National

Proposed Ban on Orca Shows at SeaWorld Raises Controversy

By: Katrina Okano

Photo: LAist

 Yesterday morning, a Santa Monica assemblyman proposed a bill to ban SeaWorld’s use of orcas for entertainment purposes and prohibit the captive breeding of the killer whale. This issue has been gaining a lot of attention after the release of Blackfish, a recent documentary that focused on San Diego’s Sea World’s ill treatment of orca whales and consequential trainer hazards. The documentary has caused many to rethink our love for one of the most popular parks in the US, but those in San Diego believe the bill to be ridiculous. They argue that SeaWorld, especially its orca shows, is a critical component of the city’s economy, as it attracts thousands of tourists every year. The bill is still up for debate, but given the uproar of the issue recently, it is unlikely that supporters of the ban will cease their protest.

 

SAT Redesign Coming in 2016

By: Christina Reid

Photo: Education Week

This week College Board President and CEO David Coleman announced his plans on a redesign of the SAT college exam. The test, which has not been changed since 2005, will now focus on evidence-based reading, writing, and math. The grading scale will go back down to 1600 and students can expect a separate score for the essay portion, which will now be optional. Coleman revealed that he wanted the test to reflect work in the classroom instead of preparation with tutors. The writing portion will now ask students to analyze the context of words rather than memorizing elaborate “SAT words.” In addition, the test can now also be taken on the computer. Finally, College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide a free online service for SAT prep with the hopes of leveling out the playing field and eliminating any economic benefits or disadvantages that some college applicants face.

International

Crimea Votes to Split From Ukraine

By: Katrina Okano

Photo: Euro News 

This past Thursday, the Crimean parliament voted to split from Ukraine and join Russia. Amid the ongoing battle between Russia and Ukraine, this decision has only fueled tension between the two countries. However, following the announcement, President Obama warned that Crimea’s decision to join Russia would violate the Ukrainian constitution and International law. According to the law, borders can only be changed by mutual consent of countries, and given that Ukraine’s new government believes the referendum to be illegitimate, it is unlikely that they will give their consent. Crimean authorities have announced a referendum on their independence for March 16th. Stay tuned.

 

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Disappears at Sea

By: Kyla Kudlak

Photo: NY Daily News

On Saturday morning, a Malaysia Airlines flight went missing over the South China Sea. The plane, carrying 239 people, was en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur and has yet to be located. Searches for any signs of wreckage are currently being carried out at sea.

As of Sunday morning, Malaysian military officials have reported that Flight 370 may have changed course and turned back toward Kuala Lumpur. They claim that these indications are solely based on radar data and that the pilot never signaled that he was changing course.

The discovery that two of the passengers aboard were carrying stolen passports has since added to the mystery of the disappearance of the flight and the question of foul play. The only evidence that has been found thus far includes two large oil slicks close to where the flight went missing, indicating the possibility of a crash. However, no wreckage or signs of the plane have been confirmed, and no distress signal was ever sent.

The search to uncover the mystery of the Malaysian Airlines flight still continues.

 

Entertainment

“Annie” Remake Slated for Christmas 2014

By: Christina Reid

Photo: impawards.com

A new movie version of the popular musical, Annie, produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith, will premiere this Christmas! Audiences can expect a modern twist of the musical, as the movie takes place in Harlem with Quvenzhane Wallis, Cameron Diaz, and Jamie Foxx as leads. We last saw 10-year old Quvenzhane at the 2013 Academy Awards with her Best Actress nomination for her role in Beasts of the Southern Wild. Now she will assume the role of spunky orphan Annie who lives in a foster home in Harlem run by the harsh Miss Hannigan (Diaz). Her luck takes an eventful turn when she meets millionaire mayor-hopeful Will Stacks (Foxx) who takes in Annie to boost his polls. The trailer for this new adaptation is whimsical and sweet as it highlights the humor and good nature of this classic story along with some iconic musical numbers like “Tomorrow.” The general reception for the film has been positive as it takes the classic image of a red curly-top Annie and flips it on its head. Quvenzhane Wallis will be sure not to disappoint.