Have you experienced the Friday Night Lights for yourself? The adrenaline, the noise, the eruption of the crowd when your team scores a touch down. Most Sports at East are like that, but the one thing is consistently argued about between students and teachers, entrance fees. Continue reading Should Students Have to Pay to Enter Sporting Events At East?
It’s a little weird because I feel like some hats should be allowed. I get caps not being allowed because your face needs to be seen on cameras and stuff like that. Brimless hats should be allowed, like beanies, those little things that wrap around your head. Like if you see my face every day and you see me wearing a hat. Why do I need to take it off?” Stewart Said. Continue reading Hats Off? Why East Should Rethink Its No-Hat Policy
On Sept 11, 2001 2,977 people lost their lives in the tragic attacks that took place across the United States. What occurred that day was life-changing for millions of Americans, however, unlike many schools across the country, students at East still attend school on Continue reading Should students have 9/11 off?
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?
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.
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
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
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
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?
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
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?
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?
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- 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
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
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?
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
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
This spring’s senior staff writers bid farewell to four years of high school and their time with ‘the Howl.’ Continue reading Stop the press: The Howl’s graduating seniors look back at four years at East
In order to establish the nation’s energy independence and attain the objectives that the government and many companies promised, alternatives to lithium batteries need to be found. Continue reading OPINION: Growing production of electric vehicles faces a short circuit ahead
The day I was called an “oreo” was the day that I began questioning my identity and place in society as a black person. Continue reading OPINION: Growing up black in a black and white world
The immense inflation of drugs is a growing problem with negative ramifications on many. Continue reading OPINION: COVID-19 pandemic shows cracks within pharmaceutical industry
The November 30th shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan renews the need and importance for national gun reform and stricter legislation — an ongoing debate since 1999. Continue reading OPINION: Oxford shooting renews nationwide need for stronger gun laws
Biden’s ‘Build Back Better Bill’ is precisely what America needs in order to join the fight in ending climate change. Continue reading OPINION: ‘Build Back Better Bill’ takes major steps to combat climate change
Though COVID-19 lockdowns may not force us to spend time with family, let’s make a conscious effort to value it this holiday season. Continue reading STAFF: This winter, let’s value family time — iPad-obsessed cousins and all
As the news industry has evolved, the sources relied on for factual information now often present some ambiguous combination of political bias, misrepresented facts, and sensationalized headlines masquerading as unbiased reporting. Continue reading STAFF: News as we know it amounts to little more than political commentary
While student opinions of the school dress code do vary, it is necessary to consider its purpose and approach social media with caution when forming opinions on it. Continue reading STAFF: School’s dress code remains a justified source of frustration for some
The past year in remote & hybrid possessed its fair share of shortages. But with the good & the bad, some reflection demands that we work together for what comes next. Continue reading OPINION: District’s COVID response wasn’t easy. But what comes next requires community.
With one final look over their shoulder, this year’s graduating journalists look back on their time at Oswego East High School. Continue reading “Senior” citizens: Graduating journalists reflect upon their time at East
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
Hollywood’s live action remakes of classic cartoons cannot capture the lightning that once made the original so innovative & special to so many. Continue reading OPINION: Live action remakes of classics lack the spirit of the original
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
The 93rd Academy Awards were lackluster, dull, and outright flippant at times. And the pandemic is not to blame. Continue reading OPINION: 93rd Oscars amount to no more than messy award show politics
It may sound like a dream come true for college graduates, but canceling student loan debt would have a positive impact on the rest of America as well. Continue reading OPINION: College graduates can no longer wait to cancel student loan debt
In light of the death of Sarah Everard as well as April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is important to discuss the systemic violence and silencing women face. Continue reading OPINION: Sarah Everard death sparks global conversation on sexual violence
Compounded by the pandemic, AAPI hate crimes have risen by nearly 150% in the last year. But is COVID-19 the birth of this bigotry? America has long overlooked and perpetuated Asian hate, but the time for change is just on the horizon. Continue reading The Duality of America: Birth by immigration, death by bigotry [OPINION]
Despite being caught in several sticky situations, the Grammys provided a lively, female-empowering show as they long to break free of their muddied reputation. Continue reading OPINION: Controversial Grammys make strides toward inclusion, entertainment
A message of unification has been a resounding one since President Joe Biden took office. But if the Democrats truly want to unite the nation, they’ll need to unite within their own party first. Continue reading OPINION: Democrats cannot unite the nation until they unite within their own party first
The surge of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased the number of teenagers facing mental illnesses and symptoms but has also presented the lack of a response America has given to those struggling. Continue reading OPINION: COVID-19’s impact on teen mental health is worse than we thought
The NFL should change their anti-climatic overtime system that rewards a team based on a coin flip as opposed to giving both teams an equal opportunity. Continue reading OPINION: It’s about time that the NFL address the imbalance of overtime
