Volume 108 Issue 14

The Fordham Ram Volume 108, Issue 14

Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 TheFordhamRam.com

September 30, 2026

Fordham Introduces Remy AI By CAYDENCE JONES FEATURES EDITOR

broadcaster for ESPN and YES Network, Drew Casey, FCRH ’17, a baseball reporter and caster and Robert “Bobby” Ciafardini, WFUV’s sports director. These men proudly credited most of their success to Ahrens. Moran, who was a part of the

Fordham University students have a new resource for questions and support this semester, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot introduced as “Remy.” Remy reaches out to students via text message and is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide resources on topics ranging from tutoring to getting involved on campus. The chatbot also sends students check-ins about their experiences during the semester and can help with their personal problems. Despite being introduced as a new resource for students, Remy has received little visible promotion on campus. Many students are unfamiliar with the chatbot and have never used it. Remy is also currently being offered only to first-year and sophomore students, limiting its reach to a portion of the student body. Fordham’s Vice Provost for

SEE AHRENS, PAGE 4

SEE REMY, PAGE 5

COURTESY OF DANA MAXSON

Bob Ahrens, former WFUV sports director, died on Aug. 18. The WFUV and Fordham community held a memorial to honor him on Sept. 24.

WFUV Holds Memorial to Honor Bob Ahrens By BRYN MORRISON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bob Ahrens, a longtime WFUV team member who paved the way for what the broadcast station is today, died on Aug. 18, just before a new group of WFUV members were set to join

the organization. His memorial was held on Sept. 24, in Bepler Commons, with many Fordham University alumni returning to pay their respects. The event was small but still showed the great number of individuals that Ahrens impacted. As Malcolm Moran,

New App Optimizes Laundry Process By GRACE KAWECKI ASST. NEWS EDITOR

A new initiative launched by Fordham University at the beginning of the 202627 school year aims to streamline students’ laundry experience. The program, KioSoft Campus View, provides students with access to washing machine and dryer availability. John Puglisi, associate vice president of facilities operations, explained that the app was part of a plan to modernize residential hall laundry rooms. Puglisi said that the idea was to “leverage a little bit of our technology to allow students to manage their time better, and increase the equipment availability by having an application … that would notify [the students].” Students can access the

3 News New Provost

KerryAnn O’Meara Appointed as New Provost

app via a QR code on a poster in their residential hall laundry rooms or by downloading the Campus View Mobile App. Once they download the app, they will be prompted to enter a code, which they will find at the bottom of the poster in their laundry room. After students are signed in to the app, they have the option to choose which residential hall they want to see machine availability for, and once they choose a hall, they can see how many minutes remain on each machine. Students also have the option to set up machine alerts to be notified when their laundry is complete. Behind the scenes, Puglisi explained that a panel receives input from the machines on the remaining SEE LAUNDRY, PAGE 4

9 Opinion Podcasts

Podcasts Are Now the Place to Go for Interviews

FCRH ’27, mentioned during his speech and in conversation, Ahrens was very student-centered, a title not many are able to live up to. The memorial included a prayer led by Fordham’s campus Rabbi, Katja Vehlow and speeches from Ryan Ruocco, FCRH ’08, a sports

Lori Wolff Named as New Faculty Senate President By MADELINE SCHMIDTBERG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lori Wolff, Ph.D., has stepped into her new role as president of Fordham University’s Faculty Senate, bringing a decade of campus leadership and extensive Senate experience to the position. A professor in Fordham’s Graduate School of Education, Wolff noted that her immediate priority is simple: “Listening first.” The Faculty Senate is a body of 25 members, who are elected proportionally from Fordham’s various colleges, that represents Fordham’s faculty, according to the university website. The website also states that the Senate carries out responsibilities related to university governance through various committees and advises the university president on faculty affairs.

IN THIS ISSUE

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A member of the Fordham community since 2016, Wolff specializes in higher education leadership, administration, statistics, research methodology, program evaluation, conflict resolution and career construction theory. Her deep familiarity with

Senate business comes from multiple prior terms as a senator, as well as service on the executive committees of three past Senate presidents: John Drummond, Falguni Sen and Berish Rubin. Positioned at the crucial SEE WOLFF, PAGE 5

COURTESY OF FORDHAM GSE NEWS

Lori Wolff, Ph.D., is the president of Fordham University’s Faculty Senate.

12 Culture Bryant Park Events A Midtown Hoedown

20 Sports Hockey is Back 2026-27 NHL Season Preview

NEWS

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PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

September 30, 2026

Fordham Celebrates Homecoming with Week-Long Events

Rose Hill Gymnasium Sept. 26 8 a.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8 a.m., an athletics employee reported there was a water leak from the roof and water was pooling on the gymnasium floor. The supervisor then notified proper facilities to respond.

Hughes House Sept. 28 8:30 p.m.

On Monday, Sept. 28, at 8:30 p.m., there was a smoke odor inside Hughes House on Hughes Avenue. The supervisor responded. The investigation revealed a water leak in the utility closet containing the air handler was causing the odor. The supervisor then contacted the building manager who contacted the HVAC company to respond and make the necessary repairs.

Hughes House Sept. 28 10:15 p.m.

On Monday, Sept. 28, at 10:15 p.m., the supervisor observed an e-bike inside Hughes House on Hughes Avenue. The supervisor removed the e-bike to the Public Safety Office.

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MURIEL CORLEY FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

The President’s Ball 2026 was celebrated despite the rain under a tent of lights.

By MURIEL COREY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year’s Homecoming Week featured various events intended to unite current students and alumni. The festivities kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with “Fordham Night” at Yankee Stadium. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Fordham Jetés hosted the New York City Jewels, a three-act celebration of ballet, and on Friday, Sept. 25, Fordham Athletics held its Hall of Fame Ceremony. The Young Alumni Yacht Cruise was originally scheduled for after the ceremony, but was postponed to Oct. 23 due to inclement weather. Friday also included the annual President’s Ball, held on Edwards Parade at Rose Hill. Many first-years attended the President’s Ball as their first Homecoming experience at Fordham. Students arrayed in fancy dresses, suits and other nighttime outfits. Before her arrival, Burke Sabatini, FCRH ’30, shared her excitement about dancing and socializing with fellow students at the ball. She also stated her plans to attend Saturday’s events, specifically the football game. “Anything that gets me closer to my fellow classmates is what I prioritize,” Sabatini said. “I think it’s really good to increase my social circle so I can feel that I’ve fulfilled myself by the end of my freshman year.” Tetlow made a special appearance on the dance floor at the President’s Ball and shared her enthusiasm for the

upcoming weekend festivities. “[The ball] is such a joyful moment,” Tetlow said. “Tonight is all about the students. Tomorrow we welcome the alumni, which is a lot of fun.” On Saturday, Sept. 26, the widest arrangement of events were planned, including the Homecoming football game, alumni gatherings and a Coffee and Q&A with University President Tania Tetlow, but these also faced numerous cancellations due to the inclement weather. Tetlow said that Fordham was keeping an eye on the weather for the Homecoming game as a Nor’easter storm began rolling in on Friday. The Homecoming game is always said to occur “rain or shine” unless there is lightning in the area. Given this criteria, the game kicked off Saturday afternoon under a light cover of rain. The annual 5K Ram Run, which was set to celebrate its 15th anniversary at Fordham, was canceled. Other Saturday events that were affected by the weather included the undergraduate admission tour, the Black Latino Alumni Creating Connections (BLACC) Affinity Chapter tailgate and the private tour of the library archives, which were all canceled. The intended campus tour of Jesuit Presence at Rose Hill instead took place as a presentation at the McShane Campus Center. Homecoming Week usually faces changes nearly every year due to students’ and

alumni’s varying interests, as well as changes in programming capabilities. Director for Reunion Programs and Affinity Groups at the Office of Alumni Relations Matthew Burns discussed Fordham’s Homecoming history and the details of this year’s schedule. The main events ingrained in Fordham tradition are the President’s Ball for undergraduate students, the football game and the Fordham University Alumni Association (FUAA) Game Day Party, a pre-game barbecue held on Edwards Parade for alumni and their families. The FUAA Game Day Party was originally called “The Homecoming Tent,” but organizers recently decided to rebrand the event. Burns shared that the Game Day Party stems from Fordham’s cancellation of tailgating for campus events in 1989. “Alumni apparently got too rowdy,” Burns said. “Over the years, tailgating came back, but we’ve kept this event for alumni, family and friends.” One new aspect of the Game Day Party implemented this year was that senior students were able to attend. The Alumni Office considers this the seniors’ first alumni event. Burns also discussed the 5K Ram Run, which was started as a way to increase undergraduate participation in Homecoming events, as well as to encourage student-alumni interaction. Another event that sees a “good mix” of students and alumni each year, according

This Week at Fordham

to Burns, is the Yankee Game, with about 1,000 members of the Fordham community attending. Burns said that this event doesn’t always fall on Homecoming week, but when it does, it is a great addition to the schedule. The FUAA Game Day Party and the Collin’s Coming event, which welcomes back past members of the Mimes and Mummers theater group, are a few of the events geared towards alumni. Burns estimated that each year, Fordham welcomes back around 2,0002,500 alumni and their families for the Game Day Party and 5,000 alumni overall at Homecoming. Burns emphasized the Alumni Office’s welcoming of ideas from students and alumni for improvements to future Homecoming events and schedules. “We want students to know that you get a lifelong relationship with Fordham,” Burns said. “We are happy to collaborate wherever there is an opportunity with student clubs or groups. To get alumni back on campus, it’s mutually beneficial — alumni love to give back in different ways, and students get to benefit from the expertise of people who have been in their shoes.” The date for Homecoming changes each year, depending on the football schedule. While the events began on Sept. 22 this year, next year’s Homecoming will begin on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2027.

Wednesday Sept. 30

Thursday Oct. 1

Friday Oct. 2

Saturday Oct. 3

Sunday Oct. 5

James C. McGroddy Award

U.S. Foreign Aid Lecture

The Ignatian AI Conference

Women’s Volleyball vs. Dayton

Birdwatching at NYBG

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Bepler Commons 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Dealy Hall E-530 4 - 5 p.m.

Costantino Room 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Rose Hill Gymnasium 12 - 2 p.m.

New York Botanical Garden 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The event will recognize the 2026 McGroddy Award recipients with a panel discussion focused on teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration, followed by a reception.

Erin Collinson, director of the U.S. Development Policy Program at the Center for Global Development, will discuss U.S. foreign aid policy and funding.

The conference will feature presentations and discussions examining artificial intelligence through a Jesuit perspective, including sessions on AI, education, policy and technology.

The women’s volleyball team will host the University of Dayton Flyers for an exciting matchup at the Rose Hill Gymnasium.

The Birdwatching Club will visit the botanical gardens to observe local and migratory bird species, learn about the plants and habitats that support them and also practice bird identification.

NEWS Professor Prasad Subramanian Hosts Lecture

September 30, 2026

By BETHANY MARTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fordham University hosted a Zoom lecture featuring Professor Prasad Subramanian from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Subramanian, who specializes in plasma astrophysics and space weather, discussed the mechanics of turbulence and its profound effects across the interstellar medium. Subramanian opened the discussion by defining turbulence as a fluid motion characterized by chaos and unpredictability. “We tend to think of turbulence as rare,” Subramanian said. “However, the reality is, turbulence exists everywhere.” To illustrate, Subramanian invited the audience to imagine picking up their coffee before class. When someone pours in a sugar packet and stirs it, they are actively causing turbulence. Without that turbulence, it would take roughly 19 days for the sugar to dissolve. However, introducing turbulence disturbs the system and dissolves the sugar in just 10 seconds. As Subramanian noted, these systemic effects can be observed in both everyday systems, such as a coffee cup, and massive interstellar systems like the solar wind.

According to Subramanian, the solar wind is a steady stream of plasma ejected by the sun’s extremely hot corona. This solar wind is inherently turbulent, fluctuating in velocity, density and magnetic field strength. These fluctuations create “turbulent cascades.” Subramanian had the audience think of these cascades as whirlpools of energy. The sun initially ejects a large energy cascade with a single vortex. However, since the wind is turbulent, different regions of the vortex move at different speeds, twisting the flow until it eventually splits into smaller energy whirlpools, called eddies. This process repeats down to a microscopic level, where the eddies can no longer split and instead turn into heat. This process explains the long-standing thermodynamic puzzle of why the solar wind retains its high temperature as it expands away from the sun. Subramanian noted that sometimes, the sun also ejects massive, magnetized bubbles of plasma known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which ride along the background solar wind. These CMEs can be directed toward Earth, which causes significant space weather disturbances. While standard thermodynamic theory suggests

CMEs should cool down as they expand into space, Subramanian’s team discovered that in reality, this isn’t what happens. Instead, CMEs contain high-intensity turbulent spots. Just like in the solar wind, this localized turbulence causes heat as the eddies break down to the microscopic level, preventing the CMEs from cooling as they travel. This causes drastic disturbances in space as the CMEs head our way. Towards the end of the lecture, Subramanian highlighted that the most drastic impact of these turbulent CMEs is geomagnetic storms. If a CME’s magnetic field points in the opposite direction of Earth’s magnetic field, the two fields will merge. This causes a massive injection of solar energy into Earth’s magnetosphere. On the surface, this can trigger massive electrical grid blackouts, navigation failures and widespread infrastructure collapses. These storms also pose a lethal threat to astronauts and satellites. Without thick atmospheric protection, anything in the upper magnetosphere is highly vulnerable to hardware damage or radiation poisoning. Subramanian explained that, regarding his team’s breakthrough, they utilized a purely theoretical approach

to accurately predict when these CMEs will strike Earth. First, they calculated the exact viscosity of plasma in the solar wind. Because plasma is a charged medium, its viscosity behaves differently from traditional fluids on Earth. Its electric charges are strictly bound to magnetic field lines, which cosmic turbulence twists and tangles into “magnetic kinks.” Subramanian explained that, as a CME travels through space, it grinds against these magnetic kinks, changing its momentum. By following the precise

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mathematics of this “magnetic friction,” Subramanian successfully calculated a new, more accurate, aerodynamic drag coefficient. His team then tested and refined this formula using real-world data from premier space missions. Today, meteorologists use this very coefficient to forecast when CMEs will reach the planet. These advanced models supply a precise early-warning system, giving the time needed to protect Earth’s technology and infrastructure from the dangers of geomagnetic storms.

BETHANY MARTIN FOR THE FORVDHAM RAM Professor Prasad Subramanian from the IISER held a lecture at Fordham.

KerryAnn O’Meara Appointed as New Provost By GRACE KAWEKI ASST. NEWS EDITOR

KerryAnn O’Meara, Ph.D., was appointed as Fordham University’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs on July 1, replacing former Provost Dennis Jacobs, who retired at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. O’Meara is a widely recognized scholar with previous experience in academic roles in higher education. The office of the provost oversees educational and research activities and works closely with faculty to foster academic excellence. O’Meara earned an M.Ed. in higher education from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in educational policy from the University of Maryland. Before coming to Fordham, she served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Teachers College, Columbia University from 2023 to 2026. In an email statement to The Ram, O’Meara explained that she was drawn to Fordham because of its Jesuit mission, University President Tania Tetlow’s leadership, the vision in the plan Delivering on the Promise of Fordham and Fordham’s relationship with New York.

“I am incredibly excited to be here and have already felt the warmth, welcome and hospitality of the Fordham community,” O’Meara said. During her first year at Fordham, O’Meara hopes to build relationships with colleagues, understand the history and culture of Fordham and expand Fordham’s vision in science. “That work encompasses the academic programs we offer, new opportunities to enrich the student experience, stronger collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and support for faculty who have innovative ideas for new programs and initiatives,” she said. On improving the sciences, O’Meara explained that the plan “Delivering on the Promise of Fordham” will strengthen and expand the number of STEM programs at Fordham. “We want to build on excellence in existing Fordham programs,” she explained. “Such as biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Computer Science, and offer research opportunities to students, more living-learning communities and honors programs, and more opportunities to do four plus one undergraduate/graduate degrees,”

O’Meara said. She explained that Fordham has a vision called “Discovery and Science,” where the university is implementing interdisciplinary academic programs for students and faculty to conduct research. To understand the student experience, O’Meara said that she is putting in the effort to go where the students are on campus. To hear directly from students, she plans to meet and engage with them at events as well as through surveys and focus groups. O’Meara was inducted into the American Educational Research Association as a fellow in 2025 for her scholarship and leadership. She said her scholarly studies relate to her role as provost. “I studied faculty hiring, faculty workload (teaching, research and service), evaluation systems, student retention, graduate education and faculty professional growth,” O’Meara said. O’Meara said that when problems arise, her work as a scholar has prepared her with the questions to ask and the knowledge of what research works and what doesn’t to make the necessary changes. She also noted that she studied discretion, which is “how we identify the areas

where we have some room to make decisions, and then act on that discretion to improve conditions for ourselves, our colleagues or our institution.” She explained that discretion is similar to the Jesuit practice of discernment, which is working through a process and thinking through a decision, and that she will approach problems at Fordham with this discernment. O’Meara is also Jesuiteducated, and she spoke to Fordham’s Jesuit values being embedded in the core curriculum and going handin-hand with courses taught

at the university. “The pursuit of magis means we not only learn so we can excel in careers but also learn and grow as people to make a difference in our communities, within our families and with each other,” O’Meara said. O’Meara’s father, Richard O’Meara, ’75, graduated from the Fordham School of Law, making her commitment to Fordham more personal than just a career choice. She explained, “Joining Fordham feels like coming home because of my strong ties to this community.”

COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW KerryAnn O’Meara was appointed as Fordham University’s provost on July 1.

NEWS

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September 30, 2026

WFUV Honors Longtime Sports Director FROM AHRENS PAGE 1

first generation to work with Ahrens, said he always appreciated how dedicated Ahrens was to his students. Moran mentioned in conversation that when Ahrens found out that he was the one to pitch the show “One on One,” he made sure to always refer to Moran as “The Founding Father of ‘One on One.’” Ruocco also shared a few words about his memories with Ahrens. Through various stories, he explained that Ahrens had a unique mentor style. While very reserved when it came to giving approval of someone’s work in the station, Ruocco said Ahrens always made sure that his students had strong bonds. Ruocco said Ahrens reminded him and his colleagues that while they would compete with each other for future positions, they could not let that competition get in the way of their kinship. The recognition of Ahrens’ unique work ethic did not stop there. During his speech, Casey shared a story from his first year at Fordham, when Ahrens went out of his way to call NBC’s Olympic water polo announcer Doc Emrick after Casey told Ahrens that he was going to need help understanding the sport he was covering. Casey ended up speaking to Emrick right there on the phone. When asked how Casey knew Ahrens, the first thing he said was that he knew him as a mentor and as a friend above all else. Several speakers, including Casey, highlighted that Ahrens had a skill of making everyone feel seen. When talking about how Ahrens impacted his career, Casey said Ahrens was instrumental to

BRYN MORRISON FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Many people in the WFUV community gathered to honor former Sports Director Bob Ahrens.

his career success and to the careers of some of those with whom Casey currently works. The last of the speakers was none other than Ciafardini, Ahren’s only ever assistant. Ciafardini worked alongside Ahrens from 2012-2015 and took over Ahrens’ position after his retirement in 2018. Talking to Ahrens every day, Ciafardini said he has never-ending memories of him. But he said one thing that always shone through these conversations was that Ahrens’ love for Fordham and WFUV never dimmed. Ciafardini described

Ahrens as a father figure to everyone who was able to work with him, emphasizing how important Ahrens was to so many careers. Aside from the four speakers at the memorial service, Ahrens also impacted many others, including Justin Shackil, FCRH ’09, a sportscaster for YES Network and WFAN. Shackil described Ahrens as his greatest teacher and said his time with Ahrens was the most memorable of his college experience. He said he truly values the long hours spent in Ahrens’ office,

starting and stopping demo tapes and broadcasts Shackil had done. Shackil pointed out that when he was a student, Ahrens always made sure everyone had everything they needed to succeed, and explained that even after graduation, that support and encouragement continued. Shackil said that everything Ahrens did was for the betterment of his students. Another student who was greatly impacted by Ahrens was Mack Rosenberg, FCRH ’14, a news reporter at 1010 WINS. Rosenberg said his fondest memory of Ahrens is a true

testament to his character. When breaking the news to Ahrens that he was transferring, which he ultimately did not do, Ahrens never tried to talk him out of it, and instead supported him, knowing that what Rosenberg needed at that moment was a mentor. Rosenberg said he remembers realizing that Ahrens was there to provide support not only for things pertaining to WFUV but for anything he needed to talk about. Ahrens continues to live on through “One on One,” WFUV and the countless lives he impacted.

New App Streamlines Students’ Laundry Experience FROM LAUNDRY PAGE 1

runtime, which is wired to the university’s data backbone, where the information can be accessed. Puglisi said the idea to implement the app came from his learning in previous years about a software package for the app that was installed at another university. He found out that Fowler Laundry Solutions, Fordham’s laundry service partner, was a partner with the software company, making the implementation of the system simple. Facilities wired the laundry rooms for Ethernet, with any additional cost covered by the operating budget for residential facilities. Regarding maintenance issues for the machines, Puglisi explained that the maintenance dashboard shows equipment uptime and a QR code on each machine allows students to report any issues

GRACE KAWECKI/THE FORDHAM RAM

New laundry app includes a step-by-step poster alongside the machines for using the new system.

via a work order. Monitoring laundry equipment in real time allows facilities to

dispatch repair services quickly and efficiently. This system also allows the labor staff to

spend more time on other issues rather than inspecting the laundry machines.

“We want to keep our up time high, as you can imagine, because we can’t have a piece of equipment for everybody, so we’re sensitive to that,” Puglisi said. Regarding how residential life plans to measure the new system’s success, Nicole Brenner, associate director of residential life for operations, stated that “success would be measured by student use of the apps.” Cara Anderson, GSB ’29, commented on the usefulness of the new app to see machine availability. “It’s very useful because it allows me to put my time into better things because … the elevators take forever, so like if I go down to the basement of O’Hare every time to check, and there’s nothing open there, that’s like 15 minutes that I could be using to do something else,” Anderson said.

NEWS

September 30, 2026

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Fordham Launches Chatbot for Student Support FROM REMY PAGE 1

Student Success Elizabeth Rainey said the limited rollout is intentional. Rainey, who helped evaluate and design the program with colleagues in Student Affairs, said Remy is currently being tested as a pilot before the university decides how to proceed. “The purpose of a pilot is to see how it lands with students, with faculty, with the community members before we decide how we move forward,” Rainey said. Student reactions regarding the program have varied. Several students reported that they either replied “STOP” to Remy’s initial message or blocked the chatbot upon contact, while others were curious about the service but questioned whether AI could provide the same support as Fordham staff and students. Amelia Felice, FCRH ’29, commented on the usefulness of Remy. “I feel like it’s a cute, thoughtful idea but the AI definitely does not have fulfilling enough responses to actually answer people’s questions,” Felice said. “Why can’t they just make employees more accessible and nicer?” For those who already serve in support roles on campus, Remy has raised questions about how AI could affect their relationships with students. Resident Assistant (RA) Nyah Rodriguez, GSB ’29, said she would likely not recommend Remy to her residents. “As an RA, I likely wouldn’t recommend Remy to my residents as it would not only take away from my job, but do it poorly,” Rodriguez said. “The AI is not very personable.” For Rodriguez, the concern is less about Remy’s ability to answer questions and more about whether it can provide the personal connection students may seek from an RA. “Especially when I felt so comfortable communicating with my RAs last year,” Rodriguez said. “My goal is to provide that same level of comfort and open communication for my residents.” John Villavicencia, GSB ’28, raised similar concerns about the effect of AI on human interaction at Fordham.

Remy is represented by a friendly blue bird, designed to connect students with campus resources and support.

“I don’t like Fordham’s use of AI as it gives less incentive for human interaction,” Villavicencia said. “The use of AI leads to other roles, such as counselors and others, to most likely have less of a use. Most likely, this will be the start of those jobs being less important.” Rainey said the university does not view Remy as a replacement for Fordham’s existing human support systems. She highlighted the updates made to the Remy FAQ page within the last week in response to student concerns, which state that Remy is “not at all” intended to replace human support. “We also wanted to clarify that this is not to take the place of [human support], but to get a student to a human faster,” Rainey said. To see how that goal translated into students’ actual interactions with Remy, The Ram tested the chatbot with a range of questions about Fordham policies, campus resources and common student concerns. Overall, Remy responded quickly and often directed the user to relevant Fordham webpages and resources. In The Ram’s testing, it provided basic information about

overnight guests, parking and changing majors, but its responses were often general and required users to follow links or contact university staff for clarification. The chatbot also acknowledged that it can make mistakes and does not always have access to specific university information. This testing and use of artificial intelligence may raise questions about the technology’s broader environmental impact. Rainey said Remy uses pre-trained AI models, rather than training one from scratch. She said the energy used by a conversation with Remy is “less than your everyday activities, such as streaming a show or using an app.” Remy’s abilities also extend to conversations about students’ personal problems. When handling personal situations and hardships, Remy offers advice and invites students to discuss their feelings further. In testing, when the user confided in Remy about a breakup, it offered general emotional support and invited the user to continue discussing their feelings, asking, “If you want, you can talk to me about whether you’re feeling sad, angry, or just numb.” Remy’s ability to respond to emotional concerns could spark debate

over students turning to AI for support rather than relying on friends, family or counselors. Nicholas Smyth, a Fordham professor who teaches ethics of technology, said this ease of turning to a chatbot could come at the expense of the human connections students need. “We are a social species and our mental health and well-being is determined by our direct connections to other human beings,” Smyth said. “Our society is experiencing a huge drop in real human social connection, and so the last thing we need is yet another temptation to avoid making real connections.” Those personal conversations raise another concern: student privacy. While the chatbot encourages students to discuss their feelings, it explicitly tells them that their messages are not anonymous and that dedicated Fordham staff may follow up if they are better suited to help. For students sharing sensitive information about their personal lives, academics or mental health, knowing that their conversations may be seen by others could influence how comfortable they feel using the service. “Fordham is asking students

HANNAH SULLIVAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

to just trust a bunch of strangers in a tech company with their deeply personal information,” Smyth said. Remy is offered on an optout basis, meaning students are contacted unless they choose to stop receiving messages. Smyth questioned whether students should have to opt out of a service they never agreed to use, particularly when the chatbot can prompt them to discuss personal experiences. “Some of my students tell me they find it depressing, alienating and demoralizing to be forced to pay for Remy when tuition is rising,” Smyth said. “And this is supposed to help with student morale?” Fordham’s rationale for Remy, however, centers on reaching students who may be “silently struggling” and less likely to seek help on their own. “There are a lot of students who might be doing okay in their classes, think things are going well, but who really could use a check-in sooner or a connection to a resource,” Rainey said. Students who prefer human support can still turn directly to resources at Fordham, including Counseling and Psychological Services, resident assistants, academic advisers, deans and professors.

Wolff Takes on Role as President of Faculty Senate FROM WOLFF PAGE 1

intersection of the faculty and university administration, Wolff sees fostering strong communication and mutual trust as central to her leadership approach. “I will use words here that were made in reference to an upcoming (Oct. 1) Town Hall hosted by President Tetlow’s office: ‘building trust through transparency and open dialogue,’” Wolff said.

She emphasized that cultivating robust relationships among faculty, administrators, trustees, staff and students is key to building alignment across campus. “To do so, we must have or create opportunities to learn each other’s values and learn how we are all working toward the same goals,” Wolff said. Strengthening shared governance will also be a major focus during her term,

particularly in light of recent tensions between faculty and the Board of Trustees. “We have had some hits to shared governance, including the Board imposing a salary pool for Faculty for [Academic Year] AY26-27 rather than allowing the negotiation process to continue as it was statutorily intended,” Wolff said. Navigating the aftermath of that decision and establishing

how faculty can proactively address similar friction will remain at the forefront of the Senate’s agenda. “Addressing the ramifications of such action on shared governance and how those relationships move forward also needs to be part of that open dialogue,” Wolff said. The Faculty Senate convenes monthly from September through May, where they hold statutory responsibility

to advocate for faculty interests and to advise on key academic and administrative matters. Looking ahead, Wolff underscored that fulfilling the Senate’s mission requires active collaboration. “We have disagreed and will disagree, and it is through a commitment to both the ‘talk and walk’ of shared governance that we move forward together,” Wolff said.

OPINION Seems Like Trump Doesn’t Have a “Green” Thumb

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By LEILA CARSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

President Donald Trump has consistently sold himself as the ultimate master of making deals. When he first set his sights on Greenland back in 2018, his claims were nothing short of grandiose. In press conferences and on his social media platform, Truth Social, the president insisted that it was in the best interest of the United States to take control of, or “own,” Greenland. As most of his irrational claims do, these statements generated months of international headlines, rattled our European allies and prompted intense debates over Arctic geopolitics. These debates led to the formation of a new deal between Trump and the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. However, this deal establishes nothing new, and has not made the historical strides that Trump

September 30, 2026

thought it would. With the creation of this deal, Trump believes that he has gotten exactly what he wanted. What he does not realize, however, is that this deal is far from an agreement to make Greenland a U.S. territory. Despite endless boasts about taking control of the island, the signed agreement explicitly states that it respects Greenland’s right to self-determination. It does not grant the United States any ownership; it allows permanent access to and control over the airspace, giving the U.S. permanent military authority. Previously, the 1951 U.S.Denmark Defense Agreement allowed the U.S. and Denmark to mutually designate specific parts of Greenland for military use. Because of this, the U.S. built and operated the Pituffik Space Base in order to monitor the Arctic for defensive purposes, as well as to run

COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Denmark and the U.S. have passed a deal regarding Greenland.

early-warning missile radar systems. American military ships, aircrafts and personnel were also given free access to movement across Greenland without having to pay typical port or landing fees. Under this agreement, all military operations were framed as a shared effort under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and emphasis was placed on the fact that Greenland is a Danish territory, requiring that both American and Danish flags be flown over military bases. The 2026 deal that Trump has placed so much pride in signing functions less like a historic real estate takeover and more like an update of a 75-year-old agreement that, admittedly, did not need to be changed. The new agreement authorizes the modernization of the Pituffik Space Base, outlines potential new U.S. defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, bans non-NATO states from establishing any presence on the island and, most notably, emphasizes that Greenland has the right to self-determination and will be counted as a member of NATO should they decide to separate from Denmark. These provisions are not the revolutionary shift that Trump chalks them up to be. The similarities to the old deal are glaring, and all this new agreement seems to do is slightly update and reaffirm what was already in place. Trump is seemingly trying to frame this as one of his personal deal-making triumphs, as he is under the impression that

Greenland now belongs to him. Many have speculated that the only reason that Denmark and Greenland agreed to sign this agreement was for strategic de-escalation purposes. By coming to a negotiation, the two states were able to neutralize the aggressive tariff and war threats from Trump while also keeping the NATO alliance intact. Furthermore, Denmark and Greenland were able to explicitly reaffirm Greenland’s right to self-determination, even if Trump is not quite aware of it. Recognizing that they lack the military capacity to defend their mineral-rich Arctic frontier against escalating interest from Russia and China, agreeing to expand the United States’ hold over the territory was a way to ensure Denmark and Greenland’s protection. Despite the grand fanfare at the UN signing ceremony, this agreement changes remarkably little about the geopolitical balance. The core issues listed in the deal that Trump boasts about are largely redundant and do not match his previous claims about taking ownership of the arctic island. The 2026 agreement does not make Greenland a part of America, nor does it give America total authority over it. In its entirety, this ordeal highlights Trump’s tendency to make over the top proclamations to the public that he is unable to deliver. It shows that Trump is not the master diplomat that he thinks himself to be, as his high-stakes

political theatrics often lead to standard compromises that he wraps in grandiose rhetoric. Rather than executing an unprecedented territorial expansion, the Trump administration has simply modernized a pre-existing framework. This pattern is nothing new for the president, as he has previously bashed other deals such as North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), only to settle for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which leaves NAFTA’s core framework intact with a few added-on revisions. The same pattern occurred with the US-South Korea Trade Agreement, where quotas were slightly adjusted and timelines were granted extensions, which Trump marketed to the public as legendary personal victories. The Greenland ordeal fits well into this pattern. Although the president continues to boast about his victory in owning the Arctic island, it really culminates into very little. He has not revolutionarily expanded America’s territory, he has just signed an updated agreement that gives America expanded permissions of the island for military usage, while still highlighting that Greenland is, in the end, still a self-determining state that will not be a part of the U.S. should it ever decide to separate from Denmark.

Leila Carson, FCRH ’30, is a political science major from Waipahu, Hawaii.

A Gen Z Defense of Gatekeeping By ELI WALKER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.” This is a mantra of empowerment tinged with toxicity that has gained tons of traction in recent years. The term “gatekeeping” has especially grown in popularity, referring to the intentional blocking of access to culture, be that music, food, fashion or otherwise. We live in a society of almost unlimited access, with countless subcultures mere taps away, preserving themselves in forums and online fandoms. Access to digital streaming has allowed people to listen to a wider variety of music than ever before so that we care more about what sounds “good” than what aligns with our identity. This isn’t inherently problematic, but when someone tries to reap the benefits of a certain identity without understanding it, that culture is co-opted. People complain about gatekeeping for being exclusionary, but really many just want to easily infiltrate a community without taking the time to appreciate it. For this reason, gatekeeping is a valid last line of defense against culture vultures (with

corporations being a key culprit of this behavior). On Sept. 23, Wendy’s released an “emo” album called “Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot.” What does this have to do with fast-food burgers? Well, nothing, but it is in line with Wendy’s edgy, youthful branding (many will remember their X [formerly Twitter] roasts). It’s also part of the larger trend of corporations stealing culture for their own profit-seeking purposes. The irony of a company worth over $1 billion making emo/punk music, which is rooted in anti-establishment values, should not be lost on anyone. Here we see the value of gatekeeping: nobody wants a company coming in and messing up a good thing, so something must be done to keep them out. On a small scale, the Wendy’s album seems like a silly gag, but it’s indicative of the widespread misuse of modern trends in marketing. A corporation cannot be “in-the-know” because it’s not a human being, and it just wants our money, so any attempt to relate to a younger audience comes off as manipulative. Gatekeeping shields culture from these invaders, maintaining the original purpose and meaning of an identity.

Language, too, is frequently appropriated by outsiders. Specifically, African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) is constantly being co-opted. Much of TikTok and internet slang undergoes the same cycle: a word is used by Black people, online creators use the word as a joke, it becomes popular, people start misusing it, then they discard it into a heap of other appropriated slang and move on to the next trend. “Unc,” “no cap,” “on God” and “finna” are just a few examples of AAVE turned into widely used slang, with many not understanding the original meaning, and eventually labeling the phrases “cringe.” This shifts the meaning of language and ignores the group of people it belongs to. Still, many people believe exclusion is always a bad thing; this is usually a fair assumption, rooted in values we were taught as children. Culture vultures, like kids on a playground, get upset when no one tells them the rules of the game. What they fail to understand is that culture is more than a game, and not everything is for them. It’s important to see the issue from the gatekeeper’s perspective and ask why they feel the need

EMILY MCCALL/THE FORDHAM RAM

The term “gatekeeping” is frequently used today regarding culture.

to put up barriers in the first place. Often, these walls prevent invasive behavior. Granted, gatekeeping can be ill-intentioned. I know I get annoyed when someone won’t tell me the name of a restaurant or hides music away as if its value comes from being “underground.” For some, it’s just a way to seem cool or niche. But to dismiss it as being toxic is to undermine its value. With power comes responsibility, and gatekeeping is a very powerful tool. Knowing its

value, when to use it and when to accept it are important skills today. At its worst, gatekeeping is an annoying roadblock, but at its best it’s a vital tool of self-preservation. Like a dam to a flood, it stops corporations and appropriators alike from washing away culture.

Eli Walker, GSB ’30, is a marketing major from Portland, Oregon.

OPINION

September 30, 2026

R

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918 The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses.

Website TheFordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Editor-in-Chief Sienna Reinders Managing Editor Ian Nelson Production Editor Sarah Verrastro Editorial Director Molly O’Connor Multimedia Director Hannah Sullivan Business Director Nishanth Aduma News Editor Emma Leonardi Features Editor Caydence Jones Assistant News Editors Gabriel Capellan Grace Kawecki Opinion Editor Loresa Zeqiraj Assistant Opinion Editors Erynn Sweeney Elaina Gibson Culture Editors Lara Ejzak Makenzie Smith Assistant Culture Editor Kelly Buban Sports Editor James Nelson Assistant Sports Editors Molly Friedman Ethan Bess Copy Chief Indigo Towers Executive Copy Editors Emma Kelner Amelia Stricherz Hannah Michalowski Mia Smith Photo/Graphics Editor Emily McCall Wilson Speller Digital Producers Han Le Haniyyah Usmani Social Media Director Marisa House Advertising Directors Violet Wallace Juan-Pablo Valencia Rishika Lingamdinne Faculty Advisor Beth Knobel Editorial Policy The Fordham Ram’s editorial reflects the editorial board’s opinions or views. Opinion Policy The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram. Submission Policy The Fordham Ram Reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent. Correction Policy The Fordham Ram is committed to fair and accurate reporting. If you are aware of an error, please contact us at fordhamramonline@gmail.com.

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From the Desk | Erynn Sweeney

Don’t Let the Papers Sit on the Shelves You could do a lot of things with your Tuesday nights in college, but I don’t think any of them would quite top being in the basement of the McShane Campus Center in club suite B-52, madly and mindlessly decreasing the tracking on InDesign to edit out the word-splice that has been marked three times on your papers by the copy team but still will not seem to go away (Sienna, I am sorry it was not fixed by the time I sent my third reads to your email). Tuesday nights are “production nights” for The Ram, the time when the weekly issue of the student newspaper is prepared for print and digital publication. Articles that were once just ideas in the minds of section editors are chosen and written by students, sent back to the section they came from, then rigorously fact-checked and edited for grammatical correctness, clarity, concision and adherence to AP style (remove those Oxford commas, please). By the start of a production, articles have already undergone several revisions, a process that continues Tuesday evenings as copy editors ensure consistent formatting before the paper goes into print. I outline this process in order to, first, explain the time, energy and passion that is poured into the set of 11-by-17-inch pages that comprise the weekly issue of the student newspaper, and, second, to encourage you not to walk by a stack of newspapers without picking one up. You are most definitely busy,

tired, stressed and overwhelmed, with big things to do and important places to be. A “congratulations” in this case would be both necessary and warranted. As a college student, you are experiencing your undergraduate years, a time you will never get back. You are walking along the path of who you are becoming. In this exciting and frightening process, while you are pursuing your dreams and goals, sitting down and reading The Ram might seem like a waste of time. However, taking the time to increase awareness of our school is the most effective way to help our community grow. Scarcity of time and attention is a fact of our human condition, one that is amplified on a college campus — a particularly exciting yet overstimulating environment filled with countless opportunities and constant chaos. With our weeks divided among many activities and our days filled with both organized and spontaneous experiences, there is so much that competes for our focus. We devote ourselves not only to our studies – reading books and articles, preparing for exams, writing papers and researching our interests – but also working, forming relationships, participating in extracurricular activities and discerning our next steps after graduation. Balancing changing priorities at the same time we are figuring out what those priorities are is quite disorienting as our identities form, unfold and reform.

In the same way that we as individuals are experiencing change and growth, so too is our university. Institutions are made up of people, so it would make sense that the macro mirrors the micro: what is occurring within us on the individual level is also occurring within our institutions. If we care about our university, we should strive to be mindful of how it is changing and in what direction it is going. And if we want to bear in mind where our university is headed, we must be mindful of where it is currently. As students, we have the gifts of hope and active imaginations. We have the power to push our university to make the kind of changes we want to see. But in order to do so, we must take a long and hard look into the storage unit of our school, considering what kinds of things we are stockpiling, what we are giving away and what is missing from the picture altogether. And there is no better way to do so than by reading the student newspaper. The news section, for example, gives us a sense of the big stories related to what is happening on and around campus, including events and developments within the university’s structure and organization. The opinion section provides a portfolio of student voices, giving us a peek into what students think, the issues that are the most important to them and the sets of values that inform their perspectives. The sports section provides insight into Fordham athletics,

highlighting how teams operate and work together, as well as the stories of individual student-athletes who are excelling at their craft. Change is a funny thing. It is and always has been inevitable. It happens slowly, then all at once. It requires consistent effort from people who are passionate and committed to making something better. It is sometimes frustrating and elusive, just like editing out that word-splice on InDesign that will not seem to go away no matter how hard you try. Although creating change can be difficult, the place where we begin does not have to be. In fact, the starting point of change can be something as simple as unfolding a few pieces of 11-by-17inch paper, skimming through the titles that a handful of students thought would be fun for someone to write about and picking one to read. So the next time you find yourself entering a dorm or the student center or a campus building, don’t let the stack of newspapers keep collecting dust. Think about the time and energy that went into producing and printing this particular issue of The Ram that is sitting in front of you. Think about your role within our university — consider how things are and how you would want them to be. Read it, learn from it and, if you feel so inclined, do something about it – one word and one action at a time. *Read the full story on the fordhamram.com

Editorial | Palestine

At the Core of it All: Free Palestine Ed Sheeran is canceled. Macklemore is back. Hannah Einbeinder was arrested. Ms. Rachel spoke up. But why does this matter? The throughline for all of these eye-catching headlines boils down to one thing: Palestinian liberation. Look past the buzzwords and the Hollywood names and remember what these controversies mean to the thousands of displaced, injured and dying Palestinians, waiting for one of the many capable, wealthy countries to finally intervene. The performative nature of social media activism is not new, and these digital activists love a catch phrase to push. “Free Palestine” covers the internet, from comment sections to Instagram stories to account bios, and that can be a really good thing because it keeps it at the front of people’s minds. While awareness is absolutely essential to fighting for a cause, there is so much more to activism that is often lost in the world of the internet. These are not empty words, but a cry for action against nearly a century of occupation, displacement and violence. Still, there seems to have been a significant cultural shift over the last few months or so regarding Palestine. It has become much less controversial and much less

rare for celebrities and other public figures to speak out against the actions of the nation of Israel, and political figures are beginning to feel more pressure to stop their quiet centrism. Going back to Ed Sheeran: he has lost a significant amount of support for not taking a stand because being “apolitical” at this point tells people all they need to know. For those not up-to-date on pop culture news, Sheeran is under fire because he removed Macklemore as an opener on his Loop Tour after he spent some of his time on stage speaking in support of Palestinians and calling for a “free Palestine.” After some internet callouts, several venue owners would not allow a show to take place at their venue if Macklemore was performing. Instead of using his estimated $540 million net worth to take a stand for his friend and opening act, as well as the people of Palestine, Sheeran removed Macklemore from the tour in the name of supporting his fans. Within hours of the announcement that Macklemore was dropped, the rest of Sheeran’s support acts chose to drop out of the tour. On Sept. 24, Macklemore announced his “Free Palestine” tour on Instagram, featuring artists (to be announced) that are also vocal

in their support for Palestine. All of the proceeds will go to “organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.” Before announcing his tour, he posted another statement on Instagram declaring that all $1 million of his net earnings from Sheeran’s tour will be donated to six organizations that directly support the Palestinian people. “This is what this has always been about. Not me. Not a tour. Not the headlines or the controversy. It is about [Palestinians’] right to freedom, dignity, and safety in their homeland,” he said in the post. This simple act of redirecting his audience’s attention back to Palestine is something we need to constantly be practicing to avoid getting caught up in internet chaos and losing sight of what is really important. On the global politics side of things, the United Nations General Assembly was quite revealing in terms of global opinions on the genocide in Palestine. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the world, dozens of diplomats left the room in protest. Outside on the streets of Manhattan, hundreds of protesters, including several notable public figures, staged a sit-in to protest against Netanyahu’s presence at the General Assembly.

This demonstration came after NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for the prime minister’s arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant. In his speech, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of antisemitism, amidst other aggressive criticism of all who questioned or critiqued his actions. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas wasn’t even able to make his statement in person due to the Trump administration’s refusal to grant him or other Palestinian officials visas for the assembly. Abbas’ recorded speech criticized Israel for waging a “genocidal war,” and continued to argue for a two-state solution as he has for years. We cannot allow the overload of news that the internet constantly feeds us to distract us from the issues that really matter. The known Palestinian death toll in this genocide has surpassed 74,000 and continues to increase every day. Continue shouting “free Palestine” from the rooftops, but back those words up with action. Share Palestinian stories, have uncomfortable conversations and most importantly, when it’s time to vote, show up for more than just yourself in the booth. Never lose sight of what we’re fighting for. *Read the full story on the fordhamram.com

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By VALERY BRADY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars” is in full swing, opening with a two-day premiere on Sept. 15 and 16. The cast is filled with the whole alphabet: A, B, C, D and E-listers, that is. This season will be one of the first I plan to watch from start to finish in a while, and I am a bit underwhelmed with who we consider “stars” nowadays. While there are some very notable names, such as actress Julia Stiles, actor Harry Shum Jr. and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn, the rest make it feel like “fame” is getting handed out like gold stars. Some of the contestants include model Brooke Nader’s sister and TV personality Sarah

OPINION Dancing with the Who?

Jane Nader, actress Tatyana Ali from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez and “The Bachelorette” star Tyler Cameron. Yes, Tyler Cameron, who was not even the main character on his show. He was one of many bachelors on “The Bachelorette.” And then there are the other “stars.” Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson, comedian and podcast host Connor Wood, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, actress Jenna Dewan and reality TV star Connor Leavitt. These contestants have their own audiences, but their fame feels increasingly niche. While Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins may be wellknown in the reality television world, their audiences are very

COURTESY OF TV INSIDER

The new season of “Dancing With the Stars” showcases impressive dance routines.

different from those of someone like Stiles. It makes me wonder what happened to the “stars” part of “Dancing With the Stars.” Maybe A-listers are simply too busy to spend months learning ballroom dancing. Maybe the show has lost some of its cultural clout over the years. Or maybe fame itself has just changed, as people become hugely recognizable within specific corners of the internet or entertainment world without being household names. Nonetheless, it’s strange we went from A-list stars like Zendaya and Kim Kardashian to podcasters (Connor Wood) and nepo sisters (Sarah Jane Nader). But here’s the problem with my own argument: Once the dancing started, I stopped caring about who it was gliding across the ballroom floor. The dances were genuinely impressive. Shum Jr. and his pro-partner Jenna Johnson immediately stole the show with their cha cha to “Let’s Groove” earning a 21/30, the highest score of night one. After one performance, it was already hard not to picture Shum Jr. holding the Mirrorball Trophy at the end of the season. Higgins and pro Mark Ballas also delivered an amazing foxtrot to “Black Velvet.” There are also interesting

changes happening among the pros this season. Two new pros, Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman, joined the lineup (and since been eliminated), with Bills being a part of the show’s second all-female pairing alongside Nader. Bills also happens to be the niece of longtime pro Johnson. Zaikman also has her own path to the ballroom, joining the professional cast after winning “The Next Pro,” the spinoff series of “Dancing With the Stars.” And then there’s Witney Carson, who is fresh off her season 34 win with Robert Irwin — this time she’s about 15 weeks pregnant and partnered with Rodriguez, who has instantly become a fan favorite, not for his dancing skills (which are practically non-existent), but for his charisma. The first night of the show was a bit of a mess behind the scenes. Co-host Julianne Hough had a tough night, including a notable blunder while announcing Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech’s accomplishments. The judges also found themselves getting cut off multiple times during their critiques because the show was running behind, and ABC.com crashed 26 minutes into people voting. It made the premiere feel rushed and disorganized when it should have been

September 30, 2026

setting the tone for the season. The judging itself was modest. Shum Jr. received the highest score of night one with a 21/30, while Higgins tied his score on night two. No one received above a seven from any judge, which the judges argued leaves room for contestants to grow throughout the season. The show began with a double elimination, drawing mixed reviews; the eliminated contestants left with little opportunity to even begin to find their footing in ballroom dancing. But whenever judge Bruno Tonioli stood up — which was basically every time he spoke — he oozed passion and genuine love for dance and the contestants that came directly through the screen. No matter what the scores said, Tonioli looked like he was having the time of his life. Despite my initial confusion over who exactly qualifies as a “star” these days, I am still excited to rejoin the “Dancing With the Stars” universe. Maybe I do not recognize half of these people. Maybe that’s the whole point: to focus on the dancing rather than the stardom. Either way, I will be tuning in every week. Valery Brady, GSB ’28, is a business administration major from Long Island, New York.

Explaining the Power in “Power Naps” By ALEENA SIDDIQUI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Instead of normalizing running on three hours of sleep and sipping multiple cups of coffee and Alanis, college students should simply embrace the “enemy” and indulge in a nap. A short, intentional nap can be a useful way to restore alertness and improve mood during a demanding day, which all college students can testify to experiencing. That being said, there is an important distinction between a 20-minute afternoon reset and a three-hour slumber that leaves you awake at midnight. For college students, the goal should be to nap strategically. College students already struggle to get enough sleep. A study published in the Journal of American College Health found that more than half of college students reported experiencing daytime sleepiness or insufficient sleep. While students often sacrifice sleep to make time for studying, extracurricular activities, work and social lives, constantly being tired can make those responsibilities more difficult to manage. This is where the skill of a strategic power nap comes into play. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a 20-minute nap can help people feel refreshed and improve energy and mood without entering the deeper stages of sleep. The organization

also cites research suggesting that short naps can improve memory and cognition. For a college student who has spent an hour staring at a textbook without retaining anything, 20 minutes of sleep may be more productive than another hour of ineffective sleep. Napping can also provide a mental break from the constant pressure of college. Students do not always need another cup of coffee or TikTok hack to stay up late. Sometimes, the fact of the matter is that they are simply tired. However, the idea that every nap is beneficial would be misleading. The biggest problem with napping is that it can be difficult to control. A student might set an alarm, intending to sleep for 20 minutes, and wake up several hours later wondering how the afternoon passed by. When students are already exhausted and sleep deprived, it’s hard to nap for a short amount of time without their bodies giving into the relaxation falling into a deeper sleep. This is one reason why students may not indulge in naps. Longer naps increase the likelihood of entering deeper stages of sleep, which can lead to sleep inertia, or the groggy and disoriented feeling that can occur after waking. The Cleveland Clinic recommends keeping naps around 15-20 minutes for most adults and taking them

earlier in the afternoon. Now timing matters because naps are meant to solve sleeping problems, not create new ones. A nap taken at 2 p.m. is very different from falling asleep at 7 p.m. after dinner. Late or lengthy naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night by interfering with the body’s sleep drive and internal clock. In contrast, a case can also be made for slightly longer naps. The National Sleep Foundation explains that a 60-90-minute nap can allow individuals to fully progress through a full sleep cycle, while naps closer to 45 minutes may leave people waking mid-deep sleep and feeling groggy. Longer naps may therefore have a place for someone who has the time and a particular need for additional sleep. But for the average college student, finding 90, uninterrupted minutes between classes, work, studying and friends is not always realistic. Therefore, to put it simply, there is not one perfect nap schedule for every student. Instead, college students should think about naps as a tool. If you are tired at 1 p.m. and have an hour before your next commitment, a 20-minute nap could be the perfect rejuvenation to get your energy back. Set an alarm, take a nap early enough that it won’t interrupt your sleep and get up after the first ring, instead of falling victim to five rounds of snoozing.

But if you find yourself consistently needing multiple hours of daytime sleep to function, a nap is probably not the right solution. Cleveland Clinic notes that naps cannot make up for chronic sleep deprivation and that frequent or prolonged daytime sleep can contribute to a cycle of disrupted nighttime sleep. College students should also reconsider why exactly we feel so guilty about sleeping during the day in the first place. There is often an assumption that being busy equals productivity. Staying up until 2 a.m. to finish an assignment can feel like dedication and hard work, while a 20-minute nap can feel like procrastination. But productivity is not measured by how long someone sits at a desk. If being exhausted makes it harder to concentrate, remember information or complete work efficiently, refusing to rest is

not always the most productive decision. That does not mean every student should become a daily napper. The National Sleep Foundation specifically notes that people respond differently to naps and that students should pay attention to whether a nap actually leaves them feeling refreshed. Ultimately, the college nap should not act as a replacement for a good night’s sleep or an excuse to stay up until 3 a.m. regularly. It should not be seen as unproductive or procrastination either, but rather a way for college students to recognize when their bodies need a break. So if you find yourself feeling low, put down the energy drink and instead allow yourself to take a power nap. Aleena Siddiqui, GSB ’30, is a business administration major from Allendale, New Jersey.

COURTESY OF KETTERING HEALTH

It’s recommended to take naps around 15 to 20 minutes long for most adults.

OPINION Podcasts are Now the Place to Go for Interviews

September 30, 2026

By KELLY BUBAN ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

There was once a pretty standard routine for hearing from a celebrity: they had a new movie, album or book coming out, so they sat across from a late-night host, answered a few questions, told a funny story and promoted whatever they were selling. Today, you are just as likely to find that celebrity sitting on a couch with a podcaster for an hour-long conversation. Podcasts have transformed from a relatively niche form of entertainment into one of the most accessible ways to consume media. Whether you want celebrity interviews, comedy, politics, true crime, sports or the news, there is probably a podcast for it. Unlike traditional radio or late-night television, podcasts are also available whenever and wherever listeners want them. Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and other platforms have made it possible to listen while walking to class, working out, commuting, cleaning your room or doing practically anything else. Podcasts aren’t just competing with radio, they’re beginning to look a lot like the talk shows they once used to exist alongside. A clear example of this is

Jake Shane’s “Therapuss” podcast. Shane initially built an audience through social media and has since turned his podcast into a destination for major celebrities. Starting on Youtube, and then graduating to a Netflix podcast, Shane exemplifies the podcast transformation. This past month, he interviewed Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock following the release of their new movie, “Practical Magic 2.” The conversation lasted over an hour and covered everything from the film itself to Bullock’s personal challenges with mental health following her Oscar win. This interview demonstrates what podcasts do differently than other forms of media. A celebrity appearance on a traditional talk show might be condensed into several minutes with a monologue, commercial breaks and another guest, while a podcast gives that same celebrity an hour to talk. This doesn’t inherently make a podcast interview a “better” form of journalism, it just makes it different. My personal favorite podcast is Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast. Cooper has special guests from all areas of life, which I believe really gives her the opportunity to branch out to as many

listeners as she can. From Jane Goodall to Miley Cyrus to Monica Lewinsky, she is able to engage in intellectual conversations with people from all different walks of life. During the 2024 presidential election, Cooper demonstrated just how influential podcasts can be. Former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Cooper’s podcast for a roughly 40-minute conversation primarily focused on issues affecting women. Cooper explained that she had prepared questions on topics including the economy and immigration, but ultimately chose to focus on subjects she regularly discusses with her audience. This appearance during a presidential election showed why podcasts have become attractive to not only celebrities but also politicians and other public figures. “Call Her Daddy” gave Harris an audience of young women and listeners she could appeal to prior to voting. That relationship between a podcast host and listeners is what the format’s greatest strength is. Popular podcasts can feel less like a formal interview and more like listening to a conversation between friends. Hosts build audiences over hundreds of episodes,

sharing their personalities and opinions along the way. When someone famous enters this environment, the interview can feel more personal than a television appearance. However, a relaxed conversation does not always mean a more revealing or challenging one. Podcast hosts are not always journalists, nor should we expect every comedian or influencer with a microphone to become one. As podcasts increasingly host politicians, celebrities and other influential people, the line between entertainment and journalism becomes harder to distinguish. Guests may appear more authentic simply because they’re sitting at a couch rather than a desk. A long conversation can create an impression of depth without always including difficult follow-up questions or fact-checking. This is why the distinction between relying on these shows for information versus entertainment is important. However, I do not think that podcasts need to replace radio, late-night television or traditional journalism to prove their value. Radio reaches broad audiences while television interviews provide trained journalists and structured questioning. Podcasts succeed because they

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offer specificity, flexibility and time. Media habits have changed. Most people, whether they are working a nine-to-five job or are students, can’t organize their evenings to watch a talk show at 11:30 p.m. We watch clips the next morning, scroll through TikTok highlights of the interview or put on a podcast while walking on the treadmill at the gym. The idea that entertainment needs to happen at a specific time increasingly feels more outdated. This doesn’t mean the talk show is dead, it just means the interview is evolving. Podcasts aren’t necessarily better than radio or television, and they don’t need to be. Their biggest advantage is that they have created another space for conversations to happen — one that audiences can choose based on their own interests and can listen to on their own time. The microphone has not replaced the late-night couch just yet. But increasingly, some of the conversations people care most about are happening elsewhere. Kelly Buban, FCRH ’29, is a journalism major from Middlebury, Connecticut.

The People Need the Press By BRYN MORRISON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Any limit on the press, and I mean any, is always dangerous to some extent. It’s the reason why we have freedom of the press in our First Amendment rights. In some cases, the government cannot be trusted to tell you what is really going on, especially when it is going to put the current administration in a bad light. Therefore, the press was given the responsibility of reporting truthfully, no matter what that truth may be, in order to make sure that the American people are well informed. This news ban in particular, although it may not have lasted long, is enough of an example of the danger that the press is in. On Sept. 18, President Donald Trump erratically banned news organizations such as MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House grounds, and revoked their press passes for their “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.” Although the president has attacked these organizations before verbally, this is the first time he took actual action against them. The biggest issue with all of this is how blatantly unconstitutional it is. Although it has become a common occurrence for this administration to disregard the

Constitution, this is one of the only times that it was so obvious that even news organizations that are commonly “allied” with Trump ended up taking the side of the banned organizations, such as Fox News. Even with the ban being ruled unconstitutional, and access being reinstated, we still need to remain wary and concerned about how this will affect the future of the press. Because of Trump testing these boundaries, he is now aware of the power he holds to limit press, even if it is for a short period of time, which could be weaponized by him at any moment that he doesn’t want to be seen in a negative light. This ban also shows his awareness of what he is doing and how it is wrong. Considering he normally uses the media as leverage for support, the fact that he is limiting it also shows how he has started to prioritize his authority over the American people. The more this administration pushes its boundaries and the more they are able to get away with it (even if they are technically blocked by a judge) shows that this administration has too much power, and it doesn’t take a lot for them to get lawmakers on their side. This makes the administration even more dangerous

because the institution that is supposed to keep them in check is now under the influence of the administration and will be used to leverage the president’s agenda. This concern, while purely hypothetical, is still something we should take seriously. The complete blatancy of this ban shows how little the administration cares how they are viewed anymore. What I’ve noticed is that the more they go on, the less they have focused on a positive public image. They have started to disregard their public image completely, which shows how much they have started to believe that no matter what they do, they won’t ever be stopped. The press ban is particularly concerning because if this continues to be an issue, the American people might not know what is going on in their government, because the only source they will have is the administration themself. This might not be the most trusted source, because there is a good chance they aren’t going to be honest about what they are doing, especially if they know what they are doing goes against the law. The press is the only way that Americans are able to fully understand what is going on in their country because it provides unbiased information with correct

context, something we can’t trust this administration to do. We know this because of all of the interviews we already have seen, with government officials denying facts that news outlets try to question them about. Taking away the press also allows the government to get away with things without public accountability, allowing issues to go under the radar that could affect many Americans. With a lack of press also comes a rise in corruption. With the control over press that the administration has attempted, they could easily influence what is being published, giving themselves way too much freedom to control what gets hidden. Because the press is

normally independent from the government’s approval, negative headlines are able to come out, even if that means putting the administration in a negative light. It’s what comes with having a free and honest press. Without it, we lose a key part of our constitutional rights. Although it is good to at least attempt to shed light on a counterarguement, that becomes more and more of an impossible task, especially when you realize how inarguable it is that the banning of the press is a complete infringement on Americans’ constitutional rights. Bryn Morrison, FCRH ’30, is a journalism major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

COURTESY OF ABC7 SAN FRANCISCO

CNN, Politico and MS NOW were recently banned from the White House.

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OPINION The College Experience: Keep Saying Yes

September 30, 2026

By YULIA UVROVA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I’m an avid supporter of saying yes to everything that’s feasible in college. As college students, we are presented with what feels like endless amounts of stuff to do and worry about. However, there is a way to say yes to a wide array of activities without feeling overwhelmed. It all stems from a point of balance and knowing how to discern what’s truly important. While burnout can be a concern, acknowledging how to reach this point of balance is crucial, as there are so many amazing outcomes to saying yes.

Miah Navarro, FCRH ’28, said that in college, it can be difficult to say no sometimes because “everything sounds so appealing.” You have less people keeping you accountable when you go to college because you are more independent, so you have more temptations to give in to.” This can be challenging when you’re trying to discover your priorities. I have now attended the club fair about five times, and every single one of these times I sign up for more clubs than I can handle. When the time comes, I end up actually attending only a fraction of the meetings I thought I would, but Navarro

COURTESY OF BBC

Taking advantages of opportunities in college can lead to a better experience.

is not wrong when she says that everything just sounds so appealing. If I had unlimited time and energy and could do everything that piqued my interest, I would. Balance comes from distinguishing what makes you happy from what benefits you both now and in the futureand incorporating both into the mix. This holds true for academics, involvement on campus, internships, jobs and hanging out with friends. It is obviously not realistic to constantly say yes to plans with friends while ignoring assignments and other responsibilities. However, it is also not healthy to completely shut out people in your life and only focus on work. Sabrina Abu-Wishah, FCRH ’28, said, “sometimes something is worth doing just because I enjoy it or because I care about the people involved.” Balance is necessary for a good experience, and knowing what to say yes to is important. Saying yes in college can help with developing a growth mindset. The more someone steps out of their comfort zone, the more they will be willing to continue to try new

things. The word “yes” plays a large role in this mindset; it practically convinces you that anything is possible. If something goes wrong, a growth mindset allows you to accept this, learn from whatever happened and move on to something stronger. Without the “yes” in the first place, there is nothing to grow from. A stronger sense of resilience can come from experiences that don’t quite meet our expectations, and saying yes to many things will inevitably lead to such occurrences. When you say yes to almost everything, college can feel like a roller coaster. The situations one finds themselves in will vastly differ from one another. Someone could greatly succeed in a certain club and eventually become its president. This same person could simultaneously decide to try out a food spot with a new friend and have a horrible time. Both situations are equally valuable, and they both come from initially saying yes. The butterfly effect is an interesting phenomenon. One small tweak can change the trajectory of someone’s entire college experience. Every time a person says yes to doing

something, they are opening themselves up to so many possibilities that could potentially return the favor in the future. This can be as simple as talking to the person sitting next to you on your first day of class. Years down the line, knowing this person may lead you to an endeavor you never anticipated. Who knows, it might even end up becoming your life’s aspiration. The more things a person tries, the better they will get to know themselves. An inescapable part of the college journey is figuring out who you are as a person, but one can only do this when they are willing to try out different pursuits. I only knew that I didn’t want to be a psychology major because that’s what I started out with. I only knew that I didn’t want an internship in social media marketing because I sat on a call with the interviewer, listened to him describe the job and realized I absolutely did not want to go down that path. But that’s okay, because now I know, and the more we say yes, the more we will come to know about ourselves. Yulia Uvarova, FCRH ’28, is an economics major from New Canaan, Connecticut.

Trump is Dangerously Changing the ESA By MELISA BUJAJ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was first signed into law by former President Richard Nixon in 1973 with the goal of protecting imperiled plant and animal species, as well as their ecosystems. Now, it has faced a harsh makeover that prioritizes ease and loopholes for extractive industries over the protection of endangered species. The act provided a list of “endangered” or “threatened” species and prohibited the concept of “take,” which included “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” One of the biggest changes that the Trump administration has inflicted on the ESA is redefining what “take” means. A written memo states that “harming or killing an endangered animal would no longer be considered illegal unless the action was specifically intended to cause harm or death.” Intention, rather than result, appears to hold the most significant weight in determining a violation of the ESA. However, intent to harm or accidental harm means little when the end result is the same: Endangered species will suffer greatly if there is no incentive for humans to be wary of them and their habitats. The changes to the ESA are being met with backlash from organizations such

as the Center for Biological Diversity and from the states themselves, 20 of which sued the Trump administration for reinterpreting “harm” to no longer include “modification or degradation” of habitat. The reason for these changes is conveniently framed as a desire to support American families and businesses by claiming that the federal regulations, permit licensing and compliance costs that businesses were expected to adhere to were far too extensive. As part of additions to the ESA over the years and an example of its intensity, the Incidental Take Permit (ITP) is “required for any ‘take’ of an endangered or threatened species incidental to, and not the purpose of, an otherwise lawful activity.” Receiving an ITP requires a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to ensure that the effects of the taking were “adequately minimized and mitigated.” A HCP could be carried out in several ways, including “enhancement or restoration of degraded habitat or establishment of new habitat.” Needless to say, the ESA took several precautions to protect endangered organisms organically or atone for the damage inflicted. Some argue that the required “unnecessary” permits, consequences and monitoring of the ESA were exaggerated and a burden on extractive business owners. But realistically, would anything less

have deterred their unfailing ambition? It is precisely the intensity of the ESA that assures its success because it provides physical barriers and obstacles to mindless environmental harm, regardless of supposed intention. To understand the gravity of changes to the ESA and its relative importance, it is first necessary to understand that the principles are, in fact, strict and punishing, with consequences ranging from year-long imprisonment to fees of up to $50,000. However, these principles, as extensive as they may seem, are necessary to the survival of endangered species. The Trump administration’s reinterpretations are all geared towards making economic growth and business ventures easier. According to the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, “[c]urrently, there are more than 175,900 species on The IUCN Red List, with more than 49,500 species threatened with extinction.” Ease is absolutely not what we need at this point. I fear the positive reception that the administration will receive from citizens because these changes are being framed as making working-life easier; less time and money spent on obtaining permits, fewer restrictions on where they can physically work and possibly less fear of ESA violations. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik has

claimed that with the administration’s changes to the ESA “can protect species and respect communities at the same time.” But for how long? The bitter truth is that environmental wildlife and endangered species are not in a comfortable position and have not been for a very long time. This unfortunately outweighs the proposed ease that oil, mining or logging businesses stand to gain. The ESA and federal government do not totally halt land development or resource extraction; they simply create thorough procedures and approval processes. Making allowances for habitat abuse and neglect now is an unforgivable step to the ultimate extinction of imperiled organisms. It is also necessary to realize that the ESA is dedicated to the recovery and protection of species that are actively listed as imperiled. So, despite the alarming number of

organisms in danger of extinction, the efforts of the ESA can not be ignored or forgotten, even if they seem slow. Less than 1% of species listed under the ESA have been lost, and several animals have been successfully removed from ESA protection, including the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. I do not deny that the Endangered Species Act increases the steps that extractive businesses have to take before actually extracting, nor do I deny the overwhelming reliance we have on these materials every day. I do stress the harsh reality that the ESA’s detailed definitions and seemingly complex rules are not in need of revision or convenience. They are an indispensable protection of the very environment we constantly rely on. Melisa Bujaj, FCRH ‘28, is a political science major from Westchester, New York.

COURTESY OF BBC

The Endangered Species Act serves to protect animals from extinction.

OPINION AI Risks Fly Over Trump’s Head

September 30, 2026

By DOMENICK FEDELE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fox: “Bill Gates says AI could cause ‘a billion deaths’ without regulation.” The Associated Press: “Anthropic and OpenAI sound the alarm on AI safety.” CNN: “Rogue OpenAI agents targeted three separate US government websites.” No matter where you get your news, AI is in it – and it’s not exactly flattering coverage. Sept. 9 brought a late-night bombshell: Jacob Coxon, an Anthropic employee, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his resignation. Coxon, who has spent the last three years researching AI pretraining at both Anthropic and their primary competitor, OpenAI, issued a chilling warning, stating that both companies are “racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.” Coxon was not alone. Almost immediately, other researchers began to echo his claims. Evan

Hubinger, another Anthropic researcher, said that he believes there is greater than a 10% chance AI will cause human extinction in the next few decades. Unsurprisingly, AI fear spread across the traditional and non-traditional media landscapes such as wildfire — Legacy News, cable talk shows, X, TikTok, everywhere. It was Y2K on incredibly powerful steroids, aided by an informational superhighway of unprecedented reach. AI fear soon grew far beyond a couple of scared employees. AI executives felt the need to step in, most prominently through a lengthy letter from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. He took a softer tone, emphasizing the benefits of AI and calling recent developments a “warning sign that we need to slow down,” but it is still shocking. How often does a CEO call for a slowdown of their own products? Other top AI executives across the field issued similar calls for pauses and regulation.

COURTESY OF POLITICO

Trump has attempted to change the name of AI to “Super Intelligence.”

It is impossible to speak reliably on the veracity of the claims that have come out about AI in the past few weeks. Reports have suggested that Coxon may have been aided by a third party public relations firm to help coordinate interviews as he shared his AI fears. Some others, including Vice President JD Vance, have urged caution about companies asking the government to regulate them as a potential “Trojan Horse” aimed at stopping competition more than actual AI threats. There is certainly some validity to this skepticism that has pushed back against the doomsday narrative, but fully discounting the risks is potentially suicidal. The extent of the dangers AI poses to humanity is impossible to objectively assess, but when basically every figure in the industry admits there is at least some danger, it is probably wise to act on the assumption that the dangers are real. Whether or not humanity is in danger of extinction, the confirmed risks of AI — including the many documented data breaches that occurred before the latest panic — should be more than enough to justify restraint and regulation. But in typical fashion, the Trump administration is doing everything but responsibly and seriously considering the risks of AI. Shortly after Amodei’s eloquent letter, Trump lashed out in a series of Truth Social posts and repeatedly called AI warnings a “hoax” and a “scam.” Other leading Republicans promptly followed, and they were especially focused on the necessity of outpacing China in AI, a quest that regulations

would likely impair. Worry not, however. Trump has a better solution to AI concerns than those actually working in and leading the AI industry: Change the name. Trump has been firmly established as the renamerin-chief, and he has brought incredible success to the administration through these heroic efforts (just don’t fact check this with literally any poll about any issue), so why should AI be any different? During a speech to the United Nations last week, Trump took the opportunity to proclaim that AI will now be referred to as “Super Intelligence.” While literally on the world stage, the president of the United States responded to claims that a technology could cause human extinction in the next decade by changing the name of said technology on government documents. This is exactly the kind of leadership that will reassure the masses in times of crisis (not). Trump also made sure to reiterate that he had no intention of regulating something that would be “bigger than the Industrial Revolution.” Perhaps it would be useful to recall the horrors that came along with the Industrial Revolution and that it was government regulations that eventually saved a countless number of lives and enabled the incredibly high standards of living that we enjoy today. Without regulations, we would still be eating dangerously unclean meat, breathing in lead paint and asbestos and hiding from acid rain, among the many other perils unprecedented industrialization ushered in.

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Yes, the Industrial Revolution changed the world, but it was the common-sense regulations that allowed for those changes to be mediated and actually improve conditions. By their own example, regulation of such profound changes (and dangers) is critical to bring any meaningful societal improvement. Yet, this could not be further from the reality we are currently facing. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping did announce the creation of a dialogue system for so-called “Super Intelligence” after the high-profile summit last week, but it was an announcement lacking specifics, and mostly just contains a method for the countries to share “incidents.” And while Trump did have dinner with Amodei this Sunday, his announcement of the meeting came with repeated downplaying of AI risks and the ever-popular “beat China” narrative. There will be no China to beat if some of the claims of these AI whistleblowers are true. We need a proper government investigation into the capabilities and risks of AI combined with preparations for decisive regulations if they are found to be needed. Changing the name and hiding behind the need to maintain an edge over America’s 21st century boogeyman simply doesn’t cut it.

Domenick Fedele, FCRH ’29, is a political science major from Yorktown, New York.

God Forbid I Want Alone Time By GABRIEL CAPELLAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR

As college students, we’re always running around to get through our days. We have classes, jobs, friends, clubs, responsibilities, etc. It’s a lot to manage, I know! Regardless of your major or the activities you’re involved in, it’s not a sin to ask for some alone time. Before coming back to school, I made a list of people I told myself I was going to hang out with because I care about them. In my list of about 10 people, I’ve only properly hung out with three of them and it’s already October. I’m a big advocate for alone time, as it allows me to reset my emotions and focus harder on things that need my attention. Most of the work I do is with other people and requires me to be mentally present. I don’t think I’d be able to complete my tasks if I were constantly socially present as well, without taking a break when I need to.

I took this past Saturday for myself, and afterwards I was the most refreshed I’ve felt in the past couple of weeks. I didn’t do anything demanding and that was the best part of it all. I had breakfast, played some games, took a nap, woke up again, played some more games and called it a day. It was the best version of bedrotting I’ve ever done. The beauty was in the fact that I took a step back from everything, including all of my responsibilities. I didn’t worry about school, or my friends: I let my brain be quiet for a day and that allowed me to be ready for the next day and get back into the groove of the week. I didn’t isolate myself, I gave myself the break I needed after a long week. There is a fine line between isolation and alone time. The difference between the two is how you arrive at either. Alone time is intentional; it’s meant to be the recharge you need, whereas isolation is an

unhealthy withdrawal that comes from stress, fear or anxiety. The way I see it, you need to give yourself that break and have a good support system to prevent isolation from happening. It’s easier said than done, but the best thing to invest in as a college student is a support system. Ensuring you have people that you can fall back on and have them fall back on you makes college that much easier. One of my favorite places to go to if I want to catch my breath is the boardwalk by the Hudson River on 59th Street. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the Lincoln Center campus and I’ve been there countless times whenever I wanted to recollect my thoughts. I’ve read there, taken photos and simply done some work. Editing photos also gives me a creative outlet that helps me regulate myself. I’ve taken god-knows-how-many walks in different neighborhoods across the city just to take

photos of them. It’s an excuse to people-watch and just be curious about places I’ve been meaning to visit. All in all, taking alone time is good for you. Like all things, it’s good in moderation and shouldn’t be done excessively. It’s hard to find alone time on campus when you have

roommates, classes, clubs and everything else in between. We preach our school spirit, but getting away from that every once in a while won’t be the end of the world. Gabriel Capellan, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from the Bronx, New York.

COURTESY OF EMILY MCCALL

Alone time can provide space to reset emotions and recharge social battery.

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By LARA EJZAK CULTURE EDITOR

This past Friday, Sept. 26, New Yorkers said “goodbye” to their usual fast-paced, highfashion evening plans and said “hello,” “howdy” and “yeehaw” to the annual hoedown in Bryant Park. Intrigued to see how the metropolis of New York City would curate a country shindig, I put on my most rugged flannel, donned my bandana and moseyed on down south to 42nd Street. To close out the summer with some cowboy flare, Bryant Park hosted their iconic hoedown full of food, drink, music and mechanical bulls. Since I’m from an area more akin to “Little House on the Prairie” than this concrete jungle I now live in, I was eager to reconnect with my hillbilly roots. Considering my high school prom was held in an actual barn, goats included, I felt more than qualified to review this imitation of country life. The evening lasted for three swingin’ hours from 6-9 p.m., during which attendees could order some supper from the food vendors or enjoy a crisp beverage. After snagging one of the complimentary cowboy hats, I indulged in a classic Photo caption goes lemonade and here... a ropa vieja

CULTURE A Midtown Hoedown

empanada, both of which hit the spot after my square dancing session. Speaking of, the main event of the evening were the square dancing lessons given on the lawn. The dance instructors were from the Big Apple Ranch and led us city slickers through the one-two steps and shuffles from a stage set up for the event. Each dance consisted of a slow, detailed demonstration of the footwork that the crowd would then attempt to replicate. Then, the whole routine would be put into action with accompanying music, and it was revealed who caught on and who was just trying to do-si-do their way through the song. In light of the event coinciding with the recently established Dolly Parton Day, a fitting amount of Dolly music was played and danced to throughout the festivities. Even if not everyone could keep up with the choreography, the remembrance of the country legend was enough for people to ignore any missteps. If swinging your partner ’round and ’round seemed too advanced, there were also a wide variety of games and crafts for participants to try their hand at. These PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE ranged from the more themeappropriate horseshoe toss

to more unique activities like pumpkin bowling. There was even a random patch of land with a blanket of hay, seemingly for children to simply frolic in. For those really looking for the cowboy experience, there was a lassotossing station manned by an instructor in case anyone had future aspirations to reign in cattle. After I successfully looped the horns of the plastic target once, I called it a day and retired from the trade. The most exciting offer ended up being the mechanical bull, evidenced by the extensive line of folks waiting for their turn to ride. Much to my chagrin, I was unable to secure a spot in the saddle for the mechanical bull this time around due to the long wait, but you can bet your boots that I’ll be back next year to remedy that. Instead, my friend and I found our way to the crafts section where people could construct their own bolo ties or get an authentic, WildWestern glitter tattoo. One antler and cactus tattoo later, we reckoned it was time for us to skedaddle and waved our hats goodbye to Bryant Park. While there was a noticeable lack of any barnyard animals or battered hardwood flooring, the Bryant Park hoedown was all I was fixin’ to

experience and then some. It was charming to see so many city folk convene for the sole purpose of dancing and engaging with a drastically different lifestyle and culture. There was an overall spirit of simple enjoyment in the park. It was nice to momentarily

September 30, 2026

escape the hustle and bustle of the city to make like molasses and slow down for a bit. If you’re looking for a new beginning of fall activity in the city, I highly recommend you bust out your finest country attire and boot scootin’ boogie to the next hoedown.

LARA EJZAK/THE FORDHAM RAM

Mary Hannah Gallagher and Lara Ejzak dressed to impress with cowboy gear.

Taking the Different Route: Studying Abroad in Seoul By IAN ROTUNNO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I have always loved to travel, so naturally I wanted to study abroad. When I started thinking about my options, my mind automatically went to the first places most Fordham students consider: London and Granada. Then I thought, if I’m going abroad, why not push myself fully outside of my comfort zone? After taking the time to explore my options, I was drawn to South Korea. I am Korean, so naturally I wanted to experience the country where my heritage is from. Asia has also always intrigued me, a place so culturally different from what I am used to and an area of the world I would normally not have the opportunity to travel to and explore. When my plans to study abroad were finalized, I was excited and anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. The thought of entering such an unfamiliar setting without any of my friends or family made me nervous. Regardless, I was excited to embrace the unknown and push myself beyond my comfort zone. Once I arrived in Seoul and moved into my dorm at Sogang University, I realized studying abroad would be much more than just taking classes in another country. Living in a

city on the other side of the world means adjusting to the customs, meeting new people from Seoul and around the world and learning to navigate a country that is completely unfamiliar to me. The beginning of the semester was not easy; I felt like I was back in my first year, trying to find my people. It took some time, but before I knew it, I had friends from Korea and all over the world, including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Mexico, to name a few. Experiencing Korea with such a diverse group of people was one of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad. I was not alone in feeling this way; my friend Elijah, a master’s exchange student from Belgium, shared the same sentiment. Meeting students from different countries was one of his favorite parts of studying abroad. He was constantly hearing different accents and learning about customs from around the world, which exposed him to different ways of living. “The best part is that you don’t just make friends for the semester. Now I have people I can potentially visit all over the world,” said Elijah. I share this sentiment. Although I went to South Korea to learn about the culture and experience of Asia, I came home with a broader understanding of

many different cultures and friendships that will last a lifetime. Everyone experienced Seoul differently. My friend Cristina from Italy, who is working on her master’s degree in Korean Language, was surprised by how calm Seoul felt despite its huge size. “I expected the city to be constantly hectic, but I often found moments of calm and silence, even in a place that is always moving and developing,” she said. My friend Bianca was born in Korea, but immigrated to the United States when she was young. Going abroad to Korea was more personal for her, as she wanted to reconnect with her roots. Although she knew the culture, once she arrived, she said she felt “like a stranger.” Despite the difficult adjustment, Bianca said those four months were “the best months of [her] entire life.” She said studying abroad made her realize “The world is so big outside of the U.S.” Hearing about how my friends experienced Seoul made me reflect on my experience. As the semester went on, a city that once felt so intimidating and unfamiliar started to feel like home. Spending time in classes, going to the convenience stores, visiting cafes, experiencing nightlife and exploring new neighborhoods became part of my everyday life. Seoul, a

city that once felt so foreign, became a city that meant so much to me, a place filled with memories, and leaving became much harder than arriving. Everyone came to Seoul with different backgrounds and experiences, and were all challenged by living in a completely different environment. Although we came for different reasons — whether it was for connecting with our heritage, learning more about a culture we had studied or experiencing something unfamiliar — we all left with a better understanding of the world and a new community of

people we can rely on. Looking back on how I felt about my experience abroad before and after, the unfamiliarity made it more rewarding for me. Going abroad is an opportunity to explore something completely different, an environment that you would not normally get the chance to explore. I recommend everyone take the chance to go abroad and when you are deciding where to go, take the different route, because studying abroad on the other side of the world was one of the best experiences of my college career. If I had the chance, I would choose Seoul all over again.

IAN ROTUNNO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Despite moving to a completely new city, Rotunno found a community in Seoul.

September 30, 2026

CULTURE ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ Movie Edition

By ADISA BALIC CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hypothesis: If you fall in love with a book, watching the movie adaptation will either make you fall deeper in love or make you question every life decision that led to its production. Conclusion: Somehow, I experienced both. After reading Ali Hazelwood’s book, “The Love Hypothesis,” I had one very important question when the adaptation was announced: Could Olive Smith and Adam Carlsen actually survive the jump from the page to the screen? My answer to this is… mostly. Before we jump into this review, let’s make sure we remember the roots. “The Love Hypothesis” follows Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University who is extremely confident in two things: science is real, and long-term relationships are not. Unfortunately for Olive, her best friend Anh believes she is still in love with her exboyfriend, and Olive needs to prove otherwise. Her solution? Kiss the first man she sees in the hallway. Of course, that man just happens to be Dr. Adam Carlsen, Stanford’s notoriously intimidating and grumpiest biology professor. Naturally, Adam agrees to become Olive’s fake boyfriend. Because apparently, this is how scientists solve real-life problems. From there, what begins as a simple fake-dating arrangement quickly becomes

significantly more complicated. We get the typical fake dates, awkward run-ins and academic conferences that turn into misunderstandings, secret feelings and enough romantic tension to make you wonder why these two people are still pretending that this isn’t real. And honestly, that is where the movie gets its biggest advantage: the story is already fun. Our main character stays the same for the most part. Aside from lacking her book version’s obsession with pumpkin spice, Olive is still chaotic, awkward, intelligent and somehow capable of turning every normal situation into a full-blown crisis. Our Dr. Evil is still the human equivalent of a locked door — intimidating, difficult to read and seemingly allergic to smiling. But as any good scientist (or big romantic comedy fan) knows, replication is never quite as simple as copying the original experiment. “The Love Hypothesis” is difficult to adapt because so much of its appeal stems from Olive’s inner monologue. Every absurd idea that crosses her mind is recorded in the pages of the book. Her awkwardness was extremely entertaining when we could live vicariously through her while reading. However, it’s obvious that the movie can’t be two hours full of Olive’s inner thoughts. And sometimes, you can feel that you’re missing pieces to the love story. Some of the book’s smaller moments, like the jokes and character details, were

completely cut from the plot, which makes certain aspects of the relationship feel faster than they did in the novel. In the book, the reader had ample time to let Olive and Adam slowly move from a fake romantic relationship/ friends to raw feelings for each other. Watching the movie, it felt as though they squeezed that development into a much shorter amount of time, so the build-up felt a little more like a sprint than a slow burn. But does that mean the experiment failed? Definitely not. The chemistry between Olive and Adam is still the most important variable in the equation, and thankfully, it works extremely well for the movie. Their dynamic is what makes the story so entertaining. Olive brings sunshine, chaos and questionable decisionmaking, while Adam brings the grumpiness, intimidating stares and approximately three facial expressions. Together, they somehow make sense, just like the book. The movie also keeps the classic grumpy-meets-sunshine formula that made the book so enjoyable. Adam may look like he wants everyone within a five-mile radius to leave him alone, but around Olive, we slowly see that there is actually a person underneath the terrifying Dr. Evil exterior. Watching him soften around her is still one of the best parts of the movie. And then there is the fake dating. One of those romantic comedy clichés that, in reality, ought to be absurd is fake dating. This is when two people decide to act as

though they are in love to convince the people around them. However, neither of them recognizes they are in love until it is painfully clear to everyone but them. Nevertheless, we still devour it for some reason. “The Love Hypothesis” understands this and that is exactly why this trope works. We already know Olive and Adam are going to fall for each other. The fun is watching them desperately try to convince themselves that they aren’t. The movie does not reinvent the romantic comedy genre, and honestly, it does not need to. Sometimes you want complicated characters and an emotional masterpiece. Other times, you simply want to watch two attractive people pretend to date while everyone around them silently waits for them to figure out what is happening. The movie version definitely

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leans toward the latter. Ultimately, watching “The Love Hypothesis” on screen after reading the book feels a little like repeating a scientific experiment with slightly different variables. The results are not exactly the same, but the original hypothesis still holds up. But for research purposes, my results conclude that the book remains the stronger version. It gives us more time with Olive, more of her thoughts, more of the slow-burn relationship and more of the little moments that make Hazelwood’s writing so entertaining. But the movie succeeds at what it sets out to be: a funny, romantic, slightly chaotic romcom that reminds us why we loved the story in the first place. Conclusion: the hypothesis is supported. The book is still superior, but the movie is a pretty entertaining experiment.

EMILY MCCALL/THE FORDHAM RAM

Olive Smith (Lili Reinhart) gives Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman) a kiss.

Cookbooks to Podcasts: The Reign of Ina Garten By JACQUI LYSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As the aromatic smell of onions filled my nostrils, I heard the sizzle of bright green peas and cubed carrots hitting the bottom of a seasoned pot. With the addition of chicken stock and heavy cream, a beautiful sauce began to form. After being baked to a perfect golden-brown, the chicken was diced and folded into the sauce, creating the perfect filling for a chicken pot pie. My dad was inspired to create this eventual household classic after watching Ina Garten make her chicken pot pie recipe on her show “Barefoot Contessa” on Food Network. All sorts of cooking shows were playing constantly in my house, not only for our entertainment, but also as a way to find new recipes. Known for her worldrenowned cookbooks and hit television cooking show, Garten has now started a visual podcast entitled “Happy Hour with Ina Garten.” Guests are invited into her New York

City apartment to enjoy a homemade drink and a fun conversation with Garten. Beginning her career with her hit television show “Barefoot Contessa,” which lasted 28 seasons, Garten used ingredients from her shop in East Hampton to create comfort dishes. Garten eventually launched another television series titled “Barefoot Contessa: Back to the Basics,” in which Garten taught her viewers cooking techniques that every home cook should know. From how to sear the perfect steak to roasting a chicken, Garten taught it all over the span of 10 seasons. Not only does Garten teach her viewers essential cooking skills, but she also whips up some delicious dishes for special visitors. In another of Garten’s television shows, “Be My Guest with Ina Garten,” she invites friends — ranging from actors to musicians and public figures — to her home in East Hampton for good food, drinks and conversation. In one episode, Garten invited

Emily Blunt to her home and baked her beautiful scones with tea, with the intent of making her British guest feel more at home. Garten has become widely recognized not only for being a great host and a spectacular chef, but also for her approachable recipes and adorable relationship with her husband Jeffrey, who appears in many “Barefoot Contessa” episodes to taste Garten’s delicious creations. Her easy yet delicious recipes have inspired many to step into the kitchen and confidently create a new dish. Personally, I find Garten recognizable by her graceful attitude and soothing voice that peacefully lulled me to sleep as a child. In the latest chapter of her career, Garten has ventured into the popular podcast life. The first episode of “Happy Hour with Ina Garten” aired on Sept. 16, with special guest Kate McKinnon, and most recently, Garten was joined by Sofia Coppola on Sept. 23. New episodes are released every Wednesday.

Each episode begins with relaxing music and the calming voice of Garten — very on brand. Throughout the episodes, Garten has charming conversations with her guests, complimented by her cozy and inviting home decorations. Each guest, so far, has had a touching moment with Garten, exclaiming to her how excited they are to be on her podcast. As podcasts are considered a sort of young media, it’s endearing watching Garten interview her guests alongside highlighted notecards with

talking points, an old-fashioned touch in a modern medium. A cook at heart, Garten’s intermissions are filled with quick recipes, using ingredients from her sponsor Whole Foods. Now, alongside best-selling cookbooks and educational cooking shows, Garten can add her podcast to her rich career. With this new form of media, Garten is introducing herself to a new generation who may enjoy her charming personality and recipes that make you think, in the words of Garten: “How easy is that?”

EMILY MCCALL/THE FORDHAM RAM

Ina Garten’s new podcast introduces her cooking tips and tricks in a new way.

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September 30, 2026

Who’s That Kid | Emily Sang, GSB ’28

By LARA EJZAK CULTURE EDITOR

For many students, going home for a weekend or a break entails sleeping in, lounging around and clocking out of the stress of school, but for Emily Sang, GSB ’28, it means working overtime for her independent business. Sang is a finance major with a concentration in alternative investments, but classes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her pursuit towards the business world. She is on the E-board for the Smart Woman Securities club on campus — one of the largest clubs at Fordham — as well as a member of the Gabelli Dean’s

The Double Life of Emily Sang Council. Among the various activities Sang devotes her free time to, one that stands out is her involvement with Strive Higher, a nonprofit organization that provides academic and financial education to children in and around the Bronx. “We developed this new Girl Boss program, tailored to girls in middle school and some elementary school kids from the Bronx who have their own business,” said Sang. “We pair them with Fordham students to help mentor them, help develop their business and then every year, we do a small business fair combined with the Dean’s Council.” Her participation and interest in her clubs is indicative of her

own experiences with business. “I always had small businesses as a kid,” said Sang, going on to describe one particular breach she made into the slime market. For Sang, hobbies serve as both passion projects and profit. Her current and most intensive business venture is her custom college merch production, EIS Customs. Emerging from her frustrations with the low quality and excessive cost of name brand college merchandise, EIS Customs became Sang’s contribution to the broke college kid market. It all started back in her senior year of high school during college commitment season. “I wanted to throw my friends a bed decorating party.

EMILY SANG FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Sang maintains her self-made business while keeping up with being a full-time student.

I remember going online and looking at college march and it was so overpriced. I felt like I could do something better,” said Sang. “So, I went to the store, got a couple blank things that I thought would be good and borrowed someone’s cricket machine and tried to make my own designs.” Word of this new clothing enterprise spread throughout Sang’s high school, and soon to the surrounding area of her hometown in Long Island, New York. Communicating mainly through Instagram DMs, Sang grew her craft to the point that she needed a dedicated workspace in her home. “I used to do it just in my room, and then eventually, there just was not enough space for all the orders,” Sang said. “My parents helped set up this whole factory-looking thing in my basement, so now my basement is literally EIS Customs.” This small businesswoman has graduated from a social media platform to advertising on Etsy, where anyone can find her page to place an order. She handles all communication, designing and shipping from her Long Island headquarters. Despite having academic and extracurricular obligations on campus, Sang still manages to make time for her customers, which have only been increasing. During the spring semester when most college decisions are being released, Sang reported receiving anywhere from 200400 orders during peak season. With so many responsibilities to juggle, Sang rarely has a moment for rest in the comfort of her home. “I’ll go home on the weekend and bang out as many orders as I possibly can,” Sang said. “No sleep, just grinding for three days straight. And then,

hopefully, everything gets out.” While this entrepreneur’s lifestyle may seem to be overwhelming or inconceivable to some, Sang thrives on the hustle. Being self-made has always been a driving force and aspiration for the junior. Although it can be exhausting, the time and effort put into making her custom baby tees or water bottles is always worth it once Sang sees the results. “I enjoy seeing people wear something that I made. My friends at other schools in Alabama, or Boston will text me ‘Oh my God, I just saw a girl wearing your shirt!’ That is always mind-boggling to me,” Sang said. Despite her enthusiasm for her work, this craftswoman has no choice but to step away from the grindstone. Due to her studies abroad in London in the spring and the start of her internship the following summer, EIS Customs might have to take a backseat on Sang’s agenda. “I would love to continue on, but if I can’t, I’d love to start something new and more adaptable for the future,” Sang said. Even if this particular project is dissolved, Sang’s devotion to making something out of nothing isn’t going anywhere. She has proven that she can be the model she set for her childhood self and all the other young women she mentors. While EIS Customs may not be a permanent commercial venture, Sang has it to thank for the opportunity to explore her enduring interest in providing for others. “One of my dreams was having something that was my own and growing it. This dreamed of,” Sang said. “I love giving people some joy.”

Neighborhood Guide: Lincoln Square By EMILY MCCALL PHOTO EDITOR

New York City offers so much to do, see, explore and experience. It can become a race to get everywhere, and we forget about the places right at our fingertips. Despite spending so much time in the neighborhoods in which Fordham’s campuses are located, we can forget how much there is to do outside of school. For any Rose Hill students looking to get to know their other campus, Lincoln Center students who are looking for new places to check out around them or just any student who wants to explore all the city has to offer, this is the guide for you. Yes, Lincoln Square is home to Fordham’s very own Manhattan campus, but it is also a vibrant arts scene with tasty eats and a significant yet

not always recognized history. Prior to when Lincoln Square became what it is today, the neighborhood was named San Juan Hill and, at one point, was the largest Black community in New York City. San Juan Hill, also called the Jungles, was a place not of the theater, but of jazz, birthing artists such as James P. Johnson and Thelonious Monk. As time went on, Black families started moving into Harlem while, simultaneously, Puerto Ricans began moving into San Juan Hill. Eventually in the 1950s, over 1,500 families were displaced to make room for the building of Lincoln Center. Today, Lincoln Center is the home of The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and numerous other theaters. Part of the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square is located just north of Hell’s Kitchen and

runs parallel to Central Park. With so many people coming in for late-night shows, the surrounding restaurants have put in the effort to draw in as many theater-goers as possible. Just across from the heart of Lincoln Center is La Pecora Bianca, a cute, tasty Italian restaurant that is the perfect walking distance for those trying to catch a show. Another restaurant, on the edge of Lincoln Square, is Charles PanFried Chicken, also known as “the fried chicken king of Harlem,” serving up delicious soul food. This is a meal worth the walk. Following these meals, one must check out some of the dessert spots. One of the more popular choices is Cafe Rosetta, a bakery with options such as bombolone and tarts. A second is Old John’s Diner, an Upper West Side staple since

1951, with a homey atmosphere and welcoming staff. Although the diner serves all types of food, they are known for their decadent homemade pies. As for nightlife, there are endless options. Use Met Under 40 to get discounted opera tickets, see a movie on one of the largest IMAX screens at AMC Lincoln Square or explore the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. For the next two weeks, Lincoln Center will also be hosting the 64th annual New York Film Festival featuring new releases, foreign films, documentaries and revivals. Tickets are selling out quickly, so if you want to go make sure you get yours soon. For any museum-goers or arts-lovers, there is the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. The museum hosts events all year long including

artist studios, tours and other speciality events such as a Halloween party. The student tickets are $14, but between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month it is pay what you wish. And finally, for anyone just looking for a new place to sit down and relax, there are many outdoor options around Lincoln Square. Damrosch Park has many seating areas and green space, making it the perfect place to get some fresh air. Additionally, in October and November it hosts the Big Apple Circus. Lincoln Square always has so much going on at all times that there is never a dull moment, from movie premiers to ballet and opera. For Lincoln Center students these are must-dos, and for Rose Hill students, it is time to book that Ram Van and check out the other campus.

September 30, 2026

CULTURE Adéla Steps into Her ‘PRIMA’ Era

By HANNA DIETTA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For many, part of the allure of an artist is their presence. An artist’s image, personality and ability to create a distinct identity can be as influential as the music itself. For the new pop princess Adéla, I think that this appeal is immediately apparent in her rise to a global phenomenon. With her striking pink hair, impressive dance background and successful branding through

“Swagerina,” Adéla has quickly begun to establish herself as a unique force in the pop world. The 22-year-old has brought forth a new sound to pop music through her debut album “PRIMA,” produced alongside Dylan Brady and Blake Slakin. With hits like “Ain’t in LA” and “Nicole Kidman,” Adéla creates a confident, high-energy pop album with clever references to people, places and experiences that serve as a reflection of her upbringing and background. The result is an album that is

EMILY MCCALL/THE FORDHAM RAM

Adéla has made her debut into the pop world with her new album “PRIMA.”

highly expressive of her own music taste and feels distinctly personal. Many people may know Adéla from her previous involvement in the Netflix show “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” which followed her and other contestants competing for a spot in what would later become HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE. Despite not landing a spot in the group, Adéla did not let that deter her from entering the music world. Adéla opens the album with “KGB” and “Nicole Kidman,” some of her most popular new songs, which sonically demonstrate how willing she is to experiment with unusual concepts while still creating engaging pop music. “KGB” in particular is a playful electronicpop track about the ambition, determination and hard work behind building a pop career. By comparing herself to the Soviet intelligence agency, Adéla creates a powerful metaphor for the calculated and relentless nature of pursuing success in the music industry. Even the album’s clever title choice, “PRIMA,” carries multiple meanings. The word meaning “first” or “leading,” is not only a nod to her rise as a self-proclaimed “pop princess,” but also a reference to her background in ballet. A prima

ballerina is a principal dancer within a company, making the title an especially fitting connection between her past and the pop career she is now working to build. Other tracks, like “Boys,” “I’m the Man” and “Fantasize,” continue to establish the album’s confident and playful personality. These songs lean into the larger-than-life persona that Adéla has created for herself while allowing her to explore different sides of relationships, attraction and self-confidence through her songwriting. Together, they make the album feel cohesive without every song reiterating the same sound or theme. “Red Bottoms” is another example of Adéla’s dynamic song production and writing. The song’s central metaphor revolves around the red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes, using the image of the shoes wearing down to represent the deterioration of a relationship. When Adéla asks whether someone will still love “what’s on the other side,” the song takes on a more vulnerable quality. The metaphor suggests that beneath the glamour and confidence associated with her pop persona is someone who is uncertain about whether a relationship can survive once the surface begins

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to fade. Melodically, the song reinforces this internal tension, making it one of the album’s more emotionally layered moments that are also sprinkled throughout the album. The record finishes with one of her most popular songs “Ain’t in LA,” which is a nod to her Slovak background and a rejection of the idea that success, style and beauty only exist in Hollywood. In recent interviews, Adéla has shared that she was inspired to write the song after seeing a photo of her 18-year-old mother posing in front of western popculture posters in communist Czechoslovakia. Not only is there significance behind the song that connects with fans, but the song itself is refreshing in style. The deep-baritone voice that introduces the song, combined with Adéla’s soprano vocals, creates a striking contrast and highlights her vocal versatility. For a rising artist, “PRIMA” is an impressive debut. The album stands as a testament to Adéla’s potential as a future name in pop and highlights her musical capabilities and style. We can see her ambition and eagerness to continue to grow in her career in music, and I am interested to see her next direction as our very own prima of pop.

Beyond the Gates: Benefits of Living Off Campus By ANTHONY KOROLOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After our first year, my friends and I struggled to decide what our plans were for housing. As a sophomore, it is common to live in O’Hare Hall, as almost all sophomores live there, and it’s considered the most social upperclassmen dorm. However, after a year in the dorms (not necessarily a bad experience), we considered moving off campus to experience independence and more space. So, we decided to look up “Fordham off-campus housing” into Google and were presented with many available properties to tour. From touring houses to smaller apartments, we found the perfect place for the four of us, leased by Bluesky, a common leasing company for many Fordham students. Bluesky has properties throughout the Belmont area and is reasonably priced compared to Fordham on-campus housing. Honestly, I was pretty nervous about moving off campus my sophomore year, as it is not the most common choice for sophomores. I was worried about missing out on the social aspect that first-year housing supports, due to the close proximity to all your friends and resident assistants hosting events. After asking around, however, I realized that a good number of my friends were also moving off campus, and,

actually, to the same street as us, which would provide a new and interesting way to socialize. At the same time, having friends still living on campus supplies that classic rottingin-your-friend’s-dorm-room vibe. And after living the first four weeks of sophomore year off campus, I can confidently say that my social life hasn’t changed for the worse; it’s just different. It’s honestly more fun to have a big space so you can have more people over and not go through the trouble of signing your friends in and out. All my friends love to stop by the apartment when they’re off campus or going out, and it’s made it a very fun hangout spot to sit on the couch, watch a movie and have a whole kitchen to cook for them. However, there is increased responsibility that comes with an off-campus apartment, which can help you learn more skills than in the dorms. A dorm is a pretty small space, except for those in Walsh, so the cleaning tasks are minimal. When there are multiple rooms, residents and more people coming over, there is increased responsibility for cleaning. Also, tasks like grocery shopping and buying cleaning supplies consistently has helped me gain more independence and learn what it feels like not to depend on others to cook or clean. Further, living off campus has

made me more accustomed to the area we live in and has helped me better understand the Belmont community. When living on campus in a gated area, it can be easy to forget that you are part of a larger community. The stereotypes about the Bronx that make you think it is unsafe couldn’t be further from the truth. The security in off-campus apartments is designed to make all students feel comfortable, and I can attest that I have never had any issues. Simply walking around during the day, you feel connected to the people around you, getting

into a routine of always seeing your non-student neighbors. You shop and eat at new places and stores in the Belmont neighborhood. Many of these stores love Fordham students and offer them discounts, but a lot of students living on campus don’t ever try them. For example, Taco Tex is a new spot on the corner of Fordham Road and Hughes Avenue that gives Fordham students a 20% discount, and honestly has better bowls than Chipotle. Living off campus can feel isolating at times, other than classes. At times it can be hard

to make plans with friends because my roommates and I can’t just go up a floor and see them in the same dorm building. Nevertheless, we make it a mission to socialize between classes or stay on campus during our down times. I try to study in the McShane Campus Center or sit on Eddies with friends. Living off campus has provided multiple benefits, including new forms of social interaction independent living skills, and better integration into the Belmont community. I would recommend it to anyone considering it.

ANTHONY KOROLOS FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Off-campus housing provides a great opportunity for students to gain independence and learn about the Bronx.

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September 30, 2026

From Pop Darling to Bona Fide Rockstar, Charli xcx Can Do it All By OWEN THEBERGE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In late July of this year, Charli xcx, the star behind the “Brat” phenomenon, launched her new album “Music, Fashion, Film” (“MFF”), which came with mixed results from critics and fans alike. It was a swift departure from her typical blippy, electronic sound, with Charli dipping her toes into the rock genre, a decision that surprised, intrigued and confused many. I’ve loved “MFF” since its release and did not hesitate to purchase my ticket to the “Music, Fashion, Film”

tour when the presale began. Many, including myself, were shocked by the prices of the tickets, with the average price leaning towards $300. This took a toll on my wallet, but one that felt like a home run, as I can confidently say the “MFF” tour exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only was I amazed by the scale of the production on the tour, but I felt like a proud fan watching their small little artist grow into a superstar. I’ve loved Charli since her “Sucker” era, where her hits “Boom Clap” and “Break the Rules” stem from, and to see the

OWEN THEBERGE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

The “Music, Fashion, Film” tour featured awe-inspiring sets.

evolution of her artistry has truly been a gift. This Charli “renaissance” has been in full effect since 2024’s “Brat” release, which propelled Charli from a relatively underground artist into a global superstar. “Brat” was fantastic and was basically the cultural zeitgeist of 2024. Even though “MFF” has not experienced that same success, it’s still a defining album that prioritizes Charli’s artistry and inspiration over global and commercial success, which is highly admirable. At her show, which took place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, I could feel Charli’s passion for this new era with all of the small details included throughout each musical number. In each “MFF” song that was performed, Charli’s fellow collaborator A. G. Cook was on drums. As a fan of him myself, when I saw him up there jamming out with Charli , I couldn’t help but feel a little bit touched, especially during “Magic Metal Montana,” which is a song dedicated to Cook from the album. This is also Charli’s first tour featuring a large number of background dancers and choreography, details that highlight Charli’s dedication to this era and tour more specifically. The setup

is a grand, multi-layered stage that tapers to a large speaker at its peak, with pyrotechnics present throughout the set and a catwalk with spotlights that are revealed during the song “Card Declined” and reintroduced later on. It’s a spectacle, especially with the elaborate lighting effects and fun stage gags that are destined to cause delighted reactions from the crowd. Another detail of the tour that I loved was the opener, Underscores, which is the stage name of 26-year-old April Harper Grey. Grey’s set was incredible and was almost a full-blown show in and of itself. After every song in her set, Grey expressed her gratitude to Charli, thanking her for the opportunity, the creative license and budget to do the set she was performing. I found her thank you to Charli really sweet to watch in person, as the set was unbelievable for an opener, with an elaborate screen behind Grey, fun lighting and props. Grey’s set helped reveal where Charli is at in her career: She’s had her moment in the global stardom, and she’s ready to settle into her artistry and pave the way for the next independent electronic artist to have

their “Brat” moment. The subtitle of this tour, “Oblivion is Freedom,” is flashed on screen multiple times throughout the concert and on the tour merch. A large aspect of the “MFF” tour was how Charli is grounded in the idea that nothing lasts forever, and that she finds solace in how fame, public scrutiny and our own lives will cease to exist one day, whether physically or culturally. As the lights dimmed on her set, her song “No One Last Forever” with film legend David Cronenberg hauntingly looped, creating a visceral image that was almost unnerving. This idea of mortality was especially pertinent to her career post“Brat,” and the public discussions of whether or not Charli would remain relevant after her 2024 cultural juggernaut. To all of this, Charli says that regardless of what anyone thinks, nothing will last forever, and she’d much rather be happy with what she creates than care about holding a position of cultural power or creating the next best album. “MFF” is Charli xcx’s personal manifesto, and that makes it her most beautiful and authentic era to date.

‘Aperture Loves New York’: Stories Behind the Lens By VEDHA GOKUL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In Nan Goldin’s collection, “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” he writes, “I don’t ever want to be susceptible to anyone else’s version of my history. I don’t ever want to lose the real memory of anyone again.” This quote exemplifies the importance of photography not just for the artist, but for their subjects, their communities and the moments they immortalize. Goldin’s work is featured at Aperture’s inaugural installation, “Aperture Loves New York,” which highlights the iconic images of photographers who have been vital to the publisher’s history. Their new space at 380 Columbus Avenue features an immersive bookstore and gallery, which gives ample room to sit and browse their collections. As a nonprofit publisher, Aperture has been active in the New York photography scene since 1952, priding itself on honoring nuanced perspectives of emerging and established photographers alike. This sentiment is present in the current books and prints on display. What stood out the most was that each anthology told a story of the human condition, and most importantly, its inherent diversity. They let the close-up

imperfection of heart-shaped bruises and regretful sex stand alongside the big scenic landscapes and city skylines, giving an intimate and liberating stage to the artists and viewers. The shelves were lined from floor to ceiling with colorful spines and intriguing cover art, and there was a real sense of care put into the displays and curation of the installation. While I would love to speak about every book there, one that stood out the most to me was “Perfect Strangers” by Melissa O’Shaughnessy. This compilation of New York City street photography captured the chaotic beauty in the city through moments like a mother and daughter unconsciously mimicking each other’s posture, or hordes of businessmen weaving in and out of tourist foot traffic. What I liked the most was that her photographs capture the accidental playfulness that is destined to emerge in a city with so many people. Another impactful book was “The True America” by Ernest Cole. After fleeing South Africa in 1966 to publish his landmark book on the horrors of apartheid, Cole resettled in the United States and began photographing the streets of New York City and rural Black towns. His work was

powerful and demonstrated both the range of hope in the community and the cutting injustice in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement. While his photographs include prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, what made his work especially impactful was his ability to poetically capture the everyday lives and experiences of Black Americans. The last collection I will mention is “STATIC” by Adil Hasan. What initially drew me to this book was

the fact that it was encased in a big silver package. Once you opened it, the cover of the book had the distinct texture of crumpled aluminum foil. Hasan guides the viewer through eerie scenes in dim and empty rooms with a television set acting as the only proof of life. These photographs create a feeling of dread and slight panic, as if the people just completely vanished. His art poses an important question: How comfortable are we with allowing technology in our lives to take over our

Pictured above is the “Aperture Loves New York” exhibit.

humanity and autonomy? “Aperture Loves New York” offer a different way of understanding the world around us and finding significance in the ordinary. The photography in the exhibit serves not only to preserve individual memories, but more importantly, the communities that are behind them and the moments in time they signify. For casual browsers of coffee-table books to photophiles, I highly recommend visiting Aperture and taking the time to pick a few books off the shelf and see what you find!

VEDHA GOKUL FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

CULTURE Understanding Opposition: Reading Thomas Sowell

September 30, 2026

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By ETHAN BESS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

One of the major problems of modern-day discourse, as amplified by the media, is that people can’t hop outside of echo chambers. This type of behavior can lead to the normalization of fringe views and the strawmanning of opposing arguments without engaging in the substance of what is being argued. Some examples include the argument that someone who wants to abolish ICE wants all borders to disappear, or calling someone antisemitic if they criticize Israel or its war crimes in the Middle East. It’s a very effective tool of propaganda in stifling dissent against prevailing opinion, even when those in the minority have researched their arguments thoroughly. To demonstrate what I mean, let’s examine some things on intellectual honesty. As someone who considers himself a left-winger and enjoys dissecting and critiquing the views of the right, I often wonder: Who is an intellectual heavyweight on the right whose brain I can wrestle with? For a while, I couldn’t think of anyone, until it hit me. The most formidable modern-day, right-wing intellectual I could wrestle with is Thomas Sowell. Sowell just turned 96 three months ago and is currently a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. Given his dedication to data and clarity over complex jargon, I believed one of his books would be worth reading.

I’ve seen a few of his interviews but had never read any of his work. Over the summer, however, that changed. I decided to read his book “Intellectuals and Society.” At the core of the book, Sowell argues that intellectuals are idea producers who do not face consequences for being wrong when their ideas fail. This theme is prevalent as he presents numerous examples and case studies throughout the book across economics, law, international relations, race, etc., showing how, in his view, intellectuals tend to get more things wrong than they do right. One of the things that I personally enjoyed was how clear and jargon-free the book was. Even for a book that fundamentally challenges everything I believe to be accurate, the prose was very lively. For that alone, I would easily rate the book at least an eight because I felt the writing was a 10/10. But with that aside, if we want to understand the systems we want to dismantle, we must engage with the substance of oppositional figures and show where one came up short. Within the book, I believe that Sowell’s definition of “intellectuals” is way too broad. In the introduction and near the end, he defines intellectuals as people whose final products are ideas. The reason why that definition can lose meaning is because it encompasses a lot of people, including pastors, scientists, mathematicians, teachers,

adversaries in order to better understand their arguments, and therefore, strengthen your own. This book taught me that if left-wingers want to be better equipped to deal with adversarial viewpoints, they must read conservative literature and comprehend its arguments better than their right-wing adversaries. Sowell’s “Intellectuals and Society” was instrumental to understanding modern

economists, engineers, philosophers, etc. While the critique of intellectuals may be valid, the net expands to consider people who may not be all that inclined to influence public policy. Sowell and I do have an area of common ground, however: the fear of central state planning and power, though we arrive at the conclusion for fundamentally opposite reasons. Sowell views the State as arrogant, over-the-top bureaucrats who believe they can engineer the lives of everyday people better than they can themselves. I, on the other hand, view it as a violent enforcer of corporate hegemony, which can undermine the capacity for people to be able to live freely. At the same time, Sowell attacks left-wing intellectuals for producing ideas that can be dangerous when implemented, but he largely excludes right-wing intellectuals from the argument and gives them a free pass. If someone like Sowell advocated for a policy that promoted heavy deregulation of corporate power and it ultimately led to the environment being degraded, within his framework and in general, Sowell would pay no price for being wrong and would bear absolutley no responsibility for those results. From a left-wing standpoint and as a film and television major, I felt like Sowell’s book was a very insightful guide overall for modern right-wing thought. I think it’s necessary to read the works of the most formidable intellectual

conservative thought, but there were areas in which I believe he came up short. As the fifth book I read this past year, I’ll say that this one was an 8.2/10. It was great in its clarity and writing, but ultimately flawed in some of its conclusions and premises. That being said, if you’re somebody who wants to better understand conservative and right-wing thought, you should read it.

COURTESY OF QUILLETTE Sowell’s writing gives readers the oppurtunity to change their lens of thought.

The Fordham Ram Crossword - Sports Edition 1

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Across 2. Should be called handball... but that's another sport. 4. If it's so cold, why is it called "Heated Rivalry?" 5. Who is chasing you???? 6. Does this baseball adjacent game have to be played loudly at night outside my window? 8. But could you escape a shark attack? 9. Do a flip!! 10. "A game where you toss balls into laundry baskets!" (started in Mass.)

Down 1. Balance on top of your big toe and then you can tell me this isn't a sport. 3. These men are SO dramatic. 7. Awww, you called me love! 9. Boring rich white people sport.

SPORTS The Lackluster State of New York Football

September 30, 2026

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Varsity Scores & Stats

By ANTHONY SMITH STAFF WRITER

Football Stony Brook Fordham

31 16

Water Polo Fordham Cal Baptist Riverside

10 6

Fordham Long Beach State

14 10

Fordham UCLA

11 16

Men’s Soccer Fordham VCU

2 1

Fordham George Mason

2 4

Women’s Soccer Davidson Fordham

1 2

Volleyball Fordham Duquesne

1 3

Fordham Duquesne

2 3

If you were to ask New York football fans how they felt after Week 1, I think they would say on top of the world. Fastforward to the end of Week 3 and there would probably be some mixed emotions. Both the New York Giants and New York Jets picked up Week 1 victories to start the season off nicely. Big Blue knocked off the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 on Sunday night football and the Jets won 23-10 against the Tennessee Titans with shades of a defense that could make some noise. For both teams, it seemed like they could be in the mix for a playoff spot, but with New York sports, especially football, everything can change in an instant. Starting with the Giants, after the high of their Week 1 win, there was some speculation about an upset brewing against the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did they lose the game 28-6, but they suffered some of the worst news in recent Big Blue history. Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart went down with a knee injury on the first drive of the game. Based on the looks of the injury, it seemed like it would be a four to six-week recovery. Two days after that Monday night matchup, it was confirmed that Dart would need

season-ending surgery. The former Ole Miss quarterback came off a phenomenal game versus Dallas, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns in what seemed like the beginning of a new era. Although the Giants got a Week 3 win, taking down the Tennessee Titans, it still seems like this season is a lost cause. It was an ugly 12-7 win, where New York barely held on to advance to a 2-1 record. The backup quarterback Jameis Winston has struggled, to say the least, only throwing for 229 yards without a touchdown in his two appearances. Now the question is what the Giants should do at quarterback, whether that’s keeping Winston as the starter or possibly switching it up with newly acquired former first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. As for the Jets, it’s been two straight losses since their dominant outing to begin the season. It was a heartbreaking loss in Week 2 for Gang Green, falling in overtime to the Green Bay Packers when they were up by 10 in the fourth quarter. The Jets also dropped their most recent game, falling to 1-2 with a 31-24 loss against the Detroit Lions. Despite quarterback Geno Smith having a great game with 321 yards and three touchdowns, the Jets couldn’t scrape out

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Both New York City football teams are setting up for disappointing seasons.

their second road victory. There is some positivity going around New York for both teams. They both have some winnable games in the coming weeks. The Giants have two home games in the next three weeks coming against the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints. In the mix of those two contests, they travel to play the Washington Commanders who also lost their quarterback Jayden Daniels due to injury. The Jets play the Chicago Bears next week, who also don’t have their quarterback. Caleb Williams is scheduled to miss some more time after his hamstring injury. Down the road, the Jets will face the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and a struggling New England Patriots

team. They will also match up with the 3-0 Las Vegas Raiders near the middle of the season. With all the craziness going on with New York football, these two squads have still managed to play close and competitive football. Big Blue still has Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, key playmakers who can impact the outcome of some games. The Jets have also played a competitive four quarters in every game, not making it easy for their opponents. It seems like Geno Smith has resurrected himself, which has also heated up Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. It’s going to be a long season for the Giants and Jets as per usual, especially if these heartbreaking outcomes continue. So, unfortunately for the New York fans, nothing is new in the Big Apple.

Paige Bueckers is the Future Face of the WNBA By GRACE KAWECKI ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Paige Bueckers has proved what a dominant force she is in her second year in the WNBA, leading the Dallas Wings to the playoffs. Bueckers secured her first and only NCAA title to finish out her career with the University of Connecticut in 2025, bringing the program’s total to 12 national championships. In April 2025, she was drafted first overall by the Wings. In her debut season, she won the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Through versatile playmaking, a high basketball IQ and strong leadership, Bueckers set herself apart from others in the league. Her unselfish attitude is reflected in her comments and interactions with the press, consistently taking the spotlight off herself and giving accolades to her teammates. She is wellloved for her humble and grounded personality, as well as her advocacy off the court. Bueckers averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game on over 50% shooting this season, leading the Wings in both points and assists. Bueckers is good under pressure, leading the WNBA in clutch and fourth-quarter scoring. She averaged six points per game in the fourth quarter during the 2026 regular

Bueckers celebrates a win during her sophomore season in the WNBA.

season. She has come into her own in her second season, approaching the game as a veteran by controlling the tempo and reading the defense. She recently played in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup where she won a gold medal with Team USA. She averaged 7.3 points and 2.3 assists per game on over 50% shooting. Bueckers has broken multiple records in the 2026 season. She scored the most points (1,515) by any player during their first two seasons in the WNBA. This record was solidified in a game against the Mercury on Sept. 19, when she scored 26 points to lead the Wings to an 87-82 win. She scored 30 points on Sept. 21, in an 87-86 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, putting her at

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853 points for the year and achieving the Dallas Wings’ single-season scoring record after 41 games. Bueckers also led the Wings from a 10-win season in 2025 to qualifying for the WNBA playoffs. The Wings ended the 2026 regular season with a 27-17 record, making them the first team in the WNBA to have a 17-win increase from the previous season. Heading into the playoffs, Bueckers is fifth in points and eighth in assists, putting her in a strong position to lead her team when it matters most. The Wings face the Golden State Valkyries in Round 1 of the playoffs on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 p.m., where Bueckers will make her WNBA playoff debut. The Wings have a tough game ahead of them, having

lost to the Valkyries thrice this season. Across those games, Bueckers averaged 17.6 points and four assists per game. She was also held to 44.2% from the field, lower than her season average of 51.2%. Bueckers has been able to break past defenses in the past, but only time will tell if she, along with the rest of the Wings, is able to step it up for Sunday’s game. Along with her on-court presence, her off-court presence is just as impactful. Bueckers has a large social media following, with over 3 million followers on Instagram and 4 million on TikTok. This following has led her to become a huge name in the basketball world and has gained her name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. She became the first

NCAA student-athlete to sign an NIL endorsement deal with Gatorade in 2021. Bueckers’ social media presence has also allowed fans to view her as more than just the player on the court; she has used her platform to show not only her funny, humble and charismatic self but also for advocacy work. Bueckers has used social media to advocate for Black Lives Matter and against the injustices that minorities face. When she was named the Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports at the 2021 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearlys (ESPY), she used her acceptance speech to celebrate the Black women in basketball. To this day, she continues to advocate for Black women to receive equal recognition in basketball, emphasizing their legacies in the sport. Bueckers also established the Paige Bueckers Foundation in 2022, which focuses on creating opportunities and promoting justice in sports, creative, economic, food and wellness areas. In the long term, if Bueckers continues to show this level of dominance, leadership and humility, she has great potential to finish her career not only as one of the alltime greats in the WNBA, but as a beloved and respected player whom younger generations look up to as a role model.

SPORTS

September 30, 2026

Page 19

Formula 1: Baku is Back them, his fresh set of tires would not make up for the gap he had lost under the safety car. With only 20 laps to go, the Top 10 became bunched together in a turn of events that practically made the GP a sprint race. The restart came at the end of Lap 35 and, thanks to the chaos of collisions between teammates (LindbladLawson of Racing Bulls and Gasly-Colapinto of Alprine) bringing a controversial end to the race for Norris and Gasly, a safety car was issued once more. On the third start of the day, Russell sped forward, Piastri locked up and Hadjar flew by, making the top three Russell-Verstappen-Hadjar. Antonelli had quietly sidled up to P5, behind Leclerc in P4, but they knew it was not their race to win. After a weekend of competition between the two, Verstappen chased Russell relentlessly in a battle down the final straight. Russell saw the checkered flag first and finished one-tenth of a second ahead of Verstappen, marking the closest race in F1 in over 24 years. His “absolutely faultless” performance kept Verstappen from winning his first GP of the year. Hadjar came in third, resulting in the Red Bull goal of a double podium. For George Russell, this victory meant more than just a trophy: It represented a moment in which he proved himself and made a significant dent in Kimi Antonelli’s WDC lead over him. With his famous T-pose celebration, he capped off a Grand Slam weekend, having clinched pole position, won the race, clocked the fastest lap and led every lap. Russell’s weekend in Baku could hardly have gone better.

By CAROLINE KORBA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Saturday, Formula 1 (F1) fans were in for a treat as a race for the history books unfolded on the windy streets of Baku, Azerbaijan. Home to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (GP), this Eurasian capital city hosted its first race a decade ago, serving as the European GP in 2016 before officially being added to the F1 calendar the following year. Unlike most tracks, the Baku City Circuit is entirely composed of street sections. It spans 51 laps, has a total distance of 306.049 kilometers and mandates the precise navigation of 20 twisty corners. Most notably, Baku is home to the narrowest turn of the season: Turn 8, which forces the cars to squeeze through a gap between Old Town castle walls and the barrier on the opposite side. With a space less than 7.6 meters wide, there is little room for error. Thus, the Azerbaijan GP essentially demands perfection — but this past weekend, not all drivers were able to rise to the challenge. As the drivers ventured back to Baku for the 15th round of the 2026 season, there were plenty of race favorites eyeing the podium. Of course, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli (292 points) was seeking a ninth career victory to continue his dominant streak, and his counterpart George Russell (211 points) was fighting to chip away at his lead in the World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) standings. Reigning champion Lando Norris of McLaren, fourtime winner Max Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar — back after

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The Baku City Circuit proved to be challenging for several F1 racers.

missing the past three races due to a wrist injury — were also hungry for a finish in the points. Interestingly, the race’s weekend schedule deviated from the standard one: A Saturday GP shifted Free Practices 1 (FP1) and 2 (FP2) to Thursday, Sept. 24, as well as Free Practice 3 (FP3) and Qualifying to Friday, Sept. 25. During these sessions, multiple radio messages stated complaints about the difficult braking zones. FP1 and FP2 had cars battling mechanical issues, such as spinning out or locking up, and the brakes of Carlos Sainz’s Williams even caught fire. Nonetheless, Russell posted the fastest lap in the first two sessions, but Verstappen edged him out in FP3 by one-tenth of a second. Qualifying came next and was devastating for Antonelli: The current WDC leader hit the wall at Turn 1, Lap 1 of Q1, causing heavy damage that barred him from further laps and left him to start the GP from 16th position (P16). Russell achieved an impressive clean sweep of all three rounds.

His lap secured him pole position, as he finished eight-tenths of a second ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri — the largest pole margin since the 2023 Canadian GP. His job was not done, however; in fact, with the race still to come, it had only just begun. The Baku City Circuit, while known for its strong gusts, brought calm weather the afternoon of the 2026 Azerbaijan GP. Once the clock struck three and the lights went out, away the drivers went — but the following events were anything but calm. In the race’s first moments, Piastri reacted quickly and launched past Leclerc into P2. Russell maintained his lead, taking a defensive racing line while, behind the front pack, Norris overtook Hadjar. Antonelli, in the meantime, had fallen behind a place — a disappointing start to his expected cruise to the front. On his soft tires, Hadjar had better traction than Norris on his mediums and moved into P4, with Verstappen following suit. This was only the start of a bad day for the McLaren drivers; by Lap

Varsity Calendar

Athletes of the Week Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as “Athletes of the Week.”

Sophomore midfielder Bruno Cellerino played a key role in Fordham’s 2-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday. Cellerino scored both of the Rams’ goals, establishing a lead that would hold through the game.

Bruno Cellerino Sophomore Soccer

HOME AWAY

Wednesday Thursday Sept. 30 Oct. 1

Friday Oct. 2

Saturday Oct. 3

Football

LEHIGH 12 p.m.

Men’s Soccer

BONAVENTURE 4 p.m.

Sunday Oct. 4

BONAVENTURE

Women’s Soccer

Volleyball Freshman Johanna Franzen was a bright spot in the Rams’ losses to Duquesne University. Over the course of two games, Franzen led the team with 22 kills, 19 digs and four assists.

4, Piastri was already losing pace and soon reported on his radio, “I am starting to struggle with the rear tires a little bit more.” He would end up finishing at a disappointing P14. As the laps went on, Antonelli began to climb his way through the field, and the two Red Bull drivers cruised past Leclerc with undeniable speed. Verstappen then hastily overtook Hadjar, and for the rest of the race, the teammates fought — both alongside each other and against each other — to secure a double podium. Rising more in the teen-numbered laps were Hamilton and Antonelli, up to P6 and P8, respectively. In the lead still was Russell. Commentators noted how the Mercedes man essentially had the race in his pocket at the time, but one moment — as F1 fans know all too well — can change everything. Sure enough, on Lap 31 in Baku, Alex Albon of Williams crashed into the wall on Turn 6, a split-second lockup that resulted in the issuing of a safety car, under which 15 drivers pitted. Though Russell was among

1 p.m.

DAYTON 5 p.m.

DAYTON 12 p.m.

Water Polo

Cross Country

PAUL SHORT RUN

11 a.m.

Women’s Tennis Johanna Franzen Freshman Volleyball

A-10 INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men’s Tennis

Monday Oct. 5

Tuesday Oct. 6

SPORTS

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September 30, 2026

2026-27 NHL Season Preview By EMMA LEONARDI NEWS EDITOR

Fall is here: There’s a nip in the air, pumpkin spice is back and it’s finally time to wear sweaters. As we get to the final days of September, something else has come back: skates have hit the ice again. Last Saturday, the NHL began its one-week preseason, in which each team played four games — two home and two away against teams in the surrounding area. Some people call the hockey preseason boring and useless; I call it fun and informative. It’s a way to watch your team play and root for them without being too stressed about the outcome and what it means for standings. It also gives a glimpse into how your team is looking for the upcoming season: who is on what line, what dynamics are good, etc. However, I know most people didn’t spend this past week obsessively watching every game, even if their team wasn’t playing, just because they finally felt like life was breathed back into them (definitely not speaking from experience). So I’ve compiled a list of highlights from around the league that I’ve seen so far. Beginning down South, the Florida Panthers were looking like the team to beat this preseason. They added Brady Tkachuk, former captain of the Ottawa Senators, to complete the Tkachuk brothers duo

Nikolaj Ehlers celebrates 2026 Stanley Cup sealing goal

(having already had Matthew Tkachuk). They also have their own captain, Aleksander Barkov, back and healthy. However, the Panthers only won two of their four preseason games against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes are the team to beat in my opinion, coming off their Stanley Cup win earlier this year, so losing to them at least once in the preseason was expected. The Lightning loss is interesting. It was a shootout, with the Lightning winning courtesy of a goal from Benjamin Rautiainen, a fourth round draft pick from 2025. I still think the Panthers will make a nice postseason run, but we’ll see how the regular

season goes before I anticipate a Stanley Cup win. Going back to the Hurricanes, I think they have a chance to be back-to-back champions. They played the Panthers and the Nashville Predators and were victorious in three of the four games, only losing once to the Panthers. The Hurricanes are not my personal favorites (I think they play boring hockey), but I’m interested to see if their tactics work similarly this year compared to last. Going out West, I would like to see if the Colorado Avalanche (favorites to win last year, ending the regular season with the best record) can pull it off this year. I, among others, was very disappointed to see them fall in the semifinals to the Las Vegas Knights.

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However, that kind of defeat can get to a team; I see them making the playoffs, but we’ll see if their regular season can come close to the numbers they were pulling off last season. These are all popular picks. A sneaky favorite I have is the Dallas Stars. They won all four of their preseason games and allowed three goals total (the least in the league). The Stars played the Minnesota Wild, another pretty strong team, as well as the St. Louis Blues. I think they will definitely make the postseason and be an underdog pick for the cup. Now, we’ve only discussed teams within the United States. What does Canada look like? Out of the seven Canadian teams in the NHL, I think the

Edmonton Oilers have the best chance. They won all four of their preseason games (something that only they and the Stars achieved). There is the “Canadian drought,” as a team from Canada hasn’t won the cup since 1993 by the Montreal Canadiens, but I think on paper the Oilers have a pretty nice shot of winning it all, and they definitely play like they want it. My sneaky Canadian pick is the Canadiens. They had a pretty good run in the playoffs this past season, and they won four of their five preseason games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators. The latter may not be a great team, especially since Tkachuk left this offseason, but the Leafs are decently strong. I wouldn’t bet on them yet, but I definitely could see the Canadiens having a nice season and making another playoff run. Plus, it would be so poetic if they were the ones to bring rain to the drought, given that theirs was the last Canadian win 34 years ago. Hockey is such a beautiful sport because any of these predictions could happen or there could be the most insane upset (like the New Jersey Devils upsetting the Detroit Red Wings in 1995). Since the first game took place last Sunday, the regular season is off and running, and we’ll just have to sit back, watch and see.

Overtime: Cam Schlittler’s MVP Chances By ETHAN BESS

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

The New York Yankees have just finished the MLB regular season with a record of 93-68. They have now had their 34th consecutive winning season dating back to 1993. Per such expectations, there are going to be stars that rise through the ranks to show that they are worthy of the spotlight. Cam Schlittler has proven himself to be one of those players. Schlittler, a 25-year-old pitcher, is coming off a campaign in which he started 33 games, recording a 14-6 record, a 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts. Such numbers are phenomenal, and have placed him in talks to receive the American League (AL) MVP award. However, it’s an uphill battle for that prize if it is something he wants to add to his trophy case. According to ESPN, Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez and Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero are in the driver’s

Schlittler eyes AL Cy Young and AL MVP awards

seat with the best odds as the top two frontrunners. Alvarez has hit 42 home runs, 106 runs batted in (RBIs) and 179 hits to his name this year. Caminero has also hit 42 home runs, 101 RBIs and 170 hits over the course of this season. Therefore, Schlittler’s road to MVP will be tough as it hangs with the voters. Oddspeed believes that Alvarez has the best chances to win the MVP at –5000 while Schlitter has

the third-best odds at +4000. With these odds established, it’s now necessary to put these into context. Throughout MLB history, 25 pitchers have been granted the MVP award of their respective league. This includes players such as Los Angeles Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw (most recently) and Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander, who won AL MVP in 2011. As Kershaw’s MVP year included a

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21-3 record and a 1.77 ERA, he had a definitive case for it as he was heads and shoulders above all of his National League (NL) competition. Although Schlittler does have a case for the AL MVP this year, he does not have it by a long shot. As the Yankees continue into the postseason, Schlittler will either have the hardwood under his belt or he will be proving the voters wrong. Many discovered Schlittler when he

tossed eight dominant innings, striking out 12 outing against the Boston Red Sox last year in game three of the Wild Card round. So this year’s postseason rematch will be something to behold. Since no pitcher has won the MVP since 2014, it’s only right to compare Kershaw with Schlittler to give readers a sense of what is necessary. In Kershaw’s 2014 season, he achieved a record of 21-3, a 1.77 ERA, 239 strikeouts and threw two complete game shutouts. Schlittler’s 2026 campaign achieved a record of 14-6, a 1.95 ERA, 239 strikeouts and zero complete game shutouts. Schlittler and Kershaw threw the same number of strikeouts, but Schlittler ultimately started more games than Kershaw. If Alvarez and Caminero were nonfactors, then Schlittler would more than likely win the MVP. Since that’s not the case, I believe that Alvarez will take it home. Nonetheless, Schlittler will undoubtedly win the AL Cy Young award for the league’s best pitcher.