The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed Ahmed, Managing Editor

Hi, I’m Ahmed Ahmed, a senior in the Culinary and Hospitality Program. This is my third year on the staff. I’m a Research Assistant at the UBI Center and a Senior Researcher at the Mission for American Resolve, a student-managed think tank. I like writing about economics, current affairs, history and nerd culture.

All content by Ahmed Ahmed

The future fights

Ahmed Ahmed and Jackson Bogan
August 29, 2022

CCSD is far from the only locality to overhaul education policy for the stated purpose of promoting racial equity. Cities and states across the country have been revamping classes, grading and school admission...

The end of an era

The end of an era

Ahmed Ahmed
May 25, 2022
All good things must come to an end.
Beware the Blame America Firsters

Beware the Blame America Firsters

Ahmed Ahmed
May 6, 2022
On the far-right and far-left, fiction triumphs facts on Russia.
Trump's GOP critics are not your friends

Trump’s GOP critics are not your friends

Ahmed Ahmed
March 21, 2022
If you think Trump is the only threat to the republic, I have some real estate in Birmingham to sell you.
Trustees' responses to student violence will be covered in a Thursday meeting. The thousands of violent incidents reported this school year have caused concern among some policymakers. Photo Credit: CCSD

Wave of school violence prompts response from board of trustees

Ahmed Ahmed and Tishie Nyitray
March 7, 2022
A March 10 board meeting will center around potential solutions to the campus incidents.
Q & A: Do you think the mask mandate for schools should have continued?

Q & A: Do you think the mask mandate for schools should have continued?

Ahmed Ahmed
February 21, 2022

Why debate matters

Why debate matters

Ahmed Ahmed
February 20, 2022
I love debate more than anything. And I’ll continue to love it for decades after my last match.
Gov. Steve Sisolak lifts Nevada state mask mandate. Art Credit

BREAKING: Mask Mandate Lifted in CCSD

Ahmed Ahmed and Tishie Nyitray
February 10, 2022
The mandate has been a subject of intense controversy in the district.
Progressives declare war on Biden’s push for opening schools

Progressives declare war on Biden’s push for opening schools

Ahmed Ahmed
February 1, 2022
Closing down schools has drawbacks advocates don’t consider.
Students face five-day-weekend in lieu of COVID-19 shortages

Students face five-day-weekend in lieu of COVID-19 shortages

Ahmed Ahmed
January 13, 2022
The changing of the schedule for the new year was made in response to a severe staff shortage.
Make Kamala Harris cool again

Make Kamala Harris cool again

Ahmed Ahmed
December 3, 2021
The new wave of soft-on-crime progressivism hurts the communities it tries to protect.
4-day weekend ensues in honor of Veterans Day

4-day weekend ensues in honor of Veterans Day

Ahmed Ahmed
November 10, 2021
The holiday marks the first consecutive four days of no school since the beginning of the year.
Supreme Court of the United States ends marriage discrimination - Obergefell vs Hodges

The ghosts of the gay marriage debate

Ahmed Ahmed
November 5, 2021
Gay marriage used to be so politically toxic that Democrats ran away from it, but the policy is now wildly popular with Americans.
Joe Manchin is the GOAT

Joe Manchin is the GOAT

Ahmed Ahmed
October 20, 2021
Taunt and mock him as much as you’d like. The 74-year old welcomes your hatred - and you need him.
Gov. Steve Sisolak lifts Nevada state mask mandate. Art Credit

BREAKING: Student Council reveals information for first Homecoming in two years

Ahmed Ahmed
October 8, 2021
The Student Council released information related to 2021's Homecoming, though not all questions have been answered.
Unwitting conservatives for Biden

Unwitting conservatives for Biden

Ahmed Ahmed
October 8, 2021
Last year, the far-left made Biden’s job in capturing the presidency harder. This year, the far-right is making it easier.
CCSD’s anti-racist task force shouldn’t make the same errors as other anti-racist initiatives

CCSD’s anti-racist task force shouldn’t make the same errors as other anti-racist initiatives

Ahmed Ahmed
September 10, 2021
Many think an anti-racist task force is a no-brainer. But diversity training’s effectiveness is worth questioning.
Paige Myers lays out her support for the anti-racist task force, while maintaining the position that the Board of Trustees wasn’t doing enough of a job in bolstering anti-racism. The primary point of discussion was the formation of their anti-racism task force, which became a lightning rod of division during the six hour meeting. “I feel compelled to lift the voices and the concerns of my fellow educators who are working within a system that is inherently broken,” Myers said. Screenshot of meeting

Fight over anti-racism task force continues during hectic Board meeting

Ahmed Ahmed
September 2, 2021
The Thursday meeting again centered around the issues of race and racism.
There are no winners in the critical race theory fight

There are no winners in the critical race theory fight

Ahmed Ahmed
July 31, 2021
Conservatives are correct to rally against “critical race theory.” But their solutions are poorly thought out and counter-productive.
BREAKING: CCSD MANDATES MASKS FOR STUDENTS, STAFF WHEN INDOORS

BREAKING: CCSD MANDATES MASKS FOR STUDENTS, STAFF WHEN INDOORS

Ahmed Ahmed
July 27, 2021
A new frontier in the COVID-19 culture has arrived, as schools debate mandating masks.
Debate over anti-racism agenda ignites firestorm at CCSD board meeting

Debate over anti-racism agenda ignites firestorm at CCSD board meeting

Ahmed Ahmed
July 1, 2021
As conservatives ramp up the fight over critical race theory, a chaotic Clark County meeting shined a spotlight on talks about race and racism.
A new study confirms where the real anti-semitism lies

A new study confirms where the real anti-semitism lies

Ahmed Ahmed
May 17, 2021
A base built on bigotry will be home to anti-semites.
The myth of a worker’s Republican Party

The myth of a worker’s Republican Party

Ahmed Ahmed
April 8, 2021
"Working-class conservatism" would have a real constistuency in America, but will likely never be more than a fantasy.
Being guided inside the school bright and early, a new set of ninth and twelfth graders enter campus for hybrid learning. They will be receiving in-person instruction for the first half of the day. “I am happy to see students return for Cohort B,” Assistant Principal Kendra Kelley said. “I was happy to see Cohort A students on Monday and Tuesday as well. The SWCTA campus was very lonely without students. I'm glad to see those who chose to return in-person and that they are well and ready to learn.” Photo Credit: Matthew LaPorte

Cohort B returns to in-person learning

Ahmed Ahmed, Monserrat Mendieta, and Rhamil Taguba
March 25, 2021
Cohort B starts in-person instruction and teachers see new group of students.
Freshman Natalya Cintron works on an assignment in her Health class. Several students have returned to the classroom following the reopening of schools. "I do have worries regarding COVID-19, but the school is taking safety measures and not many people are actually in the classes, so I feel pretty comfortable being here," Cintron said. Photo Credit: Matthew LaPorte

Cohort A starts first day of in-person learning

Ahmed Ahmed and Monserrat Mendieta
March 22, 2021

After more than a year of remote learning, some students are returning to the classroom. Organized into different groups, today Cohort A, which is made up of 163 students, attended their 5th and 7th-period...

Building the bridges to a covid-free world

Building the bridges to a covid-free world

Ahmed Ahmed, Kristin Bernasor, Hannah Paine, Farhad Yazdani, Kayla Thomas, and Rhamil Taguba
March 19, 2021
The pandemic has adversely affected our country in a myriad of ways. Here, we go beyond the stats and numbers and zoom in on how each of us were impacted.
Can Pokémon bring its mojo back?

Can Pokémon bring its mojo back?

Ahmed Ahmed
March 16, 2021
Could these new games be just what the franchise needs?
BREAKING: SOUTHWEST SHADOW BECOMES PACEMAKER FINALIST

BREAKING: SOUTHWEST SHADOW BECOMES PACEMAKER FINALIST

Ahmed Ahmed
March 15, 2021
The question now is if the Shadow can win another Pacemaker.
The silencing of Bret Stephens

The silencing of Bret Stephens

Ahmed Ahmed
February 18, 2021
The NYT’s decision to punish a reporter for referencing the n-word is terrifying.
PODCAST: Inauguration Wrap-up

PODCAST: Inauguration Wrap-up

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, and Jackson Bogan
February 2, 2021
Jackson and Ahmed discuss the inauguration and their expectations for a Biden presidency
The Gamestop revolution that wasn’t

The Gamestop revolution that wasn’t

Ahmed Ahmed
February 2, 2021
Is a rag-tag gang of Redditors about to bankrupt multi-billionaires?
CCSD will be transitioning Pre-K to 3rd grade students to a hybrid style of learning. Photo Credit: CCSD

BREAKING: Hybrid model set to be implemented for Pre-K to grade 3 students

Ahmed Ahmed and Monserrat Mendieta
January 27, 2021
CCSD plans to allow Pre-K to 3rd grade students to return to in-person education.
Senator Reid Meets With Nevada Delegates © Senate Democrats, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Nevada Congressional Dems back Biden’s reversal of trans military ban

Ahmed Ahmed
January 25, 2021
The Biden move is emblematic of his party's shift left on LGBTQ issues.
It’s do-or-die time for the American economy: Will Biden learn from Obama’s mistakes, and go bold? Or make the same ones, and be overly-cautious? Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore, Art Credit: Ahmed Ahmed

How Joe Biden should learn from Obama’s mistakes

Ahmed Ahmed
January 21, 2021

Over the course of the 2020 election, President Joe Biden made strides to remind people of his association with former President Barack Obama. Biden’s connection with Obama was a major asset in a primary...

Tomorrow at 5 p.m. the CCSD School Board will be continuing their discussion on the possible reopening of schools. Photo Credit: Clark County School District

School board meeting tomorrow to discuss possibility of inviting small groups of students to school campuses

Ahmed Ahmed and Monserrat Mendieta
January 13, 2021
COVID-19 mitigation strategies, new recommendation, and elected trustees.
The woke left’s thirst for retribution

The woke left’s thirst for retribution

Ahmed Ahmed
January 12, 2021

It’s unlikely that Mimi Groves knew that she would be the center of a massive news story when she posted a seemingly innocuous notice on her Instagram page, urging her followers to take part in protests...

On January 6th, the U.S Capitol was invaded by an angry mass of Trump supporters while Congress was verifying Biden’s victory. "Chemistry Lab Yellow" by klar_rocks is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

Breaking: Trump incites insurrection at Capitol

Ahmed Ahmed and Monserrat Mendieta
January 8, 2021
Capitol Hill invaded, fatalities confirmed, call for removal and more.
Jon Ossoff, an investigative journalist, has won his election for the U.S. Senate and has guaranteed a Democratic Majority in the United States Senate. Jon Ossoff After a Campaign Speech © John Ramspott, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

BREAKING: Democrats take control of the US senate as they win both seats in Georgia, one party rule in Washington eminent

Ahmed Ahmed
January 5, 2021
The Southwest Shadow has called the 2020 Senate Election for Democrat Jon Ossoff, securing a Democratic majority in the Senate and a Democratic trifecta in Washington.
BREAKING: Raphael Warnock wins 2020 Georgia Senate Special Election

BREAKING: Raphael Warnock wins 2020 Georgia Senate Special Election

Ahmed Ahmed
January 5, 2021
The Southwest Shadow has called the 2020 Georgia Senate Special Election for Democrat Raphael Warnock.
PODCAST: 2020 Election Wrap-Up

PODCAST: 2020 Election Wrap-Up

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, Jackson Bogan, and Rhamil Taguba
December 10, 2020
With the election wrapping up, our four hosts describe what they saw.
Say hello to the weird world of online celebrity fandoms.Photo Credit: Imane Anys Art Credit: Ahmed Ahmed

Why a feud between two Twitch streamers is one of the most important stories this week

Ahmed Ahmed
December 8, 2020
A fight between the streamer Pokimane and Fedmyster reveal a greater truth about internet content creators.
PODCAST: Trusting Political Media

PODCAST: Trusting Political Media

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, Jackson Bogan, and Rhamil Taguba
November 24, 2020
The four of us discuss the role that the media plays in politics and distributing truthful information.
The CCSD Board of Trustees began discussing the new hybrid operational plan. Guided by state recommendations, the plan was initially called to be implemented, but was delayed afterwards. "Make no mistake, we are suffering here in Clark County, and as we enter here in the winter months, our challenges will increase exponentially. But the future of our children is on the line," CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara said. (Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba)

School Board postpones vote on hybrid model

Ahmed Ahmed and Rhamil Taguba
November 15, 2020
The school board’s decision to postpone the vote may leave some confused.
America’s Radical Racial Revolution

America’s Radical Racial Revolution

Ahmed Ahmed
November 13, 2020
America underwent a racial awakening last Tuesday-just not the one liberals were expecting.
With his victory in Pennsylvania, Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the US. The Southwest Shadow has called the races in North Carolina and Alaska for President Trump, and Georgia and Nevada for President-elect Biden.Photo Credit: Gage Skidman

BREAKING: Joe Biden elected 46th president, on track for second largest popular vote margin in 24 years

Ahmed Ahmed
November 7, 2020
After a chaotic presidential race, Biden comes out victorious.
Updates on the election. "Joe Biden" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

THE OFFICIAL SOUTHWEST SHADOW 2020 ELECTION LIVE BLOG

Ahmed Ahmed
November 3, 2020
Will weakened Hispanic support sink Biden in Florida? Can Trump hang on to the Midwestern Rustbelt states he won four years ago? Who will win the race for Congress? Follow our OFFICIAL live blog to find out!
Analysis: Election 2020 Endorsements: Who deserves to win?

Analysis: Election 2020 Endorsements: Who deserves to win?

Ahmed Ahmed and Rhamil Taguba
October 26, 2020
Ahmed and Rhamil give their election endorsements for the 2020 election.
Joe Biden could enact the largest reduction in child poverty in nearly a half-century

Joe Biden could enact the largest reduction in child poverty in nearly a half-century

Ahmed Ahmed
October 21, 2020
A new analysis says that Joe Biden's economic policies could sharply reduce child poverty in the US.
"Nevada Legislature Building, Carson City, Nevada" by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Revenue shortfall hits CCSD budget

Ahmed Ahmed
October 13, 2020
The Nevada's legislature to cut funding for schools has the potential to affect the school in a myriad of ways.
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PRO/CON: Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water

Ahmed Ahmed
October 7, 2020
Bashing celebrities weighing in on important issues can seem attractive. Don’t do it.
PRO/CON: Beware the impending plastic disaster

PRO/CON: Beware the impending plastic disaster

Ahmed Ahmed
September 23, 2020
A fundamental fight for our earth’s future has largely flown under the radar.
income families. With the waiver from the USDA, schools around the county will be handing out free breakfasts and lunches to those that request it. Photo Credit: Aaron Doucett

Waiver extensions for school food program clears confusion as schools shut down

Ahmed Ahmed
September 21, 2020
Free lunch and breakfast will be available to students, due to an extension from the USDA.
We should just send people $5,000 checks

We should just send people $5,000 checks

Ahmed Ahmed
September 20, 2020
The clock is ticking for many working families. Can we help them in time?
You may not know much about Pokémon, but you may be surprised as to the lessons it can teach us about the world today. Art Credit: Kamiran Hinton

America has a Pokémon problem

Ahmed Ahmed
September 10, 2020
Many millennials think they’re exempt from the irregularities of boomers. You only have to look to the Pokémon franchise to see that’s nonsense.
Senator Harris’ All-American story

Senator Harris’ All-American story

Ahmed Ahmed
August 27, 2020
I’m the son of immigrants and so are most of my friends. Kamala Harris’ ascent is reinstating our American-ness.
Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Ahmed Ahmed, Juliana Borruso, and Naila Yazdani
August 26, 2020
After the technology complications were resolves, the remainder of the day continued without noticeable complications.
The questions the school board’s decision don’t answer

The questions the school board’s decision don’t answer

Ahmed Ahmed
July 29, 2020
The school made the correct decision in closing down schools for the new year. What now?
Senate Republicans blocking the Cares Act prevented dollars from getting into people’s hands. We can, and should, reverse the damage. Photo Credit: Steven Depolo/Flickr Art Credit: Ahmed Ahmed

School year to start with full time distance learning

Gurleen Swaich and Ahmed Ahmed
July 24, 2020
Students will begin full time distance learning starting August 24th.
BREAKING NEWS: CCSD recommends full distance learning for 2021 school year

BREAKING NEWS: CCSD recommends full distance learning for 2021 school year

Ahmed Ahmed
July 20, 2020
New cases have increased 17 times since the first of June, according to the New York Times.
In defense of selfishness

In defense of selfishness

Ahmed Ahmed
May 9, 2020
Moral preening may make some people feel nice, but it does nothing to mitigate the damage caused by the virus.
Carolyn Goodman rolls the dice with Las Vegans’ lives

Carolyn Goodman rolls the dice with Las Vegans’ lives

Ahmed Ahmed
April 23, 2020
The Las Vegas mayor defies public health experts by advocating for the city to reopen.
The city that never sleeps goes silent

The city that never sleeps goes silent

Grinesa Bajrami, McKenna Thayer, Gurleen Swaich, and Ahmed Ahmed
April 7, 2020
It's been almost a month being stuck at home. This is the new world we are living in.
I was wrong ... sort of

I was wrong … sort of

Ahmed Ahmed
April 3, 2020
The administration has mishandled the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in a genuinely astounding manner.
Screenshot Credit: Ahmed Ahmed

BREAKING: Governor Steve Sisolak cancels school for all CCSD students

Grinesa Bajrami and Ahmed Ahmed
March 15, 2020
As the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Steve Sisolak has closed all schools in the state.
You can trust us

You can trust us

Ahmed Ahmed
March 13, 2020
Not trusting teenagers based on bad evidence isn’t just stupid, it’s harmful.
PODCAST: Coronaphobia

PODCAST: Coronaphobia

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, Juliana Borruso, and Jackson Bogan
March 8, 2020
Hear these questions and answers in this week's podcast. What justifies the fear of COVID-19? Is doomsday prepping worth it? After all, it should only affect people with weak immune systems, right?
We used to rule the world

We used to rule the world

Ahmed Ahmed
February 28, 2020
A new subreddit allows deeper sight into a larger problem.
PRO/CON: Eyes on your own paper

PRO/CON: Eyes on your own paper

Ahmed Ahmed
February 7, 2020
Cheating in schools is utterly immoral regardless of circumstances.
A rising tide lifts all boats

A rising tide lifts all boats

Ahmed Ahmed
January 26, 2020
A new report from the Superintendent’s office lists the numerous ways in which Black and Hispanic students are denied opportunity to succeed.
Web Design group impresses judges panel at CES

Web Design group impresses judges panel at CES

Ahmed Ahmed
January 20, 2020
Southwest ties for second in finals for business pitch competition.
Reaping what you sew

Reaping what you sew

Ahmed Ahmed
January 9, 2020
Australia's wildfires are only a start to what the world can expect from the climate crisis.
PODCAST: Time to wrap up the season

PODCAST: Time to wrap up the season

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, and Jackson Bogan
December 29, 2019
Some believe that holiday decorations should be allowed in classrooms, while others believe otherwise.
It doesn’t add up

It doesn’t add up

Ahmed Ahmed
December 5, 2019
Lackluster test results indicate American education needs a major revamp.
You get what you pay for

You get what you pay for

Ahmed Ahmed
November 27, 2019
When the super rich are able to buy our elections, our country is worse off.
A hill to die on

A hill to die on

Ahmed Ahmed
November 20, 2019
Katie Hill’s actions reveal a larger problem of employers abusing their power and authority over their employees.
In break from past, CCSD eliminates requirements for admissions to some magnet programs

In break from past, CCSD eliminates requirements for admissions to some magnet programs

Gurleen Swaich and Ahmed Ahmed
November 6, 2019
Claiming that they decrease racial and socioeconomic diversity, CCSD has eliminated most admission requirements for magnet high schools.
PODCAST: When are you too old to trick or treat?

PODCAST: When are you too old to trick or treat?

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, and Jackson Bogan
October 29, 2019
As you get older, it becomes more and more socially unacceptable for you to trick or treat. Is societies' standard for trick or treating unfair?
All’s fair in leaving war

All’s fair in leaving war

Ahmed Ahmed
October 9, 2019
Should the United States really stay in Syria forever?
New E-Sports club created to compete in, out of school

New E-Sports club created to compete in, out of school

Ahmed Ahmed
October 7, 2019
Local competitions are part of the goals for this new organization.
All smoke, but no fire

All smoke, but no fire

Ahmed Ahmed
September 27, 2019
A total ban on vaping may seem appealing, until one actually looks at the evidence.
PODCAST: Taking it too far

PODCAST: Taking it too far

Ahmed Ahmed, Kamiran Hinton, and Jackson Bogan
September 26, 2019
As some individuals may have a passion for a hobby, they may take it too and turn it into an obsession.
PRO/CON: Going vegan for our planet

PRO/CON: Going vegan for our planet

Ahmed Ahmed
September 20, 2019
Veganism is the best and healthiest way to slow the climate crisis.
Screenshot by: Ahmed Ahmed

Teachers’ union, school board finalize contract for new year

Ahmed Ahmed
September 4, 2019
After a lot of tension, the planned strike has been cancelled and gave teachers their pay raise.
School district budget cuts campus to bone

School district budget cuts campus to bone

Ahmed Ahmed
August 29, 2019
School district budget cuts force administration to make changes to school.