Hits in the headlines #64

March 31, 2024 Kurtis Salsi

Student debt in the UK has reached record highs, according to a recent BBC report. One student now holds the dubious honour of the highest recorded debt at a whopping £231,000! This isn't an isolated case, with the average graduate leaving university with a hefty £44,940 burden. These figures have sparked outrage, leading many to question the fairness of a system that saddles young people with such crippling debt. Some argue it creates an unequal playing field, hindering social mobility and impacting future life choices like home ownership or starting a family. The Department for Education is under pressure to address these concerns, and the BBC reports they are working on reforms to make the student loan system fairer.

The second story shared this week is about a very recent case in the UK about money laundering, cryptocurrency, and how an international criminal evaded punishment for years. It is bringing about a common debate about the uses of cryptocurrency: Does it enable criminals to hide illegal payments and transactions, and if it does, what can we do about it? The long-read has lots of interesting information about the case and it feels like it is setting the scene for a documentary or a dramatised retelling of the events in the not too distant future.

The allure of the giant screen comes at a giant price tag. Filming in IMAX isn't just about projecting a bigger image – it's a whole different filming experience. Unlike standard digital cameras, IMAX uses bulky, specialised cameras with enormous film stock. Renting these cameras and the accompanying equipment is a hefty cost, and that's before factoring in the special training required for crews filming in this format. While the immersive experience can be a box office boon, the high upfront investment scares away many studios. This is especially true for smaller budget films or those where the story might not benefit as much from the expansive format. The result? The awe-inspiring IMAX experience remains reserved for Hollywood blockbusters with the resources to match. Find out more about what makes IMAX so expensive in the video shared below.

Here are some interesting stories that I have found this week. With different topics, I am sure you will find something that is new and challenging for you. Why not use this as a chance to learn some new language?

Try to note some new language that you see or hear in the articles or video and bring it to the class.

Have a great week.

See you in class!