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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,…
NECC alumni named to national board
The YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) has welcomed new national board members, including NECC alumni Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo, who has been named to the Youth Advisory Council. Nationwide, only 3.8% of YMCA board members are under the age of 30. As a youth-serving organization, the Y has the opportunity to…
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…
Reflecting on Hurricane Maria: Many people still feel storm’s impact in their lives
Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were both hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017 -- the storm continues to affect how some people live now and created a traumatic situation. Today I will share the reflections of who told me about their experiences and a little about how they live…
Open mic night brings Lawrence community together
On the 20th of February, an open mic was held at El taller & Cafe Azteca, hosted by Sebastian Navedo (also known as Bigman) and ISHA! Known for its calm vibes and delicious food, El Taller also hosts open mics. El Taller is a place where many artists and other…
2024, a year in review: Pop culture moments that captivated us
Looking back on 2024, it’s clear that the year was heavily marked by major pop culture moments that fascinated audiences and sparked conversations. It was a year that we radically changed the way we connect with culture whether it be on or offline. From music feuds to viral memes, these…
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,…
Trump proposes to defund Dept. of Education
Plans spark nationwide concern from students, parents and teachers In a surprising move that has left many Americans baffled, Donald Trump has announced his plan to defund the Department of Education, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for students, parents, teachers, and professionals across the nation. CNBC reports that…
Chuang Asia Season 2 kicks off
Chuang Asia’s second season has started with promise, as 60 trainees took the stage to fight for seven spots in a brand new boy band, one that will likely boost the popularity of the T-Pop scene worldwide. The Thai spinoff of the iconic Produce 101 franchise in South Korea is…
Welcome home, Mike Vrabel
On Jan. 12, New England Patriots Chairman, Robert Kraft made the decision to name Mike Vrabel the 16th head coach of the New England Patriots franchise ahead of the 2025 NFL season and many more going forward. Mike Vrabel, 49, is no stranger to the NFL and the Patriots organization.…