“2020 Census Results” by Kirstyn M.

The long overdue results of the U.S. 2020 Census have arrived, having been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic as well as interference from the Trump administration. In fact, concern about the accuracy of the population numbers has arisen in response to last-minute alterations in the schedule due to the pandemic and Trump officials. This census marks the 24th census to have occurred in the United States. Technically the state population numbers were due by the end of the year 2020 under federal law. Obviously, the results were provided later than originally planned, but this much is evident: changes are being made.  These changes were reported by Ron Jarmin, the acting director for the U.S. Census Bureau, at a virtual news conference communicating this reset in the balance of power in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College for the next decade. The states losing a seat each include California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The states gaining a vote each include Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon. Texas gained two seats as a result of rapid growth of the population. The results of the census will bring about the reapportionment of the House of Representatives, and states that have lost seats may sue the Biden administration in response to how the House of Representatives was reapportioned. The reapportioned Congress will convene in 2023 as the 118th Congress, and the new Electoral College map will go into effect starting with the presidential race of 2024. 

https://www.npr.org/2021/04/26/983082132/census-to-release-1st-results-that-shift-electoral-college-house-seats

“Nearing 100 Days” by Hailie P.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/fox-news-poll-biden-approaches-100-days-in-office-what-do-americans-think

 

As Joe Biden nears 100 days in office polls have gone out to evaluate his performance. A Fox news poll found that 54% of voters approve of Biden's performance as president.This is 9% higher than Donald Trumps four years ago, however it is 8% less than Barack Obamas was during April of his presidency. So far many Americans believe he is doing good for the country. Many polls have gone out to evaluate President Biden's promises for his 100 day mark. Biden has made efforts to help racial injustices, foreign policy, and the climate crises. These efforts have begun to move in the right direction but have not fully completed his ultimate goals .He promised to control Coronavirus and get vaccinations underway. According to Americans this promise has been successful. Currently 84% of Americans believe the virus is under control; this is up 34% since last December. President Biden's largest flaw according to polls is border security. There is a 31 point margin of voters stating border security is worse than it was two years ago.Views on the economy have stayed the same with 29% rating it good/excellent and 69% fair/poor. This is nearly the same as Trump's final rating being 33-66.

Do you believe he has done good? Will Biden continue to make progress? What do you believe is a flaw?  

“Asa Hutchinson and New Transgender Healthcare Bill” by Tanner R.

 

On April Sixth the Arkansas Congress voted to override Governer Asa Hutchinson’s veto on a bill banning gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors in the state. The bill prohibits minors from receiving hormones, puberty blockers, and transition-related surgeries. Doctors and other health care providers who offered such care could lose their license to practice in the state. He stated that the state legislature has “gone too far”. Hutchinson Told National Public Radio that, "My own personal view that this is too extreme, it was too broad and did not grandfather in those young people who are currently under hormone treatment…. This puts a very vulnerable population in a more difficult position…. It sends the wrong signal to them." When he was speaking on why he vetoed the bill he also had this to say, "We did not want to interrupt treatment that the parents had agreed to, the patient had agreed to and the physician recommended."

He noted that every bill has to be considered individually and he does support some transgender restrictions. Hutchinson recently signed a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in sports teams that match their gender identity. He also signed a bill banning minors from going through with a sex change surgury. Hutchinson believes that his fellow republicans should consider a more limited role when it comes to personal health care decisions, and transgender health care of young people should be limited to the patient, parents and physicians. Do you agree with Hutchinson’s more laid back approach? Do you think that this statement is hypocritical considering the other transgender bills that he has supported and signed? Do you agree with his decisions on the laws that he passed and the one that he vetoed?

Link: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/06/984884294/arkansas-gov-asa-hutchinson-on-transgender-health-care-bill-step-way-too-far 

"POLICE SHOOTINGS IN THE US" by Brooke H.

 

The country over the summer was politically divided over the shooting and death of George Floyd. His death led to the Black Lives Matter movement to end police brutality and racism within the police system. Recent shootings have led to civil unrest once again. This is after another video of a police officer shooting and killing another unarmed black person: Adam Toledo. Toledo was just 13 years old and in the video many are claiming that he put his hands up and was compliant; yet, he lost his life and was shot by officer Eric Stillman. This is all unfolding simutanelously as Derek Chauvin’s (the officer that shot George Floyd) murder trial is taking place. 

So far this year alone, 235 people have been shot and killed by the police in the United States. This and the publized murder of George Floyd has caused much controversy across the country and continues with the trial. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. The trial will hear it’s closing statements this monday and will in the end have listened to 45 witnesses. The jury is also expected to have a large deliberation time. Floyd’s death has still been ruled as “undetermined.” Chauvin has pleaded the fifth, and has only been heard telling the judge that it was his decision and his decision alone. No matter what happens, the country will be watching just like this past summer. 

This sensitive topic has seemingly divided the country once again. Recent police shootings have opted us to ask these questions once again: what can we do to stop these killings? Who is responsible? Is Chauvin guilty? What role does this play with gun violence? 

“A Shot at Gun Control” Hailie P.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/biden-pushes-gun-control-but-legislation-is-unlikely/ar-BB1ftBXu?ocid=uxbndlbing

Joe Biden ran for president and was elected as a gun control cannidit. On Thursday, April 8th, he took his first step in bringing gun control to the United States. President Biden stated the gun violence America is experiencing, “is an international embarrassment.” After the recent mass shooting in Boulder Colorado Biden is ready for change. The president has requested that many things be changed in the way the United States currently sells firearms and who firearms are sold to. For Example, Joe Biden is suggesting that all gun trades should not be allowed and all buyers must complete background checks. He has also ordered the DOJ to complete an annual report of firearm trafficking which will make law enforcement able to remove guns from anyone who is a danger to themselves or to others. Although Biden seems confident about his proposal the House Minority has already begun denouncing Biden's proposition. House MInority leader Kevin MCcarthy tweeted, “will strongly oppose and pursue every option… to protect the right to bear arms.” The clashing of Republican and Democratic regarding gun control has always been popular, but with the new president's agenda the clashing is at an all time high. Joe Biden has plans to move forward with gun control legislation however, House Minority leaders have already begun to fight back.

Do you think the gun control legislation is beneficial? Will any of it pass? Will it reduce mass shootings?