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With heavy hearts, we celebrate the amaz- every project was a chance for her to showing life of Niye' Aunesti Young. She was a case her passion for life. military child, born on January 17, 2007, in Family meant everything to Niye', and she San Diego, California. She made her mark leaves behind her loving parents, Quinton on this world in so many unforgettable and Geneva Young, along with her siblings ways before she passed away on November Amaiah, Amari, and Shaniya. Her friendship 9, 2024. Niye' walked through life with her with Janiyah and her bond with her godhead held high and refused to succumb to brother, Grayson, was incredibly special, the battle she had been fighting for so many and both will miss her deeply. She also beyears. Those of us lucky enough to know came an auntie recently and had the opporher were truly blessed. Niye’ had an incredi- tunity to meet her niece, Zari. ble gift of spreading joy wherever she went.

Niye's legacy will continue through Her warm heart and playful sense of humor made her a beloved friend and family mem- Aunesti Angels Foundation, which was created in honor of her to support families that ber. Let's not forget that iconic laugh of hers, often punctuated with her enthusias- are going through a similar battle and to award an annual scholarship to a young intic "YEAHHHHH!" It's these little things that created lasting memories for everyone spiring artist who is striving to make their around her, turning everyday moments into stamp on the world through their art. pure magic.

Beyond her family and friends, Niye' touched so many lives in her community, While at school, Niye' didn't just focus on her future; she was all about sharing her vi- leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. Niye' was much more than just a daughbrant spirit with others. She was an entrepreneur, turning her love for candied grapes ter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend; she truly was a beacon of joy and creativity. The and baking cookies into a small business that had her peers asking for more. Beyond warmth and happiness that she shared with that, her creativity truly shined through her all of us will continue to inspire and guide us. So, as we say goodbye, we remember the hobbies. Whether it was building LEGO amazing time we had with Niye'. Her instructures, painting, sculpting artwork, or credible spirit and passion for life will forevcrafting unique waist beads and bracelets, Niye' poured her heart into everything she er be woven into our hearts. She inspired us created. Her creative flair extended to nail to embrace every moment and spread love, just like she did. artistry and even culinary experiments—

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FEATURES NEWS

Due to budget cuts, the Duval County school district is considering eliminating bus transportation for magnet schools, starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Because magnet schools tend to offer a more diverse and wellrounded curriculum, they tend to attract students from across the district. Many of these students rely on the bus to get to school, and without transportation, they may find it difficult to attend these magnet schools, possibly limiting their educational opportunities.

"Had there not been magnet transportation, I don't know if attendance would have been a priority," a mother of three Duval students told Bernier, according to jaxtoday.

In an attempt to decrease spending, the Duval County School Board and superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier have considered many options including the cessation of transportation for magnet schools.

"Eliminating transportation to magnet schools would save money — possibly $12 million a year,” Bernier said. State law requires school districts to provide transportation for students who live more than 2 miles from their zoned schools, but Bernier said there's "no legal requirement" to bus students to magnet schools," journalist Megan Mallicoat said in an article for jaxtoday.

This proposal is in response to budget constraints faced by the school district.

According to a school district spokesperson, $100 million needs to be cut from the operating budget for the district to remain solvent under state law.

Not only is it a concern for the students, but it would also have negative effects on the schools. Specifically, advanced schools like Paxon would be impacted because some students rely on bus transportation to able to attend the school. This is especially true for those that don’t drive or have parents that can provide transportation in the absence of busses. If they no longer have access to transportation, then who's to say that our school will maintain its advanced stature if these students can no longer attend? Other advanced schools in the area would face the same problem.

"It's all about money. From what they were saying, they were talking about spreadsheets and costs,” Barbara Clemmons, an active community member said on jaxtoday. “Not once did I hear them say anything about the safety of the children, the convenience for the parents to get the children to school."

Ultimately, there is no question about whether or not the district needs to cut funding because the answer is clearly ‘yes’. However, we do have to question if eliminating bus transportation is the best solution, considering the potential negative consequences for the community. Maybe there are other areas where cuts could be made that would not have such drastic effects on students and families.

"In recent years, we have been covering that gap with reserves, but we no longer have the reserves necessary to continue this practice," Bernier said on duvalschools.org.

While a change like this might be necessary, parents and students are equally worried about its effects on students and schools. It could cause serious disruptions in daily routine for many families and the schools could experience a shift in their students' demographics.

"Magnet schools are one of the district's strengths, numerous parents told the superintendent, and eliminating transportation to them would risk putting the magnets out of reach for many students, they worried," according to Mallicoat in an article for jaxtoday.

MARCH 2025

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FEATURES

TikTok’s ban was supposedly followed through to protect national safety. But is that the only reason?

On January 18, TikTok was banned at 10:30 pm EST for 12 hours. This followed a bill passed in early 2024 requiring TikTok to sell to a US company or face a shutdown. Many lost their main source of income, or an app they use daily, while others found alternatives to this sudden change, such as the Chinese app, RedNote.

“It was a bit of a spite thing—and I also wanted to be one of the first people over there,” entrepreneur Christina Shuler said in an interview with Time Magazine. “Hopefully I can be part of the crowd that maybe can change how our government views this whole situation.”

In an act of protest, many moved on to RedNote, an actual social media app that was explicitly influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. CCP influence was one of the accusations TikTok faced, while another was that American data was being sold to the Chinese government.

“Some 77% of Americans have little or no trust in leaders of social media companies to publicly admit mistakes and take responsibility for data misuse,” according to the Pew Research Center. “71% have little to no trust that these tech leaders will be held accountable by the government for data missteps.”

If the government truly cared about our safety, instead of holding only TikTok accountable, they should also have other companies, who may even steal more data, face the same charges.

“Although X and TikTok collect extensive data, their focus is more on their platforms, resulting in Meta having not only more data but more detailed and comprehensive data from across its platforms and user interactions,” according to Kiteworks, a software privacy company.

If the ban was truly focused on national security, why hasn’t the government acted on other, worse, privacy-compromising companies?

“They tell you this is about China. About security. About safety. That’s a lie,” Rand Paul said in an interview with Spectrum News. “This is about control. About fear. About silencing you.”

I agree with Paul, this ban isn’t to protect you, but instead to silence you.

TikTok hasn’t shown hostile behavior when it comes to privacy, which is even confirmed by the CEO himself.

“Building what amounts to a firewall to seal off protected U.S. user data from unauthorized foreign access,” CEO Shou Zi Chew said during a congressional hearing. “The bottom line is this: American data stored on American soil, by an American company, overseen by American personnel."

The ban isn’t meant to protect your data, it’s intended to ensure your data is for, and monitored by, the US alone.

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NEWS OPINIONS

It has been two months dling of the COVID-19 pandemic and strenuous demand the Gulf of Mexico now bears the name Gulf of America, since President Donald for the US’s financial contribution, among other reasons. while Mount Denali’s name was changed back to J. Trump made history The international agency, which includes 194 countries, Mount McKinley. The former change put the United as the second president commits itself to tackling public health concerns and States in a confrontational position with one of our closto serve two nonchronic conditions. At the same time, WHO frequently est allies: Mexico. consecutive terms, and provides assistance to underprivileged regions. The “Why don’t we call it America Mexicana. It sounds he has not failed to stir United States’ withdrawal threatens to shake the agency pretty, no? Isn’t that true?” Mexican President Claudia debate. The president, terribly, considering the country’s position as the largest Sheinbaum said while pointing at the territory that spans who promised many donor. across all three North American countries. Furthermore, things during the cam“If we think it’s expensive to be part of the WHO, just President Trump simultaneously managed to disrespect paign, proceeded to sign 26 executive orders on his first wait until we aren’t part of the WHO,” Judd Walson, Native Alaskans, as the name Denali carries significance day in office. The number is a huge jump from the one Robert E. Black Chair in International Health, shared to the native people of Alaska, which Trump dismissed. executive order he signed on his first Inauguration Day with John Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health Against public outrage, the president also called for an in 2017. So, what were they? in an interview. “That’s where we’re going to see the end to birthright citizenship and scrapped away the One of the highlights of the President’s actions was to, true costs.” identities of millions of NOAA National Centers for Environmental once again, withdraw from the Paris Climate AgreeIn addition, January 19 represented the start of ICE Americans by condemn- Information., Public domain, via Wikimedia ment. The Paris Climate Agreement is a legally binding Commons (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids all ing “gender ideology”. He treaty between world leaders of 196 countries to attempt across the country. Speculations of immigration raids emphasized identification to combat climate change. targeting undocumented immigrants in Chicago were by sex at conception.

The Gulf Of America “[The Paris Agreement’s] overarching goal is to hold widespread even the day before, followed by similar What Trump and his ‘the increase in the global average temperature to well news from other cities and towns. The administration team might not know is below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts claimed to only target criminals, but the statement came that scientifically, sexual ‘to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above preunder suspicion. Trump now allows raids to be conduct- organs are not developed industrial levels’,” the United Nations stated on the trea- ed at schools or religious locations such as churches. until 6-7 weeks post-conception. As a result, the new ty’s official website.

This has never happened before, and sure enough, criti- executive order made everyone… a woman. cism was almost immediate.

President Trump made the argument that the United “Donald Trump is a stunning and brave woman now,” States’ participation in the global agreement was a waste “What happens if students see their classmates according to conversations on Reddit sparked by a user, of taxpayer dollars. World leaders and experts have ex- plucked out of a classroom? So how do you explain which received a response from another user “has to be, pressed sadness regarding the decision. However, they these things to them?” co-founder and director of the to have made it as the first female POTUS”. also took the step to reaffirm their commitment to the National Newcomer Network Alejandra Vázquez Baur Among all other things, his actions were fortunately Paris Accord, despite the US departure. Domestically, asked in an interview with The Guardian. challenged by federal judges across the country. A federabout half of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” opAmongst all the important changes, the president was al appeals court in New Hampshire recently blocked posed the withdrawal, according to the Associated also eager to announce identity changes of two famous Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. They are the Press. natural landmarks. Naming the executive order third court to do so.

Equally important was the President’s executive order “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness”, Similar responses have signaled hope and resistance to withdraw from the World Health Organization Trump reasoned the changes as promoting American against an administration creeping to destroy the Consti(WHO). He attributed the decision to WHO’s mishanheritage and honoring the nation’s rich past. Particularly, tution.

United States Senate - Office of Dan Sullivan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

MARCH 2025

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SPORTS

By Esther Odediran and Janae Chambers

Baseball is back. This year, the team is here with changes that ensure more attention.

This addition of leaders has made the team more motivated and dedicated than ever. The team strives to achieve goals this season such as, “winning the district, regional, and hopefully state championship,” Jackson said. These are big goals and can only be achieved when the team thinks and works as one.

As the team evolves this year, the upperclassmen share one sentiment. “Take it all seriously,” senior Micheal Belcher said. “You don’t want to lose focus and regret not making the most of these four years.”

“A lot of the guys’ attitudes have changed, we’ve So, with great coaches, become more levelheaded as a team,” junior Rob- wise upperclassmen, ert Ward mentioned. The group is more connected and incredible team with each other, and this is reflected in their play- chemistry, the Eagles are ready to take this ing this year. “We know what we want and we’re hungry enough to fight for it,” Jackson added. As a season by storm.

result, the team won a preseason game on February 5 by 6 runs. This drive and dedication does not go unnoticed by the coaching staff.

For the coaches, it’s not just about winning. “I feel they [the coaching staff] care about you outBaseball season is upon us, and the Paxon Eagles side of baseball,” junior Robert Bryson said. “It’s a are hot! With changes in mindset and dedication, good feeling to be able to go to your coach about the team is ready to make their mark this season. anything.” The newcomer believes this sort of relationship off the field leads to incredible success on “The addition of new coaches is a big change we’ve seen this year,” team captain Jaquez Jackson it. said.

By Trenity Gray Girls flag football is starting a new season after having such a good run last year.

Could flag football keep everyone interested in spring sports at Paxon?

The winter sports season is coming to an end as spring sports approach. Paxon is in for a very eventful season, especially with our flag football team on the field. As the new flag football season approaches, students and athletes perk up at yet another sport that’ll have their attention. Since the season is beginning, students and coaches have expressed their interest in flag football.

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Paxon’s flag football coach, Coach Logue shared his thoughts about the new season.

Flag football players have been working continuously over the summer and as practices have begun, students are just as excited as the athletes.

Everyone is ready to see everything the team has to offer.

“Being one of the best teams in the city pushes the girls, and me as a coach,” Logue said. “The girls are excited to show their new skills this season, we’re definitely going to show everyone exactly why they call us BIG “Flag season has to be one to Paxon.” keep in the books,” IB junior Lauren Sams explained. “I’m ready to Many athletes are very excited for the new flag season see what the girls got this year, as they enter a new era, hopefully full of victories. Flag especially since I have friends that football also brings the same excitement as boys football play. They’re definitely ready to season, which keeps students interested in the spring dominate anything that comes sport as they know the Friday night lights feeling all too their way.” well.

Students are ready to feel that football excitement “I’m so excited for the new season,” Daphnie Jiokeng, they’re able to get twice a year during spring and suman athlete on the flag football team exmer sports. Many students and faculty are very proud of pressed. “We’ve been Paxon’s flag football team, and the interest in the new learning so much new season shows it. material over the summer and during practice, The girls flag football team is definitely capturing everyone’s attention as the spring sports roll in. Their this new season will winning streak has been splendid as they won districts definitely show how last year. Students, staff, and athletes are beyond exmuch improvement cited for the new fresh season. we’ve significantly made.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIE REVIEWS : TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE ?

Many critics share Harley’s sentiments, Shelf critic Mel Valentin said. “Love Hurts” is a miswith one of the main complaints being fire by any other name.” that the plot of “Love Hurts” is severely lacking in several areas. Many complain “Love Hurts” was released on February 7, 2025. As that the plot was overly simple and that the decent of February 18, 2025, “Love Hurts” has grossed $13 fight scenes can’t make up for the severe plot holes. million in the United States and Canada and $1 mil“But when the bullets land and the destruction is lion in other territories, for a worldwide gross of $14 complete, the quiet of the lackluster script and its million. Although this isn’t terrible, the movie has not nonsensical dialogue is a painful reminder of any made back its modest production budget of only $18 love for the film subsequently lost,” Seattle Refined million. reviewer Candice McMillan said.

The movie was not well received by critics, receivThe dialogue within “Love Hurts” does not help to ing 19% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.4/10 on IMDb. mend the lackluster plot of the movie. There was The audience rated the movie slightly higher, getting little chemistry between the male and female main 61% on the Popcornmeter. Critics and the audience leads, with chemistry being pivotal in a romance. both voiced several issues with “Love Hurts”.

“Love Hurts” has a few great fight scenes, but those “With DeBose and various romantic subplots awk- scenes are overshadowed by all the other issues in wardly sidelined, “Love Hurts” is a sore case of the movie. squandered potential, running out of steam long be“Ultimately, it’s a shame Ke Huy Quan’s first postfore its taut 83 minutes are up,” Radio Times critic Oscar lead role in over three decades proves [to be] Kevin Harley said.

“Love Hurts” movie poster. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS equal parts underwhelming and disappointing,” That

“Heart Eyes” was created by many of the same people responsible for the Scream movies, and stars “Scream Five” and “Scream Six” actor Mason Gooding. These influences are apparent in “Heart Eyes”, which makes fun of horror tropes and heavily plays into some of the absurdities of slasher horror. Far from being a traditional horror film, “Heart Eyes” acts more as a romantic comedy that just happens to have a masked killer trying to slaughter the potential couple. Its excellent opening kill scene is immediately followed up by what could easily pass as a normal rom-com if you walked into the theater ten minutes late, and it drags out the exaggerated romance until plunging back into horror right when you least expect it.

“Heart Eyes” movie poster. SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

By Issac Spencer “Heart Eyes” is an American horror-comedy starring Olivia Holt as Ally, a struggling jewelry marketer, and Mason Gooding as Jay Simmons, a successful freelance marketer brought in to fix Ally’s mistakes. The plot centers around a Valentine’s Day-themed serial killer, nicknamed the Heart Eyes Killer, who goes on a violent killing spree every Valentine’s Day, leaving a trail of carnage as they target and kill couples, as well as anyone who gets in their way.

MARCH 2025

The dual horror-comedy aspects of “Heart Eyes” are each executed well, managing to mesh tremendously.

The movie never feels alienated from itself. Often, movies of this type feel like two different movies cut together, leaving you wondering how characters find humor amidst horrific bloodshed. But “Heart Eyes” manages to incorporate its comedy aspects smoothly with the horror without falling into “Scary Movie” levels of parody.

Eyes Killer are exceptional as well. They feel like an unstoppable force, even with the main characters fighting back with everything they have. No matter what they do, it seems like the killer simply cannot be stopped.

The comedy also excels, with a mix of spoken jokes and visual gags that can make you laugh without suffocating you in a smog of unnecessary jokes during scenes that are better left serious. “Heart Eyes” was directed by Josh Ruben, a former writer on CollegeHumor, now known as Dropout, a sketch comedy company, and this is evident in the comedy of “Heart Eyes”. Anyone who’s a fan of CollegeHumor’s comedy sketches is likely to enjoy the style of comedy utilized by “Heart Eyes”.

“Heart Eyes” is not flawless, however. On occasion, the dialogue feels unrealistic, and the movie sometimes leans too hard into campiness. The most notable issue with this movie is its ending, with an uninteresting and predictable twist that taints what came before it. The movie would be significantly better if the last 20-30 minutes were rewritten, using the same locations and concepts, but changing some aspects of the plot. However, the movie concludes on a high note, with a great epilogue, meaning that you won’t leave entirely unsatisfied by its finale.

The horror is done well, blending fake-outs, jumpscares, and suspense in a way that rarely feels cheap.

While it’s not the scariest movie this year, the kill scenes Overall, “Heart Eyes” is a solid film. While it won’t and acting sell the horror well. The design and behavior redefine horror, it’s a fun watch and a great movie to of the Heart Eyes Killer are exceptional as well; the see on Valentine’s, whether or not you have someone mask, costuming, and weaponry are all perfect for this to see it with. character. The acting and choreography for the Heart

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