Protecting Against School Shootings: The Big Debate

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.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Eva Elisa WellsSeptember 10, 2025school shootings, school, children, kids, Kids, #kids, guns, gun control, gun violence, politics, Politics, #politics, political, government, GovernmentComment

Green Means Go: A Sustainable Start to the School Year

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.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.4Kylie MurphySeptember 8, 2025backtoschool, school supplies, school, supplies, eco-friendly, environmentallyfriendlyComment

Government Funded Scientific Grant Cuts Are Affecting Education

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.

The Uncertain Future of Gay Marriage

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.

Fighting Stupid With Stupid: Gavin Newsom’s New Approach to Trump

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.

Trump's Takeover

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.”

Articles, zIssue 57.4Eva Elisa WellsAugust 26, 2025Trump, Donald Trump, Trump administration, national guard, law, The Constitution, D.C., takeover, conservativeComment

The Global Retreat: How the Attack on Internationalism Is Reshaping Our Future

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.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 22, 2025global, international, awareness, nationalism, internationalism, inequality, economy, cultureComment

How to Live Sustainably in a City

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.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Cora GoldAugust 22, 2025Sustainability, city, city living, garden, eco-friendlyComment

Alligator Alcatraz Put on Pause

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.

Savor the Season: Sustainable Ways to Make the Most of Summer's End

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:

Articles, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 20, 2025summer, sustainability, sustainable, local, small business, reusable, slow fashion, nature, eco friendlyComment

Green on the Go: Must-Have Sustainable Travel Essentials

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.

Scientific Research: Uncertain Funding Creates Uncertain Futures

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.

The Undemocratic Process of Gerrymandering

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.

Birth Control: An Individualized Experience For All Women

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.

Branching Out: Rethinking Our Diets with Elspeth Hay

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.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Kylie MurphyAugust 14, 2025Healthy, healthy eating, Food, Nutrition, Nut based diet, diet, trees, tree nuts, indigenous, writer, author, historyComment

Leveling the Playing Field: How to Support Women Athletes and Traditionally Female Sports

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:

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 13, 2025womens sports, athlete, female athlete, female sports, talent, gender equalityComment

Attacking Public Press: Trump’s Media Censorship Campaign

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.

Workspaces to Living Places: Giving Empty Offices a Second Life

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.

SCAD Heart Disease: The Hidden Heart Threat You Should Know About

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.

Articles, zIssue 57.3Angelina DeSalvoAugust 4, 2025health, Awareness, heart, womens health, pregnant, educationComment

The Importance of Saving Public Broadcasting

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.