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    ‘Kanye West’


    By: alexis.m@rockthevote.com

    News Round-Up: Monday, May 20, 2013

    Monday, May 20th, 2013

    A fatal tornado in Oklahoma leaves one dead; Iraq endures multiple car bomb attacks; Obama’s Counsel was informed of IRS Audit findings in April; the Syrian army pushes farther into Qusayr; Yahoo buys Tumblr; and China asks North Korea to return a seized boat and its 16-man crew. Meanwhile, Drake and Kanye West will guest star in ‘Anchorman 2,’ and Justin Bieber is booed at the Billboard Music Awards.

    Caitlin + Alexis

    CRUCIAL:

    Tornadoes hit Plains, Midwest; 1 dead in Okla., http://usat.ly/12FRcQP
    A 79-year-old man was killed Sunday night when a tornado hit his mobile home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The tornado was part of a larger severe weather system made up of many different tornadoes. At least twenty more people in Oklahoma were injured. Storms are expected to continue today.

    Car bomb attacks kill dozens in Iraqi cities, http://bbc.in/12FYtQG
    A string of car bomb attacks in central and southern Iraq has left at least 54 dead and many more injured. Baghdad experienced the worst of the attacks, enduring nine explosions in many Shia Muslim districts of the city.

    Obama’s Counsel Was Told of IRS Audit Findings Weeks Ago, http://on.wsj.com/17RmAQR
    During the week of April 22, the Treasury Department attorneys informed the Office of the White House Counsel and its head, Kathryn Ruemmler, that an inspector general’s report was nearing completion. Ms. Ruemmler had been told that a few IRS employees had targeted conservative groups labeling them with terms such as ‘tea party’ and ‘patriot.’ Many have argued that the president should have been notified of the scandal as soon as it surfaced.

    Syrian offensive on Qusayr deepens, http://aje.me/14EWQ5Y
    In Syria, 13 Hezbollah fighters and more than 52 opposition activists have died as the Syrian Army continues to push deeper into Qusayr near the Lebanese border. Amidst rumors that President Bashar al-Assad has recruited soldiers from outside of the Syrian borders, he claims that the Syrian military “needs no support form any Arab or foreign state.”

    China asks North Korea to free seized boat, http://bbc.in/Z6JT6r
    On May 5th, North Korea captured a Chinese fishing boat and its 16-man crew, which it has since been holding captive. China has asked North Korea to free the boat and crew. The North Korean captors has called the boat owner, Mr. Yu, eight times demanding a 600,000 yuan ransom. Chinese diplomats in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, have been working on the issue since May 10th.

    Gay marriage: Downing Street pleads with Labour to save bill, http://bit.ly/12MJ9jU
    Prime Minister of Britain David Cameron faces opposition in his own party around the issue of gay marriage. On Monday, up to 150 Conservative M.P.s threatened to vote against legalizing same-sex marriage throughout the country. The bill is being tabled by former Tory minister, Tim Loughton, who does not not support gay marriage. He has proposed a bill to allow for civil unions for same-sex couples, instead. Loughton has waged an argument with an unsupported claim that same-sex marriage would cost taxpayers £4 billion in ‘new “survivors” pensions.’ If Labor leader Ed Milibrand can turn the tables and pass the bill legalizing same-sex marriage, he is on his way to gaining serious political capital.

    Yahoo Deal Shows Power Shift, http://on.wsj.com/18VzXP1
    It was announced Monday that Yahoo Inc. has agreed to buy Tumblr for $1.1 billion. Yahoo brings staying power and money to the table, while Tumblr offers Yahoo a fast-growing community of users. CEO and founder of Tumblr, David Karp, will remain chief executive throughout the shift in ownership, and Tumblr will continue to be operated as an independent business.

    CULTURAL:

    ‘Anchorman 2’: New trailer released as Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate spotted filming sequel in New York City, http://nydn.us/15WjsU9

    Justin Bieber booed at 2013 Billboard Music Awards, http://cbsn.ws/13Bvknm

    A Parking Lot With a Beat, http://nyti.ms/17RIV0w

    Decisions, Decisions: Taking Over for Vonnegut, http://nyti.ms/1151Gej

    An English actress, transformed by Washington, http://wapo.st/10Dr1Gh

    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

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    Posted in News Round-Up | No Comments »


    By: Caitlin Maguire

    News Round-Up: Thursday, February 14th, 2013

    Thursday, February 14th, 2013

    American Airlines and US Airways announce an $11 billion merger; Oscar Pistorius is arrested after allegedly shooting his girlfriend; a Clinton donor says Hillary will run in 2016; the Carnival Triumph finally docks in Mobile, AL; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Republicans plan to block Chuck Hagel’s nomination; and Gen. John Allen may retire. Meanwhile, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, love letters between LBJ and Ladybird are released; a new report says the ‘The Bachelor’ is celibate; and celebrities and environmentalists are arrested protesting the Keystone pipeline.

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    AMERICAN, US AIRWAYS ANNOUNCE $11 BILLION MERGER, http://rtvote.com/15feZsB
    US Airways and AMR, the owner of American Airlines, will take part in an $11 billion merger that will combine the two companies into the largest airline in the world. The company will keep the American Airlines name and be headed up US Airways CEO Doug Parker. In a statement Thursday Parker said, “The combined airline will have the scale, breadth, and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace.” 72% of ownership will go to AMR creditors with the rest going to US Airways shareholders.

    PISTORIUS ARRESTED AFTER WOMAN SHOT AT HIS HOME, http://rtvote.com/XOV525
    South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was arrested Thursday after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in his home. Pistorius, who is a double-amputee, had reportedly mistaken Reeva Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her with a 9 mm. The athlete, known as Blade Runner, will appear in court later today.

    Big donor claims Bill Clinton told him Hillary’s running for prez in 2016, http://rtvote.com/XOWvKf
    Angelo Tsakopoulos, a Greek-American real-estate mogul, said Thursday that Bill Clinton had revealed to him in a private conversation that Hillary would run for president in 2016. Tsakopoulos alleges a close relationship with the couple and has been one of the biggest donors to Clinton’s political campaigns.

    Passengers count hours on ‘floating petri dish’ of a cruise ship as it limps to port, http://rtvote.com/15fjrax
    The Carnival Triumph will dock in Mobile, AL today after an engine fire caused its systems to go down five days ago. The ship became a “floating petri dish” after electricity failure caused sanitary systems to go down and sewage to seep down the walls. Passengers were forced to defecate in bags and urinate in showers, as well as wait close to four hours for food. Carnival will refund passengers for the trip and compensate them an extra $500. The ship will no longer be in service moving forward.

    (via POLITICO Breaking News) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday that Republicans are planning to block the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be secretary of Defense, and aides said Democrats don’t yet have the 60 votes to break a GOP filibuster on the nomination. That would leave the nomination in limbo as the Senate heads into a week-long recess.

    Source: Gen. Allen may retire, http://rtvote.com/15flgEq
    Rumors are circulating that Marine Gen. John Allen may retire as he feels he’s “being pushed out for a variety of reasons,” primarily the e-mail scandal between him and Tampa socialite Jill Kelley. Although Allen was cleared of wrongdoing in the situation that entwined him with General David Petraeus’ own scandal, he fears that it will taint his new post as NATO’s supreme allied commander in Brussels.

    5.8M women have used ‘morning after’ pill, http://rtvote.com/Ygstib
    The National Center for Health Statistics has conducted a survey of 12,279 women between 2006 and 2010 that shows 11% or 5.8 million American women ages 15 to 44 have used emergency contraception or “the morning after pill.” Half of the women used the pill because they feared their method of birth-control had failed, while the rest of the women surveyed had unprotected sex. 23% of women ages 20 to 24 said they had used the pill, while only 5% of women ages 30 to 44 fell into the same category.

    CULTURAL:

    LBJ AND LADY BIRD COURTSHIP LOVE LETTERS RELEASED, http://rtvote.com/15fk5Vw

    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West touch off security breach at JFK Airport, http://rtvote.com/15fkcAv

    ‘The Bachelor’ star Sean Lowe is celibate, report says, http://rtvote.com/XP49nC

    ‘Die Hard’ lives on in fifth installment released Valentine’s Day, http://rtvote.com/11IIuUE

    Celebs, enviros arrested at WH pipeline protest, http://rtvote.com/11IIyDO

    Caitlin Maguire
    Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
    @caitlinmagu
    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Caitlin Maguire

    News Round-Up: Tuesday, January 15th, 2013

    Tuesday, January 15th, 2013

    Lance Armstrong admits to doping; Pakistan’s Supreme Court orders the arrest of the prime minister; a woman crashes a stolen train into a Swedish apartment building; New York passes a deal for stricter gun laws; and Wal-Mart announces a veteran hiring program. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga’s bus tour starts today, and Kim Kardashian talks struggling with infertility.

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Armstrong Admits Doping, and Says He Will Testify, http://rtvote.com/13zjGwu
    In an interview with Oprah Winfrey Monday, Lance Armstrong admitted to doping. “We were mesmerized and riveted” said Winfrey about Armstrong’s answers. “He did not come clean in the manner I was expecting.” The former champion cyclist will testify against cycling officials who were aware of his doping. Armstrong also told Winfrey that he admitted his drug use to staff of his charity, Livestrong, and personally called other cyclists to apologize. The interview will air in two parts this Thursday and Friday.

    Pakistan top court orders PM arrest, http://rtvote.com/13zlMMF
    Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the country’s Prime Minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf, on Tuesday. The court alleges that Ashraf “violated the principle of transparency” when working on contracts for the purchase of power plants for the government as a federal minister. Authorities have 24 hours to arrest Ashraf and 16 others in connection with the case. In Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, populist cleric Muhammad Tahirul Qadri organized protests calling for reforms.

    France steps up Mali operation, Africans try to catch up, http://rtvote.com/13zowd1
    French forces bombed the Mali town of Diabaly, which is believed to be under Islamic militant control, on Monday night. French President Francois Hollande said the bomb attacks “hit their targets” and the “deployment of forces on the ground and in the air” will continue. West African defense chiefs will meet in Bamako on Tuesday to quickly deploy 3,300 African troops to Mali. Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Guinea have offered to send troops to defend the Mali government, although Nigeria has cautioned about deploying troops too quickly. The U.S. has also pledged to support the Mali government.

    STOLEN TRAIN CRASHES INTO BUILDING IN SWEDEN, http://rtvote.com/13zqQAH
    A Swedish woman stole a four-car commuter train in Stockholm Tuesday morning, driving and crashing it into an apartment building in the suburbs. Police say the woman has been seriously injured, while no one in the apartment building was hurt. Police spokesman Lars Bystrom said the woman is being held for endangering the public and that her motives are unknown. The suspect was born in 1990 and worked for a company contracted to clean for the train operator.

    Wal-Mart Plans to Hire Any Veteran Who Wants a Job, http://rtvote.com/13zrQov
    Wal-Mart will announce Tuesday that it will hire any veteran who needs a job as long as they left the military the year before and were not dishonorably discharged. The program will launch on Memorial Day and will be one of the nation’s biggest hiring commitments for veterans in history. First Lady Michelle Obama has called the superstore’s new program “historic” and that she will work to persuade other corporations to implement something similar. Wal-mart says the commitment will create 100,000 new jobs for veterans in the next five years.

    Gun bill: Ball takes shot at Cuomo, Assembly goes home, http://rtvote.com/W8q6wV
    New York state legislators and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have reached a deal regarding gun control, including expanding the state’s assault weapons ban and further restrictions that keep guns away from the mentally ill. New York’s Senate, which has a Republican majority, passed the deal Monday night. The support came from legislators from New York City and Long Island. No Republicans from upstate New York voted for the deal, which will go to the Assembly Tuesday. Nationally, President Obama will most likely support an executive order to expand background checks on gun purchasers.

    Alex Williams explores the difficulty of Millennials transitioning from a technology-fuled “hook-up-culture” in “The End of Courtship,” http://rtvote.com/13zvWNp

    CULTURAL:

    Anna Kendrick’s Ryan Gosling Tweet Should Flatter The Actor, We Think, http://rtvote.com/W8A1m5

    Lady Gaga Pulls Born This Way Ball Into Tacoma For First U.S. Tour Stop, http://rtvote.com/W8GrSd

    Pregnant Kim Kardashian Struggled With Infertility, Talks Kris Humphries Divorce and Marrying Kanye West,http://rtvote.com/W8GzBf

    Bradley Cooper denies dating J. Law: I could be her father, http://rtvote.com/13zxzuA

    Caitlin Maguire
    Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
    @caitlinmagu
    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    By: Caitlin Maguire

    News Round-Up: Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

    Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

    The Wall Street Journal reveals more about the 23-year-old rape and murder victim in New Dehli; the Bipartisan Policy Center says the U.S. may default on its debt as early as February 15th; an Afghan soldier kills a British soldier and wounds six more; Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly announce their campaign for gun control; Israeli officials are worried about Chuck Hagel’s nominations; and a $1 million lottery winner in Illinois is poisoned. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles split after two months of dating; David Bowie releases a new single; and Current TV staffers are unhappy about the channel’s sale to Al Jazeera.

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    New Delhi Attack: The Victim’s Story, http://on.wsj.com/THNeUD
    The Wall Street Journal is revealing more about the young woman who was raped and murder in New Dehli. The 23-year-old girl, who was only 5 feet 3 and 90 pounds, has been described as a hardworking physiotherapy student who made extra money emceeing recitals and working at a call center. Before her fatal attack, the victim had gone to a mall with a male friend to shop and see “Life of Pi.” Later that day, her attackers went on a “joy ride” on a bus one of them drove and offered to drive the pair home. A few of the suspects posed as passengers before attacking the young woman and her friend.

    U.S. may default on its debt half a month earlier than expected, new analysis shows, http://wapo.st/UG3sws
    Analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center shows that the U.S government could default on its debt as early as February 15th and as late as March 1st, which is half a month earlier than expected. The government hit its debt limit on December 31st, but the Treasury Department was able to stave it off  by enacting “extraordinary measures.”

    Afghan Soldier Kills British Soldier, Wounds 6, http://abcn.ws/13e4NPT
    In the first insider attack of 2013, an Afghan soldier killed a British soldier and wounded six more at the Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahri Sarraj district of Helmand province. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the shooting saying that the suspect was killed at a security checkpoint during his escape. Last year, 45 insider attacks claimed the lives of 61 people in Afghanistan.

    Hagel nomination unnerves some in Israel, http://bit.ly/Wr9Xkm
    Israeli officials are reportedly uneasy about President Obama’s decision to nominate Chuck Hagel as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The former Republican senator’s positions on Iran’s nuclear program, Palestinian relations, and refusal to sign a letter recognizing Hezbollah as a terrorist group is not in agreement with Israel’s stance on these issues.  ”I support Israel, but my first interest is I take an oath of office to the Constitution of the United States, not to a president, not to a party, not to Israel,” Hagel has said. “Because of his statements in the past, and his stance toward Israel, we are worried,” said Reuven Rivlin, the speaker of the Israeli parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not comment on the matter.

    Illinois man killed by cyanide poisoning after striking it rich in lottery, http://bit.ly/TINvXf
    Investigators have discovered that one month after Urooj Khan of Illinois won $1 million in the lottery, he was poisoned to death. It was originally determined that Khan died of natural causes; however, a new investigation has found cyanide in body. The Indian immigrant and businessman allegedly jumped for joy after discovering his winnings in June. Police are now looking for suspects in his murder.

    Giffords Ready to Make A Push on Gun Control, http://on.wsj.com/UDzWLE
    Former Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly are expected to announce a fundraising effort and call for stricter gun regulations during on Tuesday. Giffords, who was shot in the head two years ago, has yet to be involved in gun lobbying efforts. However, she and her husband have spoken about gun control on social media and in public. After a visit to Newtown, Kelly wrote on his Facebook page: “This time our response must consist of more than regret, sorrow and condolence.”

    CULTURAL:

    ‘Bama Bashes Notre Dame 42-14 in BCS Title Game, http://abcn.ws/ZlXuRC

    Taylor Swift, Harry Styles split, http://usat.ly/UwN0wV

    David Bowie releases ‘Where Are We Now?’, http://bit.ly/10c2le0

    Current TV staffers rip Al Gore for sale to Al Jazeera, http://fxn.ws/VMMXOk

    Pregnant Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Buy $11 Million Mansion, http://eonli.ne/VQtlIB

    Caitlin Maguire
    Bio: Caitlin is the Marketing & Operations Manager for Rock the Vote
    @caitlinmagu
    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    By: Aaron Ghitelman

    NEWS ROUND-UP: THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

    Thursday, April 12th, 2012

    The United States has few options for responding to a North Korean Missile Launch; war seems inevitable between Sudan and South Sudan; George Zimmerman will be tried for the death of Trayvon Martin; Amazon is making moves in the e-book department; Obama has elected not to sign an anti-discrimination bill; and Congress is trying to take on “bath salts.” Additionally, JK Rowling is set to release a new book; a French presidential candidate uses a “Watch the Throne” song in a political ad; Axl Rose will not attend his hall of fame induction; and Serbian police have found a stolen piece of art.

    Aaron + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Few U.S. Options as North Korea Readies Missile Launching http://nyti.ms/HDhLLx
    There is little President Obama and the United States can do as North Korea
    prepares to test launch a missile. It seems that the best option is for the
    US to downplay the significance of the test, for it’s impractical to prevent
    it. The US will, however, revoke the recent food-aid it granted to the
    totalitarian state. The reason that the US will not request sanctions on
    North Korea is that the country is already a heavily sanctioned nation, and
    the US does not want to waste its international capital dealing with China
    and Russia on North Korea when it is also dealing with Syria and Iran.

    Sudan, South Sudan mobilise as border violence intensifies http://f24.my/HBYGcB
    After South Sudan captured an oil field from Sudan yesterday, the two
    nations have started to ready for war. As a result, the African Union led
    peace talks between Sudan and South Sudan have been put on hold. After
    leaders failed to sign a treaty in Ethiopia, both sides have ramped up their
    wartime rhetoric.

    Prosecutor Files Charge of 2nd-Degree Murder in Shooting of Martin http://nyti.ms/I6gLN6
    Trayvon Martin’s family is celebrating a special prosecutor’s decision to
    charge George Zimmerman in the February shooting of the 17-year-old. The
    decision to charge Zimmerman was made by Special Prosecutor Angela Corey,
    who has downplayed any racial issue in this case.

    Post-ABC News poll shows drop in Republican support for Afghan war http://wapo.st/HCa2BA
    For the first time ever, a majority of Republicans do not think that the war
    in Afghanistan is worth fighting. This is an interesting revelation,
    considering likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney has come out in favor of
    the war. Even though Obama supported increasing troop totals in the
    beginning of his term, he has started to draw back troops and plans to turn
    Afghanistan over to local control by 2014.

    For John Edwards, isolation is a symbol of his downfall http://wapo.st/I5UFxB
    As John Edwards prepares for trial, it seems that his life is a lonely one.
    Living in the same palatial Chapel Hill estate that he built with his late
    wife Elizabeth, Edwards is persona non grata in Chapel Hill. Many old
    friends are disgusted that he cheated on Elizabeth while she was sick and
    have abandoned the former presidential hopeful. Others feel spurned, saying
    Edwards was so power hungry after his 1998 senatorial elect that he forgot
    who helped him get there.

    Obama delays ban on discrimination by U.S. contractors, disappointing gay
    rights advocates http://wapo.st/HE35M8
    President Obama did not sign a ban that would prevent federal contractors
    from discriminating based on sexual orientation. White House aides said that
    the president has planned a multi-pronged effort to urge companies not to
    discriminate, but for many gay rights advocates, that is not enough. Groups
    have been working to present this ban as widely supported and popular, but
    Obama will still not budge. Many are still holding hope that the president
    will sign the bill if he wins reelection.

    ‘Bath salt’ poisonings rise as legislative ban tied up http://usat.ly/IHXl5v
    Legislators are working to ban legal drugs marketed as bath salts or
    synthetic marijuana strains. Senator Rand Paul is holding up the passing of
    these bills as his Libertarian views require that states, and not the
    federal government, make decisions about drug laws. Poisonings from bath
    salts jumped from just over 300 in 2010 to over 6,000 in 2011, creating a
    sense in Congress that something has to be done. These substances mimic
    illicit substances like ecstasy and cocaine and have proven dangerous.

    Better tests find record concussions among U.S. troops http://usat.ly/HyYCgC
    In recent years, medical technology has improved for troops, especially in
    concussion detection. New reports show that on any given day last spring, an
    average of 16 troops suffered brain injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq. While
    increases in terrorists’ use of improvised explosive devices contribute to
    this this rise in concussions, experts say that the real reason for the
    increase is better testing.

    Death Penalty Repeal Goes to Connecticut Governor http://nyti.ms/HMFUwW
    The Connecticut House of Representatives has echoed the sentiments of the
    Connecticut State Senate, approving a bill that would end the death penalty
    in Connecticut. The Democratic governor has said she will sign the bill.
    Currently, there are 16 other states that do not have a death penalty, and 5
    different states have repealed the death penalty in the last 5 years.
    Connecticut’s bill has been in the works for over two decades. It was vetoed
    by a Republican governor in 2009; at the time a gruesome home invasion had
    just taken place and the only survivor of the incident was in favor of the
    death penalty.

    CULTURAL:

    Axl Rose declines Rock Hall induction, http://usat.ly/HyiXTC

    Hollande: ‘Vote for me, N***** in Paris!,’ http://bit.ly/HJopkz

    Mel Gibson, Screenwriter Feud over Jewish Hero Movie, http://bit.ly/IYLOva

    Feud of the Day: Courtney Love vs. Dave Grohl, http://eonli.ne/HxFWt5

    Obama Says Kanye West is ‘Very Talented’ But Still a ‘Jackass,’
    http://abcn.ws/IrrrNe

    Serb police find painting believed to be stolen
    Cezanne, http://fxn.ws/HCMtbO

    J.K. Rowling announces first novel for adults: ‘The Casual Vacancy,’
    http://nydn.us/IEE2vx

    Aaron Ghitelman
    Bio:

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

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