Bank of America plans big layoffs; first ever shark attacks have been reported in Russia; killings continue in Syria despite President Assad’s pledge to end the violence; terror attacks occur in Israel and Afghanistan; scientists have increased the longevity of obese mice; Kat Von D and Jesse James are engaged again; and this is sort of perfect: Josh Groban will play Ed Helms’ brother on ‘The Office.’
Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
Bank of America Plans Big Layoffs to Cut Costs, http://nyti.ms/oi6JkX
According to The New York Times, Bank of America plans to cut 3,500 jobs over the next few months. At the end of next month, it will conduct a reorganization that could layoff almost 10,000 people.
Pacific Russia Sees Unprecedented Shark Attacks, http://bit.ly/qs97xR
Russia is experiencing shark attacks for the first time in history. A 25-year-old man has lost both his arms, and a 16-year-old has been severely injured due to shark attacks in the Sea of Japan. Scientists believe that the attacks are due to one great white that was attracted to the waters due to its abnormally warm temperatures this season. There has been a ban on swimming in the affected region, but people continue to do so anyway. The Emergency Situations Ministry has advised that if a swimmer is attacked, “not to panic and to punch the shark in the eyes and gills.”
Attack on British Council Compound in Kabul Kills Nine, http://bbc.in/nfXKVW
Suicide attackers from the Taliban detonated a car bomb, allowing attackers to enter the British Council office in Kabul. At least nine were killed in the attack. Earlier, a bomb went off in a town square. The Taliban said the attacks were meant to commemorate the anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from Britain in 1919.
Rockets, Airstrikes Follow Attack on Israel, http://yhoo.it/qS9cUI
Following the deadly attacks in Israel yesterday, Gaza militants fired rockets injuring at least six more people. Israel responded with air strikes which killed the leader of the group responsible for the attacks.
Syrian Forces Kill Six Despite Assad Pledge, http://reut.rs/obB7GX
Syrian forces killed six yesterday, despite President Assad’s promise to end the violence against protestors. Yesterday, President Obama and the European Union demanded that President Assad resign.
Coffman Wants to Modify Voting Rights Act to Provide Ballots in English Only, http://bit.ly/pgB5kz
Colorado Republican Rep. Mike Coffman wants to repeal the section of the 1973 Voting Rights Act that states ballots be printed in English and Spanish. Coffman has noted that it is too much of an expense to also print ballots in Spanish, reasoning that you have to know English to pass the US citizenship test. Immigrant rights activists says that Coffman’s repeal is meant to disenfranchise Democratic voters.
Longer Lives for Obese Mice, With Hope for Humans of All Sizes, http://nyti.ms/qa97Ar
Scientists have found that they can increase the life span of obese mice with a drug that “mimic[s] resveratrol — the trace ingredient of red wine that is thought to activate protective proteins called sirtuins.” Mice that were given the drug lived 44% longer than mice that were not. The research is hopeful for humans facing obesity.
CULTURAL:
Kat Von D and Jesse James Are Engaged Again, http://bit.ly/nhU53T
Josh Groban to Play Ed Helms’ Brother on ‘The Office,’ http://bit.ly/r9HlsH
Gerard Depardieu Apologizes for Public Peeing, http://bit.ly/q5RcWj
Ridley Scott to Direct New ‘Blade Runner’ Movie, http://ti.me/p1iOKr
Five Things We’ve Learned About Daniel Radcliffe’s New Girlfriend, http://eonli.ne/oPmAnb
