Afghanistan Women Brace for the Future

by Sydney Wiser ‘23 In the years after 2001, when the United States invaded Afghanistan and the Taliban collapsed, women’s rights in the country began to improve, particularly in urban areas of the country. Women not only began to run for public offices but their participation in politics was ensured through a 2004 constitutional article requiring that 27 percent of … Read More

Texas Law Creates Uncertainty Concerning Legality of Future Abortions

by Alex Braun ‘23 A new Texas law called the Texas Heartbeat Act was enacted on September 1, 2021. It has pushed to the forefront of the debate on the constitutionality of abortions, and has sparked a heated legal battle between all levels of government on the legitimacy of the act. There is no doubt that the result of this … Read More

Social Media Revs Up Fast Fashion… With Consequences

by Avery Prudenti ‘22 The app Tik Tok has become one of the most popular social media platforms with around 732 million monthly active users globally. Along with Instagram and Pinterest, Tik Tok has created a way for teenagers and young adults alike to share their creativity, especially when it comes to fashion. Now that fashion has become reliant on … Read More

Florida Students Say Their Bright Futures are at Risk

by Alexis Booker ‘23 In March of 2021, Florida state senator Deniz Baxely introduced the Bright Futures Bill that would significantly decrease the budget for the Bright Futures scholarship program that many incoming college students in the state rely on for aid. The program was founded in 1997 and funded by the Florida lottery and creates a pathway for succeeding … Read More

The Digital ID Is Coming to Maryland

by Reade Fenner ‘22 Apple recently announced that users of its newest technological advancement wil. have the ability to access their Driver’s License through their iPhone. Using Apple’s Wallet application, users can add their Driver’s License or government-issued identification to their phone, and it will function as a form of ID in a handful of states, including Maryland. The process … Read More

Mass Shootings Increase Calls for Stricter Gun Laws

by Avery Prudenti ‘22 As the pandemic continues, a widespread misconception persists that mass shooting numbers have decreased because of the quarantine precautions put in place. However, this is not true. Since just April 16, 2021, there have been an astounding 147 mass shootings in the United States. The Gun Violence Archive defines mass shootings as when four or more … Read More

Biden’s Infrastructure Plan Could Revolutionize Amtrak

by Reade Fenner ‘22 President Joe Biden unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, on March 31, that could transform U.S. transportation, specifically America’s passenger railroad service, Amtrak. Biden’s bipartisan proposal, also called the American Jobs Plan, includes efforts to repair roads, buildings, expand broadband internet access across the nation, upgrade schools, improve power lines, and shift towards cleaner energy usage … Read More

Maryland Passes Historic Police Reforms

By Lauren Hill ‘22 In April, Maryland lawmakers voted to pass a package of sweeping reform bills that are aimed to increase accountability for police officers and restore public trust in the police force. These reforms have put Maryland at the forefront of a national debate about what should be done to prevent police brutality and the use of excessive … Read More

Change-makers and News-shakers: Nemonte Nenquimo

by Lizzy Hermosilla ‘23 Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth despite its small size, containing the lush Amazon Rainforest and the rich indigenous culture of countless tribes. The Waorani people are traditionally hunter-gatherers living in smaller clan-like groups. In 1958, American missionaries made contact with this tribe that numbers around 5,000 people today. Since the 1960s, … Read More

Japan’s Infection Spike and Slow Vaccine Rollout Put Summer Olympics in Jeopardy

by Naomi Bang ‘23 With less than three months until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan enters a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections. Last week, the country hit over 7,000 infections which is the highest daily level in over three months. Increasing cases add to worry about Japan’s slow vaccine rollout and over-burdened medical systems.  Locals are especially concerned about holding … Read More