Staff Reports
As the weekend approaches, the political theater in America continues to unfold, with California’s Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump stealing the spotlight. Newsom’s penchant for social media has reached new heights, as he seems determined to engage in a virtual skirmish with Trump. This week, Newsom took to X, formerly known as Twitter, wielding memes and messages that could make even a seasoned comedian cringe. His latest endeavor involved giving a cheeky nod to conservative media outlet Newsmax, jokingly questioning its affiliation with HBO Max. If only this banter could be classified as clever humor, but alas, it seems to miss the mark.
The oddity of Newsom’s posts serves not just as an entertaining distraction but also as a curious vaporization of his focus on pressing issues in his state. Instead of addressing California’s spiraling homelessness crisis, surging drug problems, or the lingering consequences of devastating wildfires, Newsom seems more interested in crafting insults directed at Trump and conservative media. While Newsom’s antics might elicit chuckles from his supporters, they hardly contribute to the well-being of the millions struggling in the Golden State. One could argue that Newsom is missing the forest for the trees—or perhaps he’s simply too busy eyeing a run for the presidency in 2028 to concern himself with state affairs.
Meanwhile, in New York, a different form of absurdity is making waves in the education sector. Public schools have rolled out a statewide ban on cell phones, aiming to create an environment where students can focus more on learning and less on scrolling through their feeds. To mark the occasion, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced Frankie Focus, a peculiar green monster designed to symbolize the importance of staying off screens. However, Frankie Focus isn’t faring as well as planned, boasting a mere 31 followers on social media. Perhaps that should have sent a signal that this monstrous mascot wouldn’t be winning any popularity contests anytime soon.
The creation of Frankie Focus has sparked discussions about the use of taxpayer dollars for such elaborate campaigns. While many parents can agree that excessive screen time can be detrimental to students, it raises questions about whether resources could be better allocated in the education system. For instance, rather than funding the cryptic creature’s debut, perhaps investing in classroom resources or educational materials could yield more tangible benefits. One could even wonder if the creative minds behind this campaign are the same geniuses who reworked the Cracker Barrel logo—a classic case of “what were they thinking?”
Interestingly, even kids are weighing in on Frankie Focus’s creepy appearance. A 12-year-old seventh grader voiced her concern, suggesting that the monster looks like something one might fear lurking under their bed. If the goal was to help students feel comfortable enough to engage in classroom discussions without the distraction of phones, they might need to rethink their mascot approach. While the intention behind the ban on cell phones is commendable, this roll-out hasn’t quite sparked the enthusiasm and support one might expect.
In these two political arenas, Americans are witnessing a stark contrast in the priorities of their leaders. As Newsom trades barbs with Trump, it seems he’s forgotten he’s the governor of a state facing a plethora of serious issues. And in New York, despite good intentions, the introduction of Frankie Focus has not exactly been met with open arms. With the stories from both coasts, it’s a comedic reminder that political antics can overshadow the very real challenges that citizens face every day. As we gear up for another weekend, one can only hope these leaders might soon find themselves focusing on their responsibilities rather than digital duels and dim-witted mascots.
