Race to the White House: debates begin
Concerns grow as Trump attempts to ban TikTok
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Creek wins homecoming game against Brook
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Black Lives Matter movements grow as police brutality increases Photo courtesy of Time Magazine
By Fabiola Figueroa Aguyao Sports Editor The Black Lives Matter movement has been revived as more police shootings occur across the country. Thousands of protestors across the United States have flooded the streets, frustrated with the way Black Americans are being treated by the police. George Floyd, Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor and many other names have been at the center of these protests as many believe that their deaths were unjustified and cruel. This rekindled fire has taken hold of the American public and has been the talking point of many debates, causing tensions between opposing parties. On the streets where people are protesting, scuffles with the police have become a frequent occurrence. This new surge of protests began late on May 26 after the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was arrested by white police officer Derek Chauvin because of a suspected $20 counterfeit bill. In a now infamous video, Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyd’s neck after being pinned to the ground, keeping his knee on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Floyd became unresponsive after six minutes and was sent to the hospital where he later died. The video spread like wildfire on social media and prompted old sentiments of racial injustice and police brutality for many African-Americans. The phrase “I can’t breathe,” the words Floyd repeated to Chauvin before passing, was chanted in the streets of Minneapolis where demonstrations began the next day. The four officers who were present at the time of Floyd’s arrest were fired and later charged but by that point, the movement had already escalated. Only two days after Floyd’s passing, protestors and police came to blows. Surrounding Minneapolis’ third precinct police station, protestors were continuing to chant Floyd’s last words as well as, “No justice, no peace.” Others began to vandalize police cars and graffiti the walls of the police station before police used tear gas, plastic bullets and concussion grenades to subdue the crowds. This event marked a deep divide between police and Americans demanding that justice ensue. The BLM movement has been at the forefront
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
of these rallying demands for change since the protests began, but originally the cause had started years prior to the Minneapolis protests. Created by Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza, the movement actually started as a hashtag that was created after George Zimmerman, the man who shot unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin who was walking home from a convenience store, was acquitted in 2013. The hashtag, originally produced by Garza and her friend Cullors, slowly
pinned and shot five times in the chest by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the recorded killing of Philando Castile by police in Minnesota were both catalysts for the hundreds of protests across the states and around the world that would emerge. From Europe to Africa, millions protested in solidarity for the victims of police brutality. The BLM movement became a national organization supported by multiple countries who were inspired by its mantra. France, England,
Photo courtesy of Getty Images but surely gained Brazil, Australia, popularity in the Canada and South following years and spiked every time a police Africa joined in the protests, some asking for shooting resulted in the death of a black person. justice for the victims in the US and others In late June and early August after the deaths chanting the names of victims that hit closer to of Eric Garner, who died of a police chokehold home. Fania Noel, the coordinator of BLM France, and Michael Brown who was fatally shot, protests spoke with BuzzFeed News about the movement began to form under the BLM banner, securing in the US and the differences she saw in France. its role not just as a hashtag but a rallying cry for This global protest would repeat itself again millions. The BLM movement was well known in 2020, even amid a pandemic and seemingly by 2015, as it continued to spread its message of with even more numbers and even more ferocity justice for black people across the United States. in the protests. Particularly in the US, there were 2016 included many tragedies that increased major tensions between police and protestors the racial turmoil in America. Two videos after looting and rioting occurred in the first capturing 37-year-old Alton Sterling being demonstrations in Minneapolis. More protests
Photo courtesy of Harry So
spiked across the nation in Memphis, Tennessee over Floyd and in Louisville, Kentucky, people protested the death of Taylor, an EMT who was shot and killed in her home by police in a botched drug raid. Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia was killed by two white residents while jogging. The protests would continue to spread and police clashings would continue to intensify. Atlanta and New York saw hundreds of protestors walk the streets, some throwing debris at police who reciprocated with arrests, some with violence towards the protestors. Curfews and National Guard troops were installed in multiple cities. In the White House, President Donald Trump criticized the protestors calling them “thugs” and tweeting “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The country was definitively divided, groups like All Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter who defiantly went against the BLM movement, criticized protestors for violently protesting the police. “We wanted to stand up for our police officers…These are everyday New Yorkers who could be your friends, family and neighbors,” Atkins said. Some police officers kneeled with the protestors, including Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, contrasting the many images of violence between the groups. “People are upset, they’re angry, they’re scared, and I get it…. They want to be heard.” Atlanta Police Chief, Erika Shields, said. Even months later, people are continuing to advocate for change. The latest incident to the Floyd story occurred on October 22, regarding the dismissal of the third-degree murder charge against Chauvin. A Hennepin County judge dismissed the charge meaning that Chauvin will only be charged with unintentional second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The motion to dismiss the charges for the three other former police officers, Kueng, Lane and Thao was denied. What comes next for the BLM movement remains unknown but they will surely continue to protest the injustices they see.
2020 Atlantic hurricane season exceeds predictions By Aivry Zamora Assistant Editor
With 26 storms reported this year and more to come, the 2020 hurricane season has already proven to be a record-breaking year in meteorology. This year has endured nearly double the typical amount of storms in a hurricane season, with forecasters already resorting to the Greek alphabet to name future hurricanes. Not only the frequency of these storms but the location in which they are forming has greatly concerned scientists studying hurricane behavior. An average hurricane or tropical storm develops from disturbances that blow off the west coast of Africa but this season, six storms have formed or strengthened in the Frontal or Coastal region between Florida and the Carolinas. “Frontal origins of tropical cyclones are not that unusual, but four times so far this season is unusually often,” Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, said. While many of these storms did not make landfall, those that did were highly powerful and destructive. Hurricane Laura, a category four storm that hit the coast of Louisiana, was anticipated with great worry. Reporters called its winds “unsurvivable” and that the storm surge would render some areas “uninhabitable for an extended
period.” Due to the uncertainty that surrounded Laura, many residents of Louisiana, southeastern Texas and the Lake Charles area evacuated their homes in fear of the destruction that Hurricane Laura was expected to bring. Despite having prepared for the worst, only Southern Louisiana was severely affected, leading many to question the National Weather Service’s prediction. “It will look worse than what the actual storm surge will be, and that’s intentional. We don’t know what’s going to happen hours before landfall. [In this case], it shifted north into a different place than what we had forecasted, but it was still in the forecast error,” John Brazzell, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, said. Though many were spared from the destruction of the hurricane, coastal Louisiana was hit with 17.2-foot waters and record-breaking winds that decimated buildings and left many without a home. Residents of the affected area who did not evacuate have expressed that they will never again stay home during a hurricane, while many South Texas inhabitants drove for hours to escape the incoming storm. “Something that you experience one time and don’t do it again,” Kim Eagleson, a Grand Lake Resident, said.
With intense wind, rain and flooding, Hurricane Laura marks the worst storm that the 2020 hurricane season has faced, though recently, Tropical Cyclone Beta has become the ninth named storm to directly hit the United States mainland. This phenomenon has only occurred once before in 1916 on the North Carolina border. Becoming the second storm this year to have been named through the Greek alphabet, Tropical Storm Beta brought heavy rainfall and mild flooding to the Texas coast. “Earlier this season we were asked if we would start using Greek letters for storms, and I told them it was not a matter of ‘if’ but “when” and “how deep into the Greek alphabet we go,” Dennis Feltgen, spokesman and meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center, said. Recently, Tropical Storm Epsilon has formed over the Atlantic Ocean making it the fifth storm to be named using the Greek Alphabet and the 26 storm this season, just one storm away from breaking the 2005 record for the most named storms to date. With mild winds and slow movement, Epsilon has not posed a threat but could easily form into a hurricane, as it is predicted to hit landfall in Bermuda by October 21. “Some gradual development of this system is possible late this week while it
moves slowly northwestward or north-northwestward over the western Caribbean Sea,” the official website of the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said. The frequency and severity of these storms is largely due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that have heated oceans 32 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 50 years. This gradual buildup of environmental decay has been a known threat for some time but with increasing weather phenomenon’s over the past five years, it has become even more apparent that climate change is a more imminent threat than many have realized. From a meteorological standpoint, 2020 has been ripe with unusual activity such as the annual migration of African dust over the Atlantic earlier in the summer, which was noted as one of the largest such dust clouds in decades. With tropical storm production in high gear, every storm including and after Tropical Storm Eduardo in 2020 has set a record and now having set 26 named storm records, more are set to fall. 2020 has become a year known for its weather phenomena from catastrophic California Wildfires to the continuously destructive major hurricanes faced this season leaving environmentalists curious of the effects this year’s weather will have on the planet’s future.
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OPINION
EDITORIAL
Arrington’s Advice: Voting is vital
By Arrington Linder Editor-in-Chief
2020-2021
Just weeks away is what some might call the most important election in United States history. Since the rise of COVID-19, many people will be voting for the candidate they believe will bring this country out of the pandemic, as well as their thoughts on nominating a new Supreme Court justice; if the current president should choose the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s successor or the president elected after November third. Many people, myself included, are active in politics and have firm beliefs and opinions but are unable to vote. This election is vital in deciding the path for our country for the next four years; if we want a president who has done little to nothing to subdue the pandemic or a president who has known the severity of this disease since the beginning and has created plans to help the country, if elected. Although you are eligible to vote once you turn 18, not every eligible voter chooses to use their voice. In the 2016 general election, an election in which the winner of the popular vote was not the winner of the presidency, over 95 million eligible voters did not vote. For reference, 126 million eligi-
HiLife Staff
Principal: Jamey Majewski Advisor: Wynette Jameson Editors-in-Chief: Arrington Linder Leah Burnam Assistant Editors: Andrew Stell Aivry Zamora Managing Editor: Alex Martinez News Editor: Analei Berger Online Editors: Andrew Stell Aivry Zamora Features Editor: Analei Berger Entertainment Editor: Jessica McDermand Sports Editor: Fabiola Figueroa Aguayo Around Creek Editor: Jordan Johnson Advertising Manager: Alex Martinez Photo-Editor: Chloe Tankink Assistant Photo-Editor: Jessica McDermand Reporters: Photographers: Aivry Zamora Chloe Tankink Analei Berger Fabiola Figueroa Aguayo Jessica McDermand Jessica McDermand Jordan Johnson Pablo Anton Pablo Anton
*Photos used have all been checked with copyright free filters in Google* Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or For ad rates call: (281)-284-1889
By Leah Burnam Editor-in-Chief The college application process in itself is a corrupt system that is in many ways only designed for you to fail. Most college admissions applications such as the Common Application, ApplyTexas and even MyCoalition, appear easy to the naked eye as they lay out the criteria stepby-step. But as you dig deeper into the individual sites, you will see that there is an abundant amount of information that must be filled out and an unusually large array of essays that must be written that are often completely disregarded. I, like most seniors, am currently in the pool of overwhelmed college applicants this semester. Do not get me wrong, I consider myself an ambitious and driven student who strives to do good not just in my classes but also within my community. I have been a part of the HiLife for four consecutive years now and love writing, which has become an outlet for me. But college essays are a whole other ball park. Mitchell Stevens, a sociologist at Stanford University, discovered in an 18-month long study at a top-tier liberal arts college, that admissions officers rarely look at personal essays if the student
ble voters voted, meaning that 42% of eligible voters did not. Numerous arguments are used in favor of not voting including the Electoral College, not wanting to vote for any of the candidates or simply too long of lines. Although all can be seen as valid arguments, especially because the popular vote was not the deciding factor during the 2016 election, it is important to not throw away your vote just because none of the candidates are exactly to your liking. If you are like me, then you have done your own research outside of your family’s beliefs and have become active in speaking up for your own views, despite most likely receiving backlash. If President Donald Trump continues his presidency, he will work to lessen the rights of people of color (POC), women and the LGBTQ+ community. Myself and many of my friends fall into at least one of these categories, so the winner of this election will unfortunately be the deciding factor in whether or not I get to keep some of the rights given to me or if they will slowly but surely be stripped away. I would give anything to vote in this election, seeing as some of my freedoms are at stake, but there are many people who do not vote because the issues at hand do not affect them. Although President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are not our dream candidates, to me, the choice is clear. Regardless of if you are voting for President Trump or Biden, your vote matters and you must vote based off of what you believe is best for the country. There are many states that are historically red or blue, meaning the Electoral College’s decision is typically set in stone, however, there are eight states this election classified as ‘swing states.’ These states consist of a relatively politically divided population where either candidate could win them over. President Trump and Biden do not focus on historically red or blue states, seeing as they already know they have won
them over, but instead they focus on winning over swing states, as these states will work to determine the winner of the election. Although Politico.com does not consider Texas a swing state just yet, we are slowly beginning to turn purple, meaning both parties are equally supported, yet President Trump is still favored in this state. For this election, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are all classified as swing states and currently, Biden
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ing said, if you want President Trump to win, you should still vote. Do not let your vote go to waste simply because you feel like one of the candidates already has it, or because you believe your vote does not matter. One person not voting might not do much, but if hundreds of thousands, even millions, of people believe their voice will go unheard, then it will. Because the majority of students attending Creek are minors, they are unable to vote, however, there are some seniors who are 18 and all of the faculty and staff are eligible to vote. With early voting, mail-in ballots, drive-thru voting, etc., voting is more accessible than it has ever been. These numerous voting methods allow people who might not have previously voted due to severe anxiety that hinders them from standing in line and voting, being worried about the pandemic and bringing the disease home to loved ones, not having the time to stand in line and many more, to vote. The deadline to register to vote has already passed, however, the deadline to vote has not. Early voting in Texas has already started, but the official election day is November third, giving people more time to cast their ballots. Aside from making sure you are already registered, one of the most important things to do before heading to the polls is research. We hear headlines everyday about President Trump and Biden and while they may be true, how much information is actually given? Biden and President Trump’s websites have detailed information about their policies and goals for their term, so reading up on those before you vote is extremely essential. Do not let your vote be tossed to the side because you do not know who to vote for and do not end up regretting your vote because you chose not to do your research. Focus on the topics important to you and understand the candidate’s term goals and understand that although you are only one person, your vote matters.
“It’s not enough to just want change. It’s not enough to just want to vote. You have to go and make change by voting.” -Taylor Swift has an edge in all but Wisconsin. This edge is what will hopefully win Biden the presidency, but nothing is a given unless you go out and vote. As stated previously, some people do not vote because they are not a fan of either candidate, however, a vote for Biden is a vote for Biden, whereas a vote for President Trump is given if you vote directly for him, choose not to vote, or vote for a third party. Because of this, if you do not want President Trump to win, the only way to ensure Biden gets your vote is to vote for him. That be-
Leah’s Lecture: Corrupt college applications
meets the admissible score requirements. And should the student not meet the grade requirements, then they likely get cut entirely or simply overlooked and their essays skimmed. Stevens explained in multiple interviews that personal essays rarely got “cursory attention” from admissions officers. Not to mention, the array of questions asked by colleges before even reviewing the rest of the application. These questions could include…will this applicant even accept our offer if we made one? Have we ever admitted someone from their zip code? How many special endorsements have they received? Did one of the officers favor them or the people they went to school with? Stevens concluded by saying that without fail, no student was ever admitted directly or thought of highly based upon their personal essay. So, what is the point in having colleges assign us personal essays and “short” answer questions when all they will do is dismiss them during the final decision? Most high schools, or most adults at least, will tell you to apply to around ten universities and include at least a couple of ‘backup’ schools in case you do not get into your ideal choice. This is a myth. Yes, applying to ten universities can be beneficial especially if you are truly deciding between all ten and love each and every one of them. Yes, a (noticed how I said “a”) safety school is important to have. However, placing this mindset into a student body is toxic. The adults explaining this concept are not the ones to blame, the colleges and the social constructs created by them and their long running history are. They are forgetting to tell the students that each of their applications requires at least one personal essay and may even require multiple short answer questions. They are forgetting to mention that if their application does not meet at least the general guidelines of fellow alumni, then their application will be thrown out. Not all universities, but most, strive to have the perfect
students who want to do “good” in the world and who have an incredibly high test average. They say they want to change, yet none of their new admittees reflect that. Thus far, most colleges in the country have made their schools ‘test optional’ for fall 2021 admissions due to COVID-19. On recent college applications they will say to only submit your test scores if you feel it will be beneficial or aide to your overall application.
head related to the question ‘why this school?’ Too many high school students stress themselves out year after year after year, in order to somehow prove themselves to their parents, employers and even college admissions boards. They wear themselves thin studying for the SAT and ACT, only to get a lower score than they wanted. Most of these students are in no way “unintelligent”. It is not because they do not deserve to get in to highly ranked universities, but because of test anxiety and the stigma of obtaining a low score. Thankfully, multiple colleges have come to the realization that this arbitrary way of testing kids has gotten old and they have begun dropping test score requirements, which although it is small, it is a big step in the right direction. Recently, the University of California has been studying whether or not they will continue to use test scores in the admissions process or if they will cut it entirely. In total, about 1,050 accredited colleges have become fully test optional (not just due to COVID-19) or have entirely discontinued requiring test scores in general. Without fail, colleges love to ask you what school or program you will be applying for and the major you intend to declare. Why do they ask us this when 80% (according to the National Center for Education Statistics) of students end up changing their major at least once before graduation anyways? If anything, this only adds to our stress thinking we need to make a choice the instant we fill out an application. They do not even give you a message saying you can change it at any point. I am not trying to ostracize colleges from the arena of potential schools for myself and other fellow applicants, rather, this is intended to criticize the parts of the college application process that are detrimental and require changed. I am hopeful that, I and generations to come, will be able to see change within this education system and be able to make a difference in testing policies and application requirements.
“We fluff, fold, nudge, enhance, bind, break and embellish them beyond measure; then, as we drive them up to the college interviews that they’ve heard since birth are the gateway to the[ir] lives...we tell them, with a smile so tight it would crack nuts, ‘Just be yourself.’” -Heather Choate Davis But what this truly means is that you should only submit your score if it is “good” or “really high.” Most will not tell you directly, but when it comes down to reviewing your application and private or large public college admission officers see that you received a 900, 1000, or even a 1100, they will probably throw out the application unless you have a tidy list of extracurriculars. ‘Why this school?’ I would be willing to assert every single college applicant has seen or heard this question before. ‘Why this school?’ Let me think…well I want a good education and it seems you are ranked number two in the country so why not. I can guarantee almost no student has a meaningful answer to this question. If thought through carefully, many students will research a very detailed point about the school that they like and somehow include that within their writing. Unless the student is 100% dedicated, which many actually are, then they will not know something off of the top of their
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CORE VALUES
Trustworthiness is acting with honesty in all that a student does, according to CCISD. Daisy Huerta has consistently “demonstrated a great work ethic and positive mindset while being involved in extracurriculars,” Ms. Savanna Beanland, English teacher, said. Huerta shows her teachers she is trustworthy by doing all of work, proving they are able to trust her with anything. Huerta’s coach, Coach Aaron Beck, has inspired her to be trustworthy by showing her “that earning someone’s trust isn’t just ‘trust,’ but more,” Huerta said.
Trustworthiness Respect is valuing yourself and others, according to CCISD. Arlet Raymundo Gonzalez shows the core value of respect by always being in a chipper mood and saying hello and goodbye, according to Mr. Thomas Dion, English teacher. Gonzalez comes into class “always ready to work, always ready for a challenge,” Dion said. Gonzalez’s parents have inspired her to be respectful and “I show respect in my day by listening to others opinions without commenting bad [things],” Gonzalez said.
Respect
Responsibility is owning your choices, according to CCISD. Freshman Jami Taylor “...embodies responsibility in my class daily by being fully engaged in lessons and discussions,” Mrs. Amanda Penney, English teacher, said. Taylor’s mom has inspired her to be responsible and that she wants to be like her when she grows up. To show responsibility in her everyday life, Taylor always makes sure she is prepared and has everything she needs for class.
Responsibility Fairness is playing by the rules and considering the needs of others, according to CCISD. Senior Jackson Brown shows fairness in both the classroom and on the field and is “...kind, understanding and dedicated to helping others. In that, he treats everyone fairly in pursuit of that goal,” Coach Chris Beck, economics teacher and baseball coach, said. Brown understands “the big picture. We have to work together to reach our goal.” Brown’s brother influenced him “to be the man [he is] today.”
Caring
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Chadwick Boseman impacts millions after passing away By Fabiola Figueroa Aguyao Sports Editor
The world was shocked when news of actor Chadwick Boseman, a man who graced the movie screen playing several iconic black characters such as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and of course Black Panther, passed away at the age of 43 in his home on August 28. Boseman had been battling colon cancer privately for four years according to the official statement given by his family. During that time, Boseman performed in several movies including Marshall, Black Panther, 21 Bridges, Da 5 Bloods and many other films while also going through intense cancer treatment. These films have served as empowering black stories that have inspired many African Americans across the country and as a stepping stone to recognizing the black community At the 25 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAGs), after receiving the best ensemble award for the movie Black Panther, Boseman spoke on what it was like to be a black actor. “We know what it’s like to be told there isn’t a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on... We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above. And that is what we went to work with every day. We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see. We knew that we had something to give,” Boseman said. Boseman starred in several historical black movies, his roles in 42, Get on Up and Marshall were some of his bigger films in his long catalog. Though not his first mov-
ie, or even his first movie regarding a sports bring Jackie Robinson to life on the screen. “She started the journey, definitely. hero, (that honor goes to The Express: The Ernie Davis Story), his portrayal of baseball She showed up on set. And she challenged legend Jackie Robinson in 42 was his break- me by asking me why I should play him. out role. In an interview with the Chicago That’s a good place to start because you Tribune, Boseman was asked about Robin- have to start with yourself,” Boseman said. The Robinson family was not sure of son’s character and how he managed to stay Boseman calm while playing playing for Jackie at the Brookfirst, Boselyn Dodgman reer’s team, called what even when R a c h e l almost Robinson e v e r y had said to body was him when against him first meeting playing. each other, “ I “If we think he is had made a special this movindividuie when al…To be I wanted put in a to make situation this movwhere the Photo courtesy of Getty Images ie, Sidney Poitiessence of who er would have you are is being questioned and undermined and belittled- played your role. And then Denzel [Washin most cases people would think that is ington] was supposed to play it. And now something to fight for,” Boseman said. we have you. Who are you?” said Rachel. Boseman proved his worth by trainThe 42 role was not one that was granted easily to Boseman. After he got news that ing from the middle of January to May in he would be playing Robinson, he went to L.A. with several baseball coaches, going prepare for his role by speaking with Rachel two times a day to practice his baseball Robinson, the widow of the late Jackie Rob- skills and having the coaches compare inson and Sharon Robinson, their daughter. Boseman’s footage with Jackie RobinIn an interview with Vanity Fair Boseman son’s in order to mirror his mannerisms. spoke on how Rachel Robinson helped him This strong work ethic served him well in
42, as the film was critically acclaimed and it grossed $95 million in the United States. Chadwick’s hard-working demeanor would After 42, Chadwick would be the leading role in two more biopics, 2013’s Get on Up and 2017’s Marshall. His determination to tell the stories of James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul” and Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, would make for memorable and inspiring films up to the triumphant Black Panther. His passing away has had a worldwide impact as several people shared what his films meant to them. Many on social media have posted pictures of their children mourning the actor, making the Wakanda salute from Black Panther and creating mock funerals with action figures surrounding King T’Challa, the character Boseman played in the movie. Others wore their number 42 jerseys, paying tribute to his depiction of Jackie Robinson in the film 42. Two weeks after Boseman’s death, Black Panther comics were released for free on digital comic retailer Comixology to pay tribute to the late actor. 256 issues were free to be shared for longtime nostalgic fans of the hero or to newcomers discovering Black Panther for the first time. Celebrities and other co-stars of Boseman such as Lupita Nyong’o payed respects in heartfelt social media posts. “His power lives on and will reverberate for generations to come. He used his life force to tell meaningful stories,” Nyong’o said. Chadwick is survived by his wife, Taylor Simone Leeward and is remembered by millions.
Presidential debates begin as Election Day inches closer By Arrington Linder Editor-in-Chief
Fairness
Caring is being king to others, according to CCISD. Senior Zachary Sheriff “...is one of the nicest students that I have crossed paths with. He is kind, respectful and polite. He wants to help people around him is as much as possible,” Coach Joshua Lindloff, government teacher and basketball coach, said. “My mom has taught me that caring for others is better than any gift or friend,” Sheriff said. In his day to day life, Sheriff asks people how their day is going and likes to “tell a senseless joke to see at least one person smile.”
Citizenship is working to improve your school, community and country, according to CCISD. Dior Muankaew “...often helps mantain a safe environment by wiping desks and helps students on writing assignments in tutorials,” Mr. Marshall Munson, World History teacher, said. Muankaew’s mom is her “inspiration for being a true citizen.” Muankaew likes to “walk a mile” in people’s shoes “because it’s a situation where you need to be cognizant of people and their current disposition in life.”
NEWS
Citizenship
With the 2020 election less than a week away, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden continue to compete for the title of President of the United States. The debates between the two presidential candidates and vice-presidential candidates, Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, have sparked controversy throughout the nation and even worldwide. New safety measures have been put in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, mainly after President Trump tested positive in the weeks prior. The goal of these debates is to allow voters to better understand the platforms of the candidates and ensure they are voting for the candidate they believe is best fit for the position, but the constant bickering between candidates from both parties makes it hard to gather proper information. The last presidential debate took place on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee, with Kristen Welker moderating. In contrast to earlier debates, the opposing candidate’s microphone was turned off during the designated two-minute speaking time for each nominee. This debate, although not much conversation occurred, was more civil than the first debate between President Trump and former Vice President Biden. The candidates covered topics such as a vaccine for COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement and climate change. This final debate allowed viewers to get one last look into the next possible President of the United States, giving them more insight into who they want to vote for. The first and only vice-presidential debate occurred on October seventh at the University of Utah between current Vice President Pence and Senator Harris, with Susan Page as the moderator. Because of Trump’s recent coronavirus diagnosis, the two speakers were placed 12 feet apart and had plexiglass dividers in front of them. Before attending the debate, both Vice President Pence and Senator Harris tested
negative for COVID, allowing them to continue with the already scheduled debate. Trump’s diagnosis made for the perfect segway into the debate, seeing as the current pandemic has been occurring since March and many voters might base their vote on which candidate they believe has a better plan for the United States’ situation. While the first presidential debate consisted of mainly Trump and Biden yelling over each other to speak and the moderator, Chris Wallace, unable to get a word in, this debate had more of a proper debate format and allowed Vice President Pence and Senator Harris to have somewhat civil conversations. However, the candidates mostly went off topic and instead of answering the moderator’s current question, they would backtrack to the question asked previously. Despite this, Vice President Pence and Senator Harris were much more respectful than President Trump and former Vice President Biden during their debate. Most of the debate involved either Vice President Pence or Senator Harris stating something about the opposite party, while the opposing candidate would elaborate on why that was untrue. During the debate, many news outlets have live fact-checking that allows viewers to better understand and interpret the statements made by candidates. “It’s about relationships and the thing that has always been part of the strength of our nation. In addition to our great military has been that we keep our word. But Donald Trump doesn’t understand that because he doesn’t understand what it means to be honest,” Senator Harris said. Another hot topic of the debate was the Supreme Court nomination and what would happen if Biden/Harris won the election as opposed to Trump/Pence. Since Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, Trump has aimed to elect Judge Amy Coney Barrett to take her place, which has caused many voters and nonvoters to become outraged, as they believe the Supreme Court nominee should be chosen by the winner of November third’s election. Others, however, believe that because Trump is the current
president, he has the right to choose the next Supreme Court Justice. These varying opinions have caused many voters to turn to the debates to hear what each candidate believes on the matter. Although the first debate held many unforgettable moments from the night, the vice-presidential debate mainly held just one memorable moment: a fly that landed on Pence’s head. At various times throughout the debate, a fly buzzed around Pence’s head, which paved the way for numerous merchandise items such as a fly swatter on Biden’s website and even a wig for a Halloween costume. Many might view this as the one item of comic relief during the debate, seeing as this debate was more formal than the previous. The first presidential debate, occurring on September 29, consisted of notable one-liners such as Biden’s “Will you shut up man?” and Trump’s “The people understand Joe,” as the first segment of the debate came to a close. While none of the debates have been helpful or productive, this debate can be viewed as the least productive, seeing as none of the conversations held were relevant to the moderator’s questions or topics voters need to hear about. This debate made headlines as a “national humiliation” and “total disaster.”
Just a few days later on October second, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and it was later released that former Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, had tested negative. The president was later hospitalized and given numerous drugs and was able to be released the following Monday. The second debate between Trump and Biden was originally scheduled for October 15, but after numerous changes of the location and format, Trump believed that it would be a waste of time for him to participate. However, both President Trump and former Vice President Biden held their own town halls to allow voters in Miami, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania respectively, to ask the candidates questions over their policies and views. While the debates for the 2020 election might not be the most informative, they certainly provide some form of entertainment. Voters who originally wanted to turn to the debates for their information are encouraged to do their own research on the candidates, starting with Trump and Biden’s official websites to learn their policies and views. With less than a week left to vote, registered voters must cast their ballots to see change happen in the world the way they want to.
6
NEWS
Trump seeks to ban popular Chinese-owned app, TikTok
By Analei Berger News and Features Editor On one November morning, faithful Musical.ly users opened their devices and realized that their beloved lip-syncing and dance app was changed to some random logo with an unheard of name, TikTok. In November 2017, a Chinese based company by the name of ByteDance adopted Musical.ly and molded it into TikTok. The purpose and ideas of the app stayed the same. People could still upload videos of themselves lip-syncing to the most popular songs at that time and could make either 15 or 60 second videos. TikTok began to blow up in October 2018 and as of this year, there are over 800 million users worldwide. In addition, the app has been downloaded over two billion times on both Google Play and the App Store. Of those 800 million users, approximately 100 million of them are based in the United States. Towards the beginning of August 2020, President Donald Trump announced that he wanted and was going to ban TikTok as soon as that that same Saturday, August first. After this statement was announced, the popular creators of TikTok made emotional goodbye videos and promoted their other social media platforms for people to follow them on. There was a range of videos from emotional videos where most said, “this has been such an honor to make videos for you all” and on the opposite side of the spectrum, others were furious at Trump. Trumps reason for the ban on the app was because he did not like the fact that the company was Chinese-owned and that the app posed a threat to the United States national security. He also profoundly pointed out that he had the
power to do so because he is president. Prior to Trump announcing the ban on TikTok, users banded together to reserve hundreds of thousands of tickets for Trumps upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To secretly spread the word about what they were doing all throughout TikTok, people who made the videos would delete their video
reasons as to why they could not attend. With all of those tickets reserved, Trump and his administration thought that he would have a stadium full of people, but in reality, only around 6,200 people showed up and filled around onethird of the 19,000 seats in BOK stadium. Videos started to appear on peoples
Photo courtesy of Brian Fung
with millions of views and after 24 to 48 hours. They deleted their videos so that the Trump Administration and the news would not catch wind of what they were doing. Soon after they reserved the tickets to Trump’s rally, they posted a second video saying that they “forgot” and would not be going to the rally that day because they “did not feel well” or they had to “get their nails or hair done.” They just came up with random
“For You” pages saying that the reason that Trump was trying to ban TikTok was because he was angry at the people who tanked his rally. So, to get back at them, he decided to ban the app so that they could not do something like that again. To reiterate, this is just a conspiracy that TikTok creators and others came up with. There are also speculations that the reason he is trying to ban the app is to win more votes for the
United States election on November third. On August sixth, Trump officially signed the executive orders to ban both TikTok and another app called WeChat, which is also Chinese-owned. He stated that both apps would be banned in 45 days (September 20). If the app were to be banned, US citizens would not be able to download the app in the various app stores. Then on August 14, Trump signed another order that TikTok would be banned completely if it was not bought out by an American company in three months by November 14. In a government brief, officials said that ByteDance relays the user’s information into the Chinese government’s pockets. Of course, TikTok has denied all accusations that have been placed against them. “TikTok allow[s] the Chinese Communist party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information,” Trump said. One of the companies that offered to buy TikTok was Microsoft but their bid was denied. Other companies that are looking to buy TikTok are Walmart and Oracle. In Washington D.C., Judge Carl Nichols blocked Trumps ban on TikTok saying that he has overstepped and that there is no need to use his emergency-powers to justify the ban. If Walmart and Oracle were to buy TikTok, deals have said that Oracle would be the cloud provider with a 12.5% stake. Walmart has agreed to purchase a seven-point-five percent stake and would become one of five of the TikTok board members. The parent company would still be ByteDance and they would still own 80% of the company. As of now, President Trump has agreed to that deal. With the information available, do not lose sleep over whether TikTok is banned or not. “I have given the deal my blessing — if they get it done that’s great, if they don’t that’s okay too,” Trump said.
NEWS
7
Greenland ice sheet melts over double its annual average
gets hotter, so does the water. The oceans to go onto the icebergs to protect their are absorbing the planets excess heat that is eggs to get away from predators and to no longer escaping through the atmosphere. rest from swimming and hunting for food. Antarctica now has a record-breaking tem- The second largest penguin population Although humankind has never been perature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, set in has collapsed by over 90% in the last 35 through an ice age, there have been five toearly February of 2020, with surrounding years. In 1982-1988, an island off of Anttal ice ages and the next ice age is set for waters reaching 72 degrees Fahrenheit. As arctica held over 500,000 breeding pairs, 80,000 years in the future, at least that is what scientists said before the earth started getting hotter. The last ice age was about 12,000 years ago which started the modern climate era and human civilization. Climate change is occurring more rapidly because of the increase in carbon emissions. Carbon is the main gas that contributes to the greenhouse gas effect and carbon blocks heat from escaping the atmosphere, which then keeps the earth at a livable temperature for humankind. However, there is so much carbon in the atmosphere that the heat that not needed is being trapped and is unable to escape. In addition, the influence of the carbon dioxide emissions increases on a yearly basis. In 1950, the carbon dioxide level was 310 parts per million but now the level is sitting at 409 parts per million. In less than 100 years, there has been over a 35% increase in carbon dioxide and although that might not seem like a lot, it is causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, not to mention the animals that are dying from starvation. The animals they would normally rely on for food are the water gets warmbut it now holds less Photo courtesy of Maridav now dead or dying because they have no than 60,000 pairs. er, the ice caps that place to live and nothing to survive off of. The Greenland sit on the water melt, Overall, the hottest year in history is making the sea level rise, as well as making ice sheet has lost over three-point-eight currently 2019, with temperatures beginanimals’ homes, such as the polar bears and trillion tons of ice in less than half a dening to rise yearly since 1880. A big conpenguins, disappear. Polar bears have start- cade, which is equal to having water from tribution to climate change is the fact that ed becoming smaller and unable to have as 120 million Olympic-sized swimming billions of trees are being cut down yearly. many offspring as before. With the bears not pools and dumping it into the ocean. As Trees are a big part of getting rid of carreproducing as much, the population is not global warming rates increase, the Greenbon in the atmosphere because one magoing to be able to recover. The penguins land ice mass has increased from 25 bilture tree can absorb almost 50 pounds of are on the brink of extinction. Penguins live lion tons melting annually to 234 billion carbon dioxide per year. When the planet on land and in water, however, they have tons annually, however, the Greenland
By Jordan Johnson Around Creek Editor
ice sheet did lose 586 billion tons in 2019. “As a rule of thumb, for every centimeter rise in global sea level, another six million people are exposed to coastal flooding around the planet, on current trends, Greenland ice melting will cause 100 million people to be flooded each year by the end of the century, so 400 million in total due to sea level rise,” Andrew Shephard, lead author and scientist at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, said. Glaciers are a big part of reflecting the sun’s energy and heat back out into space. When the ice melts, it causes the heat from the sun to not be reflected back into the space surrounding Earth. Glaciers are frozen rivers that channel larger, land-bound ice sheets into the ocean. One of the most vulnerable glaciers is Pine Island, which has shed 58 billion tons of ice a year since before 2012. The size is over 116 square miles and has the capacity to rise sea levels by one-point-two meters, if not more. “Since the early 1990s, the Pine Island Glacier’s ice velocity has increased dramatically to values which exceed 10 meters (or 30 feet) a day. Its floating ice front, which has an average thickness of approximately 500 meters, has experienced a series of calving events over the past 30 years, some of which have abruptly changed the shape and position of the ice front,” the European Space Agency said. By 2070, one in three of every plant, animal and insect will be extinct. A study showed that 44% of the animals have already experienced extinction in particular local locations. In the next 50 years, more than a third of the animals that are on Earth will be gone if the climate continues to negatively change. It could potentially rise to 95% if the temperatures rise more than approximately 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Venice floods diminished as government utilizes technology By Pablo Anton Reporter and Photographer
been measured many years before 1872. tating floods in Venice have occurred in the Surprisingly, the first record of a large last 20 years. Moreover, looking at the top ten, flood in Venice was taken by “Paul the Deacon” four of those ten took place in 2019. The data in 589, almost 1,500 years ago. is absolutely devastating, but also, a big realFor the first time in history, Venice, a city in northern Italy, prevented the normal floods that have impacted its surrounding areas for years. On October third, after too much work in the development of a new system against the horrible floods, Venetians could see the results that powerful technology can have on modern days. To understand why this achievement is more than a victory not only for Italians, but for the whole world of technology innovation, it is necessary to delve deeper into the history of the floods within this European city. Venice has been fighting with nature almost since it was built. The main cause of this problem is that most of the city is located directly on water. The season of floods, between October and March, is very destructive for many people. Although the floods are not too dangerous for people, some venetians have died throughout the city’s flood history because of exceptional floods. This Photo courtesy of Getty Images The most imity of how climate problem also affects the economy of the pressive flood in change is imcity because during this season, the tourists Venice’s history was recorded on Novempacting nature these days and how it has are not able to visit the city and spend their money there. As an example, the restau- ber fourth 1966, with a 194 cm increase in become a motivation for many people rants normally have to close during the day the level of the water. It does not seem to be to change the way they live their lives. As the floods became worse, the Minwhen bad weather conditions are expected. much, but most of the city is just three feet istry of Infrastructure of Italy decided to above the sea level, which is equal to 100 cm. Since scientists have started to meaAlthough some people say that there is start a project against the problem. Although sure this phenomenon beginning back in no real evidence of climate change, the Venthat was in 1987, it was not until 2003 when 1872, some big floods have made several damages to the citizens. Although it ice floods are a perfect example of this. As the construction work started, 16 years later. MOSE (Moduo Sperimentale Elettromeseems to be an early year for scientist de- reflected in the Tide Monitoring and Forecast Center of Venice, 13 of the 20 most devasccanico or Experimental Electromechanical velopment, some punctual records had
Module in English), the project, did not seem to be finished until some years later, as the initial deadline was set in 2011. Because of various problems, which includes alleged cases of corruption, the deadline was pushed back seven more years to 2018. Finally, two years after the second deadline and 33 years after the project arose as an idea, the system has started to work. It consists of 78 gates divided into four rows that separate the sea from the lagoon of Venice, where the city is ubicated. When high floods are expected, the gates lift up and hold the excess amount of water. The first test took place on July tenth and it seemed to work perfectly fine. For Venetians, the tests were not important because they were done after the flood season and with favorable weather. Finally, on October third, MOSE was finally able to show the world the potential of its technology. Some people may think that this is a really important achievement against natural disasters, but as data shows, humans are not just the solution to these problems, but also the cause that has been making them bigger over the last few hundred years. It can be said that if the planet would have been preserved better, these accomplishments would not have been as monumental or necessary. All of the money, effort, time and resources that have been used in this project could have also been used to solve problems that are not man-made. MOSE is a really big achievement but in the end, it is just a temporary solution for a problem that has been created over hundreds of years. However, it is one step forward after ten steps backwards.
8
NEWS
Wildfires sweep parts of the west, leaving devastation
AROUND CREEK
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Homecoming traditions change in response to COVID-19
Deadly amoeba in Lake Jackson causes local child’s death
twins and triplets all matching for the day. as well as Creek attire and merchandise. The most popular dress up day of The events that did not meet the the week was Wednesday, where students COVID-19 criteria this year were; no andressed as their favorite Disney princess, nual parade, carnival in the courtyard or Since Covid-19 struck the Unit- Villain and TV show characters ranging mom’s breakfast. In years past, there was ed States in early March and the rise of from Cinderella to Maleficent, all the way a carnival located in the courtyard where COVID-19 cases have started to steadily increase again, this school year’s homecoming week was a little different. As usual, it was held on a Friday, this year on October 23. In the past, the school has held dress up days for students and teachers the week prior to the homecoming football game and this year will there be no exceptions. The dress up days that were released for this year started off with Rock N’ Roll Day on Monday where people could dress up like their favorite rockstar, Tuesday was Twins/Triplets Day when students could have dressed like their friends and ‘twin.’ Wednesday was Disney Vs Nickelodeon Day where students had the opportunity to relive their childhood and dress like their favorite character from a TV show or movie, then Thursday was Sports Day where one had the chance to dress to support their favorite sports teams and then the week ended on Friday with Creek Out Day, where students dressed to support and represent Creek. Along to Lilo and Stitch. food vendors came Photo courtesy of Jordan Johnson with having the annual dress up days, stu- Throughout the to sell their food, dents were allowed to wear their mums. halls, the school as well as the clubs and organizations When the dress up days arrived, stu- played Disney soundtracks from some of that are at Creek sell the products of their dents supported Creek on Monday by Disney’s most popular movies. On Thurs- choice to raise money. To accommodate, wearing their favorite rock band t-shirts day, some students wore their Astros and this year there was Raising Canes and Ruranging from Nirvana to Led Zeppelin, Texans shirts while others supported teams dy’s for sale in the courtyard along with along with Metallica. Others support- from around the country. On Friday, the grade level lunches. The lunches are held ed the school by wearing 80’s to 90’s last day of the 2020 homecoming season, during ‘advisory’ (normally fifth period Rockstar-inspired boots and leather jack- students attended school with their beau- but not this year) in the courtyard starting ets. Tuesday there were multiple set of tifully decorated mums and wore maroon, with seniors first and then trickles down
from juniors to sophomores to freshmen. The carnival and parades are not the only things that are affected by the dreadful coronavirus. In previous years, there was a huge pep rally held in the gym for the whole school to attend, but this year the pep rally was for only the seniors at the Veterans Memorial Stadium outside on homecoming Friday from 10:30 to 11:10 am. Another thing that the school’s administration is keeping the same this year is the homecoming court. The week before homecoming on October 15, when the homecoming nominations are due, the students elected the court and the nominations submitted them during extended fifth period. Then on October 22, there was Homecoming Queen voting on Its Learning during fifth period advisory. The results from the homecoming court nominations that were done on October 15, ended up with the senior nominations being Jessica McDermand, Lauren Vining, Lauren Smith, Bria Reed and Carli Briggs, with Reed winning, which was announced during the halftime show at the game. The junior nominee was Mia Moran, the sophomore nominee was Lexany Perez and last but not least, the freshman nominee was Lindsay Johnson. The varsity homecoming football game was Creek competing against Brook at CCISD’s Challenger Stadium at seven pm. The announcements for the 2020 Homecoming Queen and the Pregame Ceremonies began at approximately 6:30 pm. At the end of the game, Creek dominated Brook with a whopping 40 to seven score. While the 2020 homecoming has been quite unconventional compared to previous years, the students and staff had fun with what they could do based on what is happening in the world. Everyone tried and made the best out of their situation.
Annual golf extravaganza continues despite the pandemic
By Analei Berger News and Features Editor
By Jordan Johnson Around Creek Editor
chance to play a round of golf at the tournament, get a golf cart, a goodie bag and a free round at South Shore Harbor Golf Club. There are eight sponsorships to choose from: The Mighty Wildcat, which costs $1,000 and includes four playing spots, a player goodie bag, a gold hole sponsorship and a large sponsor recognition on a banner; Willy Wildcat, which costs $800 and includes four playing spots, a player goodie bag, a silver hole sponsorship and a sponsor recognition on a banner; Wildcat Cub, which costs $650 and includes four playing spots, a player goodie bag, a bronze hole sponsorship and a sponsor recognition on a banner; Team Entry, which costs $500 and includes four playing spots, a golf cart and a player goodie bag; Single Entry which costs $125 and includes one playing spot, a golf cart and a player goodie bag; Promotion Tent which costs $350 and allows attendees to bring their own tent and set it up on a hole to help promote their business or product; Hole Sponsorship lets people promote their business by having signage on one of the holes. The prices for hole sponsorships include: $500 – Gold Sponsor (sign displayed on putting green), $300 – Silver Sponsor (sign displayed on tee-box) and a $150 – Bronze Sponsor (sign displayed on cart path), $100 – Wildcat Pride Family & Friend Sponsor (non-business sponsor). Also families and friends can make sure to sign a special note to the Wildcat golfer of their choice. The last option includes Range/Putting Green/Registration/Scoring Sponsor which is $700 and allows owners to choose a location to promote their business with a banner and lastly, Boys or Girls sponsor (complete with signage).
By Jordan Johnson Around Creek Editor
After a devastating year in 2019 with hundreds of wildfires, California is once again experiencing this natural disaster. The fires have not only taken over the west coast in California but also Oregon and Washington. Although last year’s wildfires were because of a drought, President Donald Trump during a rally accused this year’s fires to be because of bad forest management and poor leadership instead of climate change, when in fact climate change is contributing to the fires that will continuously occur. President Trump did not say anything about the destruction which has followed the west coast in the past few months. “This is climate change. This is not just about forest management or raking, this administration [is-sic] the last [vestige-sic] of the Flat Earth Society of this generation,” Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Mayor, said. With climate change getting worse, there are projects that aim to reduce the amount of fuel that help fires grow and even start. Just a few are clearing vegetation, removing dead trees and doing supervised burns. With the temperatures rising in the spring and fall, the dry seasons along the west coast are extended by almost six months and the dry areas are more prone to fires. The fires this year have already claimed 31 lives as of October 19, with the death toll expected to climb. Millions of acres have burned across California, Oregon and Washington State. California has taken the biggest hit as of now, while the three states together have had millions of acres burned. California has had over threepoint-one million acres burned, over one million in Oregon and more than 600,000 acres have been burned in Washington State. “It is apocalyptic. This week I drove 600 miles up and down the state, and I never escaped the smoke. We have thousands of people who have lost their homes. I could have never envisioned this,” Jeff Merkley, Senator of Oregon, said. The conditions of the fires are starting
Naegleria fowleri is the only species of the Naegleria that can affect humans. The Naegleria is a type of amoeba, which are eukaryotic single-celled living organisms. While Naegleria fowleri is the amoebas scientific name, it is more commonly and widely known as the braineating amoeba. This brain-eating amoeba is most commonly transmitted through warm bodies of freshwater like rivers and lakes. So, whenever Naegleria fowleri was found in Lake Jackson, it was no surprise. In late September, Texas residents were issued a notice that a brain-eating amoeba had been found in their water supplies. The eight Texas cities that were given a “Do Not Use Water Advisory” were Lake Jackson, Freeport, Angleton, Brazoria, Richwood, Oyster Creek, Rosenberg and Clute. This disaster began when a six-yearold boy in Lake Jackson was hospitalized with the amoeba. Since the amoeba is so rare, it was traced back to two different situations; one of the possible places the little boy could have gotten it from is a splash pad in the Lake Jackson Civic Center or from his home water hose. Naegleria are more commonly found in the southern warmer states in the United States but it has also been found all around the world. The Naegleria fowleri is most prominent in Texas and Florida in the summer months. If a person did contract the braineating amoeba, they would start to show symptoms around five days after they were exposed. The early symptoms are nausea, fever, headaches, vomiting and stiffness in
to look up, the three states on the west coast have finally received rain after the last rain fall in April 2020. Rain fell over the Cascade Mountains last month where the Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Chief Doug Grafe said they would need it. California has little to no rain in sight and although the fires are more contained there are still evacuations in place for southern California. The Bobcat fire is
“These fires have been unbelievable but also numbing because you’re kicked in the head by one fire and then have another one. Every year we tell people this was the worst year, which then gets beaten by the next year and then by the next. It’s disheartening and demoralizing,” Mike Eliason, a Santa Barbara firefighter veteran, said. The Bobcat fire has burned over
100,000 acres now 84% contained and Photo courtesy of Kathy Eldon and is now 84% has torched more than contained. The fire 150,000 acres. Although this is one of the worst fires that California started September sixth but has already is currently facing, there are 58 other fires doubled in size. Although the fire has been burning across the state. The Bobcat fire burning for a little more than a month, the has now become one of Los Angeles’ containment date is set for October 31, biggest fires that the city has ever faced. which is now less than two weeks away.
the neck. As the infection progresses, the symptoms would worsen to hallucinations, loss of balance, confusion and seizures. The person would go into Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) as the amoeba destroys brain tissues and the brain starts to swell. The death rate of someone who catches the amoeba is around 97%. It is estimated
doctors and nurses do is inject an antifungal drug called Amphotericin B into a vein, they can also inject this drug around the spinal cord to directly kill the amoebas. Currently there is another drug that is under investigation, called Miltefosine also known as Impavido, which is available only in the emergency treatments.
“He was that around three to Photo courtesy of Getty Images an active little eight people in boy. He was America die from this amoeba every year. Contracting this a really good big brother. He just loved disease is so rare that there were only 138 and cared about a lot of people,” Maria diagnosed cases from 1962 to 2015. There Castillo, the six-year-old boy’s mother, said. Once the city was alerted, they have been five survivors around the world and three survivors in the United States. immediately did a five-gallon water test from There is no known cure for the brain- the fountain and it came back negative for eating amoeba. Some of the treatments that the amoeba, but the CDC was still contacted
“We’ve got a very active firefight on the north end of this fire and we’re bringing in more strike teams. We’ll be in this firefight for some time,” David Dantic, Los Angeles County Fire Captain, said. There is no telling when the fire will be contained or how much more destruction and death it will cause. The weather also has a big effect on the way the fires behave, for example, it has been windy in California with a mix of low humidity which causes the fires to spread faster. “California historically experiences some of the most devastating wildfires in the months of September and October. Do not let your guard down!” California Fire Department said. Almost 8,000 fires have burned in California and it is only October. Millions of acres have been burned. The fires have also claimed 31 lives, including one firefighter from the San Bernardino County fire and thus far the fire is 95% contained. The smoke from the fires have been seen over New York and Washington D.C. on satellite imagery. The smoke is being carried by the jet streams across the Mid-Atlantic. The smoke is not only going to the east coast but also into Canada. Vancouver has had air-quality warnings for a little over a week now. Although the air is making its way to the east coast, California and Oregon currently have the worst air quality in the United States. Oregon’s air quality was so bad that it exceeded the Air Quality Index. “If you have ever wondered about extension ladders and how firefighters get up there, we are watching them put the ladder against the hillside and climb up from the Pacific Coast Highway. All calm…after a worrying hour. So grateful for our fire people. I walked one/fourth of a mile from our home to the site of this photo. Thank you, Malibu Mayor Mikke Pierson, for reminding us of how important it is to BE PREPARED. After experiencing recent anxiety as we watched a fire less than one/fourth of a mile away, I know we need to amp up our preparations. ON IT!” Kathy Eldon, a resident of Malibu California, said.
for additional testing. Then when the water was tested again on September 25, three out of the 11 samples that were taken came back positive for the amoeba. With the positive results, the Center for Disease Control called the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) who then required the city to release the water advisory. The TCEQ decided to test the chlorine levels in Lake Jackson’s water which would take around three days to complete. To accommodate the residents, each household could receive a free case of water daily. A few days after the “Do Not Use” was issued to the local residents, it was repealed and a boil order was put in place, where residents should boil their water before they 0 use it. “The city lifted the Boil Water Notice today after TCEQ documented disinfectant residuals were above the state’s required disinfection standards throughout the entire system. Additionally, microbiological samples were collected confirming the city’s drinking water was negative for harmful bacteria,” state officials said. On October sixth, the notice was lifted as there were no harmful bacteria contaminating the water but it is still recommended to try to avoid getting water far up in one’s nose just to be safe. If the amoeba were in the water, it would go in through the persons nose and up into their brain. There has been no evidence that one could get the amoeba through drinking infected water. Scientists have said that if a person does go swimming in a warm lake, try not to toss up the sediment at the bottom of the lake, as this is where the amoebas like to hang out. They also say to avoid putting a person’s head into the water and especially getting water up their nose. Many people are actually exposed to the amoeba but do not contract the illness.
By Analei Berger News and Features Editor
ue with the tournament despite Covid-19. enjoy themselves! However, Coach William“Golf is one of the best sports you can son’s, the girl’s coach, favorite part is havplay during this pandemic since it is outdoors ing the families come together and have fun. The event is set to take place on Sunday, Creek golf throws an “extravaganza” and you have natural social distancing when you are out on the golf course. We also need November first, 2020 at 12 P.M. While regin the form of a golf tournament every year to help raise money for their teams. This helps them acquire good equipment and uniforms such as shirts, hats, shoes, windbreakers and golf bags, for the remainder of the school year, which later help them represent Creek to the best of their abilities. They usually offer a meal to everyone who participates in the event while also holding a silent auction. However, this year things will be a bit different due to Covid-19 which has caused drastic changes to their annual event. The extravaganza is typically held at South Shore Harbor Golf Club. Despite the pandemic, the golf coaches have decided to keep the fundraiser going as it is one of the only ways they can pay for their uniforms and materials needed for the team to succeed throughout much of the golf season. Auctions and food will not be happening this year, instead the people who are present at the tournament will be receiving gift bags istration begins with snacks in them once they register. Last to have some sort of Photo courtesy of Creek Golf at 10:30 a.m. The year, the tournament attendance was almost fundraiser to help activities include: 150 people, but this year the attendance will support our boys and girls golf teams and what better way to supWildcat Short Game Challenge with an opmore than likely be less than half of that. port a golf team (play golf to support golf),” portunity to win a Wildcat Golf Bag; Long Since the attendance will be quite less than last year, the fundraiser will raise less mon- Coach Brown, the boy’s golf coach, said. Drive Contest which awards the person with Coach Brown’s favorite part of the golf the longest drive in the field and the Closest to ey, possibly that the golf team will have to implement a second fundraiser later in the tournament is having people play the scram- the Pin Contest which awards the player who year to make up the difference in money loss. ble because anyone can play and can have fun hits the ball closest to the pin on a par three. There are also golf sponsorships. They The coaches were both asked what because it is a no pressure type of format for made them and the team decide to contin- the tournament and everyone can have fun and are an all paid entry which includes the
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AROUND CREEK
Pasadena homes ranked number one “off-the-grid”suburb
By Fabiola Figueroa Aguyao Sports Editor
A new ranking done by real estate business website, Zillow and review platform Yelp, ranked Pasadena fifth for top ten most affordable suburbs with a city feel in the nation. The ranking was according to a new “Cityness Index” created by Zillow and Yelp Inc. that accounted for important metrics such as house price affordability compared to the nearest big cities and to the country at large, housing availability, the mix and diversity of businesses and consumer reviews and check-ins. The index took into account hundreds of suburbs nationwide and highlighted suburbs with amenities such as restaurants, food, nightlife and the arts. According to Zillow data, they found that as more millennials and Gen Z kids start to reach adulthood, they are driven to low mortgage interest rates. A recent survey done by Zillow also found that about two-thirds of respondents, which were among 2,065 people, said they would consider moving if they had the flexibility to work from home occasionally amidst the pandemic, amounting to a very large pool of Americans wanting to move to new, affordable homes. “For city dwellers who don’t want to sacrifice great amenities like restaurants, art galleries and nightlife, but are dreaming of a little more space and a more affordable lifestyle, these suburbs offer a similar variety of great local businesses,” Tara Lewis, Yelp Trend Expert, in a release about the ranking, said. The list places Waterbury, Connecti-
cut in the number one spot, which is then followed by Lowell, Massachusetts, Joilet, Illinois, Sunrise, Florida and Pasadena, Texas. Pasadena scored a “Cityness” index score of 60.5, compared to Waterbury’s score of 67.6. Zillow and Yelp praises local food eateries Sycamore Grounds and Creduer’s Cajun Cookin’ as
about 15 minutes away from downtown Houston, Pasadena is home to a diverse group of Texans and many landmarks. Other than the wildlife preserves, the suburbs are right next to attractions such as Space Center Houston, the San Jacinto Battleground site, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s
Photo courtesy of iStock
well as the urban wildlife preserve Armand Bayou Nature Center as the most impressive features. It also places the typical home value price at $168,080, which they say is 14% below that of Houston. Pasadena’s typical home value price was one of most affordable on the list, only being beat by Joliet, Illinois, with a typical home value price of $155,018. With a population of 154,193 and
Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Houston Zoo, Discovery Green, Houston Galleria, Surfside Beach, Galveston and of course, Kemah. Pasadena also includes a diverse community with a large demographic of people of Hispanic or Latino origin. In fact, 31.1% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin and roughly 42% of the population speaks Spanish and trails
English as the second language spoken. Pasadena, ranked 20 overall for largest cities in Texas and 175 in the United States, is definitely starting to grow. According to censusreporter.org, 20.3% of people have moved to Pasadena since 2019, which is about one-point-four times the rate in the Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Metro Area and one-pointfour times the rate in Texas overall. According to Zillow, there is still a high demand for city living for Americans. In fact, both urban and suburban homes are selling more quickly now than they were in February. “Both region types appear to be hot sellers’ markets right now... while many suburban areas have seen strong improvement in housing activity in recent months, so, too, have many urban areas,” Zillow said. However, Zillow also found that there might soon be a change of trends with suburban areas becoming much more desirable. “Earlier differences in sale prices may be the strongest signal of potentially diverging market trends in suburban areas,” Zillow said. With the ranking and a large group of Americans wanting to move, Pasadena might soon be experiencing an influx of new residents. “The opportunity to telework could also give almost two million current renters an opportunity to relocate and buy a home in a more affordable area. There very well may be a “Great Reshuffling” on the horizon,” Zillow said.
Geocaching brings together League City community By Pablo Anton Reporter and Photographer
In August, an innovative project was created in League City as a new way to connect people with the stunning places that our city has. In collaboration with Geocaching, an app that has been increasing in popularity over the last few years, the League City Convention and Visitors Bureau decided to create a tour of hidden treasures around the city. “Primarily this is for tourism promotion and to generate awareness of local attractions in League City. I’m hoping this new tour provides residents and visitors from the Houston metro region and beyond with a family-friendly activity that can be done safely. We are providing a new and safe experience for people who are eager to get out of the house, while introducing them to some of League City’s hidden gems. It’s a really fun tour, and we know families and individuals of all ages are going to love it.” Stephanie Polk, Manager of the League City Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. This activity may sound difficult to understand to some people seeing as little treasures are hidden around a city and everyone is told where they are, so the treasures cease to be “hidden” anymore. The first thing to have in mind is that the idea of geocaching goes through
the kindness of people. When one of the treasures is found, it should be left in the same place so the next person can have the opportunity to find it as well. The respect for the treasures and the location is the first rule of the game. Moreover, Geocaching is ac-
be canceled, and people are looking for things to do. Geotours are a great tool that allows people to get outside and safely explore the area,” Polk said. As she said, the GeoTour is an activity that someone can do while social distancing from other people and al-
cessible for all peo- Photo courtesy of Stephanie Polk lows one to be outside ple within the city. As all the time, which is Polk said, the GeoTour good to prevent contais something fun that appeals to an gious people from being near each other. audience of all ages and interests. “My co-worker, Ashley Jackson “This past spring, the Communica- spearheaded this project and did all legtions Department and I were planning work involved. She gets the credit due to a brainstorming session and the idea taking this from an idea to a reality. There’s came up then. COVID restrictions have a ton of planning involved with selecting forced a lot of events and programs to locations, submitting them to Geocach-
ing.com for approval and then ordering and actually hiding the caches,” Polk said. While some people may think that this is a boring activity, it is a treasure hunt, so it’s a fun way to explore some of the interesting things in League City. One can social-distance and be outside, it’s safe and allows people to enjoy some nature therapy. Polk also mentioned that the activity is totally free, so it is not necessary to pay anything. It is totally true that this game allows people to enjoy nature, discover places and have fun without paying anything. In the interview, Polk discussed if the Convention and Visitors Bureau are planning to develop other innovative projects such as this one in the near future. While talking about the future projects that the League City community can see, Polk said that they are planning a lot of new things that will be launching sometime in November. Their new website (leaguecitycvb.com) went live earlier this year and using this tool people can search for all of these local projects. League City’s GeoTour is a new opportunity for the community to discover amazing places in the city and to enjoy a fun day with a different plan. This new activity is the perfect opportunity to know more about the city and the locals and to have fun at the same time. Time for many people to go outside and enjoy a geocaching game. The treasures are waiting!
13 FEATURES New program built for citizens on the autism spectrum By Jessica McDermand Entertainment Editor
A new project is underway for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and surrounding residents. The Sheriff’s department has newly implemented these tactics under the name Project Guardian, to areas they patrol. Project Guardian was designed to help better protect and serve residents who have autism, that are on the spectrum, or have a similar diagnosis which may affect how they react to a situation involving a deputy. Deputies on the other hand have no way of knowing if someone has autism when they come in contact with them. Which may lead to a more stressful situation for someone with autism and miscommunication, which could result in an escalating situation for both parties. People who have been diagnosed with autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) may have different needs that must be met when encountering an officer or deputy and Project Guardian was specifically designed to better aid that. “Children or adults with ASD might have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound,” cdc.gov, the CDC’s official website, said. This shows that individuals may react in unexpected ways, which could potentially be dangerous and programs such as Project Guardian, are aimed at helping combat situations such as these. This allows a deputy to be aware of what they should do before encountering the individual and how they should approach the situation in a more beneficial manner. Project Guardian is essentially a database where information on an individual with autism can be uploaded if chosen. The program works by having someone sign up or be enrolled in the online platform, entering in their basic information, such as a current updated photo, an emergency contact and anything else that might pertain to helping a deputy when encountering the individual. This
program was invented for the sole purpose of making Harris County residents feel safe and allowing others to utilize this platform as a tool to help make situations between deputies and citizens with autism less stressful. As well as Project Guardian, Harris County Sheriff’s Department has also made sure that deputies who are dispatched to handle situations involving an individual that is in the Project Guardian database, are well trained in simi-
easier and be carried out in a proper manner. Since implementing this program, Project Guardian, Harris County Sheriff’s Department has also created a decal sticker to represent the program and those who are a part of it. The design is a combination of the Autism Awareness colored puzzle pieces, as well at the department’s own logo. Many who have the stickers place it on their front doors or inside of their windows so they are read-
lar situations. Each Photo courtesy of Harris County Sheriff’s Office ily seen if need be. deputy who gets Project Guardian dispatched through is a free and optional this service undergoes courses which service database where potential life-saving teach them how to better adjust to sit- information can be given to deputies in the uations where someone has autism. event that they encounter an individual with A few examples of their training proce- ASD or autism. The project is geared towards dures posted to The Harris County Sheriff’s creating a better atmosphere for their commuDepartment’s webpage are: turning off flash- nity, as well as ensuring that they are protecting lights, announcing actions beforehand, ing each citizen or resident within their area not touching the individual until deemed nec- and making sure situations are properly taken essary or welcomed, reinstating that no harm care of. And since the service is optional, if is to come their way, recognizing if someone chosen to, the individual can also decide to does not have developed language or verbal be removed from the database at any time. skills and many more. Project Guardian allows “We continuously work with the a resident to also inform deputies if someone community to ensure we are doing all with Autism responds better to a certain ap- we can to best serve our residents with proach and in the event where a deputy was compassion and understanding,” Ed to encounter this individual, it would become Gonzalez, Harris County Sheriff, said.
On the Harris County sheriff’s office website, harriscountyso.org, there is a list of core values that the department wants to exhibit in relation to how it maintains, respects, responds and values the county of citizens they serve. These core values reflect the message of Project Guardian and are also addressed during interviews. “Merit and maintain the public’s trust. Embrace and deliver professional service. Protect our citizens with honor and courage. Exemplify ethical conduct at all times. Develop, encourage, and care for our Sheriff’s Office family,” harriscountyso.org said. Many see Project Guardian as a way to help the community and better understand each other. On other social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, many individuals have expressed their opinions on the matter and over 2,100 have viewed a video explaining the program on Twitter. The video can be found on the Harris County Sheriff Department’s page. There have also been multiple interviews conducted, including one recorded on Houston Matters with Craig Cohen, which can be found at houstonpublicmedia.org. These interviews answer some of the questions a little more in depth to further understand the process and inner workings of what Project Guardian consists of and how it aims to help the community directly. Those who work in the department urge citizens to learn more about the program and how they could benefit from it. “Learn more about our Project Guardian. We are committed to finding ways to better serve our residents. Teaching our deputies the signs of autism is an important step toward preventing unfortunate situations. Learn more from Sgt. Gomez and please share,” Gonzalez said. Similar messages are posted across different social media pages and accounts, where citizens can comment on how Project Guardian will affect their lives and gives citizens a chance to compliment or offer constructive criticism on how to make the database used in Harris County better.
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FEATURES Dickinson police station hires first black female officer By Aivry Zamora Assistant Editor
Millions flocked to the streets over the summer in protest of the American police force and the continuing violence against minorities by those in uniform. After ongoing months of peaceful protesting across the country, many police departments are responding to the call for equality and beginning to make changes to their departments. Chasity Porter has made history in the city of Dickinson by becoming the department’s first African American female police officer. Beginning her career as an EMT and later transitioning into firefighting, Porter’s goal is to help people and make a difference in the community. “I come to work because I like to help people and so when I hear all these things about being the first it’s very humbling to me,” Officer Porter said. Her experience in other career departments has made her stand out among her colleagues, being met with immense praise from her supervisors and the people of Dickinson. In hiring her, Dickinson Police Chief Ron Morales was more impressed with Porter’s extensive training, experience, certifications and background. “It’s always an honor to be the first at something new; however, I’m prouder of hiring someone of this high caliber. She’s trained and experienced in mental health. She’s a trained and experienced EMT. She’s a trained and experienced firefighter. She’s a state of the art police officer. I think this is where the nation’s going. When you dial 911 this is the type of officer that is going to arrive at your door. I think this is our future. She has such a huge, positive attitude. Always has a smile on her face.
Just as important as being highly qualified and coming to the job with great experience, she does it with compassion and empathy, which is awesome and I don’t think that’s something you can go to college for or go to a class to get. I hope she keeps that throughout her career,” Morales said. The Dickinson department’s officers
ing an improved and aware police force. “Without diversity, we lose. We are losing and behind the eight ball if we can’t be diverse as an agency and as people. I think it’s a huge accomplishment for our agency and it’s even larger for what we’re doing as a nation,” Oscar Stoker, Dickinson Police Department Captain, said.
Photo courtesy of Tia Porter strive for equality in P o r the workplace and ter was surprised are making a conscious effort to be aware to learn she was the first African American of discrimination within their department. woman on Dickinson’s task force but grateBy hiring Porter, the department heads ful for the opportunity she has been given. “It was shocking to learn that I was the are making their first steps into establish-
first Black female officer to become a fullfledged member with the Dickinson Police Department because I love it here. With that being said, I wasn’t surprised entirely because there’s a lack of diversity in public service as a whole,” Officer Porter said. Despite the lack of diversity, Porter wants for those in need to trust her and know that she is there for anyone who needs help. “My son, my brother, my father, my uncles, cousins they all look like you guys. I’m here for you. I’m here for all of the citizens and if you have that level of comfort where you can talk to me, that can help deescalate the situation,” Officer Porter said. Between calls for service, Porter does her best to ride through as many neighborhoods in the city as she can. She wants to get to know the people of Dickinson and create a relationship with the community she loves and protects. “I’m out all day. You’ll see me with my windows rolled down riding through the neighborhoods. I’m singing. I’m waving. I’m smiling, I enjoy getting out and meeting residents and letting them get to know me. It’s been harder to get out though because of the pandemic, but at least they see me patrolling, waving and smiling. I’m here for them and feel that it’s important to establish a rapport with the community before responding to a call for service,” Officer Porter said. Porter’s mission is for young girls of all colors to see her example and believe that they can become whatever they desire. “Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that your goals are unattainable. When you fall along the way, take it as a lesson learned and try again. The options are limitless and I’m just glad they get to see me in this roll. It’s not just a boys club anymore,” Officer Porter said.
Ike Dike plan gains attention as hurricane season heightens By Analei Berger News and Features Editor This year’s hurricane season has been a whirlwind of emotions for the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Luckily, Houstonians have been spared the wrath of 2020’s major Hurricane Laura. It is only fitting that this year would have a major hurricane. The residents of Galveston and Houston could use this as a warning and plan for what may come next hurricane season. There was a proposed Ike Dike that was inspired after Hurricane Ike hit Galveston as a strong category two hurricane on September 13, 2008. The hurricane had a 22-foot storm surge along with inland flooding. There was about $30 billion worth of damage done. Not only was Galveston effected but also the greater Houston area. Damage further inland was caused by power outages and strong gusts of wind. Back in 2008 after Ike hit the Texas coast, two college students at Texas A&M University proposed a structure with a catchy name Ike Dike that was inspired by Hurricane Ike. This construction would soon save billions in repairs for oncoming hurricanes and would help to protect the Texas coastal areas. The cost that was estimated to build the dike was between ten and twenty billion dollars. Although this number is high, it is small in comparison to the damage that a category five hurricane would have cost the coast. Not to mention the other effects that it could have on the country when it comes to petroleum and oil production in the Gulf and considering that Houston is the fourth biggest port complex in the country. The Texas coast has an average rate
of being hit by a major hurricane every fifteen years but every time hurricane season rolls around in June, Texas weathermen start shaking in their boots. There is always a chance of a direct impact. Back during the infamous 1900 storm
ural sand dunes. Some would be natural sand that has vegetation locking it in place, while parts would simply be concrete. Beachgoers would not be able to tell the difference between the real sand dunes and the man-made ones. In addition, there
after thousands of peo- Photo courtesy of Getty Images would be no need to worple were killed and the ry about the ship channel island was totally debeing blocked because stroyed, Galveston’s citizens devised a there would be an 800-foot swinging plan to build the 17-foot seawall spreading gate for ships to pass through. The openout upon ten miles of Galveston’s coast- ing would lock closed when there was line. The seawall helped with other hur- a chance that a storm would be coming. ricanes, however, Ike was different and There was a study done that if the dike water flooded the island through the back would have been in place during Ike then and not the front where the wall was built. 95% of residential areas would have been The Ike Dike’s plans are actually quite spared and if the dike is there during a catsimple and ingenious. The plan that was egory five storm, 70% of damage could proposed was to build a 17-foot seawall out be prevented. Not only would the dike along Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula. protect the coast from surges and storms, Except the wall would be disguised as nat- it would be a good long-term investment.
Businesses would be more comfortable with building on the seawall and Galveston if there was some type of protection and barrier in place to prevent the island and their business from being potentially swept away. While the dike was proposed back in 2008 after Hurricane Ike, 2020 Hurricane Laura rekindled the urge to build the Dike. Although Houston and Galveston were spared this season, the area will not get so lucky every time. Laura was a category four, almost category five, hurricane that hit the Texas-Louisiana border and devastated southern Louisiana. There continues to be both positives and negatives to building the Ike Dike. “There is a whole lot more wrong with this storm surge proposal than what the public has been told,” Brandt Mannchen, Sierra Club, said. If the dike was built it would be detrimental to one of the last all-natural fishing areas on the Texas Coast. The San Luis Pass is located on the Upper Texas Coast, which is a local fishing and recreational hotspot. Provided that the Ike Dike would be built, it will close in the pass and it would throw the whole ecosystem off by changing the water circulation, the flow of the shrimp and fish, salinity levels and the natural erosion locations. With the new dikes in the gulf it would alter the set fish and shrimp migration patterns that run through the bay. However, total environmental effects of the dike have not fully been analyzed yet. “We need quick solutions and effective solutions, and that’s what we’re advocating for here in Bolivar,” Charlotte Stirling, Bolivar Peninsula, said. Whether or not it is the Ike Dike that is going to be built, there needs to be something other than the current seawall protecting Galveston and the coastal Houston areas.
15 ENTERTAINMENT VMA’s adds new awards as COVID effects broadcast By Fabiola Figueroa Aguyao Sports Editor
The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony recently aired on screens across the United States, which included the most popular celebrities performing their hits from different locations in New York City and nominees winning their respective VMA awards. The VMA’s were hosted by actress and singer Keke Palmer in a pre-taped show before airing on August 30. In fact, due to the pandemic, almost the entire show was filmed prior. This meant that the performances, award presentations and red-carpet interviews were already completed with no audience days in advance. The performers of this year’s VMA’s included singers for every type of fan watching. Ariana Grande, Black Eyed Peas, BTS, CNCO, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Maluma, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and The Weeknd all performed. Pre-show performers included Chloe x Halle, Jack Harlow, Lewis Capaldi, Machine Gun Kelly, and Tate McCrae. Even with the pandemic raging on, the show most definitely continued. This year was big for Gaga and Grande in terms of nominations, both tied for what is labeled as “the number one spot” award and each received nine nominations. However, Lady Gaga did receive the first ever MTV Tricon Award, which recognized her highly accomplished career across several facets including being a musician, actress and a fashion icon. “It means more to me than you probably even realize. I’ve been making music since I was a little girl. Even though I had really, really big dreams, I truly never could have imagined that someday I would be
given an award like this that honored me for for Say So, Lady Gaga and Grande for Rain so many of my passions,” Lady Gaga said. On Me, Megan Thee Stallion for Savage, This year’s nominees for Video of Post Malone for Circles and Roddy Rich for the Year were Billie Eilish for every- The Box. Rain On Me won the award and was thing I wanted, Eminem ft. Juice WRLD a clear favorite, also winning the awards for for Godzilla, Future ft. Drake for Life Best Collaboration and Best Cinematography. is Good, Lady Gaga with Grande for The next biggest award, New Artist of Rain On Me, Taylor Swift for The Man the Year nominees were Doja Cat, Harlow, and The Weeknd for Blinding Lights. Capaldi, Roddy Rich, McRae and YUNGVi d BLUD. The eo of the award went Year, the to Doja top VMA, Cat, who w e n t thanked to The her fans by We e k n d saying that for his hit their “supBlinding port meant Lights. He everything” opened the to her. She show with also made a perforher VMA mance of perforthe single mance deand with buting her his own message after re- Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone songs Say So and Like That ceiving the award, asking in a pink alien bodysuit, justice for Jacob Blake and Breonna Tay- making for a memorable show for many fans. lor who were both recently shot by police. It was also a big night for K-Pop fans as “It’s really hard for me to cele- BTS received a total of six nominations in brate right now and enjoy this moment Best K-Pop, Best Group, Best Collaboration, so I’m just gonna say justice for Ja- Best Art Direction, Best Choreography, and cob Blake and justice for Breonna Tay- Best Pop. The group was awarded with three lor. Thank you,” The Weeknd said. moon statues for Best K-Pop, Best ChoreogArguably the most important award raphy and Best Group. The other nominees for after Best Music Video, Artist of the Best K-Pop included girl group (G)I-DLE for Year, included nominees of DaBaby, Jus- their song Oh My God, EXO for Obsession, tin Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Monsta X for SOMEONE’S SOMEONE, ToGaga, Post Malone and the Weeknd, morrow X Together for 9 and Three-Quarwith Lady Gaga taking home the award. ters (Run Away) and Red Velvet for Psycho. Song of the Year nominations were BilBest Group nominee also had two other lie Eilish for everything I wanted, Doja Cat K-Pop bands, Blackpink and Monsta X, as
well as 5 Seconds of Summer, The 1975, Chloe x Halle, CNCO, Little Mix, Now United and Twenty One Pilots. The nominees for Best Choreography were CNCO/ Natti Natasha: Honey Boo (choreography: Kyle Hanagami), DaBaby: BOP (choreography: Dani Leigh and Cherry), Dua Lipa: Physical (choreography: Charm La’Donna), Lady Gaga and Grande: Rain On Me (choreography: Richy Jackson) and Normani: Motivation (choreography: Sean Bankhead). Blackpink also went home with a Moon Person for their song How You Like That for Song of the Summer, beating 15 other artists in the category. Best Hip-Hop went to Megan Thee Stallion for her hit single Savage, The Weeknd was awarded another Moon Person for Best R&B for Blinding Lights, Best Latin song went to Maluma and J Balvin for Qué Pena, Best Rock song went to Coldplay for their song Orphan and Best Alternative song went to Machine Gun Kelly for Bloody Valentine. Other than the crazy costumes and performances that make each and every VMA award show unique, two new categories, Best Music Video From Home and Best Quarantine Performance, were added to this year’s show. Winner’s for those categories were Grande and Justin Bieber: Stuck With U and CNCO: Unplugged at Home. The award show also took some time to acknowledge health care workers around the world. “Doctors, nurses, EMT’s and volunteer’s put themselves in harm’s way every single day… medical workers showed us the true meaning of courage,” Palmer said. The Video Music Awards might have been different this year but it still managed to give its audience a crazy good performance with an award show to remember.
Mulan sparks controversy over lack of representation By Aivry Zamora Assistant Editor
was seemingly a fine choice having the had no time for flights of fancy or emoheroine of her previous film Whale Rider, tional depth. Instead, it hurries viewers nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, through the basic beats of Mulan’s story, Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead! Mulan, Caro is not from China nor of Chinese de- from a humble village girl bound for arthe classic Disney film that has shaped so scent. Because of this, Disney had to be ranged marriage to the military hero of many childhoods and influenced countless people to stand strong in the face of adversity, was recently dubbed the worst Disney live-action remake to grace theater screens by film critics in both the United States and China. Such an unfortunate title to give a beloved film but taking into consideration the unethical choices made by Disney productions, the choppy editing and poorly written script, the newest Mulan is a lifeless film that is unlikely to satisfy die-hard fans or appeal to a generation of new ones. While it was not awful or particularly offensive, it definitely was not good and did nothing to counteract Disney’s reputation for creating lack luster remakes of their most treasured classics for profit. Though being harshly criticized, Photo courtesy of Getty Images the empire and after some Mulan did have many strong points. extremely careful with battle sequences, dumps The intricate and well crafted set de- what was put into the sign, costumes and beautiful array of film and the over-managing in desperation the audience out at the end with no tenprops made for a number of striking vi- to not appear offensive on screen. Being sion, no real conflict and a sad attempt suals. The fighting sequences were well over-managed in an effort not to offend at recreating the lovable side characchoreographed and it felt like watching Chinese culture resulted in the film being ters from the original film. Without the an action movie, though they never de- under-managed in every other department, songs and zest of the original, Mulan is livered a sense of awe. Despite Mulan the most surprising being the dialogue. just a bland action movie with lots of Most viewers of the Mulan re-make creditable fights making it easy to forbeing eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing, a number of controversies are familiar with the story, if not by the get. Not only the poor screenplay but have arisen since the release of the film. 1998 animated feature then by familiar- the emotionless delivery by Liu Yifei, The first of many issues arose with the ity with the original folk tale. Mulan’s who played Mulan in the movie, made hiring of Niki Caro as director. While she choppy script, from four credited writers, the extravagant character into a passive,
deadpan figure who felt all but genuine. Critics of the film aside, Disney’s greatest mistake was choosing to film in China’s far western Xinjiang region, where up to one million Uygurs are being held in detention camps. Despite being largely criticized for this filming decision, Disney thanked eight Xinjiang government agencies, including public security agencies involved in the Uygur crackdown, for their help in the film’s production. The move by Disney to credit Chinese agencies was immediately met with a fierce backlash. Critics demanded that Disney clarify its dealings with authorities in Xinjiang, while some social media users called for people to boycott the movie. Additionally, Yifei, a Chinese-born U.S. citizen, expressed her support for Hong Kong police as they faced allegations of excessive violence against protesters. This led to a mass boycott of the film in China and Hong Kong and a smaller one in the U.S., leaving Disney facing a stream of backlash from activists and advocates alike. To quote The Verge: “Mulan is this year’s most beautiful let down.” Disney’s insistence on remaking their classic films is backfiring. With every dull and disappointing release, they are continuing to convince audiences to sit out each new remake and discrediting their mission to bring joy and light to audiences everywhere. While the Mulan remake is a step in the right direction for Asian culture being represented in blockbuster films, is representation really justifiable if it cannot satisfy those being represented?
16 ENTERTAINMENT
Nurse Ratched returns in new Netflix psycho-thriller series By Leah Burnam Editor-in-Chief
Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead! Ratched, a psycho-thriller meets medical drama TV series, has just recently hit the screens of millions of Netflix users. The first season, which has a total of eight episodes, premiered on September 18 and received thousands of reviews, majority of them being high audience ratings of around four-point-five stars. The show remained in Netflix’s Top 10 for weeks and still continues to do so even a month after its release. The 2020 version of the show Ratched is mainly based off of the 1962 novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey and loosely based off of the 1975 movie with the same name. The book is told by a man nicknamed “Chief,” a deaf and mute psych ward patient. Chief tells the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy, another patient who faked his insanity in order to carry out his life sentence in a psychiatric hospital rather than in prison. The book primarily uncovers all of the horrible things that go on within the hospital and the nurse, Ratched, who seemingly causes the ward to go insane, creating an eerie feeling for readers. Nevertheless, the latest Ratched show features Sarah Paulson as Nurse Mildred Ratched, Cynthia Nixon as Gwendolyn Briggs, Judy Davis as Nurse Betsy Bucket, Jon Jon Briones as Dr. Richard Hanover, Sharon Stone as Lenore Osgood and Finn Wittrock as Edmund Tolleson. Great supporting actors or more so great characters such as Louise played by Amanda Plummer, Huck Finnigan played by Charlie Carver, Nurse Dolly played by Alice Englert and Charlotte Wells played by Sophie Okonedo, were also featured
and made for outstanding screen time. Ratched is set in the late 40s, early 50s and follows the story of Ratched rather than Chief or McMurphy in the book. Not to mention Ratched’s brother, Tolleson, who can be compared to McMurphy for
about herself and her past and even seeks revenge on the people who have wronged her. All in all, the show was brilliantly done and featured careful thought in lighting techniques. Ratched was created by Evan Romansky and developed by Ryan
faking his own Murphy, a widely Photo courtesy of Getty Images insanity to stay known writer, diin a mental hosrector and producpital rather than be put on death row. In the er. Paulson even worked closely with Murbeginning of the show, Ratched seeks to phy on Ratched and joked in interviews gain a new nursing position at Lucia State about her being an executive producer. Hospital, where Tolleson is being held. “I have always had a lot to say, but Throughout much of the show, she ques- now people actually have to listen to me tions not only the works of Dr. Hanover, [because I am a producer-sic],” Paulbut even her own. Ratched finds love, son, Live with Kelly and Ryan, said. discovers new dark and disturbing truths Although Murphy “developed”
Ratched, he actually only directed the first two episodes. Nelson Cragg, Michael Uppendahl, Jessica Yu, Jennifer Lynch and Daniel Minahan all contributed as directors on their own respective episodes, but Murphy continued to be a main producer or advisor whilst on set. In addition, multiple writers such as Evan Romansky, Ian Brennan and Jennifer Salt, all helped worked on and write Ratched’s episodes. “Yeah, you know what I think though with Murphy is that he doesn’t write ‘What would happen?’ but he does ‘What could happen?’ it is always expansive, expanded…it is drama and inventive and theatrical. So why limit ourselves to ‘You have to do it like this’ or ‘You have to do it like that?… and that is why it [Ratched-sic] is so enjoyable working in his kind of group because you get to do things that most directors and producers would not let us do,” Okonedo said. Ratched has only been out for a little over a month, however, the project started a little more than three years ago back in 2017. Both Hulu and Apple wanted to buy the rights to the show in order to produce it and eventually found themselves stuck in a bidding war. Nevertheless, Netflix won and signed a two-season deal, which many are hoping turns into more. Thus, sparked the attention of Paulson fans and simply fans of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in general. By the looks of things, Ratched will remain a number one favorite to watch, especially throughout much of the Halloween weekend. Not to mention, a new season will be very anticipated by viewers in the next couple of years, assuming production will be able to resume amidst the COVID-19 pandemic..
Blackpink debuts first full album amidst COVID-19 pandemic By Jessica McDermand Entertainment Editor Korean pop music, better known as K-Pop, has been on the rise of popularity in the United States for the last five years, but has been around and evolving since the early 90s. Of the many blossoming K-pop idols and groups is Blackpink, who have reached international success, gone on worldwide tours and on October third, released a new album. Many K-Pop artists or groups are known for encompassing both dancing, singing and set concepts used in both their music videos and live concerts. K-Pop has always been a staple in Korea, however, since it has started reaching international fans on a wider base, there has been a heightened level of exposure for many K-pop artists, including that of Blackpink. Blackpink is an all-girls K-Pop group composed of four members: Jennie, main rapper, Rosè, main vocalist, Lisa, primary rapper and Jisoo, lead vocals. As recently as 2019, Blackpink’s reach grew even further when they were announced to be a part of the 2019 Coachella Lineup, becoming the first overall female K-pop performing group. Even though they had already gained many international fans, this furthered their rise of popularity. Although the artists of Blackpink all specialize in some form of vocal performance over other, they are, however, all known for their dancing skills. On YouTube, there are dance practice videos which depicts the dances that Blackpink practice together in a studio. Many fans actually watch and learn the dances from the dance practices and upload it online to a variety of social media platforms. After
their newest songs debuted and their dance practices were released, they gathered roughly 39 million views per video, as well as a total of three million thumbs up. Blackpink’s current following on YouTube is at 51.2 million and many fans express how they feel about current
the walk,” Marj Perez, commenter on Blackpink Youtube dance practice, said. Most of Blackpink’s performances, live or recorded, demonstrate how K-Pop has a distinct formation, yet are able to create or fit nearly-every genre of music as well as
sub genres. Since Blackevents or trending topics Photo courtesy of Getty Images pink’s group formed in that revolve around the 2016, they have released group. Fans post everything from their opinions, to ideas, even obser- two studio albums as well as other singles vations and hopes about what is to come from which garnered attention and led to a rise in Blackpink next. Some comments are telling sales as well as a large number of preorders others to even check out Blackpink’s newest for their new album release. These preorder album or documentary streaming on Netflix. sales exceeded that of 530,000 in South Ko“Watched the Light Up the Sky-Net- rea alone, which was confirmed by the YG flix documentary of these girls, and I must Entertainment company. The company resay that Jennie gained my upmost respect! sponsible for Blackpink. Many artists begin This person is so genuine and down to training at a young age to later be scouted earth, no time to brag herself, she just walks by entertainment companies and recruited to
join a new K-pop group as a trainee. Later this might allow them the opportunity to join a group and debut. Similarly, some have expressed their displeasure with the strict policies enforced by the company when under contract. However, the biggest topic of conversation right now is the newest released studio album that is titled: THE ALBUM. THE ALBUM consists of eight songs, which all feature unique performances and choreography specific for the song. Lots of times, K-pop groups will alter their hair color or style to better fit or manipulate a piece of music in a way they prefer. This is a common trend among many K-pop groups in the industry. Overall, the rating for Blackpink’s newly released and anticipated album is five stars. Many fans expressed their love for the artists and their group, which is also clearly reflected in that of reviews. “I am so proud of my girls! Every song is perfect! All them worked so hard on this album and I’m very proud that they officially have a full album! I love everything from this album from the songs, down to the features! Pretty Savage honestly surprised me a lot! Lovesick Girls honestly reminds me a lot of Stay, and Whistle, but I really enjoyed the music video and song!” Anonymous fan, who left a detailed review of the songs and comparisons she drew, said. This just goes to show how far K-pop music has come in terms of popularity and international success. Not to mention that all THE ALBUM’s songs have managed to hit the top 100 Billboard Global Charts all at once. Blackpink is continuously growing in popularity as K-Pop furthers, it reaches international and there has been a non-stop rise in success from the allgirl group, making Blackpink one of the most followed entirely girl groups in K-pop history.
ENTERTAINMENT 17
Enola Holmes provides an inside look on the Holmes family By Jessica McDermand Entertainment Editor
Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead! Enola Holmes is a newly released movie streaming on Netflix. The story follows a young girl by the name of Enola Holmes, who is the younger sister of none other than Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is a well-known character in fiction who solves mysteries using the science of deduction that exceeds and influences many ideas and is even to this day used as a common reference or household name in certain parts of the world. Originally, just hearing the name of the movie, it does not really peak many people’s interests because most do not make the connection to Sherlock Holmes until reading the description later on. However, there are many well-known actors and actresses that were shown on the cover. The first person being Millie Bobby Brown from popularized TV show, Stranger Things. In addition, the interesting storyline was well summarized in the description created by Netflix. Once reading the description, viewers could see that Enola Holmes and Sherlock Holmes were clearly connected. Enola Holmes, is based on the novels by the original author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and is a sort of modernized spinoff. However, although Enola Holmes was not in the original novels, she was actually given her own series by Nancy Springer. As soon as the movie started it had a light-hearted tone. The movie did have some serious times in it where one felt em-
pathetic due to a character’s predicament, but generally the movie was fast-paced, upbeat and different. The movie could have easily been transferred to that of a TV show based on the storyline that it follows. There were a lot of entertaining events and general substance, that felt authentic to the
sense that Enola Holmes would leave in search of her mother when she goes missing, as the movie description entails. One of the highlights of the movie that make a big impact is the characterization of different individuals through the eyes of Enola Holmes. Enola Holmes
Photo courtesy of Gettty Images original Sherwas brought up lock Holmes differently than novels. However, Enola Holmes cleverly other girls in her time were and the movie does this through the point of view of a teen- makes sure to amplify that idea later on in age girl, which heavily affects the movie the film. By doing this, it shows that part for the better. Enola Holmes characterizes of Enola Holmes’ intelligence is actually herself at the beginning as someone who just seeing things from a different peris independent, strong-willed, intelligent spective than others, much like her brothand close to her mother. So, it only makes er Sherlock Holmes is known for doing.
Enola Holmes meets a lot of different characters during the span of the movie, but introduces the characters in a way that is somewhat simplistic. There were one or two times where she would run into a character that we as the audience could have gone without knowing. This seemed like it was meant to be a momentary break or pause so the audience could catch their breath between all of the action. This had a little bit of a reverse effect and made the movie drag out a little longer than one expected. That being said, this happened very infrequently so it is not a big issue at all and might be considered a favorable reprieve from the constant movement of the movie by some. Even though it felt like it dragged on, many were still in awe with how the movie encompassed all of the characterization and still managed to hold such a family-friendly, witty, clever plot and structure, which fit the Sherlock Holmes universe created nearly 200 years ago. Overall, Enola Holmes was highly entertaining and kept watchers’ attention the entire time. It does its genre and sub genres justice. Maintaining a witty approach to the genre mystery can be very difficult because it can be easily distorted by stereotypes or other plagues of writing. Although, none of that is evident in the movie and it instead shows this teenage girl who has a lot of parallels to every character she encounters throughout the film and just continues to build on her own character development as well as others. This is consistent with the theme in the Sherlock Holmes universe: that adapting to a new environment and recognizing patterns or differences is a form of intelligence that allows us to expand our horizons.
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SPORTS
Athletes of the Lakers celebrate after prized NBA win By Pablo Anton month: Reporter and Photographer
Hudson Elbert Sophomore Hudson Elbert “leads by example and sets a high standard for his teammates,” Mr. Alexander Suchman, Algebra 2 and AP Statistics teacher and cross-country coach, said. Although Elbert first got into cross-country “to get into better shape,” he later “fell in love with the sport.” Mr. Suchman often challenges Elbert, allowing him to improve his technique and handle tougher workouts. “Hudson is passionate about running, loves to compete, and never backs down from his competition,” Mr. Suchman said. One of Elbert’s biggest motivators is seeing self-improvement. Some of Elbert’s favorite aspects of competing in cross-country include bonding with his teammates and the sport teaching hard work and perseverance. Elbert stands out to others because of his “outstanding work ethic” and is someone his teammates can rely on.
2020 has brought a variety of changes to the sports industry, but the National Basketball Association has continued to remain. In October, 30 teams grabbed the “ball” and began playing as if it were any other normal day. And thus, a brand-new season began, with many teams expecting to succeed and even receive a title at the end of the finals. However, many teams were not expecting a pandemic to hit, nor did they expect the issues that would arise from it within the coming months. Beginning in March when the uncertainty of the coronavirus hit, players did not know if it would be safe to continue the season, as cases rose rapidly. Many teams were not ready to give up because of COVID-19, but the NBA appeared to get closer and closer to the idea of cancelling the season. A decision was finally made on March 11; the NBA made a statement saying that all games would have to be placed on hold until COVID-19 was no longer a dramatic issue. Most players understood that this was the best decision that could be made, but at the same time many were saddened to see an end to the 2020 basketball season. Although the decision seemed more than final, to the surprise of many, the NBA announced a few months later that they expected to resume games on July 30. Limited seats and the amount of people able to attend the games were kept to a minimum in order to guarantee the safety of others and a
Sports Editor
Junior McCain Penrod shows his hard work and dedication to track and constantly trains hard, setting examples for his teammates. “I have watched McCain grow and develop the past two years and his hard work has paid off, as he has seen great improvements in his pole vault accomplishments,” Coach Kevin McNamara, track coach, said. Penrod chose to start track because he enjoys how running allows him to slow down the busyness of life. “The competitive nature brings everyone together [and-sic] helps for things outside of track. [It-sic] teaches you how to lead and be part of a team.” Penrod’s ability to take criticism well and make adjustments during his training has allowed him to improve his technique.
playoffs beginning on August 17. But just a few days later, the Black Lives Matter movement and protests strengthened in the United States. The BLM movement took hold of the NBA and many of their biggest athletes, who have been taking part in the protests and support of the move-
the NBA to Photo courtesy of CBS Sports ment. Multiple continue the teams also decidseason even when thousands are ed to stand up and go on strike dying. Discomfort with this deci- in order to initiate and demand sion made up a large portion of change. The Milwaukee Bucks the general public interested in were one of many who did not the NBA season and COVID-19 play in protest for Black Amersafety precautions. People ar- ican individuals such as Jacob gued that the money that is nor- Blake, who was shot and injured mally spent during the sporting by Wisconsin police officer, season should now be used to Rusten Sheskey. Another five save lives, to help those out of teams continued with them in this a job and to make overall social revindication. After much of the improvement. However, this NBA went on strike, other mamade no impact on the final de- jor leagues decided to join them cision of the NBA and the season such as Major League Baseball, continued as expected with the Major League Soccer and mul-
tiple other professional leagues, by putting a stop to their season. On August 29, the season resumed again with just a few teams leading and who had the chance to win a grand title. The Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers were just a few of them. Although the Miami Heat was not on the list, they still managed to win a position in the NBA finals this year. In front of them however, was a team that continues to have a big reputation, the Lakers. With 16 championships in their pocket, the Lakers were a number one favorite for many who wish to see them win. It seemed as though Miami Heat was not going to let them win so easily as they had already defeated two big teams in the last two playoffs, the Boston Celtics and the Bucks. The finals started with two big wins from the Lakers. In the third game, Miami Heat showed their potential and defeated the Lakers by 11 points. A tied forth game, gave the Lakers a good chance to close the finals in the fifth one. Miami Heat did not give up and they achieved their second victory with just a threepoint difference. Although it seemed that the seventh game was a real possibility in that moment, the Lakers made a good sixth game and ended the finals. The Lakers, with big name star LeBron James, finally beat Miami Heat and won the longest season in NBA history. One year and one pandemic later, the NBA season ends and the title will continue to remain in California.
of the best wide receivers in the NFL), to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a second-round pick. During his seven-season tenure with the Texans, Hopkins compiled 8,602 receiving yards, including five years over the 1,100-yard receiving mark and was an essential player that helped the Texans win the AFC South Division title four out of the last five times. Many speculate that the trade was made because O’Brien had a rocky relationship with Hopkins. In fact, Hopkins himself stated that he was not surprised by the trade. In an interview with Sports Illustrated he spoke on his relationship with the head coach. “There was no relationship…Make sure you put that in there. There’s not a lot to speak about.” Hopkins said. The star receiver also stated that he asked O’Brien for a raise, knowing that he would get traded. “Which is the outcome that I wanted,” Hopkins said. The Texans also lost their first and second-round picks in the 2021 NFL draft after O’Brien sent them to the Miami Dolphins as part of a trade package for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills. Many believe the repercussions of these trades will be felt by the Texans, who after the trades will have no draft capital for next year’s season. The Texans, prior to the firing, were not able to get things going for the first four games they had this season. The Chiefs, who are the reigning Super Bowl champions and the team with returning Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, were
also threw an interception pass, was sacked four times and hit 13 other times. The Texans defensive line did improve noticeably, showcasing four sacks, two of those being from five-time Pro Bowler J.J. Watt and five tackles, but were not able to keep up with Lamar’s passing game. Watt was disappointed and enraged at the loss against the Ravens. In a press conference after the game, he spoke on what he thought about the loss. “At some point you’ve got to win these tough games against tough teams, good teams…I’m sick of losing them that’s for sure,” Watt said. The Texans continued their losing streak, finishing 28-21 against the Steeler’s and 31-23 against the Vikings. O’Brien after the game spoke on the zero-to-four streak. “We’ve just got to keep working…There’s really no way out of it other than that. You have no choice,” O’Brien said. The Texans finally came up with a win after playing the Jacksonville Jaguars in week five on October 11. The new interim head coach for the Texans, Romeo Crennel, led the team to a 30-14 win, making him the first coach in NFL history to win two debuts as an interim head coach as well as the oldest coach in NFL history to win a game at 73 years old. The Texans offense gained a season-high 486 total net yards (129 rushing, 357 passing) and 24 first downs (seven rushing, 16 passing, one by penalty). Defensively, the Texans picked up two turnovers, the first of the season. The Texans continue their season, traveling to Tennessee to face the three-to-zero Titans in week six.
Texans return to the field for 2020 season By Fabiola Figueroa Aguyao
McCain Penrod
quick return to the NBA season. Many were shocked and multiple news outlets were covering the concern of resuming the basketball season after just five months. COVID-19 cases continue to remain high and for months many have been upset regarding the decision made by
The Houston Texans started their season off with a brutal zero-to-four record for the first time in more than 12 years. Many things contributed to the Texans struggling this year. For one, according to the Football Power Index, they had the toughest schedule in the league against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers and the controversial trading of key player DeAndre Hopkins, has definitely made the Texans’ offense weaker. However, the recent firing of the team’s head coach and general manager, Bill O’ Brien, after coming up with no wins for the team, leaves the Texans with somewhat of a fresh start as they look to the future of their latest season. The early, but not entirely unexpected, firing of O’Brien was announced on October fifth, the loss against the previous winless Minnesota Vikings was the straw that broke the camel’s back for his position. The McNair family, who owns the team, made the decision to fire O’Brien and made a statement regarding the announcement. “On behalf of my family and our entire organization, I want to sincerely thank Bill O’Brien and his family for their impact on our franchise… Bill’s leadership moved our organization forward as he guided us to four AFC South Division championship, 52 wins and multiple playoff appearances during his tenure,” Cal McNair, Texans chairman and CEO, said. O’Brien made many decisions this offseason that were questioned and critiqued by many. For one, he traded all-pro, star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, (who is arguably one
a tough first match for the Texans. The Texans started the game off scoring a touchdown by new addition running back David Johnson, scoring on a 19-yard run. Johnson, who O’ Brien received after trading Hopkins to the Cardinals, does not hold the same light that Hopkins had for the Texans. Johnson was a Pro-Bowler in 2016 and was, at the time, one of the best running backs in the league with 1,239 rushing yards and a total of 20 touchdowns. However, due to a wrist injury in 2017 was benched and since then has not been able to surpass 1,000-yards and has only recorded 345 rushing yards in 13 games last season. Though his first game with the Texans was not a bad start, it was not enough to win the game. Soon after the Texans touchdown, the Chiefs got their offense going and by the second quarter were up seventeen-to-seven. In the third quarter, after making an impressive 11-yard drive, Edwards-Helaire secured the game for the Chiefs by scoring a 27-yard touchdown. Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson threw one touchdown pass and scored a touchdown right before the game ended, making the score 34-20 respectfully. The game with the Baltimore Ravens was not much easier for the Texans. Going up against quarterback Lamar Jackson and the stellar rushing attack that led the NFL last year, the Texans were not able to come up with a win against the Ravens as the finishing score was a crushing 33-16. Watson threw for 275 yards, compared to Jackson’s 204 yards and a touchdown but
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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PHOTOFINISH
Photo Finish Courtesy of: Chloe Tankink Photos by: Chloe Tankink, Jessica McDermand, Pablo Anton and Fabiola Figueroa Aguayo