Md. Minimum wage increases beginning 2020
By Brandon Li, Senior Writer
May 9, 2019
When looking for a part time job, most will value salary over enjoyment and experience. However, with the new increase in minimum wage, that tradeoff may not exist anymore. The Maryland General Assembly (MGA) approved a bill March 20 that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour over...
Amazon cancels plans to create new headquarters in N.Y.
By Brandon Li and Joe Raab
March 6, 2019
After publicly revealing the creation of two new headquarter locations in Arlington, Va. and New York City, N.Y., Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced Feb. 14 he will cancel the construction of the NYC location. Bezos originally planned to have only one HQ2 location, setting up a wild goose...
New automated flaggers boost road safety
By Brandon Li, Copy Editor
December 14, 2018
Maryland highway officials are testing a new method of directing traffic in a construction zone. Usually, a construction worker will be holding a sign that says “Stop” or “Slow,” but with the new initiative, an automated flagger assistance device will replace the need for that worker. On the...
Hockey hopes to win fifth consecutive championship
By Brandon Li, Copy Editor
November 21, 2018
Not one, not two, not three, but four state championship titles, back to back to back to back years. With the season already underway, WCHS varsity ice hockey looks to add one more title. After winning a record-setting four- straight Md. state championships, the team hopes to break their own record...
New MD law helps to protect service vehicles
By Brandon Li, Copy Editor
October 11, 2018
Starting Oct. 1, Maryland drivers will have to yield to transportation, service and utility vehicles that are parked along the side of the road. Maryland’s Move Over law, which details the proper driving principles when encountering work vehicles, is now expanding to require drivers to switch lanes whe...
MCPS supplies free ACT, SAT vouchers to students
By Brandon Li, Online News Editor
February 8, 2018
MCPS is now offering a free SAT or ACT voucher for every junior. In order to receive the free voucher, students must apply through the Counseling Department or the College/Career Center. Students complete a form, including a photo, and return it to the College/Career Center. The voucher only ...
The Observer’s guide to college research
By Alissa Li, Observations Editor
September 11, 2014
Once students graduate from their “underclassmen” status, they are suddenly burdened with a lot more stress. Not only do they have to worry about keeping their GPA afloat, they need to start researching the next step of their lives: college. As seniors are busy worrying about submitting their...
Miss HIMYM? The Observer Recommends New Shows
By Alissa Li, Observations Editor
May 23, 2014
As How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) left the television scene with a legendary bang, die-hard HIMYM fans were left with a gaping hole in their hearts. Suddenly, the show that they had followed for nine full seasons was over, and nothing could possibly fill the emptiness that they felt. No fear, HIMY...