#TrendingNews NSA, SMC, Miley and Stanley

From the NSA exposure to Shootings in Santa Monica, Miley’s lyrics controversy and the Stanley Cup Finals, we’ve brought you the top headlines from the weekend.

ON-GOING COVERAGE: WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS NSA, AMERICAN’S AGENCY THREATENS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

After 29-year-old Edward Snowden, a National Security Agency contractor and former CIA technical assistant blew the whistle on the NSA for violating—in his opinion—every American’s Fourth Amendment rights, Americans grew concerned about the information the NSA was seizing.

Last week, The Guardian, a UK news outlet, broke the story that the NSA ordered Verizon to provide them with “information on all telephone calls in its systems, both within the US and between the US and other countries.” While the White House defends the NSA’s right to seize information under the Patriot Act, several politicians and American citizens feel that the NSA’s seizures are unlawful.

Senator Mark Udall, D-Colo., proposed that the government reevaluate the 2001 Patriot Act and “put some limits on the amount of information the National Security (Agency) is collecting” according to Reuters.

Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday” that “[the NSA is] looking at a billion phone calls a day from what I read in the press and that doesn’t sound to me like a modest invasion of privacy. It sounds like an extraordinary invasion of privacy.”

Snowden believes that the American people should have a say in the collection of their personal information—information he believes is protected under the US Constitution. Since Snowden has claimed responsibility from blowing the whistle on the NSA, several Americans have announced their support for his decision, calling Snowden a “national hero,” and over 27,000 people have signed a petition for Snowden’s pardon.

While the White House and the NSA believe Snowden’s release is a breach to National Security, the American public remains concerned with the 1984-like government.

Meanwhile, Verizon has faced much criticism following the story. The dissatisfaction spread on social media outlets as mocked use of Verizon’s “Share Everything Plan” and “Can you hear me now?” taglines dominated conversations. Others believe the company should have practiced some corporate courage and refused to surrender personal caller information to the NSA.

With the public dissatisfied, the White House, NSA and Verizon will be forced to answer some tough questions before regaining the trust of the American people.

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NATIONAL NEWS: SANTA MONICA SHOOTING

Friday, John Zawahri, 23, went on a killing spree in Santa Monica which eventually led the shooter to Santa Monica College. Clad in black, military-style gear, equipped with high-powered weapons and 13,000 rounds, Zawahri began a 13-minute rampage after shooting his father, Samir Zawahri, and brother, Christopher Zawahri, and setting fire to his house. The shooter then took to the streets, carjacking and shooting randomly at cars and buses until he made his way to Santa Monica College—a college he attended in 2010. Zawahri killed women outside the library before the police shot and killed him. The rampage left five dead and several others injured. Authorities say they believe the shooting was premeditated. SMC reopened today and will hold the graduation ceremony tomorrow night.

OPINION: MILEY “CAN’T STOP”

Taking another step away from her innocent Disney alter-ego, Hanna Montana, Miley Cyrus is at the center of debate as her new single, “We Can’t Stop,” references illicit drug use. While Miley’s team defended the track—insisting that lyrics which sound like “Dancing with Molly” (street name for ecstasy) are actually “Dancing with Miley”—many are still skeptical. Her team failed to address the possible cocaine reference: “trying to get a line in the bathroom.” Miley stated while On Air with Ryan Seacrest that “We Can’t Stop” is a “reflection of where I’m at in my life right now.”

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Sports: CHICAGO vs. BOSTON FOR THE STANLEY CUP

A double overtime win sent the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup finals where they will face off against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. After the Los Angeles Kings came back to tie game five in the last nine seconds of the third period, Patrick Kane’s hat trick sealed the victory for the ‘Hawks. If you missed the game, check out the highlights.

Cover Photo Source:  By National Security Agency, via Wikimedia Commons

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wpmaster.sjadv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cassandra-Bremer-Our-Space-Photo-e1402061863316.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Cassandra is a Content Manager and Developer at SJG. She earned her BA from Fontbonne University in 2011. Outside the office, she enjoys an active, healthy and well-rounded lifestyle including reading, writing, running, golfing, watching films, listening to music, taking photographs, and consuming media and social media.[/author_info] [/author]