Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer
Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer
Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer
Shreyas Banerjee

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor

Shreyas (he/him) is a fourth-year student majoring in biology and philosophy. If he isn’t yammering to you about how great “Pet Sounds” is or making bad puns, he is usually chugging away at an article or two for the love of his life, The Observer. He may be the Executive Editor for The Observer but he struggles in making any executive decisions about his own life. Reach out to him at sxb992@case.edu for anything. Please. He needs more people to talk to.

All content by Shreyas Banerjee
Editor’s Note: The Observer helped me find my way at CWRU

Editor’s Note: The Observer helped me find my way at CWRU

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 28, 2023
In honor of Legacy Week and the anniversary of CWRU's federation, students flocked to the Tinkham Veale University Center for their choice of either a Western Reserve Red Cat t-shirt or a Case Institute of Technology Rough Rider t-shirt.

Legacy Week gives CWRU history the attention it deserves

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 28, 2023
Student Advocacy Group, spearheaded by USG’s Diversity and Inclusion (DNI) committee, seeks to improve access to confidential support on campus. Members of the DNI committee pictured from left to right are first-year Shruti Kelkar, second-year Kamar Taweel, first-year Abirami Rajasekaran, first-year Chize Ogbogu and second-year Amr Salem.

Student Advocacy Group aims to create crisis support hotline

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 21, 2023
The lack of communication from the administration regarding the new location for the Department of Mathematics has left many professors worried about their ability to hold SI sessions and group meetings.

Open letter circulates in Math Department detailing Yost demolition discontent

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 21, 2023
The death of a CWRU fraternity

The death of a CWRU fraternity

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 21, 2023
USG President-elect Basil Yaseen, the former VP of finance, promises to foster greater communication between USG and the student body and implement indexed tuition, a system where scholarships increase at the same rate as tuition.

Basil Yaseen elected USG President for 2023-2024 academic year

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 21, 2023
The Euclid preachers' (bottom) approach to spreading Gospel has stirred campus-wide discussion about faith and bigotry and the rise of counter-compaigns (top) wanting to overcome the atmosphere of negativity.

“Euclid Preachers” draw counter-campaign of positivity from CWRU students

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 14, 2023
AI tools are going to transform the way we do college assignments

AI tools are going to transform the way we do college assignments

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
March 24, 2023
CWRU is eliminating the SAGES program and replacing it with Unified General Educational Requirements (UGER) in the hopes that students will have greater flexibility to explore classes in departments across the university.

SAGES is ending next semester. But what’s actually changing?

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
March 24, 2023
President Kaler joined USG's General Assembly on March 21 to address student questions and concerns about diversity, increases in tuition and the continuing growth of the student population.

President Kaler responds to USG concerns on diversity, tuition and growth

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
March 24, 2023
Over 500 cars, including both modern and retro models, were displayed for car aficianados and amateurs alike at the Cleveland Auto Show.

The Cleveland Auto Show is a thing of dreams

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
March 3, 2023

Editor’s Note: It’s time to reallocate the Student Activity Fee

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 24, 2023
Opening Feb. 20, the redesigned Eldred Hall is a space for students and student organizations to grow in their academic and creative pursuits.

Eldred Hall reopens as new student space on the Quad

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 17, 2023
Editor's Note: Introducing The Case Western Reserve Observer

Editor’s Note: Introducing The Case Western Reserve Observer

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 17, 2023
Taking his new position as VP for research and technology management by the reins, Michael Oakes is working to help CWRU's researchers.

Delving into the future of research at CWRU with VP Michael Oakes

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 17, 2023
The decision to open a Planet Fitness facility where the campus bookstore and Dunkin' Donuts once stood has generally been received poorly by students.

Planet Fitness opens in Uptown, CWRU students react

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 10, 2023
Have you seen this man on campus? He's DavidPatrick Ryan, host of the WRUW show “Jazz Night in Cleveland,” reclining in his studio where he introduces famous and unknown jazz artists alike.

The man in the radio booth

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 3, 2023
Mayor Justin Bibb (left) and City Council President Blaine Griffin (right) carry court motions on April 6, 2022 in their first failed attempt to expunge marijuana convictions and charges.

Cleveland plans to expunge marijuana convictions en masse

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
January 20, 2023
After multiple years of heated debates, the Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved a new devlopment on Hessler Road that is planning to break ground this summer.

New apartments headed to Hessler, construction to start this summer

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
January 20, 2023
Retiring this year, Colleen Barker-Williamson leaves a long legacy in student programming at CWRU, even putting her mark on the annual Hudson Relays.

Colleen Barker-Williamson, student leadership advisor, retires after three decades of service

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
December 9, 2022
President Eric Kaler has brought national attention to CWRU following his Nov. 9 email about USG Resolution 31-15.

Kaler’s email puts CWRU and USG in national spotlight, bringing risk to students

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
November 18, 2022
USG President Ananya Hari speaks ahead of the USG vote to encourage civility and respect.

USG overwhelmingly votes to pursue divestment from “Israeli apartheid”

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
November 11, 2022
The new location of Dave's Market on the corner of Lee and East Overlook, a spot previously occupied by Zagara's Marketplace

Dave’s is dead. Long live Dave’s.

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
November 11, 2022
USG’s “Students for Justice in Palestine” bill garners controversy

USG’s “Students for Justice in Palestine” bill garners controversy

Shreyas Banerjee and Grace Johnson
November 4, 2022
You can catch many entertaining acts at Mahall's in Lakewood, such as the indie soul artist Ginger Root (above).

What to do in Lakewood

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
October 28, 2022
CWRU partners with Cleveland to fight illegal trash dumping with AI

CWRU partners with Cleveland to fight illegal trash dumping with AI

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
October 14, 2022
Lizzo practices on a glass flute once owned by James Madison—which was donated to the Library of Congress by late Case professor Dr. Dayton Miller.

A Case professor donated the James Madison flute Lizzo played

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
October 7, 2022
Editorial cartoon in The Plain Dealer on Jan. 6, 1966, anticipating the consolidation of the Case Institute of Technology and the Western Reserve University

What you need to know about CWRU’s history

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
October 7, 2022
The Cleveland Guardians have been having a very successful season, led by All-Star third basemen José Ramirez (pictured).

Cleveland Guardians win division, clinch playoff spot, following an exciting season

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
September 30, 2022
CWRU students gather at East Bell Commons in preparation for headliner Paris Texas and special guest Forrest Nolan.

UPBack to School Bash returns to ring in the academic year

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
September 23, 2022
USG debates scrapping Diversity and Inclusion Committee

USG debates scrapping Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
September 16, 2022

Editor’s Note: We must pay more attention to our student governments

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
September 16, 2022
Visitors, volunteers, performers and more mingle at the One World Day festival at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

One World Day celebrates our common humanity

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
September 2, 2022

Editor’s Note: I want you for The Observer

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
August 26, 2022
The new additions to the South Residential Village promise to increase the student capacity at CWRU, but also to modernize the facilities of the university.

New dorms in South Residential Village to house 600 more students by fall 2024

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 22, 2022
President Eric Kaler sits down with The Observer to discuss his philosophy on higher education, and to address the practical concerns students have about the actions of CWRU administration.

A conversation with President Kaler

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 22, 2022
Newly elected USG president Ananya Hari (pictured) and new VP of Finance Basil Yaseen discuss their objectives for USG in the upcoming academic year.

Ananya Hari elected USG President, shares thoughts on path forward

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 22, 2022

Editor’s Note: A toast to our graduating editorial board staff

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
April 22, 2022
Robert Pattinson (pictured) is just the latest to play Batman, but his portrayal of the character stands out due to the film heavily delving into the pulp magazine and noir source material.

“The Batman” returns the character to his detective roots

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
March 18, 2022
Third-year students Michael Zhou (left) and Danny Lee (right) launch their new initiative, Redheart, which offers healthy, affordable and high-quality food at The Jolly Scholar.

CWRU students launch healthy food startup Redheart

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
February 11, 2022
The newly built Advocacy Wall on the side of Eldred Theater offers a fresh and well-frequented space for the student voice to be heard.

Advocacy Wall built to facilitate social expression on campus

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
January 28, 2022
Third-year student Shreyas Banerjee (pictured above) steps into the role of executive editor of The Observer as CWRU goes through uncertain times.

Editor’s Note: Shining a light on all of CWRU’s little worlds

Shreyas Banerjee, Executive Editor
January 14, 2022
In this movie, tough fatherly love prevails through hardships.

“King Richard” has Will Smith tackle the complicated father of the Williams sisters

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
December 3, 2021

CWRU completes fossil fuel divestment from its public holdings

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
December 3, 2021
New music documentary gives fans a multidimensional view of the iconic band.

“Get Back” immerses viewers in the world of the Beatles

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
December 3, 2021
"Red (Taylor's Version)" is a metamorphosis of a classic and cherished album.

“Red (Taylor’s Version)” somehow improves on Taylor Swift’s best album

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 19, 2021
"Home Sweet Home Alone" (2021), starring Archie Yates (above), is the latest in a series of franchise flops.

“Home Sweet Home Alone” confirms that Disney should’ve left the franchise alone

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 19, 2021
Timothée Chalamet stars in "The French Dispatch," a love letter to journalists and the power of journalism.

“The French Dispatch” uses nostalgic whimsy to spread the joy of stories and storytellers

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 19, 2021
Eating pizza while walking on 4th St. is one of the true joys you can have in Cleveland, and with Cleveland Pizza Week, all sorts of slices are available at a discounted rate.

Cleveland Pizza Week is here: These places are my favorite so far

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 12, 2021
Facebook's new name is simply a front to hide the company's previous misdoings.

Banerjee: Don’t let Facebook’s “Meta” rebrand distract you from the company’s awfulness

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 12, 2021
Justin Bibb (right) talks to college students about his agenda, including CWRU third-year Cameron Tong (left)

Justin Bibb wins hard-fought Cleveland mayoral election in landslide victory

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 5, 2021
A latte from Six Shooter Coffee can be the perfect companion in a study session.

Stop and smell the coffee beans at some of the best coffee shops in Cleveland

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
November 5, 2021
Cuddle up with some friends, grab some popcorn, put on a costume, summon a ghost and enjoy these Halloween classics

Movies to stream on Halloween 2021

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 29, 2021
Michael Myers is back for another sequel in the long-running "Halloween" franchise. But should he be?

“Halloween Kills” shows why 1978’s “Halloween” never needed a sequel

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 29, 2021
Too old for trick or treating? Enjoy the various activities that CWRU organizations have prepared to make your Halloweekend specially spooky!

Enjoy Halloween around CWRU

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 29, 2021
Daniel Craig returns as James Bond one final time, giving the character a definitive ending.

“No Time to Die” delivers a fond farewell to Daniel Craig’s Bond

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 22, 2021
While "Ted Lasso" seems silly on the surface, the show's themes have are among the most prescient of everything on the air

“Ted Lasso” is the show for our times

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 22, 2021
Samus Aran returns for the fifth entry of the mainline "Metroid" series after being on ice for 19 years.

“Metroid Dread” revives the legendary series for a final outing

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 22, 2021
Walking along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats is one of Cleveland’s true treasures

What to do in the Flats

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 8, 2021
The classic '90s sitcom,"Seinfeld" brings its 9 seasons to Netflix's array of TV shows and movies.

“Seinfeld,” one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, is now on Netflix

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
October 1, 2021
Marriage Pact has come to CWRU for all us lonely singles out there, along with those just looking for a friend.

Marriage Pact comes to CWRU. What is it all about?

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 17, 2021
The new iPhone lineup is very similar to the last. Is that a bad thing?

The iPhone 13 is here. Does anyone care?

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 17, 2021
President Eric Kaler outlined his goals for the CWRU community in a speech at the USG General Assembly on Sept. 14.

President Eric Kaler shares plan for the years ahead at USG assembly

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 17, 2021
"Martin Eden" is one of three films in the 2021 Cleveland Italian Film Festival

The Cleveland Italian Film Festival returns for its 15th year

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 10, 2021
"Shang-Chi" is historic in its representation of actors of Asian descent, but it's Asian film influences might be more instrumental in its success.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” presents a new path for Marvel

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 10, 2021
MAX brings life back to campus in the first in-person concert since 2020.

Events are coming back to campus

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 3, 2021
Documenting the behind-the-scenes details of "Sunflower" and "Surf's Up," "Feel Flows" makes the case that this period was one of the Beach Boys' finest.

“Feel Flows” sheds light on an oft-overlooked era for the Beach Boys

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
September 3, 2021
USG President Sophie Vilamara elaborates on her motives to impliment the policies outlined in the taskforce "For a Better CWRU."

New USG President Sophie Vilamara commits to an administration of advocacy and connection

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
August 27, 2021
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) take on the Time Varience Authority in the new Disney+ series, "Loki."

“Loki” sets up the future of Marvel in tremendous fashion

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
August 27, 2021
Sunrise at Edgewater Beach is one of the true pleasures to be found in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.

What to do in Detroit-Shoreway

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
August 27, 2021
Have some fun with the new rendition of "The Suicide Squad," DC's team of C-list rogues.

“The Suicide Squad” remembers that superhero movies can be fun

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
August 20, 2021
George Harrison poses with four gnomes, widely interpreted to represent the breakup of the Beatles, as he moves on with his new masterpiece.

“All Things Must Pass” once again cements George Harrison’s legacy, 50 years on

Shreyas Banerjee, Life Editor
August 20, 2021
The Bad Batch, a clone trooper special forces unit made up of defective clones, takes Disney+ by storm.

“The Bad Batch” is the “Star Wars” connective tissue we never knew we needed

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
May 7, 2021
Chloé Zhao wins “Best Director” for “Nomadland” in the middle of an overall weak ceremony.

The 2021 Oscars prove that the awards show needs a reset

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
May 7, 2021

What to do in Ohio City and Tremont

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 30, 2021
Marvel presents Sam Wilson us the new Captain America, but doesn't relay why we need him.

“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” fails to redefine what Captain America represents

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 30, 2021
Class of 2022 posing after their victory

Class of 2022 wins the Hudson Relays after a year like no other

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 30, 2021
With the conclusion of the Battle of the Bands, Springfest is on its way.

Battle of the Bands kicks off the road to Springfest 2021

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 23, 2021

Get out and see Downtown Cleveland

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 23, 2021

Banerjee: What Am I Listening To?

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 16, 2021
New and old fans of Taylor Swift have things to love in this re-release album.

“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” from a new fan’s perspective

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 16, 2021
Read classics like “Batman 244” by Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams right on your smart devices with services like DC Universe Infinite and Marvel Unlimited.

There’s never been a better time to get into comic books

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 9, 2021
The giant lizard and giant monkey face off in the most ambitious crossover event of the century.

“Godzilla vs. Kong” is the big action distraction we needed

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 9, 2021
Clevelanders march to end violence and racism against Asian Americans.

“Stop Asian Hate” march in Cleveland highlights violence against the community

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 2, 2021
TEDx comes back to CWRU to discuss how small actions can result in big changes.

TEDxCWRU 2021 sparks conversations on what we can all do for change

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 2, 2021
After years of waiting, experience the Snyder Cut in all its messy glory.

“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is an overdone, bloated mess. I still loved it.

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
April 2, 2021
UPB Week, a weeklong series of events which ran from March 8-13, was the latest instance of student activities persevering through COVID.

The programs may be less visible, but UPB is still here

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
March 19, 2021
Students turn Thwing Ballroom into a senior citizens' center with a night of bingo fun.

“Thwingo,” CWRU’s most successful pandemic event, returns for a second semester

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
March 12, 2021
Jermaine Fowler (middle) gives a great performance in this lackluster sequel to "Coming to America."

“Coming 2 America” trades spirit for production value

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
March 12, 2021
"Nomadland" stars Frances McDormand as Fern in this American story of poverty and persistence.

“Nomadland” reflects the America beneath the surface

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
March 5, 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations start at CWRU

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
March 3, 2021

Heavy rotation and remembrances

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 26, 2021
Ride throught the kingdom of Hyrule and celebrate the anniversary of the iconic "Zelda" video game franchise.

“Zelda” turns 35—the legend goes on

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 26, 2021
Daniel Kaluuya has garnered critical acclaim in his performance as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” reframes the legacy of the Black Panthers

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 19, 2021
CWRU alum Michael Suglio's Short. Sweet. Film Fest. is experimenting with dual in-person and virtual viewing formats to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Short. Sweet. Film Fest. plans a tenth year like no other

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 19, 2021
Explore a new era of "Star Wars" stories known as the High Republic.

“Light of the Jedi” launches Star Wars towards a bright future via the past

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 12, 2021
USG President Hunter Stecko has had his work cut out for him, and he isn't done yet.

USG President Hunter Stecko reflects on lessons learned from 2020

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 12, 2021
Wrap yourself up in a flannel and get ready to enjoy Taylor Swift's new album.

Taylor Swift’s “evermore” is more than just another “folklore”

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 12, 2021
Get lost in the vibes of Paul McCartney's third solo album.

“McCartney III” is the legendary Beatle at his purest form

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 5, 2021
After saying goodbye to Trump, revisit Obama's presidency in his new memoir.

Obama’s “A Promised Land” reflects a decent man who just happens to be president

Shreyas Banerjee, A&E Editor
February 5, 2021
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