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
