#FreeBritney Movement Explained

Photo Credit: nbcnews.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Britney Spears, 39 years old, hasn't had any legal control over her life and fortune for 13 years, due to a conservatorship. The conservatorship is a legal guardianship that prevents Spears from making any decisions on her because of her incapability. This decision was approved in 2008 …

Men’s Lacrosse Wins Season Opener

Men’s Lacrosse won their first contest back after a 345-day hiatus. (Photo credit: Leanne Siewart ) Mason Sobiesk - Sports Writer The men’s lacrosse team started their season off strong with a 15-9 victory over Alma on Friday. The game was played indoors at the Canlan Sportsplex in Barrington as the recent weather conditions has …

Mesa Invests $2 Million In Benedictine University

Photo Credit: azcentral.com Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer The city of Mesa Arizona is increasing their investment in Benedictine University’s downtown Mesa campus by $2.15 million. With this investment the City Council of Mesa agreed to allow Benedictine to use a city-owned building for their upcoming expansion.           $1.7 million of the investment will be …

The Language of Love and Apology

Photo Credit: Counseling Center Sara Molina - Staff Writer The PEACE team and the Counseling Center held Wellness Wednesday on the 17th.  The topic, Love Language, was held via Zoom. “The basis of Love Language is that different people can have different ideas about what romantic love means and how it is or should be …

BenU Athletics Update

Three sports have already played games with many more scheduled in the near future. Photo Credit: benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Student-athletes at Benedictine University have been on campus for just over one month. Since the beginning of this athletic season, there have been 14 games played by 4 athletic teams. Unfortunately, there have …

Taylor Swift Re-Records Her Fearless Album

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Taylor Swift announced last week, that she re-recorded and extended her 2008 album, Fearless. She released her first song “Love Story”  (Taylor’s Version) from her new album on Friday at midnight. According to the Atlantic, this new version of “Love Story” is now dedicated as a love …

NHL Off to a Hot Start

Rookie Goalie Kevin Lankinen has been a surprising star this season for the Blackhawks. Photo Credit: AP Photos Kevin Gallagher - Sports Writer The 2020-21 NHL season is currently a month in and has seen its ups and downs since the start.  Covid-19 has affected many teams already as they have to postpone games because …

Coronavirus Vaccine: Is It Safe?

Sowghandhi Umashankar - Guest Writer Many students are probably concerned about the safety of the COVID vaccine. This vaccine works differently than other vaccines such as the influenza vaccine. Should students get the COVID vaccine or not? The answer depends on how safe the vaccine is. Currently, the coronavirus vaccine is being given to healthcare …

Men’s Basketball Splits with Conference Rival Aurora

The Benedictine men's basketball team won and lost a game against conference foe Aurora University this weekend. Photo courtesy of benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor The men’s basketball team was able to defeat Aurora on Friday, but lost on Saturday in a close game. Benedictine is now 5-2 on the year and are first …

Campus Ministry Offers Free Meal Kits for Lent

Photo Credit: BenU campus ministry Jesus Cortez - Staff Writer Campus Ministry is offering free dining services to students, staff, and faculty each Friday during Lent. While the kits are free, the spots are limited. So, sign up as soon as possible if interested. “It’s cool because you learn about another country and you get …

Black History Month at BenU

Photo Credit: nbcnews.com Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar - Staff Writer This month, we celebrate Black History and the powerful figures that have helped implement change into our society. Black History Month is celebrated annually every February. It marks a time where we can celebrate African Americans' accomplishments by recognizing the events and notable figures of the …

More Than Just a Show

Photo Credit: Insider.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor This Super Bowl produced one of the most unique halftime shows ever seen on any given Sunday. Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd was the man behind the production. Typically, during other halftime performances, other artists join, but The Weeknd took it all on solo. He …

Best Commercials of the Super Bowl

Will Ferrell starred in a GM commercials promoting electric cars. His adventure took him to Sweden instead of Norway Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Tom Brady was able to win his 7th Super Bowl Ring as the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs. Brady threw for 3 touchdown passes and the Buccaneers defense was able to stop …

Benedictine Welcomes New Interim Police Chief

Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer Benedictine University is happy to welcome Debra Vanderploeg as our Interim Chief of Police. Chief Vanderploeg began her career in 1994 as a community service officer in Wood Dale. She worked for a time in Glen Ellyn and attended the Police Training Institute in Champaign, and in 2002, she left …

Black Student Union Reflects on the Election

Photo Credit: Black Student Union (BSU) Sara Molina - Staff Writer Black Student Union hosted their first ‘Hot Topics’ of the year with the topic: “Post-Election Thoughts” on February 4, via Zoom. The event allowed students to come talk and listen to others about the outcome and what it means for them.  Students expressed the …

Spring Graduation Ceremony Virtual…Again

Photo Credit: Unslpash Anna Fisher - News Editor The undergraduate and graduate Commencement Ceremonies for the Lisle and Mesa campuses will be held virtually on May 15, President Charles Gregory announced in an email last week. “From the donning of the Cap and Gown to the ceremonial tune of Pomp and Circumstance, we have all grown …

Bucs and Chiefs Square Off in Super Bowl LV

The Chiefs beat the Buccaneers earlier this season 27-24. The Super Bowl will be Mahomes and Brady's 5th matchup of their careers. Photo Credit: USA Today Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. The Buccaneers are facing the Chiefs in one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. On a …

Strong Offense Leads to First Two Wins of the Year

The Men’s Basketball Team Put up a combined 156 points in their two wins this weekend. Photo credit: benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Fueled by their offense, the Benedictine Men’s Basketball Team ended this weekend with two victories against Concordia Chicago. It was their first two wins of the season and the first Benedictine …

Eagle Stop Helps Students Make More Connections

Photo Credit: Katie Buell Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer Benedictine University hosted a Virtual Eagle Stop, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, to help students connect through clubs and organizations the past two weeks. Each group hosted Zoom meetings with a welcome video for recruits. “I strongly believe that what draws others to joining …

Student Loan Forgiveness: How will it Impact us?

Photo Credit: AP Evan Vucci Jesus Cortez - Staff Writer President Joe Biden signed an executive order pushing back student loan payments to Sept.30, according to Nerdwallet. Biden has also proposed loan relief that would cancel $10,000 of student loan debt for all federal borrowers. “A $10,000 loan forgiveness would be beneficial to many students,” …

Valentine’s Day Outfits 2021

Amber Syed - Scene Editor With Valentine’s Day right around the corner planning an outfit can be a struggle. Here are a few super simple and easy outfits to piece together! Ruched dresses have been super in this season making it the perfect trendy dress to wear on Valentine’s Day. If it’s a plain black …

“Instead of Goodbye, How About so Long”

Photo Credit: Ora Media Sara Molina - Staff Writer Television host Larry King died Saturday, January 23, in Los Angeles, California, according to Ora Media. He was 87. King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, was the child of immigrant parents.  When he was 10, King’s father died.  This forced King’s mother to go on welfare to …

After 24 Hours

Photo Credit: Time Magazine Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer President Joe Biden signed 15 executive orders during his first day in office, stating on Twitter, “There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face.” Here are some of the actions he took. He extended the pause on student loan …

COVID and Snow Responsible for Cancellations

Men's Basketball had their two most recent games canceled due to snow and COVID. The start of the women's season has been pushed back to February 5th. Tim Folliard - Sports Editor This year’s athletic seasons were expected to be full of cancelations and postponements. Both basketball teams at Benedictine have experienced these setbacks right …

Bears Begin Crucial Offseason

General Manager Ryan Pace (left) and Matt Nagy (right) begin the offseason with a lot on their plates. Photo Credit: Chicago Sun Times Logan Shepard - Sports Writer Chicago, IL-This offseason is pivotal for the Chicago Bears organization. Number one on the list is looking for their next quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky, the Bears current quarterback, …

New Chapter for the U.S.

Photo Credit: Getty Images Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar - Staff Writer The US held its inauguration for the 46th President, Joe Biden, this past Wednesday. The event hosted politicians, poets, and celebrities and marked a beginning of a new chapter. In a matter of hours, Americans who have been undermined were finally able to see a …

Throwing Shade Through Music

Photo Credit: US Magazine Amber Syed - Scene Editor Olivia Rodrigo released her new song “Drivers License” earlier this year. According to US Magazine her song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100. Some of her fans questioned the song, such as when she said “you’re probably with that blond girl." She seemed to …

Stars talk about COVID-19 Vaccine

Photo Credit: pharmaceuticaltechnologies.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor With the COVID-19 vaccine being available since last month, many stars that we see on television have already received the vaccine. Here's a few of the people who received it and had something to say about it. President-elect Joe Biden, received his first dose of the vaccine …

BenU Campus Expands Testing

Photo Credit: Benedictine University Website Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer To “Protect Our Flock”, the Benedictine University expanded mandatory COVID testing, according to an email from the BenU COVID Response Team on Sunday. “Testing will include all Benedictine residents and student-athletes (commuters included) as well as select faculty and staff,” said the COVID-19 Response Team. …

Reflection on Modern Anti-Racism

Photo Credit: Pixabay Anna Fisher - News Editor The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Monday. The keynote speaker was community organizer LaTosha Brown whose talk focused on three evils Dr. King fought: racism, poverty, and militarism. “I appreciate Ms. Brown's honesty, in saying that we …

2021 Sports Guide

There are currently 160 athletic competitions scheduled for the 2021 season. The first was played on January 14th. Photo Credit: benueagles.com Tim Folliard - Sports Editor As chaotic as the 2020 athletic season was...2021 will start off on a similar foot. All of the competitions will be held without fans for at least the foreseeable …

Stress in Students Worsen During Pandemic

Photo Credit: Yellow Picture Studio/Getty Images Sara Molina - Staff Writer The mental health of college students has continuously been a concern.  With the introductions of COVID-19 pandemic, stress in U.S. students has increased profoundly. A survey study created and conducted in Texas A&M University researched how the pandemic has affected student’s well-being.  Among the …

Supply Shortages at COVID Testing Sites

Photo Credit: Jakayla Toney, Uplash Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer “I just wonder how much longer they can continue to do it.” Dr. Kathleen Beavis, a professor of pathology and the medical director for quality at the University of Chicago’s laboratories is overwhelmed by the number of individuals at COVID testing centers during this surge …

Fun Things to do this Winter Break

Photo Credit: themarylhurstschoo.org Sanampreet Kaur Bhullar - Staff Writer With the Fall semester nearing the end, and finals coming up soon, many of us have already started planning out our Winter breaks. Whether your break is filled with studying, working, or simply relaxing, there’s always a need to take time off school and to focus …

Unwillingness to Concede, but Still Proceed

Photo Credit: CNN Politics Kathy Karagiannis - Staff Writer While President Donald Trump’s final days are numbered in the White House, the construction process for President-elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration is soon underway. Despite Trump’s unwillingness to concede, the transition remains in progress. “The 46th President of the United States will be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. …

NACC Uncertain About 2021 Season

Photo Credit: naccsports.org Tim Folliard - Sports Editor Across the country, very few Division III schools have been playing basketball. Adrian College in Michigan and Trine University in Indiana are the only nearby Division III schools that have played more than one game this season. Benedictine’s conference, the NACC, has not announced anything about the …

Lil Uzi Vert Heartbroken over Rihanna

Photo Credit: Compex.com Amber Syed - Scene Editor Most people know Lil Uzi Vert is a huge fan of Rihanna. Some people might even say he’s a little bit obsessed. Out of the millions of his instagram followers he only followed Rihanna, not to mention he would wear her merch and clothes with her face …

Why is Tuition the Same When Classes are Online?

Anna Fisher – Staff Writer This semester is marked by change: virtual classes, distanced athletics, frequent reminders to wear masks. However, tuition, housing, and course fees have not changed. Students may wonder why these charges are the same as last fall when the traditional college experience has been altered. “I don’t think it’s fair, because …

Residents and Reservations: The Semester in Review

Photo Credit: ben.edu Anna Fisher – Staff Writer The second-floor library is a quiet study space now. The practice rooms in Scholl play John Cage’s 4’ 33’ on repeat. The change to virtual space has meant changes in experience, and some students have concerns about what this semester has brought.  “I get very upset about …

The Other Side of the Coin: BU Professors Discuss Their Struggles with Online Learning

Photo Credit: almanacnews.com Syeda Saberi - News Editor The switch from in person learning to online learning has taken a toll on students and faculty alike. While several students have voiced their concerns with tuition charges and altered learning experiences, faculty have also had their share of hurdles. Students have been frustrated with the workload …

Disappointing Bears Continue Downward Spiral

Preston Smith throws up deuces in the endzone after scoring to put the Packers up 27-3. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Tim Folliard - Sports Editor After starting the season with a record of 5-1, the Bears have gone 2020 mode and have lost the last five games. The most recent 16-point loss to the Packers especially …

Holiday Outfits 2020

Amber Syed - Scene Editor Below are my favorite outfits for the 2020 Holiday season: Anything Sparkly is never the wrong way to go. You could wear a sparkly dress or your favorite sparkly sweater with jeans. Pair it with your favorite booties or nude heels. For accessories keep it simple and wear your favorite …

Hurricanes Add More Damage to Central America

Photo Credit: Delmar Martinez Sara Molina - Staff Writer Two weeks after Hurricane Eta, category 5 Hurricane Iota landed in Central America Nov. 16 causing more damage to those already affected. Over 40 deaths have been confirmed in Nicaragua, where Hurricane Iota made landfall, with more than 400,000 people effected by the storm and in …

Holiday Season Restrictions Underway

Photo Credit: Fox Lake, IL - Official Website Kathy Karagiannis - Staff Writer As the holiday season soon approaches, cases continue to arise throughout all of Illinois as the anticipated resurgence heads nationwide. Due to the newly effective mitigations upon us, typical holiday festivities celebrated need to be done differently this year. Illinois Governor J.B …

BenU Athletics on Pause Until 2021

Tim Folliard - Sports Editor As campus closes this week, Benedictine athletics are locking up as well until the next calender year. Sports will not be able to train and have a two month break before they are able to return to campus. In years past, winter and spring sports would continue their training period. …

New COVID Tests Reveal Better Results

Photo Credit: AP News Amber Syed - Scene Editor Just about 2 weeks ago, Pfizer announced their vaccine proved to be over 90% effective with 2 doses. Moderna announced last Monday, November 16th, that they created a two-dose vaccine that tested to be almost 95% effective. According to the New York Times, Moderna only released …

Trans Remembrance and Mia Green

Photo Credit: Hollie Adams, GQ Magazine Sajina Jacob - Staff Writer The Transgender Day of Remembrance is Friday, November 20. TDOR is an annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of violence. The day was started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to …

Trump’s Twitter After the Election

Amber Syed - Scene Editor President Trump has always utilized Twitter to express his thoughts. Regardless of how you feel about him, his tweets are highly controversial and are constantly fact-checked because they are false or often misleading. Here is a list of tweets that took place after the election.  On November 5, President Trump …

Claims of Voter Fraud

Photo Credit: WBOY.com/news Kaitlyn Estopare - Staff Writer From the beginning of the Presidential campaigns, this election term has been hectic, to say the least. The presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been battling head to head to secure the honor of being the President of the United States. Starting on Tuesday, November …

COVID-19 Getting the Best of College Football

Alabama had their game last Saturday against LSU cancelled due to COVID-19. It was one of the many games to be cancelled so far this season. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Kevin Gallagher - Sports Writer College football programs are struggling to keep the virus from affecting their season.  Many teams have had games …