Weekly Issues Alert

June 29 - July 5

"Objects of the most stupendous magnitude, and measure in which the lives and liberties of millions yet unborn are intimately interested, are now before us. We are in the very midst of a revolution the most complete, unexpected and remarkable of any in the history of nations." --John Adams (http://PatriotPost.US/fqd/)

NC General Assembly

Realtors spend big to defeat land transfer tax — News and Observer

The N.C. Association of Realtors has spent about a half-million dollars on spreading its message outside the Legislative Building. The investment appears to be working inside as well. Read
K-9 Officer's Death Leads to New Law — WRAL

Danny sacrificed his life for a fellow police officer last year, and his death has led to tougher penalties for people who kill K-9 officers. Read
House, Senate make progress in budget, reach salary deal — Wilson Times

A week after a tax and Medicaid deal collapsed, House and Senate negotiators made progress Thursday on a two-year spending plan for state government, including a tentative agreement on pay raises for state workers. Read
Senate passes mental health plan — News and Observer

The insurance bill now goes back to the House, which passed its own version in May. Read
State senator Cowell running for N.C. treasurer — NBC 17

State Sen. Janet Cowell said Thursday she will seek the Democratic nomination for state treasurer next year, saying her education and work history qualify her for the post. Read
'Catfish amendment' phrase caught on — News and Observer

'50s lawmaker hooked us with old joke's imagery that fit gutted bills Read
North Carolina Residents Upset Dogs More Important Than Moms, Babies — Lifenews

Residents of North Carolina join pro-life groups in being upset about how a bill to protect police dogs has sailed through the legislature while another to give protection and justice for pregnant women and their unborn children has stalled. The father of a young, pregnant mom found stabbed to death says he does not understand. The law enforcement animal has new protection with a new law. In a nutshell, the law says kill a police dog, and go to jail. But that's hard to swallow for the father of a pregnant woman who was stabbed to death in Raleigh last month. Jenna Nielson was eight months pregnant with a boy she planned to name Ethen. "I just don't understand why you would pass a law for a dog, but not a child," said Kevin Blaine, Jenna Nielson's father. North Carolina law does not allow two murder charges for the death of a pregnant mother. Some lawmakers have introduced a bill to change that, but it's bottled up in a committees as abortion advocates have opposed it. "This was a murder," Blaine told ABC News. "This had nothing to do with abortion or any of the other things that may be clouding this issue up." Read
What is meant by 'catfish amendment'? — News and Observer

It's a seemingly friendly amendment designed to kill a bill by making it undesirable. Read
Last Thursday General Assembly — Star News

CAUCUS FRACAS: The Legislative Black Caucus's nonprofit foundation acknowledged that it gave scholarship money to relatives of five lawmakers, and the group's leader said it will review the way it hands out educational grants. A statement from Rep. Alma Adams, chairwoman of the 28-member black caucus, said the foundation gave out $54,000 in scholarships in the 2005 and 2006 academic years — and about one-tenth of that money went to relatives of five legislators. Adams, D-Guilford, didn't initially name the five, but acknowledged later that one was her daughter. She said the group is reviewing its guidelines for granting scholarships "making revisions to ensure the integrity of the process and the organization."
NO BUTTS: A ban on smoking in all state government buildings won final approval from the General Assembly, extending a protection from secondhand smoke it provided to workers in its own two buildings just a couple of years ago. Without debate, the House voted 110-3 to approve minor changes made in the Senate and forward the bill to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature. The new law would take effect Jan. 1. The law now allows smoking bans in state government buildings if 20 percent of the facility or a comparable space is set aside for smokers. Smoking was fully banned in the two legislative buildings in 2005.
RENEWED ENERGY: A bill that would require North Carolina's utility companies to provide 12.5 percent of their retail electricity from renewable energy and power-saving measures cleared its first hurdle in the full Senate. The bill, approved 46-1, faces a final vote in the Senate before it goes to the state House, where some members plan to fight a provision that helps finance new power plant construction. One of the bill's Senate champions, Sen. Dan Clodfelter, D-Mecklenburg, defended the section as "misunderstood and mischaracterized." He said utilities would have to make their case annually to charge for ongoing construction.
CAMPAIGN CASH: A nonprofit voter advocacy group released poll results that it says show North Carolina voters like the idea of using public money to help pay for political campaigns. The N.C. Center for Voter Education said 68 percent of respondents were in favor of a pilot program being debated in the House that would create public campaign financing for three Council of State races. Poll results indicate that sentiment is driven by voters' lack of familiarity with most statewide officials and their concern over special interest influence on elections, the group said.
In the House:

- H1487, to allow retired lawyers to represent indigent defendants for free, under the supervision of an active attorney working for a nonprofit legal services corporation. Voted 112-0 to concur with Senate changes. Next: To Gov. Easley for his signature.
In the Senate:

- H581, to allow boards of trustees at local community colleges to hold meetings at the request of a majority of the board, not just the chairman. Approved 47-0. Next: To Gov. Mike Easley's desk.
In committees:

- H367, to increase penalties for theft of metals and record-keeping requirements for metals recyclers. Favorable report, Senate Judiciary I. Next: To the full Senate.
- H1359, to grant civil, criminal and professional immunity to veterinarians who report suspected animal abuse involving clients or others. Favorable report, Senate Judiciary II. Next: To the full Senate.
State toughens hazardous waste rules — News and Observer

An Apex chemical fire and explosion were catalysts for a new law Gov. Mike Easley signed Tuesday that tightens regulation of hazardous waste storehouses. Read
News and Observer Brief:

GANG BILL: A bill meant to combat crimes involving street gangs cleared the Senate Judiciary I Committee, though some members expressed concern that it didn't address the root reasons that cause young people join gangs.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: A nearly 50-year-old ban on collective bargaining by hundreds of thousands of state and local government employees would be abolished in a bill approved by a House judiciary panel. The measure doesn't require all governments to enter into contracts or meet with their workers to discuss how they will be paid or treated. But it would order the Office of State Personnel to set up a process by next spring to certify employee organizations to participate in state negotiations. North Carolina and Virginia are the only states that expressly ban state and local governments from entering into collective bargaining deals with their employees. The bill faces a long road to passage. Local government groups and many lawmakers are opposed to the change.
* S3, to require North Carolina utilities to provide 12.5 percent of their retail electricity from renewable energy and power-saving measures, and allow financing of construction costs for new power plants. Approved 45-2. Next: To the House.
* S1086, requiring local school districts to develop and enforce a ban on smoking in school buildings, facilities and school-sponsored events. Agreed 40-6 to concur with House changes. Next: To Gov. Easley for his signature.
* S1270, to create the criminal offenses of theft of infant formula and organized retail theft. Approved 48-0 on second reading; final vote scheduled for Monday.
* H27, requiring film processors or computer technicians who discover child pornography to report to law enforcement the name of the customer whose film or equipment contains the image. Approved 48-0. Next: To the House for concurrence with Senate changes.
* H1359, to grant civil, criminal and professional immunity to veterinarians who report suspected animal abuse involving clients or others. Approved 47-0. Next: To Gov. Easley for his signature.
* S242, to eliminate a tax-avoidance strategy used by multistate corporations involving "captive real estate investment trusts" and to rework the state tax appeal process. Second Senate vote approved 48-0. Next: To the House.

NC Courts

Black asks for delay in sentencing

An attorney for former House Speaker Jim Black has requested that his sentencing on a federal public corruption charge be delayed until August. Read
Court Appearance Set for Man Charged in Raleigh Kidnappings -WRAL

A man charged in a recent string of rapes, robberies and kidnappings will appear before a judge Friday afternoon. Read
DWI Convictions on Rise — ABC11

Drunken driving suspects in North Carolina who fight their cases in court are more likely to be convicted now than they were four years ago, according to a newspaper report. Read

NC Politics

Edwards shuffles top campaign staff — Raleigh News and Observer

John Edwards is changing the ranks of his top staff, adding two prominent Democratic operatives as senior advisers and shifting some responsibilities from campaign manager David Bonior. Read
Race for treasurer heats up — News and Observer

A second candidate, Rep. Dale Folwell, has entered the race for the position of state treasurer today. The treasurer's office will be come open next year, because the incumbent, Richard Moore, is running for governor. Read

Other North Carolina News

Magazine: Asheville Is South's Best Town — NBC 17

A recreational magazine has named Asheville the nation's best Southern town. Read
Troopers roll out new detection device — News 14

The North Carolina Highway Patrol has a new weapon in their arsenal. The department rolled out its new LIDAR gun this week, and it's already putting the brakes on speeders. Read
Letter questions ethics of institute head — News and Observer

The director of a government health institute in RTP hired himself out to testify in asbestos lawsuits and may have made other questionable financial and ethical decisions, a U.S. senator says. Read
JAM sessions fill music students with Southern pride — Christian Science Monitor

The Junior Appalachian Music program shows North Carolina students how to pick up instruments and strum old-time favorites. Read
China Defends Safety Of Its Exports — CBS

...The New York Times reported today that approximately 900,000 tubes of tainted Chinese toothpaste has shown up in prisons, juvenile detention centers and hospitals in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including some serving the general population. Read
New report highlights North Carolina's failed health care policies — The Carboro Citizen

...North Carolina ranks 30th among states on measures of basic health care access, quality and prevention. Read
Drought Spreads to All 100 N.C. Counties — WRAL

For the first time this year, all 100 counties in North Carolina are experiencing either abnormally dry conditions, moderate, severe or extreme drought. Read
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and Western North Carolina holds Walk for Wishes — Carolina Newswire

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and Western North Carolina will hold its second-annual Walk for Wishes on Friday July 20, following the Winston-Salem Warthogs game at Ernie Shore Field located at 401 Deacon Boulevard in Winston-Salem. Read
Salisbury boat plant to close — Baltimore Sun

Boatbuilder Brunswick Corp. plans to close its Eastern Shore plant that manufactures Bayliner and Maxum cruisers in favor of expanding operations in North Carolina, where a newer facility and incentives worth almost $4.4 million beckon. Read
5-year-old pins rabid fox during North Carolina family cookout, protects brother — International Herald Tribune

A quick-thinking 5-year-old boy grabbed a rabid fox by the neck and pinned it to the ground during a family cookout in North Carolina, protecting six other children before his stepfather could step in. "I wanted to protect my little brother," Rayshun McDowell, who battled the animal in the front yard of his home, told The Charlotte Observer in an interview posted on the newspaper's Web site Tuesday. Read
Gentiva Acquires Home Health Business in North Carolina — CNN Money

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. , the nation's largest provider of comprehensive home health and related services, announced that it completed a transaction to expand its home health offerings in North Carolina, a Certificate of Need state. Read
Moore Stephens Frost Buys North Carolina Firm — Arkansas Business

Accounting firm Moore Stephens Frost of Little Rock said Thursday that it has bought Raleigh, N.C., accounting firm Lynch & Howard. Read
State's airports seeing big crowds — News 14

The summer is a peak time for travel, and airports are packed with folks heading off for vacation. Read

Congress

Report: Wealthy homosexual donors swaying local, state elections — OneNewsNow

Peter LaBarbera says what he calls "big gay money" is becoming a huge force in state and local politics in America. The pro-family activist is urging grassroots conservatives to counter those contributions that are being used to finance the campaigns of candidates who favor same-sex "marriage." Former Washington Times reporter Peter LaBarbera says many grassroots Americans are unaware that pro-family lawmakers who support state marriage amendments are being targeted by wealthy homosexual donors. Read
New Effort To End War Set Monday — NY Sun

Five weeks after President Bush won unfettered funding for America to fight the war in Iraq until September, Senate Democrats will try again on Monday to end the war. Read
Seniors advocacy group warns about consequence of Totalization Treaty with Mexico — OneNewsNow

The founder of the American Seniors Association (ASA) says while he applauds the recent defeat of the Senate amnesty bill, another battle must be fought. Jerry Barton wants to expose a little known treaty with Mexico that he says could imperil the future solvency of the U.S. Social Security system...According to Barton, that treaty would allow its citizens to collect some Social Security disability benefits by working in the U.S. as little as 18 months. It would also allow illegal immigrants to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits if the United States and Mexico finalize a totalization agreement. Read
Immigration vote to spawn 'American Revolution of 2008,' says activist — OneNewsNow

An immigration reform activist is anticipating a concerted effort by grassroots organizations to get rid of those members of Congress who still don't pay attention to the wishes of a majority of Americans who are fed up with illegal immigration. Read
Congress urging delays in Palestinian Authority funding — World Tribune

The United States has balked at plans to continue funding the split Palestinian Authority. Read
Labels Lack Food's Origin Despite Law — NYT

Congress has delayed the enforcement of a law that requires country-of-origin labels on meat and produce. Read
Bush and Congress locked in power dispute — Christian Science Monitor

The White House won't release documents on domestic surveillance or allow aides to testify on US attorney firings. Read
Abstinence proponents keep hope alive for Title V funds — OneNewsNow

House Democrats have followed through on their promise to allow a federally funded abstinence education program to expire. In response, proponents of the program are being urged to lobby congressional lawmakers to continue funding the initiative. Read
Junior GOP senators defeat old guard — The Washington Times

The immigration-reform bill was supposed to be a defining moment for the old guard. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy could establish a new civil rights legacy to rival his brothers'; Sen. John McCain could show leadership and accomplishment by standing up to his party's base; and President Bush could secure a major domestic achievement for his second term. Instead, the young guns — a small, wily group of junior Republican senators, most of them with less than a full term in the upper chamber — sent the bill into a tailspin, tying Democratic leaders into legislative knots and earning enough opposition among senators to block the Senate bill, culminating in yesterday's vote to kill the measure. "Those of us who have been on the campaign trail in the last couple of years have had to talk about immigration reform and we've campaigned — [Sen. David] Vitter made campaign promises, I made campaign promises — we should not reward those who came here illegally with a path to citizenship," said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican. Read
G.O.P. Support for Iraq Policy Erodes Further — NYT

Senator Pete V. Domenici of New Mexico broke with the White House on Thursday as Congressional Democrats prepared to renew their challenge to the war. Read
Lieberman calls for wider use of surveillance cameras — The Hill

Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, said Sunday he wants to "more widely" use surveillance cameras across the country. Read
House vote to continue 'Mexico City Policy' fails — OneNewsNow

A pro-life group is upset and disappointed that the Democratic-controlled Congress has voted to rescind a policy that prevented U.S. taxpayer money from going to overseas groups that perform and promote abortions. Read
So-Called Patent Reform Cheats U.S. Inventors — Eagle Forum

The globalists are making a new attempt to circumvent and weaken a right explicitly recognized in the U.S. Constitution: Americans' exclusive ownership of their own inventions. Fortunately, Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), and Sam Brownback (R-KS) have exposed this mischief and called on Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Republican Arlen Specter (R-PA) to slow down and discuss the proposed legislation before making costly mistakes. Read
Filipino Veterans' Fight for Equity Fast-Tracked — New America Media

Filipino World War II veterans have been fighting for more than sixty years for equity when it came to veterans benefits and pensions. Now the legislation has been fast-tracked and might be passed this year says [Ret.] Major General Antonio Taguba, but hurdles still remain. Read
Poll: few confident of border security — OneNewsNow

The public has little faith the government is adequately screening visitors to the country or could cope with an outbreak of an infectious disease, according to an AP-Ipsos poll...The poll was taken while the Senate debated an immigration bill, supported by President Bush, that ultimately collapsed. Read

Christianity/Pro-Family/Religion/Ethics

45 Muslim doctors planned US terror raids — London Telegraph

A group of 45 Muslim doctors threatened to use car bombs and rocket grenades in terrorist attacks in the United States during discussions on an extremist internet chat site. Read
Ministry spearheads campaign to provide Bibles for U.S. troops overseas — OneNewsNow

The president of Revival Fires Ministries is encouraging Christians to mark the nation's birthday by sending Bibles to troops fighting the war on terror. Read
Pope States the Family is one of the "Fundamental Objectives of New Evangelization" — LifeSiteNews

In an address to bishops from the Conference of the Dominican Episcopate today, Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the vital role of the family as one of the "fundamental objectives of new evangelization." Read
Pastor Leads Southern Baptist Ministry to Homosexuals — Citizenlink

About 12 years ago, the Rev. Bob Stith attended an Exodus conference, a ministry to help people who desire to leave homosexual behavior. He hasn't been the same since. "I went, and I was scared to death," he said. "From the very first day, God just really touched my heart." Stith, who lives in Southlake, Texas, with his wife, Del, is chairman of the board for Living Hope Ministries, an Exodus-affiliated ministry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He has been the pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake for 37 years. On June 1, Stith was named director of the Southern Baptist Ministry to Homosexuals Task Force. It's a position that was long in the making. Read
Maine Pagan Democrat Family Values — The Christian Civic League Record

Democrat County Chair Worships Witchcraft Goddess; Promotes Paganism Read
Shin Bet foils Hamas's plans to control Temple Mount — Jerusalem Post

Hamas attempts to take over control of the Temple Mount as well as spread its ideology and recruit new members in Jerusalem has been foiled by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency,) senior security official announced Monday. Read
Vietnam Christian Dies After Torture For Refusing To Recant Faith — Worthy News

A young Hroi ethnic minority man who refused to recant his Christian faith reportedly died from injuries received while under official interrogation, BosNewsLife monitored Tuesday, July 3. Read
Church, City of Detroit fight atheist suit over funds — OneNewsNow

A church that was denied reimbursement through a Detroit city program for its building renovations because of a legal challenge by atheists, has appeared before a judge asking for summary judgment in the case filed by the atheists against the city. Read
Inspiring True Story Shares God's Saving Grace from an Empty, Hedonistic Life — Christian Newswire

Marty Angelo's memoir, "Once Life Matters: A New Beginning" chronicles his drug-filled search for glory through the music industry in the '60s, to his complete transformation as he converted to Christianity and devoted his life to sharing God's love. Read
Maine Church Performs Tranny Play — The Christian Civic League Record

...The play's cast included many members of the church congregation, including Charlotte Lehmann playing the play's "Doc Grinder" character. It was sponsored by the church's Social Justice Committee, whose mission is to educate the church and wider community about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered issues. The First Universalist Church of Auburn's minister is the Reverend Doctor Jodi Cohen Hayashida. She spoke recently to local Lewiston/Auburn's CNN 1240 AM radio news director Scott Garrett to promote the play. Read
10 killed as Pakistani forces battle mosque students — Guardian Unlimited

At least 10 people were reported to have been killed as Pakistani security forces fought running battles with students from a mosque linked to al-Qaida today, hospital and mosque officials said. Read
Bangladesh: Officials Offer Protection for Attacked Converts — Worthy News

Intervention from high-ranking police officers and government officials has ensured temporary security for a group of Christian converts beaten last week in Nilphamari district, Bangladesh. Read
"The Book the ACLU Does Not Want You to Read! I Promise. I saw it happen!" — Gary DeMar, President of American Vision

I was debating an ACLU attorney at Christmas on an NPR station. I pulled out a Xerox copy of The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States and said to her: "Until you answer this book, the ACLU can't make a case against America's Christian founding." She was shocked when she saw it. She asked where I had gotten it. The only thing that gave her relief was the fact that the book was not in print. But now it is." Read

Courts

High Court Will Review Gitmo Cases — CBS

Reversing Course, Court Will Look At Whether Detainees Can Go To Federal Court To Challenge Confinement Read
California free-speech case returns to trial court — OneNewsNow

Three years ago, a public high school student was penalized for wearing to school a T-shirt objecting to homosexuality on religious grounds. That student's attorney now says the U.S. Supreme Court "did the right thing" by vacating the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal's decision supporting a district court ruling which approved the school's right to censor his speech. Read
Judge Orders OSHA to Release Toxic Info — Las Vegas Sun

A federal judge has ordered the Labor Department to share with the public the results of years of toxic substance sampling in American workplaces. Federal officials said Monday they were reviewing the decision. The decision, by U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper, came in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by former Labor Department official Adam Finkel, who now is a whistleblower. Read
Texas Supreme Court vindicates pastor who practiced church discipline — OneNewsNow

A Texas pastor who was sued after exercising church discipline has been handed a victory by that state's supreme court. The lawsuit was brought by a church member who refused to repent following a divorce and remarriage. Read

Abortion/Pro-Life

Indian Man Sentenced to Five Years of Rigorous Imprisonment for Forcing his Wife to Undergo Abortion — LifeSiteNews

A Bargargh judge has sentenced Minketan Bhainsa to five years of rigorous imprisonment (hard labor) and fined him Rs 2,000 for forcing his wife to have an abortion, reports newindpress.com. Read
N.H. Repeals Parental Notice of Abortion — Las Vegas Sun

Gov. John Lynch signed legislation Friday that made New Hampshire the first state to repeal a law requiring a parent be notified before a minor received an abortion. Read
Terri Schiavo Case Opened Pandora's Box for Mistreating Disabled Patients — LifeNews.com

No case is ever like Terri Schiavo's. There is always an alleged difference, with similarities downplayed or outright denied. Might that be because people are starting to realize that an innocent woman was wrongly starved and dehydrated to death, like Jesse Ramirez almost was? Read
Misplaced Priorities: It's Time for Bush to Return to his Pro-Life Roots — LifeSiteNews

President George W. Bush has done much good for the pro-life movement. His judicial appointments, especially to the Supreme Court, have strengthened the cause of Life. He has made good on his promises to veto anti-life legislation, and we have no doubt that he will continue to do so. Bush generally listens when strong pro-life leaders like Representative Chris Smith and Senator Sam Brownback speak. There is no question but that Bush is fairly conservative where matters of traditional morality are concerned. Read
A Rose and a Prayer Defeats Delaware Stem Cell Legislation in US Rep. Mike Castle's Home State — Christian Newswire

In an 11th-hour vote Saturday night, Delaware's General Assembly overwhelmingly defeated Senate Bill 5, which would have authorized the use of human embryos in medical experimentation. Despite intense lobbying by aides to Congressman Mike Castle, whose stem cell bill in the US Congress is similar to SB 5, the bill was defeated by a margin of 4 to 1. Read
Smoking Linked to Stillbirths, Study Says — Join Together

Women who smoked during two consecutive pregnancies had a 35-percent higher risk of delivering a stillborn baby than those who didn't smoke at all or only smoked during their first pregnancy, according to Swedish researchers. Read
Planned Parenthood Abortion Facility Reprimanded by California Health Authorities — LifeSiteNews

Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties "failed to report in a timely manner" the death of Edrica Goode, a 21 year old woman who died of toxic shock after being given a laminaria at the facility. California Department of Health Services have filed a deficiency ruling against the facility that said, "Based on medical record reviews and staff interviews, the [clinic] failed to report an unusual death occurrence involving a patient's death within 24 hours to the department." Read
Study finds Patients' Suicide Requests Lowered After Depression Treatment — LifeNews.com

A new study finds that the number of requests for suicides declines when patients are successfully treated for depression. The research could have a significant impact on the assisted suicide debate as pro-life advocates have long said patients mostly seek help killing themselves when coping with severe depression. Read

Alcohol/Drugs/Health

Police: Drugs found in Gore son's Prius after traffic stop — CNN

...Al Gore III, 24, was driving a blue Toyota Prius about 100 mph on the San Diego Freeway when he was pulled over about 2:15 a.m., Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino said. The deputies said they smelled marijuana and searched the car, Amormino said. They found less than an ounce of marijuana along with Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, which is used for attention deficit disorder, he said."He does not have a prescription for any of those drugs," Amormino said. Read
Study shows alcohol billboards boost kids' desire to drink — OneNewsNow

A University of Florida researcher says children are getting the message when it comes to outdoor advertising of alcohol. Read
One-third of Americans abuse alcohol: survey — Reuters

Nearly one in three Americans abuse or become dependent on alcohol over the course of their lives, and most never seek treatment, according to a study published on Monday. Read
Raids reveal intended U.S.-Mexico drug tunnel — MSNBC

Spokesperson: Smuggling passageway not yet used for intended purpose Read
Beer Makers Losing Money on Missing Kegs — Las Vegas Sun

Tap it, don't scrap it. With metal prices rising, beer makers say they expect to lose hundreds of thousands of kegs and millions of dollars this year as those stainless steel holders of brew are stolen and sold for scrap. Read
Big-time pot growers use Seattle-area homes — Seattle Times

Since 2005, agents have uncovered large-scale growing operations in more than 100 houses. Many of the raids were linked to a major investigation... Read
Bogus Toothpaste Now in 6 States, Canada — Las Vegas Sun

Counterfeit Colgate toothpaste has now turned up in Canada, where testing has found dangerous bacteria but not the poisonous chemical previously detected in four states, a health official said Saturday. In addition, store owners and police say they have discovered that the bogus Colgate was sold in Michigan and Virginia. Read
Popular Snack Food Pulled From Shelves — AOL

A popular snack food sold nationwide is being recalled because of concerns about contamination. All lots and sizes of Veggie Booty Snack Food are being recalled, the company said, following a report of 51 cases of salmonella poisoning that may be associated with the product. Read
WHO: Air Travelers Should Exercise Legs — Las Vegas Sun

The World Health Organization recommended Friday that passengers on long flights exercise their legs and resist taking sleeping pills to reduce the risk of potentially fatal blood clots Read
Ecstasy Can Cause Memory Loss, Researchers Say — Join Together

Ecstasy use can cause short- and long-term memory loss, and some users may experience memory problems after taking just a single dose of the drug. Read
Merck Vioxx heart risks began sooner — Reuters

Heart risks associated with Merck & Co.'s painkiller Vioxx began much sooner than the company has claimed, The Wall Street Journal Online reported on Tuesday, citing a new study. Read
Law Requires N.M. to Grow Its Own Pot — Las Vegas Sun

New Mexico has a new medical marijuana law with a twist: It requires the state to grow its own. The law, effective Sunday, not only protects medical marijuana users from prosecution — as 11 other states do — but requires New Mexico to oversee a production and distribution system for the drug. Read

Education/Sex Ed/Teens/Children

Parental rights submerged by MD county's sex-ed decision — OneNewsNow

The Christian legal group Liberty Counsel says it is considering whether to file another federal lawsuit challenging a sex-education program in Maryland's largest school district. Read
California Committee OKs Bill to Push Gay Agenda in Schools — Citizenlink

A bill that aims to advance homosexuality in public schools is back, making its way through the California Legislature. SB 777 would ban any textbook or program in schools that "reflects adversely" on or "promotes bias against" the gay community. Read
Settlement allows NJ high school students to acknowledge Day of Truth — OneNewsNow

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund have agreed to dismiss a suit they filed on behalf of a New Jersey high school student who was told he and his Christian club could not promote the annual "Day of Truth." The dismissal came after school officials agreed to create a new student speech policy. Read
How Much U.S. History Do You Know? — NBC 17

Do First-Graders Know More About Our Country's History Than You? Read
Sound Research Defends Abstinence Education — Eagle Forum

The ACLU announced in September 2006 that it would take "nationwide action" against abstinence education, especially in 18 states. 43 states participate in the State Abstinence Education Grant program, which gives them federal funds for the programs. Ohio, not one of the ACLU's 18, just became the most recent state to move away from abstinence programs. Saying he doesn't believe abstinence education really works, first-term governor Ted Strickland dropped partially matching state funds from his version of the state budget. Read
Pro-Lifers Make Impact at NEA Teacher Convention — Some Delegates 'Shocked' — Christian Newswire

Seventy-five pro-life teachers, parents/taxpayers and children/students successfully picketed the NEA convention in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 1. Aged eight to eighty, they took positions on all four corners of Arch & 11th Streets, displaying high-visibility signs and posters easily seen by thousands of NEA Delegates disembarking from shuttle buses or entering and leaving the Convention Center's doorways. Read
Settlement allows NJ high school students to acknowledge Day of Truth — OneNewsNow

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund have agreed to dismiss a suit they filed on behalf of a New Jersey high school student who was told he and his Christian club could not promote the annual "Day of Truth." The dismissal came after school officials agreed to create a new student speech policy. Read
Study links sicknesses to day-care equipment — USA Today

Fewer children and workers at out-of-home day care centers would get sick if the centers had better equipment for changing diapers, washing hands and preparing food, according to a study... For the report, researchers monitored 23 pairs of child care centers in North Carolina... Read
What Do College Students Learn in 'English'? — Eagle Forum

Cho Seung-Hui's murder of 32 students and teachers shook the nation, provoking many questions and fears. What influences are at work in our nation, adding to the confusion so many young people experience? Read
Korean Parents Take Leadership Roles in NY Schools — New America Media

Korean parents want to be actively involved in their children's education. That's why many Korean parents are being voted onto PTA and PA boards in New York City public schools. Read
Back in college for a day — Christian Science Monitor

Larry Luddecke's college days ended more than three decades ago, but his love of learning continues unabated. So when his wife gave him a birthday card this month, he was intrigued by her handwritten message: "Happy Birthday. You're going to college." Read
Young Americans Hold Conservative Views — Citizenlink

A majority opposes abortion and same-sex marriage. Read
Cell Phone Records, Purse Are Biggest Leads in Missing Wisconsin Coed Case — FOX

...The Madison Police Department and the Wisconsin Clearing House for Missing & Exploited Children and Adults sent Kelly's photo and information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Friday afternoon. Read
Girl hits head on amusement park's teacup ride — CNN

...The accident was the second of at least three serious ones in eight days at U.S. amusement parks. Read
Even professors need practice — Christian Science Monitor

Grad students at Tufts get together to learn how to teach better — a skill often overlooked in graduate programs. Read
College Freshmen Aren't Ready, Professors Say — Eagle Forum

In a recent survey, college professors said consistently that incoming freshmen are unprepared for college-level work. The survey also reveals that high school and postsecondary teachers disagree on what students should learn before starting college. 35,665 middle school, high school and postsecondary teachers participated in the survey administered by the educational assessment and research organization ACT. Read

God and Country/National Security/Politics

Virginia Soldier Killed In Iraq On July 4th — WTKR

Private First Class, Steven A. Davis, a 23-year-old soldier from Woodbridge, Virginia was killed in Baghdad on the 4th of July according to the Department of Defense. Read
6 U.S. troops killed in IraqStory Highlights — CNN

Six U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq in the past two days, the U.S. military said Monday. Read
'Sacrifice for Freedom' Memorial to be Presented to Family of Fallen Soldier at Tulsa Independence Day Event — Christian Newswire

Michael Letney, shares his vision of healing and uniting America through his original memorial design entitled Sacrifice for Freedom. Letney states, "We have not built a memorial to put in a park. We have created a memorial that can go into the living room of the family of every fallen soldier so that we can show them that we appreciate the sacrifice that they have made for us and for our country. Many have told us that this effort is bringing about comfort and healing to the families that have lost loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our dreams and our freedoms. It is helping them to remember that without a doubt, they are loved, supported, and appreciated by the people of America. " Read
Group pushing for release of two imprisoned former Border Patrol agents — OneNewsNow

A grassroots border-security organization is calling on the government to release two former Border Patrol agents who are serving long sentences for their actions in the non-lethal shooting of Mexican drug smuggler. A substantial number of people believe the men were only doing their jobs. Read
Hundreds become citizens to "dream their dreams" — Seattle Times

...Eight members of the military were among the 552 immigrants from 82 countries who took their oath of citizenship at Seattle's 23rd annual Fourth of July naturalization ceremony. Former Gov. Gary Locke, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott, Secretary of State Sam Reed and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels offered inspirational speeches and congratulations. Seated next to each other, Canadian citizen Sharon Lough and Scottish citizen Anne-Marie Trombold talked about their jobs as a kayak instructor and a physical therapist, respectively, the lives they've led since moving to the United States and their desire to vote. "I've been very apathetic with politics and realize it's time to become more involved in this nation," said Trombold, 47, who lives in Issaquah. "I'd like to be able to vote, especially for president." Both women laughed as they talked about studying hard for their citizenship tests — memorizing details about the Bill of Rights, the executive branch and the Emancipation Proclamation. Read
Farmers hurt as drought wilts much of Southeast — San Jose Mercury Times

Northern Alabama has become acre after acre of shriveled cornstalks, cracked red dirt for miles and days of unrelenting white heat. The region's most severe drought in more than a century has farmers averting their gaze from a future that looks as bleak as their fields. Read
Al Qaeda's No. 2 says end of West imminent, video showsStory Highlights — CNN

In a newly released videotaped message similar to a "fireside chat," al Qaeda's second-in-command issues advice and directives for the Muslim world, terrorism expert Laura Mansfield said Wednesday. Alman al-Zawahiri urges Muslims around the world to continue their fight against the West. In the one-hour, 34-minute video, titled "The Advice of One Concerned," Ayman al-Zawahiri includes clips from other videos and news broadcasts, including one from al-Furqan, the video production arm of the Islamic State of Iraq, according to Mansfield, who obtained the video. Al-Zawahiri says in the message that the defeat of the West is imminent, and that "the enemy" is trying to forestall the inevitable, Mansfield said. Read
State Dept. gets earful: Embassy in Iraq isn't safe — Seattle Times

U.S. diplomats in Iraq, increasingly fearful over their personal safety after recent mortar attacks inside the Green Zone, are pointing...

Read
U.S., Russia Pledge to Reduce Stockpiles of Long-Range Nuclear Weapons — FOX

The United States and Russia pledged Tuesday to reduce their stockpiles of long-range nuclear weapons "to the lowest possible" level. Read
Russians threaten to counter US shield — Financial Times

Russia could site cruise missiles in Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania, if the US goes ahead with plans for a missile defence shield in central Europe, Russia's first deputy prime minister warned on Wednesday. Read
Iran, Venezuela in "axis of unity" against U.S — Reuters

The presidents of Iran and Venezuela launched construction of a joint petrochemical plant on Monday, strengthening an "axis of unity" between two oil-rich nations staunchly opposed to the United States. Read
Mexicans Sing Age-Old Ballads of a New Life — NYT

Mexican folk ballads known as corridos have moved north with immigrants and adopted new themes. Read
Ballplayers from Cuba are now flee agents — LA Times

The 'cottage industry' of smuggling exposes lax rules in the big leagues. Read
Legal Advice Hotline for Mexican Immigrants — New America Media

The Mexican Consulate in the Central Valley subsidizes a toll-free number connecting Mexican nationals with local lawyers. Lawyers say the hotline will help those who are reluctant to report crimes because they fear being deported Read
Bush Spares Libby From Prison Sentence — WRAL

President Bush spared former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby from a 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak investigation Monday, delivering a political thunderbolt in the highly charged criminal case. Bush said the sentence was just too harsh. Read
Iraqi civilian deaths drop, but U.S. casualties go up — The Seattle Times

Iraqi civilian deaths dropped to their lowest level since the start of the Baghdad security operation, government figures showed Sunday... Read
Architect selected to revive $2 billion renovation — The Washington Times

The United Nations yesterday appointed an executive director to head the stalled $2 billion renovation of its New York headquarters, a giant step toward getting the massive project back on track. Read
Coffeyville Kansas refinery under 4-6 feet of water — Reuters

Coffeyville Resources' oil refinery in Kansas was submerged under four to six feet of water due to flooding, a Montgomery County Emergency Management coordinator said Tuesday. Read
U.S. approves contacts with Muslim Brotherhood: 'Region is going Islam' — World Tribune

The Bush administration has been quietly engaging the Muslim Brotherhood movement. Read
Mom sues over killer's 90-minute executionStory Highlights — CNN

The mother of a condemned inmate whose execution took an hour longer than is typical sued the head of Ohio's prisons on Monday. Read
Secret Document: U.S. Fears Terror 'Spectacular' Planned — ABC

A secret U.S. law enforcement report, prepared for the Department of Homeland Security, warns that al Qaeda is planning a terror "spectacular" this summer, according to a senior official with access to the document. Read
Putin arrives in U.S. for 2-day visit with the Bushes — Int'l Herald Tribune

President Vladimir Putin of Russia arrived at the Bush family compound here late Sunday for a two-day visit during which he and President George W. Bush were planning to mix the relaxation of family and fishing with the anxiety of a growing list of divisive issues.

Read
Gertz: New U.S. export controls provide 'target list' to China military intelligence — The Washington Times

Defense officials say new Commerce Department export controls on goods to China will assist Beijing's intelligence services in identifying U.S. technology for purchase or theft for its military buildup. The Commerce Department announced on June 15 that it is loosening export licensing requirements for some goods with military applications sold to China and imposing new licensing rules on a list of items that could help build China's military. "The list is a road map for the Ministry of State Security weapons collection efforts, in essence a target list," said one defense official of China's civilian intelligence service. Read
Belarus blasts U.S. shield, vows to work with Russia — Reuters

President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday Belarus would disregard its economic rows with Russia and work closer with Moscow to counter U.S. plans to erect an anti-missile system in eastern Europe. Read
Obama raises record $32.5 million — LA Times

In the second quarter of 2007, he trounces even Clinton, his closest Democratic presidential rival, who raised $27 million. Read
More marshals for overseas flights — Seattle Times

The U.S. is adding air marshals to overseas flights because of concerns about potential terrorism threats originating in Britain and Europe, the homeland-security chief said Sunday. Read
Airports Heighten Security in Wake of U.K. Threats — ABC News

Travelers Contend with Delays as Airports Boost Security Measures Read
US: Iran using Hizbullah in Iraq fight — Ynet News

Iran is using the Lebanese Shiite militia Hizbullah as a "proxy" to arm Shiite militants in Iraq and Tehran's elite Quds force helped militants carry out a January attack in Karbala in which five Americans died, a US general said Monday. Read
Hopes dim for revival of SS United States — USA Today

...Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) bought the United States in 2003, saying it hoped to make it the fourth ship in the line's U.S.-flagged fleet. Losses in the line's Hawaii cruise business recently forced it to announce plans to reduce that fleet from three ships to two. Read
Another wild ride billed to taxpayers — LA Times

No driver's license? No problem. Read
U.S. forces kill Al Qaida's Mosul commander — World Tribune

The U.S. military has reported the killing of another senior Al Qaida leader during the June offensive against the terror network. Officials said American troops killed the commander of Al Qaida in Mosul as he was reaching for his pistol. A statement said the so-called emir, identified as Khalid Sultan Khulayf Shakir Al Badrani, was killed on June 25 in the northern Iraqi city. Read
Murdoch's dealings in China: Building personal ties for business — NYT

Many big companies have sought to break into the Chinese market over the past two decades, but few of them have been as ardent and unrelenting as Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Murdoch has flattered Communist Party leaders and done business with their children. His Fox News network helped China's leading state broadcaster develop a news Web site. He joined hands with the Communist Youth League, a power base in the ruling party, in a risky television venture, his China managers and advisers say. Murdoch's third wife, Wendi, is a mainland Chinese who once worked for his Hong Kong-based satellite broadcaster, Star TV. Her role in managing investments and honing elite connections in China has underscored uncertainties within the Murdoch family about how the family-controlled company will be run after Murdoch, 76, retires or dies. Read
Land Conservationists Take on the National Guard — NYT

In Pennsylvania, charges have flown about a lack of concern for the public and past environmental abuses by the

National Guard. Read
Nolan Ryan to make sales pitch for U.S. beef in Japan — Reuters

Hall of Fame major league baseball player Nolan Ryan will be visiting Japan this month in a new role — to make a sales pitch for beef from the United States, now struggling to regain its former position as a top supplier. Read
Mexican tycoon overtakes Bill Gates as world's richest man — Guardian Unlimited

Microsoft founder Bill Gates looks to have lost his title as the world's richest man, toppled from top spot by the Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim. Read
Asian Business Growing Fast in Massachusetts — New America Media

More than 18,000 Asian-owned businesses operated in the state in 2002, a 44% increase from 1997. During the same time period, the number of all Massachusetts firms increased by only 5% Read

Pornography/Homosexuality/Immorality/Obscenity/Violence

Gay Agenda: You're Going Down! — Laigle's Forum

...Now "alternative" sexual lifestyles are all the rage. They too are killing people. And again, it's the "intellectual" cool, liberal, worldly, suave thing to do. The usual suspects are involved. All the big name colleges have special programs for promoting "alternative" sex. Businesses promote the Gay Olympics. Politicians like Barney Frank think they can foist alternative sex on people through their power positions. Hollywood uses its influence to turn the Marlboro Man into a spokesman for today's popular deadly activity. It's just like the bad old days of Big Tobacco, and the Grim Reaper is having a gay old time (pun intended). Even high-ranking officials, like Stephen Glassman, Chair of the PA Human Relations Committee for example, are urging people to accept this deadly habit as a mainstream institution that deserves the sanction of the State and our religious institutions. Clergy would certainly be strongarmed into performing "alternative marriages" if this happened, of course. Otherwise they'd be in violation of civil rights law. Freedom of religion would be thereby abolished, via the backdoor, like every other liberal agenda item. Read

Related
UK Minister Pledges Government Collaboration with Gay Activists in Stopping "Homophobic Bullying" in Schools — LifeSiteNews

Britain's minister for Children, Schools and Families told gay activists yesterday that the Labour government is committed to working closely with the homosexual activist organization Stonewall in eradicating "homophobic bullying" in schools. He told activists that new government guidelines are planned that will "compel" faith schools to comply with the homosexual movement's agenda to normalize homosexuality and outlaw opposition. Read
POLL: The media and Michael Glatze — OneNewsNow

Michael Glatze, a former homosexual activist and a leader in that movement, announced on Tuesday he has left that lifestyle — and is crediting Jesus with his transformation. We asked you how you thought the mainstream media would react. Find out how your fellow OneNewsNow.com readers responded. Read
Exodus Conference Offers Hope to Hundreds — Citizenlink

The 32nd annual Exodus International conference is underway in Irvine, Calif., and God is at work. "We've already seen an amazing turnout, amazing response, amazing speakers," said Randy Thomas, executive vice president of Exodus. "The Lord has really done a great work so far in the conference." Read
'Gay' Pre-Teen Children Sought by Add Verb Productions -The Christian Civic League Record

Add Verb Productions of Portland, Maine is soliciting homosexual youth as young as twelve years old for their Gay, Lesbian, BiSexual, Transgendered, Questioning, and Allied (GLBTQ & A) Youth Writing Project according to flyers currently being distributed locally. The pre-teen homosexual youth project is being led by Add Verb Productions Program Assistant Tess Van Horn, who works for the Portland-based non-profit agency as an Americorps VISTA volunteer. Van Horn attended the recent Portland (ME) Dyke March, and solicited homosexual youth for the project. Read
Longfellow Monument "Dyke Square" Vandalism — The Christian Civic League Record

On Friday, June 29, an email was sent from Portland Dyke March organizer Jill Barkley to the League, reporting that the Longfellow Square monument in Portland had been vandalized. She asserted the League encouraged the criminal activity by publishing news articles on the annual Portland Dyke March and Portland's Add Verb Productions homosexual/transgendered youth writing project. Read

Other News

Airport car bombers hoped to murder hundreds — London Telegraph

The Glasgow airport car bomb was intended to create a devastating fireball which would have swept through the heart of the main terminal building, killing and maiming hundreds of innocent people, it emerged last night. Read
Ross: Risk of war — Ynet News

Dennis Ross, the former senior American Middle East peace negotiator, says he thinks "there is a risk of war" between Israel and Syria this summer. Read
'Europe has been saved': Sarkozy calls on EU to do more — EU Business

Proclaiming "Europe has been saved" with a new treaty, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Monday on the EU to open debate on a string of prickly issues, from borders to the euro. Read
In Iraq Parliament, Disputes Delay U.S.-Backed Oil Bill — The New York Sun

Attempts to pass a key oil law sought by the American government were snarled once more yesterday by deep differences among Iraq's Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish leaders, delaying Parliament debate despite the prime minister's claims of a breakthrough. Read
Mexico's feared band of hired guns takes a hit — LA Times

...Since taking office in December, President Felipe Calderon has declared an aggressive war on drugs and deployed thousands of federal troops throughout several Mexican states. Read
Earthquake strikes southern Mexico — OneNewsNow

A strong earthquake shook parts of southern Mexico on Thursday night, sending thousands of residents fleeing into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injury or damage. Read
'Scepticism' over climate claims — BBC News

The public believes the effects of global warming on the climate are not as bad as politicians and scientists claim, a poll has suggested. Read
British police arrest 5th suspect — The Washington Post

British police arrested a fifth person Sunday and raided homes in three cities in connection with attempted car bombings. — Read

NYT Related
British police may have found bomb-making house — OneNewsNow

Police searched for evidence Thursday in a Scottish house that may have been used to produce the makeshift bombs that failed to explode in three attempted terror attacks on London and the Glasgow airport, officials and news reports said. Read
Researcher spots China's new nuclear sub on Google Earth — World Tribune

A satellite image of China's new nuclear ballistic missile submarine is available on the Google Earth Internet site. Read
'Terror ringleader' is brilliant NHS doctor — Daily Mail

The suspected ringleader of the Al Qaeda car bombers is a brilliant neurologist working for the NHS, it was revealed today. Read
Hamas TV Mickey Mouse beaten to death by Israeli — becomes Martyr in final episode — Worthy News

The Hamas satellite TV channel has responded to the international controversy over its hatred-spouting Mickey Mouse clone by having the character beaten to death by an Israeli and becoming a Shahid, martyr for Allah. Read
No Oil Yet, but African Isle Finds Dealings Slippery — NYT

The tiny island nation of São Tome may have attracted oil-related corruption without producing any oil. Read
Explosives-Packed Car Defused in London — AOL

Police thwarted an apparent terror attack Friday near Piccadilly Circus, defusing an explosive car loaded with gas cylinders, nails and a detonator after an ambulance crew reported seeing smoke coming from the vehicle. Read
Gaddafi dreams of leading US of Africa — London Telegraph

Colonel Gaddafi yesterday called for the creation of a "United States of Africa," and appeared to be positioning himself to be its first leader. Read
Israeli missile takes out Iran-backed missile developer — World Tribune

Israel has killed the head of missile development of the Iranian-sponsored Islamic Jihad.

An Israel Air Force aircraft fired an air-to-ground missile that killed Raid Farouna in Gaza City. Farouna was identified as the director of Jihad's missile program. Read
PM: Israel will push forward with crackdown on PA militants — Ha'aretz

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday said the Israel Defense Forces would push forward with the latest crackdown on Palestinian militants, despite Israel's warming ties with the new Palestinian government in the West Bank. Read

Daily Star
IDF carries out massive exercise on Golan — Ha'aretz

The Israel Defense Forces this week carried out one of the largest infantry exercises of recent years in the Golan Heights region, training for conflict with Syria and Hezbollah. Read

Jersulem Post
China's utterly distorted economy is a train wreck waiting to happen — World Tribune

China's subsidies for exports, barriers to imports, a phenomenal savings rate so high there is a totally distorted consumer economy, corruption so widespread it is an economic factor, politicized lending for bankrupt state-owned enterprise, giantism in premature infrastructure, a skyrocketing military expenditure, an overload of mammoth foreign exchange holdings, a collapsed tax system, regional boondoggling out of the center's control, a falling rural standard of living, etc., etc., have despite its rapid GNP growth created a totally distorted economy hurtling toward crisis. Read
Argentine First Lady Seeks Presidency — NYT

President Nestor Kirchner has tapped his wife, Sen. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, to take his place as the ruling coalition candidate in October presidential elections. Read
Saudis buying influence in Gaza — World Tribune

Saudi Arabia is bidding to become a major player in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources said Saudi Arabia is financing militia chiefs in the Gaza Strip, notably exiled PA security chief Mohammed Dahlan, in an attempt to expand the kingdom's influence. Read
Beijing insists on 'tied aid' in Africa that benefits China enterprises — Financial Times

The much-trumpeted $5bn China-Africa Development Fund, portrayed by Beijing as economic assistance, will be used to invest exclusively in Chinese enterprises and their projects in the continent. Such policy of "tying" aid to purchasing goods and services from the donor country has been attacked by development experts as wasteful and inefficient, and most donor governments have been abandoning the practice. State-owned China Development Bank was due to launch the first $1bn phase of the fund on Tuesday for Chinese businesses whose "trade and economic activities have reached or will reach Africa," as well as companies and projects in Africa in which Chinese enterprises have invested, according to the fund's official mandate. Investments will concentrate in companies and projects related to natural resources, as well as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and industrial parks set up by Chinese companies in Africa, the bank said. Read

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Index of Weekly Issues Alerts

2007

2006