It’s remarkably easy to be overwhelmed by the modern world. As we witness substantial changes to technology, society, and politics, you might feel inclined to completely sever yourself from the feuds on social media or the depressing stories on the five o’clock news. But at present, it is imperative that students understand current events and educate themselves on the  world crises– especially with the concerning rise of willful ignorance and anti-intellectualism in the U.S.

Tesla has recently made a significant number of headlines as a result of their problematic recalls, abnormal vehicle designs, and controversial CEO, Elon Musk. But recently, their Tesla Bot, also known as “Optimus,” has been making headlines as a result of an unexpected collaboration with Kim Kardashian.

   For many students like myself, we’ve come to expect a certain user experience when taking a national or state-mandated standardized test: The multiple #2 pencils, dark blue or black pens, and the infamous bubble sheets have become familiar over the years. But this year, the College Board administered an overwhelming majority of their AP exams in a digital or hybrid format, and this significant change has sparked widespread controversy.

The Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders and proposed numerous controversial changes to agencies within the United States. Trump’s proposed alterations to federal medical agencies and national medical research have sparked significant uproar.

 “It’s Glowtime.” was the title of Apple’s most recent launch event held on September 9th, 2024.