The Presidential Medal of Honor Recipients: What to Know

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The Presidential Medal of Honor Recipients: What to Know

By Jessica A. Dennehy

As one of the last acts of his presidency, the now former-President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals on the 4th of January. As the highest civilian award in the United States, these laureates made exceptional contributions to the recognized fields of national security, world peace, cultural contributions, public service, and private endeavors. Originating under the Kennedy administration, a total of 652 of these medals have been dealt out to the present day. This award serves as a means to recognize excellence, courage, and dedication to the improvement of society, and to hopefully serve as an inspiration to others on how to make a difference in the world. These honorees have been celebrated for their dedication to improving society, with the White House acknowledging their achievements in the official announcement. All quotes included in this summary are sourced from the White House.

José Andrés – A renowned Spanish-American chef, restaurateur, and multiple James Beard Award recipient, the White House has noted his role in popularizing “the cooking of his native Spain in his adopted home of the United States.” As the founder of World Central Kitchen, he has also played an important role in food distribution following natural disasters and crises.

Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)—The former U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama, he served under 11 different Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations. The White House applauded Carter’s lifelong devotion “to making the nation safer for all.” 

Hillary Rodham Clinton – A former Secretary of State, First Lady, and U.S. Senator, the White House referenced her Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election and how she “became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.” 

Bono—Born Paul David Hewson, he is the frontman for the Irish rock band U2, known for their 1980s hits “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Beyond his contributions to music, Bono has also served as a pioneer against AIDS and poverty. As the co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED), Bono “united both sides of the aisle in the creation of the United States PEPFAR AIDS program.” 

Michael J. Fox – An actor best known for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy, Fox is a recipient of five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. Off the screen, he was commended for his role as a “world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.” 

Tim Gill— An American entrepreneur and philanthropist who “transformed the publishing industry through groundbreaking software and leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.” The founder of Quark, he was one of the first openly gay entrepreneurs on Forbes 400.

Jane Goodall—An ethologist and conservationist, she’s considered the world’s expert on chimpanzees, having lived and studied with them for over 60 years. Goodall is “a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world,” whose research has helped shape modern ideas of evolution. 

Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)—A women’s rights and voting rights activist who laid crucial groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act through her founding of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Her challenge to the oppression and exclusion of Black voices in politics “transformed the struggle for racial justice in America.” 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson—A now-retired basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, he helped them win five championships and advance to the finals nine times over his thirteen-year career. Johnson’s philanthropy through his Magic Johnson Foundation supports those who are traditionally underrepresented, including ethnically diverse urban communities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. 

Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous) – A former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, his role in combating racial segregation, poverty, and inequality on a national scale has left a lasting impact. His “legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.” Coupled with the legacies of his eldest brother, John F. Kennedy, and his son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Kennedy family’s impact on the United States politics is still remembered and ongoing. 

Ralph Lauren—The legendary American fashion designer, he has “redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition.” Beyond  his trademark Polo shirts and Flag sweaters, his significant contributions to the fight against cancer and the preservation efforts of the Star-Spangled Banner have also not gone unnoticed.

Lionel Messi – The football star and current Inter Miami CF forward, Messi is “the most decorated football player in history.” A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he also supports healthcare and education programs for children through his Leo Messi Foundation. He didn’t attend the ceremony in person due to predetermined scheduling conflicts. 

William Sanford Nye – Better known by science classrooms around the world as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” his educational TV show has remained a generational staple in science education. As CEO of the Planetary Society and  a prominent voice for space exploration and environmental stewardship, his advocacy of STEM also goes beyond the classroom.

George W. Romney (posthumous) – A former Governor of Michigan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Chairman of American Motors Corporation, his political contributions have spanned decades. The Romney legacy will stand for some time, especially with his son Mitt Romney being a former Governor, Presidential Nominee, and U.S. Senator.

David M. Rubenstein—The co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, an investment firm with almost $450 billion in assets. He is “renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.”

George Soros—A Hungarian-American philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundation, Soros has “supported organizations and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.” He’s known as the man who broke the Bank of England when he shorted the British pound. 

George Stevens, Jr. – A writer, playwright, director, and producer, Stevens is also the founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors. According to the White House, he also “has illuminated American ideals of racial equity and justice for half a century.” 

Denzel Washington – A renowned actor and director, Washington has received two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. Some of his iconic films include “Glory,” “Malcolm X,” and “Training Day.” He’s a long-time supporter of the Fisher House Foundation, an organization providing medical assistance to military personnel at minimal personal costs, and has been a national spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1992.  

Anna Wintour—the fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, she’s behind the annual fundraiser that’s the Met Gala. She is also a “champion for philanthropic causes… and chief content officer of Condé Nast.”

Jimmy Carter: The Presidency’s Georgian Peach

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Jimmy Carter: The Presidency’s Georgian Peach

By Jessica A. Dennehy

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024. He was 100. With his death, he broke a myriad of American records: the longest-living president, the longest presidential marriage, and arguably, the most impactful post-presidency. From the son of a peanut farmer in Georgia to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, his life’s lofty accomplishments remained rooted in his humble upbringing.

James Earl Carter, Jr., better known as Jimmy Carter, was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. Raised as a devout Baptist, he was interested in both politics and peanut farming from a young age. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith, with their marriage lasting for 77 years and resulting in four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. Jimmy and Roselynn Carter’s marriage is the longest-lasting presidential marriage in the history of the United States; the next longest belonged to George H.W. Bush, at 73 years. After serving seven years in the Navy, Carter returned to his hometown of Plains, Georgia in 1962, entering state politics shortly afterwards. He eventually became the Governor of Georgia in 1970 and gained national attention for his emphasis on ecology, government efficiency, and removing racial barriers. The culmination of his political career arrived when Carter announced his candidacy for President in December of 1974. He served as the Democratic nominee with his  running mate Senator  Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota. Campaigning against the incumbent President Gerald R. Ford, Carter eventually won the presidency with 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 241.

Although Carter was only a single-term president, his domestic policies have had a lasting impact on the federal government. He was responsible for the creation of the Department of Education and played a pivotal role in expanding the national park system to include an additional 103 million acres of land in Alaska.  Prioritizing civil service reform, he stuck to his Georgian promise to increase government efficiency,  appointing a record number of women, African Americans, and Hispanics to government positions in the process. Carter’s peace-keeping efforts on the international stage, however, were among his most notable achievements as President. In 1978, he helped orchestrate the signing of the Camp David Accords, which brought amnesty between Egypt and Israel. He also succeeded in obtaining ratification of the Panama Canal treaties, which granted long-promised control of the canal to Panama. While treaty-making, Carter additionally established full diplomatic relations with China and the Soviet Union, negotiating the SALT II nuclear arms treaty with the latter. However, the accomplishments of Carter’s presidency were marred by the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979, where U.S. embassy staff were held hostage in Tehran for the final 14 months of his term. This crisis, coupled with high inflation and interest rates, significantly weakened Carter’s re-election campaign, to the point that Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980.

Following his defeat, Jimmy Carter began arguably the most extraordinary post-presidential career in American history. In 1982, a year after leaving office, he founded the Carter Center  alongside his wife Rosalynn. The Carter Center is  a still-active nonprofit dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering, the promotion of democracy, and the improvement of global health. In 1986, under the Reagan administration, Carter had successfully negotiated the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua. In 1994, under the Clinton administration, he helped negotiate the de-escalation of nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula. His long-stand diplomatic and humanitarian efforts earned him global recognition, culminating in his receiving of  the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in conflict resolution and promoting human rights. In the aftermath of this accomplishment, Carter’s diplomatic efforts continued: in 2010, under the Obama administration,  he secured the release of American Aijalon Mahli Gomes from North Korea. 

Even as he faced a public battle with cancer in 2015, Jimmy Carter continuously advocated for global health initiatives and humanitarian causes. His global contributions have still kept him close to home, though.  A long-time resident of Plains, Carter maintained a deep commitment to his faith and education, teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church and serving as a professor at Emory University in Atlanta for nearly 40 years. 

Tennis Star Simona Halep Retires

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Tennis Star Simona Halep Retires

By Grace Wang

Simona Halep, former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, has sadly announced her retirement from professional tennis. Following a first-round loss to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in front of a packed home crowd in Romania, Halep announced her official retirement from the sport after hinting at it a week earlier. Once the highest-ranked tennis player in the world, she was banned from competing due to a doping suspension, only returning to the court in March 2024 after the ban was shortened. But since then, she has only played a total of six matches with a record of 1-5.

Now 33 years old, Halep rose to the top of the world rankings in 2017, later winning a pair of Grand Slams in 2018 and 2019. With her undeniable career achievements and statistics, she has truly impacted the sport. Having earned more than 40 million dollars in prize money, she is the 3rd highest ranked female tennis player of all time, only behind the Williams sisters. She also held the world number one ranking for 64 weeks and won 24 titles in her illustrious career.

Carrying the flag for Romanian tennis, Simona Halep is the first Romanian, man or woman, to hold the top ranking in the world and is the first to win a Wimbledon crown. Her career is one to truly be proud of, and although she will no longer be on the court, her legacy will live on with a Hall of Fame career and undeniable contribution to the sport. 

Food Insecurity in the City of Buffalo Is Caused by Racism

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By: Selena Han

In the East Side of Buffalo, NY, many residents face the harsh reality of living in food deserts, where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited or nonexistent. The only easily accessible food sources are fast food chains and corner stores with high-fat snacks and sugar sweetened beverages. This lack of healthy food resources contributes to alarming rates of diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Food deserts are caused by systemic racial discrimination, a deliberate practice that has oppressed Black communities. Therefore, using the term “food apartheid” rather than “food desert” would be more accurate because “food apartheid” shows that accessibility to nutritious food has been restricted due to intentional discriminatory policies . It demands that these wrongdoings be corrected. The term “food desert” signals that these inequalities in food access are naturally occurring, as deserts are typically naturally occurring, when in reality these inequalities are fully intentional. Food apartheid is caused by racist discriminatory policies, for example, redlining, housing segregation, and harmful schemes labeled as “urban renewal” projects. These practices were intentionally designed to segregate communities in Buffalo and exclude Black communities from resources, including access to healthy food. This restricted access to healthy food in marginalized Black communities on the East Side led to increasing health disparities in Buffalo. 

The restricted access to healthy food in Buffalo is an effect of racial segregation in the city. This is caused by systematically confining Black residentes to underserved neighborhoods. Buffalo remains one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States, with its Black residents concentrated in neighborhoods like the East Side, where economic disinvestment and limited access to resources like healthy food persist as a result of discriminatory policies. According to the 2024 Food Insecurity Report from Feeding America, “…the average food insecurity rate among Black, non-Hispanic individuals and Latino individuals is nearly 23% and more than 21%, respectively, while the rate among white, non-Hispanic individuals is nearly 10%.” A major contributing factor to the racial segregation in Buffalo has been the discriminatory process of redlining. In the 1930s, the federal government, through the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, created maps that rated neighborhoods based on their perceived investment risk. Predominantly Black neighborhoods in Buffalo were marked with red lines, indicating that they were “high-risk” for investment. This caused banks and lenders to not offer mortgages for loans in these areas, preventing Black residents from buying homes or improving their properties. It led to disinvestment in these communities, only because the residents in these neighborhoods were predominantly Black. Because of this, Black families were forced into living in underdeveloped neighborhoods that were segregated and lacked resources, like access to healthy grocery stores. Grocery stores avoided low-income neighborhoods due to economic risks that were emphasized by redlining, prioritizing profits over serving marginalized communities. Samina Raja, professor of urban planning at UB and founder of the UB Food Lab says, “food apartheid in Buffalo’s East Side, a predominantly Black neighborhood, is an issue deeply rooted in years of disinvestment in food systems by the government and redlining by major supermarket chains.” This is a major issue that urban planners, policymakers, and communities as a whole need to pay more attention to. Raja furthers, “When [urban planners] design cities and think about livable neighborhoods, they need to go back to the fundamentals. And regrettably, urban planning as a profession has neglected that for years.” These wrongdoings need to be fixed, as Dr. Henry Taylor, an internationally recognized professor for his work on marginalized communities of color, states, “Underdeveloped Black neighborhoods (UBNS) experience infant mortality, chronic disease, and premature death rates that are the highest in the nation, comparable to those in developing countries. These adverse health outcomes result from neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDOH).” With distressingly negative health outcomes in these neighborhoods, it throws residents back into a cycle of poor health, struggling to find healthier alternatives in their neighborhood. 

 It is not only redlining alone that contributes to food deserts, housing injustices worsened the problem as well. After World War II, many white families moved out of urban centers and into the suburbs in a phenomenon known as “white flight” due to racism. As white families left the city, predominantly Black communities were left behind in urban areas, which were increasingly disinvested by local governments and businesses. At the same time, the GI Bill, a bill that provided home loans and educational benefits to returning veterans, gave white veterans mortgages and loans for buying homes in suburban neighborhoods. Black veterans faced discriminatory practices when applying for mortgages or loans. This resulted in white families being able to build wealth through homeownership in the suburbs, while Black families were excluded from these opportunities. As segregated neighborhoods grew in the absence of resources and economic development, grocery stores became unwilling to open in these areas, leaving people without healthy food options. Another malicious practice used by racist realtors was blockbusting. They would buy property in white neighborhoods that bordered black neighborhoods and sell it to African Americans. Then, they prompted white residents near the borders to sell their homes before their property lost value due to the increasing number of Black residents in the neighborhood. Blatto, a researcher at the Partnership for Public Good, states, “Blockbusting occurred throughout East Side neighborhoods like the Fruit Belt and Broadway-Filmore.” This segregated both communities further and isolated Black residents on the East Side. There were also restrictive covenants implemented, like restricting the construction of multi-family housing in predominantly white neighborhoods. These restrictions prevented Black residents from being able to buy houses in these communities and made houses extremely unaffordable. Gehl, director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, writes, “ Across the nation, localities used zoning requirements to restrict the construction of multi-family housing and built highways to eliminate blighted areas and isolate communities of color.” White flight and the GI Bill created a racially segregated landscape, where resources like grocery stores and fresh food markets were predominantly concentrated in white, suburban areas, while there was a lack of grocery stores in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Less and less grocery stores were willing to invest in the predominantly Black communities, leading to a food apartheid crisis. 

Not only were communities in Buffalo maliciously separated, but many rich, thriving, predominantly Black communities were also slashed through by “urban renewal” projects. The process of slum clearance, often justified as a way to eliminate “blight,” involved demolishing entire neighborhoods, displacing thousands of families, and leaving many without stable housing. The displaced communities were often moved into already overcrowded and underdeveloped areas, which had few resources, including access to healthy food. A case study archive for urban renewal states, “The programs [urban renewal programs] cleared out blighted areas of cities by clearing out areas that were declared slums.  The programs were designed to replace the ‘slums’ with new, higher class housing and new businesses.” However, this was not actually the case. The author furthers, “Most of the housing authorities found that new housing alone was not enough to remove the slums and provide urban redevelopment.  The new housing often became the new slum a few decades after it was built,” (A Case…). The “urban renewal” projects were implemented in rich predominantly Black communities at the time, like Masten. It ripped apart vibrant, established neighborhoods and destroyed homes, as well as local businesses. Beyer, an urban affairs journalist, notes, “Old neighborhoods were thus demolished, replaced with highways, public housing, and top-down economic developments.” Thriving neighborhoods were split apart with highways that displaced whole communities, such as the Kensington Expressway.” The divisions, and subsequent disinvestment in these areas made it difficult for new businesses to thrive, especially grocery stores offering fresh produce. With limited resources and infrastructure, these neighborhoods were left without the essential services needed to combat food insecurity. 

While the historical factors contributing to food apartheid in Buffalo, NY, are undeniable, some may argue that food insecurity is not solely a product of discriminatory racial policies. It has been argued that food apartheid is not connected to racism because food insecurity occurs across all demographics. Food deserts are not caused by racism, instead it is caused by socioeconomic factors and lack of demand in certain communities. Shanks states, “When compared to other geographies in the U.S., rural areas have consistently higher poverty rates than urban areas, at 16.1% versus 12.6%, respectively, and greater food insecurity rates than the overall population, at 12.1% in rural communities versus 10.5% of all households, respectively.” While this may be true, food apartheid in urban areas is caused by systemic racism, although this may not be the case in predominantly white rural areas. In these rural areas, the restricting racial policies were not implemented, while in urban metropolises, they were, correlating directly with the historical discrimination that had been going on for decades in Buffalo.

In conclusion, the issue of food apartheid in Buffalo, NY, is deeply intertwined with the city’s history of racial segregation and housing injustice. Policies like redlining and the GI Bill segregated communities in Buffalo based on race, depriving Black communities of resources like healthy food. This segregation was further exacerbated by urban renewal projects, such as slum clearance and the construction of the Kensington Expressway, which displaced thousands of families and disrupted local businesses, including grocery stores. As a result, neighborhoods on Buffalo’s East Side have faced a persistent lack of access to nutritious food, contributing to food apartheid. These historical injustices continue to shape the city’s landscape, showing the need for policies that address the systemic racism that fuels food insecurity. To combat food apartheid, it is important to not only improve food access but also address the underlying issues of segregation, disinvestment, and racist policies that have made these disparities possible. We can help improve this issue by working with organizations that push for policy changes aimed at addressing the root causes of food apartheid. By advocating for better zoning laws that encourage the opening of grocery stores in underserved areas, or supporting local governments to give out funds for food access programs, we can push for systemic change. 

Harris Arizona Campaign Office Raked by Gunfire

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Harris Arizona Campaign Office Raked by Gunfire

By Hank Bartholomew

Bullet holes and property damage were recently discovered at a DNC Campaign office in Tempe, Arizona. After responding to reports of gunfire, police identified at least five bullet holes in the building’s windows and door. This is the third incident of vandalism of the building, with the first being damage by what is believed to be a pellet gun, and the second also by gunfire. The shooting marks another act in the storm of political intimidation and violence that is starting to plague America.

Currently, details of the case are still quite vague. No persons of interest have been identified, although the Tempe police department has identified 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander as the potential vehicle the suspect may have used. The shooting is believed to have occurred at some time between midnight at 1:00 AM. The office itself was located in a relatively populated area: a strip mall near a fitness center and a daycare. Some of the campaign office’s staffers have changed residences in response to the attacks. Tempe Police Sergeant Ryan Cook confirmed in a statement that “No one was inside the office during the overnight hours,” but added that the shooting “raises concerns about the safety of those who work in that building, as well as those nearby.”

Tempe is a battleground init of itself. Located just Southeast of Phoenix, Tempe is a key part of both campaign’s strategies. The college town, home to Arizona State University, is a key point in the overall battleground state of Arizona. ASU students will be a tightly contested demographic in the coming election–they number 57,000 in a state that President Joe Biden only won by about 10,000 votes last year. It’s no surprise that in such a politically tense environment, tensions have bubbled over into violence.

It’s no secret that political polarization–and political violence–are on the rise in the United States. With assassination attempts on former president Trump, juror intimidation, and bomb threats to government officials, a wave of political violence has begun to envelop the nation. It is easy to claim or believe that these incidents are isolated, actions by a few disgruntled individuals that do not reflect the overall beliefs of Americans. But the more political violence occurs, the more accepted it is as what is normal.

Alaska’s Fat Bear Week on ‘Paws’ After Grizzly Bloodbath

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Alaska’s Fat Bear Week on ‘Paws’ After Grizzly Bloodbath

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

Alaska’s Fat Bear Week, the highly anticipated annual competition sponsored by Katmai National Park and Preserve, was delayed after one of the competitors was attacked and killed. For the past decade, this week-long online voting contest has celebrated the “chonkiest” bear in the Last Frontier, honoring Alaskan brown bears’ survival skills as they bulk up and prepare for hibernation. Fans vote for the bear that they believe “best exemplifies fatness and success” with more than 1.3 million votes cast in the last year alone. Bear 402 would have been one of the twelve competitors this year, but due to her untimely death just a day before the polls were set to open, the competition was postponed out of respect. RIP Bear 402—you would have loved your fellow big-backs Moo Deng and Pesto.

The contest celebrates the resiliency of the 2,200 brown bears that inhabit the preserve on Alaska’s Peninsula, which stretches from the southwest corner of the state out towards the Aleutian Islands. In order to prepare for their long hibernation, these bears gorge on the plentiful sockeye salmon that return up the Brooks River during their spawning season. As the salmon try to swim upstream, their larger equivalents are often seen showboating, displaying the agility of much smaller animals, by catching fish midair as they leap over the small waterfalls prevalent in the region.

Adult male brown bears typically weigh between 600 and 900 pounds (270 to 410 kilograms) in mid-summer. After feasting on migrating and spawning salmon—with each bear consuming as many as 30 fish per day—large males can reach over 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) by the time they are ready to hibernate. Females, however, are about one-third smaller than their male counterparts.

Despite the unfortunate passing of Bear 402, the show must go on. Among the key contenders are Bear 909 Jr., who recently devoured his competition to win the Fat Bear Junior competition for the second time. He’ll face Bear 519, a young female, in the first round. The winner will then take on the defending champion, Grazer, considered one of the most formidable bears on the river— and an absolute beast. Another first-round matchup pits Bear 903, or “Gully” (an 8-year-old male named for his love of seagulls), against Bear 909, who is the mother of 909 Jr. The winner will face the two-time champion, Bear 747, named after the equally massive airplane.

Previous notable contenders from Fat Bear Week include:

  • Grazer: The 2023 champion, Grazer won by a landslide against 32 Chunk.
  • 32 Chunk: A 2.5-year-old male known for his impressive “substantial fat reserves,” particularly in his rear end.
  • 435 Holly: The 2019 champion, who raised four cubs, including two that weren’t her own.
  • 480 Otis: The 4-time winner of Fat Bear Week with titles falling between 2014-2021, he’s the GOAT. At 28 years old,  he is and forever will be the fattest of the fat bears – at least in our cholesterol-filled hearts. 

On a final note, while these bears are living their best “bulk” lives, please acknowledge that attempting to scarf down 30 salmon a day is not the secret to human success. So, please, don’t try this at home—your digestive system will likely have its work cut out for itself, and your friends might not be particularly  enthusiastic about your new, fish-scented persona. Stick to more reasonable pursuits—like napping or the occasional salad. Stay safe, and leave the mass bulk-cut cycles  to the professionals.

The Race for Office: Here’s What You Need to Know

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The Race for Office: Here’s What You Need to Know

By Jessica Park

With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 5, just over three weeks away, both  vice President Harris’s  and former President Trump’s  campaigns are busy reaching out to voters and sharing their key messages. While many of us may not be able to vote yet,  it’s helpful to start paying attention to the updates from each campaign. Here are the major updates from each candidate’s campaign.

Harris’s Media Tour and Key Messages

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on several popular shows, including The View, The Howard Stern Show, and The Late Show, to share her message. On The View, Harris said that while she wouldn’t have done much differently than President Biden over the past four years, she has her own focus areas, like improving home healthcare. She highlighted some achievements, such as lowering insulin costs and helping medicare negotiate drug prices to make medications cheaper.  For example, Harris has emphasized expanding affordable home healthcare for seniors and people with disabilities to receive care at home. She also mentioned that if elected, she might include a Republican in her cabinet.  Additionally, Harris spoke about expanding Medicare’s role in reducing medication costs to  include more people beyond just seniors.

Trump’s Focus on National Security and Religious Outreach

Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has been emphasizing national security and support for Israel. At an event marking the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel, Trump claimed that his re-election is crucial for Israel’s future, stating that if he had been president, the attack would not have occurred. He criticized the current Democratic administration, saying that what he sees as its “weakness” has led to increased violence and conflict. Trump has also spoken about rising antisemitism, which he attributes to the Democratic Party, positioning the Republican Party as the strong defender of Jewish communities and Israel.  Trump is also actively working to build support among specific groups, like members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). He announced the creation of a “Latter-Day Saints for Trump” coalition, hoping to solidify support among LDS voters in Utah, Arizona, and other Western states. Trump presented his campaign as a defense of religious freedom and traditional values. He stated that he would protect these rights if re-elected. He plans to meet with LDS leaders in Arizona to further discuss these issues.

Voter Opinions and Strategies for Building Support

Each campaign is focusing on different voter bases: Trump is engaging with the LDS community, while Harris has also formed an LDS coalition and advisory committee, promoting a character-based, moderate approach. Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel, an important topic in the 2024 election. 

Recent polling reveals differing opinions of the candidates among key voter groups.  About 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women in their support.  In Florida, however, Trump has  a strong lead. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, he leads Harris by 13 points, indicating  Trump’s strength in a highly valuable state.

Questions to Consider

As students, we know that a balanced lunch is essential for staying energized and focused. Research shows that healthy eating can help release dopamine, improving our mood and focus. In countries like South Korea, Italy, and Greece, students enjoy school meals that set a high standard. In Finland, students even get to  taste test  and approve their meals. Here in  the U.S., however, the National School Lunch Program falls short in nutrianal quality. It’s crucial to consider where candidates  Harris and Trump stand on improving school lunches. Their polices on this could directly impact our academic success and well-being. Beyond lunch, what are their positions on other school-related issues, like mental health support or funding for educational programs? This election could shape our everyday lives in significant ways.

The Unrelentless Nature of Hurricane Helene

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The Unrelentless Nature of Hurricane Helene

By Aarav Sapra

A large and devastating cyclone caused widespread destruction across many Eastern Coast States—due in part to  heavy rains, and severe flooding. As the hurricane tore through the gulf coast of Florida along with barraging Western North Carolina, Helene has been considered one of the deadliest storms to strike the U.S. mainland in nearly two decades–killing 200 people in a matter of days. This Category Four Hurricane pressed through the East Coast as it washed out roads, reshaped the topography of the Blue Ridge mountains, and knocked out power and cell service for millions of people. 

The chaos in Carolina was part of the trail of destruction that Helene continued to carve along the East Coast, including portions of states such as Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia. Flash floods and dangerous landslides cut off communication in North Carolina as many roads were washed out with landslides, including most debris, trees, and mud. This complicated the officials’ measures to help the community, as residents were now isolated in their towns with no one available to rescue or aid. However, as crews try to overcome this monumental challenge of trying to clear these flooded roads, many federal search and rescue teams from other states have proceeded to help by airlifting food and other supplies to these communities, along with sending workers to restore their water systems.  

After ripping through Florida, Hurricane Helene set multiple records. The Category Four Hurricane packed 140-mile-an-hour winds and broke storm surge records all along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including many that Hurricane Idalia set just over a year ago. Helene struck towns beyond Florida and North Carolina, resulting in unexpected weather in cities like Cincinnati. Muddy water and tornadoes knocked out power, and muddy waters and other debris overpowered some dams. In Tennessee, officials have confirmed at least 13 storm-related deaths, with more than 20 people missing from flood-affected areas.

Unfortunately, the death toll continues to rise. At least 228 people have been confirmed dead in six states—Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The causes of death have been related to aftermath storm effects such as falling trees, floodwaters, and tornadoes. Tragically, the state with the highest number of fatalities is North Carolina, with at least 116 people pronounced dead by local officials. Among the death tolls are members of  rescue teams who provided supplies and safety–such as the sheriffs in Madison County–have also tragically passed away in the floodwaters. As Helene continues to ruin the lives of many with its carved path of destruction, hopefully, efforts can be made to relieve the residents and transport them to safety.

What We’ve Learned So Far this NBA Season

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What We’ve Learned So Far this NBA Season

By: Hank Bartholomew

As we near the middle of the 2024-2025 NBA season, there has been no shortage of excitement. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by star guard Donovan Mitchell and a supporting crew of young players, lead the league, but closely behind them are the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics. There are the comfortable, familiar favorites, like LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s continued dominance at ages forty and thirty-six, respectively. But there have also been star newcomers, like Philadelphia’s Jared McCain and Los Angeles’s Dalton Knecht. Through this first half of the regular season, these are the trends that have defined the Association.

Philly Needs to Break Things Off with Embiid

Despite the massive off-season acquisition of Paul George from the Clippers, the 76ers have struggled mightily. A combination of injuries, poor shooting, and a lack of identity and effort has led Philadelphia to a record that is, as of this writing, below .500. But the biggest problem is undeniably Joel Embiid.

An incredibly talented player, Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the NBA’s best big men, winning MVP in 2023. But this season, he’s struggled. The Cameroonian superstar has always been prone to injuries, but a knee injury that has been prevalent for a few years has caused him to miss a series of games already. It’s rare that he’s able to string two consecutive performances together. A professional team can’t build around that. Embiid’s three-pointer, one of his most valuable attributes, has become slow, and he often struggles to get it off unless given a wide-open shot.

There is also the question of effort. An often emotional and irritable player, Embiid was called out by teammate Tyrese Maxey for his lack of intensity in games and in practice. Embiid is currently raking in $51.42 million a year, and when a team is investing that type of money into him, a lack of effort is inexcusable.

The 76ers have tried to build a team around Embiid, but ultimately have failed, and Philadelphia cannot compete in a stacked Eastern Conference. The best choice would be to trade him. Philadelphia can build off draft picks and its young core; guards Tyrese Maxey and rookie Jared McCain present a bright future for a struggling franchise.

The Knicks Offseason Was (Mostly) a Success

This summer, the New York Knicks made headlines with their decision to trade shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo and veteran center Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. For the most part, it appears the Knicks front office won this trade.

Although he initially struggled adjusting to his new role in Tom Thibodeau’s lineup, the Knicks have started to learn how to use Towns’s unique skill set. His chemistry with superstar guard Jalen Brunson is growing, and Brunson’s talent and reputation have allowed Towns to find one-on-one matchups in the paint. Similarly, Brunson’s ability to drive the lane with incredible success (especially for a guard) is beginning to provide Towns with open looks from outside the arc. 

The other big New York move this off-season was the team’s acquisition of small forward Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn. The Knicks paid five first-round draft picks for the player who made a name for himself in Phoenix, and, at least so far, it appears that such a price may not have been worth it. Bridges has not played poorly, but he has at times looked unsure out on the court. Essentially, Bridges has not played at the level of a player worth five first-round picks.

But that may change. Bridges has begun to find himself and has started to play with a sense of confidence and an almost carefree nature. He has established his mid-range jumper, and with some time, he might reach his full potential.

The Nuggets May Be Wasting Jokic’s Best Years

Denver isn’t necessarily doing poorly, but they’re certainly not doing well. They do have a winning record, but for a team with championship aspirations, that’s not the goal. With the league’s best player’s remaining years dwindling, the Nuggets need to find a solution.

When Jokic struggles (which is rare, but happens sometimes) or when the Serbian center misses a game, the responsibility usually falls to guard Jamal Murray. But the University of Kentucky product is not playing at the level Denver needs him to. Despite nearly a five-minute increase in playing time this season, Murray’s rebounds, assists, and points per game haven’t seen a major increase. And even when he does turn in a solid performance, it’s rarely followed by another one. Murray is inconsistent, and for Denver fans, that’s not acceptable. Michael Porter Jr. has done what he can, but with Aaron Gordon battling through injuries, Denver doesn’t have anywhere else to turn to.

Predicting The 2024 NFL Awards

The East Side News
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Predicting The 2024 NFL Awards

By: Jack Stewart

As the NFL season comes to a close, so does the league’s Honors Ceremony. Taking place on February 6th, voters from the Associated Press (AP) will award players and coaches on their accomplishments throughout the regular season. Here are my predictions for the eight categories being presented this year:

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills QB

The MVP is the main award of the ceremony and the most prestigious individual award in professional football. It’s typically given to the most successful quarterback in the league, which leaves two prime candidates for the award: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Jackson, a two-time recipient, has put up what’s arguably his best statistical season. He threw for 4000 yards in a season for the first time in his career, an important benchmark for quarterbacks, while also throwing for a 10:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. With those achievements, he bests Allen in both categories. Voting for the awards was also cast before the Bills’ playoff win over the Ravens, meaning the only head-to-head matchup factored into voters’ decisions was Jackson’s victory over Buffalo in week four. Despite all of this, Allen is still my pick and the general consensus decision to win this year’s MVP. Members of the voting body may suffer from something known as voter’s fatigue, which is a common pattern of people getting tired of voting for a player in repeat seasons. Jackson’s two previous MVP awards, including last year’s, compared to Allen’s lack of any awards, may motivate voters to switch things up and cast a vote for Josh Allen this year. He also won more total games than Lamar Jackson, despite Jackson playing with a far superior roster, having one of the best in the league. Lamar Jackson was backed by a top ten defense, while the Bills’ defense placed in the bottom half. The Ravens accounted for nine total Pro Bowlers, while the Bills only had one besides Allen. Factors like this show why Josh Allen has been so crucial to the Buffalo’s success this season and why he’s deserving of this award. Despite Jackson’s statistical greatness, the value that Josh Allen has brought to the Bills warrants him this year’s MVP.

Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY): Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles RB

This 2025 winner for the OPOY is one of the clearest of any categories at this year’s ceremony. Typically given to the best running back or wide receiver, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley seems like a lock for the award. In his first year in Philadelphia, Barkley put up an incredible 2000-yard rushing season, a feat accomplished only eight other times in NFL history, while also putting up an impressive 15 touchdowns. The benchmark for a “good” season by a running back is reaching the 1000-yard milestone and scoring roughly 10 touchdowns, which shows just how incredible Barkley’s performance this year was. While many other players in this category have had great seasons, the overall dominance of Barkley makes him a lock to receive the OPOY this year.

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos CB

This year’s DPOY is one of the hardest categories to predict, with no clear front runner as of now. With no favorite, most people either lean towards Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt or Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II, who I believe is more likely. Most of the buzz that Watt has received is due to name recognition, not due to personal achievements. Watt has actually played one of his worst statistical seasons, recording his lowest sack total ever for seasons where he didn’t miss time due to injury. Surtain, on the other hand, has had the best year of his career and has been a valuable weapon to Denver’s secondary. Up through December, Surtain registered an allowed quarterback rating of 39.1, which was a historic mark. To put that into perspective, if a quarterback were to throw the ball straight into the grass on every single play, he’d receive a rating of 39.6. This means that he’d be better off throwing at the ground than throwing to a receiver being covered by Surtain. Metrics like this, along with Surtain’s four interceptions and a forced fumble, give him a convincing case for this season’s DPOY.

Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY): Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders QB

As the second overall pick in last year’s draft, former LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels had an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders. He was drafted to be the key piece in a rebuilding Washington squad, one that had only made the playoffs twice in the last 10 years and who totaled a 4-13 record in the previous seasons. Despite the stacked odds, Daniels excelled in his rookie season and led the Commanders to a greatly improved 12-5 season. This rookie class proved to be one of the best in a long time, with fellow nominees Bo Nix and Brock Bowers also putting up historic numbers, yet flipping the outlook of an entire franchise the way Daniels has done is such a rarity that it warrants him to be this year’s OROY.

Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY): Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams LB

Coming out of a generational Florida State squad, Jared Verse was one of the most exciting defensive talents in years. Yet during the build-up to the 2024 draft, Verse’s draft stock plummeted. It wouldn’t be until pick 19 of the first round when the Los Angeles Rams selected Verse to help fill the gaps left behind by the recently retired future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. With big expectations to live up to, Verse performed just as well as scouts initially predicted him to, finishing as a Pro Football Focus top ten edge rusher. Verse placed ninth among all defenders in the league in terms of overall grade and fourth in pressures. His main competition is Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper Dejean, who has been almost equal to Verse this season. Both players would be equally deserving, but for defensive awards like the DROY, voters have tended to favor edge rushers like Jared Verse over cornerbacks like Dejean, making Verse a more likely recipient this year.

Comeback Player of the Year (CBPOY): Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings QB

If one player has embodied what it means to have a “comeback” this season, it’s been Sam Darnold. Since being taken third overall back in 2017, Darnold was almost immediately labeled a “bust” and spent all of his career up until this point being bounced around between teams. With injuries to their newly drafted rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings would be the next team to start Sam Darnold. For what was supposed to be a placeholder quarterback, Darnold took the chance he was given by Minnesota and ran with it, having one of the best quarterback seasons in the league in 2024. Last season, Darnold started one game for San Francisco and threw for 297 yards on the year, yet this season he flipped that, starting all 17 games and throwing for 4319 yards. His performance was the most unexpected thing to happen this season, and the trajectory of his career was completely changed. Many point to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin as likely winners, but Darnold’s narrative and journey throughout the 2024 season encapsulate everything a comeback player of the year is.

Coach of the Year (COTY): Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

Hailed as one of the best coaches in modern history, Dan Campbell had managed to achieve the impossible: make the Detroit Lions good. As arguably the worst franchise in the NFL, the Lions’ history has been characterized by poor management and player development. Dan Campbell was another hopeful hire by Lions ownership in an attempt to save their team from the seemingly endless cycle they were caught in. Against the odds, Campbell not only managed to succeed but thrive, leading the Detroit Lions to the number one overall seed for the first time in their history. They were nearly perfect throughout the regular season, mainly due to Campbell’s leadership. Another prime candidate is Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings, who checks a lot of the same boxes that Campbell has. He turned a 7-10 Vikings team into a 14-3 powerhouse that’s tied for the second-best record in the NFC. Despite only tallying three losses, two of those losses happened to come at the hands of Dan Campbell’s Lions, which definitely favors Campbell. Besides support for O’Connell, the main argument against Campbell stems from the Lions recent misstep in the playoffs, falling unexpectedly to Washington, which has severely damaged Campbell’s reputation and led many to believe he’d be the incorrect choice for COTY. That game’s outcome, however, has no impact on the award as the voting is done before the playoffs start. Without this stain on Campbell’s resume, his 2024 season looks almost spotless, and he seems like a definite favorite to be this season’s coach of the year.

Assistant Coach of the Year (ACOY): Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions

Along with Saquon Barkley for OPOY, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seems to be the only other “lock” for an award this season. In tandem with Dan Campbell, Johnson pioneered a seemingly unstoppable Detroit Lions attack that finished first in total offense. They finished with a yards-per-game total of 521, which triumphed over a second-place Baltimore Ravens squad, who finished with a comparatively low 440. Johnson made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in football, which recently landed him the job as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Through both his recent promotion and stats, his impact and greatness are evident, and he is an easy favorite to be this year’s ACOY.

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