Welcome to the week Crasstalk. Hang onto your hats, it looks like it is going to be an interesting ride.
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch is predicting that the United States will have its credit rating cut by another rating’s agency by the end of the year. Preserving the current rating depends on whether or not the US Congress can come up with a long term deficit and budget plan. So basically, we’re screwed.
- Casualty figures are rising after a powerful earthquake near the Turkish city of Van. Searches looked for survivors throughout the night as aftershocks shook the area. You can donate to help the victims through Global Giving.
- Canadian prosecutors have dropped over 500 of rape and assault charges against members of the Canada Jesus First Church. Five Korean students accused Church Elders of the abuse between 2009 and 2010, but Canadian prosecutors maintain they do not have enough evidence to return convictions.
- Tunisians turned out yesterday for their first election since their revolution that was the first uprising of the Arab Spring. “Today is the day of independence,” said Amin Ganhouba, 30, a technician. “Today we got our freedom, and our dignity, from the simple act of voting.” That’s pretty damn sweet.
Speaking of freedom, today is Zambian Independence Day. Here’s a little celebration of liberty to get your week going.
Image via Wikipedia.
