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Inklings News
Bernstein (left) receives her Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame award.
Building more than toys: Melissa Bernstein inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
Gas prices in the state of Connecticut have been going down penny by penny to drop the average gas price in Connecticut below the national average.
Connecticut gas prices lower penny by penny, falling below national average
Fire danger at Sherwood Island State Park is currently rated as extreme, with officials urging the public to take precautions to prevent forest fires.
Brush fire risks rise as high temperatures, lack of rain persists
Incumbent Democrat Jonathan Steinberg and challenger Republican John Bolton debate at Greens Farms Academy on Oct. 17.
Beyond the ballot: Steinberg, Bolton debate for chance to represent 136th district
Fatal narcotic distribution is a big issue (United States Drug Enforcement Adminstration).
Fatal drug crisis: Bridgeport trafficker sentenced as overdose deaths surge across Connecticut
While Kamala Harris’ Gen-Z-oriented campaigning has reached a wide audience, it’s not immune to criticism.
Harris’ Gen Z campaign strategy: captivating politics or cringe pop culture?
Unfortunately I no longer have as many gray hairs as I did in the past because I tried so many methods to get rid of them.
Accepting my silver hair rewarded me with gold
With the 2024 election coming up, many are examining the role Gen Z voters will have, given that the demographic of young voters tends to vote less than older generations. This raises the question: how will the new strategy of consuming political information on candidates through podcasts play a role?
Politicians are embracing new media; we should too
Income inequality is at record levels in Westport.
Westport’s Housing Market Reflects Growing Income Inequality
The long awaited senior year is not living up to the expectations I have held onto for the past three years. With school work, college applications and essays, it is hard to find a minute of true peace to enjoy myself. Missing out on certain cliche experiences all because of the enormous workload we are given.
Senior year is not living up to the hype
The Westport Library Book Sale, started 25 years ago, raises money for the Westport Library. In the 2023-24 fiscal year they were able to raise $70,000. The Westport Book Shop, created five years ago, further supports the library’s mission by raising essential funds and providing employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities.
More than just books: Westport Library Book Sale impacts community
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.
CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety
Staples High School has over 1700 students and 200 faculty members, each with interesting facts about them, from playing six sports, to dreaming about going to space, to having held a Guiness World Record.
Discovering Interesting Facts At Staples
Kali Knesich ’25 turned 18 in June and is registered to vote in the 2024 presidential election for the very first time on Nov. 5.
Coming of age: students reflect on being able to vote
Adil Chokairy, the owner of Choupette, officially opened his third crêperie location on Oct. 16. There are two other Choupette locations, in New Haven and Darien.
Bienvenue: New Crêperie and Wine Bar brings French cuisine to downtown Westport
The Big Y has rows and rows of produce, and even sells some exotic fruits such as prickly pears, persimmons and mini guavas.
Big Y grocery store: here’s what you should try
This election cycle, political content has dominated the feeds of millions of Americans, encouraging younger Americans to vote, but simultaneously raising questions about misinformation, one edit at a time. Kasey Feeley ’26 is featured in the photo.
Chronically online politics: how TikTok can change the course of elections
Between scenes and snowflakes – finding warmth in shared moments.
‘Elf the Musical’ takes the stage: Staples Players embraces the holiday spirit
Enjoying the warm embrace of mid-July in Santa Barbara, where 85 degrees and sunny skies create the perfect backdrop for a mood boost.
Why warm weather saves lives
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
Staples fell to New Canaan by a score of 2-0 in the girls’ soccer FCIAC semi finals; after falling out of FCIACs, the Wreckers will look to bounce back in the state tournament. (Photo by William Murray '25)
Girls’ soccer bows out of FCIAC tournament, focus shifts to states
Many student-athletes are forced to choose one path: Staples teams or club teams.
Pressure to prioritize: the challenge between choosing high school or club sports
Staples football sporting their normal helmets. Many professional players and high school athletes feel that wearing a guardian cap during practice will ensure better safety for the players during the real games. (Photo by Katherine Phelps '25)
Guardian caps: can they keep football players safe?
The Saint Joseph Cadets handed the Staples girls’ soccer team their first loss of the season in a 4-1 contest. (Graphic by William Murray '25)
St. Joseph hands girls’ soccer first loss of season
Bar selection in Staples Cafeteria with limited Clif Builder's Bars alongside an expansive amount of granola bars.
Ditch the Clif: Staples students deserve better protein bars in the cafeteria
Chef Lewandowski talks about his vision for his newest restaurant The Bridge. He is also the Chef at Townhouse in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“The Bridge” brings flavor and flare to community
The Yankees and Dodgers matchup will mark the 12th World Series between the teams. It has been 43 years since they last met for a championship.
Yankees, Dodgers renew rivalry in highly anticipated World Series
The fall foliage, the best part of fall!
We need to admit that fall is the best season
At Staples girls’ lacrosse Election Day clinic, everyone puts their sticks in the middle to end the clinic with a “one, two, three, Westport!”
Athletic teams hold Election Day clinics for young players
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
Chef Lewandowski talks about his vision for his newest restaurant The Bridge. He is also the Chef at Townhouse in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“The Bridge” brings flavor and flare to community
The Yankees and Dodgers matchup will mark the 12th World Series between the teams. It has been 43 years since they last met for a championship.
Yankees, Dodgers renew rivalry in highly anticipated World Series
The fall foliage, the best part of fall!
We need to admit that fall is the best season
At Staples girls’ lacrosse Election Day clinic, everyone puts their sticks in the middle to end the clinic with a “one, two, three, Westport!”
Athletic teams hold Election Day clinics for young players
This sandwich has turkey, fresh mozzarella, spinach, onions and oil and vinegar toasted on multigrain bread. It is Andi Jacobs ’26’s daily sandwich order.
The Sandwich Coordinator, a new position at Staples, adds menus to the Sandwich line
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
These cute mutts compete for the place as cutest pup at the fair.
Top 10 cutest dogs at the Westport Dog Festival
My hand, clutching the smoothie, freezes as I anticipate sunset. Finally, as the clock strikes 7:30 p.m., I can finally indulge in this long- awaited beverage.
A Ramadan Temptation: Indulge in an Avocado Smoothie
The bulk ferment is when the yeast fully developed through rest. The dough should nearly double in size and get bubbly. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will ferment. If you leave the dough on the counter it will take about eight to 10 hours. For a more sour dough, leave it in the fridge for up to three days for a slower fermentation.
Sourdough: A simple but challenging craft
On Sunday, March 17, the 4 by 800m relay competed. From left to right, Sarah Bogdan '26, Leigh Foran '24, Emma Morris '24 and Avery Kalter '27 were on the relay. They finished with a time of 10:17. Though their season record was 10:06, they finished in the top eight overall.
Girls’ Track travels to Adidas Nationals
On the Wreckord - Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Eighteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Eighteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Seventeen
On the Wreckord – Episode Seventeen
On the Wreckord - Episode Sixteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Sixteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Fifteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Fifteen
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.
CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety
Many student-athletes are forced to choose one path: Staples teams or club teams.
Pressure to prioritize: the challenge between choosing high school or club sports
Mel Stanger '23 at New York Fashion Week, modeling the red suit that shows women’s empowerment.
Strutting into style: Mel Stanger ’23 takes on New York Fashion Week
Numerous spotted lanternflies are infesting Westport. They are commonly found on wood surfaces, like this one is, or other hard surfaces. Lanternflies should be killed when sighted.
Spotted lanternfly infestation spreads, Staples environmentalists express concern
At a powerlifting competition in April, Abe Lobsenz ’25 broke three state records for his weight class. 102.5kg for bench, 155 kg for squat and 195kg for deadlift.
Powerlifters pursue national records, co-found club
Inklings' Wordle 11/13/24
Inklings’ Wordle 11/13/24
Inklings' Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings' Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings' Wordle 2/17/23
Inklings’ Wordle 2/17/23
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Jake Fitzpatrick ’22

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer

As staff writer Jake Fitzpatrick ’22 is embarking on his first year on Inklings, he hopes to write many articles voicing his opinions. 

“My biggest passion is politics,” Fitzpatrick said, “so that is the reason I joined Inklings.”

Outside of academics, Fitzpatrick plays volleyball for both Staples and an outside club team, Club Northeast. Apart from Journalism, another class Fitzpatrick is excited about is ‘We the People.’ 

Jake has many aspirations for the future. 

“My dream job is being a social justice lawyer or a civil rights lawyer,” Fitzpatrick said, “like at the ACLU or the Southern Poverty Law Center.”

All content by Jake Fitzpatrick ’22
As the price of regular unleaded gas rises nationally, prices in Connecticut rise as well.

Gas prices in Connecticut spike to record highs

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
May 18, 2022
While the messy divorce between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian has been viewed as nothing but celebrity drama by many, West’s actions prove to be abusive. This apathy sets a precedent for public figures, that abuse is okay as long as it’s against celebrities and their families.

Kanye West’s harassment of Kim Kardashian normalizes abuse

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
April 3, 2022

Juniors, parents make senior parking lots unsafe

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
March 30, 2022
Despite the various human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese government, the United States didn’t pull out its Olympic team, instead opting to enact a diplomatic boycott. This decision didn’t fulfill the United States’ responsibility to uphold human rights internationally.

United States diplomatic boycott insults victims of abuse from Chinese government

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
February 18, 2022
As the COVID-19 test positivity rate in Westport has increased rapidly to 253 new cases from Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, Westport Public Schools has put into place a temporary online learning option for symptomatic and vulnerable students.

Westport Public Schools to adopt temporary remote learning option for symptomatic, vulnerable students

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
January 13, 2022
Due to the stigma surrounding men’s skincare, men are often forced into a lose-lose situation in which they are mocked both for having acne and for trying to take care of their skin. To end this stigma, skincare must be seen as gender-neutral tools rather than feminine products.

Stigma around men’s skincare must be upended

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
December 6, 2021
Due to the stigma surrounding men’s skincare, men are often forced into a lose-lose situation in which they are mocked both for having acne and for trying to take care of their skin. To end this stigma, skincare must be seen as gender-neutral tools rather than feminine products.

Stigma around men’s skincare must be upended

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
November 24, 2021
Since 2011, the University of Connecticut Football team has not had a single winning season. As Connecticut’s national representative for sports, UConn must improve their record and financial practices for the sake of state pride.

UConn Football Team poorly represents Connecticut

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
November 4, 2021
Despite Nestlé’s documented history of slavery, child endangerment and water theft, Staples continues to sell Nestlé Pure Life water bottles in the cafeteria. It is time for Staples to stand up against the injustices that Nestlé has committed and stop selling their products.

Staples must stop stocking the cafeteria with Nestlé products

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
October 18, 2021
With prescription drug prices increasing by 33% since 2014, there has been an epidemic of medicine rationing that puts the lives of Americans at risk. Connecticut must promptly pass legislation that caps drug-price increase in order to end this deadly issue.

Connecticut legislation must end medicine rationing epidemic

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
June 15, 2021
About seven years ago, my grandfather and I made a S’mores layer cake together, so, after not seeing him for nearly 500 days, I wanted to surprise him by baking him that same cake for Father’s Day.

S’mores layer cake honours early Father’s Day gift

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
June 11, 2021
When I was a toddler, my dad told me about the dueling origins behind the pavlova dessert. Unfortunately, the OED recently ruled that the pavlova was first made in New Zealand, but to honor my dad and my roots, I choose to make a pavlova.

Honoring my Aussie roots by making a pavlova

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
May 12, 2021
Connecticut must protect problem gamblers when legalizing online gambling

Connecticut must protect problem gamblers when legalizing online gambling

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
April 24, 2021
To meet Connecticut standards, Westport needs to approve over 700 new low-income housing units. These low-income housing units, such as Hales Court, are essential to correct the housing segregation that plagues Westport.

Westport needs to do more than minimum with affordable housing

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
March 18, 2021
You don’t need to eat an entire cake to satisfy your lava cake cravings. These chocolate lava cookies pack all of the chocolate of a cake into a small, delicious package with fewer calories.

Chocolate lava cookies; a rich and sweet treat for the choc-o-holics

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
February 26, 2021
Despite its advances in diversity and representation, Public Act No, 19-12, or An Act Concerning The Inclusion Of Black And Latino Studies In The Public School Curriculum, does not provide proper treatment to Connecticut’s Native American community.

New Black, Latino history bill lacks needed representation for Native Americans

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
January 29, 2021
Just because you’re trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you have to avoid dessert entirely. These delicious chocolate and peanut butter bars are the desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth but won’t make you go over your calorie count.

Layered chocolate and peanut butter bars; a healthier dessert to prepare for cheat days

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
January 22, 2021
Just days after Thanksgiving, the number of cases per day in Connecticut nearly doubled. Governor Lamont, President-Elect Joe Biden and many top scientists are predicting a bigger spike of cases throughout this holiday season.

Lamont warns of spike in cases as holiday season approaches

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, Staff Writer
December 23, 2020

Students discuss VP Debate

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
November 10, 2020
When you need a quick breakfast before a practice or game, it’s good to have some variety. Protein-packed overnight oats are the perfect breakfast to make, and it’s tasty.

Chocolate apple overnight oats; a protein-packed start to the day

Jake Fitzpatrick '22, staff writer
October 27, 2020
Many Staples athletes choose club sports, prompting COVID-19 concerns

Many Staples athletes choose club sports, prompting COVID-19 concerns

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff writer
October 14, 2020
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