The Economist – Rating Countries by Peacefulness [Graph]

The Institute for Economics and Peace in conjunction with the Economist Intelligence Unit has developed a metric for national peacefulness. Here is a map showing the results in 2007 vs. 2012.

NY Times – Where the Thunder and Heat Hit Their Shots [Map]

Map shows where and how frequently the Heat and the Thunder make their shots from. Also broken down by player.

Reuters – Egyptian Elections Close In, Mubarak’s Health Failing

Former dictator Hosni Mubarak, 84, is in the hospital suffering from health problems while serving his life sentence. The upcoming election pits a Muslim Brotherhood candidate against Mubarak’s former PM.

Reuters – Italy May Be Next in Line for Bailout

Austria’s Finance Minister remarked today that the 3^rd largest economy in the euro zone may need a bailout from the EU because of its high borrowing costs.

POLITICO – AG Holder Refusing to Present DOJ Documents

Following his refusal to present documents in response to a Congressional subpoena, the Attorney General has warned of a constitutional crisis if the DOJ is forced to turn over deliberative documents that have never been presented before.

CNN – Finally, A UN Officials Says Syria is in Civil War

UN Peacekeeping Chief today stated that Syria is in a full-blown civil war. The comments came after a report showed that Syrian troops were using children as human shields.

AP – Russians are Sending Attack Helicopters to Syrian Regime

The latest report shows that the conflict could escalate quickly as more firepower is funneled to the Assad regime who is already shelling civilians. The move by the Russians has drawn a response from Hilary Clinton who says she is “concerned about the latest information.”

Reuters – World Bank Says Global GDP Rising

Projections from the World Bank show the global GDP rising 2.5% in 2012 and 3% in 2013. Developing countries’ GDP should rise 5.3% in 2012 and 6% in 2013.

Reuters – JPMorgan Could Be Centerpiece of SEC Hit

JP Morgan Chase’s latest earnings report failed to identify a spike in the riskiness of its investments. The firm is obligated to publicly disclose its risk model.