Republicans are facing significant political ramifications after ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy was regarded as the party’s best fundraiser, candidate recruiter, and campaign strategist, making his absence a blow to their efforts to retain their narrow majority in the House. Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma expressed his concern, stating that the removal of …
**In early June, a state board in Oklahoma did something that seemed obviously unconstitutional:** It approved a new, openly Catholic charter school. Students at the proposed St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School would receive religious instruction, and the online school would participate in “the evangelizing mission of the Church,” according to St. Isidore’s application …
This story was originally published in High Country News . In the serene community rose garden of Grandview, Washington, Amber Betts witnessed the aftermath of an invasive Japanese beetle infestation. The beetle invasion, which had subsided but not disappeared, showcased a few emerald-hued critters feasting on a delicate rose. The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s …
Last April, I made the decision to end my relationship with my gas company, SoCalGas. Their opposition to clean energy while continuing to emit carbon pollution was a dealbreaker for me. As an academic focused on advancing clean energy, it felt hypocritical to support them financially. Breaking up with them proved to be a complex …
Growing up in Maryland, Radha Patel never witnessed the use of matchmakers in her community. However, being of Indian descent, she knew that matchmaking was a common practice in her parents’ homeland. The idea intrigued her and stayed with her over the years. In 2018, when her friends started seeking help with their dating woes, …
If, as is likely, Donald Trump becomes the Republican presidential nominee in the next election, the 2024 elections will serve as a pivotal moment for several critical issues. These include the potential risk of authoritarianism in America, the preservation of a thriving democracy, the balance of power between the executive branch and the other branches …
Hollywood’s tendency to forget its past failures is well-known. Analysts consistently predict the downfall of the film industry, only to be proven wrong by unexpected successes. This summer has been no different, with underperforming blockbusters like “The Flash” and “Indiana Jones” sparking concern among experts. However, there was a dramatic turnaround last weekend, thanks to …
Three years ago, amidst the 2020 presidential election buzz, Oregon made a significant move in the War on Drugs by approving Ballot Measure 110. This measure completely eliminated criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of any drug, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The implementation of this policy aimed to alleviate the fear of prosecution for …
The current state of the Republican race for the 2024 presidential nomination is not as favorable for the candidates hoping to challenge Donald Trump as one might expect. Despite Trump’s recent indictment for mishandling classified documents, it has only strengthened his position within the party. GOP leaders have rallied around him, and polls show that …
As the 2024 election approaches, Gen Z is expected to significantly increase its impact on the outcome. Non-partisan forecasts estimate that between 7 to 9 million more members of the diverse Gen Z generation will cast their ballots, potentially surpassing the number of predominantly white Baby Boomers and older generations who have historically made up …