Titan Times November 25

Titan Titan Times Times

Volume5,Issue2|November2025

Inside this Issue:

SNAP Benefits Notre Dame High School

By: Sydney Cramer TitanTimesEditor,Junior

As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans are faced with a dilemma that must be addressed gently—particularly Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), alsoknownasfoodstamps.

According to the New York imes article, “Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’Work to Send Full Food Stamps,” the Trump administration recently told states to undo efforts to issue full SNAP benefits, leaving families unsure if they will receive November aid. This after a federal judge ordered the government to fund program fully, but the Supreme Court later blocked thatdecision.

does it stem from a society that no longer prepares its citizens to be able to provide for themselves in the future? And what can we do to reduce this largestatistic?

The problem may even stem back to our education system. Some school curricula prioritize testscoresandstandardizedtests over skills that are useful for finding a stable job. If an education system is failing to prepare students for real world independence, it's no surprise that economic struggles have ensued. Maybe the issue is not just about government aid but how we can prepare people to livewithoutit.

SNAP supports 42 million Americans, roughly about one in eight people, by providing money for groceries through electronic benefit cards paid for through federal taxes. When I learned that number, I was honestly astonished. Food is the basic human necessity— something no one can live without—yet 42 million people on government assistance to afford it. This statistic made me stop and wonder how oursocietyreachedthispoint.

Somewhere, something clearly isn’t working. Has society failed 42 million Americans, or have the systems failed the Americans who were intended to be supported? Is this dependence the result of poor policiesandpoliticians?Or

Without SNAPbenefits, families are forced to face impossible choices between paying rent, purchasing medicine, or feeding their children. These effects are not just national but also local. In places like Riverside County, delays or reductions of SNAP benefits increase demand on food banks and local organizations. Local food banks and community organizations are bracing for increased demand and urging people to volunteer and donate. Some states are trying to fill the gap using emergency funds, while others wait for federal instructions.Thegovernment

shutdown and SNAP benefits may seem distant to us teenagers. However, it’s important to realize the government shutdown is not only about politics, but about providing food on the table and ensuring that there is food in the cabinets. The problem has a domino effect throughout entire communities, even if you don’t realize it. Sometimes it affects people you would never expect, from classmates coming to school hungry or even local businesses losing customers when families have less to spend.

In the meantime, it’s important to keep these families in our prayers and the state of the federal government as well. I also encourage you all to participate in the canned food fundraiserthismonthanddonate food to help families who are struggling to put food on the table for children just like us. Food shouldn’t be a privilege, and needing government help to afford it shouldn’t be this common. Somewhere change hastostart.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the company with scoffers.”- Psalms 1: 41

Crisis in Sudan

By: Savannah Tran TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

Sudan’s crisis has entered a new phase—except it started years ago. Sudan had plummeted into a civil war in April of the year 2023 after a struggle for power broke out between its army and a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF declared a rival government in Nairobi, Kenya, which the SAF did not recognize. Both parties accuse each other of commiting atrocities while having repeated attemptsatcease-fires.

In early November of 2025, a proposed truce failed as the SAF rejected it. Reports describe that this has created a mistrust of peace efforts and a large displacement crisis, where there are reports from aid organizations stating there are over 20 million people who now face starvation. Rather than moving along for diplomacy, SAF and RSF leaders appear to have the belief that a continuationforfightingisin

their best interests, which leads Sudan on a path towards fatal humanitarian collapse. Famine has also been officially confirmed by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), and Sudan has been classified as having phase5conditionsinElFasher

According to United Nations Agencies, more than 12 million people are displaced—including families that have to flee El Fasher to be able to seek safety and humanitarian services in Tawila, Melit, Saraf, and other locations. There are documented reports of widespread protection concerns such as civilian casualties and attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities. Humanitarian workers have to face challenges whilst delivering assistance like violence and communication blackouts while hospitals are either destroyed or have lack of supplies—showingthatfunding

Is AI Bad for the Environment?

By: Jacob Solis TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

Artificial Intelligence, also known asAI, might feel like the cornerstone of the future, from chatbots and smart cars to robots that can paint better than most humans.Yet, that “future” we all think of comes with a bigger, more hidden cost: the environment.

andglobalattentionremain insufficient.

Neighboring states struggle to manage the amount of refugees while facing their own economic pressures and are being overwhelmed by demand. They lackresourcestomeettheurgent humanitarianneedsofthosewho arrivedacrosstheborderwithout international support. Meanwhile, U.S. aid cuts have deepened the crisis, which is forcing the organizations to scalebackessentialservicesto

refugees.

Armed groups are also exploiting penetrable borders and unaffected trade routes, while regional and international efforts to mediate havebarelyprogressed.Despitethe bleak outlook, observers have taken note that an opportunity for a ceasefire with guaranteed humanitarian access could help stabilize the situation, as restoring aid and protection for civilians are toppriorities.

Zohran Mamdani Wins

Behind every AI system are massive data centers filled with thousands of computers running day and night. Because these machines process large amounts of data, they consume enormous amounts of energy Much of the electricity needed to train and runAI models often comes from nonrenewable sources, further contributing to environmental strain. In fact, researchers estimate that just one large AI model can emit as much carbon as five cars over their entire lifetimes.

It’s not just power that’s the problem. Data centers also need millions of gallons of water every year to stay cool— especially in hotter areas. That’s water that could otherwise be used for homes, farming, or ecosystems already struggling to have clean water—or even water at all! By 2027, AI data centers will be projected to have used 1.7 trillion gallons of water globally In other words, that is the equivalent of the annual household water use of the entire state of California—the total amount of water used by over39millionpeople! seeAIonPage8

On November 4th, the city of New York elected their new mayor The three candidates battling for the mayorship were Zohran Mamdani, the Democrat nominee, Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat turned independent, and Curtis Silwa, a Republican. Winning the vote with a 50.4%, Mamdani has made a big step for many, as he is the first Muslim mayor for the city Becoming popular on social media, he has focused his campaign on affordability and equality, with his support of free buses, rent freezing, and affordable housing. Indentifying asademocraticsocialist,he

believes that “it is a mandate for change” in context to his socialistagenda.

The 34-year-old mayor has confirmed that he is planning to have discussions with president Donald Trump, which he says will be “crucial for the success of the city.” First elected in 2020, he previously served in the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th district.As he prepares for his transition from assembly member to mayor, many have both criticized and admired his policies. Some have argued that SeeMAMDANIonPage8

Student Spotlight

By: Elizabeth de Leora TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

For this issue, we are featuring ASL IV student: Daphne Egizi. Daphne has taken American Sign Language all throughout her time at Notre Dame; taking part of Notre Dame’s very first ASL IV class, instructed by Professor Kevin Struxness, a deafman.TheinauguralASLIV only has four seniors—students that have excelled in the subject since their freshman year: Daphne Egizi, Xavier Felix, Adrian Reyes, and Sophia Saldana.

“It’s honestly really cool to know that you’re one of the first people to take this class. It was really cool getting it to happen because we all advocated for this class, so it feels really nice,” Daphnesaidinashortinterview.

“Kevin is so amazing. He’s really awesome, and I think he adds a more unique perspective to the class, especially since we don’t really know what being deaf is like as people who can hear.WithKevin,it’sreallynice

By: Doug Cube TitanTimesEditor,Junior

to have that one-on-one interactionwithadeafpersonso you can get as much knowledge and experience as you can. You also get more empathy towards deaf people, especially when you’re learning that beautiful language.”

ASL IV is currently learning more conversational signs in order to become fluent and have more natural conversations with others. Although ASL has been used for many years, Sign Supported English is becoming more popular. Daphne says, “It’s easier to use ASL to the fullest extent. ASL is it’s own language, its own culture, and itsownidentity.”

The Filipino-based restaurant chain, Jollibee, is very popular amongst the Asian American, and the entire United States as well. Despite this, I had never gone to one before. My first Jollibee experience started in an early October morning, when my sisters took me out to Ontario Mills. While we spent the morning wandering around, by the afternoon we had collectively decided to eat somewhere; Jollibee at the choiceofmysister.WhenIhad

walked up to order, the menu was very resemblant of a fastfood restaurant. Now, I still had a concept of what Jollibee was, and I had heard that the spicy chicken sandwich was good, so I got that. My decision in that was one I don’t regret, as I would say the spicy chicken sandwich was very life changing. Ihonestly don’t know why it took me so long to try it, but it has definitely been added to fast food restaurants I will visitmoreregularly.

Coach G

By: Bristol Gonzalez TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

This issue’s teacher feature is for one of our newest teachers at ND, Coach Geletko—also known as Coach G to many of his students. I had the oppurtinity to ask him a couple questions about himself, and thisiswhathesaid:

“I heard that you were in the military; how was your time there?”

“It was great. I earned a lot of leadership skills there. [I] learned a lot of interpersonal communication skills… a lot of life skills, and to be totally honest, it helped me mature through structure... and those are things that I kind of take into the classroom and instill in students… I would say they are verybeneficial[aspects].”

“So, you are also the football coach for Notre Dame. What wasyourfavoritemomentthis pastseason?”

“I wouldn’t say I could pinpoint an exact moment, but I would say the progress of the kids. I think the kids took exponential steps not only skillwise, but in just being men. Handling themselves as men. Taking to coaching. Moving and working asaunit.”

“How has your teaching experience been at Notre Dame?”

“Excellent. It’s been great. Small class sizes. I’ve been luckyhavingthesophomores,I

love the class. I went to public school and I’ve taught a public school before and this is my first experience at a private school,andit’sgreat!”

“Tell us a bit about your spiritualfaith.”

“I would say that faith is like a marathon. It’s not always going to be perfect. You’re not always going to be in first place, especially in your connection to God. But you have to look at it from a big picture standpoint. There’s always going to be times where you might give up, but you know that your faith is something you can lean on for stability. I don’t know if I’m the best example for faith because I am still learning myself, and that’s what it is like to be a Christian, but I would say this: My salvation is justified through faith, that’s something I know… No matter how hard it gets, your faith is always going tobetheretolifeyouup.”

We would like to thank Coach G for allowing us the opportunity to interview him, and share his thoughts with the rest of the school. We wish that he has a blessed next school year and an amazing time teachingatNotreDame!

Louvre Heist

By: Brian Garcia TitanTimesWriter,Junior

The Louvre, which boasts a collection of over 350,000 pieces, ranging from meticulously crafted sculptures to the most ancient artifacts, equating to over a billion dollars, was robbed on October 19th, 2025. You would assume that the largest art museum in the world would be able to detect and apprehend a mere group of four men, yet the greatest obstacle these thieves faced was a wooden window they easily bypassed with tools you could buy at a Home Depot for sixty dollars. In fact, the supposed security guard abandoned his post upon noticing thebreak-in,whichfacilitatedtheir eventual escape with eight pieces of jewelry worth an estimated 102 milliondollars.

most talked about shows for months, and every teaser or behind-the-scenes photo just adds to the hype. People are already making predictions onwhatcould possibly happen this season. It was also announced in September that for the first time, this season would be rated TV-MA, so who knows what could happen! The casthasteasedthatthisseason

SBy: Sydney Cramer TitanTimesStaffEditor,Junior

If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok, you’re bound to run into 22year old Canadian influencer, Spencer Barbosa. Barbosa is known for her confidence and body positivity, particularly aimed for young girls. Barbosa has built a large following on TikTok and Instagram by encouraging young women to embrace who they are, love themselves first, and never settleforlessthanwhattheydeserve.

Well, big news: Spencer just got engaged to her boyfriend, Connor! She shared the proposal on social media earlier this month, and her engagement wentviral,withthepostgainingover2 millionlikes.

What makes this moment so special isn’t just the ring or the priceless photos, but also what it represents. Spencer’s journey reminds us that love doesn’t have to be rushed or forced. In a world where dating can sometimes feel uncertain or discouraging, her engagementisareminderthatreallove comes at the right time and with the right person. Her engagement proves howfocusingonpersonalgrowthand

self-love doesn’t push love away, but actually attracts the kind that lasts.

will be the biggest one yet. The Season 5 Hollywood premiere took place on November 6 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, where the cast showed up in style and fans packed the place. This premiere felt like the end of an era for the cast. This seasonisalsobringinginsomenew faces alongside the original cast. This show has had a huge impact on Netflix since it first came out, and this final season feels like the end of something big. The final season will be released in three parts. Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the finalepisodeonDecember 31. th

Whether you’re single or still figuring things out, Spencer’s engagmement is more than just an announcement. It’s a symbol of hope.It’sasignthatlovefindsyou when it’s meant to and that the best kind of love begins with lovingyourselffirst.

PhotofromGoogle

Currently, in the Voice, all the coaches, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan finished the Blind Auditions and are underway with the Knockouts. The Knockouts is when two singers from the same team and their coaches sing together and the coach of that team chooses who isgoingtostayandwhoisgoing to go home.While practicing the songs that the singers chose, a surprise coach comes in. Some of the surprise coaches were Lewis Capaldi and Lizzo, who helped coach singers. All the singerscameandwentup

against each other to get a stop in the Playoffs, with only 4 singers from each team getting in. So far, Trinity Giselle hit a high note and wowed the coaches, so she got a spot in the playoffs. Here are the singers that so far made it into the Playoffs: for Team Reba— Aubrey Nicole, and Ryan Mitchell—for Team Niall—Ava Nat, Aiden Ross, and DEK of Hearts—for Team Snoop— Ralph Edwards and Toni Lorene —and for team Bublé—Max ChambersandRobCole.

Regretting You

Collen Hoover did it again!! She made another movie When watching this movie, there was only one thing I was thinking about: “What are the crazy dynamics of this movie?” I did like that it was a romance, but some parts were pretty weird both physically and physiologically The acting in the film was very good, but the story line was very complicated. I don’t know why this book was chosen to be made after It Ends with Us, which was another movie released after a book written by Colleen Hoover The storyline was very confusing, dramatic, and toxic What I did not really understand was the dynamic of the adult characters and the delusion throughout the movie What was confusing to me was how they did not realize that they loved each other until their partners had died But I thought it was very interesting thatbothDaveFrancoand

Recent developments in robotics and A.I. have been revealed, which has led spectators to question their authenticity. On November 5th, Chinese EV maker Xpeng revealed a humanoid robot on stage at Xpeng’s A.I. Day in Guangzhou. As the company presented the robot, spectators and investors questioned the android, as it looked human in its design, bordering on the uncanny valley. The robot, “IRON,” had 82 degrees of freedom, with 22 degrees in the hands, allowing the robot to be able to perform tasks similarly to a human. Along with the body having a flexible spine similar to a human's along with articulated joints and artificial muscles, it was no wonder that the audience questioned this development. This led to IRON’slegbeingslicedopenon stage to reveal the mechanisms and wires underneath. Xpeng’s creatorsstatedthatitwillhave

synthetic skin, flexible bones, and customizable attributes ranging from gender, skin color, hairlength,andclothing.

They also stated that IRON was thefirstintheworldtorunonan all-solid-state battery, which uses ceramics or polymers like rubber instead of lithium ion batteries. They stated that they intendedfortherobottobemass producedwithmodelsbeingsent

Eucharistic Procession

By: Luke Webster TitanTimesWriter,Junior

For more than two years now, Father Paul has led our Eucharistic Procession here at Notre Dame. The procession at heart aims to bless and deepen the community as well as one's own faith. Many of our processions are aided by our Peer Ministry; they participate, hold the canopy, provide incense from a thurible, and sometimes carry candles. There are also viewers who simply watch, question, or mind their day As an institution, the Catholic Church wants all to witness the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist through the traditional procession. The Eucharistic Procession originated in the 13th century. It was formed by the institution of the Corpus Christi Feast to publicly affirm faith in the Real Presence of Jesus within the Eucharist. The first ever procession was recorded in Cologne, Germany, inthe1270s.Tillthisdaythe

World Series

By: Priscilla Medina TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

The Dodgers do it again and get the 2peat!The2025WorldSeriesmatch up was the Los Angeles Dodgers vs The Toronto Blue Jays. This World Series was one of the most entertaining ones yet, and in case you missed it, let me summarize the key moments and games! Game 3 went until the 18th inning and went down in history as the longest innings gone to in a World Series game. This game lasted six hours and thirty-nine minutes, and it is the second longest game in World Series history. This game was ended by FreddieFreeman,whohada walkof home run in the bottom of the 18th inning. Shohei Otani also had a strong performance, reaching base nine times and tying the game earlier with a double that scored. This win gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the series. With the World Series trophy onthelineingame,theDodgersrose up and took the series one more game. This game started off with a Blue Jays 3-0 lead over the Dodgers inthethirdinning.

Catholic Church around the world has kept the original tradition of holding the Body of Christ in a monstrance presented to the world. Most recently, last Thursday of November 13th, Father Paul yet again held our Eucharistic Procession after Mass. Saint Catherine middle schoolers attended the procession as well as our entire school. Those who participated in it prayed the rosary as they walked the Titan Mile. Afterwards, they came back to a short ten minute adoration aided by our Notre Dame Choir and Band. To fully appreciate the procession, you first have to appreciate the communitywehavehereatND. The procession brings us together and shows to the world that we are ND and we love God.

The Hadestown Experience

Thanks to Teoscar Hernandez in thefourthinning,WillSmithwas able to score a run. Later in the fourth inning the benches on both sides cleared. This was due to pitcher Justin Wroboleski throwing a pitch that hit Blue Jays’ second baseman Andres Gimenez. Gimenez, appeared to move his hand toward it in an attempt to get a free base. After being hit by a pitch, the second baseman and pitcher exchanged words, but despite the high tension, no punches were thrown and no players were ejected. The Dodgers later made a comeback againsttheBlueJays,startingoff with Miguel Rojas’ game tying homerunintheninthendingand ending with Will Smith’s go ahead home run in the 11th inning. In between, Andy Pages made a game-saving catch in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extra innings. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched two crucial innings after having no days of resting and pitching twoWorldSeriesgamesbefore

Notre Dame’s winter musical is approachingonNovember21,22, and 23—so I feel that it is appropriate to write about this famous, meaningful, and indie folk musical. Hadestown is a Musical written by Anias Mitchell during 2006. However, the show was originally a story album. This show is a two act musical about the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The musicalalsosubtlyspeaksonreal world issues such as climate change and industrialization. I personally play an ensemble role in the show and would love to share some of my experiences with you. From the very first audition to the most recent rehearsal, the cast of this show has worked hard to pull this composition together. Next week, we take the show to the real stage during tech week, where it’ll receive its finishing touches, includingcostumesandprops.

Veterans Day

By: Madison Mendoza TitanTimesWriter,Junior

When the guns of World War I fell silent on the 11th month, 11th day, and 11th hour of 1918, America promised to never forget those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. More than a century later, that promise lives on in families across America, like mine, where echoes of service still shapewhoweare.

Veteran’s Day began as Armistice day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Then, in 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans—not just those who fought in World War I. For me, Veteran’s Day is a reminder of the many sacrifices Americans have made and the strength they showed.

My family’s connection to military service stretches across generations, each one leaving behind stories of bravery, loss, and resilience. My great grandfather, Henry Mendoza, enlisted into the army and fought in WWII from 19431944. Following him was my grandfather, Robert Mendoza (top photo), who got drafted, like so many others, in August of1966attheripeageof19.He was responsible for communicating to command via radio or morse code at all times. In those 2 years he served, he was a bronze medal recipient. He endured harsh weather conditions, the hidden dangers of chemical exposure like Agent

ImageCourtesyofMadisonMendoza

Jose enlisted into the marines and tragically died at 19 when his boat was ambushed shortly after landing. His memorial is shown at the bottom photo below. After his death, my grandfather had to leave the service to bury his brother and then return to the servicethatsamemonth.Decades after my grandfather’s service had ended, he passed due to side effectsofAgentOrange.

While my family’s story is not unique, many American families have sacrificed the same, if not more for the cost of freedom. Veteran’s Day unites all these stories by reminding us that behind every veteran is a family that waited, worried, and prayed. Hearing my family’s stories has changed the way I see Veteran’s Day. It’s not just a day off from schooloraparade,butareminder of the courage and sacrifice that madeourcountrywhatitis.

Let this day remind us that these men who served in war sacrificed two lives, the one they were living and the one they were going to live. To truly honor veterans, we must do more than remember. We must listen, and for those who

Día de los Muertos

By: Jacob Solis TitanTimesWriter,Freshman

“Día de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” is a holiday that has been celebrated by the Latino culture for thousands of years. Rooted in early Aztec traditions and later blended with Catholic influences, the celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd. Despite what the name might give off, this is far from a sorrowful occasion. Instead, families gather around and celebrate the loved ones that have departed, keeping their memories alive through color, music, and tradition.

Traditionally, families will create an altar called an “ofrenda” which is decorated with candles, flowers, and favorite foods of their loved ones—like ”Pan de Muerto" and sugar skulls. They do this to give a warm welcome back to spiritsduringtheirshortvisit.

Families will also put out bright, orange colored flowers named “cempasúchil” (marigolds) which are believed to be a symbol to guide spirits home with their vibrant scent and color.

Brightly colored skulls and skeletons, known as calaveras and calacas, represent the belief that death is simply another part of life’s cycle. Cities will hold lively parades to remind everyone that love outlives loss andgrief.

In the state of Georgia, resident Beverly Morris told reporters that she has no access to clean water due to a Meta AI center just 400 yards away fromherhouse.

“I can’t live in my home with half of my home functioning and no water,”Morrisexplained.“Ican’tdrinkthewater.”

Although she repaired the plumbing in her kitchen to restore water pressure, sediment still contaminates her water. Everyday, Morris must rely on water that she cannot be certain is safe to use. This is just one example of how AI damages the environment. Now, imagine that but for peopleallovertheworld.

Even small, everyday uses of AI—like generating art, using virtual assistants, or talking with chatbots—require tons of energy. It’s a reminder that “The Cloud” is not really floating in the sky, but is very real buildings consuming vast amounts of natural environment is being affected daily by human machinery, deforestation, and climate change. Now, with AI data centers, problems have intensified. AI is no longer just a issue—it is an environmental one. Human activity is destroy the planet while we take advantage of its resources us alive. If we keep letting innovation outspace we might end up creating a “smarter” world on a dying

rtesyofMadisonMendoza

This holiday is more than a tradition; it is a reminder to cherish every moment and to honor those who have helped shape our lives and identity. Día de los Muertos blends remembrance with joy, teaching us that even after death, beauty, laughter, and endless love will alwaysprevail. DANI

saretoograndand oneassaid,while himhavethoughtof economicchallenges scommendable

tostores,offices,and showrooms.Thefirstofficial modelsareexpectedtoappear atXpenglocationsin2026.

Titan Times Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Minh Lai

Editors

Gael Campos

Jude Cramer

Sydney Cramer

Doug Cube

Writers

Trinity Beckman

Sophie Bou Harb

Marek Crane

Elizabeth de Loera

Brian Garcia

Bristol Gonzalez

Stella Kurzweil

Chau Lai

Priscilla Medina

Madison Mendoza

Jelani Mitchell

Logan Rudd

Jacob Solis

Savanah Tran

Luke Webster

Photographers

Heidi Hutter

Adrian Gonzalez

Public Relations

Doug Cube

Faculty Moderators

Mrs. Arguelles

Mrs. Webster