Graphic illustration created in Canva by Luke Soule

Weekly News Roundup

Anthony Capobianco, Ellie Shelton, Jozlynn Smith, and Jayden Wadlington

Dec 13, 2024

International

What is the Assad Regime: Bashar Al-Assad was a political leader in Syria who became president of Syria in the year 2000, but quickly evolved into a dictator. His inhumane policies led to mass exodus of Syrian refugees into Europe and the west. As of Dec 8, 2024, Syrian rebels regained control of the Syrian government by forcing Bashar al-Assad out of the country, ending the Assad regime. Syrian refugees have begun returning to Syria in hopes for a brighter future, and this affects the western world because many Syrian refugees sought asylum here in America and have been cause for debate among politicians, especially in Europe.

National

If TikTok doesn’t sell their app by Jan. 19, 2025 it will be faced with a ban from the US. In March 2024, a bill to ban TikTok if they don’t sell the app started to gain momentum. Later that month The House of Representatives passed the TikTok ban-or-sell bill. In April the senate followed and Joe biden signed it. Now, TikTok is trying to let it’s app stay on the app store without having to sell it. The company, Byte Dance, is calling this sell-or-ban ordeal unconstitutional and is taking it up to the supreme court.

Local

On Dec. 11 SouthSide Cycling Club took a tour of Peachtree City to view the Christmas lights. To ensure everyone’s safety they stopped frequently to group back together. Afterwards, there was a SouthSide Cycling Club Social at the nearby Crosstown Grille that started at 8pm. All Club members were welcome to attend the Social even if they didn’t ride. Everyone gathered at the Braelinn Village Shopping Center in front of the old K-Mart to depart on the ride. The central-to-southside path ride took everyone from McIntosh Corners to the Morallion Hills and back. Everyone dressed up their bikes for the occasion to share the holiday cheer and glow. Helmets and front and rear bike lights were required.

School

On Dec. 10, assistant principal and athletic director Leon Hammond sent out a message through Parent Square regarding students behavior at an away basketball game at Northgate High School on Dec. 6. Students were reported to have been yelling profanities and making rude remarks to the players and the officials. Hammond mentioned the consequences if any students fail to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct will be banned from attending any games for the rest of the school year. They were also advised to show respect for everyone involved during game days. As of Dec.10, the student section will be closed until further notice due to inappropriate behavior at the previous night’s basketball game.

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About the Contributors

Anthony Capobianco, Multimedia Editor

Anthony Capobianco is serving his second year on staff as the Multimedia Editor. Capobianco likes to create films, or videos about real life or fiction. He mainly specializes in the editing and brainstorming of them. He likes to create films and videos to express himself in his favorite way possible. Capobianco also likes to write articles, music and stories. He’s been writing for a large portion of his life and is excited to keep going for the Trail. He likes to write to bring light or awareness about issues that either are not talked about enough or are “taboo” subjects. Capobianco plans on making high quality multimedia projects for the Trail. He hopes that The Trail can get the SNO multimedia badge and have another successful year.

Ellie Shelton, Staff

Ellie Shelton is a Senior at McIntosh and this is her first year on the Trail Staff. She decided to join after discovering the site and seeing how students were free to express themselves there. Shelton is interested in writing about politics, feminism and philosophy. During her many years of taking Spanish classes in school, she has competed in and won poetry declamation contests at Clemson University, winning first place last year for her performance. Along with Spanish, her other passions are classic literature and computer science. She especially seeks out problem-solving because it gives her a sense of accomplishment and helps her stay determined. Shelton is spending her last year of school on the varsity Quiz Bowl team and working at the daycare Royal Learners. Outside of school and work, she spends her time reading and finding out new things. “There are so many things to find out about this world. Be curious. Seek out knowledge and you will find it.”

Jozlynn Smith, Staff

Jozlynn Smith is a new student at McIntosh. She is a freshman and is also serving her first year on the Trail Staff. She wants to focus on getting the truth out for others to read and relate to. Smith wants her stories to give people the enlightenment of their peers, and give people the spotlight they deserve. Smith believes that everyone is a story, and has thought-provoking things about them. In 2023, Smith joined an international writing competition and came in the top 10 of all the people in her state. She wrote an outstanding essay, giving an insight of the book she was assigned. Placing in the top 10 in her state, Smith received an award that is hung up where everyone can see at her grandparents house. Smith also received a first place for an art piece she had put in her local art show. Smith is a creative writer and artist but most of all she is an expert on food. She loves Dr.Pepper and mozzarella sticks. She is a picky eater but is up to trying new restaurants and new food items.

Jayden Wadlington, Staff

Jayden Wadlington is a senior at McIntosh and this is her first year on the Trail Staff. While on staff she hopes to presume multimedia. Wadlington is going into her fourth year in The Spirit of McIntosh marching band. She has participated in The Black Student Union, The Unity Club, Sources of Strength and Knitting and Crochet Club. Her favorite subject in school is Government because she enjoys learning about politics. Outside of school Wadlington enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, working and keeping herself informed on politics and what goes on around the world. After high school Wadlington wants to go to flight school to become a flight attendant.