The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Volume 96, Issue 1

Students join Quinnipiac's Office of Title IX as legal interns Quinnipiac opens up the school year with new common hour celebration

By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor

Quinnipiac University’s Office of Title IX welcomes three legal interns to assist in the office and around campus.

Inside the office, interns will conduct legal and policy research for office processes and protocols. They may also assist with office administrative functions.

The interns will have the opportunity to help educate and spread awareness around campus. They will assist in creating presentation and training materials, identify resources and serve as resources at campus events as well as through the office.

“Quinnipiac is known for creating experiences that prepare students for postgraduate success,” Title IX Coordinator - Director of Sexual Misconduct & Bias Response Pat Jimenez wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “We wanted our student interns to have experiences that are supportive of their interests or career goals.”

Jimenez joined Quinnipiac in March 2024 as part of a university-wide turnover series, with a goal in mind to “tap into the experiences and knowledge students have by creating a Title IX internship or workstudy opportunity.”

Aside from gathering information from public resources, the interns will not be involved in casework and are all required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Students pursuing a career in criminal justice and law were welcomed to apply for

an internship position.

“We designed the application process to support our desire to help students have career-readiness experience,” Jimenez wrote.

Students interested in the position had to be juniors or above.

Applicants were asked to submit resumes as well as cover letters. They were then screened and a pool of students were chosen for interviews. After

the interviews were completed, three students were offered the positions, and all three accepted.

“The Title IX Office conducted background checks to ensure the applicants did not have any student conduct history or ascertainable criminal history,” Jimenez wrote. “Each had to sign a confidentiality agreement.”

In creating these internship positions, they had two goals in mind. The first one

being the opportunity for students to have additional learning for their major and career through hands-on experience in the Title IX office.

“Through the internship, they will learn more about how a compliance office functions, in this case, Title IX,” Jimenez wrote. “They will learn about the laws and policies that support how we uphold our Title IX obligations.”

The student interns aren’t the only ones who will benefit from these positions.

The second goal is in regards to how students can be of assistance to the office. Not only will the interns learn valuable skills and information, but the office will be able to gain insight from a student’s perspective.

“We also wanted to tap into the interests, energy and insights students can provide regarding how best to make the campus community aware of Title IX in a way that resonates with them,” Jimenez wrote.

The education doesn’t stop there.

Students interning in the office can then share their knowledge to educate their peers and spread awareness. Jimenez looks forward to them taking on this role with the notion in mind that “the best advocates for students can be their fellow students.”

“I hope students who intern in our office will become ambassadors who educate their fellow students about the important role Title IX plays in creating an inclusive campus environment,” Jimenez wrote.

The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

Title lX Coordinator Patricio Jimenez looks to utilize students’ knowledge through internship roles in the Office of Title lX.

MEET THE EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alexandra Martinakova

MANAGING EDITOR

Gina Lorusso

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Emily Adorno

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tyler Mignault

NEWS EDITOR

Ava Highland

OPINION EDITOR

Lillian Curtin

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

Grace Conneely-Nolan

SPORTS EDITOR

Claire Frankland

ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR

Michael Petitto

DESIGN EDITOR

Katerina Parizkova

ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR

Emily Katz

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Elisabeth McMahon

Quinn O’Neill

COPY EDITORS

Vivian Gage

Neve Wilson

The views expressed in The Chronicle’s opinion section are those of the respective authors. They do not reflect the views of The Chronicle as an organization.

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Students and faculty gather for South Quad kickoff

By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Quinnipiac University students and faculty gathered for the South Quad Kickoff during the first common hour of the semester.

From 12:30-2:30 p.m. attendees celebrated with music, lawn games and food. On the quad attendees had dining options including The Blind Rhino food truck as well as complimentary Italian ice and lemonade.

The 2025 fall semester not only marks the opening of the new south quad, but Quinnipiac’s new common hour as well.

Common hour takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-1:45 p.m.

During common hour, students are invited to different programs. On Tuesdays, there will be faculty and staffled programs, and student-led programs on Thursdays.

“The goal of Common Hour is to foster

community, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and provide meaningful student support,” Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett wrote in an email to students on Monday, Aug. 25.

During the first common hour, in both The SITE and The School of Business, attendees were invited to explore the building on their own or on a tour.

In addition to the outdoor space, students across various majors are eager to utilize the new buildings for classes, as well as group and individual studying.

“Today was my first day in (The SITE), and I was amazed,” junior game design and development major Ryleigh Pagluiso said.

Across the quad and inside the School of Business were complimentary samples from the new cafe.

Attendees were offered samples of the Short Rib Signature Sandwich and

Strawberry Acai Refreshers. The new cafe is student-run, offering Starbucks drink products and some pastries, as well as other sandwiches, salads and more.

The celebration of the newly opened south quad created excitement for students, who now have another space to gather with peers.

“It’s fostering a lot of community,” junior game design and development major Hailey Shepard said.

Aside from gatherings, the south quad’s pathway offers easier access to the College of Arts and Sciences, as opposed to when it was still under construction.

“I’m looking forward to using this path for class,” first-year mechanical engineering major Logan Turey, said. “I have one class in (Communications, Computing and Engineering) and one in CAS that are very short, and I’m glad to have an easy way to cut through.”

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

Students and faculty chose between cherry, lemon, watermelon or blueberry Italian ice samples.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

On the quad, students gathered to play various lawn games.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

Inside the School of Business attendees took guided tours of the new space, or took a self-guided tour with printed out maps.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

Students and faculty line up across the quad for the Blind Rhino food truck, serving wings, burgers and more.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

Attendees gathered to celebrate, across the quad and on the buildings.

Quinnipiac partners with Yale Divinity School to launch social work joint-degree program

By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor

Quinnipiac University Social Work Department is working with Yale Divinity School, to launch a social work jointdegree program beginning this fall.

The program follows either of two pathways. Students enrolled may choose the Master of Social Work (MSW) at Quinnipiac combined with either the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) from YDS.

According to Yale Divinity School’s official website, the M.A.R, “offers pathways to ministry, service, or doctoral work.” The M.Div., “develops the skills necessary for professional ministry.”

“It also really opens up that pathway to be able to help people get to use this degree to go out and make a positive difference in the world in a way that’s really much more holistic, and that’s an important piece,” said Chair of the Social Work Department Carol Awasu.

Obtaining both degrees and going through the program gives students the opportunity to become well-rounded in all aspects of social work, some that they may have otherwise not been exposed to.

Social work looks at several different areas, which are known as the biopsychosocial-spiritual. Enrolling in the program gives students knowledge and skills in all areas of social work. Partnering with YDS adds in the spiritual fo -

cus to Quinnipiac Social Work.

“I think this offers benefits for those who wished to include faith into their social work practice,” graduate MSW student Ariana Gove wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “As it offers not only (to) learn but earn a degree for their faith in conjunction with the MSW but allows for a more seamless connection between the two disciplines and how they can cohabitate together within one’s own future practice and framework for social work.”

Awasu is also the Director of the MSW Program and Professor of Social Work. She was approached by Yale in hopes of creating the program. Yale has the same long-standing joint-degree program with Connecticut State University. Yale looked to now partner with a private institution, choosing Quinnipiac for this opportunity.

“This really started with Yale approaching us at QU social work, they sent me an email and said that they would be interested in having this conversation about the joint degree,” Awasu said. “That was unexpected and we’re very glad about it.”

They then spent several years designing the program before officially launching.

“It was a very collegial process,” Awasu said. “It did take some time, just because we had to iron out some of the details, but very rewarding experience to be able to work with YDS, good group of folks.”

Students in the program either start their

“ It strengthens our social work profession, and it strengthens the ability of people to go out and work with communities that may not come to social work. ”

– Carol Awasu CHAIR OF SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT

schooling at Quinnipiac or YDS for one year and then to the other, then back.

A key factor in the program’s creation is that whether a student begins in Quinnipiac social work or YDS, they may not have known about the other.

“It opens up access to social work for people who may not have considered it before,” Awasu said.

And vice versa, students beginning in social work may then learn the benefit of the spirituality side.

Students do not have to apply to the program before being enrolled in either university. They may start at one and decide in their first year that they would like both degrees. Those students are then welcome to apply to the program and be accepted by both schools.

They follow the same MSW degree curriculum regarding required courses, with leniency for elective courses. Students will complete the same theory, practice, research, clinical assessment and diagnosis courses as well as field internships.

Each school accepts a certain number of electives from the other.

“We worked very hard to select the elective courses that we would accept from Yale and that they would accept from QU social work for their students,” Awasu said.

In addition to becoming more wellrounded in the field, students also benefit in time and money.

The program cuts out the amount of time it would take to get the MSW and then get their M.Div. or M.A.R. They also save money, making it more financially appealing.

The program has already welcomed its first student, who is currently in their first year at YDS.

When students exit the program with the MSW they are able to then apply for licensure, which includes Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker if they choose a clinical path.

“So you’d get the clinical side, the therapy side, the mental health side and then you’ll also get the divinity, the spirituality, the religion side, all of which then comes together in this very complete package,” Awasu said.

With students from both Quinnipiac social work and YDS having the same goals in mind, they can now come together to be even stronger in their careers.

“It allows us to more holistically offer social work and for M.Div. and M.A.R. students, who are often in those professions in the same way that social workers are to help people and to be a benefit to people,” Awasu said.

Shortage of parking spaces on Mount Carmel Campus leaves many to be redirected

By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor

On Monday, Aug. 25, Quinnipiac University’s fall semester officially began, and a shortage of parking spaces in the North Lot and Harwood Gate parking lots left many to be redirected.

When commuter students and residents from the York Hill campus arrived in the North Lot, many circled the area several times before finding a space. Depending on arrival time, if both the North Lot and Harwood Lot were filled, students, faculty and visitors were directed by Public Safety to the grass near Harwood Lot.

With construction projects taking place and limited options for students, parking locations are affected and decreased.

As part of the Mt. Carmel campus remodel, construction for the new bookstore, which will sit between The DOME and the North Lot, causes traffic back ups in the parking lot.

Once students are sophomores, they can apply for a parking permit. Based on their

number of credits they are permitted to park in select locations. Several lots are reserved for faculty only.

By 11:00 a.m., there were nearly four rows of cars on the grass of the Harwood Gate entrance, which has previously been used as an overflow parking location.

“We use the grassy area near the Hardwood gate as overflow parking from time to time, usually for special events,” Chief of Public Safety Tony Reyes wrote in an email to The Chronicle.

Some were also directed to park in Hogan Lot, a further distance from academic buildings than the North lot.

While often using the Hogan, Westwood and Whitney lot for event purposes, the Harwood space is also used in an effort to limit any disturbance.

“However, there are times we elect to use the grassy area for strategic reasons,” Reyes wrote. “Our goal is to minimize disruption to our internal community and to make access convenient for our guests/visitors whenever possible.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

Chair of Social Work Department Carol Awasu worked closely with Yale Divinity School to create the social work joint-degree program to provide students with education in all aspects of social work.

Cars parked on the grass near the Harwood Lot created almost four rows on Monday, Aug. 25.

Opinion

Benson Boone’s career is wasted on empty lyrics

By GINA LORUSSO Managing Editor

Very few music artists rise to fame as quickly as Benson Boone did. Sure, it’s inspiring to see someone making an impact in their industry, but when they’re actively ruining their potential with songs like “Mystical Magical,” it’s not hard to see where his career is headed.

That’s right. The pits.

After leaving season 19 of “American Idol” to focus on his career, Boone turned to TikTok to build on his singing and songwriting. This led him to sign a record deal with Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds’ record company, Night Street Records, in 2021.

His debut single, “Ghost Town,” was an instant success, capturing his powerful vocal range and unique rasp. Although I’m not a fan of his, I have to admit he did a pretty good job with this record. At just 19 years old, he was gaining global recognition and was on track to become a big name.

That quickly faltered when he began releasing songs like “Mystical Magical” and “Beautiful Things” — two of my

least favorite songs in the history of all time. First of all, “Beautiful Things” has to be the loudest possible combination of vocals and instrumentals ever, making my ears bleed every time I hear it. Second of all, “Mystical Magical” is just plain stupid.

The

“Moonbeam ice cream, taking off your blue jeans/ Dancing at the movies, ‘cause it feels so/ Mystical, magical/ Oh, baby, ‘cause once you know, once you know/ My love is so mystical, magical” are so asinine that it has become a trend on social media to randomly burst out singing it in public places.

Boone unintentionally turned himself into a meme instead of an artist that

By VIVIAN GAGE Copy Editor

The gourmet food industry gets a free pass for animal cruelty, and that needs to change.

At a Michelin-star restaurant, where one meal is worth an entire paycheck for some, it is reasonable to expect quality food that was planned meticulously and tastes delicious. One should not expect ducks with tubes down their throats being force-fed until their bodies give out.

Enter: foie gras.

The dish, which translates to ‘fatty liver’ in French, has a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt. Today, it is eaten all over the world, but is most popular in France. According to foie gras lovers and distributors, it has a rich taste and “stands as a hallmark of culinary excellence.”

Recently, top chefs from around the world were asked to prepare a dish incorporating foie gras in the 2025 Bocus d’Or, a cooking competition which is widely considered the “Olympics of cooking.” Ironically, the French team won.

The highly coveted Bocus d’Or, which was livestreamed this year, helped to push rhetoric that the dish is still relevant, delicious and valuable in the gourmet world, keeping the hellish industry alive.

Simultaneously, animal rights activists pushed back with full force.

Organizations like PETA have spoken out against the cruelty. Animal Equality, an international animal protection organization, has staged countless protests “on a global mission to end the force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras.” The Animal Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit organization, is currently working to ban the sale of it in New York City, again. Their anger is justified.

To create livers fatty enough to be labeled a delicacy, male ducks or geese are force-fed grain multiple times a day through metal or plastic tubes inserted down their throats.

This process, known as gavage, is extremely

most frustrating about this is that Boone doesn’t lack talent, he simply lacks direction. seen videos of Boone at his concerts singing hits like Adele’s “When We Were Young,” and let me tell you, he sounded phenomenal — he actually sounded nearly identical to Adele herself. If he could write and produce a ballad like that, it would be the greatest thing he could do for his career. Such a move would push

people to take him more seriously, even after showing that

he’s not the most proficient when it comes to songwriting.

Boone needs to learn to take a risk and stray from the surface-level lyrics he’s currently belting and backflipping to. People identify with artists not only through their beats but their lyrics as well, and right now, he’s giving his audience nothing to hold onto or resonate with.

A long-lasting career is built on substance and depth, and if Boone keeps recycling the same shallow lines, he will continue to be an internet joke. The sad part is that it doesn’t have to be this way for him — he has an immense amount of potential, he just isn’t digging deep enough.

As of right now, it’s impossible to see Boone’s value when the first thing that pops into your mind after hearing his name is not actually how much talent he has, but how brainless his music is.

He sings like a star, but writes like a clown.

So until he figures out how to make timeless tracks, his career will continue to be the punchline to a silly joke rather than a legitimate legacy.

Stop paying extra for torture

The cruelty behind foie gras

harmful to the birds’ health and often results in injuries, which go untreated. Such injuries include brain damage, bruising or perforation of the bird’s esophagus, broken bones and beaks and painful swelling of the abdomen; the result of a ten times increase in liver size.

Producers begin force-feeding when the birds are just 10-14 weeks of age, according to a 2012 paper by Agribusiness Reports. In the first feeding, around 0.4 lb of food is shoved down the bird’s throat. By the last feeding, 12 to 15 days later, it’s 1 lb or more, “injected in as little as 2 seconds.”

Because only male birds are used, all the female chicks are either killed immediately or shipped elsewhere to be raised for meat.

The gavage process is sickening to think about, and most people, after hearing about its production, would agree that it should be banned. If only that worked.

In 2022, New York City’s law prohibiting the sale of foie gras, Local Law 202, was supposed to take effect. Instead, La Belle Farms and Hudson Valley Foie Gras, two foie gras farms in New York, sued to challenge the ban, and in 2024, succeeded.

Through the use of legal loopholes and the support of famous chefs, over 1,000 New York City restaurants got to keep the unique-tasting foie gras on the menu, and farms got to keep producing it, “protecting farmers’ right to make a living.”

“Foie gras has been a delicacy for thousands of years,” said Daniel Boulud, a famed Michelinstarred restaurateur and foie gras advocate, during an interview with The New York Post. “There’s bigger issues in America to worry about than foie gras,” he said.

He might be right. There are bigger issues than foie gras. However, when we allow small, preventable cruelties to prevail, we open up cracks in our moral compass. Turning a blind eye because fatty liver just tastes too good is the cowardly way out.

Foie gras is still eaten for many reasons. Number one is that delicacies, such as foie gras, are indicators of class and wealth. They cater to the rich and those pretending to be.

The dish is ridiculously expensive. For example, a pound of the liver from Hudson Valley Foie Gras costs $65. In comparison, a pound of filet mignon ranges from $20 to $45. It is, undoubtedly, a delicacy only a few can afford, which is exactly why it is still around. The rich, along with gourmet enthusiasts, are quite literally paying to get away with torture, and it needs to stop.

If the dish’s past hadn’t been littered with royals and aristocrats, there would be

no hesitation in banning it. Current foie gras lovers would oppose the blatant abuse (at least publicly) if it weren’t for the centuries of luxury and indulgence associated with it.

This is concerning. When society makes exceptions for abuse on account of history, communities become stagnant, and progress starts feeling optional. When we let wealthy people get away with mistreatment because they can afford it… well, we’ve seen what happens. Banning foie gras (successfully) throughout the country won’t stop all animal abuse, or end the class divide, or usher in world peace. But it would be a small step in the right direction, and we are running out of reasons not to take it.

ILLUSTRATIONBY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

By LILLIAN CURTIN Opinion Editor

Give Tim Walz his credit

While many people recognize the hardship of former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 107-day presidential campaign, we seem to forget that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s campaign for vice president was even shorter.

A short campaign is barely enough time to get in the hearts of voters by interviews, get out the vote events and endorsements. A 91day campaign is hard enough, but since then, he’s been facing challenge after challenge, and he’s not been given the credit he deserves.

Before his race, Walz served in the military for 24 years, going into the service at only 17 years old. He’s been serving his country in different ways since then, improving healthcare for veterans and funding the National Guard, according to a list of his accomplishments by Democrats Abroad.

Despite this, he has been labeled an “unforgivable coward” by veterans featured on Fox News. During his campaign for VicePresident, the charismatic, kind father of two was harassed by right-wing media. That’s something you can expect in a highly polarized presidential race. However, the attacks reached his children.

Walz’s disabled son was mocked for being emotional, when he was simply proud of his dad. An emotional moment of pride and love was called “weird,” as Ann Coul -

When a show misses its mark... and its heart Opinion

By NICOLE GEMMATI Staff Writer

With lavish parties, privileged teenagers and an impressive amount of scandals, The CW’s “Gossip Girl” followed the lives of wealthy teens in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The television series was appropriately narrated by Gossip Girl, a mysterious blogger who chronicles the intimate details of Manhattan’s elite.

Based on the novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, the series premiered in 2007 and was developed by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, both veterans of the television industry. The show quickly gained a cult following, ending in 2012 after six seasons. But as the series finale states, Gossip Girl never dies.

Viewers’ introduction to the Upper East Side reveals that it’s not as perfect as it’s perceived to be. The first season serves as a social commentary on classism, with the majority of main characters looking down on households with a lower income.

Despite their carefully curated exterior, viewers get an inside look to the hidden complexities of the main characters. Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), the queen bee, suffers from an eating disorder brought on by her mom and societal expectations that heighten her insecurities. Golden boy Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) struggles with a lack of autonomy in his own life, with his parents planning out every step for him.

The show quickly deviates from this viewpoint in favor of soap opera-esque drama, leaving many characters to flail around with zero character development.

Much of this drama is contrived to gain more viewership, and while this is a good money-making tactic, the show ends up becoming exactly what the first season was making fun of.

Writers contrive convoluted plots to move the story along, instead of choosing what a character would actually do. This decision further alienates

ter put it. Gus Walz has a nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), ADHD and an anxiety disorder. Walz was thrown into the ring and then the media came for his family. It was just cruel.

He handled the loss of the race with class. But he’s not out of the woods when it comes to MAGA supporters’ harassment.

We are in the most politically divisive time that there has ever been. With division like this, political violence tends to follow. And it did.

Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog were all assassinated in June of this year in an act of political violence. Instead of giving his support after the governor lost a colleague and a friend, President Donald Trump claimed calling Walz would be a “waste of time.” He went on to call him a “mess.”

He was met with ridicule instead of support, the weight of his state on his shoulders and the president of his own country against him. The president of the same country Hortman died serving as a representative.

On top of this, right-wing media followed the president’s lead in turning their back on Walz. Many went as far as spreading conspiracy theories that Walz had a role to play in the assassinations.

That was only a couple months ago. Just this past week in Minneapolis, there was a

school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where two children were killed and 18 others were injured.

These are horrible tragedies that Minnesota families have had to face over the past year. As Governor, the responsibilities that come with the aftermath are on him. It seems he can’t escape hardship since his bid for Vice-President. Some having to do with the race, some not. All are horrific and he’s been dealing with it

gracefully, despite the odds against him. Yet, it feels as though no one is paying attention to just how much Governor Walz is dealing with. We see it in the news, but he’s the one dealing with it while being constantly brought down by certain groups of people. You don’t have to agree with his politics to admit that he is too good a man to have these cards dealt to him, and it’s time we acknowledge it.

viewers from the two-dimensional characters they see on screen, leading to a thin line of relatability.

The characters’ actions show viewers that the rich and privileged offer no surprises, with the majority, if not all, doing whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They often show no remorse harming people in the process and hardly ever learn from their

children, letting them run around the city, doing whatever they please.

Taylor Momsen, who portrays Jenny Humphrey, the youngest of the main characters, states in an interview that the Humphreys are “not a very traditional family, but when you look a little deeper, it’s like a very loving family.”

While this may ring true for the first season,

actions. Without a morally sound character present, it is hard to find a single character to root for.

“The OC,” Schwartz’s and Savage’s pioneer show, followed a similar plot, revolving around the lives of wealthy teenagers in Orange County, California. But unlike their predecessor, whose jokes are masked as an insult, “The OC”’s characters incorporate banter that reminds viewers of the family dynamic that makes the show so lovable.

The show focuses primarily on the Cohen and Cooper families. Parents are heavily involved in their kids’ lives, especially when they are in trouble, and show genuine care for them.

Whereas in “Gossip Girl,” parents are hardly present and are often too caught up in their own drama to reprimand and check on their

the family’s dynamics quickly deteriorate, with the patriarchal figure showing double standards towards his son in later seasons. Jenny’s mental state deteriorates due to constant bullying and a desire to fit in, but she is not offered anything other than a punishment.

Familial relationships are not the only ones ruined in favor of drama. “Gossip Girl” hinges on the friendship between its characters, who have known each other since kindergarten. But their constant fighting, betrayal of trust and insults establish that these are merely friendships of convenience and familiarity.

The show also pairs every character in a relationship at least once, which complicates the years of so-called friendship.

Blair and Serena van der Woodsen (Blake

Lively) are marketed as die-hard besties, though it wouldn’t seem that way to the average viewer. The two are constantly up and down, dealing with cheating scandals, sabotaging each other’s futures and acting with jealousy.

Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson) and Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) from “The OC” are said to be best friends and act like it. They never date each other’s boyfriends, and they are always there to lend a shoulder to cry on. The only fight they’ve had throughout the four seasons stems from Summer’s concern over Marissa’s toxic relationship, and in turn, Marissa’s decline in mental health.

Aside from Jenny, the “Gossip Girl” characters rarely act their age, although they are in their junior year of high school when the story begins. Many storylines revolve around drama that has nothing to do with school, and the mention of college fades as the series continues, though multiple characters attend university.

It’s not uncommon for characters to own real estate at the age of eighteen in “Gossip Girl,” and they often dress in luxury outfits while running simple errands. While Marissa is known for her Chanel, she, as well as her friends, still look like they pulled their outfits from a closet and not a photoshoot.

The heart of “Gossip Girl” went out the window near the end of season one, most likely because of the writers strike of 2008. Blair turns into an even worse mean girl than before, with hardly any depth to redeem her, while Nate turns into a carbon copy of his parents that his season one self would despise.

With a well-acclaimed show like “The OC” as their starting point, it’s eye-opening to see how Schwartz’s and Savage’s writing turned from poking fun at the rich to being fully ingrained with them. In a way, the further they were integrated into the world of stardom, the more they followed the “Gossip Girl” pipeline and became everything they ever hated.

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR FLANAGAN, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Tim Walz at the Preston Veterans Home in Minnesota on June 27, 2024

Arts & Life

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Swift

By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Arts & Life Editor

The day is finally here — the world’s most coveted singer-songwriter is engaged.

Year after year, album after album, there has been no shortage of speculation and scrutiny over Taylor Swift’s love life. Her choices in men, the overanalyzing of who entered her life — or didn’t — it was always public information, an easy joke and hot gossip.

On Aug. 26, Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Instagram, with a post

married” with Swift’s track “So High School” playing in the background, has already gained 35 million likes.

After two years of dating, Kelce is now the lucky man who gets to call himself Swift’s fiancé — the first who has risen to the occasion, who appreciates all that she is while embracing her unique level of fame and success — a proud partner and pillar of support.

But since the beginning of their story, the couple has received an immense amount of attention — both positive and negative.

The spark ignited after one of Swift’s

attended and, as per tradition, attempted to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it, but failed to catch her after the show.

“I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings,” Kelce admitted on the podcast.

It wasn’t until Swift attended a Chiefs game on Sept. 23, 2023, alongside Kelce’s mom, Donna Kelce, at Arrowhead Stadium, that fans began to speculate about their relationship.

Her repeated appearances at games fueled even more buzz, and the couple officially went public the following month at an “SNL” after-party, stepping out hand in hand. While some believed the relationship was initially for PR to boost sales and media attention for both Swift and the NFL, the

While fans are thrilled for Swift, many are equally excited for what this will mean for her music.

As one of the millions who grew up listening to her songs, I may be a couple of years behind her, but I feel fortunate to have witnessed all the milestones she sings about.

From the age of five, when I stood shoulder to shoulder with my sister watching her “You Belong With Me” music video, to shuffling all my favorites on my culminated playlist, Swift’s illustrious career connects with fans like no other.

with antique stones worth about $500,000.

The post, captioned “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting

references to Swift’s songs and albums, trading them with one another as a way to connect before the show. Kelce

As their relationship has grown, they have kept it relatively private — neither flaunting it nor keeping it hidden. In doing so, they have quieted the rumors

and shown that what they have exists for no other reason than to make each other happy.

Her discography spans nearly her entire life, debuting her self-titled album in October 2006 at age 16. Widely known for her autobiographical songwriting, she tells stories of love, heartbreak and resilience across multiple genres. Each album reflects a distinct aesthetic, solidifying her as one of the most influential artists in music today.

With her new album, “The Life of a Show Girl,” set to release in Oct., one can only imagine what her new songs will reveal — likely themes of stability, longevity and commitment.

Whatever direction her music takes, fans are sure to be listening closely. Swift has a way of turning moments into stories that fans hold on to, relate to and belt out at sold-out stadiums.

Her engagement, while a personal milestone, also marks the next step in her career, bringing a fresh perspective from an artist who has never stopped reinventing herself.

Perfectionism, panic, repeat: the college recipe

By EMILY ADORNO Marketing Director

If you watched “The Bear” or pay attention to memes, you know the temper of Jeremy Allen White shouting “Yes, chef!” while pots crash, knives slam and the kitchen spins out of control. It’s messy, intense and stressful. Yet somehow, it feels familiar.

For a lot of us, college life isn’t too different. Swap hot pans for overheating laptops and the kitchen for the library, and suddenly Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) kitchen chaos looks a lot like the library during finals week.

Season three of “The Bear” doesn’t sugarcoat it. It brings you right into the mindset of obsession, perfectionism and burnout, which are many of the exact thoughts college students battle when juggling assignments, internships and late-night meetings.

Watching Carmy unravel under the pressure hits close to home because we’ve all been there. Running on the overpriced dining hall Celsius, chasing perfection and wondering if the three extracurriculars you’re a part of will be enough on your resume.

At its core, “The Bear” is about ambition and the toll it takes. Carmy measures his worth through his work. If the food isn’t perfect, he isn’t perfect.

Here at Quinnipiac, we pride ourselves on being ambitious. This emphasis can impact the value we hold on our academic success. One bad grade or a missed deadline can feel like the end of the world.

The problem is that hustle culture tells us this is normal. If you’re not working 24/7, you aren’t trying. But just like Carmy, we know deep down that running on fumes isn’t sustainable. The more we push, the more we crack.

Looking solely at season three — not everyone loved it. Some critics said it was brilliant, cinematic and a bold step forward. Others thought it dragged or tried too hard.

Thankfully I am not a media critic, just an avid consumer. That said, I felt this season encapsulated the true struggle of feeling like some days you’re on top of everything, and other days you’re wondering what exactly you signed up for.

That’s why it works. Because student life is like that too. Equal parts motivating and frustrating, with moments that feel both exhausting and unforgettable.

So what recipe can we as students actually follow from the messaging created in this kitchen chaos? I promise a lot more than just cooking metaphors.

Reminding ourselves that humanity is more important than perfection is like starting with a clean workspace. Carmy showed the audience that pushing himself past the breaking point was nothing to brag about and it is something we need to recognize and prevent.

And as much as we all love an aesthetic plate, the perfectionism that looks good on Instagram is not what really matters. Showing up, trying and growing — even when it's messy is still progress towards important goals.

It is also important to recognize that the best moments in season three aren’t about food; they’re about people. The same goes for college. Those 2 a.m. conversations in the dorm or study sessions with friends often mean more than the grades we’re chasing.

Maybe the reason “The Bear” hits so hard is because it’s not just about food. It’s about pressure, just like the kind we live with on campus.

College often feels like a never-ending shift in a Michelin-star kitchen: always busy, always urgent, always one mistake away from disaster. But if “The Bear” teaches us anything, it’s that no one can live like that forever.

down sometimes. Hustle culture tells us to keep turning up the heat, but the truth is, the best meals (and the best lives) need time to simmer.

So yes, chef. But also, yes, making mistakes. Yes, friendship. Yes, time for yourself.

Kitchens and students both need to cool

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ

How Sombr became music's next big thing

By GINA LORUSSO Managing Editor

Not every artist needs a debut album to prove they’re worthy of the spotlight. Shane Boose, more commonly known as his stage name, Sombr, became a household name rather quickly.

Before ever releasing a full-length project, Sombr has built a massive fanbase and is becoming one of the most promising new talents in the music industry. Most of his success comes from fragments of his songs featured on social media posts, straying from the traditional way of building a fanbase and establishing a reputation.

The music landscape is constantly evolving, and using social media to his advantage has made it easier for Sombr to connect with listeners in a more immediate and authentic way.

“He’d been honing his craft for years by the time he broke through the noise. But finding success was ultimately a matter of going to sleep anonymous, and waking up a viral sensation,” Mood Magazine wrote in an Instagram post.

His songs “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” went viral on TikTok in early 2025, starting a ripple effect that carried over onto streaming platforms and catapulted him into mainstream music. “Back to Friends” marked his first Billboard Hot 100 hit, entering at No. 90.

These two tracks dig into the highs and lows of young love that Generation Z knows all too well, capturing the confusion, heartbreak and excitement of modern relationships. His lyrics are candid and don’t feel forced, sparking relatable emotions and making listeners feel like he’s telling their story.

The lyrics “I don't wanna get undressed/ For a new person all over again” from

“Undressed” capture the emotional vulnerability of opening up to a new person after losing a previous lover. At the same time, they reflect the hesitancy associated with modern hookup culture, highlighting the tension between genuine connection and casual intimacy.

He pulls inspiration from alternative artists like Jeff Buckley, Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975, blending modern and indie pop to create his signature sound that’s impossible to ignore.

“I was just writing and producing in my bedroom, and posted a snippet on TikTok one day that took off. And then everything changed,” he said in an interview with Off the Record Press. “Now I live in LA and I write all my music and co-produce it with Tony Berg at Sound City Studios.”

With growing recognition from record producers and fans, he transitioned from an underground name on TikTok to a rising star, and soon after, his music started appearing on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” and “Viral Hits” playlists.

The recent release of his first album, “I Barely Know Her,” on Aug. 22, cemented his place in the industry.

He wrote this album completely on his own, each track an inside look at his love life and the complexities of navigating rising stardom. There’s a story between every line, showing his ability to storytell and share moments that feel deeply personal.

The first time I listened to the album in full, I was completely blown away. I had high hopes for this project as it was preceded by four catchy singles: “Back to Friends," "Undressed," "We Never Dated" and "12 to 12.”

“12 to 12” is by far my favorite, making its way onto my TikTok “For You Page” multiple times a day and nestling itself in

WIKIMEDIACOMMONS/FRANCE3C0

my head long after I’ve finished scrolling. Another thing that sets Sombr’s music apart from other artists is his unique vocal production. He frequently uses the telephone effect, which is a production style used to make vocals sound like they’re coming through a phone. This distortion not only adds layers to his sound, but makes listeners feel like they’re part of a one-on-one conversation.

When it comes to new albums, it’s rare that I like every song, but with “I Barely Know Her,” it was an effortless listen from start to finish.

Dare I say it’s a perfect album?

Even if it’s not, this sets a high bar for Sombr’s future work, leaving listeners, especially me, excited to see what he does next.

She's no one's ‘Best Friend ’ Sabrina Carpenter releases all too familiar album

By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Arts & Life Editor

It’s been almost a year since “Short n’ Sweet,” the album that elevated Sabrina Carpenter’s status to one of the biggest pop stars in our generation, delivering her first No.1 single and Grammy. Now here we are again, being gifted more — as on Aug. 29, Carpenter dropped her newest album, “Man’s Best Friend.”

Her niche is clear: a sweet, bubbly blonde who can get under a man’s skin while slyly undermining and asserting her dominance.

“Man’s Best Friend” is packed with comedic and sexual lyricism, where Carpenter alternates between sarcastic quips and heavy-hearted sighs.

Following the release of the single “Manchild” in June, fans wondered about the direction of the record.

Curiosity spiked once Carpenter unveiled a widely debated album cover, which shows her on her hands and knees with her hair being pulled from above, presumably by a man.

Listening to the album, the cover makes sense. It highlights Carpenter’s inability to cut herself off from men, even when treated poorly — like a dog, emotions tugged back and forth.

It’s all about the lack of control.

Say what you want, but she is timely. The 12-track, 38-minute project, created with Jack Antonoff, Amy Allen and John Ryan, brings out her lustful, quirky and sneakily heartfelt sound.

favorites and rule out the duds, so it took me about three listens to narrow it down — and I admit, it's growing on me.

Right off the bat, the first new song, “Tears,” which doubles as the album’s

you want to move. Production shines, but lyrically, Carpenter risks boxing herself in. She could have benefited from letting her sound evolve with more patience.

Carpenter prefaces that the album isn’t for “pearl clutchers.” It's not that serious; the whole point is to have fun and belt out the bold lyrics, resonating with any emotion you have a hard time admitting — let

Like any album, it takes time to pick out

with Carpenter’s closing track, “Goodbye,” channeling that era’s dance-floor pull, making

where you stand” Carpenter swoons. Sweet poison — and it works.

In an interview with CBS Mornings,

“When I started, you know, becoming more sexual as a person, I think it's just something that's a part of life. You want to write about it,” Carpenter said. “I didn't realize it was as taboo of a topic until I started writing about it more freely.”

Every track lands some sort of physical reference, guaranteed to leave listeners blushing or smirking. Still, there’s an over-reliance on sneaking in profane language. It’s catchier when the innuendo is clever rather than explicit.

“House Tour” is a prime example: “Do you want the house tour?/ I could take you to the first, second, third floor/ (We can take it to the— )/ And I promise none of this is a metaphor (Ah)/ I just want you to come inside (Come inside)/ But never enter through the back door” Fun, sure, but heavy-handed. Carpenter is pushing boundaries but risking predictability.

In today’s pop landscape, “Man’s Best Friend” proves she knows how to keep herself in the conversation, either by sparking a debate or delivering a chorus full of vulgar complexities. For now, that’s enough to keep her on top — but it may take more evolution to keep her there.

Singer-songwriter Sombr debuts first album "I Barely Know Her" on Aug. 22.

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

‘Woke’ ‘Superman’ movie angers rightwing conservatives for no good reason

By NEVE WILSON Copy Editor

After I finish watching a movie, the first thing I do is check TikTok to see what other people are saying about it. “Superman” was no exception. Having really enjoyed the film, I was shocked to see the controversy surrounding it online, which had been created out of seemingly nothing.

The latest iteration of the Superman character arrived in July in James Gunn’s “Superman” and this new depiction of a beloved character has caused an uproar online among right-wing conservatives, who are calling the character too “woke” and criticizing the film’s parallels to the IsraelPalestine conflict.

Members of the conservative party were upset by Gunn describing Superman as “[a]n immigrant that came from other places and populated the country...” Clay Travis, radio host and founder of sports media company OutKick, wrote on X that he would skip seeing the movie, and that Gunn was an “absolute moron” for calling Superman an immigrant.

“America is desperate for apolitical entertainment and Hollywood is unable to deliver it,” he added.

U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gunn’s description of Superman as an

a new film era in the DC Universe which could include more of those characters in

Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to President Donald Trump, complained on Fox News that: “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology on us.” Dean Cain, who famously played Superman in the TV show “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” also voiced his complaints about Gunn portraying Ma and Pa Kent – Clark’s parents – as “stupid rednecks.” Cain has been friends with Trump since 2009 and recently announced he joined the

experiences as inspiration for the character.

In the new movie, the fictional country of Boravia is plotting to invade the, also fictional, Jarhanpur with weapons supplied to them by antagonist Lex Luthor. Superman (David Corenswet) stops Boravia, along with the help of his allies and DC comic book characters Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Hawkgirl (Isabella Merced). Warner Brothers and DC Studios are using this movie to set up

that Boravia and Jarhanpur are meant to represent Israel and Palestine, respectively. It’s also mentioned in the film that Boravia is a close ally of the U. S., as is Israel. In the movie, Lois Lane questions Superman for potentially jeopardizing that relationship, but he shoots back that all that matters is that “‘People were going to die!’”

Mitchell Plitnik, author for Mondoweiss, an independent news site that advocates for justice for Palestinians amidst the

conflict with Israel, said that “A movie [like Superman] painting Israel in a villainous light reflects a generational shift in how Israel is viewed.”

Indeed, in March 2025 a Gallup survey showed that 46% of Americans supported Israel (the lowest in 25 years) and 33% now sympathized with Palestine, the highest ever. However, Gunn insists that the countries in the movie are fictional and do not represent any specific conflict, stating that he wrote the script prior to the Middle Eastern conflict, referring to the Oct. 7 attack in which Hamas fighters attacked Israel, causing the latter to retaliate militarily and furthering a decades-long dispute between the two countries over territory.

What Gunn is not denying is that the film is meant as a commentary on the political state of the world, admitting to it in an interview. He then added that it is mainly about morality, and how people can productively disagree as Clark Kent and Lois Lane do when it comes to the Jarhanpur/Boravia conflict and Superman’s involvement without government supervision or regulation.

“For me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost,” Gunn said in an interview with Jonathon Dean for The Sunday Times.

Television shows and movies should represent the culture at the time they were made to help cement history. While it’s understandable that many people want to watch movies, particularly of this genre, as a distraction from everyday life, this film aimed to teach a broader lesson that kindness should transcend political divides. A lesson that feels especially necessary right now.

‘Let God Sort Em Out’ is the highlight of the year, and it' s not close

By MICHAEL PETITTO

Following a 16-year hiatus, brothers Pusha T and Malice reunited as the rap duo Clipse to release “Let God Sort Em Out,” a modern take on old school hip-hop.

The duo executed a masterful rollout that resulted in the entire online music world talking about the project even before it released. It started when they announced in June that Def Jam, the record label who represented Clipse, was in the middle of some executive meddling that pushed back the release of the album. The result came in Clipse leaving Def Jam and signing with Roc Nation.

The rollout escalated when Pusha T started doing what Pusha T does best, instigating through the pen. Push decided to tie up old loose ends by going after old collaborators during the promotion cycle for “Let God Sort Em Out”.

The respected emcee used his skills on the mic to attack former friend and disgraced rapper Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) on “Ace Trumpets” and Travis Scott on the highly anticipated “So Be It.”

Pusha questioned Ye’s manhood and ability to create good music while dissing Scott for what he described as a lack of loyalty.

The noise worked. This, combined with the brothers' press tour for the album had the entire hip-hop community waiting in anticipation for Clipse’s comeback project.

When the album released in July, the

reception was almost universally positive. Critics praised the project for its top-tier lyricism and strong ideas.

Well known music critic Anthony Fantano – who’s known for his extremely high standards – gave the album a perfect ten.

But the duo didn’t do it alone, the album features a star-studded cast of collaborators that feature hip-hop royalty from the previous generation like Nas, and the current titans of the industry like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator.

Lamar, who’s currently on top of the hip-hop world delivered a generational performance of his own on the song “Chains and Whips,” which sees the Compton native whip out a “gen” rhyme scheme.

“Heavy genes like Genovese/ I'll drop your Pentagon then show up at your at your gender reveal and tell 'em give me mine/ I am the general, where my gin and juice? Every song is the book of Genesis, let the sonics boom/ want the tea on me, well, here's the ginger root.”

The opening track, “The Birds Don’t Sing,” is a touching tribute to the duo’s parents. Both brothers open up about how they were raised and how fortunate they were to have two exceptional role models in their lives and how much it hurts that they’re gone, wrapped together with a beautiful chorus sung by John Legend.

Despite Pusha T causing the most noise, it’s Malice who delivers the standout performances

on the project. Track after track, Malice gives performances that bring him into contention for the current best rapper in the world. His verses are densely packed with incredible lyricism that makes you wonder where he’s been for all these years.

All of this is without ever uttering a single swear word. Ever since converting to Christianity in 2012, Malice hasn’t sworn in his lyrics. It’s a fresh take on the current landscape of songwriting in hip-hop, and Malice’s rhyme schemes are so infectious

you don’t even notice they’re PG.

The standout lyricism combined with a masterful rollout earned Clipse a number four spot on the Billboard 200 and 118,000 units sold in the first week, according to Billboard. The exceptional work from Clipse combined with the standout guest features make for one of the best albums of 2025 and a successful comeback for the Virginia duo. When award season comes around, expect God to sort ‘em all out and for Clipse to run the show.

Associate Sports Editor ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ

Kevin Langue brought me back to YouTube

By LILLIAN CURTIN Opinion Editor

Growing up, I was a YouTube junkie. It was a time before streaming services and yearlong waits for new shows — I’d go home after a day in middle school and turn on a Shane Dawson, Liza Koshy or a Colleen Ballinger video.

Whether my favorite YouTubers went on to bigger things, or basically ended their career on a ukulele, I stopped watching so much. Save for the occasional music video, or just to watch ASMR, I don’t even think about the app that once held my childhood.

That is, until now — thanks to Kevin Langue. Langue started his channel with skitlike videos over eight years ago, barely reaching 7,000 views. Looking back, his old videos almost foreshadow the ones he now makes. His old content was videos with his friends, similar to the content now. Truthfully, while it’s Langue’s channel, he and his friends make the videos worth watching, and it wouldn’t be the same without the others.

His views started picking up as soon as he started incorporating his friends. It’s not to say he isn’t funny by himself, but there is a feeling that the friend group gives when you watch it — it’s as if you’re a part of their inside jokes.

You know an actor is good when you forget that they are acting and you are fully immersed. Langue’s friend group carries the same feeling with the viewers. The jokes and

natural and authentic that you forget that you aren’t there.

Langue began collaborating with other YouTubers and content creators a few years after starting his channel. He made multiple videos with Tara Yummy, before either of them grew as creators.

Even as his career developed and he continued to collaborate with trending creators, he still wasn’t reaching major milestones when it came to views. That changed two years ago when he first posted the type of video he is now best known for.

One table, a few friends and a guessing

Langue posted “Match The Girlfriend To The Boyfriend.” This type of video would make him famous. Since then, he’s created countless “guess who” videos. Now, in 2025, the production quality has gotten better and the list of friends has grown. Denny Love, Herman “Herm” Wrice and Aaron Branch help make up the show. The combination of these three plus Langue makes it one of the funniest and most entertaining channels I’ve seen in a long time.

Since discovering him the same way I discovered many things — on TikTok —

The Kevin Langue show has become a favorite of mine. One of the first videos I watched was a game where they had to guess which person behind the curtain was a child, just by listening to their voice. That one video was funny, but it was the guys that got me hooked on the whole channel. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have found it funny, but there was something about them that had me cracking up.

I swear I’m not boring or hard to humor, but it’s rare that I actually laugh at anything online, if I’m by myself. However, I’ve found many instances while watching Langue where I’ve laughed at the videos. Langue is a director by trade, and it shows. The editing, ideas and production are all so well put together. There are constant surprises. For example, an older woman named Joy was one of the participants, trying to make the guys believe she was a child. She herself was hilarious and had fans, myself included, laughing at how ridiculous it was. Months later, they brought Joy back as a guest judge for a similar video.

I watch The Kevin Langue show like it’s an actual show. It’s exactly how I used to watch YouTube when I was younger. It’s a strange, but familiar feeling that I hadn’t revisited in nearly 10 years.

I never thought that I’d be able to say “I have a favorite YouTuber” again, but here I am. I’m back on YouTube, watching videos for entertainment, rather than just falling asleep.

Powering the Honmoon in real life

‘

K-Pop Demon Hunters’ becomes a world-wide phenomenon

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-In-Chief

Unless you’ve been living under a rock — or just never open your social media or talk to another human being — you have heard about “K-pop Demon Hunters,” Netflix’s newest sensation that dropped on June 20.

In the strange case that you haven’t, this animated movie follows three K-pop stars Rumi (Arden Cho — known as Kira from Teen Wolf), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Jiyoung Yoo), who double as demon hunters and try to seal the Golden Honmoon — a seal that would stop all demons from stealing souls. Except their plans get complicated due to a demon boy band led by Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), who exposes Rumi’s secret: She’s part demon herself.

That’s as simple as the explanation can get, unless you want to open the can of metaphors within this movie.

(If I spoiled that for you, all I can say is that if you didn’t know by now, you really do live under a rock.)

What made this movie so popular wasn’t just the superb animation — though it is incredible and definitely worth talking about — but the songs that have, and still are, dominating the charts.

So much so that on Aug. 23, a limited two-day theatrical sing-along version was released and earned Netflix its first boxoffice win, pulling an estimated $17-$18 million across 1,700 movie theaters in North America.

If that wasn’t enough, during the week

of Aug. 30, the Billboard Hot 100 boasted all of the movies’ songs in the top 25 spots, with “Golden” leading the charts.

This song has made an impact, both in the movie and in the real world. Huntrix (the name of the group in the movie) is the first female group to top the Hot 100 since Destiny’s Child in 2001.

And yes, it might seem silly to think that an animated group is topping the charts — and people’s playlists — but we can’t forget that there are real voices behind the drawn faces.

The singing voices for the characters are different then their main voice actors.

Rumi’s singing voice is Ejae — a songwriter/ producer known for her contributions to various songs for K-pop girl groups Twice, Red Velvet and Aespa (including the viral TikTok song “Drama”). Mira is voiced by Audrey Nuna, an American R&B singer and rapper and Zoey’s singing voice is Rei Ami, an American singer-songwriter and voice actress, most known for her feature on Sub Urban’s song “Freak” that went viral on TikTok in 2020.

We also cannot overlook the Saja Boys. The demon boy band might only have two songs, but they certainly made their mark.

Jinu’s singing voice is Andrew Choi, a South Korean singer and composer with songwriting credits in groups like NCT 127 and NCT Ten. He is supported by the singers of the other demon band members, Romance (Samuil Lee), Mystery (Kevin Woo), Abby (Neckwav) and Baby Saja

(Danny Chung) (yes, those are the actual names, the writers were very creative with these ones, I don’t know what to tell you).

“Soda Pop” has seen great success not only in the charts, but on TikTok as well, with people learning the movie dance — but the real star of the show is definitely “Your Idol.”

In fact, that song got so popular, Saja Boys managed to dethrone BTS by breaking one of their records, when the song hit No. 2 most streamed song on US Spotify. BTS’ “Dynamite” only reached No. 3.

Now, The Army (BTS fanbase) might not be exactly thrilled about that, but the members (including a lot of other idols) seem to be Saja Boys fans themselves.

Many idols that are currently on tours have referenced the “Soda Pop” dance or posted “Your Idol” covers on their social media in the recent weeks.

My personal favorite, and probably the

most overlooked song, has to be “Free.” Choi and Ejae share incredible vocals and somehow manage to make incredibly cheesy lyrics feel incredibly relatable and emotional.

Truly, while the regular voice actors did an incredible job, the singers need to start getting more recognition.

Still not convinced “K-pop Demon Hunters” is probably one of the greatest movies of all time?

After just two months it has become Netflix’s most watched movie of all time with 236 million views — beating the previous record of 230 million views held by “Red Notice” — which stars Gal Gadot, The Rock and Ryan Reynolds.

So next time you hear anyone say that K-pop is not good music and that nobody listens to it anymore, tell them to open Netflix. Or put “Soda Pop” on repeat because as — Huntrix admitted — “it is annoyingly catchy.”

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

‘We before me’: Men's Soccer looking to turn weakness into strength

By MICHAEL PETITTO Associate Sports Editor

It’s been a wild ride for men’s soccer the past few seasons — filled with highs and lows that seem impossible to occur all at once.

After climbing the mountaintop and winning the MAAC Championship back in 2022, the hopes for a repeat crashed into the abyss in 2023 as the team went 3-9-5, suffering a brutal championship hangover.

But the one saving grace about hitting the bottom is that it can only go up from there. 2024 saw the group improve in strides and finish the season 7-9-1.

Now the team, along with head coach Eric Da Costa, finds themselves at a crossroads.

The roster is evenly divided between youth and experience, half of the players are in either their first or second year, while the other half are towards the later stages of their collegiate career.

To an outsider looking in, it seems like a total collapse. Contender to pretender in just one year, a former MAAC powerhouse, now looking to rebuild what was once there. But the current landscape of college athletics haunts all sports, including soccer.

“Every year now because of the transfer portal and movement, it’s harder to hang on to players,” Da Costa said. “We do a pretty good job of that because of the culture that we have to play. Everybody wants to play for a winning program and I think we’re at an age now where if that isn’t happening, they’ll go seek it somewhere else. I don’t necessarily agree with that.”

The transfer portal puts Quinnipiac programs in a difficult position, as some may not have the resources to maintain top-end talent. But the transfer cycle is one infinite loop, and when Quinnipiac loses high-end talent, it can always search

for more in the portal.

The Bobcats picked up 10 players during the offseason, including one transfer, junior left back from Governors State University, Flavio Di Palma.

Da Costa isn’t concerned with the amount of youth or turnover on the roster and is pleased with the progress the group has made in their short time together.

“That’s the thing we’ve been most happy with is how quickly they’ve adapted into the group and how quickly they’ve assimilated into our culture,” Da Costa said. “On field’s going to take a little bit of time, we’re really young… and we’re growing as a team which is the goal right now.”

Graduate student midfielder Drew Seguro, believes the team is already growing together at a rapid pace and is eager to show the conference what the Bobcats have in store.

“Every guy out there wants to fight for one another,” Seguro said. “I look to my left and to my right and I want to run harder for those guys, I want to make a tackle for those guys. I’m gonna make that extra run, and I think having that mentality in the team is super, super important.”

Team spirit isn’t the only element the Bobcats will need to master; health is just as, if not more important to the success of the team.

Last season, Quinnipiac dealt with injuries during the most important part of the year down the stretch. The Bobcats weren’t at full strength during their gauntlet of matchups against MAAC opponents, which caused their conference record to slip.

“We need to stay healthy and have our more experienced players on the field,” Da Costa said. “That’s a difficult thing for fall teams to do as

well because you’re constantly balancing that time between the offseason and summertime. Everybody’s in the same boat, but teams with deeper rosters tend to have more early success.”

During team practice on Aug. 26, senior midfielder Alex Miller could be seen running laps around the field. He ran for what seemed like half an hour, no breaks, no water and no slowing down.

The Leominster, Massachusetts native played all 17 games during the 2024 campaign, and is currently looking to get back to full strength.

Miller is dealing with a partially torn LCL and an ECL sprain and is currently in the rehab process.

“There were talks with the surgeon,” Miller said. “But for now I’m gonna try to go through the rehab path and strengthen what I messed up.”

Miller led the team in assists last season with six and is a vital contributor to a group that is looking to make waves in the postseason.

Despite the individual success, Miller credits his playmaking ability to his skill position in the midfield.

“Usually midfielders tend to be more of that type of guy because they’re under more pressure,” Miller said. “It’s awareness everywhere, it just happens to be that

I can find a couple people on the offensive side of things.”

The team showed awareness during its first matchup of the year against No. 7 Pittsburgh. And despite the 0-1 loss, the Panthers were always going to be an uphill battle.

Regardless of transfers, youth and the unpredictable nature of health in sports, Quinnipiac men’s soccer is optimistic about the season ahead. The road to glory is a path of the unknown, with many bumps and roadblocks along the way, but the Bobcats are going to take the trip together, no matter the outcome.

“We’re about people,” Da Costa said. “We’re about we before me.”

COURTESY OF QUINNIPIAC ATHLETICS

Quinnipiac men’s soccer celebreate after beating Merrimack 3-2 on Oct. 30.

Talent and skill prepare Quinnipiac volleyball for a strong season

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief

Okay maybe this time, it really will be “third time’s the charm.”

Quinnipiac volleyball got very close to the MAAC title in the last two years, but was ultimately — in a very deja-vu-like manner — shut down by the reigning Fairfield Stags.

And as usual at this point, the Bobcats earned the No. 2 spot in the pre-season ranking, right behind the reigning Stags.

But as before, the Bobcats are not held down by the past, rather they’re excited for the future.

“You know when you do something for the first time, you don’t really know if you are doing it right or wrong, what’s gonna happen next,” said graduate student opposite Elena Giacomini.

“That hesitation… you really get a fresh start. The team is like almost half new too.”

Probably the biggest news of the pre-season is the hopeful return of senior outside hitter Ginevra Giovagnoni, who was out all of last season after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season game, and yet still earned a spot on the pre-season All-MAAC team.

However, her return still isn’t 100% confirmed, as her photo on the website still remains

unchanged from last year’s roster.

“I’m really excited for her to play,” Giacomini said. “She’s starting to practice again, a little drills and stuff, but I’m confident that with time she’s gonna get back on court. I didn’t get to play with her but my teammates did and they know how important she is for us. We’re just waiting for her moment to come.”

Alongside her the team is boasting five new faces — all of which hail from Europe.

“I think it’s the hardest part, cause we have so much talent on our team,” Giacomini said.

“The girls are so young, talented and very determined. The talent and skill part are definitely not the problem. But managing to get to do that will definitely be the hardest part. I think we’re doing a great job at communication. It’s something that has to be built person-to-person.”

These faces include outside hitter Vittoria Tonelli and middle blocker Asia Belli from Italy, setter Klara Olszewska from Poland and — another, though this time identical — pair of twin Turkish players, opposite Azra Ozbiltekin and outside hitter Sahra Ozbiltekin.

And it seems like they are more than ready to make their mark. During the team’s opening weekend at the Bradley Invitational — where

aged to claw out a win against Western Illinois — all of them, except Azra, had their chance to play; even if Olszewska only got to make one as sist across the three games.

But it will be very difficult for the young set ter to see any sort of play time with senior setter Damla Gunes back for her final year.

The 2024 MAAC Setter of the Year and pre-season All-MAAC team passed 3,000 assists over this weekend and has been the starting setter since her first year. It is safe to assume she will fight to keep that spot for her final year in Hamden.

Speaking of players to watch, Giacomini has been named the Pre-season Player of the Year, only the second Bobcat to ever earn that honor, right behind Giovagnoni.

“I am always very honored for all of this, be cause it’s really a lot,” Giacomini said. “I didn’t expect it when I arrived. I feel like it’s more about my responsibility towards my team, to try every day to inspire them. I don’t think this is something that is so far from any of them. It’s a product of our work, I don’t think I could’ve done it with other people.”

Quinnipiac women’s

By CLAIRE FRANKLAND Sports Editor

The pressure of staying on top is challenging, especially for a team holding the back-to-back champions title. Quinnipiac women’s soccer fell to that pressure in its 2024 campaign, ending its almost two year long undefeated streak and handing its title to Fairfield.

After an unexpectedly shocking season, Quinnipiac women’s soccer sits in a rebuilding state in the No. 2 spot on the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

“We just had a meeting, just going over finding our identity as a team again,” senior defense Madison Alves said. “I think it can be a little tricky when you lose so many, pivotal players in that previous season.”

Going into this season Quinnipiac lost nine players, athletes who provided a lot of depth to its roster making them a strong, talented and competitively unmatched team.

Many of these athletes including Courtney Chochol ‘24, Roman Rachel ‘24 and Asiling Spillane ‘24 led the Bobcats in goals combined, contributing to 17 of the 32 goals the Bobcats put up. In net, two time MAAC Golden Glove Winner and All-MAAC First Team goaltender Sophia Lospinoso was a strong force, with a 0.838 save

percentage in 19 games played.

And while they lost nine athletes, nine freshmen have joined the squad this year in hopes to reclaim the MAAC Title.

“They’re definitely still adjusting, and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt, and know that, we’re the only ones that are gonna push them and make them feel comfortable,” senior defensive midfielder Molly Andrews said. “It can come from the coaches, but at the end of the day, it’s the team

ian native was the cret weapon in the Bobcats’ arsenal last year, with 429 kills and 30 service aces, earning her the title of MAAC Player of the Year.

“I’m really glad to be back,” Giacomini said.

“The first year, everything was so hectic. Now I know what to expect and I think I’m gonna be able to enjoy it more.

I found friends here and I wanted another chance with the people I love spending time with.”

All in all, the Bob-

mur Gunes had a great season and fell one kill short kai yet to make an appearance this season. Senior middle blocker Milena Silva is also ing time on the team, since senior Tuana Turhan has

Last year’s additions to the team are also expected to step up. With libero Fa’ave Kimsel Moe ‘25 now gone, sophomore Carola Negron Diaz will most likely fill ing libero with sophomore

Before the Bobcats return to their den and face the well-known opponents, their pre-season schedule includes a lot of travel — from the Bradley Invitational this past weekend, through Townson-Morgan State Invitational and College of Charleston Invitational to Cherry and White Invitational.

“It’s gonna be tough travelling that far that much,” Giacomini said. “But we have a chance to make it important, make it time that has value in it. I’m sure it’s the right way to go into season. It’s like doing the tough things first so the things after that look easy.”

So once again, on paper, Quinnipiac is in great shape to take on its MAAC opponents, but the fate of that wished-for MAAC title is only in their hands and not in the stars.

The Bobcats are set to travel on Sept. 5 to Baltimore, Maryland to face Morgan State, Towson and Stonehill. Their season opener is set for Sept. 26 against Sacred Heart at their turf, before coming back to Burt Khan on Oct. 3 to face Caniscius.

difficulties of last season’s fall. The challenges the senior squad has faced during their four years in Hamden, prepares them for the trials and tribulations this season presents.

“Our senior class, we’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs since we’ve been here, and we have been very successful, but we’ve also started seasons not the strongest,” Andrews said. “To know that we’re not even in MAAC play yet, and we need to just fine-tune things, and just stay confi-

game of 1.60. The Bobcats also put up 298 shots to their opponents 197 shots during the 2024 season.

On the other hand, Quinnipiac has struggled with their number of fouls, with 214 fouls to its opponents 173 last season, with 22 yellow cards. Yet, Quinnipiac doesn’t see its physical game as a weakness, but rather one of its highlights to its style of game, defined by pace and speed.

“We match up physically very well,” Alves said. “We’ve really touched upon our pace, and our coaches really emphasize that whether it’s on the wings, the middle, defensively, we have the pace throughout the field.”

The Bobcats opened up their season with matchups against Hofstra, Stony Brook, Syracuse and LIU, falling 0-3-1 before MAAC play even starts. In their non-conference matchups, the Bobcats have struggled to connect, being out scored 9 to 2 by their opponents, with a 0.5 goals per game compared to 2.25 by its opposition.

If the Bobcats hope to return to the MAAC Championships and reclaim its title, fixing the small errors will aid the team’s overall success throughout conference play.

“These are just little moments that, again, we can fix, and at the end of the day, we did create chances within these games, so it’s important for us to remember that,” Alves said.

Quinnipiac huddling up against Merrimack on Oct. 3.

TRIPP MENHALL/CHRONICLE

Quinnipiac in a team huddle against Iona on Nov. 3.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

@QUCHRONSPORTS

Quinnipiac women's cross country trusts the process in the midst of a potential MAAC Title four-peat Sports

By CLAIRE FRANKLAND Sports Editor

Winning is at the forefront of most teams’ minds. Race hard, finish strong and take home the win.

Yet, if you ask Quinnipiac women’s cross country what it’s focused on, winning wouldn’t be the answer.

“It really is more about the process than necessarily the outcome,” head coach Carolyn Martin said.

Coming off last season, the Bobcats captured the MAAC Title with a score of 31 with the help of Alessandra Zaffina ‘25 and Lauren Selkin ‘25 and seniors Rachel St. Germain and Sierra Gray. All four athletes scored within the top 10.

Going into the 2025 season, the Bobcats sit at the No. 1 spot in the MAAC Preseason Coaches Poll, with Iona falling closely behind. Yet, this season is different for the Bobcats, losing three strong runners who have contributed to the program’s three-peat. However, the veterans are not afraid to step up.

“We have some kids that have really stepped up,” Martin said. “Every year I think, oh man, it’s going to be a building year. Maybe we have to build some more kids up because we did lose three of our top five from last year.”

St. Germain and Gray, who both finished in the top 10 during the MAAC Championships, will be returning for their fourth season in Hamden. Both have consistently placed high with fast times, helping the Bobcats come out on top.

Moreover, Quinnipiac is set to have a returning roster, with 14 runners set to run it back, including junior Avery Palmucci and sophomore Madeleine O’Neill, who both scored in the top 40 during the MAAC Championships.

This season, the Bobcats have also seen

the addition of three freshmen and one transfer from St. Thomas Aquinas College, junior Zoe Merryman.

“I’m excited to get to run with new people on the team. It’s always fun to have added people,” Gray said.

With a mix of new additions and returning athletes, Quinnipiac is focused on working together to consistently finish strong this season.

“For the year, we want to learn to pack up and work together,” Gray said. “We do have different groups of paces and runners, but we want everyone to get close together so that we can get the fourth title for the MAAC Championship.”

Pack running is an important asset that will allow the Bobcats to continuously score higher, as their scores will be closely bunched together at the finish. Pack running has always been an emphasis for the Bobcats, especially in time for the conference championships, so its continued usage will enable the Bobcats to improve as the season progresses.

Aside from their competitive, winning nature, Quinnipiac attributes a great amount of its success to its team culture.

“Our team culture is really good. It’s been really good these past four years,” St. Germain said. “Everyone’s best friends, and everyone’s happy for each other at the end of the day, which is all you could really ask for and all you could want.”

In a sport that is dominated by constant mental strain and pressure, Quinnipiac’s team culture allows its runners to let loose and enjoy competing, alleviating some of the pressure other teams face internally.

And while the athletes have fostered a great culture, Martin has made a big impact for the Bobcats, pushing them to always be their best and have fun while competing.

“I love coach, she’s literally like a mom figure, and honestly, it’s nice to be able to go to her with for anything, and she’s very understanding,” Gray said.

The MAAC coach of the year for the past three years is valued by her athletes for her coaching style and personable approach, making her a strong leader as the Bobcats hope to claim their fourth straight title.

Quinnipiac women’s cross country has the opportunity to make program history this season, currently carrying three straight MAAC titles under its belt. By se -

curing this year’s MAAC title, the Bobcats will set the bar higher and become the second program in MAAC history to win four straight titles.

The Bobcats opened their season on Aug. 30 at the Stony Brook Season Opener, taking first with a score of 28 and an average time of 14:21. Quinnipiac came out strong in its first meet of the season, with five Bobcats finishing in the top 10, including St. Germain and Gray tying for first.

“I’m excited, it’s gonna be a really good year,” St. Germain said.

Quinnipiac women’s cross country gathers together before competing in the MAAC Championships.

Quinnipiac women’s cross country has the chance to make program history, winning four straight MAAC titles.