In today’s news, police raid Occupy protests in L.A. and Philadelphia; a fourth victim may accuse Syracuse coach Fine of sexual molestation; Newt Gingrich denies being a lobbyist; and Ginger White says her relationship with Cain was a casual affair. In entertainment news, Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant, and Darren Criss performs during the final stops of the StarShip tour.
Coral + Caitlin
CRUCIAL
Public sector strike to be ‘largest for a generation’ http://bbc.in/sT7Nhd
Two million public-sector workers in the UK are set to go on a 24-hour strike over the pension system. The strike could be the biggest walkout for a generation. Thousands of schools are closed and hospitals have canceled their operations. Unions are objecting to the government’s plan to make their members pay more and work longer to receive their pensions. Meanwhile, Downing Street has rejected the movement, saying that it will “achieve nothing.”
Police clear Occupy camps in Los Angeles, Philly, http://bit.ly/rPOPUD
Two of America’s largest Occupy encampments in L.A. and Philadelphia were dismantled early Wednesday morning. In L.A., police used bomb-sniffing dogs and a cherry picker to get protesters down from trees. L.A. Chief of Police Charlie Beck sent out 1,400 police officers to arrest 200 protestors. In Philadelphia, 40 protesters were arrested and two police officers sustained minor injuries.
Clinton to review reform in historic trip to Myanmar, http://bit.ly/u5mXv4
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton landed in Burma, marking the country’s first visit from a U.S. secretary of state in 50 years. Before the trip, Clinton said she plans to assess recent reforms by the country’s ruling junta, including the release of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other political protesters. “I will obviously be looking to determine for myself what the intention is of the current government with respect to continued reforms,” said Clinton. She is scheduled to have a private dinner with Suu Kyi.
Victims’ advocate says fourth alleged victim may emerge in Bernie Fine-Syracuse child sex abuse case, http://nydn.us/vYarr7
A fourth victim may step forward to accuse former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of molestation. Robert Hoaston, the president of victims-support group Road to Recovery, says he’s spoken with a family member of a possible new victim who has reported the alleged abuse to Syracuse police. Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim is still defending himself for standing by Fine when the accusations first surfaced. “I supported a friend,” he said. “I think it’s important what I did. I’m proud I did that. I’ve known him for 46 years.”
Ho Ho Hmm. Gun Club Offers Photos With Santa, http://n.pr/txnWB6
A Scottsdale, Arizona gun club is offering members a chance to have their picture taken with Santa and military style guns. One image shows a sitting Santa with snowflakes and a Christmas tree behind him flanked by an $80,000 machine gun and a tripod-mounted rifle. The club’s general manager said the idea came to him last year when a Santa impersonator came in and members were eager to get their pictures taken with him holding their guns. “Our members have been looking for a fun and safe way to express their holiday spirit and passion for firearms,” the manager said.
UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack, http://bbc.in/uqIfve
On Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that Iranian diplomats in London will be expelled effective immediately. Hague’s announcement came just one day after Iranian students attacked the British Embassy in Tehran as a result of Britain backing harsher U.S. sanctions against Iran. Hague said relations between Britain and Iran were now at their lowest level, but that Britain will not sever ties with Iran entirely. Iran condemned the attack describing it as a “unacceptable behavior by a small number of protesters.”
Young teen pepper-sprays classmates at Harlem high school, http://nydn.us/tE3cNV
A 14 year-old girl from Harlem pepper-sprayed her peers Tuesday, sending eight of them to the hospital with minor injuries. Police have issued a summons to the student, who attends the Academy for Social Action in Harlem. According to the city’s 2011 survey, only 73% of students said they felt safe in schools’ hallways and bathrooms.
Gingrich says he didn’t lobby because he didn’t need the money, http://bit.ly/utrkXG
On Tuesday, GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said the reason he did not lobby after leaving Congress was because he was charging such a high price to give speeches. “I did no lobbying of any kind, period,” Gingrich said at a campaign stop in South Carolina. “For a practical reason – and I’m going to be really direct, ok? I was charging $60,000 a speech and the number of speeches was going up not down.” Gingrich also referred to himself as a celebrity during his address. However, the Gingrich Group consulting firm and the Center for Health Transformation have netted $55 million in 10 years while helping clients boost sales and gain access to government officials.
Cain accuser describes ‘very casual affair’ http://bit.ly/v93fHM
Ginger White, the woman who is claiming to have had a 13 year long affair with GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain, said on Wednesday that their relationship was very casual. She said that it was on and off again for years and admits that she has been receiving gifts from Cain for the past two and a half years. White also noted that going public with the affair has caused her to be embarrassed and humiliated, and that there is no way she would have went public if her allegations were untrue.
Facebook May Be Forced to Go Public Amid Market Gloom, http://nyti.ms/uh6ZXP
Facebook may not have a choice about going public in this weakened economy. Federal regulations are kicking in because the company has given out so many shares. Laws say companies with more than 500 shareholders must file reports, including financial audits, to the SEC. The social media giant likely passed the 500 limit this year due to longtime employees selling their shares to private investors. The company has also sold $1.5 billion shares to private investors through Goldman Sachs.
CULTURAL
Nick Schulz gives “Three inconvenient truths for Occupy Wall Street,” http://lat.ms/ueRhE5
Kathleen Parker goes “Behind Romney’s change of heart on abortion,” http://wapo.st/uCbiiG
Jennifer Rubin says “Once again, voters must reassess Herman Cain’s character,” http://wapo.st/uq46nj
Kourtney Kardashian: I’m Pregnant! http://bit.ly/v8nu7D
Darren Criss Proves He’s Still A StarKid! Performs On Final Stops Of The StarShip Tour! http://bit.ly/tUvUtD
The 2012 Grammy Nominees Revealed … Possibly, http://on.mtv.com/rzewnW
Justin Bieber baby mama drama twist: Mariah Yeater’s ex-boyfriend Robbie Powell says he’s the father, http://nydn.us/u1nQfu
Watch Kanye, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj Perform on “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” http://p4k.in/rRwqBb
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coral@rockthevote.com Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
NEWS ROUND-UP: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011In today’s news, Iranian students stormed the British Embassy chanting “Death to England”; American Airlines file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; a Georgia business woman is accusing GOP hopeful Herman Cain of having a 13 year affair; Newt Gingrich says he is a lot more conservative than Mitt Romney; and Facebook plans to file an ISO. In other news, latest Catwoman, Anne Hathaway is engaged to Adam Shulman and Michael Jackson’s doctor is to be sentenced today.
Coral + Caitlin
CRUCIAL
Iranian students storm British Embassy in Tehran, http://bit.ly/rASWkX
On Tuesday, Dozens of Iranian students stormed the British Embassy in Tehran. The students took down the British flag while chanting “death to England” and replaced it with an Iranian one. The incident comes just two days after the Iranian Parliament passed a bill that restricts diplomatic relations with Britain. Iran is unhappy with Britain’s support of the U.S.’s upgraded sanctions on Iran. There was no immediate casualty count, and officials still are not sure how many embassy employees were inside at the time of the assault. However, it occurred after business hours had ended.
Egypt vote continues after big turnout on day one, http://bbc.in/sDpDY5
On Tuesday, Egyptians continued a second day of parliamentary voting, after a huge turnout on Monday. The first day of voting was surprisingly peaceful even though there had been fear of violence from protesters who are against the interim military rulers who replaced Mr Mubarak. The protesters have boycotted the vote because they fear the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces led by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, which is overseeing the transition to democracy after decades of authoritarian rule, is trying to retain power.
American Airlines Parent AMR Files for Bankruptcy, http://bloom.bg/u1trHk
American Airlines’ parent company, AMR Corp., filed on Tuesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing came after the airline failed to secure cost-cutting labor agreements and sat out a round of mergers that dropped it from the world’s largest airline to No. 3 in the U.S. Now, with this recent decision all the major U.S. airlines have sought court protection under Chapter 11. “It’s painful but probably necessary,” John Strickland, an aviation analyst at JLS Consulting in London. “They will have to go through the whole process that their peers have gone through.”
Coach stays silent, http://bo.st/s5SCht
Jim Boeheim has been keeping a low profile since the university fired his longtime assistant Bernie Fine on Sunday after he was accused of sexually abusing three boys. Boeheim even ran a closed practice on Monday. Allegations against Fine began on November 17th, and Boeheim attacked the accusers, saying they were probably seeking money. He later came out saying that he regretted what he said for being “insensitive to victims of abuse.” Victims’ groups are now calling for Boeheim’s firing. “I think Jim Boeheim should be fired or resign as well,’’ President of Road to Recovery, a support group for victims of sexual abuse, said yesterday. “These boys were members of the basketball program. Jim Boeheim’s responsibility is to oversee that program, and the children were not safe on his watch.’’
Stalin’s daughter Lana Peters dies in US of cancer, http://bbc.in/vTvnML
Only daughter of Soviet dictator, Josef Stalin, Svetlana Alliluyeva, also known as Lana Peters, died of colon cancer at a care home in Wisconsin last week. Peters left the Soviet Union in 1967 and wrote four books, including two bestselling memoirs. After moving to the United States, she burned her passport in defiance of communism and her father. She called her dad “a moral and spiritual monster.” She accused him of exiling her first love to Siberia.
Iran: explosion in Isfahan reported, http://bit.ly/uJu9Jn
Widely conflicting press reports are out after an explosion was heard Monday in the Iranian town of Ifsahan, where the country’s nuclear facilities are located. The explosion was originally reported by Iran’s semi-official news agency Fars, but the article was later removed from its website. Also, a source quoted in the original Fars article as having heard the blast later told another semi-official news agency, “I have heard no sound whatsoever in Isfahan.” He also said that he had never spoken to the newspaper. Other residents told the Guardian that they heard an explosion that rattled their windows.
(via The Guardian) Peter Hain warned computer may have been hacked by private detectives: ‘The former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain has been told by the Metropolitan police that they are investigating evidence that his computer, and those of senior Northern Ireland civil servants and intelligence agents, may have been hacked by private detectives working for News International.’ http://bit.ly/u3tD9C
Psychiatric evaluation finds Norway killer insane, http://bit.ly/rtbB4R
Prosecutors said Tuesday that the Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, who confessed to the mass murder of 77 people in a bomb and shooting rampage was insane at the time of the massacre and should be sent to a psychiatric ward instead of prison. The report was written by two psychiatrists that spent 36 hours with Breivik must be reviewed by a panel of forensic psychiatrists before the court will make an official ruling.
Campus Connection: Major efforts afoot to help students navigate voter ID law, http://bit.ly/uXmO11
Wisconsin’s spring primary is about three weeks away, and the University of Madison is gearing up to educate students on the new voter laws. “While the law is not a positive in terms of helping students vote, I think it has spurred a sense of motivation and determination that will hopefully allow us to spread the word to students across Madison about what they’ll need to do to be able to register and then vote next year,” says Sam Polstein, a UW-Madison junior. Polstein says the Madison Student Vote Coalition is kicked off a voter awareness week on Monday.
Georgia Woman Claims 13-Year Affair with Herman Cain, http://bit.ly/uGHEXq
An Atlanta businesswoman, Ginger White, is claiming she has been involved in a 13-year-long affair with Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain. “I’m not proud,” White said. “I didn’t want to come out with this. I did not.” White said that it was not a complicated situation. She knew that he was married, and that she was in an inappropriate relationship. Herman Cain appeared on CNN to shoot down the rumors. Cain acknowledged that he knew her and considered her a friend, but denied any possibility that they had inappropriate relations. Just like another Cain accuser, White has a history of financial trouble. She filled for bankruptcy in the 80′s and received an eviction notice for not paying her rent just two weeks ago.
Gingrich: I’m ‘a lot more conservative’ than Romney, http://bit.ly/tR9G21
GOP presidential hopeful, Newt Gingrich, told an audience in Charleston, South Carolina on Tuesday. “I don’t claim to be the perfect candidate. I just claim to be a lot more conservative than Mitt Romney.” Without saying Romney’s name, Gingrich attacked politicians who take “radically different positions” on issues. “I wouldn’t lie to the American people,” he said. “I wouldn’t switch my position for political reasons.”
Facebook Targets Huge IPO, http://on.wsj.com/vdlMzA
Facebook is planning on filing its long-anticipated initial public offering sometime between April and June. The social-media giant hopes this will value the company at more than $100 billion by raising more than $10 billion. Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth would jump to $24 billion. Facebook is allegedly discussing dates with the SEC, though Mark Zuckerberg, has not made any final decisions.
(via Reuters) Amazon Kindle sales heat up, stock jumps: ‘Amazon.com Inc said on Monday it saw a surge in sales of its Kindle devices, helped by its new Kindle Fire tablet, on the crucial “Black Friday” shopping day after Thanksgiving. Consumers bought four times as many Kindles on Black Friday as they did on the same day last year, when the company sold only e-readers, the largest Internet retailer reported.’ http://reut.rs/rVG5va
(via Politico) WPP buys Glover Park Group: ‘The Glover Park Group, one of Washington’s fastest growing firms specializing in strategic communications and government relations, announced Tuesday that it has been bought by London-based WPP, the world’s largest communications-services company.’ http://politi.co/vzsiI6
CULTURAL
Dana Milbank says, “Supercommittee death brings Rob Portman new life” http://wapo.st/tS3NoG
Mark Udell believes, “Defense bill gives military too much responsibility for detainees” http://wapo.st/t0a8ta
Bill Frist and Cory Booker think, “Obesity fight good for profits” http://politi.co/vZGpPq
Jeff Greenfield asks, “Which Newt is the good Newt?” http://politi.co/sqmfSJ
Kate and William shine at sophisticated Palace party ahead of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, http://bit.ly/uwJWB4
Michael Jackson Doctor To Be Sentenced Today, http://on.mtv.com/sytOmN
The Sing-Off Winner: Revealed! http://bit.ly/ssdGmF
R.I.P. Ken Russell, http://p4k.in/uiT9D5
Anne Hathaway Engaged To Adam Shulman, http://on.mtv.com/tqcPUi
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coral@rockthevote.com Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
NEWS ROUND-UP: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011In today’s news, the supercommittee’s super fail may help to trim the national debt; the UC Davis Chancellor apologizes for last week’s pepper-spray incident; and a California teenager gets 21 years for killing gay classmate. In entertainment news, ‘Breaking Dawn’ wedding dresses will be available in stores and Justin Bieber took a paternity test.
Coral + Caitlin
CRUCIAL
For Deficit Panel, Failure Cuts Two Ways, http://nyti.ms/vbc6i6
The failure of the supercommittee to come up with a plan to reduce the government debt could result in a sharp reduction in annual federal deficits. Now, under an agreement reached earlier by Congress, cuts will begin in 2013 with at least half coming from defense spending. Plus the Bush tax cuts will expire in 2012, cutting the annual deficit in half when combined with the new cuts.
Three Americans arrested in Cairo as unrest enters 4th day, http://wapo.st/roQltr
Three Americans studying at the American University in Cairo have been arrested and accused of participating in violent demonstrations in the capitol’s Tahrir Square. The students were shown on Egyptian state television as proof that the protests have been led by foreign interference. The broadcast said the arrested Americans were accused of throwing flaming canisters at Egyptian security forces, part of what Egypt’s military generals are calling foreign efforts to stir the anti-government protests.
Bank of America warned by regulators to get stronger, http://bit.ly/rTAKEV
U.S. regulators have warned Bank of America that they need to become stronger or face public action. The bank has been working under a memorandum since May 2009 The memorandum, which is not public, identified governance, risk and liquidity management as problems that had to be fixed. Recently regulators warned the bank that if greater progress is not made, the secret movement could become a public action that would place greater restrictions on and bring new scrutiny to the bank.
UC Davis chancellor apologizes for pepper-spray incident, http://lat.ms/u2dhcG
On Monday, UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi apologized to students for the pepper-spray incident that took place on Friday. However, students were not accepting of her apology, instead the students booed her. “I am here to apologize,” Katehi told a crowd of about 1,000 students. “I feel horrible for what happened.” She spoke shortly after some of the students who were sprayed had just described their ordeal. Katehi has put the campus police chief on administrative leave. Two officers involved in the spraying have also been put on paid leave.
Sarah Palin Got Scolded by Roger Ailes for Not Announcing Her Non-Candidacy on Fox News, http://bit.ly/uV35a5
Fox News has always been loyal to Sarah Palin, so when she decided to announce that she wouldn’t be running for president on another network, Fox chief Roger Ailes was so upset he considered pulling her off the air entirely. “I paid her for two years to make this announcement on my network,” Ailes allegedly told Bill Shine, Fox’s executive vice president and Palin’s main point of contact with the network.
In plea deal, youth gets 21 years for killing gay teen, http://lat.ms/ulxS0z
The California teenager who shot his gay classmate in the back of the head three years ago pleaded guilty Monday to second degree and voluntary manslaughter, which comes with a 21 year sentence. Brandon McInerney was only 14 when he killed Larry King in a school computer lab. An earlier trial had ended in a hung jury because some jurors felt the district attorney was being too harsh in trying McInerney as an adult.
A Discipline Problem, http://on.wsj.com/tORKJ2
Legendary and former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno battled repeatedly with the university’s former chief disciplinarian over how harshly to punish players who got into trouble. Paterno was so protective of his players that a school official once resigned in frustration when she tried to discipline them for poor behavior. The university’s standards and conducts officer, Vicky Triponey, resigned in 2007 after a meeting with Paterno to discuss the recent arrest of six football players for beating up other students. Other incidents include allowing a player to play in a bowl game that was being charged with sexual assault.
UW will provide students with valid voting ID cards, http://bit.ly/vCcj0B
On Monday, it was announced that the University of Wisconsin will be issuing voter IDs to students who need them for the upcoming election. A mass deputation organized by members of Student Council was also announced on Monday. The deputation was organized by Associated Students of Madison first year representative Colin Higgins and involved 13 students. These now-official special registration deputies will be able to register other students and community members to vote.
CULTURAL
John Boehner says, “‘I did everything possible’” http://usat.ly/tmPVTr
Jonah Goldberg is, “Sizing up a Gingrich-Romney showdown” http://lat.ms/vQSUxR
The Chicago Tribune describes, “An embarrassing failure to govern” http://trib.in/uHj7VI
Richard Cohen believes, “Iowa GOP caucusers are the real elite” http://wapo.st/tyNSvv
Gender inequality still has a starring role in Hollywood, USC study finds, http://lat.ms/rXb9rV
Lil Wayne: Drake Selling 750,000 Not ‘A Problem’ http://on.mtv.com/s8MVUo
‘Breaking Dawn’ Official Replica Wedding Gown Available In Stores, http://on.mtv.com/ruSUeu
Justin Bieber Takes Paternity Test: Report, http://bit.ly/v8J66G
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coral@rockthevote.com Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
NEWS ROUND-UP: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Monday, November 21st, 2011In today’s news, the supercommittee will announce that it cannot come to a debt agreement; a man is charged in a New York City bomb plot; Michelle Obama was booed at a NASCAR race this weekend; and Newt Gingrich tells the 99% to “take a bath.” In entertainment news, Taylor Swift wins big at the AMAs, Christina Aguilera and Maroon 5 give a stellar AMAs performance, and Jack White will team up with John C. Reilly to re-release White Stripes singles.
Coral + Caitlin
CRUCIAL
Debt supercommittee members brace for failure, http://wapo.st/tEvfEt
The congressional supercommittee spent its final meeting on Sunday not pushing for a last minute debt crisis plan, but instead discussing how to admit their failure to the public. On Monday, the committee chairs, Senator Patty Murray and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, are expected to issue a joint statement announcing they have not struck a deal. This is Congress’ third big debt agreement fail this year.
Cairo clashes cast doubts over Egypt vote, http://bit.ly/uC83gd
On Sunday, Egypt’s military forces began clearing protesters out of Cairo’s Tahrir Square. As a result, at least 24 people have died and over a thousand have suffered injuries. The protesters are demanding the military hand over power. Even with the parliamentary elections coming up, the army retains executive power until a presidential election, which could not occur until early 2013.
Man Arrested and Charged in Bomb Plot, http://nyti.ms/sYQpiH
New York City’s government workers, returning military personnel and elected officials were the target of a man who planned to build a bomb and detonate it. Police arrested a 27-year-old Al Qaeda sympathizer, Jose Pimentel, a Manhattanite and U.S. citizen who had been under surveillance for two years. Pimentel was arrested for purchasing the materials to make explosives. He is believed to have acted alone as he has no actual connections to Al Qaeda. The suspect’s proclaimed heroes were Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden.
Michigan lawmaker’s family accuses congressman of past sexual abuse of family member, http://bit.ly/saNwyI
A cousin of Congressman Dale Kildee is accusing the lawmaker of sexually abusing him over 50 years ago. Patrick Kildee, who was12-years-old at the time of the first alleged abuse, was said to have been the victim of sexual molestation for five years. Rep. Kildee called the charges “completely false and shameful,” saying his second cousin only accused him after the Congressman recently refused him money and federal benefits. Kildee serves not only on the House Early Childhood Committee, but he also once oversaw the House Page Program which ended a few weeks after the Congressman announced he would not seek an 18th term.
First Lady Michelle Obama Booed At NASCAR Race, http://bit.ly/tbTYaS
First Lady Michelle Obama was booed at a NASCAR event Sunday, along with Dr. Jill Biden. The two had showed up at the Homestead-Miami Speedway to support Joining Forces, an initiative to hire veterans, but were less-than-welcomed when they were introduced at the start of the race. Despite this, the two women received a standing ovation at the earlier pre-race drivers meeting.
Iran may have sent Libya shells for chemical weapons, http://wapo.st/sb34SU
The Obama administration is investigating whether or not Iran supplied Gaddafi with hundreds of special artillery shells for chemical weapons that Libya has been keeping a secret for decades. Former Libyan rebels recently found shells filled with mustard gas, and while it’s not known for certain where the shells came from, a senior U.S. official said that he suspects Iran. Iran has dismissed the claims as U.S. propaganda. In 2004, Gaddafi had made an international promise to destroy all of the country’s chemical weapons.
A Revolution in Canvassing Among Voters, http://nyti.ms/vLaP8L
For the first time, technology is allowing candidates to log onto voter databases cell phones. So, don’t be surprised if the canvasser knocking on your door this election cycle knows details about your political leanings, voting history and even magazine subscriptions. This is the first election since legislative maps have been redrawn with data from the 2010 census. Even though collecting information about voters is not new, new technology is making the research more detailed and convenient for representatives who want information about recently registered constituents.
Highlights from the GOP Thanksgiving Family Forum, http://reut.rs/rOZizR
Newt Gingrich told Occupy Wall Street protesters to, “Go get a job. Right after you take a bath.” as he spoke to a group of Republicans at the Thanksgiving Family Forum in Iowa. Gingrich attacked the protesters, saying they “start with a premise that we all owe them everything.” He continued, “They take over a public park they didn’t pay for, to go nearby to use bathrooms they didn’t pay for, to beg for food from places they they don’t want to pay for.”
CULTURAL
Louie Dane says “From Disinterest to Self-Interest: Youth in Elections,” http://huff.to/u60l8X
Doyle McManus wants “Another presidential gene pool,” http://lat.ms/s5dt1Z
Mary Sanchez believes “School lunch policy: Let them eat crud,” http://trib.in/trBzPN
Robert J. Samuelson tells us “Why there’s a debt stalemate,” http://wapo.st/uWRnYg
Swift unstoppable at American Music Awards, http://apne.ws/8fKEVo
Prince Harry’s Vegas Discovery: Free Drinks While Gambling, http://bit.ly/vx2H4r
Britney Spears Video Tournament Kicks Off Today! http://on.mtv.com/sROpV6
Jack White Teams With John C. Reilly, Reissues White Stripes Singles, More, http://p4k.in/uHSlrT
AMAs 2011: Winners and Nominees Complete List, http://bit.ly/scgC1D
Maroon 5 and Xtina Take Over the AMAs Stage, http://bit.ly/symMey
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coral@rockthevote.com Bio: Coral is the Marketing Intern at Rock the Vote Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
News Round-up: Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, November 18th, 2011Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Myanmar; the man who attempted to assassinate President Obama calls himself a modern-day Jesus; a Syracuse assistant basketball coach has been accused of molestation; and the LAPD will take a second look at Natalie Wood’s death. In entertainment news, Ashton and @MrsKutcher will divorce, and Regis Philbin says goodbye to Live!.
Coral + Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
Clinton Set to Visit Myanmar as Obama Cites Progress, http://goo.gl/95RgQ
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Myanmar next month. She will be the first U.S. diplomat to do so in 50 years. The visit comes on the heels of a proclamation President Obama made while visiting Indonesia, “For decades Americans have been deeply concerned about the denial of basic human rights for the Burmese people,” said Obama. “But after years of darkness, we’ve seen flickers of progress in these last several weeks.” The president was referring to Myanmar’s new civilian system headed by previous general Thein Sein. Obama also personally called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Laureate who was released from government imposed house arrest last year, and asked her to support Clinton’s visit. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s party won elections in 1990, but the results were censored by the military government, which has been power ever since.
Accused White House shooter says he’s Jesus, http://goo.gl/yNq8F
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, the 21-year-old man charged with attempting to assassinate President Obama, claimed to be a modern-day Jesus in a video he filmed as a pitch to Oprah. In the 45 minute video, the Idaho man rants against the U.S. government, compliments Madonna’s fashion sense, and shares his dislike of beer pong. Ortega’s mother says he has no history of mental illness.
Syracuse Putting Coach on Leave, http://goo.gl/RhnN9
Bernie Fine, an assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University, has been placed on leave after local police announced they were investigating him for child molestation. A spokesman for the school said Syracuse investigated Fine in 2005 after an adult male claimed he had molested him in the 1980s. The school also said the police were not involved in the investigation as the statute of limitations had expired. The investigation has now been reignited due to new claims.
Boat captain alleges actor Robert Wagner responsible for Natalie Wood’s death, http://goo.gl/kiC9h
Dennis Davern, the former captain of the boat actress Natalie Wood drowned on, has come forward saying that her husband, actor Robert Wagner, is responsible for her death. Davern told the Today show that “we didn’t take any steps to see if we could locate her,” and that Wagner tried to keep the investigation under wraps. Wagner, Wood, and Christopher Walken were boating off of Santa Catalina island when Wood drowned in what was deemed an accident despite reports that a verbal argument occurred before her death. In light of new information, the LAPD has re-opened the case.
Gingrich think tank collected millions from health-care industry, http://goo.gl/SZ5FW
Center for Health Action, a think tank founded and run by Newt Gingrich, was paid $37 million over 8 years by healthcare companies and industry groups. Center for Health Action recommended a mandate saying that people who earn over $50,000 a year must buy health insurance or post a bond, a similar decree to the one found in Obama’s health care policy. Gingrich resigned from the think tank this year so he could run for president.
Supercommittee appears unlikely to reach agreement, http://goo.gl/MnLWx
With speculation increasing that the supercommittee will not reach a deficit deal, many are wondering what will happen. The Washington Post says nothing will result from it. The drastic cuts put in place to motivate a deal before the November 23 deadline will not be implemented until January 2013, leaving Congress a year to work out alternative plans. Some lawmakers are already planning for a post-election budget fight with Democrats hoping to gain leverage from the expiration of the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. Meanwhile, Republicans like John McCain are promising to prevent the $54 billion cuts to the Pentagon.
Group in U.S. Hoped for Big Payday in Offer to Help Qaddafi, http://goo.gl/id2EV
The New York Times is reporting that a Washington terrorism expert, a former CIA officer, a Republican operative, a Kansas City lawyer, and others promised Muammar Gaddafi they would lobby for him and arrange his exit from Libya in exchange for $10 million. A Belgian member of the group also offered to help Gaddafi win the support of the United States. Gaddafi was killed before the Treasury approved the license the consultants needed in order to take payment from Libya.
CULTURAL:
Regis Philbin Signs Off After 28 Years of Live!, http://goo.gl/17oHV
Finally! Beyonce Reveals Her Wedding Dress from 2008 Nuptials, http://goo.gl/MdxYS
Ashton Kutcher Gets Back to Work Right After Divorce Announcement, http://goo.gl/yLIgR
Dodgers Accuse FOX Of Illegally Interfering With Sale Of Team, http://goo.gl/NKeqm
‘Breaking Dawn’ Fans Travel Cross-Country For Midnight Premiere, http://goo.gl/4oLsN
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Caitlin Maguire Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote @caitlinmagu Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
