The U.S. Department of Justice sues Apple and five other publishers for an alleged monopoly on e-books; George Zimmerman’s attorneys withdraw; an 8.6-magnitude earthquake hits the west coast of Northern Sumatra; Charles Manson is up for parole; and Mitt Romney focuses on the general election after Santorum’s campaign exit. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responds playfully to the creators of “Texts from Hillary Clinton;” Britney Spears may become a judge on ‘The X Factor,’ and Jennifer Lawrence faces criticism from PETA.
Kelly + Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
U.S. Sues Apple, Publishers Over E-Book Pricing, http://on.wsj.com/I2MnGJ
The U.S. filed an antitrust lawsuit today against Apple, Inc. and five other large publishers, claiming that the companies planned to limit competition for e-books and their pricing. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. The DOJ alleges that an agreement among the companies was made where retail price competition would stop, retail e-book prices would then increase and Apple would agree to a 30 percent “commission” on each sold e-book. Three of the publishers, Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins Publishers Inc., have agreed to settle. The alleged agreement between the companies took place ahead of the introduction of the iPad in 2010.
Attorneys say Zimmerman is isolated, stressed out, http://bit.ly/HxbDY6
George Zimmerman, under intense scrutiny after his fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, is making additional headlines as his physical well-being has deteriorated. Zimmerman has said to have lost significant weight and is suffering from high levels of stress. Two lawyers from Zimmerman’s legal team also reported yesterday that they have “lost contact” with Zimmerman and will no longer be representing him as a result. Despite this, Zimmerman has gone against the advice of his counsel by contacting special prosecutor Angela Corey who will decide if he will face charges.
Tsunami Watch Canceled In Indian Ocean; Quake Struck Near Indonesia, http://n.pr/Iscybc
An 8.6-magnitude earthquake and an 8.2-magnitude aftershock hit off the west coast of Northern Sumatra this morning, causing local officials to panic over possible tsunamis from the Indian Ocean. But to the country’s relief, the tsunami watch was canceled shortly before 9 a.m. ET and existing waves were minor. Damage from the actual quakes is also being reported as manageable.
Mass murderer Charles Manson up for parole, http://abcn.ws/HAM33E
Today a California parole board will meet to determine if Charles Manson could qualify for parole. Manson has been denied parole 11 times. Due to violating prison rules several times over the past five years, possessing weapons, threatening an officer, and using a contraband cell phone, his chances of parole are slim. Manson is serving a life sentence for an L.A. killing spree he conducted in 1969. Manson has not appeared at his hearings since 1997.
For Romney, a shift – finally – to the general election, http://cbsn.ws/HBHmnY
Mitt Romney is now completely shifting focus to the general election after Rick Santorum suspended his campaign yesterday. Now without significant Republican competition, Romney is directing his fundraising and campaigning against Obama. This month, Romney was prepared to buy $3 million worth of ads to campaign against Santorum in Pennsylvania. Conservative media are now questioning how the GOP will welcome Romney after criticizing his policies as being too liberal.
CULTURAL:
Britney Spears Nears Deal For ‘The X Factor,’ http://bit.ly/Iw8Kag
Texts From Hillary founders meet … Hillary Clinton, http://yhoo.it/Ip8qsq
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Jack White to play Lollapalooza, http://cbsn.ws/IBt31d
PETA targets ‘Hunger Games’ star Jennifer Lawrence for squirrel-skinning, http://thedc.com/HH8kwk
‘Hunger Games’: Gary Ross will not direct sequel ‘Catching Fire,’ http://thedc.com/IBQUOu
Tags: Angela Corey, Apple, Black Sabbath, Britney Spears, Catching Fire, Charles Manson, e-book monopoly, Gary Ross, George Zimmern, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers Inc., Hillary Clinton, Hunger Games, iPad, Jack White, Jennifer Lawrence, Kelly Holleran, Lollapalooza, Mitt Romney, PETA, President Obama, Red Hot Chili Peppers, rick santorum, Simon & Schuster, Texts from Hillary Clinton, the x factor, Trayvon Martin, U.S. Department of Justice
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Kelly Holleran Bio: Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
