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Trump Blames DEI Initiatives For DC Plane Crash
On Jan. 29, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial jet, killing all 64 passengers aboard the flight and the three US soldiers aboard the helicopter. American Airlines flight 5342 was travelling from Wichita, Kansas, and struck the helicopter on its final descent to Washington’s Reagan National Airport. The wreckage of both aircrafts was found in the Potomac River, where first responders rushed to the scene, but were unsuccessful in finding any survivors.
Trump Proposes 25 Per Cent Tariff On All Canadian Goods
US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose a 25 per cent tax — better known as a tariff — on all trades with Canada, sparking concern in Canada’s political sphere.
BC Teen Has Caught Canada’s First Case Of Bird Flu
On Nov. 9, BC’s first ever case of bird flu – also known as avian flu or avian influenza A(H5N1) – was recorded and confirmed. BC health officials have been conducting an ongoing investigation, but have not yet been able to determine how the teen contracted the virus.
The Spirit of Giving: Inside Clubs' Fundraisers
As Hamber settles into the new building, various student-led fundraisers have begun popping up in the halls. From cupcakes for Family Smart to sushi for Covenant House, Hamberites have been able to purchase a variety of food for a good cause.
Vancouver May See White Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas may prove worthwhile this holiday season. BC residents can expect a La Niña weather pattern this winter, which will bring below-average temperatures, low-elevation snowfall, and higher precipitation levels.
Surrey Schools Face Capacity Crisis
Facing a rapidly growing population, Surrey schools are struggling. Students must contend with chronic overcrowding, learn in portables, attend class at irregular times, and make do with limited course-selection options. District officials have urged the province for billions in new funds, but funding commitments have yet to meet their demands.
Inside Hamber’s LAC and LA/LS Classes
Hamber’s Learning Assistance Class (LAC) and Learning Assistance/Life Skills (LA/LS) program are a key part of the VSB’s learning support programs, offering modified education separate from mainstream classes. LAC runs at individual junior and senior levels, while LA/LS combines junior and senior students. Rather than Dogwood diplomas, LA/LS students are awarded Evergreen certificates, which are based on the completion of individual educational programs.
Folk Songs And Fairy Tales: Wind Ensemble’s First Concert In The New Auditorium
On Dec. 4, Hamber’s wind ensemble played its first official concert in the new auditorium, titled Folk Songs and Fairy Tales. “Fanciful, imaginative, and whimsical” is how Mr. N. Francis (Music) described the program. In his director’s note, he said, “Tonight, we explore the idea of storytelling [...] and the myriad [of] ways that it can be done with music.”
Global CO2 Emissions Expected To Hit Record High In 2024
The world's largest climate summit, COP29, concluded in Azerbaijan on Nov. 24. Nearly 200 countries and 70 thousand participants gathered to discuss climate change policy, with a focus on finance. This conference called on all regions to work toward enabling a record total of $1.3 trillion in yearly financial aid for developing countries by 2035, which will be directed toward reducing carbon footprints and transitioning to low-carbon pathways.
Hamber’s First Grad Cruise Sets Sail
Hamber’s first-ever grad cruise kicked off celebrations for the Class of 2025 on Nov. 21. The evening brought together 161 students — about half of grade 12s — for a night of dancing, food, and fun.
Record-Breaking Penguin Swims To Australia
An emperor penguin was found on a western beach in Denmark, Australia on Nov. 1. This location is much further north than the species is usually spotted, as penguins are typically only found in the Southern Hemisphere on Antarctica or sub-Antarctic islands. After being rehabilitated, the penguin was released by Australian Wildlife officials 20 days later.
Mailbox Malaise: Canada Post Strike Continues Into the Holiday Season
On Nov. 15, at 12:01 AM, the Canada Post strike officially began. According to CBC News, The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), announced that crown corporation Canada Post was refusing “to negotiate real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day."
Canucks Face Early Challenges: Can They Regain Control of the Pacific?
The Vancouver Canucks have had an eventful start to the 2024–25 National Hockey League (NHL) season. With Thatcher Demko's lengthy knee injury still casting a shadow over the team, among other hardships affecting the Canucks' performance, Vancouver fans have been left questioning whether the team can replicate last season’s success.
67th Annual Grammy Nominations Released
Nominees for the 67th Grammy Awards were announced on Nov. 28, ahead of the upcoming Feb. 2 awards ceremony. The Beatles received their first nomination in decades. Taylor Swift clinched her seventh Album of the Year nomination, after becoming the first-ever artist to win the award four times. Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Kendrick Lamar all received seven nominations each.
“Up to Par”: Hamber’s New Cafeteria
Following Hamber’s move to the new building, students were introduced to a new cafeteria experience. Located in the atrium, directly across from the main entrance, the new cafeteria has drawn a variety of reactions from Hamberites.
Australia Moves Forward With Social Media Ban
In late November, Australia's lower house of parliament moved to pass a bill banning social media for youth under 16. The punishment and responsibility to uphold the law would be placed entirely upon the apps, not the teenage users.
OPINION | The Rise Of The Strongman: How Young Men Shaped The 2024 US Presidential Election
Prior to the election, Michelle Obama had a warning for male voters: “Your rage does not exist in a vacuum. If we don’t get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women will become collateral damage to your rage,” which is exactly what happened. The 2024 United States presidential election was supposed to be greatly impacted by women, and their voices. They were going to bring change to the political landscape, rally for their rights and autonomy, and elect the first female president. If history is any indication, no one should be surprised that it was in fact young men that defined this election cycle, and elected Donald Trump to be the next president.
The Class of 2024: What Future Grads Should know
As the new year rolls around, leaving high school has become a primary focus for Grade 12 students. With intense course loads and university applications, it can be a struggle to find enjoyment in the last year of highschool. After navigating their own grad year, Hamber’s class of 2024 has guidance to offer and key moments to look back on — moments this year’s Grade 12s can now look forward to.
SATIRE | What Your 2024 Spotify Wrapped Says About You
Every year, millions of Spotify users jump to social media to post their Wrapped. Many let this silly statistic define who they are for a year, even going to great lengths to edit their results to make them more appealing. Other streaming platforms have attempted to dupe Wrapped, but none have made as influential an impact as Spotify. I found this year’s Wrapped comparable to a guest showing up three hours late to a Christmas party, expecting a warm welcome. In their pyjamas. Empty-handed.
ANALYSIS | Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Break
In 2023, many had never heard of the soon-to-be pop icon Sabrina Carpenter, but with her hit single “Espresso”, Carpenter skyrocketed up the charts and soon millions knew her name. Carpenter has had a thrilling year. Her viral song “Espresso”, which was released on Apr. 11, reached number one on the charts in the US and UK. “Espresso” is the fastest song to exceed a billion streams in Spotify history, reaching 1.2 billion streams in 146 days, according to the World Music Awards.