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Fatah and Hamas are working together again, Russia’s Foreign Minister visits Syria, and Obama returned almost a quarter million dollars in donations linked to a Mexican Fugitive. Elsewehere Charles Dickens would have turned 200 today and Dave Grohl hopes that the Foo Fighters can show kids that “Humans Play Instruments” too.

Aaron + Caitlin

CRUCIAL:

Unity Deal Brings Risks for Abbas and Israel http://nyti.ms/AqkVuu
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority and leader of Fatah has signed a unity agreement with Khaled Meshal, the head of Hamas. This is not the first agreement between the two Palestinian factions, but they both hope this to be more permanent than previous ones. Israel is not particularly thrilled to see this union, for they refuse to negotiate with Hamas, a group they feel is dedicated to Israel’s destruction. Additionally this agreement puts the $450 Million the United States give to the Palestinian Authority in risk, for Hamas is labeled as a Terrorist Group.

Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers’ properties http://wapo.st/x16iZy
As Congress takes a look at how it uses its power to enrich themselves, The Washington Post has put together an investigation into recent earmarks. While all these spending decisions are legal some of them are questionable. Included among the earmarks was $900,000 for road resurfacing that fixed a loop on which Rep Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and his daughters own multiple homes. Additionally Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.) funded a $4.5 Million upgrade of an interchange which leads to properties that Bartlett owns and makes over $100,000 in rentals.

Syria shells Homs; Russian diplomat meets Assad as France, Italy recall ambassadors http://wapo.st/zC7DeQ
A day after the United States closed its Syrian Embassy, Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met with Bashar al-Assad. Lavrov was greeted by cheering crowds and hoped that through diplomacy, reforms could be brought to Syria and quell the insurgency. However the Syrian Army has continued their shelling of the city Homs and a quick end to the Syrian strife seems unlikely.
FAA told to make room for drones in U.S. skies http://usat.ly/Apwc6V
The United States Senate has drafted up legislation that would, within three years, ensure that the FAA is coordinating with unmanned drones to prevent possible collisions. Currently the vast majority of drones are operated by the Military and Customs and Border Patrol. The efficiency of not needing a pilot means that groups like local police forces and science researchers. The drones can be as large as Jet Airliners and without pilots it would be impossible for them to see and avoid other flights.

Obama to Return Major Donations Tied to Fugitive http://nyti.ms/wjj9EO
Americans brothers of a Mexican Gambling and Drug Kingpin raised around $200,000 for Barack Obama, who has returned the donations. Pepe Cardonas skipped bail in Iowa in 1994 and since has been tied to violence and corruption across the border in Mexico. Pepe, who attended the University of Iowa, was president of the Student Senate before accusations arose that he misspent money.

Obama Yields in Marshaling of ‘Super PAC’ http://nyti.ms/ABeSyK
President Obama has reversed his stance on Super PACs and is currently orchestrating a strategy to raise money for Priorites USA Action, a Democratic PAC. These outside groups which have tremendous freedom to spend after a Supreme Court ruling in 2010. But Republicans groups have fundraised with more effectiveness than Democratic ones. Obama, fearing being at a disadvantage, is now willing to compromise ideological statements he previously made in attempts to keep the presidency.

Romney tries to beat back possible Santorum surge in trio of states http://wapo.st/xo7Yoj
In Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri, Republican front runner Mitt Romney has been dealing with an uptick in support for Rick Santorum. While Romney had a decisive victory recently in Nevada, these states are not as in Romney’s camp as he would like. Romney leads polls in Nevada and Colorado, but Santorum actually has been in the lead in certain Minnesotan polls. Romney delivered to reporters statements Santorum made in 2008 when the former senator supported Romney, showing how Santorum trusted Romney to lead the party.

CULTURAL:

First Ever Authorized Documentary On Bob Marley To Premiere This Month http://bit.ly/zrdiVs

Prince Charles leads Dickens 200th celebrations http://reut.rs/Alqi7j

Dave Grohl Says Foo Fighters Show Kids That ‘Humans Play Instruments’‎ http://bit.ly/vZn30f

Jay-Z dons tuxedo for Carnegie Hall benefit performance http://bit.ly/yDYUeW

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Here is what happened in the War on Voting last week. You’ll notice that none of the laws are set in stone as they are still potential legislation.

South Carolina is using the same language from legislation in Georgia and Florida as templates for their own voting laws. If passed, people registering to vote in South Carolina will have to present a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or tribal verification at the polls.

The state may also pass a law that restricts third party organizations’ ability to conduct community registration. If this law passes, it will mean that third party organizations, like greek organizations, school clubs, and voter registation organizations, will have to register with the State Election Commission, submit an application to register people to vote, give the names and addresses of anyone conducting registration, and submit the forms within 5 days. Also, each person conducting registration will have to sign a sworn statement saying they registered people to vote in accordance with the law. On top of all of these requirements, the new law would include fines ranging from $5 -$1,000 for anyone who registers voters and does not follow the state’s voter registration requirements, http://nbcnews.to/w8Jz42

In Kansas, the Secretary of State is trying to set forth the state’s law that new voters have to show proof of citizenship as a registration requirement on June 15, 2012 instead of January 2013. This new date would conveniently implement the change right before the November 2012 elections, http://huff.to/A9rsIT

In Tennessee, there are people who are slowly but surely pushing for some positive voting reform. Tennessee has potential legislation that would allow valid public college IDs to be used for registration and voting purposes. Right now, you can register with a Tennessee state issued handgun carry permit, but not a student ID. Students at private schools will not be able to use their student IDs unless private college IDs are added to the proposed bill. Also, there is currently a Tennessee bill that would allow county clerk offices to distribute voter IDs; thus, creating more access to the proper identification, http://bit.ly/yCVr41

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