Author name: The Lightning Rod

National News: Ohio’s Train Derailment Disaster

February 27, 2023 by Maggie Trautner (’25) On February 3, a Northfolk Southern train traveling through East Palestine Ohio derailed. This already tragic accident turned closer to catastrophic with the presence of toxic and harmful chemicals in 11 out of approximately 50 cars involved in the accident. Chemicals spilled from the derailed trains–such as vinyl […]

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Opinion: Homeless Shelter Controversy Highlights Political Rift in Saratoga

February 27, 2023 by Darren Pasek (’25) In October 2022, the city finally announced plans that Saratoga Springs would have a permanent low-barrier homeless shelter. Up until October, the city was working with Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) to repurpose the current senior center at 5 Williams Street. The city already owns this building and SOS

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Soccer Resumes in Europe: The Champions League Back in Full Swing

February 27, 2023 by Elijah N’Dolo After a two-month resting period following the exciting FIFA World Cup, club soccer is resuming in Europe. Club teams, unlike national teams, are privately owned clubs that purchase players from around the world (sometimes for exorbitant sums of money) to compete against other clubs in the same country and

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Worried About the Future? Keep Calm and Take Career and Financial Management 

February 27, 2023 by Aditi Singh (’24) An increasingly common complaint amongst high school students is that school fails to prepare them for the future; none of the four core classes–ELA, history, math, and science–teach adult skills such as handling money or filing taxes. However, Career and Financial Management, an elective class offered through the

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“Wait… Teachers Have Lives Outside of School?”: Vol 4. The Rod’s Very Own Mr. Ubriaco

February 6, 2023 by Natalie Rock (’23) Teacher: Mr. Ubriaco What do you teach? “How to be human,” Mr Ubriaco said, but went on to further specify his courses. He teaches English, AP Language and Composition, Journalism, and Film and Literature. Where did you attend college? Likes? Dislikes? Mr. Ubriaco started out at Suffolk County

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Basketball: Toga Hangs on in Overtime to Defeat Shaker at Home

February 6, 2023 by John Vilca (’23) by Sorell McIntire (’25) On Friday, January 27th, the Blue Streaks stepped onto the court looking to take down rival Shaker and continue their climb in the standings with only seven games remaining. Their 73-67 overtime win facilitated their jump to second in the standings, only behind Colonie

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Food: Uncommon Grounds Offers Saratogians Delicious Food With a Welcoming Ambience

February 6, 2023 by Maddy Diem (’24) A few days ago, I walked into Uncommon Grounds in Saratoga Springs, New York–a large café on Broadway, close to Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS). It’s loud, busy, and smells like coffee grounds. A roar comes from the giant machine in the corner, which looks like it is

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Music: The Boys Are Back! Supergroup boygenius announces album, The Record, Out March 31

February 6, 2023 by Lucia Birnby (’23) It’s been nearly five years since boygenius released their self-titled EP, and fans have been waiting patiently for their return. The supergroup–consisting of Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker–teased their debut LP, The Record on January 18th with three new songs: “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry,” and “True

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Saratoga’s Academic Team Brings Home Victory in North Country Quizbowl

February 6, 2023 by Eliza Krackeler (’24) For the Toga students who live and breathe trivia, the recent North Country Quizbowl (NCQB) at Queensbury High was the optimal place to show off their knowledge and mental stamina. The Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) Academic Team competed in this tournament last month at Queensbury High School

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