I have been following the developments surrounding the tragic death of Nex Benedict closely, and the recent news of a search warrant filed in connection with the case has left me reeling. The fact that the school is being searched for blood and records is a chilling indication of the gravity of the situation. It is alarming to think that such a heinous crime may have taken place within the walls of a supposedly safe space for students.
The harrowing details shared by a former trans student of Owasso high school, detailing the relentless bullying and sexual assault they endured, paint a disturbing picture of the toxic environment that may have contributed to Nex’s untimely death.… Continue reading
The unimaginable horror of a mother leaving her 16-month-old baby alone for 10 days while she enjoyed a holiday is something that will haunt anyone who reads about it. The sheer callousness and lack of regard for that precious child’s life is beyond comprehension. Where is the logic? What was the plan? How could someone even conceive of such an atrocity?
The moment Candelario returned home to find her toddler unresponsive, the nightmare of what that innocent child must have endured during those days of neglect comes crashing down with full force. The fear, the hunger, the confusion, the helplessness – it’s a scenario that should never have even been a fleeting thought in a parent’s mind, let alone a reality.… Continue reading
accountability and standardization in the admissions process to ensure that all students are being assessed fairly.
When I heard that Yale will again require standardized test scores for admission, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. The current system of grade inflation at high schools is out of control. I’ve seen firsthand how students can easily game the system with assignments being graded leniently, tardies not counted, and the bar for passing set so low that it’s practically impossible to fail.
The recent restoration of standardized testing at Dartmouth also shed light on the fact that many lower-income students were actually harming their chances of admission by not submitting their scores.… Continue reading
Trump admits he ruined the border deal to hurt Democrats. Yes, you read that right. The man who was elected to serve the American people is openly admitting that he sabotaged legislation aimed at improving our border security just to score political points. This is not the behavior of a leader. This is the behavior of a selfish, power-hungry individual who cares more about his own interests than the well-being of the country.
For years, we have watched as Trump and his Republican cronies have spewed rhetoric about the crisis at the border. They have painted immigrants as villains, using fear and misinformation to push their agenda.… Continue reading
The recent announcement of over 500 new sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia has stirred up a mix of emotions and opinions. President Joe Biden stated that the sanctions are a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the treatment of opposition figure Alexei Navalny. While some see these sanctions as a necessary step to hold Russia accountable, there are concerns about their efficiency and impact.
It’s clear that sanctions alone may not be enough to deter Russia’s actions, especially when there are workarounds and ways to circumvent them. The EU has also joined in with sanctions, but the question remains, why weren’t these measures put in place sooner?… Continue reading
These days, waking up to news about Alabama’s unhinged embryo ruling made me cringe in disbelief. The realization hit me hard – it’s never about protecting children; it’s always been about controlling women’s bodies. The recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court has not only condemned women facing ectopic pregnancies to death but has also set a dangerous precedent for the future of reproductive rights.
The religious rhetoric embedded in this ruling is unsettling, showcasing a Christo-fascist agenda that seeks to punish women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ Americans. What’s more alarming is the slippery slope we are sliding down towards total abortion bans and the criminalization of birth control methods like the pill, IUDs, and Depo injections.… Continue reading
The recent news of the Ukrainian missile attack on a Russian training ground that resulted in the death of at least 60 individuals is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war. The aftermath pictures shared on various platforms show the devastating impact of this calculated strike. While some may view this as a strategic move in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is important to remember the human cost of such actions.
The narrative that Ukraine is losing ground in the conflict often overshadows the fact that they have honed their long-range attack capabilities to a fine art.… Continue reading
I find it utterly appalling that Donald Trump, a man with a laundry list of despicable actions and behaviors, would have the audacity to compare himself to a true hero like Alexei Navalny. Navalny, a brave individual who was fighting against oppressive regimes and corruption, met a tragic end while standing up for what he believed in. On the other hand, Trump, a known rapist, criminal, fraud, conman, and all-around terrible human being, has the nerve to equate himself with someone of Navalny’s caliber.
The fact that Trump can even suggest such a comparison speaks volumes about his delusional mindset and complete lack of self-awareness.… Continue reading
I am absolutely thrilled to hear that President Joe Biden’s administration has canceled $1.2 billion of federal student loans, providing much-needed relief to over 150,000 borrowers. It’s a significant move that benefits those enrolled in the government’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, essentially wiping out loans for those who borrowed less than $12,000 for their higher education. As someone who has been making student loan payments since 2013, I can’t help but feel envious of those who are fortunate enough to be on the list for loan forgiveness. The impact of this program is truly commendable, especially for individuals who have been diligently making payments for over a decade.… Continue reading
I vividly remember watching the Apollo 11 mission land on the moon’s Sea of Tranquility, and every subsequent Apollo mission that followed. The excitement, the nerves, and the sense of awe as humanity reached out to touch the cosmos were palpable. But as the years went by, the moon seemed to slip from our collective consciousness, becoming an afterthought to some. That’s why the recent news of a US lander successfully touching down on the moon for the first time in over 50 years is not just a scientific achievement, but a symbolic one.
Intuit Machines’ tweet confirming the successful landing of Odysseus, along with the statement that they were working to downlink the first images from the lunar surface, brought me a sense of joy and patriotism that I haven’t felt in a long time.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker