Spring Break Edition: News section March 22, 2019 The Niles North Times
Journalism class, Spring semester
Trump slams late Senator McCain during speech March 22, 2019 By Yousef Dababneh The late Senator John McCain passed over half of a year ago, although President Trump is still berating him during present day. Just this Wednesday, during a speech being given by the president in Lima, Ohio, Trump did not hold back his personal feelings about the late senator. According to the Washington Post, Trump stated, “I have to be honest, I never liked him much.” Trump went on to make an absurd claim about McCain’s funeral, insisting he gave him, “The funeral he wanted, and I didn’t get a thank you.” The president did not fail to criticize McCain’s policies while in office as well, he explains, “McCain didn’t get the job done for our great vets.” The general public has been taken back by the insensitivity shown by the president during the speech, especially considering the speech was supposed to be centered around “the resurgence of manufacturing jobs,” according to the New York Times.
Muslim Student Association and FEM Club present Women’s rights Panel March 22, 2019 By June Bering
On April 3, Muslim Student Association and FEM Club will present a Women’s Rights Panel where Bushra Amiwala, a graduate from Niles North, will be the guest speaker. Bushra Amiwala graduated from Niles North in 2016 and has been searching for a way to “serve as a voice for her underrepresented generation and other marginalized communities.” She will be on the panel, along with other empowered women of color, speaking about feminism through race. This will be held at the Student Commons at 3:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Photo from The Female Lead
Debate takes home first state championship trophy March 22, 2019 By June Bering
On March 16, seniors Alan Ivackovic and Liam Lorenz were named state champions for policy debate. Lauren Velazquez, first year coaching leads Ivackovic and Lorenz to become the first Vikings to win a state championship in Niles North history at the State Policy Debate tournament. “It was a great feeling, Niles North has never won a state championship for debate, let alone a state championship in anything,” said Lorenz. “It was great to see that all of our hard work really paid off.” Alan Ivackovic said that “it was an amazing and exciting feeling to see us reach our goals as seniors.” “I feel completely overwhelmed and jubilant. This year has been a challenge as I learn the ropes of a new school and as I learn how to run a program. I have been very blessed to have a team of amazing, smart young leaders who have worked hard and who are more than deserving of this title” said Lauren Velazquez “I can't wait until next season when I get to see my younger debaters step up to be the new generation of team leaders”
NN DECA advisor Jean Attig earns 2019 Illinois DECA Marketing Educator of the Year March 22, 2019 By Anya Taliaferro On March 8, Niles North business educator Jean Attig earned the
2019 Illinois DECA Marketing Educator of the Year title during the Illinois Career Development Conference in Rosemont, IL. Over the past 22 years, Attig has not only played a significant role in the DECA organization, but also in the hearts of her students and coworkers who had the opportunity to work and connect with her. “Attig has helped me a lot to get me ready for the real world as well as prepare for the DECA competition,” junior Peter Warda said. “She is truly one of the greatest role models that someone could have.” However, winning isn’t everything to Attig. She has a strong moral for the success of her students to thrive in the business world. “Watching Mrs. Attig's passion for the success of her students is inspiring,” said DECA co-advisor Nicholas Pahl. “She has been teaching for a long time and what impresses me most is seeing her graduated students come back to visit her so often. I hope to someday be able to make that kind of positive impact in my teaching career.”
New Zealand creates new gun policies after the shooting March 22, 2019 By Rebecca Mathew
Less than a week after the tragic shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand that killed 50 people and injured 40 people, the Prime Minister announced a new gun policy. The new policy bans military-style semi automatic weapons and assault rifles since the guns used in the shooting were AR-15 rifles. “On 15 March, our history changed forever. Now our laws will too,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardena. “We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place.” Many students in our own community have been affected by this tragedy and want to see a change here as well. “It’s really sad to see that people are being killed when they are just trying to practice their religion, it just shows how messed up this world is,” said senior Sonia Cruz. The Muslim Student Association is hosting a discussion today after school. If you’d like to learn more about the shooting and pay your respects, come to the Student Commons. Photo from Wall Street Journal
Ringleader of college scandal attended Niles West March 22, 2019 By Emiko Van Horn
According to school records, William Singer attended Niles West between 1977-1978. Leaving suburban Lincolnwood and moving to California, Singer found himself in federal court with charges of racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and obstruction of justice.
William Singer confessed to assisting wealthy celebrity parents pay bribes to get their children admitted into prestigious universities on March 12. Singer also confirmed his acts of bribing SAT proctors and university sport coaches to improve the celebrity childrens’ chances of being admitted. Niles North is still reacting to this cheating scandal. “I think it’s completely unfair to the athletes who really need the scholarship and recruitment for their college sport,” said senior athlete Rosalie Xavier. “If I were in that situation I would be so upset and would probably think all my hard work was for nothing.” According to CNN, Singer was released on bail and could face up to 65 years in prison as well as a $1.25
million fine.
Photo by Jessica Rinaldi
Government Database targeting journalists at border March 22, 2019 By Eli Frohmann-Matthews
Recently, many journalists have claimed that they are unnecessarily stopped and detained when trying to cross the border from the US To Mexico for work assignments. On March 7, these individuals appeared in documents leaked by NBC San Diego that show that the US Government has a secret database of known journalists and advocates with private information on them. This information included a date of birth, occupation and whether they have an alert on them or not. “The documents are a product of the International Liaison Unit which gives intelligence between the US and Mexico,” said the Department of Homeland Security. The individuals listed on this database had no idea they were being “monitored” by Border Patrol and other government agencies. This brings up the issue of privacy which has been a hot topic over the past years, whether it’s Facebook giving away personal data such as where one lives, when someone was born, what their relationship status is, and their recent searches, or the Marriott Hotel getting breached and millions of guests affected by their private information being leaked. These leaks included name, mailing address, phone number, email address, passport number, and much more private information. Privacy is an issue everyone should worry about. This leak of this database is causing lots of frustration with various news sources and journalists who are worried about their private information getting in the wrong hands or wrongfully being targeted. NBC San Diego
Spring Break Edition: Feature section March 22, 2019 The Niles North Times
Journalism class, Spring semester
Niles North student receives travel award to Peru March 22, 2019 By Andrea Gaoiran Niles North student junior Taylor Malina will be traveling to Peru this summer. She received the 2019 Bertie Green Travel Award through Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica with twenty-four other high school juniors around the country who are also members of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. “She’s one of the most intellectual people that I know. She’s always on top of her work whether it would be Spanish or any of her other classes. I’m in orchestra with her. She’s really good. She puts in hard work in everything that she does” said junior Aneena Joseph. “When she applied for this trip and she got in. I really wasn’t surprised because she works so hard and I think out of so many people like she really deserves this and I know she’s really happy to go and I am really happy for her”. Malina is given an all-expenses paid trip after an application process in where she showed a strong academic record, outstanding Spanish language skills, extracurricular involvement and remarkable participation in the Spanish Honor Society.
Netflix series On My Block airing on March 29 with trailer out March 22, 2019 By Julia Rivera
Photo courtesy of Black Girl Nerds
If you haven’t heard of the Netflix series On
My Block, you’re missing out on an exciting and emotional rollercoaster ride. On My Block is a dramedy (Dramatic Comedy) about four smart street-savvy kids in the rough inner city of South Central Los Angeles navigating their way through freshman year of high school. Season two starts us off with the four all returning sophomore year to undergo more mayhem than season one. This Netflix series deals with the emotional and physical struggles growing up in a town with gang violence and having to deal with problems of high school all wrapped up into one. Here is the trailer for season 2 of On My Block.
What to do on Spring Break when you are broke March 22, 2019 By Jared Acido
Looking for ways to spend spring break under budget? Luckily, there are many places which provide excellent deals that are kind to your wallet. For just $5, you can watch popular movies such as Captain Marvel and How To Train Your Dragon at any local AMC or CMX movie theatre as long as you visit during a Tuesday. Can’t make it on a Tuesday? Drop by CMX on Thursday for $6 tickets if you present them with your school ID. If you’re looking for a place to eat and watch sports at the same time, Buffalo Wild Wings offers discounted prices for their boneless wings every Thursday. Several stores in Westfield Old Orchard are having sales such as 50% off Gap clothing, jeans buy 1, get one 50% off on Hollister, up to 60% off Finish Line merchandise, and more. Spring season brings new spring flowers and plants so visit and take some pictures at the Chicago Botanic Garden with its beautiful and breathtaking atmosphere for free! If the outside weather is too cold for your liking, you can visit the Shedd Aquarium for free at noon on March 21-22 and March 25-28.
New movies to watch for your Spring Break March 22, 2019
By Dorothea Watkins As spring break is just around the corner, movies are not taking a break. Here are two new movie releases coming right to you. Director of the hit movie Get Out brings back another thriller movie Us releasing today March 22. With much to see about a family surviving themselves is eye catching. “I’m so excited to get to see this movie during break. Jordan Peele is a talented person,” said junior Christina Poulard. “Seeing what he brings to the table this time is going to be an amazing experience.” A great movie to end your spring break with is heart warming Dumbo releasing March 29. A children’s favorite cartoon movie is back and improved to an eye catching appeal. “Dumbo has always been a favorite of mine growing up,” said junior Sarah Rupani. “Only thing that I’m worried about see is that’s it won’t be anything to the original. Hate see such a classic be turned around in a bad way.” All movies will be released to date in the USA at your local AMC theatre.
Assyrian Club hosts Akitu, the new year event of 6769 March 22, 2019 By Salmana Mahmood
On April 1, Assyrian Club will host a new year’s event at Niles North in the Student Commons from 4-6 pm. There will be music, food, raffle, a trivia game and different stations to explore including: traditional clothing, egg decoration, making a spring wreath, and name writing in Assyrian. All students and staff are welcome to attend the event. “This will celebrate the year of 6769 for Assyrians,” said counselor and Assyrian club sponsor Ramina Samuel. “This is a celebration that welcomes harvesting and spring season.” Students who attended last year’s celebration, said “It was an amazing event” senior Jack Sabhi. “We sang, danced, and we had so much fun” said junior Hermez Zaya. “When we were dancing, other students joined us even though they didn’t know the traditional dance.”
Avengers assemble in official Endgame trailer March 22, 2019 By Tom Henry
Last week, Marvel Entertainment’s youtube channel uploaded the official Avengers: Endgame trailer, and it has already gained 73 million views with many fans excited for the fourth installment to the Avengers story. Endgame will be hitting theatres on April 26. The preview opens with voice overs of the heroes with old clips shown from various of Marvel’s past films in black and white. It then goes to show the characters that will be involved in Endgame and what society now looks like after the events of Avengers: Infinity War. Some of the highlights in the trailer include a shot of Rocket Racoon on the shoulder of War Machine, and also a clip with Captain Marvel and Thor. Sophomore Manu Deva said “I’m pretty excited for Endgame, I want to see how they wrap up the last ten years of movies and what happened in the last one.” If you are planning to watch the upcoming film, make sure you have enough time as director Joe Russo recently said the movie is 3 hours long. In the meantime you can check out the new trailer here.
A break before Spring Break; Writers & Artists Week 2019 March 22, 2019
By Mahnoor Mudassar It’s finally here. The 8th annual Writers & Artists Week was hosted in the Student Commons from March 18-22, where the invited guests of Niles North shared what they have accomplished as hardworking passionate individuals. They all have a different story to tell, so that every time the next one comes in, the audience witnessed a new vision. Our guests showed us their story on how they were able to reach to their careers, and what inspires them to get to where they are now. To have some inspiration on what you want to pursue, it’s highly recommended that the students should take some time off from work and start to listen to what our panel of incredible minds have to say about dreams that can come true. English teacher Imee Reichel stated that she “enjoyed the performance” and that she loved what it has “taught the class.”
Did you see someone at Writers & Artists Week 2019? If so, tell us about it!
Chris Aldana was great! My students said they could identify with her. Preach! was very good as well -- my students were engaged and interested. -Mrs. Wright, English teacher I saw PREACH! and thought their whole presentation was really good. It was engaging and extremely comedic. The whole time I was there I was enamored by their energy and character. It was easy to tell that they loved what they were doing. - Gabby Potempa, junior Eric Rogerson [had] great art. Students loved hearing the arch of his personal story and that he makes money now :) Inspiring for kids who can be told that artist struggle tremendously and/or don't make money. He did - but pushed through and that part of the story stood out to students. - Ms. Connell, art teacher
Apple set to release new products, streaming service just in time for summer March 22, 2019 By Olivia Maranan
Apple announced that their first event of 2019 will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino on March 25. During this event, Apple is expected to release its long-rumored video streaming service and new subscription service. Inverse, a website for news in the tech industry, states that “content like newscasts, movies, and series could soon live on the TV app instead of on third-party software” instead of just streaming like Apple TV has been in the past. Apple began their unveil a week early by releasing an iPad mini, iPad Air, new iMac and AirPods 2. Although it is not confirmed, many believe that Apple will also release a new Macbook Pro and a new iPod Touch within the first few months of 2019. Photo courtesy of Apple
Spring Break Edition: Sports section March 22, 2019 The Niles North Times
Journalism class, Spring semester
Boys varsity volleyball hope to recover after last season By Abdullah Fouad March 22, 2019 The boys varsity volleyball team hopes to rejuvenate their program with this year’s new roster, after a dormant season last year with a record of 6-25 and an early exit in conference with a loss to Maine East in two sets during regionals. “This is my last year to play high school volleyball so I just want to go out their have fun and win,” senior outside hitter Tristan Herrera said. “The plan is to make it down all the way to State and hopefully win it all with this team.” Captained by Kyle Leopoldo the Vikings have 15 games with an additional 4 tournaments before going into conference.
The future has arrived for the Cleveland Browns By Yousef Dababneh March 22, 2019 The long rebuilding process in Cleveland seems to finally be over, this has quickly culminated in the past couple of months. The Browns have gone from stockpiling draft picks and stashing money, to paying big money for quite a few big name stars. The biggest addition to the team happening recently on March 12, when the New York Giants sent over star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns for Jabrill Peppers along with some early round draft picks. This trade was a bombshell dropped on the league, as Beckham is regarded as arguably the receiver in football. The Browns picked up the remaining 4 years of his $95 million dollar contract, showing that they are done taking a conservative approach as they’ve done in recent years. In the wake of this news as well, many people have forgotten that Browns also signed Kareem Hunt on February 12, who is also a premiere talent at the running back position in the NFL. The Browns have expressed through many signings and other moves that their Super Bowl push is in full effect. Cleveland’s beloved QB Baker Mayfield has expressed his enthusiasm about this news in an interview with ESPN, stating, “It’s an exciting time to be in Cleveland.” Everyone’s eyes are set on the Cleveland Browns this upcoming NFL season, the star studded team have very high expectations.
College fans are springing into March Madness By Justin Thomas March 22, 2019
It’s that time of the year again. Everyone’s excited and placing their bets on which college team is going to come home with the trophy this year. That’s right, it’s March Madness! March Madness is an NCAA basketball tournament that begins in March and goes through April. The front runners for this year’s tournament are Duke, Gonzaga, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Michigan. The underdogs are Gardner-Webb, UC Irvine, Old Dominion, Colgate, Bradley, and Yale. Almost everyone is springing with excitement around this time of the year. “I like March Madness because you get the David and Goliath feeling,” said engineering teacher Benjamin Brzezinski. “You never know who will come out on top and a lot of those games come down to the wire and makes it exciting.” Students are also excited about this tournament. “I like March Madness because it’s towards the end of March and it’s a break from school,” said senior Eli Matthews. “It’s a fun activity to focus on with me and my friends. We focus on the brackets and it gets competitive which makes it so fun.” This time of year is great for the whole family. “It’s competitive basketball at its best,” said substitute teacher Maria Carbonaro. “College basketball is fun for families to spend time together all picking different teams, and watching who picked the winner.” The best way to keep up with March Madness is to follow up with CBSSports.com so fans don’t fall behind on anything. Most people create brackets for March Madness and even though it’s nearly impossible to have a perfect bracket people still try to create the perfect bracket because the winner receives millions of dollars. Warren Buffett is an American business magnate who serves as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is a huge fan of the March Madness tournament. Because of this he offers any of his employees $1 million if any of them get a perfect bracket.
Niles North Girl Track and Field Team heading to Texas By Krisnarong Sakmunwong March 22, 2019
After a strong ending to their indoor season, the girls track and field team is hoping to carry the momentum into their outdoor season with their meet in Texas today, March 22. The girls flew out to Texas yesterday and come back on March 25. There they will have a meet on Mar 23 at the defending state champions Dallas Carter high school. Senior captain Rosalie Xavier said, “as a team we’d like to hit as many personal records as possible and start the outdoor season strong.” Track Coach Jimmie Hawthorne is going to Texas with the goal of having the girls compete against national level competition. Coach Hawthorne added by saying, “My hope is that we go compete against the best, and they bring the best out of us. If we can come back from this trip with state qualifying mark's and times then I will be happy no matter what place we get.”
Here’s what teams Niles North thinks will win the NBA playoffs By Tom Henry March 22, 2019