The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
Kids can effortlessly access age-restricted content using the internet in only a few clicks, despite past actions to resolve this concern. A law in Texas mandates websites with sexually explicit content to require users to verify their ages using government identification. However, this law created tension among free speech advocates since the law forces adults to provide personal information on intimate websites, which may be exposing and unsafe. HB 1181, the law that requires adults to provide confidential information to prove their age, has been disfavored by many in Texas since, although it shields kids from accessing explicit content, it also discourages many adults from accessing the same content. Despite the positives of this law, the Supreme Court is considering legitimate concerns about free speech and security, which will hopefully guide the state to a decision that solves both the issue of underage exposure to adult content and the concern of free speech.

Cartoon: One click away

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
January 18, 2025
After years of rumors of a TikTok ban from U.S. officials, the Supreme Court has decided to go through with the ban unless the app is sold to an approved buyer. Members of the Supreme Court claim the ban is to protect the safety of U.S. citizens using the app. Meanwhile, however, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that content moderation policies on Facebook and Instagram will be loosened to a community-based moderation system. Though TikTok and Meta are unsafe in different ways, they should still be held to the same standard. If user safety is the U.S. government’s issue, Meta shouldn’t be allowed to loosen their restrictions protecting their users from misinformation.

Cartoon: Rollercoaster rules

Julia Cline, Staff Writer
January 16, 2025
A study done by Pew Research shows that across most ages, races, and genders, people are more likely to learn about personal finances from their family and friends than they are from school. This creates a problem, because it means that children who come from families with poor income and poor financial knowledge will grow up with the same tendencies when it comes to money and pass them on to their own children. It's important for schools to do their part to ensure that everyone gets the financial education they need.

Cartoon: Money cycle

Keira Sarmiento, Staff Writer
December 16, 2024
President Joe Biden has faced a lot of backlash for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, from his convictions on felony tax offenses as well as misdemeanor tax offenses. According to a study by NORC at the University of Chicago, 51% of adults disapprove of Biden's decision. A poll by Monmouth University confirms this trend, stating 58% percent of Americans disapprove. This situation is complicated because back in June of this year, Biden swore that he would not pardon him. However, Biden claims that the justice system has failed his son and treated him harshly because of his ties to the president. While, Biden's actions does make him less trustworthy, he did the right thing because at the end of the day, it is family who matters the most. Biden said in a statement on December 1, "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision."

Cartoon: A father first

Keira Sarmiento, Staff Writer
December 16, 2024
After the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a range of reactions swept the nation. Some saw the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, as a heartless assassin. In contrast, others praised his actions, turning the murder into a symbol of the struggle against power-hungry corporations. Those who have been denied healthcare in the past might find themselves more sympathetic to Mangione, given the high costs and limited access to basic healthcare in the United States. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of respecting the boundaries of these opinions and the need for considerate actions based on them.

Cartoon: Moral maze

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
December 16, 2024
On his first day as president, Donald Trump plans to make it easier for federal immigration officers to arrest migrants with no criminal record. His plans will result in a period of mass deportation across the country, and Trump suggests that he will involve the military in these actions. Millions of immigrants will be affected by the mass deportation. However, the economy will also take a hit if his plan succeeds. The United States economy is not only built off American-born citizens, but a significant portion also relies on immigrants. Trump’s plan to deport millions of immigrants would have tragic consequences not only on the economy but also on countless families and individuals.

Cartoon: Out of reach

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
December 16, 2024
beeep boop

Cartoon: Sleepless futures

Skylin Lui, Staff Writer
December 16, 2024
Hold your horses, because Former President Donald's Trump's re-election has sparked conversation about his proposed policies for his future in office. His plans includes cracking down on illegal immigration and even ending birthright citizenship, requiring a change to the 14th Constitutional Amendment. Furthermore, he claims that he will put an end to foreign conflicts the US is involved in, specifically the war in Ukraine through a negotiation. One of the reasons many people voted for him in the first place was because they believe he will improve the US economy. Trump plans to raise foreign tariffs and encourage US manufacturing. Finally, Trump's second administration will affect all students in public schools because he seeks to abolish the federal Department of Education and refuses to fund school who teach Critical Race Theory, among other topics he deems as inappropriate. This is only the surface of the changes Trump has in mind for 2025, so the people of the US can expect some turbulence as the entire system goes under construction.

Cartoon: Taking the reigns

Keira Sarmiento, Staff Writer
December 15, 2024
Beneath the bright colors and fun packaging, a sinister reality appears in snacks marketed toward children. Many snacks typically contain high amounts of sugar and less beneficial ingredients and nutrients. By targeting a younger and more vulnerable audience, big-name companies can profit off parents unaware of the unhealthy ingredients used in these products. Although parents try to keep their children safe in many different ways, some often don’t spot misleading labels or aren’t well informed about the snacks their children eat. Parents should not allow children to consume unhealthy snacks excessively, and companies should not target harmful snacks toward children.

Cartoon: Sugar-coated labels

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
December 12, 2024
beep boop

Cartoon: Caffeine consumptions

Skylin Lui, Staff Writer
November 18, 2024
The recent E. coli outbreak sourced from McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers was not the beginning of the corporation’s struggle in 2024. Towards the end of July, McDonald’s witnessed a significant loss of customers and sales due to increasing prices and inflation. A Big Mac cost $5.69 in the U.S. and $8.07 in Switzerland. Just as McDonald’s began working its way back into American customers' hearts, the company and population confronted the E. coli outbreak. In 2022, a similar conflict occurred when several children were admitted to a hospital and experienced E. coli symptoms after consuming McDonald’s food. Considering the company didn’t suffer much from the incident, they will likely repeat this outcome and quickly return from their struggles.

Cartoon: Sickly sales

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
Despite improvements in health coverage for racial minorities, bias and discrimination in healthcare persist. Research shows that about one in five adults in the U.S. have faced racial discrimination during medical encounters. This experience damages trust and diverts effective communication between patients and providers, leading to unwillingness to seek care in the future. One example of this bias is the distinction in narcotic prescriptions, where African American patients often receive fewer prescriptions compared to their white counterparts. Each patient should receive equitable healthcare, regardless of their race or background.

Cartoon: Bias check-up

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer
October 28, 2024
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