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

The Spectator

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

The Spectator

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

The Spectator

AbleLight Thrift Shop in Eau Claire, WI, has displays of purses, accessories and clothing.

More than a good deal: What drives Eau Claire’s new generation of thrifters

Story by Faith Kierzek June 3, 2025

Thrifting has become a lifestyle for young shoppers in Eau Claire, but is it about sustainability or just another way to buy more? Across the city of Eau Claire, secondhand stores are seeing more traffic...

The local underground music scene in full swing.

Backstroke and punk bands play at Abraxas Wax

Story by Ruby Sonnek, Staff Writer May 12, 2025

A lot of punk noise could be heard coming out of a small business building on Graham Street, downtown Eau Claire on Friday night. Abraxas Wax, one of Eau Claire’s record stores, hosted a music show...

Local artist Kala Rehberger’s photos are on the left and local artist Emily Lau’s photos are on the right.

Black Kettle serves horror and tea

Story by Olivia Rommel, Staff Writer May 12, 2025

Horror is a popular genre with many different subgenres. It has a large audience and continues to grow, according to an article in The Hilltop by Taylor Swinton.  “According to Statistica, horror...

Happy Hookers crafters Cindy Westphal and Jolene Krimpelbeim showcase the handmade wine glass “slippers” for sale on Saturday.

Crafting for a cause

Story by Ambrosia Wojahn, News Editor May 8, 2025

A wide array of unique, handmade items were on display at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center over the weekend. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Happy Hookers crafting group set up shop to raise money...

Rita Mustaphi and seven company dancers gave a deep dive into North Indian dance.

Katha Dance Theater performs for the Forum Artists Series

Story by Ruby Sonnek, Staff Writer May 8, 2025

Colorful dresses, lightning-fast footwork and dizzying spins were some of the sights and sounds presented by Katha Dance Theater at UW-Eau Claire’s Schofield Auditorium. As part of the Forum Artists...

A hot chocolate from Acoustic Café featuring its amazing whipped cream display and chocolate drizzle.

EC Eats: A mug of magic; Searching for Eau Claire’s best hot chocolate

Story by Samantha Stephenson, Staff Writer May 8, 2025

There is something oddly comforting about warm drinks when Wisconsin’s cold wind starts to eat through my layers and layers of coats and scarves. For me, that drink is hot chocolate, especially because...

Jonathan Joestar is outraged at my rankings. (Photo from Viz Media/David Production)

Spectator Sing Along Power Hour: Ranking all of the ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ openings – part two

Story by Noah Tolbert, Opinion Editor May 8, 2025

Last week, I undertook the lengthy task of ranking all of the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” openings, blissfully unaware that the vile word count would ruin my plans. I highly recommend reading that...

Artwork by Hannah Sallman, Laurie Beazie gallery, Pablo Center at the confluence.

Islands of Brilliance: ‘A community for creative people from all walks of life’

Story by Eliot Gannon, Staff Writer May 7, 2025

Pablo Center invites visitors to the Laurie Beazie gallery showcase. “‘The Fellowship Gallery Show’ features artwork created by neurodivergent teens and young adults who participate in Islands Of...

5th Hammer will perform next on June 19 at 2 Roots.

5th Hammer performs at 2 Roots

Story by Liz Curtin, Staff Writer April 29, 2025

5th Hammer performed from 7-10 p.m. at the 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery on April 24. 2 Roots Gallery opened in 2023 and showcases local art and artists behind its doors.  Sean Chambers and his fiancée...

Kocken and Haleta with the zine collection

Basic Vision: Exploring early zine culture

Story by Ruby Sonnek, Staff Writer April 29, 2025

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Mykola Haleta held a presentation last week about zine culture on the fifth floor of the McIntyre Library. Titled “Basic Vision Archive,” the presentation aimed...

Me and the boys on the way to rank all of the “JoJo” OPs. (Photo from Viz Media/David Production)

Spectator Sing Along Power Hour: Ranking all of the ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ openings – part one

Story by Noah Tolbert, Opinion Editor April 29, 2025

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the critically-acclaimed anime and manga series “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (JJBA).” I’ve written two articles about it for this very paper, I recently started...

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