Since 2012, Montgomery County has taxed plastic bag use in retail stores. Despite this, there are still many counties in Maryland and the U.S. that do not utilize this tax. However, this year, statewide plastic bag laws will be enforced in New York, Maine, Vermont, and Oregon, with Delaware and Connecticut joining in 2021. This movement has been gaining momentum … Read More
by Jonah Sachs ’20 America divided: this simple and powerful phrase describes the current state of American politics throughout the country. After President Donald Trump’s first four years in office, many citizens are tired of the policies and actions of the administration. Now, in 2020, only two Democratic candidates are left standing in the race for the nomination, and, much … Read More
by Erica Kuhlmann ’22 The Supreme Court heard arguments on January 29 for Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, a case that could potentially change the American public school system for the worse. The state constitution of Montana has long prohibited the allocation of taxpayer money to fund private religious schools. However, in 2015, the Montana legislature passed a bill … Read More
by Apurva Mahajan ‘22 Coronavirus disease is a new strain of a respiratory disease first seen in Wuhan, China, and has continued to spread internationally, causing a mass panic among people all over the world. Since the disease originated in China, people have been openly harsh and even racist to East Asians, as if they are the ones to blame … Read More
by Eve Schlegel ‘20 Some activists, parents, and others are currently disputing new legislation proposed by the county board that expands the School Resource Officer Program, which adds more police officers to schools. According to a WTOP article, many speakers opposed to this legislation gave their opinions to county council members at a council meeting on January 21. “For many parents, … Read More
by Adina Brenner ’20 The year has just begun and for many this beginning signifies the start of award show season; a time full of excitement and anticipation for both celebrities and fans. Just last weekend, millions of people across the country tuned in to watch their favorite musicians have the chance to be recognized for their achievements in the … Read More
In the last year, straw activism has taken off, with many businesses taking steps toward phasing them out. The media has picked up this movement as celebrities, such as Tom Brady, and large corporations, like Starbucks, have taken action towards reducing the use of plastic straws. Advocates have discussed following the plastic bag movement in which a county taxes those … Read More
by Eve Schlegel ‘20 MCPS schools relentlessly push the idea that the next step is college. Counselors instruct students to set up Naviance as early as 8th grade to prepare for applying to college once their senior year rolls around. Some may find academics are not for them. Planning life after high school can be stressful for any teen, but … Read More
by Sudha Sudhaker ‘21 A new software platform known as Synergy will replace OASIS, Gradebook, Parent Portal, and myMCPS Student beginning July 6. 2020. Synergy is promoted among K-12 students as giving students, parents, teachers, and administrators access to tools they need in one place. Along with being able to access emergency card information, the parent and student portals, and … Read More
by Julia Robins ‘20 What would you do if your parents suddenly were deported to Mexico? That’s what the five Acosta siblings, Emilio, Beto, Lucia, Valentina, and baby Rafa, must figure out in Freeform’s reboot of “Party of Five” that premiered on January 8. Fox’s hit teen drama that originally debuted in 1994 has been brought into the 21st century … Read More