Boring but Important
Top Democrat steps down, and more
Howard Dean announced that he would not seek a second term as Democratic Party chairman, honoring a tradition that allows the incoming president to fill the post.
Pot on the ballot, and more
State ballot initiatives to ease restrictions on marijuana use met with mixed results in three states this week.
Spy spending to drop, and more
The U.S. intelligence budget, which is believed to have doubled over the past decade to $48 billion a year, is likely to fall because of the soariing deficit and economic difficulties.
Guantánamo charges dropped, and more
The U.S. government this week dropped all charges against five suspected terrorists held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
Airport security faulted, and more
U.S. airports are vulnerable to terrorist infiltration because contractors have failed to recover security passes and uniforms from former employees, a government watchdog said.
Judge orders detainees freed
A federal judge said the Bush administration must release 17 detainees from Guantánamo Bay, rebuking the White House for denying prisoners in the “war on terror” basic legal protections.
Drug company disclosures, and more
Beginning in 2009, Eli Lilly and Merck will voluntarily disclose online the names of some of the doctors to whom they pay consulting and speaking fees.
Campaign ads vs. the truth
According to Politifact.com, the 2008 presidential campaign has featured an unprecedented spate of false and misleading advertising.
Campaign records shattered, No more snowmobiles
August was a fruitful month for both Barack Obama and John McCain—Obama raised more money than any presidential candidate in history, and McCain had his best month ever.
Jail time for lobbyist, Vulnerable to terrorism
Jack Abramoff, the Washington super-lobbyist who once boasted of his close ties to the Bush White House, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his role in a wide-ranging corruption scandal.
Aid package for Georgia, Double whammy for schools
The White House proposed a $1 billion economic aid package for the former Soviet republic of Georgia, in a move likely to raise tensions with Russia.
Fewer Americans uninsured, Stevens wins Alaska primary
The number of Americans without health insurance declined modestly from 2006 to 2007.
Species act overhaul, No charges over tainted hiring
A proposed overhaul of the 1973 Endangered Species Act would allow government officials, rather than independent experts, to evaluate the environmental impact of any changes.
Iraq’s budget surplus, Florida bank seized
Iraq’s government has a massive budget surplus, but is spending less than 1 percent of it to maintain and rebuild the country’s infrastructure.
