Georgia father Colin Gray found guilty in connection with school shooting his son is accused of

A Georgia jury Tuesday took the rare action of holding a father criminally responsible for actions blamed on his son, who is alleged to have gunned down two schoolmates and two teachers while he was armed with an AR-15-style rifle kept in their home.

With lockdown drills being a part of most students' school routines, seeing the parent of a victim found guilty is a new step. With the Crumbley case paving the way in convicting parents, we are now seeing more and more parents being blamed for giving their children access to these deadly weapons. Every kid is scared of a shooting happening at their school, and this case is groundbreaking in hopefully breaking the cycle of violence, and giving children less access to weaponry.

(Photo/Abbey Cutrer)

Trump warns more U.S. casualties 'likely' as Iran operation continues

Three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five others have been seriously wounded, the U.S. military said.

Waking up yesterday morning to find out that the US and Iran were now at war was scary, to say the least. You may have some questions on what's been going on, and why nuclear weapons are being threatened. The important thing is to stay calm, and most importantly, stay informed. NBC has amazing live coverage, that is updated very frequently. Staying informed is our most powerful tool, and it is important to keep on top of the news during this crazy time.

(Graphic/Joe Murphy and Jiachuan Wu)

More Than Half of Teens Use Chatbots for Schoolwork, Survey Finds

More than half of teenagers in the United States use artificial intelligence tools for help with their schoolwork, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center.

Our generation is known for its dependence on AI. From ChatGPT to Gemini, we are the first generation to truly have unlimited access to AI and the Internet, and we are seeing the effects. The New York Times reports that chatbots are shown to hinder critical thinking and impede learning. We need to regulate our usage, so that we can grow up to be healthy and functional, without an over-reliance or dependence on artificial intelligence.

(Picture/Juan Arredondo)

Trump illegally overstepped executive power with global tariffs, supreme court rules

Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing most of his steep tariffs on global imports, the US supreme court ruled on Friday, toppling a key pillar of the president’s aggressive economic agenda.

One of the biggest debates in politics today are the tariffs imposed by President Trump. With hundreds of protests across the country, America is very divided. Today, however, a historic ruling by the US supreme court showed us that ordinary people can make huge change, and that our generation needs to speak up for what we believe is just.

(Photo/Aaron Schwartz)

Trump's Board of Peace members pledge $7bn in Gaza relief

Several countries which have signed up to Donald Trump's Board of Peace have contributed more than $7bn (£5.2bn) towards a Gaza "relief package", the US president has said.

The Board of Peace, Donald Trump's group to raise awareness for national issues, has raised over $7 billion to help Gaza. BBC reports that even with this aid, the Board of Peace is discussing Hamas being disabled, when other sources report that Hamas is taking control over more of the Strip. It is important for our generation to know where to get our factual information from, as the Internet is full of many contradicting stories.

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Longtime civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, an American civil rights leader, minister, and politician, who was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and in the 1980s reshaped Democratic politics with two galvanizing presidential campaigns, died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Even though Jesse Jackson never made it to a general election, the civil rights activist who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. was a two-time presidential hopeful, and helped define the Democratic party values. A paragon of equality, Jackson was the second black candidate to try to enter the presidency after Shirley Chisholm. Attending rallies against police brutality up until the end of his life, Jackson is an example of American patriotism.

(Photo/Jason Mendez)

'Indefensible': Black Trump allies grapple with fallout from racist video of Obamas

Several Black conservatives issued rare public rebukes after a video shared on the president’s social media platform included a racist animation depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama with the bodies of apes.

Social media and AI deepfakes are very prevalent in our generation. However, when our nation's leader posts something with negative racial connotations, ABC reports that finally, people are finding the strength to step away from the party they support, and critiquing the flaws in the system.

(Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

'Unify.' Melania Trump calls for peace in Minneapolis in rare statement

In a rare political statement, first lady Melania Trump on Jan. 27 spoke out about violence in Minnesota, calling for America to "unify" amid weeks of unrest in the midwestern state's Twin Cities.

USA Today reports on First Lady Melania Trump making her first statement, and saying, "Please, if you protest, protest in peace," and calling the country to unify. Our generation needs to keep on top of these statements, because if you know who shares your opinions on this issue, you can decide who you want to support.

(Photo/Getty Images)

Protesters gather in Minneapolis as governor calls on Trump to remove agents after shooting

A crowd has gathered in Minneapolis to protest against federal immigration enforcement, after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.

On Jan. 24, 2025, Alex Pretti, a nurse, was shot in a confrontation with ICE agents. Our generation has grown up with violence being normalized, and being attacked for your beliefs on it. Whether you're right or left, Republican or Democrat, we must all join together and mourn. We need to learn that empathy does not always equal endorsement, and that grieving a man doesn't make you a friend, or an enemy.

(Photo/Michael Pretti)

Mother of 3 who loved to sing and write poetry shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis

The woman shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis was a loving mother, a poet and a partner whose family – along with neighbors across her stunned city and strangers far beyond – is shocked by the circumstances surrounding her death.

As the details unfold about the Renee Nicole Good case, it is important to put aside our personal politics. Whether you're more left or right leaning, Democrat or Republican, we need to remember that this was a real woman, with a real family that passed away. She deserves to be honored and remembered, without her name being attacked or endorsed.

(Photo/Stephen Maturen)

Victim shot by ICE agent attempted to run over law enforcement officer, Noem says

The ICE agent who fatally shot a woman on Wednesday morning in Minneapolis “feared for his life and the other officers around him,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The political climate we are in is unprecedented. Seeing this news on CNN as many of us got out of school was absolutely shattering, with a huge online buzz only spreading and sharing this news. The killing of this woman has sent shockwaves through the country, and it is our job to understand it, and to remember her.

(Photo/Michael Gonzalez)

Jan. 6 riot's basic facts cause stubborn fights 5 years later

Five years after the historic and damaging attack on the U.S. Capitol, millions of dollars in damages have been repaired and clean-up has long been completed. What remains is a poisonous and lingering resentment over the riot and an ongoing battle to preserve the basic facts of what transpired on Jan. 6, 2021.

As the generation who was one of the youngest people to view the Capitol riots on January 6, it is very important that we keep the memory of this event alive. CBS News gives the basic breakdown on the event, but no matter our political orientation, we need to remember the lives that were lost in this horrific event.

(Screenshot/CBS News)

Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive

The U.S. pares down recommended immunizations from 17 to 11.

Most of us are old enough to have gotten all 17 vaccines recommended to us when we were born. Whether you are or aren't vaccinated, that is a private decision, so I want you future voters to tell me. Do you think we should be herd vaccinating, as to better slowly decrease the cases of the disease, or do you think that all vaccines should be chosen by the parents? Share your opinion with me, at uma@beforetheballot.com!

(Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Rubio explains how U.S. might 'run' Venezuela after Maduros' ouster

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday appeared to backtrack on President Donald Trump's claim that the U.S. will "run" Venezuela after U.S. forces on Saturday captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and hauled him to the U.S.

CNBC reports on the disjunction in the US government right now, which is important for our generation to observe. It is important for political figures like Rubio to help clarify a broader statement, so the people can understand what the government is doing.

(Photo/Jonathan Ernst)

Maduro and his wife arrive in New York to face narco-terrorism charges

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base, just north of New York City, on Saturday afternoon, hours after their capture during a daring U.S. military operation in Caracas.

America's approach to handling a situation such as this is excellently covered by CBS News. Coming of age in such a fragile political climate, this situation is one young voters should familiarize themselves on.

(Photo/Jeenah Moon)

Mayor Mamdani Establishes Office of Mass Engagement to Transform How New Yorkers Participate in City Government

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today signed an Executive Order establishing the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, a new City Hall office designed to transform how New Yorkers engage with their government.

Giving everyday citizens more access into how the government is run is incredibly important for America. NYC.gov speaks about how New York hopes to integrate more citizens in its proceedings.

(Photo/Adobe)

Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in ticket sales after Trump's name added

First, a takeover of leadership, then a renaming. Now, the Trump-Kennedy Center is facing canceled performances and a drop in overall ticket sales.

PBS reports on how the changes in the art center's leadership, with many artists canceling their shows. With our generation being vocal about their political beliefs online, the reduced turnout for the center showcases the people's opinion.

(Screenshot/PBS News)

Over 1,000 pounds of space debris crash in south Kenya village

Investigations are ongoing as southern Kenya experienced falling debris from the sky around 3 p.m. on Monday.

Space pollution is becoming an ever-increasing problem, with rockets leaving debris up in space long after they descend. The New York Post informs us the harmful effects of this practice, highlighting the earthly consequences.

(Photo/Jeffrey Greenberg)

In evolving Latin America, US-Venezuela discord remains a constant

In a perpetually changing Latin America, there was only one certainty in the last 25 years: a socialist and oil-rich Venezuela and its constant confrontation with the United States.

CNN informs us not just on the tension between Venezuela and the US, it dives into the history of Venezuela and why we have this tension. It tells us that to understand the future, we must first understand the past.

(Photo/Juan Barreto)

Over 20M Americans Set to Lose Healthcare Coverage Jan. 1 After Congress Goes on Recess

Tens of millions of Americans are set to see their health insurance costs soar when subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire at the end of this year.

The Affordable Care Act isn't something that is unfathomable; millions rely on it every day. Democracy Now gives insight on how people can find relief and help amid this frightening time.

(Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

Book distributor shutting down deals logistical blow to libraries

Baker and Taylor is one of very few companies that do book-distribution for libraries — companies that act as the middle man between libraries and publishers. But a few months ago, the company abruptly announced it was shutting down.

NPR paints a haunting picture of the future of libraries, and it looks very uncertain. Our generation's transition from physical media to technology has caused book distributors to shut down, which causes problems for the institutions that rely on them.

(Logo/Baker & Taylor)

Major US cities see violent crime surge as national rates plummet significantly in 2025: survey

Violent crime declined nationwide, but a survey shows US cities moving in an opposite direction, reporting increases in homicides, rapes, robberies or aggravated assaults as the national trend improved.

The New York Post informs us that the national rates aren't perfect. National average can be misleading, showing the importance of fact checking.

(Photo/Dennis A. Clark)

A College Freshman Is the Unlikely Source of Alabama’s New Political Maps

Daniel DiDonato, 19, has loved elections since he was in fourth grade. He also loves maps.

Posted by the New York Times, this article showcases an example of an everyday teenager, like us, doing something amazing. He utilized his passion for redistricting to help the political landscape of his state, making him a prime example how a normal person can help or change the political sphere around them.

(Photo/Mike Stewart)

UK campaigner targeted by Trump accuses tech giants of ‘sociopathic greed’

Imran Ahmed says US companies are ‘corrupting the system’ of politics by seeking to avoid accountability.

Posted by The Guardian, this article is an important lens to how the US is viewed by other nations.

(Photo/Daniel Hambury and Mark Thomas)

Industrialisation without destruction: A UN blueprint for the future

Industrialisation has had a transformative effect on the world. It has created jobs and lifted millions out of poverty. But it has also had devastating consequences; destroying ecosystems, polluting the air, and driving the climate crisis that threatens to make a large part of the planet uninhabitable.

Posted by UN News, this article directly affects our generation's industrialized world. Finding new environmental alternatives to harmful practices is how we can do our part.

(Photo/Ariel Javellana)

A Million More Epstein Documents Have Been Found, Justice Dept. Says

Democratic lawmakers, who had criticized the Justice Department’s release of the material, accused the Trump administration of violating the law mandating the release of the files.

Posted by the New York Times, this article relates to our generation by uncovering corruption in influential areas of society, and advocating for transparency among survivors of sexual abuse.

(Photo/Department of Justice)

Sean 'Diddy' Combs files appeal asking for immediate prison release

Sean "Diddy" Combs has asked an appeals court to release him from prison and overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related crimes.

Posted by the BBC, this article relates to our generation due to the physically and sexually violent crimes of P. Diddy, and how his trial plays out in the American media.

(Photo/Jane Rosenberg)

U.S. and Ukraine reach consensus on key issues aimed at ending the war

The United States and Ukraine have reached a consensus on several critical issues, but disputes over territorial control in Ukraine's industrial heartland, along with the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, remain unresolved, Ukraine's president said.

Posted by NPR, this article showcases an example of the steps necessary to resolve an international conflict, even when the United States isn't directly involved in the conflict.

(Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Controversial '60 Minutes' segment on Trump immigration policy leaks online

A controversial news segment abruptly pulled from the television show "60 Minutes," has been leaked online this week after the last minute decision to pull the story exploded into debate about journalistic independence.

With our generation having access to the entire Internet, journalistic independence is something that needs to be protected. Freedom of speech is increasingly coming under fire, and our generation needs to speak out.

(Photo/Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia)

Epstein's alleged victims accuse DOJ of legal violations over state of files released

A group of alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein accused the Department of Justice of missteps in its release of files related to the disgraced financier's abuse of young women and girls.

Posted by ABC News, this article showcases people who were abused at the hands of Epstein banding together and actively speaking up about the government's failure to protect their anonymity.

(Photo/Jonathan Ernst)

Gene Simmons tells Americans to 'shut up and stop worrying' about politics of their neighbors

KISS frontman Gene Simmons downplayed politics during an interview with CNN, and urged Americans to stop worrying about their neighbors’ political beliefs.

Posted by FOX News, this article is heavily important to today's generation. We need to learn to agree, and be kind to one another, political beliefs aside. We are all people, and we can agree to disagree.

(Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Gene Simmons tells Americans to 'shut up and stop worrying' about politics of their neighbors

KISS frontman Gene Simmons downplayed politics during an interview with CNN, and urged Americans to stop worrying about their neighbors’ political beliefs.

Posted by FOX News, this article is heavily important to today's generation. We need to learn to agree, and be kind to one another, political beliefs aside. We are all people, and we can agree to disagree.

(Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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