Asian, European, and American markets fall in early trading, U.S. debt talks remain stalled, there will be an Ethics Committee investigation into the conduct of Rep. David Wu, the Norway killer warns of ‘more cells,’ militants hang an 8-year-old boy in southern Afghanistan, and NFL players agree to a new collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, Google has offered a $30 million prize for the first private firm to make it to the moon, and China officials close fake Apple stores in Kunming city.
Caitlin, Katie, + Perry
CRITICAL:
Asian and European markets fall in early trading as U.S. debt talks remain stalled, http://wapo.st/nADDVf
With the August 2nd debt-ceiling deadline nearing, financial markets are bracing for a debt default. Markets have dipped in Japan, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, England, France and Germany. In the U.S., the Dow lost more than 125 points just minutes after the opening bell.
(via POLITICO Breaking News) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Israel are calling for an Ethics Committee investigation into the conduct of Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.), who allegedly had an “unwanted sexual encounter” with the teenage daughter of a family friend last Thanksgiving.
Norway killings: Anders Behring Breivik warns of ‘more cells,’ http://tgr.ph/nL2q43
According to a Norwegian judge, Breivik admitted to bombing a government building and to shooting children at an island camp. The 32-year-old said he committed the crimes to prevent a Marxist Muslim takeover of Norway. He will be held in solitary confinement.
Militants hang 8-year-old boy in southern Afghanistan, http://bit.ly/qy57UD
A police officer in Afghanistan’s southern city of Gereshk refused to give his police vehicle to militants. The militants retaliated by kidnapping and hanging his 8-year-old son. This violent act comes after the capitol of the Helmand province was transferred from US to Afghan control.
Reports: NFL, players agree to new collective bargaining agreement, http://usat.ly/pjHpb3
NFL owners and players have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. The player executive committee and 32 team reps are expected to cast their final votes via conference call around 11 a.m. According to NFL Network’s Albert Breer, team facilities may be open later today.
DMV says closure decisions aren’t final, http://bit.ly/oP3qlx
Wisconsin’s Gov. Scott Walker’s administration is working on a plan that would close as many as 16 different DMV offices, one of the main locations where people can obtain photo ids. Walker’s administration wants to expand hours in other locations, adding 625 hours of DMV service per week. A Democratic lawmaker claims that the department is closing offices where Democratic constituents live and expanding hours in Republican districts. A State Department of Transportation official rejected the claim.
GOP Makes Big Gains among White Voters, http://bit.ly/orTBb5
The country has shifted since President Obama’s landslide election in 2008. Republicans have gained ground on Democrats through higher margins of white voters. The shift was especially pronounced for young and poor white voters.
Race to the Moon Heats Up for Private Firms, http://nyti.ms/r7OKSs
29 private firms have signed up to be the first to make it to the moon. Google is putting up $30 million for the winner. The manager of NASA’s Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data program, George Xenofos, expects one or more teams to make it.
China officials close fake Apple stores in Kunming city, http://bbc.in/oyyjH2
There are Chinese knockoff iPhones and iPods, but entire knockoff stores? An American blogger living in Kunming city discovered five elaborate fake stores, which sold genuine Apple products and employed workers who believed themselves to be Apple employees. Apple has yet to comment on the story.
CULTURAL:
Amy Winehouse Wasn’t Breathing When Security Guard Found Her, http://on.mtv.com/qI4K6s
Sofia Vergara Kisses Papa Smurf At NYC Premiere, http://bit.ly/owyZwv
Jay-Z, Kanye West Announce Watch The Throne Release Date, Tour Dates, http://on.mtv.com/o5XXsX
Kim Kardashian Doppelgänger Now Talking Smack About Old Navy Showdown, http://eonli.ne/n0vTuI
