Greeks panic over political leaders’ inability to form a government; Ratko Mladic’s war crimes trial begins; Syrian rebels receive weapons from outside countries; and the GOP creates a super PAC that targets the youth vote. Meanwhile, Indonesians protest after the government bans Lady Gaga from performing, and Aaaron Sorkin will direct the new Steve Jobs film.
Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
Judge to lead Greece to fateful June 17 vote, http://reut.rs/JqUKOJ
Panicked Greeks are withdrawing euros out of the bank for fear of their devaluation if Greece changes its currrency. Central bank head George Provopoulos said Greeks had withdrawn at least €700 million ($894 million) on Monday. During talks amongst Greek political leaders, President Karolos Papoulias spoke of a “fear that could develop into panic” if a government was not formed.
Ratko Mladic war crimes trial begins, http://bit.ly/JjtKwb
The trial of Ratko Mladic, the man accused of the most rampant genocide since World War II, began at The Hague today. Mladic is accused of 11 counts, two of which pertain to genocide. During the Bosnian conflict, Mladic allegedly killed 8,000 Muslims. Family members of Mladic’s victims and survivors filled the courtroom to see him. In response to the crowd, he gave a sarcastic clap and a wave and then slid his finger across his throat to signal that he had to go to the bathroom. Mladic, who is 70-years-old, was captured one year ago.
Syrian rebels get influx of arms with gulf neighbors’ money, U.S. coordination, http://wapo.st/KfDZS7
The Syrian rebels have received an influx of weapons and funds from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states with coordination by the United States. The U.S. has stated that it would not provide the Syrian opposition any weapons and that it’s increasing its “nonlethal assistance” instead.
(via The Washington Post) Crossroads Generation: New super PAC targets youth vote, http://wapo.st/IY6zYI
A new super PAC linked to a Karl Rove-founded group aims to target young voters. Crossroads Generation is a joint venture of American Crossroads, the College Republican National Committee, the Young Republican National Federation and the Republican State Leadership Committee. The PAC has $750,000 in startup money and will be run by Iowa’s Derek Flowers.
(via Reuters) Facebook boosts IPO size by 25 percent, could top $16 billion, http://reut.rs/Jr5FrS
Facebook Inc increased the size of its initial public offering by almost 25 percent, and could raise as much as $16 billion as strong investor demand for a share of the No.1 social network trumps debate about its long-term potential to make money. Facebook, founded eight years ago by Mark Zuckerberg in a Harvard dorm room, said on Wednesday it will add about 84 million shares to its IPO, floating about 421 million shares in an offering expected to be priced on Thursday.
Obama Campaign Announces Raising $43.6 Million in April, http://nyti.ms/L6qHrY
In a new video, Obama’s campaign manager Jim Messina announces that the campaign raised $43.6 million in April. While this is less than what the campaign raised in March, it is still more than what the Romney campaign has taken in. The $43.6 million does not include what was raised from George Clooney’s fundraiser as well as recent donations from same-sex marriage supporters.
Moscow police clear occupied park, http://wapo.st/KteylT
Russian police invaded a Moscow campsite for OccupyAbai early Wednesday morning. The police arrived at 5:30 AM even though they said they wouldn’t oust the protestors until noon. Police said they were forced to clear out the area due to complaints from neighbors. The protestors did not resist, and 23 were arrested for public intoxication. Demonstrators have since moved to a smaller park.
CULTURAL:
Chris Christie jokes about VP talk in ‘I Got This,’ http://yhoo.it/K77wQ6
Indonesian organisers fight for Lady Gaga gig, http://bit.ly/JTeLgM
Obama to accept on night of MTV awards, http://bit.ly/KmkBF4
Gloria Allred representing massage therapist in Travolta sex assault case, http://goo.gl/hcENz
‘Social Network’ writer Aaron Sorkin to direct Steve Jobs film, http://goo.gl/kfdQQ
