Be pro-social
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.”
“Jihad is basically a constructive phenomenon. Terrorism is based on destruction alone. Jihad is permitted only for restoring peace and is a fundamental right of a human being.”
A secret US military order allows the US to attack countries where the US is not officially using military force: Pakistan, Syria, Somalia, and others. Since 2004, the US has attacked at least twelve times that were not previously reported in the press. Context of the story: Why is this important? Use of military force … Read more
The civil war in the Congo is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The fighting is causing patients to flee and possibly infect other people and it is affecting water supplies and sanitation–all contributing to the spread of the deadly disease. Context of the story: Why is this important? The civil war in the Congo, and its … Read more
Scientists used simple evolutionary techniques–breed the strongest performing cells–to design a new immune cell to fight HIV. The new cell will now be tested in mice. Context of the story: Why is this important? HIV causes AIDS. Globally, 25 million people have died of AIDS, and another estimated 33 million are infected with HIV. Who … Read more
US scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a nuclear reactor that will power 10,000 homes. It is self-contained and about the size of a shed. Context of the story: Why is this important? Nuclear power may help us reduce our use of fossil fuels that lead to global warming. Who is involved? Scientists … Read more
Pres.-elect Obama has promised to rollback the draconian restrictions imposed by Pres. Bush on travel and sending money to Cuba. Context of the story: Why is this important? The US has had a unilateral embargo against Cuba for 46 years. It has not ended Communism in Cuba and most of the world opposes the embargo. … Read more