USA vs Canada Hockey Final Thriller

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USA vs Canada Hockey Final Thriller

By: Salil Karkhanis

The 4 Nations Face-Off final brought in massive viewership across North America as Team USA and Team Canada battled for the championship. The game, held Thursday at TD Garden in Boston, drew 16.1 million viewers, with 9.3 million in the United States and 6.3 million in Canada.

This made it the second-most watched hockey game of the past decade, trailing only Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, which reached 16.3 million viewers.

Canada secured the victory 3-2 in overtime, with Connor McDavid scoring the game-winner. The game was also a streaming success, becoming the most-watched non-NFL event ever on ESPN+ and ranking among the top U.S. cable broadcasts outside NHL, college football, and election coverage.

In Canada, the game was even more significant, with one in four Canadians tuning in through Sportsnet platforms.

“I mean, it’s incredible,” said Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who played for Team Canada. “I just hope everybody enjoyed watching the game. It was a lot of fun for us to play in. I think it’s a huge and awesome lead-up to the Olympics next year.”

The tournament, which also featured Sweden and Finland, averaged 6.5 million viewers per game, marking a 256% increase from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The high viewership makes fans hopeful for future strong public interest in international hockey and sets the stage for future best-on-best competitions, especially with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon.

NFL Draft Prospects To Watch Out For in 2025

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NFL Draft Prospects To Watch Out For in 2025

By: Jack Stewart

Every April, the National Football League hosts its annual draft over the course of three days, with 2025’s iteration taking place from the 24th-26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The event allows teams to select the best prospects from college football to help build their roster and improve for next season. While star players like Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, and Miami’s Cam Ward have received most of the buzz leading up to this year’s draft, many exciting prospects have flown under the radar and could make unexpected splashes in next year’s NFL season. Here are some of those “slept-on” players who could have breakout rookie seasons come this September:

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (QB)

While Jaxson Dart has seen a recent rise in his draft stock, most journalists and fans still have a mixed outlook on him as a prospect. He’s been an undoubtedly  controversial figure, with some believing he could go low in the first round and others believing he’s a third day pick. Not only do I believe Jaxson Dart will be a first round pick, but I also think he has the talent to back it up, and I could very well see his career playing out similar to the Buffalo Bills’  Josh Allen. Similar  to Dart, Allen’s ability was questioned a lot and many believed he was an “incomplete” or “rough” prospect. While it may seem surprising now, Buffalo’s initial reaction to the Josh Allen trade was extremely mixed, and if Jaxson Dart is a first or second round pick, the reception will most likely be similar. Just like with Josh Allen, I believe  the mixed reception surrounding Dart will largely be disproven, and I see him excelling throughout his time in the NFL. Stylistically, Dart is also very similar to  a young Allen, possessing many of the same physical characteristics and qualities. While not as much of a dual-threat as Allen, Dart still has solid capabilities as a runner, and his improvisation is impressive for a college player. Some of his best traits are his ability to extend plays and perform  when those plays break down, both of which are crucial for NFL quarterbacks. This, coupled with his strong arm talent, makes him an attractive target for teams looking to find their next franchise quarterback, and could easily result in a breakout season if he’s placed into the right system. Many critics of Dart cite his poor decision making, and while yes, it is a problem he’s struggled with, it’s an easily fixable issue. It’s an issue again reminiscent of Josh Allen, who dealt with similar problems  early in his career, but time has shown that he’s been able to develop into a mature and smart quarterback. While Jaxson Dart may not have the same raw talent and athleticism as Allen, his improvisational skills and arm strength could make him a prime candidate for a breakout rookie season in 2025.

Tez Johnson, Oregon (WR)

At 5’10” and 165 lbs, Tez Johnson has historically been doubted because of his physical limitations. The average NFL player is 6’2” 246 lbs, putting Johnson at a clear disadvantage against the rest of the NFL. Despite this, Johnson has excelled at Oregon, putting up great numbers throughout the season and in the Big 10 Championship, becoming one of the most exciting prospects in this upcoming draft. While his height and weight are glaring issues, Johnson’s incredible route running and shiftiness make him an attractive target for teams seeking additional help in their receiver room. His performance in the Big 10 Championship in particular drew a lot of attention to his talents. Throughout the championship game, he found holes in the Penn State defense and used his agility to find open space. His recent performance at the NFL Combine has turned some scouts away from Johnson, with his 4.51 40-yard dash being seen as “lackluster” by many, but it’s unlikely his speed becomes a problem. Game speed and combine speed aren’t always the same, which is obvious looking through Tez Johnson’s highlights. This past year he lit up defenses with his quickness and there’s no reason to believe that his college level abilities won’t transfer to the NFL, even with the increased physicality.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (DE)

In what was an otherwise mediocre season for the Golden Eagles, senior pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruka seemed to be one of the only highlights of 2024. Boston College, especially as of late, has produced some standout NFL players, and it seems that Ezieruaka will follow in the footsteps of fellow defensive greats like Luke Keuchly and Matt Milano. He has an “explosiveness” on the edge, using speed and finesse to quickly work his way around offensive tackles, earning him an ACC leading 16.5 sacks. Numerous times throughout the 2024 season, Ezeiruaku took over games, having multiple sacks in six separate appearances. In a week twelve game against Pitt, he tallied 3.5 and against a ranked Syracuse squad he had two. This ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and constantly find his way to the quarterback is something that every NFL general manager wants, and it’s what makes Ezeiruaku such a promising talent. His biggest drawback is his rush defensive, which is admittedly subpar. He isn’t necessarily bad against the run, but it’s definitely an area that he could improve upon. This has been a common critique of Ezeiruaku, and what has held him back from being a truly elite prospect on the level of other 2025 pass rushers. Ezeiruaku’s downsides, however, can be easily mitigated if he’s placed in the right system. A defensive scheme with another edge opposite him who’s better against the run and two physical defensive tackles down the middle could be the perfect situation for Ezeiruaku, and a place where he could easily excel in the NFL.

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (RB) While Boise State star and Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty has dominated almost all talk about 2025 RBs, North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton has been making splashes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. While he may not be the fastest, Hampton makes up for it with his strength and aggression. In a way similar to Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pachecho, he runs like he’s “angry at the ground”,  a phrase which has been used to describe the unique ground game that Pacheco brings to the table. Watching Hampton’s film reveals an incredible ability to shake off defenders, break tackles, testifying to his physicality and the same “anger” that many have used to describe Pacheco. Even with this talent, Omarion Hampton has flown largely under the radar, which is unfair to a prospect who’s as skilled  as Hampton. This mainly boils down to two things: Ashton Jeanty and UNC. Jeanty has been the standout running back this year in the way that Bijan Robinson and Saquom Barkley have been in past years, being the almost sole focus of all media outlets and social media coverage. This leaves great, but not as good, players like Hampton overshadowed, despite their incredible talent. His other major holdback is the school he plays for; North Carolina. While their basketball history is unprecedented, UNC has had a lackluster football program, producing only one truly notable NFL great in Lawrence Taylor. Besides Taylor, UNC has had nearly zero success in professional football, leading to  more doubt about Hampton’s talent and less publicity of his great season. Both of these factors may have hindered Omarion Hampton’s draft stock, but if any running back besides Ashton Jeanty is to lead rookies in rushing next season, it’s him.

March Madness’s Biggest Contenders

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March Madness’s Biggest Contenders

By: Jack Stewart

Starting nearly 100 years ago in 1939, March Madness is something that captivates casual fans and die-hard fans every single year.  Tens of millions make brackets and watch the games, culminating in the greatest playoff system in all of sports. Buzzer beaters, upsets, and Cinderella stories happen every single year; with the unexpected nature of the tournament making it so consistently entertaining. This season has featured some great stories and exciting teams, with these few in particular being some of the most likely to win it all this year.

Auburn Tigers – SEC (27-4)

This year’s number one ranked Auburn squad are probably the favorite to go all the way, and it’s clear to see why. The Tigers made their way to the top of an extremely competitive SEC, which has easily been the strongest conference this year. Auburn is  led by Bruce Pearl who’s been at the helm since 2014, and has rebuilt the Tigers into a serious college basketball program. Under Pearl, they reached the elite eight in 2019, the second time in franchise history, which last happened since 1986. That same season he also brought the Tigers to the final four for the first time ever,  even if that achievement ended with a tough loss to second seeded Louisville. His and Auburn’s success is evident, and it’s clear that the program is ready to take that next step this year. They’ve performed exceptionally well against some of the toughest teams in the country, and have deservingly brought themself to the apex of college basketball. The Tigers have been undeniably great this season, but their main issue is obvious: a December loss to Duke. They took a tough loss to the Blue Devils in Durham, and it’s the primary thing holding them back from being an easy favorite. This loss, however, is far more excusable than some of Dukes’, and while Auburn technically has a worse record, they’ve faced much harder competition while still managing to perform on par with the Blue Devils. This early mis-step is not as big of a problem as some believe it is, with Auburn’s exceptional performances in big games and against tough opponents being the far more defining part of a great season for the Tigers.

Duke Blue Devils – ACC (28-3)

Perhaps the most iconic college basketball program, Duke is the quintessential blue blood. It’s a program rich with tradition and culture, dominating the NCAA throughout their entire history. While their five national championships has placed them in fifth amongst all schools, the Blue Devils are eyeing a sixth this year, and it feels more achievable than ever. This season has been led by power forward Cooper Flagg, who will likely go down as a Duke legend among some of the most iconic players in program history. He has been the standout player this season, not only for Duke, but for all of college basketball. His unique physical qualities and well rounded skill sets have allowed him to thrive this season, leading the Blue Devils to a solid first place finish in the ACC. Most of Duke’s struggles came early in the season, with two of their three losses happening within the first six weeks of the season. These two losses to Kentucky and Kansas were initially concerning, but at this point in the season, it’s clear that Duke has moved on and shaped into possibly the most serious contender for this year’s title.

Houston Cougars – Big Twelve (27-4)

While Houston is always dominant in the regular season, come March, and especially come April, the Cougars can never seem to manage to put it all together. They’ve reached the finals in six separate years, yet have failed to win in any of those appearances. Even though this 0-6 finals record looms over the shoulders of the Cougars, 2025 seems to be another promising year for the program. Their most impressive feat this season has been their defense, which has given them a strong finish atop the Big Twelve, including only one conference loss. The Cougars’ defense has allowed an average of only 58.1 points per game, which leads all of college basketball, and they’ve ended the season first in defensive efficiency. On the offensive side of the ball, Houston has used the three ball to their advantage, recording an impressive team three point percentage of 39.71%. Guards L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp have made up an elite backcourt for Houston, with both players averaging over 41% from deep. Everything seems to be working for this squad, and they’ve been convincing as a contender throughout this entire season. The Houston Cougars are a very well rounded team, and 2025 may be the year where they can finally break their finals curse.

South Korea Tells Budget Airlines to Tighten Safety After Fatal Crash

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By: Aarav Sapra

Image: Aviation A2Z


In the aftermath of the tragic Jeju Air crash on December 29, 2024, which claimed 179 lives, South Korea’s government has mandated safety measures for its low-cost carriers. During a meeting with South Korea’s nine budget airlines, they demanded measures to reduce flight hours, improve pilot training, and increase the number of maintenance members. Jeju Air said it would reduce its planes’ average daily flight time to 12.8 hours from 14 per day, according to the ministry. They said the carrier will also add 41 maintenance workers to increase the total number to 350.

The crash, in which a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 smashed into a concrete wall at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people, was the worst aviation disaster that has occurred in South Korea. Investigations suggest that a bird strike and the proximity of the embankment to the runway may have contributed to the disaster. While there is no evidence indicating that poor maintenance or pilot error were factors in the crash, investigators will look into all aspects of the flight in order to piece together what actually happened. Furthermore, the South Korean government stated that airlines who do not agree to these new terms of safety will be suspended from their flight certificates. The ministry also plans to disclose information about non-compliant carriers to the public. Some of the government’s proposed safety measures may have a limited impact on safety, but they could help reduce the workloads of pilots and other workers and decrease the risk of fatigue leading to human error. The government’s demands could also raise costs for airlines that compete to offer cut-price travel. Increasing the size of maintenance crews, for instance, would increase operation costs for airlines, leading to more expensive tickets. 

Jeju Air, the nation’s largest low-cost carrier, has faced scrutiny in the past for high aircraft operating hours and previous safety fines, and the recent crash has further  intensified calls for improved safety measures within the airline industry. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing. The flight data recorder, which sustained external damage, has been sent to the United States for analysis. The exact cause of the accident is expected to take months to determine. This tragedy has led to a national mourning period and raised concerns about aviation safety in South Korea.

Flying Snakes: Making Physics Hisssstory

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Flying Snakes: Making Physics Hisssstory

By Sophia Byl


Attention all U.S. citizens: a grave emergency has descended upon our country. The danger noodles have learned to fly. Yes, the snakes are taking to the sky. Federal agencies recommend you and your families take cover indoors, before the clouds and sun are covered up by the sheer number of airborne slithering menaces. Keep small pets, especially rodents, away from all windows and avoid going outdoors unless you ABSOLUTELY MUST. If a flying snake enters your home, call the National Flying Snake Hotline and take immediate cover. This is not a drill.

… is what we would be saying if flying snakes truly were a threat to human safety. Yes, they are real (albeit they glide more than they do fly), and their bite is venomous, but you’re going to be fine. The venom is only truly lethal to very small animals, the kind of animals the snake considers prey. 

Since this coming Lunar New Year features the snake as its zodiac animal, it would only be appropriate to discuss their unique abilities, while also dispelling some of the stigma surrounding them. Most snakes are quite harmless to people, and the ones that are venomous only attack humans  when cornered or otherwise threatened. Plus, said venomous snakes are being heavily researched in oncology labs: the ability of the poison to turn tissue into jelly reveals a promising future for cancer cures.

The flying snake’s venom, as we learned earlier, isn’t potent enough to be of much use to cancer research. However, its gliding ability has caught the attention of physicists at research colleges like Virginia Tech and the University of Chicago. Even the US Department of Defense has shown interest in flying snakes, in hope that it will help them develop specialized robots that can glide silently and quickly through the air. 

So how exactly does the snake fly around like some majestic serpentine dragon? Well, it essentially turns itself into a wing. By flattening its body and spreading out its ribs, the snake goes from a not-so-aerodynamic noodle shape to a flat, slithering form: one with just enough surface area to combat gravity and glide through the air. This shape-changing trait renders the flying snake as one of the better gliders in the animal kingdom, surpassing the likes of flying squirrels and sugar gliders ( who only use a small flap of skin to stay airborne, rather than their whole bodies.) The snakes can even turn in midair, using their tails as a rudder of sorts.

John Socha, a bioengineering professor at Virginia Tech, is one of the leading scientists on flying snake ballistics (spectacular job description right there). His lab has been conducting research with both live and model snakes, in order to examine what kinds of aerodynamics secrets we can borrow from them. Socha explains that what sets the snakes apart in terms of gliding ability is how they “become one long wing.” When he placed a model snake into a water tank to examine how the liquid flowed around the model, he was surprised to find just how much lift the shape generated. The snake’s unique body shape – Socha compared it to looking like a UFO – is ultimately what makes it such a good glider.

Currently, Socha’s research is being funded by the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency under the US Department of Defense. The DOD hopes that the danger noodles’ sick ballistics skills will help in improving existing military ballistics techniques. Unfortunately, a giant snake-shaped airplane isn’t exactly feasible. Flying snakes travel at just the right speed for their UFO shape to be useful, and it would be, in Socha’s words, a “terrible idea” to scale that up to a plane zooming by at the speed of sound. 

At least we’re learning from the snakes, instead of cowering in fear at the thought of their very existence.

Donald Trump’s Newest MAGA Campaign: Annexing Greenland?

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By: Jessica A. Dennehy

Donald Trump’s Round Two: How Far is He Willing to Go? (Image: slate.com)

Donald Trump’s second-term political policies take the bold promises of his first term to even greater extremes. Under a new wave of MAGA initiatives, “Making America Great Again” now supposedly includes annexing Greenland, adding Canada as the 51st state, and reclaiming control of the Panama Canal. While it’s easy to dismiss the President’s statements, these proposals do raise an important question: Are there any real benefits to expanding America’s reach? And just how far might Trump go to make these ambitions a reality?

Greenland, the largest island on Earth, holds immense potential despite its small population of only 56,000 people. Though it has been under Danish control for over 300 years, the island is rich in untapped mineral resources hidden beneath its icy surface—resources that could make Greenland a valuable addition to the American Empire. Additionally, as the Arctic ice melts due to climate change, new shipping routes are opening up, attracting increasing interest from global powers. China and Russia have already attempted to increase their military and economic influence in the region, making Greenland’s strategic position even more significant. In recent years, President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his interest in Greenland, a desire that first surfaced during his 2019 term when he proposed purchasing the island. Now, he has refused to rule out using economic or military force to secure control. Greenland’s potential for natural resources like rare earth minerals, oil, and gas makes it a prime target for American expansion, but both Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected the idea, with Greenland’s leadership asserting, “We do not want to be Americans,” and Denmark stating that Greenland is not for sale.

Greenlandic independence is widely seen as  inevitable, although its timeline remains uncertain. If and when Greenland votes for independence, Denmark is likely to accept and ratify the decision, given the two regions long-standing  historical relationship. With this eventuality in mind, Donald Trump Jr. has already visited Greenland, sparking controversy with a staged MAGA demonstration where officials offered food in exchange for the support of homeless Greenlanders. While these actions were undoubtedly provocative, the reality is that Greenland would likely hesitate to pursue full independence without strong guarantees, particularly when it comes to maintaining the subsidies it currently receives from Denmark. These subsidies fund vital services like healthcare and the welfare system, which are crucial to Greenland’s economy. In this context, Trump’s aggressive economic rhetoric could be leveraged as a form of pressure on Denmark. By threatening to drastically increase tariffs on Danish or even EU goods, the U.S. could push Denmark into concessions regarding Greenland’s future. If Trump were to adopt this approach, it would be an attempt to use economic muscle to isolate Denmark, while forcing them to either relinquish control of Greenland or agree to the terms set by the U.S.

Another possible approach Trump may take centers around the growing geopolitical tension in the Arctic, particularly as climate change accelerates. The melting ice is opening up new trade routes, and this increased navigability has raised concerns about Russia and China asserting greater control in the region. Both countries have been actively trying to expand their influence in the Arctic, which creates a potential security risk for Greenland—along with the rest of North America. Trump could theoretically use this situation as a chance to secure U.S. interests by pushing Denmark to either bolster Greenland’s defense or allow the U.S. to intervene. As Elisabet Svane, a chief political correspondent for Politiken newspaper, remarked, Trump’s message is clear: “What was important in what Trump said was that Denmark has to fulfill its obligations in the Arctic or it’s got to let the U.S. do it.”

A more extreme approach, though still a possibility, would be military intervention, which Trump has not ruled out. Given the significant U.S. military presence in Greenland, with American bases and personnel already stationed there, the U.S. could potentially take control of the island relatively easily. However, such a move would undoubtedly provoke a major international crisis, alienating Denmark and upsetting global diplomacy. Svane pointed the risks out, saying, “[Trump] He’s saying it’s legitimate for us to take this piece of land… If we take him really seriously, this is a bad omen for the whole of the Western alliance.” Military action would not only strain U.S.-Denmark relations but could also fracture NATO and undermine the Western alliance. If the U.S. were to take this route, it would almost certainly lead to a breakdown of international norms, with profound diplomatic repercussions for America.

While the idea of Trump pursuing Greenland may seem unlikely, the fact that he has raised it so early in his second term is worth noting. If such a bold proposal is already on the table, it raises questions about what other actions he might consider in pursuit of his MAGA agenda. What other moves might follow that push boundaries, both domestically and internationally? The uncertainty surrounding his next steps leaves much to consider about the direction his administration could take.

Peace At Last: Negotiators Agree to Gaza Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal

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By: Aarav Sapra

Image: Crisis Group


The conflict in Gaza has reached a significant development as negotiators have established  a cease-fire agreement and hostage deal that could bring temporary relief to all parts of the region. The deal brokered with international mediators’ help aims to ease tensions and provide humanitarian aid to civilians. The cease-fire, likely to start at any moment over the course of the next week, marks the first step toward the reversal of some of the bloody conflicts that have devastated Gaza. Both sides will stand down from further military operations, and lead to the establishment of a humanitarian corridor whereby individuals whom this war has brutally battered would be guaranteed supplies in terms of food and water–among other things–and emergency medical attention. The details of this hostage deal are not publicly known, but their identities could belong to international organizations like the United Nations. These representatives played a key role in conveying both sides to an agreement that has been hailed as a flash of peace in a region devastated by violent cycles.

Besides the cease-fire, negotiators have secured an agreement to release Israeli hostages. Reports indicate that hostages, including foreign nationals and local civilians, are expected to be freed as part of the deal. While the number of hostages is not known yet, this is a sort of breakthrough between the two sides and a relief for the families whose members have been held hostage on both sides. The hostage exchange, however, is a sensitive issue in the agreement in which both parties are making a huge adjustment. The deal is a balancing act as both parties are under massive pressure from their communities. While the cease-fire and hostage deal represent a big step forward, many experts warn that the situation in Gaza remains unstable.

This agreement did not touch upon the conflict’s political, territorial, and humanitarian root causes, and few believe lasting peace is likely to be possible anytime soon. Nevertheless, this deal was welcomed worldwide as a first glance toward peaceful relations. Leaders worldwide have accepted the agreement and called on both sides to respect its terms and continue dialogue. Hopefully, this breakthrough may be the path to further negotiations and, eventually, a more comprehensive and lasting solution to the Gaza conflict.

Human-Slayer or Coded-Computer? The Pro’s and Con’s of A.I.

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Human-Slayer or Coded-Computer? The Pro’s and Con’s of A.I.

By Yuting Lin

If humans use AI correctly, it can be a powerful tool. AI can complete tasks in minutes that might take humans days or even months. It can operate all day without needing rest, unlike humans who require food, water, and breaks. Doctors, scientists, and engineers can use AI’s capabilities to make significant technological advancements. AI can also offer valuable advice when you need help.

Today, AI is embedded in nearly every aspect of our lives. For example, it’s present in our phones, computers, and the apps we use daily. Students can use AI to understand homework they find difficult. It can also schedule appointments for you and help write reports more quickly. AI even creates a lot of cool things, such as suggesting the next movie to watch or generating new song ideas.

However, there’s a problem if we don’t use AI responsibly. If people become too dependent on it, they might stop thinking for themselves. This could lead to a loss of critical thinking skills, creativity, and the ability to solve problems. Over-reliance on AI could make people avoid challenges, and over time, the human brain may deteriorate from lack of exercise.

In addition, AI will begin to take over certain jobs. For instance, self-driving vehicles could replace truck drivers. AI can also predict what people want by analyzing their conversations, which could lead to job losses for some artists, like painters. AI-driven robots have already replaced factory workers in many industries. If this trend continues, many people will lose their jobs, and society could become more impatient as attention spans shorten.

The main concern is that we can’t rely on AI for everything, or people’s brains will weaken from disuse. There’s also the risk of AI collecting and storing personal information. Since AI systems can be hacked, hackers might gain access to sensitive data and misuse it. This is why we sometimes experience spam or scam calls. In extreme cases, AI systems could leak private information, so we need to be cautious when using them.

Despite these risks, AI can still be an excellent support tool if used correctly. It should serve as an assistant, not a replacement. It’s okay to let AI help with answering questions or solving problems, but we shouldn’t rely on it to complete all of our work. AI can make errors in interpreting data, and its results may be incorrect. This is why it’s important to verify AI-generated information using our own judgment. When used properly, AI can be a valuable tool to make life easier.

A Reflection on Joe Biden’s Legacy

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A Reflection on Joe Biden’s Legacy

Courtesy of the New York Times

By Will Stark and Hank Bartholomew

On January 20th, 2025, Joe Biden’s first term as President of the United States ended. For the last four years, the Pennsylvania native has led the nation through various challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, the rise of extremist movements domestically, and widening political polarization. It’s hard to objectively look back at a president’s legacy when it is so fresh. Political loyalties and personal bias are hard to remove. But, to the best of our ability, here is a summary and analysis of Joseph R. Biden: a man who dedicated his life to service for his country.

For some, it’s easy to label the Biden administration as a failure, with the emergence of two major international conflicts, the largest influx of illegal immigrants since 2007, as well as a massive inflation spike in 2022. But that’s not the full story.

The other part of Biden’s legacy includes rebuilding a nation and its economy after a devastating pandemic, strengthening a crumbling democracy after a disastrous transition of power, and making strides in forward progress, socially and environmentally.

Presidency aside, Biden’s legacy on the nation is astounding. For over forty years, Joe Biden has served his country and has been pivotal in shaping the nation we recognize today.

Career

Biden was elected to the US Senate in 1973 at 29, putting him in the top five for youngest senators in United States history. As a Senator, he specialized in foreign relations, criminal law, and drug policies. Towards the end of his career, he chaired the Foreign Relations Committee. Joe was very vocal about sending support to protect Kosovo when it was invaded by Serbia in the 1990s, as well as creating resolutions that would establish a peaceful and united Iraq. 

Biden first became acquainted with the Oval Office in 2008, when he ran as Vice-Presidential candidate with Barack Obama. Together they led several key initiatives that shaped the Obama administration and its legacy. Biden was instrumental in American Policy in Iraq as well as economic policies that hugely benefited the economy. For his eight years of service, then President Obama honored Vice President Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.

Successes

Following a brutal mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where an eighteen year-old teenager massacred twenty-one individuals with an assault rifle, Biden signed into law the first significant gun legislation in over thirty years. The forty-sixth president established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which seeks to support local organizations that manage mental health and promotes coordination between schools and law enforcement. Similarly, in 2023, Biden awarded $286 million to school mental health professionals and organizations that promote student wellness. Barring action by the new administration, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention will continue to distribute one billion dollars of funding over the next five years. 

In 2021, Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a monumental piece of legislation that allocated roughly $1.2 trillion to fund infrastructure improvements across the country. The act will provide funding for a variety of upkeep projects, including broadband access, federal highways, public plumbing, electric grid renewal, highway safety and motor vehicle research, and new forms of energy, such as water and solar power. Furthermore, the construction of these projects has created hundreds of thousands of jobs; unemployment in the utilities sector hit a historic low of 2.5% in October of 2023. Eighty percent of the IIJA’s funding still has yet to be distributed, and barring potential action by the new administration, Biden’s legislation will continue to help fund American innovation and progress.

Since his son Beau’s death from brain cancer in 2015, Joe Biden has been a vocal and prominent advocate for cancer research and funding. In fact, Biden has almost certainly done more than any other U.S. President to combat the disease. After its first appearance under Barack Obama in 2016, Biden relaunched, in 2022, the Moonshot for Cancer Initiative, which seeks to end cancer by 2047. One of the initiative’s greatest accomplishments was the development of a central resource, the Cancer Research Data Commons, a databank that allows cancer institutions throughout the country to access instrumental data and information regarding cancer treatment. Furthermore, the Moonshot’s allocation of federal resources and funding has led to vast improvements in tumor mapping, immunotherapy treatments and drug resistance, cancer screenings, and cancer health and treatment and disparities. The initiative is a remarkable example of turning grief into action.

Failures

Capturing Biden’s legacy is tricky. Many successes, yes, but also many avoidable failures. He failed to bring peace in Ukraine and had controversial policies concerning aid to Israel in their crusade against Hamas. Biden’s administration was marred by dramatic inflation, which drove up living costs for Americans everywhere. An unsecured border let in historic amounts of undocumented immigrants. These factors combined give Biden’s legacy a darker shade; each of these points were constantly reiterated by political opponents in the most recent election and spawned doubts in voters’ minds in November.

However, the number of failures of the Biden administration that put them at fault is far more objective. Could Biden have prevented the invasion of Ukraine or the conflict in Gaza? Of course not. 2022 inflation has by many economists been declared an aftereffect of the pandemic, not solely government mismanagement. The emergence of crisis after crisis is not Biden’s fault and should not be attributed as such. However, as president of the United States, it was his sworn duty to handle and resolve such crises, to achieve the extraordinary, or at the very least make progress to the fullest extent of his ability. This failure lies at the center of Joe Biden’s emerging legacy.

Summary

Joe Biden was and is, quite simply, a servant of the nation. For almost his entire life, he has dedicated his efforts, even in the face of constant adversity, to improving and improving our nation. As his political career is likely to come to an end, we look back with thanks. Barack Obama was correct when he said that “to know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard, and to live life fully”. Agree with him or not, Joe Biden dedicated his life to our country, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

The First Twenty-Four Hours for A New Administration

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The First Twenty-Four Hours for A New Administration

Courtesy of the New York Times

By Hank Bartholomew

On January 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M Eastern Time, Donald J. Trump became the forty-seventh president of the United States. It marks the beginning of a historic term and a potential new direction in American policy. Perhaps what was most telling of how the next four years will look was Trump’s actions in his first day in office.

One of the new president’s first actions was to gut legislation from the Biden’s administration. Trump revoked over seventy of former president Biden’s executive orders and legislation, many of which involved Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts and attempts to tackle the climate crisis. It’s a strong indication that this current presidential term will not maintain much of a focus on across-the-isle legislation or efforts to bridge the gap between conservatives and liberals. 

Soon after, Trump issued an executive order titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech And Ending Federal Censorship.” The legislation claims that the Biden administration limited the ability of the American public to speak their mind, and calls for immediate remedial action. Most likely, the order stems from Biden’s efforts to limit misinformation on online platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Critics have suggested that this action may have the additional purpose of allowing many of the tech magnates that Trump has become cozy with to have greater freedom with regard to how they run their programs. 

One of the president’s most shocking actions was his withdrawal of the United States from a variety of climate legislation agreements, most notably the Paris agreement. On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly suggested that such accords have had debilitating effects on the American economy, and that the nation’s withdrawal from these agreements is the only way to allow American businesses to reach their full potential. With brutal wildfires still raging in California, the move has drawn sharp criticism from liberals in congress.

Quickly after, Trump pardoned over 1,500 of the January 6th insurrectionists who stormed America’s capital following Trump’s loss to Biden in 2020. While expected, the decision was nonetheless shocking; pardons on such a large scale are unheard of. Most likely, the pardons symbolize a gathering conflict between the White House and the Justice Department and legal system. 

Moments later, the president withdrew, via executive order, the United States from the World Health Organization, or WHO. The United States has been a leading member of the WHO since its founding in 1948, and the move may have drastic consequences both abroad and at home. Internationally, the withdrawal symbolizes an effort to move the United States to a relatively isolationist position. Trump has been a long-time critic of international organizations, arguing that the funding the United States often puts in is not equivalent to the results and support provided in return. It is possible that the WHO was just the first target on a long list. Domestically, the withdrawal represents a movement by the administration to reform American healthcare practices and policies. With Robert Kennedy Jr., a prominent advocate of anti-vaccination measures, at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services, it is not illogical to assume that much of America’s health policies may also see drastic change.

Trump also issued a proclamation “Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border.” The declaration calls for increased military personnel and barriers at the border between the United States and Mexico, and is most likely a first step in the President’s efforts to pursue the mass deportations he has called for while on the campaign trail. 

With regard to economic policy, the new president signed a memorandum labeled “America First Trade Policy,” which calls for actions to limit “unfair and unbalanced trade,” presumably via tariffs. Tariffs on foreign nations, particularly China, were a key part of Trump’s message while campaigning, and it’s quite possible that this memorandum was the first attack in a long trade war with the foreign power.

Focusing on the American economy, Trump then issued an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which calls for the review and removal of Biden-era policies intended to limit climate change. In particular, the order frees up coal-burning and fossil-fuel consuming corporations to continue their practices unhindered. According to the new administration, doing away with prior environmental regulations will “unleash” the American economy and stimulate vast American economic growth. However, critics and economists alike have warned that the removal of Biden’s environmental policies, which created hundreds of thousands of jobs in the green energy sector, may in fact have adverse economic consequences.

Perhaps the most shocking action taken by the nation’s new leader was his executive order attempting to redefine birthright citizenship. Titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” the order argues that citizenship should not apply to individuals born in the United States to an illegal or non-permanent mother and father. The statement is a shocking contradiction of the 14th Amendment, which in 1868, declared that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or proper.” The open contradiction of a long-time staple of the American Bill of Rights has already raised concerns; the executive order is already being challenged in court, and Democrats have labeled the statement a violation of presidential power. 

The second Trump presidency is still in its infancy, but many of its main promises and objectives are starting to truly come into focus. Still, all that is clear is that nothing is certain in the next four years.

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