The United States may have had more of a hand in the Middle East uprisings than has been previously reported, Georgia may be following in Arizona’s footsteps to pass a law that will allow police to question suspects on their immigration status, and Republican donors are hesitant to back any of the emerging candidates with no superstars having emerged from the GOP. Meanwhile, Facebook wants to promote its relationship with journalists and news outlets in order to compete with twitter, and is going to great lengths to do so, and T-Swift shells out big bucks for a house for mom and pop.
CRUCIAL:
U.S. Groups Helped Nurture Arab Uprisings, http://nyti.ms/i9S3rA
Many of those who led uprisings across the Middle East were trained by American organizations financed by the government. These groups cause some problems in relations between the US and Middle Eastern nations, as many Middle Eastern leaders felt as though their authority was being threatened.
Unruly G.O.P. Puts Boehner to a Test in Budget Vote, http://nyti.ms/hdgooo
59 Republicans opposed the spending cuts Boehner proposed, saying that it simply isn’t enough, making it clear that Boehner has a hard road ahead. Boehner himself said that he agreed the cuts weren’t perfect, but that progress was being made.
U.S., Allies Raise Ante on Ouster of Gadhafi, http://on.wsj.com/eqxn9v
Barack Obama, as well as the British Prime Minister and French President have all agreed that action must continue to be taken in Libya until Gadhafi is gone. The city of Misrata, which is being held by Gaghafi and his forces is a major area of concern, as many have been killed.
Georgia Passes Immigration Bill Similar to Arizona’s, http://lat.ms/fAo6HM
Under the new Georgia law, Police will be able to allowed to question “check the immigration status of ‘criminal’ suspects.” The law will now make its way to the Georgia Governor, and whether or not it will be signed is not clear. The governor’s campaign centered on the issue, saying that he would pass a law similar to this one, however since election his views have shifted towards protecting businesses.
Barack Obama Reelect’s First Job: Reconnect, http://politi.co/ef4R23
President Obama has set a lofty goal of contacting every person who voted for him in 2008 and is putting together an enormous team of volunteers to aid in the process. Social media will also be a prominent part of the president’s reelection strategy, as was demonstrated by his first video release.
Many Top Republican Donors on the Sidelines in Presidential Primary Race, http://lat.ms/efGOZV
With a lack of a front runner GOP candidate, and a slow start to the 2012 race in general, many of the top donors in 2008 are hesitant to endorse a candidate.
Facebook Trying to ‘Friend’ Journalists, http://bit.ly/gtUb97
Unlike Twitter, many journalists have not yet started to use Facebook as a platform to spread their work. Facebook wants to turn this around, and has started to make new hires to promote this effort.
CULTURAL:
Scarlett Johansson: How a Pregnancy Rumor can start: http://bit.ly/fjwIq4
The Soap Opera era is officially dead: http://bit.ly/g9czgj
Taylor Swift bought $1.4 million home for her parents: http://aol.it/gXccJv
Designer John Galliano fired from his own label after anti-Semitic remarks: http://aol.it/fWukmI
What’s hot at Coachella?: http://bit.ly/ekHUGZ
The epic showdown between Anderson Cooper and Snooki: http://bit.ly/dHIBc7
