In today’s news, Obama considers a short-term hike in the debt ceiling, nearly half of the U.S. population is facing extreme heat, some non-News Corp tabloids may have utilized phone hacking, Al-Qaeda is planning an animated film to recruit kids, and Quiznos may be going out of business. Also, student body presidents speak out on the debt, social media use may haunt job applicants, the space shuttle Atlantis is on the verge of its final landing, and Anonymous claims a breach of NATO security.
Caitlin, Katie, + Perry
CRITICAL:
As Debt Talks Intensify, Obama Opens Door to Short-Term Hike in Debt Ceiling, http://wapo.st/puipVK
President Obama is considering a short-term debt deal if it will ultimately lead to a larger, more long-term plan. Obama’s willingness to bargain stems from Republicans’ continuous refusal to raise taxes. With no debt deal in sight, Wall Street has started planning for a debt default.
Nearly Half of U.S. Population Facing Extreme Heat, http://bit.ly/qQW4oL
It’s no news that it’s hot outside. However, some may be unaware that the triple digit temperatures are due to a deadly heat wave already responsible for 22 deaths. The heat wave has caused it to be 129 degrees in Iowa and 123 in Minnesota. It’s moving East this weekend, with heat advisories already in effect.
In Court, Suggestions of Hacking Beyond the News of the World, http://nyti.ms/qXi2s9
More phone hacking incidents may have occurred, and this time it seems News Corp is not responsible. Former reporters from British tabloids, “The People” and “The Sunday Mirror,” have come out saying their respective papers used phone hacking and private detectives to dig up dirt on subjects.
Al-Qaeda Plans Cartoon Recruiting Film for Kids, http://apne.ws/p73qUu
Al-Qaeda is working on a “Disney-like” animated film to recruit children to join the terrorist group. The film would depict boys taking part in killings and terror plots. Some believe the propaganda may fail, as adults could disapprove of the blatant attempt to recruit their children.
House Dems say state voter-ID laws a GOP plan to suppress minority votes, http://bit.ly/ov2EK3
While Republicans support voter-identification laws as a way of ensuring that only legal U.S. citizens vote, several House Democrats are arguing that these laws are a coordinated attempt to suppress minority and elderly votes.
(via POLITICO Playbook) FIRST LOOK – National Press Club, 1:30 p.m., “Student Body Presidents Speak Out on Debt: 116 Student Body Presidents representing nearly 2 million college students from 40 states”: “A coalition of nearly 120 collegiate student body presidents [will release] a letter today calling on President Obama and Congressional leaders to reach a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling … The student-led initiative … began on Georgetown University’s campus last week.”
Social Media History Becomes a New Job Hurdle, http://nyti.ms/r3ZrHS
Social Intelligence, a year-old start-up, provides companies with a detailed report of potential employees’ past social media activity. Proving background checks may be a thing of a past, Social Intelligence scours job applicants’ Facebooks, Twitters, Tumblrs, and Myspaces, reporting any scandalous pictures or opinions to potential employers.
Space Shuttle on Verge of Final Landing, http://yhoo.it/oxoIgb
The U.S. space shuttle, Atlantis has made its final landing at Kennedy Space Center today. The landing marks the end of NASA’s space shuttle program, which launched 135 shuttles and 355 astronauts into space.
Anonymous Hacking Group Claims Breach of NATO Security, Access to Restricted Material, http://wapo.st/qEF4zo
The hacking group, Anonymous has hacked NATO’s cyber system. The group announced on Twitter that it would be “irresponsioble [sic]” to post any of the confidential information. However, the group seems to have had a change of heart as it has just announced it will post some of the restricted files in the coming days.
CULTURAL:
Sarah Palin Is Going to Be a Grandmother Again, http://gaw.kr/rhOaPD
Sofia Vergara’s next role: Politician’s wife? http://bit.ly/nu2lI2
Lindsay Lohan Facing New Lawsuit — Assault & Battery, http://bit.ly/r2DG5m
Bruno Mars Tweets Excitement About VMA Nominations, http://on.mtv.com/ot1Wnt
