The year 2025 had been a year of change, reflection, and adjustment. People all over the world continued to face the challenges left over from previous years while seeking new opportunities. From technology to the environment, 2025 showed how fast society is changing and how people are learning to keep up.

     Technology has become the main story in 2025. Artificial intelligence has simply become a part of daily life. Many students use tools that utilize AI to help them study or do work, and businesses are raising their productivity with these new tools. Apps that create realistic AI videos have become more prevalent in 2025. One example of this is  Sora Ai, which makes very realistic videos that are completely customizable with just a prompt and making it hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

     There were moments of ups and downs in the 2025 economy. Families struggling with the high cost of living, food prices, and gas, many people are worried about how they can continue to balance their budgets. Some teens entering the workforce became more focused on saving and planning for the future after more online videos teaching younger people financial help became more prevalent.

     Climate issues have also been in the headlines in 2025.  Social media has played a huge role in spreading awareness about climate change. This year saw record-breaking natural disasters, with the huge fires in Southern California, with mass destruction and loss of life, along with severe storms and tornadoes in other parts of the US. The Palisade and Eaton fires caused over 100 billion dollars in damage. As 2025 comes to a close, over 18,000 homes and structures have been lost to natural disasters in just 2025.

     Politics and international relationships of different countries were also prominent news headlines, such as with conflicts raging on in Gaza, Ukraine, and now in South Sudan. Nepal tried to ban social media, and the Gen Z population protested and overthrew the government within 48 hours of the ban. Similar news was apparent in Madagascar, with other youth-led protesters making the President flee the country. People need to make sure the news they are seeing is true, as misinformation is at an all-time high across social media and other free posting platforms.

      As 2025 comes to a close, it’s one of those years that tested people in many ways. While there were vast improvements in technology and awareness of global issues, challenges like economic pressure and climate concerns remained. The events this year show just how connected the world is.

     Movie viewers are getting tired of excessive sequels that value quantity over quality. Story lines that could be compacted into one movie are being lengthened to fill more and more movies. Many people feel that this is simply a gimmick used by companies to make more money. 

     That being said, if done correctly, multi-part movies can leave a greater impact on the viewer because of its length and attention to detail. Wicked and Wicked: For Good are perfect examples that not only exceeded expectations, but changed our world for good. 

    From the first movie to the second, the characters matured, grew, and lost their naivety. Elphaba became courageous, Glinda became strong, and Fiyero became selfless. They are fictional representations of human weakness that can be turned into strength if only they persevere.

      Wicked: For Good takes place in a less innocent Oz. The times are darker and everything is no longer wonderful. While the first movie centered around school drama, the newest movie focuses on Oz as a country with a corrupt government. 

      The story of Wicked is so special because it teaches the reality of trials and how governments are not all wonderful. Life is not perfect, but stories like Wicked teach us that we have the power to make a difference, even if it’s just changing one person. 

     Viewers who love musicals, drama, and fairy tales will love this movie. It had a little bit of everything;here was action, romance, comedy, and a deeper message. 

     Wicked: For Good stars Arina Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. While Cynthia Erivo impressed us all in the first Wicked, it was Ariana Grande that stole the show in Wicked: For Good. 

     Ariana Grande’s  portrayal of Glinda was beautiful as well as vulnerable. Not only can she sing like an angel, but her acting was so real that I forget that she wasn’t actually Glinda. 

      Glinda is supposed to be the very picture of goodness, and Ariana Grande was able illustrate the toll that perfection can take on a person. Her rendition of “I’m Not That Girl,” brought me to tears because of how relatable her vulnerability was. 

     However the added song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” was not necessary and was quite boring. I would recommend this as the perfect opportunity to use the bathroom, because you would miss nothing other than a mediocre ballad.  

      I also did not particularly like the new “No Place Like Home,” sung by Cynthia Erivo, but I thought it was more enjoyable then the other song. Both songs were written by Stephen Schwartz, the original song writer for the broadway musical.

     The new songs were necessary to extend the movie and to make it a full feature film. However they added nothing to the plot, but instead wasted our time. 

     Director Jon Chu is the wizard behind this masterpiece. He is most known for directing the movies Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights. In both Wicked movies, he showcased his magic with otherworldly set designs and carefully chosen film shots. 

     While Wicked: For Good is an emotional movie there were also moments of levity that balanced out the serious nature of the film. Simple jokes were made throughout the film and there was even a humorous fight scene between two frenemies. 

      Overall Wicked: For Good was an excellent film that made viewers laugh and cry simultaneously. While it wasn’t perfect, it was filled with magic and love.

  Every year, people search for gifts to add on their wishlist or what to give to a significant other. Even though everyone has different interests, some items always end up being the most popular. These gifts become popular because they are trending, convenient, or meaningful. In this article, you will find out some of the most common holiday gifts people buy today and why so many people like them. 

     One of the most popular categories of Christmas gifts is technology. Many adults and teens hope for Airpods, bluetooth speakers, or even the new iPhone 17! These items are convenient because they make life easier and enjoyable. Airpods allow people to listen to podcasts or music on the go whenever, and smartwatches and iPhones help track your fitness, messages, and schedules. Technology is always changing and improving, so these gifts stay popular each year.

     Another popular gift is clothing and accessories. People enjoy receiving warm hoodies, cozy pajamas, or hats during the cold winter season. Clothing is a necessity because we all need it, but can be personal and stylish. Many stores release special holiday designs that make clothing gifts feel even more special. Accessories like jewelry, bags, and scarves are common because they allow others to express their styles.

     Beauty and self-care products are another common but useful choice. Many people enjoy receiving skincare sets, perfumes, makeup sets, or hygiene products. These gifts help others feel relaxed and so they take care of themselves, which is essential during the stressful holiday season. Self-care gifts show empathy because they encourage the person to slow down and treat themselves.

     Gift cards are also some of the most popular Christmas gifts today. Even though they seem simple, they are extremely useful because the person can choose exactly what they wish to get. Some people prefer gift cards for clothing shopping, their favorite restaurants, or gaming platforms. Giving a gift card makes sure the person will get something that they truly enjoy.

     The most popular gifts are the ones that make people feel appreciated and happy. Whether it is technology, clothing, beauty products, or gift cards, each gift shows that you deeply care about someone. What matters is not the price or size of the present, but the thought behind it. Christmas gifts are a way to celebrate the season and show love to the people that matter the most in our lives. They also create memories that last beyond the holiday season. 

When someone opens a gift that was chosen for them, it makes them feel understood and valued. These moments bring connections and remind everyone that the holiday season is about being kind, showing generosity, and spending time with the people who make you feel special and meaningful. These small acts of giving help build stronger connections and make the holiday season brighter.

 Just a blink of an eye and it’s already a whole new season with tons of new looks and trends, and it looks like they put the best last this year. I’m talking about even more fur than last season and unique silhouettes that add contrast to everyday outfits.

     Let’s start with the silhouettes. Instead of boring (yet still cute) outfits this winter, we’re opting for over-the-top silhouettes that add a whole new dimension to our outfits. Expect large coats, varied proportions of clothing such as cropped pieces, and fun hats like berets, Breton caps, and those furry trapper hats. Speaking of some fur, we have way more this season. I’m talking about faux fur jackets that look like a blanket on you. Expect faux fur shoes, faux fur trimmed hoods, and even faux fur skirts this winter season.  

    Boring beige is out, and rich colors with fun fabrics are in this season. Plaid seems to be taking over this winter, as I’m seeing every celebrity walking down the street wearing some form of plaid; Specifically, Pink Pantheress, a British singer who went viral for her smart marketing. She incorporated plaid in every interview she was in, and even on some of the album covers for Fancy That. Now, all the girls seem to be walking down NYC wearing some form of plaid.

     Velvet is also a popular texture this season. The aim for the velvet look is chic and fun, while still giving that elegant look everyone thinks of. The looks we can expect are: draped, flowy dresses, elevated basics, and tactile flair. Also, rich colors like burgundy, navy blue, a deep forest green, and baby pink hues to add a little fun when it comes to outfits.

     When it comes to fashion, we can clearly see fashion trends rising and then dying. But they also get revamped and become a trend once again. We can see that this winter is for the Y2K era. Fabrics like cheetah and zebra print. Without being too much, the people are pulling it off and giving an edgy look, including the fabrics. 

     Layering has been more than a practical way to fight the cold; it’s a fashion moment. Layering used to be about keeping you warm; now it’s about elevating your outfits to the highest potential. This blending of warm and stylish lets people like us go wild and have fun creating outfits. Wool coats and puffers are a great way to boost an outfit. Mixing textures also adds a visually appealing look and makes a simple outfit stand out.

     Not just clothes can be layered, but also accessories. Like hats and sunglasses, jewelry and even scarves. Adding different textures of accessories and building on top of them, called a ¨stack, ¨ can bring life to an outfit and not look dull. And, forgot to mention, adds character to who you are, and can even be a conversation starter. Overall, winter has done it again with a successful season of fashion.

  Lace and Leather has done it again. Who knew soft romantic lace and powerful edgy leather would come back for this fall season? For the fall runways this year, the designers have constructed these gorgeous lacey long dresses and these big and bold leather pieces. 

     Lace this fall is becoming the star of the show! Lace is not only long, dreamy evening wear, but is also reinventing itself to become an everyday piece. Expect: lace-trimmed skirts and lace-detailed tops. 

     On the other hand, leather is changing its way through fashion and is becoming a rather versatile yet elevated fabric that adds contrast to outfits. For leather, expect: cropped jackets, leather bags, and even structured skirts. These two fabrics are the definition of ¨ Opposites Attract.¨ Wearing them both can create a more balanced look when creating outfits. In the end, lace and leather are what you think of when talking about fashion this fall. 

 Sequins are a staple for fun cocktail parties and even New Year’s Eve parties. However, one trend that seems to be gaining popularity is wearing sequins this fall. They are an everyday look now and can be paired with multiple accessories. 

    Sequins are bringing a whole era back. The 90´s! With colorful eyeshadow, big voluminous curls, and don’t forget show-stopping sparkling outfits. Prepare to see sequin skirts with chunky knit sweaters, a sequin two-piece, and even sequin accessories.

     Sequins used to be a symbol of royalty; even King Tut wore them. But the evolution of sequins changed. They went from gold-plated disks in 1922 to multiple different materials made for their durability in the 20th century. Like gelatin and acetate. Now, they have become plastic, sparkly disks that add uniqueness to outfits. Overall, sequins will shine this fall. Let’s just say, sequins are not only for parties!

  Every time the new season rolls around, new trends start to pop up. From maxi skirts to turtle necks. But the one thing that always stays when it’s fall, is fur! 

    Fur has always been around, even for the caveman. But now, it’s a fashion statement. This fall, not only is fur coming back, it’s coming back stronger and bolder than ever. People around the world are wearing these big faux fur coats. 

     Quite frankly, they’re killing it. From animal print to basic, but chic colored coats. Speaking of animals, animals are a big part of the fur industry. When fur first started, they used real animal fur. And throughout many centuries, the people and their idea of fur advanced. Now, faux furs are made of synthetic fibers such as acrylic and polyester. They’re becoming cruelty-free while also giving the customers the satisfaction of ´real´ fur. If models like Alex Consani and Amelia Gray Hamlin can rock fur coats, you can too!