West Side Story

Let the countdown begin

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief • March 26, 2021

As one of the most unusual high school basketball seasons wraps up with all-state honors and season reviews, just one part of this year's season felt reminiscent of years past: the absence of a shot clock...

Rosemary’s Rambles: To be or not to be like other girls

Rosemary Timmer-Hackert, Print Opinion Editor • March 9, 2021

To be or not to be like other girls, that is the question. For those who don’t know, “not like other girls” is a phrase coined by the internet to refer to a girl who rejects everything to do with...

Rebuilding our democracy

Audrey Parrish, Copy Editor • March 2, 2021

It’s like black and white: the stark difference between police treatment of Black Lives Matter protesters and the Trump rioters at the Capitol.

A glance into the past: One of Wunn’s

Kamakshee Kuchhal, Lead Print Copy Editor • February 28, 2021

“One of Wunn's” by Drew Parker, originally published in the Feb. 7, 2009 issue of WSS For a lot of students at West, freshman year is looked back upon fondly as a time to adjust to high school life,...

Hallmark holidays

Katherine Shoppa, Print Co-Editor-In-Chief • February 27, 2021

If you’ve ever gone shopping during the holidays, it’s hard to miss the massive displays filled top to bottom with holiday decorations, themed food items and gift ideas. The holiday season increasingly...

Editorial: Overcapacity

WSS Editorial Board • February 26, 2021

On Jan. 29, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 160 into law, forcing school districts across the state to offer a 100% on-site schooling option starting Feb. 15. For the state to suspend the in-person...

The Breakout Room episode 2: February highlights

Alex Carlon and Renee Gould • February 23, 2021

In the February episode of The Breakout Room, hosts Alex Carlon '21 and Renee Gould '22, along with guest Paige Albright '23, discuss everything from ICCSD staff vaccinations to United States infrastructure.

Why Valentine’s Day can be good

Renee Gould, Opinion Editor • February 14, 2021

Valentine's Day is often heralded as a day for couples. Specifically those in romantic relationships. However, Valentine's Day is a rather versatile holiday, as it primarily celebrates love. Though romantic...

A glance into the past: We’re going to party like it’s…

Kamakshee Kuchhal, Lead Print Copy Editor • February 9, 2021

"We're going to party like its..." by Angela Winnike, originally published in the Feb. 25, 2000 issue of WSS On February 5th, 2000, the Iowa City Police Department...

The unknown history of Iowa, the radical star

Paige Albright, Managing Co-Editor, Podcast Editor • February 5, 2021

When thinking about Iowa’s civil rights history, most would assume it to be entirely full of very little diversity or nothing memorable. Never would Iowa be thought of as a leader or an example for others...

Caroline’s Comics: Protect the bunnies, forget trans youth

Caroline Mascardo, Editorials Editor and Copy Editor • January 20, 2021

Although his presidency comes to a close today, the stain former President Donald Trump has left on LGBTQ+ rights during his four years in office is undeniable, with consistent attempts at exempting...

Caroline’s Comics: Watching American democracy burn

Caroline Mascardo, Editorials Editor and Copy Editor • January 13, 2021

One week ago, thousands of President Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol trying to stop the 117th Congress from certifying President-Elect Joe Biden's electoral college victory. Although...