Travel influencers boost tourism to Taliban-run Afghanistan
## Instagram’s Afghanistan Dilemma: Are Travel Influencers Whitewashing a Human Rights Crisis? Afghanistan. The name conjures up images of rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and a rich cultural heritage. Recently, it's also been popping up on Instagram feeds, courtesy of a growing number of travel influencers showcasing their adventures in the country. While the images are undeniably captivating – think stunning…
The ‘Only’ Profession to ‘Celebrate What It Means to Live a Life’
## When Art Becomes the Battlefield: Viola Davis's Oscars Speech and the Shifting Sands of Culture Wars The Oscars are usually a safe haven of glamour, celebration, and, well, awards. But in our increasingly polarized world, even a heartfelt tribute to the power of art can become a lightning rod. Viola Davis's deeply moving speech at this year's ceremony, a…
News Wrap: Sessions insists he didn’t lie about Russian contacts to Senate
## Sessions Spars with Franken Over Russia, Trump Faces Backlash on Multiple Fronts Attorney General Jeff Sessions staunchly defended himself against accusations of misleading the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his contacts with the Russian ambassador during the 2016 presidential campaign. The heated exchange occurred during a hearing where Senator Al Franken (D-MN) accused Sessions of "moving the goalposts" regarding the…
Escaping Harvey Weinstein was a ‘cat-and-mouse game,’ says Katherine Kendall
## Katherine Kendall: How I Escaped Harvey Weinstein In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the ripples of trauma continue to spread, empowering victims to come forward with their stories. Actress Katherine Kendall, who met Weinstein in 1993, recently shared her harrowing experience with PBS NewsHour, revealing the lasting impact of her encounter. Kendall, then a 23-year-old actress, recounted…
Israel allows controlled entry of goods to Gaza's private sector
## Ditch the Desk: Why Remote Work is the Future of Innovation (and Your Sanity) The world of work is changing, and the traditional 9-to-5 in a cubicle farm is quickly becoming a relic of the past. Fueled by advancements in technology and a growing demand for better work-life balance, remote work is no longer a perk – it's a…
Why Donald Trump is talking about actress Sydney Sweeney
## American Eagle Ad Sparks Outrage: Has Political Correctness Gone Too Far? The latest American Eagle campaign is causing more than just a stir – it’s ignited a full-blown political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy is the casting choice of a specific actress in the brand’s new advertisement, an ad that some are labeling as a blatant attempt…
Is an AI backlash brewing? What 'clanker' says about growing frustrations with emerging tech
## "NPC": Why Calling Someone an AI is the Newest Online Slur The internet loves a good insult. From "Karen" to "OK Boomer," viral phrases can quickly become weaponized, used to dismiss and demean entire groups of people. But a new term has entered the online lexicon, one that reveals our anxieties about artificial intelligence while simultaneously degrading human individuality:…
Trump claims economic wins, as tariff policy defies naysayers – for now
## Is the Sunshine Hiding a Storm? Decoding the Mixed Signals of the US Economy President 's recent pronouncements paint a rosy picture of the US economy. We've heard boasts of a groundbreaking trade deal with the EU, a surprisingly robust second-quarter growth figure, and a welcome influx of tariff revenue bolstering the nation's coffers. It's tempting to bask in…
The ‘Only’ Profession to ‘Celebrate What It Means to Live a Life’
## Viola Davis' Oscars Speech: Art, Emotion, and the Latest Culture War Battleground Viola Davis delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech at the 2023 Academy Awards after achieving EGOT status, a moment many celebrated as a triumph for representation and a poignant tribute to the transformative power of art. Yet, in today's hyper-polarized climate, even this moving display has…
A Test Case for Future Funding Cuts
## Trump's Push to Rescind $9 Billion: What It Means for Your Community Former President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines, this time for advocating the rescission of a whopping $9 billion in previously approved federal funding. This move, should it gain traction, could have significant repercussions for communities across the country, impacting everything from infrastructure projects to…