Newsy Now: March 15

BY ERIK SHUTE AND HARUMENDHAH HELMY

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This is Newsy Now and here are the headlines you need to know.

A fourth explosion at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station has increased radiation levels a hundredfold. Now there are concerns the fuel rods have been exposed. RT reports Japan fears the worst.

“Top story now: Japan’s Prime Minister has addressed the nation as fears intensify about a nuclear disaster. The country has also reportedly told the International Atomic Agency that its atomic plant is now releasing radioactive materials into the atmosphere. Well the company running the Fukushima Daiichi has admitted a meltdown is a possibility, following explosions at the complex.”

In Libya — Muammar Gaddafi’s forces continue to make progress against insurgent rebels.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty says Gaddafi’s forces have recaptured the town of Zwara, in western Libya. It was one of the first towns the rebels captured in February.

Turning to U.S. news -- U.S. President Barack Obama wants the “No Child Left Behind Act” to grow up. WFTV offers details on his plan.

OBAMA: “If you want a bright future, you're going to need a college degree or advanced training.”
ANCHOR: “The president's plan sets up a new evaluation system for teachers and offers incentives to schools that get parents more involved. It would also fire principals at the worst performing schools. The president wants the law to be rewritten for the start of the next school year.”

In entertainment news -- Disney’s new flick “Mars Needs Moms” had one of the worst weekend openings of any 3D movie -- not even coming close to covering its $150 million price tag. WRC says -- 3D just isn’t enough anymore.

“The Big failure over the weekend, "Mars Needs Moms". It was supposed to be a can’t-miss kid flick, it finished fifth, opening weekend taking less than seven million bucks.”
The Hollywood Reporter talks to a studio marketer who says -- "Who wants to see a mom abandoning you? It's very odd... animation works better when they aren't people. That's why things like gnomes do well."


Finally -- after 11 years, the voice of the iconic AFLAC Duck is no more. Gilbert Gottfried cooked his own goose when he made a few tasteless tweets at the expense of Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims.

TMZ reports Gottfried terribly-timed tweets included, “Japan is really advanced. They don’t go to the beach. It comes to them.” AFLAC quickly fired the actor and disassociated all connections to him. AFLAC has opened a nationwide casting call to find his replacment.


Stay with Newsy.com for more analysis on news throughout the day. For Newsy Now, I’m Jim Flink -- highlighting the top headlines making your smarter, faster.


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