By Jacob Fisher

It has been over ten years since the trifecta of major shooters – Battlefield, Call of Duty, and Halo – were released on the same holiday. This rarity has now landed these industry giants in the same window for the biggest FPS season gaming has seen in an exceptionally long time.

These are not the only titles releasing this holiday, however. In fact, there are some contending Game of the Year titles that you will just have to pick up.

The global pandemic has undoubtedly affected many release windows for highly anticipated games. 2019 and 2020 have been rife with delays after delays. However, the industry is now rapidly picking up steam once again.

The bottom line? Gamers are eating good this holiday season.

Halo Infinite is the most surprising release (and success!) this holiday season. This sci-fi FPS title was initially revealed all the way back in 2018, but after a disappointing gameplay showcase at E3 2020, the game was delayed a full year for further polish.

Then, after consistent rumors of an early multiplayer debut in November for Xbox’s 20th anniversary, Halo’s six-year hiatus ended as a “content complete” multiplayer – including all the maps and weapons – was released completely free to play.

The reception to the game’s multiplayer beta has been enormously positive. Fans love the tight gameplay, classic music, and general return to form that the series has struggled to achieve since the new developers, 343 Industries, took over after 2010. The biggest complaint currently is a lackluster progression system.

Reviews have also been positive for the campaign in early media reviews – one promised to be the biggest (and now open world) Halo campaign to date, with all new enemies and weapons, picking up after the disappointing Halo 5.

Halo Infinite came out for retail on December 8, 2021, but you can play the multiplayer beta for free today on Xbox and PC.

This return to the decidedly legendary sci-fi trilogy has been nothing short of fantastic. With full 4k remasters for both next-gen and last-gen consoles, you can now shoot (and talk!) your way through Commander Shepard’s action RPG story in its best version possible.

Mass Effect is a series all about making your own choices. Some of them are small, like who to befriend or romance, to a bit bigger ones, like the fate of the universe.

This remaster touches up all three mainline entries, but the first one receives by far the most attention. The original 13-year-old Mass Effect was rough around the edges, now being remastered with updated UI and fixes to previously irritating missions.

If you are looking to experience gaming history in the best way possible (or just trying to forget about the lackluster Mass Effect Andromeda), picking up this trilogy should be an easy decision. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Forza Horizon 5 is the racing game to end all racing games. Now set in Mexico with a map twice as large as Forza Horizon 4’s countryside England, this newest entry in one of the most consistently excellent series is one you should not ignore.

The developers of Forza Horizon realize who their players are – and especially what they want to do. Although this newest title is not a massive reinvention of the series, the sheer amount of work put in to perfecting an already excellent gameplay structure is immediately noticeable.

No matter what you do, whether that be street racing, competing in drift competitions, or winning in Forza’s own Battle Royale, The Eliminator, you will always have an acute sense of forward progress that leaves you feeling rewarded – a rare feeling in modern multiplayer games.

Join the Horizon festival in 2020’s highest rated game on Xbox and PC.

Insomniac Games strikes once again in another fantastic outing in this iconic (and now gorgeous) PS5 exclusive. Starring the cutting-edge

DualSense controller and PS5 SSD, Rift Apart aims to immerse you in the journey of the titular Ratchet and Clank (and Rivet!) as they hop across the galaxy.

Rift Apart is a technical showcase from beginning to end. Using the PS5’s ray tracing horse power, light is accurately drawn to reflect and bounce realistically, giving a newfound sense of fidelity to console gaming.

Likewise, the next-gen DualSense controller uses its advanced haptics in both the triggers and controller to accurately simulate gameplay actions. Further, the lightning-fast SSD, one even more advanced than some PC SSDs, allows you to hop between levels and areas with a button press and a short animation. It is something worth seeing to believe.

The gameplay is equally exciting, involving you grappling and shooting your way across various levels and worlds. Along with the basic platforming features that are expected to be a part of a Ratchet and Clank game – such as the famous rail grinding – this new entry introduces hopping across rifts to gain an advantage against your opponents.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is out as a PS5 exclusive, and no doubt the one needed to show off just what this console can do.

Metriod has never been the biggest franchise in Nintendo’s decades of worldbuilding. However, as a partner piece to the new Nintendo Switch OLED, this monumental series aims to reinvent itself and go back to its roots – one of helping invent a whole genre, the “metroidvania”.
Safe to say it has succeeded.

Metroidvanias typically have you playing through a larger world where many avenues of exploration are initially blocked off. Bosses might be unbeatable. Gates may be sealed shut. So, finding the powerups and abilities to move forward is essential to progress.

Metriod Dread follows this pattern to make one of the best Switch games this year. You will explore an alien planet, fight an unknown threat, and discover a bit about your own history as the iconic Samus.
Likewise, as many unfortunate gamers have found out, the title is also hard as nails. Fans of Hollow Knight and other similar metroidvanias will feel right at home.

Metriod Dread is out on Switch – but even better on the OLED model.
It is hard to express just how fantastic of a deal Xbox Game Pass is. This landmark service offers hundreds of games – from AAA to Indie – for just an initial offering of $1 for three months.

Xbox has had an amazing turnaround even compared to just a year ago, especially in the games department. Psychonauts 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox, Deathloop, and Forza Horizon 5 are some of, if not, the highest rated games of this year. All but one of them are on Game Pass (Deathloop is currently a PlayStation console exclusive).

Along with some excellent third-party entries into the service, Microsoft does not make a hard sell for this “Netflix of Gaming,” all for the price of a candy bar.

Xbox has truly delivered this 2021 for a premiere gaming lineup. Let’s see if it continues.

6 OF THE TOP 25 GAMES OF 2021 ARE
ON GAME PASS

(Scores out of 100 from Metacritic)

• HADES (XSX RELEASE) – 93
• FORZA HORIZON 5 – 92
• PSYCHONAUTS 2 – 91
• MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIM – 90
• IT TAKES TWO – 89
• DEATH’S DOOR – 88

By Brooke Markworth

Awareness months shed light on health conditions and cultural activities by celebrating specific events and bringing people together by sharing themselves and opening up to others about similarities between one another.

Once publicized, knowledge of these conditions and cultural differences are promoted.
This month, November 2021, focuses on Epilepsy Awareness, Lung Cancer Awareness, National Adoption, National Gratitude, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, and many more.

While different organizations came up with the idea to advertise events and diseases, it is up to the people to acknowledge and learn more information about these illnesses.

For example, the “COPD Learn More Breathe Better Campaign” encourages people who are interested in raising awareness for this cause, to spread the word and educate others. Members and supporters can do this by leading discussions, hosting events, and gathering more information on the medical condition.

Not only are health issues promoted, but cultural and everyday conditions as well.

National Native American Heritage Month is the month of November. People come to discover and appreciate the traditions and histories that Native Americans and their tribes have brought into America and other locations globally.

During the month of November, Americans acknowledge National Career Development Month. Established by the National Career Development Agency, the campaign’s goal is to celebrate professional development and support others to achieve their career and life goals.
Each month websites and help organizations are more pronounced to allow people to get help and show support for others.

National Family Caregivers Month is a month to recognize and appreciate the caring people who look after and take care of a family member in need. These 78 million people deserve recognition for the hard work they do, both mentally and physically.

By engaging in these events and discussions, it can be easier to raise awareness and show support for health conditions, everyday accomplishments, and cultural appreciation.

By Lauren Johnson

On September 9th President Joe Biden required the vaccination of government employees by November 22nd of 2021 including military with each branch having their own deadline.

Privately owned businesses may implement their own rules on this vaccine. Rules such as when you have to get the doses by, if you still must take COVID tests, and whether a mask will still be needed are just a few examples.

Places such as Sanford Heath Medical Centers in Fargo, North Dakota have issued a mandate where all employees must be vaccinated November 1st.

Due to this Sanford mandate, many workers in these companies have reported “feeling safer” and more “comfortable” knowing that others are following the rules and getting vaccinated.

While there are those who agree with vaccination, others cite potential side effects such as “becoming infertile,” yet “the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full approval by the FDA on August 23rd, 2021.”

Since the first outbreak of COVID back in 2019, there has been varied brands of vaccines that have been released. The most prevalent and well known in the United States are the Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines show equivalent efficiency rates while still in the initial stages. Currently the FDA and CDC recommend the states to pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to the risk of blood clots. Yet when it comes to companies it was never specified in the mandate as to which one workers had to get.

By Lauren Johnson

As November rolls around many Americans start looking forward to Thanksgiving. While this holiday is known to be an American holiday, seventeen other countries also take part in a similar occasion. Although it may not all consist of the classic turkey and mashed potato dinner, it is just as important.

Every year on the second Monday of October, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada. This dates to the year 1578. Meaning that it was established as a holiday around 40 years before America made it official. Canada and America share many similarities on this holiday such as turkey for dinner, and watching the Canadian Football League with family members.

Due to Puerto Rico joining the US territory in the 19th century, multiple citizens adopted the majority of traditions on this holiday. It is celebrated on the same day being the fourth Thursday of November, but they put their own twist on the holiday. Usually there is Turkey, whether it is roasted or stuffed with mofongo, a mashed plantain dish.

Germany has a celebration called “Erntedankfest” which simply translates to “harvest thank festival.” Unlike America and Puerto Rico, this takes place on the first Sunday in October instead of in November, and the festivities of this occasion consist of church services, a parade, dancing, food, and music. Later in the night there is an evening church service that is followed by Lanternenumzug, or in other words a “lantern parade.” Many people relate the atmosphere as something similar to a country fair.

By Ameera Gaal

Paying for college is undeniably expensive, according to U.S. News data, college tuition prices are a lot higher today compared with two decades ago.

In just the 2020-2021 school year to the current 2021-2022 academic year, tuition rates at both private and public National Universities have increased by at least 2%.

With tuition on the rise, the stress of having to pay to get an education to secure a better-paying job has become a reality.

Here are some Colleges in our state that take steps to help lessen the stress and anxiety that come with tuition.

Starting in the Fall of 2021, all students in Concordia College will benefit from a new lower tuition cost: reduced by more than $15,000 from 2020-21– a decrease of 35%.

They offer scholarships like Excellence Scholarships which are automatic academic scholarships ranging in value from $5,000 to $12,000 annually which can add up to $20,000 to $48,000 over four years.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Also offers guaranteed Scholarships calculated by cumulated high school GPA and ACT/ Sat scores.

NDSU offers nearly $3.5 million in scholarships to new first-year students. Nearly half of this year’s first-year students received an award.

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) offers automatic, competitive, and need-based scholarships to freshmen based on high school GPA and ACT, are awarded at the time of admission.

MSUM Foundation offers scholarships gifted by alumni, businesses, friends, and foundations to incoming, current, and graduate students.
MSUM also offers financial aid to help pay for educational expenses. Once your financial need is calculated, they will attempt to meet your needs with funds from available financial aid programs.

MSUM doesn’t just offer financial aid for tuition, they also offer financial aid opportunities for studying abroad with over 300 scholarships solely for studying abroad.

MSUM offers students who don’t feel so great about their grades a different route to be admitted!

Chosen for over 20 years in a row as one of the top public regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, Valley City State University (VCSU) offers the top scholarship program among all public universities in North Dakota.

Just this year 97% of Valley City State University students received grant aid in 2018/2019.

VCSU provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through grants, loans, scholarships, employment, and other student aid programs.
Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming.

You’re embarking on your own, starting a new chapter in your life. For those stressing this new life chapter and today’s uncertainties, we hope that we have made things a little easier.

From researching academic support to developing strong faith within yourself, the following Universities can help incoming freshmen get organized and build a foundation for college success.

By Jacob Fisher

Mr. Williams, the former head principal of Sheyenne High School, spent just one year as the head of the building. This year, he now takes a senior position in the West Fargo School District as the assistant superintendent.

Why did he take the job? According to him, it’s simple. He needed to make a bigger impact.

Vincent Williams has been in the educational field for 18 years. For the former Fargo North history teacher, he finds teaching to be his purpose.

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“I consider education to be a calling in life.”

Vincent Williams

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“I consider education to be a calling in life,” Williams stated. “When I graduated from Moorhead State University, I went into working as a paraprofessional in Ben Franklin Middle school in Fargo and I’ve been in education ever since.”

For Williams, teaching is a deeply personal endeavor. He believes much of his success in education today is due to the work of his own childhood educators where he was raised in Chicago.

“I didn’t see a future for myself,” he remarked. “I honestly believed I’d go down a path that was not good, so to have teachers and coaches take time and invest in me, that made me want to give back to others as that’s why I eventually went into the field of education. To give back.”

Now a leader in the West Fargo School District, the former Sheyenne High School principal does much of what he strived to do his whole career. He continues to improve the school district through working directly with principals, staff, and parents.

However, a quick lesson Williams learned is you can’t please everyone. The new assistant superintendent commonly finds himself trying to answer hard questions and find ideal solutions that aren’t the exact fit he hopes for.

Yet, he is committed to looking forward for not only himself but the school district. His key policy goal is the soon-to-be-implemented academy model, a format of curriculum where standards are directly based on students’ career interests. 

From his time at Sheyenne, Williams still misses the mornings as principal. For him, it was nearly therapeutic.

“Being out in the hallways, greeting students; that was the best part of my day. There are days when you get up in the morning, and there’s a dark cloud hanging over you, but when I got to work, and sitting in the hallway, and kids smiling, and giving me high fives, that just made my day,” Williams recalled.

“I want [all students] to know about Sheyenne is [that] you have teachers who care dearly about you. Not just necessarily about your academic success; they care about you as a human being, and if there’s anything you need, you have people in this building who are there to help you and I will always advocate for you to reach out if you ever need help.”

“This is an amazing school, like a family, and I’m glad you have the chance to experience this at your high school.”

By Jacob Fisher

As the holiday season quickly approaches, phone manufacturers have rushed to draw the eyes of consumers from their current phones to the best devices money can buy. Apple, Google, and Samsung have or will release phones in the coming month, sparking excitement and curiosity for the next generation of phone innovation.

Samsung unpacked their newest arrivals last month in the form of the $999 Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the $1800 Galaxy Z Fold 3, two collapsible phones that introduce the future of device design in their best form yet. Both foldables are significantly upgraded from their last-gen counterparts, featuring a smooth 120Hz display, enabling a fluid viewing experience on every aspect of the device.

“Differences [in features] boil down to personal preferences and choices, not compromises.”

Likewise, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3 now include a top-end Snapdragon 888 processor along with a much needed IPX8 water resistance, giving protection for 1.5 meters underwater for 30 minutes. Samsung does note that there is no dust resistance due to the hinges on the Z lineup.

Prices have also dropped a couple hundred for each foldable, with the Z Flip 3 topping off at just under $1000, and the enthusiast grade Fold 3 dropping from $2000 to $1800. Both users and reviewers give positive reception. According to The Verge for the Flip 3: “Differences [in features] boil down to personal preferences and choices, not compromises.” The main points of contention for the Z lineup is poor battery life and suboptimal cameras.

However, reviews emphasize just how fun and futuristic both devices are. As stated by TechRadar for the Fold 3: “[You are paying for] the wow factor of being able to pull a phone out of your pocket and unfold it to not only reveal a 7.6-inch tablet-like display, but to also show that you’re symbolically ahead of the technology curve.” Most reviewers agree that the Flip 3 will be the phone for most people due to its appealing size and price point.

Meanwhile, Apple engineers have produced another flagship giant, despite the little amount of change to this year’s product. The iPhone 13 lineup is far from a revolution in the Apple ecosystem. Rather, it is a few but important changes that add up to be an upgrade worthy for those who have a several generation old phone, but maybe not for those who already have the newest device.

The main selling point of this year’s iPhone is two-factor: the battery life and cameras. For the battery life, Apple reports 1.5-2.5 more hours of battery life compared to last generation’s equivalent models. For reference, 9to5Mac speculates that battery life could be as long as 22 hours for video playback on the iPhone 13 Pro, a full five hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro.

Likewise, cameras will look noticeably better than the competition on the iPhone 13. According to Dieter Bohn of The Verge, Apple’s night mode is superior, macro shots through the wide-angle lens are gorgeous, and, put simply, “there isn’t another phone that can match the iPhone 13 Pro [for photos].”

These changes are not industry-shaking, but with the iPhone 13 lineup now receiving a smaller camera notch, 120Hz screen on select models, 10% faster processing, and a 1TB storage option (for all those 4K clips!), it might just be a worthy upgrade for those who are looking for something familiarly fantastic. Prices for the iPhone 13 Mini, 13 base model, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max are $699, $799, $999, and $1,099 respectively.

Sadly, the world still has much to hear from the newest phone in the young Pixel family, the Google Pixel 6. Featuring better build quality, a rumored killer camera array, and a two-tone design, this Android device is sure to turn some heads. It would just be nice to learn more than, “wait and see!”

With Samsung’s traditional flagship lineup supposedly months away from announcement, competition remains between three tech giants through foldable, traditional, and pure speculation. Yet, with all phones recently announced embodying the spirit of innovation, none of these companies should fold quite yet – just the Z lineup.