Welcome to another edition of the Weekly Newsmakers – your source for news topics making headlines domestically and around the world.

Divided U.S. Gives Obama More Time – New York Times (Editor’s Pick)
For those in the United States, this week entailed lots of buzz about who would claim the presidency. Television reports indicated that Governor Romney had pulled ahead in electoral college votes early Tuesday evening. However, by midnight Wednesday (UTC−8 | PT), many media sources projected that Obama would win reelection, carrying the swing states of Ohio, Colorado, Virginia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Of the 270 required electoral college votes needed to secure the Presidency, President Obama won at least 303 (many news outlets deem the battleground state of Florida as ‘too close to call’ as of publication). Upon his victory, President Obama assured Americans early Wednesday morning that “for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.” Do you agree with the President? Cast your vote in the comments section below!

Tweeted your Ballot? You May Have Broken the Law – CNN (Editor’s Pick)
While we live in an ever connected world due to ever-improving technology and the internet, Americans should be aware that there are laws that limit the ways in which we can use such resources. Taking a photo of your ballot this Election Day is illegal in many states, including New York and New Jersey. The rules vary from state to state, however, so some states such as Rhode Island have no regulations of taking photos of one’s own voting ballot, while other states have ambiguous rulings on the phenomenon. Moreover, the penalties also differ on this issue depending on the state. Are laws that prevent taking a photo of one’s personal ballot an infringement of the First Amendment? Weigh in with your opinion in the comments section.

Northeaster Adds to Misery, Dumping Rain and Snow – New York Times
New Yorkers were in for even more trouble after Hurricane Sandy as signs of a Northeaster landed. Thousands of homes lost power due to the nor’easter, compounding the total number of homes without power since Hurricane Sandy arrived. Wednesday’s nor’easter also brought delays in public transportation, notably the subway system and the LIRR.

China’s Hu Jintao in Corruption Warning at Leadership Summit – BBC

As Hu Jintao prepares to transfer the Presidency to Xi Jinping next year, he warns China about the dangers of corruption. Hu notes that failing to control corruption could potentially lead to the demise of the Communist Party. The warning comes after the international scandal involving former party leader Bo Xilai. Bo’s wife was imprisoned for murdering a British businessman and Bo Xilai will face trial on corruption-related charges.

Powerful Quake Hits Guatemala, Killing at Least 48 – USA Today

While the U.S. northeast has seen it’s share of weather-related calamity the past two weeks, mother nature’s rage holds no bounds. The 7.4 magnitude, 20 miles deep quake was centered 100 miles southwest of Guatemala City. This earthquake was the strongest to hit Guatemala since the one in 1976 that claimed 23,000 lives.