Elle Thurow '29

Opinion Writer

Advocate Against Attacks on Women’s Reproductive Healthcare

Access to reproductive healthcare, once federally protected under Roe v. Wade, is now over 300 miles and three days of lost wages away from most low-income rural areas. Beyond the headlines of total legal bans, the strategic defunding and disappearance of healthcare infrastructure are eroding reproductive rights. In cutting Title X grants, blocking ways to get accessible abortions, and driving away maternity centers and doctors, policymakers are ensuring that a safe pregnancy becomes a privilege reserved only for those in certain zip codes.

By Elle Thurow '29May 14, 20264 min read

Opinion

The Iran War: Tactical Success but Strategic Loss

Military victories are easy to measure, but strategic ones are not, and that distinction may define the Iran War. Since the Iran War began on February 28, the US has presented a myriad of scattered objectives in attacking Iran—from annihilation, to regime change, even to partial negotiation. Although the US’s sheer military power has severely damaged Iran’s offensive strike capability, instead of taking away Iran’s power, the US has essentially handed Iran strategic leverage through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, as of April 13, more than a full month since the start of the war, we are in a tentative two-week ceasefire, and failed peace talks leave a very unclear path for how the US will proceed from here, despite the country’s clear position in the war as one of the most powerful militaries in the world.

By Elle Thurow '29April 17, 20263 min read

Opinion

In a Digital World, Milton Needs to Teach Truth

According to a study conducted by MIT scholars, false news spreads six times faster than real news on social media. In our digital age, we experience constant exposure to news and content—especially through social media and quick posts disguised as journalism. With most people mindlessly scrolling on their phones, it’s easy to see a “breaking news” headline, accept it as true, and move on with your day. With the rise of short-form videos, the rapid spread of misinformation has shaped how teenagers think and react. English and History courses do teach skills of critical thinking and analysis, but such classes are not enough. Media literacy occupies too small a role in our current academic landscape. Milton thus should require all students to take a digital literacy course.

By Elle Thurow '29December 12, 20254 min read