Around the beginning of the new year, we always reflect on what has happened over the last twelve months. New Year’s is also a time of hope and optimism when the world thinks about the future and what the new year will bring.
We know that former President Donald Trump will be sworn in to serve his second term, making him the only second president to serve two non-consecutive terms. We also know that the GOP will hold a super majority, holding more than 50 percent of the seats in both the House and Senate, as well as the Presidency.
The Russo-Ukrainian war will continue and will pass its third anniversary since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. The war passed the 1000-day mark in November 2024. Although Ukrainian citizens remain hopeful the war will end soon, there are no immediate plans for a cease-fire or truce.
The Israel-Hamas conflict will continue, and pass the 500-day mark on February 18. Leaders from both sides are working on a cease-fire deal that could potentially end the 15-month conflict, although progress is reportedly slow.
Canada will hold its next federal election on or before October 20. On January 6, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would step down as soon as Canada’s Liberal Party found a suitable replacement. According to Canada’s Angus Reid Institute, Trudeau had been facing calls to resign after his approval rating dipped to 22 percent.
The infamous TikTok ban will go into effect in the US on January 19 unless it is sold or the Supreme Court overturns it. In January 2020, the Army and Navy banned TikTok on government devices after the defense department labeled the app a security threat. The national ban was first proposed in 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and has undergone many versions after being picked up by the Biden Administration.
Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre will likely become the new Prime Minister after the October federal election, ending the Liberal Party’s 10-year majority in the Canadian parliament.
AI will likely become the forefront of technological advancement. According to Crunchbase News, $134 billion was spent on AI startups in 2024.
Senior Parker Crowl predicts that rapper Playboi Carti will not release his much-anticipated next album in 2025.
“NO CARTI ALBUM,” Crowl said.
Nolan Preble, a junior at Holly Springs High School, said that he thinks the United States would take over Canada, possibly alluding to President-elect Donald Trump’s comments on Canada joining the union as the 51st state.
In 2025, the world will see vast changes politically, socially, and technologically. While what lies ahead isn’t completely decided yet, let’s hope 2025 is a year of progress and positive change.
