The Department of Education Under Attack

Gabriella Sandoval, Staff Writer 

Despite differing political affiliations, everyone should be in mutual agreement that the Department of Education (DOE) and the various programs within the department, are vital and that their work is imperative. The DOE is responsible for providing necessary assistance and aid towards our education system, and to those that benefit from it. Recent news regarding Trump’s plan to completely defund, and shut down the DOE has sparked controversy on what this could mean for the millions of American families and individuals that rely on federal support from the DOE.

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The Power of Voting

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

On September 10th, 2024, the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took place. The main topics included the economy, abortion, immigration, and health care. Whether you identify as a Republican, a Democrat, or as an Independent, voting is crucial, especially in a time of chaos. 

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Arizona Supreme Court Entertains Old Abortion Bill

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Arizona’s Supreme Court is interested in digging up a 160-year-old abortion ban and enforcing it today. This ruling makes abortion a felony and labels it as a punishable act that would carry a two to five-year sentence in Arizona for anyone who helps women perform an abortion. The only exception is if a woman needs an abortion to have her life saved.

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The Need for Mental Health Awareness in Police Training

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

Recently in California, a 15-year-old autistic boy was shot and killed by police. Police responded to a call about the boy, and when they arrived the boy charged them with a gardening tool. The officer did not attempt to use any other technique to destress the situation, and instead shot and killed the boy. Incidents like this are not scarce and they are exactly why officers need to be trained on neurotypical behavior, mental illness, and disabilities. Our officers also need to be taught not to reach for their guns unless absolutely necessary. Despite years of discussion, we still see police killing innocent people instead of using other techniques to better the situation. As in this case, a 15-year-old boy should not have lost his life, but who should’ve been cared for and potentially brought to the ground if deemed dangerous.

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Bill to Support Sexual Assault Survivors

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Colorado State Legislature has introduced a bill that aims to protect sexual assault survivors when it comes to what can be presented as evidence during criminal hearings. This would eliminate the victim having a previous relationship with the accused as being legitimate evidence. A big part of this bill is to end victim blaming from entering the system. Victim blaming happens when the victim of a crime is blamed for the crime happening. This regularly occurs in sexual violence cases.

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Bail Reform in the Works

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a Republican-supported bill that approves a longer list of criminal offenses requiring cash bail. This will stop any charitable funds from being allowed as bail and send more people charged with misdemeanors to more dangerous prisons. Charitable groups can now only post up to three cash bonds in a year and if they go above this, they will also be charged with a misdemeanor. This is not the first time that Republicans have lengthened the list of crimes that require cash bail, with the current number recently surpassing 24. 

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