In an attempt to bridge the gap between music and politics, HeadCount, a grassroots organization focused on voter registration, is bringing together music legend Bob Weir and indie rock band The National for a one-time-only, live-streaming event Saturday night.

Yesterday, Trayvon Martin's parents joined the hundreds of protesters at the Million Hoodies March calling for justice in the killing of their son. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story, plus breaking updates from the Trayvon Martin case. Check it out and add your two cents:

Trayvon Martin's parents to meet with Justice officials

Submitted by letsliveinpeace

Justice Department officials plan to meet with the parents of Trayvon Martin, who believe race was a major factor in their teenage son's death. Nearly a million people already signed a petition calling on the presecution of George Zimmerman. The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation after the national uproar around Martin's death. 

Trayvon's parents spoke out during yesterday's emotional march:

"George Zimmerman took Trayvon's life for nothing," the teenager's father, Tracy Martin, said at the rally. 

"Our son did not deserve to die. There's nothing that we can say that will bring him back, but I'm here today to assure that justice is served and that no other parents have to go through this again."

"Our son is your son," said Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton. "This is not about a black-and-white thing. This is about a right-and-wrong thing. Justice for Trayvon!"

Political aides, choose your words carefully, otherwise your candidate may turn into the next Internet meme. We're taking a closer look at this hilarious story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Mitt isn't a flip-flopper, he's and etch-a-sketch

Submitted by attilatheblond

Quickly after Mitt Romney's top aide, Eric Fehrnstrom, unintentionally reinforced the idea that his candidate is a flip-flopper, a new phenomenon has emerged on the Internet: Etch-A-Sketch Mitt Romney. With the click of a mouse, an Etch-A-Sketch will display you two conflicting Romney quotes on the same policy.

Read the source material below:

“Well, I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign,” Fehrnstrom said. “Everything changes. It’s almost like an Etch-A-Sketch. You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again.”

The Occupy Movement has been raging on for six months and we're taking a closer look at this inspirational Occupy video from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Feeling down? Overwhelmed? Take a chance on being part of something positive

Submitted by attilatheblond

Occupy protesters continue to gather across the nation in efforts to raise of social consciousness. Occupy Wall Street movement is far from over, as the movement declared: “In our first 6 months we changed the national conversation. In the next 6 months we will change the world.”

Set to the music of ABBA, one YouTube user created a video montage illustrating and celebrating the Occupy Movement.

After his win in Illinois Tuesday night, Mitt Romney continues to receive support from Republican heavyweights. We're taking a closer look at this story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Jeb Bush Endorses Mitt Romney

Submitted by letsliveinpeace

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced his endorsement for presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. Bush, the very-respected voice of his party, also called on his fellow Republicans to unite behind Romney.

"Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season,” said Bush in a statement.

“Primary elections have been held in thirty-four states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party’s nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed."

The FCC announced plans to open the nation's airwaves for more community radio. We're taking a closer look at this developing story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

FCC decision strikes critical blow to right-wing radio dominance

Submitted by lazloman

The Federal Communications Commission will implement preserved slots for hundreds of new community radio stations that broadcast on low-power FM signals. Major cities will be hearing community voices over the airwaves instead of programs broadcasted by major corporations and America’s political right.

“So, what a lot of right-wing, conservative radio stations have been able to do is expand their reach out in communities by just having these translators out in the wild, which is why Rush Limbaugh gets the type of audience that he has — because the networks take one signal and repeat it over and over and over across the dial all over the country,” Steven Renderos, national organizer with the Center for Media Justice. “They’re constantly looking for opportunities to expand that, so there were a slew of these applications pending at the FCC.”

“Now these right-wing radio networks won’t keep getting their translator applications approved,” Renderos added. “That will severely limit their ability to expand.”

I repeat will the real Mitt Romney please stand up? We're taking a closer look at this hilarious mash-up video being discussed by the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up? (Mindblowing Eminem parody)

Submitted by R3zn8D

A YouTube user named Hugh Atkin created an entire rap parody of the Eminem's 2000 hit song "The Real Slim Shady" featuring the presidential hopeful. The playful track features a compilation of Romney's sound bites along with quotes from political pundits and President Obama spitting on the chorus. Try getting this catchy tune out of your head and check out the genius video below: 

In the wake of growing public outcry, the FBI and Department of Justice are now looking into the deadly shooting of an unarmed black teen in Florida. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Trayvon Martin case to be investigated by FBI

Submitted by letsliveinpeace

The FBI and the Justice Department both announced that they will investigate the death of Trayvon Martin, who was not carrying any weapons when he was killed. The Justice Department will review whether George Zimmerman violated any federal civil rights statutes when he shot Martin:

“The department will conduct a thorough and independent review of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “The department also is providing assistance to and cooperating with the state officials in their investigation into the incident. With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids — the highest level of intent in criminal law.

“Negligence, recklessness, mistakes and accidents are not prosecutable under the federal criminal civil rights laws.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/19/2703029/us-department-of-justice-fbi-and.html#storylink=cpy

An online initiative started by an Israeli couple has launched aiming to bridge the sociopolitical divide between Iran and Israel. We're taking a closer look at this fascinating story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Israelis, Iranians Agree Via Facebook: 'We Don't Want War'

Submitted by Vierotchka

Two Israeli graphic artists created a campaign in an effort to reach Iranians by sending out messages of love and peace. Many Iranians are participating but have chosen not to identify themselves for fear of arrest.

"To the Iranian people, to all the fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters. For there to be a war between us, first we must be afraid of each other. We must hate. I'm not afraid of you. I don't hate you. I don't even know you. No Iranian ever did me harm," says  graphic designer Ronny Edry.

"I'm not an official representative of my country. I m [sic] a father and a teacher", wrote Edry, adding that he wishes to send a message on behalf of his neighbors, family, students and friends. "[W]e love you. We mean you no harm", he wrote. "On the contrary, we want to meet, have some coffee and talk about sports."

According to a new book, President Obama reportedly slammed Fox News for hurting his popularity. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

President Obama Blames Troubles on Fox News

Submitted by Truthitswhatsfordinner

Journalist David Corn’s new book, “Showdown,” chronicles key moments of the president's term, from Osama bin Laden’s assassination, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the Arab Spring and the debt ceiling crisis. According to Corn, Obama told labor leaders in December 2010 that he held Fox partly responsible for him "losing white males." The president also reportedly stated that Fox News had convinced voters he was a Muslim.

“…Fed by Fox News, they hear Obama is a Muslim 24/7, and it begins to seep in…The Republicans have been at this for 40 years. They have new resources, but the strategy is old,” Corn recounted Obama as saying.

Obama shifted his own tactics in 2011, Corn writes, moving from compromising with Republicans to challenging the tea party. The president, senior adviser David Plouffe and other top administration officials plotted a “secret strategy” — by not unveiling a specific deficit reduction plan and not instantly challenging the House Republicans’ budget cuts — to “draw the GOP into a trap.”

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney continued to attack the president by claiming that there was "no question" President Obama planned to raise gas prices when he took office. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Romney: ‘No question’ Obama wanted higher gas prices

Submitted by KB723

Mitt Romney believes when President Obama first ran for office, he wanted to see the gas prices rise. Romney went on to ask the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior and the EPA administrator to quit because they helped him implement the president's plan to make "energy prices go up a lot."

The former Massachusetts governor added that Obama needed to fire the “gas-hike trio” because he had “suffered an election-year conversion.”

“Time for them to go probably hand in their resignations if he is really serious about that, and start drilling for energy here, whether that’s our oil, our natural gas, take advantage of our coal resources for power generation,” he said.

“These gasoline prices are hurting American families. And that pain and the result of the president’s policies to turn down the Keystone pipeline from Canada, and at the same time, put $500 million into Solyndra. These policies are not working. His policies are hurting the American people. And they want to have someone who will finally take advantage of our energy resources and I will.”

The issue of women's rights continues to rise during this campaign trail. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Powerful New MoveOn.org Ad: 'GOP War On Women'

Submitted by KB723

The liberal organization MoveOn.org produced a 60-second spot entitled, "GOP War on Women." The ad features women reading offensive quotes from Republicans such as Rick Santorum, Rudy Giuliani, Ann Coulter and the always outspoken Rush Limbaugh.

"A woman impregnated through rape, should accept that horribly created gift, the gift of human life. Accept what God has given you and make the best of a bad situation,” a woman says, quoting comments made by Santorum. Santorum, a strong anti-abortion-rights conservative, has stated his opposition to abortion even in cases of rape.

It ends by saying, "We women have got a serious problem with the Republican party," and noting how many women it expects to vote in the fall.

While all of us at the Current HQ's have been experiencing heavy amounts of rain, the sun is shining along the east coast. We're taking a closer look at this story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Historic record warm weather brings summer to central and eastern U.S.

Submitted by thedirtman

Over the past several days, record high temperatures have spread across the central and eastern coasts. In some cities, temperatures have reached 30-40 degrees above normal, nearing the warmest temperatures ever recorded this early in the season.

Since Sunday, an amazing 943 new record highs have been broken or tied across the U.S. compared to just 9 record lows.

On Wednesday alone, an incredible 400 new record highs were were broken (307) or tied (93). Record heat spanned from Florida to Montana.

Since the release of Kony 2012, controversy surrounding the charity behind the viral video continues to emerge. We're taking a closer look at this breaking story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Fail: Kony 2012 filmmaker arrested for drunken public masturbation

Submitted by maasanova

The co-founder of Invisible Children, Jason Russell, was arrested Thursday for allegedly being drunk in public, vandalizing cars and masturbating. Officers claim he was seen undressing as he ran through traffic, screaming all the way. Invisible Children's CEO Ben Keesey released a statement:

"He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday,” a prepared statement given to NBC San Diego read. “Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time.”

Hollywood actor and political activist George Clooney was led away in handcuffs by the police. And, no, he wasn't preparing for an upcoming film. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

George Clooney arrested in Sudan protest

Submitted by letsliveinpeace

Police arrested actor George Clooney and a few congressmen, human rights activists and faith leaders outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington. Clooney and others were protesting the Sudanese government for "slaughtering innocent men, women and children and stop spitting in the face of the world community."

"We are here really to ask two very simple questions," Clooney said moments before his arrest. "The first question is something immediate -- and immediately, we need humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world."

The second thing, he said, "is for the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women and children. Stop raping them and stop starving them. That's all we ask."

Rick Santorum's campaign is taking on a new crusade against one of America's highest-grossing industries - pornography. We're taking a closer look at this interesting story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Santorum promises ‘vigorous’ war on porn

Submitted by lazloman

According to his official website, Santorum plans to tackle the porn industry and fight to make sure porn isn't easily available in the United States. The former Pennsylvania Senator criticized the Justice Department for favoring “pornographers over children” for refusing to enforce obscenity law.

“Pornography is toxic to marriages and relationships,” the statement says. “It contributes to misogyny and violence against women. It is a contributing factor to prostitution and sex trafficking.”

“Current federal ‘obscenity’ laws prohibit distribution of hardcore (obscene) pornography on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV, on hotel/motel TV, in retail shops and through the mail or by common carrier,” the statement continues, adding that these laws should be “vigorously enforced.”

“If elected President, I will appoint an Attorney General who will do so,” Santorum has said.

Even though the former Illinois governor was taken into custody by federal agents, Rod Blagojevich remained optimistic about his conviction. We're taking a closer look at this fascinating news story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Former Illinois Governor Blagojevich Begins 14-year sentence

Submitted by Incredulous

Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich entered a Colorado federal prison to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption, including an attempt to sell or trade President Obama's vacated Senate seat.

"I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future," said Blagojevich, wearing a dark shirt, sport coat and blue jeans.

"Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Blagojevich said.

As Wisconsin's recall election gets a tentative date, Scott Walker's wife gave her husband some advice. We're taking a closer look at this story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Walker: "My wife would like it if I went back to the private sector and make some real money... "

Submitted by KB723

Governor Scott Walker and five other union-busting radical Republicans will stand for a recall election in Wisconsin on June 5th. Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess approved the agreement that also schedules any required primaries for May 8. With over 1.7 million signatures already submitted, Walker provides insight on his future:

On Monday, he (Walker) told conservative radio host Charlie Sykes that his wife "would love it if I'd go back to the private sector and make some real money" as opposed to his current $144,423 salary."

As Rush Limbaugh's statements over women’s rights continues to be the hot topic, we're taking a closer look at this story from the Current community. Check it out and add your two cents:

Limbaugh: "Judging Miss America Proves I’m Not Anti-Woman"

Submitted by DemGloriousBums

Rush Limbaugh claims the fact that he previously judged the Miss America pageant shows that he’s not sexist. After issuing an apology to Sandra Fluke, Limbaugh hasn't kept his mouth shut as he blasted “overeducated” single white women and referred to the National Organization for Women (NOW) as the National Organization of Gals — or NAGs.

“I have affectionately referred to the NOW gang as the NAGs, the National Organization of Gals, for over 15 years,” Limbaugh said on Wednesday. “And the head NOW-gang babe was asked what she thinks about that yesterday on television after 15 years. Outraged! They are outraged!”

“Now, how can I be anti-woman?” he asked. “I even judged the Miss America pageant.”