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
Grace Stiefel

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer

Grace Stiefel is a junior and is excited to be a cartoonist for her second year of journalism. She enjoys drawing, sports, and playing video games.

All content by Grace Stiefel
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

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

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[Photo] Quiz: Naughty or Nice?

Emi Pajarillo, Scot Scoop Editor • December 11, 2024

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[Photo] Crossword: Happy Holidays

Linda Reeder, Scot Scoop Editor • December 6, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: Which streaming service are you?

Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • December 4, 2024

In recent years, independent bookstores have struggled to survive the modern age of online shopping and the popularization of e-books. Despite this, many readers prefer physical books and visiting local bookstores.

The next chapter: readers set aside ink and leather

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • November 25, 2024

As the thick scent of aged paper and leather furnishes the air, a small crowd of shoppers disperses throughout the store, foraging for the next paperback to satisfy their craze. They wander along the shelves...

With high shares of the market, industry giants monopolize content, forcing viewers to pay the price for exclusive media. Because the streaming industry has little to no regulation in subscription pricing, consumers are at the mercy of corporations.

[Photo] Editorial: Streaming services cannot monopolize the entertainment industry

Editorial Staff • November 19, 2024

With high shares of the market, industry giants monopolize content, forcing viewers to pay the price for exclusive media. Because the streaming industry has little to no regulation in subscription pricing,...

The importance of polling rises to the top of conversation after the results of the presidential election. Lowered response rates led to more uncertainty as to who the victor would be pre-election, symbolized by the question mark at the end of the polls. ""People who fill out polls might not be the most diverse representatives of the American population, but knowing the needs of a select group, a select sample size is definitely a lot better than not understanding the needs of any group," Sweekriti Ratnam said.

[Photo] Presidential election showcases the importance of polling

Wesley Kron, Staff Writer • November 15, 2024

The importance of polling rises to the top of conversation after the results of the presidential election. Lowered response rates led to more uncertainty as to who the victor would be pre-election, symbolized...

A hand attached to a chain is bound by a paintbrush drawing "Prop 6," signifying the restrictions of the current California amendment. With California Proposition 6, people who are incarcerated will be able to choose what work or programs they would like to be in rather than be forced to work on jobs assigned to them.

[Photo] Proposition 6’s failure prevents ending involuntary servitude in California prisons

Kiana Chen, Staff Writer • November 12, 2024

A hand attached to a chain is bound by a paintbrush drawing "Prop 6," signifying the restrictions of the current California amendment. With California Proposition 6, people who are incarcerated will be...

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[Photo] Quiz: Which Jellycat are you?

Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • November 6, 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

With the upcoming presidential election, reproductive rights are put on the foreground of political discussion.

[Photo] Issues that matter: differing perspectives on reproductive rights

Emi Pajarillo and Wesley Kron • November 5, 2024

With the upcoming presidential election, reproductive rights are put on the foreground of political discussion.

Students continue to aspire towards an Ivy League education, despite the high tuition costs and low acceptance rates.

[Photo] Editorial: An Ivy League education is worth the costs

Editorial Staff • November 5, 2024

Students continue to aspire towards an Ivy League education, despite the high tuition costs and low acceptance rates.

With recent advances of digital media and technology, misinformation has never been easier to spread. As readers navigate an overwhelming volume of news sources, distinguishing facts from falsehoods becomes increasingly more challenging.

[Photo] The media maze: how digitization spreads misinformation

Emi Pajarillo, Scot Scoop Editor • November 29, 2024

With recent advances of digital media and technology, misinformation has never been easier to spread. As readers navigate an overwhelming volume of news sources, distinguishing facts from falsehoods becomes...

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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[Photo] Crossword: Beach day

Wesley Kron, Staff Writer • October 18, 2024

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[Photo] Crossword: Movie Quotes

Linda Reeder, Scot Scoop Editor • October 11, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: What stereotypical horror character are you?

Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • October 9, 2024

The limited number of test centers in the Bay Area forces students to travel long distances to take the SAT, creating inequities in terms of both time and cost. This inconvenience puts additional stress on students who want to take the test to strengthen their college applications.

[Photo] Editorial: Bay Area students need more SAT test centers

Editorial Staff • October 8, 2024

The limited number of test centers in the Bay Area forces students to travel long distances to take the SAT, creating inequities in terms of both time and cost. This inconvenience puts additional stress...

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[Photo] Crossword: Sweets and Treats

Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • October 4, 2024

While anti-semitism has consistently been a prevalent issue around the world, attacks motivated by anti-semitism have skyrocketed since Oct. 7, 2023. There has primarily been a stark upsurge in acts of aggression uncovered on college campuses directed toward Jewish and Israeli students. Much of this harassment derives from anti-Zionist movements that end up affecting Jewish students who, most of the time, are not even associated with Zionism. These acts often result in lower attendance for students of Jewish identities. In the first six months of 2024, there was an estimated 477% increase in anti-Israel incidents of vandalism, assault, harassment, and protests compared to the same period in 2023. It’s vital that individuals appropriately express their beliefs while understanding that it’s immoral to attack others simply because their views or identities are different.

Cartoon: Campus divide

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • October 3, 2024

As Tropical Storm Helene rapidly travels north, regions around the Gulf of Mexico are being sent into panic as they scramble to prepare for the largest storm since last year. Government officials are sending out evacuation orders, and flood barricades are being constructed to restrict the damage projected to be prompted by the storm. Hurricane-force wind gusts and rainfall are expected to collide with the Tampa area late Wednesday, Sep. 25, while the storm is expected to hit northern Floridian regions beginning Thursday, Sep. 26. Florida Senator Rick Scott issued a warning about the approaching hurricane, stating that it will be unsurvivable and that residents must evacuate their homes. As Helene draws nearer and evolves into a more imminent threat, it’s critical that locals take precautions seriously and stay safe during this hazardous storm.

Cartoon: Hurricane havoc

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • September 26, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: What high school movie are you?

Emi Pajarillo, Scot Scoop Editor • September 25, 2024

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[Photo] Crossword: Heroes vs. Villains

Emi Pajarillo, Scot Scoop Editor • September 20, 2024

Nearly twelve years ago, one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history took place in Newtown, Connecticut. Survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting who were in first grade at the time are now approaching their first opportunity to vote in a presidential election. This will be a monumental moment for these teenagers since firearms are currently a recurring discussion topic for both presidential candidates. The survivors’ past experiences and trauma, which have shaped their lives and beliefs, will undoubtedly play a prominent role in their voting decisions. It is necessary for them to choose the candidate who will best represent their beliefs. This is true not only of the survivors but also everyone voting in the U.S.

Cartoon: Your vote, their hope

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • September 19, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: What grade are you really?

Linda Reeder, Scot Scoop Editor • September 18, 2024

While awareness of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety has increased over the last decade, understanding of the mental health of those with hearing impairments falls short. As of 2021, a calculated 1.9% of United States citizens struggle with hearing, and an estimated 1.6 million deaf adults are diagnosed with anxiety or depression disorders. A rational guess for this mental illness epidemic is the subject of language deprivation. Due to the language barriers between those of hearing and those without it, hard-of-hearing individuals often feel socially isolated. Deaf adults struggle to acquire the support they need with their mental health since most healthcare providers are not adequately trained to aid those with hearing problems. Sign language must be taught extensively to develop a more accessible world for those with hearing struggles, and learning it must be required for certain professions, such as healthcare workers and therapists, to better assist those with hearing impairments.

Cartoon: Silent treatment

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • September 12, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: Which signature fall scent are you?

September 8, 2024

Half a dozen Bangladeshi police officers blindfolded and handcuffed law student Iftekhar Alam after bursting into his apartment and dragging him outside. Alam was taken as a political prisoner since he was involved in anti-government protests and associated with influential protest leaders. His captors threatened and pressured him to expose the location of these leaders. Alam was tortured and could not speak properly after being rescued, according to his father. “I was like, ‘There is no escaping from this, and my life will end here, and no one will know,’” Alam said. Alam was rescued, but the whereabouts and status of over a hundred others experiencing the same crisis remain unknown. Immediate action must be taken to find and bring the rest of the prisoners home.

Cartoon: Torture and tyranny

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • September 8, 2024

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[Photo] Quiz: Which fast-food chain are you based on your tastes?

Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • September 4, 2024

Japanese professional tennis player Naomi Osaka strives to bring her unique style to her return to the US Open, unveiling two custom-made outfits. Her first ensemble presented a black bomber jacket with a large bow pinned to the back. She sported a poofy skirt in the same color, layered with tiers of ruffles and frills. Osaka said her love for maximalism and a “Lolita goth” style inspired the outfit. Her second outfit, which she wore to her first match, showed a matching aesthetic to the first, with bows and more of her maximalist spirit. Osaka said that she often feels like she transforms when she steps onto the court, which is reflected in her unique outfits. Her creativity and determination to express herself make her stand out and inspire others to show off their interests. If Osaka can represent herself through garments created for motion and athleticism, others can do the same through everyday attire.

Cartoon: What a serve!

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • August 29, 2024

In recent years, avian influenza, or H5N1, has become a growing concern in the U.S., as the disease has killed approximately 92.34 million birds since 2022. However, H5N1 has spread to other animals on the farm as well, specifically cattle. The situation is concerning enough; however, a few cases have also been confirmed in humans. Though the spread of avian influenza has not been traced to human transmission and is a low-risk condition, worries about the future of H5N1 have begun to form. More severe precautions should be taken to prevent the possibility of another pandemic and to help lessen the damage and spread of H5N1 in birds and other important livestock.

Cartoon: Virus flies in

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • May 30, 2024

An airplane passenger 60 years ago may have dined on five-star meals for free to calm their nerves. Nowadays, passengers can enjoy a cookie or snack mix. Numerous factors have caused the decline of airline food—most of which point towards the removal of airline meals being the right move. One reason for grounding airline food was the cost of carrying a large quantity of food on the aircraft. Since an airplane can only hold so much weight, the weight of food began to take up space for passengers and luggage, which impacted the number of tickets bought per flight. Another reason for eliminating full airline meals was health concerns. Allergies to the meals posed an issue. Worries about food quality also began to arise, leading most airlines to ground the idea of full meals. Though some may not agree with the decision to eliminate airline food, small cookies and snack mixes will have to do for the future due to the issues that arose with full airline meals.

Cartoon: The descent of airline food

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • May 22, 2024

A magical pink and green sky that would illuminate the late-night hours—this was the scene countless eager Americans anticipated on Mother’s Day weekend. However, many were disappointed when they realized they could not experience the once-in-a-lifetime sight. One of the main reasons that many could not see the Aurora Borealis was due to their location. Most cities see skies covered in light pollution, which blocks the lights from being seen. Powerful lights that escape outside are the source of light pollution, causing the sky to brighten by around 10 percent each year. To prevent the blockage of the northern lights, people should turn off lights when not in use and find other ways to limit light usage.

Cartoon: Lights out nights out

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • May 17, 2024

Despite Disney’s initial and long-lasting success in the past decade, the studio struggles to stay afloat after creating a massive splash in the ocean of animation and entertainment. In the last 20 years, Disney released high-grossing films such as Frozen, which made nearly $1.3 billion. However, the company’s performance at the box office seems to worsen with each upcoming film. For example, Disney’s Wish made around $240 million with a production budget of around $200 million. Not only have their recent original films failed, but remakes and sequels in the last few years have suffered greatly. Disney’s 2020 live-action remake of Mulan grossed around $69 million, sparked a significant amount of controversy surrounding the film, and was ultimately a failure. If Disney wants to maintain the same success as it did in the past, the studio must find a way to create successful original films instead of solely relying on the studio’s past achievements.

Cartoon: The Disney decline

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • May 11, 2024

Pilotless drones are inexpensive, easy-to-use battle advantages that often shape the outcome of battles and are essential in successful air-driven attacks. Though they are sometimes considered a weapon of the modern world, drones have been developing for over a hundred years. Britain and the United States tested the first pilotless vehicles during World War 1, but they wouldn’t gain popularity until the Vietnam War when the United States first used drones in combat. Since first being tested in the 20th century, the capabilities and limits of pilotless drones have been explored and tweaked to create dangerous weapons that have changed how wars are fought today.

Cartoon: Pilotless drones take flight

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • May 5, 2024

Glass child syndrome is a term used to describe children whose siblings require more attention due to medical needs, physical or mental disabilities, or other situations that require extra care. Glass children often feel neglected by their parents and may feel invisible or see-through due to the lack of attention they receive compared to their sibling. Though it’s challenging to prevent neglect in glass children completely, it’s possible to reduce the severity. Parents setting aside just 15 minutes for each child benefits their relationship and can limit these feelings of invisibility. Taking this small step allows a child to grow up without feeling like their family life revolves around their sibling.

Cartoon: Feeling see-through

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • April 25, 2024

Pregnancy and childbirth are often considered symbolic of new life and new beginnings. However, many undergoing pregnancy face concerns about losing their own life. Most maternal deaths are caused by excessive bleeding and infections after childbirth or can be a result of complications during delivery. Those who experienced severe or mild complications such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy are also at high risk. Complications during pregnancy can cause deaths up to 50 years later. Informing oneself about the risks during pregnancy and the possible aftermath is critical to staying safe and preventing death.

Cartoon: Death by life

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • April 18, 2024

A harmony of clanging drums and ear-shattering chants consumed the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during the final weekend of March. The sea of screaming protesters raising blue and white banners gathered for two reasons — one was to call for the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The other was to demand immediate action towards the retrieval of hostages held captive in Gaza. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas captured about 250 people. One hundred thirty of those captives are believed to still be in Gaza. Thirty-three of those remaining captives are presumed deceased. Many protesters carried pictures of these hostages, calling for more action towards releasing the prisoners. Returning Gaza’s hostages to their families should be Israel’s primary focus as opposed to military or technological objectives.

Cartoon: Bring them home

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • April 3, 2024

Though physical activity is beneficial for many health-related reasons, many forget the importance of exercise when it comes to sleep. Completing just 30 minutes of physical activity throughout the day improves the quality and duration of sleep in adults. This is because exercise reduces sleep onset, which is the amount of time it takes for a person to fall asleep. It also helps combat sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. People can improve their sleep habits and quality of life by engaging in daily physical activity.

Cartoon: Work hard, sleep hard

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • March 29, 2024

R&B vocalist Beyoncé is charging headfirst into a new style of music — country. Her latest single “Texas Hold ‘Em” quickly topped the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, making her the first Black woman to do so. However, her recent genre switch isn’t out of nowhere. In 2016, she performed a country-inspired song at the CMA Awards and received racist backlash. Despite this, she worked to prove herself and dive into a new genre. Beyoncé’s new album is expected to debut on March 29, 2024.

Cartoon: Stomping the competition

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • March 21, 2024

Young children and teens set aside dollhouses and building blocks, turning to a new toy — skincare and anti-aging products. This surge in obsession stems from social media and influencers claiming that building a skincare routine will be beneficial later on. However, young children who slap a hundred layers of different lotions on their skin are facing worse concerns than wrinkles. Red, itchy rashes form after using skincare products that they don’t need. These rashes result from contact dermatitis, a skin reaction caused by specific allergens in some skincare products. Parents should teach their children that having a skincare routine isn’t necessary, especially at a young age when their skin doesn’t need products.

Cartoon: Skin that doesn’t need care

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • March 13, 2024

Two college basketball records were broken in a matchup between Iowa and Ohio State. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark became the highest-scoring Division 1 basketball player, passing LSU star Pete Maravich. A high of around 4.42 million viewers were drawn to the match, breaking the record for the most-watched women’s regular-season basketball game since 1999. These records will hopefully be a step forward for recognition in women’s sports at all levels.

Cartoon: Breaking records on and off the court

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • March 10, 2024

The cost of cereal in the U.S. has increased by about 28% since January 2020, yet Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick suggests that financially struggling families consider cereal at the dinner table. After several similar remarks, Pilnick and the company were met with substantial backlash from the public. Many deemed the statements insensitive and tone-deaf for not considering inflation and the lack of nutrition in cereal. Corn Flakes, one of Kellogg’s most popular cereals, contains 24g of carbohydrates, 47mg of potassium, 1.4mg of calcium, and 100 calories in one cup (28g.) Though cereal makes a decent breakfast, it is not nearly nutritious enough to substitute real dinner foods.

Cartoon: Let them eat flakes

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • March 2, 2024

 

Often, when an adolescent experiences parental separation, they feel as though their world has broken apart. They may feel it's their responsibility to piece their family back together or that the divorce was caused by them.

Spotlighting the shadows of parental separation

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • February 29, 2024

Something is missing. Class begins, and the teacher asks a boy where his homework is. His mind cycles through a million words, yet it’s completely blank. He feels the eyes of his classmates burning...

The migratory monarch butterfly, possibly the most recognized butterfly species, was at an all-time low in terms of population during winter and will likely see an increasingly constant decline in the summer. Rising global temperatures are a prevalent cause. So is urban development and deforestation. These factors result in the destruction of natural habitats as well as milkweed plants, a resource necessary for survival and reproduction in monarch butterflies. Though migratory monarch butterflies face the threat of endangerment and possibly extinction, many organizations are taking action to preserve natural habitats.

Cartoon: Flight to extinction

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • February 14, 2024

Many protestors advocating for animal rights met the return of bullfighting in Mexico City at the first official match since its initial restriction. Bullfighting was suspended as part of a long-running legal case in 2022 and legalized again in December 2023. Despite this setback in banning bullfighting for good, more than 300 protestors lined the front of Plaza México several hours before the match began. Murdering animals is not entertainment, nor is it a form of art.

Cartoon: Raising the red flag on bullfighting

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • February 10, 2024

Technology and social media have widened the access that younger generations have to all kinds of music, including older music that other generations grew up with. Many people who are part of the younger generations discover old classics through social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. TikTok is the most used music discovery social media for these generations, followed by Instagram then Facebook. Through the use of social media, many people are able to discover new, upcoming artists as well as older ones in the music scene. Social media is an effective way of discovering new and old music, but there are many other methods as well.

Cartoon: Old music reshuffles into queue

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • February 5, 2024

Sophomore Izzy Romero tightly clutches the ball while defenders try to grab it out of her hands. Romero had just received a pass while on offense and was trying to keep the ball in her possession. "As a team, I think we could have played better," Romero said.

Scots pounce on Panthers in blowout

Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • December 8, 2023

Carlmont’s JV girls basketball team dominated Burlingame, completing the match with more than double their opponent’s score.  The game had a quiet start, ending the first period with Carlmont leading...

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