Morning Media Summary

Tech:

German official scolds Facebook on privacy:
“A leading German privacy official on Wednesday accused Facebook of using face recognition software in a manner that violates German and European law.”

Global Warming / Environment / Energy:

69% Say It’s Likely Scientists Have Falsified Global Warming Research:
“Mitt Romney, arguably the leading Republican candidate for president of the United States in the 2012 election, recently significantly diminished his prospects for obtaining the support he needs from the right wing of his party. How did he do this? He simply declared that he believes the Earth is warming, and that human activities are responsible. To most scientists, such a statement would be considered fairly innocuous, and an accurate assessment of current understanding. But to a large fraction of the US Republican party, this is a completely unacceptable position – ranking alongside gay marriage, gun control and abortion rights. Anthropogenic climate change has become a litmus test for Republicans in the United States.”

Al Gore: We need an American ‘Arab spring’:
“Ever since CNBC’s Rick Santelli inspired the Tea Party movement’s creation in early 2009, the left has been looking for a similar spark on their own side. The earliest liberal alternative, the so-called Coffee Party, was a flop. But former Vice President Al Gore insists such a movement still needs to be invented.”

Insurance / Gambling:

MLB investigates A-Rod gambling:
“Major League Baseball is taking “very seriously” the allegations that Alex Rodriguez took part in some illegal, underground poker games, one of which reportedly turned violent, and he could face suspension if his participation in the games is confirmed.”

Health / Safety:

Scientists find new superbug strain of salmonella:
“The strain, known as S. Kentucky, has spread internationally with almost 500 cases found in France, Denmark, England and Wales in the period between 2002 and 2008, according a study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.”

Economics:

US borrowing tops 100% of GDP: Treasury:
“US debt shot up $238 billion to reach 100 percent of gross domestic project after the government’s debt ceiling was lifted, Treasury figures showed Wednesday.”

Legal:

Satirical mints poking fun at Obama pulled from UT bookstore:
“Breath mints are usually refreshing, but a Knoxville legislator believes a University of Tennessee bookstore’s selling of novelty candies mocking President Barack Obama stinks.”

Labor:

Santa Clara County reaches tentative agreement with its largest labor union:
“After months of wrangling in one of the most brutal economic climates for public employees in decades, Santa Clara County reached a tentative agreement with its largest labor union shortly after dawn Wednesday.”

Transportation/ Land Use:

Budget deal could jeopardize high-speed rail, clean-water programs:
“The federal government may have staved off the imminent threat of default Tuesday when President Barack Obama signed a bitterly fought budget deal, but the woes and uncertainty for states have just begun.”