Wizarding Wonderland Introduced to Universal Studios

Christmas is only weeks away and the arrival of a Harry Potter holiday addition may have wizarding world fans flocking toward the park. The winter wonderland Hogwarts transformation consists of a castle light show, fireworks, carols, artificial snowfall, a holiday parade, and much more. “Harry Potter is my childhood, I grew up with it. Experiencing the world with a Christmas theme seems very exciting,” sophomore Mimi Feuerlein said. The holiday celebration addition to the Harry Potter World at Orlando Universal Studios will be open to access Nov. 18- Jan. 6.

Poaching Trophies Importation Ban Lifted for the United States

The largest land animals on earth, trunks and all are being killed. Poachers have become a major problem when it comes to the increased endangerment status of elephants, killed for sport or profit. Unfortunately, these gentle giants are murdered and their body parts are imported into the United States, as of now legally due to president Trump’s reversal of the previously instituted ban. “I don’t necessarily think it’s the smartest thing to do because these animals are endangered but, ivory markets may impede smuggling already happening,” junior Anna Williams said. Even before Trumps attempts to reduce activity within the black market by encouraging hunters to kill these mammals there has been a visible decline in the species, including those within captivity. Within Kruger National Park in South Africa, a protected enclosure, 46 elephants were noted illegally killed by the end of 2016. The Great Elephant Census will continue to record statistics and monitor the fluctuation in population.

Pipeline Leaks, Raising Concern of Protesters

As of Friday, Nov. 17, the Keystone pipeline which stretches from Canada all the way down through Nebraska, leaked and spilled 210,000 gallons of oil into South Dakota. This leak of such a tremendous amount of oil brings into question the continuation of building the Keystone XL pipeline, an addition to the underground system. According to TransCanada, the operator of the pipeline, the leak was controlled quickly and there was no effect on the nearby waterways in addition to little environmental damage. “This event is pretty awful,” senior Timothy Nugyen said. “There needs to be more structure and rules to prevent something like this from happening,” senior Zara Hedaya said. Protests are erupting, especially among the tribal communities living within the states effected, highlighting their concern for the creation of yet another pipeline and the risks it may generate.