POLITICS

Senior Kelsey Simmons:

President Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second time on Jan. 20th, 2025. In his inaugural address, Trump emphasized his plans to overhaul trade, build up the U.S. auto industry, and create a new “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs. He also announced plans to sign an executive order to stop government censorship. 

Senior Ivanna Zuniga:

On April 2, a day he called “Liberation Day”, Trump declared a national emergency regarding the national trade deficit and announced “reciprocal tariffs” on all countries not subject to other sanctions. A minimum 10% tariff on almost all US imports took effect on April 5. 

Senior Jaida Pace and freshman Renata Cruz:

On Oct. 1, the federal government entered a shutdown at midnight after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. The prolonged shutdown left federal employees unpaid for weeks and halted crucial resources like SNAP benefits. The shutdown also paralyzed airports nationwide. TSA wages were cut, morale plummeted, and workers were forced to take second jobs, or quit. Flight delays stretched for hours, creating the longest shutdown in U.S. history. As Congress struggled to pass a bill tied to health care policy changes, thousands of families were left without stable access to food. 

DISASTERS

Junior Cadence Hughes and sophomore Kai Krugly:

Unpredictable and devastating wildfires tore through California in January, forcing thousands to evacuate. For many, including myself, with family in the region; it was a reminder of how quickly disaster can strike. These fires were so devastating. People lost their homes, cars, and even loved ones. Firefighters worked tirelessly on the front lines. 

Senior Jacob Sierra:

On Sept. 10, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck and killed during a public event at Utah Valley University. The suspect, Tyler James Robinson, was later arrested and accused of aggravated murder.  

SOCIAL

Senior Diego Zamarron:

Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, died in February. He authorized blessings for same-sex couples, condemned anti-LGBTQ criminalization and advocated for compassion within the church. Similarly, Pope Leo XIV has expressed sympathy for groups whose beliefs are contrary to the gospel. 

Senior Olivia Mejia:

Recently, the Mormon community had a revamp of their under garments. The church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints added a newly designed sleeveless temple garment. The new garments became widely known through the new season of the popular Hulu show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”. 

SPORTS

Senior Tate Spaeth:

Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets on July 6, shook the NBA. The team traded rising star Jalen Green to acquire Durant, one of the most prolific scorers in league history. Fans, including me, are already predicting a 2026 championship parade in downtown Houston. 

Senior Willie Earlie:

The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Nov. 11, nine months after the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The firing followed a dismal 3–8 start to the 2025-26 NBA season and months of fan backlash over the trade, although owner Patrick Dumont also cited the need for better salary cap management. Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi were named interim co-general managers.