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Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Top 5: Godzilla films

Top 5: Godzilla films

Unveiling the true King of the Monsters: Which Godzilla film reigns over the franchise's 70-year film history
Bryce Hickman, Staff Writer
Apr 11, 2024

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the King of Monsters. Since first laying waste to Tokyo in 1954, the grandfather of kaiju has been featured in 38 films, with the latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” hitting theaters on April...

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Mascot Madness: Round one

Mascot Madness: Round one

What if the NCAA March Madness Champion was determined not by athletes on the hardwood but mascots battling it out?
Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter
Mar 21, 2024

Welcome to the wild world of March Madness, where the energy is unrivaled, brackets are broken and upsets are the stuff of legend. As fans gear up for the thrilling 68-team NCAA championship tournament, we're reminded that victory demands more than just skill on the court—it requires grit, resilience,...

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Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Top 5: Fast food fails

Carter Hull, Staff Writer
Mar 1, 2024

My fellow fast food aficionados know that for every McRib and every Pumpkin Spice Latte, every delectable and delicious “limited-time-only” menu item, fast food chains have an untold number of culinary calamities.   In a world where innovation meets indulgence, there’s bound to be a few slip-ups...

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Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Top 5: Iconic teen films

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer
Feb 28, 2024

There is a reason that page-to-screen adaptations of book’s like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and modernized, musicified reimaginings of “Mean Girls” are all the rage in Hollywood. There is no question why: adolescent angst, first loves and unforgettable coming-of-age moments make...

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Top 5: Twitch streamers

Top 5: Twitch streamers

Brody Roberts, Staff Writer
Feb 23, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of online entertainment, one platform has emerged as a powerhouse, a beacon of creativity, interactivity and community: Twitch.  Launched in 2011, Twitch has rapidly become the premier destination for live streaming, captivating millions with its diverse content and engaging...

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Top 5 Disney sidekicks

Top 5 Disney sidekicks

Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter
Feb 13, 2024

Everyone needs someone to help them navigate life’s trials and tribulations: a trusty companion, a sidekick, a wingman… Think of them as the unsung heroes behind the scenes, offering sage advice, comic relief or simply a shoulder to lean on when times get tough.  Batman has Robin. Spongebob has...

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The case for a gymnasium rebranding

The case for a gymnasium rebranding

Why it is time to reforge the East gym's identity
Zachary Knox-Doyle, Senior Staff Reporter
Feb 2, 2024

When Normal High laced up their cleats, preparing to take to the gridiron against Bloomington, the nineteen-man football roster had no idea they’d become a part of local lore, that the annual Intercity contest would one day be the stuff of legend.  On that fall Saturday, October 27, 1934, only...

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Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances

Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief
Jan 30, 2024

Cue the merch sales. The TikToks. The predictions. For weeks every January, thousands of dancers are buzzing about the pinnacle of the collegiate dance season: the Universal Dance Association’s national competition in Orlando, Florida.   Like any other high-profile sporting event, big names...

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Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Going to the mat for pro wrestling

Wrestling's real entertainment value
Brantley Dumas II, Senior Staff Reporter
Jan 26, 2024

Few phrases have echoed louder in the ears of wrestling enthusiasts than “Wrestling is fake.” It’s a statement more haunting than The Undertaker, one that casts just as large of a shadow over the world of professional wrestling. Professional wrestling has consistently captivated audiences of...

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Screen grab via @Alittlemanyu_ on Instagram

Social media switch: Inkspot’s Top 10 social media picks to sooth your stress

From cute critters to culinary adventures, the Inkspot staff shares their favorite uplifting social media accounts
Zachary Knox-Doyle, Senior Staff Reporter
Jan 24, 2024

TikTok.  Instagram. Snapchat. YouTube.  Despite growing concerns over social media’s effect on teen mental health, a new Pew Research Center survey reveals adolescents won’t be deleting their accounts anytime soon.   17% of teens surveyed described their social media use as “almost...

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Top 5 Fictional Bands

Top 5 Fictional Bands

Mr. Bovenkerk reveals his top five faux bands that really rock
Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Jan 19, 2024

When the red carpet rolled out for the 75th Emmy Awards on Jan. 15, television’s best were recognized for their outstanding work. Among the nominees stealing the spotlight were the cast and crew behind the sensational Amazon original series “Daisy Jones and the Six.” Ahead of the award ceremony,...

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Lost in translation: Dishing on the double talk mistakes even Miles Morales makes

Lost in translation: Dishing on the double talk mistakes even Miles Morales makes

Pranathi Ganti takes a bite-sized look at language
Pranathi Ganti, Staff Writer
Dec 9, 2023

When “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” recently hit Netflix, the movie recaptured the hearts of audiences across the world as it took strides for diversity. Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy—the franchise’s first Black-Latino and female Spider-Mans—marked monumental moments for the industry. Yet,...

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Digital Illustration // Brad Bovenkerk
Acorn Image // College Board

Florida’s threats to AP Psychology should scare you—but don’t let them psych you out

Abby Ruebush, Editor-in-Chief
Nov 14, 2023

Ever wonder what high school courses Wednesday Addams or Miles Morales would take?  That’s the premise behind College Board’s new social media campaign. Amidst posts on financial aid and SAT practice problems, fictional characters are now the subject of an inquiry: What Advanced Placement...

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The Inkspot endorses the referendum on Nov. 8s ballot. Vote yes, vote for students futures.

Staff Opinion: Inkspot endorses Unit 5 referendum

Inkspot Editorial Board
Nov 5, 2022

The Inkspot staff strongly endorses the Unit 5 tax referendum, firmly believing it is every citizen’s civic duty to vote yes. If passed, the referendum would increase Unit 5’s Education Fund tax rate while simultaneously lowering the district’s overall tax rate -- saving taxpayers money and...

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Picture of dancing crowd at music concert festival

Opinion: After festival tragedy, Travis Scott must be held accountable

Travis Scott isn't known for calm, cool, and collected concert performances. His headlining appearances make headlines. In 2015, the Houston rapper encouraged Chicago's Lollapalooza audience to climb over security barriers and storm the stage.  In 2017, after encouraging fans to bypass concert...

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