Observer Department: News

Students, staff members plan for pandemic holidays

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No matter what your typical traditions may entail, this holiday season is most definitely going to look a little different this year. With the aim to keep family members and loved ones safe, many people are avoiding huge family parties or going out at all. “This year’s going to be…

When will Americans finally get the Covid vaccine?

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U.S.  health workers today already began receiving their vaccinations, as there are 87 million essential workers in line for theirs. There is no guarantee all of them will receive one though due to the high demand. “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines submitted to US states say that…

First year students reflect on their first semester

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College students throughout the country have been asked to follow a unique set of expectations and requirements equating to seemingly nothing else in recent educational history this past year. With serious adaptation necessary to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, college students at all levels seemed to pay the price both literally…

Here comes the snow

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As December rolls on and winter comes, the weather is something that plays a huge factor, especially in the freezing Massachusetts. The cold weather along with the good chance of snow plays a big role in everyone’s lives, with navigation and work possibly being the most affected. And while some…

Students react to COVID-19 vaccine news

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On the 13th of December, the Covid vaccine was being packaged and prepared to be distributed all across the country. The vaccine made history, becoming the fastest ever created. Other vaccines have taken years and years to be developed. The first dose was given to Sandra Lindsay, a nurse who…

Students look forward to a new year

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The year 2020 is coming to an end, and new beginnings are around the corner as this year is almost over. This year has been a whirlwind with a global pandemic causing changes including learning virtually, so this was a special year. Some people are excited about the hope that…

Federal government’s ninth execution of the year raises questions

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The Federal government’s ninth execution of the year, and the first federal execution in a lame-duck period in 130 years begs the question, Why? Brandon Bernard’s execution on Dec. 10 marks the first execution during a presidential “lame-duck” period in 130 years. The execution was the first in a series…

Tutoring center helps students reach their goals

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College students, specifically the ones at NECC and first time students, have had their struggles integrating into college life as of late. With this pandemic and getting used to the new virtual learning, many students have had difficulties adjusting to a new learning experience that they still haven’t been accustomed…

Federal pandemic unemployment assistance to expire soon

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The discontinuance of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is set to leave many unemployed people without financial aid. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by…

Students prep for another online semester

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The new emphasis towards online learning in the wake of what we hope will be the final stretch of the pandemic, is different for a large majority of students. Northern Essex recently informed their students that they would continue to proceed with classes almost entirely online throughout the spring semester…