Matthew Sluka carries the ball for Holy Cross before transferring to UNLV. (Wikimedia) The University of Nevada Las Vegas’s quarterback ,Matthew Sluka, who led the Rebels to their first AP Top 25 appearance ever, announced on September 25 that he was electing to sit out the rest of the season due to NIL disputes with the…

Pixabay Presidential debates have been a key part of American democracy since 1976, offering voters a chance to see candidates in real-time. The moderator’s role is crucial—they keep the discussion on track, ensure each candidate has time to speak, and maintain decorum. But after the recent 2024 election debates, there’s been a growing question: should…

(Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) A small, rectangular screen, dinging constantly, has invaded society as we know it. The need to check for texts, notifications, and updates has made cell phones a necessity, something we can’t go a day without. But when does the harm of this technology overshadow its convenience? We shouldn’t be walking around school—a place…

(Pixabay) The 2024 March Madness Tournament has drawn to a close following the UConn Huskies 75-60 victory over Zach Edey and Purdue. It was a tournament to remember, with upsets at every corner.  It all started with Jack Gohlke, the unknown 24 year-old sharpshooter who left the world in awe by dropping 32 points off…

(Nic Jones/ Wikimedia Commons) A record 123.4 million Americans gathered around their TV’s to watch the underdog Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl 58. Led by superstar Patrick Mahomes, who claimed his third Super Bowl MVP of his young career, the Chiefs are now the first team to win…

(Pixabay) The Grammys aired last week, leaving several upsets in its wake. Though this award ceremony is famous for its snubs, sweeps, and steals, it seems that this year brought a new air of controversy regarding the judging panel’s methods when choosing the next winner.  The first upset of the night was in in Album…

What makes a book a “modern classic”? Is it the characters? Soaring popularity? A compelling story? Why do we award this coveted title on some series and not another? The answer to this question lies in a book many read during middle school.  The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan checks all the boxes listed…

(Pixabay) Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has dominated headlines and everyday conversations since the commercial release of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. With the ability to write bodies of text, code computer programs, and create digital art, concerns have arisen over the prospects of AI replacing human jobs and creative projects. The reality of artificial intelligence…

Upon returning to school after spring break, many were shocked by the significantly altered landscape as they took their usual turn onto Beecher Road on the way to Academy. Where hundreds of trees once stood that were home to deer, squirrels, coyotes, and other wildlife is now completely barren: the left side of Academy Ridge’s…

(Wikimedia Commons) As smoke rose above the quaint Ohio town of East Palestine, just 180 miles from our school,  its citizens were stuck in a waiting game following the derailment of a train carrying hazardous substances on February 3. The controlled burn of these toxic chemicals cast a dark–-and possibly deadly–-cloud of smoke over their…