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    By: Caitlin Maguire

    News Round-Up: Thursday, January 10th, 2013

    Thursday, January 10th, 2013

    The NIH reveals Junior Seau suffered a brain disease; Jerry Sandusky appeals his sentence in court; 5 Kurdish activists are murdered in Paris; VA Gov. Bob McDonnell calls for the restoration of felons’ voting rights; 44 states report widespread flu outbreaks; and a new study shows that half of the world’s flue is ‘just thrown away.’ Meanwhile, this year’s Oscar nominations are announced; ‘The Hunger Games’ wins big at the People Choice Awards; and Britney Spears is leaving ‘The X-Factor.’

    Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    NFL PLAYER JUNIOR SEAU HAD BRAIN DISEASE CTE, http://bit.ly/ZvZTJvAccording to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, former NFL player Junior Seau had been suffering from the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he committed suicide last May. NIH has found that Seau’s brain had damages similar to those found in autopsies of people “with repetitive head injuries.” Seau’s family had requested his brain be analyzed after his suicide, noting that he was exhibiting strange behavior before his death. “I don’t think any of us were aware of the side effects that could be going on with head trauma when he passed away,” said Seau’s son.

    Delhi gang rape suspects ‘tortured to force confession’, http://bbc.in/UXN5we
    Manohar Lal Sharma, a lawyer expected to represent three of the New Dehli gang-rape suspects, says the men confessed to the rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman because they were “tortured.” The court ruled Thursday that the charges against the five suspects needed further investigation and that the case will not be fast-tracked to a trial. A sixth suspect in the case is a minor and will be tried separately.

    SANDUSKY ARRIVES FOR HEARING ON FAIRNESS OF TRIAL, http://bit.ly/13iO0v3
    Former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky will appear in court Thursday in order to appeal his conviction for 45 charges of sexual abuse of young boys. He has been sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for abusing 10 boys over 15 years. Sandusky will allege that his lawyers were not given sufficient time to prepare for the trial. The prosecution has responded that Sandusky and his lawyers knew as early as 2008 that he had been accused of sexual abuse.

    5-Female Kurdish activists including former guerrilla shot in Paris, http://reut.rs/VjWaAy
    Five Kurdish women were found shot to death in Paris Thursday morning. The bodies were discovered at the Information Center of Kurdistan. Police are launching a murder investigation and say the crime were politically motivated. One of the victims was a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) while another was the Paris representative of the Kurdistan National Congress. The PKK has been recognized as a terrorist group by the U.S., Turkey, and the European Union, and has been involved in a 28-year war for independence from Turkey.

    (via Daily Press) McDonnell calls for automatic restoration of voting rights for felons, http://bit.ly/10gIdHF
    Gov. Bob McDonnell used his annual State of the Commonwealth Wednesday to tout his transportation funding package, unveil additional education reform proposals, and call for the automatic restoration of voting rights for nonviolent felons. McDonnell said he supports proposed legislation for a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore civil rights, such as voting rights, to felons convicted of nonviolent offenses who have served their time. Currently applications for rights restoration must be made directly to the governor who then decides whether to restore rights on an individual basis.

    Biden, NRA set to meet, http://cbsn.ws/WuUBf9
    Vice President Biden, as leader of the president’s gun task force, will meet with the NRA, Comcast, other broadcasters, and movie-theater owners Thursday. The meeting is meant to discuss the enforcement of stricter gun laws and the use of gun violence for entertainment value. On Wednesday, Biden said that “executive action” will most likely circumvent Congress in order to take action on guns. NRA president David Keene has called the White House’s task force “disingenuous,” adding that it’s “going after the Second Amendment.”

    National flu outbreak widens, http://cbsn.ws/WB7zI6
    A total of 44 states are reporting widespread flu outbreaks. On Wednesday, Boston issued a public health emergency after 18 people were killed and 700 more were affected by the virus. At this time last year, only 70 cases of the flu had been reported. According to the Center for Diseases Control, the number of people admitted to the hospital with the virus has doubled in the past month. Officials strongly recommend flu vaccinations for everyone 6-months or older.

    Half of the world’s food ‘is just thrown away’, http://ind.pn/VR015h
    According to a new study, half of the world’s food, up to 2 billion tons, is “just thrown away.” Between 30 and 50 percent of food is not eaten due to poor infrastructure and storage facilities, expiration dates, “buy one get one free” offers, and pickiness from consumers. The study also states that the demand for water for food production could reach 10 to 13 million cubic meters a year by 2050 – more than triple the amount of fresh water humans use today.

    CULTURAL:

    OSCAR NOMINATIONS 2013: ‘ARGO,’ ‘LINCOLN’ & MORE (PHOTOS), http://thebea.st/RI1T2k

    Rapper Freddy E tweets final moments before shooting himself, http://on.today.com/10g3u4j

    People’s Choice Awards 2013: ‘The Hunger Games’ Takes Home 5 Awards, http://abcn.ws/VMaNwf

    Queen Elizabeth: William & Kate’s Daughter Will Be Called ‘Princess’, http://bit.ly/13kUJnl

    Britney Spears Leaving Simon Cowell’s The X Factor, http://eonli.ne/UNzs1y

    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: Kelly Holleran

    NEWS ROUND-UP: WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012

    Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

    The Taliban attacks eastern Afghanistan and announces its “spring offensive;” Chen Guangcheng safely retreats to a medical facility in China; April’s U.S. job growth does not meet expectations; vandals violently disrupt May Day protests in Seattle; and Newt Gingrich will announce the end of his campaign at 3 pm today; Meanwhile, Tyler Perry’s studio catches fire in Atlanta;  Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus Rumored For ‘X Factor’ Judge Spot; and Jessica Simpson welcomes a new baby girl.

    Kelly H. + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Violence mars May Day protests in Seattle, http://bit.ly/IuX6tX
    Violence erupted during Seattle May Day social-justice rallies that were supposed to be peaceful. 75 vandals created havoc by shattering glass, attacking police and vandalizing financial institutions in the area. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn issued an emergency order that gave police the power to seize anything that could be used as a  weapon. So far eight people have been arrested, with at least one dozen businesses and government buildings damaged. Most of the vandals, who wielded long black poles, have disappeared.

    Blind Chinese Dissident Leaves U.S. Embassy for Medical Treatment, http://nyti.ms/Imee4c
    Chen Guangcheng has left the American Embassy in Beijing after confirmation from the Chinese government that he would be safe. He left the embassy to seek treatment at a medical facility. According to American officials, negotiations will allow Guangcheng the opportunity to pursue higher education in a safe environment. Guangcheng suffered an injury to his foot while escaping from his house last week. He was able to reunite with his wife and family at the hospital.

    ADP: U.S. Added Only 119,000 New Jobs In April; Stocks Double Early Losses, http://onforb.es/IT5IJp
    The labor market is rumored to weaken for a second straight month after companies hired far less people than anticipated. Employment only increased by 119,000 after a 183,000 gain was expected. Small and medium-sized businesses contributed to the majority of new jobs, whereas large companies had only a 3.3% increase. Analysts theorize that job growth from March will lead to cut-backs later this year.

    Eleven killed in Egypt clashes over army rule, http://reut.rs/JMTpPx
    Eleven were killed and more than 160 wounded in Egypt after armed men assaulted protesters demanding an end to army rule. The protesters included ultraconservative Salafi Islamists who gathered near Egypt’s Defense Ministry. The demonstrators were angry at the exclusion of their candidate from the upcoming vote. Two Islamist candidates have also now suspended their presidential election campaigns. The election set for May 23 and 24 is causing high tensions and is evidence of a fragile transition to democracy in Egypt.

    Taliban announces start of annual Afghan offensive, http://usat.ly/ITBshk
    The Taliban announced today that it will begin its annual “spring offensive” in Afghanistan this week, calling it “Al-Farouk,” which is the name of the second Muslim caliph. The offensive is targeting “all those people who work against the Mujahedeen, toil to pave ground for the occupation of Afghanistan and become the cause for the strength of the invaders.” The announcement came after a car bomb attack in a private compound in eastern Afghanistan that killed seven and injured seventeen; the attack took place hours after President Obama’s surprise visit to the country. During his visit, Obama and President Hamid Karzai signed a strategic partnership agreement that will serve for future relations between the two nations.

    (via NBC Montana) Justice Department Unveils New Details In Missoula Civil Rights Investigation: The US Department of Justice has unveiled new details about its civil rights investigation into Missoula police, prosecutors and the University of Montana. The two-prong investigation is focused on allegations of a pattern of gender discrimination in relation to reported sex assaults. NBC Montana reporters attended a news conference with top-level US Attorneys from the department’s civil rights department, Montana’s US Attorney, Missoula’s Mayor, Police Chief and the President of the University of Montana. The Justice Department reports over 80 alleged rapes in Missoula over the last three years, with at least 11 in an 18 month period involving University of Montana students. Officials say the federal investigation will look at sexual assaults alleged by all women in Missoula, not just students. The Justice Department also says its Civil Rights team has uncovered patterns of gender discrimination in the New Orleans Police Department as well as two others, http://bit.ly/IpND7h

    PA Voter ID Law Would Keep 93-Year-Old Who Marched With Martin Luther King From Voting, http://bit.ly/JoUATa
    Pennsylvania’s Viviette Applewhite is one of the star plaintiffs in a new lawsuit that opposes PA’s voter ID law. Applewhite has voted in almost every election since 1960 and is an activist who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement. Under PAs voter ID law, Applewhite will not be able to vote because she does not have an identification card that would be required at the polls. She does not drive and her purse containing her identification card was stolen; she is also unable to register for a card because the 93-year-old cannot locate her birth certificate. Applewhite is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, the Advancement Project, the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (PILCOP) and the law firm of Arnold & Porter LLP. The suit is seeking injunction to stop the law’s enforcement before the November election.

    Gingrich poised to embrace bitter rival Romney, http://cbsn.ws/ImGnYN
    Newt Gingrich is planning to suspend his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination later today. In an interview with USA Today, he said he will endorse Romney’s candidacy. Gingrich’s campaign, despite winning two primary contests, has become saddled in massive debt. The announcement is set for 3 p.m. EST in Arlington, Virginia. Neither Mitt Romney nor Rick Santorum is scheduled to be there. Santorum has not yet decided if he will endorse a candidate.

    CULTURAL:

    Tyler Perry’s studio catches fire in Atlanta, http://cbsn.ws/Jp3Kio

    ‘Hunger Games,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ top MTV Movie Awards, http://bit.ly/JNvlvG

    Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus Rumored For ‘X Factor’ Judge Spot, http://on.mtv.com/IA7mVc

    Jessica Simpson’s Dad Joe Says New Granddaughter Is a ‘Miracle,’ http://bit.ly/IAERa1

    Rosario Dawson On Election 2012, The Latino Vote And Endorsing Presidential Candidates, http://huff.to/ITENwR

    Kelly Holleran
    Bio:

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

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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    By: Kelly Holleran

    NEWS ROUND-UP: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

    Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

    The U.S. Department of Justice sues Apple and five other publishers for an alleged monopoly on e-books; George Zimmerman’s attorneys withdraw; an 8.6-magnitude earthquake hits the west coast of Northern Sumatra; Charles Manson is up for parole; and Mitt Romney focuses on the general election after Santorum’s campaign exit. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responds playfully to the creators of “Texts from Hillary Clinton;” Britney Spears may become a judge on ‘The X Factor,’ and Jennifer Lawrence faces criticism from PETA.

    Kelly + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    U.S. Sues Apple, Publishers Over E-Book Pricing, http://on.wsj.com/I2MnGJ
    The U.S. filed an antitrust lawsuit today against Apple, Inc. and five other large publishers, claiming that the companies planned to limit competition for e-books and their pricing. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. The DOJ alleges that an agreement among the companies was made where retail price competition would stop, retail e-book prices would then increase and Apple would agree to a 30 percent “commission” on each sold e-book. Three of the publishers, Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins Publishers Inc., have agreed to settle. The alleged agreement between the companies took place ahead of the introduction of the iPad in 2010.

    Attorneys say Zimmerman is isolated, stressed out, http://bit.ly/HxbDY6
    George Zimmerman, under intense scrutiny after his fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, is making additional headlines as his physical well-being has deteriorated. Zimmerman has said to have lost significant weight and is suffering from high levels of stress. Two lawyers from Zimmerman’s legal team also reported yesterday that they have “lost contact” with Zimmerman and will no longer be representing him as a result. Despite this, Zimmerman has gone against the advice of his counsel by contacting special prosecutor Angela Corey who will decide if he will face charges.

    Tsunami Watch Canceled In Indian Ocean; Quake Struck Near Indonesia, http://n.pr/Iscybc
    An 8.6-magnitude earthquake and an 8.2-magnitude aftershock hit off the west coast of Northern Sumatra this morning, causing local officials to panic over possible tsunamis from the Indian Ocean. But to the country’s relief, the tsunami watch was canceled shortly before 9 a.m. ET and existing waves were minor. Damage from the actual quakes is also being reported as manageable.

    Mass murderer Charles Manson up for parole, http://abcn.ws/HAM33E
    Today a California parole board will meet to determine if Charles Manson could qualify for parole. Manson has been denied parole 11 times. Due to violating prison rules several times over the past five years, possessing weapons, threatening an officer, and using a contraband cell phone, his chances of parole are slim. Manson is serving a life sentence for an L.A. killing spree he conducted in 1969. Manson has not appeared at his hearings since 1997.

    For Romney, a shift – finally – to the general election, http://cbsn.ws/HBHmnY
    Mitt Romney is now completely shifting focus to the general election after Rick Santorum suspended his campaign yesterday.  Now without significant Republican competition, Romney is directing his fundraising and campaigning against Obama. This month, Romney was prepared to buy $3 million worth of ads to campaign against Santorum in Pennsylvania. Conservative media are now questioning how the GOP will welcome Romney after criticizing his policies as being too liberal.

    CULTURAL:

    Britney Spears Nears Deal For ‘The X Factor,’ http://bit.ly/Iw8Kag

    Texts From Hillary founders meet … Hillary Clinton, http://yhoo.it/Ip8qsq

    Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Jack White to play Lollapalooza, http://cbsn.ws/IBt31d

    PETA targets ‘Hunger Games’ star Jennifer Lawrence for squirrel-skinning, http://thedc.com/HH8kwk

    ‘Hunger Games’: Gary Ross will not direct sequel ‘Catching Fire,’ http://thedc.com/IBQUOu

    Kelly Holleran
    Bio:

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

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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    By: Aaron Ghitelman

    News Round-Up: Tuesday, January 30, 2012

    Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

    Europe continues to try to reign in its debt; House GOP members propose a transportation bill; Obama has been introduced to Google+; and Joe Nocera has continued his pointed assault on the hypocrisy of the NCAA. Elsewhere, “Key and Peele” debut their much anticipated sketch comedy show, and Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger leave ‘The X-Factor.’

    Aaron + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL: 

    European leaders adopt treaty pledging debt reduction, http://wapo.st/zBExjM
    25 of 27 European Union governments have ratified a treaty intended to limit the growth of national debts. With the backdrop of Greece’s recent bankruptcy and the specter of other defaults, European leaders feel the need to increase confidence in their system. Critics, however, think that the bill is all talk since the EU already has un-enforced debt limits. Additionally, some feel the short term goals of the EU should be to stimulate growth and not work on austerity.

    House Republicans to unveil transportation bill, http://wapo.st/AvYvPK
    Republicans have proposed a transportation bill that would spend roughly $50 billion a year maintaining America’s roads, bridges and highways over the next five years. The plan would give states more jurisdiction on spending while still keeping an eye on states’ budgets. The House bill appropriates about $5 billion less a year than the similar bill bouncing around the Senate. Both bills, however, include no more than one fifth of the spending that transportation experts claim are needed to maintain much of the nation’s infrastructure. Included in this bill is a requirement that drunk drivers use ignition interlock devices for a year after their convictions.

    Federal Election Reform Commission Advocated Voter Photo ID, http://bit.ly/AdN6XT
    The Carolina Journal News is reporting that a bipartisan committee from 2005 both recommended and supported the new voter ID laws that have caused a recent uproar. The committee included Democratic Former President Jimmy Carter and Republican Former Secretary of State James Baker. Both argued that mandating photo IDs would enfranchise more than disenfranchise, but that belief is being questioned by minority rights groups.

    Eye of Newt: Songwriter sues Gingrich for using ‘Eye of the Tiger’ music, http://trib.in/ycHAK7
    Survivor lead guitarist Frankie Sullivan has filed an injunction to block Gingrich’s use of “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme song from “Rocky III.” According to Sullivan’s lawyer, the issue is a copyright one and not a political one. Sullivan would have no problem with Gingrich using the song if he were to legally pay for its usage. Infamously, in 1984, New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen requested that Ronald Reagan not use his harsh critique of America’s treatment of veterans, “Born In The USA,” as a campaign song, and earlier this cycle Tom Petty requested that Michelle Bachmann stop using “American Girl” at campaign events.

    Obama Google+ chat gets personal, http://politi.co/wVWfua
    Obama used Google+, America’s newest social media network, on Monday to keep in touch with his constituents. The President has previously held chats on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and is continuing to stay up-to-date by using Google+. One awkward moment during the conversation came when Obama spoke with the wife of an unemployed man. Obama stated that maybe if he were in the engineering field he would have better job prospects, unbeknownst to the president, the woman’s husband was in fact an unemployed semiconductor engineer.

    Joe Nocera again sharply critiques the policies of the NCAA in “Saving Freshman Ryan,” http://nyti.ms/AoRzeW

    CULTURAL:

    Paula Abdul & Nicole Scherzinger Leave The X Factor, http://bit.ly/AkmCpe

    Rumer Willis Was Present During Demi Moore’s Emergency, http://eonli.ne/xa0Sf7

    Jack White announces solo debut album; M.I.A. confirms Super Bowl appearance, releases new single, http://wapo.st/ymofyg

    ‘Key & Peele’ stars talk racial sketch comedy in the Obama era, http://lat.ms/yozuxI

    Aaron Ghitelman
    Bio:

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

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    By: Katie Scholick

    News Round-Up: Monday, June 7, 2011

    Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

    The House of Representatives has given Maine approval to pass two bills that ban same-day voter registration, end absentee voting two business days before Election Day, and require voters to present photo identification at the polls. Meanwhile, Democrats distance themselves from Weiner after his Twitter fiasco, Austan Goolsbee will go back to the University of Chicago, the President of Yemen suffers massive burns, and a Syrian town fears blood baths.

    Also, Glenn Beck will charge viewers for his online show, Sony reveals a new device, and Lil Wayne may owe millions.

    Caitlin + Katie

    CRUCIAL:

    Democrats Shy From Weiner as G.O.P. Seizes on Scandal, http://nyti.ms/kXTTbd

    After Representative Anthony D. Weiner admitted to sending  inappropriate pictures of himself to women on Twitter, he is now seeing his Democratic support disintegrate.  Many Capitol Hill Democrats have begun to distance themselves from Weiner, including Nancy Pelosi who has called for an ethics investigation into the NY Rep.

    Austan Goolsbee to leave White House, http://politi.co/jEP0Ne

    Austan Goolsbee, the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, plans to return to the University of Chicago where he was a professor for 14 years before joining the administration.  Goolsbee could have lost his tenure if he did not return.

    Yemen’s President Was Severely Burned in Attack,     http://nyti.ms/kEyesg

    President Ali Abdullah Saleh has suffered burns on over 40 percent of his body after tribesmen attacked his palace with explosives. According to a Western official, “he is not as well as his aides are portraying it.” The explosion also killed several guard and the imam of the mosque, while injuring several other officials. The burns are not life-threatening, but will take three to four months to heal.

    Syria town of Jisr al-Shughour braces for army assault, http://bbc.in/kvALjQ

    Violence in the Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughour has citizens fleeing to Turkey and surrounding regions. With the Syrian army moving in, one witness said the townspeople are “extremely scared of blood baths.” While the residents insist they are protesting peacefully, Syrian state television has warned of “armed gangs” terrorizing the town. France is leading the international community in drafting a resolution condemning President Assad’s regime and asking the country to allow humanitarian access, but Paris officials admit it will be difficult to overcome the threat of a Russian veto on the UN Security Council.

    Maine House gives first OK to voting changes, http://bit.ly/mJoUGc

    The House of Representatives has given preliminary approval to two bills in Maine that will affect voters.  After 38 years of same-day voting registration in Maine, one bill (LD 1376) will eliminate same-day registration and absentee voting two business days before Election Day.  The other bill (LD 199) will require voters to present photo Identification at the polls.

    Sony unveils next-gen portable device ‘Vita,’ http://yhoo.it/iRkXQJ

    Sony took the stage at the E3 video game convention to unveil its upcoming “Vita” handheld gaming device. With motion-sensors, WiFi, GPS, two joysticks, two touch-screens, and two cameras, the device will take on Nintendo’s 3DS and Apple’s iPhone. Sony said the device will appeal to both “core” and casual gamers.

    Moving Online, Beck Will Charge Viewers a Fee, http://nyti.ms/kF6YPW

    Glenn Beck is leaving his show on Fox News Channel for his “first-of-its-kind” online GBTV Internet network, an online channel that viewers will have to pay to access. He plans to charge $5 or $10, claiming the unconventional platform will put him “ahead of the pack.” While Beck’s controversial Fox show centered on news, GBTV will have an “array of scripted and unscripted shows.” Beck says that even fans of Jon Stewart will “find something on GBTV…to enjoy.”

    CULTURAL:

    (via Cynopsis) After a lot of back and forth in the US and London press, producers of FOX’s upcoming competition series The X Factor said British pop star Cheryl Cole officially will not continue on the show.  Additionally, Nicole Scherzinger, who had previously been tapped as a co-host of the series, will move into a judging role.  Steve Jones will now be the show’s solo host.  Scherzinger will serve as judge along with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid.

    New Lawsuit Claims Lil Wayne Owes Millions In Production Fees For ‘Tha Carter III’, http://bit.ly/jljy2N

    Dakota Fanning Graduates From High School, http://eonli.ne/ip8V6J

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

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

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