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    By: alexis.m@rockthevote.com

    News Round-Up Wednesday, May 15, 2013

    Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

    The UN will vote on a Syria resolution; Eric Holder faces questioning regarding the seizing of media phone records; the Euro Zone, save Germany, is sinking farther into recession; another serviceman is arrested on charges of sexual assault; Nigerian president declares state of emergency; American begins 15 year sentence in North Korea; and a biometric tracking addition to immigration reform is rejected. On the other hand, Beyonce cancels concert in Belgium and Google Maps is rumored to be coming out with some really advanced updates.

    Caitlin + Alexis

    CRUCIAL

    U.N. General Assembly to vote on Syria resolution; Russia opposed, http://bit.ly/11Dll6J
    Wednesday, the U.N. General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution that condemns Syrian authorities and receives the opposition Syrian National Coalition. Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, does not approve of the resolution drafted by Qatar and other Arab nations. The Syrian conflict that has been going on for two years now has just recently turned into a civil war in which, according to the UN, at least 70,000 people have died.

    Holder to face Capitol Hill grilling, http://bit.ly/12aDeoe
    Attorney General Eric Holder will be questioned on Wednesday on Capital Hill regarding accusations that he was involved with seizing media phone records. In the past, Democratic lawmakers have defended him, but this time it appears he and his department will not have much political protection.

    Germany can’t stop euro zone from sinking into longest recession, http://reut.rs/141pIFH
    While Germany has managed to bring it’s economy back to life, France is sliding further into recession. France isn’t the only country in the EU whose economy is experiencing a downward spiral. Finland, Cyprus, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Greece have also fallen victim to failing economies. Germany contributes to about a third of the euro zone’s economy and even it is not growing as quickly as it would like to be.

    Army Sexual Assault Prevention Office Coordinator Accused of ‘Abusive Sexual Contact’, http://huff.to/10MVRBX
    A week after an Air Force officer who headed a sexual assault prevention office was arrested for allegedly groping a woman in a parking lot, another ironic story surfaces. An army soldier chosen to coordinate a sexual assault prevention program in Texas is under investigation for “abusive sexual contact.” He has been suspended from his duties as the investigation continues.

    Nigeria president declares state of emergency, http://aje.me/16c0gBD
    After a number of attacks by Boko Haram on security forces and government were made in Boko Haram’s northeast stronghold this month, President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has declared a “state of emergency” in three states. He claims it to be an attempt to control violent attacks by armed group Boko Haram. The president declared in a televised statement on Tuesday “a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.”

    NKorea: American starts life at ‘special prison’, http://bit.ly/17t9hpv
    Tuesday, Kenneth Bae began his 15 year sentence in a ‘special prison’ in North Korea. An American citizen, Bae was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for “hostile acts against the state.” The Korean Central News Agency has disclosed little information regarding the situation other than that he has begun his sentence.

    CULTURAL

    Beyonce cancels concert as pregnancy buzz swirls, http://usat.ly/16aF6ne

    Jaden’s 15 soon and wants to be legally free of us …he’s like, ‘Oooh, I get my own place,’ http://bit.ly/14gFGex

    Melissa Joan Hart’s Kickstarter Campaign Canceled After Project Falls Extremely Short Of Goal, http://huff.to/10WFs88

    Chris Pine In ‘Into The Woods’ With Jake Gyllenhaal? ‘Star Trek’ Star Could Join Musical With Meryl Streep & Johnny Depp, http://huff.to/14njO19

    Booed At Cannes: From ‘Tree Of Life’ To ‘L’Avventura,’ Classic Films Were Heckled By Film Fest Audiences, http://huff.to/10P2aF9

    alexis.m@rockthevote.com
    Bio: My name is Alexis Macdermott and I will be starting my third year at Duke University this fall. I am currently pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in economics. I am a native of Southwest Florida and am an avid runner and film enthusiast. I look forward to joining the Marketing and Communications team for the summer here at RTV!

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »


    By: Liza Dee

    News Round-Up: Monday, April 8, 2013

    Monday, April 8th, 2013

    In today’s news, the U.S. plans a potential response to North Korea’s aggressive provocations, Margaret Thatcher dies at 87, and six Americans are killed in the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan this year, Meanwhile, Chris Brown and Rihanna call it quits, Jay-Z and Beyonce are criticized for vacationing in Cuba, and ACM award winners celebrate victories.

    Caitlin + Liza

    CRUCIAL: 

    U.S. Designs a Korea Response Proportional to the Provocation, http://nyti.ms/ZcORZU
    The United States and South Korea have prepared “counterprovokation plans” to respond to any attacks from North Korea in the most limited way possible so as to prevent escalation into a broader war. Officials say the plan would call for an immediate, proportional “response in kind” to hit North Korea with similar weapons in the event that North Korea makes good on its military threats. Tensions are still on the rise as North Korea has decided to cut off any cooperation with the South and continues to provoke the United States.

    Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female PM, dead at 87, http://bit.ly/11IMyS8
    Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the only woman ever to hold the position of Prime Minister in Great Britain, died after suffering a stroke Monday morning at the age of 87. Thatcher gained the position of Prime Minister in 1979, leading for 11 years with a signature fierceness that gained her the nickname “The Iron Lady.” A stroke prompted Thatcher to retire from public life in 2002, and she had maintained a low profile in recent years as she continued to suffer strokes.

    Public phase of immigration debate set to begin as Senate negotiators finalize deal, http://wapo.st/16Hygk6
    The Senate’s “Gang of Eight” who have been working on a highly anticipated immigration bill hope to finish their work this week, opening the measures to a heated public debate. The controversial bill includes provisions to secure the border, allow tens of thousands of foreign workers into the country, and grant eventual citizenship to around 11 million immigrants currently living illegally in the U.S. The “Gang of Eight” includes Democratic Senators led by Chuck Schumer of New York and Republicans led by Arizona’s John McCain. “There will be a great deal of unhappiness about this this proposal because everybody didn’t get what they wanted,” McCain said, alluding to the long road of debate the bill is likely to face.

    Six Americans, including three civilians, killed in attacks in Afghanistan, http://wapo.st/16FZycI
    Six Americans, including three civilians and three U.S. troops were killed in two attacks in Afghanistan on Saturday, marking the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan this year. The attacks highlighted the continued danger in Afghanistan as the U.S. moves forward with its plan to withdraw its remaining troops within the next 20 months and leave security in the hands of the Afghani army. Among those killed was Anne Smedinghoff, the first State Department diplomat to be killed in Afghanistan since the war began. Smedinghoff, 25, was traveling to deliver books to a school when a car bomb exploded.

    Kerry Said to Revive 2002 Arab Peace Plan During Israel Talks, http://bloom.bg/Y7iUpS
    U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel Monday with hopes of reviving stalled 2002 peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Kerry discussed with leaders of each nation the 2002 Arab League-endoresed plan, which called to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for withdrawal from all lands occupied by the 1967 Mideast War. Kerry met with President Abbas of Palestine, who said he will not negotiate until Israel stops construction in the West Bank. Kerry is currently making his third trip to the region this month.

    China rebukes North Korea, says no state should sow chaos, http://reut.rs/10FycR5
    China’s president issued warnings this weekend to North Korea, scolding its regional neighbor for raising regional tensions with threats of nuclear attack on the U.S. and war against South Korea. “No one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gain,” President Xi Jinping said. The comments were China’s strongest response yet to the threats of aggression from North Korea that have marked the past month. China, North Korea’s sole financial and diplomatic backer, has expressed frustration with the nation’s positions in recent years.

    CULTURAL: 

    Chris Brown and Rihanna Call it Quits, Says Source, http://eonli.ne/XzwUJD

    Jay-Z, Beyonce Taking Heat for Cuba Trip, http://eonli.ne/Y891nF

    Kardashians Sue Former Stepmom, http://thebea.st/ZcBSay

    ACM Awards 2013: See the Winners Here, http://bit.ly/14YUrX1

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Liza Dee

    News Round-Up: Monday, March 18, 2013

    Monday, March 18th, 2013

    Republicans look to change the party’s image; a verdict is reached in the Steubenville high school rape trial; President Obama will select Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor; and Hillary Clinton announces her support for gay marriage. Meanwhile, Beyonce premiers two new songs; Lil Wayne remains in intensive care; and Justin Timberlake could release a follow-up album to “The 20/20 Experience”.

    Caitlin + Liza

    CRUCIAL: 

    Republicans want to end perception as ‘stuffy old men’, http://bit.ly/107gA1e
    The Republican National Committee released a report on Monday addressing its image problems and structural setbacks, including hundreds of recommendations on how to target specific demographic groups that favored Democrats in 2012. The report, which totals over 100 pages, was initiated by the RNC immediately after November’s election loss. It was created in response to the fact that Mitt Romney lost the vote of every demographic except for white men. Social policy is at the forefront of the report, with many recommendations about issues like gay rights. The report also advocates for change at the campaign level, including a stronger digital effort .

    Verdicts in Steubenville high school rape trial, http://nbcnews.to/15U8JFT
    Two high school football players accused of raping an intoxicated 16 year-old girl at a party in Steubenville, Ohio, were found guilty despite denying charges. Seventeen year-old Trent Mays and 16 year-old Ma’Lik Richmond were accused of raping and sharing pictures of the passed out girl in August, launching a case that attracted national media attention and divided the small community. As allegations surfaced that other students were involved, many claimed that those in the know should stand trial. As a result, Ohio’s attorney general plans to convene a grand jury that will look into whether more students should be investigated.

    Hillary Clinton Announces Suport for Gay Marriage, http://huff.to/15hCeiE
    Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her support for gay marriage on Monday, claiming in a video released by gay rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign, that gays and lesbians are “full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship.” Clinton’s announcement aligns her with other high-profile Democrats on an issue that is quickly gaining public approval, and fuels speculation that she may be considering a presidential run in 2016.

    President Obama to pick Tom Perez for Labor, http://politi.co/146xDEa
    President Obama will nominate Tom Perez as his next labor secretary, according to White House officials. Perez currently serves as the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and would be the first Hispanic-American appointed to Obama’s second-term cabinet. Perez will likely face tough questions from Senate Republicans during confirmation hearings, including inquiries into a misleading report he gave about racial hostilities within the Civil Rights Division.

    Hill Poll: Voters prefer Republican budget ideas, but dislike GOP, http://bit.ly/113FvBO
    Though a majority of voters favor Republican fiscal ideas, voters were more likely to trust the Democratic Party over the GOP on budgetary issues, a Hill poll found. According to the poll, some voters who identified themselves as Democrats supported several Republican ideas, and 65 percent of those surveyed were partial to reducing the deficit by cutting spending rather than by raising taxes. Yet questions that specifically mentioned the Republican Party demonstrated mistrust among voters, raising concerns about the image problem and identity crisis many believe the GOP currently faces.

    Plane crashes into Indiana neighborhood, kills 2, http://bit.ly/YjYZ5F
    A corporate jet crashed into a row of single-story homes in a South Bend, Indiana neighborhood on Sunday, killing two of the four passengers aboard and injuring two others. The plane’s pilot said he was experiencing technical issues, and was attempting to circle back to the airport after one failed landing attempt. The neighborhood of around 50 homes has been evacuated, with two shelters set up for residents.

    CULTURAL: 

    Beyonce premieres new songs “Bow Down” and “I Been On,” http://bit.ly/119LyIH

    History Channel’s Satan Looks A Lot Like Barack Obama, http://bit.ly/15fztyt

    Lil Wayne–Day 6 in Intensive Care, http://tmz.me/143dVZL

    Justin Timberlake to Release Follow-Up Album in November, http://bit.ly/WxMIuV

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Liza Dee

    News Round-Up, Monday, February 4, 2013

    Monday, February 4th, 2013

    The Baltimore Ravens topple the San Francisco 49ers in the most watched Super Bowl in history; an investigation finds 680 international soccer matches were rigged; and Tagg Romney eyes a run for the Senate. Meanwhile, Beyonce stuns at the Super Bowl halftime show and goes on to announce an upcoming world tour; and Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are spotted back together.

    Caitlin + Liza

    CRUCIAL: 

    Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl 46 Over San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, http://huff.to/XSajRV
    The Baltimore Ravens toppled the San Francisco 49ers Sunday night 34 to 31 in what was the longest Super Bowl in history at 4 hours and 14 minutes. A power outage in the third quarter brought the game to a standstill with the Ravens up by 22, and allowed the 49ers to catch their breath and stage a comeback. Yet the Ravens, led by MVP Joe Flacco and veteran Ray Lewis, who was playing in his last game ever, managed to hold off the 49ers. The win marked a sibling rivalry victory for Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, who defeated brother Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the 49ers, and was the most watched Super Bowl in history.

    Investigation Finds Suspected Fixing in 680 Soccer Matches, http://nyti.ms/XaE2r1
    680 international soccer matches are suspected of being fixed according to global law enforcement officials, who announced the results of a 19-month investigation earlier today. Asian criminal organizations that made millions by betting on game results are behind the conspiracies, which included more than 425 people spanning at least 15 countries. Organizations strategically rigged the soccer matches by bribing players and referees in an effort to predetermine game results. Fixed matches included high-profile games such as qualifying games for the World Cup and European Cup as well as two Champions League matches. “This is a sad day for European football, and more evidence of the corrupting influence of organized crime,” said Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, which helped coordinate the investigation. An international arrest warrant was issued for the leader of an Asian criminal group behind most of the fixed matches.

    Ex-Navy sniper, another military vet killed at Texas gun range, http://bit.ly/WHeKCI
    Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, a record holder for the number of sniper killings in Iraq and author of the best-selling “American Sniper”, was gunned down in Glen Rose Texas Saturday along with fellow military veteran Chad Littlefield. Kyle and Littlefield were visiting a shooting range at the Rough Creek Lodge when they were murdered by suspect Eddie Ray Routh. Routh is also a former Marine and is now in the process of seeking a court-appointed attorney. Kyle, a married father of two, had also founded a nonprofit to help veterans battle post-traumatic stress disorder. A spokesperson for the group remembered him as “an American hero” in a statement.

    Report: Tagg Romney eying Senate, http://politi.co/VKXRpk
    Tagg Romney, son of former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is considering a run for a Massachusetts Senate seat, according to a Boston Herald report. Tagg, 42, is Mitt Romney’s oldest son and was a frequent face throughout the 2012 campaign. He is founder of Solamere Capital, a venture capital firm in Boston. The Herald also reported that some had called on Mitt Romney’s wife Ann to make a Senate run. A Massachusetts Senate seat opened up when former Democratic Senator John Kerry resigned to accept a post as Secretary of State, and the state’s former GOP Senator Scott Brown announced he will not run to replace Kerry.

    Obama: Drop Gay Ban, Boy Scouts, http://politi.co/11F3ndB
    President Obama pushed the Boy Scouts to drop their ban on gay members in an interview on Sunday as the Boy Scouts of America prepares for this week’s vote on whether to end a national ban on gay members and scout masters. The possible change, which would allow local groups to make decisions as to whether or not to allow gay members, has stirred debate, with former scouts including Texas Governor Rick Perry insisting the ban should stay in place. “My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does in every institution and walk of life,” President Obama said.

    Eight killed, more than 30 hurt as bus flips, http://lat.ms/VK3dkN
    At least eight were killed and more than 30 were injured Sunday night when a tour bus collided with a truck and sedan on a narrow mountain road in California. All fatalities came from the bus, which lost control while heading down the mountain and rolled over the truck at least once. The bus was carrying 38 passengers, including children. 27 were taken to the hospital after police spent more than two hours trying to free the injured. “It happened so fast, I don’t know how it all happened,” one passenger said. “This was supposed to be a good day with my companions and then this happened.”

    CULTURAL: 

    Beyonce Super Bowl Halftime Show: Singer Stuns With An All-Out Display, http://huff.to/VzfaYG

    Beyonce Announces New World Tour After Super Bowl Extravaganza, http://bit.ly/UQTOZp

    People’s TV Critic Reviews the Super Bowl Ads, http://bit.ly/WpEJiA

    Selena Gomez Back with Justin Bieber…Again?, http://tmz.me/Uin2mk

    Frank Ocean Will NOT Be Pressing Charges Against Chris Brown, http://bit.ly/Uoa3Q3

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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    By: Maureen Dolan

    News Round-Up: Monday, July 16, 2012

    Monday, July 16th, 2012

    Egyptian protesters heckle Hillary Clinton; a military mentor in North Korea is dismissed; and Anthony Weiner may run for political office again. Meanwhile, Beyonce reads her letter of support to Michelle Obama, and Jeremy Lin will likely leave The Knicks.

    Maureen + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Protests as Clinton holds meetings in Egypt, http://bit.ly/MtdtfY
    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton witnessed Egyptian protesters throwing tomatoes, shoes, and water bottles at her motorcade as she left the newly reopened U.S. Consulate in Alexandria. Clinton was not hit, but a tomato did hit an Egyptian officia. The protestors also shouted “Monica, Monica, Monica!” referring to former president Bill Clinton’s infamous affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. At the ceremony to reopen the consulate, which closed in 1993 due to budget constraints, Clinton confirmed that the U.S. government has not taken sides in Egyptian politics.

    Military mentor to NKorean leader dismissed, http://bit.ly/Nwti2H
    North Korean Vice Marshal Ri Yong Ho, the country’s top army official, has been dismissed from several powerful posts due to “illness.” This comes as a surprise, as Ri did not seem ill in his many recent public appearances. There is now speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un purged Ri in an attempt to stamp his own name on the regime, which he inherited when his father, Kim Jong Il, died in December.

    Anthony Weiner Longs for a Second Chance in Politics, Friends Say, http://nyti.ms/NcBS9k
    Former Representative Anthony D. Weiner reportedly wants to return to politics. He has roughly $4.5 million in the bank for a potential candidacy and must use it by next year or else he will miss out on $1.5 million in matching public funds. He will have a difficult time campaigning in the face of his online scandal that led to his resignation of his House seat last year. A New York Post article suggests that Weiner may consider running for public advocate or even mayor next year.

    CULTURAL:

    N.Y. to let Jeremy Lin walk, http://es.pn/MtcYCO

    Sylvester Stallone on Sage’s Death: ‘There Is No Greater Pain,’ http://bit.ly/Mrqgff

    Jason Kidd of the New York Knicks Charged with DUI, http://bit.ly/MyT4Qy

    Beyonce reads letter for Michelle Obama, http://bit.ly/McteWJ

    Maureen Dolan
    Bio: Maureen is the Marketing & Communications intern for Rock the Vote.

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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