The Torch 103:08 - April 15, Full Issue

THE T RCH

The Dumbest War: Nobody Wanted It, but Nobody Really Cares Either.

For the first time in my life, America is engaged in a long term, large scale war.  And despite the consistent propaganda I grew up with, lauding the American military as the strongest, most powerful freedom fighting force in history, the reality of an ongoing conflict... P.6

FBLA: Shaping the Next Generation of Business Leaders

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationwide organization, serving over 200 chapters and almost 4,000 students at the collegiate level. Despite the popularity of business disciplines at St. John s University over 25% of students are in the Peter J. Tobin College of Business...  P.5

Is ‘The Drama’ Too Unserious To Be Impactful?

The newest A24 film, “The Drama,” starring Zendaya (Emma) and Robert Pattinson (Charlie), deals with the deeply unsettling and serious subject matter of school shootings. However, the film seems to have audiences captivated with laughter and debate. The film follows... P.8

E-Board Candidates Clash on Key Issues at SGI Debate

Candidates from the Vision Party and ACT Now Party responded to questions about the Jack Bulik | april 11, 2026

On Thursday night, students were invited to report to D’Angelo Center Room 307 at 6 p.m. for an event that would affect how student life continues to function at St. John’s University.

As students, faculty and staff began to shuffle in, candidates from the Vision Party, and ACT Now Party sat on a panel at the front of the classroom ready to debate Student Government inc (SGi) policy ahead of the upcoming election on April 13-15.

The debate began with the candidates’ introductions. Candidates from the Vision Party include SGi Secretary, Andrew Fludd, who is running for president, Madison Yates, who is running for Vice President, Ayman Mohammed, the candidate for Secretary, Kelysse Ochoteco, the candidate for Press Secretary and Alliyah Sadiq, who is running for Senior Programming Coordinator. Vision’s candidate for Treasurer, Samantha Staromana, was notably absent from the event due to an “unfortunate family circumstance.”

On the opposing side of the aisle was the lone candidate on the Act Now ticket: Korey McElroy. McElroy is Act Now’s candidate for SGi President. McElroy is currently serving as a junior senator for St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Opening Statements

Fludd in his opening statements claimed that he was uniquely fit to lead as SGi president due to his experience as a Resident Assistant, SGi secretary and youth advocate. He also mentioned his experience working in real estate.

“Those experiences have challenged me, shaped me and ultimately prepared me to lead,” Fludd told the audience during the opening moments of the debate.

Other candidates from the Vision ticket, like Ayman Mohammed stressed their commitment to “increase transparency within Student Government by bridging the gap between the administration and the student body.”

On the other hand, McElroy focused on his values and touted his success as a junior senator explaining he passed eight out of the nine bills he introduced during this year’s session.

“The foundation of my campaign is accountability, change and transparency” said McElroy, explaining his party’s acronymic name. McElroy explained that the third pillar

of ACT Now’s agenda, transparency, is something he has been fighting for, citing his efforts to pass a bill allowing students to spectate senate meetings – his lone failure as a student legislator.

McElroy also notably recognized the Student Senate’s success in “aligning SGi with the SJU faculty unions in their fight to regain recognition from the University administration” after the University decided to oust the unions in February.

Promises

McElroy was hesitant to make hefty promises, telling the audience, “Before I can get started doing the work of next year, I need to make sure the work of this previous year has been completed.”

McElroy also has plans for an initiative to create a library for the University’s student publications, including The Torch and the SJU Political Student Union’s The Exchange.

McElroy’s ACT Now party advocated for reforms to the shuttle system, arguing the University could better use its transportation system to further benefit students.

McElroy proposed a system in which student organizations would be funded based on how much spending they had in the previous year, similar to the accreditation currently used by Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Organizations that spent less would be allocated less funding, while organizations that needed to spend more would be allocated more funding.

Vision’s plan for transparency was to keep the status quo while sending more mass emails informing the student body of decisions being made by SGi, as well as an increased social media presence led by Ochoteco as Press Secretary.

Vision’s plan for bolstering campus culture included more campus events, like watch-parties for many of the Red Storm’s biggest games, citing the decline of basketball watch-parties on campus in recent years.

The Vision party also advocated for a space for both commuter and resident students to “hang out” between classes and boost the social scene at St. John’s. McElroy argued those spaces already exist within the D’Angelo Center (DAC), pointing to Sodano Coffee House and the Ballroom as examples.

Fludd claimed that Vision was also commit-

ted to supporting diversity on campus, using his own ticket as an example of the multitude of cultures that make up the St. John’s community.

Vision spent time during the debate discussing their ideas for a digital Storm Card initiative, which would allow students to use their Storm Card as a part of their cell phone’s digital wallet.

Tensions Rise

Though the vast majority of the debate remained completely civil, things became heated during the discussion of shuttle reform. Mohammed claimed that McElroy’s plan for shuttle reform was poorly researched, prompting McElroy to defend himself.

“In terms of research, I’ve spoken to the people who drive the shuttles. I’ve done the math,” McElroy said in response to Mohammed. “I know this plan is implementable,” he continued.

Tensions reached a boiling point when Fludd accused McElroy of being boastful with his record. “The Senate is bigger than Korey. It seems like his campaign is based on ‘I did this and this needs to happen.’”

McElroy in response told the audience, “I am not citing the bills I have passed because I think I am somehow better than anyone else.”

The presidential candidate continued saying, “I haven’t had a career in student government. This time last year I was just a regular student and I still am just a regular student.”

Near the end of the debate McElroy acknowledged that the discussion became “heated” at times.

Concluding Statements

During the concluding statements, Fludd encouraged students to contact him about issues and concerns regarding student life.

McElroy concluded the debate saying that if students wanted to see impactful changes on campus they should “act now” a reference to his party affiliation.

After the debate concluded, the candidates shook hands and exited the panel. Students are encouraged to vote for their preferred candidate so they can see their vision for SGi become a reality.

St. John’s Mixed Chorus Performs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The concert was part of a new series of pop-up school choir performances at the Met.

Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and now the St. John’s Mixed Chorus. What do these three have in common? They have all performed at the same venue: the Temple of Dendur in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The SJU Mixed Chorus performed at the Met this past Friday, March 20, as part of a new collection of pop-up performances called the Met Sing Series. They are the first college choir to participate and the second performance in this series overall.

“The Met Sing series was generated with an idea to give K-12, college and university choir and choruses an opportunity to perform in the museum,” said David Freeman, Educator in Music at the Met.

Freeman described the series as pop-up, “flash mob” style performances taking place in a variety of exhibits around the museum. “It’s really like a series for the choirs to learn, members to learn and for our visitors to get

Katherine Garlisi | March 25, 2026

enjoyment from music in the galleries.”

“This experience is unlike any other I’ve ever experienced,” said Freshman tenor Joshua Mursalin. “I’ve been in choir since fifth grade. If you told me then that I would be performing in the Met, I wouldn’t believe you.”

It is no simple feat to set up a performance in the only ancient Egyptian temple in the United States. As Mixed Chorus Director Hannah Nacheman put it: “Our awesome president, May, had a super cool connection with the Met Museum and hooked this up.”

Mahnaz “May” Ahmed had a more modest explanation. “I happen to know a couple of folks around the Met. Someone heard that I was a part of a chorus and they were like, oh, you know what? You should meet David… The two of us got in touch, and from there, it was just full steam ahead.”

Nacheman seemed very pleased with the Mixed Chorus’ participation in this new pro-

gram. “I just love that our students have had this opportunity to come into the city, into this cultural institute and be able to sing for not only their families, but patrons from far and wide.”

The next Met Sings performance is scheduled for Apr. 17, with the Wheeler High School Chorus. As for the Mixed Chorus, their next performance is their Spring Concert on April 24, followed by a performance in Carnegie Hall during Memorial Day weekend.

Members of Congress Call Out President Shanley

Grace Meng and Gregory W. Meeks show support for St. John’s Unions.

On Thursday, March 19, members of Congress Grace Meng and Gregory W. Meeks addressed a letter to St. John’s University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley expressing their concern about his decision to unrecognize faculty unions during collective bargaining negotiations.

As Representatives from the 5th and 6th districts of New York City, they found the actions carried out by the University Administration to be to the detriment of St. John’s.

“Failure to recognize this long-standing collective bargaining unit eliminates the ability to negotiate in good faith, causing harm to all members of the SJU community,” they wrote to Rev. Shanley.

This letter comes just over a week after the St. John’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Faculty Union held their second demonstration outside of Madison Square Garden in an attempt to call attention to the issue and convince the administration to continue negotiations.

The Representatives outlined the unions’

demands for increased wages, reduced health care premiums and pay parity for part-time faculty. They also called attention to the University’s 56-year-long relationship with the unions and the lack of a contract since July 1, 2025.

The two House Democrats are standing behind the unions at St. John’s University and encourage Rev. Shanley to work with them to find a deal that works for everyone.

“Finding common ground on these outstanding issues will benefit both faculty and leadership, as well as the broader university community. We urge you to reverse this decision, return to the table, and engage in goodfaith negotiations with your faculty to reach a fair contract,” they added.

After appearances from political candidates Brad Lander, Lindsey Boylan and Yuh-Line Niou at the most recent Hands Off St. John’s Faculty Union Rally and a letter from two active members of Congress, Rev. Shanley is facing political pressure to reverse his union-busting decision.

In response to this letter, St. John’s Univer-

sity Spokesperson Brian Browne issued the following statement to The Torch:

“We appreciate the outreach from Representatives Meng and Meeks and have been in touch with their offices throughout this process to educate them about why this step is so key to ensure student success.

“The negotiation process with the faculty union has ended. St. John’s is now working directly with our faculty, adopting the direct-engagement model that is the standard for the overwhelming majority of universities nationwide.

“We have honored our commitments on faculty pay and health benefits, and we are now focused on this collaborative path forward. This approach allows us to build a stronger, more sustainable institution singularly focused on delivering successful student outcomes.”

Spring Cleaning Your Closet

Curate a wardrobe full of pieces that you love to wear.

Since the rise of fast, online fashion, it is easier than ever to accumulate piles of clothing that you only wear once — or still have the tags on them. Impulse purchases, once trendy items and unwanted gifts can quickly become the bulk of your wardrobe, leading to indifference and even dislike towards the majority of your clothing.

Further, it can become overwhelming to open your closet each morning and be confronted with countless pieces. In fact, having more clothing options can make it more difficult to choose an outfit, causing you to continually default to the same few combinations.

Having a bloated wardrobe leads to decision fatigue and many unloved pieces, while also taking up valuable storage space.

Spring — the season of renewal —is the perfect time to declutter your closet, allowing it to be full of re-wearable, cherished items. But, how can you decide which pieces to keep and which ones to let go of?

It can be a challenging decision-making process, but it will transform your wardrobe into a curated and beloved representation of your personal style.

Try On Everything

The most important factor in deciding if you should keep or say goodbye to a piece of clothing is if you look great and feel confident. Although it is time-consuming, trying on the majority of your clothes can make you more aware of what you actually like and wear.

Of course, if you have staple pieces that you wear every week, it is safe to say that you will keep them and do not need to try them on.

But for the rest of your wardrobe, trying on each item is the optimal way to declutter. Without trying something on, you may hastily decide to hold on to a piece for the future. Trying it on allows you to see if it actually fits how you prefer and let go of items that no longer fit or you do not love.

Focus on Creating Outfits

It can be tempting to keep items that you might wear for a specific occasion, or unique, standalone pieces. Full-length gowns for weddings or holiday-themed sweaters are perfectly reasonable pieces to have.

But if a chunk of your wardrobe is purely meant for special occasions, you will ultimately have many unworn clothes. If you have not worn something in the last year or cannot foresee yourself wearing it in the

next year, it is probably time to let it go.

Instead, focus on finding pieces that have diverse purposes. For example, a white button-down can be worn as a beach cover-up or under a blazer for a job interview.

Consider what kind of attire you wear in your everyday life, and prioritize making the majority of your wardrobe consist of those kinds of pieces.

Having fewer pieces can actually result in a larger array of cohesive outfits rather than disconnected items that do not get frequent use.

Set Conditions for Clothes You’re Unsure About

It is okay to not come to a firm decision about every piece you try on, but make sure not to toss them in the back of your closet and let them take up unnecessary space.

Put those pieces in a specific area of your closet or drawers, and set a time parameter. If you do not wear the item by that time, it might be time to donate or sell it.

This strategy allows you to prevent indefinite clutter that slips your mind.

When you start your spring cleaning, make sure to dedicate time to sifting through your wardrobe — your future outfits will thank you.

Six Seasonal Spring Recipes

Take advantage of seasonal produce with these six recipes.

Syriana Pazmino|

Eating produce within its peak harvest season has many benefits that range from sustainability and cost-efficiency to a higher and more diverse nutrient intake.

An easy way to find out what produce is in season is by checking the SNAP-Ed Connection resources page. There, you’ll find a seasonal produce guide that lists several different types of fruits and vegetables under the season they belong to.

Although using seasonal produce may seem intimidating, there is no need to search for hours for the perfect meal. With these six seasonal recipes, making breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert can be delicious and make you feel great.

Carrot Cake Baked Oats

By setting aside 45 minutes, you can make six servings of the perfect carrot cake baked oats to either share with friends and family once they cool or save in the freezer for up to three months.

Though the grated carrots may seem like a strange addition, their natural sweetness blends perfectly with the baked oats, providing key nutrients to the otherwise sweet breakfast treat.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For those of you who like the popular Panera broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll love this homemade alternative. This classic warm recipe calls for several spring vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, garlic and onions.

With a side of artisan bread, this soup makes for a great lunch or dinner option.

Chicken Panzanella Salad

This twist on the classic panzanella salad brings in asparagus and snap peas alongside mixed greens and chicken.

aPril 10, 2026

Though working with raw chicken may seem daunting, it is even more rewarding once you finally take a seat to eat. However, if you’re still feeling uneasy about working with raw meat, feel free to swap out cooking your own chicken with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Mushroom Soup

If you happen to have a little extra time on your hands, try your hand at making this creamy mushroom soup recipe.

Feel free to eat this savory soup alone or as a side dish, and don’t worry about making too much; the leftovers of this recipe can be stored in your freezer for up to two months.

Lemon Blueberry Snack Cake

This lemon blueberry snack cake is the perfect sweet treat to bring to your next spring event. The citrus of the lemon and the sweetness of the blueberries create the ultimate pair in this irresistible dessert.

And for those of you who aren’t fans of whole pieces of fruit in your dessert, try blending the blueberries before mixing them into your batter. Though this might impact the bake time, it’s still a great op- tion.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie

Last but not least, if you are up for a little bit of a challenge, these strawberry cheesecake cookies are for you.

While the exterior of this dessert is a simple sugar cookie with a homemade strawberry jam infusion, the inside is a soft cheesecake filling that’s enough to make anyone who tries it want to know the recipe.

And if strawberries aren’t your thing, there is also a lemon blueberry alternative to this recipe.

FBLA: Shaping the Next Generation of Busines Leaders

St. John’s FBLA chapter forms future professionals.

AlexAndrA Prettitore | APril 6, 2026

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationwide organization, serving over 200 chapters and almost 4,000 students at the collegiate level.

Despite the popularity of business disci- plines at St. John’s University — over 25% of students are in the Peter J. Tobin College of Business — there was not an FBLA chapter at the University for many years.

That all changed in 2023 when current President, senior Alexis Shover spearhead- ed the establishment of the organization on campus alongside the previous President and other current e-board members.

“Our club got approved after we tried the second time, and we grew ever since then,” Shover explained to The Torch.

Since then, their growth has been rapid and filled with immense success.

Much of the organization’s focus is prepar- ing members for FBLA’s state and national competitions. Quickly after the St. John’s FBLA chapter formed, they were able to take home several awards on a local level and pro- ceed to nationals.

Treasurer senior Vanessa Shea shared that at her first collegiate competition, the state lead- ership conference in 2023, she was able to celebrate a huge achievement: “I had placed third for foundations of marketing, which I was very surprised about because that compe- tition had the most people in it.”

This success continued on the national stage. Last year, Shover and Shea placed second in the marketing category at the local conference, which led to a trip to the national competition in Dallas alongside several other St. John’s members.

“That was such a good experience because we got to network with different chapters. That was my first competition with FBLA at the national level. You never know what the person next to you will teach you,” Shover said.

The competitions provide meaningful lessons to members, whether they win or lose. Shover continued, “It gave us a chance

to build public speaking skills, learn how to present in front of judges and to be fully pre- pared. Everyone who attended the event grew a stronger bond from this trip.”

Shea added that the FBLA as a whole, but especially the competitions, has contributed to her professional growth and skill building. “Little things like having to wear business ca- sual to our events. Seeing how the real world works, how you’re supposed to dress and act wasVicehelpful.”President junior Gali Desir attended his first state and national competitions in the spring of last year, an opportunity that provided invaluable experiences. In Dallas, he competed in the technology and comput- er science case category alongside two team members.

“It was a lot of team bonding. We were able to make it to the final round, and my heart was racing a mile a minute. We managed to place tenth place overall nationally, and it’s one of the biggest achievements I’ve made so far,” Desir Graduateexplained. chair Gulnaz Mukanbetova shared a similar experience: “I transitioned professions from linguistics to cybersecurity, so I didn’t have any backgrounds or achieve- ments in cybersecurity. I was shy, but I was motivated by the other members. And I got first place in cybersecurity [at states],” she described.

In addition to the various competitive opportunities that FBLA offers, they also host various on-campus events that all members can take advantage of.

Desir is especially looking forward to the upcoming entrepreneurship panel at the end of“IApril. love to gain insights from fellow students to not just make a name for themselves, but to be successful post grad,” he said.

Shover included more details: “It’ll let students know about the process, especially in the current job climate — it’s not easy. Hav- ing someone to communicate and network with is something I’m really excited to pro-

vide to students.”

Additionally, 15 FBLA members will attend the 2026 national competition in Las Vegas. “It’s going to be a great experience. We’ll get to network, participate in workshops, compete and hopefully bring a lot of prizes back home with us,” Shover excitedly shared. FBLA has been a transformative experience for each member who spoke to The Torch. “It’s an absolute honor to be on this e-board,” Desir emphasized.

Mukanbetova echoed this sentiment, adding that FBLA “helps students to grow in professional and leadership ways,” something she has directly experienced.

Shea agreed and summed it all up: “FBLA helps students thrive.”

The Dumbest War: Nobody Wanted It, but Nobody Really Cares Either.

Everything we learned about America is wrong, the entire world is suffering and it all unfolded in the stupidest way possible.

Micah Grayson | april 10, 2026

Torch Photo/ Sky News Australia

For the first time in my life, America is engaged in a long-term, largescale war.

And despite the consistent propaganda I grew up with, lauding the American military as the strongest, most powerful freedom-fighting force in history, the reality of an ongoing conflict has been, to put it bluntly, stupid.

This characterization can be evidenced through two realities surrounding America and Israel’s campaign of regime change in Iran: the decision-making process and its results, and the American public’s reaction.

The War Itself

It is important to preface any discussion of this war by stating that there never has been, nor will there be, a valid justification for this form of military aggression. Iran is a sovereign nation, one that has its issues domestically, but none rising to a level justifying the complete dismantling of the state.

Current Israeli leaders and the Trump administration began justifying this escalation by attempting to make an argument for Iranian civil liberties, but even those were minimal compared to past leaders. Over the past few weeks, they’ve pretty much dropped those claims entirely.

The heads of both governments are now openly stating what many, such as myself, have believed for years: they want to decapitate the Iranian regime simply because of their position as an anti-Israel foreign adversary, and to take control of the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves and fourth-largest crude oil reserves.

But the United States and Israel have had anti-Iranian foreign policy agendas, save for a brief period under the Obama administration, for over 45 years, since the overthrow of the Western-backed Shah in favor of the Ayatollahs in 1979.

Why was it, in this tumultuous time for the American economy, that a President finally pulled the trigger on a prolonged war?

This is where we enter the realm of stupidity and the unique predicament the Trump administration finds itself in.

In the past, a complex strategy of crippling the Iranian economy was largely agreed upon by both the Israelis and Americans, but the appetite for war was strictly held by the government in Tel Aviv.

After a month of back-and-forth strikes, the United States military finds itself in a precarious position. Despite the murders of several high-profile officials, including the long-time Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, the Iranian state has remained intact.

In addition to their survival, the Americans have been dealt significant blows to their military personnel. More importantly, the global energy market, and subsequently, the entire global economy, is on the brink of crisis due to the key act of this conflict thus far, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closure of the Strait of Hormuz crossing.

Over 20% of the world’s global oil and gas supplies pass through the strait. Foreign and domestic gas prices are skyrocketing, and the IRGC has been able to repel several attempts by American naval personnel to end the blockade.

All things considered, especially the spending disparity between the two sides, we are losing this war… badly.

As openly admitted by figures such as Marco Rubio, the largest military on Earth was goaded by a suicidal, blood thirsty foreign actor, into

a predictable outcome.

It easily explains why previous administrations drew the line at a direct, prolonged conflict. But in our unserious timeline, a small country of five million people is directly controlling US decision-making in the Middle East.

It began with the 12-day war, and now a complete takeover is the only logical conclusion.

The country stupidly failed to act in its best interests and, in the process, is realizing the limitations of its military capability.

The Public’s Relationship

The second reason behind the silliness of the war revolves around the American public’s response, the lack of impact our voices have and the disillusionment with the current events that far too many Americans hold.

As of March 25, 61% of the American public disapproved of the conflict. If one were unaware of the administration’s prior actions and broad unfavorability across all issues, they’d most likely ask how Trump was elected in the first place. We’ve always been taught about the history and glory of American democracy, after all.

But unfortunately, aided by Kamala Harris’ unwillingness to come off as anti-war, enough voting Americans bought into Trump’s lie about being a peaceful President.

Joe Biden facilitated a genocide, and his Vice President didn’t indicate any inclination to end it either, but it says something about our country’s political education when over 77 million Americans either disregard actions such as the assassination of Qassem Soleimani or are just completely oblivious to them.

Nobody could have predicted the Israeli government’s takeover of our foreign policy, but a brief look at the actions of the first Trump administration exposes his initial peacemaker facade.

Now, the American public is observing a war nobody willingly voted for.

Our already flawed idea of democracy is completely falling apart, leading to large-scale disillusionment with the political process, particularly amongst those from Gen Z.

As a 20-year-old college student myself, I encounter fewer and fewer people who consistently keep up with current events or even consider the ways policy affects our lives.

I saw a plethora of TikToks regarding the uptick in gas prices, but no critical engagement with how the expensiveness manifested in the first place.

This can be directly connected to the lack of representation in terms of what the population wants within the highest positions of power, whether the Republican or even the Democratic party.

If Americans can’t rely on the electoral process anymore, many just choose to focus on what they can change individually, leading to the rise of movements such as “looks-maxxing” or hustle culture. This has also been significantly exacerbated by the capitalist rejection of collectivism as a whole in American society.

The America we were taught, in every facet, is being exposed as a falsity right before our very eyes, and all it took was one month. You can’t describe it as anything else but stupid.

103RD EDITORIAL BOARD

JAMES WILLIAMS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CELINA MULLADY MANAGING EDITOR

NICHOLAS ST. CYR

NEWS EDITOR

JACK BULIK

ASST. NEWS

EDITOR

JASON PETRUCCI

SPORTS EDITOR

DEAN

KOUTOURATSAS

ASST. SPORTS

EDITOR

PARKER SONGCO

CULTURE EDITOR

SAM AGOURSALIDIS

ASST. CULTURE

EDITOR

CARLYANN CAREY

OPINION EDITOR

MICAH GRAYSON

ASST. OPINION EDI-

TOR

SUZANNE

CIECHALSKI

ADVISER

ALEXANDRA PRETTITORE

FEATURES EDITOR

SYRIANA PAZMINO

ASST. FEATURES

EDITOR

SEBASTIAN ZELAYA

PHOTO EDITOR

MEGAN CHAPMAN CREATIVE

DIRECTOR

ANDRES CORTES

DESIGN EDITOR

ISABELLA ATHANASIOU

SOCIAL MEDIA

MANAGER & CHIEF

COPY EDITORY

CATIE PASCAL

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

NIVANA NAIPAUL

OUTREACH MANAGER

STAFF & CONTRIBUTERS

Katherine Garlisi Sofia Guastella

EDITORIAL POLICY

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There’s this thing that happens every year when summer is approaching. The girls on TikTok start asking themselves questions like: “What summer are we having?” and “What are we wearing this summer?”

It’s a cute trend and a fun attempt to bring the camaraderie that comes with being a woman to the digital space. I always ask my friends what they’re wearing before we go out, just to make sure that we’re on the same page.

It’s important, however, to see yourself as an actual person and not a summer aesthetic.

We so often want to take inspiration from one another that we forget what works for us and what doesn’t.

In 2024, we had “brat summer.” It was great for me because I love to go out, but it doesn’t work for everybody.

The “clean girl” trend that Hailey Bieber had accidentally pioneered was, at first, fun. But quickly I started getting frustrated at myself for having bed head and morning breath when it seemed like these girls didn’t have to deal with anything “real” at all. I love going on social media and seeing what people are up to. What fun things are there to do in New York? Would the same outfit one girl is wearing look good on me? Where can I buy it?

It can be a helpful way to keep in touch and build community. But once we get caught up in what aesthetic we are, we lose touch into what makes us individuals, too.

My hope for this summer is that everyone does what makes them feel good. The girls who love pilates should keep going, and the girls that are genuinely interested in it should learn from them.

I’m not a pilates person, but I love to see girls build running routines on social media because I’ve been running long distances my whole life. I hate to cook, but I got into baking a few years ago and now my algorithm is filled with baking videos.

People also contradict themselves. I couldn’t lean into the “party girl” aesthetic that went around social media for a bit because I’m also a morning person. I like to wake up early, do some work and have a slow start to my day. I can’t do that if I’m going out all the time. That’s okay. That’s what makes me, “me.”

When I stopped worrying over aesthetics and started treating myself like a complicated individual, I felt much better about the decisions I made.

‘The Best’ Provides the Closure ‘Wishbone’ Needed

Conan Gray’s recent addition to his popular album successfully completes its narrative.

AlexAndrA Prettitore

On March 21, pop artist Conan Gray announced on his Instagram that his highly anticipated track “The Best” would be officially released on March 27 as the first single for “Wishbone Deluxe.”

Gray introduced “The Best” to fans on the opening night of his “Wishbone World Tour,” shocking them with its debut during the surprise song section of the concert. Ever since, listeners have wondered when the song would be added to streaming services.

The wait is finally over, and “The Best” did not disappoint in its fully realized form.

It begins with soft and slow guitar production as Gray reflects on the good moments in his former relationship. Although “it was a bad time,” he still has a sense of fondness for their enduring joyful memories.

In the pre-chorus, he questions the genuineness of their relationship, wondering “did this past year mean anything?”

The chorus features high energy production, as Gray continues to grapple with the loose threads of his relationship. He is self-aware, explaining that he “was so pissed” when his partner left. He feels that a reunion could repair any negative feelings, and as the title suggests, he would be able to wish his past partner “the best.”

The second verse develops the themes of the first one; Gray acknowledges that, although “nothing is like it once was,” he still wonders

| APril 10, 2026

about the end of their relationship and longs for closure.

Gray provides his own sense of closure in a way. The song displays his growth and reflection on the situation.

In the bridge, his vocals are loud and powerful, as he again questions the authenticity of his failed relationship, and hopes for reconciliation.

The song does not conclude on this note, though; instead, Gray returns to the chorus, emphasizing his ability to “finally wish you the best.”

The themes of “The Best” are sorely missing in the standard edition of “Wishbone,” especially in the trilogy of connected songs: “This Song,” “Vodka Cranberry” and “Caramel.” These tracks tackle lost, unrequited love in a way that avoids closure and instead focuses on an incomplete sense of yearning.

Although in “The Best,” Gray still questions his ex’s mindset and is not fully over the relationship, he is ultimately able to set those feelings aside and have a mature perspective centered on making peace with the situation.

“The Best” provides a complex angle on breakups; the combination of Gray’s passionate vocals and the emotional guitar production results in a strong addition to his already stacked musical catalog.

“Wishbone Deluxe” will be released in its entirety on April 24.

Is ‘The Drama’ Too Unserious To Be Impactful?

The film deals with heavy subject matter but is laced with moments of comedy, so what point is it trying to make?

CelinA MullAdy | APril 14, 2026

The newest A24 film, “The Drama,” starring Zendaya (Emma) and Robert Pattinson (Charlie), deals with the deeply unsettling and serious subject matter of school shootings. However, the film seems to have audiences captivated with laughter and debate.

The film follows Emma and Charlie through the days leading up to their wedding. Two days before the wedding, Emma and Charlie have a food and wine tasting with their close friends, Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim).

It’s then that the couple probes Charlie and Emma to reveal the worst thing they have ever done—which they did before they got married—with Mike and Rachel initiating. The group proceeded to share their secrets, with Emma going last and revealing that she had almost done a school shooting.

From there, the film (and Emma and Charlie’s relationship) takes a downward spiral.

While the secret Emma reveals is shocking, what’s even more shocking is the way the film continues. Instead of being a dark drama, the film becomes more like a dramedy.

Audiences laughed out loud in theaters at various points throughout the film. One X user said, “The drama was so fun idk everyone in the theater was gagging together, and we all started chatting about it after it ended.”

Since its release, “The Drama” has been receiving mixed reviews. One main criticism that has been circling is from gun safety activists. In an Instagram post from March For Our Lives, the film is called out for failing to spark conversation:

“The film may be attempting to engage real questions about accountability and change, but A24’s marketing does not meet it there. With a subject this serious, especially in the U.S., that conversation cannot begin and end on screen. It has to carry through in how the film is presented,” stated the post.

While the film does bring up the topic of school shootings and how the United States as an institution contributes to the rising level of mass violence, it seems to end there.

Not a single piece of marketing lends to the idea of a conversation. While the actors have mentioned it themselves, the film and A24 lack any awareness of the conversation that should be had.

A24 and “The Drama” Instagram accounts posted a collaborative post that shows a carousel of people expressing their love for the soundtrack. To highlight the soundtrack instead of people’s reactions or experience to gun violence makes the film’s supposed goal extremely superficial.

Yes, art can be shocking and uncomfortable. But to create art that is and then claim it will start conversations, but do nothing to promote discourse, is careless.

As a production studio and a film, it’s irresponsible to attempt this large conversation yet fail to continue it.

“The Drama” is many things, it’s funny, tense and filled with phenomenal performance—but it lacks the main thing that it claims to have: meaning.

Top 3 Cult Classic Spring Rewatches

Celebrate the joy of spring with these three iconic classic films.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Samantha agourSalidiS | april 13, 2026

Starting off strong with an 80’s classic, “The Princess Bride” has something for everyone.

From sword fights to giants to princesses and acts of true love, this 1987 classic is a must-watch. At the beginning of the film, audiences see a girl named Buttercup teasing her farmboy, Wesley. Their love is at the core of the movie from the very start, before Buttercup becomes a princess and Westley the Dread Pirate Roberts.

But above all, what makes this film a true cult classic is its humor.

With memorable lines like, “inconceivable!” and “I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it. I’m swamped,” the film’s comedic timing stands the test of time.

Robin Wright and Carry Elwes give phenomenal performances that make the viewer root for both true love and Westley and Buttercup. There’s just something about love and fantasy that screams spring, making this an ideal rewatch.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Based on the novel by Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice” has always been a classic. Full of spring imagery and light-hearted plots, it’s one

rewatch audiences can’t help but come back to.

The tension between Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is palpable. The constant pull between Elizabeth’s prejudice against the wealthy Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy’s pride against falling for her is something viewers can’t tear their eyes away from. This film is visually stunning, and was nominated in 2006 for a BAFTA in Best Costume Design and Best Make Up & Hair.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

More iconic than classic, this Wes Anderson film explores the adolescent adventures of young preteens Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop. Sam Shakusky is a Khaki Scout of America and an orphan. When he disappears, the entire troop, his troop leader, and the police are searching for him. What they find out is that he ran away with Suzy, a girl he had begun exchanging letters with and had fallen in love with. Suzy and Sam play adult, camping and hiking trails as though they could live in the woods forever.

Their youth and sense of play in the film draw the audience in, keeping them hooked throughout. “Moonrise Kingdom” is the kind of film that feels like an ode to nostalgia and also a coming-of-age movie.

St. John’s WBB Season in Review

They finished outside the NCAA Tournament.

The St. John’s women’s basketball team ended its 2025-26 campaign with a 22-12 total record.

The Red Storm went 11-9 in conference play with key wins coming against Marquette, Villanova and Creighton. The Johnnies were bound for the Big East tournament, but were unable to make it past Seton Hall in the quarterfinals.

Head coach Joe Tartamellas has guided them to four trips to the “Big Dance” in 13 seasons at the helm. But another loss kept them outside of the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season.

After the regular season concluded, the Johnnies were given a chance to alter their trajectory in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). But Columbia solemnly eliminated them in the first round, 74-26.

“Certainly disappointed with the outcome, but I think in terms of what these guys have done throughout the year, I’m proud of how they played this year,” Tartamella said following the 6361 loss to Seton Hall on March 7.

Strong wins and crushing losses were the story of their season. An 11-2 start, which included close

wins over Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech, was met with four devastating losses in conference play. The Red Storm closed out their season 6-4 against Big East schools.

During this final stretch, they made history by facing No. 1 UConn in the first standalone women’s basketball game played at Madison Square Garden. The matchup was a success, drawing 9,612 fans to watch the Red Storm and Huskies battle. This could be a good sign for St. John’s, which is looking to expand its fandom like the men’s basketball team has done in the past two seasons.

“Great atmosphere today, really pleased that we had a crowd as we did. It’s a great opportunity for our program,” Tartamella said after the 85-49 loss on March 1. “In terms of exposure of the game, our administration and university backing it, I think it’s a big step for us.”

Junior Brooke Moore had a productive first season in Queens, averaging 12.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game on 52.6% shooting. Forward Sa’Mya Wyatt emerged as a viable second option, providing 11.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

However, guard Skye Owen dealt with injuries and was out for all but six games in her final season at St. John’s. Her absence hindered the team’s offensive production, as they went 44.2% from the field and 30.0% from beyond the arc.

Shooting and adding more depth to the roster could be on the Red Storm’s agenda going into what will be a long offseason. Tartamella and his coaching staff could also consider adding length to the frontcourt through signing taller players. This will help with rebounding and defense, which they struggled with all season.

St. John’s will need to retain Moore, who is heading into her senior season. If she returns for a final year in Queens, the coaching staff should help her improve her scoring. At the same time, Moore should consider improving her playmaking and defense, which she struggled with compared to her teammates.

St. John’s, overall, is in for a long offseason that could include bringing in new additions to a program on the cusp of perennial Big East contention and an NCAA Tournament berth.

Sadiku Ibine Ayo To Transfer

As expected, the worst part of the college basketball season begins, transfer season. A time where teams face the highs and lows of the new landscape, adding some of the top talent while also losing beloved players. Just three days after falling short against No. 1 Duke in the Sweet 16, a St. John’s player has made a decision on what they’ll be doing next season.

Sadiku Ibine Ayo is planning to enter the transfer portal, first reported by Zach Braziller of the New York Post. Ibine Ayo, one-third of the team’s co-captain room has served as Rick Pitino’s right-hand man, helping to bring the locker room closer together.

The forward and Pitino originally met at Iona, where Pitino would bring Ibine Ayo with him to St. John’s, naming him part of their captain room in 2024 due to his strong leadership traits. During his first season with the Red Storm in 2023, Ibine Ayo appeared in six games before suffering a season-ending injury. In the last two seasons, Ibine Ayo has been a key bench piece, providing the team with excellent defense while also displaying the ability to shoot at a high level. In 2025, his best performance came on Nov. 3 against Quinnipiac in their season opener, where he went for 10 points in 13 minutes, while also tallying three rebounds.

However, a return could be possible. Pitino wants Ibine Ayo to explore every option before committing to the team for the 2026-27 season. More official transfers are expected to come this week as exit interviews officially begin.

SPORTS

St. John's Blows 10-Point lead To No.1 Duke In Sweet 16

Tears rolled down the face of an emotional Zuby Ejiofor after a heartbreaking loss.

“To all the Johnnies’ nation, I appreciate you guys,” said Ejiofor, crying as he answered his final question in a St. John’s uniform.

The feeling in Capital One Arena for all St. John’s fans could be described in just three simple words: pain, heartbreak, unforgettable.

For the first time since 1997, St. John’s propelled themselves into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament A year filled with history, winning back-to-back Big East dual titles for the first time in Conference history.

After a heroic buzzer-beating victory over No. 4 Kansas in the round of 32, St. John’s slated themselves in a contest with No. 1 Duke, their biggest challenge yet. It was a test, potentially a final exam for Zuby Ejiofor and his teammates before leaving the college game.

The St. John’s magic came to an end, falling short against the top team in the country, 8075. A familiar story this season — the Johnnies at one point led by 10 points with 15 minutes remaining,

For the Blue Devils, they welcomed back starting point guard Caleb Foster, who’d been out of action since March 7 after undergoing surgery that left his status for March in question. Foster was the deciding factor in the victory, scoring 11 points in 18 minutes with three rebounds and two assists.

What shocked everyone on the night: St. John’s was relying on the three-ball, something they’ve struggled with all season. In the first half alone, the Red Storm went 9/18 from three, led by the best performance Ruben Prey has ever put together, going 4-4, with 12 points.

Dillon Mitchell showed up big-time early, scoring six of the first nine St. John’s points, serving as a tough matchup for future NBA top-three draft pick Cameron Boozer.

The Red Storm needed a strong night from their guards, with Ian Jackson wasting no time when checking in, drilling a three to give them their first lead of the night, 14-13. It was a back-and-forth hill to climb, Duke displaying their talent to regain a lead, thanks to a strong start from Isaiah Evans, scoring 11 early points to give the Blue Devils a 30-26 lead.

It looked like the Johnnies would be going into halftime trailing, but thanks to Ruben Prey — they survived a 20-minute war against the most demanding team in the country. Halftime hit, the Red Storm led 40-39. St. John’s came out of the second half firing on all cylinders, playing their patented style of physical basketball, working into the paint to force fouls, drawing three from the Blue Devils in the first two minutes. Their defensive approach was dominant, aggressively forcing three turnovers, all resulting in points.

However, the Blue Devils, with their backs

against the wall, quickly flipped momentum, pushing the deficit down to just 57-54.

With six minutes to play, the game was knotted up — 65-65, both teams trading blows in what was shaping up to be a March classic. It came down to the final wire, Darling with a chance to tie the game, fell short.

“We were trying to set a high screen, we wanted to go down the lane and find the corners We didn’t want that shot, but that’s okay,” said Pitino on the final shot.

The 2026 St. John’s Men’s basketball team will go in the history books. This team will be remembered for the special leadership provided by Zuby Ejiofor. The hustle mentality from Dillon Mitchell. The passion from Bryce Hopkins.

“This team was one of the most unique teams I’ve had in 52 years,” said Pitino. “This team never fought with each other, no arguments. They were great kids, I will never have a team like this again. I may have some good teams, but never ones with their attitude.”

Don’t end your hope short Johnnies fans, there’s still plenty to be excited about — college basketball is back in New York, Pitino and the Red Storm will be back next season, competing for a third-straight Big East title.