BNN Archive

You heard that right folks, MSD19 is putting their want for education before the safety of their students. Here's a little insight on that. Recently, the Midwest was hit hard by a winter storm that caused a lot of ice to form on the roads, making it dangerous to be out driving. Local authorities warned people to stay home unless it was absolutely necessary, and as a result, many nearby schools, including O'Fallon, Belleville, and Lebanon, decided to cancel school or switch to e-learning for Wednesday. Now, here’s where it gets frustrating. Mascoutah School District (MSD19) had already canceled school for Monday and Tuesday due to the storm. But even though the roads are still dangerous and expected to refreeze, MSD19 plans to have in-person classes on Wednesday. It doesn’t make sense, right? Other schools around us are prioritizing safety, but Mascoutah seems to be pushing forward with their regular schedule—ignoring the fact that it’s still unsafe to be out on the roads. I’m honestly concerned because I know how much of a risk it is for students, staff, and families to be out there when conditions aren’t safe.

This week, we’ve brewed up some hot discussions around our beloved coffee barAs you may have noticed, our beloved cold coffee has jumped from $2 to an eye-watering $3. In contrast, hot coffee and hot chocolate remain at a steady $2. This price disparity has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among students who rely on their morning caffeine fix to power through classes.Students are not holding back their feelings. An anonymous student said, “It doesn’t make sense that cold coffee costs more when the hot drinks are the same price. Are we being penalized for enjoying ice in our coffee?” Others have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that with the increase coming during a time when many families are feeling the pinch of rising costs elsewhere, it feels particularly unfair. This price adjustment comes against a backdrop of rising inflation affecting nearly every aspect of our daily lives. According to recent reports, the Consumer Price Index for food and beverages has risen significantly over the past year, largely due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased transportation costs. Even the iconic coffee bean has not been spared; prices have surged due to adverse weather conditions in key coffee-producing regions. However, many students argue that the coffee bar, a staple of school life, should remain accessible and affordable. “We’re already seeing increased costs for lunch and other necessities. This just feels like an unnecessary burden”. Adding to the concern is the observation that energy drinks, such as an 8oz Red Bull, NOS, and Monster Energy, are now cheaper than our cold coffee. An 8oz Red Bull costs around $2.50, while a Monster or NOS often falls below that. This alarming trend could lead students to opt for these sugary, caffeinated alternatives that pose health risks, rather than a more balanced choice like cold coffee. An MHS senior said, “It’s unsettling that I could buy an energy drink that’s known for being unhealthy for less than a cold coffee,” 

With the possible upcoming ban of TikTok, it feels like we’re on the brink of losing a chapter of our lives that has shaped who we are today. It’s not just about the videos or the trends, but the connections, the laughter, and the moments that have kept us entertained, grounded, and inspired for the last several years. Before we face the unknown, let’s take a step back and reflect on how TikTok transformed our lives, our world, and our hearts.

Let’s cover everything—the trends, the memories, and the impact TikTok has had from 2018 to now—and remember why it’s so hard to imagine a world without it.

2018 – The Spark That Lit the Fire

In 2018, TikTok was just a curious new app, born from the ashes of Musical.ly. We saw something special take shape, a place where creativity knew no boundaries. The #InMyFeelingsChallenge took over our screens, with people dancing in streets, parking lots, and even on rooftops. It wasn’t just a viral moment; it was a declaration of freedom. It was the beginning of something we had never experienced before.

Those early days brought us lip-syncing videos, vibrant memes, and the very first signs that TikTok was something far beyond a casual trend. It was an entire community, one that celebrated individuality and connected people from all walks of life.

2019 – Going Viral, Finding Fame

By 2019, TikTok wasn’t just a fun diversion—it was a force to be reckoned with. The #Renegade dance took over the world, and we witnessed the meteoric rise of creators like Charli D’Amelio, whose viral dance videos turned her into a household name. This was when we saw #VSCOgirls and #Egirl trends, complete with oversized scrunchies, Hydro Flasks, and quirky memes. The creative energy on TikTok was electric, and it felt like anything was possible.

TikTok was more than just a platform; it was a place where people from every corner of the world came together to share a laugh, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger.

2020 – A Lifeline in the Dark

Then came 2020, and the world changed. The pandemic hit hard, locking us all in our homes, isolated and uncertain about what the future held. But TikTok became our refuge. It was more than just entertainment—it was a lifeline. The #BlindingLightsChallenge brought us together, even when we were physically apart. We saw people cooking, cleaning, sharing life hacks, and making each other laugh with hilarious skits about lockdown life.

TikTok didn’t just keep us entertained—it kept us connected during a time when connection seemed impossible. It gave us something to hold onto, a reason to smile, even when the world around us felt like it was falling apart.

2021 – Creativity at Its Peak

By 2021, TikTok had become a cultural powerhouse. We saw the rise of #BookTok, where readers bonded over favorite novels, discovering new stories and recommending books. #Cottagecore swept across the globe, with people embracing simple living, nature, and aesthetic beauty. And TikTok influencers were no longer just internet personalities—they were shaping the cultural zeitgeist.

But it wasn’t just about trends. TikTok had evolved into a platform where people could share their truths, push boundaries, and advocate for change. In a time of social unrest, activists used TikTok to educate, organize, and amplify their voices. It became a tool for good, a space to raise awareness about important issues.

2022 & 2023 – The Golden Years of TikTok

In 2022, TikTok hit a new high. We saw #GlowUpChallenges, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, and the continuation of viral dances that kept us moving. But perhaps more than that, we saw people become more authentic, more vulnerable, and more real than ever before. TikTok wasn’t just about having fun—it became a space to share our struggles, our triumphs, and our dreams.

And in 2023, TikTok became more than a platform—it was a movement. It was a platform where people could showcase their creativity in ways we never thought possible. From #TransitionVideos to #TikTokFood, to creators sharing their mental health journeys, TikTok was a window into the heart and soul of millions. It was where we found joy, inspiration, and comfort during uncertain times. It was more than just an app—it was a family.

2024 – A Glimmer of Hope: Trump’s Possible Intervention

But now, as 2025 looms on the horizon, we face the possibility of the TikTok ban becoming a reality. The emotional weight of this is heavy. TikTok has been our source of joy, community, and expression for years, and the thought of losing it is almost unbearable. Yet, amidst the fear, there is a flicker of hope.

Former President Donald Trump, whose administration first raised the possibility of a TikTok ban, might just be the unlikely savior we never knew we needed. Some have speculated that his return to the political spotlight could help to overturn the ban, potentially saving TikTok and all the incredible memories we’ve built. Could he save us again? It’s a long shot, but in these unpredictable times, the future is never certain.

If Trump steps in, there’s a chance that the very platform that has brought so much joy to so many of us might survive. We might just get another shot at continuing to share our lives, our stories, and our laughter.

The Heartbreak of Losing TikTok

The looming ban is about more than just videos and trends. It’s about the community we’ve built. The friendships we’ve made. The moments we’ve shared. It’s about all the times we laughed until we cried at a funny skit or felt deeply moved by someone’s story. It’s about the dances we’ve done together, even when we were worlds apart. It’s about the creators who poured their hearts into their content, the small businesses that found new customers, the artists who discovered new opportunities.

It’s about connection, and the very real fear that we might lose that. TikTok has been our heartbeat, and without it, something precious will be gone.

What’s Next?

No matter what happens, one thing is clear: we’ve created something extraordinary. We’ve created a world where creativity, humor, and vulnerability can flourish. And even if TikTok is no more, we will find ways to keep that spirit alive.

The future may be uncertain, but the memories we’ve made will live on. The connections, the laughter, the joy will never fade. TikTok might be more than just an app—it’s a testament to the power of human creativity, and nothing can take that away from us.

Let’s hold onto the hope that somehow, we’ll keep dancing, laughing, and creating. Whether it’s on TikTok or somewhere else, the magic we’ve built will never disappear.

Today we at Bruggy Dee wanted to address a pressing issue that many students encountered during the recent ACT Practice exam. The experience left many feeling outraged and confused, particularly regarding the reading, math, and science sections. One of the most bewildering moments came from the math section, where students were met with a question that read, “If the wagon is red, then it is painted.” This abstract logical reasoning felt completely out of place in a section where students expected to apply algebraic skills, geometry, or basic trigonometry. Many felt that they had been trained to solve equations, not decipher odd statements about wagons. As a result, frustration mounted, with some students even giving up mid-test or falling asleep at their desks. The challenges didn’t end with math. In the reading section, students were confronted with dense passages that often involved complex themes or vocabulary that had not been thoroughly covered in class. Many questions left many feeling lost and unprepared. Similarly, the science section contained questions that many students hadn’t encountered in their previous coursework, leading to a collective sense of overwhelm. As we reflect on this experience, it’s clear that our education should align more closely with standardized testing expectations. The disconnect between what is taught in our classrooms and what is tested on the ACT is significant. The frustration expressed by our peers highlights the need for better preparation and support. We encourage students to voice their experiences and insights to teachers and administrators. By sharing our concerns, we can work together to advocate for a curriculum that better prepares us for the realities of standardized testing. Let's unite in our efforts to ensure future MHS students feel confident and equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.

The beginning of second semester means many new things for students. Here at BDES, it means that we need to get back to providing everyone with updates. and at Mascoutah High School, this means the beginning of something new and never seen before: E-Sports! I know that a lot of people tend to see E-Sports as a thing to stay away from, especially with games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Valorant. I think it's a good thing that most schools wouldn't let you participate in those E-Sports games. But what you can compete in is certainly leagues better than everything listed above.