Text Edition for July 3rd, 2008
FRONT PAGE
New drive to ban race preferences
Initiatives in three states would prohibit affirmative action in public realms.
A 'surge' unit sees change, but questions its permanence
As the US Army soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment prepare to return home this month, many question whether
the sacrifices they made will have been worth it in the end.
From a U.S. hostage in the Colombian jungle, a marriage proposal
While his Colombian girlfriend and twin sons waited, American captive Keith Stansell reached out. He was freed Wednesday.
World
In Jordan, aid for Iraqi refugees is often redirected
Millions in aid money intended to help war refugees is also helping improve Jordan's beleaguered infrastructure.
German bunker tour offers return to cold war
A bunker designed to shelter 400 people for two weeks – including the leader of the former East German state – opens for tours
in August.
Protests in Kashmir herald poll tensions
Muslim separatists celebrated the revocation of a controversial land-transfer decision, using the occasion to agitate for
independence from India.
African Union calls for unity government in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's opposition rejects calls for a unity government, however, citing perceived bias of mediator, South African President
Thabo Mbeki.
McCain visits a skeptical Latin America
Presidential hopeful John McCain visited Colombia on Tuesday and wraps up his three-day trip Thursday in Mexico.
Colombia frees Betancourt and U.S. hostages in commando raid
Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans were rescued Wednesday in a risky operation that shows the FARC rebel group in disarray.
Loved ones freed in Colombia, family members rejoice
Relatives of former hostages Ingrid Betancourt and Marc Gonsalves had come to London to raise awareness of their detention
by FARC rebels. Now, instead, they are being reunited. The families say they will continue to advocate for other hostages
still being held.
USA
Troubled economy hits women hard
Income inequality, a real estate slump, and exposure to subprime loans play a role.
'Dukes of Hazzard' devotees gather to celebrate the hit 1980s TV show
At 'DukesFest,' hundreds display their General Lee cars, dress up as Boss Hogg and Enos, and tell tales of a simpler South.
Afghanistan death toll pressures U.S., allies
Record U.S. fatalities there last month highlight the need for more troops, but reserves are few.
Guantánamo Detainees: shorter wait?
Last month's Supreme Court ruling sets new rules for judges examining habeas corpus challenges from detainees.
A town rallies around July 4 (for 224th time)
With the nation's oldest continuous Independence Day parade, Bristol, R.I., comes together.
Commentary
Fitness beyond dodgeball
Gym is required at my daughter's school. Civics isn't.
Freedom is self-correcting
It is our right to freedom that has enabled the US to achieve so much.
Private patriotism
Questioning Obama's or McCain's service to country is like asking if they love their wives.
Letters to the Editor
Readers write about floods in the Midwest.
News In Brief
The Home Forum
The art of the summertime tomato sandwich
It's a summertime specialty – when made the right way.
The bald eagle's wings of freedom
The noble bird is an ideal symbol of America.
Ice on Mars – what's in it for us?
A Christian Science perspective on daily life.
Demonyms and our fluid sense of place
Identifiers that used to anchor characteristics to communities may be slipping away in an increasingly unrooted world.