I was born and raised in a remote, mountainous village in central Afghanistan. As a child, the world arrived to me already divided into two categories: Aowghoo (Afghan) and Azra (Hazara). These were not official terms or textbook definitions. They were lived realities, carried through stories, warnings, jokes, and silences, and passed down from one generation to the next.

In the language of my family and community, Aowghoo meant the oppressor – cruel, violent, and unjust. Azra meant the oppressed – innocent, vulnerable, and perpetually under threat. We were Azra. This binary did not simply describe the world; it organized it. It shaped how we understood power, danger, and morality long before we had words like ethnicity or social hierarchy.

Student mental health is declining. In 2026 the average student faces many different mental issues. Whether it be with their classes, lack of personal life outside of school, or sleep-related problems, student health is facing a massive reduction in positive emotions.

But how much has mental health been declining, and what could be done about this issue?

The T-birds had some exciting games this past week with the men and women heading down to Pierce College. Both teams came away from the match up victorious over their Raider counterparts.

In the Feb. 7 match, the women showed grit and determination, defeating Pierce 46-40 in a come-from-behind win. The Thunderbirds outscored Pierce 20-7 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Recently, two confirmed reports of the Nipah virus have been made in India. The two confirmed cases are healthcare workers exposed to the virus in a laboratory setting in West Bengal. Both cases have been contained, with one still in critical condition. This virus is a special concern for many as it draws similarities to another, fairly recent highly infection virus.

The main issue with the Nipah virus is that it can potentially cause encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain. Most of the deaths come from seizures and comas, where the brain is too inflamed and stops functioning properly, making specific aid for the virus quite difficult. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “While there are no specific treatments for Nipah, early diagnosis will promote early supportive care.”

After ten years, “Dragon Ball Super” anime is coming back with a remaster. Toei Animation revealed that the “Dragon Ball Super” anime is getting a remaster with brand new animation and a more manga-accurate story starting with “Dragon Ball Super: Beerus”. This part of the remaster will cover the ‘Battle of Gods’ arc, releasing in fall 2026.

It has been eight years since “Dragon Ball Super” episode 131 aired, finishing the ‘Tournament of Power’ arc. Since then, the manga continued and two “Dragon Ball Super” movies have been released: “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (2018) and “Dragon Ball Super: Super hero” (2022). The only problem was that the movies didn’t cover the chapters of the arc following the ‘Tournament of Power’.

A few months ago, scientists investigated a cave in northern Germany. Inside, a hidden infrared camera captured something strange: A rat hiding in a corner jumped at an unsuspecting bat, jumping out of the shadows before swiftly dispatching it. With bat populations already low, scientists jumped in to research the threat. Rats had never been known to hunt bats, so this encounter bewildered scientists. 

The rats were identified as brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), one of the world’s most common and invasive predators. The research team turned to other bat caves around the area to see if they could get similar findings like the one shown on the infrared camera.

LEGO revealed their new LEGO SMART System, which includes a brick, a mini figure, and a tag, is set to be released March 1. Only included in the Star Wars sets, the community has been split in their criticisms. 

The SMART System is basically a chip inside the LEGO brick or mini figure that lights up and makes sounds when put together. These sounds vary from car engines to swords clashing or different mini figures having different moods.

FC Barcelona were crowned champions of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup after defeating Real Madrid 3–2 in a thrilling El Clásico final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Brazilian winger Raphinha stole the spotlight with two goals, sealing back-to-back Super Cup titles for the Catalan side and extending their record to 16 overall triumphs.

After a tense opening period, Barcelona struck first through Raphinha, who finished confidently after moments earlier missing a similar chance. Real Madrid responded in spectacular fashion during first-half stoppage time, with Vinícius Júnior producing a brilliant solo run to level the score.

Having modern technology is important on a school campus, especially when students, staff, and faculty alike depend on that technology. These machines range from computers to printers, and fortunately, most accounts find Highline technology dependable and user-friendly.

Ian Porter, a librarian at Highline said, “The technology services in the library are working really well … starting in the fall quarter the computers have been running a lot faster because of the IT department’s upgrades.”

It has been a hair raising, nail biting week for the Highline Thunderbird basketball teams. The Highline men and women both had competitive games against Lower Columbia Community College and Tacoma Community College.

Both the men and women had upsetting games against Lower Columbia on Jan. 24, but they were quite the war.

What the Welfare Fraud Reveals About Laissez-Faire: A Mandevillian Response to the Wall Street Journal

A recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece, “Minnesota’s Fraud Problem Isn’t Immigrants”, examines Minnesota’s welfare fraud scandal and warns against reducing it to a narrative about bad actors or suspect communities. Instead, it emphasizes failures of oversight and political accountability. That caution is important, but incomplete.

Every year, the Grammys are built up for months (the nominations for this year’s ceremony were revealed on Nov. 7) as artists run campaigns to hopefully be awarded with the golden gramophone. In the lead up to the night, people love to try and predict the winners and some even get so confident that they bet real money on it. 

For anyone who’s curious about the state of the predictions this year, here are the front runners for the big four categories.

Recently scientists have pondered if lakes on ancient Mars could have stayed liquid for years. As new research suggests, there is a chance only the top layer of the lakes could have frozen over, acting as insulation to prevent the rest of the water from freezing. 

‘Ancient Mars’ refers to the early, geological history of the red planet, in which it was once teeming with water, and covered with ocean billions of years ago. Now, the planet is pockmarked with lake basins and structures resembling ancient river systems.

Oglala Sioux President Frank Star Comes Out condemned racial profiling done by ICE via a statement on Facebook, denouncing the treaty violation of four detained tribe members. One has since been released.

He’s urging citizens to carry tribal IDs as ICE operations continue. Star notes the detained men were living in a homeless encampment near the Little Earth Housing Complex in South Minneapolis. 

Pokémon card collecting has continued to rise in popularity, but as the demand increases for these collectable cards, so too has increased a problematic element to this childhood past time: Pokémon scalpers. Scalpers have taken over the marketplace making collecting these cards increasingly hard and expensive.

Have you ever wanted to get into collecting Pokémon cards or you are already in the hobby? Well then, you have definitely gone to the store and seen all the shelves empty. Ok then – the store is out of stock, nothing out of the norm. You check a nearby Pokémon vending machine: same result. This is because of Pokémon card scalpers.

It’s the dead of morning, the sun is hidden by fog and clouds, school and work is slow, and your sleep is not the best. You try to finish up some homework, but you can’t get up to do the assignment, you would rather be in your bed because you feel so bad and sluggish.

That seasonal dread and procrastination could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Which is known to many as seasonal depression, it is a type of depression that is tied to changes in season, mainly in winter/fall. This disorder comes from many different causes and can make it difficult for people to function properly during a season.

The Spanish Super Cup final’s two opponents have been set through a couple of hard-fought matches, with Barcelona and Real Madrid coming out on top and ready to take on each other in the final matchup. Barcelona was the first to stamp their ticket to the final by taking care of Athletic Club in a decisive 5-0 victory. Then Real Madrid pushed past Atletico Madrid 2-1 to earn their chance to fight for the cup.

Both victories have earned each respective team a chance to win it all and sets up a dynamic final, sure to thrill fans as each team fights for the cup. Although the upcoming final match may be the most important one, each team has already battled to earn their spot in the final.

Bringing innovation to the forefront of housing construction, BOXABL is a company rethinking how homes are designed, built, and delivered. For millions of Americans, the cost of housing has moved beyond a financial challenge and into a crisis. 

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, the State of the Nations Housing 2024 report shows that homeowners across the United States are experiencing significant strain due to high housing costs. As housing costs continue to rise and construction timelines grow longer, the need for ways to make the construction process faster, less expensive, and more efficient has become increasingly urgent. 

The Grammy Awards – the self proclaimed “biggest night in music” – has happened every year around early February since 1959. A prestigious and mysterious group of voters made up of industry insiders (singers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and more) decide who will take home the gramophone-shaped trophies. This year, the ceremony will take place on Feb. 1 at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles. Should we still care enough to tune in?

The Grammys are far from the only major award show. The other three that are considered major U.S. award shows are the Emmys (television), the Oscars (film), and the Tonys (theater). The four of them together make up the EGOTs. The Grammys are actually the newest of the four with the Oscars coming up on their 100-year anniversary in 2029.

Although the regular season has ended for both Highline men’s and women’s basketball, league play is starting for both teams. The men’s team faced Green River on Wednesday, Jan. 7, which was an unfortunate loss for the team; but the boys looked like they had a lot more connection and chemistry huddling at each dead ball. 

Sophomore forward Jackson Owens, while commenting about the regular season, said, “We had our ups and downs during the regular season but we have been working hard at practice as a team and coming together to get ready for league. I want to make it to the tournament again.”

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” has had an influence on little black and brown girls in all stages of life. Really any woman or man who has felt empowered or seen by a lyric, maybe even just a tune, can understand how a specific key takes you back to a place. To me, “Tell Him” was that song. 

My first introduction to Lauryn Hill was “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, and initially Hill sounded familiar. I still don’t know if I’ve heard a remix of the song or just heard the song before and was too young to remember.

Welcome back Thunderbirds! The fall quarter of 2025 was very strong and the ThunderWord hopes readers had a refreshing and relaxing winter break.

As per tradition, the start of the quarter was marked by the return of Thunderweek, a week of events and spirit days to get students excited for the quarter ahead. 

Dear Highline College Community, 

Executive Cabinet members read the open letter that was posted in the Thursday, November 27, 2025 edition of the ThunderWord.

We acknowledge the sentiments and experiences that were shared. We are committed to addressing the fundamental issues and systemic concerns raised in the letter.

The PBS NewsHour’s recent report on the “K-shaped economy” is more than a story about recovery statistics. It is a mirror, reflecting a truth Black Americans have long known: when wealth and opportunity diverge, a nation begins to fracture.

The K-shaped recovery describes how, after COVID-19, one half of America shot upward – stockholders, remote workers, homeowners, while the other half concentrated in service jobs and hourly labor, fell behind. The upward line of the “K” marks a nation of investment portfolios and real-estate gains; the downward line represents the invisible workforce who kept the economy running but never received its dividends.

For years, Highline College has prided itself on being one of the most diverse and inclusive colleges in the state of Washington. As a community college, fully one third of students (34%) are on campus to complete high school requirements, whether that is through Running Start or because they were underserved or struggling during their high school careers.

According to the Mission Statement, “Highline College creates anti-racist, equitable pathways in higher education to close opportunity gaps experienced by our students.” Further, the Mission Statement lists the following values: accessibility, accountability, cultural responsiveness and agency, environmental sustainability, equity-first focus, life-long learning, partnership with local and global communities, respect, social justice, student-centered approaches, transparency.

Social media contributes to growing political division by escalating, increasing strong beliefs, and fueling ongoing conflict. Platforms influence audiences, shape political reactions, and keep people continuously interacting with political information. So how do social media platforms use tactics to keep people engaged with political content?

In the video “Social media and political polarization in America” created by 60 Minutes, one of the interviewees, Tristan Harris, the co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology stated that, “They’re making us see more angry posts about politics so that we can be distracted from our anger, which makes them more money in the end.”

The Highline men’s basketball started the regular season with an exciting win. Playing against Whatcom the Thunderbirds took home the victory with a score of 80-72 on Nov. 13.

Next, the team split a set of away games. On the road playing Portland Community College was a great game to watch, but an unfortunate loss. During the Nov. 18 game, the final scoreboard read 80-72, just like their last game, but this time with Highline coming up on the trailing end of the score.

History is filled with ruins. Stones, broken statues, and scattered manuscripts bear witness to civilizations that once believed themselves eternal. Thebes, Carthage, Byzantium, and Tenochtitlán each stood as mighty centers of culture and power, yet today they live only in history books and archaeological fragments. Their destruction was not just military defeat; it was cultural annihilation. They were erased.

The West, in its current trajectory, stands on a similar precipice. Victor Davis Hanson’s “The Dying Citizen” and “The End of Everything” capture this reality in stark terms: a hollowing out of institutions, a fragmentation of civic culture, and a loss of will that once bound nations together. Hanson shows that civilizations collapse not only by the sword but also by decay from within; cultural amnesia, decadence, and the abandonment of shared identity.

Think about how you use AI in your day to day life and how you’re using it. AI has changed our society in many ways. One specific change is in education.

Let’s start with the good news. AI use has a lot of useful assets when it comes to education. For example, it helps students who learn differently by teaching them in a way they need.

Two men, worlds apart in background and ideology, cut down mid-speech: Malcolm X in Harlem, 1965, and Charlie Kirk in Utah, 2025. One was a Black revolutionary seeking liberation from centuries of oppression. The other, a white conservative activist warning against cultural decay.

On the surface, nothing connects them. But look deeper and the parallels reveal something profound.

Listening to “My Little Love” always felt like speaking to that missing piece of yourself, apologizing for not being able to have a clear mind. For not being able to see. Being present but not genuine. In the song, Adele is speaking to her son about her most beautiful reflection of herself, which is him at an important point in both their journeys. 

She expresses the guilt she feels for being able to have come so far knowing he’s hurt, knowing her choices might have broken him or have an effect on him in the future. The song is a confession, as well an apology.

Imagine heavy drums, legs bouncing, head nodding – this is what takes over when listening to Afrobeats. The category of music has been around since earlier than 2009 and is only growing in listeners in recent years.

Back then, Afrobeats music was spread throughout YouTube, Facebook, or you’d have to attend weddings and a dance hall to hear the new hits. But now it’s played on the radio!

Veronica Garcia is a grade twelve trans athlete who competes for Tumwater High School in Spokane Wash. She runs both cross country and track and field. During last year’s academic year, she competed at the state level for the 400 meter dash, where she placed first. Garcia also joined the girls 4×4 team, as they took home the third place trophy – against her teammates wishes.

Young teens were exploited. They were trafficked, used, and discarded. This isn’t a rumor or a conspiracy, these are facts. So I ask: does Congress really care? Do the courts? Do the politicians, the CEOs, the celebrities, the royals, the financiers – do any of them believe the rules apply to them?

Whether you’re far on one side or far on the other, it feels like we’re living in the multiverse. Let’s talk about Epstein’s friends, shall we?

There are plenty of items today that have been created by Black people that have changed our lives for the better. 

One of the items that have made a drastic impact on the world is the three-position traffic signal, such as stop, go, and yield. Garret Morgan, a Black man, created it at the age 47, after witnessing car accidents that were often fatal, as well as roads often being congested with horse carriages, street cars, automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians. He decided to make a change on the roads that created a positive outcome.

The Highline women’s volleyball team captured a great victory on Wednesday Oct. 8, ending with a score of 3-0, bringing energy and momentum into their next match, taking place on Friday. After a hard-fought battle, the Thunderbirds came out on top and set the tone for their next game. 

This win is particularly meaningful given how the team has been navigating adversity. Highline’s roster is one of the youngest in the NWAC, featuring 10 freshmen and just two sophomores.

The endangered JPOD orcas have returned! These orcas visited the south of Puget Sound waters and Tacoma’s Narrows bridge which was a huge shock to all those around to see. Orcas have not surfaced in these waters for nearly 50 years, and it seems they’ve brought with them a new member.

The portion of the JPOD spotted in nearby waters has an exciting family history. Chief among this is the baby they brought with them.

The ThunderWord is entering the 2025-2026 academic school year with an unprecedented student editorial team. This group of senior reporters and editors will be your leadership behind the scenes. 

As a team, these editors have established their values and missions of The ThunderWord. Their goal is to focus on journalistic integrity, mutual respect, and personal growth. Following an award-winning year, these students look forward to the privilege of bringing Highline and the greater community the news.

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. 

Kirk, 31, was one of the most visible figures on the American right, known for his sharp critiques of progressive politics, outspoken support of President Donald Trump, and his pro-Israel positions.

The Highline’s men’s soccer team is gearing up for its new season following the defeat at the end of last year that saw the Thunderbirds skill clash with bad luck. Now, they are fueled up for the 2025-2026 season, with a solid foundation, a new roster, and returning Coach Skyler Roehr. So far, they have won all but a single tie in the early season.

The following letter was written by the President of the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA), Amanda Hacker. In it, Hacker outlines what has transpired between WPEA and Highline College.

I’m writing to give you a full and transparent account of what has happened regarding the lump sum payment that you were promised in July – and to explain why WPEA is both disappointed and deeply frustrated by how Highline College has handled this situation.

For the past nine months, I along with the other stewards have stood before the Highline College Board of Trustees, representing the voices of classified staff—workers who are essential to the daily operations of our campus but too often invisible when it comes to meaningful recognition or compensation.

I approached the Board in good faith, believing that if they heard our stories, our needs, our hope for equitable treatment, they would act. That faith has been deeply shaken.

In a move that has reignited fierce debate around the country, President Donald Trump’s administration has reinstated a sweeping travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, primarily targeting Africa and the Middle East.

The executive order took effect on Monday, June 9 at 12:01am EST, and now they are exploring additional restrictions on up to 36 nations.

The Seattle Kraken have officially ushered in a new chapter by appointing Lane Lambert as their third head coach in franchise history. With experience and vision for the future, Lambert’s arrival marks an exciting time for Kraken fans eager to see their team take the next step.

Announced on May 29, 2025, this strategic move follows the dismissal of Dan Bylsma after a single season, during which the team posted a 35-41-6 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four years.

The men’s golf team closed out league play this weekend at the Spokane Invitational, held May 10–11, finishing ninth in a competitive invitational. Despite the final standings, the tournament served as a meaningful benchmark for a young team gaining experience one round at a time.

The event featured nine teams from across the region, with Columbia Basin College capturing first place with a team score of +5. Bellevue and host school, Spokane, followed closely – both tying for second at +7. With individual rounds in the low 70s and some standout second-day performances, the tournament made one thing clear: the level of play across the NWAC is as strong as it’s ever been.

The Highline College women’s tennis team ended their season on a high note, winning the 2025 NWAC Championship on Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Treasure Valley at the Yakima Tennis Club.

It’s the program’s second title, and, with the NWAC tennis program ending, they go out as the final champions.

It’s been a season of learning and perseverance for the Highline College men’s golf team, which recently wrapped up two challenging weekends on the course at the Columbia Basin and Skagit Valley Invitationals.

Finishing ninth out of nine teams at both events, the Thunderbirds may not have cracked the leaderboard, but they’re far from out of the fight.

Highline College will be hosting its very own “Highline’s Got Talent” next week – a fun, high-energy event celebrating student creativity and performance. Hosted by the Public Speaking Center, International Student Programs (ISP), and the Global Student Ambassadors, the show will highlight the diverse talents and cultural backgrounds that make up the Highline community.

Following presidential executive orders leading to illegal deportations of immigrants in the United States, Alki Beach, Seattle was flooded with protesters criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcements as well as President Trump. The Thunderword reporter, Taj Wilson, attended the protest, recounting their experience.

The Thunderword’s own Evelyn Rissell sits down with your favorite collegiate podcast duo and recounts her exclusive interview with the MaST Center’s Rus Higley.

We talk about book reviews, whale skeletons, National Poetry Month, and exciting upcoming projects in the works!

The Highline College women’s tennis team just concluded a tough three-match stretch on the road, and although the final results weren’t in their favor, their fight and enthusiasm never wavered. From rough starts to tough moments, the Thunderbirds showed great courage, and some players made it clear they are players to watch this season.

It all began on April 6 at The College of Idaho, where Highline faced a strong opponent and fell 6-1. It was a tough start to the trip, but it set the stage for what was to come: a team that refined its game and learned from every match.

The Washington State Fair has been a gargantuan PNW staple of community pride and tempting cuisine for the past century. Last Sunday’s event was no exception; here are some highlights from the Puyallup centered celebration. Maybe you’ll be enticed to attend in 2026!

Ser Hispano/Latino no significa que olvides tus raíces, ni abandonaste tu cultura si no te adaptaste a una nueva cultura, aunque en algún momento puedes ser discriminado.  

Muchos de los inmigrantes son niños que aún están aprendiendo cómo sobrevivir un día en la escuela, con currículos diferentes como los curriculum de México, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, etc.

The 2024-25 softball season has been challenging for Highline, marked by a string of losses, tough opponents, and constant weather delays. From the first pitch in February to their final game in early April, the team struggled to find their rhythm, finishing with a 2-19 record overall and 2-11 in the conference.

Things started rough with an opening-day loss to Grays Harbor, followed by a rained-out game. As the season progressed, the team faced stiff competition in both non-conference and league play. Despite some promising flashes, such as their back-to-back wins against Shoreline on March 12, the T-Birds couldn’t maintain the momentum.

The Highline College women’s tennis team returned to NWAC play with a well-deserved 6-3 victory over Treasure Valley Community College. The March 15 match, was played on Highline’s home court, the Boeing Employee Tennis Center in Kent at 8:30 a.m.

The day began with singles matches, where the Thunderbirds gained momentum by winning four of six matches. Highline’s top singles player, Sophia Crosby, put on a powerful performance, defeating Treasure Valley’s Elena Henry in straight sets 6-1, 6-0.

President Trump’s long-threatened tariffs are finally here, thrusting the United States into an unwarranted and ongoing global trade war.

The policy aimed at reducing trade imbalances has sparked an immediate backlash from international partners. Tensions are continuously rising as American consumers, global trade partners, and economists alike are preparing for the possible economic consequences. 

The Lower Columbia Red Devils secured their spot in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Men’s Basketball Championship game with a dramatic 61-58 victory over the Highline Thunderbirds in the Final Four matchup at Columbia Basin College. 

The win marks Lower Columbia’s first trip to the championship game since 2010, a milestone achievement for head coach Mickey Polis and his squad. The Red Devils’ last championship victory came in 2005 as part of a back-to-back title run.

The decision to “demote” Pluto from planetary status back in 2006 caused a wave of disappointment and anger towards the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The backlash from this shows us the dangers of nostalgic thinking.

But why was Pluto no longer considered a planet, seemingly out of nowhere? It was not any sudden discoveries made, but rather a re-evaluation of an old term. At the time of Pluto being established as a planet, there wasn’t a clear definition of what a “planet” even was.

An outbreak of one of the most contagious diseases has occurred in Texas. With over 200 cases of measles and two deaths reported in multiple states at the time of writing, mostly among the unvaccinated, questions must be asked whether the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its newly appointed secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. will handle the outbreak appropriately.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can infect anyone but is especially dangerous for young children and pregnant people. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or breathing. The virus can stay on surfaces an infected person has come in contact with for up to two hours, causing a person with measles to infect nine out of 10 unvaccinated people they come into close contact with.

The Thunderbirds continue their Cinderella run in the 2025 NWAC Men’s Basketball Championship, punching their ticket to the Final Four after back-to-back upset victories over top-seeded Skagit Valley and east conference No. 2 Spokane at Columbia Basin College.

With the victories, Highline advances to its first NWAC Final Four since 2014. The Thunderbirds will face a familiar opponent in west conference No. 1 seed Lower Columbia on March 15 at 5 p.m., looking to continue their magical postseason run.

Highline students flocked to the Global Student Ambassadors’ (GSA) “Arts Around the World” event last month to celebrate traditional arts and crafts from various cultures. The GSA organized the activities with the hope of fostering relationships across cultural boundaries within the four hour event.

Jeffery Kunick, who is the supervising organizer of the event, elaborates further on this shared goal of the organization. “One of our missions here as a global student ambassador is to bring international and domestic students together.”

The road to the quarterfinals was anything but easy, as the Thunderbirds struggled in the competitive West Region. The Highline College men’s basketball team will face Skagit Valley in the NWAC Championship quarterfinals on Friday, March 7 at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. 

Highline comes into the game with a 19-10 overall record, finishing 7-7 in conference play. The team showed off its progress with notable wins, including a resounding 118-103 victory over Olympic and a hard-fought 86-84 win against Mt. Hood during the Clackamas Holiday Showcase.

Bill Nye, known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year by then-President Joe Biden. Nye was honored for his line of work for decades in popularizing science and inspiring our future generations, encouraging their interest in the scientific world. 

“Bill Nye has dedicated his life to inspiring young people to take an active interest in science,” President Biden stated during the ceremony on Jan. 4, 2025.

The Highline College men’s basketball team has officially punched its ticket to the NWAC playoffs after a solid series of performances down the stretch. The Thunderbirds showed their talent, earning a well-deserved spot in the postseason.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Highline pulled off a resounding 81-66 win over Grays Harbor. Isaiah Vargas led the charge with a stellar 27-point performance, adding eight rebounds and seven assists to his impressive stat line.

Mavrie Durham and Liv Lyons are back again with everything happening on campus for your convenience! At just 15 minutes, they have the latest for your commute to class, break in between classes, or over the morning coffee. 

This episode is all about the oncoming end to winter quarter. With only three weeks left, spring break is coming on fast. The team is excited to share all the upcoming events students and staff are welcomed to.

As winter wanes and flowers blossom, the familiar buzzing of the pollinators return to campus. The most important of them all: Bees. Often overlooked for their small size, bees play an integral role in maintaining food security within a global ecosystem. 

Pollinators work by moving pollen from a stamen to a stigma; for instance, bees are responsible for pollinating the majority of the world’s leading crops, fruits, vegetables, and even nuts and seeds. Without bees the variety of our food supply would go down drastically.

The Highline men’s basketball team is facing the last of their regular games but the playoff qualification is slipping away, as the Thunderbirds find themselves ranked fourth overall. And with South Puget Sound already qualified, there is only one spot left.

The last few games have been a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. An overtime loss to Green River (82-79) set the tone for a challenging week, but they bounced back with a solid 74-67 win over Pierce. However, they couldn’t keep the momentum going and fell 78-68 to South Puget Sound. Despite the setback, they outlasted Centralia in a closely contested game (75-74) and cruised to a resounding win against Grays Harbor, 81-66, showcasing their ability to dominate when everything clicks.

The Philadelphia Eagles got their revenge on Sunday for their Super Bowl loss two years back, dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 for their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

The game was not as close the final score may suggest. By the time the first half concluded, the Eagles had 24 points scored while the Chiefs had 23 total offensive yards, for 0 points. By the third quarter the Eagles commanded a 34-0 lead, the largest lead in the Super Bowl since the Seahawks led the Broncos 36-0 in 2014.

Consumers across the United States are experiencing an egg shortage, raising prices beyond what many households can manage. This problem has been chiefly based on the severe outbreak of avian influenza which has reduced egg production, causing supply chain disruptions and rising feed costs.

Reports indicate that “the current outbreak has affected more than 30 million birds across 25 states,” leading to the culling of millions of hens to prevent the spread of the virus. As a result, egg supplies have declined, and prices have increased.

As the 2024-25 NWAC women’s tennis season approaches, Highline College is focused on building upon last year’s success and making a strong bid for the championship. The Thunderbirds finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-8 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference mark, but fell just short in the NWAC Championship final against Spokane. 

With having the largest team in program history, and a mix of returning standouts and promising newcomers, the team is determined to reclaim the NWAC title.

Accessible, affordable, and free—these were the key themes championed by the Washington Community and Technical College Students Association (WACTSA) during the 2025 Legislative Advocacy Day in Olympia, Wash.

Working to address the needs and concerns of two-year college students, The Washington Community and Technical College Student Association, which includes Highline College as a member, is a coalition of student governments from across the state who work to advocate with a collective voice.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to expand the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 migrants. Multiplying the current capacity of less than 200 by a factor of over 150. With ICE setting up tents to prepare for the incoming wave of migrants, Trump and his administration are moving fast to enact this unprecedented move. 

Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, also known as GITMO, is one of the most infamous places in modern American history. A military prison located in Guantanamo Bay Cuba, the place was opened in 2002 to hold prisoners of war during the War on Terror. Since then it has been home to countless human rights violations.

The combination of full time work and study is a reality for so many students, and maintaining performance can seem impossible. Some may think that you’ve got to choose between self-care and success, but the science may show something more promising: perhaps prioritizing mental health is the secret of mastering work and study.

Self-care has become a somewhat ubiquitous term, often vaguely referring to face masks and spa treatments, but actually applying it highlights the secret weapon that every student should already have in their arsenal: time management.

On a day marked by shifting skies in Seattle, voices rose in unison against the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), echoing the rallying cry, “Families belong together.” The morning had greeted the city with snowfall, but by the time the protest began, the sun had broken through, casting a sharp light on the determined crowd gathered in solidarity. 

Despite the earlier snow, the streets of Alki remained clear, with no snow on the ground—a striking contrast to the wintry backdrop seen elsewhere in the city. As a journalist, I rode King County Metro’s #50 bus, arriving at the protest around 2:38 p.m., ready to capture the spirit of the day through photos and videos.

The Highline College women’s basketball team has seen highs and lows in their latest outings. The team delivered a commanding performance to defeat Tacoma 67-43 on Jan. 29 before falling 63-56 to Green River on Feb. 5.

Against Tacoma, Highline took control from the start, leading 13-9 in the first quarter and extending their lead with a 14-4 second quarter. They outscored Tacoma 24-21 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Us humans love animals. We cherish them for their importance to our world and the joy they bring to their lives. We understand their lives to be as fragile as ours and seek to protect them when possible. However, it seems when a vegan shows a deep care for animal life, our view on animal rights seems to shift in some weird and ugly ways.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is a non profit animal rights organization that has become one of the most controversial activist groups today. Having been around since 1980, PETA has done a lot of advocacy for animal rights and have racked up quite a repertoire of controversies that people use as reasons for their dislike of PETA.

Cheerleading, in all its many different forms, is a point of contention amongst sports fans. Some believe that all cheer includes is encouraging the actual sports teams from the sidelines, waving pom-poms about, and leading the crowd in chants. Others see the work and effort put into routines, as well as competition leagues throughout the country.

Cheer requires mastery at many different athletic skills like acrobatics, tumbling, jumps, and stunts. These skills are seen in gymnastics and dance, other competitive sports also contested as sports by the general public.

Highline’s sports Pavilion is dimly lit at night casting shadows of insecurity about the safety of attending games after dark. Mapped as Building 28, you could almost forget it exists, sitting in the far corner of the staff parking lot.

If you are going there from campus, access resides under the Library cliff,  a steep drop or a long flight of stairs with low lighting, leaving one to wonder how safe it is to attend evening events.

Meta is making sweeping changes to moderation of their content with the goal of reducing political bias, however critics are pointing out their changes are going to accomplish the opposite.

After the controversial 2016 election of Donald Trump, there were concerns regarding whether Meta, at the time known as Facebook, was doing their part to prevent the spread of fake news after it was revealed Russia was using social media sites such as Facebook to spread misinformation around the election.

As 2025 begins, Washington State and King County announced increases to their minimum wage rates, marking a commitment to the people to provide fairer wages for workers across the region. These increases, which are connected to inflation, and the ever-rising cost of living, aim to ensure workers are compensated adequately for their labor.

The statewide and local wage increases in Washington for 2025 has been set to $16.66 per hour, a 2.35% increase from the previous year. This raise reflects the ongoing efforts to adjust salaries in line with inflation and rising costs.

Social media, despite its widespread use and connectivity benefits, has been increasingly linked to negative impacts on mental health. One of the most significant concerns is the way social media fosters unrealistic comparisons. 

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook often highlight curated, idealized images of people’s lives, leading individuals to compare themselves to these filtered versions of reality.

The U.S. ​government, under the backdrop of bipartisan apprehension about data security and foreign influence, has followed through on legislation calling for TikTok to either divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban.

Though the ban has come and gone, the whiplash may have rendered users and non-users alike confused as to what actually happened.

As students return to Highline for the winter quarter, they may notice some construction zones on campus. While these projects might cause temporary disruptions, they are part of a larger plan to enhance campus infrastructure and improve facilities for years to come.

From updating aging storm and sewer lines to adding new security features, these efforts are designed to keep the campus running smoothly and safely.

As Highline opens up its doors to 2025, its students are primed to take on the next chapter of their education with the kind of vigor you’d normally find with elite sports teams or characters from the Avengers.

Superheroes are not the only ones with academic, social, and personal excellence, however; for that, you don’t have to look further than Highline’s own campus.

Rebecca Yarros, a traditional contemporary romance writer who’s been in the industry a decade publishing books for the common hopeless romantic, took on a new genre with a groundbreaking romantasy series in early spring of 2023. That May, “The Emperyan” series was born. 

The release of the debut novel, “Fourth Wing”, was closely followed by its sequel, “Iron Flame”, which was released in November of the same year – only five months after its debut. It instantly captured the hearts of a generation with 1.1 million copies of the first two books sold within 13 months of release.

Sports are evolving, but sports fans have been resistant to growing alongside it. As fans of the game and the culture, sports fans must actively work to cultivate an inclusive environment and fight against bigotry for future sports fans and sports as a whole.

The Philadelphia 76ers were looking rough to start the 2024-25 season. Despite having lots of talent on the team such as league MVP winner Joel Embiid and All Star Tyrese Maxey, success has been hard to come by for this team.

Washington State, known for its dreary, gray weather and depressing atmosphere, ranks highest in adults, 18 years of age and older, who feel symptoms of depression, anxiety, loneliness, or just feeling down. 

Although, Washington is at the tops in these statistics, it may surprise readers that the states inhabitants don’t score that much higher than the rest of the country when it comes to depression amongst adults and suicide rates.

The healthcare system in many countries, particularly in the United States, is often criticized for being inefficient, expensive, and inaccessible. One of the primary reasons for the shortcomings of healthcare is the rising cost of medical services and treatments.

Healthcare in the U.S. is notoriously expensive, with prices for basic services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications far exceeding those in other developed nations.

Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic, gained control of his body for the first time in January 2024 after undergoing a surgical implantation of “The Link”, a microchip, created by Elon Musk’s Neuralink Corp.

Now, as the technology degrades inside Arbaugh’s head, experts worry about decreased performance as the technology becomes rapidly outdated. 

As fall comes to an end and we enter the winter season, we can see the shift in temperature dropping.

With this in mind it’s essential to know how to properly take care of your body to help protect your immune system so it can be healthy during these chilly months. 

Most of the Puget Sound region was under a dense fog advisory from the National Weather Service. Bellevue, Bremerton, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, and the Hood Canal region are all included in the advisory.

The moist air cools until its humidity reaches 100% and fog occurs when the cool air combines with the warm, humid air over the water.