Claire Herquet, Editor 

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a cultural and outspoken performance, with messages about racial inequality, the U.S. government and Black empowerment. With a discography of over 150 songs, Kendrick Lamar continues to be one of the deepest and most intelligent musical artists in the rap world, resulting in an exciting and thought-provoking halftime performance. In case you’ve missed the symbolism shown throughout, let’s break down and discuss some of the hidden meanings within his 13-minute show. 

Starting from the beginning, we are introduced to Mr. Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam, used in the early 19^th century to personify America, has always represented American pride and patriotism, but has also been used for propaganda on the subject of war. When it comes to accuracy, Lamar could have chosen a white man to embody this character and narrate the performance, as Uncle Sam is white. Instead, however, he chose to dive deeper and use a perspective held by Uncle Sam that black men are obedient and uphold white supremacy. And so, Samuel L. Jackson being dressed in an all-American uniform gives a clear demonstration that it does not matter what your skin tone is. 

Before Lamar’s first song is introduced, Jackson says, “And this is the great American game.” This statement is a double entendre because of course viewers know they are watching the Super Bowl, but Jackson is actually referring to the game that is America- living under the U.S. government’s rules and being black in this country.  

To start his first freestyle/piece, Lamar is standing on top of a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX, which is also the name of his most recent album released in Nov. 2024, “GNX.” Not only is this a representation of his album, but it also serves as a testament to his upbringing in Compton, California, since GNXs are a part of the car culture there. 

At the end of his freestyle Lamar states, “The revolution is about to be televised.” This is a play on words from Jill Scott Haran’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” song, which was a critique on the American media because she felt that they only focused on propaganda, consumerism and entertainment. 

However, for real change to be made for the greater good of society, people had to step out of their homes for liberation and protest for their freedom. This means you have to be actively involved to fight against injustice. Lamar then saying, “You picked the wrong guy” is an implication that he was chosen as the perfect person for this performance. Thus, the people dressed in red on stage alongside Lamar announce, “Someone better squabble up.” This statement not only is said to introduce his song “squabble up,” but tells the audience that we should be resilient and unapologetically dominant. 

Before the piece “squabble up” is even finished, the camera cuts to Samuel L. Jackson spectating as he demands, “No no no, too loud…too reckless…too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!” This is clear conditioning within white supremacy and our country- that black people should obey, be quiet and be grateful for what they have. Lamar responds to and disregards Jackson’s order by transitioning to his song “Humble,” spreading the themes of self-awareness and the tension between authenticity while also “getting to the top” to reach your goals. His dancers are dressed and in formation as the American flag, with a division right in the middle (where Lamar is standing) that represents the clear division among Americans today.  

After performing “DNA,” Kendrick gets into “euphoria,” which is one of his diss tracks against pop artist Drake. At this point of his performance, many viewers began asking about Lamar’s silver “A” necklace and what it could mean. Although there is no solid explanation for it in the media quite yet, many are speculating that it could mean “A minor,” as he says in his “Not Like Us” song. Others speculate that the necklace could also be the logo for his website and brand PgLang.  

Lamar begins performing “man at the garden,” where he is seen underneath a streetlight and surrounded by men (his homeboys). We see a dancer on top of the lamppost, as they are in the tarot card pose of The Hanged Man to represent being sacrificed for the greater good. After the song, Samuel Jackson walks into the setting and view of the camera saying, “You brought your homeboys with you! The old culture cheat code! Scorekeeper, deduct one life.” When he says to deduct one life, he is asserting that Lamar is not playing by his rules and wants to get rid of him, or another black cultural leader. He is possibly hinting at black cultural leaders such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton and more – all of whom were human rights activists and have since been assassinated.  

After performing “peekaboo,” Lamar is seen walking up to his four backup dancers saying, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” Fans immediately understood this nod to Drake because while a small cut of “Not Like Us” plays in the background, he is insinuating that if he sings the song, Drake will sue him for defamation. Lamar cuts to his calmer songs such as “luther” and “All The Stars,” featuring R&B singer SZA. 

Our ringleader, Jackson, comes out onto the stage and says, “Yes! That’s what I’m talking about! That’s what America wants! Nice, calm. Don’t mess this up.” Again, back to the ideas of black men “needing” to be calm and quiet and complying to his rules of “how to play the game.” Lamar disregards him again, however, and begins with “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.” 40 acres and a mule was a promise that was made to free slaves from the government, saying that they now have governance and ownership of land and resources. The follow through for the promise was never made, so the meaning behind this statement by Lamar is that the systemic injustices and broken promises made to black Americans continue to resonate and impact their lives beyond this era of slavery, especially in light of our current political situation.  

“They tried to rid the game, but you can’t break influence,” Lamar says, shedding light on the fact that black culture is important and influential. From here, Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us” begins, and his dancers drop to the ground, laying out on the stage under streetlights like dead bodies, representing those that have been killed by police brutality. 

From here, Kendrick continues to flame Drake with “Not Like Us,”  dancing on one of the largest stages in the world. Shoutout to professional tennis player and Drake’s ex-girl, Serena Williams, who was seen crip walking in two small clips before the performance wrapped. DJ and record producer Mustard was also brought on stage for his last song, “tv off,” which challenged viewers to not only consume his entertainment, but to let his words and actions resonate with us.  

Kendrick Lamar’s show will always be known as the most daring. The performance, ranking as the highest rated in history, was seen by an average of 133.5 million viewers across TV and streaming platforms, surpassing Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl XXVII performance as the most viewed halftime show in the U.S. With over 74 million views on YouTube, Lamar continues to be one of the most talked about musical artists in the industry right now, and for all the right reasons. He deserves all the recognition he has worked for, as he is always intelligent and deliberate with meaning, symbolism and visuals in his music and videos. The world hasn’t seen the best of him yet.

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

5. Nicki Minaj- “Big Foot”

Everyone knows about the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud (more on that later). But before that, there was a minor spat between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion that most people have probably forgotten. Nicki’s contribution to the drama? This abysmal track.

The song’s title references Megan’s height and the fact that she was shot at by her ex-boyfriend, rapper Tory Lanez, requiring foot surgery. Lanez ultimately went to prison for 10 years on various gun charges. Nicki, for some reason, chooses to side with a man who nearly killed his girlfriend, which is certainly a… choice.

4. Sexyy Redd feat. Drake – “U My Everything”

Sexyy Redd is just not for me—her lack of technical skill doesn’t really make up for how blatantly reckless she is. GloRilla is a stronger, more ambitious songwriter; Megan Thee Stallion has way more presence; Doechii is funnier, and CupcakKe is all of the above. And thankfully, we’re long past the days of relying solely on Nicki Minaj to carry the torch for women in rap. 

This track dropped after “Not Like Us,” and it was clearly designed to give Drake another summer hit—but it completely flopped. That should’ve been obvious from the jump. Tay Keith’s metallic, skeletal beat already felt hollow, and Sexyy Red trying to sing on-key (which is not her strong suit) only made it worse. And on top of that, you don’t even get her usual over-the-top raunchiness or any believable energy. At this point, is she permanently offbeat just because of contractual obligation? Then Drake slides in… and no, you’re not bullying anything—you got bullied. Maybe that’s why you thought lines like “I’ll turn librarian for you, I’m booking that s***” were clever, or why you felt the need to rap about a girl slipping, tripping, and falling onto you. And let’s not even get started on those cringeworthy university bars. 

But the most telling part? He tries to reclaim “BBL Drizzy” by bragging about how many female plastic surgeries he’s paid for—all while conveniently ignoring his own. The moment he tried to flip the joke in his favor, the vibe completely died. 

There were plenty of moments that made it clear Drake lost this beef. The back-to-back features on Camila Cabello’s album were one, “Wah Gwan Delilah” was another, but this? This was straight-up pathetic. They say the worst thing you can tell a guy is that he’s not as funny as he thinks he is—this was that moment. The culture has moved on and it might be time for him to go back, mend some bridges and start from the bottom again. 

3. (¥$) Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti – “CARNIVAL” 

It’s a shame that such a great instrumental is wasted on such worthless lyrics. Lazy sexual innuendos are nothing new for me to complain about. The wordplay here is straight-up nonexistent. You don’t ride a carnival—you ride rides at a carnival. Basic logic clearly wasn’t a priority. 

After comparing himself to Jesus (lots of Christian values in this song by the way), Ye says that his kids are in a “fake school,” seemingly unaware of the fact that he opened an actual fake school. The Donda Academy, an unaccredited Christian private school, in which two teachers claimed they forced children to eat off the floor, had no janitorial staff and didn’t have classes on the second floor because Ye had a phobia of stairs. The man is an absolute lunatic. The song should be called ‘circus’ because you don’t tend to see a lot of clowns at a carnival.

2. Drake – “THE HEART PART 6”

I’ll give Drake some credit—if someone accuses you of being a predator in one of the biggest songs of the year, you have to respond. The issue? His response couldn’t have made him sound more suspicious.

“Only f**kin’ with Whitneys, not Millie Bobby Browns, I’d never look twice at no teenager.”

Why even mention her—the one person caught on video proof seemingly slipping up about your weirdly close relationship? Every time Drake tries to defend himself, it just gets weaker.

“This Epstein angle was the s** I expected / TikTok videos you collected and dissected” *
“If I was f**ing young girls, I promise I’d have been arrested”*
“I’m way too famous for this sh* you just suggested”*

Saying you’re too famous to be part of a child trafficking ring, right after name-dropping Jeffrey Epstein—the man who catered to rich and powerful predators—has got to be one of the most poorly thought-out defenses imaginable. And the disjointed nature of these bars makes me wonder if he had multiple ghostwriters scrambling to craft a rebuttal, only for them to just shove all their ideas in at once with no cohesion.

Oh, and the irony? Drake brings up streaming data in this very song… the same Drake who sued UMG over alleged sales inflation for Kendrick. Funny how much he suddenly cares when the numbers don’t favor him

1. Ice Spice – “Think U The S*** (Fart)”

Oh, where do I even begin? 

First off, the title alone is a masterpiece of lyrical depth. Who wouldn’t want to proudly proclaim that they’re the “fart” in the equation? Truly groundbreaking. And, of course, the chorus: “Think you the sh**, b****? You not even the fart.”

It’s almost as if Ice Spice is telling us she’s too good for basic insults. Instead, she’s like, “I’m not calling you garbage; I’m calling you… flatulence.” Real subtle. The wordplay? Genius. Really, who needs complex metaphors or clever punchlines when you can reduce everything to bodily functions? It’s like she’s trying to turn rap into the most juvenile version of itself, but hey, at least it’s catchy, right? 

Although, calling this number one material is honestly baffling. A fart joke? And let’s talk about the production: a minimalist beat with the vocal delivery that can only be described as “so nonchalant it’s practically asleep.” It’s as if Ice Spice didn’t even bother trying to make an effort but still ended up topping charts. Now that’s a flex… but not in the way you’d expect. 

So, yeah, it’s awful. But I guess, when you can convince the masses that fart jokes and lazily thrown-together rhymes are the height of musical art, you’ve truly achieved something… or maybe we’ve all just collectively lost our minds.

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

5. Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is more than just a song—it’s a cultural moment, an undeniable statement that redefines what it means to clash in the rap game. The track’s intensity comes from Kendrick’s ability to address beef head-on while weaving it into a broader narrative about dominance in hip-hop. The song is rooted in a deep sense of rivalry, calling out an unnamed target with sharp, deliberate lines. But it’s not just about throwing shade; it’s about Kendrick positioning himself as the one who’s standing tall and confident in his spot at the top. 

The beef with Drake looms large over this track, and it’s clear that Kendrick is taking shots that are both personal and public. When he says, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young,” it’s not just a throwaway line—it’s an attack on Drake’s past controversies, particularly his alleged predilection for younger women. Kendrick doesn’t shy away from addressing issues head-on, making sure that every jab lands with precision. 

The reference to “cell block one” is a pointed reminder of the drama and the accusations that have dogged Drake, something Kendrick is all too willing to bring into the conversation. This isn’t just about beef for the sake of beef, though. Kendrick’s verses serve as a commentary on the state of rap, making it clear that while others may get bogged down in the drama, he’s focused on the bigger picture. There’s a certain arrogance in Kendrick’s delivery, but it’s earned arrogance, based on a legacy he’s spent years building.

The underlying power of “Not Like Us” is that it frames this beef as more than just a personal conflict—it’s about hip-hop culture itself. Kendrick’s delivery on this track is a testament to how he’s not just a player in the game, but a force that shapes the rules. He’s calling out his competitors, but in doing so, he elevates the entire genre. Kendrick’s confrontation with Drake isn’t just a one-on-one—it’s a broader commentary on what it means to be a true artist in a saturated industry.

It’s the kind of song that’ll be remembered long after the beef fades into history, a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the evolution of hip-hop. This might’ve been the song of the year, or maybe next year after the Super Bowl performance. Also, I love that Drake was making fun of Kendrick for having no bangers, only for Kendrick to drop an album of bangers that tied Drake’s commercial records and had a meme bigger than anything Drake has had in years. Let that sink in.

4. Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

The success of a track like “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” feels like a perfect example of how an artist can blend genres in ways that feel fresh and authentic. It’s hard not to draw parallels to other genre-bending moments, like when Lil Nas X first made waves. But even though Shaboozey’s trajectory might not have been as initially explosive, it still feels just as important. 

The odds may not be in his favor for another crossover hit, and it’s a tough pill to swallow considering how deserving he is of more recognition. His breakout album this year was excellent, and it’s frustrating that it didn’t get the attention it deserved from a broader audience. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that his music is still gaining traction, even if it’s within smaller circles. 

Tracks like “Good News” are starting to catch on, and if that momentum builds, there’s still a chance Shaboozey could have another moment. The fact that his label situation seems complicated is unfortunate because his sound and style should have made him a household name by now. The combination of country and rap, especially on “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” could have been a novelty, but Shaboozey managed to turn it into something more. 

His take on J-Kwon’s “Tipsy” was nostalgic, but with a twist that didn’t feel like a gimmick. The country spin with fiddles and live instruments gave it a unique flair, and that’s what made it stand out in a good way. It may have had a little of that Postmodern Jukebox vibe, but that’s not a criticism—it’s an example of genre-blending done right. What makes Shaboozey truly stand out, though, is how much respect he shows for both hip-hop and country. Shaboozey has the potential to be a lasting, positive influence on both genres, even if mainstream success doesn’t always follow the way we hope.

3. Tyler, The Creator ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Redd & Lil Wayne – “Sticky”

Tyler, the Creator’s “Sticky” is a track that perfectly embodies the unpredictable genius of Tyler’s evolution in the rap game. While I never thought I’d be talking about Tyler as a mainstream hitmaker, here we are. And let’s be clear, Tyler’s “Sticky” doesn’t fit the mold of what you’d typically expect from a top 10 radio hit. It’s messy, complex and full of beat changes that, on paper, shouldn’t work, but somehow, Tyler makes it feel seamless. 

The track starts off with GloRilla’s unmistakable energy, and from there, it builds. GloRilla and Sexyy Red bring their A-game, creating an all-star ensemble with Lil Wayne coming through with a verse that reminds you why he’s still one of the best in the game, a veteran whose guest verses feel like clockwork. The whole vibe of “Sticky” is one of carefree chaos, with Tyler pulling off this wild balancing act of blending genres, defying expectations and still creating something that somehow fits into the wider radio landscape. 

Tyler’s line “B****, I am the better me” is like a personal manifesto for an artist who’s been at the top of his game for years now. He’s claiming his space in the rap world and asserting his dominance. And yet, despite that cocky energy, there’s also a hint of self-awareness in it—Tyler knows he’s not just another rapper; he’s a full-on force, a chameleon who can mold his sound to whatever the moment calls for.

Tyler’s evolution as an artist has been something to watch, and with “Sticky,” it feels like he’s finally cracked the formula for a hit song that has everything you love about his style but still appeals to the mainstream. It’s bold, it’s loud and it’s unapologetically Tyler— no wonder it’s become one of the most memorable tracks of the year. “Sticky” isn’t just a radio-friendly banger; it’s a declaration of Tyler’s place in the rap game, and it feels like the culmination of everything he’s worked towards, culminating in a track that’s impossible to ignore.

2. Kendrick Lamar – “euphoria” 

Sure, “Not Like Us” was what the culture was feeling, and it made for one hell of a party; but it’s the kind of party that leaves a weird feeling in my gut afterward. “Meet the Grahams” falls into a similar category for me—it has some of the most brutal moments of the entire beef, especially in the final verse, but the third verse hasn’t aged as well. Since it wasn’t technically a hit, it doesn’t qualify, and even though I respect how dark and replayable it is, it’s on the fence. But  “euphoria?” That’s a different story. 

This was the Kendrick Lamar diss I was waiting for—proof that when he steps up, he doesn’t just deliver, he dominates. He tore through his opponent without sacrificing an ounce of artistic precision. Cardo’s production is masterful, from the Teddy Pendergrass sample that kicks things off to the bold horns in the second half, all the way to that menacing beat switch that slams down like a hammer. And lyrically? This is the first rap song in years that I’ve memorized start to finish, which says a lot. The entire beef had its share of iconic moments, but “euphoria” was different—it felt powerful, sharp and undeniable. 

Kendrick packed it with quotable lines, showcased his razor-sharp wit and delivered the kind of intensity that made people rethink what a diss track could be. It was a reminder that battle rap isn’t just about skill—it’s about strategy, presence and knowing when to strike. And as someone who believes that technical ability alone isn’t enough to win a rap feud, seeing Kendrick go to war and prove every doubter wrong was exhilarating.

I could go on for hours about the layered punchlines, triple meanings and the battle rap finesse on display. And that’s not even getting into the street references—though as a Toronto resident, I know better than to spell those out. But the moment I really knew “euphoria” had shifted the culture? The night after it dropped, I went to karaoke, and someone picked a Drake song. The DJ immediately started roasting them, calling out “euphoria,” and the entire room laughed. I watched the shift happen in real time, and that’s something we might never see again. If there’s one diss track that deserves to be in the hall of fame, it’s “euphoria” —and it was so close to being my favorite hit of 2024.

1. Vince Staples – “Étouffée”

If I had to pick a number one favorite, it would be something from Vince Staples… but Étouffée is on another level. It’s the kind of song where I get why it wasn’t a mainstream crossover hit, but it still feels wrong that it wasn’t. The beat is stripped-down and ominous, built around a sparse knock and eerie synth wobbles, setting the stage after the sound of barking dogs and what could be either fireworks or gunshots—the fact that you can’t tell the difference is part of the point. 

Then it all locks into a killer groove, with a hook that grabs you instantly and only gets more addictive the more you hear it—whether it’s summer or winter, because Vince’s music transcends seasons, even with the New Orleans bounce breakdown near the end.

It’s a dark track, unsettling in a way that feels both personal and eerily prophetic. It’s deeply rooted in place, immersed in an environment filled with violence, yet it’s home—Vince knows exactly what he can and can’t change. The line “finding beauty in the darkness like Rembrandt” is one of those classical art references that hit you with the realization that Vince is almost always the smartest guy in the room, even when he keeps things understated. 

And while the song has a celebratory energy, danger lurks around every corner. He knows he could’ve easily ended up on a t-shirt, just another lost name, but he also sees the bigger systemic nightmare. One of the most striking lines is “the ghetto is a mismatch”—he loves the trap that raised him, but living there is as bleak as the hell he fears he’s bound for, especially when corporate interests profit from it while never actually understanding it. 

His label never got Big Fish Theory, but Vince stuck to his vision… at least until the system inevitably comes to tear it all down. There’s a metatextual edge to it too—Vince has always mocked the white fans who show up to his concerts without ever grasping the deeper layers of the oppression they’re complicit in. Still, he knows what it takes to survive. “Riding the stick like witchcraft” is a ridiculously clever bar, especially within the album’s themes of women and how the history of witch persecution is deeply tied to racist oppression. 

But the bigger question he poses is: when this reality starts hitting everyone, what are you going to do about it? I’ll admit that in some years, my number one pick felt like an obvious, undeniable choice. This wasn’t one of those years. And yet, in 2024, I couldn’t imagine anything else in this spot.

Sovereign Brown, Staff Writer

As I sat playing with the sand, I saw so many people having fun in the water. Going inside the ocean used to frighten me as a little girl. One day this all changed. Instead of being frightened by the water, I instead never wanted to leave it. I recall my mom having to pick me up after I had thrown a temper tantrum because I had to leave my new found love–the water. Little did I know that this experience was going to turn me into not only a swimmer but shape me into the person I am today.

From a young age, the pool has always been a comfortable environment for me, and looking back, I still feel the same way. I started competitive swimming at the age of 12. Although I was not familiar with the competitive world of swimming, I continued to do meets and in return saw improvements. I lost a year of competitive swimming due to the COVID-19 pandemic and did not get back into competing until my sophomore year. 

My sophomore year everything changed. I lost my cousin who I honestly called my sister and who I was close to. My world crumbled apart, and I no longer had the motivation to swim. I started falling behind, and I would purposely not put all of my effort into practice and meets. I did not get a wake-up call until my coach spoke to me and told me to get it together. Deep down, I knew I could not stop my world because of how much I was grieving. I was passionate about swimming, and although my cousin’s death affected me profoundly, I did what I knew how to do: keep going. 

Whatever tears I needed to cry, I cried along the way, but more importantly, I picked myself up and I did not quit. Being a swimmer has changed my life for the better. It has given me confidence that I lacked, to not only be able to stand up for myself, but to carry myself with respect. Swimming has shown me how strong I truly am and has helped me realize that whenever I am confronted with something difficult, I can conquer it. It has also shown me how determined I am when I set my mind towards something, and most importantly, how I do not give up. Swimming has made me into the person I am today, and who I am today is not who I was three years ago. 

I am confident, outgoing and an incredibly determined woman. Because of my passion for swimming and its deeply profound impact on my life, I knew I wanted to help others have the same skills that I have. For that reason, I decided to become a swim coach. My goal in becoming a coach was to help kids develop confidence within themselves, in and out of the water. While I am aware that my life is not always filled with sunshine and rainbows, the personal skills that I have gained from swimming have allowed me to apply them in my everyday life.

Isabella Teti, Editor

What do Lady Gaga, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone have in common? Yes, they are all actors, but they are also all Italian Americans! Italian American culture is filled with rich history and known for its loud, fun events and occasions. For me, growing up as an Italian American has brought many wonderful traditions and an abundance of love and happiness to my life, especially during the busy holiday season.

Every year my family partakes in many significant traditions that I have always looked forward to, and it has made the Christmas holiday season as special as it is. First, on Christmas Eve my family cooks the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This feast is traditionally an Italian American event that is believed to be linked to the meaning of the number seven in the Catholic Church. The number seven in the Church, with a wide array of importance, could represent the seven Sacraments of the faith, the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, or the Seventh Day of the week, commonly known as The Lord’s Day. 

While there are many different ideas of how and why the Feast of the Seven Fishes came to be, it is still an annual staple in many households. While my family’s menu changes every year, we usually have a mix between seven fish and seafood dishes. This year we will be having baccalà (salted cod), scallops, clams, mussels and linguine, shrimp, crab cakes and tilapia. We try to incorporate all of my family members’ favorite dishes as well as keep some of the seafood dishes, such as baccalà, which would be considered more traditional, a main item for dinner.

After our Christmas Eve meal, my entire family will go to Midnight Mass at our local parish. Growing up Catholic, especially attending Catholic school, it was always a tradition to attend mass on Christmas Eve, but as my younger brother and I started to get older, we started to attend Midnight Mass. This part is not for everyone, as by the end of Christmas Eve, mostly everyone is tired and ready for bed; but I always enjoyed going with my family to mass. For me, it is a special experience to be awake for the early hours of Christmas Day with my family and celebrate the real meaning of the holiday season as a community. 

Fast forward a few weeks after Christmas, on Jan. 5, Epiphany Eve, my family grew up with the folktale of “La Befana,” or the Italian witch. La Befana is an Italian witch who was a kind, old woman who brought little gifts, such as toys, candy or other small items, to the children who had behaved that year. Every Epiphany Eve, I would leave my shoes outside and wake up the next morning to small items in my shoes. I was always taught that La Befana was up at night rewarding the good children and spreading the news that Jesus was the Messiah who would save us all, keeping with the traditional Epiphany teaching. 

Perhaps I have outgrown some traditions, but each of them has created memories that have impacted my holiday season and allowed me to fully appreciate my culture and family. I am grateful for all of the sacrifices that generations of my family endured so that I may be able to celebrate accomplishments and achievements that were simply dreams to my ancestors. I love my Italian American heritage, and while not everyone celebrates exactly the same around the country or even in Italy, it’s what I have grown up with and am proud to celebrate!

Claire Herquet & Peyton Harris, Editors

Imagine a morning on campus without the hum of espresso machines, the smell of fresh coffee and matcha lattes, or a reliable spot on main campus to refuel between classes and sit with our colleagues. With the imminent closure of Starbucks in our Student Union, this is the reality we are facing. In an email released to the student body, Dr. Gaby shared that Starbucks will soon be replaced with a “vibrant space featuring new dining and beverage options designed to elevate your campus experience.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the news of Starbucks’ impending closure spread rapidly across campus and its neighboring communities. Students woke up to several posts on Instagram and Fizz social app sharing details about the store’s contract termination at La Salle. As a result, it is expected to close before the start of our Spring 2025 semester. Student workers at Starbucks, speaking under anonymity, told Collegian staff that they were originally informed of the planned closure in September.

The Student Government Association (SGA) met Wednesday evening, with the news of the closure on their agenda. “The school is ending the contract because over the years there has not been any expected financial benefit from Starbucks. So, they will have a replacement which we do not know yet (but it might be ready made coffee),” says an anonymous member of SGA relaying information to the Collegian staff.

“Since prices have been going up, I think their [Starbucks] sales might have gone down sadly. I hope that maybe the students can convince the school to keep Starbucks open since we all love it,” says an anonymous student worker at Founders Brew.

Starbucks is located on the main campus, arguably where most students are during the school day. It has always been accessible and familiar; since it is a branded food and drink option, most customers know what they’re getting and can stop quickly between classes, athletics, meetings or other commitments during the week. Without it, there will be a noticeable gap, given the lack of other branded choices on campus, making the closure all the more disappointing for busy students and faculty alike.

We spoke to various students today asking them what they think about the news. “This morning I found out from some of the Starbucks employees that they are planning to close in December. I am furious,” said a student who wishes to remain anonymous.

“I’m actually very upset about it closing,” said junior Cassidy McGonigle. “It’s a big place where people study. Although we have the library, if you go into Starbucks, you’ll always see students and professors studying and doing partner work. It’s not gonna be the same.”

There is a petition on change.org regarding its closure, written by an anonymous student. The bio states: “While the replacement is unknown, it’s highly unlikely whatever it is will have the same variety and quality of drink and food that Starbucks offers.” So far, there have been 329 verified signatures and several comments asserting that they do not want Starbucks to go. The number of endorsers for this petition continues to climb.

In key features to the new space in the email, the administration shared that La Colombe Coffee Roasters will be served. They will feature rotating menu options and will be accepting Meal Exchange all-day. Possibly the largest change from the current Starbucks space will be “expanded evening hours with a twist (top)—beer on tap and various cans available at designated times.”

The University community remains shocked at the sudden news. “With the revelations that student workers were told as far back as September, students have a right to feel angry at the hidden nature of this news. Why would something so iconic to campus, specifically the Union – something directly pointed out to prospective students on their tours – be taken away without input from the broader university community?” says an anonymous transfer student at La Salle. 

“It’s a great time to be an Explorer—we can’t wait for you to come back for the spring semester to enjoy this new, fun, and exciting dining experience and raise a glass (or a coffee cup) to celebrate”, the administration shared. The future of coffee (and beer) on this campus remains uncertain with less than three weeks before finals and students returning home for the break. However, one thing is for certain– the outpour of sadness Explorers are facing. Many Explorers feel angry and blindsided while others simply want answers on why.

Jamila Robinson, Staff Writer

The election has concluded, ending the flood of texts, calls, commercials and requests for financial contributions to encourage you to vote. We hope you took the opportunity to exercise your right to vote, and regardless of your choice, the process is now complete. Witnessing that Philadelphia remained unharmed despite concerns about potential unrest following the election results was reassuring. A city-wide emergency plan was indeed prepared for such situations, as is standard practice.

As we usher in a new administration that prepares to assume power, with promises of major changes to the federal government, we the people await the hours, days and months that are ahead. To that point, how are you feeling right now; how are you coping and managing? It was certain that no matter how it ended, some people would feel great and some would despair. No matter how you are feeling, please be respectful of everyone’s perspective. Additionally, the major question many have is what will this Trump/Vance presidency mean for us?

So many are filled with extreme anxiety and uncertainty; we remember what the Trump/Pence administration was like and no, not everyone survived, you can see those exact numbers here. What we do know is there are discussions now that Trump will be removing agencies of the news media outlets, dismantling government offices and positions. 

Additionally, there will be mass deportations of non-citizens and the utilization of the military against the radical left inside the country, i.e., student protesting on college campuses, will be more closely controlled. There is also the possibility of the official pardon of members of the Proud Boys and those that were directly involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. All these things will directly affect us, our families and those we love and care about. 

However, no matter what happens, we all will be experiencing it together and it is with hope that we do not become enemies to each other. We hope that the love and respect for our neighbors, friends, families and colleagues will remain safe, respectful and civil. 

Unfortunately, there has been some very alarming imagery of how “not to act” continuously thrown at us, and this is not the right way. Hateful rhetoric and harmful presentations are not the way we as humans should act. We should attempt to carry ourselves with a higher standard of tolerance and dignity. Hate only begets violence which only begets us harm. The scriptures are necessary to carry and quote; but let us not forget using our common sense also is a major requirement during these times of change.

We should move forward and remain focused on our plans for the betterment of ourselves, should you need to talk with someone to further discuss how you are feeling and coping, please do and connect with others to help you navigate. Do not allow what is to come to consume you, nor steal your joy!

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

Last month, three prominent YouTubers, MrBeast, Logan Paul and KSI launched “Lunchly”, a brand of lunch kits for kids to take to school. I guess it serves as a direct competitor to Lunchables. When I was a kid, Lunchables were the hottest thing on the market. Everybody was jealous of the kid who brought Lunchables to school with them. Everybody wanted them for their lunch. The only problem is that they were disgusting. Some processed cheese and circles of a meat product that you put between a couple crackers. Sometimes you might even get a mini chocolate bar or candy for “dessert.” Even the creator of Lunchables wouldn’t feed them to his children.

The three YouTubers were met with criticism for this, which was pretty much expected. YouTubers selling products to children? Thank goodness! For far too long, children have been deprived of the opportunity to incessantly beg their parents for the latest cheaply made plastic treasure advertised to them by someone their age, dressed as a superhero, screaming into a camera at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Who needs public education when little Johnny can learn the value of consumerism at the tender age of five, all thanks to Ryan’s FunTime Explosion Awesome Squad? I mean, let’s face it: if your child doesn’t already have a bedroom full of branded figurines and merch from their favorite YouTuber, are they even being raised properly?All jokes aside, let’s actually talk about Lunchly.

The way these creators are pushing it, is that Lunchly is a “healthier” alternative to Lunchables. They have a section called “US vs. THEM” on their website where they compare the nutritional value. It’s junk vs. slightly better junk. The “-ier” in “healthier” must be doing a lot of heavy lifting, because in the end, it is just some crackers, cheese and heavily processed meat. Lunchly also contains a chocolate bar called Feastables and a hydration drink called Prime in each box. 

The whole idea seems more like a way to boost their sales. Logan Paul claimed that Lunchables had lead in it and was immediately reminded that Prime, which he owns, has at least three pending claims against it. The quality of this product is definitely up for debate considering that someone found mold in their kit a week after launch, suggesting it’s been sitting in a warehouse for quite some time.

If the product was marketed more as some kind of status symbol for many kids who watch these guys on YouTube, it would at least be more honest. I’m not against the general idea of marketing to kids. That may have something to do with the fact that I grew up in an era where TV shows were marketed to directly cater towards kids. Without it, shows like Transformers and G.I. Joe wouldn’t even exist.

The rules are different now, of course. The FCC recently issued $3 million in fines to TV stations that played Hot Wheels toy ads during a Hot Wheels cartoon, can’t do that anymore. You can make a Hot Wheels cartoon show and air ads for Hot Wheels toys or video games, but you can’t play them at the same time. 

Kids don’t do their own grocery shopping, so the question is will parents spend an extra dollar a lunch, $5 dollars a week, $200 a year, because their kid wants the YouTuber lunch? Must be a gamble, which brings me to the real reason why I don’t think these guys should do this: they aren’t very good at it. In response to the criticism, Logan Paul said “We spent our lives creating content and building our brands”, and he continued “Now we want to build businesses”.

So far, the businesses you built, Logan, are a crypto game that failed and duped a bunch of your fans that you talked into buying NFTs for a game that never got made and Prime is also tanking, with Paul backing out of a deal he made with the bottling company Refresco when he didn’t sell enough product. They are now suing him for breach of contract. Your brother started a school years ago. How’s that doing? 404 on the website, huh? Guess he’s free from worrying about those finances. 

MrBeast is still trying to scrape his name off of that awful burger company and they’re countersuing. He’s also facing a class action lawsuit from the contestants of an Amazon reality show he created, alleging unsafe working conditions and sexual harassment. It seems that the fame is fleeting and they’re trying to keep their little economy afloat by starting businesses that may outlast their YouTube careers.

Companies like Monster, McDonald’s, Hershey’s and of course, Lunchables, have established a legacy, as they’ve been around for a while, ranging from 22 years to over 100. That’s what these guys want. I know that’s what Logan wants. As he even used the birth of his child to promote it. All class, this guy. But maybe in 20 years that kid will grow up and one of his friends has a Lunchly box. He can say, “my dad made that,” and if the universe really has a sense of humor, that kid will say, “who’s your Dad?” “The guy who hired people convicted of crimes against children or the guy who filmed a dead body in Japan and ripped people off with NFTs?” It’s only then, that these legacies will truly be preserved better than the meat products you’re selling.

Jamila Robinson, Staff Writer

If you’ve engaged with any media in recent years, you might have noticed a familiar figure recurring in television shows, films and movies: the Devil himself. His presence is unmistakable, known by various names such as Lucifer, Satan and Beelzebub. With Halloween just around the corner, it seems fitting to address this ancient character. We do not wish to diminish the seriousness of this figure, as we are a respected Catholic institution of higher learning. This is a space for thoughtful dialogue, but we would like you to please tread carefully; if you believe in the concept of good, you must also recognize the existence of evil. Why are we so okay with saying his name, viewing his image and watching the carnage he orchestrates?

Could it be that “Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself?” as said by Hermione Granger, a character from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling. It was once very true for many. The fear of saying his name, even allowing it into your thoughts was a complete and utter no. But that has clearly changed as we are seeing this character plastered on screens across the world, and so many people have become very comfortable with it. It makes you consider the question: are we even fearful of the Devil anymore? 

In November, 2021, Pew Research reported that 62% of American adults believe in Hell; that is an increase from 58% in 2014, and pop culture appears to be taking full advantage of the curiosity that surrounds the Devil, Hell and its inhabitants. The Devil is front and center in movies, TV shows, podcasts and even children’s books. There are Satan After School Clubs, these proliferating Satanist groups even have their own political divisions. Not since 1973, when The Exorcist was a cultural phenomenon on its way to becoming the first horror film to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Picture has Satan been such a popular topic. 

We are humans. We crave spirituality, but a Gallup poll in 2021 noted that for the first time in U.S. history less than half of all Americans were members of a church, synagogue or mosque. And to fill the void, many are embracing a rejection of received social customs and expected behavioral norms in favor of embracing “me-first” pleasure. The adoption of Satan as a figurehead is merely another “shock” ceiling the movement has broken through. New-age, the occult, witches, warlocks, Satan—people are intrigued, and Hollywood feeds it to us. Hollywood is selling us demonic activity, and the masses are enjoying it. However, I must caution you that curiosity with respect to demons is dangerous, and meddling with the occult is flat-out not wise. 

Additionally, if we venture further beyond movies, TV shows, books and a bunch of video games featuring the devil, there is The Satanic Temple, which boasts of being the only religious organization recognized as a church by the IRS and the Federal Court System, given other church’s hadn’t the need to fight court battles in order to be recognized as such.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, it’s clear that Hollywood movies and TV shows have significantly influenced the public’s perception of the devil and evil. These portrayals can range from frightening to humorous, presenting a rather unsettling perspective. As the Halloween season approaches and you dive into parties, traditions, games and candy, it’s essential to be mindful of what you expose yourself to. Remember, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Here, we present a small selection of movies and series where the Devil is featured, mentioned or makes an appearance.

Title	Media Type	Year
Late Night with the Devil	Movie	2024
The Devil in Ohio	Series	2022
The Devil’s Hour	Movie	2022
The Bastard Son of the Devil	Series	2022
The Sandman	Series	2022
Evil	Series	2019
Good Omens	Series	2019
Lucifer	Series	2016
Penny Dreadful	Series	2014
Grimm	Series	2011
Devil	Movie	2010
Pan’s Labyrinth	Movie	2006
Supernatural	Series	2005
Constantine	Movie	2005
Storm of the Century	Movie	1999
End of Days	Movie	1999
Fallen	Movie	1998
The Devil’s Advocate	Movie	1997
The Prophecy	Movie	1995
The Witches of Eastwick	Movie	1987
Hellraiser	Movie	1987
Angel Heart	Movie	1987
Legend	Movie	1985
The Omen	Movie	1976
The Exorcist	Movie	1973
Rosemary’s Baby	Movie	1968