At an hour and forty minutes, this was the longest address to Congress by any president—a record I suspect was broken intentionally. It served two purposes: first, to highlight the contrast between Trump and President Biden, and second, to push the Democratic response later into the night when fewer Americans would be watching. Strategically, this was a smart move. It’s always advantageous to control the narrative and dominate the media cycle.

In terms of delivery, Trump’s speech was more structured than usual. While he’ll never match the eloquence of Obama or Clinton, he had fewer awkward pauses and less rambling than I expected. That’s an improvement.

What if Trump’s push to buy Greenland isn’t just about Arctic dominance, but a preview of America’s next frontier—space?

Throughout history, nations have raced to secure uncharted territories rich in resources and strategic value. The Arctic, once an overlooked expanse of ice, has become a geopolitical battleground, much like space is poised to become.

The same logic that drove America to stake its claim in the Arctic should shape its approach to space. From the Arctic to the Moon, the game is the same: those who control the land, control the future.

Last week, I finished watching all the episodes of National Geographic's series, UFOs: Investigating the Unknown. I hadn’t heard about it until two friends of mine posted on their social media sites that they appeared in the second season, so I had to check out their episode. I recommend the series overall.

As someone who follows the UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) disclosure discourse, I find the subject fascinating and important. However, after the New York Times article by Leslie Kean about the secret Pentagon office researching UFOs, many TV series on the topic have felt repetitive. That said, UFOs: Investigating the Unknown still manages to offer fascinating new insights, especially with its involvement of scientists from various fields, including astrobiologist Jacob Haqq-Misra, astronomer Beatriz Villarroel, and astrophysicist Avi Loeb.

What I found most compelling wasn’t just the new footage or theories, but the conversation around the experiencers—those who claim to have had encounters with UAPs. These individuals often find themselves ridiculed and dismissed, and their lives forever changed by experiences they can’t explain. What if, instead of dismissing these encounters, we took a closer look at what they might mean for our understanding of the world?

For those of us criticizing the real-world effects of DEI initiatives and woke education policies, it can be tempting to celebrate the recent political shifts aimed at dismantling these systems. However, the "woke mind virus" has crept into nearly every corner of society, and addressing it requires more than just a few executive actions.

Take the recent push to include Indigenous Knowledge in scientific decision-making. While Indigenous Knowledge is undeniably valuable, it becomes problematic when it’s elevated to the status of scientific principle—especially when there’s no clear standard for which Indigenous culture should be the authoritative source. This movement raises deep concerns about the future of science, education, and truth-seeking.

In academia, ideologies like these have led to outright censorship in scientific fields. Professor Elizabeth Weiss from San Jose State University is among those sounding the alarm about how these ideologies are undermining academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. She questions whether adhering to cultural sensitivities at the expense of scientific inquiry is truly the path forward.

The Nation's Report Card has come out, and once again, America's children are falling behind in reading and math. Fourth and eighth graders continue to struggle with basic skills, and it’s clear that the issue extends far beyond the pandemic. For over a decade, our educational system has been in decline, and the results are staggering—less than a third of American fourth and eighth graders can consistently read and understand texts, and a quarter of fourth graders can’t even identify odd numbers.

This isn’t just a crisis in education; it’s a crisis in parenting and societal responsibility. Schools have become glorified daycare centers, and parents are largely abdicating their responsibility to guide their children’s education. It’s time to face the truth—our kids are failing, and so are we.

So how do we fix it? It’s time to take action—federal and state governments must make it easier for families to choose educational paths, educators need to speak out against watered-down curricula, and parents must take responsibility for their children’s learning, both in and out of school.

We started going to church this year, and through that, I’ve realized how much I longed for community. Growing up without strong religious ties, I never saw the importance of congregating with others to worship. But as I’ve grown older, the need for belonging and connection has become more pronounced. One thing I’ve learned is that "community isn't about sameness; it's about togetherness."

It’s easy to surround yourself with people who share the same beliefs and values, but what happens when those who are different from us are vilified? This post explores how we’ve lost the ability to engage with people who disagree with us and the dangers of hating those with differing beliefs. The true essence of community lies in accepting others, not in demanding sameness.

Today, my family watched the Inauguration, a tradition I believe is essential to understanding our system of democracy, no matter who the President is. While my kids are too young to fully grasp the magnitude of the event, we still had a meaningful conversation afterward about the ceremony, the oath, and the speech. As I reflect on the address, I found much to like, from President Trump’s promises on border security to his bold goal of putting astronauts on Mars.

While some of his rhetoric, like renaming the Gulf of Mexico or addressing race in education, may seem like fluff, I appreciate the ambition and clear intent to enact change. On the flip side, I’m skeptical about his ability to tackle the deep-rooted issues in the education system and military.

Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic about his agenda and look forward to seeing how it unfolds. But like many things in politics, we’ll have to wait and see what can actually be achieved.

We chose to homeschool our children out of necessity, but it quickly became clear that it was the best decision for our family. Initially, we had misconceptions about homeschooling, thinking it was for "weird off-the-grid families." However, after diving into the homeschooling world, we realized how much it has evolved, and we found a system that works for us: Liberty University Online Academy.

Homeschooling isn't just an alternative; it’s an empowered choice to provide our children with a better education than what public schools offer. It’s an opportunity to shield them from a curriculum that focuses on equity and social justice instead of real education. Our children are thriving, and while they may not have many friends their age, I’d rather they have a few good ones than be surrounded by kids who haven’t learned how to communicate or think critically.

I met my husband in Greenland while stationed at Thule Air Base—an isolated military outpost with significant strategic value due to its proximity to Russia and China. Thule, now renamed Pituffik, plays a critical role in missile detection and space surveillance. The Trump administration’s interest in Greenland and the Arctic region isn't just about the island itself, but about global security and maintaining control over the rapidly melting Arctic. As adversaries like Russia and China expand their presence, it’s essential for the U.S. to take a more active role in the region to safeguard our national defense.

While some may mock Trump’s idea of purchasing Greenland, history shows this isn't a new concept, and the U.S. must prioritize its defense interests, regardless of global perception.

Last week, the Surgeon General's report claimed that even moderate alcohol consumption could increase the risk of cancer, contradicting a previous study by the National Academies of Sciences, which found insufficient evidence for this claim. As Dr. Vivek Murthy has consistently used his position to promote a political agenda, it’s essential to examine the motivations behind these reports. The issue isn't whether alcohol consumption is harmful, but whether political bias is influencing health guidelines.

While it’s crucial to prioritize health, the politicization of science, especially in public health reports, has led to skepticism surrounding "the science." As we look ahead to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it’s important to question the integrity of reports and to advocate for well-informed decisions based on science, not political influence.

I grew up in a Republican household, but as I’ve gotten older and experienced more of the world, my views have evolved. From my time in the military to seeing firsthand the failures of foreign conflicts, I’ve developed a more nuanced perspective on issues like gun control, military involvement, and foreign aid—views that often put me at odds with my parents and my brother. I still hold onto conservative values, but I’ve found myself caught between political ideologies, not quite fitting into either camp.

Throughout my journey, I’ve continued to support individual rights, equality, and the pursuit of open dialogue. But as I’ve seen the rise of divisiveness, cancel culture, and the weaponization of political correctness, I’ve grown tired of being labeled as evil or ignorant simply for having differing views. It’s time for a new approach to debate and engagement—one where we can disagree without demonizing each other.

The first and only family trip I ever took was to Washington, DC—a trip that changed my life. At just eight or nine years old, I was captivated by the city’s history, monuments, and the ideals that shaped our nation. Though the trip was primarily for my older brother, it sparked a lifelong passion for government and American ideals in me. The trip, along with the inspiring lessons of my 9th-grade teacher, Mr. Perkins, ignited my desire to be a part of the American Experiment. I realized that it wasn’t about being extraordinary; it was about having the courage to take action and work toward something greater than yourself. That’s the spirit I carry with me today, and one day, I hope to run for political office—not for power, but to contribute to the ideals that have always inspired me.