Troops remain in Afghanistan
President Barack Obama announced Thursday that withdrawal from Afghanistan will be delayed until at least 2017. Currently, 9,800 troops remain in Afghanistan. This chart shows the administration’s changing withdrawal plans. The graphics artist is working on a way to make the infographic play “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry while you read.
South Korean President visits White House to discuss the neighbors
President Park Geun-hye of South Korea came to the United States Friday to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and human rights abuses. Obama said she shares his willingness to “engage nations with which we have troubled histories.” Because anyone that close to “the hermit kingdom” must have some crazy stories to share — like that time her military blasted Kpop into the demilitarized zone.
Former Speaker of the House pleads guilty
Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert recently had a “change of plea.” Hastert, a former teacher, initially pleaded not-guilty to charges that he lied to the FBI about bank withdrawals structured just under $10,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements. The indictment reports the money was used to pay off an individual to stay quiet about sexual abuse allegations. And I thought Congress was the last beacon of truth in this country.
Twitter fires everyone
How many people work behind the scenes to make your 140-character rant possible? No idea. But it’s 336 fewer than it used to be thanks to co-founder Jack Dorsey, who recently became CEO. Cue a lot of angry hashtags.
Disney searches for a counter-terrorism intern with “internet” experience
Quartz reports that the theme park company is looking for someone who can also use Microsoft Office. I’m not sure if there’s an age requirement, but if not, I’m forwarding that application to my 11-year-old cousin. In other news, Disneyland is actually a no-fly zone thanks to some clever lobbyist.
First Democratic debate finally happened
Last Tuesday Bernie and Hills took the stage at CNN’s debate. Martin O’Malley was pumped to be next to Hillary and edge into that “slightly wider” camera shot. Two other men came on stage and the CNN security team did nothing to stop them. And it turns out even if you build the podium, Joe Biden will not come. Third quarter fundraising totals were also recently released. Bernie raised about $26.2 million — and even turned one donation away — to nearly match Team Hillary’s $29.45 million haul.
@laurennlai
state@dailytarheel.com
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