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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
Finnegan Courtney ’23

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer

Executive TV Producer Finnegan Courtney ’23 oversees the creation of Inklings’s show, On the Wreckord. He dedicates much of his time to Inklings’s show because of his passion for journalism.

“Honestly, it’s been something I’ve always been really passionate about,” Courtney said. “I’ve always loved writing, I’ve always loved reading. English is something I love, and Journalism has always been the best way to express that.”

When Courtney isn’t busy with Inklings, you may find him pursuing one of his several hobbies.

“I love basketball, I love sports,” Courtney said. “I do other clubs like Coastal Cleanup Crew.”

All content by Finnegan Courtney ’23
Two students will be joining Westport’s Board of Education, come the 2023-24 school year.

Westport BOE debating, soon voting on student member proposal for 2023-24

Finnegan Courtney '23, Staff Writer
May 5, 2023
The AP African-American Studies course has sparked Republican criticism and served as a lightning rod in the debate over parents’ influence in education.

Gutting AP African-American studies sets dangerous precedent

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
February 14, 2023
The current two-schedule format is flawed, but has a seemingly simple solution.

Inconsistency with ‘Communication’ time underlines larger issue

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
December 13, 2022
Fans attend the Staples vs. Newington football game. Per the new FCIAC rules, Staples fans who made the drive to Newington could not chant names or numbers at the opposition.

FCIAC implements new policy targeting hurtful chanting

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
October 9, 2022
Fans attend the Staples vs. Newington football game. Per the new FCIAC rules, Staples fans who made the drive to Newington could not chant names or numbers at the opposition.

[Photo] Wreckers cross country triumphs against three teams

Nile Jean ’24, Staff Writer
October 9, 2022
While the town of Westport may originally have planned on seeing all of Staples’ repaved by next year, that appears to not be the case.

Staples’ repaving project incomplete, timetable of completion unknown

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
September 21, 2022
“The Fallout” could just be the movie of the year, but it also heartbreakingly tells a tale that has become all too real to our generation.

‘The Fallout,’ a defining film of Gen Z, tells heartbreaking yet real story

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
February 15, 2022
Masks: a staple of the last 20 months, but now, they’ll likely be a thing of the past in schools come Feb. 28, due to Governor Ned Lamont lifting the state wide mask mandate in schools.

Governor announces school mask mandate to end Feb. 28

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
February 11, 2022
Students oppose further plastic divider use

Students oppose further plastic divider use

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
January 27, 2022
Recently, the second season of ‘Euphoria’ premiered in an excellent follow-up to its acclaimed first season.

‘Euphoria’ season premiere satisfies, lives up to acclaimed first season

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
January 26, 2022
Recently, Bedford Middle School was announced as one of the top 10 middle schools in the state.

Bedford ranked eighth on top middle schools list in Connecticut

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
November 1, 2021
The first of planned Wellness Activity Days occurred on Oct. 20, yet many students chose to depart prior.

Wellness day presented unfair procedures regarding attendance

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
October 29, 2021
With blood supply dangerously low across the country, Westport’s VFW recently held a blood drive.

Local blood drive hopes to alleviate dangerously low blood levels

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
October 19, 2021
The effects of a viral TikTok trend can be felt all across the state, even in our own town at Bedford Middle School, where bathrooms such as these were vandalized and stolen from.

Property stolen, destroyed at Bedford Middle School due to viral TikTok trend

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
September 20, 2021
The fireworks this Fourth of July in Westport have pretty much faded out of existence, due to the town’s decision. But it’s absolutely clear now it shouldn’t have.

Fourth of July fireworks should not be canceled

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
June 15, 2021
The Westport Board of Education returned to in-person meetings, like the one pictured above from two years ago, for the first time since March of 2020 (reused photo from previous Inklings BOE article).

Westport BOE returns to in-person meetings

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
June 10, 2021
The Yankee Doodle Fair, usually an event that signals the end of school and the start of summer, will instead take place in September.

Yankee Doodle Fair postponed to September due to COVID-19

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
June 10, 2021
Bobby Valentine, former New York Mets manager, may now be managing a whole lot more than one team: an entire city.

Former Mets player and manager to run for mayor of Stamford

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
June 7, 2021
An overview of the major changes expressed in Superintendent Thomas Scarice’s update, including an update on mask policy.

Westport schools update COVID guidance, masks at recess not required

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
June 4, 2021
While currently masks are required in school classrooms across the state until the end of the school year, the case may be very different come August.

Time to re-enter the world, vaccinated and maskless

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
June 2, 2021
Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, two rising social media influencers, will now star in their own show on Hulu.

‘D’Amelio Show’ likely to fall into the pits of garbage television

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
June 1, 2021
The 2018 Memorial Day parade in Westport will be somewhat different from this year due to COVID-19 regulations and protocols.

Memorial Day parade returns to Westport for May 2021

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
May 26, 2021
An overview of the major changes resulting from the last COVID-19 guidance across the state.

Masks no longer required indoors if fully vaccinated

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
May 18, 2021
The Staples field, which often plays host to football games, will be the venue of a much different event this year: the class of 2021’s graduation.

Graduation to take place on the football field

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
May 11, 2021
A partial view of the full rankings, showing the top three schools, out of a list featuring nearly 200 public high schools in the state.

Staples named Best Public High School in Connecticut

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
May 4, 2021
Denying full experience of Culinary Arts due to nut allergies must end

Denying full experience of Culinary Arts due to nut allergies must end

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
March 1, 2021
With the announcement by Lamont yesterday, a new vaccine distribution schedule was released, including when teachers are eligible to Receive.

Teachers to become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
February 23, 2021
With rising case numbers across the state and in Westport, things like winter sports and a model change are up in the air.

Westport COVID-19 numbers increase

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
January 22, 2021
With the impending change to full in-person learning district-wide, schools at all levels are going about the process differently.

[Photo] Westport schools set to shift to full in-person model despite teacher, student concerns

Natalie Bandura ’22, News Editor
January 22, 2021
Changes made to Connecticut sports, CIAC delays winter start

Changes made to Connecticut sports, CIAC delays winter start

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
November 10, 2020
breaking-Infographics

[Photo] Positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in several Westport schools

November 5, 2020
Following Scarice’s decision, Long Lots Elementary School will be staying in their current model and not going back five days a week.

Scarice recommends against full reopening of Westport schools

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor
October 22, 2020
Impacted by a positive COVID-19 test, Long Lots Elementary School now has multiple members of its community quarantined

COVID-19 case prompts quarantines at Long Lots Elementary School

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
October 2, 2020
Despite the initial announcement that barbershops and hair salons would be included in phase one of Connecticut's reopening plan, Lamont has retracted this statement and pushed the reopening date to June.

Lamont announces barbershops, hair salons delayed until June

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
May 28, 2020
The Westport Country Playhouse, normally a stage for plays, now has postponed its entire 2020 show season, due to COVID-19.

Westport Country Playhouse postpones season, in danger of permanent shutdown

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
May 14, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world, multiple blockbusters have had their original release dates postponed.

COVID-19 delays multiple movies’ production, filming

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
May 13, 2020
By Monday, voters will need to make a final decision on which party they will be a member of for the 2020 election and whether or not to switch.

Westport Registrar of Voters announces deadlines for 2020 election registration

Finnegan Courtney '23, News Editor
May 11, 2020
Connecticut schools, including Staples High School, will remain closed until April 20 at the earliest.

School closure further prolonged

Finnegan Courtney ’23, Executive TV Producer
March 25, 2020
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