D.C. braces for power outages as the “snowquester” hits the area; L.A.’s Mayoral race will most likely result in a runoff; Venezuelans grieve for Chavez; one million refugees have fled Syria since the start of its civil war; and a Bolshoi Ballet dancer confesses to attacking the company’s artistic director with acid. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton may have accidentally slipped that she’s having a girl; Howard Stern might replace Jimmy Fallon on ‘Late Night;’ and Jon Stewart will take a ‘Daily Show’ hiatus to direct a film.
Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
Power outages big fear as storm bears down on DC, http://rtvote.com/XPEkFe
A snowstorm that left 10 inches of snow in the Midwest, forcing schools to close, flights to be delayed or cancelled, and causing one death has made its way to Washington, D.C. As a result, the federal government is closed and residents are preparing for power outages. Hundreds of flights out of the District have already been canceled.
L.A. mayor’s race: Garcetti, Greuel remain far ahead of the pack, http://rtvote.com/XPQEp1
The L.A. Mayoral race will most likely result in a runoff between City Councilman Eric Garcetti and Controller Wendy Greuel. Both were considered frontrunners as the candidates have very similar platforms. Yesterday’s elections also saw voters choosing a new city attorney, controller, and 15 new city council members, marking the most political changes to LA in almost 10 years.
(via Reuters) Venezuelans grieve for Chavez, prepare for election, http://rtvote.com/168OLZb
Shattered supporters of Hugo Chavez paraded his coffin through the streets of Caracas on Wednesday in a flood of emotion allies hope will help his deputy win an election due in the coming weeks and keep his self-styled revolution alive…. The future of Chavez’s leftist policies, which won him the adoration of poor Venezuelans but infuriated opponents who denounced him as a dictator, now rests on the shoulders of Vice President Nicolas Maduro, the man he tapped to succeed him….Authorities said the vote would be called within 30 days, as stipulated by the constitution, but did not specify the date.
Syria conflict: Refugees number a million, says UN, http://rtvote.com/ZqbJWn
One millions refugees have fled from Syria since the country’s civil war began two years ago. According to refugee agency officials, between 7,000 and 8,000 Syrians escape the country every day. Most of them are children under the age of 11. The refugees usually escape to neighboring countries such Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.
Bolshoi Ballet dancer, 2 others confess to acid attack, police say, http://rtvote.com/168LbhJ
Pavel Dmitrichenko, the principal dance of Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet, told Russia’s Channel One news Wednesday that he orchestrated the acid attack on Sergei Filin, the Bolshoi Ballet’s artistic director, with two other men. The three men could face up to 12 years in prison. The attack left Filin with third-degree burns on his face, neck, and eyes. “I organized the attack, but not to the extent of the damage that happened,” Dmitrichenko said. Police have attributed the attack to “personal resentment related to his work.”
South Korea warns on North Korea threat, http://rtvote.com/168Mi0I
South Korea, who rarely responds to North Korea’s threats, has warned Pyongyang to not carry out its nuclear threats against the U.S. and South Korea. Specifically, officials warned that if North Korea “carries out provocations that threaten the lives and safety of South Koreans, our military will carry out strong and resolute resolutions.” North Korea has recently said it would break the Korean War truce and attack South Korea and the U.S. with “lighter and smaller nukes” in retaliation for recent U.N. security council sanctions.
Microsoft Fined $731 Million by EU Over Browser Accord, http://rtvote.com/XPEkFe
The European Union is fining Microsoft $731 million for not following through with its 2009 promise to allow users to use web browsers other than Internet Explorer. The fine is 1% of Microsoft’s profits in 2012, bringing their total fines from the past decade to 2.24 billion euros or $2.9 billion. “I hope this decision will make companies think twice,” EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said at a press conference Wednesday.
CULTURAL:
Kate Middleton’s Royal Baby: Is It a Girl?, http://rtvote.com/XT2AHJ
Stern for Fallon? Ready or not, NBC ‘grooming’ Howard to follow Jimmy, http://rtvote.com/XT2H62
Martha Stewart in the Dock Over Macy’s Lawsuit: ‘I Did My Time!’, http://rtvote.com/168MZau
Adrienne Maloof was asked not to return to ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ source says,http://rtvote.com/XQ2lwb
Jon Stewart Says Directorial Debut ‘Just Kind Of Happened,’ http://rtvote.com/XT5sEg
