The Ticker

13/12/2024

Europe-based commercial bank UniCredit Group revealed a $10.5 billion all-share bid for Banco BPM S.p.A., a large bank in Italy, signaling a strategic pivot from its previously pursued acquisition of Germany’s Commerzbank. The move, led by UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel, is part of the bank’s efforts to expand.

Under Orcel’s leadership, UniCredit has long coveted a Commerzbank acquisition to strengthen its operations in Germany and expand into Poland. However, political opposition in Germany, coupled with upcoming elections, has delayed progress.

“I don’t think this should have surprised anybody,” Orcel said in an interview with Bloomberg. “For a long time, we were clear on our strategy with respect to external growth.”

Written by Rina Samson

Learn more in the link in bio

13/12/2024

New York City’s subway system, a vital transit network that serves 5.5 million daily commuters, may pose significant health risks due to high levels of iron-rich particles in its air, according to a recent study conducted by New York University. The study identifies train movement, brakes and wheel friction as primary sources of the particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which is fine enough to enter the lungs and the bloodstream.

Researchers found concentrations of PM2.5 averaging 150 to 200 micrograms per cubic meter in subway stations, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s outdoor air quality guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Some stations, particularly those in Washington Heights, reported concentrations as high as 600 micrograms per cubic meter. For comparison, outdoor PM2.5 levels in New York City range from 15 to 20 micrograms, making subway air pollution substantially worse.

The findings have sparked concerns about the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to these particles. Lead researcher Dr. Shams Azad explained that while the long-term effects of subway-generated particles remain unclear, research on other types of particulate matter has linked exposure to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 contributes to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year in NYC.

Written. by Ali Hussain
Photographed by Matthew Last

Learn more in the link in bio

13/12/2024

The Shed in Hudson Yards has brought back the first-ever art amusement park, first opened in 1987, through “Luna Luna: The Forgotten Fantasy,” which runs from Nov. 20 to Jan. 5.

For seven weeks in 1987, in Hamburg, Germany, a large series of artists came together and opened “Luna Luna” to the public. “Luna Luna” was a project formulated by singer and poet Andre Heller, who dreamt of finding a way to bring a variety of different art forms together and allow them to be appreciated in a way that tore down the bounds of a traditional museum.

In an interview with TimeOut, Heller was asked how he was able to get so many different artists to commit to the creation of “Luna Luna.” His answer was simple: “I asked everyone the same questions: Have you ever been a child? Yes. As a child, did you visit an amusement park? Yes. Did you like it? Yes.”

Written by Zoe Del Percio-Evans

Learn more in the link in bio

&culture

13/12/2024

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an unforgettable bicycle kick in Porto, leading Portugal to a terrifying 5-1 scoreboard against Poland in the Union of European Football Associations Nations League game on Nov. 15 on the UEFA Nations League group stage.

The first half of the game was tight between both teams. Shots were being made from in and out the box and interceptions took place among the defenders. However, Portugal managed to open the scoreboard in the second half with a header from Raphael Leão assisted by Nuno Mendez.

Then, 72 minutes in, Ronaldo scored a panenka penalty goal. The ball went straight into the back of the net as Poland’s goalkeeper, Marcin Bułka, leaned towards the right side. In the euphoria of the celebration, Ronaldo celebrated his 909 goal with the stadium’s ball boys, creating unforgettable memories for the kids.

Written by Jose Montalvan
Graphic by Vibodha Gallage Dona

Learn more on link in bio

12/12/2024

CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez announced in his State of the University Address that the university’s total enrollment has risen by 3% this year, marking the second consecutive year of its growth.

This increase has added nearly 15,000 students over the past two years, reversing prior declines.

The surge has been attributed to a notable rebound in community college enrollment, which struggled significantly during the pandemic, and an uptick in new graduate student admissions — the first such increase in four years.

Written by Megan Russo
Photographed by Jumaane Millette

Learn more in the link in bio.

12/12/2024

The establishment of the CUNY School of Medicine as New York’s first medical school since 1860 marks a pivotal moment in the state’s medical education landscape. However, there are serious questions about long-term credibility.

Building on the 50-year legacy of the Sophie Davis Program, the institution stands out for its focus on affordability, accessibility and diversity. It offers a pathway to medicine for students traditionally shut out of the field. Its unique offerings, including a holistic admissions process that does away with the MCAT, make it a game-changer.

The medical school’s program admits students from underserved communities without the traditional MCAT hurdle. While this expands access, the school must ensure that graduates are competitive in a healthcare environment where standardized benchmarks remain critical.

Written by Editorial Board

11/12/2024

The Ticker is hosting a creative workshop for the Graphics, Multimedia and Photography sections this Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Room 12-155, VC. Join us and become part of our community as we review creative basics, share section-specific tips and help you develop your professional portfolio. Refreshments will be provided.

30/11/2024

The Tampa Bay Rays will be relocating to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The field is the spring training grounds for the New York Yankees, but the Rays will use it due to Hurricane Milton’s 100-mile-per-hour wind that had destroyed the Tropicana Field, where they usually train.

The aftermath of Hurricane Milton left the Tropicana Field with $55.7 million worth of repairs, meaning it won’t be open until 2026. After looking for other places to play the 2025 season, the Rays paid the Yankees $15 million to play in their Single-A field at Steinbrenner Field, making their division rivals the highest on the Rays payroll.

The Rays installed their tarped roof over their stadium in 1990, making it their first time playing an outdoors home game in more than 34 years. “The Teflon fabric’s service life is approximately 25 years,” David Campbell, a Geiger Engineering principal, said in an interview with The Athletic.

Written by Ashanti Charon

30/11/2024

The evolution of human brains may have been deeply influenced by social bonds and prolonged childhoods, rather than brain size alone. New research, based on the analysis of fossilized teeth from early Homo species found in Georgia, indicates that cultural learning and extended dependence on adults were key factors in the evolution of human cognition.

This finding challenges the long-held assumption that larger brain size was the primary driver of human intelligence. The study of fossilized teeth has been crucial to understanding the developmental stages of ancient human ancestors. Through synchrotron imaging, an advanced technology that allows scientists to examine the microscopic structure of fossilized teeth, researchers have uncovered growth patterns that reveal prolonged developmental stages in early Homo fossils. Teeth grow in layers, and these layers can be analyzed to estimate the age at which a person reached certain milestones in life.

The researchers’ findings suggest that early Homo species experienced extended childhoods, with slow growth rates compared to modern apes. These teeth reveal that early humans spent more time in a dependent juvenile phase, a period critical for acquiring survival skills and learning from older generations. “Dental development is strongly correlated with the development of the rest of the body, including brain development,” Christoph Zollikofer, professor of anthropology at the University of Zurich and first author of the publication, said.

Written by
Mariem Hanna

30/11/2024

The Baruch College Department of Fine and Performing Arts returned to the Engelman Recital Hall for its semesterly “Baruch in Concert” series on Nov. 21. The series has featured the musical talents of CUNY students for over 25 years.

The show consisted of nine performances ranging from solos to ensembles, ballads to pop music, and the use of various instruments representing the diversity and talent of CUNY. The lineup for every concert is different each semester, with some students returning to perform for consecutive semesters.

“Anyone who would like to audition, typically can come audition in person or send us a link,” Abby Anderton, an associate professor of music in the Fine and Performing Arts Department, said. “And then the committee goes through and we select a wonderful lineup of participants, including everyone from classical musicians to hip hop artists, to jazz pianists, to singer-songwriters.”

Written by Sarah Gabriel

&culture

29/11/2024

Three years ago, Irish Cardill opened his small vintage shop, Pineapple, in the fashion capital of the world: New York City. In a city booming in street style, he planned to create a fashion brand that embodies the city’s streetwear spirit.

Since opening, Cardill said that his biggest struggle has been with inconsistent customer traffic, inflation, customers’ reluctance to buy new clothes and opting to save their money for more adventurous expenses instead.

“People are not spending money,” Cardill said. “You leave the house, the money is getting ripped out of your hand.”

Written by Emma Delahanty

29/11/2024

The ongoing construction at 17 Lex is not only disruptive, but also poorly timed. Baruch College must prioritize its students and staff by avoiding large scale construction projects during peak academic periods.

The Lawrence and Eris Field Building, commonly referred to as 17 Lex, first opened its doors in 1929, making the over 90-year-old structure the oldest building in Baruch history.

The Ticker has previously reported on the construction of 17 Lex as well as similar construction projects in the past.

Written by The Editorial Board
Photographed by Jumaane Millette

20/11/2024

12/11/2024

The Ticker is hosting a writing workshop for the News, Business and Arts & Culture sections this Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Subotnick Center. Join us and become part of our community as we review writing basics, share section-specific tips and help you develop your professional writing portfolio. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP at the link in our bio (encouraged but not required).

08/11/2024

New Yorkers could soon be able to use sick days to care for their pets under a proposed amendment to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, also known as Introduction 1089.

The New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act was recently updated under the sponsorship of Council Member Shaun Abreu, which would legally allow workers on sick leave to care for personal pets and animals.

Previously the act only applied to employees, allowing them to use sick leave to care for themselves or family members.

Written by Saika Chowdhury
Photographed by Jumaane Millette

22/10/2024

Check out the events, opportunities and puzzles featured on this issue’s back page! Grab your copy from the stands in the NVC.

18/10/2024

Michael and Victoria discuss the firing of New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and the New York Yankees and New York Mets playoff run so far! The link is in the bio.

12/10/2024

The United Nations General Assembly shouldn’t create traffic inconveniences for New Yorkers.

The UNGA is a policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. They meet every year in regular sessions from September to December. This year the assembly began its 79th session on Sept. 10 and will continue for two weeks.

The Department of Transportation announced 34 different street closures for Sept. 10 through Sept. 24 throughout Manhattan. During this time global politicians, diplomats, ambassadors and heads of state will be shuttled to and from the U.N. headquarters for assembly meetings, creating unnecessary traffic and possible gridlock.

Read the full article at the link in our bio or in the print issue available in newsstands in the NVC.

Written by The Ticker’s editorial board