The Up-Beat – Comebacks: ‘Stranger Things,’ Bears wins, Animal Crossing updates

S.3, Ep. 2

Nico Salvati, Olivia Lively and Rex Rowley • Jan 15, 2026

Nico Salvati, Liv Lively and Rex Rowley share what is making them happy this week in the second episode of “The Up-Beat,” talking “Stranger Things,” the Chicago Bears and the “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” update.

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About the Contributors

Nico Salvati, Staff Writer

Nico Salvati is a junior at Normal Community High School. He is involved in baseball and football. This is his first year on the Inkspot staff, where he works as a staff writer.

On the weekends, I enjoy hanging out with friends and watching football. My favorite film is “Grown-Ups.”

Olivia Lively, Staff Writer

Olivia Lively is a junior at Normal Community High School. She is involved in book club, feminism club and Best Buddies. This is her first year in journalism, and she works as a staff writer. A book that moved me is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. My favorite film is “Grease.” My biggest pet peeve is people who don’t use their blinker.

Rex Rowley, Staff Writer

Rex Rowley is a junior at Normal Community High School. He is involved in cross country, choir and orchestra. This is his first year on the Inkspot staff, where he works as a staff writer. On the weekend, I enjoy spending time with family and spending time outside. A random fact about me: I have been to 48 of the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. My all-time dream would be to go to and hike in every national park.