BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR The killing of Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat in an Israeli attack on Gaza is another reminder of the United States’ complicity in the ongoing war against the Palestinian people. Shabat was targeted while reporting from northern Gaza, a region devastated by relentless Israeli bombardment. His final words, shared in… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Graphic made by Joseph DeBell An article from the New York Post pointed out exactly how unpopular the Democratic Party is. “Democrats have become so unpopular that more Americans believe that aliens are among us than agree with the Democratic Party.” wrote Ryan King from the New York Post. According… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL / OPINION EDITOR Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Hunter Schafer’s recent passport debacle is a preview of the systematic erosion of trans rights under Donald Trump’s administration. Schafer is a transgender actor who debuted in the television show “Euphoria.” In her video, Schafer explained how her new passport incorrectly lists her as… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL / OPINION EDITOR Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is not just a risk to public health — it’s a consequence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine crusade. Kennedy faces his first real question as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services —… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The music industry thrives on the talent and labor of artists, yet record labels continue to deny them health insurance. In her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan used her moment in the spotlight to highlight an issue within the music industry —… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Despite its carefully cultivated image as a champion of artists and music lovers, Spotify cares more about profit than the people who make its platform worth using. The latest revelation? A $150,000 donation to Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Spotify defended the move, claiming it was… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover from albumoftheyear.com Bill Ryder-Jones has always worn his heart on his sleeve, but with his “Iechyd Da,” he offers more — an embrace of life’s messy emotions. Named after the Welsh toast for “good health,” this record reflects on a life that balances heartbreak with hope. This LP… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy @wojespn on Instagram Adrian Wojnarowski’s decision to leave a $7.3 million-a-year job at ESPN to become the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team should serve as a reminder that loyalty can — and must — matter more than wealth and fame. At a time when NIL… Keep Reading
BY: JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Even before Elon Musk did a Hitler salute at a Trump rally, he was already comfortable amplifying neo-Nazi rhetoric. His actions — both explicit and subtle — have cultivated communities on X where extremist ideologies are flourishing. His social media platform has become a breeding… Keep Reading
JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR Graphic made by Joseph DeBell Limp Bizkit’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group [UMG] isn’t just about artists getting their fair share. It’s yet another example of the systematic issues with transparency in the record industry. In the lawsuit, Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit allege that UMG owes them more than $200… Keep Reading
JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR Graphic was made by Joseph DeBell With Beyoncé up for Album of the Year again, there’s a question: can the Recording Academy continue to overlook one of the most influential artists of our time? Her critically acclaimed album “Cowboy Carter” faces tough competition this year, including Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and… Keep Reading
JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR Graphic: Joseph DeBell With Donald Trump as the incoming president, musicians’ progress toward fair compensation is at risk. The Living Wage for Musicians Act — designed to secure better wages for artists in the music industry — is in danger of being sidelined. This legislation could become one of the casualties… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Photo from Wikimeida Commons Photographer is Justin Higuchi Singer-songwriter and synthpop artist Chappell Roan is again in the spotlight, not for her music but for her decision to refrain from endorsing a candidate in the upcoming 2024 election. While some people quickly label her as indecisive, Roan’s choice to stand… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Graphic: @beyonce on Instagram Long before the days of sought-after country artists like Toby Keith, country music has always prided itself on two things: storytelling and being the voice of the everyday American. However, Beyoncé’s experience suggests otherwise. Beyoncé’s latest effort, “Cowboy Carter,” the first LP by a Black woman… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Graphic: Joseph DeBell / The Bona Venture Michael Smith’s case should serve as a reminder that regulation in the music streaming industry is not just about preventing financial fraud — it’s about preserving the integrity of music. The recent arrest of Smith, who managed to swindle $10 million through a… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover courtesy of @sabrinacarpenter on Instagram ALBUM SCORE: 3/5 Stars Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, “Short n’ Sweet,” marks a new chapter in her career, one full of surprises and contradictions. While she’s often heralded as the fresh face of pop, she’s not exactly a newcomer. At 25, she already… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Image courtesy of Joseph DeBell A recent episode of The Rest is Entertainment podcast highlighted an intriguing trend: the near disappearance of bands from the music charts. Osman pointed out that bands dominated the charts in the early ’80s and ’90s for over 140 weeks each. But in the past… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons If you couldn’t tell by the ivy changing color outside of Devereux Hall, it’s time to face the reality: summer has ended. And with it, the annual debate among music lovers reaches its peak: what was the song of the summer? Declaring a definitive song… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover courtesy of @aidanvghn on Instagram ALBUM SCORE: 3/5 Stars Stars courtesy of Wikimedia Commons “Pretty Boy” by singer-songwriter, producer, and R&B vocalist Aidan Vaughn presents a more relaxed yet emotional experience than his previous record, “Sincerely, Alexander.” Continuing the journey from “Sincerely, Alexander,” “Pretty Boy” serves as a… Keep Reading
BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR Album cover courtesy of albumoftheyear.org ALBUM SCORE: 1.5/5 Stars Stars courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Even though it has its moments, “Yustyna” serves as a reminder that a big budget cannot make up for a lack of emotional depth and conviction. Alternative pop and synthpop artist, Artemas, returns with his latest… Keep Reading