Derek Nastasi
Whether you like it or not, holiday break is over and work/school has started back up.
This is usually the time where people “start over” or make some New Year's resolutions. Some common ones every year are to eat healthier, be nicer, work harder, and some sentimental junk here and there. Whatever your attitude or predictions may be towards 2019, here is what to expect: Here are 10 things that are happening in 2019:
1.) The Lunar Race
SpaceX, Boeing, and NASA are working together to commence a space trip to the moon this year after a delay in 2019, according to multiple sources. According to Skyandtelescope.com, a multinational armada of spacecraft will arrive at the moon this year following last year’s 112 successful space missions. China is launching their Chang e’4 and 5 space capsules to the moon. India is launching their Chandrayaan 2 spacecraft to the moon on the 30th of January this year. Also, India’s Team Indus company is planning to secure a launch contract this year. Many other countries are planning to join this space race, even countries such as Israel.
2.) Goodbye American Sedans and Coupes
It turns out sedans are a thing of the past in America car manufacturing; Chrysler and General Motor brands ceased production of their sedans and coupes and the last round of sedans and coupes scheduled will come out this year. This move was made in favor of SUVs and pickup trucks, which automobile manufacturers say brings in more money and are much more popular. Four-door pickup trucks may be renamed hence Chrysler’s consideration of renaming their Dodge Rams. There has even been speculation that four-door pickup trucks will be classified as a new type of vehicle- again just speculation. There is no word from Japanese, German, or Swedish manufacturers.
3.) Government Shutdown Progress
As you may know we are currently undergoing a government shutdown due to the debate about border security; however, there are plans by both Democrats and Republicans to negotiate and try to open the government back up this year and even this month. Even with that being said, it seems like both sides are not backing down about their views on the border wall. In case you didn't know what a U.S. government shutdown is, it's not where the country is in anarchy and the Purge happens. It is when the nonessential offices of the government close due to lack of Congressional approval of the federal budget in the upcoming fiscal year. It happens when Congress can't agree on funding, basically. Things such as passport applications, national parks, and anything deemed unnecessary at the time and that are not operating on cash reserves will be closed until Congress can agree on the budget. Now keep in mind this has occurred many times in the past. Although teachers are paid by the government, school isn't affected and you still have to come to school.
4.) Rock Lives On
The heavy metal band Slipknot, which I know we have a popular fan base of in LH, myself included, is planning on releasing a new album this year following their single, “All Out Life.” No one knows for sure of the specifics on the new album but it is described by the band as one of the darkest chapters in Slipknot. A Disturbed concert in PPG Paints arena in Pittsburgh will be held in February. Also according to Loudwire, you can expect new recordings from Avenged Sevenfold, Lamb of God, Bring Me the Horizon, Korn, Megadeth, Rob Zombie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Deftones.
5.) School News For something a bit more local that is happening in our school, SADD club is starting back up. Also as a policy change, students are only required to take two years of physical education class instead of four years like it used to be.
6.) New Movies
Star Wars Episode IX, which will either make Star Wars fans hate the new trilogy even more or calm their hate for it.
MCU’s Captain Marvel
MCU’s Avengers Endgame, which will answer the questions of the most memed about movie, Infinity War.
MCU’s Spider-Man: Far From Home
DC Comic’s Joker
DC Comic’s Shazam!
X-Men:Dark Phoenix
A new Terminator movie which is unnamed
Toy Story 4, which will be bringing back our childhoods and more memes.
The Lion King, which is a remake of the original Lion King.
Lego Movie 2
Disney’s Aladdin
Men in Black International, which will be reviving the series.
Godzilla:King of Monsters
Jack Wick:Chapter 3
Jumanji 2
The New Mutants, which looks like Split 2 almost.
Rocketman, not about Kim Jong Un but about the singer Elton John.
How to Train Your Dragon:The Hidden World, the third edition to that series.
Happy Death Day 2U, a sequel to the thriller Happy Death Day
The Angry Birds Movie 2
Disney’s Frozen 2
Wicked, which is based on that Broadway musical everyone was talking about.
7.) Tech Innovations
According to dwplive.com, facial recognition, and VR products will be becoming more popular on the tech market. New special VR goggles will allow a “Driving” experience which will create a more realistic driving experience. Also with new Virtual Reality technology, people can attend events live as if they were really there. I smell piracy in the ticket industry.
8.) Retailing Changes
According to chainstroage.com, retailers such as Walmart and Lowe’s are planning on integrating Artificial Intelligence to help in shelf restocking, supply chain, and communications through purchasing processes. Stores all around America are losing business due to online shopping and many retail companies such as K-Mart and Sears are taking hits.
9.) 2020 Election
It is well known that this year the Democrats are taking control of the House of Representatives and selecting candidates for the primaries and for nomination for the 2020 election. Some big names that are considering a presidential run are Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bloomberg, Kamala Harris, former vice president under Obama: Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, Beto O’ Rourke, and more. There is speculation of Michelle Obama and or Oprah Winfrey possibly making a run, too. As for the Republican Party that currently holds the presidency, it seems that the current POTUS Donald J. Trump is the only known candidate running for president in 2020. If he wins that will be his second term in office. Trump himself has confirmed his run for presidency a second time.
10.) Local Events
In the Uniontown Mall, a few stores are shutting down due to the popularity of online shopping and a couple other factors. According to the Herald Standard, Burlington Coat Factory is scheduled to close very soon, and Payless shoe store will also be closing. As a possible surprise to many local mall-goers, Timeless Tradition furniture store will be moving to the old closed down K-Mart. A new Texas Roadhouse steakhouse will be finished being built this year across from Chile’s.