A new jobs report shows better-than-expected growth but no progress on unemployment; the UN accuses Syrian rebels of war crimes related to a video-taped shooting; New York Gov. Cuomo urges calm amid fuel shortages; and U.S. intelligence officials reveal new details on the Benghazi embassy attack. Meanwhile, country stars attend the CMAs, and Jay-Z confirms a performance at an upcoming Obama rally in Ohio.
Caitlin + David
CRITICAL
October jobs report: Hiring increases, unemployment up, http://cnnmon.ie/RyJL87
According to a report released by the Labor Department, the U.S. economy added 171,000 new jobs in the month of October, but unemployment ticked up from 7.8% to 7.9%. Economists were pleasantly surprised by the jobs figures, saying they expected only 125,000 new jobs. Economists also say they expected the jump in unemployment, explaining that it was caused by more people entering the labor force. The report does not factor in the effects of Hurricane Sandy, as the data was collected prior to the storm.
Syria conflict: Rebels may have committed war crime – UN, http://bbc.in/YbXDZX
A video of the alleged shooting of Syrian government soldiers by rebels has emerged online, leading the United Nations to accuse the rebels of committing war crimes. The footage shows armed rebels beating Syrian soldiers before executing them. The alleged shootings took place following the seizure of strategic army checkpoints by the rebel army on Thursday. Because the Syrian soldiers had surrendered to the rebels, says UN spokesman Navi Pillay, “these were soldiers who were no longer combatants and therefore, at this point, it looks very like a war crime”. No group has taken credit for the killings. Reports of summary execution perpetrated by the Syrian army have been frequently reported by watchdog groups, but there is mounting evidence that such tactics are also being used by rebel forces.
Cuomo: ‘No Reason to Panic’ Over Gas Shortages, http://abcn.ws/U4iKhk
In response to fuel shortages in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says there is “no reason to panic” and has signed an executive order waiving a requirement that fuel tankers register and pay tax before unloading. He has also demanded that utility companies prioritize power restoration in storm-hit areas. The Governor said that “great progress” is being made by fuel tanker ships delivering supplies of gasoline, but warned utility companies that they will be held accountable to the state if efforts are not made to repair power outages.
CIA rushed to save diplomats as Libya attack was underway, http://wapo.st/TyEWOC
According to a report made by U.S. intelligence officials, the CIA rushed to support the besieged diplomatic compound within 25 minutes of the September 11th, 2012 attack, and played a more central role in its defense than has previously been publicly acknowledged. The agency is said to have commanded the evacuation effort and to have commandeered an unarmed military drone overhead to map possible escape routes, as well as dispatching a security team from Tripoli and chartering aircraft that ultimately carried the survivors to safety. The officials’ account is the most detailed chronology of the attack yet made. Officials said they decided to release the information to rebut media claims that agency leaders delayed sending help, saying they acted rapidly and without interference from Washington. In a prepared statement, a senior intelligence official said, “There was no second-guessing those decisions being made on the ground, by people at every U.S. organization that could play a role in assisting those in danger.”
CULTURAL
Decked Out Down South: CMA Awards Style, http://bit.ly/RAvu9a
Why Does Robert Pattinson ‘Fear’ The End Of The Twilight Saga?, http://bit.ly/TzhNLH
‘Political Animals’ Won’t Continue On USA, http://bit.ly/Yevfqd
Snoop Dogg Gets Equity Stake In Mister Cartoon’s Sanctiond Car Care Products Brand, http://bit.ly/PJvWqH
SWEET! Jay-Z Will Perform At President Obama’s Ohio Rally (DETAILS), http://bit.ly/UohgsR
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David Heckman Bio: David is a senior English major at UMBC and Communications Intern with Rock the Vote. Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
