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The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
The Power of Female Friendships: An Irreplaceable Bond
Alexandra Prettitore, Asst. Features Editor • December 22, 2024

Dorothy, Rose and Blanche. Blair and Serena. Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Many of the most powerful and notable...

Love, Loss and Longing in ‘Thirst For Salt’
Catherine Pascal, Staff Writer • December 21, 2024

  Madelaine Lucas’ “Thirst for Salt,” released March 7, 2023, is a sentimentally written debut novel that captures the intricate...

Reneé Rapp and the Price of Celebrity Scrutiny
Carlyann Carey, Opinion Editor • December 21, 2024

Actress and singer Reneé Rapp went on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in March 2023 to discuss her exit from the hit show “The Sex Lives...

‘Everybody Eats’ in St. John’s’ Standout Win over DePaul
Kyler Fox, Managing Editor • December 18, 2024

Historically, Rick Pitino-led programs experience a massive jump in success from year one to year two of his guidance. At each of the...

Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Red Storm Wrap-up Non-Conference Play With Win Over Fairfield, 77-68
Jason Petrucci, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024

The St. John’s Women’s Basketball team (10-1) kept a steady lead throughout a  Dec. 15 home contest to successfully defeat the Fairfield...

Dec. 11, 2024 Full Issue
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The Torch (@sju_torch) • Instagram photos and videos

Torch Photo / Malak Kassem
St. John’s Professor Offers Insight on Managing Drought Conditions
Malak Kassem, News Editor • December 16, 2024

New York City officially declared a drought warning on Nov. 19, the first issued warning since 2002. It escalated from drought watch to warning...

The Stormettes Kickline team performed at the Dec. 9 event. 
Torch Photo / Isabella Athanasiou
Burn Ban Reshapes Winter Carnival Tradition with ‘Dessert Party’
Isabella Athanasiou, Asst. News Editor • December 10, 2024

To replace the annual St. John’s University Winter Carnival, which was canceled due to a statewide burn ban, Student Government Inc. (SGi)...

While the 2024 Winter Carnival is cancelled, the tree on the Great Lawn is still lit. 
Torch Photo / Isabella Athanasiou
A Look Into the 2024 Winter Carnival Cancellation
Malak Kassem and Isabella Athanasiou December 9, 2024

St. John’s University’s 33rd annual Winter Carnival tree lighting and fireworks show is canceled, citing several reasons including a...

Torch Photo / Isabella Athanasiou
Sensación Celebrates Holiday Season with Social Night Debut
Isabella Athanasiou, Asst. News Editor • December 7, 2024

Sensación, the Latin dance team at St. John’s University, hosted its inaugural Christmas Social Night on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m....

Torch Photo / Isabella Athanasiou
St. John’s University Honors Legendary Coach Lou Carnesecca With Funeral Liturgy
Kyler Fox, Managing Editor • December 6, 2024

St. John’s University held a funeral Mass on Friday at St. Thomas More Church to honor the life of former men’s basketball coach, Lou...

Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Red Storm Wrap-up Non-Conference Play With Win Over Fairfield, 77-68
Jason Petrucci, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024

The St. John’s Women’s Basketball team (10-1) kept a steady lead throughout a  Dec. 15 home contest to successfully defeat the Fairfield...

Torch Photo / Anthony Sissons
NIVC Tournament Run Closes as Volleyball Falls to Bowling Green, 3-2
Jason Petrucci, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024

The St. John’s Volleyball team had the chance to sweep the Bowling Green Falcons after going up 2-0 in sets. Instead, the opposite happened:...

Torch Photo / Anthony Sissons
NIVC Tournament Run Continues for Volleyball, Defeat UConn 3-1
Jason Petrucci, Staff Writer • December 13, 2024

For the first time in program history, the St. John’s Women’s Volleyball team will dance to the Fab Four of the NIVC (National Invitational...

Torch Photo / James Williams
St. John’s Starts Slow, Finishes Strong in Win Over Bryant
Kyler Fox, Managing Editor • December 12, 2024

Every great basketball team has an identity. The Mike Krzyzewski-era Duke Blue Devils succeeded through their relentless defense and star...

Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
St. John’s Earns Hard-Fought 63-45 Victory Over Wake Forest
James Williams, Asst. Sports Editor • December 10, 2024

For the sixth time this season, the St. John’s Women’s Basketball team beat an opponent by 15 or more points — an impressive statistic...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube Fox 5 New York
Homelessness in New York City Is Still out of Control, It’s Time to Blame the True Culprits
Micah Grayson, Asst. Opinion Editor • December 17, 2024

In the background of the aesthetics and festivities this holiday season, thousands of New Yorkers continue to lack the basic comforts the...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube ABC 7 Chicago
The Modern Guillotine: Public Execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Carlyann Carey and Micah Grayson December 15, 2024

Police arrested a person of interest in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s on Dec. 9, linking suspect Luigi Nicholas Mangione with the killing of...

Queens residents at an Astoria 99 cent store.
Torch Photo/Malak Kassem
Keep Queens Queens: Developers, Take Note
Malak Kassem, News Editor • December 10, 2024

After four years of construction, the tallest building in Queens, the Orchard, is set to open to renters by 2026. According to the Long Island...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube Universal Pictures
If You’re Body-Shaming ‘Wicked’ Actors, You’re Missing the Point
Carlyann Carey, Opinion Editor • November 23, 2024

The opening lines of the "Wicked" trailer ask us a question: “Are we born wicked or do we have wickedness thrust upon us?” Online discourse...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube NFL
Dear Giants Fans: The Future is Brighter Than It Looks
Micah Grayson, Asst. Opinion Editor • November 23, 2024

The New York Giants' disastrous 2024 campaign went international on Nov. 10 as they lost in overtime to the 2-7 Carolina Panthers in Munich,...

Photo Courtesy/ Youtube ActionKid
Five Boroughs, Five Holiday Events
Alexandra Prettitore, Asst. Features Editor • December 11, 2024

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas music is the current soundtrack of our lives, “secret Santa” gifts are...

Torch Photo / Olivia Rainson
Simple ‘DIY’ Gifts for a Creative Christmas
Olivia Rainson, Features Editor & Social Media Manager • December 10, 2024

Americans will spend an estimated $1000 on Christmas gifts this year — and the amount will only continue to rise. To cut that holiday cost,...

Torch Design / Megan Chapman
Heartache to Healing: Rebuilding After a Breakup
Ashley Cando, Contributing Writer • December 9, 2024

Your partner ended things with you — or perhaps you decided to end it with them. No matter which side of the breakup you're on, it’s...

Photo Courtesy / Unsplash 
Juha Lakaniemi
Surviving the Freeze: Prep Your Car to Withstand Winter’s Chill
Claudia Obuchowicz, Contributing Writer • December 3, 2024

With temperatures plunging and roads turning slick, your car will need more than a full tank or charged battery to tackle this winter season....

Torch Photo / Olivia Rainson
The Do’s and Don’ts of Bringing Your Partner Home for Thanksgiving
Olivia Rainson, Features Editor & Social Media Manager • November 26, 2024

For many college students, going home for the holidays may begin the longest time a couple will be apart from each other. If you and your...

Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
Five Unconventional Christmas Classics for the Season
Molly Downs, Culture Editor • December 11, 2024

Every year when the holidays start to roll around, the same films tend to pop up on each channel or streaming service. While it’s nice to have...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube A24
‘Queer:’ Psychedelic Desire
James Williams, Asst. Sports Editor • December 11, 2024

“Queer,” is not at all similar to the other romance films that have made filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s career. The latest film from the...

Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
Reimagining Holiday Hits: Five Christmas Covers
Celina Mullady, Asst. Culture Editor • December 10, 2024

The holiday season is one of the most anticipated of the year, with some of the most recognizable music of all time. While everyone knows...

Photo Courtesy / YouTube Netflix
‘Hot Frosty:’ Wholesome, yet Thoughtless
Emilia Mullakandov, Contributing Writer • December 4, 2024

The annual release of seasonal Christmas films has become a highly anticipated tradition, generating excitement amongst fans and viewers...

Photo Courtesy/ YouTube tim_music
How ‘The Eras Tour’ Redefined Concerts
Alexandra Prettitore, Asst. Features Editor • December 3, 2024

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking "The Eras Tour" is coming to an end on Dec. 8 in Vancouver, concluding a 20-month-long run of shows. An...

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