By: Ryleigh Merced

On Feb. 1, Grammy awards were handed out to all winning artists. Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and best artist tend to be the most sought after. The Grammys also include performers, which typically features nominees, artists with good stage presence and those who have recently become culture significant. This year's performance included more than twenty performers including big names currently such as Tyler, the Creator, Katseye, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and the duo of Bruno Mars and Rose. Taft junior Kathleen Lah commented on the Grammys results, “I think Tyler, the Creator should have won more than what he won.” She continued and when prompted about Billie Eilish winning Song of the year for her song “Wildflower” which was released on her 2024 album title Hit Me Hard and Soft. “I think she should have won an award but I don’t think she should have won an award for this one because that was from like a long time ago,” Lah said.This year, the host of the Grammys was comedian Trevor Noah. Noah has a history of stand up comedy and performing. He was the host of a long running show called the Daily Show which frequently featured skits. Taft junior Daniel Boyke said, "I think he was a good host like a baseline host but I expected more comedy from Trevor Noah." This year Laufey also received her second Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album. Taft junior Chris Silva said, “Laufey is a good artist and she could have won at least two Grammys.”  The 2026 Grammy Awards celebrated a diverse selection of music and artists, as well as highlighting performers who have been making significant moves in pop culture. 

By: Annalena Horvarth and Alyssa Sanchez

The Grammy's is an annual award ceremony, a ceremony held in Los Angeles where Music Artists are awarded with their achievements that they made throughout the year. In 2026 many popular artists attend with their flashy outfits to celebrate their big achievements in 2025 and to claim their awards. Bad Bunny took home the Album of the Year award for his album DTMF. He became one of the first artists to win the award with an entire Spanish album. His album speaks to many listeners about the cultures of Puerto Rico. Jake Anto, a senior said, “I think Bad Bunny deserved his award because his album is great and he is a great artist, it also had a great message about Puerto Rico and their culture of oppression.” During Bad Bunny's speech and another Grammy winner Billie Eilish’s speech they both spoke up, protesting against ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcements). Bad Bunny advocated for love over hate and stated “ICE out.” Eilish stated that, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and, “F**k ICE.” During Eilish’s speech, another guest, Emily Austin, was making fun of her for speaking up. While she was recording, she uploaded this video and instantly got tons of hate. All over TikTok many fans are speaking down on her/making fun of her  and making her lose many followers. Another breathtaking award given was Kendrick Lamar's Best Rap Album and Record Of The Year award. This makes Kendrick one of the most awarded rappers in the Grammys. His album is about love and the challenges that come along with it. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance  award for “Wicked.” “Wicked” was incredibly popular in the year 2025, many people loving the movie and Ariana Grande. Many fans believe she deserves this award due to the 2019 Grammys with her being nominated for many awards and not winning any. Jamison Ryll, a junior, said, “I'm satisfied that a lot of artists are recognized for their hard work and talent, I'm glad that Ariana finally got recognized for her talent.” What is the Grammys without the bold, vibrant, and outstanding outfits? This year many artists wore their most fashionable fits, some standing out like Teyana Taylor whose fans loved her dress and Chappell Roan whose outfit was amazing to some but questionable to others. Jessica Strauss, Individuals and Societies teacher, said, “Teyana Taylor looked amazing, I loved her outfit she is a wonder. I love all of the outfits so much. I loved Chappell Roan’s specifically because it stood out and she always makes a statement, love a good statement.”

By: Fintan O'Shea and Tajh Rawls

Every year, one student who has worked hard for all four years of high school gets to be valedictorian. To be valedictorian, you have to get straight A’s all throughout high school. Even for the most motivated and smart students, this can be very hard. Taft High school has nearly 1,000 students in this year's senior class. To have a higher cumulative Grade Point Average, or GPA, than every other student in the school is a prestigious thing to do. Camila Rodriguez-Estrada is an outstanding Taft student and athlete and our personal valedictorian. She’s greatly respected by peers and teachers alike. When asked about her improvement, Rodriguez-Estrada IBDP SL Sport Exercise and Health Science Teacher Ms. Nicole Wiktor said,“I believe over the course of the two years she has improved in her study habits. To me it seems like she has refined them to use the methods that are best successful for her in the long term.” Even though she improved, Wiktor also said that, “She is one of the most motivated and driven students I have in class. Day in and day out she is always on task, working and engaged in her learning.” Rodriguez-Estrada is a student athlete, she is on Taft's baseball team. When asked about if and how her work ethic changes in season, Wiktor said, “There is no difference that I can tell of her work ethic in class during or outside of baseball season. She performs everything to her best.” It's widely known that being a part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program that Taft offers, or IBDP, can be a huge struggle. Baseball on top of that having practice and games everyday, that adds a lot to the struggle. Rodriguez-Estrada said, “Extracurricular activities like baseball have been very influential to me as a person and contributes to my success. Being the only girl on the baseball team and also having more extracurriculars to do has helped me learn to balance school and outside activity.” When asked has she always planned to be valedictorian, she stated, “No I actually didn't, as soon as I got my rank end of freshman year and I saw I was number three I became motivated to be number one, and after I attended a graduation and saw how influential valedictorian was and how she represented her class and I wanted to show that not only a woman can do it but a Latin woman can.” Senior Julian Muntean, who is a friend and teammate of Rodriguez-Estrada, said, “She’s always been super motivated. Being friends with her since freshman year of baseball, I've seen her do homework and study on bus rides to games, that's the type of motivation that most people just don't have.” He also said that, “She even helps me on some of my assignments and homework if I need it. I can see why she is this year's Valedictorian.”

By: Penelope Shannon

After almost four years, Harry Styles is making a comeback to music with his new album “Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally.” The album will be released on March 6 and will feature 12 tracks: Aperture, American Girls, Ready, Steady, Go!,  Are You Listening Yet?, Taste Back, The Waiting Game, Season 2 Weight Loss, Coming Up Roses, Pop,  Dance No More, Paint By Numbers, Carla’s Song. The new album was teased with a Youtube video on Styles’ account seen as a tribute to the fans, titled “Forever, Forever.” Billboards started popping up that said “we belong together” everywhere. Senior Olivia Kmiec said, “Seeing his name everywhere really gets you invested in what's coming.” These sparked interest from people all over the world and caused speculations of new music. And just as expected, Styles announced his new album on Jan. 15. Styles’ first single “Aperture” was released on Jan. 23, with a music video following quickly  after. Senior Vincent Rodriguez said, “I never really listened to Harry Styles but his new song is amazing. I'm excited for this new era.” Fans everywhere were surprised by the genre switch, but excited and anticipated to see what he does with it. As the release date gets closer, its popularity rises on social media. Tiktok has become flooded with fan predictions for the album, opinions on his new single, and thoughts and breakdowns of the clues that Styles has teased. While some fans think Styles is heading in a completely new direction, others think he's combining new and old styles to create and experiment something new and different. Senior Adrianna Bahriy said, “I'm really excited to see what he comes up with.” With this sudden comeback to music, Styles seems to be everywhere and gaining more popularity by the second. He has taken over social media in a big way and his fans are to thank for that. By sharing their excitement and anticipation, others can't help but feel excited and curious for what will come next regarding Styles' music career. 

By: Alauna Sherrod, Ethan Simball, and Michal Laczak

International Night is a longstanding Taft High School tradition that’s been in effect for several years. This day highlights the performances of an array of international clubs, including Chinese, Polish, Filipino, Mexican, K-Pop, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and Azerbaijani club.However, while students and families are presented with the refined and polished versions of these performances, what most people don’t see is the process of mastering not just performance, but presence. For members of the Filipino club the designation of time and energy stated in the first meeting. But, there is another layer behind the performers, and that’s the crew. They manage everything to make the show as fluent and enjoyable as possible for the audience, whether it’s with audio, lights, or even making sure the performers are on time and making the most of the strict time schedule, whilst also being considerate of the next club to perform. Senior Ruiz Antonio Sabale will be leaving Taft High School with one last performance for Filipino club. Sabale stated, “We’ve been practicing since the first day of club… we use each meeting to practice as well as doing our own preparation at home.” Senior Chayse Edmondson has participated in several clubs throughout her high school career, attending I-Night for two years with Black Student Union (BSU), Latin American Association, and Mrs. Li’s Mandarin Class. Edmondson told us that the nature of I-Night demands dedication and extensive planning. In regards to the 2025 BSU performance, Edmondson stated, “We talked about doing a fashion show since November, and when we came back that first week of February, we realized that it wasn't going to happen. That was three or four months of planning that we had to drop.” There is this dynamic of responsibility between both performers and crew where both of them have two missions, don't mess up, and have fun. Being a part of crew on a play, to being crew in I-Night are different due to that I-Night crew has lighter stuff to do, which won't need that many crew members, since most performances need an empty floor, without anything. There are so many things that go into International Night that makes it run smoothly, including many instruments that have to be brought to the stage including pianos, drums and in some cases props. Of course all of this responsibility is brought upon the crew that usually are so busy throughout the day that they aren't able to attend class that day. Emma Carrico has been involved in I-Night for 7 years, spending the last two as the organizer of I-Night. Carrico said to us via GChat, “We were more selective this year at auditions to keep our standards high, and you may have noticed that groups have been consistent about practicing since the beginning of the year in the hallways.” On the day of I-Night performers are extremely busy making the final adjustment to the routine. This may include making adjustments for people that are out sick and then pulling up understudies to be able to fill those roles. This thorough planning takes up many hours which is a major reason that performers do not attend the normal class schedule. I-Night is a celebration of different cultures around the world for a long time. The performances for I-Night are going to happen on Feb. 12-13, and most of the prep is actually done, so cheer on the emcees and crew while enjoying the show.

By: Chamijah Allen and Samantha Barajas

The second semester has started. This is officially the seniors’ last semester of high school ever. It’s common for seniors to experience anxiety. Whether it be college applications or fear for the future, seniors have their reasons for feeling anxious. On the other hand, many seniors may experience great happiness and bliss. Whether it be excitement for what will come after graduation or feeling less pressure than previously, seniors have their reasons for feeling happy. 

When asked about graduating, senior Gracelyn Smith said, “I’m really happy about it.” Although what’s happening around the world may be anxiety-inducing for her, she’s fairly optimistic about her future. In five years from now, she sees herself out of college, getting a job, and living a standard life. Even though Smith is optimistic about her future, there are aspects of high school she’ll miss. Smith is a JROTC cadet who says she’ll miss the program. She said she’ll also miss everyone she met. She advises juniors to take their time and ask for help during senior year because it’ll be rough. Senior Diane Gonzalez said about graduating, “I feel pretty good about it. I already have a set plan.” She sees herself being an elementary school teacher. Although the future is kind of scary to Gonzalez, she still maintains a positive attitude about it. Gonzalez said the hardest part about senior year was the work after Thanksgiving break. She advises juniors who are going to be seniors to focus on their grades and leave any negative friendships behind. What she will miss most about high school are friends and some teachers. Smith and Gonzalez aren’t the only ones who are going to miss high school. Junior Mouye Diallo is also going to be leaving some things behind to graduate. When asked what she would miss, Diallo said, “I’ll miss the clubs and the afterschool activities the most. It was very fun being a part of BSU (Black Student Union) and Robotics during high school.” Though it will be rough leaving behind things that they are comfortable with, the students and staff members will be rooting for the soon to be graduates. Diallo said, “In five years I see myself starting my second course or learning a program to earn CPA credits, while also beginning internships at accounting firms and/or financing network skills.” Diallo is showing a very promising future. Diallo wants to go to a four year university where she will study accounting, then after she graduates she will study in a two-year program to earn her CPA credits and then take her CPA exam. Though Diallo shows signs of nervousness, she also shows prominent signs of hope and new beginnings. Diallo wants to flourish in her career with finances and accounting, but it doesn't stop there. Diallo also plans to explore different countries and try new experiences, such as skydiving and zip lining. The next years of these seniors' lives may prove to have a couple of bumps in the road, but overall it seems like they have everything handled and planned out to overcome any obstacle.

By: Angelis Goris, Hayden Luna, and Alyssa Sanchez 

Everyone knows who lives in a pineapple under the sea, and he’s recently come back to theaters. On Dec. 19, “The Spongebob Movie: Search for SquarePants” was released. In honor of the release, there was a premiere held on Dec. 17 with attendees like voice actress and rapper Ice Spice. Ice Spice is a New York City born rapper who rose to fame on Tiktok in 2022 with the viral song known as “Munch.” She is known for her confidence, catchy lyrics, and overall flaunting appearance. She quickly became a cultural phenomenon, collaborating with major artists and establishing herself as a leading “new voice of hip-hop.” Aside from her already pronounced fame, she’s also now widely known for her premiere dress. Ice Spice wore a white lace dress, something that immediately caused discourse throughout the internet due to its visibility. She also had a “bikini bottom” on underneath, which is what most people bring up. “She definitely could have dressed in a more modest way knowing there would be children present or watching,” said junior Zaira Carreto. “There were so many other outfits she could have worn, so considering she chose one so revealing is crazy.” Internet opinions, like most, are mixed. Some say her sheer, revealing dress was inappropriate for a family focused event. Some also are questioning her as a contributor for a kid’s movie since she not only wrote music for it, but voiced a character as well. Which confused many audiences knowing she doesn’t have much experience with voice-overs. “Children aren't familiar with Ice Spice as much as adults are,” said junior Katerina Garner. “I get they were trying to make a movie for all ages and had some Adult jokes but she could have tried to also consider the  children watching.” While the show has been primarily marketed for younger audiences, it has been known to contain double entendres and slightly crude content since its 1999 release. Some say this is why Ice Spice’s outfit worked, because it served as a pun. While another defense is that movie premieres tend to be a more adult affair, it’s not as commonly used. Despite the show’s reputation, some still believe it wasn’t an appropriate look. Yearbook teacher Kelly Watson stated, “Spongebob’s marketed to kids, but it’s always had more of a crude take. So I can kind of see where she kind of fits in with that, but for outfit as a whole, I don’t think it’s appropriate for a mainly kids based event.” Regardless of one’s stance, it’s clear she grabbed the attention of the internet once again. While the nature of it fits previous scandals she’s been a part of, the discourse online is very much prevalent and very mixed.

By: Jakub Perez and Ryan Harrity

With all that is happening and will undoubtedly continue to happen worldwide, it’s become easy to forget what’s important: that this country was built for the people, by the people. Recently, I was given a reminder of this mantra, when I, as well as several other Taft and Lane Tech students went to attend the, “Press Freedom Under Fire: Threats to Journalism and Democracy,” panel at Northwestern Medill. Having taken place at Guild Lounge, six panelists came to speak on the matter: Julie Pace, Roberson Alphonse, April Xu, Adam Ganucheau, Tenzin Pema, Lucy Westcott, and Clayton Weimers. Up until that day, I’ve never heard these names before, nor the significance they held. But now I do, since I was fortunate enough to be previewed with the most politically satisfying, informational, and unforgettable two hours of my life. Straight after giving brief introductions about themselves and the titles in journalism that they hold, such as April Xu and Roberson Alphonse being amazing immigrant journalists from China and Haiti respectively. The panelists began to dive deep into the inky black puddle that is attacks on journalists throughout the country, specifically from Los Angeles and Chicago, where national guardsmen and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are stationed. Not only that, but there were instances mentioned of normal civilians being attacked as well, from people getting shot during traffic stops, protestors being shot and assaulted with pepper balls and rubber bullets, and people getting tackled recording an abduction from ICE. There was even an incident when an ICE agent was brought to a Chicago court, claiming that protestors were terrorists and were doxing ICE agents. They told their own stories of going to protests and writing about them at their news stations, as well as many journalists being injured during those protests. Editor-in-chief and Taft senior Hayden Luna said, “I think the stuff that was said in the panel was very important… I’m just grateful that we were able to go.” Podcast editor and Taft senior Michal Laczak told about the beauty of the Northwestern Facilities, “I thought the buildings were very beautiful, they had a nice, old-timey charm to it. It was really cool to experience and how well it’s been preserved despite its large student body.” Overall, the trip that Taft took to Northwestern was a very fun experience that I would recommend to everyone.

By: Angelis Goris

“Wicked For Good” the movie was released officially on Nov. 21. But in some theaters there was an early access available for customers to watch the movie on Nov. 19. “Wicked For Good” is a continuation of the first movie “Wicked” which was released Nov. 22, 2024. A lot of fans who have not seen the original play are unaware of how long the story actually is. The overall broadway play “Wicked” is about the backstory of the two witches from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” In “The Wizard of Oz” it is persuaded to the audience that the “Wicked Witch of the West,”  also known as Elphaba in “Wicked,” is evil and cruel. And that the “Good Witch of the North,” also known as Glinda The Good, henceforth named Galinda is perceived as the kind and good-hearted witch. “Wicked” is supposed to be explaining the full story, and everything behind the scenes, regarding the two witches. “I think that releasing the movies of ‘Wicked’ is a great way of sending a message,” said junior Sabrina Cordozo. “Some people may not be able to see the Broadway play, so releasing a movie is a great way to pass the message that ‘Wicked’ suggests to the world.” “Wicked,”  the first movie, released in Nov. 2024, shows the childhood the “Wicked Witch of the West” had to endure. It is a way of explaining why the “Wicked Witch of the West” is perceived as a bad evil person. In the movie they also show how Glinda and Elphaba formed a friendship in their youth. “I think that Elphaba and Glinda are both so misunderstood,” said junior Zaira Carreto. “I have watched both movies and their story is so meaningful.” In “Wicked: For Good,” it is shown that Elphaba faces many difficulties such as choosing between her heart’s desire or the better good for the land of Oz. In the movie all citizens of Oz made it very clear that they wanted the “Wicked Witch of the West” dead. And Elphaba had to disappear to enact the change in Oz she always desired. “Wicked” is supposed to influence the message of embracing one’s true self, the dangers of prejudice and propaganda, and the importance of challenging societal norms. Ultimately, the films reminds us that history is written by those with power, asking viewers to question every narrative and seek the truth in the grey areas between black and white.

By: Penelope Shannon

After three years of anticipation, “Stranger Things” Season 5 is officially releasing. The final chapter of the series will feature eight episodes. The first four were released Nov. 26, followed by the next three on Dec. 25. The finale will drop on Dec. 31, concluding the 2025 year. This upcoming season marks the end of nine years of filming. Since the first season, “Stranger Things” has been one of the most popular shows around the world. With Season 5 concluding the end of an era, fans everywhere are preparing for an emotional and thrilling goodbye. "I've loved Stranger Things since it first came out, it's so exciting yet scary to see it finally ending,” said Vincent Rodriguez, a senior. Part of what makes “Stranger Things” such a successful show is its wide range of genres. The show mixes horror, supernatural, romance, science fiction, adventure, suspense, thriller, mystery, drama, teen, and historical drama, making the show appealing to all audiences. “The thing that draws people to the show is that there's something for everyone,” said Olivia Kmiec, a senior. The show has impressive ratings, including an 8.6/10 on IMDb and a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Excitement for the new season grew even more when the first five minutes were released on Nov. 7. It immediately caught fans’ attention and became a widely talked about topic online. All over social media fans are discussing opinions and theories, sparking interest and building excitement for the rest of the season. “I see something about the new season every time I go on my phone,” said Andrianna Bahriy, a senior. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to grow. Fans all over the world are preparing to say goodbye to a series that has influenced streaming for a whole generation. Season 5 doesn't just mark the end of “Stranger Things,” it marks the end of an era for fans everywhere. 

Alyssa Sanchez 

Halloween is over, and Christmas is near. Nothing is better than the holiday season: all the decorations, the songs, the movies, the spirit and of course the food and drinks  including the amazing holiday menu from Starbucks. Starbucks’ fall menu ended on Nov. 6 and introduced its signature Holiday menu. Not only including new treats and drinks but apparently cups and mugs  that people are losing their minds for this year. On the holiday menu, their drinks are Peppermint Mocha (also can be a frappuccino), Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Breve, Iced Gingerbread Chai, and Holiday Cold Foams. In their bakery section, their treats are Cinnamon Pull-Apart, a Snowman Cookie, Polar Bear Cake Pop, Cranberry Bliss Bar and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. “The Iced Gingerbread Chai is my favorite because I love Starbucks chai drinks,” said junior Karolina Wasilik. Junior Liya Toler said, “I am obsessed with the new gingerbread chai, it's my favorite every year.” "Peppermint is my favorite flavor, so I ordered a peppermint mocha with soy milk,” said Juan Salinas, an AVID teacher. Starbucks has also come out with their seasonal merch introducing the Hello Kitty collaboration that contains a mug, water bottle, stainless steel cold cup, cold cup, and stainless steel tumbler. They came out with more tumblers and mugs with cute Christmas designs like ribbons, trees and gingerbreads. Starbucks also released the Glass Bear Starbucks Barista Cold Cup, known as “The Bear Cup” on social media platforms. This cup has gone viral on multiple platforms. People have been waking up at 4–6 a.m. and waiting in a line for the cup, yelling to get this cup and some people are even making their own “Bear Cup” because they were unable to find any. Starbucks’ holiday menu always adds some Christmas spirit and cozy feelings with warm peppermint mocha and fresh Caramel Brulée lattes every Holiday season. 

By: Kateryna Hordieieva 

Golden retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds. They are known for their friendly nature and striking appearance. Their breed is strong, they have athletic build and are gentle. They have wagging tails and they are both graceful and approachable. These features make golden retrievers not only visually appealing but also perfect companions. Golden retrievers can have a profound impact on students’ lives, offering companionship that can reduce stress and anxiety, which most of the students can feel. Their friendly and calm nature can make people feel relaxed after an overwhelming day. Taft High School students shared their experience with dogs. “My dog influenced my life a lot. She taught me responsibility, patience, and how to take care of another living being,” junior Andrii Martsinkovskyi shared. Many students also said that spending time with their dogs helped them feel less stressed and more focused on schoolwork. But sometimes it takes a lot of time and patience to take care of a dog. Junior Natalia Zadorozhna said, “ It can be a little hard to take care of dogs because they need attention, time and care, but it's definitely worth the love that you feel from them.” Golden retrievers are also known to sense emotions, which helps students feel understood and supported. When someone is sad, these dogs often stay close and show comfort with cuddles or gentle behaviour. This emotional support can help students deal with stress, anxiety or even homesickness. Junior Bohdan Povarchuk shared, “I had a golden retriever before, and it was the most important thing in my life. She had a lot of influence in my life, which I’m forever grateful for.” Overall, golden retrievers make a big difference in many people’s lives, especially students. Their loving personalities, support, and companionship help reduce stress and bring happiness to everyday life.

By: Samantha Barajas

On Oct. 24, Taft Journalism students took a trip to Northwestern. The first part of the trip was a panel where journalists discussed freedom of the press. The second part of the trip was a student informational session. Freedom of speech within school realms, what our rights are as students, and a program called New Voices were discussed. One topic that was discussed was the Supreme Court protecting students’ freedom of speech in school. An example of this was Tinker v. Des Moines. This was a Supreme Court case that took place from 1968-1969. Students protested the Vietnam War by wearing black armbands to school. The school took issue with this and banned students from wearing the armbands. The students took this as a violation of the First Amendment and took it to the courts. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the students. Northwestern Journalism Senior Program Coordinator Kate Fernandez wrote for a school newspaper and worked on a yearbook. Fernandez said, “I absolutely believe that studying journalism is important. Journalism is what sets America apart from other countries.” She believes the New Voices program will help students understand their rights and that students have First Amendment rights. Fernandez believes that students knowing their rights, including freedom of speech, should be a part of their education. She believes the event was powerful. To Fernandez and other adults at Northwestern, it was inspiring to see students care for freedom of the press. Senior and journalism student Alauna Sherrod attended the Northwestern trip. She believes that the New Voices program encourages students to write more and look at different avenues where they can make their voices heard. Sherrod said about the second part of the trip, “I thought it was interesting. I guess we don’t realize how much freedom we have with the paper.” Senior from Palatine High School and Editor in Chief Karim Melek joined: Student Institute and had lawyers represent free speech. Melek believes students should be permitted to say anything besides violence. He believes that students should have the same rights as adults, as school is supposed to train students to become adults. At Northwestern University, Taft journalism students learned about the importance of freedom of speech, and that includes within school grounds. Taft journalism students learned about how students in the United States fought and continue to fight for their First Amendment rights.

By: Abigail Wozniak

Don't miss out, Eagles: Ecuadorian Club is making a delicious entrance. During this month, every Thursday morning at 7:15, the Ecuadorian Club is selling Krispy Kreme donuts. They are investing in supplies for their club, one donut at a time. Many clubs have raised funds through items like blizzards, boba tea, and a variety of snacks. The Ecuadorian clubs have made a focus on selling donuts, their latest fundraising effort. What makes donuts their go-to option? Annamaria Castellucci Cabral, the sponsor of the club, shared her insight, “It has been one of our top FUNdraisers over the past years.” What exactly are they fundraising for? You know international night?The night each cultural club shows the school what it means to be that ethnicity.  Exactly that! They need money for their wardrobe and supplies. Let’s help them out! They need approximately 1,000 dollars to succeed. Last year, their most significant sales event took place during the Nacho Cheese sales in the lunchroom. However, according to Castellucci Cabral, the process was disorganized, and more club members were needed to help with sales: “We were really successful with Nacho Cheese sales last year during lunch but it was much sloppier and needed more members to assist in the process.” The donuts aren't  a bad price either, Dunkin Donuts has them for way more. According to Jazmine Salahi, a 12th grade student said, “The prices are far from unfair.” Their sales price for one donut is two dollars and for a pack of twelve you can even buy them for 14 dollars even. By buying the donuts you're not only helping them out by allowing them to afford the supplies they need, but you're allowing them to be able to do an outstanding performance during International Night. 

By: Alyssa Sanchez and Annalena Horvath 

“Black Phone” starring Mason Thames and Ethan Hawke, is a movie about a 13-year-old boy who has been kidnapped by a masked killer. To escape he needs to hear the killer's victim's advice through the disconnected phone in the basement. The victims give him advice to help him escape the “Grabber” and defeat him. This movie was a big success going viral on all social media platforms in 2021, so they made a second one this year expecting it to go viral once more. The real question is, is Black Phone 2 good though? “Black Phone 2” is about 15-year-old Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), who gets weird nightmares about three boys at a winter camp. Her and her brother Finney (Mason Thames), go to this camp to solve the mystery of the missing boys just to discover the Grabber (Ethan Hawke) has grown stronger and harder to beat. “Black Phone 2” has been a big hit going viral on a bunch of social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter).The movie received 72 Rotten Tomatoes  and was rated 6.4 out of 10. Many people have been conflicted about their thoughts on the movie, leaving many mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have said, “Even if it doesn’t all quite work, this is a creepily inventive shocker that grows in mournful power as it moves along.” and, “The first Black Phone was a serial-killer horror with a side order of supernatural, but this gripping sequel embraces the paranormal and gruesomeness in all its gory glory, too.” Some people are loving what they did with the plot. The movie dipped into a new type of scary concept and connected the characters from the original to make it relate to the first one. Others are having a difficult time understanding the objective of the movie, it has a different concept than the first movie. The first movie was a thriller containing a murder and some parts of the supernatural. The second was more of a supernatural horror, scaring people more than people enjoying the plot. Heizel Lemus, a junior, stated, “ I watched the movie with my friends and it was scary which made it funny but the movie by itself was boring and I fell asleep.” Following Lemus's statement, Brinley Knapp, a junior, said, “It was good during the first half of the movie but then at the end they lost me. It was weird that the second movie had a different vibe and plot going on.”

 This movie does have good jumpscares and good acting to make you intrigued but besides all of that the plot does not quite work and does not fully connect with the first movie. Overall it was a successful movie and can be worth it for some who like supernatural and scary, or not if you liked the first one concept.

By: Emma Anguiano 

“Freaky Friday” has turned into a “Freakier Friday!” The classic movie “Freaky Friday,” which came out Aug. 6, 2003, has officially come out with a part two called Freakier Friday. Freakier Friday came out Aug. 8, 2025. The second part of the movie has almost the same story line as the original but with a little twist. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis have decided to make their comeback after 21 years and film the part two of Freakier Friday. The movie introduces three main characters which are Harper, played by Julia Butters, Lilly who is played by Sophia Hammons, and Eric Reyes who is played by Manny Jacinto.  Then we have Nisha Ganatra who directed the new “Freakier Friday” movie. The movie consists of Anna, Tess, Harper, and Lily switching bodies. Anna switched bodies with her daughter Harper, and Tess switched bodies with Lily. This stirs up commotion not only because they switched bodies, but Anna had her wedding coming up that weekend. Eric Reyes is her fiance, and Lily is Eric’s daughter. Lily and Harper had high tension when it came to them having to be future step-sisters. They believed that their parents weren't giving them a fair perspective when one parent wanted to move back to London, where Eric and Lily are originally from, or stay in California where Anna and Harper are originally from. This created hatred towards each other, because both wanted to live where they felt at home. This hatred is a remembrance of the first movie where in order for them to switch back into their original bodies, they needed to civilize with each other. Taft senior Isabela Manriquez said, “It made me laugh and I just felt like it showed girlhood and it was really nice to see.” The movie not only is produced for entertainment, but it also dives deeper into girlhood. Taft senior Natalie Acevedo said, “I think it really dove deep into the mother and daughter relationship and how they can start off rocky but eventually grow.” This is definitely a significant moment throughout the movie, but it also dives deeper into the idea that every hardship in a relationship is capable of fixing. The movie ended with everybody being put back into their original bodies and it ended with Anna getting married, and the step sisters were able to civilize with each other. Taft senior Jonathan Ramirez said, “The movie was good and it was cool being able to see a remake of the movie.” Although there are many opinions on which movie is preferred, the “Freakier Friday” movie was an exciting moment for those who really loved the first movie. It brought a nostalgic feeling to viewers and made fans excited for what was coming in the future.

By: Alauna Sherrod and Fintan O'Shea

As Taft cracks down on the importance of balancing school and sports, the hidden reliance of caffeine might just be the glue holding the two together, leaving us to remember that being human comes before both the student and the athlete. So, how do they keep up? Between early-morning conditioning and hours of homework that follows evening practices, student athletes often find themselves stretched too thin, with sleep becoming a luxury and focus begins to fade. Because of this, many students find themselves reaching for caffeinated beverages as an easy way to stay alert and get a boost of energy that sleep should be providing. At Taft, we offer 34 varsity sports including basketball, football, soccer, swimming - and those are just a few. However, something all of these sports have in common is the dedication of its players who sometimes spend hours before or after school for practices on top of the seven hour school day. According to Taft’s football senior running back and outside linebacker Abdel Kouk, “Since I have practice, I get home at like 7-7:30 but I have time to study and do my homework, but sometimes I procrastinate or will be too tired to study and will get to nervous to think about football and just focus on my tests more… it depends on your mindset.” It’s no secret that no two students learn the same, but the same also applies to athletes as you can’t expect everyone to have the same motivation. Kouk also stated that if he’s ever too tired before school, “Eating some food and drinking water brings my energy back, but I also see my teammates drinking RedBull, Monsters - but me personally I just drink water or Gatorade.” Similarly, Varsity Girls Softball coach Gregory Liske stated, “Part of the grind of athletics is learning how to balance academics and sports, learning good time management… grades are extremely important because not everyone is going to have a future in sports, but everyone will have a future in something.” This statement reminds us that although caffeine can get us through the moment, it is not a healthy long-term solution. Third in the city of Chicago, Varsity Senior Girls Golf team captain Sophia LeClair stated, “I think that I see a lot more girls drink energy drinks more casually on the team because we travel for games and we have to focus but especially for after the games too for like homework - we all have our own reasons for having them.” Given the student feedback, it’s clear that the consumption of caffeinated drinks has become very normalized in the Taft halls, with many students not realizing how much they’re consuming. In regards to our sports world, students may or may not use caffeine to keep up their performance of schoolwork. But for now, it looks like energy drinks are here to stay.

By: Penelope Shannon

Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty has quickly become one of the most popular topics between teens since it came out in 2022. It is a coming of age show based on a novel by Jenny Han that features love, heartbreak, friendship, summer, and the importance of family. Although this draws the viewer to watch, what really keeps them engaged is the love triangle between the main character Belly, and two brothers Conrad and Jermiah Fisher. Senior Olivia Kmiec said, “I think the debate is what makes the show. The fact that viewers get to watch the love story unfold and share their opinion on who Belly will pick really keeps you hooked.” The show gained even more traction when the second season came out in 2023 by fueling the debate on who Belly should pick. Viewers take their side very seriously. Conrad fans argue that he was her first love and Belly will pick him. While Jermiah fans often say that he is better for Belly because he was there when Conrad wasn't. The third season started airing on July 16, with new episodes out weekly. The weekly episodes help give in to that debate, giving viewers time between each episode to discuss how they felt and predict what happens next. Senior Alyssa Kalisz said, “I’ve been Team Conrad since season one, and these new episodes have definitely not changed that. Obviously Conrad messed up in the first season, but now watching these new episodes and watching more drama unfold between Belly and Jerimiah weekly, I've definitely made up my mind on who I want her to be with.” Senior Andrianna Bahry said, “I only just started watching the show but I'm definitely Team Jerimiah. I've heard enough about the show to know who the right option is.” The debate has made the show what it is today. It isn't just on who Belly should end up with, It's about what the viewers value most. They find what they like in Jermiah and Conrad, and they stick with it. These strong opinions keep fans deeply invested in the characters and their choices. It makes the show seem interactive and pulls viewers into conversations that go far past a screen. The Summer I Turned Pretty doesn't just succeed because of its vibe and storyline, it succeeds because it gives viewers something to really care about that will spark debate and always keep the questions rolling.

By: Alexa Loxas and Ryleigh Merced

 Pinterest has become one of the most beloved apps among kids in high school as of recent years. But lately people have been debating if the updates on Pinterest are hindering users from coming back to the app. Taft junior Nathaniel Ryba claimed, “I use it everyday multiple times a day.” Pinterest originated as a recipe and craft sharing app, but has evolved into a digital scrapbook. People can  share images of almost anything including fashion, photography, art, music, and various other topics of interest. People can virtually share pictures of any aesthetic and there is something for everyone to be engaged with. Anyone can use Pinterest to find inspiration for projects, home decor, outfits, etc. Those who use the app can organize these images into boards, and can make online collages of anything of interest. Users have noticed significant changes made to the app in the most recent update. Pinterest has added features intended to reduce the use of AI after an increase in AI generated posts as of recently.  Some students at Taft believe using AI is the opposite of what Pinterest was made for. They think that Pinterest intended use was for creatures to share ideas. Taft junior Addison Sarnowski claimed, “I hate the AI on Pinterest because Pinterest is supposed to be an app for art and creativity.” Users find the escalation in AI use on the app to be annoying and repetitive. The new features introduced to flag AI generated images will hopefully help the app to return to its original purpose, a place where people can be creative and expressive online. Another significant change that users have taken notice of is that the watch tab has been removed. The watch tab is a feature where you can scroll through endless videos from creators related to things they’ve shown interest in on the app. Users were appreciative of this detail because they could engage with posts in various formats. The option to upload posts in video form has helped to expand usage among teenagers. The disappearance of the watch tab in the most recent update has angered the dedicated enthusiasts. Taft junior Alexander Newberry protested, “We need the old Pinterest back.” He explained that the watch tab is an important attribute of the app and without it the experience is crucially less enjoyable. In conclusion either people love pinterest updates or they hate them. Pinterest's fans claim that its updates have become volatile. In some cases even ruining users' enjoyment. But in the end, it is up to Pinterest's corporation to make the final decisions of which changes stick and which changes will be adjusted in the future. 

By: Kateryna Hordieieva

The new horror movie Together came out on July 30 and has already become popular on all platforms, including Tik Tok. Nowadays, most teenagers  are drawn to horror and thriller genres, which are known for their suspenseful  and adrenaline included content. The movie itself is a supernatural horror made by Michael Shanks and stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie. The main characters , Franco and Brie,  are also dating in real life and also served as producers on the film to make the plot and acting more realistic and understandable for the viewers. A traumatizing love story is the main plot of the movie. Tim (Franco) and Millie (Brie) are going through some tense problems in their relationship and they decide to move to the countryside to fix everything. Then, they get lost in a dark forest and fall into a mysterious cave in which supernatural things start to encounter them and force them to physically stick to each other. Freshman Nadiia Mirus stated, “I would recommend this only to people who are okay with ‘body horror’, since the movie was pretty much disgusting.” Also, students liked the idea of mixing horror and romantic topics together. Mirus continued, “The idea is new,  and I think other filmmakers might use the way the movie mixes horror with romance.” Junior Karina Shchepanyak also spoke on the plot of the movie. “The movie wasn’t super scary but just seeing them morph into each other and the supernatural aspect of it made me kind of icky at times, but the idea of two lovers literally fusing together is incredible,” she said. Speaking of, “It’s not for everyone,” as Mirus stated, junior Sofiia Khopta said, “I didn’t really like the movie, I don’t enjoy films where the main characters are a couple and everything revolves around their relationship, but the idea and execution were pretty cool.” Together  combines elements of romance and horror, which seem like an unusual mix for some viewers. However, it offers a unique take on both genres. The film has received mixed reactions, with some appreciating the creative approach and others finding the combination unexpected. Overall, It’s a different kind of movie that stands out for its blend of love and suspense.

By: Angelis Goris

Ariana Grande is getting ready for her new tour, which fans have been eagerly waiting for all around the world. The tour is going to include songs from Grande’s most recently released album, “Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead.” Fans are excited to see her live performance taking place June 6, 2026 in Oakland, California. Grande’s performance is known for her vocal ability and stage presence. “I’ve never seen her live before, but I’ve seen videos online and the concerts look really fun,” said junior Zaira Carreto. In addition to her music career, Grande is to be starring in the upcoming movie “Wicked: For Good,” a sequel to part one of the popular Broadway musical’s adaptation. She is expected to star as Glinda The Good. “Wicked” is a story inspired by the well-known movie “The Wizard of Oz.” It explains the perspective and backstory of the “Wicked Witch of the West.” Grande having such a big role in a highly anticipated movie did cause some problems throughout the internet. Many fans were excited to see her take on Glinda, while others doubted that it was a good idea to have a pop star as the face of a popular character such as Glinda. “I think many people don’t know that she started off her career in musical theater,” said junior Sabrina Cardozo. “I think that her playing Glinda will be good because of her experience and vocal range, so it can add more to the fictional character.” Grande has a very busy schedule, balancing her acting, music, and makeup company. Many fans are wondering if Grande will continue her music career after “Wicked 2.” “She is going on tour and starring in a movie at the same time,” said junior Shailese Lebron. “If she doesn’t continue her musical career, I wouldn’t be surprised. That seems like a lot to handle for someone so young.” With the tour beginning in 2026 and “Wicked 2” in November, fans are getting impatient to see what’s next for the hard-working pop star.

By: Magdalena Gonzalez-Solorzano and Marta Radacina

Horror movies often mix fear with bigger ideas, such as faith, family, and survival. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” follows the path, bringing the Warrens' story to an end, with a bittersweet and chilling tale that's as touching as it is terrifying. And now that the spooky season is here it's the perfect time to go out with your loved ones and to challenge yourself to a spooky movie, like the conjuring’s final chapter. Taft sophomore Valerie Sepulveda said, “Judy's involvement was really for the benefit of the Warrens' family…It's like she reminds them what they are fighting for... Sepulveda also said that from the start of their relationship, themes of faith are seen together with darkness. Sepulveda stated there is also a strong family bond as the source of strength for good, as well as the achievement over evil in general. “With Last Rites, I get the impression that it's more than just eerie. But this will make a really touching farewell for Ed and Lorraine,” Sepulveda added. She continued by saying that, “I would not go watch it again because it kind of scared me.”  “It's just not something that I would reach out for again, just because I don't feel safe watching movies like these,” she added. Taft senior Amy Mirana said, “The film focuses on themes of faith, the strength of family.” “Judy plays a bigger part in this story, and her involvement shifts how Ed and Lorraine balance their work with protecting their family,” she added. She continued by saying, “Overall this movie was worth watching and I loved every second of it.” Moving on to senior Jester Legrosa, “I really enjoyed the movie.” He continued by saying, “It was a little bit scary since my friends were playing around and trying to scare me during the movie.” He also added,“I think this movie was worth watching since it's the spooky season… I think you should all take the risk and go watch it at night and with your friends, to make the experience more scary.” Lagrosa continued by saying, “I would love to go watch it again, but this time I would wanna go watch it in a 4D theater…I think it would make the experience more funny since the chairs give you the effect of moving and sometimes feeling stuff too.” In conclusion there were a lot of mixed feelings about this last film in the conjuring franchise of the conjuring. This movie has a powerful and haunting conclusion to Warren's supernatural journey. Blending terror, emotion, faith, it explores confronting evil while enduring their love and strength of being a family.