July 2023

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has rolled out strict criteria for GOP presidential candidates, leading to a group of high-caliber contenders. Entrepreneur and conservative advocate Vivek Ramaswamy stands out, as he has not only met but exceeded the RNC’s requirements according to recent polls. Other notable figures, such as former President Donald J. Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, have also passed the threshold. Meanwhile, some hopefuls like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum face challenges in meeting these strict requirements. By setting high standards, the RNC aims to bring the best leaders to the forefront of the 2024 Presidential elections, allowing Republican voters to make an informed choice about who will represent their party.

Massachusetts has launched a new policy allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses. Since July 1, the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles reported approximately 100,000 appointment requests, most likely from those affected by the new law. Supporters assert the measure promotes road safety by preventing undocumented driving. Critics, however, see this as rewarding those who have entered the US illegally. This law could potentially benefit nearly 300,000 people over the next four years, at an estimated cost of $28 million to taxpayers. Massachusetts joins 16 other states in providing this privilege to undocumented immigrants. It’s a controversial topic, sparking debates about immigration policy and the rule of law.

New York City is battling an unprecedented homelessness crisis with record numbers of people living on the streets. As per the Coalition for the Homeless, a staggering 83,650 people were residing in the city’s primary shelter system as of May 2023. This includes an estimated 26,775 children who were found sleeping in city shelters each night. These numbers mark the highest levels of homelessness since the Great Depression, and the situation has worsened under the watch of Mayor Eric Adams. Critics argue his policies have exacerbated the crisis, leading to an influx of undocumented immigrants and straining the city’s resources. It’s time for Mayor Adams to reconsider his approach and put forward solutions that prioritize affordable housing, mental health services, and addiction treatments to stem the growing crisis.

Colin Kaepernick, former NFL player turned activist, is back in the limelight, this time for his involvement in a promotional Nike video. Shot at Nike’s Oregon headquarters, Kaepernick is seen throwing balls to notable NFL players like Kendrick Bourne and Derrick Henry. Despite Kaepernick’s open critique of capitalism and inflammatory remarks about U.S. troops and imperialism, his continued partnership with Nike, a well-known multinational corporation, points towards a somewhat conflicting narrative. This video has stirred a buzz, as Kaepernick, who hasn’t professionally played since 2016 and is now 35 years old, persistently states he’s “ready” to play again. A notion many find hard to swallow, given the average age and physical demands of the NFL quarterbacks. These inconsistencies have ignited conversations about the authenticity of his stance.

Country music stars Brantley Gilbert and Jason Aldean are making headlines as they stand up for their beliefs amidst controversy. Gilbert defended Aldean during a recent concert amidst backlash over his new single, “Try That in a Small Town,” a song encouraging unity against crime and unpatriotic behavior. As a response, Gilbert has released a new ballad, “Bury Me Upside Down.” Despite criticism, Aldean’s song has reached the top spot on the iTunes charts and has received support from high-ranking officials. However, in a controversial move, Country Music Television has removed the music video for Aldean’s song over certain footage. Both Gilbert and Aldean’s actions underline the music industry’s current tension.

The environmental group, Just Stop Oil, known for its aggressive campaigns against the fossil fuel industry, had its celebratory banquet unexpectedly disrupted. An array of orange balloons equipped with loud alarms was released into the gathering by another group expressing public dissatisfaction. The stunt turned the banquet into a noisy spectacle, leaving Just Stop Oil members scrambling to silence the blaring alarms. The group, who has a controversial reputation for direct actions such as sit-ins and blockades, has faced criticism for their extreme tactics, with some labeling their actions as ecoterrorism. This unusual interruption reflects the growing public discontent with the group’s approach, that some feel distracts from ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote alternative energy sources.