Ivy league degree or debt
As college decisions are steadily coming out within these last few months of school, seniors face the conclusions that can alter the next few years, if not the rest of their lives. These stressful decisions raise the question, is it worth it for students to determine their academic careers based on a school's reputation?
As Patience wears thin, so does prospect’s potential
Prospects are the foundation of every professional team. Oftentimes a team’s success is dependent on a franchise’s ability to draft and develop younger players to play key roles in the future. In the past it was understood that this was often a long process; taking several years in minor leagues before they were ready to compete and produce at the highest levels. But there has been a notable departure from this doctrine. Social media has encouraged and made it possible for regular fans to share their opinions, and mainly their impatience or anger toward players for mistakes or lack of production.
Our boredom deficit is rotting original personas
With the current fast-paced exchange of information we’ve come to know and love, so readily has the importance of critical thinking and forming personal opinions been thrown outthe window. The current boredom deficiency crisis can be, in part, attributed to how much of our lives has been consumed by media and constant entertainment, leading to the disappearance of originality and personal aspects.
Artemis II Revives Moon Exploration
The first astronauts to travel to the moon in 50 years have made it back to Earth safely on April 10, marking a huge milestone in humanity’s return to space.
Samo beach volleyball battles through competitive season
Following a season defined by resilience and flexibility, girls’ beach volleyball finished their season with an overall record of 2-9-0. After their final game against Mira Costa, the team moved onto a tournament that would determine the teams who make playoffs, where they lost in a single elimination round.
What F1 Got Wrong With the 2026 Regulation Change
The 2026 Formula 1 season has presented one of the biggest regulation changes in the sport’s history and it has done so less than seamlessly.
Does “slop” media have its place?
“Let people enjoy things” seems to be the only phrase that echoes around in the empty skulls of those obsessed with what can be described as nothing other than media slop. This style of content that used to be constrained to reality TV and the dark depths of social media has begun bleeding into film and scripted television, resulting in masses of—for lack of better words—‘low brow’ material. The unavoidability of poorly written shows and cash grab films highlights a shift in our brain rotted culture; corporations know that the average consumer simply wants background noise, so they no longer give substance. They pump out low effort, high profit cinema that is bound to be watched by enough people to be deemed successful. Ultimately, the want or ability to be appreciative of art has decreased rapidly and our standards for what qualifies as good content has unfortunately followed the same trajectory.
Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts global oil prices
On March 2, the Strait of Hormuz was closed following the initial events of the United States (U.S.)-Israel war with Iran. Acting as a focal point for the passage of about 20 percent of the world’s oil, the closure of Hormuz has led to economic upheaval felt in many parts of the world.
School Threats: how samo responds
How does Santa Monica High School respond to threats on campus?
NFL season marked by surprise stories
The 2025-26 National Football League (NFL) season has officially ended with the crowning of the Seattle Seahawks as Super Bowl champions. The Seahawks, who are only two years out from firing legendary head coach Pete Carroll, managed a 14-3 record and clinched the number one seed in the National Football Conference (NFC) on their way to a 29-13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.
Trumprx website aims for lower medication prices
On Feb. 5, 2026, President Donald Trump unveiled TrumpRx.gov, a site aimed at reducing prescription drug prices for Americans by partnering with manufacturers in a Most-Favored Nation deal and GoodRx for coupons. TrumpRx, although significantly discounted from original prices, is an out-of-pocket option for consumers. TrumpRx does not prescribe, dispense or sell medications. The site is not an online pharmacy. It works by offering coupon tickets which can be uploaded on a phone or printed out to be redeemed at a pharmacy for the discounted price.
California state universities begin new direct admissions program
California Senate Bill 640 (SB 640), known for the Automatic CSU Direct Admission Program, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Oct. 6, 2025. SB 640 aims to simplify and encourage enrollment at California State Universities by automatically accepting eligible high school seniors from participating districts to 16 of the 23 campuses. Students can choose between these 16 campuses if they intend to enroll.
Softball looks to return to CIF after last season
Sophia Friedman / Contributor
Karen Bass and volunteers gather at the ‘Mayor for Los Angeles Volunteer’ event associated with Bass’s run for mayor on Sep. 22, 2024
Karen Bass faces challenges as she seeks second term as LA mayor
Sophia Friedman / Contributor
Karen Bass and volunteers gather at the ‘Mayor for Los Angeles Volunteer’ event associated with Bass’s run for mayor on Sep. 22, 2024
Boys’ Volleyball Look to Repeat as League Champs
Samo Boys’ Volleyball looks to build off a strong ’24-’25 season where the team went a perfect 7-0 in the Ocean league and 22-9 overall.
Boys Soccer Wins CIF and Goes to State Playoffs
Samo boys soccer finished the regular season with a strong 19-3-3 record and a 8-1 record in the Ocean League. This culminated in the team winning the Division I CIF playoffs.
Students around LA take a stand
Throughout several school districts in Los Angeles (L.A.) County, including Santa Monica, Long Beach and Pasadena, students of all ages are rising up to protest and speak out against local and national injustices. Recent demonstrations involving students from several different backgrounds show increased youth engagement in political and social issues in their communities.
The failure of sexual empowerment
I am a set of body parts first, and a person second. This notion of objectification is masqueraded as empowerment in every corner of today’s media. Instagram influencers are selling their bodies to pay the bills, popstars are prancing around stage in hyper-revealing clothing and girls are abandoning their PhD to instead join the adult industry. Women should have the freedom to express their sexuality without being publicly scrutinized or slut-shamed. But where does empowerment end and objectification begin?