Where do Scooter’s Coffee favorites rank?

Are you looking for a different location to go for a fun drink? Scooter’s Coffee is a relatively new shop in Naperville. It is a drive-up coffee shop with no indoor option. They are most known for their coffee selection, but also have a variety of different types of drinks like soda, matcha, smoothies, etc. We picked three popular drink choices on the menu along … Continue reading Where do Scooter’s Coffee favorites rank?

OPINION: The protein obsession is out of hand.

You’d think to see floods of brawny, athletic, super-humans walking the halls of East with this sudden protein infatuation amongst students. Health trends are always changing and evolving but this one seems to have people hooked.  A priority on fitness, especially among teens, began in the 2000s and really blew up starting around 2010 with the rise of social media. Fitness influencers have been emphasizing … Continue reading OPINION: The protein obsession is out of hand.

The movement of marketing through movement: The cultural phenomenon of dance commercials

On popular social media, there has been noticeable incline in focus on old commercials, like the iPod commercial with all of the silhouette people dancing with bright backgrounds. While it makes sense, humans are always reaching for a sense of nostalgia; promotions have become a huge part of pop culture because of America’s capitalistic society. Big brands like Gap are taking advantage of it and … Continue reading The movement of marketing through movement: The cultural phenomenon of dance commercials

OPINION: Why Schools are Seeing Nationwide Walkouts

With nationwide walkouts taking place to protest ICE, rumors have began swirling about a protest making its way to East. There are many people who aren’t concerned with themselves to participate. While many think, “How am I as one person gonna change things if I’m there or not?” And while the problem does seem larger than life, it’s important that everyone uses their voice for … Continue reading OPINION: Why Schools are Seeing Nationwide Walkouts

How to Use a Roundabout, a Life Skill

It has come to my attention that many people, though most of us in this town use it every day, aren’t actually sure how to use our beloved roundabout.   Completed in December of 2023, A Christmas gift to many, was a project that casted a hope to reduce the traffic nightmares. This especially excited students of East due to the immense traffic buildups we used … Continue reading How to Use a Roundabout, a Life Skill

Extended Thanksgiving Break: Positive or Negative?

This year, Oswego East’s Thanksgiving break was extended from its former Wednesday-Friday off to a full week off. This resulted in Easter break and Spring break being combined in the second semester. Students have different opinions on whether this change was a positive or a negative one. Personally, we love this change in the break. While it does give us one less break, it still … Continue reading Extended Thanksgiving Break: Positive or Negative?

The Life of a Showgirl: A Glamourous, Record-Breaking Disappointment 

Taylor Swift released her album on October 3rd, and has since received mixed reviews, and an abundance of scrutiny for her lyricism and song production. Many people claim that too many of the songs are sampled or reminiscent of other songs. Critics also said that one of the songs Actually Romantic may be a diss track targeted towards pop singer Charli XCX. This is due to their relationship history with band members of The 1975. Continue reading The Life of a Showgirl: A Glamourous, Record-Breaking Disappointment 

Labubus: Fun Fad or Sad?

Throughout 2025, a new trend has emerged from America’s ongoing cycle of pop culture. Labubus, a blindbox-style stuffed animal on a key chain, has taken the internet by storm. On the surface, it might seem like a relatively harmless idea, but the reality of America’s trend cycle isn’t as glamorous or sustainable as social media makes it out to be. The public is on a … Continue reading Labubus: Fun Fad or Sad?

What do Students Think about Lunch at East?

East offers a wide variety of food for lunch, but how do students really feel? Last school year, lunch at East received a big makeover. They upgraded their menu and the design of the lunch room, making it a better experience for students. Even with these upgrades, students still have mixed opinions on the quality and variety of the lunches offered. Junior Brayden Felice has … Continue reading What do Students Think about Lunch at East?

Feeling Lucky?

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s, luck is all around in the form of Leprechauns and 4-leafed clovers. The recent rise in the popularity of luck has sparked controversy among East students. While some believe luck can change the outcome of any situation, others feel it is owed to hard work and dedication.  Junior at East, Gabi Tenney, is an avid believer that luck can … Continue reading Feeling Lucky?

Valentine’s Day and the Problem with Picture-Perfect Romance

Valentine’s Day- the holiday of hearts, grand romantic gestures, and overpriced chocolate. Whether it’s the pressure to find the perfect gift, plan the ideal date, or live up to the grand gestures we see in movies, Valentine’s Day has become less about love and more about performance. For some, it is the most romantic day of the year. For others, it is just another excuse … Continue reading Valentine’s Day and the Problem with Picture-Perfect Romance

The Rise of Comfort in Gen Z Fashion

Strong social media influence constantly changes fashion trends, inspiring people to experiment with different styles. For some people, choosing clothes might be mindless, and they might not care as much about individual style. For others, however, clothes are a way to express their personality, and a lot more thought might go into what they choose to wear.  2024 was a year heavily influenced by TikTok … Continue reading The Rise of Comfort in Gen Z Fashion

Should Phones Be Banned in Schools?

As phone usage in schools increases, a large number of schools have started wondering if banning the electronic device in the classroom is the only solution. Students are increasingly distracted by their devices, even using websites such as ChatGPT to complete assignments for them. So should phones truly be banned in schools? A teacher at East, Timothy Ochoa has been trying to teach students how … Continue reading Should Phones Be Banned in Schools?

OPINION: Grit and glory or tragedy and trauma?: The risk of playing football, the American way

During the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game on January 3, 2023, 24-year-old Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after a heavy hit aimed at Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin was on the ground for ten minutes following his collapse as medical professionals from either side of the field tended to him. It was later revealed by University of Cincinnatti doctors that Hamlin … Continue reading OPINION: Grit and glory or tragedy and trauma?: The risk of playing football, the American way

OPINION: It’s time to put the pencil down on final exams

It’s the holiday season. Families all across the country are decorating their homes with tinsel and lights. Children are sitting in their pajamas, hot chocolate in hand, ready to watch “The Polar Express.” And high school students are forced to brave through the toughest week of the semester. This week, of course, is finals week.  The concept of a final written exam has existed in … Continue reading OPINION: It’s time to put the pencil down on final exams

Remote control: Thoughts on journalism in a remote world

The world changed in March of 2020. And over the course of the past year, the world has continued to change in its own unique way. But for the journalists of this online news magazine, the proverbially show demanded to go on. So, tasked with continuing the work of student journalism while in remote, a small group of returning staffers had to change alongside the … Continue reading Remote control: Thoughts on journalism in a remote world

OPINION: Let’s remember to value dining and support restaurants, pandemic or not

The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the restaurant industry, forcing them to shut doors for months at a time. If there’s one thing that we should take away as restaurants continue to open back up, it’s that they deserve our support whether there’s a pandemic or not. Continue reading OPINION: Let’s remember to value dining and support restaurants, pandemic or not