The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
A school computer displays an electoral college vote simulator.

How Far is Too Far? – Post-Election Political Expression

Knox McCalla, Staff Writer • November 19, 2024
Conflict is normal, it’s high school after all, but lately for the students of AHS, it seems that the boundary of friendly conflict is slowly being pushed into the territory of bullying.
DEBATE-- Sophomores (left to right) Peyton Burg, Peyton McLaren, and Dane Wiederstein prepare for their debate for World History Class.

Where Do We Draw the Line? — OPINION

Bailey Grieshaber, Staff Writer • November 18, 2024
After the election, most of us are settling in with the results, and talking with peers, some discussions are quite vulgar. With that, free speech and free expression in our school are questioned. The line between what is acceptable for students is anything but clear, what is hate speech, and when does an opinion become threatening?
The importance of voting stretches beyond the electoral vote.

Your Vote Matters

Anna Potts, Lead Editor • October 23, 2024
“Your vote matters.” Something we always hear every three years in October and November, but really, how much does your vote matter? Furthermore, why is an educated vote so important, and how do voters determine what an educated vote is? Why are most young voters hesitant to vote, or don’t vote based on personal conflicts? This voting season, we spoke with Holly Esbeck, the AHS Government teacher, on how to make an informed decision, voting trends, and the importance of casting a vote. 
"Iowa’s resignation from a bipartisan group that helps states keep their voter rolls up to date is official as of last Friday." (Iowa Public Radio)

Make a Difference– Register to Vote

Anna Potts, Lead Editor • September 20, 2024
This year, AHS encourages students to register as a voter, to fulfill their civic duty, and to make informed decisions about the upcoming election.
SURVEY ANALYSIS - Sixty AHS participants showed their reaction and response to House File 2586. Out of the 60 participants, 48.3% said they would not feel safe in a school with guns, and 38.3% said they would. The remaining 13.4% were undecided or neutral.

Friendly Firearms

Alix Nath, Editor • May 8, 2024

Political Race Update

Political Race Update

Anna Potts, Editor • January 25, 2024

The Republican Primary was held on Jan. 15, and Iowans chose Donald Trump as their pick, however, where does this leave other candidates? Primary polls showed 51 percent of registered Republicans in Iowa...

Vice President Pence will offer the opening coin toss on Oct. 6.

Pence to Appear at Pink-Out

Claire Pellett, AHS Needle Lead Editor • September 28, 2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Oct. 6 Pink-Out football game at the Atlantic Trojan Bowl. His events coordinator recently contacted ACSD Activities Director Andrew Mitchell about having...

The FDA has voted to approve Opill as an over-the-counter contraceptive.

News Story Breakdown: Will Birth Control Become an Over-the-Counter Medication? 

Anna Potts, Staff Writer • May 18, 2023

June 23, 1960--a revolutionary day in medicine and healthcare for women. Finally, a way to cut down unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, ease menstrual cramps, control hormones, and even reduce...

FFA members in the House of Representatives. From left to right: DJ Shepperd, Claire Pellett, Daniel Fruend, Representative Tom Moore, Colton Rudy, Jackson McLaren, Charli Goff, Callee Pellett. Seated: Dylan Comes.

38th Annual Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol

Contributed by Charli Goff* • February 13, 2023

FFA members from across Iowa converged at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism. Nearly 700 high school students wearing blue corduroy...

This political cartoon depicts the irony of the new cell phone policy.

Phone Policy Promotes less than Positive Conditions for Pupils

Ally Peterson • October 14, 2022

The new phone policy, though a somewhat needed procedure, is infantilizing in its delivery at times. It makes it seem as though we are small children who can't control themselves. As if we are so immature...

The Pledge is recited over the intercom every day. Students choose to participate or not. (Photo illustration)

Liberty and Justice for All

Eleanor McCalla • September 9, 2021

Eyes on the flag. Hand on the heart. Recite the Pledge. To some, this is a unifying act of patriotism. To others, a school-led Pledge of Allegiance creates adversity, opposes freedom, and threatens...

The new bill states: “The Constitution of the State of Iowa does not recognize, grant, or secure a right to abortion or require the public funding of abortion.” Students at AHS have different opinions on the passing of this bill.

New Iowa Constitution Update States it Secures “No Right” to an Abortion

Brynna Kern, Editor • March 11, 2021

The Iowa Senate is pushing to further limit the ability for women to receive a medical abortion. The Iowa law being debated declared to “defend and protect unborn children.” According to The Des Moines...

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