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The Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025: The Hidden Power of Exposure in a Controlled Environment

Intro In the weeks following the Riyadh Comedy Festival, much of the conversation has been dominated by accusations of “artwashing” and how the event has been used by the Saudi government to improve its global image. Critics point to the state’s history of human rights abuses, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals, and question whether it’s ethicalContinue reading “The Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025: The Hidden Power of Exposure in a Controlled Environment”

When a Shutdown Becomes a Purge: How the 2025 Government Shutdown Is Reshaping the Bureaucracy

computer tied with a black and yellow tape

The 2025 government shutdown is unlike any prior shutdown in U.S. history. While most shutdowns temporarily halt government operations and furlough non-essential employees, the current crisis appears to be functioning as a strategic bureaucratic purge. On October 10, the administration announced that reductions in force (RIFs) had officially begun, signaling the start of a massContinue reading “When a Shutdown Becomes a Purge: How the 2025 Government Shutdown Is Reshaping the Bureaucracy”

The RIF Test: How the 2025 Shutdown Is Reshaping Federal Law and the Constitution

The 2025 government shutdown is not merely a political impasse; it is a stress test of the very foundations of federal employment law and, perhaps more dangerously, of the constitutional framework that governs the executive branch. On October 10, the administration announced that reductions in force (RIFs) had officially begun, setting into motion a cascadeContinue reading “The RIF Test: How the 2025 Shutdown Is Reshaping Federal Law and the Constitution”

The Riyadh Comedy Festival and the Possibility of a Silver Lining

In 2025, the Riyadh Comedy Festival made headlines across the world — and not for the reasons comedy usually does. What should’ve been a celebration of laughter, creativity, and cross-cultural performance quickly turned into a firestorm of criticism. Western audiences condemned it as propaganda, activists called it state-sponsored whitewashing, and comedians who chose to performContinue reading “The Riyadh Comedy Festival and the Possibility of a Silver Lining”

HasanAbi’s Career Should End — And The Left Needs To Speak Up

Honestly, I think this should be the end of HasanAbi’s career. Period. And I don’t say that lightly. Because if he is guilty of abusing his dog — and to me, watching the clip and seeing how things went down, it seems like a real possibility — then he really needs to step away. NotContinue reading “HasanAbi’s Career Should End — And The Left Needs To Speak Up”

Where Are All the Leftists? The Silence Around HasanAbi’s Dog Controversy

two adult black and tan german shepherds running on ground

It’s honestly been bothering me — the near-total silence from leftists and progressives about the HasanAbi dog situation. Like, where is everyone? Where are all the people who claim to care about compassion, about justice, about standing up for the voiceless? Because right now, it feels like the only people openly discussing the alleged mistreatmentContinue reading “Where Are All the Leftists? The Silence Around HasanAbi’s Dog Controversy”

Stop Excusing HasanAbi — Animal Abuse Isn’t “Whataboutable”

You know what’s honestly wild to me right now? The number of people trying to excuse HasanAbi’s alleged abuse of his dog by bringing up Palestine. Like, what are we doing? I’ve seen people online say things like “Why are you focusing on Hasan’s dog when there’s a genocide going on?” or “There are worseContinue reading “Stop Excusing HasanAbi — Animal Abuse Isn’t “Whataboutable””

If the HasanAbi Dog Clip Is Real, He Should Step Away from the Spotlight

There’s a video circulating online right now showing Hasan Piker, better known as HasanAbi, and his dog Kaya. In it, the dog yelps after Hasan tells her to “go back.” Some viewers immediately claimed it was a shock collar moment; others said it was something else. Hasan himself denied using a shock collar, saying theContinue reading “If the HasanAbi Dog Clip Is Real, He Should Step Away from the Spotlight”

Why Bike Lanes Are Dangerous and Sidewalks Should Be the Default Option for Cyclists

Bike lanes are often sold as the ultimate solution for urban cycling, the symbol of progressive, environmentally conscious cities. “Build more bike lanes,” city planners say. “It will protect cyclists, reduce car traffic, and make our streets greener and safer.” But the reality is far more complicated, and in many ways, bike lanes are notContinue reading “Why Bike Lanes Are Dangerous and Sidewalks Should Be the Default Option for Cyclists”

Compassion Beyond Condemnation: Why We Must Reject Hatred Even Amid Injustice

close up of hands holding with bracelets in greenery

Recently, the world lost Jane Goodall, a towering figure in science, conservation, and the fight to understand and protect our natural world. She passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of insight, empathy, and tireless advocacy for life. Yet, in the wake of her death, a troubling phenomenon emerged online: someContinue reading “Compassion Beyond Condemnation: Why We Must Reject Hatred Even Amid Injustice”