between a human being and a computer as well.
“It’s an algorithm, it’s math, it’s not a human being, and there are some fundamental important things about the connection between two human beings,” Creed said.
In a Stanford study, it was revealed that AI therapy chatbots may not only lack effectiveness compared to human therapists but could also contribute to harmful stigma and dangerous responses. The American Psychological Association has urged the Federal Trade Commission and legislators to put safeguards in place as users increasingly turn to apps for mental health support.
“The clinician is responsible for calling police, calling an ambulance, calling the person’s crisis contact,” Hodzic said. “A computer is not going to do those things. A computer is not going to be able to sense when someone is in danger and follow a
crisis plan protocol the way that a human being is.”
I didn’t like AI therapy. It lacked everything that makes a therapy session meaningful: personal, human connection and feeling safe and heard. I wouldn’t recommend the use of AI therapy to anyone. When I struggle with stress and anxiety, I’m going to utilize a human therapist who can properly address my needs in a safe and meaningful manner.
Members of the St. Joe’s community seeking support are encouraged to contact the following resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 610-660-1090
Campus Ministry, 610-660-1030
The Office of Student Outreach & Support, 610-660-1149
The Jesuit community, 610-660-1400
Employee Assistance Program, 866-799-2728
Rebecca Romito ’26 with the AI therapy model she experimented with.
PHOTO: PRESTON THOMAS ’28/THE HAWK
ILLUSTRATION: LUKE SANELLI ’26/THE HAWK
A student’s guide to off-campus living
TAYLA J. EVANS ’27
Features Editor
How do you unclog a toilet now that you can’t call Facilities? What do you do when your neighbor isn’t a student anymore, but they’re being super loud? What is this thing everyone is referring to called “utilities?”
Many upper-level students are asking these very questions now that their beloved dorm halls are no longer home. Whether you’ve just moved into your own studio apartment or a six-bedroom townhouse, here’s a list of tips and tricks to get you through living all on your own.
Establish open communication with your roommates
If you and your roommate aren’t getting along, that’s normal — just try to have open communication with them. Cohabiting is hard on everyone, so your best course of action is simply talking about the issues that are bothering you. Better yet, try and plan group hangouts or activities with your roommates to strengthen your relationships! Something as easy as a weekly TV show binge may do the trick.
Get to know your neighbors
You might not live right next to other students, so try to introduce yourselves to your neighbors (especially in apartments or townhouses since you are sharing a wall with them). Establishing a connection and keeping an open dialogue with your neighbors can make all the difference.
Research your appliances
You are responsible for a multitude of new gadgets you probably didn’t have to think about before. Dishwashers, sinks, toilets and potentially even washing machines and dryers are all at your disposal. Do the responsible thing and search up a quick video on maintenance so you don’t have to spend a ton of money replacing broken appliances.
Maintain a good relationship with your landlord or superintendent
Whether you have an apartment or a house, you probably are paying rent. This comes with a landlord or superintendent. In both cases, they will be able to help you with issues you can’t fix, like a broken shower or bug infestation.
Don’t slack on chores
There’s a lot more space to take care of and clean in off-campus houses and apartments. Try creating a chore chart that is equitably split up or rotates each week. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your roommates if anyone is unable to complete their chores. Try giving clear, gentle reminders. If you’re living alone, make sure you allot yourself plenty of time throughout the week to clean up. Try writing down a checklist of chores to do each week!
Designate someone to collect the utilities
Off-campus living usually means paying for bills like water, electricity and Wi-Fi. These are called utilities. Designate different people to be in charge of collecting the money from the house for the different
utility companies so one person isn’t doing it all.
Walk with friends at night
Sometimes, you can get caught up late on campus because you were in a night class, studying or at a late event. If you
CROSSWORD: Writers and works
BRENNAN DILLENBECK ’28
Staff
Across
live far from campus, it’s important to think about safety during your commute home. Coordinate with a friend, housemate or neighbor to get back to your house or apartment!
1. This author’s works inspired the Irish holiday, Bloomsday.
3. Another word to describe a banned book.
5. What many have while reading.
7. “___ Quixote.”
9. Ernest Hemingway once criticized this author, saying, “Does he really think big emotions come from big words?”
10. This “Beloved” author has helped define modern American fiction, winning the 1993 Nobel Prize in literature.
Down
1. The first name of “Uzumaki” author, Ito.
2. The action taken to ensure the spine of a book stays together.
4. The city featured in “The Iliad,” also called Troy.
6. The familiar nickname of Gabriel García Márquez.
8. If Hamlet is mad, it is but “_____-north-west.”
GRAPHIC: MOLLY DETTLNGER ’27/THE HAWK
Hawk
RedZone sacked with ads this football season
Football fans everywhere took to social media this week to express frustration after two “unrelated” announcements from the NFL made headlines: a deal with ESPN, a subsidiary of Disney, and the addition of ads to a previously ad-free RedZone.
NFL RedZone is a channel on the NFL Network that offers live-coverage of Sunday NFL football games. The channel focuses on moments that happen within the red zone — between the 20-yard line and the goal line — or whichever team is closest to the end zone, offering an exciting alternative to regular game coverage.
The NFL announced ESPN would acquire the licensing and distribution rights to RedZone. The NFL, however, will continue to own and operate the channel. Meanwhile, RedZone’s host, Scott Hanson, alerted fans of an advertising change on a podcast, stating his introduction of the show will change from “seven hours of commercial-free football” to “seven hours of RedZone football.” This prompted RedZone fans to speculate the events were connected, blaming Disney for the change. While an NFL spokesperson said
the announcements were a coincidence in timing, fans believe otherwise.
Regardless of where this decision originated, it points to a larger trend of streaming platforms utilizing ads. When it comes to advertising, streaming services like Disney are beginning to resemble what they once destroyed: cable. Early on, the major benefit of streaming was no commercial breaks, and this model quickly dominated over traditional cable TV. Despite this success, Disney and other streaming services began using various ad-supported tier plans, allowing them to increase revenue as if subscription fees weren’t enough. They market ad-supported tiers as a costsensitive alternative to ad-free tiers, but have essentially moved the goal post of affordability.
Given its track record, Disney will likely continue to make deals that increase revenue at the expense of the consumer experience as long as streaming remains dominant over alternative competitors of cable TV. Thus, the days of ad-free streaming are of the past, and overpriced ad-packed streaming is the future. Some may call this a transitional period for media toward a more innovative way to stream, but I call it a scam.
GRAPHIC: JORDAN SHARER ’25/THE HAWK
GRAPHIC: BLADIMIR LEMUS ’26/THE HAWK
MCKENNA GRAHAM ’27 Guest Columnist
Student-athlete bounces back from two ACL tears
‘The first thing that went through my mind was honestly just relief’
TESS MARGIS ’26 Assistant Sports Editor
DIANA SOSA ’27 Sports Reporter
After recovering from back-to-back ACL tears, Jayda Shehadi ’26 was named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending Sept. 7.
Shehadi netted both goals in St. Joe’s 2-1 win over Temple Sept. 4, winning her the title and recording the first brace of her college career. The first thing on her mind was relief, she said.
“It just felt like I finally went over that hump of all of these obstacles that I had to go against,” Shehadi said.
Shehadi, who tore her separate ACLs her sophomore and junior year and said it was a “shock” touching a soccer ball again during both rehabilitations.
“I just don’t have the technical skills that I did before I got hurt, and I have to train even harder to get all of them back,” Shehadi said.
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is located in the center of the knee joint. It provides rotational stability for the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding in front of the femur. Women soccer players are twice as likely to tear their ACL than men due to anatomical differences.
The first tear was “mentally exhausting,” Shehadi said, but the second tear was tougher than the first. She was already familiar with the recovery process and said she knew how much work she was going to
have to put in to play again.
“As much as I had a great support system and teammates behind me, you can be alone at times just trying to figure out how to deal with this yourself because you are the one that’s hurt,” Shehadi said.
Shehadi said knowing she wouldn’t play soccer for months was difficult to handle, but for head coach Jess Mannella, the grit displayed by Shehadi played a significant role in the rehabilitation process.
“It’s just a step-by-step process, and once you can move forward, you move forward,” Mannella said. “She was diligent in what she had to do, and she went through a lot of hurdles coming back.”
Mannella said Shehadi's involvement on campus helped her keep her personal identity separate from who she is on the field.
“We try and do a good job of having soccer not be your main identity,” Mannella said. “I think anyone who is hurt goes through this change of, ‘OK, well if I don’t have this, what do I have?’ I think she’s involved in so many things, which is what’s an amazing thing about Jayda.”
Shehadi said her teammates and coaches were the best support system to have around her while she recovered.
“[If] I had a setback that day and I couldn’t do something, they were like, ‘Jayda, don’t worry, you’ll be able to do this
next week,’” Shehadi said. “My teammates also wanted the best for me, and if that meant me not being able to do something, they just made sure that I was OK.”
Mannella said the team has provided a stable support system for one another during this process.
“People who have been through that before leaned on her, and she leaned on them, and she’s also been great with people who are going through similar things,” Mannella said.
Dani Stuart ’25, M.S. ’27, has played soccer with Shehadi since they were 10 years old and has also torn her ACL. Stuart said it was “exciting” to watch her come back and play. The team was happy to see her back because of the impact she makes both on and off the field.
“Wherever she is on campus, on and off the field, her voice is extremely important,” Stuart said. “I think whatever she does, after college sports in general, she will excel with her work ethic, and her heart.”
GRAPHIC: JORDAN SHARER ’25/THE HAWK
Jayda Shehadi ’26 scored both goals in the Hawks 2-1 win over Temple, Sept. 4.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SJU ATHLETICS
University’s first male dancer becomes Eagles cheerleader
‘Maybe this is something for me’
MONICA SOWINSKI ’26
Assistant Sports Editor
Uncertain about the next step in his dance career, Dalton Walsh ’24 hit “send” on his Philadelphia Eagles cheer audition video the night of the April 14 deadline. That click changed everything.
Former SJU Dance Team captain for two seasons, Walsh became an NFL cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles Aug. 5. Walsh is the first male dancer in SJU Dance history.
Kiki Pigford ’16, SJU Dance Team head coach, said a core memory she has of Walsh is his tryout for the SJU Dance Team. Pigford was originally unsure what to expect, as the team had never coached a
man before. But after seeing his tryout, she knew what she had to do.
“His tryout was just so undeniable that it just felt right to take our first male on the team,” Pigford said.
During his time at St. Joe’s, Walsh was a part of the team that won the Universal Dance Association’s College National Championship in Division I Pom. The intensity of training and competing swayed him toward auditioning for NFL cheerleading.
As a former gymnast, Walsh has a strong background in acrobatics. Watching a male cheerleader friend on the New England Patriots tumble on the field inspired him to try out for the Eagles.
“To see that really opened my eyes,” Walsh said. “If I can do everything that I
want to do, then maybe this is something for me.”
Walsh performed during the Eagles home opener at the Lincoln Financial Field Sept. 4, which he said was a day where his “dreams finally came true.”
“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt in my life,” Walsh said. “As soon as I ran out there and everyone started screaming, my smile was growing bigger every single second. I feel like I got an overly exerted amount of love, nervousness, chills. It was every single kind of emotion and feeling hitting you at once.”
Walsh is now a part of the largest group of male cheerleaders on the Eagles, with three men currently on the team. About onethird of NFL teams have male cheerleaders, but online harassment remains a problem. In August, the Minnesota Vikings received backlash online after posting a video featuring their two male cheerleaders, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn.
Walsh, alongside his teammates James LeGette and Alex Fan, spoke in support of Shiek and Conn on Good Morning America Aug. 20.
“Continue to tune the noise out,” Walsh said on Good Morning America. “At the end, it’s really only you and yourself, and you have to make yourself happy.”
Walsh said the Eagles have been very supportive of him and his teammates.
“[The Eagles] definitely did not back down at all,” Walsh said “They love the male cheerleaders. They completely stuck up for us.”
Cassie Boone ’17, assistant coach of the SJU Dance Team and former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, said Walsh is helping inspire boys who want to pursue cheerleading.
“Seeing someone like Dalton in that role shows it’s not something to be scared of or shy about,” Boone said. “It’s something that they can be proud of. He is so positive and holds his head so high in this role.”
Pigford knows the transition to professional cheerleading for Walsh will be smooth because of the mark he left at St.
Joe’s. Walsh comes back to St. Joe’s to teach dance combinations for recruitment clinics the SJU Dance Team hosts.
“High school dancers that get to take class from him always rave about him and how he teaches and how he connects with everyone,” Pigford said.
Pigford said although Walsh is no longer a student at St. Joe’s, his impact remains.
“It was great to have him be a part of the program [and] still be such a presence that we have alumni coming to the game asking ‘Where is the boy?’” Pigford said. He’s been graduated two years, so it’s just still so cool to see the legacy he has left.”
The Phillies final push toward Red October
The Phillies are looking to keep this month’s momentum going with Red October quickly approaching. As the current leaders of the National League East, the team has clinched their fourth consecutive playoff berth and is on track to win their second straight division title.
After being swept by the Mets on the road in August, it was a riveting series of revenge as the Phillies swept the Mets at Citizen’s Bank Park last week. History was madeinthefour-gamedivisionmatch-upas designated hitter Kyle Schwarber reached a milestone of 50 home runs in the regular season. He joins former first baseman Ryan Howard as the only franchise players to reach this incredible feat. “It’s something that you don’t take lightly,” Schwarber stated while reflecting on yet another one of his incredible in-season achievements. As the 34thplayerinMajor League Baseball history to pull off this monumental accomplishment, Schwarber continues to build his case to be named the National League’s MVP.
The Phillies are playing well despite multiple injuries spanning the roster as of
late. The most significant loss of the season occurredinmid-AugustwithZackWheeler’s season-ending diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The Cy Young candidate underwent a successful procedure, but the 6-8 month recovery period will prevent him from making a return in 2025. If the Phillies want a shot at a deep postseason run, it is pivotal for the rest of the pitching staff to be on their A” game.
Third baseman Alec Bohm and shortstop Trea Turner’s recent injuries propelled the decision to call up Triple-A Lehigh Valley infielders Otto Kemp and Donovan Walton. Versatile infielders Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott have also been tasked with further contributing to the team in order to close out the regular season strong. Bohm and Turner were each placed on the 10-day injury list with left shoulder inflammation and a right hamstring strain, respectively “We expect him to be back by playoff time,” Phillies manager Rob Thompson said following T urner ’ s diagnosis. The National League’s lone .300 hitter suffered the setback as he raced down the first base line Sept. 7. As for Bohm, the decision to place him on the injury list was strictly precautionary as the 29-year-old has been playing
the
for
to fully prepare for the playoffs.
Despite key absences, the Phillies certainly have the momentum they desperately need going into the postseason.
While the current team has been putting in the work these last couple of weeks, a full-strength Fightin’ Phils roster is waiting to charge into October.
through
pain
quite some time. The Phillies starting third baseman is treating the non-urgent matter now in order
NICOLE FRANZ ’27
Guest Columnist
Dalton Walsh ’24 cheers at the Eagles-Browns preseason game, Aug. 16.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Dalton Walsh ’24 performing at Universal Dance Association’s College National Championship.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DALTON WALSH.