Need to Know News: Bank of America in $8.5 billion settlement; Greeks pass critical budget as protests continue

Each day, we here at "Piers Morgan Tonight" put together the news you need to know – from what happened last night to what will happen today.

For June 29, 2011 – Bank of America in $8.5 billion mortgage settlement, 18 dead after attack on Kabul hotel, NASA selects date for final shuttle launch, South Caroline Gamecocks win College World Series...

• Bank of America in $8.5 billion settlement: "In the biggest reckoning of the 2008 financial crisis, Bank of America said Wednesday it will pay $8.5 billion to investors burned by fraudulent mortgage securities. Shares of Bank of America rose 5% in premarket trading."

• Greeks pass critical budget cuts despite protests: "Greek lawmakers Wednesday approved a package of austerity measures demanded by international lenders, despite protests outside Parliament as they were voting, in a move that should clear the way for an emergency loan to Athens."

• 8 militants, 10 others dead after attack on Kabul hotel attack on Kabul hotel: "At least 10 people were killed in a brazen, carefully-orchestrated attack on a Kabul hotel that began Tuesday night, officials said. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the siege, and authorities say eight militants died as well."

• NASA selects date for final space shuttle launch: "July 8 will mark the start of the final space shuttle mission and the end of an era, NASA announced Tuesday. The U.S. space agency announced the date for the final flight of Atlantis following a flight readiness review at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. If nothing delays the countdown, the shuttle would depart at 11:26 a.m. The 12-day mission will be the 135th and final flight of the space shuttle program."

• South Carolina Gamecocks win College World Series... again: "On this night when South Carolina finished its two-game sweep over Florida with a 5-2 victory - it has now won an NCAA record 16 straight tournament games, dating to last season... And now the Gamecocks opened TD Ameritrade in the same fashion it closed down old Rosenblatt Stadium last year: with a national title."

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