Zach Bryan:

Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, odds are you’ve heard singer-songwriter Zach Bryan’s hit song Something in the Orange, which peaked at No. 10 on the Hot 100 and skyrocketed the 27-year-old to fame. Following his major-label debut American Heartbreak and his EP Summertime Blues, his new eponymous album consists of all self-produced songs and a spoken word poem. The 16-track album features several artists including The Lumineers, Kacey Musgraves,  Sierra Ferrell, and The War and Treaty. Simultaneously heart-breaking and hopeful, Bryan’s self-titled album is raw, honest, and definitely worth a listen.

—Nadia Liu, Editor-in-Chief

American Housewife:

For anyone unsatisfied with content both deep and emotional, American Housewife is the perfect weekend getaway – in the form of a TV show. American Housewife follows the Ottos, an average family thrust into the unwelcoming city of Westport, Connecticut. Join Katie Otto (Katy Mixon), the American housewife herself, in humorous escapades regarding half-witted yet kindhearted Taylor, peculiar Anna-Kat, clever Oliver, and Cooper, Oliver’s trusty partner in crime. Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, American Housewife is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

—Hayley Strahs, Graphics Editor

Your Name:

Outside of Pokémon, I had never watched an anime before. Cartoons, after all, must be for kids!This, however, doesn’t apply to Your Name, an anime movie directed by Makoto Shinkai. The movie features two teenagers, a boy from busy Tokyo and a girl from a small village in Japan, who begin randomly switching consciousness. This innovative concept is brilliantly realized with picturesque visuals and a captivating soundtrack by rock band RADWIMPS. Its strong themes will stay with you for weeks after you finish this masterpiece. 

—Ashir Rao, Humor Editor

Veronica Mars:

If you possess good television taste, there is no doubt you have heard of the exhilarating, awe-inspiring show Veronica Mars. A modern-day Nancy Drew with better love interests and more diversity, Veronica Mars has everything that makes a show great: solid plotlines, enemies to lovers, angst, and funky 2000s outfits and hairdos. Now, if you’re not looking to commit to an entire four-season, jam-packed series don’t fret, you can always just watch the movie. After an hour and a half of angsty interactions, old character cameos, and screaming at your computer screen, Veronica Mars (the movie) is the perfect entertainment for a rainy day, an airplane ride, or even just a splash of sunshine in your otherwise bleak life. 

—Kate Gruetter, Editor-in-Chief

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies:

If you’re a Swiftie, Chai connoisseur, eggnog fan, or an overall fall enthusiast, I have the autumn cookie recipe for you. In 2014, Taylor Swift hosted listening parties — called Secret Sessions — for the release of her album 1989 and made fans homemade chai cookies paired with delicious eggnog icing. Two years later, a fan posted a screenshot of Swift’s Instagram post about the cookies on Tumblr asking for the recipe, and luckily, Swift responded. Adapted from Joy the Baker’s Giant Vanilla Sugar Cookie recipe, Swift’s adjustments include a tea bag of chai and nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog icing. Swift’s original Tumblr post recipe can be found all over the Internet, including on Buzzfeed and Reddit, as well as on the blog Joy the Baker. With 1989 (Taylor’s Version) coming up, these cozy cookies are the perfect fall treat. The bakers gonna bake, bake, bake, bake, bake. 

—Nadia Liu, Editor-in-Chief

Back to School Hauls:

I will admit, I dreaded returning to high school this year. My dismay was counteracted by one thing and one thing only: back to school hauls. These short 1-8 minute TikToks flooded my For You page, promoting capitalism, fast fashion, and overconsumption, but above all they represented the joy of being a teenage girl. Nothing relieves stress more than watching someone drop $3,000+ on Sephora and Brandy Melville. Each day I look forward to the moment I arrive home, flop on my bed, and open TikTok to these shopping vlogs of joy.

—Dana Hathaway, Public Relations Manager

Pumpkin Spice:

Fall is here, and with it is Pumpkin Spice season! Making its 2023 debut in Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, and basically every other major coffee and grocery store, I implore and beg you to venture into the world of pumpkin spice. Corporate designed these seasonal drinks specifically for the purpose of making you feel like Rory Gilmore, and pumpkin foods make you feel like your life is coming together during the crisp autumn season. I highly recommend the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino or the Pumpkin Spice Chai from Starbucks. Follow these up with the Pumpkin Spice pancakes from Trader Joe’s, and you have the perfect start to this year’s pumpkin spice journey!

—Esha Bagora, Media Production Editor

Boise State University:

Last week, I visited Boise State University in Idaho. This beautiful campus was clean, with acres of green grass and trees. Although it was my first time going to Boise, I enjoyed it and would absolutely go back. Attend the college football game and enjoy all of the delicious and unique foods like fry sauce: a mixture of mayo, ketchup, and various other spices. I created a collage of photos from my trip, because who wouldn’t be interested in Boise State University?

—Megan Saul, Media Production Editor