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Top Stories


Security, or the Show of It?
Misunderstood, miscommunicated, and mostly ineffective, Middlesex’s new welcome booth has created more problems than it has solved. When the new welcome booth appeared at Middlesex’s entrance this fall, confusion spread fast among students. Was it a security measure? A response to rising national concerns about school safety? Or simply a logistical checkpoint for deliveries? No one seemed to know, because the school never clearly said. In the absence of communication, specul
Mooncakes and Celebration
A peek into AZN’s Mid-Autumn Festival. On October 1st, AZN hosted its annual Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the harvest festival, originated in China during the Shang Dynasty and is celebrated across much of Asia. Held in the chapel, the event invited all students who identify as pan-Asian to come together for a night of community and cultural appreciation. Attendees enjoyed lantern-folding, traditional music, and an assortment of moon
Workshop with Bret Stephens ‘91: Overview and Insight
A guide on constructing Opinion Writing On Thursday, September 25, 2025,  The Anvil team had the privilege of welcoming New York Times columnist and Middlesex alumnus Bret Stephens ‘91 back on campus. More than three decades after graduating from Middlesex, Mr. Stephens returned to campus to impart his insights on opinion writing to the Anvil staff and wider school community—an opportunity made possible by several of the Anvil’s new initiatives this year. From once sitting i
The Anatomy of a Government Shutdown
What really happens when a government shuts down? At 12:01 a.m. on October 1st 2025, the U.S. Government officially shut down. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for federal operations, forcing a temporary halt  of non-vital operations. In order to fund government agencies and programs, Congress must pass appropriated bills that are then passed and signed into law by the President. If this process is not completed by October 1st, the start
NFL Quarter-Season Review
Surprises, Busts, and More The NFL has had an extremely exciting start to the season, with more action undoubtedly to come. These are the biggest surprises, best teams, players, and disappointments so far. A major surprise to the whole NFL was the rise of the Indianapolis Colts, a team that had not touched the playoffs in five years. Their quarterback, Daniel Jones, had been labeled a bust by most NFL teams, but the Colts took a chance on him and it paid off, big time. His cu
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