The Latest on News/Issues
June 2000 -- features from your About.com News and Issues Guides.
[Current Stories]
From Friday, June 30, 2000
Saline abortions: Past, present, future (Pro-life)
Learn the history of amniotic-fluid replacement abortions, and how practice in the United States has differed from practice in other nations. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
A very famous quill pen was used in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 to sign the Declaration of Independence. Today, almost 224 years later, President Clinton used a specially encoded "smart" card to sign into law a bill making electronic signatures as valid as those signed by hand in ink. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
From Thursday, June 29, 2000
Now that the Supreme Court has tacitly approved the grisly procedure known as partial-birth abortion, how will the abortion debate affect the presidential campaign? Conservative Politics Guide Ted Gausmann reports.
Britney Spears William as a big fish in her PR campaign for her British tour. A cynical look at exploitation of the Prince's name. From Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt.
PressPoint, a New York-based company, delivers to readers a hold-in-your-hands version of their morning newspaper even when they are thousands of miles from home. It's one way for newspapers to face the challenge of the Internet. From World Newspapers Guide Andris Straumanis.
How can a woman exercise her right to choose abortion if those pesky prolifers are outside the clinic offering her options she wants more? The Supreme Court backs abortionists' plea to protect their profits, under the guise of safety. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Crime Guide Bill Bickel wraps up his coverage of several controversial Supreme Court decisions on gay rights, abortion, school prayer and more.
In its first major ruling on abortion since 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court has found Nebraska's law banning a vaguely-described abortion method unconstitutional. The decision was no surprise, but the close 5 to 4 vote was unexpected. Story by Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes.
LeRoy Carhart challenged Nebraska's brain-sucking abortion ban with a story so lame it wouldn't fool Bullwinkle. But five Justices said, in essence, "Hey, works for me!" and sent Carhart merrily back to resume squishing fetus heads. A news/editorial piece by your extremely disgusted Pro Life Guide, Christina Dunigan.
Voters in Mexico go to the presidential polls Sunday. For the first time in 71 years, the ruling party may rule no more. World News Guide Keith Porter reports.
The United States Supreme Court says that the New Jersey Supreme Court was wrong in Boy Scout case: Irrational discrimination against gays and lesbians is allowed. Gay/Lesbian Issues Guide Deborah Levinson reports
From Wednesday, June 28, 2000
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court upheld the right of states to impose certain restrictions on constitutionally-protected speech outside of medical facilities, including abortion clinics. Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould reports.
German Justice Minister Herta Daeubler-Gmelin has called for global regulations preventing hate speech on the internet. But does infringing on the free-speech rights of extremists constitute the best solution to hatred on the web? Race Relations Guide Kimberly Hohman examines the schools of thought surrounding the battle against online hatred. From Race Relations Guide Kimberly Hohman.
The Supreme Court struck down the Nebraska ban on "partial-birth abortion" calling the ban too vague and noting the lack of an exception for the health of the mother. Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould looks at the background of the case and the decision
Elian is going home. The Supreme Court has ruled against intervention, ending a seven month custody battle over the boy. Immigration Guides Jennifer and Peter Wipf report.
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a 5-4 ruling striking down as unconstitutional a state law prohibiting the procedure referred to as a "partial birth abortion" in the state of Nebraska. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
A late 19th-century look at self-induced abortion in the context of other self-induced injuries raises the question: are self-induced abortions a legal concern, or a psychological and psychiatric concern? From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
New Jersey's on the verge of a new law that would have school kids recite a portion of the Declaration of Independence every morning along with the Pledge of Allegiance -- and not everybody's happy about it. Crime Guide Bill Bickel reports from New Jersey.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution urging the Supreme Court to reverse an Appeals Court decision and rule the Ohio state motto -- "With God All Things Are Possible" -- to be constitutional. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
From Tuesday, June 27, 2000
An exclusive About interview with George W. Bush's foreign policy adviser, Prof. Condoleezza Rice. Ms. Rice talks about Bush, Clinton, Russia, and more. From US Politics Guide John Aravosis.
Republican Members of the U.S. House will attempt to pass, as an amendment to another bill, legislation that would lower the 40-year old U.S. embargo on sales of food and medicine to Cuba. US Government Guide Robert Longley has details.
Drop by a new Web site to make sure that some good comes from the death of Peter McWilliams, the libertarian writer and medical marijuana crusader. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
With an appeals court decision against the Child Online Protection Act, free speech protections on the Net became a tad more secure. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
From Monday, June 26, 2000
In the end, the battle over the Miranda warning wasn't even close; the Supreme Court slapped down naysayers and ruled that cops have to keep advising suspects of their rights. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
Rejecting the argument that a less-stringent federal law allowing so-called "voluntary" confessions to be admitted in court trumped its 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona, the Supreme Court has decisively upheld the 34-year-old landmark ruling. Coverage for US New Guide Clare Saliba.
Zimbabwe, formerly British colony Rhodesia, faces the spectre of tyranny as President Mugabe vows to ignore the wishes of the people. Report for Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt.
Some people say "most" abortions are for birth control; others say "few." When you look at what people mean by "abortion as birth control," and at the statistics, the issue becomes more clear. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
In perhaps its most important criminal law case of the decade, the U.S. Supreme Court today issued a decisive 7-2 decision upholding its legendary Miranda ruling of 34 years ago. US Government Guide Robert Longley has details and links to the Courts ruling. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
On-paper and online, newspapers will always make mistakes, so we’ll always need a way to make it right. Corrections protect our credibility and, it the mistake isn’t yours, they’re worth a chuckle. From About Guide to USNewspapers Jack Downs.
A new United Nations' initiative aims to connect the world to the web faster than most experts have been predicting. How will this change the web? How will it change the world? World News Guide Keith Porter looks for answers.
From Sunday, June 25, 2000
June 26, 2000 is the third annual U.N. International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. From Human Rights Guide Kevin Reed.
In 1994, the University of Michigan conducted a poll asking people, "Do you trust the government to do the right things most of the time?" Sadly, only 21 percent answered "Yes." Have “Government Reinvention” efforts helped increase public trust? US Government Guide Robert Longley asks.
From Saturday, June 24, 2000
Appearing on his first ever Webcast Saturday, President Clinton announced the launch in 90 days of a "super" gateway Web site combining every online service of the U.S. federal government. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
It's the Teaching, Stupid! aka "Those who can - Teach ... Those who can't - Discriminate" The California State Department of Industrial Relations rules that a Hemet school erred in removing a student from a classroom because of the teacher's sexual orientation. Gay and Lesbian Issues Guide Deborah Levinson reports.
They'd been there since Easter Sunday with their oversized fetus signs outside the Supreme Court. But on Tuesday, when pro-choicers showed up, the signs suddenly became a menace to society. "Regulation Six," penned by the Court to take away the signs, will stand, says the lower court, because it took away signs based on size, not content. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
From Friday, June 23, 2000
It's been three years since the former British colony of Hong Kong was returned to Chinese control. The media in the region are still relatively free, but the writing on the wall speaks of trouble ahead. World Newspapers Guide Andris Straumanis reports.
Each year 55,000 lucky people win a US Green Card. Could it happen to you? From Peter & Jennifer Wipf, Immigration Guides.
Dashing his Miami relatives' hopes of keeping Elian Gonzalez from returning to Cuba, a federal appeals court refused earlier today to review the custody battle over the boy. From Peter & Jennifer Wipf, Immigration Guides.
Doesn't 'Survivor' provide enough drama by placing sixteen people in a difficult situation? Do viewers really want to see unnecessary cruelty to animals? From Animal Rights Guide Mesia Quartano.
In 1996, Braemer sent an abortion patient home with serious bowel damage -- a move that easily could have cost her her life. At last, in a negotiated settlement with the California Medical Board, Braemer is surrendering his license. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Recent research indicates that one in seven people sentenced to die in the US are actually innocent. The double injustice of convicting the innocent and allowing the guilty to go free must be addressed. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The official office of Federal Tea-taster, created in 1897, still existed in 1995. When the Clinton Administration finally pulled the plug on the office in 1996, the Federal Tea-taster was costing taxpayers $120,000 a year. US Government Guide Robert Longley has the details.
The US Senate has recently approved a massive increase in military and other funding for Colombia (The House passed their version of the bill weeks ago). Human rights groups and other organizations have been strongly opposed to the aid package. Here is some general information about what's going on and why. From Human Rights Guide Kevin Reed.
"On May 13, 1981, Bobby Lambert was robbed and killed in a supermarket parking lot in Houston, Texas. On June 22, 2000, Gary Graham was put to death in the state prison in Huntsville, Texas." -- Crime Guide Bill Bickel.
For many, the most troubling aspect of the case against Gary Graham was its dependence on the testimony of a single witness. Bolstered by a growing body of evidence, these critics say eyewitness identifications often lead to wrongful convictions in our judicial system. From US News Guide Clare Saliba.
Thousands are employed in the transportation and petroleum industries but high prices at the pumps have an affect on everyone's life and lifestyle. Who should be leading the campaign against the high gas prices? A groundswell public opinion may be the most effective. Labor Issues Guide David Low reports.
From Thursday, June 22, 2000
They had the permits. They'd been there 36 hours. Then some abortion advocates got offended over the fetus photos and whined until the Supreme Court took the signs away with "Regulation Six." From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Catholic and Protestant factions in Northern Ireland are united behind a measure that would keep Britain's 1967 act effectively legalizing abortion from touching their turf. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The new animated action-comedy 'Chicken Run,' co-directed by Nick Park and Peter Lord of 'Wallace and Gromit' fame, opens in U.S. theaters tomorrow. Find out if 'Chicken Run' soars or flops. Review by Animal Rights Guide Mesia Quartano.
Does the Constitution explicitly mandate separation of church and state? The original meaning of the Establishment Clause has been debated furiously in recent generations due to judicial activism that spawned the freedom-from-religion movement. From Conservative Politics Guide Ted Gausmann.
High summer levels of air polluting ozone can cause even healthy people to suffer from shortness of breath, headaches, nausea and eye irritation. A new E-government Web site from the EPA provides current reports of ozone levels in your area. US Government Guide Rober Longley reports on the E-government scene.
From Wednesday, June 21, 2000
The U.S. State Department has announced that it will no longer use the term "rogue states." Why? World News Guide Keith Porter reports.
Congress is considering prohibiting the use of elephants in circuses, says Animal Rights Guide Mesia Quartano.
It was big news... last week. This week, only local New York media continue to follow the story: A gang of young men and teenage boys rampaged though New York's Central Park on Sunday, June 11, attacking women and girls. About Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould offers some thoughts on videotapes, police inaction, and violence against women.
Amnesty International has challenged Bush and Gore to sign an ethical foreign policy pledge. The organization also calls on the candidates to support the Innocence Protection Act. From Human Rights Guide Kevin Reed.
It's hard to defend abortion as good for children when faced with living, breathing children who were born maimed because of abortion attempts. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
From Tuesday, June 20, 2000
The Russell Peeler trial -- known in crime-reporting circles as "the trial nobody but Bill Bickel gives a @#$% about anymore" -- came to an end this morning, as the drug dealer who ordered the execution of an 8-year-old witness was sentenced to life without parole... to go along with the two other life-without- parole sentences he's serving. From the very caring Crime Guide Bill Bickel.
Two AT&T workmen digging a trench found a dead infant buried in a plastic bag. An 18-year-old girl has confessed to giving birth and burying the baby; she is being held without bond. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The U.S. Supreme Court gives short shrift to the efforts of a public school district trying to find a way to establish a prayer ceremony at school football games. Analysis by Law Guide Paul S. Reed.
Prince William celebrates his Coming of Age to press fanfare not seen since Diana's days as Queen of the Media. From Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt.
From Monday, June 19, 2000
Injecting itself into the eternally tangled debate over the separation of church and state, the Supreme Court has ruled that one public high school district's use of "invocations" or "benedictions" before football games is unconstitutional. From US News Guide Clare Saliba.
Prince Ernst August of Hanover, 43, collapsed on 15 June in North Germany and was helicoptered to hospital. Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt has the full story.
A new poll by the Los Angeles Times show support for Roe v. Wade dropping. But even so, support for a woman's right to choose remains strong. US Politics Guide John Aravosis looks at the poll, and explains the contradiction.
Finding that the practice violates the constitutionally required separation of religion and government in the First Amendment, the Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that public school districts may not allow students to lead crowds in pre-game prayers at high school football games. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
After President Clinton signs the Digital Signatures Act, unanimously passed by the Senate last Friday, what will you be able to do that you can't do now? Nothing -- until the little problem of digital forgery is worked out. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
A Wisconsin man faces homicide charges in the murder and dismemberment of his 25-year-old cousin. The woman's remains, which were identified by comparing fingerprints on her hands with those on abortion paperwork, were found last July in a river. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Judging by the sentences handed down for killing them, "Big Mama" the halibut and Sharon Hamptlon the abortion patient are equal before the law. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
A ceasefire was signed in Algeria Sunday. But with high tensions and no U.N. peacekeeping force ready to go, the peace may not last long. About Guide to World News Keith Porter has details.
From Sunday, June 18, 2000
Canada's federal government cost recovery policy is a form of double taxation, and is inconsistent and poorly administered, according to the House of Commons Finance Committee. From Canada Online Guide Susan Munroe.
The Turner Diaries inspired Timothy McVeigh and the racist group The Order. About Conspiracies & Extremism guide Marc Fisher introduces you to the soft-spoken physicist and author behind the madness.
A Florida abortionist and his real estate advisor have been charged with extortion relating to a suit filed against the police and sherrif's office for supposedly failing to protect the abortionist's facility. By Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The last thing cancer patients and their families need is the financial burden the disease brings. Even with insurance, the costs can be tremendous. But, assistance is available from these government and private sources. From US Government Guide Robert Longley.
From Saturday, June 17, 2000
Under pressure from Catholic leaders, the AMA has voted to say that patients should be able to get complete reproductive care at any hospital that offers birth-related services, but failed to require it as a policy. The problem: Catholic hospitals and health plans deny non-Catholic patients sterilizations, fertility treatment, rape treatment, and medically required abortions. Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes reports.
This ties into the story of last week's sexual assaults in Central Park: At least ten people stood around taking home movies, and of course the local stations were all too eager to show up the graphic details. Was the actual footage legitimate news, just one more attack on the women, or both? I have one opinion, and Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould has a different one. From Crime Guide Bill Bickel.
DNA testing revealed that Destiny Bonner is not the mother of a newborn girl left abandoned at a church in February. But two mysteries remain: Who is the child's mother? And what happened to Destiny Bonner's baby? From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
From Friday, June 16, 2000
Princess Caroline of Monaco's husband, the awful Prince Ernst Augustus of Hanover, collapses at Prince Rainier's drinks reception at a North German castle. From Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt.
Recently, Canada hosted two prominent international gatherings: The 30th Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States and this year's meeting of the World Petroleum Congress. Activists from across Canada and around the world made it to both events. From Kevin Reid, Human Rights Guide for About.
As the events that occurred in and around Central Park on June 11 continue to unfold, it seems there are still more questions than answers. But the question that's on a lot of minds, but conspicuously absent from the press reports is: What's race got to do with it? From Race Relations Guide Kimberly Hohman.
Kelli Moye had been fifteen when she left her newborn daughter in the snow beside a neighbor's back porch on February 9, 1996. Now she is facing murder charges in the child's death. From your Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
According to an intensive study, women are four times more likely to die in the year after an abortion than in the year following birth. Is there a causal relationship? From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
A 36-year-old Nebraska man has been sentenced to prison after posing as the father of his 16-year-old "girlfriend" to arrange an abortion. From Pro Life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Peter McWilliams, the best-selling libertarian writer and prominent medical marijuana crusader, died after an extended battle with the drug warriors. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
Three international stories this week center around the simple bureaucratic document known as a passport. Do you have your papers in order? About Guide to World News Keith Porter has details.
The numbers look more staggering every time a new report comes out: Right now, they stand at 32 women assaulted by up to 60 men in broad daylight, with at least 10 onlookers standing there videotaping it, and cops nearby refusing to get involved. What we're looking at is every Midwesterner's nightmare about New York City coming to life. From Crime Guide Bill Bickel
From Thursday, June 15, 2000
An attempted coup in the Fiji Islands last month remains unresolved. Caught in the middle, before and after the crisis, are the nation's news media. Despite the political turmoil, journalists continue to report on the situation. From World Newspapers Guide Andris Straumanis
A Nebraska man has been sentenced after posing as his 16-year-old "girlfriend's" father to arrange an abortion, circumventing Nebraska's parental involvement law. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Abortion opponents love to exaggerate and lie about the risks of this simple, safe procedure. Here are ten false claims taken directly from anti-choice websites, such as "1 in 7 women needs a blood transfusion after an abortion," "Sterility happens in 1 out of 20 abortions," and "Abortion causes cervical cancer." Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes debunks each of these preposterous statements with the current medical literature.
The Journal of the American Medical Women's Association has just published a special issue on medical abortion, looking at abortion without surgery using mifepristone (RU-486), methotrexate, and misoprostol. Medical, social and political issues are covered from a U.S. and international perspective. From Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes.
In the fifth investigation of its kind, the U.S. Department of Justice has found that there was no conspiracy to murder Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The family has rejected the findings and many others have conspiracy theories of their own. From Race Relations Guide, Kimberly Hohman.
Why don't we know the all the facts about events like Roswell or the Kennedy assassination? Because, back then, the U.S. government did not yet have PCs on which to store secrets for later theft or "misplacement." From US Government Guide Robert Longley.
From Wednesday, June 14, 2000
A retrospective study of women who had experienced pregnancy through rape or incest found that such women reject and resent abortion. The finding holds true regardless of the outcome of the pregnancy: abortion, parenting, or adoption. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Whatever your feelings about the morality of capital punishment, questions are piling up about the way in which people are sentenced to die. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
The just-released La Bella memo describes the '96 Clinton/Gore campaign "where abuse was rampant, and indeed the norm ... corrupted by bloated fundraising and questionable 'contributions' ... a system designed to raise money by whatever means, and from whomever would give it, without meaningful attention to the lawfulness of the contributions." Conservatives Guide Ted Gausmann has the story.
This week, we've got the liberals boycotting Dr Laura, and we've got the conservatives boycotting Bruce Springsteen. The symmetry appealed to me, and I grew curious about how many people supported each boycott (and if anybody supports both). From Crime Guide Bill Bickel.
One day, a doctor legally owns a gun. Next day, his wife gets a routine temporary restraining order against him, and "presto" the doctor turns into a federal felon. Will the case of U.S. v. Emerson be the defining moment for the Second Amendment?
1st 2 part feature on the new Diana Memorial Walkway which is finally opening in London. From your Guide to Royalty Stuart MacWatt,
Bruce Springsteen's new song about the Amadou Diallo case has the NYPD up in arms. Figuratively speaking, of course, since that's how they got into trouble in the first place. I look at the whole mess. Cirme Guide Bill Bickel covers the controversy.
From Tuesday, June 13, 2000
Two articles about women in New York last Sunday offer commentary on how far women have come, and how far they have to go. From Women's Issues Guide Karen J. Gould.
Conservative talk radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger is on Pat Buchanan's "short list" for running mates. Is it about time a candidate ran on "family values," or is Buchanan taking the party too far to the right? From About.com US Politics Guide John Aravosis.
Adding yet another dimension to the conflict between the tendency toward unfettered information on the Internet and the protection of private rights, a group of professors at San Francisco City College is suing a private Web site operator who hosts students' ratings of their teachers. From Current Events: Law Guide Paul S. Reed.
The presidents of North Korea and South Korea are meeting for the first time in fifty years. Is this the beginning of a new peace on the Korean peninsula? Is reunification even possible? World News Guide Keith Porter reports.
You can get that Sunday paper travel section fix online any day of the week. Whether you are an armchair traveler or the real thing, turn to newspapers for your online travel info, from US Newspapers Guide Jack Downs.
During the entire 20th century, no candidate won the White House while losing both New York and California. George W. Bush may have to try -- recent polls in both states show Al Gore holding commanding double-digit leads. From Conservatives Guide Ted Gausmann.
According to a new study, the death penalty in the US is "persistently and systematically fraught with serious error." The study, conducted by Professor James S. Liebman of the Columbia Law School, is the first comprehensive statistical study of the US death penalty system ever undertaken. From Kevin Reid, About.com Human Rights Guide.
-World Bank Approves Controversial African Pipeline
-Canada has yet to ratify the American Convention on Human Rights
-SOA Protestors Sentenced
-Dr. Flora Brovina's Conviction Overturned
-Upcoming Events
-Plus: Beijing+5; Photography.
From Monday, June 12, 2000
Brace yourself! Though the final disposition of the Second Amendment is in the future, the battle over its interpretation is headed for the courtroom. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
Description: Five years after The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, a U.N. review of the Platform For Action produced there looks at progress, remaining obstacles, and sets some new targets. Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould reports on the conference and reactions to the final document
A review of Peter Grose's new book on America's secret war on Communism, from your Conspiracies & Extremism Guide, Marc Fisher.
The Bush supported sodomy law is declared unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the equal protection clause of the Texas State constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. Gay / Lesbian Issues Guide Deborah Levinson has the story.
In columns on Microsoft and Elian Gonzalez, The New York Times' Thomas Friedman shows himself to be the newspaper's resident fascist. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that patients cannot sue their HMO under federal law when the HMO's cost-cutting practices result in improper medical treatment. Links to the text of the case and the Court’s complete ruling. Report by US Government Guide Robert Longley.
A follow-up on abortion enthusiast David Grimes' fairly typical abortion patient hardly serves as a ringing victory for the abortion mentality. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
A Wisconsin man pleaded guilty to vandalism and setting small fires that damaged two abortion clinics. The motive, he explained, was to gain the attention of his ex-girlfriend. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
From Sunday, June 11, 2000
Where to find help with: Small Business Needs, Healthcare, Work or Career, Home Improvements, Hunger and Child Care or Family Needs. In most cases, you do not need a grant to get assistance from a government program. US Government Guide Robert Longley shows you the money.
From Saturday, June 10, 2000
This week, another Charlie Fincher Cartoon: 'Motion to Transfer Venue'. From Law Guide Paul Reed.
The death of a 26-year-old New York woman after an abortion at a Brooklyn clinic is under investigation by city and state officials. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
South African abortion staff experience stress, ambivalence, and the rejection of their peers. Conscientious objectors complain about pressure to participate. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
President Hafez Assad of Syria died this morning. His death leaves many questions about the power struggle in Syria and the future of Middle East peace. World News Guide Keith Porter reports.
From Friday, June 9, 2000
Excerpts from the daily U.N. daily press releases about the Special Session, as well as a link to the full press release, the complete statements from each delegate, and links to media coverage of the conference for that day. From Women's Issues Guide Karen J. Gould.
An Australian euthanasia advocate makes waves with his plans for a floating suicide clinic for the ailing and despairing. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Congress is now deciding how to spend about $600 billion of the over $1.7 trillion federal budget for 2001. The annual "Appropriations" bills of the federal budget process are now being considered. Learn about and track these important bills. From US Government Guide Robert Longley.
A Swedish study finds that cells taken from the brains of adult mice can alter into other organs if implanted in embryos. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The new British Tabloid Soap Opera 'Camilla' promises silly season circulation bonanza - or does it? Comment and story from Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt
From Thursday, June 8, 2000
After years of foot-dragging and two previous letters of intent to approve RU-486, it's now been revealed that the FDA's latest conditions of approval include unusual, burdensome requirements that have nothing to do with medical or safety issues Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes says it's impossible not to conclude that anti-choice pressure is behind these strange proposals.
The National Commission on Terrorism actually wants to give the feds more power to poke and prod Americans in a search for bad guys under the bed. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
NGOs from countries who disagree with most of the Beijing proposals are being shut out of the proceedings. Once again the power elilte know what's best for everybody else. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
The United States has released $50 million for U.N. efforts in Sierra Leone. The British have announced that they are withdrawing from the country, and a new campaign has been launched to ban the sale of diamonds from Sierra Leone. Wolrd News Guide Keith Porter has all the best resources for following these developments.
New additions to our collection as we continue to was Dr. [sic] Laura. Let's just face it: The good (not really that kind of) doctor bears watching. Close watching. Ongoing coverage with Gay/Lesbian Issues Guide Deborah Levinson.
From Wednesday, June 7, 2000
June in London is a time for Royal pageantry and poignant memories as we enjoy the Queen's Birthday Parade and Trooping the Colour, and start celebrating the Queen Mum's centenary. Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt takes you there.
Amnesty International says NATO forces violated the laws of war during Operation Allied Force against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia last year and is calling for an investigation. Lord Robertson, NATO Secretary General, says the allegations are "baseless and ill-founded." From Kevin Reid, About.com Human Rights Guide.
Delivering a body blow to billionaire Bill Gates, a federal judge served up a harsh rebuke to Microsoft and ordered the corporation be split into two separate and competing companies. Find out the details of the software giant's precise punishment from US News Guide Clare Saliba.
District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson has today issued his final judgment in the Microsoft antitrust case. In a surprise nobody, Judge Jackson has ordered that software behemoth Microsoft be split into two separate functional units. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
The court has decided to break Microsoft in two. Read the decision for yourself, from About.com US Politics Guide John Aravosis.
Description: Researchers from the University at Stony Brook want to learn about your experiences with Breast Cancer as part of a study of the emotional impact it has on women and their families. From Women's Issues Guide Karen J. Gould
Louisiana abortion advocates admit that giving power to abortion-injured women threatens the practice of abortion in their state. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Planned Parenthood's Michael Burnhill and others drop their jaws over a proposal that doctors who prescribe RU-486 enter a national registry.From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Earlier this week, a congressionally-appointed panel rolled out its high-stakes plan to help tackle terrorism. But critics soon went on the offensive, charging that its tactics--which include monitoring international students and calling for the military to lead the response in major domestic attacks--will trample civil liberties without actually tightening national security. US News Guide Clare Saliba reports.
A running feature in which Crime Guide Bill Bickel discusses some really irritating people in the crime news.
Bush is reportedly courting the gay vote. Is he wisely moving to the middle to court moderate voters, or alienating his far-right base? From About.com US Politics Guide John Aravosis.
The Social Security Administration launches a new Web site with important information and support for disability beneficiaries, employers, service providers, advocates and others whose goal is to help the disabled find and keep jobs. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
From Tuesday, June 6, 2000
New Jersey might become the fifth state to make it a crime to see a violent act take place and do nothing. We're talking about a $10,000 fine and/or 18 months in the slammer. Crime Guide Bill Bickel has the latest.
The season premiere of this popular cable series featured a new supporting character: fur coats. Find out the very unfashionable truth behind fur. Animal Rights Guide Mesia Quartano reports.
A Chilean court has announced that it has decided to strip former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution. From Kevin Reid, About.com Human Rights Guide.
A major airline consolidation through the merger of United Airlines and US Air is impacted by a majority ownership position by employees. Pilots and their union, ALPA, are looking for seniority guarantees. From Labor Issues Guide David Low
The decision yesterday by the U.S. Supreme Court in Troxel v. Granville was widely touted as one of the hottest issues the court is addressing this term. After all, how many of us do not have first hand experience with the stresses of relating to grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren? Yet, it appears to me that the court simply decided that this case wasn't really so interesting after all, and made its decision on the simplest grounds, declining to really address the questions expected. From Law Guide Paul S. Reed
In a sign that truth is both stranger and cooler than fiction, a principality based on an abandoned mid-ocean fortress has announced that it's becoming a data haven. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
Demonstrators against trade globalization try to disrupt the Organization of American States General Assembly in Windsor. Police say they'll use snow plows to dismantle barricades if necessary. From Canada Online Guide Susan Munroe.
The Atlanta Braves' option pitcher John Rocker to the minor leagues after a heated confrontation with the writer of the now-infamous Sports Illustrated article in which Rocker made offensive remarks about minorities. From Race Relations Guide Kimberly Hohman.
From Monday, June 5, 2000
Thanks to the Supreme Court, imprisoned Branch Davidians won't be serving out their outrageously long sentences. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
What kind of education will make you a journalism success? There’s more to a newspaper career than a diploma from a top-name school, but it’s a good start. From U.S. Newspapers Guide Jack Downs
Dealing a major blow to grandparents’ rights, the U.S. Supreme Court today issued a 6-3 ruling striking down as unconstitutional a Washington state law under which courts could force parents to allow grandparents to visit their children. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
The Queen acknowledges Camilla. But does that herald wedding bells? From Royalty Guide Stewart MacWatt.
Today in New York a U.N. special session opens to review progress made since the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing. There will be protests and controversy...as well as an honest assessment of women's role in the 21st Century. World News guide Keith Porter has background and all the best links.
Topeka, Kansas tries once again to take a stand against hatred and ignorant bigotry by passing an anti-hate resolution. Phelps, founder of www.godhatesfags.com, takes a stand for hate in response. From Gay/Lesbian Issues Guide Deborah Levinson.
In October 1997, three New Jersey teenagers ate some sunflower seeds mixed with radioactive liquid tritium. Fortunately, help came quickly from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Brookhaven National Labs. From US Government Guide Robert Longley.
From Sunday, June 4, 2000
Kent State has come to symbolize the excesses of the Vietnam era. Thirty years later, it's difficult for us to really comprehend how severely the Vietnam War clawed at the fabric of American culture and threatened to rend it into pieces. From your About.com Conspiracies and Extremism guide, Marc Fisher.
The Presidents have already agreed to destroy plutonium stockpiles and build missile warning systems. U.S. Government Guide Robert Longley gives regular updates on the Moscow summit.
From Saturday, June 3, 2000
Updated resources for finding and applying for federal grants. But, beware -- contrary to what a popular book and TV ad say, the U.S. government is not giving away "free” grant money. A government grant is no Christmas present. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
'White privilege' has become something of a buzz word in discussions of race relations. But how is white privilege defined? Discover the unearned benefits many white people may not know they have and learn why some whites are working to shed their privileges by abolishing the white race. From Race Relations Guide, Kimberly Hohman.
From Friday, June 2, 2000
President Clinton has made 357 federal judicial appointments. John Nowacki of the Free Congress Foundation asks why Republicans have caved in to the Democrats on controversial nominees. From Conservative Politics Guide Ted Gausmann.
When President Clinton and President Putin sit down in Moscow, the American plan to build a missile defense shield will be at the top of the agenda. World News Guide Keith Porter has all the details you need on this latest revision of the Star Wars program.
From Thursday, June 1, 2000
Five years after The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, a Special Session of the General Assembly will be held in New York next week to review the progress made in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, and to consider further actions and initiatives. From Women's Issues Guide Karen J. Gould.
The appellate court in Atlanta has ruled that the INS was within its rights in denying Elian's asylum petition. Will Elian now go? From US Politics Guide John Aravosis.
The Los Angeles police scandal may be grabbing headlines, but it's just a symptom of the larger problem of cops turned occupation troops. From J.D. Tuccille, your Civil Liberties Guide.
The dog days of summer will certainly get steamier this year as candidates unleash a wave of blistering political ads across the nation's airwaves. Voters might be irked, but broadcasters, who will rake in about $600 million from the onslaught, couldn't be happier. From US News Guide Clare Saliba.
Amnesty International is calling on President Clinton to demand a new peace agreement in Sierra Leone. According to the organization, the current agreement has failed. From Kevin Reid, About.com Human Rights Guide.
Description: Sometimes, simply putting two articles side by side offers more illumination and insight on a topic than several paragraphs of "commentary" ever can. Women's Issues Guide Karen Gould shares the articles and topics that caused her to do a double take: International women's rights and public school funding.
Internet investors from individual to banks can now buy and manage T-bills and bonds using a credit card or electronic bank transfer via the Treasury Direct Web site from the Bureau of the Public Debt. Plus, another site for buying US Savings Bonds. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports on E-government.
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