Max Hancock Spring Portfolio

Max’s Spring Portfolio

This Semester

This semester was a great change from the previous, but it was not without its challenges.

Transitioning from an online curriculum was a major success, but staying motivated was incredibly difficult. I felt as if the paper was operating at only half power. In order to overcome this, I had to adopt a certain set of skills that was completely foreign to me until recently.

As far as my actual production skills went, I had a large knowledge of how the paper operated and I was comfortable with my writing. However, I had to learn how to stay motivated in doing so. My writing and editing was only as good as my motivation skills. Once I learned how to keep myself motivated, I was then able to focus on production skills that would make me a professional and talented editor.

I learned how to operate Adobe software such as Indesign and Photoshop so much better than I did last semester. Adobe taught me problem solving skills that forced me to push my creativity and IQ. Contrary to last year, I could actually figure out problems that I had using Adobe software on my own without asking another editor. Going forward, I plan on using these new skills in problem solving and staying motivated in future occupations and higher degrees of schooling. When I hold an actual office job, I will be expected to solve problems without the help of my peers. Because of problem solving skills using Adobe software in this classroom, I feel that I will be able to confidently tackle these obstacles.

Because this is my second year in this newspaper class, this will be my fourth time writing about the importance of deadlines. However, deadlines have not lost an ounce of importance as I continue to learn about the operations of a publication. Deadlines act as the governing force in all of journalism, they are the judge, jury, and even the executioner. Without deadlines, the CS Press is nothing but a sorry excuse of a publication that produces half-effort journalism whenever it sees fit.

Not only is a deadline important for the staff and editors of a publication, but it is also important to the readers. I’ve learned the importance of informing the public and how big of a responsibility that is. If there are no deadlines, then our paper cannot be held as a credible source to inform the public if it is not on time when promised.

Working with others has always been something I avoid. I feel like I work better without the nagging of others over my shoulder. However, this year working as a team was absolutely vital because of all the questions I had concerning editing software or the stylebook. Contrary to years before, working with others around me was one of my strengths. In the future, I will try to relate to staff members more and try to provide aid to them when they may need it. Working together holds the paper together because it acts as the bone structure.

Although it is obvious, Journalism Ethics have also become more important. In the past, I have written for some pages such as News and written about complex topics. If there is a lack of information on the topic online, I have filled in the blanks with my own unreliable knowledge. In the past, I did not see it as that big of a deal, however, I have learned that if everyone else does that too, then the whole credibility and image of the paper has been tossed out the window. I care for the paper's reputation deeply and telling the truth is the paper’s saving grace.

My Best Work

Being an editor, I didn’t write half as much as I did last year for the paper. However, I did have a few pieces of written work that I was proud of. Because I only had to write one story per issue, I chose topics that I knew would be easier for me so that I could focus on editing my page. Amongst the few pieces I wrote, there is one that stands out as my most impressive. My best piece of written work was definitely my pro gun opinion piece for the April issue this year.

I chose this as my best work not because of the topic or how controversial it was, but rather I felt like it captured my ideal writing style. This story was incredibly easy to write about because it was something I was passionate about, I knew plenty of external research to turn to, and it would be fun to gather my thoughts. My pro on this topic was a really controversial ideology so I wanted to appeal to both sides with valid points and research. I felt as if I wasn’t too radical on my claims and I understood David’s con in opposition to my claims.

It may sound hard to believe but I wrote this story in a single class period the day it was assigned to me. I am one to almost always procrastinate my work until the absolute last second. However, being extremely passionate about this topic, I knew exactly where I would turn to get my statistics and inspiration. In only 45 minutes I wrote all 500 words, even going over the expected word count previous to Claire’s edits.

In this story, the organization was the best I’ve had in a very long time. I was able to open with a hook, state my topic, and move on from there with ease. My research was where It should have been and my claims were not too absurd to the point where I was uncredible. There was never a moment where I had to stop and ponder where I should insert a piece of research or one of my opinions. To me, my story rolls off the tongue and doesn’t sound unnatural in the slightest, regardless of if one agrees with my claims or not.

My first draft was much different from my revised story from claire. In the beginning, being myself, I took advantage of the fact that I was writing an opinion piece and ranted way too much. Rather than conveying an arguable topic, I ranted my opinions and complaints. With the help of reading over my story multiple times, I was able to fix these issues accordingly. This was a great learning experience of how revising a story can help one realize points they may not have thought about previously.

There was a specific experience I had while writing this story that taught me an important lesson. During class, I was focused up, I had my music on, and all my research in front of me writing my story. I was writing the fastest I had ever written a story. Suddenly I snapped out of my trance and re-read what I was writing. While I was writing coherent words, the material needed work. To my surprise, I had written extremely repetitive material, expressing valid points but in way too complex of detail. The lesson I learned here was that sometimes it is important to take a step back and look at what you have written. I didn’t need to go into half as much detail as I did that day. I made changes accordingly and ultimately was satisfied with my product in the end.

Ref lection Sports Med - Feb.

Pro Gun -April Skate Ranch - March THE CSPRESS

Creeker

KICKFLIPS IN THE CREEK

Hiking the Blue Wash Trail

THE CSPRESS

Should 18-year-olds be allowed to buy guns in America?

MARCH 19, 2021 ● 9

Max Hancock ====

C

AVE

CREEK’S

FIRST

skatepark, the “Skate Ranch,” has made a name for itself this winter as it continues to attract members of the skateboarding community from all over the valley.

“I like the Skate Ranch because unlike most skateparks, you can skate alone and not have to worry about people being in your way,” Said Alex Pleskovitch, a local at the new park.

Pinnacle park Skate Plaza, later nicknamed “the Skate Ranch” by locals, first opened its gates to the public on Sep. 15, 2020, where it resides in between Cave Creek Road and Tatum. The park has caught the MAX HANCOCK, A JUNIOR, eye of many skaters DOES A BOARDSLIDE ON A because of the unique RAIL AT THE PARK, The park has obstacles and local many different obstacles that visitors scene. can trick on. 4Phillip Tate Contrary to other parks in the Valley, the “Skate Ranch” suffered a serious lack of funding, resulting in cheap park obstacles and minimal space. As a result, the Ranch was immediately received negatively and was an image of disappointment to many locals.

“To make the Skate Ranch better, they need to completely demolish and rebuild it with a better budget and actual engineers,” said Ben Bates, another Skate Ranch local.

However, others view the Ranch differently.

“The obstacles at the Ranch are entirely unique to the other skateparks I’ve been to.

This isn’t to say they’re better or even good, but they give opportunities to try and skate differently which is nice,” Pleskovitch said.

As a result of its mass attention, the Skate Ranch has become notorious as the one of the worst skateparks in the Phoenix area making it a tourist attraction of sorts, drawing skaters to it’s domain everyday.

Each day, a few skaters can be found there, showcasing the ability for word of the new park to spread in the skateboarding community in such a short amount of time.

The park has become so notorious, in fact, that a local, who would like to remain anonymous, has created an instagram page for the park called: @skate_Ranch_Az. Here, the user posts inside jokes/memes about the Ranch, and creates a platform for skaters to discuss the park endeavors in the comment section.

“I Initially started the ranch account in hopes that the name would catch on. Before I heard a couple people call it the ranch,” said the anonymous user.

The Ranch has been able to gain some attraction online and resulted in a moderate online presence, even getting posted on other skateboarding Instagram pages with large followings showcasing the Ranch’s unique park layout.

Best local breakfast spots

I chose this as one of my best peiecs because I thouroughly loved writing a local story. The Skate Ranch was my idea and I wanted to capture it appropriately, so I volunteered to write it. In the beginning, finding material to write about was really hard. After while, I brinstormed enough to fillthe rest of my word count.

Michael Kaegi news editor

A few miles north of Desert Mountain on Cave Creek Road is Blue Wash trail, a 2.8 mile hike that includes a hidden waterfall lying within a canyon.

“So for blue wash, there’s two ways you can get there, one of the ways is a little bit steeper going down, if you go to the right it’s a little easier, but if you stay left, it goes straight ahead from when you enter,” said Brian Bunkers, a substitute teacher who recently hiked to the waterfall.

Once the trail goes from the deep drop into the canyon, it then splits off and goes through the wash where there is an abandoned car that is partially buried into the ground. It’s a mystery as to how it got there in the first place, but since the trail has gotten more popular, more people have placed stickers and signed it as a mark that they were there.

“I thought the old car with bullet holes was interesting and unique,” said Mia Sabbara, a senior who hiked to the waterfall last summer.

After the car, the trail gets rough with lots of dips and rocks to hurdle over. It

flattens out until it splits off to another trail where the creek from the waterfall is located. The falls are about a quarter mile from there, surrounded by boulders and cliffs, with an area at the top which people can climb too.

“I thought the waterfall was beautiful and peaceful. I enjoyed seeing all the animals and people enjoying their time together. It was worth the hike. It was also fun climbing to the top and seeing the view,” said Sabbara.

Overall, the hike is not that treacherous, and only includes a few spots where it might be tough to navigate.

“Compared to the Jewel [of the creek], I’d say it’s a little more difficult just because it’s longer than that one, but compared to black mountain it’s definitely more easier,” said Emily Watters, a senior who hikes to the waterfall regularly.

The waterfall hike at Blue Wash offers something different and unique compared to other trails in the area, and serves as a destination point for people looking to spend the day outdoors.

Cave Creek is a popular tourist spot for those who visit Arizona and to accommodate all of the traction, Cave Creek has several popular breakfast restaurants for those who wake up early and want to grab a bite to eat.

Local Jonnys is a family friendly restaurant located on Cave Creek road across from the Flat Tire bicycle shop. Open eight am until two pm on Sunday through Tuesday and eight am until 9pm on Wednesdays through Saturday, Jonny’s offers its diners a wide array of american food like, a classic plate of eggs and bacon, breakfast burritos and even cheeseburgers among many other foods.

Oaks Diner is a hidden brunch restaurant located behind the Cave Creek olive oil company. They’re open everyday except Wednesdays, from seven am until one pm, though COVID-19 might have affected their hours. Oaks is famous for its pancakes, which come with a variety of ingredients like chocolate chips, blueberries, strawberries and their specialty, apples.

A WATERFALL CAN BE SEEN AT THE END OF THE HIKE, sometimes little kids play in the pond created by the waterfall. 4Micheal Kaegi

APRIL 16, 2021 ● 7

The Wagon Wheel is located not in the heart of Cave Creek, but on the west side of Black Mountain right in front of Elwood auto shop and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open Wednesdays through Sundays from six am to one pm. Wagon Wheel is a small rustic country themed restaurant that offers classic breakfast dishes like eggs, toast and sausage as well as soups and sandwiches.

3 Livia Lowe

AS THE AMOUNT of mass shootings continue to rise, the topic of gun control is being dis-

GUN OWNERSHIP IS a responsibility that needs to remain in

cussed in the

the hands of those above the age of 18 in order to ensure that only those mature enough to handle the power of possessing a lethal weapon.

In the United States, the issue of gun control is a very controversial and polarizing one. While both sides agree that gun violence is a problem in America, they fail to cooperate on how to deal with it. Some Americans think that by lowering the age of citizens eligible to own a gun, they are somehow helping to decrease gun violence in America, however, this couldn't be further from the truth.

A recent poll from the New York Times found that although 18-20 year olds make up 5 percent of the population, they are responsible for 20 percent of homicides in the U.S. Many people in this age range have not been independent from their families long enough to have any real life responsibilities.

How are these same people supposed to be trusted with a weapon that can potentially kill someone at the pull of a trigger?

This does not mean that people under 21 shouldn’t be allowed to buy any gun. People over the age of 18 can buy almost any gun on the market. Handguns, however, are prohibited due to their ability to be hidden in public much more easily than a larger weapon.

While larger and more capable weapons, they also are much less likely to result in the owner killing someone.

The FBI’s crime statistics page shows that every state has significantly more homicides as a result of handguns than by any other means. The poll took police data from every city in every state.

David Lane The Supreme Court case D.C. v. Heller ruled that the Second Amendment protects individual rights to bear arms, however, not without limits. The government should abide by the Constitution, and the Second Amendment is no exception, but when gun violence in America is as out of control as it is, limitations like more extensive background checks should be put in place to ensure that only people who are emotionally stable and responsible possess guns.

According to The University of Rochester Medical Center, “The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.”

If a teen becomes erratic due to their brain still being developed, there should be no way for him or her to access a gun that could hurt or kill someone.

news and social justice debates.

In America, an 18 year old should be able to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer.

Under current Federal laws, American citizens, after passing a background check, can legally purchase a shotgun or long rifle such as an AR-15 at age 18 from a licensed dealer. However, one has to be the age of 21 in order to legally purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer or obtain a concealed carry permit. There are special exceptions for active military personnel who, with special permission from the state and after passing a firearms training course, can carry a handgun at age 19.

Possessing a handgun falls under the Second Amendment of the Constitution, making it a legal right for an 18 year old to own one. Handguns not only serve as a great exercise of personal responsibility, but they are an essential tool in self defense. As the increasing murder rate from 2020 continues to carry into 2021, it is essential for responsible 18 year olds who wish to defend themselves and their fellow American citizens from harm arm themselves.

When police aren’t able to make it on the site fast enough, terrorists and mass shooters can be stopped in mere seconds if a legal and trained gun owner is on site to diffuse the situation. If 18 year olds are allowed to arm themselves against these threats with concealable weapons, the amount of Americans who can stop these acts of violence will increase.

While many may argue that 18 year olds are not responsible enough to own a handgun, these accusations simply stand perfidious. 18 year olds are victims to multiple responsibilities that prove an adequate behavior. The draft is a perfect example of one of these responsibilities. If an 18 year old American man can be drafted into a war, fight for his prosperity, die for his country, and use various weapons at his expense in order to defend himself, then every responsible and adequate 18 year old should be able to bear arms in their own homeland. Also, in states like Texas, 18 Max Hancock year olds can get married and sign legal contracts, both major decisions that legitimize an 18 year olds worth.

In a 2019 study conducted by Statistica Research Department, an organization focused on providing market and consumer data, 2,345 murders were committed by 20-24 -year-olds and only 1,441 murders were committed by 17-19-year-olds.

This data concludes that 17-19- year-olds commit significantly less murder compared to legal handgun owners being 20-24.

In addition, according to JustFacts.org, a non-profit institute dedicated to publishing comprehensive documented facts about public policy issues,.Fewer than 1 percent of firearms are used in the commission of a crime.

The same study later found that guns prevent an estimated 2.5 million crimes a year, or 6,849 every day. Most often, the gun is never fired, and no blood (including the criminal’s) is shed.

Allowing 18 year olds to purchase a handgun to protect themselves is a constitutional right that should not be robbed of any law abiding citizen.

YES

NO

I chose this as my best work not because of the topic or how controversial it was, but rather I felt like it captured my ideal writing style. This story was incredibly easy to write about because it was something I was passionate about, I knew plenty of external research to turn to, and it would be fun to gather my thoughts. My pro on this topic was a really controversial ideology so I wanted to appeal to both sides with valid points and research. I felt as if I wasn’t too radical on my claims and I understood David’s con in opposition to my claims.

1900 LUGAR 4George Lugar, Public Domanin, via Wikimedia Commonhs

18 ● FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Summer Ol plans move

Ever since COVID the questions peo isif the Olympics to happen.

Moving Forw

As of now the dat Olympics to begin 2020. They will b in Tokyo, Japan fo time in history. Th continue all the w August 8th. This h confirmed by the of Japan, who has is confident going the Olympics this

PATCHED UP, NAME NAME recieving attention for his injury. The Sports Medicine class 4 Gianna Lazzaro

Sports Medicine class offers hands-on learning Max Hancock

global news editor

On campus, the Sports Medicine class has been making a name for themselves with a unique learning curriculum and experienced teacher.

“I really like sports med just because of the way our small class is comfortable with each other and the way our environment works together to understand stuff,” said Sydney Shmidt, a senior.

Sports Med introduces students to a curriculum that is more hands

on and allows them to get a headstart with a possible career in sports medicine. Students enrolled learn about physical therapy, treatment of various injuries, and other important medical criteria.

Also provided by the class are internships where students can see various athletes and help them with their rehabilitation process. If an athlete on campus gets injured, internship students evaluate their injuries and begin their rehab plan.

“The biggest thing for me is the

“why” behind what we do. It’s cool if a student can memorize information on a PowerPoint slide, but it doesn’t mean much if they don’t know the ‘why’ behind it. Being able to take the information learned in class and applying it to real-world scenarios is crucial,” said Harvey.

Beginning in sophmore year, students can first take the class where they can take it through senior year.

Students who graduate not only have the experience of hands-on sports medical training, but essential skills

in physical therapy and other fields.

Hundreds of possible careers can be the result of a sports medicine class.

“Mr. Harvey is really cool and he’s the best part about Sports Med,” said Dylan Iserhott, a student of the class.

Harvey has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy” and a Master’s degree in “Athletic Training”.

Jaden Lea staff writer

J

Star soccer player slides

Sports Med was one of my best into pro peices because it was my first time league writing about a club or a class, and it 16-year-old soccer star went smoothly. I had to souly rely on Jacob Harris is turning the intervew questions to give me maheads with his skill terial to write about. I felt like I kept the reader and enaged and covered a topic that people always wondered about.

ACOB HARRIS, A 16-year-old soccer

GOAL! Jacob Harris has been playing soccer for more than ten years. His professional career outlook is promising so far. 4 Miah THirion

player, who has neared a professional level of play and has been on the Phoenix Rising top team for the past couple of weeks, is set to debut his professional career in late January. Harris has been playing soccer for ten years and before being brought up to the top team, was previously playing on the phoenix rising ‘04 boys MLS team.

He has been playing soccer for 10 years and currently plays as a center attacking midfielder. Harris also played varsity soccer in the same position for the past two years.

The skill level required to make it up to this level of play is very intense and requires a lot of training as a player. He practices with his current team five times a week and typically has games or tournaments every weekend. Harris must stay active throughout the season to keep his stamina up. He does various exercises or practices in his free time to ensure that he will continue to play his best in games.

“I usually like to go for runs or go to the field to practice shooting and skill moves during my free time”, said Jacob Harris.

It is important to know your strengths and weaknesses as a player in order to improve.

There are many different assets that come with a soccer player and his or her ability to play at a skillful level.

“I feel my strongest asset is my first touch as I am good at controlling the ball and keeping it close to me, making it difficult for defenders to get the ball from me”, said Harris.

This would be de the athletes who training for years chance at competi Olympics. If they completely, there much backlash fro competing athlet affected by this.

Changing Pla

However, nothing stone. Because C have been on the some time now, if in the summer of the Olympics will postponed, or eve

Not only does his physical at peak performance, but so tality and effort towards his t “I think Jacob’s best asset definitely his mentality towa He always gives 100 percent and is a team player”, said Za mer varsity soccer teammate Although Harris is dedicat most of his time at the field working hard to improve his enjoys hanging out with h relaxing when he has time to.

Before games, it is impo pare mentally and physically a player is going to maximiz ability. Different athletes have game routines in order to g game, big or small.

“I make sure that I’m hydra games and prepare mentally and collected on the field”, sa With all of Harris’s skills consideration, a valid questi his limit, and how far will he cer?”. “ Jacob Harris has a lot o has a love for the game, he un game, and he works hard in p games. Not only does he pla field, but he does well academ lots of respect for people, so the limit for him”, said Tony varsity soccer coach.

There is a lot behind reac sional level of play when it co and Jacob Harris has reached ing the time to improve his on the ball and on the field.

TEar Sheets Global News

8 ● MARCH 19, 2021

China’s GDP soars China sees economic prosperity during widespread recession

LUXURY GOODS are assumed to be produced in the designer’s country of origin.

But items by Coach, Prada, and Apple are actually made in China and contribute to it’s GDP.

4Mikki Warriner

THE CSPRESS

David Lane staff writer

D

TEar Sheets

URING 2020, THE COVID-19 pandemic forced most of

the world to remain in their home, leading to a stock market crash, and a decreasing GDP in almost every country. That is, every country except China.

Not only did China’s GDP grow amidst a global crisis, it was the only nation to do so.

The International Monetary Fund said that out of the top ten global economies, China’s was the only one to see a net increase in GDP over the course of 2020.

“This will affect America in the long run because as China grows stronger, they are more able to gain a competitive edge over the US and possibly take control over more of the economy,” said Aidan Vance, a junior.

China’s GDP fluctuated early on in 2020. It initially shrank by roughly seven percent during the first quarter of the year. The Chinese government knew it needed to get its industries back online if they wanted to profit from the pandemic. By the time the rest of the world locked down in response to COVID-19, China had its factories up and running again. Their country became a go to place for cheap goods and medical supplies for the rest of the world and it's GDP was able to stay growing, even during a pandemic.

“I think this will be a turning point for the Chinese.

They will become the ones leading global domestic affairs instead of the US. I think, in the future, China will be a dominating country over all other nations for the first time in centuries,” said Trent Stevenson, a junior.

While initial estimates before the pandemic were still optimistic that China would overtake the U.S. as the leading global economy before 2050, this has led some to speculate that China’s GDP will pass the U.S. by as soon as 2028.

Robert Subbaraman, the head economist as well as the head of global markets at Nomura said that if China is able to strengthen the Yuan faster than estimates predict, they could pass the U.S. even sooner.

“The relationship China will have with the U.S. will be affected by how much attention the current administration wants to devote to criticizing abuses of the environment, treatment of labor, poor wages, working conditions, the Chinese proclivity for manipulating their currency, the treatment and imprisonment of political prisoners and minority groups in work camps, and the list could go on. The simplest way to see it: China produces lots of products that are inexpensive and we are a nation of consumers,” said Steven Mitten, a history teacher.

Although China was seen as a threat by the Trump administration, President Biden has made no clear indication regarding his stance towards their affairs.

Now, it seems to only be a matter of time until China beats out the United States as a global superpower.

Wuhan under investigation The cause of COVID-19 has remained shrouded in mystery ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak last March. However, now that the virus is mostly contained within Wuhan, where it first began, researchers are conducting investigations to try and determine how the pandemic began.

staff writer

Citizens of Russia and India are upset with conflicting circumstances within each of their individual boarders and are now protesting to change things in their countries.

Russia Russian Opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, called for nationwide protests on Saturday after he was arrested last week when he returned to Moscow from Germany for the first time since his poisoning in August 2020.

“The poisoning of Navalny needs to be talked about more because it

is forcing Putin to stay in office as Russia’s leader”, said Tara Solis, a freshman.

Navalny was further remanded in pre-trial detention for 30 days despite demands by the U.S. and some European countries to release him.

So far, over 800 people have been detained in connection with the protests, including Navalny’s wife and close aides.

“A few days ago on the news, I heard that it wasn’t the first time that he was targeted,” said Bear Lundquist, an avid news watcher.

The August incident was not the first time Navalny was poisoned.

He was previously hospitalised in 2020 after he suffered an allergic reaction in jail, possibly from an unknown chemical substance.

Two years before that, Navalny was doused with a bright green liquid in the Siberian city of Barnaul by an assailant who pretended to shake his hand.

According to The Indian Express, Putin, who is entering his 22nd year in power, has even told journalists with a laugh that if Russian operatives wanted to kill Navalny, “they would have probably finished the job.”

India

Royal family tensions cause a shake up of the Crown

Global News

WHO has said that there needs to be many more investigations around Wuhan to really know for certain where the virus came from.

One of the leading theories WHO investigated was the idea that a virus had been manufactured and leaked from a lab. This was ruled unlikely because the virus was not known by scientists yet.

The investigation concluded that bats may have been the origin of the virus.

Researchers have found several other coronaviruses that are similar to COVID-19 in frozen bat samples stored in Cambodia and Japan.

COVID-19 is closely related to RaTG13, another strand of coronavirus that shares about 96 percent of its genes with COVID-19.

This strain was carried by horseshoe bats in China.

While the official results are still unknown, the investigation will help better understand how the virus started and what can be done to avoid another outbreak.

3 Owen Taylor

Angry Indian farmers have abandoned their fields to stage one of the country’s biggest protests ever.

Since November, tens of thousands of farmers have been living in tents at sprawling camps pitched on highways outside the capital New Delhi.

“There are always protests going on around the world but I think this is one of the most important ones recently. They are no longer receiving the same pay, which is harming many families,” said Dylan Lies, a junior.

For decades, the Indian government has offered guaranteed prices to farmers for certain crops, creat-

ing a stable guide to make decisions and investments for the following crop cycle.

Under the previous laws, farmers had to sell their goods at auction at their state’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee, where they were guaranteed to receive at least the government-agreed minimum price.

There were restrictions on who could buy, and prices were capped for essential commodities.

Three new laws, initiated by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismantled this committee structure, instead allowing farmers to sell their goods to anyone for any price.

THE CSPRESS

European nations ban AstraZeneca vaccine Zach Valentine

well as Congo in Central Africa and Thailand in Asia HE ASTRAZENECA have stalled their rollouts of VACCINE has been the AstraZeneca coronavirus causing problems vaccine.

“I have some family memaround the world and is even being banned in bers that have taken the AstraZeneca vaccine and various nations.

“I feel like banning some- they didn’t have any probthing that could be life sav- lems or blood-clot symping like that isn’t right,” said toms, but I have heard some people’s family members Ethan Aldefer, a junior.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca dying right after taking the vaccine was, as the name vaccine like weeks or so,” said implies, chiefly funded Ryan Hughes, a junior.

However, according to a by the university and the pharmaceutical company. recent Miami Herald article, The research also received an American daily newspaper, £65.5 million in funding some top tier health officials from the UK government. still support the use of the According to KHN, an vaccine. Including the World American non-profit Health Organization and the organization, in February, the European Medicines Agency, World Health Organization both of which say there’s greenlighted emergency no available evidence that use of AstraZeneca vaccine, suggest the vaccine caused following in the steps of the conditions that may have taken the United the lives of Kingdom, The at least two European Union people in and others, I have heard of Italy and one who are already some people’s person in injecting it Denmark. as quickly as family members In a recent possible into the dying right report, masses. after taking the BBC officials Out of an vaccine stated that abundance about 32 of caution, R yan Hughes million Germany, people in Italy, and junior Europe have France issued temporary bans on the taken at least one dose of a AstraZeneca vaccine coronavirus vaccine. Those following reports of some aged under the age of 30 people getting blood clots are to be offered a different shortly after getting the vaccine that replaces the vaccine. According to Miami Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Herald, a handful of people due to reported blood clots. have died after receiving The name of the replacement the shot, which is not yet vaccine is either the Moderna the Pfizer-BioNTech authorized for emergency or use in the U.S. It is unclear if vaccine. The campaign to the blood clots caused their reach as many people as deaths. Even though there is quickly as possible was not enough evidence to show boosted by a shift in policy that the vaccine caused those in early January to prioritise deaths, dozens of countries the first dose of a vaccine, see it as a risk that they can with a second dose up to 12 not take. So far, Norway, weeks later, a bigger gap than Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, originally planned.

Latvia, Denmark, Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Luxembourg, as staff writer

T

The World Health Organization (WHO), has undertaken a monthlong investigation to try and answer the question of where it began.

Protest and political turmoil erupts in India and Russia Paul Wernes

5 ● APRIL 16, 2021

HARRY AND MEGHAN

moved to Cananda last year in order to escape the drama of the Buckingham Palace.

4Creative Commons Erika Potter staff writer

T

HE 99 YEAR old Duke of Edinburgh came home from

the hospital in London mid March after a 28 day stay. He was admitted as a “precautionary measure” in February, a bit before a palace official confirmed that Philip had been battling an infection.

“While the Duke was in the hospital, people watched as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came forward with allegations involving their experience with the British Royal Family during an interview on CBS,” said Marideth Mardino, a journalist for US Weekly’s.

During their CBS interview, the prince and his wife explained their decision to leave, claiming that they felt “a lack of support and understanding” from their relatives and had also experienced instances of racism.

Allegations that a member of the royal family had raised concerns about the skin color of the couple’s son, Archie, and that Meghan had contemplated suicide was brought to the surace during the interview with Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey indicated after the interview that Harry had asked her to let the public know that it was neither Queen Elizabeth II, or her husband, Prince Philip who made the racist comment towards Archie.

On Tuesday, the day after the interview with Winfrey, Piers Morgan, the co-host of “Good Morning Britain” on ITV news, who came under attack for saying he “didn’t believe a word” of the interview, resigned, the network said. Britain’s communications regulator received

more than 41,000 complaints about his comment it said.

The two developments completed nearly a day of uninterrupted coverage around the interview, which was described by one British outlet as a “velvet-covered knife into the heart of the modern monarchy” and which observers say may have damaging and long-lasting consequences for the reputation of the royal family, according to The New York Times.

Harry, who blames the press coverage of his mother, Diana, for her death in a car crash in Paris in the late 90s, described an “invisible contract” between the family and the journalists. “If you as a family member are willing to wine, dine and give full access to these reporters, then you will get better press” said Harry. The prince said his father and other family members were afraid that the reporters would turn on them. ”The monarchy’s survival hinged on maintaining a certain image with the British people, one that is propagated by the mass-market tabloids,” he continued.

In addition, On April 9, Prince Phillip passed away atage 99 from natrual causes.

Like the White House, the palace gives access to a rotation of royal reporters, who document the queen’s meetings and ceremonies. “There is a level of control by fear that has existed for generations,” Harry said. Buckingham Palace said that the issues raised by the couple were concerning. It didn’t deny the allegations, and expressed that while some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

North Korea threatens United States as Presidents Change As the Presidents changed hands from Donald Trump to Joe Biden in January, the North Korean government has grown increasingly aggressive towards the US. For the first few weeks of Biden’s presidency, North Korea remained quiet as it had for several months. However, things soon escalated when Kim Jong Un, said, “If [The United States] wants to sleep in peace for [the] coming four years, it had better refrain from causing a stink at its first step."

This was the first message from North Korea directed towards the U.S. since 2019 when both nations held their last conference to attempt lower tensions. Negotiations, however, broke down after one day, leading to deterioration of relations.

Tensions have only increased after North Korea’s ballistic weapons tests in the Yellow Sea in late March. Both Japan and South Korea have condemned the attack. The US Pacific Command, the military division that oversees military forces in the region, said that the test showed "the threat that North Korea's illicit weapons program poses to its neighbours and the international community".

The Sanctions Committee within the United Nations Security Council will meet in response to the missile launches, as the international community weighs its counteraction.

3 David Lane

“

TEar Sheets Global News

6 ● DECEMBER 11, 2020

TEar Sheets THE CSPRESS

8 ● MAY 14, 2021

Global COVID-19 cases rise

Global News

THE CSPRESS

Schools around the globe take on Covid-19

Paul Wernes travel editor

T

HE GLOBAL DEATH toll from COVID-19 has surpassed

1.5 million people, with more than 284,000 in the United States. Many countries have implemented lockdowns as governments around the world struggle with the best way to handle the increases in numbers.

While a vaccine has been approved in the U.K., it will not be available to the general population for at least several months.

“Corona has gotten so bad so quickly because there are not enough people who are following the rules of social distancing. In order for everything to go back to normal we have to follow the safety precautions,” said Laynee Smith, a senior.

According to New York Times, over the past 10 months, the virus has taken more lives than H.I.V., malaria, influenza and cholera.

Katelyn Pinkham staff writer

Mixed approach to safety

\ Zander Bezotte

U.S. election impacts the globe David Lane staff writer

THIS NOVEMBER, AMERICANS voted to replace Donald Trump with Joe Biden as President of the United States. This has led to speculation on how the rest of the world will react to Biden in office as opposed to his predecessor.

Kaylee Black, a junior said, “I think that over these past four years our country has become more divided on both sides, Republicans and Democrats.

People are quick to judge each other on their political ideology making it much harder to communicate. This shows other countries America is a divided nation and needs a unifying leader.”

With a new president, new economic changes will also come to the nation. The Union Bank of Switzerland, an investment company and posted an article on its website detailing how its investors collectively think the United State’s economy will be affected by the winner of the election. The article stated, “A Blue Wave, for example, would likely benefit assets exposed to energy efficiency, smart mobility, and renewables both in the US and abroad.”

Over the last decade, Russia and China have become much more prominent talking figures among politi-

ness to honor agreements with China that Trump had been contesting.”

Biden’s victory has caused many European citizens to express their support. The BBC posted a chart from Pew Research Center showing that 32% of UK citizens have confidence in Trump, and 13% of German citizens had faith in Trump.

“I think it’ll change significantly as the current president of Mexico is dealing People are quick to with corruption within its government. judge each other on The president obviously wants to make Mexico better so I think he’ll strive to their political ideology, better relations with America in making it much harder to have order to better his own country. Biden, communicate. being much more experienced in dealing with foreign leaders and also being K aylee Black less aggressive will most likely appeal to a junior Mexico,” said The decision voters made to choose Biden as our next President will not Kristin Margalit, an English profes- only affect Americans but Mexicans too. sor at ASU, who specializes in teach- The Trump administration spent biling students from across the world lions of dollars to build a wall in order to said, “Russia would prefer to deal with keep out drugs and illegal immigrants Trump and there may be some imme- from entering the US. Biden has sworn diate contention towards the Biden to stop construction on the wall once administration and changes that will he becomes president, according to the affect Russian diplomacy negatively. Center for Immigration Studies.

China, however, will respond very positively to Biden. He projects a willingcians in America and across the world.

Many people in support of Trump believe China and Russia are threats to American democracy and its position as the leading global power.

“

One of the main reasons that the virus has spread so much is because not everyone is participating in the safety precautions. Like nothing seen in more than a century, COVID19 has infiltrated every populated patch of the globe. It has infected millions of people in some nations, paralyzing entire economies.

As the death toll continues to rise, more information is available about those who are infected but do not die. The CDC reports that most people recover fully, but there are people who experience continuing problems with their lungs and other infections. Some of these patients have had symptoms for weeks or even months after recovering from COVID-19. Many have lingering ill effects, whose severity and duration remain unclear.

“Certain parts of the world are handling the virus differently and I think that if we all came together to help each other out we could overcome the COVID-19,” said Ryan Berger, a sophomore.

Some countries have had better success keeping numbers low. According to Johns Hopkins research, the US, Brazil and Russia have the highest percentage death rates, while Australia, China and Japan have the lowest.

“The amount of cases are increasing because parts of the world are opening up more and more. This is going to increase the amount of cases. I think hospitals have been able to do a better job on helping people survive because they are more prepared,” said Hoveeg Boyadijin, a teacher.

Vaccine brings hope News of two vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna entering the approval process has brought hope to many working on eradicating the disease.

“Mass scale-up of vaccination in 2021 means we have a path back to normal life, but there ae still a few rough months ahead,” said Dr. Christopher Murray, IHME director.

“We must be vigilant in protecting ourselves at least through April, when, as our projections indicate, vaccines will begin to have an impact.”

Much of how the virus plays out across the globe will depend on the actions of humans. Health officials have expressed concern that some people may not take the vaccine. ¨Young people don’t really have extreme symptoms for COVID-19 and I wouldn’t want to take the risk of a vaccine being harmful. I could understand if older people take the vaccine,¨ said Jacob Reiff, a senior.

Delivering the vaccine to everyone in the world will be difficult, and will take time. According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, even with the vaccinations, the Covid-19 death toll is likely to increase into April of 2021.

\David Lane

Russian troops mass on Ukraine border

Russia has had an eye on Ukraine ever since their independence Zach Valentine staff writer

T

HE RUSSIAN MILITARY has begun invading and even showing up on the doorsteps of Ukrainaine and its citizens, causing problems for the nation.

“If I were living in Ukraine and a different country’s military was showing up on my doorsteps and running around my neighborhood I would be very frustrated,” said Dominic Palma, a junior.

According to Council Foreign Relations, the conflict in eastern Ukraine has transitioned to a stalemate after it first erupted in early 2014, but shelling and skirmishes still occur regularly, including an escalation in violence in the spring of 2018.

This all started in 2013 with protest in the capital city of Kiev.

The New York Times reported that few analysts believe that Moscow intends to invade, but as Russia’s military buildup

proceeds, the tension is rising in warweary Eastern Ukraine. Since the start of the war in 2014, Russia has used the pretext of a separatist conflict to pressure Ukraine after its Westward-looking revolution, supplying arms and men to Kremlin-backed rebels in the country’s east while denying that it was a party to the fight.

“The thing that I don’t understand is why Russia is just having a mass amount of soldiers just raid their border, if you’re going to invade, just do it,” said Ethan Aldefer, a junior.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine believes that Russian aggression is aimed at destroying Ukraine as an independent state. Illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol was just the first Russian step aimed at undermining independence and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The Kremlin has always been firmly

convinced that Russia will never become a world leader without control over Ukraine, meanwhile a democratic and prosperous Ukraine is a threat to the current authoritarian rule in Russia. That is why the next step of the Russian aggression was an attempt to destabilize the situation in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.

In order to form a quasi-state, Russia has started sending thousands of troops, tanks, artillery and other units to Crimea and regions along its 1,200-mile land border with Ukraine, according to Western governments and independent experts who monitor these maneuvers.

Research from CBS News shows that Russia warned the United States against sending warships to the Black Sea, as a warning to not get in the middle of the conflict. But the U.S. Secretary of State, met up with Ukranian and NATO officials in Brussels, and made it clear that the Biden administration has Ukraine’s back.

Carbon emissions increase as nations industrialize Owen Taylor staff writer

Air pollution around the globe continues to get worse as time passes due to human advancements and carbon emissions.

China is the world's leading carbon emitter. According to ucsusa.org, a nonprofit confederation of American scientists, China produced about 10.06 billion metric tons in 2018 with no intention to slow down their emissions.

The primary source of CO2 comes from

coal burning, and coal is filled with carbon.

China is also one of the biggest oil importers in the world, and that contributes to large CO2 numbers.

The second largest carbon emitter is the United States. They produced about half of what China produced in 2018.

America is a major producer of crude oil, and with all the consumers' cars being their primary source of transportation that means that the U.S. carbon footprint will be higher.

India is the third largest producer of

carbon emissions, they are becoming more and more reliant on coal as a source of energy.

As India continues to try and urbanize and become more industrialized, more coal will be used, thus meaning India’s CO2 footprint will continue to rise.

Reducing the amount of carbon can be done many ways, electric cars and hybrid cars greatly improve a country’s carbon footprint. Solar energy is another great way to reduce CO2 emissions

Around the world, schools have taken several different approaches against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We shut the schools down last year, but returning to face to face school has been another problem altogether. Allowing each district to make its own decision was not a good move, in my opinion,” said Johna Jacobson, a Spanish teacher.

In the United States, education decisions have been left up to each individual state or school districts within that state.

Similarly, in Canada, each province decides whether or not schools should be in person, and the protocols that go along with that decision.

Some schools in Canada and the U.S. have never fully reopened, while some have been in person since the start of the school year. However, just south of these countries in Latin America, schools were closed back in March of 2020 and kept them shut for an average of 174 days total last year.

According to UNICEF, a United Nations agency responsible for providing aid to children worldwide, Latin America has forfeited around four times more classroom hours than any other country. At this time, only seven Latin American countries have fully opened their schools.

In Europe, schools were open for much of the pandemic, but have had to close recently due to surges in the number of COVID-19 cases.

According to BBC, the British Broadcasting Corporation, many countries have been forced into lock downs, ultimately shutting down their schools. In Poland, children in grades 1-3 of primary schools just returned on April 26 to a hybrid form of learning. Similarly, in the Czech Republic, primary schools are open for in-person and hybrid learning, but older students are required to do remote learning. In Italy and most other European countries, schools are closed in “red zones” where cases are higher, but are open in more remote areas. ¨In Italy, there is a curfew in place which disrupts socialization and a lot of schools are closed, but they are hoping to open again in May,¨ said Gretta Mazzu, an exchange student from Italy.

In Asia, virtual learning can be difficult for many students. According to CNN, a multinational news source, around 80 million Asian students are unable to access digital learning at home. With this being said, schools have still had to shut down in order to prevent the spread.

Due to many COVID-19 outbreaks in January, schools have been closed in Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Thailand since then. ¨Chinese schools wanted to make sure that students and teachers were safe, so a majority of schooling was done online,¨ said Duo Sun, a Chinese teacher.

In China, schools were closed for the majority of 2020 and primary and middle school students are just returning for the spring semester.

TEar Sheets

TEar Sheets: Articles 12 ● MAY 14, 2021

THE CSPRESS

THE SENIORS

Jessica Brashear is this year’s ....

front runner Max Hancock

global news editor

HARD AT WORK, Jessica Brashear keeps busy both

Holding the highest GPA across the senior class, Cactus Shadows class of 2021 has brought forth its newest valedictorian, Jessica Brashear.

“I was really excited and kind of shocked when the results were finalized,” said Brashear.

Not only does Brashear hold the highest GPA across her entire senior class, but as a traditional valedictorian, she has had the highest GPA across all four years. In addition to being one of the most prestigious titles high school can offer, Brashear is also president of National Honors Society, president of the Falcon Foundation (a non-profit charitable organization that she created sophomore year), and a member of Spanish Honors Society.

It goes without saying that the 2020-2021 school year was a year unlike any other. Due to the first month being online, students competing for the title of valedictorian had to adapt to a new online curriculum in order to achieve the highest GPA in their class.

In order to reach such a high GPA throughout all four years of Brashear’s high school career, she had to take advanced classes that varied from IB, AP, and Honors programs.

Contrary to popular belief, even the valedic-

torian has to fight for good grades in some classes.

“AP calculus was the hardest class for me because some things come naturally but I had to work harder for it than any other class,” said Brashear.

However, Brashear’s hard work to become valedictorian is more than a title. Countless scholarships and opportunities can be a result of holding the highest GPA in one’s school for all four years. Valedictorians even get access to some of the most selective and difficult entry universities in the world.

“I’m picking between UCLA, Pepperdine, and ASU for college. Right now I am studying pre-law with a political science major because I want to study something with foreign relations,” said Brashear.

Not only is Brashear one to exceed in schooling, but she is able to offer insight to underclassmen who may be going for the same position next year.

“If I had to give one tip to a future valedictorian, I would tell them to use it as motivation to work hard. Don’t see it as something that defines you, but use it as a goal to push yourself harder,” added Brashear.

As the school year comes to an end, Brashear will continue her quest for near perfection as she finishes the last of her high school hurdles.

on and off campus as president of NHS, the Falcon Foundation, and a member of Spanish Honors Society. a Miah T hirion

Alicia Rifkin has every reason to ...

salute her success Erika Potter staff writer

A

LICIA RIFKIN DID not always dream about

being salutatorian, but with hard work and determination, it quickly became one of her primary goals for this school year.

“It wasn’t a long term goal, I just sort of thought about wanting the title at the beginning of this year,” said Rifkin.

While Rifkin never initially intended to get the title, she has always naturally done well in school.

She worked hard to maintain strong grades by taking AP, Honors, and IB classes.

“My favorite memory from Cactus Shadows is junior year when my IB class went to the biosphere on a field trip for two days,” said Rifkin.

With the knowledge that these classes can be overwhelming, she maintained a level head and accomplished her goal of being accepted into UC Berkeley.

Rifkin has always done well academically, although her real passion lies within marine biology.

“I’m passionate about science, the natural world, and how it works,” said Rifkin.

After being accepted to Berkeley, she was excited to start her new journey and take new, interesting classes that have more to do with her passion.

“I’m majoring in molecular environmental biology, which will cover everything from biology at the molecular level to the ecological level, and also about environmental problems and their solutions,“ said Rifkin.

Rifkin’s advice to underclassmen striving to accomplish as much as her is to maintain focus but more importantly, not to let the little things get to you in the meantime.

“You need to get As, but also take weighted classes, so I’d recommend doing the IB program or take as many AP classes as possible, but don’t take classes that you’re not interested in or it’ll suck,“ said Rifkin.

Rifkin believes her determination has prepared her for the future and hopes she’s inspired her peers along the way.

THINKING AHEAD, Salutatorian Alicia Rifkin did not always intend on going for the title, but it quickly became one of her goals. She encourages underclassmen to take classes that interest them. a Miah T hirion

TEar Sheets: Articles Creeker

THE CSPRESS

MARCH 19, 2021 ● 9

Max Hancock

KICKFLIPS IN THE CREEK

====

C

AVE

FIRST

skatepark, the “Skate Ranch,” has made a name for itself this winter as it continues to attract members of the skateboarding community from all over the valley.

“I like the Skate Ranch because unlike most skateparks, you can skate alone and not have to worry about people being in your way,” Said Alex Pleskovitch, a local at the new park.

Pinnacle park Skate Plaza, later nicknamed “the Skate Ranch” by locals, first opened its gates to the public on Sep. 15, 2020, where it resides in between Cave Creek Road and Tatum. The park has caught the MAX HANCOCK, A JUNIOR, eye of many skaters DOES A BOARDSLIDE ON A because of the unique RAIL AT THE PARK, The park has obstacles and local many different obstacles that visitors scene. can trick on. 4Phillip Tate Contrary to other parks in the Valley, the “Skate Ranch” suffered a serious lack of funding, resulting in cheap park obstacles and minimal space. As a result, the Ranch was immediately received negatively and was an image of disappointment to many locals.

“To make the Skate Ranch better, they need to completely demolish and rebuild it with a better budget and actual engineers,” said Ben Bates, another Skate Ranch local.

However, others view the Ranch differently.

Hiking the Blue Wash Trail 18 ● FEBRUARY 12, 2021

“The obstacles at the Ranch are entirely unique to the other skateparks I’ve been to.

This isn’t to say they’re better or even good, but they give opportunities to try and skate differently which is nice,” Pleskovitch said.

As a result of its mass attention, the Skate Ranch has become notorious as the one of the worst skateparks in the Phoenix area making it a tourist attraction of sorts, drawing skaters to it’s domain everyday.

Each day, a few skaters can be found there, showcasing the ability for word of the new park to spread in the skateboarding community in such a short amount of time.

The park has become so notorious, in fact, that a local, who would like to remain anonymous, has created an instagram page for the park called: @skate_Ranch_Az. Here, the user posts inside jokes/memes about the Ranch, and creates a platform for skaters to discuss the park endeavors in the comment section.

“I Initially started the ranch account in hopes that the name would catch on. Before I heard a couple people call it the ranch,” said the anonymous user.

The Ranch has been able to gain some attraction online and resulted in a moderate online presence, even getting posted on other skateboarding Instagram pages with large followings showcasing the Ranch’s unique park layout.

THE CSPRESS

Best local breakfast spots

Summer Olympic plans move forward

Michael Kaegi

flattens out until it splits off to another trail where the creek from the waterfall is A few miles north of Desert Mountain on located. The falls are about a quarter mile Cave Creek Road is Blue Wash trail, a 2.8 from there, surrounded by boulders and mile hike that includes a hidden waterfall cliffs, with an area at the top which people can climb too. lying within a canyon.

“I thought the waterfall was beauti“So for blue wash, there’s two ways you can get there, one of the ways is a little bit ful and peaceful. I enjoyed seeing all the steeper going down, if you go to the right animals and people enjoying their time it’s a little easier, but if you stay left, it together. It was worth the hike. It was goes straight ahead from when you enter,” also fun climbing to the top and seeing said Brian Bunkers, a substitute teacher the view,” said Sabbara.

Overall, the hike is not that treacherwho recently hiked to the waterfall.

Once the trail goes from the deep drop ous, and only includes a few spots where into the canyon, it then splits off and goes it might be tough to navigate.

“Compared to the Jewel [of the creek], through the wash where there is an abandoned car that is partially buried into I’d say it’s a little more difficult just the ground. It’s a mystery as to how it because it’s longer than that one, but got there in the first place, but since the compared to black mountain it’s definitely trail has gotten more popular, more peo- more easier,” said Emily Watters, a senior ple have placed stickers and signed it as a who hikes to the waterfall regularly.

The waterfall hike at Blue Wash offers mark that they were there.

“I thought the old car with bullet holes something different and unique compared to and other trails in to theget area, and was interesting and unique,” said Mia on allows them a headMax Hancock global news editor as awith destination forinpeople Sabbara, a senior who hiked to the water- servesstart a possiblepoint career sports looking to spend Students the day outdoors. fall last summer. medicine. enrolled learn On campus, the Sports Medicine After the class car, the gets roughawith hastrail been making name for about physical therapy, treatment of lots of dips themselves and rocks to hurdle over. learning It various injuries, and other important with a unique curriculum and experienced teacher. medical criteria.

Also provided by the class are “I really like sports med just because of the way our small class internships where students can is comfortable with each other and see various athletes and help them the way our environment works with their rehabilitation process. If together to understand stuff,” said an athlete on campus gets injured, internship students evaluate their Sydney Shmidt, a senior.

Sports Med introduces students injuries and begin their rehab plan.

“The biggest thing for me is the to a curriculum that is more hands

CREEK’S

Cave Creek is a popular tourist spot for those who visit Arizona and to accommodate all of the traction, Cave Creek has several popular breakfast restaurants for those who wake upCOVID-19 early andhit, one of Ever since the questions people have had want to grab a bite to eat. isif the Olympics are still going Local Jonnys is a family friendly restauranttolocated happen.on Cave Creek road across from the Flat Tire bicycle shop. Open eight Moving Forward am until two pm on Sunday through Tuesday and eight am until 9pm on Wednesdays through Saturday, Jonny’s offers its diners of now the date a wide array of american food like, a classicAsplate of eggs and set for the Olympicsamong to begin is July 23, bacon, breakfast burritos and even cheeseburgers many 2020.

They will be taking place other foods. in Tokyo, Japan for the fourth time in history.

PATCHED UP,isNAME Oaks Diner a hidden brunch restaurant located behind The the event will continue all the way up until NAME recieving attention for Cave Creek olive oil company.

They’re open everyday except This has been his injury.

The Sports MediWednesdays, from seven am until one pm,August though8th.

COVID-19 confirmed by the Prime Minister 4 Gianna Lazzaro cinemight class have affected their hours. Oaks is famous for its pancakes, of Japan, whochips, has said that he which come with a variety of ingredients like chocolate is confident blueberries, strawberries and their specialty, apples. going forward with the Olympics this year.

news editor

The Wagon Wheel is located not in the heart of Cave Creek, Thisinwould be Elwood devastating to but on the west side of Black Mountain right front of the athletes auto shop and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays butwho openhave been training for years to have a Wednesdays through Sundays from six am to one pm. Wagon chance at competing in the Wheel is a small rustic country themed restaurant that offers Olympics. If they are canceled in physical therapy andlike other fields. classic breakfast dishes eggs, toast and sausage as well as completely, there will likely be soups and of sandwiches.

Hundreds possible careers can be much backlash from all of the the result of a sports medicine class. competing athletes that were 3 Livia Lowe “Mr. Harvey is really cool and he’s affected by this. the best part about Sports Med,” said Dylan Iserhott, a student of the class.

Changing Plans However, nothing is set in Harvey has a Bachelor’s degree in stone. Because COVID-19 cases Exercise Science with an emphasis in have been on the rise for quite Pre-Physical Therapy” and a Master’s some time now, if it is still bad degree in “Athletic Training”. in the summer of 2021, then the Olympics will most likely be postponed, or even canceled.

Sports Medicine class offers hands-on learning A WATERFALL CAN BE

“why” behind what we do. It’s cool if SEEN AT THE END OF THE a student can memorize information HIKE, sometimes little kids on a PowerPoint slide, but it doesn’t play in the pond created by the mean much if they don’t know the waterfall. 4Micheal Kaegi ‘why’ behind it. Being able to take the information learned in class and applying it to real-world scenarios is crucial,” said Harvey.

Beginning in sophmore year, students can first take the class where they can take it through senior year.

Students who graduate not only have the experience of hands-on sports medical training, but essential skills Jaden Lea

Star

staff writer

J

ACOB HARRIS, A 16-year-old soccer

player, who has neared a professional level of play and has been on

3Justin Wong Not only does his physical skills keep him at peak performance, but so does his mentality and effort towards his team.

“I think Jacob’s best asset as a player is definitely his mentality towards the game.

TEar Sheets: Articles THE CSPRESS

APRIL 16, 2021 ● 7

Should 18-year-olds be allowed to buy guns in America?

AS THE AMOUNT of mass shootings continue to rise, the topic of gun control is being dis-

GUN OWNERSHIP IS a responsibility that needs to remain in

cussed in the

the hands of those above the age of 18 in order to ensure that only those mature enough to handle the power of possessing a lethal weapon.

In the United States, the issue of gun control is a very controversial and polarizing one. While both sides agree that gun violence is a problem in America, they fail to cooperate on how to deal with it. Some Americans think that by lowering the age of citizens eligible to own a gun, they are somehow helping to decrease gun violence in America, however, this couldn't be further from the truth.

A recent poll from the New York Times found that although 18-20 year olds make up 5 percent of the population, they are responsible for 20 percent of homicides in the U.S. Many people in this age range have not been independent from their families long enough to have any real life responsibilities.

How are these same people supposed to be trusted with a weapon that can potentially kill someone at the pull of a trigger?

This does not mean that people under 21 shouldn’t be allowed to buy any gun. People over the age of 18 can buy almost any gun on the market. Handguns, however, are prohibited due to their ability to be hidden in public much more easily than a larger weapon.

While larger and more capable weapons, they also are much less likely to result in the owner killing someone.

The FBI’s crime statistics page shows that every state has significantly more homicides as a result of handguns than by any other means. The poll took police data from every city in every state.

David Lane The Supreme Court case D.C. v. Heller ruled that the Second Amendment protects individual rights to bear arms, however, not without limits. The government should abide by the Constitution, and the Second Amendment is no exception, but when gun violence in America is as out of control as it is, limitations like more extensive background checks should be put in place to ensure that only people who are emotionally stable and responsible possess guns.

According to The University of Rochester Medical Center, “The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.”

If a teen becomes erratic due to their brain still being developed, there should be no way for him or her to access a gun that could hurt or kill someone.

news and social justice debates.

In America, an 18 year old should be able to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer.

Under current Federal laws, American citizens, after passing a background check, can legally purchase a shotgun or long rifle such as an AR-15 at age 18 from a licensed dealer. However, one has to be the age of 21 in order to legally purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer or obtain a concealed carry permit. There are special exceptions for active military personnel who, with special permission from the state and after passing a firearms training course, can carry a handgun at age 19.

Possessing a handgun falls under the Second Amendment of the Constitution, making it a legal right for an 18 year old to own one. Handguns not only serve as a great exercise of personal responsibility, but they are an essential tool in self defense. As the increasing murder rate from 2020 continues to carry into 2021, it is essential for responsible 18 year olds who wish to defend themselves and their fellow American citizens from harm arm themselves.

When police aren’t able to make it on the site fast enough, terrorists and mass shooters can be stopped in mere seconds if a legal and trained gun owner is on site to diffuse the situation. If 18 year olds are allowed to arm themselves against these threats with concealable weapons, the amount of Americans who can stop these acts of violence will increase.

While many may argue that 18 year olds are not responsible enough to own a handgun, these accusations simply stand perfidious. 18 year olds are victims to multiple responsibilities that prove an adequate behavior. The draft is a perfect example of one of these responsibilities. If an 18 year old American man can be drafted into a war, fight for his prosperity, die for his country, and use various weapons at his expense in order to defend himself, then every responsible and adequate 18 year old should be able to bear arms in their own homeland. Also, in states like Texas, 18 Max Hancock year olds can get married and sign legal contracts, both major decisions that legitimize an 18 year olds worth.

In a 2019 study conducted by Statistica Research Department, an organization focused on providing market and consumer data, 2,345 murders were committed by 20-24 -year-olds and only 1,441 murders were committed by 17-19-year-olds.

This data concludes that 17-19- year-olds commit significantly less murder compared to legal handgun owners being 20-24.

In addition, according to JustFacts.org, a non-profit institute dedicated to publishing comprehensive documented facts about public policy issues,.Fewer than 1 percent of firearms are used in the commission of a crime.

The same study later found that guns prevent an estimated 2.5 million crimes a year, or 6,849 every day. Most often, the gun is never fired, and no blood (including the criminal’s) is shed.

Allowing 18 year olds to purchase a handgun to protect themselves is a constitutional right that should not be robbed of any law abiding citizen.

YES

1900 LUGAR 4George Lugar, Public Domanin, via Wikimedia Commonhs

NO