Identity for sale
By Miriam McPhail Staff Writer When Starbucks released its holiday collection this past November, one item from the collection immediately captured people’s attention: the “Bearista” cup. The bear-shaped cup quickly went viral after its announcement, causing a Bearista cup sensation. On November 6th, customers in locations across the country waited outside for hours, accused employees […]
Spotify or Apple Music: Which Rules Your Playlist?
By Eden Gentry Staff Writer Every December, as Spotify Wrapped and Apple Replay are released, the age-old question resurfaces: which streaming service is truly the best? Both platforms have evolved rapidly in recent years, adding features to appeal to a widening global audience. Despite their similarities, each service offers a distinct experience that continues to […]
Clash Royale: How a phone game stole students’ minds
By Sam Torrey Staff Writer It was the fifth period, and the silence in the hallway was supposed to mean focus in the classrooms. But for the local R.J. Reynolds gumshoe—yours truly—the silence felt heavy, covering a conspiracy far more pervasive than a faulty thermostat. As soon as I heard the faint, high-pitched thwack of […]
A weight off our shoulders: R.J. Reynolds High School athletics makes an upgrade
By Lucy Stoter News Editor After years of falling behind and operating outdated workout facilities, the athletic programs of R.J. Reynolds High School have undergone a complete transformation. Due to the generous donation made by Chris Wilson on behalf of the Wilson Family Foundation, RJR can completely redo and improve its weight room. “I was […]
“Not a Day off, but a Day on”: community service around the country
By Noble Hart Staff Writer The return to school marks the end of the Holidays; however, the spirit of giving is still in the air, and what better way to give to others than community service? Community service plays a powerful role in strengthening neighborhoods and supporting those in need. Whether it involves local food […]
The Grounds: Winston’s next hot spot
By Alice Pulliam Staff Writer In the heart of Winston-Salem, just steps from Wake Forest University, an exciting new project is underway: The Grounds. Envision a space that combines sports, retail, entertainment, and dining all in one. A place that will redefine Winston-Salem while bringing the community together. The Grounds is a 100-acre local development […]
Winning with Nguyen
By Evie Beale Sports Editor Most people don’t know much about fencing, and it is rarely talked about or watched. At R.J. Reynolds High School, however, fencing is a big deal for some. While Nguyen is seen as a painter, she is also the captain of our very successful fencing team that does not get […]
2025 G20 Environmental Summit and how it affects our community
By Kate Sturgill Staff Writer Over the weekend of November 22, 2025, leaders across the globe met in South Africa to discuss environmental issues and possible solutions at the Johannesburg Expo Center. This year marked the twentieth meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), whose members include China, France, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United […]
Paper problems
By Maddie Kunkle Staff Writer Students at R.J. Reynolds High School are facing a change in assignments as teachers are forced to adapt their lesson plans due to a paper shortage that occurred due to budget cuts. But what is the reasoning behind this occurrence, and how are teachers planning to adjust their teaching style […]
50 million dollar gift marks a new era for Winston-Salem State University
By Mackenzie Acker Features Editor Winston-Salem is known for many things, but national attention is not one of them. It’s not a city where stories break through to a nationwide audience, and certainly not where hundreds of millions of dollars are flashed. However, that changed this past November. Mackenzie Scott, formerly Mackenzie Bezos, donated a […]