In early May of this year, there was a pop culture outrage when Kendrick Lamar and Aubrey Drake Graham began a rap battle within two weeks. This all began in peace, with a simple compliment, then it was turned into horrible allegations and judgment of their personal lives. On November 15, 2023, Drake dropped his album “For All the Dogs” in which he collaborated with J. Cole on their song “First Person Shooter” where he says that he, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar are the big three of the rap industry. In response to this, on March 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar collaborated on a track with Metro Boomin and Future called “Like That” where he says that it's not the big three, “it’s just big me”, insulting both rappers by implying he is better than both of them. After this track was dropped on Metro Boomin’s album “WE DON’T TRUST YOU”, J.Cole responded to Kendrick’s line in the song with his “7 Minute Drill” which he removed from all platforms a week after it was up and apologized at one of his concerts for saying those horrible things about Kendrick. Then on April 19, 2024, Drake dropped the song “Push Ups” where he insults Kendrick for being short amongst other insults, as well as dissing Metro Boomin, despite him only being in charge of the beat of his song. Drake also continues to diss many other people in the general music industry including the Weeknd, despite him having no role in this tension. After “Push Ups” is released, Kendrick drops his six-minute song “Euphoria” where he says that he hates Drake and that it isn’t something he did he just hates him. He then drops “6:16 in LA” just another track insulting Drake and his career. Only a few hours after “6:16 in LA” is dropped, Drake drops “Family Matters” accusing Kendrick of assaulting his wife and telling his wife to call him if anything happened. He then went on to say that Kendrick was a bad father and didn’t see his kids enough. Only thirty minutes after Drake dropped this track, Kendrick drops a dark emotional track called “Meet the Grahams” where he says that Drake is a bad father to his son Adonis, to his alleged daughter that he has been hiding from the world, and that he is a pedophile. However, Kendrick did not stop there. The next morning he drops “Not Like Us” stating how Drake is a pedophile which was primarily made to rub in the fact that there would be no way for him to reply to both of these tracks successfully. Later that night Drake drops his reply to both songs with “The Heart Part 6”, referencing Kendrick's series “The Heart” and parts one through 5. In this track, he denies the allegations of being a pedophile and accuses Kendrick of hitting his wife again. He then continues to make fun of one of his songs from “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” when Kendrick had made a song about his mother getting molested as a child. However, Drake thought it was about Kendrick getting molested and eventually got severely called out by people on social media for using such sensitive, controversial, and sad information to insult someone. One of the last things included in this diss track is when Drake says how he had someone give Kendrick information about another hidden child so then he would rap about it but be wrong. Despite Drake setting Kendrick up and accusing him of spreading false information, he had no proof against the allegations of pedophilia other than his account which was proven wrong in the end. This was proven to be a lie because of multiple accounts from Millie Bobby Brown saying that she and Drake were close, along with accounts of concerning tweets made towards celebrities that started their career under 18 such as Billie Eilish and others. Kendrick’s allegations on the other hand were not proven wrong however there is also no evidence against him other than Drake simply stating that he assaults his wife. In the end, the internet considers this duel to go down in rap history as well as a victory for Kendrick and his fans.

When: May 14, 2024 Why: Because our art department is awesome This year our entire art department has decided to put on a small art show to expose and show off the students' work this year. The photography, metals and jewelry, ceramics and art, as well as GAMS art. This art show is specifically geared towards advanced art students such as photo two students and advanced ceramics. The students were allowed to enter one art piece of their choosing. I really enjoyed the art show this year. It made me happy to see how students put so much time and effort into creating something beautiful. I was a little sad that the physical clay projects were not displayed, but instead photos of them. But it makes sense, most students are destructive and no one wants their art destroyed. I especially liked the Animal Bust of an angler fish by Zach Vanderhoff. The clothing gave off a punk vibe that the artist hoped to achieve and I really thought they did a great job. The paintings this year were amazing! They really blew me away with how detailed they were. Most of the paintings were not for sale, but it was still amazing to see how dedicated and detailed they were. This is the same idea with the jewelry that was displayed. I was sad only two were for sale, but otherwise they did an amazing job. The rings were absolutely gorgeous and I am totally buying one next year! The photographs this year I was really impressed with. The photo two students worked so hard this year Overall the art show this year was absolutely amazing! I am so happy our school decided to have it and I will attend next year.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, road accidents kill over one million large animals in the United States each year.¹ The gross reality behind this statistic isn’t just the sheer amount of creatures that is; it’s also the fact that this is a major underestimate. Since that number only accounts for accidents that are actually reported, the real value is significantly higher. Beth Pratt, the California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, discussed this issue in an interview with CNN saying, “...If you add in the little guys — frogs and butterflies — we’re talking [a number] in the billions.”¹ The city of Los Angeles holds the issue of animal auto accidents close to their heart, especially after one of their beloved friends became a victim. Named P-22, this mountain lion quickly became a celebrity for the locals after he was seen roaming around people’s neighborhoods.¹ Whether it was while they ate dinner or from the deck of their homes, seeing P-22 would brighten people’s days. It was as if you unexpectedly ran into a good friend, rather than a wild mountain lion that would typically spark fear. P-22’s life was severely affected by human development, as are the lives of so many creatures around the world. At an early age, the young mountain lion had to miraculously cross two of L.A.’s busiest freeways, landing his name in multiple headlines.² From that point on he managed to survive in the Griffith Park area, which for a mountain lion is much too small. Surrounded by the 101 and 134 freeways, P-22’s habitat only covered eight square miles. Compared to the typical 100 square miles that male mountain lions roam, it is clear that P-22’s habitat size acted as a hindrance in his life.¹ Trapped by the freeways, he was never able to find a mate before his passing in December 2022. Motivated by P-22’s story, people of all kinds felt the need for change. A common interest appeared to be drawn toward a wildlife overpass, but one major issue stood in the way of that plan: funding. Beth Pratt, who was so inspired by the mountain lion’s story that she got a tattoo in his memory, was not going to let money stand in the way. Dressed in her casual clothes and hiking boots, Pratt took it upon herself to go door to door, asking anyone she could for donations. Thanks to the city’s widespread love for P-22, the money came pouring in. Even celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Barbra Streisand helped send endowments for the project.¹ Currently in construction, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is projected to be completed within the next couple of years. Spanning 210 feet over the 10 lane-wide 101 freeway, this bridge is expected to provide a multitude of benefits to both animals and humans.³ For animals, aside from the obvious decrease in the amount of roadkill, wildlife crossings help increase biodiversity everywhere. Without crossings, species get cut off from mating possibilities and the necessary resources that they need in order to thrive. On the other side are human benefits, including a lower risk of crashing into wildlife as well as less time spent in traffic due to road closures. The overall impact of this wildlife crossing will leave a lasting effect that will push for a new wave of animal safety.

The day was Tuesday, March 27, 2024. On this day a Singaporean vessel, by the name of Dali, had crashed into a bridge in Maryland. This bridge was known for carrying Interstate 695 and four different lanes. There were two lanes for each direction that would receive a total of 31,000 cars and 3,000 trucks, on average, per day. The trucks that went across daily would often carry hazardous materials to transport across the bridge. The bridge was none other than the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This bridge was located in America and had a great influence on many things in Maryland as a whole. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the bridge had a huge impact on the transportation of vehicles and watercraft. The ships below the bridge would often import and export goods, in and out of America, while following a ship route. The vehicles on the bridge would often go to work and go back home across the bridge as a shortcut. This shortcut was also useful for normalizing conveniency for the citizens of Maryland and any potential tourists. When the bridge collapsed however, people were lost, usefulness simmered, and chaos occurred. This event had shocked lives and will continue to cause future problems for the oncoming years. No need to be worried about it though, the bridge will go under regulations and processes to make a safer bridge for the population of Maryland. There are early estimates out already, saying that the cost of the repairs will be at least $500 million and years of time. The economy is also deteriorating in Maryland since the bridge was a key part of the economical support there. With the collapse, the future is looking a little problematic but there is hope since there are supporters out in the world donating to the reconstruction repairs. This collapse had happened early in the morning and knocked down the bridge like its equivalent made of toothpicks. The boat was loaded with cargo to transport to Sri Lanka which means that there might be some tension with Sri Lanka and Singapore. This bridge was built in 1977 and was “a little’ out of date” as some civil engineers who filled potholes on the bridge said. This event won’t be forgotten and will make a long-lasting mark for not only Maryland but America as a whole. Even though it couldn’t be stopped, the situation was very disastrous and will cost a lot of money and time for the future of Maryland.

Historically engulfing three million acres, the Florida Everglades rank as North America’s largest subtropical wetland ecosystem. Once spanning from just south of Orlando down to Florida Bay, an abundance of creatures and plants call these lands home. With species such as the endangered Florida panther and the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, the level of diversity within this environment is truly captivating. In fact, the Everglades are the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles have managed to coexist.¹ Another huge part of the Everglades’ beauty comes from its distinctive habitats. Thanks to the vitalizing climate, environments such as marshes in the north and mangrove forests galore are able to flourish in this spot. All of this biodiversity woven together is what really makes the Everglades an unparalleled sight to see. As with many of Earth’s natural wonders, humans have taken a major toll on the livelihood of the Everglades. While all of the previously mentioned remains true, the Everglades are nowhere close to what they once were. The sad reality lies in the fact that the ecosystem has declined to just barely 50% of its original size.² There are many factors at blame for this shrink; invasive species, urban development, and even agricultural efforts. An important item on this list, maybe even written in bold, is the 1948 Central and South Florida Project. In an effort to tame the watery landscape, the project solved one problem by creating another. For 15 years, more than a thousand miles of water-control structures were built to aid the booming populations of Central and South Florida.³ While successful in achieving its goal, the project put immense pressure on the Everglades. Many structures were set up to divert water flows from Lake Okeechobee. By diverting too much of the flow away from the South, the Everglades were essentially cut off from the lake, which operates as the heart of the ecosystem. Unsurprisingly, this led to an extreme degeneration of the area. Referred to by some as the largest restoration project in human history, efforts made to revive the Everglades to their once robust state are underway. Called the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the project hopes to “...restore, preserve, and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region…”¹ While the success of restoration does involve many highly educated and/or experienced workers, any individual out there can assist the effort. Through advocacy, one small voice can be a powerful tool for change, inspiring others to feel passionate about the health of the Everglades. A large portion of the general population lacks enthusiasm for this project due to an unawareness of the significance of the Everglades. Considering that this ecosystem produces drinking water for one-third of Floridians and provides irrigation for a massive portion of the state's agriculture, the Everglades hold a great deal of importance for the nation. Truthfully, anybody out there is capable of helping this incredibly important progression, even you.

Stanley cups are a very, very popular cup brand, used by about seven billion people around the world. Yes, Stanley cups indeed have lead, yet it is secured at the bottom of the bottle. It is “protected,” but if it is damaged, there is a chance of getting lead poisoning. “Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry-standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of our products; the sealing material includes some lead,” a Stanley spokesperson said.¹ “If the cup stays intact, there’s likely no lead exposure risk for consumers. But if that bottom seal comes off, all bets are off,” a spokesperson said.¹ “Lead is so toxic you just can’t take chances with it. If a company has to rely on their product remaining perfectly intact for it to be safe, that company has a basic material safety problem that they are passing on to their customers.”¹ Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, especially in children. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage can occur. Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness, and death. Lead can do much harm. People should be more careful with their Stanley cups. Most people got Stanley’s for similar reasons to Finley Pearson⁽⁷⁾ “I got it because it fits my cupholder and is long-lasting…I think lead could cause future problems if the bottom broke.” The lead scared many people, and they don't think it should be sold, “I don’t think they should continue selling them; they should fix the problem first,” Ms. Slaughterbeck, an English teacher, said in an interview. These Stanley cups are used by many teachers and students in GHS. People think they should be treated carefully with caution. If you have a Stanley, make sure to be extra careful with it and not to break the bottom border.

In December of 2017, NASA initiated a new project that would reciprocate one of humankind’s greatest accomplishments: landing humans on the moon. Called the Artemis program, this project consists of unparalleled innovations and missions that will help create a long-term presence on the moon.¹ Since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, the world has entered a new era of technological advancements and scientific discoveries. A new era in which the goal extends way beyond the surface of the moon; more specifically speaking, 140 million miles to Mars.² Artemis I, the first mission of the program’s increasingly complicated series, took place in late 2022. This uncrewed lunar flight put NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) to the test. During the nearly 26-day long 1.4 million mile journey, the machinery performed at levels matching, in some areas even surpassing NASA’s expectations.³ These results supplied NASA with reassurance that their project was on the right track. The second mission of the Artemis program, called Artemis II, plans to launch no sooner than September 2025. This voyage will continue to test NASA’s deep space capabilities, but this time at a whole different level. Not only will the spacecraft have to accommodate a four-person crew, but it will also carry them to unprecedented milestone distances. Artemis' plans beyond these missions consist of setting “...the stage for the first woman and first person of color to step foot on the lunar surface, and for a long-term presence at the Moon that will enable future crewed missions to Mars.”⁴ NASA’s desire to further deep space exploration and expand human knowledge through new discoveries has provided for some global unity. International Space Station partners scattered across the globe have expressed passionate interest in joining NASA in their lunar orbit. Various components of the Artemis program have been contributed by these partners, including the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.² Since 1972, NASA has dreamt of the day they would send humans back to the moon. Now, 50-plus years later, that day lies just around the corner. With decades of research backing up its efforts, the Artemis program has been and will continue to be an amazing course to advance our understanding of the universe and our capabilities as a species

In Japan, the 2024 New Year started disastrously. On January 1, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the country. Making matters worse, just the day after, a Coast Guard turboprop and a Japan Airlines jet collided in a fiery explosion at Tokyo’s biggest airport. So how did these tragedies play out? January 1 - 12:00 AM - Noto Peninsula, Japan In Japan, residents celebrate New Year’s on a frigid winter day. Bells ring vibrantly at local Buddhist temples, the final ring signaling midnight.¹ In the town of Wajima, families celebrate in their homes. It’s a moment of celebration, but what neither residents or tourists know is that in less than 24 hours, they’ll be fighting for their lives. 04:00 PM The following afternoon, the New Year’s celebration isn’t over. While it’s below freezing outdoors, families enjoy their warm New Year’s dinner in the comfort of their homes. Meanwhile, deep beneath the Sea of Japan, Earth’s tectonic plates shift. Over thousands of years, the Pacific Plate has slipped and rubbed against its neighboring plates, forming the ‘Ring of Fire,’ and Japan is right inside of it.² Minutes later, a tectonic collision generates the first foreshock. The 5.7 magnitude quake is already strong enough to knock plaster off of walls, slide furniture, and seriously alarm anyone near the epicenter… but it’s only the first of a series of destructive quakes. 04:10 PM Families take cover wherever they can, preparing for what’s next. The following quake, with a magnitude of 7.6, is the largest to strike Japan since 2011. Many residents have never experienced anything like this. Buildings shake, eventually dislodging from their foundations. Underground pipes burst and chasms open up in asphalt. In Tokyo, which is more than 100 miles from the epicenter, shaking can be felt. In the town of Wajima alone, 30 buildings collapse and many more catch fire, leaving little time for their occupants to dress for the frigid weather and escape. Every television in the area that remains powered flashes a bright message: TSUNAMI! EVACUATE!² 04:21 PM Seven more aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or higher strike. By now, the earthquake is over, but there’s a new threat arising. The tsunami residents were warned about the wave hit, but it hit far earlier than anyone had predicted, and few residents in the towns of Wajima and Suzu managed to get far away. A wave hits the coast, destroying what’s left of many buildings damaged in the earthquake. The highest wave recorded was 21 feet high, and hit a public on the coast of the Seki river, sweeping people away.² January 2 In the aftermath, Wajima is eerily quiet. 90% of all buildings are completely destroyed. In total 213 were killed and 567 injured due to the quake. Those stranded wait for rescue as the government launches search-and-rescue missions and plans aid for the thousands affected by the disaster. In the city of Niigata, home to over 800,000, 10 ships are capsized, 15 buildings are flooded, and beach homes are swept away.² 05:45 PM Preparing to bring supplies to an airbase in Niigata, a Japanese Coast Guard turboprop taxis at Tokyo’s busy Haneda Airport. It’s one of four planes deployed by the government to send supplies in response to the earthquake. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines Flight 516 descends towards Haneda Airport. The jet is an Airbus A350, and onboard are 367 passengers and 12 crew. The pilots of the jumbo jet line up for Runway 34R and descend closer and closer. What they don’t know is that also on Runway 34R is the Coast Guard aircraft.³ 05:47 PM Japan Airlines Flight 512 touches down on Runway 34R. They don’t see the smaller plane just feet away. Seconds after touchdown, a violent shock knocks the plane off course. Passengers are flung forward in their seats and the jet speeds down the runway, out of control. The crew are passengers in their own plane. The jet’s passengers have no clue what has happened. Two aircraft have collided on the runway. The Coast Guard plane is crushed, instantly killing all five passengers and leaving the pilot as the sole survivor. The larger plane is severely damaged. After coming to a stop past the end of the runway, passengers begin to evacuate. The right engine is engulfed in flames and the fire is growing. Smoke fills the cabin. 3 minutes later, 70 fire trucks arrive on the scene. They can do little to save the plane, but they’ll do everything in their power to save the passengers. If it wasn’t already bad enough, communication within the plane is down. The crew must yell their messages to the passengers. Even worse, of the 8 emergency slides the plane is equipped with, only 3 are functional. Nearly 400 passengers must escape a burning plane through only 3 exits before the entire aircraft is engulfed.³ 06:05 PM By an incredible stroke of luck, all 379 occupants escaped. The modern design of the Airbus A350’s fuselage slowed the burning, allowing the passengers to survive with minimal injuries. Firefighters manage to extinguish the fire, but the aircraft is completely destroyed. It’s the airline’s first crash since 1985, and the first and only crash involving the Airbus A350. While officials aren’t sure what exactly led to the massive mixup, they do know what went right. Japan Airlines' safety video was clear and concise, emphasizing the importance of leaving baggage behind and demonstrating the proper use of emergency slides. Additionally, the well-prepared crew handled the emergency calmly despite multiple things going wrong.⁴ January 12 In the aftermath of two tragedies, the Japanese government is working avidly to rescue the injured and resupply power and water to homes. 300 are still missing. The best case is that they evacuated and are still unaccounted for, but unfortunately, another possibility is that they were killed or severely injured.⁵ In conclusion, Japan’s start to the New Year was tragic. An unexpected earthquake nearly destroyed the towns of Suzu and Wajima. One disaster led to another when a relief aircraft collided with an airliner. Despite the tragedy, the Japanese government’s preparation and response is commendable. After 2011’s disastrous quake that led to the meltdown at Fukushima, nuclear plants are better equipped to handle earthquakes. While the tsunami arrived earlier than expected, the quick broadcast of an emergency warning was still enough to save hundreds of lives, and the seawalls along Japan’s Western coast prevented further flooding.² The Haneda Airport collision could have been far more disastrous, but the crew’s handling of the disaster, the passenger’s cooperation, and the aircraft’s design saved nearly 400 lives. If the disaster has a silver lining, it’s the fact that the wreckage is currently being used to study how the fire spread and prevent similar disasters in the future.⁴

CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sensitive topics including gun violence. A wave of terror rippled out from Lewiston, Maine after the area was hit by tragedy. With 18 dead, 13 injured, and many more scarred, the town fears it may never be the same. Lewiston folks were enjoying a mundane Wednesday evening when the incident began. At 6:56 p.m. on October 25th, a 911 call rang through concerning a local mass shooting. 10 shots had been heard. Just 12 minutes later, dispatchers received multiple reports of another shooting in town.¹ Emergency services rushed to both scenes, but for many it was too late. 18 people lost their lives, ranking that night as America’s deadliest shooting in 2023. The situation escalated even further as it turned into a manhunt. Citizens in the area were put under shelter-in-place orders, which told them to stay where they were and lock every single door. Schools and businesses shut down for the time being, making the streets a barren desert. Using surveillance footage from Wednesday night, authorities determined the culprit to be Robert Card, a 40 year old army reservist from Bowdoin, Maine. An exact motive has yet to be determined, but there is belief that Card’s actions sprouted from his mental health issues. Card spent two weeks committed to a mental health facility, reportedly heard voices, and previously threatened to shoot up a national guard base. A search warrant used for the investigation revealed further details about Card’s life. His ex-girlfriend had two daughters, whom he would occasionally take out for food. When out on the town, Card believed that people were conspiring against him, even accusing him of being a pedophile. He also believed that certain businesses broadcasted this conspiracy online. The two locations targeted that Wednesday night, a bowling alley named Just-In-Time Recreation and a restaurant named Schemengees Bar and Grille, were two of the places on Card’s radar.² After 48 hours of intense searching, the hunt was over. Robert Card’s body was found just 10 miles outside of Lewiston; his death caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.2 Once when this information was announced, Maine governor Janet Mills expressed the relief she felt knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to innocent people. She says, “It’s a close-knit community with a long history of hard work, of persistence, of faith, of opening its big heart to people everywhere. This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security. No city does, no state, no people.”³

“I’m actually getting to the stage where places I traveled to for the first time in the early 1990s are now unrecognizable. I go to coral reefs that I went to ten years ago when they were swarming with fish and sharks, and now they are barren deserts,” says Steve Backshall, a wildlife expert and conservationist.¹ Severe pressure has piled up on coral reefs all throughout the ocean. A major effect of this distress is coral bleaching, a process the species undergo in reaction to stressful conditions. Through this the coral releases a symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that lives within its tissues, leading to complete discoloration.² A study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association showed that from 2014 to 2017 around 75% of tropical reefs experienced situations stressful enough to trigger bleaching.³ This number alone demonstrates the high level of vulnerability this ecosystem lives under. What’s arguably Earth’s biggest existential threat also ranks as the primary cause of coral bleaching: climate change. The increase that climate change imposes on atmospheric temperatures also occurs in the oceans. This warmth prompts corals to initiate the bleaching process, eventually leaving them white. Other driving causes include runoff/water pollution, overexposure to sunlight, and extremely low tides.² In other words, any abrupt or unusual change in temperature, light, or nutrients will do the job. Luckily corals can recover from bleaching, but only if their conditions are able to return to normal. In order to ensure this normality returns and stays in place, the human population has to band together. Individuals can do little but effective things such as controlling runoff in their area, using more sustainable options, and even by spreading awareness. This being said, such a huge concept like climate change needs immediate, world wide action from organizations and governments. For example, the Coral Reef Alliance, based out of California, works with local partners to monitor water quality, restore ecosystems, and create land-based pollution solutions.⁴ It’s important to remember that all species on Earth are linked to one another, forming a web of reliability. If coral reefs continue down the path they are on, a domino effect will arise. Tens of thousands of species depend on them for habitat, food supply, protection, etc. Without healthy coral, masses of smaller marine life will experience a decline in their health quality. Then, larger species relying on the smaller ones will be hit by this downtrend, and so forth. It is an incredibly more complex system, but the underlying point remains the same: a loss of coral reefs would mean a loss for the entire planet.

This past Tuesday, October 24th, Gilbert High School’s sophomores and juniors (who signed up) took the PSAT, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. For the freshmen who have yet to experience the PSAT, you may wonder, what even is it? According to the College Board, the PSAT is a standardized test with English and Math sections.¹ The PSAT was once a physical examination, which was part of where many students' anxiety came from – the unfamiliar style of test – but now, the PSAT, and the SAT, are digital tests. Perfect for our technology-reliant generation. On PSAT day, all tenth graders receive the joy of waking up at their regular time, arriving at school at their regular time, and heading to an assigned classroom for a two hours and forty-five minute test, with one ten minute break in between the reading and writing sections. Meanwhile, freshmen, many juniors, and seniors, are given the gift of sleeping in and most likely: ditching. Many sophomores express feelings of unpreparedness as the PSAT testing day approaches. Sophomores are made aware of the testing day, prepared to know how to sign in, but no one prepares them for the actual test itself. Zariah Evans⁽¹²⁾, a senior at Gilbert High, recalls that when she took her PSAT sophomore year, “AVID was trying to help us get prepared and everything [but] I did not feel fully prepared until the second time around, honestly.” However there are resources available to sophomores in order to prepare and reduce the anxiety an unfamiliar test can bring. Many libraries have PSAT prep books that can be borrowed, or there are even online practice tests that students can find. The main point of sophomores taking the PSAT is to have an idea of what the test is like to give them an idea of whether or not you choose to take the test again junior year in an attempt to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The Princeton Review explains that the PSAT you take sophomore year is the same as the one you take junior year; the only difference is one is a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, while one is not.² When juniors take the PSAT, they have a chance to receive a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. In the end, there’s more to the PSAT than the National Merit Scholarship. While some believe the scholarship is the only point, the reality is that, in a way, the PSAT is meant to prepare students for the SAT. AnnaSophia Lyons⁽¹²⁾, another senior, explains that, “It prepared me in the sense that I knew what to expect. Obviously, you don't want to go into the SAT and have never taken a test in that format before.” Lyons⁽¹²⁾ is referring to the fact that both tests used to be on paper but have now been put into a digital format. But, the PSAT can still prepare students for the SAT. “The PSAT and the SAT are almost identical,” explains the Princeton Review, “The PSAT is fifteen minutes shorter than the SAT, doesn’t include an essay, and is scored on a slightly different scale. Otherwise, the PSAT has the same question types and tests the same knowledge areas as the SAT.”² Devrin Wilson⁽¹²⁾ believes taking the PSAT not once, but twice, overall better prepared him for taking the SAT. “I got a better score on the SAT than the PSAT,” Devrin⁽¹²⁾ explains. Now if you don’t want to take the PSAT for the scholarship or as prep for the SAT, colleges do take PSAT scores into consideration. Zayden Meyer⁽¹¹⁾, a junior who took the PSAT this past Tuesday, signed up for the PSAT because, “I wanted to take it so I could get better scores for college and better scholarships.”

Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Hilary hit the west coast of the North American continent. It originally began as a category 4 hurricane, and as it hit landfall, became a tropical storm. However, a new destructive force has hit the United States coast. Hurricane Idalia, though a destructive force, is a Category 3 hurricane, and continues to cause chaos through the east coast of the United States. On August 30, at 7:50 am, Hurricane Idalia hit the Florida peninsula and began its path of destruction. The first news of the hurricane began around August 28th. As of the afternoon of August 28, it began as a tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea. The hurricane was said to strengthen as it moved to the coast, becoming a major hurricane. According to the New York Times,” Hurricane Idalia was the 9th named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2023”.¹ In the predictions of the hurricane, the National Weather Center stated, “... forecast to become a dangerous major hurricane over the northeastern gulf of mexico by early Wednesday as it gained strength over Cuba.”² Otherwise, the hurricane was predicted to be damaging and the states on the east coast prepared for the hurricane to hit. On August 30, at 7:50 am, Hurricane Idalia began its journey across the east coast on the peninsula of Florida. When it hit, it was recorded as a Category 3 hurricane, and sustained 125 mph winds. Over August 31st and September 1st, the hurricane has slowed, with winds sustained at 50 mph. Precipitation has reached a maximum of 10 inches, and it continues to pour over the states. On the 28th of August, before the hurricane reached landfall, families and citizens were evacuated to prepare for the destruction. From NBC News, “Higher education in the Tampa area will pause this week as three schools announced cancellations today. The University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College all announced closures for tomorrow and Wednesday. With campuses in St. Petersburg, USF said on its site that it is also assessing evacuation orders for Pinellas County. Residential students in St. Petersburg without alternative housing will be relocated to the Tampa campus. ‘If the Tampa campus is required to evacuate, students remaining on campus would be transported to approved county shelters until it is safe to return,’ the school said.”³ The evacuation saved many, as power outages, flooding, and building destruction continued to occur. Though the storm continues to create a path of destruction, the predicted damage helped to save many lives. Although no injury counts have been made, previous measures placed can help in reducing future numbers. The storm has stayed steady at a Category 3, with moderately low winds, and high precipitation levels. News media continue to cover this new natural force, and its goal is to destroy and ruin everything in its path.