In AP Language and Composition, students are asked to write persuasive arguments about various topics. Their evidence must come from their observations in life – what have they read, seen, or experienced? In order to help students broaden their perspective and awareness of happenings around the world, as well as build their potential pool of evidence to support written arguments throughout the year, they are asked to write monthly blogs about articles that interest them. For each blog, students are asked to provide their source, summarize the article’s contents, and then offer a reflection about what they read.
Students were asked to volunteer submissions for this newspaper. The pieces were selected based on who volunteered. It is important to note that the opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the school or organization.
Blog by Anna Greene
NPR
Tech workers recount the cost of speaking out, as tensions rise inside companies
By: Bobby Allyn
Recently, many technology workers from big companies like Google, Netflix, and Apple have spoken out to the public about their concerns about the environment within these companies. A former Apple employee, Janneke Parrish, was investigated by Apple because she was involved in a social media hashtag that allowed Apple workers to anonymously post about their concerns and comments about mistreatment and unequal pay at work. She was then terminated from Apple. Other employees from Netflix, Google, and Facebook who spoke out like Parrish were also fired for speaking out about their experience or concerns of mistreatment of employees at work. Some employees have gone as far as suing the company for their mistreatment or questioning of mistreatment and the companies have made no comments on any cases. Employees are now concerned about their financial and mental well-being at work and are worried about the consequences of speaking out about their negative experiences within their companies, as these companies try and protect their reputations.
I think it’s important for employees in their workplaces to speak up about their concerns or experiences because it’s important for employees to feel safe in a healthy environment at work. If employees are being mistreated or harassed in any way at work, it is an issue that needs to be brought to attention. These employees had every right to speak up against these companies and the work environment within the company. These employees only voiced their concerns with the companies and the public that is mentally and financially hurting them. Instead of these companies helping them, they are then investigated and/or fired for speaking up. Overall, companies, and not limited to big companies, should work on creating a healthy environment for their employees. Companies should listen to what employees have to say about the environment of their workspace instead of focusing more on the reputation of their name.
Blog by Roz Green
CNN
Independent group claims it solved the mystery behind the identity of the Zodiac Killer as law enforcement investigates
By: Sarah Moon and Cheri Mossburg
The Zodiac Killer case is still a mystery and has been for decades, however, on Wednesday, October 6th, a group of 40 former law enforcement investors stated that they believe that they have identified the man that is the Zodiac Killer, who committed at least 5 serial murders (he claimed to have killed 37 individuals) from 1968 to 1969. The Zodiac Killer was never caught and gained notoriety for writing letters in code and leaving bloody pieces of victims’ clothing. These investors told CNN that the man they identified as the killer, is also responsible for the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside County, California, although public information officer Ryan Railsback says otherwise. The investigation is still going on within the San Francisco Police Department.
This article interested me because I am very interested in serial killers and forensics, so when I saw the title it caught my eye. This article taught me that people may have solved decades-old crimes committed by the Zodiac Killer which means that the victims and the families of said victims can get the justice they deserve if however, the man suspected by these former law enforcement investors is the right guy. This article showed me that since these people worked hard trying to find the culprit for these crimes, victims and their families can get justice, and finally, the families will know how committed law enforcement was in solving these awful killings. This may change the world because other people or other law enforcement investors may try to solve other unsolved crimes that need to be addressed. For example, people may start stepping in and being more helpful. On a broader scale in general, people are being influenced, as I am, to be more helpful in stressful and uncomfortable situations. People in society can act more kind or empathetic towards others and this can cause fewer issues such as these, as this killer has been undiscovered, possibly until now. This article inspired me to try and be like this, being more helpful, and making people feel better in situations that make them upset, uncomfortable, or depressed. These events can affect the families because if the killer was found, they can peacefully accept the death of their loved one, knowing who committed the crime, and justice will be served. They won’t have this ongoing question of who did it, and some of their questions can be answered. This changed my perspective because I never really felt empathetic towards these people that lost someone in such a tragic way. I can now understand and feel happy for them that, possibly, the killer has been discovered and they might be able to live peacefully.
Blog by Roz Green
NPR
The political fight over vaccine mandates deepens despite their effectiveness
By: Alana Wise
President Biden has been trying to get as many people in America vaccinated as possible. That is his main focus as he wants the covid-19 cases to decrease. However, over the period of this pandemic, many Republicans have been against the notion of a mandatory vaccine although the science behind it proves that the vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the illness or at least decrease symptoms. This vaccine issue has developed into a political battle over American citizens’ rights of freedom and liberty. Some governors are voicing their opinions on the vaccine, such as Republican Texas Governor, Greg Abbott. He issued an executive order banning mandatory vaccines. He states that although vaccines are encouraged, they should remain voluntary. Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also had something to say about the vaccine. He vowed to sue the Biden administration over federal vaccine mandates. He wants people to be able to make their own choices. These Republicans have the idea of liberty and freedom. They don’t want to be told what to do, due to their freedom and rights to make their own decisions.
This article interested me because vaccinations are very important right now. Since it is becoming colder outside, the sickness rate increases. Not only covid but small colds, fevers, and the flu start to become more prevalent in the wintertime. If people aren’t getting vaccinated or trying to stay safe if they are unable to get the vaccine at this time, the covid-19 rate will increase as it did the previous year. We don’t want to go backward, especially in Connecticut as we are doing a good job involving covid cases and vaccination rates. This article taught me that a lot of people, specifically Republicans, are against the vaccine, and because of this, the covid cases in America could increase, which is something I haven’t put much thought into since Connecticut is doing a good job staying safe. I believe that vaccinations are important, and will help us get through this, so I am happy to now know this, as it inspires me to tell my family that lives in other states, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This makes me want to spread the word that it is scientifically proven that getting the vaccine is the right thing to do. This article has shown me other people’s opinions and what people think of the vaccine. Republicans are against it mainly due to them not wanting to be told what to do, and I believe that although they have their rights and freedom, they should still try to keep themselves, and others such as friends and family members, as safe as they possibly can. These events might affect Republicans and Republican governors because as Biden wants to put out a vaccine mandate, more Republicans will be angered and frustrated with these decisions as I previously explained. They won’t want to get the vaccine and will possibly get madder than they are now. This changed my perspective because so many people have different opinions. I do understand that people should be able to do what they want and make their own choices, however, at this point, people should be focused on keeping people safe instead of paying more attention to their rights and liberties. This may change the world because if people continually refuse the vaccine, the covid rate in America can increase, and we will be right back where we started with overflowing hospital beds, many school absences, and many more covid-caused-deaths.
Blog by Kendall Garrity
Fox 61
Manchester, other towns lift mask mandates
By: Elisha Machado
Due to the decrease of Coronavirus cases in Connecticut, a few towns across the map are lifting their indoor mask mandates. Last Friday, October 15th, Manchester, Danbury, and Brookfield all lifted their mandates, along with Glastonbury a little earlier than that. Business owners do however have the ability to deny service to those without a mask if they decide they want their business to require them. According to the COVID numbers, these towns have in fact moves to the yellow zones with a decrease of positivity rates, allowing Mayors to lift such requirements.
I found this article interesting because it seems that every day there is a change in what towns across Connecticut are doing about the COVID cases. Mandates for indoor mask use are being lifted and put back in place day to day, and it is interesting to see how the vaccine factors into the decrease in mandates. Due to the virus, so many businesses had to change the way they do business, not just in CT but across the globe, so seeing the businesses being able to go back to normal is refreshing and shows a positive outlook on the future. This article impacts residents of the towns listed because they now are no longer required to wear masks, and it is important to get that information out to residents. It also impacts business owners since now they must decide whether or not to require masks in their business. My perspective on how we are handling the current issues that come with the virus has changed because it is good to know we are taking steps to end the virus with vaccines and return life to how we once knew it. I am inspired to do my part and follow the rules to get life back to normal and end the COVID death rate.
Blog by Kendall Garrity
Fox News
National Zoo vaccinates primates against COVID-19
By: Breck Dumas
In the article, Michigan-based veterinary pharmaceutical company, Zoetis, developed an animal safe vaccine to distribute to primates to prevent the infection of Covid-19. After reports in China saying that dogs were developing and dying from the virus, veterinarians at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, thought it was best to vaccinate seven orangutans, a western lowland gorilla, one white-eared titi monkey and two emperor tamarins. This happened about a week ago, so there is no official proof on whether is was effective, however, it is assumable that the vaccine will save the lives of many animals, the same way it saves humans lives.
I decided to read this article because the title stood out to me as something modern and educative, but a read I would find interesting. 1 year ago, we were scared we would never find a solution to the virus, and now there are news articles about vaccinating animals to keep more than human species alive. It taught me how far we have come since this first hit, and how fast scientists are working to keep us safe. Everyday, we will continue to see such changes, as the world keeps advancing due to obstacles such as the Coronavirus. This effects vets, zoologists, and any scientist that are finding solutions to the viruses found among animals. They have to work hard everyday to help keep the animal species safe, so it is helpful to have solutions that will help to make that happen. My perspective on the work scientists put in has changed because this article showed how fast things move to make solutions work, because scientists work around the clock coming up with vaccines and other factor that will contribute to our everyday health. I hope to keep experiencing this type of change as I grow up in this world.
Blog by Kendall Garrity
New York Post
Zodiac Killer identified, linked to sixth murder, cold-case squad claims
By: Joshua Rhett Miller
Around the years 1968 and 1969, a string of murders were committed by someone under the name “Zodiac Killer.” He left messages to newspapers demanding them to publish his story and left coded messages. Recently, the cold-case FBI squad claims to have identified the killer as Gary Poste, who died back in 2018. On top of that, they have traced the murder of Cheri Bates back to Poste. The murders took place in the San Fransisco area, and there is no clear reason why he did what he did, but authorities believe he found it humorous.
This article interested me because I have always been fascinated with the case of the Zodiac Killer, and why he never got caught. When I heard that they identified him, it grabbed my interest because I have known about him for years, and wanted to hear how the story ended. It taught me how advanced we are in society, where we can crack murder cases that took place years and years ago. The article explains how the scars on Poste’s forehead match those of the Zodiac Killer, and the same with a boot print that matched one they found at a crime scene. This taught how deep people can look into things, and how as a society, we are evolving with the advancement of technology. This story will affect the victim’s families because they finally have closure on what happened, the police because they have been chasing him for years, and anyone who has followed his story and had their own personal theories of who the killer was. My perspective on FBI authorities has changed because I always believed the Zodiac was a story that would forever be unsolved, but I would be proved wrong. After this article, I plan on changing my perspective on the abilities of our government and taking this information to finish the story I learned about a long time ago.