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After Democrat and Republican Senators were unable to agree on health policy, the federal government was driven to a shutdown on Oct. 1. The issue at hand relates to the cost of premiums for healthcare plans individuals purchase through the Affordable Care Act. The enhanced tax credits for these premiums are set to expire at the end of the year and have been a major factor at play in keeping ACA plans affordable for the millions of people who rely on them.  

Democrats voted against Republican’s proposed short-term funding bill for a few different reasons, one of the main ones being because it did not include an extension for these enhanced tax credits. This issue will impact the more than 24 million Americans who don’t get health insurance through jobs and public programs like Medicare or Medicaid, but instead buy it through the ACA.

The “ber months” have arrived, bringing with them the coziness of autumn and the excitement of the upcoming holidays. If you’ve been scrolling on social media lately, you’ve probably seen countless ads and sponsored videos promoting the latest fall fashion trends and seasonal home decor items that influencers say you just have to have. Despite the pressure to shop, you don’t have to buy into the new microtrends to enjoy this time of year. Here’s how you can ditch the trends and make the most of the upcoming seasons sustainably. 

After deploying over 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. under the guise of cracking down on supposed out of control crime, Trump recently widened his focus to include other democratic-led cities. Portland, Oregon and Memphis, Tennessee have been named next on his list following a rising number in protests against his administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

During his inaugural address, Trump kicked off his second term as President with the promise to “immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America.” He also vowed that “never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents.” Less than nine months into his second term, these promises have already been broken.

As of late, the topic of free speech has been a popular one across the U.S. With disagreements over what we should consider sharing opinions versus hate and manipulative speech, the heavy polarization between Americans is more apparent than ever.

In an age defined by unprecedented access to information, it’s paradoxical that intellectualism (the pursuit and respect for knowledge, critical thinking, and evidence based reasoning) is under increasing attack. From online conspiracy theories to populist rhetoric that mocks experts, a growing wave of anti-intellectual sentiment is reshaping how people engage with truth, authority, and education. This trend is not only troubling, it carries profound implications for the future of democratic societies, scientific progress, and social cohesion.

Known anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed lead of the Department of Health and Human Services by President Donald Trump. With a long history of publicly making false medical claims, including linking the cause of autism to vaccines, Kennedy now holds the power to impose his medical beliefs on the whole of America through the United States’ top health agency with his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

Food waste is a big problem for both the planet and your wallet. What can you do to spend less on groceries while saving the planet? Simple changes like mindful meal planning, careful shopping and rethinking leftovers can make a vital difference.

After rising health concerns for Trump took over many news headlines, almost every social media platform began debating the cause of Trump’s recent weekend disappearance. Hundreds of theories arose, though one in particular gained the most traction. What if Trump was dead? After a press conference in the Oval Office where Trump was seen very much alive, we now know for certain that he has, in fact, not passed away, but many are still wondering, what would happen if Trump passed away while in office? 

On Wednesday, August 27th, the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis marked the United States’ most recent school shooting. With over 57 school shootings having taken place just this year, America’s ongoing challenge with mass amounts of yearly school shootings cannot be ignored. 

The biggest debate happens amongst the ways in which we can work towards solving this devastating issue. One popular side says we should be arming teachers and staff while the other calls for tighter firearm regulations. Both solutions would mean changing government policies.

As summer winds down and students prepare to return to classrooms, the excitement of a new school year often comes with a flurry of shopping, organizing, and planning. But amidst the hustle, there's a growing opportunity—and responsibility—to make choices that are kinder to the planet. From eco-friendly school supplies to low-waste lunch packing and mindful transportation, going back to school sustainably isn't just a trend—it's a meaningful way to reduce your environmental footprint while setting a positive example for others. Here's how students, parents, and educators can make smarter, greener decisions this school year.

Known for their cutthroat budget planning and aversion to scientific research, the Trump administration’s efforts towards cutting down biomedical research show no signs of slowing. Released back in May of this year, the administration’s 2026 budget plan revealed detrimental cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding. 

Just ten short years ago, on January 16th, 2015, gay marriage was legalized in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, on July 24th, 2025, the Supreme Court was formally asked to overturn the landmark ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, the law that makes same-sex marriage legal and nationally recognized.

Trump’s famously dramatic way of posting on social media is not lost on any left leaning person in or outside of politics. Most dissenting responses garnered by his posts are either simpler statements of disagreement or more outspoken cries of disgust and outrage. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, seems to have a different approach altogether when it comes to the manner of Trump’s social media presence.

Sunday August 3rd, 19 year old Edward Coristine, a former DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employee, was assaulted in DC during an attempted carjacking. 

This assault led to a post made by Trump on his social media on August 5th where he attached a photo taken of the bloodied young man and threatened to take federal control over the city, arguing that, “crime in Washington, D.C. is totally out of control,” and “If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore. Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City.”

In an era where global challenges increasingly demand collective action, internationalism, which was once a guiding principle of diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual respect, is facing significant backlash. The post World War II ideal that nations could and should work together toward common goals is being undermined by a surge of nationalism, protectionism, and geopolitical fragmentation. From trade wars and border walls to weakened multilateral institutions and ideological polarization, the current attack on internationalism threatens to reshape the world order in profound and lasting ways.

Living in a city doesn’t mean giving up on sustainability — in fact, it’s one of the places it matters most. With cities generating enormous greenhouse gas emissions globally, every eco-friendly choice you make counts. The good news is that urban life offers plenty of opportunities to shrink your footprint without shrinking your joy.

Built in just a mere 8 days in Florida’s Everglades with the capacity to house up to 3,000 migrants and the ability to expand, the immigration detention facility nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz sits less than 50 miles away from President Trump’s Miami resort. The detention facility has been yet another ploy created by the Trump administration in an effort to enforce extreme immigration policies.

As summer winds down and we begin to feel the first hints of fall in the air, there’s a natural urge to make the most of what’s left. But in doing so, it’s important to stay mindful of how our activities impact the environment. The good news is that you can savor every last drop of summer and do it sustainably. Here’s how:

Traveling doesn’t have to leave a trail of waste behind. By packing a few eco-friendly essentials—such as reusable tote bags or solid toiletries—you can reduce your environmental impact while still having a great time. Eco-conscious packing isn’t just better for the planet; it makes your trip simpler, lighter, and a lot more satisfying. Ready to travel smarter and greener? Let’s dive into the must-haves for a more sustainable suitcase.

America has been a dominant figure in leading breakthrough scientific research, but with this new administration in office we could very easily see that start to change. Leading the country with a disdain for science and promises to cut federal spending down by a tremendous amount, Trump’s nominees for certain high-level administrative positions sets the tone for an uncertain future in scientific research.

Over the course of history, gerrymandering has proven to be deeply undemocratic and significantly influential in regards to which party has control over Congress. Gerrymandering helps manufacture election outcomes, creates the illusion of democracy while effectively denying the actual practice of it, and hands the real voting power over to politicians.

Since its release in the 1960s, birth control has not just been a way to prevent pregnancy, but also a way for women to become empowered with the ability to make their own choices about their bodies and futures. Choosing to take birth control is not just a purely physical decision, it is also a psychological, emotional, and political decision.

In her new book, Feed Us with Trees, author, food writer, and environmental advocate Elspeth Hay invites readers to rediscover the nourishing relationship between people and the trees that sustain us. Blending lyrical storytelling with practical wisdom, Hay explores how tree-based foods and traditional ecological knowledge can guide us toward a more resilient and regenerative future. We sat down with her to discuss the inspiration behind the book, the role of trees in our food systems, and how reconnecting with these ancient sources of nourishment can change the way we eat—and live.

Despite undeniable talent, dedication, and success, women athletes and sports traditionally associated with women, like gymnastics, figure skating, and softball, continue to receive significantly less financial backing and media exposure than their male counterparts. This impedance not only affects the livelihoods and opportunities of women in sports, but it also impacts how young girls view their potential in athletic spaces. To create a more equitable sporting world, systematic support and cultural change are essential. Here are several actionable ways we can all help support women athletes and elevate traditionally female sports:

President Trump has been very vocal about dismissing any criticism directed at him and his choices throughout the short time he has so far served as president this term. His rejection of criticism has led him to make efforts in censoring public media and journalism. Whether it be suing news outlets for defamation of character, restricting journalism, defunding public broadcasting, or writing posts on his social media platform Truth Social to criticize those who speak out against him, Trump has made one of his main presidential focuses: censorship.

New York City has an abundance of empty office buildings and a shortage of affordable housing options. The fix? Turn those ghost-town workplaces into apartments people can afford. It’s a creative idea that sounds simple—but making it work is a whole different story. Let’s dive into how NYC is trying to turn old office space into new beginnings.

When we think about heart disease, we often picture blocked arteries caused by years of plaque buildup, a condition primarily linked to lifestyle and age. But there’s a lesser-known, often misunderstood heart condition that doesn’t follow those rules: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). SCAD strikes suddenly, often in healthy individuals, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. It predominantly affects women, particularly those under 50, and can occur even in people without any prior heart issues. For many, the first sign is a heart attack. That’s why understanding SCAD is not just important, it could be lifesaving.

Federal funding has helped keep public broadcasting stations like NPR, PBS, and several other stations on air for decades. Just recently, the Senate and the House passed a “Recission Act” that will greatly affect this funding. This act is a measure that has the ability to take away money that has already been budgeted by Congress and includes over a billion dollars in funding for public media. With these advances expected to be signed into law very soon by Trump, public broadcasting stations all over the country will take crucial funding hits and, for some, lose the ability to stay on air altogether.