Picture of Katarina Hockema

Katarina Hockema

Bio: Katarina Hockema, originally from Homer, Alaska, is a recent graduate of the University of Idaho where she studied journalism with a minor in marketing. Katarina has dedicated the last several years to sharpening her writing skills for lifestyle, interests, features, and entertainment topics. She also has a passion for marketing, working to combine the creative and logical skills needed to tell a great story. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, exploring new films and television shows, and playing the piano.
Books

Libraries are one of the most valuable public services (Op-Ed)

In an era where commercial spaces dominate our urban landscapes, libraries stand as sanctuaries of knowledge, community, and accessibility.  Beyond housing books, libraries provide invaluable public services, offering a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond the printed page. As pillars of non-commercialized public spaces, they foster education, socialization, and ...

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Sports

The benefits and drawbacks of being an NFL undrafted free agent (Op-Ed)

In the glitzy world of the NFL Draft, where dreams are realized and futures are forged, there exists a parallel narrative often overshadowed by the spotlight: the journey of undrafted free agents (UDFAs). These diamonds in the rough defy the odds, battling through uncertainty to earn a spot on an ...

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Health and Wellness

Fitness routines should strive towards health goals, not beauty standards (Op-Ed)

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of health and wellness often takes a backseat to the relentless pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.  However, true well-being extends far beyond outward appearances and superficial ideals. Instead, it lies in cultivating habits that nourish both body and mind, with regular exercise ...

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Movies

The nostalgic appeal of the “90’s-2000’s chick flick” (Op-Ed)

In the era of rapid technological advancement and ever-changing societal norms, there’s a certain solace found in revisiting the bygone days of 90s-2000s chick flicks and rom-coms.  These cinematic gems, from “Legally Blonde” to “Mean Girls,” offer more than just entertainment; they encapsulate a simpler time and provide a comforting ...

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Science and Technology

The introduction of Meta AI is a major misstep for the social media giant (Op-Ed)

Artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, seems to be permeating more and more aspects of our digitized spaces- a wide variety of streaming services, social media, order and delivery companies, technical support, and more have incorporated at least some level of AI into their user interfaces, designed to improve ...

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Politics

The House of Representatives approved a TikTok ban: what’s next? (Op-Ed)

The recent move by the House of Representatives to include a TikTok ban in a foreign aid package has sparked a contentious debate over the future of the popular social media platform. As the measure heads to the Senate, concerns over free speech, economic impact, and technological innovation loom large. ...

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Latest News

Columbia University employs remote learning amid pro-Palestine protests

Columbia University in New York City made the decision to shift to remote learning on Monday as demonstrations in support of Palestine continued for the sixth consecutive day on campus. President Minouche Shafik announced the move to virtual classes, stating it was aimed at reducing tensions and providing time for ...

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Science and Technology

 The true impact of meat alternatives on the meat industry (Op-Ed)

Amid vast company layoffs and declining sales nationwide, it’s time to re-evaluate Beyond Meat (and other meat alternatives) in our food system.  In recent years, the rise of faux meat products, particularly Beyond Meat, has sparked a culinary revolution, offering a tantalizing alternative to traditional meat consumption. Advocates praise its ...

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Music

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is her most emotionally complex album yet (Op-Ed)

Taylor Swift has long been lauded for her versatile songwriting and diverse range of genres.  In her nearly-20 year career, she’s transitioned from simple country roots in debut album “Taylor Swift,” (2006) to incorporating influences of soft pop in “Fearless” (2008) and blends of pop, rock, and country in “Speak ...

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Politics

“Voter fatigue” is plaguing the U.S. in anticipation of the 2024 election (Op-Ed)

There’s no question that the average U.S. citizen may feel a bit weary and discouraged from this year’s presidential lineup: Former President Donald Trump vs. current sitting President Joe Biden- the sequel opposition from the 2020 election that shook the foundations of the nation to its core in more ways ...

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Books

Tabloid publications are predatory and unethical (Op-Ed)

In the realm of journalism, ethics are the bedrock upon which credibility stands.  The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics serves as a guiding light, emphasizing integrity, accuracy, and respect for truth. However, in the murky waters of tabloid publications, these principles are not just ignored—they’re trampled upon with ...

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Politics

Biden’s partnership with international powers for pandemic prevention is a positive move (Op-Ed)

In an era marked by the unprecedented disruption of lives and economies globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden’s administration has taken a significant stride towards fortifying global health security.  The initiative aims to assist 50 nations, primarily in Africa and Asia, in identifying and responding to infectious ...

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