Japan is providing compensation post nuclear meltdown, the CIA is expanding counterterrorism efforts in Yemen, and the stock market is on the rise. Meanwhile, Maine has rejected a proposed voter ID law, Romney is still the GOP frontrunner after the New Hampshire debate, and Serena Williams wins after coming back from an injury.
Caitlin, Katie, + Perry
CRUCIAL:
Japan cabinet approves Fukushima nuclear compensation, http://bit.ly/mp1PYH
The Japanese government and nuclear plant operator Tepco have agreed to a $100 billion compensation package for those affected by the Fukushima nuclear meltdown. Recently 6 more workers exceeded the annual legal dose of radiation, which experts believe increases their chances of getting cancer by 1%.
CIA Plans Yemen Drone Strikes, http://on.wsj.com/mgO48B
The CIA plans to expand counterterrorism efforts in Yemen with new drone attacks that target al Qaeda. US officials say the CIA’s smaller warheads will allow for more secrecy and fewer civilian casualties.
Stocks rise on stronger-than-expected retail sales, http://usat.ly/jtz0VE
Even as the government reports that retail sales have declined for the first time in almost a year, the stock market is on track to have its best day of the month today. The 0.2% decrease is not as bad as analysts had expected and show that “the consumer is hanging in there.”
Maine Senate Rejects Bill Requiring Photo ID to Vote, http://bit.ly/ieMNyE
The Maine Legislature rejected bill LD 199 yesterday. This bill would have required Maine voters to show a state-approved photo ID card to the voting clerks when casting ballots.
Republican presidential candidates attend New Hampshire debate, http://wapo.st/lc3vkl
Seven leading Republican presidential candidates took part in the New Hampshire debate last night. Rather than taking stabs at one another, the GOP presidential hopefuls focused more on President Obama, and what they believe he is currently doing wrong. Also, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) announced during the debate that she has filed paperwork to begin her campaign. Overall, Romney remained the front runner, Bachmann presented herself well, and Pawlenty struggled to attract attention and did not strongly attack Romney.
In Reversal, 3 Democratic Senators Will Back Gay Marriage, http://nyti.ms/lOtGXN
Three wavering Democrats have come out in support of same-sex marriage in New York, putting the measure on the brink of passage. Supporters believe that they can sway the three Republicans needed to tip the balance.
Facebook denies losing users, http://bbc.in/kzD0qM
One website says that Facebook lost 6 million American users last month, but the company questioned those numbers and noted that it was “pleased” with its growth. The firm noted that half of their “active” users logged on every day.
CULTURAL:
Serena Williams wins on return from injury lay-off, http://bbc.in/jqSAkS
Game of Thrones’ Sean Bean Stabbed in Bar Brawl, http://eonli.ne/mvRL5K
Candy Spelling Sells Highest Priced Home in U.S. to…a 22-Year-Old?!, http://eonli.ne/mC2CAh
Soulja Boy: “I Was HACKED, I’m No Racist Homophobe!,” http://bit.ly/mo4RIn
Tags: Aaron Spelling, al qaeda, Bachmann, Bar Brawl, Candy Spelling, CIA, counter-terrorism, counterterrorism, Facebook, Fukushima, Game of Thrones, gay marriage, GOP, GOP Debate, Japan, Japanese government, LD 199, Maine, Maine Legislature, Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, New Hampshire, New Hampshire Debate, New York, nuclear compensation, nuclear meltdown, Pawlenty, photo ID, Republican, Republican presidential candidate, Romney, Sean Bean, Serena Williams, Soulja Boy, stock market, stocks, Tepco, Tim Pawlenty, voter ID, Voter ID laws, Yemen
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Katie Scholick Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management. Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
