Last year was marked by significant events that shook our communities, moved us to tears, ignited our passions, and sparked joy.
In the digital age, where news cycles seem increasingly short and stories virtually disappear as soon as they arrive, it helps to take time to recall yesterday’s moments that shaped today.
The Omega has compiled a list of nine impactful stories of 2025.
Climate Change — It’s getting hot out here
Like the years before it, 2025 continued the trend of increasingly alarming weather conditions. It saw some of the most extreme and brutal climate emergencies in modern times, and was not only one of the three hottest years on record, but also the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history.
Globally, we saw floods and droughts, dramatic heatwaves and chilling cold spells, along with a devastating loss of life. Hurricane Melissa, which swept into the Caribbean in October, was the worst climate disaster in Jamaica’s history, with over a hundred casualties in total.
As we move into the new year, trends do not bode well for global climate stability. The signs for necessary action have never been clearer.
TRU At 20 — Two decades of progress
March 31 marked 20 years since Thompson Rivers University achieved university status, changing its name from University College of the Cariboo and setting forth with new goals of academic excellence.
In the time since, TRU has taken important strides in several areas of institutional importance. It boasts a thriving Open Learning program, is a national leader in sustainability, and has done significant work to partner and integrate with local indigenous communities.
As a relatively young institution, it is exciting to see what else is in store.
Local Kamloops stars in breakout Canadian TV show
Hudson Williams, one of the stars of the internationally acclaimed breakout romance series Heated Rivalry, is a Kamloops local who graduated from Sa-Hali Secondary School.
The show has seen vast global attention, becoming Crave’s most-watched original series and HBO Max’s top debut for an acquired, non-animated title since the platform’s launch. It has also been widely regarded as an important piece of queer media, depicting a passionate gay relationship in sports.
New Pope — A Conclave to remember
In April, the world was rocked by the loss of Pope Francis, who served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years.
After a 2-day conclave, the Church chose its new head, Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American pope. Continuing on his predecessor’s work, Pope Leo holds strong values on protecting the poor and marginalized, with a focus on migrants, human rights, and climate change.
Kamloops Film Festivals — Culture in Cinema
The Kamloops Film Society at the Paramount Theatre hosted several film festivals in 2025, spotlighting a myriad of important stories through cinema.
The 29th Kamloops Film Festival, which ran from March 6 – 15, had a captivating lineup of award-winning and critically lauded films from around the world. The second annual Queer Film Festival brought to audiences impactful S2LGBTQIA+ stories from Aug. 8- 16. And finally, the fourth annual Indigenous Film Festival explored the beauty and resilience of Indigenous storytelling between Sept. 26 – 28.
These festivals are expected to be held again through 2026, bringing the community together to celebrate culture and humanity through film.
TRU’s new president — A homecoming
President Airini was announced as the university’s new president and vice-chancellor in April and was formally installed in June.
Following the departure of former president Brett Fairbairn, TRU’s former Dean of Education and Social Work, Airini, was called upon after a lengthy search to take the reins of leadership and oversight. She has already expressed several priorities, from improving the university’s standing as a research institution to promoting ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in academia, and more. It will be interesting to watch what she does moving forward.
Trump Trade Wars — Buying Canadian
The tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in February sent a ripple of shock, anxiety, and frustration through many in Canada. The government’s response was to encourage Canadians to purchase Canada-produced goods, spurring the phrase “Buy Canadian.”
Trump’s many comments about Canada becoming a 51st state, along with his tariffs, have been considered insulting by many and have been attributed to renewed waves of patriotism in the country. Political analysts have even suggested it played a part in Canada’s federal elections, swaying voters further toward the Liberals.
Carney in; Trudeau out
Around the world, politics was on more minds than ever in 2025, and the same holds true for Canadians.
An increasing loss of public faith in the Trudeau government led him to step down as the head of the Liberal Party and as the Prime Minister of Canada.
Former central banker Mark Carney was chosen to fill the vacuum left by Trudeau, swearing into office on March 14. He went on to retain his seat after the 2025 federal election—the first time the Liberals won the popular vote in a decade.
Hudson’s Bay Shutdown — The end of an era
The last of the Hudson’s Bay stores ceased operations in June, marking the end of the 355-year-old retailer’s presence in Canada.
Beyond just signalling the dire state of Canadian department stores, the Hudson’s Bay closure was a monumental moment in Canadian history. The company, which began in 1670 during the fur trade, played a significant role in shaping the Canada we know today. Throughout its vast history, both good and bad, it was undeniably a unique piece of Canada and the Canadian identity.