Resignation in the White House: Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General
Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at the Department of Justice. The Firing On April 1, 2026, President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi. The meeting was brief, held in the Oval Office just before Trump addressed the nation on the war in Iran. By the following morning, the decision was public. Trump announced on Truth Social: "Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General. We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a...
BY Simai Kang
Silence in the Crossfire: How War Becomes an Excuse for Repression
As conflict escalates across the Middle East, governments are using national security as justification to arrest journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens for speaking out. The UN warns of a systematic crackdown on freedom of expression.
BY Triston Grant
Strong Minds, Better Lives
Mental health is a big part of our overall well-being, even though people do not always talk about it enough. It includes our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It shapes how we handle stress, how we treat others, and how we see ourselves. Just like our bodies can get sick, our minds can struggle too. That is why it is important to care for both. When It Goes Untreated When someone has good mental health, they are better able to focus, stay motivated, and deal with everyday challenges. They...
BY Marianna Pou
The Search Is On: Find Your Companion for Life
At Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, there are many dogs and cats waiting for a second chance at life. Some come all the way from Puerto Rico, rescued from very difficult conditions. They travel far just for the chance to find a safe and loving home. And somewhere in that shelter, your future best friend might already be waiting for you. A No-Kill Commitment One of the most important things about Tri-County Animal Rescue is that it is a no-kill shelter. They do not put animals down...
BY Marianna Pou
Compromise in Congress Declining Due to Polarization
Today's Congress marks a period when attempts to compromise with the other party are rare. Such perceived disloyalty can even cost a representative or senator their seat. That said, members of Congress on both sides still cross party lines, in events ranging from confirmation hearings to budget bills to discharge petitions. Two of the most notable examples of frequently cooperative members of Congress are Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Their stories...
BY Nyk Klymenko
House Music Is Black.
The History There is a building on West Huron Street in Chicago that most people walk past without a second thought. But between 1977 and 1983, something happened inside it that quietly rewired the entire course of popular music. A Black gay man named Frankie Knuckles held residency at a club called The Warehouse. He played for crowds that were Black, queer, and working class — people the rest of the city had no use for, people who needed somewhere to exist freely. He played disco and soul...
BY Triston Grant
The History of Gender Expression
Gender fluid individuals have a rich and extensive history that often goes unknown.
BY Kat Gran
The Invisible Tax of the Attention Economy
A parent negotiates screen time with their child. Yet another school has enforced a campus-wide phone ban. An office manager scheduled the fourth “focus hour” of the month. None of them created the system that keeps demanding their time, but they all pay a price for it. The attention economy is a marketplace where platforms compete to capture and retain human focus. When that becomes the top priority, the costs of distraction spill outward onto families, schools, and workplaces. “Free”...
BY Austin Packham
Regional Highlight: James Fishback for Governor of Florida
On November 24, 2025, James Thomas Fishback announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election. Throughout his campaign videos, Fishback has consistently challenged Byron Donalds, another frontrunner in the Republican primary. Donalds is a U.S. representative endorsed by President Trump. Fishback has been critical of Donalds for accepting donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and has pledged to refuse contributions...
BY Simai Kang
Why Public Choice Theory Changes How We See Politics
Turn on the news or join nearly any dinner table conversation, and you'll notice a common assumption: that politicians and government officials are, at heart, trying to do what's best for everyone. This thinking is reminiscent of what we learned in our middle school civics class. Public choice theory challenges that idea. It analyzes the incentives, self-interest, and institutional rules behind political decisions, cutting through idealism to reveal something more practical. Political...
BY Austin Packham
Congressional Stock Trading Ban: What You Should Know, And Can It Happen
Democrats and Republicans rarely find themselves in agreement on any social, economic, or political topics. One topic, however, deviates from the norm: stocks and Congress. Both Democrats and Republicans alike support - even overwhelmingly so - a Congressional stock trading ban. In fact, according to the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, 86% of the nation’s registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 1.9%, support prohibiting members...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Japan Prime Minister: Meeting in the Oval Office
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shakes hands with U.S. President Donald J. Trump On March 19, 2026, newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met bilaterally with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. The two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including China, oil, the Iran conflict, NATO, and other pressing international matters. Prime Minister Takaichi entered the meeting with a clear message: she believes President...
BY Simai Kang
Targeted, Silenced, Killed: The Escalating War on Journalists in Conflict Zones
Conflicts are erupting across the globe. Wars, political unrest, discrimination, and oppression impact millions. During these challenging times, people now more than ever depend on local, independent journalists to deliver critical wartime information. However, reporting on these problems puts journalists in great danger. Like civilians, journalists working in war-torn conflict zones have always been at risk of being collateral damage. What’s alarming is not only the number of journalists...
BY Austin Packham
2016 is back. Summer 2026 is all about nostalgia
Everywhere you look, #2016 is trending, and this summer it is not holding back. Fashion is taking a major throwback moment, with some of the most loved styles from 2016 making a fresh return. It feels familiar, but at the same time, everything has a new and updated twist that makes it exciting again. The OG Bathing Suits One of the biggest comebacks is the iconic neoprene bathing suit. Yes, really. Triangl, the brand that had everyone obsessed back in 2016, is bringing back its famous...
BY Marianna Pou
Is AI Replacing Creativity?
If you have been on the internet or social media in the past year, I’m sure you have noticed an increase in AI-created content. What started as simply sharing AI’s answers to users’ curious questions has now become something much bigger. I first became aware of AI when my friends would ask AI chatbots about their deepest questions about life, the universe, and scientific theories. They found the answers interesting, and using chatbots for a few minutes a week wasn’t hurting anyone. However,...
BY Kat Gran
Why Iran? Examining the Shifting Narratives of U.S. Intervention"
Preventing nuclear weapons. Destroying missile capabilities. Projecting power in the Hormuz Strait. Cutting off the support of terrorist groups. The GOP famously hailed the Trump-Vance candidacy as the “peace ticket” – today, Iran becomes the eighth country where the president has ordered military strikes since January 20th of 2025. The Trump administration has offered many shifting justifications for its new war in Iran: which is it? Fluctuating Justifications for War Since the beginning of...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Exploring Global Policy Trends: What’s Shaping Our World Today
In today’s fast-changing world, global policy trends shape how nations interact, how rights are protected, and how challenges are addressed. I find it fascinating to watch these shifts unfold. They reveal much about our shared priorities and the tensions we face. From climate action to digital governance, the landscape is complex yet full of potential. Let’s dive into some of the most significant trends shaping global policy right now. Understanding the Current Global Policy Trends Global...
BY Jeannie Romain
Outrage Pays: How Moral Panic is Monetized
“If it bleeds, it leads” is a long-standing journalistic adage that describes how stories about violence, conflict, or tragedy often dominate news coverage. Bleeding stories lead because they capitalize on the audience's natural curiosity toward danger and conflict. Moral panic takes it a step further. Stanley Cohen developed the term moral panic, defining it as an event or person that becomes defined as a threat to societal values and interests. Outrage isn’t just a byproduct of modern...
BY Austin Packham
Fast Fashion is Killing the Planet
Ever since the Covid pandemic, large companies that produce clothing known as “fast fashion” have become increasingly popular. While the world was locked away in quarantine for months, there was not much to do for entertainment. However, once companies like SHEIN and Temu started emerging, society started flocking toward these sites to get their hands on the best deals. The companies’ unbelievably low prices and unique, trendy styles caught the attention of millions of people around the...
BY Kat Gran
Ali Khamenei: Downfall of an Iranian Supreme Leader.
On February 28th, The Cleric and former Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Hosseini Khamenei was assassinated from Tehran as a part of Israeli airstrikes aimed for the high ranking official of Iranian. Ali Khamenei has been in power since 1981, he previously served as a third president from 1981 to 1989. He declared tenure leadership since then. He served as Head of State, for a total of 36 years and six months. This made him the longest-serving leader in the Middle East. He was widely considered as...
BY Simai Kang
Kamala Harris and the Long Arc of Women’s Power
Every generation produces women who reshape the political imagination of their time. Some do so loudly, through sweeping legislation or defining speeches. Others do so simply by occupying spaces that once excluded them. Vice President Kamala Harris represents both. Her presence in American political life reflects not only an individual career, but a broader story about women, power, and the unfinished work of democratic inclusion. During Women’s History Month, conversations about...
BY Triston Grant
Understanding the Rohingya Genocide Case
The Rohingya genocide case is one of the most tragic and complex human rights crises of our time. It involves a systematic campaign of violence, displacement, and discrimination against the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group in Myanmar. As I explore this topic, I want to share with you the key facts, legal battles, and ongoing challenges surrounding this case. Together, we can better understand the gravity of the situation and why it demands our attention. What Happened to the Rohingya?...
BY Jeannie Romain
America’s Political Crossroads: Domestic and International Challenges in 2026
In 2026, the United States finds itself navigating complex domestic and international pressures that are shaping its political landscape and global leadership role. Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has thrust American foreign policy into the spotlight. Allied military cooperation in strikes against Iran and the widening regional war have stirred debate across the political spectrum. Administration leaders have defended these actions as necessary for...
BY Triston Grant
We Need Saving From the SAVE Act
Americans are rightfully concerned about the potential passage of the SAVE Act. Their concern is reasonable; American voting rights are deeply in danger. More specifically, it is the low-income, rural, naturalized, and married U.S. citizens – women in particular – who are in danger of disenfranchisement. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Proponents of the SAVE Act make it sound harmless: after all, we have to make sure voters are eligible citizens,...
BY Nyk Klymenko
The Case for a Pluralist American News Media
In an era of intense partisanship and plunging public trust, America's news media faces a crisis, not only from bias or misinformation, but also from who owns and controls the flow of information. This ownership crisis threatens democracy itself: a strong republic depends on informed citizens, who in turn rely on trustworthy news. The American news media have long been dominated by private conglomerates that control much of the broadcast, print, and digital media. While complete private...
BY Austin Packham
Hollywood Spotlight: How 2026 Shapes Celebrity Culture and Fashion Influence
Hollywood’s cultural footprint continues to expand beyond cinema and television into fashion, lifestyle, and global brand influence. In 2026, several cultural moments have underscored this influence — from awards season spectacle to celebrity street style that redefines trend narratives. Red Carpet Season and the Actor Awards Awards shows remain crucial stages for fashion while reflecting social conversations through style choices. This year’s Actor Awards showcased a refined balance between...
BY Triston Grant
Spring to Summer 2026 Fashion Forecast: The Trends Redefining Style and Culture
The Spring and Summer 2026 fashion seasons are shaping up to be among the most dynamic in recent memory, blending bold runway concepts with real-world wearable moments that bridge couture and streetwear. Runway Signals and High Fashion Inspiration Designers across New York, London, Milan, and Paris have delivered collections that reflect both historical reference and innovation. According to fashion editors, trends this year embrace a mix of energetic color palettes, sculptural tailoring, and...
BY Triston Grant
Energy Under Fire: The Economic Ripples of the Middle East Conflict on Global Markets
As the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalates, its effects are being felt not just on the battlefield but in boardrooms, oil markets, and national capitals around the world. Analysts say this crisis has the potential to disrupt global energy commodities and shift long-term economic trends. Strait of Hormuz: A Chokepoint Under Siege The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime passages, funneling about 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade....
BY Triston Grant
A Regional War Unfolds: How the Iran Conflict Reshaped the Middle East
The Middle East has entered a dangerous new phase of conflict that could redefine geopolitical alignments for years to come. What began as a targeted military operation has now erupted into a multi-front war involving Iran, Israel, the United States, and allied and proxy forces across the region. On February 28, 2026, coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel struck strategic locations deep inside Iran, including military facilities and leadership compounds — notably killing...
BY Jeannie Romain
Nearing the End of a Hijacked Black History Month
Unfortunately, this year’s Black History Month marks a somber point of regression in racial justice: what was once a period of celebration has become a period of survival and battle for remembrance, awareness, and group integrity. The battle between Civil Rights advocates and groups against conservative institutions & governments has been waging on for decades, centuries even. The actions of this administration, however, have been exceptionally critical of DEI policy and racial reparative...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Borders as Business Models
Most people regularly engaged in politics have at least heard of the military-industrial complex (MIC). Coined by former President Eisenhower, the MIC describes the informal relationships among a country's military, defense contractors, and political leaders that work together to sustain high levels of military spending through government policies. Homeland defense operates on an eerily similar model. While often discussed from political or moral perspectives, this article will analyze...
BY Austin Packham
When Seeing isn’t Believing: Deepfakes and the Collapse of Online Trust
Just a few years ago, one of the earliest viral AI-generated videos seemed like a joke. It showed actor Will Smith eating a bowl of spaghetti. The clip was more funny or creepy than convincing. His face was warped, his body moved strangely, and the spaghetti glitched in his hands. The whole thing had an uncanny, rubbery feel. People shared it because it was ridiculous, not because they believed it was real. Fast forward to today, and the joke’s on us. Current technology makes AI-generated...
BY Austin Packham
Tariffs Down, Trump Up and Shaken
In a remarkable display of bipartisanship and strict interpretation of the Constitution in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, SCOTUS struck down nearly all of Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign countries. The Supreme Court found that the power to collect taxes, duties, etc., lies explicitly in the legislative branch, whose approval is required for Trump’s tariffs. The administration argued that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) granted it the authority to establish...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Two Elections, Two Different Definitions of Democracy.
February 22 sits at the intersection of two distinct election stories that illuminate a broader truth about democracy. On February 18, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission held a public hearing focused on election audit standards. Officials and experts discussed how structured, transparent audits can strengthen public trust in American elections. Audits are technical exercises. They verify counts, examine procedures, and assess compliance. But they are also symbolic. In a political climate...
BY Triston Grant
Before Geneva Speaks, Watch the Signals.
On February 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council opens its 61st regular session in Geneva. By February 20, much of the diplomatic positioning has already taken place. The Council is often portrayed either as symbolic theater or as moral authority. In reality, it is a negotiation arena. States defend policies, civil society groups document abuses, and resolutions are drafted with language that can echo for years. What happens in Geneva does not automatically transform conditions on the...
BY Triston Grant
The Olympics Always Look Seamless. The Real Question Is What It Took.
As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach their closing ceremony on February 22, the narrative is predictable. Medal counts rise. National pride intensifies. Host cities celebrate smooth execution. Italy has already recorded one of its strongest medal performances in Winter Games history. That achievement deserves recognition. But mega events like the Olympics are never only about sport. They are also tests of governance. Hosting the Games requires enormous coordination across...
BY Triston Grant
India’s AI Summit Is Not Just About Technology. It Is About Power
This week in New Delhi, artificial intelligence is being discussed in rooms filled with executives, diplomats, and policymakers. But what is unfolding is not just a technology summit. It is a geopolitical alignment moment. The India AI Impact Summit, running February 16 to 20, has drawn global tech leaders at the same time that Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva begins a state visit to India on February 18. That overlap signals something important. Artificial intelligence is no...
BY Triston Grant
You’ve Been Practicing Ethics Through Fiction
No one's favorite character is the guy who never makes a mistake. Take Metro Man from Megamind, he seems like the perfect superhero destined to save the day. Yet we find ourselves rooting for Megamind instead, the supposed villain whose origin story reveals the injustice of a baby crash-landing in a prison and growing up behind bars. When Metro Man later confesses he's been wrestling with an existential crisis about his purpose, we finally see past his flawless exterior. Flaws, not...
BY Jada mae
The Invisible Tax of the Attention Economy
A parent negotiates screen time with their child. Yet another school has enforced a campus-wide phone ban. An office manager scheduled the fourth “focus hour” of the month. None of them created the system that keeps demanding their time, but they all pay a price for it. The attention economy is a marketplace where platforms compete to capture and retain human focus. When that becomes the top priority, the costs of distraction spill outward onto families, schools, and workplaces. “Free”...
BY Austin Packham
Democrats Can Win If They Keep the Students
The last two weeks in the United States have seen nationwide protests against ICE, Donald Trump, and the actions of the DOJ within the last year. In those two weeks, students took to the streets in droves, participating in school walkouts, chanting, and claiming intersections and/or sidewalks in massive crowds. Although some in more organized manners than others, students have provided the bulk and blade of anti-ICE attention & action as of late. Local partisan groups have the choice to...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Key Articles on US Political Dynamics
Understanding the complex world of US politics can feel overwhelming. The landscape shifts quickly, and the stakes are high. I’ve spent time diving into key articles that shed light on the forces shaping American political life today. These pieces offer clarity, context, and insight. They help us see beyond the headlines and understand the deeper currents at play. Exploring Key Articles on US Politics When I read through various analyses, I notice patterns. Some articles focus on electoral...
BY Triston Grant
Judicial Activism: Our Last Pillar of Democracy.
On December 31st of 2025, justice prevailed in the San Francisco Federal District Court. That was the day Judge Breyer officially rejected this administration’s justification for their use of the National Guard, which some have described as an “intimidation” of LA residents. The administration argued that exigency for the federalization of the National Guard is only needed in the initiation of the process. Their argument implies that, once federalized, the National Guard is available to the...
BY Nyk Klymenko
Where are Black Women in Our Love Stories?
A lot of Black girls and women are taught to be strong in ways that leave no room for softness. Strength often means not crying, not falling apart, not needing too much, and not relying on anyone else. While that kind of mindset is usually passed down as protection, it can also erase tenderness and vulnerability, things that are very human and very feminine. Over time, it affects how Black women see their own desires, especially when it comes to love. Romance is one of the most popular genres...
BY Jada mae
When First Amendment Freedoms Collide: Don Lemon, a Church Protest, and the Precedent That Could Upend Journalism
It was a typical Sunday morning at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Warm greetings, handshakes, and friendly banter filled the room. Outside, however, tension was brewing. A group of protesters gathered, intent on making their voices heard. As the service began, protesters marched into the building and disrupted it with loud chants. Their slogans echoed off the church walls and drowned out all other noise. "Justice for Renee Good,” "ICE out,” and "Hands up, don’t shoot" - a nod to past...
BY Austin Packham
Gambia’s Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Ban on Female Genital Mutilation
Gambia’s Supreme Court is preparing to rule on a legal challenge that could overturn the country’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation, a practice internationally recognized as a form of torture and gender-based violence. The case was brought by religious leaders and lawmakers who argue that the ban violates constitutional protections for religious and cultural freedom. If successful, the challenge would reverse a decade of legal progress aimed at protecting girls and women from a practice...
BY Triston Grant
World Court Moves Closer to Judgment in Rohingya Genocide Case Against Myanmar
The International Court of Justice has concluded hearings in a landmark case that could determine whether Myanmar violated the Genocide Convention through its treatment of the Rohingya people. The case, brought by The Gambia in 2019, alleges that Myanmar’s military campaign in 2016–2017 amounted to genocide against the Muslim Rohingya minority. During the hearings, judges heard testimony detailing mass killings, sexual violence, the burning of villages, and the forced displacement of hundreds...
BY Triston Grant
Neglect vs Distance: Voters and the Two-Party System
The general public of the United States is constantly plagued by gloom and the feeling of inevitability. Upon encountering polarization or feeling unrepresented, voters rush to blame the parties and their domination of the US’s politics. The average high school graduate will tell you that the two-party system is flawed; they would be correct. The system’s flaws, however, don’t always stem from itself. Frequently, it is the voters who, with their neglect of civic participation and education,...
BY Nyk Klymenko
The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue
A Muslim, Jew, and Christian felt the weight of loss as they looked upon the ruins of Berlin’s first church during the Cold War. Pastor Gregor Hohberg was so moved by this encounter that he decided to honor the history of the place with a new building, bringing in Jewish and Muslim partners. At first, they were simply conversation partners, but by spending time together, learning together, and cooperating on a large project, they became friends. The House of One Project The project they...
BY Jada mae
Exploring Popular US Politics Topics: A Reflective Journey
Politics in the United States is a vast, ever-changing landscape. It shapes our laws, our rights, and our daily lives. I find myself drawn to the currents of change, the debates, and the stories that define this moment. Today, I want to take you on a journey through some of the most popular US politics topics. Together, we will explore what they mean, why they matter, and how they might shape our future. Understanding Popular US Politics Topics Today When we talk about popular US politics...
BY Triston Grant
When Federal Power Goes Unchecked, Civil Liberties Become Collateral.
The killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents is not only a tragedy. It is a warning. Pretti was not a fugitive, not the target of an immigration warrant, and not engaged in violent wrongdoing. By all public accounts, he was a civilian who encountered a federal enforcement operation and did not survive that encounter. The precise details remain under investigation, but the broader implications are already clear: when federal law enforcement operates with expansive authority and...
BY Triston Grant