Observer Department: Features
Store closures leave shoppers with fewer options
If it feels like more stores are closing lately and malls are looking half-empty, it’s not your imagination. Across the country, thousands of stores from major retail chains like Macy’s, Party City, and Carter’s to supermarkets and pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS have closed their doors. Bankruptcy, rising tariffs,…
The banned book discussion
Books are a primary form of media and educational material. They contain stories or historical information, some of which have influenced modern society as it is known today. However, in the United States, book censorship is becoming increasingly common. During the 2023-24 school year, over 6,500 books were banned…
Political divisions drive discussion: The continued quest to find unity and dialogue
In the United States, political divisiveness is often covered in the media. Whether it’s President Donald Trump’s policies or speculation regarding the 2028 Democratic Party primaries, it’s become an inescapable topic for the average American. Since the 2016 election, the nation has shifted away from moderate and bipartisan politics and…
People of Lawrence photo essay
My profile is on Lawrence and the people residing in it making it what it is today I took photos of people doing their every day activities. Note: Arias is currently enrolled in an Early College Journalism I course. Students completed profiles and/or portraits for their final projects. Arias chose…
NECC’s budding cannabis courses
College offers certificates focused on jobs in the industry Since its legalization in 2016, following the decriminalization of cannabis in 2008, Massachusetts has emerged as a leader in the recreational cannabis sector, becoming the 18th state in the nation to embrace this progressive change. The legalization has not only reshaped…
Alexa Plus: A new era of voice assistance, but at what cost?
Amazon’s latest innovation, Alexa Plus, promises to revolutionize the way we interact with voice assistants. With enhanced voice recognition capabilities powered by generative AI, Alexa Plus is designed to provide a more personalized and efficient user experience. However, this advancement comes with significant changes to how user data is handled,…
Water woes in the Spurk building
Students and staff on the third floor of the C Building recently had to grapple with issues caused by a persistently leaking ceiling on the third floor. The issue led to trash cans being placed throughout the floor to manage the water dripping into the hallways, but this temporary solution…
Astronauts return to Earth: Two were stranded for nine months
Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned home after unexpected issues during the test of Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft forced the two to dock aboard the International Space Station. The Boeing Crew Flight Test launched on June 5, 2024, and was expected to last eight days, with a…
An immigration journey
From the Dominican Republic to a new beginning Moving to a new country is never easy, but for one local student, it was a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and personal growth. In this exclusive interview, she shares her experience of leaving the Dominican Republic, adjusting to a new culture,…
Evolution of a Thanksgiving staple
Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite From the Milk Bar pumpkin pie, to the most simple of pumpkin pies, this seasonal treat is found in many spreads of last courses. Pumpkin was a staple to early settlers of New England, and was at first used in many other ways. Pumpkin…
