The Fourth Estate

The Frontline of Democracy

Niccolo D'Agruma — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:37:38 +0000

Small-scale protests bring communities together, spread awareness, build momentum, and demonstrate the power of the people. Not all demonstrations are intended to cause widespread radical change on the national stage, but rather to have an impact on the political environment at the local level, creating a base for further developments. Protesting is about conveying a message to the community and…

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Revisiting a Classic: A Review of “The Graduate” (1967)

Lilly Trautwein, Opinion Editor — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:44:05 +0000

The dramatic, somewhat problematic rom-com “The Graduate” grossed $104.9 million in box-office sales when it was released in 1967, making it the highest-grossing film of that year. That is over $1 billion today. But what made this movie such a wild success? Based on Charles Webb’s 1963 novella, the screenplay was written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham and directed by Mike Nichols.

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Have You Ever Thought About Sweet Potatoes?

Hali Wight, Writer — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:40:15 +0000

Have you ever had a sweet potato? They are warm fudge on the inside and have a hint of sweetness. Sweet potatoes, long associated with holiday tables and comfort food, are increasingly finding a place in everyday meals as consumers look for nutritious, affordable, and versatile ingredients. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes come in a range of varieties, from orange-fleshed to purple and…

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EMPIRE RETURNS

Niccolo D'Agruma — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:38:13 +0000

Carl von Clausewitz coined the phrase “War as the continuation of politics by other means.” The post-World War II order, founded on the UN Charter and international law, aimed to supplant Clausewitzian power politics with diplomatic negotiation. Nuclear weapons created the threat of mutual destruction, forcing countries to move away from traditional means of conflict, directing them to pursue…

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I’m in Love with “I Love LA”

Lulu Simpson, A&E Editor — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:28:44 +0000

A generous amount of iconic films and TV shows are set in LA — and for good reason. “La La Land,” “Clueless,” and “Pulp Fiction” would not be what they are without the culture and landmarks of Los Angeles. Our newest addition to the LA Cinematic Universe is Rachel Sennott’s “I Love LA” — a messy, drug-fueled comedy centered around a group of flawed yet relatable twenty-somethings.

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The Importance of Apparel: Closet Choices of “Frankenstein”

Lulu Simpson, A&E Editor — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:53:13 +0000

WARNING: Potential Spoilers Ahead. Reader discretion is advised. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is a visually stunning piece, from its breathtaking cinematography to the symbolic and stylish outfitting of each character. The detail that immediately stuck out to me was the extremely meticulous attention to even the smallest aspects of each character’s outfitting. Each character has a…

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Editorial Stance of the Staff

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:21:43 +0000

In the opening weeks of 2026, the world races forward at a breakneck pace. The world doesn’t pause for our understanding of it, and yet we are tasked with making sense of it. This is where The Fourth Estate enters as interpreters of the patches being written into existence. When developers release patch notes, they’re doing more than listing bug fixes and feature updates.

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NYC Mayoral Election

Niccolo D'Agruma — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:20:19 +0000

When Zohran Mamdani ran in New York City’s mayoral race in November 2025, his toughest opponent was his own party. Mamdani defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to make history as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. The road to becoming mayor was not easy, as the Democratic establishment, backed by billionaires, spent months battling against…

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Performative or Powerful? The Benefits of Taking At Least One Philosophy Course in High School

Evie Comis — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:17:54 +0000

Two stereotypes often come to mind when one thinks of a philosopher: the traditional fabulously-bearded old man in a toga from ancient Greece, or the scarf-wearing thinker who uses phrases like “pontificates” and “quantum-metaphysical” and “one iced matcha latte please.” Though philosophy has gained a reputation for being the domain of the overly cerebral, at its heart, it guides us to ask the…

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The Real Price of Skin Care

Hali Wight — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:04:30 +0000

The skincare industry in 2026 is projected to generate $198 billion in revenue. Skincare brands are eager to latch onto any new idea that resonates with their audience and motivates purchases ranging from retinal creams to full skincare lines specifically designed for children. As skincare trends continue to surge online, peptides have quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in…

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