(Photo courtesy of Sarah Rice from The New York Times) “Charles Meynier’s painting cycle ‘Apollo and the Muses,’ 1798-1800, in the neoclassical gallery at the Cleveland Museum of Art Jesse Nguyen and Olivia O’Sullivan Connector Editor and Connector Staff Have you ever felt guilty about having a hobby? Or do you ever get that weird…
The big story
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How capitalism warps personal value
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The societal implications of piracy in today’s modern age
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“Zootopia 2” is an action-packed film about cultural erasure
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Lowell unable to keep up with Boston College, lose 3-1 on home ice
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Women’s basketball continues to impress, surpassing last seasons win total
Most recent features
How capitalism warps personal value
The societal implications of piracy in today’s modern age
(Image courtesy of Aurich Lawson) “‘Shiver me Timbers” Alyssa Mascarenhas Connector Contributor I have no issues with piracy. Media piracy is generally used to get around the price of access and has been around in one form or another for centuries. Manuscripts and books were historically largely produced by the state and church for a high price but were copied…
“Zootopia 2” is an action-packed film about cultural erasure
(Photo courtesy of IMDb.com) Left to right, Nick Wilde, Gary De’Snake, Judy Hopps Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor Crafty fox Nick Wilde and determined rabbit Judy Hopps make their box office shattering return to the big screen in “Zootopia 2,” released Nov. 26th, 2025, almost 9 years after the first Zootopia released in 2016. In its…
Popular features
Center for Asian American Studies to host forum about the 1991 Paris Peace Accords
Jessica Kergo Connector Staff The Cambodian culture in Lowell, Massachusetts is felt strongly throughout the city and the UMass Lowell community. UMass Lowell shares a city with the second largest Cambodian population in the United States and members of the university are working to support an understanding of the culture and the country’s rich and…
Mitch Shuldman discusses 34-year media career
UMass Lowell librarian and head of the media center Mitch Shuldman takes a look back on his career in media over the last few decades in this podcast. Click the link below to hear more. (George DeLuca/Connector)
“Life is Strange 3: True Colors”: Beloved franchise knocks it out of the park again
(Photo Courtesy of Square Enix) Kaliisha Cole Connector Editor The story-driven, choice game platformer series, “Life is Strange” by Square Enix Studios, has now released a new installment that exceeds all expectations. The game is set apart from the first two games and creates an entirely new atmosphere. In this game, the player is brought…
News
Babson student from Honduras detained
(Photo courtesy of Belloza’s family) “Amy Lucia Lopez Belloza at her high school graduation” Olivia O’Sullivan Connector Staff Amy Lucia Lopez Belloza was at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20 when she was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 19-year-old student was planning to surprise her family in Houston, Texas,…
Campus Life
Shakespeare no longer required for Journalism and Professional Writing students
(Photo courtesy of Meg Moore) “Hamlet (Doug Harvey), Yorick (Geoffrey Barnes), and Ophelia (Austin Tichenor) in the Reduced Shakespeare Company production of “The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel)” at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, March 2025” Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor For any Journalism and Professional Writing (JPW) student enrolled in Fall 2025 and beyond, their English degree will no longer require them to take either classes ENGL.4230…
Student spotlight: Immanuel Kelly (Manny), aspiring actor and creator of Disney Channel bully skits
(Photo courtesy of Immanuel Kelly) “Immanuel Kelly (Manny)” Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor At UMass Lowell, there are many students with inspiring stories and exciting careers. One of them is Immanuel Kelly, also known as Manny and @mannythemann1 on Tik Tok and @mannythemanzz on Instagram. He currently has 81.8 million likes on TikTok, and in just…
Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race 2025
(Photo courtesy of the wgbh.com) “Entries in the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race must be able to handle all types of terrain, including as seen here, the Merrimack River.” Paul Melkonian Connector Contributor Saturday morning Sept. 20, Market Street, Lowell. Several hundred people milled around in a festive atmosphere; the street blocked at Shattuck and Central…
Shakespeare no longer required for Journalism and Professional Writing students
(Photo courtesy of Meg Moore) “Hamlet (Doug Harvey), Yorick (Geoffrey Barnes), and Ophelia (Austin Tichenor) in the Reduced Shakespeare Company production of “The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel)” at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, March 2025” Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor For any Journalism and Professional Writing (JPW) student enrolled in Fall 2025 and beyond, their English degree will no longer require them to take either classes ENGL.4230…
Arts & Entertainment
“Zootopia 2” is an action-packed film about cultural erasure
(Photo courtesy of IMDb.com) Left to right, Nick Wilde, Gary De’Snake, Judy Hopps Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor Crafty fox Nick Wilde and determined rabbit Judy Hopps make their box office shattering return to the big screen in “Zootopia 2,” released Nov. 26th, 2025, almost 9 years after the first Zootopia released in 2016. In its…
Machismo and misogyny in “Hurricane Season”
(Image courtesy of Goodreads. “‘Hurricane Season’ speaks about some of the worst humanity has to offer.”) Rick Dalton Connector Staff “Hurricane Season” is a novel by Fernanda Melchor, with elements of crime, mystery and horror. It was first published in Spanish in 2017 before being translated into English by Sophie Hughes in 2020. The story…
Fantasy Critic: Fantasy sports for video games
(Image courtesy of Rick Dalton. “Fantasy Critic brings the idea of fantasy sports to video game performance.”) Rick Dalton Connector Staff Fantasy sports bring sports fans together to draft their favorite players and create a roster that will hopefully bring home their league championship. It is an exciting way to add an extra layer of…
“Zootopia 2” is an action-packed film about cultural erasure
(Photo courtesy of IMDb.com) Left to right, Nick Wilde, Gary De’Snake, Judy Hopps Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor Crafty fox Nick Wilde and determined rabbit Judy Hopps make their box office shattering return to the big screen in “Zootopia 2,” released Nov. 26th, 2025, almost 9 years after the first Zootopia released in 2016. In its…
“Moonage Daydream” is mercurial
(Image courtesy of The Criterion Collection. “Moonage Daydream is as mercurial and eclectic as Bowie himself.”) Aaron Preziosi Connector Editor Most musicians are renowned for one or two iconic albums, sounds, or eras of their discography. Few though can capture captivating identities and sonic styles throughout their entire career. Such was the case for the…
Season two of “Peacemaker” gives fans more
(Image courtesy of IMDB. “Peacemaker’s second season gives fans more of the characters they love.”) Andrew Livsey Connector Staff On Aug. 21, the second season of the hit show “Peacemaker,” starring John Cena and directed by James Gunn, released its first episode. This new season marks the third project to be officially released within the…
“Explosive” comedy, right here in Lowell
(Photo courtesy of James Guiry) “Casey Woods hosts the “Bomb Shelter!” open mic night. James Guiry Connector Contributor “The Bomb Squad” (@bombsquadpresents on Instagram) is a group of local Lowell comedians that run shows around the city. The group consists of Fredo Cruz (@fredoacruz), Sean Delson (@soyboychik), Ren Marquez (@rrenmarquez), and Casey Woods (@caseywootchudoin). I…
Sports
Lowell unable to keep up with Boston College, lose 3-1 on home ice
(Photo courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics) “Freshman Mirko Buttazzoni skates between two Boston College defenders, entering the zone with the puck.” Jake Messer Connector Editor On Friday, Dec. 5, the River Hawks lost 3-1 to the no. 14/15 Boston College Eagles in a dominant showing from the Eagles, as they have now won seven out…
Patriots win big on Monday Night Football, extending their win streak to 10 games
(Photo courtesy of usatoday.com) “Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks to pass the football down field against the Giants.” Jake Messer Connector Editor The New England Patriots beat the New York Giants by a score of 33-15, improving their record to 11-2 on the year, the best in the NFL as they finally enter their bye…
Lowell unable to keep up with Boston College, lose 3-1 on home ice
(Photo courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics) “Freshman Mirko Buttazzoni skates between two Boston College defenders, entering the zone with the puck.” Jake Messer Connector Editor On Friday, Dec. 5, the River Hawks lost 3-1 to the no. 14/15 Boston College Eagles in a dominant showing from the Eagles, as they have now won seven out…
