Cheat Sheet - WikiLeaks Dumps ‘Shadow CIA’ Emails

Today: Michael Tomasky on the GOP's Michigan Give-Away , Plot to Kill Putin Foiled , 'The Artist' Wins Big at Oscars February 27, 2012 BREACH 1. WikiLeaks Dumps 'Shadow CIA' Emails Julian Assange's crew is at it again. WikiLeaks, known for ticking off powers that be the world over, began publishing documents online Monday that it says were swiped from Stratfor, an intelligence firm based in Texas that has been dubbed a "shadow CIA." The site has published 167 emails in its first release. The hacker-activist collective Anonymous announced earlier this year that it had stolen emails from the company, saying it would expose unseemly secrets about the geopolitical-analysis firm, which counts as clients several major companies and governments. Read it at Wired OOPS 2. The GOP's Michigan Giveaway Ideological rigidity and Obama hatred led Republicans to reject the auto bailout. Now they're doubling down on their opposition ahead of tomorrow's crucial primary—and surrendering Michigan in the general election. The Daily Beast's Michael Tomasky on the single most eye-popping case of a primary fight demolishing a party's general-election odds. Read it at The Daily Beast PUTSCH 3. Plot to Kill Putin Foiled A plot to kill Vladimir Putin by a group of Ukrainian assassins was uncovered by a joint operation of Ukrainian and Russian intelligence services, according to Russian news sources. The Russian leader is in the middle of a campaign to lock up a six-year term as the country's president. While the thwarted plot was revealed by Russian media only on Monday, the arrests of the would-be assassins seem to have taken place either Jan. 4 or Feb. 4, after Ukrainian police were tipped off by an explosion in the plotters' Odessa apartment. The assassination attempt was confirmed by a spokesman for Putin, who is currently Russia's prime minister, on Monday. Read it at BBC Envelope Please... 4. 'The Artist' Wins Big at Oscars French favorite The Artist picked up beaucoup awards at the Oscars last night, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and two other smaller prizes. The silent film's march to the stage was largely expected, as were Christopher Plummer's and Octavia Spencer's wins for their supporting roles in Beginners and The Help, respectively. It was Meryl Streep, however, who provided the night's biggest surprise, as she trumped The Help's Viola Davis to take home Best Actress for her role in The Iron Lady—her third career Oscar. Jennifer Lopez also had an eventful night, arguably exposing a nipple while presenting an award alongside Cameron Diaz. Read it at The Daily Beast UNREST 5. Diplomats Call Syria Vote a Sham The Syrian city of Homs remains under fire Monday by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, even as the government tallies votes on a constitutional referendum that Western leaders have dismissed as a sham. Dozens reportedly died Sunday during voting as Assad's forces continue to counter nearly a year of unrest with violence. The referendum, if successful, would include some reforms, but may also guarantee nearly 16 more years of rule for the controversial Syrian leader. The Red Cross, which has been attempting unsuccessfully to negotiate a temporary ceasefire, is trying again Monday to find a way into the embattled city. Meanwhile, as Western leaders continued to look for ways to pressure Assad, the official Chinese state newspaper struck out against Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's critique of the country's position on Syria, calling Clinton's remarks "super arrogant." Read it at The New York Times SLICK Deepwater Horizon Trial Delayed As BP and plaintiffs continue talks. SHOWDOWN 'Desperate Housewives' Go to Court Former star alleges assault by producer. DOWN UNDER Australia Reelects P.M. Gillard Ending 'political drama.' PROTECTION Santorum Gets Secret Service Detail Newt still waiting on his request. OSCAR SLIP J.Lo Has Wardrobe Malfunction Presents too much at the Academy Awards. GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET The Yes List Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. 11 Best Oscars Moments by Shannon Donnelly Mandela's Twilight Days by Charlene Smith Gabby's Navy SEAL Skydive by Michael Daly

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