Staff Editorial: Trump opposes First Amendment by banning press from White House

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” In case you’re unaware, this is the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The press has a right to provide … Continue reading Staff Editorial: Trump opposes First Amendment by banning press from White House

I heart organ donation. Get it?

Gwendolyn Sobkowiak | staff writer There are two things that I can distinctly remember about the day that I got my driver’s license. One, that no one told me I was allowed to smile for the picture, which provided me with a flattering, but ultimately unhappy portrait to carry in my pocket, and two, that I gained physical documentation of my status as an organ … Continue reading I heart organ donation. Get it?

Surgery was hard, ‘butt’ I’m learning to sit with my emotions

Josh Imhof | news editor As I slowly came back to consciousness, the dim lights of my hospital room gently filled my heavy eyelids. In front of me, figures moved in a blurry haze. To my left, a blue shadow fumbled with something above my head. My senses began to adjust, and I realized it was a nurse fiddling with my IV. “Hey, how are … Continue reading Surgery was hard, ‘butt’ I’m learning to sit with my emotions

Politicians, bring back the thoughts and prayers

Charlotte Shields-Rossi | a&e editor Who wins when a baby dies? Well, it depends on how the baby died of course. Last month, more than 200 miles away in Lancaster County, an Amish family’s infant died. This sparked a heated debate about the cause of death. Did the baby die from measles? Or with measles? It’s a sad affair either way. The fact is a … Continue reading Politicians, bring back the thoughts and prayers

Huzzah! The Renaissance Festival is worth it

Lily Debiak | staff writer Ribbons, swords and fire each seem mild mannered on their own, but put them together, and suddenly you’re face to face with the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton. The event, which goes from Aug. 29 to Oct. 4, is the landmark for all things unique and intriguing with their festivities, shows and shops. Everyone who attends is transported back … Continue reading Huzzah! The Renaissance Festival is worth it

Naomi’s Nook: The community of the classroom

Naomi girson | opinions editor I went to one of those high schools where everyone knew everyone. The graduating classes were small, the classrooms even smaller. I had chemistry, biology and psychology with the same people year after year. I got really used to going to a school where ice breakers were only for the teachers, and everyone knew where I lived. I was eager … Continue reading Naomi’s Nook: The community of the classroom

Staff Editorial: Parental leave policy may spark change

We have heard it said time and time again — the United States has a terrible work-life balance culture. Most corporate employees slave away from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., leaving ample room for burnout and none for a social life or hobbies. In May, the Allegheny County Health Department introduced a new parental leave policy to try to alleviate some of this stress in … Continue reading Staff Editorial: Parental leave policy may spark change

A reflection on swimsuits

Gwendolyn Sobkowiak | staff writer As summer dwindled away before my eyes, I took a visit to Moraine State Park for a final dip in the lake this past weekend. I’ve always hated the feeling of a swimsuit. There’s something about the stretchy material that makes me feel like a porcupine wearing lycra. Yes, it’s technically on my body, but at what cost? When I … Continue reading A reflection on swimsuits