Author: Georgia McKoy

Georgia is an experienced writer from London, England. With a passion for all things politics, current affairs and business, she is an expert at crafting engaging and informative content for those seeking to expand their knowledge of the current marketplace. Outside of work, Georgia is an avid tennis player, a regular attendee of live music shows, and enjoys exploring London’s diverse culinary scene, always on the hunt for a new restaurant to try!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an enforcement alert urging immediate action from water utilities to safeguard America’s drinking water from cyber threats. The alert follows findings that 70% of inspected U.S. water systems fail to meet the Safe Drinking Water Act’s cybersecurity requirements. Vulnerabilities include outdated default passwords and easily compromised single logins. Potential Consequences of Cyber Attacks Source: Wikimedia Commons The EPA warns that cyberattacks on water systems can disrupt treatment and storage, damage pumps and valves, and alter chemical levels to hazardous amounts.  This poses a significant risk to public health and safety, illustrating the critical…

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During a commencement speech at Morehouse College, President Joe Biden highlighted a stark division in how different political factions see America’s future.  He stated, “Republicans don’t see you in the future of America,” addressing the graduating seniors without directly naming any political figures or parties, hinting at former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Biden’s Speech Amidst Historical Context Source: Wikimedia Commons President Biden delivered his speech at Morehouse College, a historically black, all-male institution known for its significant role in American history.  While he did not explicitly name Donald Trump or the Republican Party, his references to the events…

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Across the United States, major retailers like Walmart, Dollar General, and Five Below have either completely banned self-checkout or imposed limitations at certain locations.  These changes come as states like California consider legislative action to restrict the use of self-checkout systems in an effort to address retail theft and its broader implications. Legislative Response to Retail Challenges Source: LJmfSFTsfxuiMl5/X Progressive lawmakers in California are seeking to legislate self-checkout operations out of the hands of retailers, proposing severe limitations.  This approach represents a significant shift in how retail operations might be managed, focusing particularly on the balance between technology and employment…

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A Texas judge has just put the brakes on a Biden administration rule aimed at tightening background checks at gun shows.  The rule, which was supposed to kick in next Monday, sought to clamp down on what’s known as the “gun show loophole.” The Gun Show Loophole Explained Source: Wikimedia Commons This loophole has allowed unlicensed dealers to sell thousands of guns annually without running background checks. The new rule was set to change that, aiming to significantly reduce unchecked gun sales. A Temporary Block in Texas Source: Wikimedia Commons U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, stationed in Amarillo, made a…

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Vice President Kamala Harris recently made headlines during her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour.  In Milwaukee, she claimed that the Inflation Reduction Act is “dropping trillions of dollars on the streets of America right now to build back up our roads and our bridges, our sidewalks, to invest in a clean energy economy, to deal with the climate crisis in a way that is about building up adaptation and resilience.” This statement quickly attracted attention for its bold imagery. Public and Critics React to Harris’ Comments Source: Wikimedia Commons Journalist Tom Elliott responded to Vice President Harris’ comment with skepticism, asking,…

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Google employee Sam Padilla described walking through San Francisco as reminiscent of “The Walking Dead,” drawing a stark comparison between the city’s streets and the fictional zombie apocalypse.  His words paint a vivid picture of a city that feels more desolate than vibrant, underlining a sense of urban decay. Comparing Safety: SF vs. South America Source: Wikimedia Commons Hailing from Brazil and Colombia, Padilla found San Francisco to be uniquely ‘sketchy’, even when compared to some of South America’s notorious spots.  His experience left him stunned, describing his walk from Soma to Hayes Valley as the “sketchiest walk of my…

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The decision by Spring Cove Middle School to remove the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from their upcoming concert has caused a stir in the community.  The Blair County School District Superintendent Betsy Baker and Middle School Principal Amy Miller announced the decision just a day before the event, citing potential community divisiveness as the reason. Baker explained to The Altoona Mirror, “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable,” suggesting the move was to avoid controversy. Historical Significance of the Anthem Source: Wikimedia Commons “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond…

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The recent Supreme Court ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions has triggered a wave of change, with many colleges dismantling their DEI programs.  The Chronicle of Higher Education reveals that since January 2023, 158 campuses in 22 states have seen shifts in DEI offices and roles. Why Is There DEI Backlash? Alexander Grey/Unsplash All backlash has to start somewhere. But in a world where, up until now, people have been campaigning for diversity and inclusion in society, why is there backlash to it? And why now? There are three factors for this pushback. One is a feeling of loss…

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Effective July 1, 2024, California will see the implementation of a significant new gun control law, introduced by bill AB28 from 2023, which includes an 11% tax relating to gun control measures.  As the date approaches, the introduction of this tax has led to considerable confusion and concern among Californians, yet no lawsuits have been filed against it, which is unusual given the state’s history with gun control legislation. Uncertainty Among Californians Regarding New Gun Law Source: Gustavo Zambelli/Unsplash Many residents are unclear about the specifics of the new law and its financial implications.  This 11% tax is viewed as…

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California has implemented a new law that raises the minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast food workers.  Alex Johnson, who owns several Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon locations in San Francisco, shared that this increase will significantly raise his operational costs. He told Fox Business, “Across my 10 locations, the increase in the wage rate is going to cost me $470,000. So, just about $50,000 per location.” Rising Operational Costs Lead to Price Increases Source: Wikimedia Commons Due to the increased operational costs from the wage hike, Johnson has decided to raise the prices of his menu items.  He…

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