How many adults do you know with health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or struggles with obesity? Did you know that the leading cause of these illnesses isn’t an addiction discussed as being disgusting or slowly killing you? It’s not openly campaigned against in the media, and the sellers of this business work for one of the richest industries in the nation. Fast food poses as one of the most serious addictions in America today. This addiction is linked to many issues, including binge eating, health problems, and an increased risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

It’s no secret that fast food is alluring. When given the choice between a homemade salad or a meal from McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, most people would undoubtedly choose the quick meal. However, did you know that excessive consumption of fast food alters your brain chemistry? That is why it’s so easy to overeat. In the article “Fast Food Is Physically Addictive” from the Scripps Research Institute, two scientists write about an experiment on rats that lasted almost three years. In this experiment, there was one “control group” of rats, fed a regular diet of leafy greens and other plants. The other group was fed strictly high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. The scientists found that the second group of rats’ brain chemistry was altered. “Levels of dopamine receptors were significantly reduced in the brains of the obese animals, similar to previous reports of what happens to drug addicts.” In the same way that the human body becomes dependent on drugs to reach stable dopamine levels, people become reliant on high amounts of fast food to achieve those same levels, developing binge eating disorders.

Along with binge eating, many other health issues can be linked to fast food. According to “The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Foods,” an article by the National Library of Medicine, the United States’ obesity rate is 88% and climbing. The authors expand on this idea, citing further damage:

Even worse is what happens when you eat food fried in oil because fried food may create carcinogenic and mutagenic aldehydes. One serving of French fries or fried chicken cooked in a fast food restaurant has 100 times the level of aldehydes designated as safe by the World Health Organization. Even the fumes are so toxic they increase the risk of cancer. People working in restaurants that fry the food, or those working in a movie theater making popcorn, have a heightened risk of lung and other cancers, even if they don’t eat any of the fried foods.

That’s a pretty serious health risk that most people don’t even know exists. Diabetes is also at an all-time high because many people cannot create enough insulin to digest the rapid consumption of processed foods in their diets.

Many people know that fast food isn’t good for their physical health. What they don’t know is that studies show that it’s also detrimental to one’s mental health and brain function. A quote from The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Foods states: “A link may even exist between fast food, processed food, commercial baked goods, and sweets and destruction of brain cells and a lowering of intelligence… refined carbohydrates may not just lead to being overweight and diabetic but also contribute to dementia, mental illness, and cancer” (Fuhrman). The article continues: “The American diet is also deficient in antioxidants and phytochemicals that are needed for normal immune function, for maximizing brain health, protecting against dementia, chronic illness, cancer, and premature aging” (Fuhrman), the “American diet” mainly consisting of processed foods loaded with fats, carbohydrates, and sugars. These foods do not contain the amounts of nutrients needed to sustain healthy brain function.

Fast and processed foods are cheap and easy to access, but the labels on these foods never list their carcinogenic or addictive properties. The owners and employees of the companies manufacturing and selling these goods don’t tell you that they contain chemicals you’ve never even heard of and can lead to future brain erosion. The fact that fast food addiction is real isn’t unknown, but the serious complications that come with it are. Knowing this information, will you consume fast food the same?

Brooke Livingston, a senior at Hubbard High School, has been accepted to Muskingum University and has earned a scholarship for archery. She has been shooting for about twelve years, beginning at the age of five. Throughout her archery career, she has earned a total of six titles and one record: four Pennsylvania state titles, two Ohio state titles, and she held the outdoor record. When asked what her biggest accomplishment was, she stated, “My two state titles in Ohio due to it being my home state.” Brooke will continue to advance as she moves into her time in college.

She began archery after attending 3D shooting with her dad and grandfather. Brooke quickly fell in love with archery. She shoots a compound bow at a distance of 20 yards and competes every weekend. Brooke was then asked what her favorite thing about the sport was, and she said, “That anyone can participate in the sport no matter their experience.” She practices twice a week and has expressed that archery is a very mental sport— it’s necessary to have the right mindset for it.

It is clear that Brooke is extremely talented at archery, but she also thrives at school. She has been on the honor roll all four years of high school and has a 3.5 GPA. Brooke is a member of the National Honor Society, the French Club vice president, and a part of Pep, SADD, and the Ecology Club. She has been on the volleyball team all four years of high school. She plans to study pre-law and minor in political science during her time at university.

Brooke Livingston is an exceptional student, an amazing friend, and a very talented archer. She has a bright future ahead!

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a problem that’s been growing widely—like a tidal wave, if you will. Everybody is obsessed with water bottles. Of course, carrying a reusable water bottle is one small thing that people can do to reduce plastic waste. Instead of grabbing a plastic water bottle when you’re thirsty, just fill up the one you already have. But when does style become more important than the original purpose? At what point have you gone too far and reversed the intended impact by allowing yourself to be influenced by social media personas telling you your water bottle is too old, ugly, and not useful enough?

In 2018, the small beginnings of this issue were seen in the form of the "VSCO Girl." The Hydro Flask was a microtrend inside the larger umbrella term "VSCO Girl." VSCO is an app similar to Instagram or Pinterest, allowing users to post images, much like a mood board. In late 2018 and early 2019, the "VSCO Girl" aesthetic was defined by baggy beach t-shirts, tiny jean shorts, huge messy buns, scrunchies, and, of course, the Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask came in different sizes, but at the time, most of them looked the same with slight variations in color. It became even more popular to customize your bottle with vinyl stickers from top to bottom. The whole idea of the "VSCO Girl" was that she wanted to save the turtles. She had a purpose: to protect the ocean and never use plastic straws. It is even believed that this trend briefly influenced Starbucks to switch to paper straws. In any case, it is evident that the purpose behind the trend was good—it was meant to help save the earth. But that would soon change.

Shortly after the VSCO trend faded, a new cup emerged. The Stanley Cup was about to take the stage. Although it’s hard to trace back exactly when the craze began, some sources cite as early as 2019. However, based on firsthand experience, I believe 2021 is more accurate. It started with the 40 oz tumbler. People carried Stanley Cups everywhere. Its design, with a thin bottom that fit in cup holders, made it convenient. The popularity began as a slow climb, but by 2022, the Stanley Cup had completely taken over. This craze peaked during the Target 2024 Valentine's Drop—or what I like to call the incident. People lined up at Target doors to get the pink heart Stanley Cups. As soon as the rope dropped, people ran. People fought. Some fell and got trampled.

After the incident, people took a step back and said, “Whoa.” But soon, another bottle—the Owala—started trending, sparking a similar craze. Now, people own different colors and variations of three different cups. This means almost everyone has at least six reusable cups at home, and I guarantee they aren’t all being used. Not to mention the price—$40 per cup isn’t unusual. That’s likely over $240 spent on water bottles alone. According to a study by Case Western, the average person spends approximately $260 on plastic water bottles per year. I’d argue that many of the same people buying trendy bottles are still consuming plastic bottles, creating a negative impact not only on the environment but also on their own bank accounts.

What began as a trendy attempt to save the environment has resulted in the opposite. However, it would be ignorant not to recognize how this issue extends beyond water bottles. There are many other ways people—especially social media users—try to appear more eco-friendly than they really are, such as using tote bags or participating in fast fashion trends. In closing, I urge you to rethink some of your spending habits. Is there something you already own that serves the same purpose? Are you buying for utility, or just because the colors are pretty?

A 2022 nationally representative survey found that fewer than 1 in 5 Americans would encourage a young person to become a K-12 teacher, and just in 2023, Harvard University dropped its undergrad teaching program due to declining enrollment. Across the nation, we’re seeing fewer and fewer people going into and staying in the teaching profession, with less than 2% of teachers saying they feel satisfied with their jobs. This is an issue that is rapidly increasing, and statistics show that it doesn’t seem to be resolving itself anytime soon. With this new presidency that promises the destruction and defunding of many institutions, including the Department of Education, which would come as a detriment to many teachers, both current and those who are planning to enter the field. For greater perspective on the matter, I sat down with someone who is defying the odds and putting her future up to chance in the process: High School Senior Cassandra Phillips.

T: So, this is an issue that’s sort of multifaceted for you (the eradication of the Department of Education) as both a current student and future educator. How are you feeling about it?

C: It’s ridiculous—I don’t think it’s going to happen.

T: It hasn’t affected your desire to teach at all?

C: Not at all—we’re always gonna need teachers. Teaching as a profession isn’t going anywhere. And as long as that’s the case, then no, I’m not worried.

T: Well, honestly, the teacher shortage had been a problem long before President Trump’s order to shut down the Department of Education. Why do you feel that is?

C: Yeah, I’ve heard about that. I just applied to a scholarship that they said I’m almost guaranteed to get because really, no one is going to college for early childhood education anymore. It’s not anything new; the teacher rates have been declining for a long time. I think it’s mostly because of the pay.

T: And that doesn’t deter you at all?

C: No.

T: You said that you think fewer and fewer people are going into and staying in the teaching profession because of pay? That’s not an issue for you?

C: For me, it’s about meeting kids where they are and helping them grow. It was never about the money for me. Even if they did get rid of the Department of Education, I would still be a teacher—who’s going to teach the kids?

Talking with Cassandra was really heartening, and I definitely left the conversation feeling much differently than I thought I would. Instead of leaving feeling scared and uncertain for the education of a future generation, I left feeling hopeful and revitalized, knowing that no matter what, there will always be people in the profession for the right reasons who are willing to do what it takes to ensure the safety and education of our future generation. And while the immediate future may be uncertain, I know for a fact that no matter where we end up in the end, Cassandra will be an outstanding educator.

Hubbard High School is preparing to launch a new podcast series that promises to offer students an engaging and informative platform to stay connected. The initiative aims to provide a more dynamic way of sharing news, events, and student achievements, breaking away from traditional communication methods like newsletters and bulletin boards.

The podcast creator, Hubbard High School senior Taila Odem, has worked hard to ensure that the content is relatable, entertaining, and informative, providing a behind-the-scenes look at school life that would otherwise go unnoticed. The podcast will also encourage active participation, with students being invited to contribute ideas for future episodes, submit questions, or even volunteer as guest speakers. The first episode has already been recorded, featuring co-hosts Ayah Mufleh and Landen Rain, both fellow seniors at Hubbard. I took it upon myself to conduct a brief interview, asking them about the experience as well as potential creative directions moving forward.

“So, Landen, was this your first time being a part of this type of media?”

Rain: “Yes, this was my first time being a part of media that incorporates local news, school topics, and specific events. While the style of editing and writing is similar to other types of media I’ve covered, this one’s different because of how much more there is to discuss.”

“In what ways was this different from your past experiences, and what topics were your favorite?”

Rain: “There’s a lot more freedom given to students regarding how to organize relevant topics. My favorites include topics that open broader perspectives and responses. Think ‘favorite school lunch’—something everyone can have an individual and unique opinion on.”

“Ayah, in what ways do you think the student body can relate to the topics discussed in the podcast, and do you believe these topics could make a difference in encouraging shared experiences among students?”

Mufleh: “Yes, I most certainly believe that the topics covered in our first podcast episode are incredibly informative, especially for underclassmen. We wanted to kickstart this series by sharing as much advice as we could in a way that’s engaging for students.”

This new initiative not only serves as a great way to stay updated on all things Hubbard High but also empowers students by giving them a platform to share their voices and experiences. As the podcast series grows, it will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the school’s communication strategy, reflecting the creativity and spirit of the Hubbard High community. Be sure to stay tuned for the first episode of the podcast, which will soon be available right here on The Hub’s website!

Here at Just Some Jacktivities, we love our hairy pals. They keep us company at the bleakest of hours and bring joy to our world. The classics have certainly served their purpose. However, times are changing. We need something new. Something more reliable. Something safer. A modern pet for a modern age. The domesticated duopoly has run its course; a change is needed.

What does this perfect pet look like? Well, I can certainly tell you what it won’t appear as. How many times have you woken up at “It is way too early for this” o’clock only to feel a ten-pound weight on your chest? You gaze at the weight, and it gazes right back. It gazes right into your core. The weight demands a sacrifice—a sacrifice of $1.00 in the form of a gilded meat disk. You stumble around your abode, still unsure of the exact century you currently reside in. Suddenly, your heart sinks—as does your foot. You had no idea such a small being could produce such a horrid aroma. You vow to clean up the mystery semisolid at a later time and continue on.

Unbeknownst to you, a smaller, angrier beast lurks in the shadows. Your already battered and beaten foot is a prime target. Suddenly, it attacks, and thus ensues the kicking, biting, scratching, and all manners of bodily harm. You yelp in pain and fall backward. A far more ear-piercing screech is let out as Beefy 5-Layer Burrito the Golden shoots out from under you. You finally prepare the tithing and shamefully trudge back to your bed, lie back down, and hope to forget this incident.

So, we know cats and dogs aren't it, but what is? Elephants seem like a good starting place. They are certainly harder to injure. You fall on one, and it just stands there and looks at you as though it is disappointed that you couldn’t keep your balance. That’s where the problem is. Elephants are mean-spirited fools who can’t keep their opinions to themselves. They never outright say anything to you, but their superiority complex is unmatched. You can tell exactly what they are thinking. “Bah, this digited idiot can’t pick up squat with their stubby little nose!” I knew an elephant once. He was really mean. I don’t like elephants now.

A much kinder creature is the tortoise. The tortoise does not talk behind your back. The tortoise does not berate, batter, or insult. The tortoise reaps what he sows, and he reaps a bountiful harvest. A more biologically perfect creature does not exist.

The tortoise may be the perfect biological pet, but it is not the epitome of companionship. We must go beyond the mortal coil in search of this philosopher’s stone. What truly exemplifies the characteristics the tortoise most benefits from? What exists out there that is friendlier, harmless, and durable? The rock.

The rock will never have a mean thought about you. The rock will never go out of its way to harm you in any capacity. The rock will last millennia, outlasting your lineage and society as we know it. A more perfect option is entirely nonexistent.

If you are interested in obtaining a pet rock, contact me. They are $5.99—buy one, get one free.

As winter fades away, people across Ohio look forward to a whimsical tradition: Groundhog Day. Every February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil pops out of his burrow to predict the weather. Even though Phil is famous, our very own local groundhogs have some buzz too!

On Groundhog Day 2025, the day started with crisp, cool weather. In Ohio, various groundhogs emerged at sunrise, ready to give their predictions. Among this year's starring groundhogs was Buckeye Chuck, the state's official weather forecaster. Groundhogs like Chuck typically predict whether we’ll have six more weeks of winter or an early spring based on whether or not they see their shadows. Buckeye Chuck’s prediction was six more weeks of winter, meaning he saw his shadow.

Chuck's number one hater is Landen Rain. “This groundhog doesn’t know anything! All he does is jinx the weather,” Landen bitterly explained.

Apart from that, many other regions in Ohio also look toward their own local groundhogs for insight on the coming spring. Take Groundhog Lincoln, for example. Lincoln made his prediction this year: he did NOT see a shadow! This prediction tells us there may be an early spring coming. Although neighboring groundhogs disagree… everyone loves a little healthy rivalry.

People often wonder if these groundhog predictions hold any merit beyond folklore. When asking current high schooler Jordan Yacobucci his thoughts on the weather-predicting groundhog, well, he seemed quite fond—“Groundhogs are my spirit animal, and I hope that in another life I become one.” Jordan, I hope that your next life includes you being a groundhog.

As we continue to enjoy this fun Groundhog Day tradition, remember the combination of humor and serious insights that groundhogs like Buckeye Chuck and Groundhog Lincoln provide. So, what's the takeaway? Whether you’re rooting for an early spring or reluctantly welcoming more icy December bites into March, take all forecasts with equal doses of salt! Keep your hopes up for warmer days ahead—but just in case anyone’s wondering, we should have our hats and mittens ready until then.

Are world leaders reverting to their totalitarian and merciless ways? The genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank is an atrocious repeat of history and has left a large stain on the reputation of Israel and America, as well as their ethics. The irony of this event becomes apparent when taking into account who is the victim and who is the oppressor in this situation.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has enacted a genocide on the people of Palestine, which is very similar in nature to the fairly recent genocide against the Jewish population. There are survivors of the Holocaust still alive today, while their government is now reimposing that same horrific situation on another civilization. From October 7, 2023, to January 19, 2025, Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip with explosive weapons, killer drones, and various other military arms. Throughout the war, large portions of the population in America and around the world supported Palestine and demanded a ceasefire, yet the ethnic cleansing of innocent civilians raged on for over a year. There is even a portion of Israeli and American Jewish people who advocated for Palestine and condemned the evil actions of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces).

“Growing up in Hebrew schools, you grow up with the nightmarish Holocaust films,” she stressed. “The conclusion of this education should have been clear: ‘You can’t do it to another group of people’” (Omer).

The fact that people are willing to actively support another country rather than their own in a deadly war serves as key evidence as to who is the morally corrupt side in this conflict. Israel and its allies are responsible for the mass murder of innocent women, men, and children, as well as the destruction of the Gaza Strip. The country had already initiated violence with Palestine prior to the war, received financial support from other countries, and committed numerous war crimes since the fighting erupted.

One overly common misconception about the war is how it began and what actually caused it. Many have been blindly influenced into believing that the war between the two nations was solely a result of the retaliatory attack from Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. This idea is heavily flawed and inaccurate because it suggests that there were never any previous conflicts and that the Hamas attack was the first act of violence that sparked the war. Friction between the Arab and Jewish communities can be historically dated back to 1948, just over three years after the Holocaust concluded. May 14, 1948, marks the first official instance of ethnic cleansing against Palestinians when Israel invaded and occupied a major portion of the land for colonization. With the help of the British Empire, Israel declared its independence and the creation of a Jewish state (Mohammed...). Directly after this declaration, Israeli forces organized the invasion of several neighboring Arab states.

“Zionist military forces expelled at least 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands and captured 78 percent of historic Palestine. The remaining 22 percent was divided into what are now the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip” (Haddad).

These events prove that the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel has been brewing for decades, and a more deadly altercation was bound to happen in the future. The numerous past attacks on Palestinian land warranted their need to protect themselves from further dispossession and bloodshed. Israel has always shown aggression and intolerance toward Arabs, has displaced civilians from their homes, and has launched unwarranted attacks on the nation ever since their first interactions. This must be taken into account before forming opinions about the war and who is at fault.

Israeli media networks flood the news and social media with xenophobic propaganda and fabrications about horrific things that Hamas has done to hostages to coerce people into supporting their side. It is also crucial to note that this is not the first time Israel has held the Gaza Strip under forced occupation, the most recent occurrence being merely twenty years ago. From 1968 to 2006, Israeli forces occupied and colonized the Gaza Strip. The two nations fought back and forth throughout this extensive period, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties and the annihilation of Palestinian land. The conflict also gave birth to a much deeper resentment toward Israelis from Palestinians, which continued to fester as time went on and frustrations grew.