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    News-Round Up: Wednesday, August 10, 2011

    Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

    Republicans maintain control in the Wisconsin Senate, a Missouri mom flies an angry message to the S&P, a Maryland woman has gone missing in Aruba, and riots are spreading to other UK towns. In the tech world, hacking group Anonymous has vowed a Facebook apocalypse, and get your sling shots ready – Angry Birds is taking over. In entertainment, CBS is twitching its nose and producing a “Bewitched” remake, and is there anything he hasn’t done? James Franco confesses to making a sex tape.

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Republicans Hold Off Dems in Recalls, Win Enough Seats to Keep Majority in Senate, http://bit.ly/qaupXy
    Wisconsin Republicans have maintained the Senate majority after yesterday’s recall elections. The Democrats won only two seats. At 63%, voter turnout was higher than usual.

    Kirkwood Mom Lucy Nobbe Sends Message to DC by Plane, http://bit.ly/ptXK2k
    Lucy Nobbe, a financial broke in Missouri, hired a plane to fly above Standard & Poor in Manhattan. The plane carried a banner that read, “Thanks for the downgrade–you should all be fired.” The flight cost $900 and was originally supposed to fly above DC; Nobbe changed her plan when she discovered the capital has a no-fly zone.

    Maryland Woman Goes Missing in Aruban Resort Town – Six Years After Natalee Holloway Vanished from Same Place, http://bit.ly/ptwGl9
    Robyn Gardner, a 35-year-old Maryland woman, has gone missing from the same Aruban resort town from which Natalee Holloway disappeared. The crimes are most likely not related. Gardner was vacationing with a man she had met on the internet. The man has been detained, as his story regarding Gardner’s disappearance has changed several times.

    Birmingham Riots: Murder Investigation after Three Killed in Crash During Night of Violence, http://bit.ly/n8EL1n
    Despite the London riots dying down a bit, violence is still rampant in the cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham and Birmingham. Three men have been killed in a hit and run accident after defending Birmingham shops from looters. A 32-year-old man has been arrested and may be charged with murder.

    Former Teacher Offers Rides to DMV for IDs, http://bit.ly/rrbCqE
    Charlotte Riley of Dell Prairie, WI is offering to drive people to the DMV so they can obtain the proper photo id now needed to vote. Riley sees this as her way of helping those put out by the new voter law: “A person is a person as far as I’m concerned, and I think that they should be able to exercise their voting rights. This is one way I can help them do that.”

    S.F. Gay Married Couple Loses Immigration Battle, http://bit.ly/ozLHVI
    The Obama administration is deporting Anthony John Makk, a citizen of Australia who currently takes care of his AIDS ridden husband in San Francisco. Makk and his husband have been married for seven years; despite this, the Obama administration will not allow Makk permanent residency.

    GOP Chasing Young Voters for 2012, http://bit.ly/oeslcL
    A Pew research poll released July 22 shows that youth support for the Democrats has narrowed from 28 points to 13. The GOP is taking advantage of this by inviting young people to youth oriented political conferences in DC and speaking to them about their economic worries, such as unemployment.

    Hacker Group Vows to ‘Kill Facebook,’ http://bit.ly/q8DYav
    The hacker group Anonymous has posted a Youtube video vowing to destroy Facebook with a cyberattack on November 5, which is England’s Guy Fawkes Day. Facebook has not commented on the threat, and some Anonymous members have tweeted that they do not agree with the attack.

    (via POLITICO Morning Tech) ANGRY BIRDS CASHES IN: The developer of one of the most popular mobile apps plans to turn the game into an entertainment franchise that includes books, toys and a movie, according to the WSJ. http://on.wsj.com/qCtBiR

    CULTURAL:

    (via POLITICO Playbook) AMY HOLMES JOINS GLENN BECK: “GBTV, Glenn Beck’s live streaming video network announced … that former CNN contributor Amy Holmes will be The News Anchor For The Blaze, joining a previously announced line-up for Glenn’s show including S.E. Cupp, Brian Sack and Raj Nair. In her new role with the network, Holmes will anchor news and information segments during Glenn Beck’s two-hour program from 5p to 7p on GBTV, as well as, news and information updates throughout the day.

    ‘Bewitched’ Reboot in the Works at CBS, http://bit.ly/nEbKFG

    James Franco Confesses to Making Sex Tape, http://on.mtv.com/pYOWZ1

    Jennifer Lopez Returning for Another Season of ‘American Idol,’ http://bit.ly/nRB3Mw

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



    News Round-Up: Thursday, July 28, 2011

    Thursday, July 28th, 2011

    The Republicans want big cuts to environmental laws, the LAPD sets up a ‘mobile jail’ to handle a rowdy crowd, Butch Davis has been fired as UNC’s football coach, and 67 have died from landslides and flash floods in South Korea. Also, the North Carolina House has failed to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of the voter-ID law, Judge Royce Lamberth upholds the federal embryonic stem cell funds, and Apple is rumored to be testing a new, ultra-thin MacBook Pro.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    In Both Houses, Fortifying Support for Rival Plans,
    http://nyti.ms/r9v8Vw
    Republicans will vote on Boehner’s budget plan, which after being reworked, would cut the deficit by $917 billion over ten years and raise the debt ceiling for six months. A letter signed by all 51 Senate Democrats and two independents assured Speaker Boehner that his bill will not pass in the Senate.

    Republicans Seek Big Cuts in Environmental Rules,
    http://nyti.ms/qp3UFa
    Just as all eyes are on the debt-ceiling drama, some House Republicans are “loading up” an appropriations bill that has 39 new rules to “significantly curtail environmental regulation.” The rules would prohibit new wilderness preservation and allow uranium near the Grand Canyon. One rule would have forbade the government to list any new species as endangered, but 37 Republicans removed this clause. The Senate will likely reject the bill.

    Electric Daisy Carnival premiere: LAPD sets up ‘mobile jail’ to handle crowd,
    http://lat.ms/qO8BEa
    Los Angeles police needed a “mobile field jail” to handle all the people they had to arrest in Hollywood yesterday. An “unruly crowd” crashed the screening of a documentary about the nation’s largest electronic music festival. Witnesses said people taunted police by throwing bottles at them, dancing on police cars, and “planking” in the street.

    Butch Davis fired as North Carolina football coach,
    http://es.pn/qVpRDj
    UNC’s Butch Davis seemed locked down to keep his job this season. After all, he wasn’t fired last season, “even as embarrassing allegations kept surfacing,” including misconduct by his associate head coach and players. However, the school surprised everyone when it dismissed the Tar Heels’ coach yesterday.

    Mudslides spark S. Korea landmine fears; 67 dead,
    http://on.msnbc.com/ppMTsR
    67 people have died from landslides and flash floods after heavy rainfalls in the Seoul region of South Korea. The Defense Ministry has said that 10 landmines buried near an air defense artillery in southern Seoul have not been recovered after being buried during the 1950-53 Korean War.  South Koreans have been cautioned about these landmines and other explosives.

    Perdue’s veto to block voter ID mandate remains,
    http://bit.ly/qPwWux
    The North Carolina House failed to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of the voter-ID law. The House voted 67-52 in favor of overriding the law that requires voters to show photo-ID before casting a ballot. The vote will not move on to the Senate.

    US judge upholds federal embryonic stem cell funds,
    http://reut.rs/ocPWw8
    Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the NIH guidelines on stem cell research do not violate federal law, dismissing a legal challenge to the Obama Administration’s actions. Just after taking office in 2009, President Obama expanded federal funding for the research, which scientists believe could lead to treatments for spinal cord injuries, cancer, diabetes and diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

    Apple rumored to be testing new, ultra-thin MacBook Pro,
    http://lat.ms/olLcPp
    Apple may be testing a MacBook Pro Air, a MacBook Pro laptop that would be as thin as a MacBook Air. Rumors suggest that Apple will probably introduce the laptop late this year.

    CULTURAL:

    Mariners end 17-game skid with rout of Yankees, http://es.pn/r4NuEN

    Trebek puts himself in jeopardy, chases down burglar, http://bit.ly/p4a8No

    Bam Hospitalized After ‘Tackling’ His Neighbor, http://bit.ly/pgA0y5

    Lee DeWyze Pops The Question, Gets Engaged To Girlfriend, http://bit.ly/pmRqVd

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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



    News Round-Up: Wednesday, July 20, 2011

    Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

    The House has passed a conservative deficit reduction plan, Cameron tells Parliament he would have never hired Andy Coulson, Obama endorses the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, a great white shark is released after jumping onto a boat, Republican candidates will debate on Facebook, and Apple launches Mac OS X Lion.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    (via POLITICO Breaking News)
    On a largely party line vote, the House has passed a conservative deficit reduction plan known as “Cut, Cap and Balance” on a 234-190 vote. The bill includes caps on spending and a balanced budget amendment, but it has little chance of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate and faces a veto threat from President Barack Obama.

    Phone hacking: Cameron’s ‘regret’ over hiring Coulson,
    http://bbc.in/qGZ0Qc
    Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs that in hindsight, “I would not have offered [Andy Coulson] the [Head of Communications] job and I expect that he wouldn’t have taken it.” Cameron added that “If it turns out I have been lied to that would be a moment for a profound apology, and in that event I can tell you I will not fall short.”

    Obama Endorses Feinstein’s Bill To Repeal The Defense Of Marriage Act,
    http://bit.ly/o3Pgye
    President Obama still has not come out in support of same-sex marriage; however, his administration continues to fight anti-gay legislation, most recently DOMA. Specifically, Obama has endorsed a bill that would give federal protections and benefits, like joint-income tax filing and spousal Social Security benefits, to same-sex couples.

    Young Democrats will register voters despite strict new rules by Republicans,
    http://bit.ly/puMRG1
    The Florida legislature has tightened the rules of third party voter registration drives, but young Democrats say they will not be discouraged. The state has a new requirement that volunteers turn voter registrations into elections offices within 48 hours, or else they will face fines. The law also shortens early voting from 14 days to eight, and voters who have moved from one county to another since registering to vote can no longer cast a regular ballot.

    NAACP opposes new voter ID law,
    http://bit.ly/nRWVpM
    The NAACP says that the new voter ID law in South Carolina, signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley, discriminates against voter turnout. Reverend Nelson Rivers stated that “In America, we should be trying to include people in the voting process. This law excludes people.”

    Reporter Accosted After Bachmann Comments on Migraines,
    http://ti.me/n6gbiE
    ABC investigative reporter Brian Ross ran into some trouble at a Bachmann rally in South Carolina. When Bachmann left without taking questions, Ross ran after her, asking if she had ever missed a vote due to a migraine. Bachmann’s bodyguards “pounced on him, grabbing and pushing him multiple times.”

    Facebook and Republican party team for debates. Do you ‘like’ this?
    http://bit.ly/r01Tx9
    The Republican Party announced that it will be holding its first-ever Facebook debate sometime next year before the New Hampshire primary. It will be moderated by Meet the Press’ David Gregory and streamed live on Facebook so that users will be able to give instant feedback.

    Apple launches Mac OS X Lion in Mac App Store,
    http://cnet.co/pqZyCY
    It’s been a good week for Apple. Yesterday the company announced a record $7.31 billion in profit (a 183% increase in profit from last year). And today the company unleashes Lion, the newest version of its OS X operating system with over 250 new features.

    CULTURAL:

    Comic-Con kicks off with fans, flicks, costumes, http://bit.ly/oN0oLL

    Kim K Suing Old Navy — You Can’t COPY Me!!!!! http://bit.ly/ovKF7G

    It’s A Boy For Maya Rudolph, http://bit.ly/rtskpQ

    ‘Harry Potter’ Author Scores Multi-Million $$ Thank You, http://bit.ly/qypzQO

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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



    News Round-Up: Monday, July 11, 2011

    Monday, July 11th, 2011

    The U.S. women’s soccer team celebrates a victory over Brazil, President Obama continues budget negotiations with congressional leaders, the U.S. suspends $800 million in military aid for Pakistan, and Google+ invitations are no longer scarce. In voting rights news: coalitions are fighting to maintain same day voter registration in Maine, Wisconsin’s Sen. Coggs is proposing free birth certificates for voters without IDs, and some in Wisconsin think recently instituted voting laws should be advertised on television.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    U.S. shows no quit in victory, http://bit.ly/qxYVwj

    Just when the US women’s soccer team was about to be eliminated from the World Cup, Abby Wambach evened the score with a header. After a dramatic penalty shootout, the team gained victory over Brazil.

    Debt reduction talks in limbo as clock ticks toward Aug. 2 deadline,
    http://wapo.st/pnaLWP

    Republicans and Democrats continue to butt heads over cutting the federal deficit. While President Obama wants a large package of $4 trillion over 10 years, the Republicans would rather a plan of $2 trillion over 10 years that would not include $1 trillion in tax increases. President Obama will meet today with congressional leaders.

    Pakistan: US suspends $800m of military aid, http://bbc.in/qFi72W

    The US is withholding $800 million in military aid from Pakistan. US-Pakistan relations have been tense with the US distrustful of Pakistan’s military motives. The $800 million is just one third of the total military aid America gives to Pakistan.

    Coalition embarks on effort to restore same-day voter registration, http://bit.ly/mOY0gv

    With same day registration being threatened in Maine, a coalition of progressive groups are fighting to maintain the 38 year old law. The new bill would allow people to register 48 hours before Election Day.

    Sen. Coggs proposes free birth certificates for voting, http://bit.ly/pIdTUA

    The strict photo ID requirements in Wisconsin mean many citizens will have to obtain ID cards. The ID cards are supposed to be free, yet they require a birth certificate copy that costs money. Senator Coggs of Milwaukee notes that many people cannot afford this expense. In turn, he is introducing a bill that would make birth certificate copies free.

    TIR Poll: Bachmann Overtakes Romney in Iowa, http://bit.ly/qtvgus

    According to a poll conducted by The Iowa Republican, Mitt Romney is no longer the GOP frontrunner in Iowa. 25% of likely Iowa caucus voters picked Michele Bachmann while 21% chose Romney. Herman Cain and Tim Pawlenty tied for third place.

    Google+ invitations no longer so scarce, http://cnet.co/mTmJ3M

    Ever since Google released its new Google+ social network, invitations to the service have been hard to come by. Google has recently allowed users to invite more friends. Almost 5 million people are already on Google+.

    CULTURAL:

    Bow Wow Confirms That He’s The Baby Daddy And Admits To Thinking About Suicide! http://bit.ly/nwaS7E

    Rebecca Black: ‘My Moment,’ New Single, Tells Star’s Story, http://huff.to/oXzuSM

    Delighted Victoria and David name their little girl Harper Seven Beckham, http://bit.ly/nGFCPE

    Kate Hudson’s Baby Boy: New Details! http://bit.ly/oiP1hk

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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



    News Round-Up: Thursday, July 7, 2011

    Thursday, July 7th, 2011

    Casey Anthony may be released from prison this summer, Rep. Tim Scott threatens to impeach President Obama if he invokes the 14th amendment on the debt limit, the E.P.A. Chief wants to institute tough environmental rules, and Bill Clinton is accusing Republicans of suppressing the youth vote.

    In tech news, Obama’s Twitter Town Hall reached tons of young people, and Facebook has added video chatting via Skype.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    Casey Anthony sentence: Four years in jail with credit for time served, http://bit.ly/nDWc3N

    Charged with four counts of lying to the police, Casey Anthony will have to serve a year per count in jail. However, with credit for time served, analysts say she may be released from prison by the end of the summer. Anthony is also being fined $1,000 for each count.

    Rep. Tim Scott Floats Impeachment If Obama Invokes 14th Amendment On Debt Limit,
    http://huff.to/q16DC6

    Some are suggesting that President Obama use the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling without Congress. Rep. Tim Scott of South Carolina has threatened to impeach the President if this occurs. Although he is more keen on reaching a debt agreement in Congress, Obama has not ruled out the 14th Amendment possibility.

    Obama to Push for Wider Deal With G.O.P. on Deficit Cuts,
    http://nyti.ms/rmg5eq

    So far in the debt negotiations, Republicans have opposed all tax increases. Instead, they want to close the gap with only $2 trillion in spending cuts. Now, President Obama is hoping that Speaker Boehner might agree to a larger $4 trillion deal, $1 trillion of which would be incurred through revenue increases.

    E.P.A. Chief Stands Firm as Tough Rules Loom,
    http://nyti.ms/qgQxKw

    Lisa P. Jackson, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, is moving forward with aggressive new regulations on smog, mercury, CO2, mining waste, and car emissions. The tough new rules are attracting intense opposition from industry groups as well as many Republicans in Congress.

    Bill Clinton claims GOP trying to suppress youth vote,
    http://bit.ly/q3fKH9

    Former President Clinton says that Republicans are deliberately trying to diminish the youth vote in 2012. He noted Republicans’ tactics of eliminating same-day registration and making it difficult for college students to vote in the states where they attend school.  Clinton compared these new voting hurdles to poll taxes and the Jim Crow laws.

    Obama Twitter time reaches young voters,
    http://bit.ly/pCqWGK

    At yesterday’s Twitter Town Hall, President Obama became the first president to live Tweet. While some thought the town hall was a great way to reach the younger electorate and talk about pressing issues, others thought Twitter was not an appropriate forum for discussing complex ideas.

    Progressive Youth Frustrated by President They Helped Elect,
    http://abcn.ws/oPCah5

    The young voters who helped elect President Obama in 2008 may not be as energized in 2012. While 2008 turned out an unprecedented number of young voters, new voting restrictions will make it more difficult to get young voters to the polls. In addition, ABC News notes that young people are disheartened by how current realities in Washington compare to Obama’s 2008 campaign promises.

    Facebook launches video chat with Skype, http://bit.ly/pQZpdK

    Just days after Google unveiled its social network and hours before Twitter held a town hall with President Obama, Facebook announced its newest upgrade. By clicking a little video icon in their Facebook chat friends list, users can now video chat over Skype.

    CULTURAL:

    Chord Overstreet Could Be Back On ‘Glee,’ http://aol.it/qOIO0h

    Natalie Portman’s Baby Name Revealed, http://bit.ly/qx4F8B

    Cowboys’ Star Scores! Ex GF Gives Back 76K Ring, http://bit.ly/oTFtk8

    Young Rappers Headline BET’s ‘Closer to My Dreams Tour,’ http://bit.ly/p7X1je

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

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