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April 12, 2012 | | OLYMPICs The GOP presidential hopeful touts the 2002 Olympics as his biggest managerial success. Wayne Barrett digs into his relationship to some of the central figures in the scandal—and how his alliances are paying dividends in the 2012 campaign. TRAGIC Trayvon Martin’s mother said Thursday morning that while she believes that it was an “accident” that George Zimmerman shot and killed her son, she believes the second-degree murder charges will hold Zimmerman “accountable for what he’s done”—even if he is found not guilty. Speaking on NBC’s Today show, Sybrina Fulton said “I believe it just got out of control and (Zimmerman) couldn’t turn the clock back.” Zimmerman will appear in court Thursday after being charged with second-degree murder on Wednesday in the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin on Feb. 26. BAD NEWS The number of Americans filing for unemployment rose in the first week in April, bringing the total number of jobless claims up to the highest levels since January. The news came shortly after the economy showed signs of slowing in March, with only 120,000 jobs added. But there were some good signs: First-time applicants for unemployment aid and the four-week average remained below the 400,000 mark—implying that the overall outlook is good. Some economists said the spring holidays could account for more jobless claims, and the trend could even itself out in upcoming weeks. START STRONG The U.S. announced new talks with Iran with a hardline list of demands, but Iran seems to be taking the softer approach. The country’s top nuclear official said Iran will offer “new initiatives” in conversations with the West, scheduled to begin Saturday in Istanbul. "We are ready to hold successful and progressive talks on cooperation,” Saeed Jalili said on state TV. He also promised that Iran would bring a “constructive attitude” to the negotiations. Iran has seen its uranium enrichment as a symbol of its scientific progress and technological independence, but the West suspects it of developing nuclear weapons. POST-POTTER It may not be as magical as Harry Potter, but J.K. Rowling is excited about The Casual Vacancy, her first novel for grown-ups. Little, Brown & Co. announced the book's title Thursday with a brief teaser of the "blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising" story, which takes place in an idyllic English town called Pagford that loses its charm when a parish council election tears the community apart." The book will be available worldwide on Sept. 27, Rowling's publisher said, in both e-book and traditional hardcover formats. | | 
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