To drill or not to drill: President Biden approves Willow project
Photo of an oil drill site in Alaska. Courtesy of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

To drill or not to drill: President Biden approves Willow project

Environmental and climate activists have been rallying online since early February against Alaska’s largest crude oil producer, ConocoPhillips, and its proposed Willow oil project—first announced in 2017. However, efforts proved futile as President Joe Biden’s administration approved the controversial plan on Mar. 13. The Willow…

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Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation
A photo of the Keating Center, where the New College Foundation office is location. Photo courtesy of ncf.edu

Alumni Letter addressing the New College Foundation

The following is a letter written to the New College Foundation on Feb. 21, 2023. It has been signed by 156 New College alumni, with cohorts ranging from the 1960s to New College's most recent graduating class. Dear Members of the New College Foundation:   The…

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Holiday hotspots in Sarasota
UTC celebrating the holiday season. (Taken by Aria Lockmann.)

Holiday hotspots in Sarasota

Earlier this semester, the Catalyst covered a trifecta of locally-owned businesses where one could get a good cup of coffee. Assuming the campus has been caffeinated—coupled with so many students being cooped up during the dreaded finals week—the best course of action would be to…

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iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions
Factory workers at the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing plant in Zhengzhou city in China have accused the company of delaying bonus payments and not providing quarantining employees on factory grounds with adequate food. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

iPhone plant employees in China protest over delayed payments, poor quarantine conditions

Nov. 23, on the tail-end of Black Friday and with the holiday season fast approaching, Foxconn—the world’s largest contract electronics maker—was hit with a riot led by hundreds of protesting factory workers. Chants from employees of,  “Give us our pay!” grinded the usual bustle characteristic…

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Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?
The logo for NEOM or The Line, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reform. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious zero emissions plan: is it even possible?

The future progression of civilization seems to be on a quite linear path, or at least quite literally a linear city in Northwest Saudi Arabia with claims that it will run on one hundred percent renewable energy. NEOM, as the city is called, was unveiled…

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The truth behind the 99 cent tag
Graphic depicting "charm pricing" in effect at a local Publix. (Made by Chloe Rusek.)

The truth behind the 99 cent tag

Why is it when going into a grocery store, or even shopping through your favorite e-tailer, everything is priced $19.99, $49.99 or $99.99 rather than just rounding up to the next whole number? This isn’t just a coincidence, or subliminal government messaging, but actually has…

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Plasma donation companies: drawing the blood of the working poor for profit
Picture taken of the plasma donation facility waiting room. The office maintains a consistent donor volume throughout the day, with many more donors waiting in line, filling out kiosks, and drawing plasma just out of frame. Photo taken by Nickolas Steinig.

Plasma donation companies: drawing the blood of the working poor for profit

There’s a jittery and anxious energy to the air. The music is alternating between high-energy jazz and Christmas carols belted over the intercom. A groundswell of regular plasma donors are jostling between black rope lines, hastily filling out informed consent forms at one of the…

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Eight student discounts to start taking advantage of
A portion of the 2018 Orchid Show, "Endless Forms," at the Selby Gardens.

Eight student discounts to start taking advantage of

College is almost universally known as a time where money may be tighter than usual. Teens are taught that after high school, the more schooling you receive, the higher your salary after graduation may be—but until the student reaches the aforementioned goal they are left…

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It’s 3 o’ clock somewhere: tea shops in Sarasota
A picture of 941 Tea House’s charming interior. Photo courtesy of Aria Lockman.

It’s 3 o’ clock somewhere: tea shops in Sarasota

It’s no secret that Sarasota is a unique and diverse city in Florida, providing lots of variety for the people who live here. Ranging from diverse cultures to diverse people traveling in from all over the country, Sarasota offers something for everyone. One potential hidden…

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