New York City’s Congestion Pricing Program: Key Insights and Tradeoffs
For the second year in a row, New York City ranked as the world’s most congested urban area, with at least half a million vehicles entering the central business district of the Manhattan borough on a typical weekday. On January 5th, 2025, a congestion tolling program was enacted to curb these rising traffic issues. On […]
Pros and Cons of the FLY Act: The Debate on Airport Security and Accessibility
Introduction Security systems in U.S. airports changed significantly after the terror attacks on 9/11. Before the attacks, airport security officers were mostly hired from the private sector, and airport security systems used outdated alarm systems and low-quality video monitors. Additionally, non-flyers – or airport visitors who were not ticketed passengers – could go through security […]
Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Director of National Intelligence: Can She Keep America Safe?
In another significant development in Washington, Tulsi Gabbard—once a Democratic congresswoman, later an outspoken critic of her party, and now a key ally of President Donald Trump—has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Gabbard’s political journey has been anything but conventional. Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, she became the […]
Pros and Cons of Highway Expansion
Prior to the completion of the interstate highway system in the United States, the nation’s infrastructure was marred with safety issues that spurred supply chain delays, posed hazards to travelers, and compromised national defense. The US highway system was built in the 1950s to overcome these problems. Highways were dubbed “arteries of commerce” in recognition […]
Kash Patel Confirmed as FBI Director: Key Updates and Controversy
On February 20th, Kash Patel was confirmed by the Senate to become the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He is the first Indian American to hold this position. Patel’s nomination sparked controversy, leading to a narrow confirmation vote. What does the FBI Director do? The FBI is the foremost domestic intelligence […]
Understanding the Alien Enemies Act: History, Perspectives, and Current Implications
Introduction and History The Alien Enemies Act (AEA), enacted in 1798 as a part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, grants the President the authority to detain, apprehend, and deport noncitizens from nations deemed hostile during times of declared war or invasion. While war can only be declared by Congress, some believe a rhetorical reading […]
USAID: Understanding an Agency in Limbo
What is USAID? USAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, is an independent government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and implementing international development projects related to public health, food security, trade, and democratic governance abroad. USAID was created in 1961 via an executive order by President John F. Kennedy immediately after he […]
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary: Can He “Make America Healthy Again”?
As President Trump continues his push to reshape the federal government, one of his most controversial cabinet nominations has now been confirmed. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a Democratic challenger to Joe Biden, then an independent presidential candidate, and now a Trump ally, was officially sworn in as the 26th Secretary of the Department of […]
Understanding Midwife and Doula Healthcare Integration
Background In the U.S. today, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth as White women. One potential remedy to address this and other disparities in maternal health outcomes, which has gained recent attention, is the integration of midwives and doulas into the U.S. healthcare system. Doulas are trained professionals who […]
Trump’s Tariffs: Key Updates and Ongoing Debate
One of President Trump’s myriad “first-day” promises, the plan to leverage tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China drew attention on the campaign trail. Two weeks into his second term, the campaign promise came to fruition via three consecutive executive orders, sparking economic debate and what some are calling a trade war with neighboring countries. The […]