1. Michael Jackson – Back in the News
Dr. Conrad Murray, private physician to Michael Jackson is now being questioned for Jackson’s murder. Dr. Murray had been prescribing a sedative (propofol) to Jackson – evidently to treat insomnia. Dr. Murray, however, did not mention this fact to paramedics or emergency room doctors. Prosecutors are thus charging the doctor with “involuntary manslaughter.” The prosecution pleas that Dr. Murray left Jackson’s children “fatherless.” The jury begins deliberation today (Nov. 4) to reach their verdict.
2. Greece
Greece’s financial troubles crept to the surface of public attention in late 2009 – early 2010, but have recently reached a pinnacle. The Euro Zone finally came to a consensus on an aid deal in mid October 2011. But shortly after this agreement, Greece’s Prime Minister Papandreou decided to put the plan up for “referendum.” The idea behind this is said to be to decrease riots and strikes in Greece. But this action gained resentment from many of the stronger nations in Europe that were wary of the aid package in the first place. The plan was revoked on Thursday (Nov. 3) due to the controversy of it.
In the midst of all this turmoil, over the past week, Greek Prime minister, Papandreou, has been pushed to resignation. He was called in front of the parliament for a vote of confidence on Friday (Nov. 4). He passed this by a mere 153 votes to 145, but despite the win, he has decided to step down in order to form a multiparty government.
3. Occupy Wall Street (…and California…and Virginia…and Scotland)
The Occupy Wall Street movement began on September 17th. The protestors began their encampment in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan and began a series of marches, speaking out mainly against social and financial inequality. On October 1, protestors marched the Brooklyn Bridge and over 700 individuals were arrested. That same day, “solidarity” movements began all around the country including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Oakland, CA. The “Solidarity” movements have had lots of small conflicts with local authorities. Police have acted out against some groups. And controversies of sexual assault have also occurred within some protest groups.
The movement has made its way over seas to riots in Rome and Glasgow. The exact desires of this group do not seem to be completely clear, but dissatisfaction is obvious.
4. Getting the Glitches out – Iphone 4S
There have recently been complaints of battery life on the Iphone. Apple has conceded it is due to the new software – iOS 5. Apple at first would not comment on the problem, but then realized it was in the software update (as it was affecting ipads as well). The most extreme cases have had the battery life decreasing by 15% every hour. Apple hope to create a new software within the next few weeks that will resolve the problem.
5. Lohan given jail time… again.
Lindsay Lohan has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for breaching her probation. She is not due to report for the sentence until November due to “work” she has lined up. If there is another breach of probation, the judge told Lohan she could be charged with 270 days in prison. It is estimated that Lohan will only have to spend a few days in jail due to “overcrowding.”
Another very narrow selection of world happenings. Hoping to use my WSJ subscription and save you one!
** Sources: Wall Street Journal, BBC.com
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rhodes chapter.