The Viewer
New legislation, new perspectives
| Ava Wagner & Henry Hamilton STAFF REPORTERS
The new year brings fresh starts, and for Minnesota, January brings new laws from the state government that go into effect. This year, Minnesotans are looking forward to benefiting from a plethora of changes in laws surrounding paid leave, work breaks and workplace wages.
In 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill implementing paid leave for all Minnesotans, rolling out this month, which marks the first time Minnesotan businesses are required by law to provide payment and job stability for leave. Before, businesses dictated the grounds for paid leave, but now, paid leave can be accessed for either medical leave and/or family leave (including bonding leave for children, caring leave for caring for a loved one, safety leave and military family leave for helping family members in military service). If an individual qualifies for both, they can obtain up to 20 weeks a year.
This will help out thousands of Minnesotans who are in need, but some Minnesotans are nervous about the program. With previous fraud and high wage expectations, business owners are adversely affected and worried about what this will mean for their companies.
“I think it’s a really great law for us, because it’s really going to help us make some advancements in Minnesota and really help people who are struggling with their lives.”
Evan Pundsack, junior
Last year, the state passed laws to improve and better define the required break time that
workers receive. The laws now provide clarity on two kinds of mandatory breaks. The first is bathroom breaks, which are mandatory every four hours of a person’s shift. While this is the same as prior years, the law now requires “at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer.” This is opposed to the previous break time, which was only defined as “adequate time.”
The new laws coming into effect will also impact meal breaks. Previous to 2026, meal breaks were mandatory for people working eight hours or more and the duration was only defined as “sufficient time to eat.” Now, meal breaks are required for people working six hours or more and have to be a minimum of 30 minutes long. Some students at Mounds View with jobs felt they were being stretched thin with work, school and family. “I think overworking can be a serious issue,” said sophomore Freya Coverstone. This law will help relieve the stress placed on students.
Another change this January is Minnesota’s minimum wage requirements. Minimum wage is increasing 2.5% from last year to $11.41. The purpose of the increase is to try and keep up with inflation. It is also worth noting that in July, the minimum wage for the city of Minneapolis will increase from $15 an hour to $16.37 an hour. With these new laws in
ICE presence raises tensions
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Kent Supena & Hanad Ali STAFF REPORTERS
The increased presence of Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) in the Twin Cities has raised concern among many students and families in the Mounds View district. ICE, a branch of the Homeland Security government agency, aims to enforce immigration laws and standards by detaining and deporting illegal immigrants,, as well as people who have overstayed their visas. Their tactics in carrying out these objectives have become very controversial as of late. In some areas around the Twin Cities, Somali, Hmong and Latino families have expressed fear and a sense of feeling unsafe in response to the ICE operations taking place.
The following events have occurred recently: Minnesota has received a surge of ICE agents coming into the Twin Cities area. No news shows where they will be heading in terms of the school’s proximity, but it’s believed to be their largest operation yet. Not only did ICE agents flood the streets of Minnesota communities, but one ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman, on Jan. 7. The Federal Government claims the woman was trying to run over an ICE agent, and in turn, the ICE agent shot the woman as “self-defense.” Many people who have watched multiple angles of videos from the scene believe it was very clear that Renee was only driving away from them, not running into them.
To say the least, concerns about immigration officers taking closer steps in intercepting the Mounds View district have pushed students to speak up on the topic of ICE. “I think it’s disgusting,” said senior Ella Kirubakeren. “I think ICE needs to get out of Minnesota.”
Principal Rob Reetz has informed students about actions the school is taking to ensure protection from ICE.
“The school board makes the policy. I enact the practices. We do not share information about students, and we don’t have immigration status on students and families on file,” said Reetz. “If ICE were to come with a warrant, we would still require our lawyers to review that warrant, meaning when they present it to us, we would still not allow access to the school until our lawyers tell us we have to.”
With the practices enacted, ICE activity should not be able to disrupt the students and staff at school. The school administration, including the district, is doing everything it can to ensure the safety of students and their families. For the most part, district staff who act as cultural liaisons at the school communicate with families, serving as trusted people who speak the same language as the family they communicate with.
It’s not just the district staff and administration who are acting on concerns about keeping ICE away from schools. Students are also organizing walkouts and peaceful protests with
positive and hopeful messages. Reetz continues to communicate to students and families. “I want everyone here to choose love over hate and care over fear. Dignity and relationships are the values and glue that bind our school community together,” he said.
Many students at Mounds View feel ICE actions toward minorities in the Twin Cities are inhumane. “I don’t like it. I don’t think anybody wants them here, and as the mayor said, I think they should get the f--- out of Minneapolis. At the end of the day, they’re doing absolutely nothing,” said junior Ingrid Leafblad. Multiple schools around the Twin Cities, such as Irondale High School and Woodbury High School, have demonstrated their frustration with ICE by launching walkouts that express the outrage and resentment students feel towards ICE continuing their operations that further impact more and more communities. Mounds View students also planned a walkout on Jan. 20 to spread hope and unity in the community, but the organizers canceled it in response to concerns around bringing attention to the school and possibly causing increased ICE presence.
Students in the district have also observed the personal impacts of the recent immigration policies and actions. Senior Mohamed Diriye stated that the presence of ICE operations is negatively impacting the local Somali community and stu-
dent morale, creating a barrier to education. He noted that the constant worry about neighbors or family members makes it difficult for students to focus on their studies. Diriye stresses the importance of student advocacy for maintaining a supportive environment. “We have to look out for each other because no one else understands our community like we do,” he said. Ultimately, he believes that by standing together and sharing resources, students can reclaim their sense of security and focus on their futures despite these external pressures.
place, Mounds View students are looking forward to seeing the benefits. “I think it’s a really great law for us, because it’s really going to help us make some advancements in Minnesota and really help people who are struggling with their lives,” said junior Evan Pundsack. But mostly, students are reaping the benefits now and are interested in learning more.
Navigating through a time filled with uncertainty and doubt, the district remains focused on keeping its students and staff protected and in safe hands. The community continues to respond to the immigration activity through walkouts, protests and fundraising efforts. The school administrators have set plans in place to protect their students and families, aiming to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment. Despite outside pressure, the district remains determined to stand by its community.
Soda's sweeteners and syrups need regulation
High-fructose corn syrup causes major health detriments
| Brady Peacock STAFF REPORTER
hile a daily can of soda may feel like a harmless treat, the effects on public health can be catastrophic. Sugary drinks have become normalized in modern society, but few people realize how these beverages impact their health daily. Some advocates argue that government action should be taken to restrict consumption and prevent the chronic diseases linked to these drinks.
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was invented in 1957. The process converts glucose in corn syrup into a sweeter fructose. Major commercialization began in the 1970s, driven by rising sugar costs and an overabundance of corn caused by federal subsidies. HFCS became a cheaper alternative to sugar while maintaining a familiar sweetness. Today, the billion-dollar soda industry continues to rely on HFCS in production, often without transparent communication regarding the long-term
health impacts on consumers. The environmental cost of this industrial reliance is also significant. Mass corn cultivation for syrup production involves intensive fertilizer use and depletes critical aquifers, resulting in a significant ecological footprint alongside the public health crisis. As of 2025, The United States Department of Agriculture reports that around 6% of corn harvested is used to create artificial sweeteners such as HFCS, glucose syrup and dextriose. While this number may seem insignificant, approximately 500 million bushels of corn since 2010 were used for HFCS alone.
The negative effects of HCFS are not only seen in the environment but also on the health of society. The high concentration of HFCS found in today’s sodas can lead to significant health risks such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart disease. Despite these risks, the prevalence of high-fructose corn syrup in the nation’s food supply remains largely unchecked by federal
regulations. Meanwhile, health organizations like the American Heart Association warn that excessive added sugars are a primary cause of the metabolic syndrome epidemic: the rapid rise of people developing multiple serious health conditions driven by lifestyle factors. The economic advantage big beverage firms hold ensures that sugary beverages remain affordable and an accessible option for many consumers. Without regulation or transparency, health researchers warn that the cycle of chronic disease will continue to escalate, placing an unsustainable burden on the healthcare system and the lives of those affected.
Getting rid of the consumption of soda from one’s diet can have a large variety of positive effects. Eliminating the "empty calories" found in HFCS-sweetened beverages is a major catalyst for weight loss and preventing obesity. Another benefit of removing soda from one’s diet is a lower risk of high blood pressure and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk of development rises by as much as 25% with each sugary beverage, according to Geising-
er Health, a healthcare company based in Pennsylvania, known for its research and education. Possible solutions to this growing crisis involve both policy changes and public education. The U.S. government could implement taxes on sugary beverages, a strategy that has successfully reduced consumption in Europe through the European Union. Additionally, mandating clear labels on soda packaging, similar to those on tobacco products, would ensure consumers are fully informed about the potential health risks before purchasing.
Ultimately, the pervasive influence of sugary drinks on public health can no longer be ignored. The link between highfructose corn syrup and chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes is undeniable. This epidemic has been fostered by the mass consumption of soda, showing why there needs to be regulations, from taxation to transparent labeling. By prioritizing consumer well-being over corporate profits, society can take a crucial step toward reversing this health crisis and fostering a healthier future.
| Max Swanson STAFF REPORTER
ew Year’s Eve and Day have come and passed, and with it came the many traditions of a New year: the Times Square Ball Drop, fireworks and people’s failed attempts to create a fresh start.
One’s New Year's resolution will most likely fail. According to KX News, only around 8% of people actually succeed with their major goal of the year. If this is the case, the irony rooted in this tradition is easy to see. Because of this, many question why failure becomes so common. The issue is the New Year itself.
People will always search for a way to put off bettering themselves. The new year feeds into this — it gives a day that becomes all about new beginnings: a perfect time to start
one’s new goals, a motivation of some kind. In reality, New Year’s resolutions reinforce procrastination that already impacts every single part of many people's lives. The best thing one can do for their improvement is to start right now.
One of the most common goals, starting a new gym membership, provides one of the best examples of New Year's failure. Planet Fitness, one of the biggest gyms in the country, hits an all-time high in memberships created on Jan. 1st every year. According to Bloomberg Second Measure, there's a leap of 180 new members at most locations, but a major drop off happens by February and Planet Fitness continues to lose members throughout the year. Once the New Year’s
excitement ends, new member numbers drop. Later in the year, the member count becomes far more consistent. The members joining outside of the New Year’s surge stick to their gym goals far more than those going to the gym for New Year.
having failed this resolution multiple years in a row. Obviously, people cannot control every reason they may struggle to lose weight, but that works as another example of the failure that comes from New Year’s resolutions.
Max Swanson, junior
This is also seen with another common New Year’s goal: women attempting to lose weight. According to The National Library of Medicine, 73% or more of women report
Fixing this issue may seem impossible, especially if many have the mindset of “if I can’t plan for a date to start improving myself, how am I meant to be successful?” However, this thought process ignores the way people actually achieve their goals. The only way for one to succeed is to start the second they think of it. If someone wants to go to the gym more, they need to start a membership and go, see how it goes, make a plan for the next day and keep going. People need to start first to set themselves up for success instead of always relying on planning in advance.
Sam Aasen, Anas Abdulkader, Hanad Ali, Norse Anderson, Lilia Barrera, Aidan Beisang, Davin Bowlby, Leo Chen, Charlie Collins, Logan Corey, Aubrey Cummins, Logan Delahay, Shriyan Deshmukh, Jameson Durk, Erin Goareguer, Henry Hamilton, Anna Hayek, Keaton Howard, Brody Johnston, Curtis Lee, John
PHOTO | Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek PHOTO | Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek
Mounds View to host SEC Music Festival
| Shriyan Deshmukh STAFF REPORTER
On Feb. 5, Mounds View will host the Suburban East Conference (SEC) Music Festival, welcoming musicians in band, choir and orchestra from 10 schools across the North and East metro. While non-participating students have an e-learning day, participating ensembles perform designated music for professional clinicians, who evaluate their skills and provide constructive feedback. Rather than competition, the festival emphasizes collaboration and musical development, giving students the opportunity to express their talents while improving their skills.
Getting ready for the festival takes a lot of time and effort from students. “They’re making sure that they are practicing outside the time that they are allotted for that weekend and being the best musicians they can for that weekend,” said vocal music teacher Sarah Kitzman.
While the conference provides the designated weekend for students to focus on their music, many continue to practice on their own in advance to perfect tricky sections. “I would practice my rhythm to really please the audience,” said sophomore cellist Ariel Yu. Preparation involves more than just mastering rhythm, but
also improving overall accuracy to make sure ensembles sound polished.
On top of student preparation, Mounds View’s preparation as the host school is even more critical. “As the host school, we have very limited space in our facilities for three ensembles performing at the same time, making sure we have the instruments, food and people in the right places,” Kitzman said. Organizers must prepare both gyms, the auditorium and other facilities to accommodate several groups throughout the day. “There are so many moving pieces, but everyone’s pitching in,” said band teacher Bill Sucha. Coordinating rehearsal spaces, schedules,
“There are so many moving pieces, but everyone’s pitching in.”
Bill Sucha, band teacher
instrument transport and student movement requires much organization, making volunteers critical to the event’s success. Even with the challenges, hosting this festival is fun for the students and staff involved. “It’s a really cool experience. We’re excited to host it, but we’re also excited that we only
have to host it once every 10 years,” Sucha said. While the performance is an exciting day for many, it comes with many challenges, including for students who play in high-pressure environments in front of large crowds and clinicians. “We select the pieces to work on for the festival, and we work on those before the festival. We also perform those at a concert later in the school year,” Sucha said. Classes practice these pieces regularly and perform them in concerts during the first semester. Students feel the pressure of the festival, but they are determined to play at their best. “Performing in this crowd is
Preparing for the future with USABO
| John Liu STAFF REPORTER
very Wednesday during ReFLECT, students gather in Room 224 to prepare for one of the most challenging high school science competitions in the country. The USABO Club prepares members for the United States of America Biology Olympiad while also offering pathways into other science competitions and activities. The club follows a structured schedule designed to support students at different levels of experience.
While the USABO competition is a central focus of the club, senior co-captain Josiah Chan emphasized that members’ interest in the topics drives the club’s purpose. He explained that USABO is designed to introduce students to biology’s scope. “I think the biggest thing about USABO is to help students grow curiosity in biology and dip their toes into all the different fields of it,” Chan said.
The club covers a wide range of biological topics, which helps students explore what excites them academically. “USABO gives them an introduction to all these different aspects to see whether they
would be interested in pursuing these topics in their future careers,” Chan said.
Many members often carry the knowledge and confidence gained from USABO into other experiences and academic pursuits. “All the knowledge I’ve learned from our captains about health has come up in my realworld interpretation of health news,” said junior John Stepnowski.
“All the knowledge I’ve learned from our captains about health has come up in my real-world interpretation of health news.”
John Stepnowski, junior
Senior co-captain Grant Wood highlighted how the club’s weekly structure supports that exploration. “We hold weekly presentations on biology topics that show up on the USABO exam, play Kahoot! with real questions from the test in past years, and share plenty of resources for group study sessions,” Wood said. This structure helps students engage
with the challenging material while still building on their confidence and biological thinking.
This year, the club is trying something new: collaborative learning. Instead of an individual student working through practice problems alone, members now tackle challenging material together, comparing material and explaining concepts to one another. Members said the change has already begun to shift how they approach hard topics. “When I’m around my USABO group, it’s a lot easier to approach them when we’re such a team,” Stepnowski said.
Preparation is not limited to the USABO competition alone. The club actively participates in events such as the Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition that begins with a computerized exam and advances to an in-person, quiz-style round at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Over the years, Mounds View students have seen notable success. “[We had] 12 qualifiers for the Brain Bee state finals last year. In a pool of 30 finalists, 60% were from our program,” said Wood.
As the season continues, club leaders hope the new collaborative approach will increase both participation and
overwhelming, but it’s also exciting,” said sophomore violist Claire Secord. Despite the pressure, students feel inspired to succeed, “I want to represent the school in the best way possible,” said junior violist Paul Wold.
“I want to represent the school in the best way possible.”
Paul Wold, junior
Teachers also emphasize the importance of representing Mounds View with pride. “They represent the school as a top honor band, choir [or] orchestra student, so if they show up not prepared, they look poor on themselves, and a bad representation of the school,” said Kitzman. “We make sure that they know that they are needed to represent us.”
The SEC Music Festival is more than just a performance. It is the result of hard work, dedication and commitment from students, staff and volunteers. Representing Mounds View’s music program in front of large audiences and clinicians gives students chances to grow. “It’s going to be tough to perform, but it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Secord said.
performance. The captains hope more students will try USABO and stick with biology beyond high school. Wood recalled how the team went on a private tour of neuroscience Ph.D. research labs at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. “It was extraordinarily meaningful to see students’ eyes light up as they learned about and saw the tools used to do neurological research on addictions,” Wood said.
In addition to providing test preparation, USABO encourages students to refine their study habits and academic indepen-
dence. The club’s largely asynchronous and self-driven nature forces members to experiment and discover study methods that work for them. “This encourages students to find ways to learn how to study,” Chan said. He added that participating in USABO helps students discover the most effective way for them to learn how to get involved in such a large field. That habit formation and growth benefit students beyond high school into their future academic paths.
Senior USABO club captain Josiah Chan helping prepare members with biology-based facts.
PHOTO | John Stepnowski
Table tennis takes the win
| Keaton Howard STAFF REPORTER
The Table Tennis Club is nothing particularly new, yet it still offers much significance to the Mounds View High School community. This school year, the club continues to provide a social setting for those of similar interests in the casual but competitive game. Much like tennis, the social sport reinforces sportsmanship and teamwork during gameplay, attracting those looking to meet others through an exciting activity.
Table tennis or “ping pong,” a common nickname, shares many characteristics with normal tennis except on a much smaller scale. As the name suggests, a table acts as the game’s court, a major difference between the two. The sport originated in 19th century England, specifically for the upper classes to enjoy. Today, people of all social rankings can enjoy the sport, including students of Mounds View, as the club has its doors open to all interested in
participating. The smaller court size makes the game much less physically demanding than regular tennis and great for those playing indoors, allowing players to compete rain or shine.
Forming in the late 2000s, the rapid rise in popularity inspired Mounds View to start its own table tennis club. Since then, the club has continued growing steadily, currently made up of around 20 students. Requiring minimal experience, the group welcomes new players regardless of their age or level. ¨The club has a good mix of inclusivity and competitiveness,” said senior Michael Lu, member of the team. Unlike varsity sports, the group operates and competes as a club. They rely on group funding by establishing an entrance fee before the season’s start, which goes up to around $100 per season.
The game remains an unsanctioned sport by the Minnesota High School Sports League, but teams work around this by participating in competitive tournaments for table tennis clubs within Min-
nesota. These state tournaments are often the highlight of many players’ seasons as participants spend most of the season preparing for a chance to compete. ¨My favorite memory from the club was us winning second place in state for two years in a row,” said Lu. Although the club caters to casual play, passionate players have the opportunity to compete in these tournaments. “We do tryouts to select ten people for the state tournament team, which is more competitive,” said junior captain Richard Chen.
Keeping fun in mind, captains do their very best to provide time for students to not only sharpen their skills. The team hosts practices every day of the school week. “It’s pretty laid back and relaxing to be a part of. There are a few demands due to the small entry fee and fun environment,” says Chen. During practices, members have a lot of flexibility as these trainings don’t typically follow any type of pattern. “Our club is mainly centered around having a fun time with friends, so it’s pretty chill. A usual practice is basically just casual free hitting,” said Chen.
Without a coach or other adult management, the four student captains do just about everything, responsible for scheduling, club organization and sports mentorship. The adult role vacancy causes slight issues as captains struggle to selfmanage, yet it remains nothing they can’t handle. “My favorite part of table tennis is being able to teach and help the team grow. It’s very rewarding to work with the club members and see them improve,” said Chen. Although the workload can be stressful, the captains agree that the club makes these efforts completely worth it. This unique characteristic serves as a reminder of its club status while opening opportunities for bonding between student captains and players. Whether a student plays to compete or stays for the friendships, the group prides itself on delivering a welcoming environment for participants of the casual sport. Apart from table tennis, the club retains strong and meaningful connections with one another and fosters a vibrant community extending far beyond the court, ensuring every member of the club a sense of belonging.
Culture and crêpes at the French Club
| Aliyah Rogers STAFF REPORTER
ounds View High School hosts a plethora of clubs, but the French Club remains one of the longest-standing to date. The club aims to provide a place of inclusivity, community and cultural exploration after almost seven decades of activity. Unlike the French class offered at Mounds View, the French Club mainly encompasses culture rather than language, displayed through a variety of activities and group collaborations.
With a legacy originating just years after the founding of the school in 1955, the French Club continues its cultural exploration and experiences at Mounds View High School. Now, juniors Satya Gahie and Isabelle Hawkins run the club, using their passion for French culture and language in hopes of creating a welcoming and organized environment for all students to participate in.
Meeting once a month in the language flex area during ReFLECT, the French Club occupies the space to immerse itself in French culture. A major draw to the club is the holidays frequently celebrated. For ex-
ample, the “holiday of crepes,” or La Chandeleur, stands out with its food and interesting historical relevance. On Feb. 2, forty days after Christmas, La Chandeleur signifies the day Jesus was presented at the temple and is celebrated each year, often with candles and crepes.
Most meetings focus on a celebration or tradition engraved in French culture, often accompanied by an informational presentation and followed by an activity and snacks. “We all have a really good time together. We always do an activity and a snack every meeting consistently,” Gahie said. “It’s also not very high commitment … so everybody who attends can just explore the culture with snacks and friends.”
Ingrid Narum, the French teacher at Mounds View, has been involved with the French Club for more than seven years, experiencing the changes and growth that come with students coming and going from the school. Early on, Narum decided to switch the club to being student-led. She now serves as the teacher contact and administrator, but leaves the club’s content, activities and most de-
cision-making to the presidents. Among these changes, the community has remained a constant.
A club of many activities requires a system of organization and support, provided by participating students and staff. All students are welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience with the French language or culture, which is one of the elements that really makes it stick out as a club and differentiates it from a classroom setting. “It used to be a French student thing and we’ve kind of opened it up to anyone who wants to join … because the whole point of language and culture is to open doors and let people see,” said Narum. While fluency in multiple languages continues to be a remarkable display of intelligence, cultural awareness not only broadens horizons on a specific region’s traditions but also gives insight into social norms outside of America. Gaining perspective on other cultures allows communities to share a part of themselves, encouraging acceptance and respect. “Our general philosophy as a department is cultural understanding, and just because
something’s different doesn’t mean it’s better or worse,” Narum said. “[French Club] is a good entry point into deeper understanding.”
This concept is echoed by Hawkins. “There are so many countries in the world that speak French, so understanding French culture can really help understand other countries because of the long history of colonization … I also say it’s important because you gain perspectives … and it’s easier for you to understand how they’re living.”
Overall, the French Club’s goal is to connect those interested in French culture and history. Although most long-term members participate in both the French class and club, the choice remains up to the member. The club has many upcom-
ing plans this spring, continuing to host French-related celebrations while updating regularly on their Instagram account and Google Classroom. The doors remain open to all interested in participating in club activities, welcoming new members whenever possible.
PHOTO @mv.pingpong on Instagram
PHOTO | Aliyah Rogers
The Table Tennis Club placing second at the 2025 Minnesota State High School Table Tennis Team Championships.
Mounds View’s Rivalries
The teams, clubs and competitors at Mounds View High School face countless other schools in their respective activities. While many are just another team, some have developed long-standing histories, exciting moments and heated rivalries. While it varies based on the activity,
factors including geography, frequency of matchups and familiarity with one another make the Mustangs’ rivalries with these foes special for students involved. Here is an overview of four of the Mustang’s rivalries and some stories from Mounds View teams.
Fast Facts
Location:
Arden Hills, MN
Mascot: Mustangs
Established: 1957
Principal: Robert Reetz
District: Mounds View
Public Schools
Students: 1,901
Conference: Suburban East
| Logan Corey & Brody Johnston STAFF REPORTERS
A Stillwater
t Mounds View High School, few rivalries demonstrate more intensity than matchups with Stillwater Area High School. Competitions between the two schools bring out high levels of energy and emotion as both teams push their abilities to the absolute limit.
| Aubrey Cummins STAFF REPORTER
Roseville F
or years, Mounds View and Roseville Area High School have gone head-to-head in high-stakes matchups that test more than just skill, challenging school pride and mental toughness. Both schools play in the Suburban East Conference, meaning there are constant matchups that determine the school’s success.
The Mounds View boys’ cross country team constantly defends their school’s pride, often racing against Roseville on a near-weekly basis. Competing in the same conference and section forces the two teams to face each other repeatedly, turning ordinary meets into meaningful battles. “They are a really competitive team and they are fun to [race] against,” said sophomore Ben Russell.
Mounds View has had the upper hand over Roseville in the Section 5AAA championship, winning in each of the past nine years. However, the Raiders have shown signs of improvement over the past few seasons and look to challenge the Mustangs for the section crown. The Mounds View boys hope to utilize their speed, endurance and mental toughness to hold off their competitive foes.
Sophomore Matias Bender shared a similar perspective, emphasizing both the personal and competitive aspects of racing against Roseville. “It’s not much different going against them, but they are a team we have to beat,” he said. Throughout last year’s season, the Mustang cross country team battled for dominance throughout the year. Beginning with a loss to Roseville at the Rosemount Irish Invite, the team knew they could do better. At Alexandria, they struck back with a deci-
sive win over the Raiders. Post season, a close loss to Roseville at Conference set the Mustangs back. However, Mounds View ended the Raid ers season with a decisive win at the 5AAA section championship. Roseville and Mounds View have maintained a fun but competitive rivalry pushing both sides to do their best.
Bender also highlighted how closely matched the teams often are, motivating him to race his best with a small margin of error. “When we go against Roseville, it’s more competition because they have a guy my same speed that I feel more motivated to beat, especially since he beat me by half a second,” he said.
The girls’ cross country team has also felt the intensity of the rivalry with Roseville. Like the boys, they face Roseville regularly in both conference and section meets, and in good rivalry fashion, they typically come down to the wire. The competition urges the girls to push themselves even harder, reminding them that they are not just racing for personal improvement, but school pride as well.
While she feels the same motivation to perform against any opponent the team faces, junior Abigail Urriola acknowledged the rivalry and the stakes that often come with it. She explained how she tends to be more competitive while the general team vibe is positive. “I feel like I get more competitive but the team finds it more fun,” said Urriola.
Mounds View defeated Roseville in both a secondplace finish at conference and a first-place finish at sections, holding them off for their important late-season races. Both
Fast
Facts
Location: Roseville, MN
Mascot: Raiders
Established: 1986
Principal: Jen Wilson
District: Roseville Area School District
Students: 2,316 Conference: Suburban East
teams competed at the state meet in November, with the Mustangs placing sixth and the Raiders placing 11th.
Overall, the rivalry between Mounds View and Roseville extends far beyond the finish line. What makes the competition between the two schools stand out is not just about how often the schools face each other, but instead the importance of every time they meet and how close the results are. For both boys and girls cross country teams, races against Roseville require constant focus, resilience and mental toughness, especially when conference championship and state appearances are on the line.
Whether motivated by personal rivalries or their desire to make their school proud, Mounds View runners consistently rise to the challenge. In the end, the rivalry with Roseville is not just another matchup for Mounds View; it is a defining test of pride, preparation and performance.
From track to swimming, Stillwater traditionally stands as a strong opponent in many competitions. Their teams perform at a consistently high level that significantly challenges opposing teams. For athletes at Mounds View, that notion not only creates pressure but also a motivation to overcome the hurdles they pose. A win against Stillwater means more than just another victory; it serves as proof that a team has overcome a difficult obstacle and solidifies their improvement.
For boys’ swim and dive, Stillwater dominated both the True Team Section and Section meets for almost a decade, winning every title in both meets since 2013. However, the Mustangs finally got over that hump in 2022, defeating the Ponies in both meets that year. Junior swimmer Tyler Arndt spoke about the particular challenge that Stillwater presents and the satisfaction that comes from a hard-fought victory. “They’re a solid team,” Arndt said.
While Stillwater would reclaim the True Team Section crown the following year, Mounds View managed to repeat as Section champions later that season. He went on to mention that racing Stillwater adds excitement to meets, explaining how the rivalry is more fun than competitive, something that pushes athletes to compete with greater fervor.
Junior Robert Arndt, another swimmer, possessed a similar perspective while elaborating on the previous historical context of the rivalry. “They’re a really good team. They beat us in dual meets, but Mounds View beats them in sections,” he said. For him, the rivalry lines up closely with a feeling of achievement. “They beat us for like 12 years in a row, and then we beat them. They’re fun to beat, a real accomplishment.”
While the recent rise of Woodbury High School to the top of the section pushed Mounds View and Stillwater out of title contention, both teams have had very competitive matchups in dual meets, where, despite the Mustangs’
White Bear Lake
| Aidan Beisang STAFF REPORTER
Rivalries are what make sports entertaining to watch; they drive teams to work harder and play better, causing strong emotions to arise, positive or negative, towards the other team. An example of this is Mounds View High School and White Bear Lake Area High School’s long, competitive history in sports.
Mounds View Ultimate has had a long-standing rivalry with White Bear Lake, having met in conference finals match-ups many times, with the Mounds View boys varsity having a conference finals winning streak of 12 years. Having a repertoire of victories like this against a conference competitor makes a team feel the need to succeed and continue their winning streak. “We beat them in conference for like 12 years straight, so obviously I don’t want them to win,” said senior varsity captain Keegan Souhrada.
While Mounds View has dominated them for years, the Bears keep them motivated to
stay ahead. “We’re just better, but they are looking actually kind of decent this year, so we might have some close games,” said Souhrada. He has full confidence in his team, but feels that this matchup will still be one to look forward to in the upcoming spring season, hopefully capped off with yet another exciting conference finals game between these two teams.
Similarly, Mounds View Ultimate’s girls’ team has built a strong connection with White Bear Lake’s girls ultimate team. While games remain competitive and hard fought, many players on both teams know each other through competing together on the state team and other offseason programs. Many players are friends with athletes on other teams, creating an environment that is not just competitive but also friendly, catalyzing growth for both teams. “The frisbee team is actually pretty spirited and like, very friendly,” said sophomore Charlotte Duarte Morillo.
Mounds View Basketball’s rivalry with White Bear Lake emerges from both teams being located in the same con-
Oak Park Heights, Mascot: Ponies
Robert
Stillwater
Jessie Diggins Denis McDonough
Fun Fact: The Public School the oldest in Minnesota.
IMAGE Roseville Area High School
post-season dominance, often failed to come away with a head-to-head win. The streak was broken when they finally beat Stillwater in a dual meet in 2025.
Each victory carries extra meaning due to Stillwater’s long streak of success. When Mounds View finally stepped up and earned wins, the moment marked a turning point for many athletes. A win meant that their hard work, consistency and teamwork finally paid off against a long-superior opponent.
Despite competitive tension, Mounds View athletes understand the benefits of facing such strong opponents. Meets against Stillwater demand not just talent, but trained perseverance, focus and long preparation.
“We know that both our team and Stillwater’s team takes the rivalry really [seriously] and adds a new level to the competition,” said senior track runner Tate McDonald. “And that heightened competition kind of pushes everyone to do the best they can and perform at their best.”
It helps athletes grow and strengthens each team’s overall unity, a factor which has earned Mounds View Boy’s Track and Field team notable victories such as a two-year win streak in the Pony Relays Meet and a
ference, the Suburban East, meaning they play each other more often and the outcomes of games have a larger impact on their standings. “Its a different level of energy, we’re always gonna compete differently when we’re going against White Bear because we know that they’re our rivals, and both teams want to win really bad. So we got to compete as hard as possible, both teams do if they want to win,” said senior Tate Sorensen, highlighting the competitive energy that results from being conference rivals.
Fast Facts
Location:
White Bear Lake, MN
Mascot: Bears
Established: 1983
Principal: Russ Reetz
District: White Bear
Lake Area Schools
Students: 2,500
Conference:
Suburban East
2024 True Team State title. “It’s fun to know that another team is trying their hardest to beat you and you’re trying your hardest to beat them, and just see who can come out on top in a fair competition,” said McDonald.
The rivalry between Mounds View and Stillwater captures the heart and soul of high school athletics. Every race between the two is constructed of hours of perseverance and personal achievement, and every new event brings with it another challenge to overcome and a new height to reach. It does not matter if it is on land or in water, rivalries like the one between Stillwater and Mounds View will continue to push students to be the best athletes they can be, and even further. “Our rivalry with Stillwater is just special,” McDonald said.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Viewer reached out to members of the Mounds View Girls’ Swim and Dive team, but did not get a response.
with their next meeting scheduled for Jan. 27 at White Bear Lake’s home court. “I’d say that we’re pretty evenly matched teams and you know it could go either way,” Sorensen said.
The rivalry between Mounds View and White Bear Lake drives athletes to play at their very best to match the competitive energy that has been fostered by a long history of hard-fought games, friendships and the added weight of being conference competitors.
| Curtis Lee STAFF REPORTER
M Irondale
ounds View High School and Irondale High School have a unique relationship as schools in one district. From when Irondale was first founded in 1967 to how it is now, their rivalry proves unique. Time brought changes to the intensity of their rivalry, and they are now sometimes collaborators with a niche, merged community. With interschool classes and lighter transfer rules, students at the two schools are often well-acquainted and even friends with their cross-district counterparts. They often go against each other as competitors, but also share clubs, teams and programs such as marching band, mountain biking and girls’ hockey.
In robotics, students use skills revolving around STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The sport is newer compared to most sports active at Mounds View, but the club already has a consistent competitor. “Every competition we usually go against Irondale,” said senior robotics member Davis Petersen.
Over time, consistent competition creates drive amongst students in these programs and inspires them for what they might see next from rival schools. “I always love it when I see another program do really well because it’s impressive to me, it wants me to elevate what we’re doing at Mounds View,” said orchestra teacher Lucas Shogren. This feeling of being inspired by rivals or other schools is common amongst teachers and students alike, proving that it has a schoolwide impact on communities. “We look forward to competition; it’s a treat to see what other people come up with and other robots,” said Petersen. Having a rivalry, especially against another school, does not always have to be about surpassing them. In music competitions, it never has one school against the other, but almost always has a diverse choice of teams that aim to play their best, rather than outcompeting another specific school. “They were part of our SEC Music Festival, but the premise of the festival isn’t so much a contest,” Shogren said.
The relationship between the two schools is more than just rivalry and competition, as they are both beneficial to each other.
“It’s more of a sibling rivalry, we chew each other but try to help each other out. Sometimes we plan together on our allowances,” said Petersen. Programs that would not have enough traction in one school are often com-
bined to make shared programs where students at Mounds View go to Irondale or vice versa. Examples as such would be mountain biking, girls’ hockey and marching band, which are all combined between Mounds View and Irondale. This unique relationship as both rivals and benefactors to each other gives both schools more benefits than if they were just on their own. With how long this rivalry has gone on since Irondale was first established, it is incredible that the two schools have come together to have students capable of going to both schools. It proves that their rivalry is more than just history and shows that programs from both schools can collectively do better, creating diverse communities that enable both schools to continue to inspire each other.
Mounds View’s most recent basketball game against White Bear resulted in a tough 61-72 loss for the Mustangs, who hope to fight hard in future matchups to reclaim a victory,
Location: New Brighton, MN Mascot: Knights Established: 1967 Principal: Vichai Saefong
District: Mounds View Public Schools Students: 1,732 Conference: Suburban East
DEBATES
How long should school weeks be?
Stick with five-day weeks
| Jameson Durk STAFF REPORTER
Historically, individuals have worked Monday through Friday, leaving Saturday and Sunday for leisure. This practice dates back to when Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, introduced this standard for workers’ well-being. Religious considerations have also contributed, with Saturday set aside for Jewish practices and Sundays set aside for Christian practices. A five-day school week is more beneficial than a fourday alternative because of this standard set.
points
- Saves families money
- Aligns with work schedule, so no childcare needed
- Provides kids lunch
- Sets work schedule for kids early on
- Avoids extending school day/year
- Not cramming information in four days
- Easier on teachers
- Helps with memory
Students’ school schedules typically align with parents’ typical work schedules due to the precedent set by the Ford Motor Company’s work week. Having these schedules aligned, it allows parents to have supervised learning time for the children while also allowing time for themselves to attend work and care for the family. If students weren’t in school for one out of the five days in a work week, parents would need to spend money on child
supervisors. Needing to pay more money for childcare raises the cost of having kids to a price some may not be able to afford, not to mention the cost of food without school lunches provided to low-income families. By providing students with the standard that they are expected to get up on time and attend school, it sets a strong foundation for their future in the workforce. Through aligning students’ schedules to the common work-life of getting up and committing to something from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for five days a week, they learn time management on the clock that they will be running on decades down the line.
The five-day school week can also be substantially beneficial for teachers, providing them with five days a week to fit the course material in rather than needing to crunch it to fit a four-day week timeline. Instead, adequate time is allocated to be in the learning environment where students can ask questions about the material and potentially learn more in this setting than compared to a four-day schedule.
While many might prefer the four-day school week, some controversial side effects that students, parents and teachers might disagree on would be a larger workload for each day. Under this plan, school may extend into one’s typical dinner time, and the school year would potentially need to extend further into summer to avoid cramming curriculum material. An extended school day would cause even more strain on students, while mental health is already a large concern in modern-day society. In 2023, the
Center for Disease Control found 40 percent of students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The fourday school week would also leave less time for students to do schoolwork and wouldn’t allow them to absorb all the information at a healthy rate, leading to brain fog and long-term memory loss. Repeated studies of this famous psychological “spacing effect” have been proven, such as in the American Journal of Psychology, showing that the same amount of study time and effort is more effective at memorization when spaced out, and that the logic of study sessions can be applied to class times versus length.
While a four-day school week might be feasible in later years of school, such as the senior year of high school or any point in college due to credit requirements, it is important that students finish school in a timely manner. Eliminating one of the five school days would only withhold opportunities from students, while creating and introducing a drastically different schedule would confuse many and would greatly disturb students’ trajectories for their future.
Change to four-day weeks
n 1970, New Mexico’s Cimarron Municipal Schools became the first school district to have four-day weeks. The school suffered from financial hardship, so the legislature decided to cut a day off of the school week, which made everything cost much less by not having to sell lunch or use utilities and transportation. This allowed the school to stay open and education to remain accessible.
Since then, multiple districts across the country have moved to fourday school weeks. Doing this typically saves around 0.4% to 5.4% of school funding, equivalent to about $33 per kid, according to the National Institutes of Health. With that money, they could get new sports gear, classrooms and learning equipment like books and computers.
points
- Saves district money
- More funding to spend on quality education
- Allows education to stay accessible in poor areas
- Less bullying and fighting
- Allows students time to sleep
- Safety
- Mental health
- Preparation time
- Life skills and time management
- Could work a job
A study done by the Stanford Center for Education Policy Analysis shows that schools that have implemented a four-day school week have had a decrease of about 31% of bullying incidents per-person and
a decrease of about 27% per person fighting incidents. This information suggests a relationship between five-day school weeks and behavior like bullying and fighting. Using this day off would give everyone a chance to relax and calm down, making sure interpersonal problems do not escalate as much.
Most people throughout their lives are told that sleep is one of the most important things in life. It has been scientifically proven that teens who don’t get enough sleep don’t do as well in school or sports. They may feel moody, depressed or have other emotional problems. Teens who drive without enough sleep are more likely to be in car accidents, and the lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of schools switching to four-day school weeks. In addition to safety, a switch to four-day school weeks would be better because of many issues, such as money, time and mental health.
Qian Shi from the National Library of Medicine held a survey for kids in grades nine through 12. The study found ninth-graders taking an AP/college course slept approximately one hour less than their counterparts, and 10th-graders similarly slept 40 minutes less than their counterparts. In addition, students enrolled in two or more AP/college classes received 1 hour less and 30 minutes less among 10th and 11th graders,” said Shi.
A lack of sleep is detrimental to a student’s health. Harvard’s division of sleep medicine says it can result in not growing to their full extent, slower brain function and depression. Those struggling with mental health through
these long, hard weeks of school often have difficulties arising when trying to get away from school and the stress of homework.
Removing this extra day would let students do their work at their own pace on their own time, so being hungry or tired in class would not present as strongly of an issue. Kids would have the time to catch up on sleep and avoid these deficits. Using this extra day off, it would allow people to schedule their day off much better. This could also increase preparation time for students and teachers.
This would also let the people who are ahead have time to enhance their life skills, such as time management, budgeting or sports. Fourday weeks are a double positive because students and the school staff get extra time to work and improve themselves.
Four-day school weeks would greatly improve kids’ mental and physical health, giving them room for independence to develop life skills while the school saves more money to use on enhancing education in quality rather than quantity.
What are large-language models?
| Leo Chen STAFF REPORTER
As soon as early 2026, Meta expects to launch its largest model yet: the Llama 4 Behemoth. With its two trillion total parameters and 288 billion active parameters, this version of Llama 4 demonstrates the development of modern Large Language Model designs. To put this into perspective, the then-advanced GPT-3 model, released by OpenAI in 2022, had a much smaller 175 billion total parameters.
Industry reports show artificial intelligence increasingly shaping sectors from finance to logistics. It reshapes industries at a rapid pace. Yet the speed of this expansion often brings the deeper costs that come with such rapid development, which often receive less attention. Critics note that beneath the breakthroughs lie underpaid workers, political distortions and economic pressures that strain global supply chains and corporate budgets. These impacts rarely appear in mainstream media, which tends to put the spotlight on engineering innovation rather than the systems that sustain them. Examining these overlooked consequences reveals a far more complicated picture of AI’s rise — one that many experts believe requires scrutiny as industries become more reliant on these models. While the engineering feats of AI appear perfect, its societal footprint often shows something more complex and often troubling. AI companies often highlight automation and efficiency, yet much of their progress still depends on lowpaid human labor. Scale AI, a major data-labeling contractor, faced lawsuits from those who accused the company of wage
theft, misclassification and unsafe conditions. Court filings describe annotators earning around $15 an hour, a rate that undercuts California’s minimum wage and reflects a broader pattern of exploitation across global gig-work platforms.
The Department of Labor recently dropped its investigation into Scale AI, a move that frustrated advocates who documented similar abuses in earlier studies. Advocates argue that this case in particular reveals an oftentimes unattended truth: AI development often leans on hidden labor that carries the real weight of “intelligent” systems. This hidden labor issue only scratches the surface; AI systems also shape public discourse in ways that raise deeper concerns. Studies from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business show major models leaning toward specific political positions when prompted with policy questions. Bias in these models adequately compares to bias within a thesaurus; observers warn that skewed outputs can greatly influence users who expect neutrality. These wor-
rying patterns undermine trust and complicate any claim that AI delivers objective or balanced information.
Educators emphasize that bias is not just a political talking point but a technical reality students must confront. “AI isn’t naturally neutral,” said math teacher Christopher Hagel, who teaches computer science classes. “Human choices and biases are built right into the data used to train it. If the data is biased, the AI will be too.” This perspective reinforces that skewed outputs are not accidental glitches but reflections of the values embedded in the systems themselves.
Labor and politics cover only one aspect; AI’s economic impacts create even sharper pressure points that call into question the industries’ reliance on AI. OpenAI’s financial disclosures show a company racing ahead of its own balance sheet. It outspends itself by the tens of billions every year, a pace that alarms analysts who track long-term sustainability.
A Morningstar report highlights the massive data center spend-
What is lobbying?
| Sean Oh & Vedant Vashishtha SPORTS AND GOOD QUESTION EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER
Lobbying is a form of government relations that attempts to influence a government or institution’s policies and decisions in favor of a specific cause, according to the Open Government Partnership. Lobbyists are people outside of the government who are commonly experts in their field.
Lobbying can be done in a multitude of ways. According to Legistorm, it is most commonly seen through direct communication, campaign contributions, expert testimonies and research. Direct communication involves town hall attendances, phone calls and written correspondence in order to illustrate the group’s perspective. Campaign contributions include direct donations to candidates with similar interests, creating a sense of indebtedness that can influence policy decisions. Through ex-
pert testimony and research, lobbyists provide policymakers with credible information to bolster their arguments and shape and give merit to their opinions during hearings.
“People can’t be informed on every single issue, just like you can’t expect the president to know everything about everything. ”
Jennifer Carlson, social studies teacher
According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of adults in the United States say lobbyists
and special interest groups have too much influence, and 72% say that there should be limits on the amount of money individuals and organizations can spend on political campaigns. Lobbying is a contentious issue.
“The general public thinks lobbyists are just people with big money bags trying to buy votes, buy congress people and try to control Congress to their benefit,” said social studies teacher Jennifer Carlson.
According to data from OpenSecrets, billions of dollars are spent on lobbying every year, which raises concern among citizens about whether lawmakers are prioritizing public interest or private gain. Donations that some lobbyists make can contribute to legislators’ campaign funds and possibly influence decisions. “We do know that campaign contributions and political action committees do drive a lot of our campaign finance, so yes, there is an element to that,” said
Western firms.
According to the World Economic Forum, Chinese labs pursue architectural innovations that cut energy use and shrink model size. This differs greatly from other advancements in this field; developers do not simply increase the model size to make the machine more intelligent, they make the machine more intelligent by optimizing performance using the resources it already uses.
ing and hardware demands that strain budgets across many industries, creating a bubble-like environment where investment outruns revenue.
That same demand in turn fuels a global memory-chip shortage, with Business Insider noting how AI workloads crowd out supply for phones and personal computers, pushing prices of consumer products like desktop memory upward and slowing production cycles. These stresses ripple through the broader economy and amplify volatility in many sectors. Instead of stabilizing markets, rapid AI expansion has been described to increase fragility and concentrating risk in ways few policymakers currently address.
This type of fragility does not play out evenly across the global landscape; China’s AI strategy introduces a counterexample that complicates the norm. Chinese researchers increasingly lean on algorithmic efficiency rather than brute force scale, a shift that reduces dependence on massive datacenter expansion and softens the financial strain that burdens
Carlson. “But lobbyists that I’ve heard before talk about the fact that they really are just informed on the topic, and they just want to share their information.”
The U.S. has many regulatory laws, such as the Lobbying Disclosure Act, which require lobbyists to register and report their activities. These regulations sometimes vary slightly by state; for example, Minnesota includes extra definitions of a lobbyist, considering those who participate in public hearings or proceedings on rules, grants and more as lobbyists, while many states like Missouri do not, according to the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. Lobbying also exists extensively around the world, as political debate and policies are molded into form in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and China. Still, each country has its own regulations and policies concerning lobbying, influenced by diverse cul-
AI’s rapid ascent creates a sense of inevitability, but inevitability never guarantees stability. Educators and analysts view AI, like many things, as carrying both benefits and drawbacks. Teachers also stress that students should see AI as a tool with both promise and risk. “AI isn’t all good or all bad,” Hagel said. “It can be an amazing tool for solving problems and saving time, but it also comes with risks like privacy concerns or over-reliance on technology.”
The same systems that promise efficiency also introduce human labor, political distortions and economic pressures rippling far beyond the technology sector. As companies race each other to scale data centers and governments scramble to regulate them, the gap between innovation and accountability continues to widen. The challenge now lies not in slowing progress, but in recognizing the full cost of that progress and deciding which risks society can reasonably absorb. Ultimately, analysts argue that acknowledging both benefits and drawbacks offers a fuller picture of AI. Ignoring its drawbacks just because of its convenient features will make it seem like AI breakthroughs arrive faster than our ability to understand the consequences they leave behind.
tures and beliefs. According to the European Parliament, countries such as France and Ireland have strict legislation regarding lobbying, requiring registration and codes of conduct, whereas other countries have more relaxed policies, if any. Denmark has soft regulations for lobbyists and Portugal has no legislation at all.
Although lobbying is a contentious issue, it can be used to provide a voice to the people and spur change. It is important to understand the nuances and benefits of it. “People can’t be informed on every single issue, just like you can’t expect the president to know everything about everything. This is one way that they can use trusted lobbyists to inform themselves on issues where they may not have time to research it on their own,” said Carlson.
PHOTO | Hanwha Data Centers
“Ella McCay” could have been better
navigate chaotic family dynamics while trying to fill the role of the previous governor. The film stars most notably Emma Mackey, known for her work in “Sex Education” and “Barbie,” and Jamie Lee Curtis, known for “Halloween” and winning a
Ella McCay,” released Dec. 9, is a a political comedy starring Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis. Directed by James L. Brooks, most well known for his classics “Terms of Endearment” and “The Simpsons.” The new movie serves as Brooks’s initial return to directing after a tenyear hiatus following his 2010 movie “How Do You Know,” which lost $50 million at the box office.
Inspiration for this film mirrors Brooks’s past works, starring a female protagonist, while also taking inspiration from renowned comedies and dramas like “The Graduate,” “Network” and “The Philadelphia Story.” Set in 2008, the governor of an unnamed state has to leave for an upcoming presidential election, giving his role to the Lieutenant Governor, Ella McCay, for the remaining 14 months, leaving her to
eleased periodically in three separate groups throughout November and December, the long-awaited final season of “Stranger Things” came out at the end of 2025. Episodes one through four were released on Nov. 26, and episodes five through seven were released on Dec. 25. Played in movie theaters as well as on Netflix, the final episode arrived on Dec. 31. Tickets for the showing of the finale in theaters sold out rapidly, but I got tickets for the latest showing of the day. To preface, the remainder of the article may include minor spoilers.
Taking place in Hawkins, Indiana, “Stranger Things” revolves around a boy named Will Byers going missing in an alternate dimension called the Upside Down. Throughout the run of the series, he and his
Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1995 for her work in the film “True Lies.”
A large portion of the film’s budget was spent on advertising, but the publicity did not seem to translate to a large audience. The movie was marketed using trailers and a strange internet challenge where people would attempt to recreate the movie poster. This trend failed to relate to any specific part of this movie, which was a bit disappointing. This made the “trend” feel disingenuous, presenting itself as an obvious marketing ploy rather than a fun interactive piece for viewers.
One main problem made itself apparent throughout the entirety of the
film: The content presented did not exactly align with the cinematography, making it hard to follow and visualize. Another surface-level problem I faced during my watch was the excessive time jumps, which only made it harder to understand the point of the movie.
I found myself extremely unimpressed by the content covered and felt the producers missed out on an opportunity with a decent plot.
Anna Hayek, junior
Although the watch was a bit of an inconvenience, I found the content somewhat thoughtprovoking as I began to piece together an understanding of what message the movie attempted to deliver. I appreciate the satirical aspects regarding systemic gender inequality and misogyny, yet the delivery significantly stunted my ability to enjoy the film.
“Stranger Things”
friends navigate Dungeons & Dragons-related creatures and situations. The show’s popularity has continued to grow since it came out in 2016, and audiences hoped for the final season to tie all the aspects of the complex plot together. Because of this expectation and anticipation for perfection, the final season has received a variety of mixed opinions, mine included.
The Duffer Brothers executed the soundtrack for this episode almost flawlessly, standing out as a favorite aspect of the film. During the final scenes, Prince’s classic “Purple Rain” plays behind a tear-jerking montage following a dramatic event. The use of this song amplified the emotion of the scene, maybe even conveying more emotion than the visuals. Every other song and instrumental featured in this episode, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and “Heroes” by David Bowie, especially, undoubtedly multiplied the emotional factor of it for me.
The writing and acting for this last episode did not meet the quality of previous seasons for me. This whole season felt
moderately forced and not as thought-out as a final season should be, displayed through a lack of resolution for a number of plot points and details mentioned throughout the series. For many moments of the final episode, I saw more of the actors rather than their characters, giving an unrealistic and somewhat cringy feel. However, the special effects and CGI made up for that element. The visuals, ranging from lighting to scenery, successfully allowed me to dive into the “Stranger Things” universe as I followed along with the episodes.
Although the final season did not deliver a spontaneous, mind-blowing ending, the sheer nostalgia of the series leaves an immediate good impression as a preface to watching. Seeing familiar faces collaborate to deliver the last season of a highly anticipated favorite was enough to excite me. While producers had the opportunity to expand further on key details, the bittersweet ending got the job done, sparing the audience from another dragged-out series. I applaud the directors for spacing out episode releases, as I found
I found myself extremely unimpressed by the content covered and felt the producers missed out on an opportunity with a decent plot. The majority of the movie displays poor acting, plotline and directing. Numerous plotlines have tons of potential for an amazing, witty film, but all of which are entirely missed and quickly die out after a mediocre introduction. Although the movie includes numerous talented actors, the script made it nearly impossible for characters to deliver quality performances.
In conclusion, I would rate the movie a 2.5 out of five, as it was hard to follow and seemed to lack a sense of direction shown through the sporadic imagery and narratives. There were some good parts of the movie, like the relationship between McCay and her brother, which I appreciated, but overall, I would not recommend this movie. I definitely do not see myself watching it for a second time.
myself incredibly excited to see what else the Duffer Brothers had in store for the closing chapter.
In summary, I did like the final episode. Most fans set their expectations for some crazy ending with something unexpected happening or different characters getting together,
but I felt content with the simplicity and predictability of the ending. With the show having such a large fan base, making everyone happy seems impossible. Even though I am not a fan of some parts of the episode, I overall enjoyed it and will rate the “Stranger Things” finale a solid three out of five.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Freshman figure skating phenom
| Charlie Collins & Erin Goareguer STAFF REPORTERS
Figure skating as a sport demonstrates extreme technical precision along with physical endurance. Freshman Mia Pohlman climbs the ranks as a top individual in traditional figure skating and synchronized skating. Pohlman has achieved many high rankings at competitions and has even competed at nationals. For some people, the decision to start a new hobby or sport is inspired by someone they know or wanting to improve their fitness. For Pohlman, the inspiration to start figure skating stemmed from watching movies as a kid. “I was like seven. I watched the movie ‘Frozen,’ and I really wanted to be like [Elsa]. So I guess I just decided to start skating,” Pohlman said.
Spectators often see all the medals and trophies that Pohlman has earned over the years, but not the hard practices or conditioning behind the scenes. Sometimes, training can be repetitive. “You just drill it and you have to do it so many times, that’s the way that you learn it,” Pohlman said
Alongside all the achievements and accolades she has earned, time management and
stress are still notable parts of day-to-day life. “It can be stressful. It’s hard, too, especially with school,” Pohlman said. “I have to miss a lot of school for it. So sometimes it’s hard to get all my work done.”
In addition to practicing nine to 10 hours a week, Pohlman does pilates and occasionally sees a nutritionist. To manage her time at school, she gets help from her teachers. “I usually get a lot of work to do before, and I work ahead a lot,” she said.
“You just drill it and you have to do it so many times, that’s the way that you learn it.”
Mia Pohlman, freshman
Although figure skating can have its challenges, Pohlman also makes sure to note all of the positive experiences and memories she has had in the sport. “It’s always fun when you’re in a new place and you’re able to go outside and walk around a little bit with
your friends,” she said. “The memories in the hotel and traveling are always so much fun.”
Pohlman also finds delight in the many social aspects of figure skating, whether that is from traveling or just meeting new people in local communities. “I’ve made a lot of friends at skating, and it’s allowed me to make friendships that are not in school and meet people with different experiences than me as well,” Pohlman said.
Music selection in figure skating is a process that gives spectators insight into the skater’s personality. Pohlman’s process for selecting music is a mix of her personal style and includes a little influence from the people around her. “My coach helps a lot, but usually I just pick it out. I make a playlist of songs that I really like. And then I’ll send them to her, and she’ll say, oh, I like these, and you can choose or send me more,” Pohlman said.
Pohlman’s figure skating career also opens up many options for after high school. “If I wanted to do skating in college, it definitely opens up opportunities for me to compete at a higher level after high school,” she said.
From watching “Frozen” as a child to now standing atop podiums and earning medals, it
is apparent that this is only the start for Pohlman and her high school figure skating career.
Tennis twins: Anders and Soren Swenson
| Benjamin Wheat & Norse Anderson STAFF REPORTERS
With slush on the ground and a chill in the air, tennis is far from the minds of the average person. But for juniors Anders and Soren Swenson, it is an ever-present thought. “There is no off-season,” said Anders Swenson.
Soren Swenson and Anders Swenson are twins who started playing tennis with each other when they were only five years old. “I guess I started tennis because my dad and brother played it,” said Soren Swenson. Both brothers play singles tennis, which uses smaller boundaries and plays without a partner. However, siblings on the tennis team are a surprisingly
common occurrence. Last year, on the boys’ tennis team alone, seven pairs of siblings competed for the same team.
A good play style is crucial in any sport, and Soren Swenson takes the active path, describing his play as “aggressive and creative,” while Anders Swenson said he does not pay attention to his playstile, instead just trying to play well.
For the twins, practice is often and varied. “Some days I’ll do more drills; some days I’ll do match play and point play,” said Soren Swenson. During the winter, tennis players can play in one of the many indoor courts in the Twin Cities area to keep practicing for the competitive season.
Last year, Soren Swenson won the Class AA state tennis tournament. Although he won the state title, he still has many ambitions and goals. “Win state again, improve my game to one of the highest levels, and play in college and go pro.” Anders Swenson aspires similarly, wanting “to play in college [and] be competitive in tennis.”
“I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other players during high school tennis.”
Anders Swenson, junior
Tennis isn’t just about competition and striving to be the best. It’s also about the process of practice and those you meet while in it. Anders Swenson identified the connections he has made in the tennis team as a high point in his career.
“I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other players during high school tennis.” While the sport is individual in nature , the practice of it is communal. “I practice in a group or just hit balls with my friends,” said Anders Swenson.
To stick with something for over 11 years takes drive. For both brothers, betterment and ambition to compete at even higher levels kept them in the game. “Just to be the best I can
be,” Soren Swenson said, describing his ambition. “I want to be as good as my brother and improve myself.”
As of now, Soren Swenson is committed to the University of Wisconsin–Madison after their tennis coach reached out. “The coach watched me play, and over the next few months we talked about going to Wisconsin.” The University of Wisconsin competes in the Big Ten conference and had strong showings in years past, finishing third in the Big Ten Tournament in the 2021-2022 season and qualifying in all years since. Anders Swenson also hopes to play in college, and both brothers are currently preparing for the 2026 season.
PHOTO Ian Pohlman
Crossword PUZZLES
Across
3. Which neuroscience competition do USABO Club members at Mounds View also participate in?
4. ______ _______ experiences a major surge in memberships every January 1 due to New Year’s resolutions.
6. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a branch of the Department of
8. Which Mounds View varsity team has a 12-year conference finals winning streak against White Bear Lake?
10. In which country did table tennis originate?
11. The American _______ Association warns that excessive added sugars are a primary cause of the metabolic syndrome epidemic.
12. Which girls’ sports team is combined between Mounds View and Irondale?
13. _____ and _____ Swenson are twin juniors who play tennis at Mounds View.
Sudoku
Down
1. Which city will raise its minimum wage to $16.37 an hour in July?
2. Which company is expected to launch the Llama 4 Behemoth AI model in early 2026?
5. Which French holiday celebrated with crepes does the Mounds View French Club observe on Feb. 2?
7. How many schools are participating in the Suburban East Conference (SEC) Music Festival at Mounds View?
9. Which Disney movie inspired Mia Pohlman to start figure skating?
