There were a lot of big news stories this year, from the Olympics in early 2014 to the ongoing Sony hack. Read on to learn about the top 15 news stories of 2014.
1. The Winter Olympics: $how Me the $ochi
Image courtesy of Atos via Flickr
The 2014 Olympics were hosted in Sochi, Russia, this winter, and the entire event was marked by controversy after controversy. The Russians were chosen to host the Olympics because of an impressive, expensive bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, the chaos of the 2014 Games left many wondering whether or not cash should be the deciding factor in the selection process.
2. Malaysian Airplane Crash: Who’s Liable?
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In March, the world watched as a Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared, and many families were left devastated. It was a horrifying tragedy, but many were wondering who was to blame for the catastrophe, or more appropriately, who was liable? Given that much is still unknown about the crash, the legal questions are far from being answered.
3. Punishing Donald Sterling Is About to Get a Lot Harder
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Clippers owner Donald Sterling came under fire after an audio recording of him making racist statements came to light. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver levied a notable punishment against Donald Sterling. However, given the unprecedented level of punishment, there were significant legal concerns.
4. An Open Letter to Shailene Woodley: What Every Not-a-Feminist Needs to Hear
Image courtesy of Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media Tv
One of the most talked about stars of 2014 was Shailene Woodley–she starred in films such as Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars. However, she also made headlines for a less flattering reason–for saying that she wasn’t a feminist. Unfortunately, she had the definition of feminism wrong.
Answer Emma Watson’s Call for Gender Equality
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However, another movie starlet, Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame, gave an amazing speech this year about the importance of feminism and equality. Unlike Woodley, her definition of feminism was spot-on, and she made a great appeal.
5. SCOTUS Steps Up Amid Execution Controversy
Image courtesy of [Ken Piorkowski via Flickr]
6. Trigger Warnings Creep Off the Web and Into the Classroom
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Trigger warnings are a common sight on websites, in order to alert readers to content they may find troubling. However, trigger warnings started to make their way off the internet and possibly onto college syllabi. That change has led to concerns that trigger warnings may end up creating optional content in college courses.
7. The Dark Side of the World Cup: Corruption, Bribery, and Civil Unrest
Image courtesy of Amil Delic via Flickr
This summer, the world watched as the 2014 World Cup took place in Brazil. But, much like the 2014 Olympic Games, the World Cup had problems with corruption, lack of organization, and bribing scandals. Not only was the World Cup an interesting look into the the politics of Brazil, but it says a lot about what may happen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Oh, and that guy who bit another player: The People vs. Luis Suarez
Image courtesy of [George via Flickr]
8. The Senate Torture Report: Government Infighting Over Release
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The Senate torture report was finally released a few weeks ago, but there was a lot of infighting prior to the release. Major players included the U.S. Senate, particularly the Senate Intelligence Committee, the CIA, and the White House.
9. We Should All be Upset About What’s Going on in Ferguson: Here’s Why
Image courtesy of Elvert Barnes via Flickr
In early August, a young man named Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Missouri, by Officer Darren Wilson. The following weeks led to protests over a few different topics, including police militarization, racial profiling, and First Amendment issues.
10. Ebola and America’s Fears
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This year, Ebola has killed thousands in Western Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Globalization and international travel led to a case making it to the United States, sparking fear around the nation.
11. Strikes Against ISIS in Syria: Shaky Ground for Obama Administration
Image courtesy of Official US Navy Page via Flickr
The U.S. has been waging war against ISIS since it emerged in Syria and Iraq. Early this fall, the U.S. and some Middle Eastern allies bombed ISIS. Like any international action, the U.S. needed to be able to legally justify their actions, but that may be easier said than done.
12. The Washington Redskins: What’s Next in the Name Debate?
Image courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr
The Washington D.C. NFL team is called the “Redskins,” a name that has received ire for its offensive origin. Journalists have begun to refer to the team by almost any other name, and this summer the US Patent office cancelled the team’s trademark. Whether or not the name will ever be changed remains to be seen.
13. The CIA: How to Get Away With Torture
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That Senate Intelligence torture report was finally released, and it was a disturbing revelation into the practices of the CIA. However, despite the fact that torture is illegal internationally, it’s doubtful that the U.S. will ever see any legal ramifications.
14. Australian Hostage Situation Ends: A Community Stands Together
Image courtesy of Corey Leopold via Flickr
Earlier this month, there was a horrifying hostage situation in Sydney, Australia. But the aftermath was heartening, as Australians banded together to show the world that the actions of one mad man does not justify discrimination on a wide scale.
Australians School the World on How To Not Be Racist
Image courtesy of Chris Beckett via Flickr
Here’s a further look into the amazing Australian compassion after the Sydney hostage situation. The hashtag #IllRideWithYou was created, in order to provide support for the Australian Muslim community. Citizens of Sydney offered company to Australian Muslims who needed to travel on public transportation without fear of discrimination.
15. Disturbing New Developments in the Continuing Sony Hacking Scandal
Image courtesy of The City Project via Flickr
One of the biggest stories of the end of 2014 was the Sony Hacking scandal, when a hacking group called the Guardians of Peace (GOP) made its way into Sony’s computer system. The story escalated quickly, as the hacking group demanded that a movie called The Interview not be released, or drastic action would be taken.