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Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link OPINION: On The Death Penalty Dajah Taylor Mar 7, 2025 A man was executed in South Carolina via firing squad. A man was executed in South Carolina via firing squad. This method had not been used in almost 15 years and it has never been used in the state. The only other two state approved methods besides firing squad is the lethal injection and the electric chair. Brad Sigmon, 67, was convicted of the double murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2021. He also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and held her at gunpoint; however, she managed to escape to safety. Sigmon’s attorney said that the choice to choose between the different punishments were “impossible” and “barbaric”. If Sigmon didn’t choose between the lethal injection or firing squad then by default he would be turned to a crisp in the electric chair. Gerald “Bo” King stated that Brad has no illusions about what being shot will do to his body. He does not wish to inflict that pain on his family, the witnesses, or the execution team.” Compared to the other choices, firing squad does seem like the viable option because it will end the pain the fastest. Today we live in a day where many believe that if someone murders a person then they should get life in prison. Many believe that the death penalty is the easy way out or even inhumane. However, I do not believe this. A man ended the lives of two parents. He took away the two people that would always love their daughter unconditionally and there is nothing that could justify that. Some relationships do end badly but that doesn’t mean you should retaliate and resort to killing and leaving someone with trauma. This punishment is completely justified because it will help the family get justice and heal from this wound that could have been avoided. Approximately 2,250 are on death row and the rate of execution declines each year. Morals do become a big deciding factor on how people choose to handle this situation. Hopefully in the future the prison system will get better with time. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link REVIEW - A Hero's Journey with a Twist Rick Riordian’s Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief is a book that gets your attention within the first chapter, and it doesn’t let go. Rick Riordian’s Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief is a book that gets your attention within the first chapter, and it doesn’t let go. It’s action packed, funny, and it also has a great meaning behind it. The book starts off with a fantasy adventure about a young boy who finds out that he is a demigod, he is the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea. But with a closer look past all of the quests and Greek mythology, it is a story about friendship and finding out where you fit in through all of the chaos. The story begins when Percy is blamed for stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. To clear his name and prevent a war between gods, he goes on a long, major quest across the country with his friends Annabeth and Grover. On the journey, they face huge monsters, back-stabbings, traps that seem unreal, but Riordian makes them better by mixing old Greek mythology with modern-day America. Seeing the gods and monsters in places like Las Vegas is part of what makes the book so unique and fun. What really makes this book stand out is the voice of Percy Jackson. He is relatable and imperfect, which makes his courage feel real. He is not just some chosen one who you would think he’d always know what to do, he is a kid who is figuring out things as things go on, which makes his wins even more satisfying. The book has a lot of heartwarming moments about family, especially Percy’s rough relationship with his mother and the new “family” he built with his friends. If you are into action and mythology, with a hint of humor, Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief is the book for you. It is a book that is just as fun for adults and kids who love a good Greek mythology adventure. It is the first step in a much farther journey. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Severance - Season 2 Wraps Isabelle Kennedy Mar 25, 2025 The 2022 show Severance directed by Ben Stiller is finishing its second season. The 2022 show Severance directed by Ben Stiller is finishing its second season. It is a mystery thriller with a very intriguing premise. The show revolves around this company that can sever workers' minds and memories can be separated between their work and home life. So when they are at work they do not remember anything about their life outside of the office and at home they have no clue what they do at work. The final episode released this friday and there are many hopes and questions attached to the final episode. But it is definitely going to leave the watchers with more questions than answers. Although the show is not officially renewed for a third season Ben Stiller reports that writers are already working on the script. If the season two finale is anything like season one’s, it will have watchers at the edge of their seats and leave them with more questions than answers. One of the reasons this show is such a success is because of the commentary on corporate culture. Although it has many other great aspects one of the most prominent aspects is its satirized corporate America. With over-dramatic, awkward work breaks and icebreakers it puts office life at the forefront. Then there is the obvious overreach of companies into employees affects their psyches. This is one of the most creative premises seen in recent television that does not shrink back from meaning. It creates complex characters and struggles that aren’t too far from reality. The show is similar to looking at a fun house mirror concerning the state of work life balance since the pandemic. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link OPINION - What’s Your Sign? Netflix Has a Show for That. Kaylee Martin Aug 22, 2025 This week, Netflix has launched a new astrology-themed collection that curates TV shows and movies on the platform for each zodiac sign. This week, Netflix has launched a new astrology-themed collection that curates TV shows and movies on the platform for each zodiac sign. The idea began when the team noticed that Mercury was in retrograde during the release of the British-American dystopian anthology “Black Mirror”. According to Netflix, titles are selected to match common personality traits associated with each star sign. For example, Cancers, who are known for their emotional depth, get passionate dramas; Aquarians, who are considered to be intellectual free-thinkers, get quirky sci-fis. Users can now browse rows of shows recommended specifically for their star sign or even explore others’ signs. Netflix hopes this feature will make the user experience feel a bit more personalized. Netflix’s decision to roll out zodiac-based content curation, in my opinion, is a very clever marketing strategy. Astrology has become incredibly popular among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who often refer to star signs for personal identity as well as entertainment. By tying in horoscopes with the platform, Netflix is giving its subscribers another way to consume content emotionally and socially. The approach is lighthearted, but also strategic. It keeps users engaged while simultaneously promoting more personalized viewing. I think this kind of content curation demonstrates how much major businesses are beginning to evolve beyond offering a product, but also proactively influencing and attempting to draw in a target audience. Personally, despite the fact that I do not take astrology seriously and more as a fun interest, I do find myself a bit intrigued by what they have chosen for each sign. …And frankly, I’m a little disappointed. Browsing through each section of Netflix’s recommendations, each series and movie they have chosen falls a bit flat for me. As a Cancer, I love my fair share of romantic drama—“The Notebook” is unmatched when it comes to making me absolutely sob, no matter how many times I watch it—but the titles listed are honestly a bit lazy. The suggestions, some of them being “Heartstopper”, “The Life List” and “Ginny & Georgia”, are all titles that are cliche and fall a bit flat. It feels as though Netflix went for the most obvious tearjerkers or coming-of-age dramas without considering taking a more nuanced path. I would have appreciated a blend of old and new titles, maybe even a few international films that carry heavier emotional weight or explore complex family dynamics. On the flip side, I can see how this strategy might appeal to casual viewers who want a quick, fun way to pick something to watch. For someone who just wants to unwind with something “on brand” for their sign, it probably works. But if you’re looking for something with more substance, you’ll likely have to dig a little deeper than what the new zodiac row provides. All in all, I don’t think Netflix's zodiac collection is meant to be taken too seriously. It’s more of a novelty, and is Netflix’s way of reaching their audience in a fun way. That being said, if viewers really want to lean into astrology, I’d suggest bringing in astrologers or critics to collaborate on these watchlists. That could add a bit of credibility and depth to an otherwise shallow experience. Astrology fans are often more invested and informed than businesses give them credit for. If Netflix wants to build a new loyalty with that audience, they’ll need to do more than slap a few obvious shows under each sign. In general, I think it’s important not to let algorithms or astrology determine too much of what we consume. Sometimes discovery and randomness are what lead us to our favorite shows. Still, I appreciate that Netflix is trying something new that taps into culture without being divisive or overly serious. In the end, it’s just another way to have fun, and that’s the whole point of entertainment. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Bhad Bhabie and Alabama Barker Feud Brooklyn Patterson Mar 13, 2025 All this drama is pointless. Bhad Bhabie and Alabama Barker (Travis Barker’s Daughter) are currently in a back and forth viral feud. This feud has included diss tracks, cheating, allegations and even connections to the Kardashians. Bhad Bhabie has a boyfriend named LeVaughn whom she had a baby with in March 2024. This all started when the rapper accused 19 year old Alabama of trying to steal her boyfriend. Alabama denied the claim, and stated that LeVaughn misled her into thinking he was single. Alabama posted on her story in December saying that LeVaughn was manipulating Bhad Bhabie and feeding her a distorted narrative so that his actions would be justified. In January, Bhad Bhabie dropped a diss track (she didn’t name drop Alabama) insinuating that Alabama had a fling with Soulja Boy and Allegedly got pregnant by Tyga. Both Alabama and Tyga denied the claims that were said. Weeks later, Alabama made her own diss track where she confirmed that she got involved with LeVaughn. Bhad Bhabie later dropped Ms. Whitman, which threw shots at Alabama’s famous family ties, and even featured a lookalike of her father. All this drama is pointless. It all started because of an ugly man who cheats. I am on Bhad Bhabies side because Alabama literally slept with that girl’s baby daddy. She then proceeded to talk down on her and do dirty things to her when they were allegedly supposed to be friends. At first I was on Alabama’s side until more information came to surface. I don’t understand how she didn’t know that was her baby daddy if they were apparently friends. After Bhad Bhabie dropped the diss on Alabama, a lot of people she used to beef with came out promoting the diss. People like Woah Vicky, and Malu, who were known for their dislike towards Bhad Bhabie promoted the song and were on her side. Alabama later got into the studio to respond to Ms.Whitman (the diss against her). She released a snippet of it on her story where she dissed Bhad Bhabie’s daughter Kali who hasn't even turned 1 yet. I feel as if she’s wrong because the baby didn't even do anything. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link OPINION: Beyonce Deserved The Grammy Mairi Martin Feb 17, 2025 Why "Cowboy Carter" deserved the big prize. Billie Eillish did have a great album with some great songs, so I am not discrediting her not one bit. I have played “Wildflower” and “Birds of a Feather” by her numerous times on repeat--I understand the hype. However, “Cowboy Carter” had a much greater success than “Hit Me Hard and Soft”. To be fair, the two songs I previously named were the only two songs that I heard on the album. I feel like two songs shouldn’t determine a Grammy. They were great, yes, but not as commercially successful as Beyonces’. “Cowboy Carter” got Beyonce a halftime show at the football game. One of her songs, “LEVI'S JEANS” was featured in a Levi commercial (with Beyonce as a special guest). “16 CARRIAGES” went viral on social media for weeks. “TEXAS HOLD EM’” also went viral worldwide, becoming a catchy and upbeat song that millions loved. Those were just half of the songs that had amazing success. It’s all in the charts. Billies’ album was beautiful, but in the music industry, success throughout the entire industry, not just music, will win you a Grammy. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Hire Us (or Not) Taylor Harris Jan 14, 2026 In some cases of teens not working, it is not their fault. Adults have been complaining about teenagers working. Some adults think that a lot of teens don’t like their job or don’t want to work. The truth is in some cases of teens not working, it is not their fault. Some teens do just not want to work at all but some workplaces refuse to hire teens because they feel that teens are not reliable. On the other hand, teens that do work are sometimes very overworked and not paid enough. A lot of teens who are currently working are not planning on staying at a certain job. They are just temporary until they go to college. The New York Post made a statement about teenagers and their jobs. It says “ Nearly 60% of Gen Z workers say their job is a “situationship” — a short-term setup they never planned to stick with.”(New York Post 2026). I asked fellow high school Ivory Brown what his opinion on this was. He said “Us teenagers want to work but these places won’t hire us. If they do hire us, the job has horrible hours, horrible pay, or is a very toxic work environment. It’s a lose-lose situation sometimes.” Ivory’s statement helps explain why and how more teenagers don’t want to work or are not happy at their jobs. As months go on, teens tend to apply for jobs less and less. Some teens also refuse to work because of the government. The company Challanger, Gray and Christmas wrote an article about this topic too. They said “Over the last few summers, there were ample opportunities for teens, but they seemed to shun them…”(Challanger, Gray and Christmas 2025). As the years go on, gen z has decided to stand up for themselves more than ever. They feel that it is time to use their voice. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Hey! We're Boiling Down Here! Taylor Harris Oct 16, 2025 I know everyone is feeling how hot it has been lately. I know everyone is feeling how hot it has been lately. Not just in Louisiana either, it has been hot everywhere. Even in the states that get hot rarely are burning up. Usually around this time of the month, it would be cold or at the very least cool. Lately it has been cool in the morning but it will heat up later in the day and get to around 95°. It is not expected to get cold in Baton Rouge until around December. But why is the world heating up you may be asking? According to Fox10 “Right now, a strong ridge or “bubble” of warm, sinking air high up in the atmosphere is parked over the eastern U.S. Ridges create subsidence (sinking air), which warms and dries out as it sinks. That’s why we’re seeing mostly sunny skies, very warm afternoons, and just a few spotty storms.”. I asked fellow Liberty Magnet High School Student and Liberty Track Team Member Ivory Brown some questions about this weather. It has been so much hotter than usual. It definitely has something to do with climate change and how much greenhouse gases are going up in the air. It usually is freezing on halloween and this year it’ll most likely be hot which is crazy to imagine. Hopefully it will get cold this month but I highly doubt it” Ivory Said. Greenhouse gases are a big cause for the world heating up. According to Citizens Climate Lobby, it says “Human activities, like the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have put a lot of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Way too much. Think of the regular greenhouse effect as one, nice cozy blanket. Now think of the enhanced greenhouse effect as that blanket plus a duvet, sheet set, wool pajamas, space heater, and 17 other blankets thrown on for good measure.” The weather has changed drastically this year and I think that we all have noticed. In the meantime, the weather has been cooling up in the mornings which is a step up from the weather in the mornings before. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Stereotypes and Behaviors of Seniors and Freshman Taylor Harris Aug 15, 2025 Seniors and freshmen are the two grades that get the most judgement. Seniors and freshmen are the two grades that in my opinion get the most judgement. Freshmen are portrayed as childish, short and immature. Seniors are portrayed as having everything together, knowing what they want in life or after school, bullies to underclassmen, and stuck up. When in reality, a lot of seniors, especially at Liberty Magnet High School, are more than willing to help underclassmen because we were once in their shoes and we know how it feels to need help. Us seniors also don’t have everything figured out. Most of us are 16-18 years old still finding our way through life just like freshmen. Freshmen here at Liberty are pretty cool and I wouldn’t call them immature, I would say they’re still trying to figure things out. Is there a difference between class of 2026 as freshmen and class of 2029 as freshmen? Yes there is but is it a big difference? Absolutely not. Peyton Thorton is a senior at Liberty,has been here all four years. I asked him what he thought about the stereotypes of freshmen. He says “Class of 2026 is very different from class of 2029 as 9th graders. Class of 2029 are way more outgoing than we were and less afraid of doing anything like we were. They are more willing to get in trouble and aren’t afraid of judgement like us.” Malachi King is also a senior, has been here all four years and a member of the Patriot football team here at Liberty. What he had to say about the stereotypes was “I do feel like the stereotypes are a little over the top because I know that us seniors definitely don’t have life all figured out and we certainly aren’t bullies. Freshmen can be a little immature but who isn’t a little immature. They’re still young so it is expected and it’s their first year of high school, they’re excited and that's normal”. Personally, I feel like the stereotype between the two grades is silly and shouldn’t be used to judge the grades. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link TLFP Cooking Chocolate Chip Cookies Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 12 Minutes Serves: 24 Servings Level: Beginner About the Recipe There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling your kitchen. This classic recipe creates soft, chewy cookies with the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have warm, homemade cookies ready to enjoy in no time! 🍪✨ Ingredients Dry Ingredients: • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon salt Wet Ingredients: • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Mix-ins: • 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips • Optional: 1 cup (120g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). 4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. 6. Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). 7. Scoop the dough into 1 ½-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. 9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link SU Frat Members Lied About Where Pledge’s Death Happened Claniya Olinde Mar 13, 2025 Caleb Wilson died, and the members lied about where it happened. Caleb Wilison, a junior at Southern University A&M College, died after attending an off-campus event. He was a part of the jukebox and was trying to get into the Omega Psi Phi. The members say he collapsed while practicing steps. The members actually lied. It turns out they were actually at a warehouse, and Wilson was punched in the chest. Wilson being punched in the chest caused him to collapse. He fell to the ground and began to have a seizure at the warehouse. The members of Omega Psi Phi brought him to the hospital. An anonymous source with direct knowledge came forward and said they met at an undisclosed location. At that location, they came up with a story about what happened to Caleb. This same source said none of the students participating in the fraternity were ever at a park. Caleb Wilson died, and the members lied about where it happened. This makes it really hard for the police to figure out what really went on. By lying, the members are trying to avoid getting in trouble or to keep their fraternity from looking bad. It seems like they are hiding more secrets and bad behavior. These lies make it harder for the pledge's family to understand what happened and get justice. This whole situation shows how dangerous hazing can be and how far some people will go to cover it up. This is literally why hazing is not even allowed. These fraternities do not care about the pledges, just care to feel like they have power over others. There should be stricter rules for fraternities or just end them all. All these lies just make a sad situation even worse. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How School Is Affecting Seniors Dajah Taylor Oct 21, 2024 Senior year becomes stressful because it is not just about school anymore. Senior year becomes stressful because it is not just about school anymore. Students juggle classes, college applications, jobs, family responsibilities, and a social life to tend to. With all of the things on seniors' plates, it is no wonder why so many crumble under the pressure. Whether a student attends public or private school the responsibilities and stress remains. Many students are unsure about what they will do after high school. They are left with choices like college, trade school, workforce, and going into the military. Applying to college can be a lengthy and complicated process. Requiring many essays, lots of extensive research on colleges, and taking consideration of financial aid options. Trade school offers a direct path to a career path, while the military is great for students who want discipline and structure. No matter what path is taken , the transition will be hard. Many students say they are ready to graduate highschool and begin their lives but after being in a structured environment for 12-13 years many are not ready nor prepared.The stress to have it all figured is a huge weight for a 17-18 year old student to have. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.