In today’s news, corporations pay more in CEO salaries than in taxes; at least 88 have been tortured and killed in Syrian detention centers; an unemployed man finds $150,000 in his garden; and the U.S. is suing to block an AT&T and T-Mobile merger. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr.’s wife is pregnant and T.I has been released to a halfway house.
Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
Where Pay for Chiefs Outstrips U.S. Taxes, http://nyti.ms/r86uaB
According to the Institute for Policy Studies, at least 25 corporations, such as Verizon, General Electric, Boeing, and eBay, paid more to their CEOs than they paid in federal taxes. In fact, these corporations paid their CEOs an average of $16.8 million when the government paid the companies hundreds of millions of dollars in tax refunds. For example, the CEO of Verizon received $18 million while Verizon itself received a $705 million tax refund.
Dozens ‘Tortured and Killed in Syria Detention Centres,’ http://aje.me/nOWRwD
At least 88 people in Syrian detention centers have been tortured and killed; 10 of the 88 were children. According to an Amnesty International report, the torture included “broken necks, cigarette burns to the chest and face, electrocution to genitalia, fractures and whipping slashes.” The Syrian government currently has 12,000 to 15,000 people in detention centers.
Unemployed Illinois Man Finds $150,000 in His Backyard, http://huff.to/qxaXr9
Wayne Sabaj, an unemployed carpenter, went to look for broccoli in his garden when he found two duffel bags filled with $150,000. Sabaj and his father called the police who took the bags into custody. The police left a phone number where the bags were found. If no one claims the money, the police will work with Sabaj to claim it for himself.
Judge Strikes Down Key Parts of Texas Sonogram Law, http://bit.ly/qmqutN
A federal judge in Texas has rejected a provision of a Texas anti-abortion law that would require patients to see a sonogram of their baby before an abortion. The judge also struck down a provision where patients would have to sign an agreement saying they do not want to see a sonogram because they have been impregnated from sexual assault or incest. The judge said that the provisions violated the First Amendment rights of doctors and patients, and that patients should not have to disclose information that they would not even tell the police.
(via POLITICO Playbook) REP. MICHELE BACHMANN MEMOIR OUT NOV. 21 – Publisher’s release: “The book [is] currently untitled … Bachmann will share previously untold stories about her life outside of politics, including her roles as a tax attorney, a wife, a mother of five and a foster mother of 23. … Bachmann will not receive an advance against royalties, in compliance with the rules of the House … Bachmann said, ‘People are the most important ingredient in life. I love people, and I care deeply that our nation’s economy turns around so they can realize their American dream. This book will help to share my enthusiasm for an energized, pro-growth economy, and the life experiences that inform my optimism for the American people and for American greatness.’”
U.S. Files Antitrust Complaint to Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger, http://bloom.bg/nG6B9M
The U.S. government is suing to block AT&T from acquiring T-Mobile, claiming the merger will violate U.S. antitrust law. The U.S. is also asking for a court order to stop any implementation of the deal.
CULTURAL:
Justin Bieber Fine After Minor Collision, http://bit.ly/oHvzy0
Robert Downey Jr.’s Wife Is Pregnant, http://bit.ly/pmzBtk
T.I. Released to Halfway House, http://on.mtv.com/qdX2MN
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Back Together, http://bit.ly/oo8ULM
‘Dancing with the Stars’ Pairs Revealed, http://eonli.ne/mZWZZB
