The Spectator – The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

Wisconsin Makers Market sells a variety of products on consignment from dozens of vendors, including crocheted products, embroidered products, candles, artwork, utensils, accessories, food, drinks, dog products and more.

Arts & Life

Wisconsin Makers Market moves to Main Street

Market makes a big move, inviting new vendors

Story by Cade Fisher, Editor-in-Chief • April 2, 2025

ROLE MODEL poses in his iconic cowboy hat for his album “Kansas Anymore,” hinting at the new country twang his music embodies. Property of Interscope Records

Arts & Life

Spectator Sing Along Power Hour: A Lonely Cowboy

Dissecting the musings of a heartbroken indie cowboy

Story by Samantha Stephenson, Staff Writer • April 2, 2025

“I think the stand-up came from the complete desire to live life and to just go see as much as I possibly can,” Kelly said.

Arts & Life

Comedian Ryan Kelly performs live on campus

Known as ‘Youth Pastor Ryan,’ stand-up storyteller and social media star provides Blugolds an hour of laughter

Story by Isabella Matczak, Copy Editor • April 2, 2025

My lovely friend Halee let me drag her along to taste-test the Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty.

Arts & Life

EC Eats: Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty could have been worse

A mediocre experience with a mediocre treat for a mediocre price

Story by Kyra Price, Managing Editor • April 2, 2025

It may be time for a change in the film industry as A24 films become more and more lackluster. (Photo courtesy of Unsplash under Creative Commons license)

Opinion

The new face of indie film?

Why NEON, not A24, is the future of independent cinema

Story by Wyatt Voelker, Staff Writer • April 2, 2025

Floyd Abrams speaks with students and community members after a screening of a documentary about his legal career.

News

Floyd Abrams film screening and Q-and-A educates students on freedom of speech

Famous lawyer specializing in First Amendment rights visited Eau Claire on March 26

Story by Willow Pawlisch, Social Media Manager • April 2, 2025

The street ambassadors wear bright yellow and blue gear to be easily identified while working in the downtown area.
Back row L-R: Jeremy Hampton, Peyton Bunce. Front row L-R: Stephney Brick, Amy Sell.

News

New Street Ambassador program establishes in downtown Eau Claire

4 individuals come together to assist growing unhoused population, improve public areas

Story by Isabella Matczak, Copy Editor • April 2, 2025

The Multicultural Student Services Office is located on the first floor of Centennial.

News

50 years of Hmong legacies to be honored on campus

MSS to host “Journey Through Generations” mini exhibit

Story by Ambrosia Wojahn, Copy Editor • April 2, 2025

While not the largest announcement, No Sleep for Kaname Date is the game I’m most excited for from this direct. (Photo from Spike Chunsoft)

Opinion

Quarter Muncher: Nintendo just gave us the best direct in a long time

Tomadachi Life, Metroid Prime 4 were just two of the titles touched on

Story by Noah Tolbert, Chief Copy Editor • April 1, 2025

In the key of E: Assignments galore

Opinion

In the key of E: Assignments galore

Spring break couldn’t have felt shorter

Story by Elyse Braun, News Editor • April 1, 2025

Lathrop said that, outside of playing Softball, she has had previous experiences in basketball and soccer, which honed her teamwork skills. (Photo from Blugold Athletics)

Sports

Athlete of the Week: Paige Lathrop shares the secrets to her softball success

How six successful games caught coaches' attention

Story by Liz Curtin, Staff Writer • April 1, 2025

Max Niemann of Max & The Fellow Travelers cracks a smile while strumming the electric guitar on the first night of the Mid(Western) tour.

Multimedia

PHOTOS: Fourth live show at Leona’s Pizzeria features an all-Wisconsin lineup

Max & The Fellow Travelers, Esther B. Saw bring warm folk to Leona’s Pizzeria

Story by Maggie O'Brien and Ellen Marie Heunisch • March 31, 2025

Two men, Joe Santagato (left) and Frank Alvarez (right), stand in front of a blue screen with the text that reads, “The Basement Yard Experience.”

Opinion

‘The Basement Yard’ has forever changed my life for the better

Podcast equipment should be more expensive, except for Joey and Frank

Story by Taylor Boggess, Opinion Editor • March 31, 2025

A Hmong tapestry that hangs inside of Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that pays tribute to the church’s history of sponsorship to Hmong refugee families.

News

Refugees in Eau Claire: A history at risk

On the 50th year of Hmong refugees in Wisconsin, a new presidential order impedes the controversial refugee support office in Eau Claire

Story by Willow Pawlisch, Social Media Manager • March 24, 2025

Alisha Green, Youth Services coordinator at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, staffed the Library on the Loose event. “It is a fun way to provide library services and connect with our regular and potentially new library customers,” Green said.

Multimedia

SHIFT spotlights L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

Library on the Loose event brings library-goers to SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

Story by Maggie O'Brien, Staff Writer • March 17, 2025

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The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.