The official student-run news publication of Edina High School.

Edina Zephyrus
The official student-run news publication of Edina High School.

Edina Zephyrus
The official student-run news publication of Edina High School.

Edina Zephyrus
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December news in brief: Cabinet appointees, policy changes, water pollution plan, Edelson’s diversity intiative

Erin Patterson and Devarsh Borah
December 19, 2024

Trump appoints Cabinet members for his second presidency

After obtaining the 2024–28 presidency, Donald Trump has started to select his Cabinet. Names such as Howard Lutnick, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Marco Rubio, and Pam Bondi made their way to his list. Lutnick was nominated as Secretary of Commerce, where his job is to support businesses in the United States. Kennedy Jr. was nominated as Secretary of Health & Human Services. This role covers all health aspects, from fluoride in drinking water to public health emergencies. Rubio, a Floridian senator, was nominated as Trump’s Secretary of State, so he will manage foreign relations. Trump nominated Bondi, who served on his legal team during his first impeachment as the United States Attorney General. Trump also nominated Scott Bessent as Secretary of the Treasury, Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor, Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture, Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation, Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior, Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy, and Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education.

What policy changes will Trump enact?

Although Trump isn’t inaugurated until Jan. 20, 2025, possible proposals include restriction of gender affirming care, military action on undocumented migrants, and attempting to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump plans to reduce health care for transgender people and ban trans athletes from school sports. Trump also plans to enact the largest deportation ever into action. He told NBC News that the major budget of this won’t stop him. Trump is determined to end the Russia-Ukraine war in under 24 hours. No action has been taken, except a call with the Ukrainian president. Topics discussed during the call were not disclosed.

Amendments to Biden’s water pollution plan

President Joe Biden’s administration created rules to maintain safe water and limit water pollution from infrastructure projects. Project 2025 made plans for the Environmental Protection Agency to remove these rules. Although not directly associated with Project 2025, Trump has already picked multiple people for his administration that have worked on the initiative. These rules will also change what is defined as a protected wetland. Public health officials worry that Biden’s efforts for clean water will be undone. At a Pennsylvania rally in November, Trump stated his plans for our country to have the “cleanest air and water on the planet.”

Heather Edelson introduces diversity initiative

Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson is leading efforts to celebrate Edina’s multicultural identity. Inspired by her own experiences, Edelson partnered with culturally-focused community organizations to fund displays reflecting Edina’s cultural diversity. This includes a menorah and dreidel near the holiday tree at 50th and France, and plans to add a Ramadan sculpture and future Diwali displays. Edelson hopes these efforts foster curiosity and cultural understanding. The displays are just the beginning of what she sees as a broader effort to celebrate representation in the community.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Dec. 19, 2024

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About the Contributors
Erin Patterson
Erin Patterson, Staff Writer
Erin is a freshman at EHS who is so excited for her first year on Zephyrus! She spends way too much time listening to music, playing piano, baking, and watching Gilmore Girls (for the 6th time). Erin is a huge fan of Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, and can usually be found listening to one of them. Erin is overly excited for Christmas year round, especially in the summer. She looks forward to this school year and writing for Zephyrus!
Devarsh Borah
Devarsh Borah, Business Manager
Devarsh is incredibly excited to be returning for his fourth and final year on Zephyrus. When he is not in the Publication Room,  you can find him spending time with friends and watching his glorious kings LeBron James and Anthony Edwards rack up massive numbers on the court. As a “gastronomy connoisseur,” Devarsh loves to eat. You can often find him indulging in rare and extravagant delicacies like Doritos, Oreos, and Sour Patch Kids–five star cuisine that even Gordon Ramsey finds too tedious to make. Devarsh also loves listening to music, spending hours listening to the likes of Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz while studying or waiting in the mile-long line for the cafeteria chicken sandwich. ​​In his final year at Edina, Devarsh is determined to tackle some of the school’s most pressing questions, such as: “What can be done to counter brainrot at EHS?” and “Who is the best Brawl Stars character?” He looks forward to making the most of senior year and can’t wait to meet even more amazing people.