Restaurants, particularly small businesses and bars are the backbones of communities nationwide. These establishments welcome tourists, families and locals to come and enjoy the area’s cuisine. If these businesses are so beneficial to community, then why is the government reluctant to give aid during these difficult times?

However, indirectly or otherwise, a Biden presidency may in fact be the catalyst for real change that many people desire and his creed to heal the “soul of our nation” could very well be a more prophetic statement than once believed. Mr. Biden's most advantageous asset may well be his very presence.

“The Queen’s Gambit” tells a compelling story about a young girl and has deeply moving morals. However, this show is not just about the empowerment of women; it’s about showing the real destructiveness of substance dependency and how one can overcome it with the support of friends.

Regardless of the success of this or any other stimulus plan, no amount of free money can compensate for the severe fallout of home confinement. The “thin bandage” of the stimulus, writes the National Review, would be unable to prevent the economy’s partial recovery from bleeding out.

This is not time to let our guard down just because of the holiday season. It is important to remember that the world is still experiencing a global pandemic. We may be tired of the virus, but the virus is surely not tired of us.

The pass/fail option is absolutely necessary during these unprecedented times. If courses are only offered online, then it is only fair to present students this option. Experts are saying that “the mental, emotional and academic impacts of the shift to remote learning are likely going to be challenging.” Many students are struggling to adjust to the new format for several reasons. Lack of hands-on experience, unsuitable study spaces and increased distractions are just a few of the reasons remote learning is challenging students.  

We are experiencing an extremely delicate period in our country. Resorting to violence against one another is not going to solve any of the underlying issues this country is facing. The best thing that we can do is to learn how to work together again. 

The polls do not consistently reflect the thoughts of the average American. Getting a representative sample of the American public is an extremely daunting task, and it often does not fully align with demographic breakdowns.

The rest of the US needs to follow in Oregon’s progressive footsteps in order to benefit the wellbeing of our nation. The national decriminalization of drugs would reduce mass incarceration and institutionalized racism. On a national level, this change would be a monumental step towards equality and autonomy for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous strain on the lives of so many people around the world. America in particular is experiencing this pandemic alongside a consequential election season, the outcry for racial justice, and an already existing mental health epidemic. 2020 has not been an easy year to cope with, and many are left with feelings of hopelessness and despair due to the prolonged uncertainty. 

The US’ two-party system and resultant hyper-partisanship are, besides COVID-19, the greatest threats to the freedom of its citizenry. The country’s high-stakes, all-or-nothing elections force voters to choose between the lesser of two evil candidates rather than several promising ones.

Gap years are usually filled with traveling, experiential learning, and work experience. However, COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. Despite the drastic changes we’ve experienced as a result of the pandemic, students opting for gap years is at a record high. According to Fitch Ratings, the annual enrollment is expected to plummet 5-20% nationwide. The question is: Should you take a gap year during these unprecedented times?