Country Music:

One common response to the question “what music do you like?” is “everything but country,” and I admit, I used to be one of those people. However, over the past couple of months, my friends have slowly but surely indoctrinated me. I have become an avid country music fan. Although country music has the reputation of exclusively detailing beer, trucks, fishing, and girls, it is actually extremely versatile. Feeling sad? Cry to a sad song by Zach Bryan about his broken heart. Want something more upbeat? Blast Luke Bryan’s Country Girl (Shake It For Me) with the windows rolled down. Something about an acoustic guitar and a southern drawl accompanied by a fun, snappy beat will always make me feel better. In the rare event that you do find yourself fishing with an ice cold beer in your hand or driving your vintage truck with your girl in the passenger seat, there are also plenty of songs that will fit the occasion.

— Nadia Liu, Public Relations Manager

Rock and Roll Half of Fame:

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its seven 2023 inductees on Wednesday, May 3. This year’s honored performers are Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners. In recent years, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame expanded its definition of music that qualifies as “rock and roll” to include artists from various genres such as rhythm and blues, country, and gospel. The 2023 honorees span a wide range of styles, with Bush’s eclectic style that some refer to as art pop, The Spinner’s trademark mix of R&B and blues, and Elliott’s rap, which did much to advance female artists’ place in the Hip Hop scene. 

(Sources: NPR, NY Times, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

— Sidney Bricker, Media Production Editor

Queen Charlotte:

Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a charming addition to the Bridgerton universe. The prequel, released on May 4, depicts fan favorite Queen Charlotte through two primary journeys; a 71-year-old Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) pushing her children to raise an heir to the throne before their bloodline ends, and a 17-year-old newly coronated Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) navigating her complex marriage to King George III. With alluring costumes, incredible casting, and a captivating plot, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story will entertain hardcore Bridgerton fans and casual Netflix users alike.

— Maya Gomez, Editor-in-Chief

Fantastic Mr. Fox:

Entertaining for both kids and adults, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is the perfect movie for a cozy night in. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s children’s book of the same name, the movie follows a fox and his family’s journey to safety as three farmers attempt to hunt them. Its eccentric art style, combined with Anderson’s sharp humor and wit, will keep your attention for a relatively short period of time — one hour and twenty-seven minutes. Don’t let the uncanny claymation and animal-centered plotline dissuade you from watching this masterpiece; these aspects only make the movie more unique and quintessentially Wes Anderson. 

— Ella Marrufo, Sports Editor

Peach Revival Yerba Mate:

Calling all caffeine enthusiasts! The popular yerba mate brand Guayakí Yerba Mate officially released a new flavor: Peach Revival. With a caffeine level reaching 150 mg and enjoyable fruity, floral flavors, Peach Revival is a must-try. A slightly muted flavor makes this line more akin to a tea, perfect for those looking for a less overwhelming taste. So, keep your eyes peeled for a yellow can with pinkish-orange detailings because once you find the can, you’ll have the luxury of enjoying the flavor. Though slowly expanding onto more shelves, you can find Peach Revival in your nearest Target; I promise the drink is worth the search.

— Kate Gruetter, National/World Editor

Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Drink:

Feeling sniffly? Time to break out the big guns, aka Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Drink, to cure any disease that comes your way. Halfway through my AP tests, a fear that quietly gnawed in my stomach ultimately came true — I was catching a cold. Panicking, I searched for any remedy that could save me before my final two AP exams later in the week. Mucinex, Allegra, ibuprofen, and at-home remedies all failed; I could sense that my dry desert of a throat was not improving. It took every ounce of willpower not to rip my sinuses out of my body as I dreaded the idea of sitting and testing for four hours with a stuffy nose. An angel (my older cousin) saved me by recommending a herbal tea that ultimately saved the day. Thankfully, my sinuses cleared and the pathway evacuated for a brighter future, all due to drinking my beloved Starbucks’ cure.

— Saya Alvares, Sports Editor

Alex Page’s EP Goose:

On Apr. 14, indie artist Alix Page released her second EP, Goose. Five tracks make up Page’s newest collection, with each song more beautiful than the last. Like her previous releases, Goose perfectly encapsulates the heartbeat of growing up and coming of age. Page’s gentle voice and enthralling lyrics carry you throughout the EP, speaking softly of first loves and teenage angst. Though over too soon, Goose’s memorable songs and cute album cover make it the perfect spring listen. 

— Kate Gruetter, National/World Editor