SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon Demo-2 capsule launched last weekend. This was more than just a launch; it was the first time in nine years that American astronauts launched from US soil. It was also the first time a private corporation was involved in launching astronauts to space. Their mission is to dock with the International Space Station and to spend several weeks in space. Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were the two chosen to make this historical journey. They have been trained in state-of-the-art simulators and know everything there is to know about the rocket.
Their first launch attempt on May 27 was “scrubbed” or aborted around T-minus 17 minutes because of bad weather. This scrub was particularly dangerous because the rocket was already fueled. The astronauts had to wait for the dangerous process of refueling to finish before they could climb out or egress the rocket.
The whole process repeated itself three days later on May 30 in an attempt to launch again. More bad weather and thunderstorms during preparation for launch didn’t make it seem like the astronauts were going to leave earth. Finally given the all-clear, Falcon 9 began its pre-launch procedures and at T-minus 0, both astronauts lifted off of the ground and started their journey to the International Space Station.
The Falcon 9 rocket is a two-stage rocket that is built to be as reusable as possible. After the first stage has burnt out, it separates and starts to drop back down to earth. The booster then deploys fins and steers itself back toward the designated landing spot on a ship in the ocean. A final burn slows the booster down enough for it to make a safe, upright landing, on the ship.
Nineteen hours later the Crew Dragon Demo-2 capsule arrived and docked at the International Space Station, completing the first part of the mission safely and with no problems.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
College Board has Decided the SAT Will Remain on Paper
Eric Locke, Akhil Castelli, and Evan Menz
Staff Writers
The College Board said on Tuesday, June 2, that it would not be giving students the chance to take the SAT online this year. The College Board canceled all their spring SAT dates and claimed that they were in the process of making the SAT online.
The College Board claims that there were many technological difficulties making the online version of the SAT due to the number of kids who take it every year. In 2019 2.2 million kids took the SAT. The College Board has now opened up for testing in the fall, starting in late August. The College Board is asking colleges to be flexible due to COVID -19 and extend deadlines for receiving test scores.
The decision to not have the SAT online this year comes after the College Board had an extremely shaky experience last month when they introduced online versions of their library of Advanced Placement exams. Many students had complaints and experienced technical issues with submitting their tests. Many tests were automatically disqualified. This resulted in multiple lawsuits filed against the College Board, even though the College Board claims less than one percent of students who had taken the test were affected by these problems.
Another option for students comes in the form of the ACT, the SAT’s test rival. The ACT announced on Tuesday they still plan to offer a remote option in the fall. For the last couple of years, the College Board has been fighting criticism and lawsuits advocating that colleges go “test-optional” with the argument being they are biased along racial and income lines. Last year, the College Board introduced the Adversity Score to address disparities in the SAT.
Staff Writers
The College Board said on Tuesday, June 2, that it would not be giving students the chance to take the SAT online this year. The College Board canceled all their spring SAT dates and claimed that they were in the process of making the SAT online.
The College Board claims that there were many technological difficulties making the online version of the SAT due to the number of kids who take it every year. In 2019 2.2 million kids took the SAT. The College Board has now opened up for testing in the fall, starting in late August. The College Board is asking colleges to be flexible due to COVID -19 and extend deadlines for receiving test scores.
The decision to not have the SAT online this year comes after the College Board had an extremely shaky experience last month when they introduced online versions of their library of Advanced Placement exams. Many students had complaints and experienced technical issues with submitting their tests. Many tests were automatically disqualified. This resulted in multiple lawsuits filed against the College Board, even though the College Board claims less than one percent of students who had taken the test were affected by these problems.
Another option for students comes in the form of the ACT, the SAT’s test rival. The ACT announced on Tuesday they still plan to offer a remote option in the fall. For the last couple of years, the College Board has been fighting criticism and lawsuits advocating that colleges go “test-optional” with the argument being they are biased along racial and income lines. Last year, the College Board introduced the Adversity Score to address disparities in the SAT.
Swimming Are One Of the First Sports to Reopen
John Devaney and Teddy Devaney
Staff Writers
The coronavirus has put an end to sports for long enough now. The national lockdown started back in March. Since the national lockdown began, all public facilities for all sports have been shut down, including swimming. But now it appears swimming will be one of the first sports to start up again.
Petitions are being created for swimmers in several states now. New Jersey was the first one, with two teenage boys creating a petition highlighting why swimming can resume safely. There will still be social distancing and people will be limited in numbers. However, the CDC stated that when the coronavirus pandemic began, that pools actually destroy the virus with chlorine and are safe to use.
On Friday June 5, outdoor pools can open in the “yellow” phase, indoor pools can open in “green” phase according to Governor Tom Wolf. All Pennsylvania counties are expected to be in the yellow phase beginning June 5. Included in the yellow phase, there are no gatherings of over 25 people, businesses can open at 50% capacity, and all indoor recreation facilities must remain closed.
Unfortunately, USA swimming will not be administering any meets this summer, but there are still club teams who are open to take on the task of providing pools while keeping people safe. Once we enter the green phase, businesses may open at 75% capacity, large gatherings may include up to 250 people, and indoor recreation facilities can open at 50% capacity, including pools.
With the pandemic finally slowing down, and the perseverance of the world in lockdown, we are all being rewarded for keeping each other safe.
Staff Writers
The coronavirus has put an end to sports for long enough now. The national lockdown started back in March. Since the national lockdown began, all public facilities for all sports have been shut down, including swimming. But now it appears swimming will be one of the first sports to start up again.
Petitions are being created for swimmers in several states now. New Jersey was the first one, with two teenage boys creating a petition highlighting why swimming can resume safely. There will still be social distancing and people will be limited in numbers. However, the CDC stated that when the coronavirus pandemic began, that pools actually destroy the virus with chlorine and are safe to use.
On Friday June 5, outdoor pools can open in the “yellow” phase, indoor pools can open in “green” phase according to Governor Tom Wolf. All Pennsylvania counties are expected to be in the yellow phase beginning June 5. Included in the yellow phase, there are no gatherings of over 25 people, businesses can open at 50% capacity, and all indoor recreation facilities must remain closed.
Unfortunately, USA swimming will not be administering any meets this summer, but there are still club teams who are open to take on the task of providing pools while keeping people safe. Once we enter the green phase, businesses may open at 75% capacity, large gatherings may include up to 250 people, and indoor recreation facilities can open at 50% capacity, including pools.
With the pandemic finally slowing down, and the perseverance of the world in lockdown, we are all being rewarded for keeping each other safe.
Black Lives Matter
Brendan O’ Boyle
Staff Writer
After the death of George Floyd and years of police brutality and discrimination, more Black Lives Matter protests have begun to take place. The difference is now they are getting more attention than ever before. Across the country communities are rallying together for a common good of trying to shine light on discrimination and police brutality against African Americans. Large crowds of determined citizens can be seen walking down the highways holding signs that read “Black lives matter” and “Justice for Floyd.”
Some protests have been supported by law enforcement and have been able to continue without any obstacles, but some have been met with violence. Videos of police tackling, arresting, and even pepper spraying people have surfaced across the internet. One woman who attended the protests was even blinded in one eye after being pepper sprayed by a police officer. The response by these officers has only motivated people to continue these protests.
It isn’t just average people fighting for change though, major corporations have been openly supporting these protests and rallying behind the supporters of the cause. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Netflix, Amazon, Microsoft, Best Buy, and myriad others have all done things to show their support and help motivate people to continue the fight for change. Nike played on their popular slogan “just do it” and in a new advertisement said “For once, don’t do it” talking about violence and discrimination.
While the anti-violent protests have been widely supported by people from all walks of life, there are others who have tried to take advantage of the unrest. Some people have been using these protests as an opportunity to loot, raid, and destroy stores. The citizens actually trying to make change by walking in the nonviolent protests are outraged by the people committing these acts because it reflects badly on the cause and does irreparable harm to communities and innocent fellow citizens.
Staff Writer
After the death of George Floyd and years of police brutality and discrimination, more Black Lives Matter protests have begun to take place. The difference is now they are getting more attention than ever before. Across the country communities are rallying together for a common good of trying to shine light on discrimination and police brutality against African Americans. Large crowds of determined citizens can be seen walking down the highways holding signs that read “Black lives matter” and “Justice for Floyd.”
Some protests have been supported by law enforcement and have been able to continue without any obstacles, but some have been met with violence. Videos of police tackling, arresting, and even pepper spraying people have surfaced across the internet. One woman who attended the protests was even blinded in one eye after being pepper sprayed by a police officer. The response by these officers has only motivated people to continue these protests.
It isn’t just average people fighting for change though, major corporations have been openly supporting these protests and rallying behind the supporters of the cause. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Netflix, Amazon, Microsoft, Best Buy, and myriad others have all done things to show their support and help motivate people to continue the fight for change. Nike played on their popular slogan “just do it” and in a new advertisement said “For once, don’t do it” talking about violence and discrimination.
While the anti-violent protests have been widely supported by people from all walks of life, there are others who have tried to take advantage of the unrest. Some people have been using these protests as an opportunity to loot, raid, and destroy stores. The citizens actually trying to make change by walking in the nonviolent protests are outraged by the people committing these acts because it reflects badly on the cause and does irreparable harm to communities and innocent fellow citizens.
George Floyd changes the world as protests and rioting surge after his killing at the knees of police
Sam Curtis, Rayna Sirken and Kyle Sullivan
Staff Writers
On May 25, George Floyd was arrested and killed by Minneapolis police. officer Derek Chauvin. George Floyd, an ordinary 46-year-old black male living in Minneapolis, was accused of buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. A local deli owner called 911. A few minutes later, the police show up and arrest Floyd. From one video, it looks as though Officer J. Alexander Kueng, a rookie officer, is questioning Floyd on the sidewalk. In a second video, Floyd is walked to a police cruiser across the street. Later, in a third video, Floyd is seen on the ground being held down by three officers: J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, another rookie who was on his fourth day in the job, and 18-year veteran Derek Chauvin whose knee was on George Floyd’s neck, crushing his face into the street. After putting his knee directly on Floyd’s neck for almost nine full minutes, Floyd passed away. A private autopsy pronounced him dead from asphyxiation.
Following this tragic and horrific incident, Chauvin was fired and then later arrested and charged with third-degree murder. Chauvin’s bond was set at $ 500,000. It took a few days, but J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao—the other officers on the scene—were all arrested and charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin in the commission of murder. The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upgraded the charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder, carrying a possible sentence of up to 40 years.
Following this the death of Floyd, many Americans as well as people around the world in places like Amsterdam, London, and Berlin, started to peacefully protest. Chanting certain phrases such as “I can’t breathe,” and “Take a knee with us,” to express their views of the police and the U.S. criminal justice system and the discrimination against all blacks. These peaceful protests started in many large cities such as New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and spread to the smaller cities and suburbs, including New Hope and neighboring Doylestown.
Then things took a turn for the worse. Riots started brewing all around the nation and some people started looting retail stores and local shops in large cities, usually under the cover of darkness long past the imposed curfews. They stole all types of items from businesses shuttered due to COVID-19 and arsonists burned many buildings in places like Minneapolis, New York, and Philadelphia. The West Philadelphia Police only have one squad car left after all the others were set ablaze. Investigators across the country have been working to ascertain which acts of destruction were done by local residents destroying their own beloved cities and which ones were perpetrated by outsiders who came in with their own destructive agendas. For example, in the community where George Floyd was killed, arsonists torched the police station, but they also burned down the post office, the local library, as well as a number of commercial establishments like the AutoZone and Arby’s.
The violence and looting left the police scrambling to enforce order. President Trump had a conference call with state governors, which was leaked to the New York Times who published the audio. In it, President Trump urged the governors to deploy the national guard into all cities in order to take control.
As a nation everyone needs to come together and respect everyone for who they are and embrace the differences we have together, no matter if were black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, rich, poor, rural, urban, republican or democrat. We are a nation; we are one big family and everyone needs to come together as one and support each other for what we represent as a country. Instead of destroying our communities, we should come together as the purest form of humanity and uplift our communities and grow them. We should not be judging others but embracing differences, while living, loving, and supporting one another and helping one another as one big family.
Staff Writers
On May 25, George Floyd was arrested and killed by Minneapolis police. officer Derek Chauvin. George Floyd, an ordinary 46-year-old black male living in Minneapolis, was accused of buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. A local deli owner called 911. A few minutes later, the police show up and arrest Floyd. From one video, it looks as though Officer J. Alexander Kueng, a rookie officer, is questioning Floyd on the sidewalk. In a second video, Floyd is walked to a police cruiser across the street. Later, in a third video, Floyd is seen on the ground being held down by three officers: J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, another rookie who was on his fourth day in the job, and 18-year veteran Derek Chauvin whose knee was on George Floyd’s neck, crushing his face into the street. After putting his knee directly on Floyd’s neck for almost nine full minutes, Floyd passed away. A private autopsy pronounced him dead from asphyxiation.
Following this tragic and horrific incident, Chauvin was fired and then later arrested and charged with third-degree murder. Chauvin’s bond was set at $ 500,000. It took a few days, but J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao—the other officers on the scene—were all arrested and charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin in the commission of murder. The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upgraded the charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder, carrying a possible sentence of up to 40 years.
Following this the death of Floyd, many Americans as well as people around the world in places like Amsterdam, London, and Berlin, started to peacefully protest. Chanting certain phrases such as “I can’t breathe,” and “Take a knee with us,” to express their views of the police and the U.S. criminal justice system and the discrimination against all blacks. These peaceful protests started in many large cities such as New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and spread to the smaller cities and suburbs, including New Hope and neighboring Doylestown.
Then things took a turn for the worse. Riots started brewing all around the nation and some people started looting retail stores and local shops in large cities, usually under the cover of darkness long past the imposed curfews. They stole all types of items from businesses shuttered due to COVID-19 and arsonists burned many buildings in places like Minneapolis, New York, and Philadelphia. The West Philadelphia Police only have one squad car left after all the others were set ablaze. Investigators across the country have been working to ascertain which acts of destruction were done by local residents destroying their own beloved cities and which ones were perpetrated by outsiders who came in with their own destructive agendas. For example, in the community where George Floyd was killed, arsonists torched the police station, but they also burned down the post office, the local library, as well as a number of commercial establishments like the AutoZone and Arby’s.
The violence and looting left the police scrambling to enforce order. President Trump had a conference call with state governors, which was leaked to the New York Times who published the audio. In it, President Trump urged the governors to deploy the national guard into all cities in order to take control.
As a nation everyone needs to come together and respect everyone for who they are and embrace the differences we have together, no matter if were black, white, brown, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, rich, poor, rural, urban, republican or democrat. We are a nation; we are one big family and everyone needs to come together as one and support each other for what we represent as a country. Instead of destroying our communities, we should come together as the purest form of humanity and uplift our communities and grow them. We should not be judging others but embracing differences, while living, loving, and supporting one another and helping one another as one big family.
Protests stop the country in its tracks
Alex Walinski and Michael Janora
Staff Writers
There have been riots across the country. Americans of all backgrounds have been protesting and rioting in response to the death of George Floyd. He was killed by a policeman after a deli owner called the police on him, accusing him of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill. After the recent murders by police of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arberry, Americans from coast to coast have been joined by people around the world--London, Berlin, Amsterdam--in protesting these murders, that were driven by race.
Cities across America are reeling from two weeks of unrest. George Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite cries from Floyd that he could not breathe. Hundreds of people were arrested over the weekend as protesters and police clashed in cities across America after the killing of George Floyd. Hundreds of protests, rallies and vigils have been held across the country, according to NBC News.
Mayors of major cities from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to Atlanta imposed curfews and at least 12 states, as well as Washington, D.C., activated National Guard troops in an effort to keep the peace, but protests in several cities descended into violence again as tensions boiled over. Derek Chauvin, the officer filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter. The social unrest over police brutality comes in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans and led to the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. The unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, a post-WWII record, and is likely to rise above 20%.
Staff Writers
There have been riots across the country. Americans of all backgrounds have been protesting and rioting in response to the death of George Floyd. He was killed by a policeman after a deli owner called the police on him, accusing him of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill. After the recent murders by police of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arberry, Americans from coast to coast have been joined by people around the world--London, Berlin, Amsterdam--in protesting these murders, that were driven by race.
Cities across America are reeling from two weeks of unrest. George Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite cries from Floyd that he could not breathe. Hundreds of people were arrested over the weekend as protesters and police clashed in cities across America after the killing of George Floyd. Hundreds of protests, rallies and vigils have been held across the country, according to NBC News.
Mayors of major cities from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to Atlanta imposed curfews and at least 12 states, as well as Washington, D.C., activated National Guard troops in an effort to keep the peace, but protests in several cities descended into violence again as tensions boiled over. Derek Chauvin, the officer filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter. The social unrest over police brutality comes in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans and led to the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. The unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, a post-WWII record, and is likely to rise above 20%.
Philly protests turn violent
Garrett Hoffman and Jake Saxton
Staff Writers
After the terrible and unfortunate death of George Floyd, tensions have spiked all across the country in major cities. Protests in Philadelphia started peacefully, but slowly began to get more violent, with looting and arson taking place after dark.
The National Guard was deployed to Philadelphia on Monday, June 1, to facilitate and apply a heavy military presence to contain the violence, looting and arson that had occurred the previous weekend. In response, protesters ended up barricading the Vine Street Expressway near 22nd Street, which caused problems on Interstate 676. The highway was closed on both ends for hours leaving people in a traffic jam created by the protesters. On top of that, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was also closed. The police used tear gas, other chemicals, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds on the highway and open it back up.
The Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw defended the use of tear gas at the Monday protest during a press conference:
“We have repeatedly assured our great communities that we will protect, preserve, and uphold every person’s constitutional right to protest. However, we cannot tolerate acts of violence and other criminal activity.”
A city police officer was hurt on Monday when a stolen car by a protester slammed into his cruiser on the 4800 block of Sansom Street. One person was arrested while others fled the scene. The officer was then rushed to the hospital with minor injuries.
Chaos has been erupting throughout every major city and on June 2, every state had something going on due to the “Blackout Tuesday.”
It’s unfortunate to see how the actions of bad police officers have had a terrible impact on the country and the work of good officers to the point where it is now dividing the country.
Staff Writers
After the terrible and unfortunate death of George Floyd, tensions have spiked all across the country in major cities. Protests in Philadelphia started peacefully, but slowly began to get more violent, with looting and arson taking place after dark.
The National Guard was deployed to Philadelphia on Monday, June 1, to facilitate and apply a heavy military presence to contain the violence, looting and arson that had occurred the previous weekend. In response, protesters ended up barricading the Vine Street Expressway near 22nd Street, which caused problems on Interstate 676. The highway was closed on both ends for hours leaving people in a traffic jam created by the protesters. On top of that, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was also closed. The police used tear gas, other chemicals, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds on the highway and open it back up.
The Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw defended the use of tear gas at the Monday protest during a press conference:
“We have repeatedly assured our great communities that we will protect, preserve, and uphold every person’s constitutional right to protest. However, we cannot tolerate acts of violence and other criminal activity.”
A city police officer was hurt on Monday when a stolen car by a protester slammed into his cruiser on the 4800 block of Sansom Street. One person was arrested while others fled the scene. The officer was then rushed to the hospital with minor injuries.
Chaos has been erupting throughout every major city and on June 2, every state had something going on due to the “Blackout Tuesday.”
It’s unfortunate to see how the actions of bad police officers have had a terrible impact on the country and the work of good officers to the point where it is now dividing the country.
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