Be pro-social
An Australian man with Alzheimer’s tried to kill himself twice but was unsuccessful. His girlfriend helped him try a third time by providing him with a fatal dose of pills, which he took on his own. She was convicted of manslaughter. Context of the story: Why is this important? Assisted suicide is illegal in most … Read more
Raoul Weil was charged in US federal court today with helping 20,000 Americans avoid paying federal income tax by moving their money to offshore UBS accounts and then filing false forms with the IRS. Context of the story: Why is this important? The indictment alleges that the 20,000 Americans avoided paying $300 million in taxes … Read more
Doctors may have cured a man of AIDS and HIV by using a bone marrow transplant. If so, this is at least the third time a bone marrow transplant has worked. Context of the story: Why is this important? HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, currently infects 33 million people worldwide. Who is involved? Dr. … Read more
Two Klan members allegedly attacked an American because he had brown skin. A lawsuit brought by the victim and funded by the Southern Poverty Law Center is suing the Klan for inciting the violence. Context of the story: Why is this important? Racism and race-related violence is still a problem in America. Non-violent resolution to … Read more
Scientists have discovered a major new aspect of evolution–proteins that use feedback systems to control their evolutionary path. Context of the story: Why is this important? Evolution is a firmly established scientific idea, but many of its exact mechanisms are still largely unknown. Who is involved? Raj Chakrabarti, Herschel Rabitz, Stacey Springs, and George McLendon. … Read more
Gasoline is only one product refined from crude oil, and products like asphalt will not be replaced with ethanol. Context of the story: Why is this important? Crude oil use affects global warming and “energy independence”, while ethanol use affects food prices. Who is involved? Various governments mandate ethanol use in gasoline. Where is this … Read more
UN officials report rape and looting by Congolese soldiers as the rebels advance and the soldiers retreat. Context of the story: Why is this important? The civil war in the Congo had been calm for months, but in the last few weeks rebels have made advances. Diseases are spreading, people are dying, and now these … Read more
Connecticut will likely start issuing marriage licenses tomorrow to same-gender couples, as soon as a court order is finalized. Context of the story: Why is this important? Marriage status provides significant rights that no other status provides, including inheritance, child custody, and hospital visitation. Who is involved? Citizens in Connecticut sued for the right to … Read more
Florida requires drivers over 80 years old to pass a vision test when renewing their licenses. Deaths for drivers in this group have fallen 17 percent since the law took effect. Context of the story: Why is this important? Elderly drivers, as a group, have high accident rates, but new laws should not punish people … Read more
The Prime Minister of Israel said today, “There were times when we wanted to seal our presence on every inch of land — and I was one of those people — but we were wrong.”