Hello Rockers!
We hope you enjoy reading Rock the Vote’s inaugural news updates! We know how important it is to stay informed about what’s going on in the U.S. and in particular with young people, so we’re here to help you out. Here, we’ve provided a few news articles – both Crucial & Cultural – that highlight the most recent big stories:
Crucial:
UCLA tries to help its struggling students during a tough recession: http://n.pr/aTriB2
For many college students, rising tuition costs coupled with a poor economy are resulting in homelessness and hunger. UCLA created an Economic Crisis Response Team to try to help out.
Government just set your iPhone free! And protected other digital access rights, too: http://bit.ly/92RZDe
The Librarian of Congress just delivered huge victory for digital tech users like us Millennials! Yesterday’s ruling now protects the legality of certain activities, like being the ability to “jailbreak” an iPhone. You can now also use portions of motion pictures in new works for educational and documentary uses.
Could a new immigration approach be more explosive than Arizona’s law? http://huff.to/asfAtk
Currently, the Secure Communities program fingerprints every person who is booked in jail to check their immigration status. Yet advocate groups say the program discourages immigrants who are victims from reporting crimes because they would fear being fingerprinted and arrested as well.
BP gives the boot to Tony Hayward: http://bit.ly/a0EyNz
BP named American Robert Dudley its new Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, the company has sent letters to the government estimating that about 50,000 barrels of oil are spilling into the gulf daily… do you think Dudley will bring change to the oil spill clean-up?
Can politicians truly be held accountable? Maybe in Ohio! http://politifact.com/ohio/
Hey, Ohio voters! Wish you had a Truth-O-Meter for your politicians statements? Well stop wishing because now you do. Plain Dealer and PolitiFact take on the job to hold your politicians accountable.
How do you define “personhood?” Pro-life advocates put defining law on Colorado’s ballot: http://bit.ly/9hjwNV
Colorado voters will again decide whether “personhood” should be defined as “beginning with a fertilized human egg” in this year’s midterm election. Some opponents are concerned that the definition could lead to a ban of abortion and birth control.
Cultural:
Welcome to Twitter, @AngelinaJolie! http://bit.ly/9Jnvwh
America’s favorite actress and mommy just joined Twitter! But you should know before you follow her – she’s not accepting followers or tweeting until “later this year.”
Who would you rather see on American Idol: Justin Timberlake or Elton John? The TV show puts both singers on its judge wish list: http://bit.ly/9Jnvwh
These two talented artists are both the apple of American Idol’s eye. Do you think they should take the bait, or do you think someone else should judge the show?
John and Kate have finally reached a custody deal for their beloved eight! http://bit.ly/bMYI4B
The infamous parents can focus on future projects – like Kate’s show “Twist of Kate” – now that they’ve finally settled a custody deal for their children.
Tags: Abortion rights, Angelina Jolie, BP, immigration, iphone, SB 1070, Tony Hayward
| Rachel Bio: Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |




