78 Issue 2
Crusader News
Official Student Newspaper of St. Paul’s High School
Trudeau Resigns
On January 7, in front of his official residence, Justin Trudeau announced his plans to resign as prime minister, stepping aside for a new leader of the Liberal Party. Before his tenure ends, however, it is important to weigh the causes and events leading to his fall. Therefore, let us look back to late December, when Trudeau’s cabinet collapsed.
Continues on page 3.
Holdout – Part 2
Review: The Outsiders
on page 4.
A Letter to Viola Desmond
In 1946, Viola Desmond entered the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Finding seating in the “whites-only” section of the theatre, she was asked to leave, and when she refused, she was arrested and jailed. She was convicted under the provincial tax code for failure to pay one cent in tax.
Viola Desmond fought for equality in Canada, bettering our nation and home.
Sammy Larson ’26 writes to Viola Desmond on page 5.
Editor’s Note
With the first semester finished, we are now halfway through the year. These few months have overflowed with newsworthy events. From the Jets’ impressive record to The Outsiders’ production this November, none of the reporting would be possible without our contributors.
Michael Wolanik ’25 continues his exclusive story on page 6.
Isaac Lavitt ’25 writes on page 5.
Evan Peters ’25 writes on page 2.
Gabriel Arias ’27
Alden Minuk ’26 writes
Opinion – The Return of the Don
Evan Peters ’25
Head Copy Editor
In 2020, Americans and citizens of the world celebrated what appeared to be the end of the Donald Trump era after his crushing loss to Joe Biden and his failed bid to overturn this result. And even though he followed up this loss by becoming a convicted felon and being found civilly liable for rape, Trump was able to follow the five rules of dodgeball (dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge) to keep his political career alive. On November 5, 2024, Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, after a campaign where he not only survived two assassination attempts, but also two Democratic challengers (Joe Biden and Kamala Harris), becoming only the second ever president to win two non-consecutive terms in office.
Throughout the campaign, questions circulated about what could be expected in a second Trump era, one where he would no longer have to answer to the electorate because, due to the two-term limit for U.S. presidents, he cannot
be re-elected again. Trump ran on a platform of immigration, economic, and governmental reform, proposing mass deportations, tariffs on various nations (including Canada), large-scale tax cuts, and changes to government spending. However, many economic and political pundits expressed serious doubts regarding the benefits of these proposed policies as well as the legality of implementing them.
On January 20, Trump was sworn in and immediately got to work implementing these proposed policies, as many held their breath in nervous and even fearful anticipation. Trump has already signed a
plethora of executive orders; however, Trump voters must be feeling disappointed because so far none of them have addressed the serious issues Trump spent his campaign focusing on. For example, Trump symbolically renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” a decision so baffling that it warranted laughter from Hillary Clinton during his inauguration speech. He also signed an order that made it the official policy of the United States that there are only two genders (male and female), another that tried to end birthright citizenship, and pulled out of the World Health Organization. Believe it or not, none of these orders will
Trudeau’s Resignation and Cabinet Collapse
Gabriel Arias ’27 Arts and Culture Copy Editor
Continued from page 1.
The prime minister had been rapidly running out of time due to many struggles within the Liberal Party over these past few months. With falling poll numbers, lacklustre support from his base, and revolts within his caucus, Trudeau’s remaining days in government are dwindling. His largest issue was the collapse of his cabinet. The Cabinet, selected from members of Parliament, is responsible for all departments of the government, and is instrumental in the running of the country.
According to Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, in a letter to the Governor General, 70% of Liberal MPs had lost confidence in the Prime Minister. This is due to a plethora of reasons: a suffering economy, growing disillusionment
with the Carbon Tax, and worries for each MP’s own election chances. According to Poilievre, Trudeau was continuing to “cling desperately to power”, disregarding the views of his party and the country.
ister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. You made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence.” With an upcoming Cabinet shuffle (where ministers are moved
On December 16, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, resigned from Cabinet, reportedly due to qualms with Trudeau’s ‘tax holiday’. She stated in an open letter to the Prime Minister: “to be effective, a min-
or replaced), Freeland stated that Trudeau planned to demote her from her finance portfolio, replacing her with Liberal loyalist and Bank of Canada Chair Mark Carney. Nevertheless, it was clear in her resignation letter that she desired to
lower the price of eggs, address the rent crisis, or bring back jobs.
However, some of Trump’s decisions do have actual impacts that are not necessarily positive. For Canadians, his plan to institute 25% tariffs on Canadian goods will drastically increase prices for everyday consumers. And although Trump has framed these tariffs as a win-win for America, history shows otherwise. The last time Trump instituted similar tariffs on steel, America lost roughly 70,000 automotive jobs compared to 4,000 gained in the steel industry. And although it seemed like it couldn’t get more chaotic, Trump blamed a tragic plane crash on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) hires without any tangible evidence, claiming that the Biden administration hired people with both intellectual and physical disabilities, a categorically untrue statement.
The first week of the Trump administration was eventful to say the least. So far his economic promises and goals to middle-class Americans seem a distant memory; he has started a trade-war with Canada which will likely negatively impact both nations, and has spewed hate-filled rhetoric that he has promoted divisiveness when it is his job to be a leader for all. If this is only the first few days, then the next four years will be a roller coaster.
leave the cabinet altogether.
In the subsequent cabinet shuffle, eight new ministers were announced and four existing ministers moved to different positions. Notably, Dominic Leblanc was appointed to four departments, including Finance, after Carney reportedly declined the appointment.
Amid this chaos, Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, stated that his caucus would put forward a clear motion of non-confidence with the other two opposition parties. In other words, the NDP pledged to support an early election. Therefore, the NDP, the Conservatives, and the Bloc Quebecois will vote together to bring down the Liberal government at the earliest opportunity. This would mean that a federal election could come sooner rather than later, according to Singh.
Only a few days later, on January 7, Trudeau announced that he plans to resign once a new leader can be selected. Thus, the Trudeau government’s days are numbered. The question still remains however, who will be next?
Haka in the House
Maury Lavitt ’28
Contributor
If you have never seen a Māori haka, stop reading this and watch a video. Go on, I’ll wait. Done? Good.
The haka is a Māori custom translating to dance. It is traditionally used to invigorate warriors before battle but is now being used as a form of protest.
A little backstory first. Similar to Canada, in 1840, the British Crown signed a treaty with the Indigenous people of New Zealand. Initially, the document only affected land and cultural rights of the Māori. Other legislation, based on the treaty, has been made that addresses other issues. This treaty, called the Treaty of Waitangi, has been prominent in New Zealand recently, due to a proposed bill. This bill, called The Treaty Principles Bill, would reinterpret
the treaty, changing multiple laws in New Zealand to remove unique privileges for the Māori people. The party that proposed this bill, ACT, claims that this reinterpretation of the treaty will bring equal rights to all New Zealanders, Indigenous or otherwise.
If this bill were passed, it would drastically change rights for the Māori and Hapū people, taking away the services, positions, and separate healthcare for the Indigenous populations. Further, the bill hopes to clarify the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing that there is no right for Māori self-governance. Because of this, peaceful protests and marches
have been organized. Even members of Parliament have joined in the protesting, which brings us back to the haka.
On November 14, 2024, the Treaty Principles Bill was presented to the New Zealand parliament. As the MPs voted on the bill, each party was called to cast their votes. When her party was called, Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, the youngest MP and member of the Te Pati Māori party, stood, picked up a paper copy of the bill, and began a haka. As she sang, Maipi-Clarke slowly tore the bill into two, further protesting the bill. Despite the speaker’s protests, she continued, with the rest of her party gradually joining in.
Liberal Leadership Lollapalooza
Evan Peters ’25
Head Copy Editor
On January 7, Justin Trudeau announced his intentions to resign as prime minister and Liberal Party leader amid chaos and unpopularity, triggering a leadership race within his party. With the shadow of an upcoming general election and the looming Trump presidency in the meantime, the selected leader will undoubtably have political and economical struggles ahead. The winner of this race will be given the prime ministership until a general election is called—at latest in October. Therefore, Trudeau’s successor must govern effectively before they
can campaign effectively: a heavy ask for the winner.
From the outset, several jumped to announce their candidacy. Former Quebec MP Frank Baylis was the first to enter, followed by Ontario backbencher Chandra Arya. House leader Karina Gould came next.
Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland were next to throw their hat into the ring. Shortly before the deadline MPs Jaime Battiste from Nova Soctia and Ruby Dhalla from BC mustered the requisite funds to enter the race. Arya, however, was denied candidacy by the party, and Battiste withdrew shortly after, choosing to back Carney instead. This leaves five Liberal hopefuls, although this race will likely boil down to two.
Chrystia Freeland, longtime Liberal minister and former Deputy Prime Minister, is an obvious choice for leader. Having spent four years as minister of finance, she seems to have the economic expertise to govern effectively in crisis, notably negotiating the CUSMA free
Once the haka ended, the speaker suspended the house and instructed the gallery to be cleared. After an estimated six months, the bill will return
to parliament for a second vote. There, it is expected to fail, due to other parties siding with the Te Pati Māori.
Maipi-Clarke has been vehemently opposed to the Treaty Principles Bill, asking in an ABC interview, “Why are they consistently dictating over us when that’s not what the treaty says?” She went on to say, “It says, ‘You look after your people, we’ll look after our people, and we can get along.’ It does not say you govern over us.” It is this distaste of the bill that led to the heated moment in Parliament in November.
In all, the two minutes of action in the New Zealand parliament have caused widespread awareness of the Treaty Principles Bill. The uniqueness of Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s protest not only formed a new purpose for the haka but also may have been the turning point where support for the bill falters and opposition for it is bolstered. In only six short months, we will find out. Hopefully, no matter the outcome, Māori rights are upheld and respected, and the Māori people continue to thrive.
trade agreement with the Trump presidency in 2019. Conversely, Freeland is associated with the Trudeau government, hampering her chances in a general election. Freeland has vowed to scrap the Carbon Tax if elected, differentiating herself from her former leader.
Mark Carney, in contrast, is a political outsider. With an illustrious career in the public service working in the Department of Finance, Bank of Canada, Committee on the Global Financial System, and Bank of England. In his tenure at the Bank of Canada, he oversaw the management of the 2008 global financial crisis, raising interest rates early. This led to Canada seeing the fewest impacts among G7 countries. As a relative outsider, Carney sidesteps most association with Trudeau, and he too promises to remove the Carbon Tax.
With only a few weeks before the vote, Carney and Freeland lead in the polls over the other candidates but are mostly equal to each other.
While Freeland maintains her sway as a former minister who, unlike Carney, holds a seat in the House of Commons, Carney avoids the baggage of the unpopular Trudeau government. That being said, Carney may have an advantage in Western Canada. As a westerner himself, Abacus Data suggests that Carney may galvanise broader support away from Central Canada, possibly eking out a win.
The Liberal leadership race will undoubtably be close. With their party in crisis, all candidates must present their vision not only for a better Canada, but a renewal of the Liberal image. As we rush towards the March 9 election for party leader, and by extension Canada’s 24th prime minister, the country hangs in the balance. Whether this leader can repair their political and economic crises is still to be seen.
A Brewing Global Crisis
Matthew Mi ’26
Contributor
How far should a nation go to defend its sovereignty? In the precarious case of the South China Sea, this question has grown from a theoretical debate into a tangible threat. With tensions rising at an alarming rate in this epicentre of trade and geopolitical power, a conflict in these waters may be the largest threat to global peace in our current world. Southeastern Asia is rapidly descending into a cycle of posturing and deterrents. With both sides refusing to de-escalate, this dispute could quickly grow into the world’s next great conflict.
Consider the recent dispute between a Philippine supply ship and a Chinese vessel in the disputed Spratly Islands. As the surrounding water is claimed by both China and the Philippines, both sides have sent sorties into the disputed area. China has attempted to bar Filipino ships from entering the region, increasingly turning to more provocative
methods. As of late, China has fired water cannons on Filipino ships and brawls have erupted among crews of the rival nations’ ships. While both countries blame each other, the bottom line remains the same: both countries want control over these resource-rich waters. China unilaterally claims “unquestioned sovereignty” over almost the entire South China Sea. However, this clashes with the Philippines’, Vietnam’s, Malaysia’s, Taiwan’s, and other neighbouring nations’ 200 nautical mile (370 km) exclusive economic zones. The uncertainty and conflict have led to growing tensions in the area as navies and companies compete for control. But why should they care? The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The South China Sea isn’t just a regional issue—it’s a global one. About 3.4 trillion USD of trade passes through these waters each year, 20% of global shipping. Additionally, with over half of the world’s fishing and incalculable amounts of other natural resources beneath the waves, it is natural that all countries want a stake. The United States, bound by a 1951 armistice treaty with the Philippines, has condemned China’s “aggressive and dangerous tactics”, warning that such actions could lead to a wider conflict. Considering the two superpowers’ head-
strong positions, it is not difficult to imagine a single spark could ignite a chain reaction that invokes the United States and China, drawn in by their alliances and rivalries. The United States Navy already patrols these waters and has established several military and air force bases on its islands. These deterrents may serve to provoke further conflict.
World economic stability—and perhaps peace—depends on how nations navigate this volatile sit-
The Outsiders: A Stunning Drama Production
Deputy Editor
Derek Barrientos’ singing in the dramatic society’s production of The Outsiders was truly extraordinary. Just kidding! There was no singing, but you would know that if you attended the masterfully directed and acted spectacle that occurred in our very own theatre. The play told an excellent story, and everyone involved helped this work of art come to life.
The cast of the play did not disappoint. The emotion and depth conveyed by the actors brought the tragic story to life. By the end of the play, thanks to the cast’s stellar acting, it felt as though you knew each character personally. This all served to demonstrate the social issues within the story.
The story mainly focused on the division of classes between rival gangs—the Socs and Greasers. Socs
are the rich kids who terrorized Greasers, and Greasers are poorer kids who retaliated against the Socs’ actions. This gang warfare and hate is explored throughout.
In the end, the story teaches that “things are tough all over”; the enemy gangs have been fighting for nothing. The actors played their roles and “class” perfectly, while still maintaining their personality to allow this unique narrative to develop. While the actors deserve much credit, even more must be given to the director, Ms. Walker, who worked countless hours to ensure that the play went off beautifully, without many hitches. A large part of the storytelling of a play comes from the setting, and the stage crew did not disappoint with the quality of the background and props. The brick wall doubling as the church and masterfully crafted props, such as the car and fountain, elevated the story to make you feel like you were watching it happen in person. The addition of lights and sounds truly enhanced the severity of situations. Combined with the band who supplied period music, lights and sound brought everything together.
The most effort-intensive por-
tion of the play for the cast, as you may know from the number of announcements in the weeks-long build-up to the performance, was the fight scene. The fight scene was not quite a fight, but more of a dance number, far funnier than a classic fight. From the choreography and cohesiveness, it is evident that the effort put into the scene was worthwhile. The silly humorous moments in the play, led by that fight scene, helped to entertain the audience while conveying a serious message. That is to say that the humour did not detract from the heartbreak, instead, it intensified it through contrast.
Overall, everyone in the play is deserving of all the compliments from parents, students, and staff. This immersive experience could
uation. But there is hope. Diplomatic channels remain open, and efforts to outline clear maritime laws could help ease tensions. The question is whether the parties involved are willing to compromise before reaching a violent outcome. Would the world get over any other struggle at this scale, or is the South China Sea destined to become an incubator for catastrophe? Only time will tell, but it’s evident that the global community can’t afford to disregard this brewing storm.
not have happened without a very skilled director, cast members, stage crew, band members, lights and sound technicians, and countless hours of effort. This year’s production of The Outsiders not only entertained but also left the audience with a powerful message, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of everyone involved.
Alden Minuk ’26
St. Paul’s New Phone Policy: What’s New?
Isaac Lavitt ‘25
Editor-in-Chief
On August 15, the late (d. January 15, 2025) Minister of Education
Nello Altomare directed for cell phones to be excluded from classes across Manitoba. Now St. Paul’s High School hopes to exceed the provincial directive. At the beginning of the second term, cell phones and other technology will be banned from hallways, classrooms, and all areas not designated for technology use. With mixed opinions from students, teachers, and parents, this new policy will undoubtably change how students interact, travel, and learn around the school. However, we must ask whether it will be for the better.
For more than four years, St. Paul’s enforced no phones in class, apart from when allowed by teachers, for fear of JUGs and MIs. This strongly in line with the new provincial legislation of this year. The revised cell phone guidelines build upon the previous rules, while adding
clarifications and enhancements. Firstly, the policy strengthens the in-class enforcement by banning cell phone use in hallways during school hours. This aims to reduce safety risks caused by distractions, encourage students to engage with their surroundings and peers, and prevent disruptions caused by students leaving class to check their
expected to police usage through MIs for minor offenses, and JUGs for repeated or particularly heinous usage, such as in locker rooms.
Concerns exist for the policy. Students have been particularly resistant, describing it as “useless”. One student commented, “Nobody will take it seriously. Its just a statement
phones. As hallways are off limits, the school has designated “green areas”: places where technology usage is unrestricted. Teachers are
A Letter to Viola Desmond
Dear Ms. Desmond,
piece.” Teachers also worry about having to model behaviours and enforce the rules. With the need for hallway monitoring and extensive
I hope this letter finds you in a place where you can see just how much your courage has impacted my life. My name is Samuel Larson, and as a person of mixed race, I often find myself torn between two worlds. I sometimes feel that I don’t fully belong to either the Black community or the white community. But your story has shown me that I don’t need to conform to anyone’s idea of who I should be. You didn’t let society dictate your worth. You fought for your place and for the rights of others who were treated unfairly, and that gives me the strength to embrace who I am. Learning about your story has made me realize that you’ve given me a voice, helping me feel that I have a place in this world.
Your act of defiance at the Roseland Theatre, when you refused to move from the “whites-only” section, was an incredible act of courage. At that time, you didn’t know what the consequences would be, but you stood up for what was right. You knew it was wrong to be treated differently because of your race, and you took a stand, despite the risks. Your bravery made me realize that my own struggles with identity don’t compare to the challenges you faced. You fought for your place in this world, and that inspires me to do the same.
What stands out most to me is that you didn’t just fight for yourself—you fought for others too. Your actions brought attention to the injustice of segregation, and although you didn’t see the results during your lifetime, your defiance sparked a movement that changed Canadian history. You didn’t give up, and that gives me hope. Your bravery may not have led to immediate change, but it laid the foundation for the freedoms I enjoy today.
use of MIs to keep the policy relevant and followed, many believe that it will only be enforced for the first few weeks. The main issue voiced is that those who already disregard the phone policy, escaping class on bathroom breaks to use their phone, will continue to do so, and the new rules inconveniences the rest.
However, one can look back towards the mask mandates of COVID 19 to see how this policy could be effective. During the pandemic, the school required masks at all times when not eating or drinking, which was at times ignored by students. Nevertheless, strong enforcement kept the majority of students in line— many Grade 12 students remember the near full JUG room courtesy of Mr. Kelsh. If consequences are demonstrated quickly at the outset, we can expect continued adherence in the future. It will just take time.
It is undoubtable that the new guidelines will change the interactions and flow of the school. St. Paul’s High School, like the rest of the province, is still wrestling with provincial edicts, changing technologies, and the differing viewpoints of students, teachers, and parents. With the new policy in place, we will see hiccups and many MIs in the near future.
Because of your courage, I can walk into school and sit with friends from every race. I don’t have to worry about being pushed aside or treated as less than. I can be who I am, and I can do it proudly. I know this freedom didn’t come easily, and it’s because of people like you that I am able to live my life without fear.
But even with the progress we’ve made, there’s still much work to be done. While Black Canadians have made great strides, First Nations communities continue to face discrimination. Your fight for equality still inspires me to speak up for those whose voices are not always heard. I believe it’s my responsibility to continue your work and fight for the rights of Indigenous people as well.
Viola, thank you for showing me what it means to stand up for what’s right. Your legacy continues to inspire me, and I promise to do my part in continuing the fight for justice.
With respect and gratitude, Samuel Larson ’26
Holdout – Part 2
Michael Wolanik ’25
Contributor
Trim and Optic entered the ruined settlement. Perched from the rooftops of the few standing buildings laid slender sniper droids, with surveillance cameras acting as their heads. Optic led the way to a caved-in building where a hulking figure sat leaning over the counter. The robot’s face was completely static; the only things that moved were four small red lights.
“What’s with the new defenses, Forge?” buzzed Optic. “Needed some defense against Steel Corp. Built them myself,” groaned Forge. “Are they sentient?” Trim asked from under the counter. “I am no miracle worker; they follow commands like any automaton, but that’s it. Their latest command is to shoot anything built by Steel Corp.” “Why are the Steel Corp being violent to civilian bots again?” Optic queried while looking at the shelves on display in Forge’s room.
two bots and starting the work.
When Optic and Trim came back online, they were underneath the counter next to a crouched Forge. “Good thing I installed radios into your heads as well, it looks like we’ve got company. Sniper automatons spotted a chopper coming this way.” Soundwaves crackled as Forge turned off his
At the top of the building, the intruder looked at Optic before launching its heavy harpoon at them. Using the rockets on its legs, Optic maneuvered to the side of the large projectile. “What, not a fan of using your words?” Optic buzzed as it skittishly walked from side to side anticipating another attack.
Instead, the intruder pulled back its harpoon with the rope that
Optic, as it fumbled with the heads on its waist, grabbing the high-ranking officer and welding that head back on its body. The blue and gold of its head contrasted with the gray beaten metal that covered its body. The commander grabbed the recently severed head and placed it with the rest. “Ah, hello civilians. I am sorry to be of any hassle, we are just searching for any resource rich areas. Do you know of any gas or oil stores in the area?” The posture of the commander-Compound highbred was completely different. It stood tall and transformed all three of its left arms into a single giant one.
“Rumour has it they are doing another run-through for supplies, seems like they might lose the war if they aren’t successful. Anyway, you interested in some equipment?” With that, Optic and Trim dropped their scrap metal on the table, with an alarming amount of it coming from fallen automatons. Forge sifted through the pile but did not comment on the unique selection of parts. Pulling an industrial magnet from the corner of the room, Forge powered on the magnet, removing the pile from view. “I can get each of you a module,” Forge muttered, walking away and returning with a handful of inventions. Optic chose a set of rocket boosters and Trim took an invisibility dome. Forge began the procedure, turning off the
radio. The three robots sat for a few moments until the eruption of fire from a machine gun. Trim disappeared, walking out of the dilapidated building to see a large military helicopter descending on the now abandoned rooftop, where bullet filled automatons laid. A bulky figure covered in welding marks stepped out of the flying machine. On its left side, three arms sprouted from its shoulder and on its right was a giant harpoon canon that looked as if it used to belong to a giant war machine.
“You sure this is a Steel Corp attack, Forge? I have never seen a robot on their side look like this,” muttered Trim on the radio, as it looked up at the intruder. “Unless they stole a Steel Corp chopper, I’m sure that’s one of them.”
“Optic, could you use those new jet boosters and help me talk to—” Trim stopped as Optic flied up to the rooftop without Trim. Trim cursed and silently began to scale the ruined building, wrapping the hose arm around jutting pieces of debris as it climbed.
was attached to it. “What valuables do you have that I could add to my collection?” it screeched as black smoke exited its mouth. “You seem to have good cameras and maneuverability. I could also see what internals you have when I have finished you off!” The robot charged at Optic, grabbing it with its three left arms. Optic’s hand swapped into a short gun barrel, and rattled off a few rounds onto the invaders’ frame, only leaving a few scratch marks. “What are you, a tank? These rounds are meant for androids!”
“We—I am Compound, and you will be joining me.” Compound tapped at its waist, where several robotic heads were attached, including a high-ranking officer. “Good soldiers they were, but they lacked independence. Followed orders without knowing the goal, so I’ll go through every robot’s memory until I finally know why we did all this.” With Compound’s speech finished, Trim uncloaked its invisibility from the back of Compound and used its gardening shears to sever the head of Compound. With that, Compound let go of
A sniper automaton from the neighboring roof shot at the head of the commander, which flung off. Fumbling again, Compound’s head came back up, pocketing the commander’s head once Compound’s was reattached. Compound blasted at the automaton with its harpoon, skewering it and pulling it off the edge of the building. Compound leapt from roof to roof, tearing apart automatons until one automaton got a lucky shot and knocked off Compound’s head, which was once again replaced by the commander. The commander dusted itself off and rejoined Optic and Trim. “Excuse our outbursts, we are still working on a fix. Anyways, a gardening droid would have knowledge of resources, so you are coming with us.” Before Trim could disappear, the commander grabbed Trim and hauled them to the helicopter. Optic followed, chirping “Couldn’t you just rip out Trim’s memory? That would be a lot faster!” Trim gave a mortified expression to Optic. “Compound wishes to do that right now in fact, but it is against my most basic of code, which Compound inserted straight into its mind. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t leave you as paralyzed piles of metal, so behave yourself on this mission.” With that, the helicopter lifted off the roof and Trim began to reveal all the bunkers it had in its memory.
Can the Jets hold on to their amazing start?
Jack McDonald ’27
Contributor
The Winnipeg Jets are off to a hot start this year, but will they be able to hold on to it? In recent memory, the Jets have always gotten off to a hot start during the first two or three months of their season but decline in performance before the playoffs. The Jets are currently first in the NHL, with possibly the best goalie in the league behind them.
However, they have been in this position before and have been unable to find strength later in their
season. The Jets deserve credit for having the best all-time start to their NHL season, but that doesn’t mean anything unless they can win games in May and even June. After their back-to-back losses to the Panthers and Lightning, two teams who have won the Stanley Cup in the last three years, fans wonder if the team will be able to contend with the best teams in the league.
Let’s look back at the Jets’ records from early November for the last three seasons. This year, the Jets’ record was 15 wins and 3 losses. In 2023, it was 8 wins and 5 losses. In 2022, 9 wins and 3 loses, and in 2021, 12 wins and 7 losses. Based on this, we can see that the Jets have consistently had a strong start to their season. When we look at the Jets’ playoff record for the same seasons, we realize something concern-
How the NFL can go global
Andrew Earle ’25 Contributor
The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular American sports league. With over 20 billion USD in revenue yearly and an average viewership of 17 million per game, the North American market is now solidly controlled. So, what is next? International growth. Here’s how the National Football League is setting itself up to be an international franchise.
The NFL established the NFL International Series in 2007, and it has gained traction ever since its debut. With a successful first game in London, the NFL branched out to
play games in Mexico City, Munich, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, and up next is Madrid, in 2025. The league has played 50 international games and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. League commissioner Roger Goodell says the league has passed a resolution obligating all teams to play outside of the US in upcoming seasons. They also agreed to increase the number of international games from 5 to 8 per year. Goodell even hopes to increase it to 16 games a year in the future. It is clear fans can expect the game to grow globally. The growth is not only to come from the NFL, but the Olympics too. In August 2024, the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of Flag Football to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The question remains whether we will see an international team. Well, the idea of relocating a current team internationally is not new but should be re-evaluated. It seemed possible
ing—they peak too early. In the last 3 years, the Jets have never made it past the first round and didn’t even qualify for playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. Perhaps a hopeful statistic is the Jets’ point totals from the last 3 seasons. In the 2021-2022 season, the Jets had 89 points. During
the 2022-2023 season, they had 95 points, And in the 2023-2024 season, the Jets collected 110 points. The Jets have been getting better every year and maybe this will be the year that we finally have a deep playoff run, not to mention the thought of winning the Stanley Cup.
for the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars to relocate outside of the US, but both teams have committed to stay in their current homes for another 30 years. Before agreeing to stay, the teams went on international campaigns. They played a game each year in their possible relocation cities: Toronto and London. At the time, relocating wasn’t ideal because the teams weren’t appealing to fans.
Why weren’t they appealing? The product on the field was terrible. The Bills finished last in their division every year they played in Toronto and the Jaguars went on to make the playoffs only twice in the ten years they’ve played in London. The results affected their popularity within the UK. According to JD Sports, the Jaguars are the 21st most popular team in the UK. Popularity in UK sports is predominantly determined by performance, and the NFL needs to realize that. There, the Premier League is the most popular sports league. A group of six teams, nicknamed “The Big 6”, have won 93.5% of the league’s titles since its start in 1992. The teams’ success translated to their popularity; the teams have 90.3% of all social media followers in the league.
So how can the NFL get them a winning team? The reality is that winning teams usually do well in their current location and don’t feel the need to relocate. However, the NFL can pitch a weak team to move instead. They’d probably have to wait, but they can expect their roster to get stronger. While it may baffle Premier League fans, it is likely for weak teams to get stronger in the NFL. The NFL has ticket revenue
sharing, a salary cap, and a drafting process for future players that helps underperforming teams rebuild quickly. Usually, these factors create a cycle of high- and low-level performance over the years. For instance, 87.5% of NFL teams have played in the Super Bowl since the league’s inauguration. Thanks to the cycle, weaker teams could feel more comfortable moving internationally and expect better play in the future.
So, what’s the next step for the NFL? They should showcase their top teams to build more interest. With the obligation of all teams to play internationally, it seems the head office is already two steps ahead. The league can schedule matchups between the top teams and showcase their superstars rather than the weak relocation candidates. Plus, with the power of social media, interest will skyrocket. On top of that, teams are to play internationally more frequently. The growth will make international relocation more appealing to smaller market team owners. Also, relocation is not the only option. If enough interest is sparked, the NFL can create its own European or International division instead.
The NFL’s expansion is inevitable, but it relies on growing interest. With an increasing number of international games and all teams participating, the foundation is being laid. If the league plans to feature marquee matchups and showcase top-tier teams in high-profile games, global interest will naturally surge. It’s only a matter of time before the NFL adds an international team.
Artificial Intelligence: A Man-Made Chaos
Solomon Khokhar ’28
Contributor
“Artificial Intelligence” is an umbrella term that refers to any software that can replicate tasks that normally require human intellect. The most common type of artificial intelligence is machine learning. It is a type of software that uses algorithms trained on data sets to create instructions that help the machine perform tasks that would have otherwise only been possible for humans.
Many see this as a great benefit to society because they look selectively at the good AI can do. The truth is that artificial intelligence will cause more harm than good.
To start off, law enforcement sees great potential in AI. Through the use of facial recognition, police can better locate suspects and track criminals. However, wrongful arrests are common. One such case is Robert Williams in Detroit. In 2020, Williams was mistakenly identified using facial recognition software for a crime he did not commit and spent a day in jail before being let out. Cases like these will become more and more common unless the police departments that use AI programs like these are more regulated.
Moreover, Police departments have begun to use AI that runs off machine learning to create pro-
grams that can predict if a person will commit a crime. The police would feed the AI data regarding crime, and this information would enable the AI to make an unbiased prediction on whether or not a person is likely to commit a crime. The problem is that the data is often inherently biased against a group of people, resulting in false positives. Moreover, artificial intelligence is extremely unregulated. Anyone with an internet connection can have access to this powerful tool, and many use it to simulate videos or images of people without their consent. These deepfakes are used to blackmail people for money, or to spread misinformation for personal gain. It can also result in cheating on many different academic assignments. Although the use of online resources to cheat has always been a problem, AI has made it a more prevalent problem in the modern day.
Finally, AI can perform tasks at a higher level than a human could ever achieve, which could begin to affect many people as their jobs might be taken over by AI. According to a report done by Goldman Sachs, a global investment banking company, they estimate around 300 million jobs could be jeopardized by advancements in AI.
The power of AI is astonishing and can truly be used for good but, as it stands, AI with the unregulated nature and novelty of it continues to create many negative problems in our world.
The Silent Crisis of the Digital Age
Ashton Ross ‘25
Contributor
Did you know that as every minute passes, cybercriminals claim yet another victim’s data online? This issue is so large, that it critically impacts 3 out of 10 businesses each year. Yet, the average person knows naught of the magnitude of these perils. To demonstrate just how unaware people are of this field, I must admit that I just now gave you inaccurate information. A cyber attack occurs roughly every 10 seconds, strikes nearly 7 in 10 corporations, and rises in frequency by 15% each year. This is a tremendous issue in the modern world that doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as it should.
The internet, for those who know where to look, holds an abundance of open-source digital tools that can uncover delicate business conditions. This is a positive thing because it allows for small companies to easily test the security of their software and it allows for an easier learning process for people who want to get into the cyber field. The downside of this mass availability is the opportunity for misuse.
For example, if a hacker wanted to obtain the sent data and IPs of all devices connected on an unsecure network, they could use rather elementary scripts from the highly available Kali Linux—or if they had administrative controls, Wireshark. These cybercriminals use such tools to target the confi-
dentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data.
One may ask, “Why is this issue so pressing?” In the United States alone, nearly 10 percent of the population experienced some kind of identity theft in 2021, with a total financial loss of 16.4 billion USD. To put this into perspective, that is equal the average annual salary of over 350,000 Canadians combined. It is truly unsurprising to learn that cybercrime is the driving force behind the theft of this data. The list of how these hackers exploit vulnerabilities is endless, but the fact remains that their actions have profound consequences. Do not fear: there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are already thousands of companies that exist with the purpose of keeping sitewide data safe and securing the masses from pesky cybercriminals. Namely, some of the larger companies that you may recognise in the industry include: CrowdStrike, Trellix, Palo Alto Networks, Coro, and many more. There are also regularly-updated, reputable cheap frameworks that companies can utilise to structure their online defence. Some common examples of such frameworks include US’s NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, and ISO 27001.
With the introduction of AI and supercomputers, this field has begun to change drastically. What was once considered impenetrable encryption methods may soon become outdated and vulnerable techniques, and it is up to the generations of tomorrow to solve this pressing issue.
I encourage anyone who is unsure about their future career to contemplate whether a job in cybersecurity is a good fit for them.
Greenland’s City
Matthew Mi ’26
Contributor
Imagine discovering a hidden city frozen under miles of snow—a relic of a bygone era that has been lost to time. As they flew over Greenland in April 2024, NASA scientist Chad Green and his team found just that. Using advanced radar technology from NASA’s Gulfstream III aircraft, a Cold War era U.S. military base, ‘Camp Century’, was spotted, buried about 100 feet under snow. “We didn’t know what it was at first,” Green admitted in a statement from NASA’s Earth Observatory. The team’s mission was to explore the ice fields, but instead their radar revealed strange tunnels and structures. From Cold War era missions, to political drama, to a possible environmental crisis, the death and rise of Camp Century seems straight out of science fiction.
Camp Century was a prototype constructed in 1959 to test whether a nuclear launch site was possible underneath the arctic ice. Under the guise of scientific research, its 2 500 miles of tunnels sought to prove that a subterranean arctic base could be built to house missile silos and launch systems. The proposed full base, codenamed Project Iceworm, would span 52 000 square miles, containing 600 missiles—all within striking range of the USSR. However, the plan proved more fiction than science, as high budgets, collapsing tunnels, and a shifting ice sheet halted all plans for further development in 1962. By 1967, the camp was abandoned, buried beneath the shifting banks of the arctic wastes.
Although Camp Century was abandoned in 1967, rising Arctic temperatures and NASA’s sophisticated radar brought the station back into the spotlight. Unlike previous models that provided two-dimensional detection, new radar technology has produced detailed, three-dimensional images that clearly display the features of Camp Century. However, this discovery isn’t just historical curiosity: it’s a potential environmental threat. Radioactive, biological and chemical waste was left around the camp’s infrastructure, buried under snow now melting rapidly due to climate change. These literal tons of radioactive material, sewage, and carcinogens could easily be released into the ocean through meltwater. A 2016 study warned the camp could resurface before the end of the century, raising serious questions about how to manage the pollution.
At the height of the Cold War, Camp Century was an example of humanity’s determination to survive and innovate under harsh conditions. Now, it’s a stark reminder of how those same innovations can have a lasting impact on our planet. The “City under the Ice,” once a wonder of Cold War ingenuity, is now a critical site for climate scientists studying the effects of melting ice on our environment. As the Greenland Ice Sheet keeps thinning, what else may it reveal/expose and what obligations will humanity face as the past resurfaces?
Starship Launches 5 and 6
Abdulkarim Arara ’28
Contributor
Imagine a world where flying to Mars or the Moon is as routine as flying to a Europe. With its Starship program, Elon Musk’s SpaceX inches closer to achieving this revolutionary feat. The Starship program is SpaceX’s next-generation space exploration system. It is designed to be a fully reusable spacecraft, carrying both crew and cargo weighing up to 150 tonnes to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The fifth and sixth test flights were particularly important to the Starship’s development, testing many important aspects of the spacecraft’s design. The fifth flight focused on adjusting the rocket to perform the precise maneuvers required for landing, while the sixth launch built on these lessons, aiming to perfect Starship’s flight and landing. These trials tested critical components of the spacecraft and provided important data that helped SpaceX refine the Starship’s design, bringing humanity closer to interplanetary travel.
The fifth Starship flight test marked an important step in SpaceX’s journey toward refining its next generation spacecraft. One notable objective was to catch the booster rocket (known as the Super Heavy) midair, using the arms of the launch tower, pushing the boundaries of rocket reusability, a pivotal step to reduce the cost of space travel.
On October 13, 2024, after launching the Starship’s payload towards the In-
dian ocean, the Super Heavy turned around and fired its engines to return to the launch site. As the boosters approached the launch pad, it slowed to a near hover and did a horizontal slide maneuver to line itself up with the launch tower’s arms, which then closed around the booster. The success of this mission provided valuable data to improve future designs and procedures, paving the way for reliable, cost-effective launches and reusable rockets. The success of this test will also be critical for the future missions under NASA’s Artemis program, which is planning to put humans on the moon again by 2028.
The sixth Starship flight test paved the way to reliable and easy space travel. It aimed to assess the Super Heavy booster and Starship payload performance during liftoff and descent. Furthermore, it tested advanced heat shields and addressed issues observed in previous flights. On November 19, 2024, The Super Heavy launched successfully, generating tremendous thrust with its 33 raptor engines. The Starship’s payload separated as planned and reached the desired altitude before executing a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, where the data was then recovered. The Super Heavy did not attempt a landing this time, focusing instead on engine stress testing. This successful flight test demonstrated progress in making Starship fully reusable, aiding in NASA’s Artemis program and Elon Musk’s ambition to colonize Mars.
The fifth and sixth Starship tests advanced reusable rocket technology and brought us closer to cost-effective lunar and Martian missions for humanity’s future, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to revolutionize space travel through innovation, reusability, and cost reduction.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Haolin Tong ’28 Contributor
Winnipeg is known for its harsh winters, with freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls, and limited daytime. For some, this season means cozy nights indoors, hot drinks, and winter activities. However, for many people, long winters are not only physically challenging but mentally too. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression, affects many people living in Winnipeg, and the condition is worsened by the city’s long, dark winters and reduced daylight.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, sometimes known as “winter blues”, is a mood disorder typically occurring during the fall and winter when daylight hours decrease. A survey by Across Boundaries has shown that 1-3% of Canadians suffer from severe SAD, while another 10-20% suffer from a milder form—that’s a lot of people. Even though SAD occurs to many people as just simple “seasonal trouble,” it can affect someone in various harmful ways. While the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, it is believed to be linked to the reduction in natural sunlight during the winter months, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock which regulates sleep patterns, hormone production, and neurotransmitters like serotonin. As a result, it can hurt these neurotransmitters that regulate mood. The symptoms of SAD in different people could vary. Still, the most common ones are loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed,
Saint Joseph, the Foster-Father of Christ
Gabriel Arias ’27 Arts and Culture Copy Editor
The life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, involved many key figures. One of the most prominent was Saint Joseph. According to the Gospels, St. Joseph was the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. With only fourteen mentions and no words spoken by him in the Bible, St. Joseph is often only superficially understood. So, what else should you know about St. Joseph, and why is he so important in Christianity?
St. Joseph was a first century Jewish man from Nazareth born circa 100 BC, ac-
cording to the Scriptures. In the Gospel of Matthew, his ancestry is traced back 18 generations to King David from the Hebrew Bible. The problem is that he does not appear in the Gospel of Mark, nor does he appear in the 13 Epistles of St. Paul after the Gospels. In simple words, canonical scripture does not give a revealing 2nd century history on St. Joseph. However, there are apocryphal writings such as the “Protoevangelium of James” and the 4th century “History of Joseph the Carpenter” which present him clearly. Based on these hidden writings, he was already a widower with children when he met Mary and is said to have died at 111 years old in Israel circa 1 AD. The Church does not accept these spurious claims, which is why they are not in the Bible.
Many apocrypha portray Joseph as a carpenter who made plows, yokes, and other wooden tools and objects. He married a woman named Melcha
excessive fatigue, decreased ability to focus, and excessive headaches.
If you have these symptoms, or if you are noticing a friend who is having these symptoms, do not panic—there are lots of activities that can help. Regular exercising is a natural mood booster that can help a lot in terms of coping with SAD. Despite the cold temperatures and the deep snow, it is always good to participate in winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Even a walk in the winter sunshine can help improve mental health and reduce the symptoms of SAD. Indoor activities like yoga or working out can also provide an outlet for physical activity during the cold months. And of course, spend time with family or friends—studies by the National Institute of Mental Health show that talking through distress can open up the door for positive change.
Finally, here is a common myth about SAD that you should be aware of: some believe that SAD will go away on its own; however, while symptoms may improve during the brighter and warmer months, they can persist or even worsen if left untreated. Just like other forms of depression, SAD often requires treatment to go away.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just feeling a little down during the winter months—it is a serious condition that affects many people every year. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how serious SAD can be and mistake it for simple “seasonal trouble”, but with the right treatment, such as exercising and therapy, people with SAD can feel much better. I think we can all agree that it is important to raise awareness for this type of depression so that those who are suffering from it get the help they need and don’t feel alone.
or Escha at the age of 40 and had four sons and two daughters during his 49 years of marriage. After he was widowed for one year, his walking staff blossomed and a dove emerged, indicating that he had been divinely chosen to care for Mary, who was a teenager at the time. The Annunciation, the archangel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, takes place two years later in Nazareth. Joseph was looking for a midwife while the child was miraculously born. In “The History of Joseph the Carpenter”, Joseph’s last days are described by Jesus. On his deathbed, Joseph confessed his sinfulness to Jesus and Mary by his side. Jesus then beckoned the Archangels Gabriel and Michael to take his soul, and he was buried in their family grave.
More mainstream, St. Joseph is known as the Guardian of the Holy Family. He plays an influential role as a saint venerated in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, and Lu-
theran churches. He is also the patron saint of carpenters, fathers, the universal Church, and our own country, Canada. Father Anthony Doe, a priest from the Archdiocese of Westminster, reflected on the importance of St. Joseph to the Vatican saying, “The Jewish father played an enormously important part in the life of the son because he embodied the spirit of the covenant. St Joseph’s fatherhood with all its depth is of immense value to the world … embodies the spirit of commitment, willingness to sacrifice for the good of his children, to endow them with values and prepare them for love in their own lives.”
St. Joseph was dedicated to caring for his family, serving God, and doing His will. We should reflect on his obedience and love to God and to others, exemplifying a true man for others and a true disciple of Christ. Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Opinion: The Brainrot Consumeth
Isaac Lavitt ’25 Editor-in-Chief
Skibidi. Demure. Ohio. Sigma. Rizz.
For some of our readers, this will be utterly nonsensical, while for others it will prompt unabated rage, and for others still it is the peak of comedy and humour. However, for lexographers and netizens, these are examples of a phenomenon of society, namely brainrot. Named word of the year of 2024 by Oxford English Dictionary, it refers to the language, behaviours, and online viewing habits of those whose cerebra have ostensibly been consumed. And there is some irony in the term; created by the chronically online, it seems to be a tacit recognition of their own mental decline brought on by online content. Thus, an analysis of the digital age is warranted, to determine whether the rot hath consumed society.
The earliest known usage of the word brainrot was in 1854, used to critique the apparent simpletonianism of then-modern academia and public policy. Author and philoso-
pher Henry Thoreau wrote on his ‘brain-rot’, “Why level downward to our dullest perception always, and praise that as common sense?” In other words, “why do we dumb things down and think it smart?” This seems to be an apt description of current online media. With short form content on the rise, ideas are distilled into their simplest forms, butchering their force and clarity. Verily, if past works were given the same constraints, the text of Romeo and Juliet would be reduced to “Teenagers are idiots”, or if Shakespeare was feeling especially adventurous “Teenagers are idiots, especially when they are in love”— certainly succinct, but it lacks all nuance, beauty, and depth. The effects are seen in our media and politics.
However, brainrot today tends more towards the effects of blind consumption. With morsel-sized concepts, one can snack on reductionism without much thought or reflection. Nutritionists refer to these habit-forming, nutrient-poor binges as empty calories. And compulsion to consume leads to addiction. Since the early ’00s, screentime statistics have increased exponentially, especially in youths. Indeed, some of these Cocomelon children and Ipad kids have matured into consumers of Skibidy Toilet and
TikTok reels. And this is an issue. Scientists have correlated internet usage with depression, shorter attention spans, social isolation, as well as brain development issues in children. In this way, our brain somehow figuratively rots. As these children age, we can reasonably expect them to join the workforce, become lawmakers, or even hold the highest office: influencer. It seems hopeless.
But we are not all lost. Amid the effects of debasement of ideas and addictions of individuals, we must remember the modern-day source
of the word: the young. Brainrot is self-referential: it is used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha to describe themselves. We recognise the harm. And this is the first step towards a solution. In Oxford’s poll for word of the year, runner up was “demure”, from the trend to be “demure” to be “mindful”. Therefore, although our brains may be rotted, they are not consumethed. While we are cognisant of our minimalizations and consumption, we cannot decay.
Our brains remain unrotted, if we use them.
From Records to Restoration: The Nestaweya River Trail
Joseph Mutter ’27
Contributor
The Nestaweya River Trail is one of the great traditions of the City of Winnipeg. The trail over its 35 year history has always been a hub for Winnipeggers to celebrate the winter weather that, to some people, defines us as a city. This trail is one of the most significant cultural, recreational, and historical icons of the city, and its turbulent history is one that must be told.
The name of the trail itself reflects its history. Since its opening in 1990, the trail was known as the Centennial River Trail. However, in 2022, it received its current name to reflect the history of Indigenous people at the Forks. The trail’s name, ‘Nestaweya,’ is the Cree word for ‘three points,’ which refers to the three directions Indigenous peoples have accessed the Forks by river for over ten thousand years for hunting. The Forks was also a crucial point for
voyageurs during the fur trade, who used the area to store and ship supplies. In 1870, the capture of Upper Fort Garry at the Forks by Louis Riel signalled the beginning of the Red River Resistance, eventually leading to the creation of the province. More recently, following a 1980s revitalisation project, the Forks has metamorphosized into a winter wonderland, with the crown jewel being the extraordinary river trail.
In more modern times, the Nestaweya River Trail has been a beacon for the City of Winnipeg. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year; they flock to the Forks to enjoy the winter scenery. With a skating trail, ski tracks, warming huts, and hiking path, locals and tourists alike traverse its six kilometres of ice. It even once held a Guinness World Record for the Longest Ice-Skating Trail, although that record was stolen in 2014 by British Columbia’s Lake Windermere Waterway. Nonetheless, the future of this trail’s golden past is in question.
Headlines of “Shortest Season Ever,” “Shut Down Early,” and “Abnormally Warm Weather” have appeared in the news next to our river trail’s
name, harshly barring Winnipeggers from partaking in this classic pastime. Last year, the trail was open for a measly nine days, operational intermittently between January 25 and February 13. With a warming climate, the river trail has been experiencing a dark time in its history; the once easily accessible and consistently available trail has been mired by late or unusual river freezing, winter heat waves, climate change, and El Niño events. Hopes are high this season as the trail opened on December
21, the earliest opening since 2008. As the Nestaweya River Trail desperately tries to enter a recovery phase from a tumultuous year, now hopefully in its rearview mirror, we must offer it our support. Whether donating to the trail’s new “Trail Together” initiative, which allows donors to sponsor one metre of the winding trail, or simply pulling out your skates on a snowy afternoon and heading down to the Forks, we can all help build the community that the Nestaweya River Trail has always strived to create within Winnipeg.
The Failure of Trump’s Casino Empire
Alden Minuk ’26 Deputy Editor
An undisputed fact in the business world is that casinos are an extremely lucrative investment given that the entire point of them is that the odds are stacked against the customer, guaranteeing profit. Many high-level entrepreneurs and politicians own casinos to fund their various endeavours, including current president Donald Trump. A large part of Trump’s campaign promises was to fix the economy for Americans. However, Trump himself has not proven to be the wisest with money, as is evident with the failings of his various Atlantic City casinos in the 80’s and 90’s.
The most notable of Trump’s failures in the casino business was that of the Trump Taj Mahal in 1990, which he claimed was “truly going to be an incredible place” and even went so far as to declare that “we’re calling it the eighth wonder of the world.” The billion-dollar project was a 42-story tower which would be not only the largest building in
New Jersey, but also the largest casino in the world. Early in the process of finishing construction of the incomplete Taj Mahal, which he purchased from Resorts International, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission considered revoking the operating licence due to rapidly escalating costs and a lack of market for the casino. To finish the construction, Trump took out a 675 million USD loan at 14% interest. Debt for the construction of
where. The market for the Taj Mahal Casino was simply not there and it starved his two other casinos of existing customers, dropping their profits by $58 million that year.
The worst part of the catastrophic failure was that Trump profited millions by investing little of his own money into the business, putting personal debts under the casino’s name, and taking money in salary and other bonuses. During
the Taj Mahal exceeded 820 million USD and experts suggested he would need to earn 1.3 million USD per day from the casino just to pay off the loan’s interest; this had never been achieved by any casino any-
the casino venture, investors suffered losses of over 1.5 billion USD. Trump confusingly acknowledged that he had had many issues with debt during his time as owner of the casinos but emphasized that the im-
Christmas Dinner and Humanity’s Demise
Rodmehr Filizadeh ’25
Business Editor
The Holidays. A time to gather with loved ones, possibly exchange gifts, create lasting memories, and, for some of us, eat an obscene amount of food before, during, and after Christmas dinner. Yet, if meat is on the menu for Christmas, you could be contributing to the eventual demise of humanity. The agribusiness behind how your Christmas meats got to the dinner table involves practices that have significant negative implications on the environment and could contribute to the development of lethal diseases. Meanwhile, food industry companies profit in the millions, working to meet consumer demand.
The agriculture sector’s environmental impact is damning. Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat producers in history, released
371 million pounds of pollution into United States waterways between 2018 and 2022. Recently, the company was also sued over misleading labels claiming they would be net-zero emissions by 2050. This comes amid a livestock production crisis in which 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally come from livestock. Of that, two-thirds came from cattle. The reason? The feed and breeding have made an unfortunate situation in which cows release more gas per year than ever before. When cows pass gas, they release methane gas, which is 28 times more harmful in warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. It’s part of a larger scale issue in which breeding makes animals more “market-friendly”, breeding so that animals grow larger in less time.
The ethical component is worsened when the living situation of the animals is considered. Documented farms from companies like Tyson show thousands of chickens herded into small pens, with literally no space to move. That said, even if the chickens had room, they would not have been able to
portant part of his time in Atlantic City was that he made lots of money.
Even after struggling through times when other casinos were in a golden age, Trump claimed that he had left Atlantic City at the perfect time, despite attempting to hold on to his failing properties well after the golden age for casinos had passed. The only reason he ended up giving his casinos away was because nobody wanted him as the manager. Many did, though, love his showmanship which likely helped keep him in control for so long. This may also have been why he was elected President of the United States not once but now twice.
Overall, Republican voters chose Trump for his apparent business savvy and promises of a strong economy. However, it seems that his skills are vastly exaggerated. His ability to ruin a casino financially is truly unprecedented. What Trump does excel at is persuasion. He convinced bondholders to continue funding him, people to keep him in management, and, most recently, the American electorate to vote for him as a saviour for the economy despite his lack of financial prowess. As he takes the presidency, we will see if Trump will be able to flip the script he has written over the past several decades.
move. The genetic modification and breeding have meant chickens have evolved to be heavier than their legs can handle, and most buckle under their own body weight.
Another danger of packing animals like chicken and cattle together is the prospect of disease. Close-quarter packing of animals creates a breeding ground for pathogens, which can be easily transferred to humans. Yet, this issue has persisted for years, so why would your Christmas dinner this year suddenly pose such great danger? The answer lies in the feed for animals. To “combat” the spread of disease, companies regularly administer antibiotics to farm animals. The downside? The development of anti-biotic resistant pathogens, which could spell danger for humanity. It is imperative to realize the scope of the largest meat producers in the market. In 2008, the four largest meat companies in the United States, Tyson Foods, Cargill, Swift, and National Beef, controlled over 80% of the market. For context, in 2023, Tyson Foods had an annual revenue of 52.88 billion USD (approximately 74 billion CAD). The
largest meat producers in the world are capitalizing on ever-growing demand from customers.
The answer to the meat predicament? It’s a multifaceted approach. Systematic change in the way we view meat includes less consumption and mindfulness in choosing meat that’s not farmed in harmful ways.
However, this solution requires governmental cooperation with stricter restrictions on how animals are farmed and the way they are labelled on route to the grocery store. The enormous sway of the world’s biggest meat companies makes this difficult and the struggle for clarity is often obscured by deliberately obstuse bureaucracy and corruption.
Considering holiday season and beyond, be mindful of the journey of your meat to the dinner table and the potential malpractice behind its journey. The road to ethical and safe raising of meat begins with concerted effort from everyone and, if we all do our part, then the safety and sustainability of both humanity, animals, and our food can be secured.
Across
2. Canada’s national winter sport
9. Oxford’s word of the year, described by Lavitt ’25 as consumething
10. Not a 51st state
12. Generation after Z
13. Riel’s people
14. Company for Musk’s Martian Mission
17. The Liberals or Conservatives
18. Something to wear this winter
20. It’s in our jeans
22. Forks skating path
25. An SMA event on February 13
27. Guitar-string sound
28. A winning card, or a president
30. It can be of present, past, or yet to come
32. Liberal leadership hopeful
33. Very ‘reticent’, very mindful
34. Fatherly saint
36. Liberal leadership hopeful (the other one)
39. To make again
40. Like 39 Across, but Disney style
42. A cup for a championship, or for insulation
45. Failed Trump casino
47. It can be for open-doors or cell phones, but honesty is the best of this
48. A combination of its north and south, but not when in a united state
49. Necessary
51. What tariffs will not reduce the price of according to Peters ’25
52. Operation in Greenland, or an unseasonal bug
Down
1. Where a Haka occurred in the house
3. St. Paul’s Dramatics Society’s production
4. What we just wrote and (hopefully) passed
7. Māori ritual dance
8. Big, cold arctic island
11. What a company must do or die, like a balloon
15. They’re banned in the halls
16. Something to kick or fill with worms
19. Look outside, its everywhere
21. Word paired with demure
23. A pause in hostilities
24. Ad meiorum Dei gloriam
26. Nature’s birdhouse
27. PM emeritus
28. Weapons for a trade war
29. She refused to move seats in a theatre
31. Obama slogan
32. Greenland subglacial camp
35. You might get one at the caf
37. A vote
38. Imperial Marcher
41. Sleigh rider
43. To voyage or to fall
44. VPS, phone policy implementer
46. Letter homophone, as you can see
50. Composting advocates of SPHS
Solution online at thecrusadernews.ca
Trump Election: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Trudeau: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Haka: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
Liberals: The Canadian Press/AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
Blair Gable/Reuters
South China Sea: Phillipine Coast Guard
Outsiders: Joel Adair
Joel Adair
Phone Policy: Isaac Lavitt ’25
Isaac Lavitt ’25
Viola Desmond: Wanda and Joe Robson Collection Ho/The Canadian Press
Holdout: Carter Allison ’28
Jets: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
NFL:AP Photo/Sang Tan
Artificial Intelligence: Damir Sagolj/Reuters
Greenland Base: US Army/Pictoral Parade via Getty Images
Brainrot: Zaleeya Dhalla
Nestaweya Trail: Tim Smith/Globe and Mail
Trump Casino: AP Photo/Mike Derer
Diversions
Moderator: Editor-in-Chief: Deputy Editor: Chief Copy Editor: Chief Head Layout Editor: Assistant
Laurence Broadhurst
Isaac Lavitt
Alden Minuk
Evan Peters
Ben Lehman
Joseph Lewin
Thomas Bernardin
Maksim Thomas
Castiel Haripersad
Rodmehr Filizadeh
Daniel Stipanovic
Nazar Bobelyak
Aidan Kuo
Gabriel Arias
James Bailey
Mauricio Barrientos Garay
Landon Pinette
John Wilson
Upcoming Events
February 5: Semester 2 Begins
February 14: No Classes/PD Day
February 15: Nick Laping Invitational Tournament
February 17: No Classes/Louis Riel Day
Feburary 19: Late Start/Recovery Learning
February 20: University of Manitoba Open House
February 21: Grade 10 Retreat
February 24: Course Change Deadline
February 26:Late Start/Recovery Learning, Pink Shirt Day
March 3:Grade 9&10 Pancake Breakfast, 11&12 Late Start
March
March 5:
March 6:
March
March 10-14:
March
March
March 18: Winter Sports Day
March 19: Late Start
March 20: Angus Ried Debate Tournament
March 26: Late Start
March 29–April 6: Spring Break
Comic by Heth Nelson Soc ’27
News Staff