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Here’s what’s brewing in the news:

Obama calls for an end to the madness

Last night, President Barack Obama took to primetime TV, condemning a "partisan three-ring circus" in the nation's capital. President Obama criticized the newly minted Republican plan to prevent an unprecedented government default and reaffirmed that congressional leaders must reach a compromise before the Aug. 2 deadline.

"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government," the president said during his televised speech.

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Obama pointed out that raising the debt ceiling has been a routine act of congressional leaders under Republican commanders in chief. “Congress has always passed it, and every President has signed it. President Reagan did it 18 times. George W. Bush did it seven times. And we have to do it by next Tuesday, Aug. 2, or else we won't be able to pay all of our bills," he said.

"There's no point in putting the economy at risk by kicking the can further down the road," said the president. "Based on what we've seen these past few weeks, we know what to expect six months from now."

Read President Obama’s full address
Read House Speaker John Boehner ’s rebuttal
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U.S. Postal Service expected to make big announcement

Speaking of unbalanced budgets, the U.S. Postal Service expects to face a deficit of $8 billion to $9 billion in the current fiscal year despite cutting $12 billion in labor costs over the past four years, according to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. Donahoe said the postal service has also maxed out its line of credit with the federal government. Today, the U.S. Postal Service is expected to announce a plan to close more than 3,600 post offices, according to published reports, which amounts to about 11 percent of the total number of offices. Donahoe has also said that in the next few years, Americans can expect to see the number of days they receive their mail cut in half. Other local businesses may soon replace some or all postal services by selling stamps and accepting packages under a so-called new "village post office concept." (Read more here)
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Men talk dirty in survey

The results of a survey may have you reaching for a little bleach to douse the men in your life. It found that one in eight men wears his underwear two or three times between washes, and more than half of the men surveyed admitted to relying on the "sniff test" to determine whether they wear their clothes over again, without washing. According to the telephone survey, which was paid for by Clorox, women may not be as dirty, but they can be just as lazy. It found that single women were more than twice as likely as married women to buy new clothes -- instead of bothering to do the laundry. (Read more here)
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Man shows kids his private parts at lemonade stand

A Charlotte man was arrested and is facing some serious charges after police say he flashed his privates to a group of children at a lemonade stand. Miguel Rosillo, 50, allegedly exposed himself to several kids at a lemonade stand, which is held each year by a group of sisters, who use the money to help pay for school supplies and uniforms. "At the time he had the money in his lap, I was making sure he was giving me the right amount so he gave me a dollar and at the time he had his private parts out and stuff like that" said Monee’ Ballard, one of the victims. Officers say that Rosillo returned twice more to the lemonade stand. (Read more here)
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WFAE celebrates 30 years, invites you to open house

NPR affiliate WFAE plans to host an open house at its studios in the University area on Friday, Aug. 19, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. “This is an opportunity to thank members, listeners and businesses who have been so generous with their support,” said Roger Sarow, WFAE president and general manager. “We’re privileged to be part of this community and look forward to serving for another 30 years.”

One of the evening’s highlights is a recording of Charlotte Talks for future broadcast. At 6 p.m. Host Mike Collins will talk about the art of grilling with Peter Reinhart, Chef-on-Assignment at Johnson & Wales University, Scott Graf, WFAE Morning Edition host and amateur griller, and others. They’ll discuss grilling equipment, what to grill, tried and true methods, and the latest grilling techniques. The party will also feature tours, in-studio demonstrations, the music of Gena Chambers, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is free. RSVP is requested at wfae.org/openhouse.

*** Do you have something to say? This is your chance to speak out. Share what’s brewing on your mind in the comments section below.

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