Generation Alpha, children born from 2010 onwards, are growing up in a world where social media is deeply woven into daily life. This influence is having a negative effect on their educational experiences.

One issue is the distraction social media causes in school. Constant notifications and the habit of scrolling through feeds lead to shorter attention spans and not comprehending any form of content, leaving their academic performance to spiral.

In the past decade, innovations in technology have widely expanded the American entertainment industry. Along with these innovations, a new form of the internet has been introduced, social media. Social media is a place where all generations, mostly Gen Z and millennials, can come together to create a community for their specific interests. Despite social media’s welcoming appearance, it can cause young adults and influencers around the world to develop mental health issues.

 “I got a golden ticket, I got a golden chance to make my way!” This exciting moment is from the musical “Willy Wonka,” about a boy named Charlie and his sugar-coated adventure in Wonka’s fantastic chocolate factory! It will be playing June 21–23 at the Berger Performing Arts Center.

Have you ever read Roald Dahl’s story “Matilda”? Saguaro City Music Theatre is bringing Matilda to life this holiday season Dec. 22 to Jan. 7. I got to interview Miriam Howell, who is playing the title role of Matilda. She is a Tucson native and is part of a theater family. I feel lucky to be a cast member of Matilda, too!

Entering the exhibit, we began the Van Gogh Experience with a colorful room of timelines, artwork, and 3D statues of Vincent Van Gogh. We learned of the important dates and people in his life. He was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands. He had one beloved brother, Théo Van Gogh, and his three sisters, all significant to retainingVan Gogh’s works. Others significant in Van Gogh’s life include his friend and fellow painter Paul Gaugin, who was involved in Van Gogh’s widely known tragic incident of injuring his own ear.

Can you imagine, one single battle changing the course of a war? It sounds pretty unbelievable, but, the Battle of Midway was one of those rare battles that would change the course of one of the most terrible wars in history: World War II.

I had the pleasure of interviewing an amazing author and interfaith activist, Saadia Faruqi. She has written books for different age groups. I met her at the Tucson Festival of Books at the U of A campus.

She has written books for all ages, including the Yasmin series for early readers. Faruqi says she was 8 years old when she began to write stories, but she didn't get serious about writing novels until later.

Have you ever wondered what a fully vegetable dessert tastes like? A dessert made of vegetables sounds weird. But, if you make it the right way, it can taste amazing.

Young Reporters had the chance to interview wildland firefighter Andrea McKenna. She is in her sixth season as a wildland firefighter and engine boss, and has been an EMT since 2014. McKenna shared many of the tools and techniques that firefighters use.

 On Dec. 1, I spent my school day in my school gym, waiting on the bleachers with 27 people and once in a while being called up to the microphone to spell a word. It was my school level spelling bee, and after being given the word, ‘fonda,” which in simple terms is an inn, I became one of the two BASIS Oro Valley School Spelling Bee Champions. Ela Adhikari, an 8th grader, was the other champion.