2002 Features...

12/31/02 - Bush Issues First Presidential Pardons
Viewed as a strict disciplinarian, President Bush recently granted his first seven presidential pardons, after turning down over 2,600 requests since taking office.

12/28/02 - Rice: Security Must Reflect Reality
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice details the nature and substance of threats to the US security since 9-11, and explains the “three pillars” of the Bush administration’s strategy for dealing with them.

12/26/02 - Are You Ready? Disaster Preparedness Guide
Do you know how to build a disaster supply kit, or how to locate and evacuate to a shelter? This great new guide from FEMA helps families prepare to survive just about any manmade or natural disaster. Learn to make the U.S. 'A Nation Prepared.'

12/23/02 - At Issue: Are Visa Rules Hurting US Science?
Scientists contend newly heightened security policies on issuance of visas, designed to prevent terrorism, are actually preventing advances in U.S. science, engineering and medicine.

12/20/02 - America, How You Have Changed
One hundred years ago, most Americans were men under 23 who lived in the country. Today, most are women over 35 who live in town. Just a few of the fascinating changes reported by the Census Bureau.

12/19/02 - FTC Expands Telemarketing Rules
The Federal Trade Commission issues rules further cracking down on unwanted telemarketing calls and certain telemarketing practices.

12/18/02 - Pick 'The' Story of 2002
From well-hidden weapons of mass destruction to very poorly hidden masses of corporate corruption, 2002 was another year that kept us glued to the news. What do you think was the biggest story of 2002?

12/17/02 - Health and Medical News from the U.S. Government
When news is made on the health and medical front, chances are a US Government agency made it. Here you will find links to the latest press releases from agencies devoted to the health of Americans.

12/15/02 - Career Help from the U.S. Government
Whether they have been laid off, need training or face the challenge of disability, all Americans can take advantage of a vast array of free government resources designed to help them achieve stable and rewarding careers.

12/14/02 - Support Our Troops This Holiday
With the holidays approaching, here are several programs and Web sites through which Americans can show their support for U.S. servicemembers, especially those serving overseas in this time of war.

12/13/02 - Bush Orders Faith-Based Agenda Forward
By executive order, President Bush has advanced his Faith-Based Initiative by directed that religious groups receiving federal funds can hire based on the faith practiced by job applicants.

12/11/02 - Environmental News from the US Government
The EPA is only one of several agencies of the US Government dealing directly with the environment. In this feature, you will find links to the latest environmental news from all related federal agencies.

12/10/02 - FDA Warns of Online Drug Sales
Citing lacks of standard drug safety controls, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a list of drugs it advises consumers not buy over Internet online pharmacies.

12/08/02 - Holiday Decoration Safety Tips from CPSC
Each year, at least 12,500 people are injured and 150 killed in accidents related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Before you crawl up on the roof, or climb that tree, read these decorating safety tips from CPSC.

12/05/02 - US Proposes Tariff-Free World to WTO
The U.S. will call on the World Trade Organization (WTO) to eliminate all tariffs on consumer and industrial goods worldwide by 2015. The move could mean an extra $1,600 a year for an average US family of four.

12/03/02 - FTC Warns of Online Holiday Shopping Traps
The FTC has warned several Internet shopping Websites about their ‘quick-ship’ claims, plus warranty and rebate practices. You should know, too. Learn the rules, your rights and how to complain.

12/01/02 - 'Superinfection' Stumps Government HIV Researchers
Government researchers working on vaccines to prevent HIV from developing into deadly AIDS were shocked to find a patient infected by two related strains of the HIV virus at the same time.

11/30/02 - Bush Freezes 2003 Federal Pay Raises
Citing the overriding importance of the war on terrorism, President Bush has frozen the 2003 pay raises for almost all federal employees at 3.1 percent and cancelled all locality-based increases.

11/28/02 - Toy Safety Recall Checklist for Christmas 2002
Watch out for these dangerous toys, recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission during the past year, but still found in homes throughout America. Updated for Christmas 2002.

11/25/02 - Rumsfeld Defends Super-snooper Project
If you think a high-tech government anti-terror plan to learn almost everything about everybody will violate your rights, you just need to "take a nice deep, deep breath," says Defense Secretary Rumsfeld.

11/23/02 - Sick Ship? CDC Can Tell You
Over 600 people, expecting a 'Love Boat' experience, just spent their cruises hugging nothing but the toilet in their stateroom. Learn where to check cruise ship sanitation online before you book.

11/21/02 - Social Security Benefits to Increase in 2003
Social Security benefits checks mailed monthly to over 50 million Americans will increase by 1.4 percent in 2003. Workers' taxes may be affected, as well.

11/19/02 - Government Warns of Iraq War Scams
Government watchdogs are warning US consumers of bogus investment scams based on the economic effects of a war with Iraq. Also, learn what to do if you have been victimized by these outfits.

11/15/02 - Pelosi Elected House Minority Leader
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California's 8th district became the highest ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. Congress today, as her fellow Democrats elected Pelosi to serve as House Minority Leader.

11/14/02 - IRS Has Checks for 96,000 Taxpayers
The IRS has undelivered refund checks totaling over $80 million waiting for more than 96,000 taxpayers. Learn how to find out if the IRS has a check for you right here.

11/13/02 - Lame-Duck Congress Needs to Soar
In his opening prayer, Senate Chaplain Lloyd John Ogilvie sought divine guidance in "enabling this lame-duck session to soar like an eagle." Soar it must if lawmakers are to complete the agenda set for them by President Bush.

11/12/02 - Good News for Panic/Anxiety Sufferers
After discovering the source of the brain’s "all clear" signal to sensations of fear, federally funded researchers say fast, drug-free treatment of panic and anxiety disorders may be around the corner.

11/09/02 - Iraq: Timeline to War or Peace
Four key dates, by which Iraq must comply with the latest UN resolution passed against it, create a calendar leading to war or peace by February.

11/08/02 - UN Issues Iraq a Final Demand
The United Nations has adopted a resolution demanding Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein disarm his nation and cooperate with arms inspectors, or face military attack.

11/07/02 - HUD Grants to Help Disabled Renters
Disabled individuals and families in 21 states will get help in leasing affordable housing thanks to nearly $40 million in grants just awarded by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

11/06/02 - Election Results: Who Won Congress?
Republicans have apparently retained control of the House and regained a majority in the U.S. Senate.

11/01/02 - Election 2002 Could be Replay of 2000
Much like Election 2000, Election 2002 on Nov. 5 may come and go leaving Americans wondering, "So, who won?" and waiting for lawyers and courts to decide which party controls the U.S. Senate.

10/31/02 - U.S. Crime Rate Increases, FBI Reports
The US crime rate increased 2.1 percent in 2001 from 2000, the first increase since 1991, reports the FBI. The weapons most often used in the commission of violent crimes… were not firearms.

10/30/02 - Mondale Will Run in Wellstone's Place
Realizing his candidacy could determine control of the U.S. Senate, former Democratic Vice President Walter Mondale has agreed to run in place of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minnesota.

10/29/02 - Rumsfeld Declares 'CINC' is Sunk
Reminding the troops that the Constitution allows for only one 'commander in chief' - President Bush - Defense Secretary Rumsfeld bans the use of the popular old military acronym 'CINC.'

10/25/02 - Senator Wellstone Killed in Plane Crash 
US Senator Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) died today in the crash of a small plane near the town of Eveleth, Minnesota. Also killed were Wellstone’s wife and daughter.

10/25/02 - D.C. Sniper Suspect's Military Background
Defense Department officials have released the military history of D.C. sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad. Learn where he served and what he learned. Also, read about basic Army marksmanship training.

10/24/02 - D.C. Sniper Suspects Arrested
Maryland police report the arrest of two men suspected of conducting the series of 13 sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C. area. Reports that the pair was driven by anti-American sentiments are being investigated.

10/23/02 - Device Instantly Locates, Targets Snipers
Now being tested at Livermore National Labs, this high-tech terror fighting system can locate and photograph snipers less than one second after a shot is fired.

10/22/02 - FDA Warns of Decorative Contact Lens Dangers
Extended use of decorative contact lenses, so popular during the Halloween party season, could result in serious eye injury, even blindness, according to a consumer warning just issued by the FDA

10/21/02 - The North Korean Nuclear Situation
Agreed Framework: History of Diplomacy and Deceit - We now know the 1994 "Agreed Framework" meant nothing to North Korea, except tons of US oil and millions of dollars worth of food and humanitarian aid. Read the history of nuclear threats, diplomacy and deceit.

10/18/02 - Committing US Troops: How Rumsfeld Decides
Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld reveals the criteria he uses in deciding whether to recommend the use of U.S. military forces to President Bush.

10/16/02 - Congress Confirms 'God' in Pledge, Motto
In the latest chapter of the constitutional saga of separating church and state, the US Congress has passed a law affirming "under God" as an official part of the Pledge of Allegiance.

10/14/02 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Defines Terrorism
Confused by all the credible and incredible terrorist threats? Do the ever-changing dangers of the Axis of Evil seem abstract and obscure to you? Maybe you need to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

10/11/02 - Congress Okays Use of Force Against Iraq
The U.S. Congress has approved a resolution authorizing President Bush to use the Armed Forces of the United States against Iraq.

10/09/02 - Estimated Costs of an Iraq War
The Congressional Budget Office estimates an Iraq war would cost up to $9 billion per month, and that’s just for actually fighting the war.

10/08/02 - Bush Takes Iraq Case to the US People
As the U.S. Congress debates a resolution authorizing him to use military force against Iraq, President Bush explained to the American people why Saddam Hussein must be removed from power... and soon.

10/07/02 - Supreme Court Opens Controversy-packed Term
As the Supreme Court opens a new term already packed with controversial cases, their first ruling could decide the political control of the U.S. Senate. Look forward to a year of landmark court decisions

10/03/02 - NorthCom Providing Military Homeland Defense
For the first time since the Revolutionary War, defense of the mainland US is under unified military control, as the Northern Command is activated. Generals assure it will not act as a military police force over civilians.

10/01/02 - Torricelli’s Withdrawal Dims Dems' Hopes
Even if they can replace him on the ballot, Sen. Robert Torricelli's withdrawal from the Nov. 5 mid-term election turns the Democrats’ task of maintaining control or the Senate from a hill into a mountain.

09/30/02 - Congress to Monitor Nov. 5 Florida Vote
The U.S. Congress will monitor voting in South Florida during the upcoming Nov. 5 general election after more voting "irregularities" were reported in the state's Sept. 10 primary elections.

09/26/02 - Small Businesses Get Help in Going Global
U.S. small business, renowned for its contribution to the U.S. economy, will get help in expanding into emerging global markets thanks to a joint initiative by two government agencies.

09/25/02 - Congress Mulls the 9-11 Phoenix Memo
Did the FBI know in July 2001 that al Qaeda terrorists were enrolled in US flight schools? The Phoenix Memo says they did and a select congressional committee is trying to get to find the truth.

09/23/02 - Area 51 Toxic Waste to Remain a Secret
Is hazardous waste produced at Area 51 really a deadly alien toxin? Both Presidents Clinton and now Bush have declared it to be in the "paramount interest" of US that the answer remains a secret.

09/21/02 - Bush’s New Security Plan - Strike First
Placing an increased emphasis on preemptive military strikes to prevent terrorist attacks, President Bush presents a new National Security Strategy for the United States.

09/19/02 - No Drivers Licenses for Illegal Aliens?
In a step to further insure homeland security, U.S. lawmakers have introduced two bills in Congress that would prevent illegal aliens from getting driver's licenses and state ID cards.

09/16/02 - Health of Americans Best Ever: CDC Report
Feeling well? You should be, because the CDC reports that Americans have never been healthier. We’re still overweight but working on it and, according to crime statistics, we are even killing each other far less often.

09/13/02 - Bush Presents Case Against Iraq to UN
President Bush gave the United Nations a clear choice -- either help force Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to disarm his nation -- or the US would do it alone.

09/12/02 - Iraq Attack: Aggression or Self-Defense?
As the White House works to rally support for an invasion of Iraq, the world must decide if Saddam Hussein’s suspected weapons development program justifies an act of "anticipatory self-defense.”

09/10/02 - National Terrorist Attack Threat Level Raised
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, the National Threat Level of terrorist attack has been raised to Condition Orange, indicating a "high" risk of attack.

09/10/02 - Creating Living Memorials to 9-11
Invoking the "the resonating power of trees," the Forest Service has created the Living Memorials Project to help America remember and recover from 9-11. Learn how you can take part.

09/09/02 - Small Business Grants from the States
Unlike the federal government, the states do offer almost 200 direct grant programs for starting or growing a small business. Here you will find links to the business development resources of all 50 states.

09/08/02 - Election 2002: U.S. Senate Candidates
Election 2002 finds 34 U.S. Senators - 20 Republicans and 14 Democrats -- up for re-election. Of these, four Republican incumbents are retiring. Find out exactly who's running where right here.

09/06/02 - Patriot Day Proclamation
In memory of the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, President Bush has proclaimed that Sept. 11, 2002 be observed as "Patriot Day." Read the proclamation here.

09/03/02 - Election 2002: Control of Congress
Even while their Labor Day hotdogs and burgers were being digested, voters were being fed a helping of hi-frequency campaigning for the mid-term election and its grand prize -- control of the United States Congress.

08/31/02 - US Could Use Limited Nuclear Weapons in Iraq
U.S. forces could use nuclear-tipped "bunker-buster" bombs against buried terrorist weapons in Iraq, should Congress approve funding to develop the new weapons.

08/28/02 - Must Congress Approve a U.S. Invasion of Iraq?
Does President Bush need the approval of Congress to launch a military strike against Iraq? White House lawyers don't think so. Find out why not and read what others say about this issue.

08/26/02 - At Issue: Already Reducing Airport Security?
Less than a year after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, US transportation officials are reducing some unpopular post-attack airport security measures. Is economic recovery worth the risk of further terrorist attacks?

08/23/02 - At Issue: Fewer Trees Fewer Forest Fires?
Hoping to prevent forest fires, President Bush has proposed reductions in federal logging regulations and speeding of environmental reviews required for tree-cutting projects in fire-prone areas.

08/21/02 - Water Conservation Tips to Save You Money - EPA
American families can save over $115 a year in water charges by applying simple water conservation tips, like fixing leaks, reports the EPA.

08/19/02 - After 9-11, Security Jobs Abound
A year after the Sept. 11 attacks, federal agencies are scrambling to fill thousands of new jobs devoted to preventing future terrorist attacks. Those with law enforcement backgrounds are in high demand.

08/16/02 - The Day Elvis Met Nixon
On the 25th anniversary of his death, let's look back on the day in 1970, when Elvis Presley asked President Richard M. Nixon to make him a deputy in the war on drugs.

08/16/02 - Grants Help Minority and Small Farmers
The USDA has announced it will plow an additional $98.2 million in grants into its direct operating loan program to help meet the needs of minority and small farmers.

08/14/02 - Though Jailed, Could Traficant Run? 
Can a convicted and jailed felon, like James Traficant, actually run for election and serve in the U.S. Congress? Read the Constitution's answer and find out where you can write to former Rep. Traficant.

08/12/02 - Rumsfeld - Modernized DoD Needed Now
The war on global terrorism will not override his plans to transform the Department of Defense into an organization "adapted to the future, not the past," Secretary Rumsfeld told reporters.

08/09/02 - CDC Adds $10 Million to West Nile Fight
The CDC has released $10 million in funds to help states fight the spread of the West Nile virus, which has now claimed five lives. Also, tips to prevent this deadly disease.

08/09/02 - Senate Okays Child Labor Safety Law
Driven by the deaths of seven teen-aged workers, the Senate has approved a child labor law designed to protect under-age children from the dangers of working in the traveling sales industry.

08/06/02 - Bush Calls Child Safety Summit
Addressing a "wave of horrible violence" in recent child abductions, President Bush has called a White House summit on child safety and released a new child safety handbook.

08/05/02 - Missing Guns - Laptops Confirmed by Agencies
An inspector general’s audit has found the FBI, INS and three other federal law enforcement agencies to be missing more than 775 guns and 400 laptop computers.

08/04/02 - Nursing Shortage to Worsen
The US nursing shortage is bad and getting worse, according to a new study. Hoping it will help bring new nurses into the profession, President Bush has signed the Nurse Reinvestment Act into law.

08/04/02 - HHS Launches Internet Adoption Service
Faster, easier adoptions should be the result of this new Web site, where foster families can search online for adoptable children across the country.

08/01/02 - HUD Program Offers $1000 to Homebuyers
Buyers of HUD-listed homes will be handed a check for $1000 cash under HUD’s new Cash Back Move-In Allowance program. Get program details and learn how to buy a HUD home here.

07/31/02 - Bill Would Let U.S. Veterans Register Trophy Guns
U.S. veterans and their heirs would be allowed to legally register war-era trophy guns for a limited time under a new bill recently introduced in Congress.

07/30/02 - SBA Expands Express Loan Lender Network
Small business owners will enjoy significantly increased access to capital, thanks to changes in the SBAExpress pilot loan program announced recently by the SBA.

07/30/02 - Traficant Sentenced to 8 Years in Jail
Less than week after being expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, former Congressman James Traficant of Ohio was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison.

07/28/02 - How the Government Protects Coal Miners
Trapped 240 feet under ground, nine Pennsylvania coal miners emerged in good condition. What does the federal government do to ensure safety in one of the world's most dangerous workplaces?

07/26/02 - NASA on Watch for Killer Asteroids
The fact that asteroid 2002 NT7 will probably miss the Earth on Feb. 1, 2019, will not stop NASA from watching it and 36 other confirmed deadly near-Earth approaching objects very closely.

07/25/02 - Traficant Expelled from House
U.S. Rep. James Traficant of Ohio has been expelled from The U.S. House of Representatives for nine violations of the House Code of Conduct arising from his recent felony conviction.

07/24/02 - Learn More to Earn More
How much is higher education worth in cold hard money? A master's degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma, according to the Census Bureau.

07/23/02 - Government Grant Information Sources
Government grants do not come easy. However, if going after a federal grant is for you, the place to start is by finding out which "federalists" have the money.

07/22/02 - Job Focus: Airport Security Screeners
Looking for a good paying job that also fights terrorism? The government is now taking applications for Security Screeners at over 300 U.S. airports with more to come.

07/21/02 - Traficant Faces Expulsion from House
The "Minute Man's" final minutes in Congress appear to be ticking away, as the House is expected to vote this week to expel flamboyant Rep. James Traficant of Ohio.

07/19/02 - AIDS Worsens Global Orphan Crisis 
As the worldwide number of children orphaned by AIDS grows at a record pace, the US leads all nations in funding relief and prevention efforts, according to a report from USAID.

07/17/02 - Bush Delivers New Terror-fighting Plan
President Bush's new long-term National Strategy for Homeland Security focuses on preventing, preempting and responding to a wide variety of future terrorist attacks.

07/15/02 - 'American Taliban' Pleads Guilty
'American Taliban' John Walker Lindh has agreed to a plea bargain sending him to jail for 20 years, but avoiding a possible life term. Everybody is happy, except slain CIA agent Mike Spann's father.

07/15/02 - Odometer Fraud Runs Rampant: NHTSA
Watch out, used car buyers! A new government report shows that U.S. consumers fall victim to more than 450,000 cases of odometer fraud, or artificially "rolled-back" mileage, every year.

07/11/02 - House Passes Bill to Arm All Pilots
By a lopsided majority, the House has passed a bill, opposed by President Bush, which would allow more than 70,000 commercial airline pilots to carry guns in the cockpit

07/10/02 - Congress Gives Yucca Mountain Final Okay
Overriding Nevada's veto, the U.S. Senate has cleared the way for final licensing and construction of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility, located some 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

07/09/02 - Bush Demands Corporate Responsibility
President Bush calls for enhanced criminal penalties, including longer jail terms and financial restitution, for business executives found responsible for corporate scandals, like those at Enron and WorldCom.

07/08/02 - New SBA Standards for Travel Agencies
Far more U.S. travel agencies are now eligible to receive federal assistance, including small business loans, under a new rule that took effect on July 1, 2002.

07/06/02 - Does God Belong In US Government?
Saying "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance - unconstitutional. Using tax-supported vouchers for tuition to religious schools - constitutional. Being free to argue about it - priceless. What's your opinion?

07/05/02 - U.S. Teens Acting More Responsibly: CDC
Increasing numbers of American high school students are avoiding tobacco, marijuana, unprotected sex and other potentially dangerous behaviors according to a new CDC study.

07/03/02 - Constitutional News
From the death penalty to the Pledge of Allegiance and religion is schools, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights is the focus of news and controversy. Keep up to date here

07/01/02 - Judge Rules Death Penalty Unconstitutional
Comparing the punishment to "state-sponsored murder of innocent human beings," a federal trial judge in New York today declared the current federal death penalty unconstitutional.

07/01/02 - Some Airline Pilots May Get Guns
Bucking the Transportation Security Agency, a House transportation subcommittee has approved a compromise bill allowing as many as 1,400 commercial airline pilots to carry guns.

06/27/02 - Enforcement of Pledge Ruling Stayed
One day after issuing a ruling declaring the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional, a federal judge, has issued a stay preventing the controversial ruling from being enforced.

06/27/02 - High Court Upholds School Vouchers
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that private school tuition voucher programs are constitutional and do not violate the First Amendment's separation of church and state provision.

06/26/02 - Pledge of Allegiance Declared Unconstitutional
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has ruled the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional under the First Amendment due to its inclusion of the phrase "under God."

06/26/02 - US Senator Has Rave Rage
Calling most of their events "havens for illicit drug use," a US Senator says he will introduce a bill to crack down on rave promoters responsible for selling the increasingly popular drug Ecstasy.

06/25/02 - Videos for Learning About US Government
From a beautifully simple four-page Constitution, to millions of pages of rules, regulations and laws, the workings of the three branches of the U.S. government continue to mystify and astound us. Let these videos explain and entertain.

06/24/02 - Bush Calls for Ouster of Arafat
President Bush today demanded the removal of Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian leaders he said were "encouraging, not opposing, terrorism," as a condition for creation of a Palestinian state in the Middle East.

06/23/02 - Top Books on Student Loans & Managing Money
Money - don't leave for college without it! Of course, you can't go to college at all without it. These books show both students and parents how to find and manage money though the college years and beyond.

06/21/02 - High Court Bars Execution of Mentally Retarded
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a landmark 6-3 ruling that executing the mentally retarded amounts to unconstitutional "cruel and unusual punishment" under the Eighth Amendment.

06/20/02 - $500 Million to Fight AIDS
Calling AIDS a pandemic that "staggers the imagination and shocks the conscience," President Bush proposes spending $500 million to fight the virus in Africa and the Caribbean.

06/19/02 - Wildland Fire: Impact and Information
June 2002 - looks like Colorado's turn to burn. Could your state be next? On any fire season day, an average of 200 wildfires are burning nationwide. Find out what you need to know about wildland fires.

06/19/02 - Bush to Help Minorities Buy Homes
President Bush has proposed three new programs to help African- and Hispanic-Americans buy homes. The programs would join several home buying assistance programs already available.

06/18/02 - High Court: Religious Groups May Solicit
By an 8-1 margin, the US Supreme Court has struck down an ordinance requiring religious or political groups to get permits to solicit door-to-door.

06/17/02 - Watergate '18-Minute Gap' May be Heard
Thirty years after the Watergate scandal brought down a presidency, America may soon know what was said during the famous "18 1/2-Minute Gap" in the Nixon-Watergate audiotapes.

06/17/02 - US Withdraws from ABM Treaty
As the U.S. officially withdraws from its 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia, the last roadblock to a National Missile Defense system is gone, according to the White House.

06/14/02 - Federal Laws and Regulations: A Primer
Congress passes laws saying our air must be clean and our food pure. Great, but how does the government make sure those lofty goals are achieved? Learn about Federal Regulations and how to find them.

06/13/02 - Modern Slavery: People for Sale
During 2001, at least 700,000 and potentially as many as 4 million men, women and children worldwide were bought, sold, transported and held against their will in slave-like conditions, according to the State Department.

06/11/02 - High Court Opts Out of Gun Rights Debate
The U.S. Supreme Court has again decided it wants nothing to do with the debate over exactly whose right to "keep and bear arms" is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

06/10/02 - Mega-Security Agency May Face Fight
Sen. Kennedy equates the new Department of Homeland Security to "shifting the deck chairs on the Titanic." What are the details of this massive realignment of government and why isn't everybody for it?

06/07/02 - Bush Calls for Massive Security Agency
In the "biggest restructuring of the federal government since 1947," President Bush has proposed a massive new Cabinet-level federal agency to protect America from terrorism.

06/06/02 - Go to Jail! Go Back to Jail!
Sixty-seven percent of former inmates released from U.S. state prisons are back in jail within three years, according to a study conducted by the Justice Department.

06/04/02 - U.S.-Russian Cooperation Flourishes
Since Mr. Gorbachev tore down that wall, US-Russian relations have steadily grown from trusting glances of recognition to a red-hot love-fest of dialogs, agreements and treaties.

06/01/02 - Student Loan Interest Rates Drop
A college education becomes more affordable as interest rates on federal student loans drop to the lowest rates in decades. Bush 2003 budget offers even more good news for students.

05/29/02 - FBI Reorganizes to Fight Terrorism
FBI Director Robert Mueller today announced a major reorganization that will change the Bureau's 94-year old main mission from investigation, pursuit and prosecution of criminals to protecting Americans from terrorist attacks.

05/29/02 - Guns? Pilots No, Building Guards Yes
No guns for airline pilots, but guards at federal buildings will be armed, better paid and bestowed with the power to arrest under a new bill just okayed by a House subcommittee.

05/28/02 - DoD: 60s Tests May Have Harmed Veterans
Declassified reports on Cold War-era tests reveal that US veterans may have been exposed to live nerve and biological warfare agents. What veterans need to know about Project SHAD.

05/24/02 - U.S. Teen Smoking Declines Significantly
While one in four U.S. high school students still smokes cigarettes, smoking rates among the age group have declined significantly since 1997, according to new report from the CDC.

05/22/02 - U.S. Issues Global Terror Report
Dominated by the "horrific events of Sept. 11," the State Department’s "Patterns of Global Terrorism 2001" report brands Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan as the seven main states sponsoring terrorism.

05/20/02 - High Court to Test Sex Offender Law
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a constitutional challenge to state laws allowing the posting of information about past sex offenders on public Web site registries.

05/20/02 - FDA-FCC Tackle Cell Phone Health Risks
Cell phones have been blamed for health problems from cancer to the boogie-woogie flu. Are cell phone "waves" dangerous or not? This new FDA-FCC Web sites offers facts to help consumers decide.

05/17/02 - US May Default on Debt by June 28
The United States government may, for the first time in its history, fall into financial default on its debt by June 28. Find out how this would hurt the nation and what can be done to prevent it.

05/15/02 - Congress Presses for 'Safer' Land Mines
Congress wants the US military to speed up its deployment of "kinder-gentler" land mines that can be deactivated by remote control when no longer needed.

05/13/02 - US, Russia Agree to Reduce Nukes
Declaring it would "put behind us the Cold War once and for all, " President Bush announced an arms reduction agreement with Russia greatly reducing the nuclear weapons arsenals of both nations.

05/13/02 - The D.C. Citizens' Lament
Within walking-distance of the seat of U.S. democracy, over 572,000 taxpaying Americans are represented in Congress by a single person who is not allowed to vote on legislation.

05/09/02 - Ab Belt Device Claims False, says FTC
You cannot "get rock-hard abs with no sweat," said the FTC in filing false advertising complaints against makers of three widely advertised electronic abdominal exercise belts.

05/08/02 - House Okays Nevada Nuclear Waste Plan
Overriding a protest by Nevada’s Governor, the House has voted 306-117 to approve the Yucca Mountain, Nevada nuclear waste storage plan. The final decision is now up to a more divided Senate.

05/07/02 - US Renounces UN's World Court
Despite harsh criticism from human rights groups, President Bush has renounced all US obligations to participate in the UN’s International Criminal Court.

05/06/02 - Veterans to Get New Benefits, COLA Hike
US veterans can look forward to a package of new and enhanced benefits along with an annual cost of living raise thanks to a recent move by a House subcommittee.

05/03/02 - Are You Eligible for Federal Aid?
How can the government help me? A new government Web site answers that often-asked question by helping Americans determine their eligibility for 55 assistance programs.

05/01/02 - Enforcing the Federal Funeral Rule
In light of the recent Georgia crematorium scandal, the FTC reminds Congress and the people of the important consumer protection provisions of the Federal Funeral Rule.

04/30/02 - Fire Safe Cigarette Bill Introduced
What should a lit cigarette do when not being smoked? Put itself out, say U.S. lawmakers who have introduced a bill that would require tobacco companies to make it happen.

04/29/02 - Seniority Trumps Disability Court Rules
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not ensure disabled workers hiring preference over more senior non-disabled employees.

04/28/02 - You Can Go to Mars
NASA invites you to send your name to Mars aboard one of its Mars Exploration Rover missions scheduled for 2003. Become part of the permanent record of human space exploration.

04/26/02 - Why We have a House and Senate
Why do we have two chambers in Congress, the House and Senate? Since members of both are elected by, and represent the people, wouldn't the lawmaking process be more efficient if bills were considered by only one body?

04/25/02 - Senate Passes Energy Policy Bill
The Senate has passed a version of the National Energy Policy Act differing in key areas from the House-passed bill, including axing arctic oil drilling favored by President Bush. House and Senate must now resolve differences.

04/24/02 - Bill to Replace INS Clears Committee
The House Judiciary Committee has voted 32-2 for a bill doing away with the INS. Approving student visas for 2 Sept. 11 hijackers six months after the attacks may have been the last straw for lawmakers.

04/22/02 - Bush Renews Faith-Based Battle
Remember the Faith-Based Initiative to strengthen community service groups and encourage charitable giving? President Bush remembers, and is pressing Congress to pass the law by Memorial Day.

04/20/02 - Earth Day: How Students Can Save Energy
US schools spend more on energy than on books and computers combined. To observe Earth Day 2002, the Energy Department suggests ways students can help their schools cut up to 30 percent off their energy bill.

04/18/02 - NASA Plans Elevators to Space
Penthouse suite -- plenty of room -- great views. Just take elevator to 11,457,600th floor. Hoping to cut costs and even profit from placing satellites into orbit, NASA plans elevators to space.

04/16/02 - High Court Strikes Child Porn Law
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court strikes down as unconstitutional a 1996 law making it a crime to display images altered by computer to look like actual children engaged in sexual acts.

04/15/02 - Convicted Traficant Vows to Run Again
"I've never been a quitter," said US Rep. Jim Traficant of Ohio, who isn't about to let a little thing like a conviction on 10 counts of bribery and racketeering keep him from running for re-election. Can he really do that?

04/12/02 - El Ñino Returning, Warns NOAA
The hot glob of Pacific Ocean water responsible for playing havoc with the weather during 1997-98, our old friend, El Ñino, is back and we could feel his effects by mid-summer, say NOAA predictors.

04/10/02 - Bush Backs Total Ban on Human Cloning
Declaring human life "a creation, not a commodity," President Bush today called for passage of a law banning all human cloning in the U.S., including the cloning of human embryos for medical research.

04/09/02 - INS Issues Tough Visitor Visa Rules
With some member of Congress calling for abolishing the agency, the INS has announced it will immediately being enforcing new rules to significantly tighten controls over student and visitor visas.

04/09/02 - Public Input on WTC Collapse Sought
Hoping it will lead to safer buildings in the future, the government is seeking technical information from the public into the collapse of the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

04/08/02 - Selling to the Government Gets Easier
Looking to America's small businesses for innovative products to help fight terrorism, the Defense Department announces new resources designed to simplify the process of selling goods and services to the government.

04/06/02 - Mint Stops Striking Golden Dollars
Oh, them Golden Dollars. Or dollar coins of any color, for that matter. Americans just do not want to use them and now the US Mint has decided not to make any more Sacagawea Golden Dollars during 2002.

04/04/02 - Weight-Loss May be Deductible: IRS
The IRS has ruled that expenses for weight-loss programs may qualify as medical deductions on individuals' federal income tax returns. Diet foods, however, do not count.

04/03/02 - Tax Stress Relief Tips from IRS
Is yours one of the 66,270,000 tax returns the IRS has received this year? Whether you’re tax-stressing now or waiting for later, here are some tips on coping with it all.

04/02/02 - Bush Proposes Child Care Improvements
"We don't accept excuses," declared President Bush in announcing his accountability-driven plan to improve America’s early childhood education programs.

04/01/02 - West Coast Quake Keeps Rolling On
Folks on the West Coast are having an earthquake right now. In fact, they've been having this earthquake since Feb. 7 say National Science Foundation-funded researchers.

03/29/02 - How Arabs, Muslims View the U.S.
While Arabs and Muslims share a "positive view" of America's way of life and democratic values, obstacles to understanding remain, according to Egyptian and Pakistani television journalists.

03/28/02 - Campaign Finance Law Challenged in Court
President Bush called it "flawed" when he signed it and only hours later, the Campaign Finance Reform law found itself in court, accused of being unconstitutional.

03/27/02 - Do Cultural Crimes - Do More Time
Should defacing the Vietnam Memorial or the Liberty Bell carry longer prison terms than say, painting the corner mailbox? Absolutely, says the U.S. Sentencing Commission

03/25/02 - GAO Goes Postal on Postal Service
Another postage rate increase set for this June won't fix the Postal Service, says the government’s own watchdog agency. Unless sweeping reforms are undertaken soon, you may NOT have mail.

03/22/02 - US Nails Tariff on Canadian Lumber
The US government has just imposed a 29 percent tariff on softwood lumber imported from Canada, but US new homebuyers will pay the price, say critics. Prices of new homes could jump by $1,500

03/21/02 - Senate Passes Campaign Finance Reform
With approval in the Senate, Congress has passed a campaign finance reform bill backers say takes the most aggressive action in 25 years to reduce the influence of money in US politics. Opponents, however, call it unconstitutional.

03/20/02 - Bush Wants to Help US Small Business
Stressing his desire for an American business environment where "the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes," President Bush has proposed a plan to help small businesses save on taxes and offer health insurance to their employees.

03/18/02 - US Profile 2000: Real-Life Statistics
Few facts interest Americans more than facts about Americans. For example, did you know that young women in the United States are more educated than young men?

03/15/02 - Radio Signals from Beyond Solar System
NASA has confirmed that on March 2, the radio telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, received a distinct radio tone from more than 7.4 billion miles in space. Who was calling?

03/13/02 - Color-Coded Terrorist Threat Ratings
Hoping to avoid confusion caused by previous non-specific warnings of terrorist attacks, the Office of Homeland Security has announced this color-coded terrorist threat assessment system.

03/12/02 - CDC: Newborns Face Highest Murder Risk
In the US, you are 10 times more likely to die by homicide -- to be murdered -- on the day you are born than at any other time during your life, according to a study just released by CDC.

03/11/02 - US Seaports: More Risk than Airports
Closing all the airports after the Sept. 11 attacks crippled the US economy. A terrorist attack involving a weapon of mass destruction at just one US seaport could kill it, warns the Transportation Department.

03/08/02 - Bush: Crackdown on Corporate CEOs
Finding Enron one major corporate scandal too many, President Bush proposes new laws and regulations designed to force America’s business leaders to answer to "the demands of conscience."

03/07/02 - No Free or Cheap Government Land
No matter what you may have heard or read, there is no such thing as "free land from the government." There is no federal homesteading program and public land the government does sell is sold only at market value.

03/06/02 - Cold War’s Real Toll Still Being Counted
All persons born in the U.S. since 1951 were exposed to varying degrees of radioactive fallout from nuclear bomb tests in Nevada, according to a government report. An unreleased report may show the effects of worldwide testing even more serious.

03/04/02 - Federal Student Aid Primer
You want to go to college so you can make a lot of money but you don't have a lot of money, so you can't go to college. Congratulations! You meet the main requirements for getting student aid.

02/28/02 - Bush: More Work for Welfare
Calling for volunteers in the "armies of compassion," President Bush announced his program for welfare reform, highlighted by increased minimum work requirements for families receiving federal assistance.

02/26/02 - Federal Court System Primer
In 94 regional courts of appeals and district courts, the US federal court system protects the rights and liberties granted by the Constitution. Learn the basics, plus get links directly to all the federal courts.

02/23/02 - Bush Announces Health Care Agenda
Envisioning a system offering patients "more options than orders," President Bush has announced an ambitious health care reform agenda. Bush calls on Congress to move swiftly on patients’ rights, Medicare prescription drug benefit.

02/22/02 - FTC Goes After Two Cell Phone Phonies
If cell phones really do put out dangerous energy waves, can any of those gadgets you see advertised on TV really protect you from them? Certainly not these two, alleges the FTC in federal court.

02/20/02 - Voting Reform Nears Senate Passage
The next presidential election will still feature plenty of politicians, but there should not be any "chad" hanging around the polls as Congress nears completion of a sweeping bill to reform the U.S. voting system.

02/18/02 - Nowhere to Hide? 
The FCC has approved the development of a new generation of remote imaging devices capable of feats as noble as saving lives and as potentially threatening as watching us inside our homes.

02/15/02 - Bush Announces Clear Skies Initiative
Declaring the Kyoto Protocol's mandatory environmental regulations reducing greenhouse gases too expensive and a threat to U.S. jobs, President Bush announces his administration's voluntary alternative.

02/14/02 - House Passes Campaign Finance Reform
After a marathon 17-hour debate, the House passed a controversial bill banning "soft-money" from national political campaigns and regulating campaign advertising.

02/13/02 - Campaign Finance Reform Tries Again
With fallout over Enron's massive contributions to political parties hanging in the air, the House has again opened debate on a campaign finance reform bill. What would the bill do and what are its chances this year?

02/12/02 - America's Disabled Get a Ticket to Work
Disabled Americans now getting Social Security benefits should watch for a Ticket to Work in their mail entitling them to free vocational rehabilitation, job training and other employment services.

02/10/02 - Social Security Primer
Without Social Security, up to 50 percent of American senior citizens would live in poverty. Learn about the types of benefits Social Security offers and how to apply for them.

02/09/02 - US World's 3rd Most Populous Nation
Thanks to a 13 percent population increase during the 1990s, the United States remained the third most populous nation in the world, according to a just-released Census 2000 study.

02/07/02 - Temporary Aliens to Lose Gun Rights
Temporary aliens will soon be prohibited from buying, selling or possessing firearms in the U.S. under interim regulations just issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

02/05/02 - 2003 US Budget Faces "New Realities"
Addressing America's "new realities," President Bush's 2003 Budget Proposal calls for including $379 billion for defense and promises to return the word "deficit" to the federal spending lexicon.

02/04/02 - IRS Warning: Slavery Reparation Tax Scam
Con artists are charging big money to "help" taxpayers file claims for slavery reparation tax refunds and credits. Problem is says the IRS, there are no such refunds or credits.

02/01/02 - Fake SEC Web Site Warns Investors
Pay a visit to the McWhortle Enterprises Web site. Innovative product, isn’t it? Should be a great investment. Just one little problem - the whole thing is a fake. Learn a very clever investing lesson from the SEC.

01/30/02 - GAO to Sue White House
The GAO has announced it will sue the White House in an attempt to get documents dealing with the formulation of the national energy policy and the role played by Enron in the process.

01/29/02 - Three Great Goals for America
Focusing on his administration's "three great goals for America," President George W. Bush presented his first official State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress.

01/28/02 - Cheney to Defy GAO Enron Request
Lawsuit or no lawsuit, Vice President Cheney has refused to turn over documents relating to Enron's role in planning the national energy policy. Is a constitutional showdown in the making?

01/28/02 - Congressman Says US Nuclear Labs Vulnerable
Citing cases of weapons-grade plutonium stored in vaults "constructed out of drywall," a U.S. congressman warns that U.S. nuclear weapons labs and storage sites are wide open to terrorist attack.

01/26/02 - NRC to Test Security at Nuclear Plants
Based on "information that al Qaeda considers nuclear facilities potential terrorist targets," the NRC will test private security providers at nuclear power plants. Not good enough, say some lawmakers who want to federalize nuclear security.

01/23/02 - FTC Wants to Muzzle Telemarketers
Telemarketers who call consumers who have asked not be called could be fined up to $11,000 per call under new regulations proposed by the Federal Trade Commission.

01/22/02 - Freedom CAR: Goodbye Gasoline, says DOE
"Fill it up with hydrogen," you'll say, before you drive away saving both money and the environment. Read about the bright future of US transportation promised by the Department of Energy's new "Freedom CAR" program.

01/20/02 - FDA Now Hiring Bioterrorism Fighters
A new FDA hiring initiative offers persons with backgrounds in medicine, science or administration a unique opportunity to utilize their expertise while serving their country in the war against terrorism.

01/18/02 - NSF Study Bucks Global Warming Theory
Supporters of the global warming theory got a bit of a chill when researchers announced that Antarctica, long considered a dependable predictor of a global warming, is actually growing colder.

01/16/02 - INS System Has Immigration Answers
"How do I become an American citizen?" A simple question with very complex answers. Yet, those answers are now easier to get thanks to a toll-free information service from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

01/14/02 - Enron: Crouching Profits, Hidden Debt
In a matter of months, Enron went from corporate giant to bankruptcy, leaving thousands of workers without jobs or pensions. What did Enron do, why did it fail and how is the government involved?

01/13/02 - Salt Lake City Safe, Says Ridge
Homeland Security Director Ridge declares Salt Lake "one of the safest places in the world," during the Winter Olympics. What security measures can Olympics visitors expect to encounter?

01/11/02 - DOE Approves Nevada Nuclear Waste Site
Citing “national security” needs, the Energy Dept. has decided to go ahead with the Yucca Mountain, Nevada nuclear waste dump. Nevada’s Gov. Guinn says, "This decision stinks."

01/10/02 - IRS Pushes E-File for 2002
Featuring lower tax rates and new tax credits, the IRS kicked off the 2002 tax filing season by urging more taxpayers to use its expanded "e-file" service to file returns via their computers.

01/08/02 - Veteran Customs Agents Bow-wow Out
Two just-retired U.S. Customs Service officers responsible for a combined 287 seizures of over $88 million worth of illegal drugs look forward to more sedate lives spent chasing Frisbees and burying bones.

01/07/02 - High Court Denies Terry Nichols' Appeal
Already convicted in federal court and serving a life-term for manslaughter, Oklahoma City bombing co-conspirator Terry Nichols can now stand trial in state court on 106 counts of first-degree murder.

01/06/02 - Federal Employees Get Raises for 2002
Most civilian employees of the federal government will receive an average 4.6 percent pay raise in 2002. Employees in some major cities will get larger raises.

01/04/02 - NWS Has Winter Olympics Weather
Other than cold, what kind of weather awaits fans and athletes at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City? Find out from this unique team of government, private and academic meteorologists.

01/02/02 - India - Pakistan: Background & Threat
What are nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan fighting over and how could their dispute threaten the United States? What you need to know about this very dangerous situation.

12/31/01 - Planning to Remember the Wrights
In 1901, Wilbur Wright told his brother Orville, "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly." Two years later, Wilbur flew. Now big plans are in the works to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Wilbur’s first flight.

12/29/01 - Meteorites Not Sugar-Free, NASA Finds
Sweetening the theory that the seeds of life came from outer space, NASA scientists have discovered another essential building block of life -- sugar -- in meteorites.

12/26/01 - Congress Quietly Takes a Pay Raise
Deep in December, late at night, Congress voted not to turn down a $4,900 pay raise. The third in four years, this raise bumps lawmakers’ pay to $150,000 per year.

12/22/01 - Fear Malaria? Get a Goat
Expensive facilities currently needed to mass-produce effective malaria vaccine may one day be replaced by a goat, according to a recent government report.

12/20/01 - U.S. Execution Statistics 2000
Since the 1976 reinstatement of the death penalty, 683 U.S. prisoners have been executed. During 2000, 85 prisoners in 14 states were put to death. Read the details behind these numbers just released by the government.

12/17/01 - Rate of Global Aging Increasing
As life expectancy in the U.S. pushes 78 years, the world's population of persons age 65 and older grows by 800,000 individuals every month, according to new government report.

12/14/01 - FBI Has a Magic Lantern
Lighting the way with a "Magic Lantern," the FBI's newest virtual agent creeps into your PC and starts to record every key you type, every move you make.

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