Tag: Politics

Charlie Kirk

By: Burns Bateman

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was tragically shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The event, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” was held under a tent with signs that read “Prove Me Wrong,” designed to spark political debate among students. According to eyewitnesses, the shooting happened suddenly, with Kirk collapsing as panic spread through the crowd. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but he later died from his injuries. A person of interest was initially taken into custody but was later released after investigators found no connection. Authorities now believe the shooter may have fired from a nearby building, and the case remains under active investigation. Kirk’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from both supporters and critics, with statements coming from across the political spectrum, including a tribute from former President Donald Trump. The incident has reignited national conversations about political violence, public safety, and the risks faced by controversial figures engaging in live events.

Prior to the shooting, Kirk’s presence on campus had already stirred tension. Students organized protests and circulated petitions objecting to his views, but the university defended his right to speak, citing the importance of free expression in academic settings. Now, the focus has shifted to how such a tragedy could have occurred and what it says about the current state of political discourse in the country. Many are calling for a reevaluation of security protocols at campus events and urging leaders to take a stronger stance against all forms of political violence. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, but its impact is undeniable. Charlie Kirk’s death is not only a personal loss for those close to him but also a troubling sign of deepening division in American society. As the investigation continues, the country is left to reflect on the consequences of rising polarization and the urgent need to protect both free speech and public safety.

Why TikTok shouldn’t be banned 

By: Braelen Lewis

TikTok, the best social media app which is known for its short videos, has become an important part of today’s world. While some have called for its banning, particularly due to concerns over privacy, security, and its potential impact on younger users, there are compelling reasons why TikTok should not be banned. First of all, TikTok has become a significant platform for creativity, providing people with the tools to express themselves in creative  ways. It pushes people to create art, music, dance, and share unique perspectives, fostering creativity in ways that traditional media platforms cannot match. Through its algorithm, TikTok promotes a level playing field where both amateur creators and established stars can gain visibility. This media production allows for diverse voices to be heard, particularly marginalized communities, who might otherwise be overlooked on more conventional platforms. Furthermore, TikTok has fostered an important cultural exchange. Users from different countries and backgrounds interact and learn from each other, creating a shared global experience. Although the official date for the ban is set to be on January 19th the newly elected president has said that he will do everything that he can to save it. This is due to the fact that he believes that the app helped him win the majority vote of young voters due to his large following. I hope that president trump will do what is right and save it from being banned because I do not want to move to instagram reels because on TikTok there is a sense of community that is missing on every other social media app. I will also miss the app due to the streak feature where I have multiple TikTok streams over two hundred with many other people. I also believe that it is not in the government’s interest to ban the app because although they believe that it does all these bad things, if they end up banning it without solid proof the people will be in outrage with large protests and riots to occur. Certainly TikTok does not deserve to be banned because it will ruin many small businesses and hurt many civilians and Jo has used the app for many years.

Will TikTok get Banned

By: Henry Jones

As of January 2025, the question of whether TikTok will get is still uncertain. However, there are multiple factors that could make a difference in the final outcome. To begin, TikTok has faced scrutiny in multiple countries, particularly the United States, due to concerns over its data collection practices and its ties to China. Governments have raised alarms about the possibility of the Chinese government accessing user data, leading to national security concerns. Also, several U.S. states and other countries have already banned TikTok on government-issued devices for security reasons. There have also been discussions in Congress about a potential nationwide ban, however, no sweeping federal ban has been implemented yet, and legal challenges would likely make such a move complex. In TikTok’s defense they have worked to address security concerns by shifting its data storage practices. For example, the company has started storing some U.S. user data in the U.S. and Europe, in an effort to mitigate concerns about Chinese government access. They have aslo made efforts to demonstrate transparency by establishing independent oversight boards and opening up their operations to external audits. These measures aim to show regulators that they are addressing concerns about user privacy and content moderation. 

In terms of how it will effect the users of the app, Banning TikTok would have economic and cultural repercussions, especially for creators, businesses, and advertisers who rely on the platform. It has become a global  force, with millions of active users and a significant influence on entertainment, trends, and social media marketing. In conclusion, the possibility of TikTok being banned is still a subject of debate, it faces significant legal, political, and economic challenges. Whether TikTok gets banned will largely depend on the political climate, national security concerns, and ongoing efforts by the company to address regulatory issues. However, given the app’s massive global influence and user base, it’s also possible that governments might choose to regulate TikTok more heavily rather than implement an outright ban. While a TikTok ban isn’t off the table, it’s also not a certainty in 2025, and the outcome will likely depend on a mix of political, legal, and diplomatic factors. In my opinion, I don’t think it will get banned, but mostly because I want it to stay.