From Silence to Sound: Lily Vakili’s Journey Back to Herself

Lily Vakili’s artistic journey is as multifaceted as the life she’s led—spanning law, dance, human rights work, and now, a deeply personal return to music under her own name. With the upcoming release of Oceans of Kansas, Vakili opens a new chapter that blends vulnerability with bold sonic experimentation. From navigating change to embracing her role as a mother of a neurodivergent child, her insights reveal a compelling artist grounded in truth and transformation. Read below to find out more about Lily’s evolution, her latest music, and the stories that shaped them.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Angelina DeSalvoSeptember 17, 2025singer, mother, songwriter, self expression, self love, dancer, actor, human rightsComment

Talking Violet Offers a Look Into Their Mind

Talking Violet’s music transports listeners to a nostalgic grunge dreamland. After a brief pause in releasing music, their new single “In Your Mind” marks a powerful come back. With lyrics that incite self-reflection, this single surrounds an important message with a sentimental atmosphere. Beyond the music, the members of Talking Violet are dedicated to supporting others. Handing out To Write Love On Her Arms pamphlets that include mental health resources to fans at shows is just one example of this dedication. To learn more about Talking Violet and their new music, read on.

Weakened Friends on New Music and Queer Representation

With their highly anticipated album Feels Like Hell dropping on October 10th, Weakened Friends smashes it out of the park with their latest singles. With lyrics about breaking free from what’s not working, their newest release “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)” encapsulates the albums theme of both internal and external reflection. Partnering with The Ally Coalition for their upcoming tour, Weakened Friends strives to make their shows a safe space for everyone. To learn more about Weakened Friends and their upcoming album, read on.

Protecting Against School Shootings: The Big Debate

On Wednesday, August 27th, the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis marked the United States’ most recent school shooting. With over 57 school shootings having taken place just this year, America’s ongoing challenge with mass amounts of yearly school shootings cannot be ignored.

The biggest debate happens amongst the ways in which we can work towards solving this devastating issue. One popular side says we should be arming teachers and staff while the other calls for tighter firearm regulations. Both solutions would mean changing government policies.

Articles, zIssue 57.5Eva Elisa WellsSeptember 10, 2025school shootings, school, children, kids, Kids, #kids, guns, gun control, gun violence, politics, Politics, #politics, political, government, GovernmentComment

Luke Speakman on Acting and Making a Difference

Weapon’s star Luke Speakman has been acting since he was just 5 years old. Now he’s sharing the screen alongside big names like Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Julia Garner. Beyond acting, Speakman has a passion for helping others. Donating the custom designed shoes he wore to the premiere of the Weapons movie to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and raising money for the non-profit organization Two Thumbs Up are just two small pieces of evidence of his big heart. To learn more about Luke Speakman and his time on set for Weapons, read on.

Green Means Go: A Sustainable Start to the School Year

As summer winds down and students prepare to return to classrooms, the excitement of a new school year often comes with a flurry of shopping, organizing, and planning. But amidst the hustle, there's a growing opportunity—and responsibility—to make choices that are kinder to the planet. From eco-friendly school supplies to low-waste lunch packing and mindful transportation, going back to school sustainably isn't just a trend—it's a meaningful way to reduce your environmental footprint while setting a positive example for others. Here's how students, parents, and educators can make smarter, greener decisions this school year.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.5Kylie MurphySeptember 8, 2025backtoschool, school supplies, school, supplies, eco-friendly, environmentallyfriendlyComment

Iris Gold: Smiling Through Adversity

Singer-songwriter Iris Gold radiates positivity not just through her personality, but through her music too. Her latest single “Smile” is a testament to her perseverance and longtime mission to make herself and others smile even when facing adversity. Including her family, friends, and youth she met during her time working with the organization Plan International Zimbabwe in the music video for “Smile” is just one way she strengthens her message. To learn more about Iris Gold and her new music, read on.

What Are the Accessories Every Woman Should Have in Her Daily Wardrobe

Accessories are key pieces that complete a woman’s daily wardrobe. They add style, function, and a personal touch to any outfit. Every woman should have a few essential accessories like a versatile handbag, a classic watch, simple jewelry, and comfortable yet stylish shoes.

Jejune ContributorSeptember 5, 2025

Government Funded Scientific Grant Cuts Are Affecting Education

Known for their cutthroat budget planning and aversion to scientific research, the Trump administration’s efforts towards cutting down biomedical research show no signs of slowing. Released back in May of this year, the administration’s 2026 budget plan revealed detrimental cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding.

Ivy Lee - Lifelong Civil Rights Activist

Ever since childhood as a daughter of immigrants, Ivy Lee (she/her) has been keenly aware of social and legal injustice. Ivy has spent her entire career advocating for victims and survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, as well as the rights of immigrants. In 2020, Ivy was invited by Mayor London Breed of San Francisco to join her administration as a policy adviser on public safety. After four years, it was evident that Ivy was the right person to stand up the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, an office approved by the voters of San Francisco. For the past year and a half, Ivy has helped set up a Special Victims Unit in the SFPD and strengthened city policies on handling sex crimes. Read on to hear more about the remarkable career of Ivy Lee!

The Uncertain Future of Gay Marriage

Just ten short years ago, on January 16th, 2015, gay marriage was legalized in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, on July 24th, 2025, the Supreme Court was formally asked to overturn the landmark ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, the law that makes same-sex marriage legal and nationally recognized.

Fighting Stupid With Stupid: Gavin Newsom’s New Approach to Trump

Trump’s famously dramatic way of posting on social media is not lost on any left leaning person in or outside of politics. Most dissenting responses garnered by his posts are either simpler statements of disagreement or more outspoken cries of disgust and outrage. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, seems to have a different approach altogether when it comes to the manner of Trump’s social media presence.

Dapper and Ethical: Must-Have Vegan Dress Shoes for Men

In today’s fashion landscape, style no longer comes at the cost of ethics. As more consumers shift toward sustainable and cruelty-free choices, the demand for vegan alternatives in every wardrobe essential, including dress shoes, is growing. Men’s vegan dress shoes are stepping into the spotlight, offering the same sophistication and craftsmanship as traditional leather footwear, but without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with it. Whether you're dressing for the boardroom or a black-tie event, vegan shoes now prove that sharp style and conscious living can go hand in hand.

Miracle in Motion: The Power of Being Unapologetically You

Miracle Pelayo is all about breaking barriers and owning her story. With a spark for acting, a passion for advocacy, and a name that truly fits, she’s making waves in Hollywood—and beyond. From screen roles to speaking out on disability representation, Miracle brings heart, humor, and honesty to everything she does. Her journey is one of creativity, resilience, and the belief that every story—especially the ones less told—deserves to be seen and heard.

Andrea Ware's Burning Heart

Actress Andrea Ware had her fair share of fighting fire breathing dragons on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”. Playing the character Burnheart, a brave warrior with a big heart, Ware helped bring the originally animated film to life. Beyond acting, Ware spends her time helping with creative programmes for disadvantaged youth at Roadworks Media and humanitarian work at her best friend’s organization FACE Africa. To learn more about Andrea Ware and her time on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”, read on.

zIssue 57.4, SWAC: InfluencerEva Elisa WellsAugust 27, 2025acting, Acting, film industry, film, Film, films, #film, movies, movie, Movie, youth, youth empowerment, Africa, entertainment, arts, creative, mentorshipComment

Trump's Takeover

Sunday August 3rd, 19 year old Edward Coristine, a former DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employee, was assaulted in DC during an attempted carjacking.

This assault led to a post made by Trump on his social media on August 5th where he attached a photo taken of the bloodied young man and threatened to take federal control over the city, arguing that, “crime in Washington, D.C. is totally out of control,” and “If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore. Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City.”

Articles, zIssue 57.4Eva Elisa WellsAugust 26, 2025Trump, Donald Trump, Trump administration, national guard, law, The Constitution, D.C., takeover, conservativeComment

Christina Kwauk: Girls Hold the Answer to the Future of Climate Change

Christina Kwauk (she/her) has been on a lifelong journey of unfolding discovery. Beginning her work in education, her research led her to focus on the education of girls across the world as an area of expertise. While working at the Brookings Institution, a colleague asked her if there was any link between girls’ education and climate change. This question sparked a new course of study for Christina: how investing in girls’ education will aid the fight in climate change. Read on to learn more about Christina Kwauk!

Roots & Rhythm: Shoka Sunflower on Music, Meaning, and Growth

Shoka Sunflower has always had a gift for finding light in the cracks — pairing raw emotion with melodies that linger long after the last note. Now, with his upcoming album FOR NOW KEEP DANCING, the singer-songwriter steps into a new era of vulnerability, resilience, and rhythm. In this candid conversation, Shoka opens up about the inspiration behind the project, the stories that shaped its sound, and why this album feels like both a closing chapter and a hopeful beginning.

zIssue 57.4, SWAC: InfluencerKylie MurphyAugust 25, 2025singer, singer song writer, music, growth, activismComment

The Global Retreat: How the Attack on Internationalism Is Reshaping Our Future

In an era where global challenges increasingly demand collective action, internationalism, which was once a guiding principle of diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual respect, is facing significant backlash. The post World War II ideal that nations could and should work together toward common goals is being undermined by a surge of nationalism, protectionism, and geopolitical fragmentation. From trade wars and border walls to weakened multilateral institutions and ideological polarization, the current attack on internationalism threatens to reshape the world order in profound and lasting ways.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 22, 2025global, international, awareness, nationalism, internationalism, inequality, economy, cultureComment

How to Live Sustainably in a City

Living in a city doesn’t mean giving up on sustainability — in fact, it’s one of the places it matters most. With cities generating enormous greenhouse gas emissions globally, every eco-friendly choice you make counts. The good news is that urban life offers plenty of opportunities to shrink your footprint without shrinking your joy.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Cora GoldAugust 22, 2025Sustainability, city, city living, garden, eco-friendlyComment