Madison Chandler: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Immigration

Payton Daniels: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Opinion

Spencer DuMontier: General Assignment, Sports, International News

Jim Lanier: General Assignment, Opinion, Cartoons & Graphic Art

Ali LeJeune: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Sports

Mia Mayo: Editor, General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Environment

Will McLain: General Assignment, Sports, Political/International

Camden Pierce: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Opinion, Sports

James Rumbley: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Sports

Audrey Thrower: Editor, General Assignment, Sports

Olivia Vance: General Assignment, Arts & Culture, Opinion

Alabama Student Fears ICE Targeting

By Madison Chandler

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeting international students who have visas has become a significant concern in the international community. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration has caused fear for students even when they’re here legally and have no criminal record. The Acta Diurna interviewed a Colombian graduate student in Alabama who has concerns about ICE’s methods. Read More

Altamont Indoor Track Athletes Break Six Indoor School Records

By James Rumbley

Most years, Altamont track and field teams return from state championship tournaments with trophies. This year, the girls were state champs and the boys were runners-up. On top of that, Knight indoor track athletes broke multiple school records, some more than two decades old. Read More

The (K)New School Grammys: The Winners of the Grammys Decided by Their Altamont Fanbases

By Camden Pierce

The Grammy Awards claim to be the most prestigious honor in the music industry. Since 1959, a Grammy has represented major achievement in the recording and performing arts. These awards are presented by The Recording Academy, whose members decide the outcome of the ceremony. However, this council has not had the best track record with inclusivity. Read More

The New Rise of the Old: Vintage Clothing and Accessories

By Jim Lanier

The vintage industry is booming, and Birmingham is not an exception. But what is vintage? Vintage refers to clothing and accessories originating from any time between the years 1920 to 2000. Read More

AI’s Environmental Effects Are Global but Right Here in Alabama, Too

By Mia Mayo

From assemblies led by Dr. Josh Barnard to AI reels on Instagram or even the much-repeated advice to “ask ChatGPT,” we’ve all been exposed to artificial intelligence in some form or fashion. Likewise, as global warming, loss of natural resources, and pollution threaten to reach disastrous levels, the relationship between AI and the environment has become a popular topic of discussion. In an era of rapid change ­— political, technological, and environmental — it is important to understand the reality of the world around us: there are real impacts of using artificial intelligence that threaten our local communities and the stability of our biosphere. Read More

Wondering How Your Peers Use (or Don’t Use, or Don’t Mean to Use) AI?

By Ali LeJeune

Since AI became popular, it’s been discussed many times by Altamont students and teachers. As AI programs have progressed, restrictions against AI have increased and conversations about AI have grown even more frequent. Recently, Dr. Josh Barnard led a presentation that included information on how AI hallucinates, and how it’s often just a ‘yes-man’ for anyone who has a “conversation” with it. Since AI is such a popular conversation topic (and partner?) and relevant to students’ lives, The Acta Diurna conducted a survey about AI usage here at Altamont. Read More

Attention Spans and Technology: Two Veteran Teachers’ Views

By Spencer DuMontier

Observers worldwide say people’s attention spans are decreasing. According to King’s College in London, half the public feels like their own attention spans are shorter than they used to be. Educators and researchers attribute that at least partly to frequent screen use. We commonly use the word “screenager” to describe a generation dependent on smartphones and other devices. Some even apply the phrase “screen zombie.” Read More

Some Habits Hurt Academic Performance, But There Are Solutions 

By Payton Daniels

Lots of things can affect how well students do in school, and given the new technology that surrounds us all, there are many obstacles to students doing their best. Read More

INTERVIEWS: Knight Athletes and Coaches Share Visions, Excitement for Spring Sports 

By Audrey Thrower

It is time for Altamont’s spring sports! After a successful winter, the Knights are excited for a new season. The Acta Diurna interviewed coaches and athletes to understand their visions for this season and share what the Altamont community can look forward to. Read More

Featured Photo

Hearty souls brave an unexpected flurry – or in Alabama, a “major blizzard” – during Activities March 16.