Kaneland Krier Volume 51 Issue 1

KANELAND

KR ER THE AMERICAN GAME Exploring the costly realities of life in the United States

Volume 51 • Issue 1 • Kaneland High School • September 26, 2024 • Cover by Sarah Slattery

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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News

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Sports and Activities

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Feature

10

Profile

14

Lifestyle

15

Editorial

16

Opinion

18

Advice

LETTER FROM THE EXECS As seniors in high school, we are constantly thinking about how our future will play out before us. It’s hard to stay optimistic, though, when we know we’re entering adulthood during an increasingly expensive and divided time in America. We’ve begun to realize the barriers that exist to keep us from the lives of our parents and grandparents, and it’s discouraging. Despite adversity, though, we’re prepared to play the game to win.

Sophie Thill

Audrey Walker

Sophie Ponce de Leon

Sarah Slattery

Carli Filek

Jasper Paulson

Nate Sand

Zoe Gannon

News | September 26, 2024

HOMEROOM NEW CELL PHONE POLICY Kaneland students now required to put phones and headphones CHANGES away during class

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BY EDITOR CLARA SAROS

he 2024-25 school year brought many changes, including those to the homeroom system. Third period homeroom has been a mandatory class for all students since the program began in the 2022-23 school year. The program is meant to help students academically, socially and emotionally and to assist them with their college and career readiness.

“I guess it’s just the break that it gives everybody in the day to kind of take a deep breath and make sure their day is in order,” social studies teacher Jessica McNally said.

The Kaneland administration has changed the homeroom system each year to allow the class to fit the needs of both students and staff. This year’s changes included almost all students and staff members being moved to a different homeroom group. This differs from the initial plan to keep the same homeroom classes throughout high school in order to build community.

Assistant Principal of Student Services Larry King said the changes were based on student and staff responses from surveys that were conducted in the spring of the 2023-24 school year.

“The groups were adjusted in order to balance each grade level equally,” King said.

Students use homeroom in many different ways. Some use it to complete homework, work with teachers, prepare for their next class or take a moment to relax and mentally reset.

Students can also move to other classrooms and get help from teachers each day of the week, unlike last year when movement was not permitted on Mondays. Lessons that involve college and career advice, tips on how to get a job and presentations related to social-emotional health will be held in the auditorium once a month for each grade level.

Some students find the class to be more helpful than others. Despite it having many intended benefits, for some it is not worth the extra 30 minutes in school each day.

“I guess it’s helpful to have it for people who don’t have a study hall, but I have a study hall right after [homeroom], so it is just not the most helpful thing,” junior Aiden Ross said.

Page design by Olivia Krasuski

BY ISA ALBA

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Podcast Manager

he Kaneland Board of Education and participatory in the classroom. implemented a new cell phone “The hope is to increase student policy in the high school starting achievement because of the more enwith the 2024-25 school year for stu- gaging classroom,” Assistant Principal dents throughout the school day. of Curriculum and Instruction Brian Students’ cell phones must now Kowalski said. go in each classroom’s phone pocket By being engaged and proactive for the majority of each class period. about assignments and upcoming Additionally, AirPods and headphones tests, students are able to more effecare meant to stay in backpacks and out tively prepare for class and increase of ears. their possibility The policy of earning better for the phones grades. and AirPods was Many teachers passed prior to the have liked the new 2024-25 school policy because it year in a public has helped their board meeting students pay atand is meant to tention throughhelp students stay out class. focused through“The overall out class. response from the “It is my unteachers has been derstanding that very positive, that the phone pockets the students are hold the students’ more engaged phones until it is and less distractan allowed time for ed,” Kowalski said. phone use,” KaneIn some land High School classes, howevguidance couner, teachers utiselor Anne Kuntz lize phones to aid said. “They are a student learning, simple tool to help and they have had Photo by Isa Alba a teacher manage to adapt to this the classroom en- A student puts their phone in a pocket change. In Adwhere it will stay for the majority of their vironment.” vanced Placement class. All classrooms are equipped with The students’ cell phone pockets to hold students’ phones. Art and Design, opinions about the for example, stupockets have been mixed. dents regularly use their phones to “I think the pockets help students take photos of their work to document pay attention and get their work done, their progress. but it also makes students upset that Even when the phone pocket polthey no longer have the freedom icy wasn’t mandated, some teachers of being able to quickly check their used them to encourage responsibility phone for the time or text their parents and help students concentrate in class. or friends,” senior Ava Lange said.

The foreign language department has Lange explained that the phone utilized the pockets in prior years. pockets can take away students’ “I have had my students put their choice of whether or not to be en- phones in the pockets for several gaged, which can be hard to adapt to. years, but now that the whole school The Board is aiming to help stu- is following this policy there is less of dents put their full effort into their an argument from the students to folclasswork and assignments, as well as low the rule,” Spanish teacher Michelle to encourage them to be more present Jurcenko said.

News

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News | September 26, 2024

GOOGLE FOUND GUILTY OF MONOPOLY

How Google is maintaining a monopoly on search engines

BY SOPHIE PONCE DE LEON

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Co-Editor-in-Chief of Print and Co-Copy Editor

n Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia Amit Mehta ruled that in U.S. et al. v. Google, Google has been illegally exploiting its search engine to defeat competition and stifle innovation.

According to the Associated Press, Mehta wrote in his 277-page ruling, “After having carefully considered and weighed the witness testimony and evidence, the court reached the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.”

Mehta determined that Google violated Section Two of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Section Two states that it’s unlawful to monopolize a company, and an antitrust law regulates and encourages competition by limiting power from any given firm.

The case started as a nineweek bench trial beginning in Sept. 2023 and had closing statements in May 2024. It wasn’t until Aug. 5 that Mehta gave the final ruling.

However, this isn’t the first time there have been problems with Google.

According to an article by law firm Goodwin Law, “The case was initially brought in 2020 when the U.S. Department of Justice and nearly every state’s attorney general sued Google, alleging that it unlawfully uses distribution agreements to stifle competition and

maintain its monopoly position in multiple markets relating to online search and advertising.”

Google is one of the oldest and most essential search engines in modern society. Tens of billions of dollars have been spent by Google to keep it as the leading search engine for worldwide users on phones, computers and tablets.

“Specifically, Google’s exclusive deals with Apple and other key players

“Yes. When I think of a search engine, Google is the one that comes to mind. It’s kind of taken over the market.”

- junior Kailey Kunstman

“Yes. Google has put other companies, like Yahoo, out of business, and no one uses Bing.”

- sophomore Owen Stoddard

in the mobile ecosystem were anti-competitive,” Mehta said in a CNN interview. “Google has also charged high prices in search advertising that reflect its monopoly power.”

The exclusive deals made with companies like Apple and Samsung were illegal. Google paid those companies to handle search questions on any web browser automatically.

Ruling Google as a monopoly has changed the business industry and showed the true amount of power that

BigTech has. BigTech is composed of the world’s largest information technology (IT) companies. These companies are known for using massive amounts of personal and business information and processing it for targeted advertising to generate revenue. “[This] is likely to influence other government antitrust lawsuits against Google, Apple, Amazon and Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp,” according to an article by writer David McCabe from the New York Times. “The last significant antitrust ruling against a tech company targeted Microsoft more than two decades ago.”

Google is one of many companies that have had this type of ruling and case against them.

But, as one of the biggest compaGrap hic b y Sa nies in the rah S latte ry world, this case hurts more than their public image.

“The decision is a major blow to Google, which was built on its search engine and has become so closely associated with online search that its name has become a verb,” according to McCabe. “The ruling could have major ramifications for Google’s success, especially as the company spends heavily to compete in the race over artificial intelligence.”

Google is facing another federal antitrust case, this time over advertising technology. The trial started on Sept. 9 in Virginia, and it will not have a jury as a result of a Google payout.

DO YOU THINK GOOGLE IS A MONOPOLY?

4 News

“No, they’re not a monopoly because there are other [alternatives] to choose from, and there’s no barrier to entry for other search engines.”

- CTE teacher Renee Grisch

Page design by Olivia Cotter and Sarah Slattery

News | September 26, 2024

SUGAR GROVE BOARD VOTES YES TO TIF Despite local opposition, Village Board approves Crown development with just two dissenting votes

BY CARLI FILEK

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Social Media Executive

n Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Sugar Grove Village Board voted to approve the annexation, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and development agreements for Crown Community’s 760-acre development project, located at the interchange of Rt. 47 and I-88.

The development project will feature industrial, retail and office spaces, in addition to a town center and residential areas.

“The development incorporates land uses that the village wants and needs,” Sugar Grove Village President Jennifer Konen said. “We need more residents to help attract the commercial restaurants and shopping. We also need large property taxpayers for the schools and other taxing bodies.”

Before the vote, public comment lasted for an hour, with all speakers opposing the development and urging trustees to vote no. The development has faced significant opposition from both Sugar Grove residents and those living in unincorporated areas. A major point of contention has been the TIF and its potential impact on taxing bodies, like the fire and school districts.

A TIF district freezes current property tax revenues for a set period, which is typically 23 years. As property values rise within the district due to development, any increase in tax revenue is diverted to a special fund to reimburse Crown for infrastructure and development costs. According to Crown, without the financial support provided by the TIF, the project would not be financially feasible.

Two trustees voted against the annexation, TIF proposal and the development agreement. Konen and the four other trustees all voted in favor.

Trustee Heidi Lendi, one of the two who opposed the plan, said her decision was influenced by her knowledge as an architect, feedback from the community and her research on the TIF statute.

“I was a little surprised by the total vote,” Lendi said. “I suspected the proposal would pass, but I didn’t think it would be by the margins that it did.”

Despite her opposition, Lendi ex-

Photo by Carli Filek

Citizens of Sugar Grove and surrounding towns gather at the Sugar Grove Village Board meeting to hear the Board’s decision on whether or not approve the Crown development project. The Board approved the development with a 5-2 vote.

pressed hope for the development’s success and promised to continue listening to the community’s concerns.

“I will do what I can to address any issues that arise as the development progresses,” Lendi said.

Now that the annexation and TIF have been approved, the next steps are for the development to begin.

“The developer will need to start working on the engineering in preparation for a permit from the Village,” Konen said. “I would guess that the developer is looking to start mass grading on the south side of the tollway in the spring.”

Konen emphasized the benefits the development will bring to Sugar Grove, noting that the TIF would allow for the expansion of village utilities, which in turn will make it possible for the property to develop.

“The development will provide additional revenue to the village by way of sales tax, utility taxes and income taxes,” Konen said.

Despite these commitments, concerns from residents about the impact on taxing bodies and traffic remain.

Blackberry Township resident Jaden Chada, who lives near the north side of the development, is strongly opposed to the project, especially the TIF, and has been vocal about his opposition to it.

“Crown should have had to pay their own way,” Chada said. “And if they do need assistance, like a TIF, they should have asked the public and put

Page design by Olivia Cotter and Sarah Slattery

it to a referendum.”

Konen explained that there will be revenue generated for all of the taxing bodies over the life of the TIF. The village put in place impact fees for most local taxing bodies and agreed to set aside 10% of the TIF funds as surplus each year.

“Over the course of 20 years, that will be roughly $37 million shared among all taxing bodies,” Konen said.

Regarding traffic concerns related to the development and construction, Konen acknowledged that increased traffic would lead to the need for improved road safety, including the addition of traffic signals and turn lanes, which will ultimately slow down speeds in the area.

To maintain transparency and ensure the project adheres to the original plans, Konen assured that all work will be carefully monitored.

“The developer must permit all work, and they will work with staff on all their submissions to ensure all development is compliant,” Konen said.

Konen also noted that the village will use its website, social media and water bills to keep residents informed of progress and address any concerns as the development progresses.

Thoughtful Progress Inc., a group opposing the development, is gathering signatures to place the annexation on a referendum. This would allow Sugar Grove residents to vote on the issue in the April 2025 election.

(Last updated September 16).

News

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Sports & Activities | September 26, 2024

KANELAND HIGH SCHOOL’S TRACK CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

BY ZOE GANNON

Co-Sports & Activities Executive and Cartoon Manager

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he track at Kaneland High School has been under construction since July 1 when Aurora’s Abbey Construction Company, Inc., the company handling the track’s restoration, began demolition. The track has been completely torn up from its old, cracked previous state and will be rebuilt into a smoother and wider track that athletes can feel safe on.

“We knew it had deteriorated,” head boys track and field coach Andy Drendel said. “It was rock hard. The track was pretty much down to almost an asphalt base. The amount of injuries that we were seeing that were nontrack related...was tenfold.”

Increases in injuries such as hip flexors and anything in the pelvic area were happening due to the solid asphalt. Drendel and other track coaches tried their best to prevent injuries from happening by keeping distance runners on the grass and having the team stretch thoroughly, but the state of the

track was too much to bear.

“Mainly because it would be like running on the surface in the gym,” Drendel said. “Your knees are going to start hurting. Now imagine doing that every day. The wear and tear injuries were definitely going up, especially the last couple years.”

Originally, the plan was to rebuild the track from the clay layer, but unfortunately, the base was in bad shape.

“When we got into the track, we found that the base layer was not as stable and not in as good of a condition as we had hoped, so they had to do a lot of work at that very base level,” Athletic & Activities Director David Rohlman said.

By working on the base layer and solidifying it with large stones, the track will be stable for 30 plus years, and the athletes who use it will be more protected from potential injuries.

With this project’s size came many expenses. The total bid from Abbey Construction Company, Inc. for the track improvements was $912,371.62, which included a 5% contingency al-

lowance for unprecedented issues that could arise. Three factors - deterioration levels, additional substrate materials and the poor weather conditions that affected the clay base - all contributed to the need for a change order.

Additional work and added costs were necessary for the track’s repair, so the contingency allowance was used.

Not only has the track been rebuilt, but there will also be six dual purpose long jump and triple jump runways, moved pole vault runways and a moved high jump apron so it can be connected directly to the track.

There will also be two lanes added to the home stretch, which will bring the track to a total of nine lanes for the 100-meter stretch.

With a new and improved track, athletes will be able to comfortably and safely practice while also being able to welcome other schools with pride. “[Having better facilities] makes teams better and our record better. It positively affects the athletes,” junior track athlete Luke Gadomski said.

Kaneland, but he played during high school.

“With any sport, you practice with your teammates multiple days a week for several months,” Fuller said. “That extended amount of time together will naturally bring you close. Seeing your teammates every weekday will only grow that bond. I think that constant schedule is what separates sports from the bonds you make with other friends outside of extracurriculars.”

In school sports, athletes usually spend at least 10 hours a week together during their season. Generally, they spend even more time than that together. Throughout those times, they build camaraderie and push each other to grow, which doesn’t happen as naturally outside of sports.

For a lot of athletes, their best friends are the people that they play or have played sports with. Kaneland junior and varsity soccer player Noah McKittrick has had very similar experiences.

“I think sports bring people together in the aspect of being friends, but also to constantly compete with

each other,” McKittrick said. “The constant friendly competition and pushing each other to be better benefits both people. Outside of sports, you can’t really get that competitive aspect, and you don’t normally push your friend to be better if you don’t play a sport together.”

However, teammates aren’t the only people who push an athlete. Athletes are driven to improve by their family, friends, opponents and coaches. The relationships between athletes and coaches are crucial to a team or individual’s success. On top of that, athletes and coaches can form some pretty amazing relationships. The coach of the Kaneland varsity boys basketball team, Ernie Colombe, has plenty of experience with forming relationships with athletes through his time coaching.

“Coaches and players both have to work hard and make sacrifices for the team to have success,” Colombe said. “Players and coaches can benefit from being a part of teams that are committed to a common goal. The rewards are great and can last a lifetime.”

HOW ATHLETICS CAN UNITE THE COMMUNITY AROUND US

BY EVAN WHILDIN

I

Editor and Broadcaster

n a country with such a political divide, it’s often difficult for Americans to find common ground. Throughout the nation’s history, however, one thing that has always brought citizens together is sports.

The bonds that people create through sports, whether it’s watching, coaching or playing, are truly unlike any other. A perfect example of how sports unite people is the Olympics.

People from all over the world come together, despite all the conflict and tragedy resulting from wars in places like Ukraine and Gaza. The world can unite to celebrate these athletes and their accomplishments for something bigger than just a competition. While teammates work together to improve as athletes and as a team, they also can often develop lifelong friendships.

Kaneland High School teacher and football coach James Fuller has plenty of experience in the world of sports.

Not only does he coach football at

6 Sports & Activities

Page design by Bobby Leavey

Sports & Activities | September 26, 2024

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE FALL PLAY

Kaneland High School’s fall play Radium Girls debuts in late October

BY SOPHIA SCHROLL

K

Editor and Social Media Manager

aneland High School’s theater department will produce D.W. Gregory’s fast moving, highly theatrical two-act play Radium Girls from Oct. 26-28.

Radium Girls, which takes place in 1926, follows the story about women and men who worked for the U.S. Radium Corporation in Orange, N.J. The play was originally written with nine roles but slowly turned into a 38-person cast on Broadway.

Kaneland students auditioned on Aug. 29 in order for Theater Director Rachel Giles-Bachman and Assistant

Photo by Sophia Schroll

Juniors Dino Piemonte and Idrees Ali audition for the fall play, Radium Girls. Auditions took place in the high school auditorium.

Director Christina Staker to determine the cast before the production began on Sept. 3.

“We do have an idea of who we have before we decide on a show, but we are also surprised when we audition,” Giles-Bachman said.

The beginning of the process includes everything from the excitement of finding out what the play is to the nerves before auditioning. While the

Page design by Evan Whildin

end of the process might mean teary seniors and red roses thrown on stage, all of the hard work that is put into the play from the beginning to the end is noteworthy.

The fall play cast is usually a tightknit group. This connection is important because of the amount of time that Giles, Staker and the cast members must put in together to have a successful production.

“I put about 80 hours of rehearsal time in a week, plus our tech week.

So kids who participate in the fall play probably clock in about 100 hours of rehearsal time,” Giles-Bachman said.

“While you direct and produce, your show is a lot more than that. I probably put in 200 hours or more for every fall play.”

Giles-Bachman makes it clear that theater is not only time consuming, but also challenging in different aspects of her life and the lives of her students.

The audition process is particularly nerve-racking to some of the freshmen and sophomores who sign up, but that does not stop some underclassmen from getting larger roles in the fall play.

Senior Ava Salchert, who was a supporting lead her sophomore and junior years, is looking forward to putting on a show like Radium Girls.

“I’m really excited for it,” Salchert said. “We’ve done some comedy plays in the past, but this one is more dramatic, a little serious and a little sad. I think it will be really good because we can showcase different aspects of our acting from all grade levels.”

Many people outside of theater might not consider the other parts that go into a show that can be covered by students in any grade level. With Giles-Bachman focused on auditions, students who are not auditioning can participate as members of the stage crew, learn how to be stage manager or help with sound and light to make the production work for tech week and the weekend of the shows.

“I give stage crew their roles and make sure the stage is clean and the props are in the right place,” senior and stage manager Megan Johnson

Photo by Sophia Schroll

Senior Sydney Pflipsen, juniors Iyvanka-Isis Ewane-Ewang and Laura Batts and sophomore Charlie Placzek watch their fellow actors audition for the fall play. Groups of three or four students audition for the play in front of their peers.

said. “I make sure everyone in the crew knows how to do their job.”

There is constant work put in behind the scenes of each extracurricular activity, but the fall play exceeds what many people outside of the cast know.

Each year the curious minds of these teenagers work hard to put on the perfect fall play for their loved ones and peers. The relationships that are created through the process leading up to the production are special to everyone who participates.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t even call [Giles-Bachman] my teacher because I just had her freshman year for one class. But it is like spending time with friends,” Salchert said. “You just spend so much time with this person, and they are helping you create this character. It’s a nice relationship.”

Sports & Activities

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Feature | September 26, 2024

NOT SEEN ON TV: DNC BEHIND THE SCENES

BY JASPER PAULSON AND AUDREY WALKER

Design by Anna Gatz

Co-Copy Editor, Broadcast and Ads & Business Design Executive Co-Editor-in-Chief of Print and Ads & Business Executive

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riot helmets sitting on top were carefully lined up in front of them in case they needed to be quickly grabbed.

The professionalism of this convention made this an amazing experience for us to be a part of. Being a student journalist sitting among professionals from all over the world was inspiring. As students, we were definitely younger than most other members of the press around us, but the people we interviewed regarded us as professionals.

Overall, this experience was a sweet taste of the professional journalism world and gave us a genuine view of politics. Getting a sneak peak into a possible future profession was inspiring. We got to see a raw, uncut view of journalism and political conventions that many people never get to see.

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our seats, we were able to see how the convention came together through the work of volunteers and staff.

In a strategic way to show support, volunteers would distribute signs, paid for by the Harris For President campaign, to delegates each night. Most of the vertical signs related to the final speakers of each night, such as “KAMALA,” “COACH WALZ” and “WE [heart] JOE.” Like clockwork, these volunteers, wearing neon vests to tell them apart from the delegates, would simultaneously stream out of doorways carrying these signs in bags. From our high viewpoint, this process went so smoothly that most people didn’t even realize it happened until the moment when the delegates would use them for a cheer.

The transitions between the speakers, too, were flawlessly planned. Each time the stage required an alteration, the crowd would be distracted by a video playing on the jumbotron. Each video led into the next topic of conversation, making the night feel smooth and engaging.

Security was another aspect of the convention that was unseen on television. McCormick Place and the United Center were surrounded by a perimeter fence, oftentimes with multiple layers of fencing, that blocked uncredentialed people, such as protesters, from getting into the buildings. On the last night of the DNC, a protest began outside of the United Center as the event ended.

The protesters were positioned right outside the opening of the perimeter in order to get people’s attention as they left the stadium. This protest, along with other smaller protests we saw, was largely focused on bringing awareness to and encouraging a ceasefire for the war in Gaza.

Police ensured the protesters would not enter the perimeter, but they still allowed them to be heard.

As we walked toward the protest while still within the perimeter, state police officers lined the flow of people, wooden batons attached to their hips.

Riot shields with

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he 2024 Democratic National Convention took place Aug. 1922 in Chicago, IL. As part of an opportunity provided by the Illinois Journalism Education Association, 35 Illinois student-journalists received press credentials to report on this event. Included in those 35 students were two Kaneland Krier staff members: seniors Jay Paulson and Audrey Walker.

Our status as members of the press allowed us to observe what isn’t shown on television and experience the interactions between delegates, politicians and other guests. Here’s what we observed.

We attended the convention on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday and Thursday. We started our days at McCormick Place, where we attended caucus and council meetings and later took shuttle buses to the United Center, where the main programming portion of each evening took place.

Throughout our time over the three days, whether in a meeting or waiting in line outside of the United Center, the convention attendees were always talking, laughing and happy to be there. State delegates, especially, were enjoying their time.

Many of them were dressed in customized and vibrant outfits, similar to how one would dress for a concert.

By talking to some and overhearing others, we found that many delegates, politicians and other guests attended after-parties following the convention.

Inside the United Center, the air felt charged and positive. Each consecutive speaker brought more cheers from the crowd, and the anticipation for the final speaker grew throughout each night. While the stadium was always very full during the three nights we attended, it wasn’t completely full until right before Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage to accept the Democratic presidential nomination.

From our viewpoint, we couldn’t see a single empty seat.

We sat in the general press section, which was on the third level of the stadium. This gave us a good view of the entire crowd and stage. From

Feature | September 26, 2024

HISTORY OF AMERICAN ABORTION LAWS

BY EMMA WEINTRAUB

I

Editor and Podcaster

n June of 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

Wade, an almost 50-year long Supreme Court ruling that protected a woman’s right to have an abortion. The legality of abortions, or lack thereof, is now back to being decided by each state.

According to Planned Parenthood, prior to the mid-1800s, abortions in the United States were legal until there was movement of the fetus. Beginning with Connecticut, state by state legislation banned abortion, and by 1910, abortions were banned nationwide. As each state outlawed abortion, the stigma surrounding reproductive healthcare grew.

Criminalizing abortion will not completely stop it. Instead, it will force people to turn to more dangerous options. Underground abortions were the cause of death for about 2,700 women in 1930 alone, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights organization.

The start of the ‘60s brought the rise of a movement calling for legalized abortions, and that led to 11 states softening their bans going into the ‘70s. Roe v. Wade was established in 1973 and ruled that access to abortion was protected in the United States Constitution, making abortion legal across all 50 states. In 2022, however, the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ended with the Supreme Court declaring that abortions are not protected under the Constitution. This effectively ended Roe v.

Wade, thus leaving abortion laws up to each state once again.

The Center for American Progress and the Guttmacher Institute reported that many states acted quickly to heavily restrict or ban abortions, affecting one third of women between the ages of 15 and 50 within three months of the ruling. 14 states completely banned abortions and eight states have restrictions starting at six to 18 weeks, while

A complicated past and uncertain future

only nine states have zero restrictions.

Many of the laws are enforced with penalties for the doctor performing the abortion, including fines of up to $100,000 or jail time between one year and life.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois states that the right to abortion is protected under Illinois’ Constitution until viability, or around 24-26 weeks when the fetus is able to live outside of the womb. People under the age of 18 are able to get abortions without parental or guardian approval. Illinois Medicaid, as well

Graphic by Faith Maschman

as most private insurance, is required to cover abortions. Unlike many other states, there are little to no obstacles to getting an abortion, such as no required ultrasound or waiting period.

Each state’s restriction laws do contain exceptions in situations where the health of the mother is endangered. The subjectivity of the exceptions have caused delays in care while the decision is made, however, creating health risks. Exceptions for rape and incest are significantly less protected. Fewer states have statutes in place for these cases, and even then, many require that law enforcement is involved, oftentimes creating significant time and legal obstacles.

The new abortion legislation also has consequences for women’s healthcare in general. This includes the closing of many reproductive clinics,

as explained by National Public Radio. These clinics provide a variety of much needed care other than abortion, including birth control, prenatal care and screening for STDs and cancer. Such closures are devastating for many people, especially low-income women who relied on these clinics for affordable care. Many doctors have reported that they do not want to work in states where they feel at risk for losing their license or getting in legal trouble. In turn, states with restrictive laws are having trouble with being understaffed as obstetricians and gynecologists are going to other states for work.

The future of abortion legislation is a major issue in relation to the upcoming election. The two presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, share conflicting views when it comes to abortion policies. According to CBS News, abortion rights are a main focus of her campaign.

“Our administration has taken action to protect access to emergency medical care, to support women forced to travel out of state for care and to protect women’s privacy,” Harris said in a speech on the anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson.

Previously, Trump has stated that he would sign a federal abortion ban, but he and his running mate, JD Vance, have recently claimed that if he wins a second term, he will continue to leave this decision up to the states.

“No Republican with any reasonable power is saying that we should have a complete national abortion ban,” Vance said in an NBC interview.

However, many Democratic politicians have questioned the validity of these statements as Trump before prided himself on his involvement in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. As the November election inches closer and with polls suggesting a close race, this topic will remain a focal point for both campaigns.

Photo by Faith Maschman

Page design by Faith Maschman

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Profile | September 26, 2024

10 Profile

Photo by Audrey Walker

Profile | September 26, 2024

INSPIRATION AND IMPACT OF A TEACHER

How Kaneland teacher Daniel Ferrel creates a positive community for students

BY OLIVIA COTTER

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Editor and Columnist

fter hearing rumors at the end of last year that the King of Pot Roast was leaving the school, I, like many other students, was extremely confused when I saw social studies teacher Daniel Ferrel walking through the hallways on the first day of this school year. This is Ferrel’s second year at Kaneland, but despite being new, he has fostered many strong relationships with his students and the school as a whole.

When Ferrel started at Kaneland last year, he was pleasantly surprised with the student community.

“I noticed that the kids were very invested, they were very polite and they were very respectful,” Ferrel said.

He used that respect to form positive relationships with his students. “I really did not have very many negative experiences with students throughout the year.”

His favorite part of teaching is working with his students.

“I think I have great students,” Ferrel said. “I have great relationships with my students. We have a lot of fun in class, and I do genuinely enjoy coming in and having the opportunity to work with them every day.”

As a first-year teacher, he was reassigned to Harter Middle School at the end of last school year as part of a reduction in force at the high school.

Many students were sad to hear he would be leaving.

Before this school year, though, staffing changes in the social studies department led to Ferrel’s opportunity to return.

“I know that I, and others, were really upset when we heard he wasn’t coming back,” senior Emma Pernice said. “And then when I found out he was coming back, I was really excited and stopped by during [my] schedule walk to wish him good luck for this year.”

Between talking about meeting his wife at a taco shop and bonding over broken kitchen appliances, Ferrel enjoys sharing parts of his life with his students.

“Mr. Ferrel’s class is very welcoming,” Pernice said. “He makes sure to

Page design by Clara Saros

say ‘Hey!’ to anyone that comes in and asks how their day is going. I looked forward to going to his class every day, and that is something that I hope every student gets to experience at least once.”

Ferrel prides himself on making an impact on his students. He wants to prepare them for the world after his classes.

“I make them not only enjoy the content but also give them the skills necessary to be successful in whatever they go on and do with the rest of their lives,” Ferrel said. The majority of his students are upperclassmen, so he likes to learn about their post-graduation plans.

“For most people that’s college, and that’s great,” Ferrel said. “For other

“

“I have great relationships with my students. We have a lot of fun in class, and I do genuinely enjoy coming in and having the opportunity to work with them every day.”

- Daniel Ferrel

“

people that’s going to trade school or that’s going into the military, and being supportive and understanding of that [is important].”

His own experience with different careers, like coaching lacrosse and serving in the Navy, makes him a great listener and adviser for students who aren’t sure of their futures.

Despite being new to the school, he has become one of the most beloved teachers. During our interview, he was asked to coach the seniors’ powderpuff team with fellow social studies teacher Steve Auchstetter. In the chaotic hallways of Kaneland, his classroom is always full of former students coming to talk to their favorite teacher.

“Now, during my senior year, I continue to stop by his room with friends to say hello and write silly messages on his board,” senior Cassie Cramer said.

Ferrel ensures that each student is set up to succeed in his class. He took advantage of class discussions to make his teaching style work for everyone, and his open communication created a successful learning environment.

“My friends and I appreciated how, despite student participation struggles, he continued to work with us so we could all do our best,” Cramer said.

He makes his teaching engaging with play-based learning.

“I spend a lot of my effort making things interesting for the kids and making them want to come to class and enjoy the content that we’re working on,” Ferrel said.

This year, he plans to take advantage of his new classroom by incorporating interactive lessons to help more students understand the content of his class. Ferrel attributes his teaching style to Major Duckett, who was his ethics teacher at his high school, Culver Military Academy.

“Major Duckett was an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam, and he taught me a lot about leadership and the human experience, and he invested a lot of time in making sure that I was prepared for, at the time, what was going to be my career in the military,” Ferrel said.

Like Major Duckett, Ferrel spends a lot of time getting to know his students on a personal level. He likes to know what each student is interested in and involved in.

“I do my best to maintain positive relationships with my students,” Ferrel said. “I treat them with respect, and in return, they give me a lot of respect.”

Even if historical topics seem boring to some students, his teaching captures their attention.

“As most dread having to sit and listen to a teacher talk for long periods of time, his genuine interest in history was often contagious,” Cramer said.

After a long and winding road of Navy service and studying civil engineering, then studying philosophy and political science and coaching lacrosse, Ferrel ended up at our school, and he is a welcome addition to the Kaneland community.

Profile

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Feature | September 26, 2024

RISING TUITIONS: THE CHALLENGES OF STORY BY ANNA GATZ AFFORDING COLLEGE

S

omewhere in the world there is a little girl getting tucked in. She is struggling to sleep because excitement fills her veins. School has always been her happy place. She is the type of girl who knows she will be president when she grows up, who is laughed at when she says she will go to an Ivy League school. But she lets them laugh, because she knows what her future holds.

Just get through middle school.

Then high school. And finally, her life can begin in college.

For many of us, we are that little girl. The ones who can’t wait for their future to start, who can’t wait for their lives to begin. The dreamers.

College can seem like the natural

next step: the bridge from adolescence to adulthood. A key moment of development.

But as we continue to grow, we begin to realize the reality that comes with a dream. What once seemed like a genuine possibility becomes unattainable. College is expensive. Plain and simple.

“As someone who attended and someone who helps students attend [college], finances are a huge burden,” said Kate Ozarka, who in addition to being a high school guidance counselor also works in Kaneland’s College and Career Center. “That is a huge barrier of attendance.”

Ozarka is not the only one who believes this. A 2023 poll by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) found that 55% of adults who never attended or stopped attending college did so because of financial reasons.

12 Feature

And it’s not just tuition. Paying for additional expenses like housing, meals, textbooks, course fees and parking fees all adds up. These other costs can often be hard to plan for when a high school student is trying to save for college.

Not to mention that many college freshmen are 18 or 19 when they start college. This means that they most likely only had four or five years to save money of their own if they started saving at the legal working age of 14.

But even then, hours are restricted and regulated. With such little time, saving is difficult.

According to the Academic Data Initiative, in-state attendees of a public four-year

institution living on campus spend an estimated $27,146 in an academic year. This is paired with the average tuition being $9,750 per year ($27,457 for out-of-state students).

The price nearly doubles when a student attends a private for-profit school, with the average tuition costing $15,868. This more than doubles at private non-profit schools, where the cost is around $38,421 annually.

The Academic Data Initiative reports that “in the 21st century, annual tuition at the average public institution has increased 196%, an annual growth rate of 9.8%.”

College prices can become a huge burden for families in our area.

The United States Census Bureau finds that the median household income in Kane County is $93,343.

As a new school year begins, it is completely natural for juniors and seniors to start seriously thinking about

their futures and how money plays a part in their dreams.

“If I stay in state or around state, [my tuition] will be like $35,000 a year,” senior Lauren Babka said.

“But my dream school, the University of

Co l o ra d o, unfortunately is like $60,000 a year.”

Babka was a kid who always wanted to go to college. It’s been part of her plan for as long as she can remember. Tuition is a large factor she takes into account when considering where she will go next year.

“My parents are paying for my tuition, so I’m trying to look at stuff that’s not going to put them in too bad of a situation,” Babka said.

With the hefty financial toll of college, there are steps you can take to alleviate the burden. Financial aid is a way to get money from a college directly.

“Work directly with an institution,” Ozarka suggests. “You have to share a lot though. You have to be very open

Feature | September 26, 2024

DESIGN BY SOPHIA SCHROLL According to the Federal Student Aid website, “Federal student loans are an investment in your future.”

And in many ways, it can be true. Student loans provide a system in which you borrow money from the

about where you are in your life, what has happened, where your goals are and how that doesn’t align with your finances and where you come from.”

Colleges have financial aid departments that are there to help you. It takes reaching out and connecting to make it happen. Once you’ve made that initial contact, you will usually be given a financial adviser.

“They are more than happy to help you,” Ozarka said. “A lot of the time, students don’t even know where to start so they don’t start at all. And that’s the biggest problem. The financial aid department is screaming, ‘We’re here! We have stuff!

We can help you!’ And a lot of students just don’t know about it.”

Each student’s experience with the financial aid system is different because everyone’s situation is unique. But, as Ozarka emphasizes, it’s important to try.

U.S. Department of Education or a private orgnization to pay for your education and that you agree to pay back later. They were created with the intention of helping middle-income families afford the rising costs of education.

Similar to financial aid, student loans depend on each person’s circumstances.

Ozarka, after meeting with her financial aid department every semester, graduated with $20,000 in student loans. She attended the private school Augustana College and estimates that her yearly tuiton was around $50,000.

When she decided to go back to school to become a counselor, she couldn’t rely on financial aid alone.

Ozarka had to take out more loans.

“That was hefty. That was probably $45,000,” she said. “That’s a lot of money. But I wanted it; it was my career. I was so passionate about it, so I was like, ‘Let’s do this.’”

And so she did.

It has taken Ozarka about 10 years, but she is just about to finish paying off her loans.

Students have to

start paying off their loans six months after graduation, but the planning of how they will repay it is up to them.

Payment plans are often used to help keep people on track. You set a goal and your plan helps set out a payment timeline.

The government can also defer your loans, meaning they can

pause your loans and the interest gained on them for a period of time. During this period, payments are an option. Ozarka was in deferment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With such a large number on the line, loans can be a dangerous path.

But when asked if she regrets taking them out, Ozarka said “No,” without hesitation.

“I’ve lived my life. I’ve lived where I wanted to live. I’ve gotten the job I wanted. It’s never been like, ‘Oh myGod, I can’t do this,’” she smiled. “I was fortunate that I didn’t have a hefty loan or a monthly payment I couldn’t keep up with. That’s not the story for everybody. I know people who had to take out $100,000 loans.”

Loans are a big decision for many and can become a financial burden when entering the job market. But how people pay for college will differ from student to student.

“Doing scholarships, applying for financial aid [is how I’ll save],” Babka said. “If I have to take out a loan, it’d be under my name and not my parents so that it’s my issue post-college.”

It is no secret that college is expensive. It’s an investment in the future, but it doesn’t come easy.

As Ozarka says, “Time is money in college.”

Feature

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Lifestyle | September 26, 2024

CAFFEINATED DRINKS: SOCIETY’S EXPENSIVE ADDICTION

BY CHARLIZE LANDA AND SARAH SLATTERY

W

Editor & Design and Photography Executive

aking up on a new day, exhausted from the previous one, the sudden smell of coffee beans bursts through the air and straight into your brain. The urge to get out of bed and make it through the day seems easier and more manageable than when you originally woke up.

People have been relying on caffeine for years. From students trying to stay awake for school to teachers needing to wake up early to grade papers and prepare their classrooms, caffeine is popular in schools despite age differences. Because of our reliance on this sweet, strong, addictive drug, many companies have used that dependency to promote their products.

Businesses such as Starbucks release special seasonal menus that have limited edition items to attract more customers. Such yearly traditions cause customers to count down the days until those seasonal options come out. Starbucks released their fall menu on Aug. 22.

Fun and festive drinks aren’t the only things constantly being craved by caffeine lovers. Like many other coffee shops, Starbucks offers a variety of unique drinks on a day-to-day basis, and some customers have a habit of going to their coffee shops several times a week. Others, however, try to limit themselves.

“I would say I spend less than $15 [on drinks a week]. It’s a max of twice a week,” science teacher Breanne Kahl said.

Not only do teachers rely on caffeine to get through their day, but students have started to depend on caffeine to stay awake too.

“I play volleyball, so I need the energy to actually play volleyball and not be exhausted,” sophomore Taylor Hubert said. “I’m one hundred percent addicted to caffeine. One time I tried to do a no-energy drink run and I fell asleep in eighth period.”

Hubert usually visits a coffee shop five times a week for a refresher or caramel iced coffee. She also buys many energy drinks, spending roughly $30 a week.

Money can be spent quickly when it comes to purchasing caffeine. Starbucks makes it easy for customers to

14 Lifestyle

get their daily drink with their own Starbucks card, which works as a prepayment for customer orders. So instead of paying for your drink with your regular card or cash, you can simply use a Starbucks card that you’ve already loaded money onto.

Coffee shops aren’t the only place people buy their caffeine, though. Energy drinks are popular among Kaneland students, and they are sold in the KHS lunch line and vending machines.

“I [usually] drink one energy drink every morning during school,” senior Morgan Beam said.

Drinking an energy drink or coffee every day can add up.

“I would say they cost around $20 for a bulk pack of 15 [energy drinks],” Beam said.

Learning how to budget money or limit how much is spent on caffeine each week can be beneficial to students.

“If you don’t learn to manage your money, your money will manage you right into debt,” personal finance teacher Joseph Conroy said.

“It’s about learning to save early and being mindful of where you spend your money.”

Budgeting can provide money management lessons for teens. Learning how to manage finances is crucial when you want to include little things like buying coffee in your weekly lifestyle.

Some people may even let their reliance on caffeine affect their emotions.

“We had an outage of a couple of ingredients one week. When we explained this to some customers, they became very aggressive and demanded answers,” former Starbucks employee and current Kaneland junior Isabel Aguilera said.

However, some consumers prefer making their c o ff e e at home

rather than purchasing it due to the cost.

“It is cheaper. I [can make] such a simple drink like black coffee, but I can’t justify spending money on it,” French and Spanish teacher Cristian Hernandez said.

Making coffee at home can be a better alternative than purchasing it at popular stores because of the cost alone. People who are more conscientious of their weekly spending are likely to save more by buying ingredients for their own coffee instead of ordering drinks each day.

And instead of coffee, there are other ways for people to get their caffeine fix.

According to Vogue writers Christina

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These substitutes have relatively low levels of caffeine compared to coffee or the non-natural caffeine found in some energy drinks.

A reliance on caffeine is something that many people experience. The challenge of whether to purchase beverages with caffeine or make your own can have a financial impact on those who drink them. Budgeting and finding alternatives can help those who need their daily caffeine but want to save money at the same time.

Page design by Emma Weintraub

Editorial | September 26, 2024 Kaneland High School 47W326 Keslinger Rd. Maple Park, IL 60151 (630) 365-5100 www.kanelandkrier.com

Cartoon by Zoe Gannon

THE AMERICAN “DREAM”

T

he Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the American Dream as “a happy way of living that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S.” However, as we look into the future, we see that dream slip away from common people’s grasp. Millions of people don’t have enough money to become happy with their lives in America, and if they do, the current political environment pushes the Dream further away.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, 11.5% of Americans were in poverty. Being a citizen in poverty means they can’t afford to survive in society’s standard of living. Housing, food and medical assistance become unaffordable. About 37.9 million U.S. citizens are living like this. How can people who can’t even pay for food be living the American Dream?

To achieve the American Dream, one must be able to feel not only financially secure, but happy in their lives. In poverty, that’s completely out of reach. The notion of the American Dream is that it’s obtainable to everyone, but as the cost of living inflates, there is seemingly less hope now than ever before for low and even middle class citizens to achieve this Dream.

“In order to make sure everyone has a chance for the American Dream, we have to lift people out of poverty,” California Congresswoman Barbara Lee said at a Poverty Council meeting at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

There’s a common misconception of the American Dream that anyone can achieve it if they simply work hard enough. However, when people in poverty apply for jobs, it’s often an entry level position paying a minimum wage that isn’t even livable. And, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,

25

Page design by Sarah Slattery

after two years of poverty, the exit rate drops below a 50% chance of climbing to a higher class. There has to be an easier way to get out of poverty. Otherwise, 37.9 million people could be barred from the American Dream. That certainly does not seem “achievable by anyone” anymore.

Politics also have an impact on the American Dream. The division between political beliefs in America makes it almost impossible to live happily under either party. No matter who wins, supporters of the other side may not feel happy with their government.

That eliminates the American Dream for the entire other party. Political division and poverty contribute to a general sense of unhappiness in America.

When we look at people around us, how many of them look like they have “a happy way of living?” Looking at our family and friends, how often do you feel they are happy about their financial situation or the political environment of America?

When we consider the origins of the American Dream, colonizers settled in America and dreamed of life beyond the persecution they faced in England. Just being in the New World gave them hope that their lives were going to be exponentially better simply because they were here. Sure, the American Dream has changed over the years, but the premise of it is the same: Anyone can achieve happiness in the U.S. The reality, however sad it is, is that it’s unreachable for many.

The American Dream has become so unrealistic that it’s barely a goal that many citizens can consider. “Achievable by anyone” is a bigger lie now than it ever has been. If its own definition isn’t true, how can some of us even think of obtaining it?

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EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board and are not necessarily the opinion of Kaneland administration, staff, students or parents. The Krier Editorial Board consists of designated Advanced Journalism students: Isa Alba, Olivia Cotter, Lucas Fiedler, Carli Filek, Zoe Gannon, Anna Gatz, Teaghan Hardy, Olivia Krasuski, Charlize Landa, Nathan Lapitan, Bobby Leavey, Faith Maschman, Jasper Paulson, Sophie Ponce de Leon, Nate Sand, Clara Saros, Sophia Schroll, Sarah Slattery, Hadley Springer, Casper Suehs, Preslee Sutherland, Sophie Thill, Audrey Walker, Emma Weintraub, and Evan Whildin. Students make all publication decisions.

Letters can be sent to the address above or e-mailed to krier@kaneland.org. Letters must be signed (names may be withheld under extraordinary circumstances as deemed by the editorial staff) and must be under 300 words. The Editorial Board has the right to work with writers to edit for clarity and length. Any material that is potentially libelous, obscene or disruptive will not be published at the discretion of the Editorial Board. All decisions to publish or not publish letters are made by executive editors. The Krier has been an open forum since 1974.

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Editorial

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Opinion | September 26, 2024

WARS ARE BEING IGNORED

Connections around the world are expanding as the will for knowledge is fleeting

BY HADLEY SPRINGER

A

Editor and Cartoonist

s our world ages, conflicts age with us. Large conflicts between political parties, states and countries have constantly been looming over people who are just trying to live their lives. Despite the advances of modern technology, people’s knowledge of these conflicts remains minuscule. Oftentimes, larger conflicts are recognized on social platforms, but smaller or continuous conflicts are overlooked. If it is not new and trendy, it is ignored.

Currently, the most publicized conflicts are the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. Despite these wars being the most well-known, the attention and concern dedicated to them is depleting. The shock and disgust these tragedies deserve lessens with the commonality of them. With anything, there comes a point of excessiveness; the abundance of violence around the world blinds people from the depravity of it.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine, in the beginning everyone was appalled and ‘Oh my gosh,’ and here we are past two years,” history teacher Steve Auchstetter said.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, it was a hot topic on social media for a while. People were speaking up on platforms like X and TikTok advocating for the Ukrainian people. Now that the patterns of harm are becoming repetitive, it is a depressing bore for many people to think about.

Now, the general public’s attention has shifted to the Israel-Hamas war.

Even though this war is the new thing, it too is slipping from some people’s minds. Just like the Russia-Ukraine war, people are becoming desensitized to the horrible truths of the affected lives.

The longer that horrible conflicts go on without major advancement, the more they are forgotten by unharmed and non-war-torn populations. The general public does not tend to care about tragedies unless they are directly affected.

People throughout the world, especially in the U.S., need to stop

16 Opinion

and look around. They need to see the world for what it truly is, a power hungry and self-serving society. They need to look at what is really going on and how it impacts people and then do something about it. Social media makes it easy to flip through tragedies unbothered; despite what social media platforms like TikTok may show users, the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars are not the only ongoing wars.

Currently, there are wars raging in African nations like Sudan and Mali and in southeastern Asia in Myanmar.

According to the Council of Foreign Relations, there are currently 29 ongoing conflicts in the world that have an impact on the U.S.

Cartoon by Hadley Springer

“You can’t just say that because it is happening in another part of the world, it has nothing to do with us,” Auchstetter said.

10 of those 29 conflicts have a significant or critical impact on the U.S. 17 of those conflicts are worsening.

“It is difficult to find the difference in one-sided stories versus an honest story with both sides,” Auchstetter said. “You need to really look into it yourself and try to get an objective point of view.”

It takes effort and meticulous research to find the truth behind a widespread facade. The truth can be hard to uncover, and for that reason more people are deterred from learning the truths required to understand and advocate for the innocent victims of wars.

Becoming numb or ignoring wars around the world is a dangerous game.

Conflicts grow; without intervention

or even acknowledgment of conflicts they can grow into pandemics. While most people are not at fault for the vast amount of current wars, it is the moral duty of people to fight for what is right, to stand up against discrimination and hatred, to protect each other and to take care of the world.

Why do terrible tragedies, no matter how repetitive, become background noise?

Underneath the theme of not being directly affected as an excuse to ignore wars, there are deeper issues.

Typically, no matter how many people in your life die, whether it’s grandparents, parents or anyone else you love, that grief will come back each time you think about them. You never get over a death and move on; death sticks.

With distant wars and other tragedies, death does not stick very often. The public tends to move on and forget.

People’s numbness and blindness to wars can stem from the overwhelming amount of other pressing issues in our personal lives. Stress is a big issue in today’s society. It can cause a variety of problems from mental to physical.

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2023 report on stress suggested that “the long-term stress sustained since the COVID-19 pandemic began has had a significant impact on well-being.”

The APA did not only blame the pandemic for increased stress, as “global conflict, racism and racial injustice, inflation, and climate-related disasters are all weighing on the collective consciousness of Americans.”

The APA refers to a lot of stress inducing situations as traumas.

While people in the world need to be more aware of war, the issue of being numb to terrible situations also needs to be addressed. Band-Aids cannot fix what needs stitches. The deeper issue of a traumatized and therefore desensitized population needs to be addressed first.

Many people do not have the privilege to turn their head to wars. While people such as those in the U.S. might have the temporary bliss of ignoring certain conflicts, those conflicts will not just disappear.

Page design by Hadley Springer

Opinion | September 26, 2024

DON’T WORRY DARLING: A PSYCHOLOGICAL MYSTERY

BY FAITH MASCHMAN

W

Editor

hat makes a thriller? This question has a rather extensive and ambiguous set of

answers.

Warner Bros. Pictures released a psychological thriller, Don’t Worry Darling, in September of 2022, taking in $87.6 million at the box office. The film explores themes of control, manipulation, misogyny and the oppression of marriage. The movie caused a heavy stir of controversy, receiving many contrasting ratings. IMDb users gave an overall rating of 6.3/10 based on a survey filled out by 153K watchers. Rotten Tomatoes, a website that allows their audiences to rate on a like and dislike meter, indicated 74% of raters enjoyed the film. Contrary to these mediocre reviews, I believe Don’t Worry Darling is a high quality film that exceeds my standards for an effective thriller. The production was executed as intended, surpassing all my expectations of a distinguished motion picture.

The movie mostly occurs during the 1950s. The leading couple, Jack and Alice Chambers, live in an experimental society that appears to be perfect. They live in a town where all residents experience the classic American Dream, complete with the classic societal gender roles. Everything appears to be perfect, until defects begin to surface for the heroine. This results in her discovery of the underlying fraudulence within the civilization. Don’t Worry Darling applies the idea of a false reality, making the plot line appealing while also giving an off-putting sensation. This approach allows viewers to experience suspense, doubt and their own refutation regarding the society as they watch the film.

The film mainly uses performers who have less fame in the industry.

The leading roles were filled by widely known actors, but the many smaller roles provided on-screen opportunities for a number of lesser known actors as well. The marketing team used a brilliant strategy of advertising their recognizable faces, attracting a larger

Page design by Charlize Landa

audience. Florence Pugh was cast as the leading role of Alice Chambers, most famous for her roles in Black Widow, Midsommar and Oppenheimer.

Harry Styles is the male lead of Jack Chambers, channeling anger and suspicion into his character. Olivia Wilde, known for her roles in Tron: Legacy and In Time, also appears in the film as Bunny, the best friend and neighbor of the heroine.

Wilde was also the director of the film, a sizable leap from her previous productions. She has typically directed comedies and simple creations, only slightly incorporating subjects of horror and suspense. She had the goal of empowering women in Don’t Worry Darling, highlighting their strength and contributions to the world. Her goals were achieved, from the male characters’ dishonesty towards the women to the incredulity provided by the community when a character questions the society.

The music throughout the film can be credited to composer John Powell. He is widely renowned for his film scores, composing the scores to more than 70 feature films over his career.

His work creates synthetic sounds, incorporating an orchestra including strings, percussion and piano. There are also strategized utilizations of vocals. Many of these pieces involve such approaches in order to portray the emotion the female lead is dealing with, providing audiences with anticipation and anxiousness.

The cinematography is beautifully complex, coming to life through the eyes of cinematographer Matthew Libatique and taking inspiration from photographer Slim Aarons. Libatique perfected his vision through graphic representations that express color and brilliance, correlating with the existing color schemes selected for the film. The majority of the scenes in the perfected reality are an arrangement of soft pastel and bright and earthy tones, capturing the essence of sublimity and the appeal of the simulat-

ed reality. During the visions of errors that the heroine experiences, a system of dark, metaphorical and quick sequences are displayed to indicate a notion of delusion and endangerment.

This provides the audience with confusion, leaving an unsettling hesitance of the unknown. Since this cinematic organization is so slow-moving, it gives the opportunity to reveal more about the characters as the film progresses.

This is a brilliant strategy for a thriller, as it allows viewers to build on their suspense and create their own predictions as to what is unfolding.

The film follows a layout of step by step clues to the twist, but it does not reveal itself until the ending.

Don’t Worry Darling uses foreshadowing to allow the heroine to question her environment, while slowly uncovering the truth. While I initially found it confusing and random, all rapid episodes that Pugh’s character experiences are later connected to the plot, revealed as flashbacks. This is a genius approach, providing viewers with a desire to clear their confusion.

The film is a structured production, capturing the essence of a quality thriller. It unites different aspects of literature and cinema, leaving audiences in fascination. Receiving both positive and negative attention, the film obtained financial success.

Ultimately, this was a beautifully done picture that created an atmosphere of an eminent thriller. While the idea may not be fresh or original, the execution of the design allowed all of the minds behind the film to bring the imagination to life. All the best films leave an impact, inspire curiosity and allow the imagination to run wild. This piece enables viewers to raise questions about the societal norms surrounding them and encourages them to fight for change.

Don’t Worry Darling was a captivating cinematic piece that left an effect on audiences nationwide, providing all aspects that allow it to be considered a quality thriller.

17

Opinion

Advice | September 26, 2024

HOW TO HAVE FUN WITHOUT SPENDING Making memorable moments with friends on a budget

BY OLIVIA KRASUSKI

A

Editor and Columnist

s a teen, finding fun things to do with friends without breaking the bank can be frustrating, but sometimes the best hangouts don’t have to come with a price tag. Whether you’re looking for something to fill your free time or just wanting to relax, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. With a little creativity, you can enjoy quality time with your friends without spending a whole lot of money.

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to spend time together is by organizing a movie night. You and your friends can curl up on the couch, eat popcorn (or the snacks of your choosing) and enjoy some relaxing quality time with each other. This alternative hangout idea can also benefit you and your friends on days you don’t feel like leaving the house. My friends and I are always in the mood for a good horror movie, such as Saw. Not only does this save you and your friends money, but it also allows you to create lasting memories in the comfort of your own home instead of spending money on expensive outings or entertainment.

Other enjoyable and cost-effective ways to connect with friends include playing board games, card games or other types of games.

These activities are incredibly affordable or completely free. Fun games like Checkers, Jenga, Uno or Monopoly are all widely available and cheap. Many families have these games already at home, too. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick, lighthearted game or a more strategic, in-depth challenge, there’s something for every group dynamic to enjoy. However, if you and your friends would rather spend time online, then video games are another fantastic option. Many multiplayer games are designed for groups and can be played

18 Advice

on consoles, computers or even smartphones. The best part is that whether you’re playing classic board games or diving into video games, these activities are exceptionally cost-effective, providing hours of entertainment without putting a strain on your wallet.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more creative or hands-on, baking together can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re whipping up cookies, cakes or trying out a new recipe, the process is fun and the results are delicious. Not to mention, baking at home is often much cheaper than going out to buy treats.

Another inexpen- sive activity is painting or drawing. Painting can be very relaxing and a great way to pass time. It also doesn’t require expensive materials - just some paper, pencils and paints. For some added fun, you and your friends can join in on a popular TikTok trend by creating self-portraits of each other, then revealing the finished products. It’s an entertaining way to see how your friends perceive you and to share some laughs over Photo

by Tea the ghan H ardy results.

However, if you and your friends are looking to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air, heading to a nearby park is a free option. Parks offer a wide range of activities that cater to everyone’s interests. You can enjoy playing sports like soccer, frisbee or volleyball, or you can enjoy more relaxing activities like having a picnic or

taking a leisurely walk. When I was a kid, my friends and I hung out at the parks in our neighborhoods all summer. It was always a great way to catch up and relax.

As the seasons change and the weather becomes too chilly for sports or picnics, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

For instance, Sugar Grove offers a free ice skating rink for all ages. You and your friends can glide across the ice while talking and enjoying the crisp winter air. Another great option is visiting Johnson’s Mound in Elburn y and sledding n Hard a h g a

by Te down the hill.

Photo Building a snowman or having a snowball fight can also add some lighthearted fun to your day. Embracing winter activities not only keeps you active but also allows you to stay engaged and connected with friends in a budget-friendly environment.

Choosing affordable activities to hang out with friends comes with numerous benefits besides saving money. It allows everyone to participate, regardless of their financial situation, which creates inclusivity and strengthens friendships. Engaging in low-cost activities also encourages creativity and resourcefulness, as you explore fun and unique ways to enjoy each other’s company without spending much. Additionally, these activities often focus more on shared experiences and meaningful connections rather than materialistic or expensive pursuits. Whether it’s a movie night or an evening dedicated to baking, budget-friendly hangouts tend to be more relaxed and personal, providing a deeper sense of satisfaction and lasting memories. By choosing affordable options, you and your friends can hang out more frequently, making it easier to maintain and attend to your relationships over time.

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T TH HE E A AM ME ER RIIC CA AN N G GA AM ME E 9

Crossword | September 26, 2024

Use the clues that relate to stories within the issue to solve this crossword!

1

2 4

3 5 6

7 8

Across:

4. What you pay with 6. Joined together for a common cause 7. Drug that keeps the body awake 8. If you’re not telling the truth, you’re telling ____ 9. Borrowed money for financial needs

Organic Practice Flower and Vegetable Farm, with Onsite Events and Education

Page design by Sarah Slattery

Down:

1. Multi-sport event held every four years 2. Something unknown 3. United States of ____ 5. A set of commands to follow

Check the next page for the crossword answers!

Crossword

19

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“If you don’t learn to manage your money, your money will manage you right into debt.”

Personal finance teacher Joseph Conroy Page 14

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