Durham’s progressive city council backed its police chief after a controversial post on her private Facebook account following the death of Charlie Kirk. The incident demonstrates the power of social media to raise controversies in potentially nonrepresentative ways and how vague policies on public employees’ free speech leave much of the decision on how to respond to controversial speech up to city leaders.
Read MoreThe Oslo Accords stated that Palestine could have “5-year interim self-rule, to be followed by talks on permanent status issues.” Trump's deal stipulates, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” In other words, a Palestinian state could, maybe, potentially, possibly be recognized soon, later, and sometime in the future. In other words, it’s highly unlikely.
Read MoreEnshrined in the Bill of Rights in 1791, the First Amendment guarantees fundamental freedoms—speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition—ensuring Americans can express opinions and challenge authority without fear of government retaliation. From Trump’s defamation suit against The New York Times to the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, the president’s targeting of media figures signals a troubling attempt to erode press freedom and the First Amendment.
Read MorePresident Trump’s administration has escalated its anti-narcotics campaign by authorizing missile strikes against Venezuelan vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking, invoking new executive powers that classify cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” While officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio argue the strikes were justified under a declared national emergency, critics contend that the administration has blurred the line between law enforcement and military action, raising fears of unchecked executive authority. The operation signals a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, redefining terrorism to include criminal networks and setting a precedent that could expand presidential war powers far beyond traditional threats.
Read More“The Point of No Return: The Disturbing Change in Earth's Oceans” warns that the world’s oceans are undergoing rapid and potentially irreversible change driven by overfishing, pollution, warming temperatures, and acidification. These pressures are collapsing ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and putting coastal communities and economies at severe risk. Rising seas could displace millions, destroy property values, and strain government resources as entire neighborhoods become uninhabitable. The crisis extends beyond the environment, it's also a social and economic justice issue, as poorer nations will struggle the most to adapt without international aid. While some governments are beginning to respond with resilience and adaptation efforts, global cooperation and stronger policies are urgently needed. This article concludes that although we may be nearing ecological tipping points, humanity still has the chance to act.
Read MoreThe White House has announced a deal that will give tech company Oracle, led by an avid Trump supporter, Larry Ellison, control over TikTok’s algorithms and data. Many are concerned with Oracle’s previous history of mishandling user data, as well as the company’s close ties to the Trump administration. TikTok's possible further “Trumpification”, or the influx of pro-Trump media, could lead to further polarization on the app and in America’s youth.
Read MoreAn endorsement from Hochul, a powerful establishment figure, could help further solidify Mamdani’s lead in New York City’s mayoral race and reinforce his path to victory in November. However, it remains to be seen whether it represents a genuine shift towards unity or simply an outlier in a Democratic party defined by infighting.
Read MoreThe recent murders of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and popular political personality Charlie Kirk have resulted in heightened questions about the prioritization of public safety in America. These two stories have largely developed state and national politicians’ stances around how our nation needs to handle crime moving forward, resulting in fierce party-line attacks. In North Carolina specifically, politicians such as Governor Josh Stein and House Representative Tim Moore have clashed on the most effective ways to prevent and mitigate violent crime. These ideological confrontations can stifle legislative progress, and must be reconciled to the extent possible for any significant progress to be made.
Read MoreIn many ways, the United Nations remains humanity’s best-known experiment in collective responsibility. Its next decade will determine whether that experiment still has the power to inspire generations to come, or whether the world will let the scaffolding of cooperation crumble, just when it is needed most.
Read MoreOn Friday, September 26, the United States State Department announced it would cancel Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa. This decision came after Petro, who was in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, participated in a protest against the war in Gaza.
Read MoreThe Trump administration’s hike in H-1B visa fees has ignited debate over America’s approach to foreign hiring and talent. Critics warn it could hurt U.S. competitiveness, while supporters argue it prioritizes domestic workers. The policy has also strained relations with India, highlighting the global stakes of immigration reform.
Read MoreOn September 12th, Missouri became the latest state to redraw its voting patterns under the backing of President Trump. This plan, implemented by Republican lawmakers, aims to redistrict Missouri so that Republicans retain seven of eight congressional districts, a small piece of the redistricting puzzle that strives to help Republicans hold the House amidst a presidency that has lost seats in the past.
Read MoreOver the last few weeks, European capitals have been grappling with drone intrusions from Russia. While government officials deliver strongly worded social media statements, Russia denies its deliberate involvement. In the absence of meaningful pushback from NATO, Russia's boldness is expanding.
Read MoreThe Nepalese Gen Z protests were sparked by a social media ban, carried out with the help of social media, and ended with an election held on social media. Whether the ideals of this digitally conceived government will remain reflected in Nepal’s political future remains unknown.
Read MoreThe future of education, and by extension, the workforce and governance, depends on whether policymakers choose to confront historic inequities directly. The question is not simply who gets admitted or what type of people are hired, but what kind of society we are choosing to build.
Read MoreThe fact that the mural was not just scheduled to be taken down, but was forcibly removed, signals a sudden shift in the school administration’s perception of the mural. What made them consider the mural so offensive that it had to be immediately covered after an entire year of being up?
Read MoreAs the scouts come together over this consensus, they do not obey a single bee or follow suit based on random chance; they come to a consensus based on testing and signaling. This displays a striking similarity to the way in which American Democracy operates.
Read MoreWith Emergency Use Authorizations rescinded for COVID-19 boosters, responsibility for vaccinating the public now falls to the states. Some, including North Carolina, are attempting to expand access; others are not.
Read MoreEach defendant was charged with eight felony counts, including forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery, on the assertion that the group of Republicans had falsely claimed to be Michigan’s “duly elected and qualified electors” for president and vice president of the 2020 election.
Read MoreDuring his confirmation hearings, RFK jr. pledged that he would not take actions that discourage people from getting vaccines. However, recent HHS decisions have restricted approvals and made access to COVID-19 vaccines more difficult.
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