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August 29, 2025
SUMMER FFA
See what our Agriculture and FFA program was up to all summer - p. 2
LABUBU DOLLS
Learn more about the controversial Labubu doll trend on p.7
TAYLOR SWIFT What has this pop icon been up to this summer? p.3
THE BLACK AND GOLD Volume 5 Issue 1 August 29th 2025
Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief
Michaela Copeland
Staff
Bella Beems Ashlynn Bowen Katlyn Boydston Laci Burnett Gunner Delp Lauraly Lane Josie Long Grayson Moore Miley Phillips
Photo Credit: Michaela Copeland Photo Caption: Grayson Moore and Myles Funk discuss the new law.
NEW CELL PHONE LAW IN EFFECT THIS YEAR By: Grayson Moore
On July 1st, 2025, the state of Missouri passed a law banning personal device usage during educational hours. A lot of students think this policy is the worst thing that’s ever happened to them, but it's pretty much the same school rule from before, implemented by the whole state, and with slightly worse repercussions.
continued on page 2
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August 29, 2025
continued from page 1 The law, Senate Bill 68, reads: “At a minimum, the policy shall prohibit students from using or displaying these devices from the beginning until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, during instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes, and study halls.” According to Sophomore Myles Funk, “It's really been hard for the kids because it's really boring without it.” However, Counselor Penny Powell feels that the law has been “good because kids are socializing.” Powell also points out that educators “don’t want kids distracted during class by what's happening on social media.”
FFA Stays Busy over the Summer By: Miley Phillips
Over the summer, the DeKalb High School FFA chapter continues to participate in various activities. This summer, students participated in SAEs, held their annual DeKalb Homecoming breakfast fundraiser, and established a school garden. SAEs are agricultural-related projects that can range from taking care of an animal to working at Subway. Senior Ceci Sherlock has chickens for her project. She does this “to have food in case of a zombie apocalypse and to learn how to care for animals.” The DeKalb Homecoming breakfast is one of the big fundraisers that the FFA chapter does every year. The money they raise goes towards all the events they travel to throughout the year, including field trips, Trapshooting, and contests. It also goes towards equipment needed in the classroom and in the shop. This event is also a great way to get the students involved in the community.
Photo Credit: Mr. Medsker Pictured: Ceci Sherlock and Michael Pitts
The school garden was taken care of by Michael and Emma Pitts this summer. They sold tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, and a couple of other items. Next up for FFA is the monthly Trapshoot on September 6th.
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August 29, 2025
DeKalb’s Take on Swift’s Sparkling Summer By: Lauraly Lane
Photo Credit: Variety Pictured: One of the alternate album covers for Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Taylor Swift has had an unusually eventful summer. She got her master tracks back (she now has all her albums), went on the New Heights podcast, announced a new album, and got engaged. Taylor got her masters back on May 30, 2025. She had been trying to buy the masters of her first six albums: Taylor Swift (Debut), Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. She got these back through negotations with Shamrock Capital and funded the purchase by selling tickets to the Eras tour, streaming, and merchandise. On August 12, 2025, Taylor appeared on the New Heights podcast with her then-boyfriend, now fiancé, Travis Kelce, and co-host Jason Kelce. Swift announced her upcoming album, The Life Of A Showgirl. At first, she released a blurred version of the cover. Then, when the podcast actually came out, she revealed the full album cover. She is still releasing alternative CD and vinyl covers for this twelve-song album. Many people are excited about everything that has happened. About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement, Senior Presli Punzo says, “I am very excited. I thought it was fake.” All these announcements have many Swifties excited. Even a number of brands have released ads featuring the blurred cover with a lock for promotions, including brands like Scrub Daddy, Olive Garden, Tarte Cosmetics, Walmart, Petco, Dunkin’, and many more. Also, the Empire State Building and downtown Kansas City lit up the night with orange and green lights for her upcoming album, which drops on October 3, 2025. Fans can pre-add the album to their Apple Music or Spotify now.
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August 29, 2025
What to Watch
By: Ashlynn Bowen
Photo Credit: Netflix Pictured: An older Happy Gilmore takes a swing.
Ghost of Yotei By: Gunner Delp
Photo Credit: DearPlayers Pictured: Game cover
If you are looking for something new to watch that came out this summer, then I would recommend Happy Gilmore 2. The movie came out on July 25 and stars Adam Sandler.
Ghost of Yotei, sequel to the game Ghost of Tsushima, is being released on October 2nd. This third-person, openworld, action-adventure video game takes place in 1603 in the lands surrounding Mount Yotei, now known as Hokkaido.
If you haven't watched the first movie, it was mainly about a younger Happy Gilmore trying to play hockey but finding himself in a golf competition instead, where he actually ends up being pretty good and winning.
Your goal in Ghost of Yotei is to take down the Yotei 6, which consists of six deadly members. Atsu, the main character, is hunting them down because she is seeking revenge against the Yotei 6 for slaughtering her family and burning her house down as a child.
The sequel is mainly comedy, but it also features Happy Gilmore struggling with addiction and financial problems. Ultimately, Happy Gilmore picks himself up and does his best to support himself and his family. While the original was rated three and a half stars, number 2 was rated three stars because it was seen as a “cash grab” lacking in originality. I personally found the movie to be funny, but also kind of boring and just not my cup of tea. Happy Gilmore fans should give it a shot, though.
The game will be priced at $69.99 for the standard edition, $79.99 for the digital deluxe edition, and $249.99 for the collector’s edition. In my opinion, you should not waste your money on the collector's edition because the only thing that makes it special is the statue of the main character, Atsu. If you are looking for extras to enhance your gameplay, I recommend purchasing the digital deluxe edition, which includes a special snake armour, armour dye for your horse and its saddle, a sword kit, an in-game charm, and an early unlock of the traveler’s map. If you likes samurai, action-packed games, and stealth, I highly recommend purchasing Ghost of Yotei.
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August 29, 2025
DeKalb Goes to Washington D.C.! By: Gunner Delp
Photo Credit: Kind stranger from the streets of Washington, D.C. Pictured: DeKalb Students In front of the White House.
From July 8th to July 11th, some of DeKalb’s students took a trip to Washington D.C. Attending students included Junior Kylie Black and Sophomores Kale Cassity, Cane Delp, Gunner Delp, Brinkley Frakes, Aidon Standiford, and Lillian Wagner. This trip’s purpose is to “provide an educational experience and get kids out of their hometown,” says Coach Wildhaber. Coach Wildhaber has gone on this trip twice. The association that does this trip, World Classrooms, has been organizing the adventure for our school for 6 or 7 years. There were numerous sites to see in D.C, including The Holocaust Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Monument, the Capitol, the White House, and many more. “If I could visit anywhere in D.C. again, I would visit the Holocaust Museum,” says Lillian Wagner. There were many amazing moments and great memories made. Kale Cassity states, “My favorite memories were when Aidon’s grandpa would say limburger cheese every time we would take a picture.” This was just one of the many great moments of this trip. The tour guide, Jamie, was informational, helpful, and always knew how to crack a joke. Our CEOs, Will and Maya, were amazing. Will was a talkative person and was very friendly toward our students, and Maya was a confident, outgoing, funny person. I am so grateful that I got to experience this trip and would gladly do it again. If you have the chance, definitely consider signing up for this year’s trip.
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Black and Gold Pawdcast Coming Soon By: Josie Long
In recent years, podcasts have been everywhere. While many are familiar with the Kelce brothers' podcast New Heights, DeKalb also has a podcast. Though on a hiatus since last year, a new poll confirms many want it back. Although she doesn’t usually listen to podcasts, Middle School English teacher Mrs. T hopes to learn about “concerns for today's students because there is such a big generational gap.”
Photo Credit: Freepik
While the goal for the DeKalb podcast is to appeal to everyone, the vote also showed that the top three categories were sports, music, and hot takes. Make sure to be on the lookout for the new Pawdcast post in the next few weeks.
STUCO Has News for You! Follow the new STUCO Instagram Account
Order Your Homecoming Shirt Now!
There's no place quite like Homecoming! Make sure to stop by the office to pick up your shirt order forms! All forms MUST be turned in by Friday, September 5th!
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August 29, 2025
Labubu Craze Comes to Dekalb By: Laci Burnett
Labubus have taken over the minds and wallets of teens and young adults everywhere. This international craze began in late 2024 and has become the must-have item of the moment. The Labubu dolls began in Hong Kong and were inspired by the picture book The Monsters by Kasing Lung. The dolls have fur covering them with a large, sharp-toothed smile and big eyes that can cause discomfort in some. While some people aren’t fond of them, Assistant Softball Coach Kirstian Goddard says, “They are TikTok famous, and I had to jump on that trend.” Sophomore Layla Griffin also approves, noting that in her opinion, “They are cute.” These fuzzy creatures, while popular, are a controversial topic among many. Some claim that Labubus are demonic because of their similarity to the ancient demon from Mesopotamian mythology, Pazuzu. Other reasons for their controversy include their insanely high retail prices and the fact that knock-off brands can be choking hazards for younger buyers. Freshman Carma Swartz is one of those who is not in favor of the Labubu craze: “In my opinion, Labubus are very overrated. You waste your money on some toy that's never going to come back in style, so why buy it? “
Photo Credit: Haley Horr Pictured: Coach Goddard with her Labubu doll.
If you are interested in a new fuzzy doll friend, they can be bought at Pop Mart, Amazon, or AliExpress. Massproduced Labubus can cost between $50-$80, while rare or limited editions commonly sell for anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Photo Credit: POP MART Pictured: (Left) Generic, mass-produced Labubu retailing for $99 on POP MART (Right) Limited edition Labubu costing $199 on POP MART
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August 29, 2025
Lady Tigers Shake off Nerves in Softball Jamboree
By: Bella Beems
Tigers Prepare for Season at Football Jamboree By: Josie Long The DeKalb Football boys were off to a positive start on the 22nd, last Friday, with their Jamboree. Jamboree is a time for teams to play against each other and get to know the way of the field before going off into their first games. DeKalb got the chance to play against Platte Valley, Pattensburg, and North Andrew.
Photo Credit: Laci Burnett Pictured: Lady Tigers pose before their 2nd game against Albany.
On Saturday, August 23, our DeKalb Lady Tigers got up before the sun to travel to Stanberry to participate in the annual Softball Jamboree. There were 3 short games in total, only 3 innings each, but every girl gave it her all. The first game DeKalb lost to Stanberry with a score of 3-1. Coach H said, “Being the first time out this season, there were some nerves and some rust to kick off.” The second and third games went well, an entire 180 from the first game. In the second game, the girls trounced Albany 7-0. In the third and final game, they defeated Stewartsville 6-3.
Overall, the event went well for all the boys. Coach Wardlow was glad he was able to get everyone some playing time before DeKalb's first game, as well as to “hit someone else besides our own players.” While freshmen Gage Hartman and Reid Regan agree with Wardlow, Gage Hartman found it “very entertaining and fun” as well as a good chance to get more reps in. Football is like any other sport that requires lots of teamwork, which is something everyone wants to continue working out throughout the season. DeKalb will go on to play at Albany on Friday, August 29th, with their first home game on September 5th against King City.
The Ladies are practicing a lot more situational and hitting drills to prepare for their first game against North Platte on Tuesday, September 2nd, also the first home game of the season. Coach Horr has high praise for the team: “I think we have the best group of girls yet, that I’ve been able to coach. Everyone is coachable, everyone comes in with a good attitude, and everyone is willing to step up, learn, and take that extra step for their team, not just them; and for that, I am very proud.”
Photo Credit: Josie Long Pictured: Football boys prepare for their next play.
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Hard to Pronounce, “Dear Toni” Advice Column Open to DeKalb Easy to Listen To! By: Michaela Copeland
By: Bella Beems
On Friday, August 22, Laufey released her newest album, A Matter Of Time. For some background, Laufey (Lah-VAY) is an Icelandic jazz and pop singer. You might know Laufey from her more wellknown song: From The Start. Or from her most popular album: Bewitched, released in 2023.
This year, the Newspaper staff wants to start an advice column called “Dear Toni,” for the entirety of DeKalb High School and Middle School, including the staff members. In this column, anyone at the school has the opportunity to anonymously ask our Newspaper staff to respond to any questions or provide advice, whether that be with school, sports, or something else entirely.
I haven’t listened to all of the album yet, because I wasn’t blessed with time and Spotify Premium, but so far in the album I am absolutely in love with the song Sabatage. This song blends piano and violin so beautifully and emotionally, and Laufey’s passion in her lyrics shines so brightly through her voice and vocals. Laufey is a very talented woman with a big future and huge potential in front of her. A Matter Of Time is her third studio album, sadly being overshadowed by the popularity of her album Bewitched. But the album is only a week old, so only time will tell.
This column is meant to be more for entertainment purposes, so if your problem is serious, make sure to talk to Mrs. Powell or another trusted adult. Senders’ names will be kept confidential, so your name won’t appear in the Newspaper. What should you do next? Ask away! Send your question or situation to amy.miller@bcr4.org. Put Dear Toni in the subject line. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Photo Credit: Pitchfork Pictured: A Matter of Time Album Cover
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Summer of 2025 Brings News Of ‘Frankenstein’ Bunnies to Colorado By: Katlyn Boydston
Photo Credit: AP News Pictured: Rabbit with virus-caused horns.
This summer, news came to light that some bunnies in Colorado had grown long horns on their heads. According to AP News, “The growths resemble warts but can look like horns if they grow longer.” These unusual growths are likely caused by a virus. According to Science Direct, “The rabbit (Shope) papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, is [...] transmitted by biting arthropods (especially continental rabbit ticks, reduviid bugs, and mosquitoes).” It is mostly harmless, though, and affects domesticated rabbits more than wild rabbits. Although these mutations are odd, people have noticed rabbits in Colorado with these mutations for as long as humans have lived there, which is likely where the myth of the Jackalope came from. This virus is also prevalent in other states, including many Midwest states, so don’t be surprised if you spot one out in the wilds near DeKalb.
WEEKS IN THE LIFE
AUGUST 19TH-29TH