The BBC is reporting that violent protests in the Greek capital have left at least three people dead. Protesters, angry about tax hikes and government service cuts as a result of the country’s debt crisis, have clashed with police outside the Marfin bank building and the Greek Parliament. Gasoline bombs are said to have started multiple fires in the area and clashes between protesters and police are ongoing. The BBC has pictures from the scene of the protests here and a video here.
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The Associated Press is reporting that German Chancellor Angela Merkel put the European bailout of Greece in stark terms when she spoke to German lawmakers in support of funding the largest share of the rescue package. “Nothing less than the future of Europe, and with that the future of Germany in Europe, is at stake. We are at a fork in the road,” Merkel said. Public opinion in Germany is said to be against bailing out Greece, but legislation authorizing $29 billion in lending is expected to pass quickly.
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Democrats have been talking up the successful arrest of Faisal Shahzad, the man suspected of involvement in the attempted Times Square bombing, according to The Hill. However The New York Times is reporting on possible mistakes and lapses by the FBI and Emirates airline that almost allowed Shahzad to leave the country for Dubai.
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The BP oil spill disaster continues gushing an estimated 200,000 gallons of oil per day. The Washington Post is reporting on a Coast Guard announcement that BP successfully capped one of three leaks, however their work is not expected to reduce the flow rate. Oil from the disaster is expected to reach some beaches on the Gulf Coast today.
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