GOP starts second push on healthcare

Despite the first version of the GOP health bill, meant to replace Obamacare (often dubbed either “Trumpcare” or “Ryancare,” after the president and the speaker of the house respectively), being pulled off the House floor before a vote, the Republicans are making another push at healthcare reform. This time around, the bill is much less controversial among Republicans, and thus passed through the House, promoting declarations of victory from both Republican leaders in congress and the Trump administration.

However, while getting such a high profile bill through the House might constitute the biggest legislative achievement yet for the Trump administration, it hardly constitutes a victory. In fact, at the very least, the existing bill has to make it through the Senate, and that is unlikely to happen; indeed, some Senate Republicans have already declared they are working on redrafting the bill. Even if the Senate version of the bill passes, it will then bounce back to the House, and potentially move between the two Houses of Congress for months.

And then, even if the Bill passes both Houses of Congress, and President Trump signs it into law, it still has one more hurdle – its staggering unpopularity. While Obamacare (for the first time in its lifetime) has a majority approval, the GOP replacement has had 40% at most, and perhaps as low as 30%. Furthermore, according to FiveThirtyEight’s Harry Enten, healthcare has been one of the most damaging issues to Trump’s approval ratings, and a move this unpopular could effectively extinguish what little political capital the administration has left.

Whatever the case, it will certainly be interesting to see how this situation develops, and what the end result is.

St. Olaf: Racist note was a “hoax”

On April 29, 2017, a racist note saying, “I am so glad you are leaving soon. One less [N-word] this school has to deal with. You have spoken up too much. You will change nothing. Shut up or I will shut you up,” was found on Samantha Well’s car, a black student at St. Olaf college in Northfield, MN.  

The tight knit community, at the small private liberal arts college, initiated a campus wide rally that was streamed live via Facebook that day. The stream featured a variety of visibly shook-up, and very distraught students. The rally turned into a sit in, and classes were cancelled for the following two days, as most of the St. Olaf students spent the day supporting their peers who had been affected by the incident.

Student organizers demanded extensive campus changes regarding the way the

administration responds to, and investigates incidents like this one. Precious Ismail, a spokeswoman for the campus group, the Coalition for Change on the Hill, told the Star Tribune, “Our movement wasn’t about one individual, our movement was about a pattern of institutional racism.”

On Wednesday, May 10, it was announced by the President of St. Olaf, David R Anderson, that the note was a “hoax,” and that a St. Olaf student was responsible for authoring the note. Anderson added, “federal privacy laws prohibit the college from disclosing the identity of the author of that note and disclosing the actions taken by the college now that we know the author’s identity.” In a message to the students, Anderson wrote that the note was “fabricated” and was a “strategy to draw attention to concerns about the campus climate.”

The Northfield police told the Star Tribune that the case has been closed as of Wednesday due to the fact that Wells decided not to file a report, as she is leaving soon and would rather spend her last few weeks at college enjoying herself, than to be preoccupied with a case.

Anderson told the Star Tribune that the campus will continue to investigate similar reported incidents.

France and Spain trip: 2017

This past spring break, a group of 30 Highland Park students (myself included) participated in the France and Spain trip, of 2017, led by Mr. Currie and Ms. Boe. It was a very exciting opportunity for world travel, and for students to practice their knowledge of another language like French or Spanish.

We visited four locations in total: Paris and Provence in France, then Barcelona and Costa Dorada in Spain. The students had free time at some points to walk around, visit some shops, and try some of the local food.

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Photo courtesy of Mr. Currie

Our first major city was Paris; we visited the Louvre Museum and saw the “Mona Lisa” painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. We also got to tour the city by bus, and see all its famous landmarks like: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

We then traveled to Provence where we visited the Palais de papes, Nimes Amphitheater, and the Pont du Gard.

Once we finished with France, it was on to Spain. Our first city was Barcelona, and there we saw Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Montjuïc Hill, and the Columbus Monument. We then visited Park Güell, which is also land founded and made by Gaudi.

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Photo courtesy of Ms. Boe

Our final destination was Costa Dorada. On the way, we visited a town called Sitges, and got our first glimpse of the coast of Spain. The next day, in Costa Dorada, we spent the whole day on the beach just relaxing after a lot of walking and sightseeing. This was my favorite day because it was nice to just sit on the beach, under the sun, and reflect on all that I had seen in the past week.

Stanley Cup playoffs round 3 preview

The second round of the NHL playoffs wrapped up last Wednesday. Two game 7s occurred, while the other two series ended in six games.

The Nashville Predators took down the St. Louis Blues in 6 games. The Predators look to be the real deal this year as they swept the Blackhawks in the first round then went on to defeat the Blues in the second round. Their goaltender, Pekka Rinne, has been outstanding.

The other Western Conference team to advance were the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks defeated the Oilers in 7 games. Their captain, Ryan Getzlaf, has been very dominate for the Ducks, and is playing like a true leader. He’s 3rd in the league with 15 playoff points.

The Ducks and Predators will start their series on Friday, May 12th at 8pm CT. My prediction is that the Predators will win this series in 6 games.

Now on to the East, where the surprising Ottawa Senators are heading to the Eastern Conference final. They haven’t made the conference final since 2007. The Senators defeated the New York Rangers in 6 games; they have been led by captain Erik Karlsson. He’s playing through many injuries, but continues to play excellent.

They will get ready to face the defending champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins defeated the Washington Capitals for a second straight year, in the second round. This is a recurring thing for the Capitals as they haven’t passed the second round since 1998. Even with the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk this season, they couldn’t break their streak. Many Penguins players played great including Evgeni Malkin who leads the league with 18 playoff points, and 13 assists, and Jake Guentzel who leads with 9 goals.

The Penguins and Senators will begin their series Saturday, May 13th at 6pm CT. My prediction is that the Penguins will win this series in 7 games.

Sports schedule for: May 15-20

For  a full calendar of events please refer to: http://www.sports.spps.org

Fall Sports: Co-ed Cross-country,Adapted Soccer, Football,Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Girls Swimming

Activities the Week of May 15-20

Monday May 15:

Co-Ed JV Track & Field Conference Meet @ HP 4:15pm

Girls Varsity Golf @ HP Nine- Hole 2:45pm

Boys JV Golf @ Thompson Oaks 2:45pm

Boys Lacrosse @ Central HS 6pm

Varsity Baseball @ Legacy Christian Academy  4:30pm (Bus 2:45/6:45pm)

Badminton Individual State Meet  vs. Burnsville @ HP 4pm

Tuesday May 16:

Varsity Badminton Individual State Meet  @ Burnsville 4pm

Varsity Baseball @ St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex 4pm  ( Bus 2/6pm)

Varsity Boys Tennis @ Mpls. Southwest 3:15pm  (Bus 2:30/5:15pm)  JV @ HP 3:15pm

Girls JV Golf @ Cedarholm 2:45pm

Boys Varsity Golf @ Thompson Oaks GC 2:45pm

Co-Ed Track & Field @ Irondale HS 3:45  (Bus 2:10/7pm)

Wednesday May 17:

Girls Varsity Golf @ Mendota Par 3 GC  2:45pm

Boys JV Golf @ Thompson Oaks GC 2:45pm

Varsity Baseball vs. Johnson @ HP 4:30pm   JV vs. Coon Rapids @ HP 4:30pm

Boys Lacrosse @ McMurray Fields 5pm

Girls Lacrosse @ Columbia Hgts. 5:30pm

Badminton Team State Meet @ Burnsville 4-8pm

Thursday May 18:

Girls Varsity Golf  Nine-Hole Tournament @ Cedarholm GC 1pm  JV Girls Golf @ Cedarholm 2:45pm

Badminton Team State Tournament @ Eden Prairie 8-3pm

Friday May 19:

Girls Lacrosse @ Academy of  Holy Angels 5pm

Saturday May 20:

Varsity & JV Baseball @ Henry Sibley 11am ( Bus 9:30/1pm)

Girls Lacrosse @ Duluth East HS 11am

Mother’s Day ideas

This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 14th. Mother’s Day celebrates motherhood and is a time to celebrate our mothers and mother figures. For some people, it’s hard to think of what to give, or do for, our moms/mother figures because they deserve the world for everything that they do. These are some of the things I was able to come up with, and I hope they’ll help you when picking out something for your mom.

Breakfast in bed

This will always make anyone feel special and is easy and affordable. Figure out their favorite breakfast foods, and what they like to drink (coffee, smoothie, tea, etc.) and make it! You can add a flower to make it look prettier. Here are a few easy recipes if you’re stuck on what to make: http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/mothers-day/photos/mothers-day-breakfast-and-brunch-recipes

Makeup/Makeovers

Who doesn’t love receiving makeup? Or better yet, getting a makeover! Sephora comes out with gift sets specifically for Mother’s Day. You can also just buy your mom’s favorites (you can add brushes too) and put it in a box and decorate it. Sephora also does makeovers in store, but most hair salons also do makeovers. Or, you can give your mom her makeover yourself!

Bath/shower

If you’ve been on social media you would see that bath and shower products are the new hype. Brands like Lush come out with special products for Mother’s Day, which you can buy individually or buy in a set. Other brands also come out with luxury soaps.

Flowers

Flowers are always the easy go to gift. But you don’t have to get the typical red roses. There are so many other beautiful flowers besides roses! I personally love sunflowers, and I know my mom loves daffodils. They’re easy to find at any store, or you can order them online and have them delivered. You can always add flowers to any other gift you give.

Customized anything

Whether you DIY a picture frame and put a photo you know is special, or have your mom’s name engraved onto a nice piece of jewelry, she’ll love it. Customized gifts are nice, and can also vary in prices, so it can fit any budget.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so start looking!

Sports schedule for: May 8-13

For  a full calendar of events please refer to: http://www.sports.spps.org

Activities the Week of May 8-13

Monday May 8:

Girls Varsity Golf @ Phalen GC 2:45pm

Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Central @ HP 3:15pm  JV @ Central HS 3:15pm (Bus 2:30/5pm)

JV Boy Golf @ Thompson Oaks GC 2:45pm

Varsity Softball Playoffs @ Dunning Field 4pm (Bus 2:40/5:30pm)    C-Squad @ HP 4PM

Boys Lacrosse @ Roseville Area HS 6pm

Tuesday May 9:

Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Humboldt  @ HP 3:15pm JV @ Humboldt  3:15pm (Bus 2:30/5:15pm)

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Como @ Highland 2pm

Girls JV Golf @ Cedarholm 2:45pm

Co-Ed Track & Field @ St. Croix Lutheran 3pm (Bus 1:30/6pm)

Girls Lacrosse @ Central HS 4:30pm

Wednesday May 10:

Girls Varsity Golf  @ Como Park 2:45pm

Boys JV Golf @ Thompson Oaks GC 2:45

Varsity & JV Badminton Tournament @ HP 3:15pm  JV  Tournament @ Como (Bus 2:305:15pm)

Varsity Baseball @ Washington Tech. Magnet @ Arlington /Arkwright 4:30pm( Bus 3/6:30pm)  JV @ HP 4:30pm

Varsity & C-Squad Softball vs. Mpls. South @ HP 4:30pm

Thursday May 11:

Girls JV Golf @ Cedarholm 2:45pm

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Central @ Highland National GC 2:45pm

Varsity Badminton Tournament @ HP 3:15pm JV Tournament @ Como Park HS 3:15pm (Bus 2:30/5:15pm)

Varsity Boys Tennis vs. STA @ Visitation HS 4pm (Bus 3:15/6pm)

Co-Ed Track & Field @ HP 4:15pm

JV Baseball vs. Mpls. Southwest @ HP 4:30pm

Girls Lacrosse @ Mpls. Washburn 6pm

Friday May 12:

Varsity Softball @ TBD 4pm

JV Baseball vs. Mpls. Washburn @ Pearl Park 4pm  (Bus 3/6:30pm) or King Park 42nd & Nicollet

Boys Lacrosse @ Hill Murray 7pm

Saturday May 13:

JV Baseball vs. Central @ HP 12pm

Varsity & C-Squad Softball  vs. Mpls. Washburn @ Bryn Mawr Park 12pm & vs. DeLaSalle @ 2pm Bryn Mawr Park ( Bus 10:15/4pm)

The History of Cinco de mayo

Cinco de mayo, or the fifth of May, is coming up and many people don’t know the history of this day; many actually confuse this date for Mexico’s independence day which is actually on September 16, many months away from when Cinco is celebrated.

Everything started during the French-Mexican War (1861-1867) when Benito Juárez was elected as Mexico’s new president. Throughout this war, Mexico was in deep debt and the new president had to stop all payments to the European governments, which created problems with France, Britain, and Spain. After Benito Juárez stopped sending them money, the European governments sent naval forces to Mexico. They demanded a repayment from the president. Britain and Spain made an agreement with Juárez, soon after their naval deployment, and they both withdrew their forces. France however, took the chance to try and overrun the Mexican territory. Not long after, 6,000 French troops were sent to Puebla de Los Angeles.

After hearing about the plan that the French government had, Juárez gathered 2,000 men to go fight in Puebla. They went and prepared for the French to come and start an assault.

On May 5th, 1862, The French attacked. The battled didn’t last long; over 500 French soldiers were killed and only fewer than 100 Mexican soldiers. The French retreated, and after that day, May 5th represented a huge victory for the Mexican government.

Cinco de Mayo is mostly only celebrated in Puebla, where the battle took place, but some other countries also take part in the celebration. For many Mexicans though, the fifth of May is like any other day. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is seen as a celebration of Mexican culture and its heritage. It’s celebrated with parades, parties, traditional Mexican foods, and huge festivals.

So, go out and see all of the cool and colorful festivals and parades with some loved ones and never forget the history of Cinco de Mayo.

Facebook murderer

The Facebook/Cleveland Killer, and former job-counselor for teens, Steve Stephens, posted a video of an apparently “random” murder of 74 year-old Robert Godwin Sr. When the police finally caught up with Stephens in Erie, Pennsylvania, he committed suicide following a police chase.  

Godwin was shot Sunday, April 16, while walking home from an Easter meal with his children, in Cleveland, Ohio. Stephens posted video of the elderly man’s death on Facebook saying, “I snapped, I just snapped.”

Later Sunday, Stephens uploaded a video to his Facebook page showing a gun pointed at a man’s head: Robert Godwin.

Stephens claimed on Facebook that he had killed more people, but police aren’t aware of any other victims. Stephens had many traffic violations but no criminal record, police said.

A McDonald’s employee, in Erie, Pennsylvania, spotted Stephens’ white Ford Fusion in the drive-thru and called authorities on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

The employee called the police, telling the authorities, “I think that’s the guy.” The Mcdonald’s employee later told the press that he “looked suspicious” and drove off before he received his full order. According to CNN Stephens led the police in a chase for five miles, before being hit with the PIT maneuver by one of the police officers that were dispatched.

“As the vehicle was spinning out of control, from the PIT maneuver, Stephens pulled a pistol and shot himself in the head,” Pennsylvania police said.

For two days, authorities across the country struggled to find Stephens, the man wanted for the death of Robert Godwin, a self-taught mechanic and grandfather of 14.

Cleveland Police Chief, Calvin Williams, told the press,”We’re grateful that this has ended…We would prefer that it had not ended this way because there are a lot of questions, I’m sure, that not only the family, but the city in general would have had for Steve.”

The Tuesday after Stephen’s death, his former girlfriend, Joy Lane, who was identified in the video of Godwin’s death, met with two of the victim’s daughters, Debbie Godwin, and Tonya Godwin-Baines. A CNN affiliate, WJW, or Fox8 News Cleveland, reported the women hugged each other and cried together.

Through their tears, several of Godwin’s children said they held no animosity toward Stephens. “Each one of us forgives the killer, the murderer,” Godwin-Baynes said Monday. His children remembered how their father taught them the value of hard work, and how to love God and forgive.

“They don’t make men like him anymore,” said his daughter Debbie Godwin. “He was definitely one in a million.”

Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, discussed Godwin’s death at the company’s annual developer’s conference.

“We have a lot of work, and we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening,” Zuckerberg said on stage. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Robert Godwin Sr.”

Trump’s first 100 days

Ever since the groundbreaking social welfare programs that Roosevelt rolled out during his first 100 days, this period has been one of the first points at which the public (mostly the media if we’re being honest) passes judgement on a new president. It is a mostly arbitrary number, but it’s round, and roughly corresponds to when the president’s honeymoon period ends. President Trump recently passed his 100 day mark (on April 28th), so despite the problems with just looking at the first 100 days, now seems as good of a time as any to review his progress so far.

As many have noted, Trump has hardly had the traditional honeymoon period that a president receives; in fact, according to Nate Silver, his popularity hovers around 40%, which is down from around 50% immediately after he was elected. For reference, after 100 days, Obama was at 65%, George W. Bush was at 62%, Bill Clinton was at 55%, and George H.W. Bush was at 54%. So, clearly, the public doesn’t think he’s doing a great job, but 40% is still 120 million people, so he does have some support.

In terms of actual achievements during his first 100 days, Trump again scores relatively low. While he passed 29 laws, more than Obama’s 14 in the same time period, this figure is somewhat misleading. Most of the laws he passed lacked substance, or where minor measures in the first place. As a result, only 133 pages were included in these laws, compared to Obama’s 1,602.

Executive orders have also been ineffective for Trump, with many being struck down by the courts, or amended until their original purpose wasn’t really fulfilled.

Arguably, the most successful, or at least most decisive, aspect of Trump’s presidency was his attack on a Syrian air base. This strike was ostensibly a response to Bashar Al-Assad’s continued use of chemical weapons against his own citizens. However, the PR disaster that surrounded it somewhat diminished the posturing.

Overall, it’s probably fair to say Trump isn’t a very effective president, but it’s also probably not fair to say he isn’t trying. He has pushed stuff forward, and as he catches on to Washington politics, may become more and more effective.