Lauren+Jackson

Lauren Jackson

 Controversy still remains in Hungary after the new constitution was passed into law. Although the constitution stated to strengthen democracy, only one party voted for the constitution. The Fidesz party has a two-thirds majority and can pass laws over opposition that will be difficult to alter in the future. Some opponents to the new constitution believe that the issues over the rights of unborn children, marriage, and prison sentences should not be forever molded into the constitution but handled by society to fit its current needs. Opponents also criticize the Fidesz party of imposing right wing views on Hungary through its majority. I think that Hungary needs to set up a better system of checks and balances in their lawmaking process to prevent a massive majority of the Fidesz party and other parties in the future. - []  The Supreme Court decided that people who have the threat of being sent to jail for not paying child support should not be entitled to court appointed lawyers. Although the Sixth Amendment states that criminals have the right to an attorney, the Supreme Court says that these cases differ. Child support cases are not considered “criminal” cases and therefore do not have to adhere to the Sixth Amendment. Also by allowing the defendant to have a lawyer in such cases does an injustice for the other parent who is not receiving child support nor has the legal aid in the courtroom of a lawyer. I agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling if they continue with their motion to listen to the defendant’s plea about their economic standing as well as the facts. - []  Many believe that a tax break would be one of the best ways to eventually reduce the nation’s deficit and restore the economy. The tax break, also known as a reparation holiday, would produce revenue from companies and return it to the United States. Research has shown that tax breaks may produce more money for the United States but does not guarantee increased employment or investment. Although U.S. companies would be gaining money, if it is not used to increase job opportunities, the economy still cannot grow. I do not think we should have major tax breaks for companies for this reason but should focus on the individuals who need help and benefits. - []  King Abdullah II of Jordan brought in new cabinet members on Saturday July 2nd. Many Jordanians took part in demonstrations on Friday demanding a positive change from corruption in government. Jordanians had been protesting since January. A main target of such protests was the former interior minister, Saad Hayel Srour. Srour is known to have taken part in a scandal that released a wealthy businessman from prison for a “medical operation” that in actuality never occurred. King Abdullah II, however, is working towards greater democracy by promising that the future prime ministers will be elected instead of appointed. I think the proposals of King Abdullah II for more democratic legislature is a necessary change that the Jordanians will support as a means for eradicating corruption. - The New York Times (July 3) Ethan Bronner  New York recently adopted same-sex marriage, the sixth state to do so. Many groups including the National Organization for Marriage oppose the new same-sex marriage laws and are protesting against them. While six states have adopted same-sex marriage, twenty-nine other states have adopted constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriages. Also opponents protest same-sex marriages through a “people’s referendum”. For example, in Maine in 2009, the governor created a bill allowing same-sex marriages which was later defeated through a referendum. I recognize the right the public has to a referendum but think that denying same-sex marriages denies American citizens their right to be treated equally. - The New York Times (July 3) Erik Eckholm and Katharine Q Seelye  Both Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase are modifying mortgage loans for borrowers without a request. Having Option ARM loans allowed borrowers for a time to not pay the principal payment and even part of the interest payment. Then whatever amount was unpaid would be calculated into the rest of the loan. The banks explain their actions by stating that they began this method to help borrowers with their payments and prevent debt on their part. Also when the borrowers are in debt, the banks also suffer from the borrowers inability to make payments and eventually go into debt as well, as in the house market plunge. I think it is important to prevent a greater crisis from developing by helping those who have the possibility of getting into trouble but a greater effort should be put forward to help those who are already in trouble. - The New York Times (July 3) David Streitfeld  In the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday July 9, 2011, police officers used tear gas and arrested almost 1,700 protestors associated with the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (also known as Berish). Although Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with democratic elections, Berish believes that the elections are not democratic enough. For example, they are demanding that measures should be taken to prevent voters from voting more than once, that a royal commission oversee the elections, and that bias between opposing parties will not affect news media coverage and/or content. The government, however, refused to recognize Berish because Berish had not registered as an organization and therefore considered illegal. Berish, however, claims that it is a coalition of sixty-two nongovernmental organizations. I believe Berish should have the right to protest for greater democracy for elections. - The New York Times (July 10) Liz Gooch  President Obama announced that in a plan to improve the education system and graduation rates, federal funding for vocational training at public high schools and community colleges will decrease. Based on research that shows that job opportunities are more available to college degree holders, President Obama hopes that America will have the highest percentage of college graduates by the year 2020. Many argue the funding cuts for vocational programs stating that jobs are available after such training and a steady middle-class income. Opponents believe that technical jobs (acquired after training in a vocational program) are needed for the workforce to grow. I can see the point of views of both sides but think that funds for vocational programs in high schools should be cut back to improve and expand the academics of the entire school. But I do not think funds for vocational schools should be cut in community colleges. I think after completing high school and experiencing a well-rounded education (not only focused on one subject or trade), students should be able to make a well informed decision whether or not a vocational program is best for them and should not be inhibited from entering such programs. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The New York Times (July 10) Motoko Rich <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> In America, 9.2 percent of working citizens are unemployed. This article relates the lack of political power and change with this percentage of Americans. With such lack of power as a group, the focus on the economy has quickly shifted to the deficit and other issues rather than unemployment. Also, unlike in the past, labor unions today are not as strong of a support system and they tend to focus on the specific union members at a workplace. I disagree with the article and think that most policy makers do recognize unemployment as an important economic issue that needs to be addressed but cannot address it until more time sensitive issues, like the deficit, are managed. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The New York Times (July 10) Catherine Rampell <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> The Quadriga, a German organization, gives an award out to four recipients each year on October 3rd. This ritual began to honor the reunification of East and West Germany. The award does not have any specific qualifications, just that recipients of the award are considered people who live their lives by a set of values. Controversy over the award began, however, when it was published that Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would receive the award. The Quadriga canceled the award after Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic, was going to return his award. Before choosing Putin for the award, Dmitri Medvedev was suggested for the award because he promoted a more liberal stance. I agree that Medvedev would have been a less controversial recipient especially since Putin served as a part of the KGB in Germany and the award honors the end of communism in Germany with the reunification of East and West Germany. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The New York Times (July 17) Nicholas Kulish <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> As candidates for the presidential race begin to campaign, many believe it to be the upmost importance for candidates to state their positions and not waver. Republican presidential hopefuls have been asked to sign pledges, for example, to their spouses and to their conservative views. Supporters of the pledges believe that it would keep the candidates, if elected, from swaying on political matters when pressured. Opponents, however, point out that the pledges also prevent candidates from achieving the majority of what they are working for as well. I agree that pledges prevent both Republicans and Democrats from getting accomplishments. I think the pledges are a bad idea because although one wants a candidate that will support the views they advocated while campaigning, the candidate becomes useless once elected if they are not willing to compromise. Without compromises, change can never occur because opposing views will never fully agree. I think a leader must distinguish between things they can tolerate and not advocate and things they cannot tolerate at all, allowing for change that will never happen without compromises. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The New York Times (July 17) Trip Gabriel <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> After the chaos and evaluating of banks’ actions of bundling loans into mortgage securities and then foreclosures, concern is on how these banks assess the value of second liens. For example, some worry that although the banks benefit from the second liens, servicers will have to foreclose on the first loan. Some major banks are considering most second liens as good as long as owners are paying at least the minimum payments. Home prices must stabilize soon though to prevent wholesale write-downs on liens. I support the actions of the banks that recognize and cooperate with owners who are paying at least the minimum of their payments. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The New York Times (July 17) Gretchen Morgenson <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Friday in Olso, Norway, Anders Behring Breivik went to the island of Utoya dressed as a cop carrying two guns and killed ninety two people. The majority of the victims were teenagers on the island at a Labor Party camp. The right wing extremist killed others in a span of ninety minutes before the police captured him. The crimes committed were supposed to be a stance against multiculturalism and immigration. I think this is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly but I also want to recognize a quote from Sigrid Skeie Tjensvoll, an onlooker to the damage, in the article. Before Breivik was captured, a Muslim group was mistakenly thought to be the bombers. Tjensvoll said “If Islamic people do something bad, you think, ‘Oh, it’s Muslims,’ [...] But if a white Protestant does something bad, you just think he’s mad. That’s something we need to think about”. I think that getting rid of bias and prejudice against anything “different” that has been passed down through conditioning will help eventually bring to an end some tragedies like this recent one in Norway. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 24) Will Englund and Michael Birnbaum <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> A presidential order has been made for NASA to be ready for its next mission by 2025. Although President George W. Bush made plans for the return to the moon, President Obama has made the change for the next mission to be to an asteroid. A trip to an asteroid proves to be a better test for a larger goal to eventually travel to Mars. This mission could offer valuable information about the beginnings of the planetary system. I think it is a great idea to continue projects with the space program and that it would be beneficial because it would offer jobs and be a great educational experience as well. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 24) Seth Borenstein <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> This article describes the pressing issue on the American economy to raise the debt limit before the deadline when the government would lack enough money to pay all bills and debt interest. If the government, however, cannot accomplish this task, most investors expect that the Treasury would use daily tax receipts for debt. The government has already considered that outcome and recognized that only sixty percent of bills could be paid. An auction will take place on August 4th where hopefully investors will buy Treasury bonds which would support the economy. Treasury bonds are normally the source of collateral for banks that borrow from money market funds. If a downgrade in the economy occurs, more collateral might be required for borrowing which could cause credit problems. I agree to spare the economy the debt ceiling must be raised soon. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 24) Zachary A. Goldfarb <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Saturday, July 30th, many teachers, parents, and other advocates participated in the “Save Our Schools March”. The main point of contention with protestors is the emphasis put on standardized tests which heavily affects the fate of the school, students, and even teachers. The shift is often noted back to the No Child Left Behind Act which was passed in 2002 under President George W. Bush. Many hoped that with the election of President Barack Obama that the act would be revised in favor of the protestors but no such changes have yet been made. Schools classified as “failing” through the scale of standardized test scores suffer in the opinion of the protestors who believe that students are forced to spend too much time with test preparation around a specific curriculum instead of actually learning. It has been said that such a curriculum “stifles imagination” and proves harmful for our school systems. I know that standardized tests are important in a student’s career but I think that more effort should be put into improving education overall through daily classes so that students can benefit from more than a high test score, but from an well-rounded education which will encourage students to graduate and possibly even seek higher education. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 31) Michael Alison Chandler and Sarah Khan <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Friday, July 29th, four major Turkish military leaders resigned showing the changes in the structure and power of the military in Turkey. This event supports the gradual shift from a dominating military power to a growing civilian government overseen by the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey continues at attempts to become more democratic and the fact that military leaders resigned rather than staging a coup supports such democratic influences. Although some are wary of such changes, the majority of the people support the transition. Although there might be tension between the military and civilian government, I think the growing power of the civilian government will be a beneficial change that can generate greater democracy and more input from the public <span style="color: red; font-family: 'times new roman','serif';">. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 31) Gul Tuysuz and Liz Sly <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index reached its biggest weekly loss in a year after U.S. stocks decreased for five days. Concern and debate also surround the issue of whether Republicans and the Democrat-controlled Senate can form a deal by the August 2nd deadline that will allow the nation to borrow. If the deadline is not extended before the announcement of sales, the treasury plans to delay the auctions of U.S. notes and bonds. Another method or substitute suggested would be to sell cash-management bills. I think leaders must focus on planning a new deal and compromise because I think most of the problem of finding a solution to the issue is Republican and Democratic party leaders unwilling to compromise. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (July 31) Bloomberg News <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Since the rescue of the thirty three miners in Chile last year, the miners have been revered as heroes for their bravery. When the president of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, and the miners went to mass and the opening of an exhibit about the miners’ survival story, however, chaos ensued. Many students, miners, and environmentalists attended to protest. The rescued miners were accused of “selling out” to the government for not pushing the miners’ lawsuit. The government has avoided the lawsuit by claiming that it cannot make the payments without over taxing Chilean citizens. I think that everyone should have their right to peaceful protest but the protestors crossed the line by throwing fruit and stones at the rescued miners no matter the issue. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 7) Eva Vergara <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Saturday, the group Anonymous admitted to hacking into over seventy law enforcement web sites. Anonymous leaked sensitive information of records and about ongoing investigations. Of the information leaked were e-mails from officers, public tips for investigations, credit card numbers, and pictures. Anonymous justifies the hackings as a way to reveal the “corrupt nature” of law enforcement to prevent it from further terrorizing the public. Although law enforcement claimed to not having lost any information, law enforcement has targeted Anonymous and followed up on hacks. I think that the participants of the Hacks should seriously be punished for their actions because they endangered not only themselves, but also police officers and citizens who have contacted law enforcement. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 7) Nomaan Merchant and Raphael G. Satter <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> The U.S. credit rating has been in danger of a downgrade if the national debt is not reduced by four trillion dollars in the next decade. A plan was reached on Tuesday to lower the national debt but the credit rating was downgraded on Friday. Standard and Poor sent a copy of the downgrade report to the Treasury and informed the Treasury that there would be a downgrade. The Treasury, however, found an error in the report where it stated that the debt would reach 22.1 trillion dollars in the next ten years when it should have stated 20.1 trillion dollars. Standard and Poor recognized the mistake but still decided to follow through on the downgrade. Standard and Poor support their decision from the partisan disagreements that had made solutions difficult and stand a threat for the future as well. I do not think that the downgrade stands as a greater threat than America’s current economic problems anyway and could serve as positive motivation to create compromises for economic solutions. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 7) Zachary A. Goldfarb <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Japan is currently struggling against debt and must determine whether to increase taxes or not. Despite the support of finance bureaucrats and the majority of citizens, politicians are debating whether to raise taxes, and if so, by how much. Some believe that raising taxes would cause short term economic damage. In the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear emergency this past March, Japan must produce twenty three trillion dollars in the next decade for reparations. Japan has not yet declared a plan of action for this issue but I think they should increase taxes and focus on a long-term plan but create some sort of support system for those who cannot afford an increase. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 14) Chico Harlan <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Saturday participants in the Republican presidential race campaigned in Ames, Iowa for the Ames Straw Poll. Michelle Bachmann came in first followed by Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, and Herman Cain respectively. Mitt Romney, who has been leading the way in the Republican presidential race, did not travel to Ames, Iowa, however, but campaigned in New Hampshire. After her recent win in Iowa, Bachmann is proving to be a serious contender against Romney. More action will also occur in the Republican presidential race because Rick Perry officially entered the race on Saturday. I agree that Bachmann will be a strong opponent to Mitt Romney but I do not think his campaign will be hurt too much by her winning in Iowa if he gains support for his campaign in New Hampshire. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 14) Dan Balz and Amy Gardner <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Many doubt that the twelve congressional members of the deficit reduction panel will be able to find a viable solution to America’s debt problem. The panel aims to cut the deficit by 1.2 trillion dollars in the next decade. Concern has evolved in the aftermath of recent failures of solution plans because of disagreements between the Republican and Democratic parties. For example, the Republican stance on the issue would be to make alterations in programs like Medicare and Social Security while the Democratic stance would be to raise taxes on the wealthy. The panel, however, hopes to compromise on such issues to come to an agreement by the November 23rd deadline to gain approval from Congress by Christmas, after which, automatic cuts will be made if an agreement has not yet been reached. Many, however, criticize the creation of the deficit reduction panel, calling it “anti-democratic” by excluding the input of the rest of the legislature. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 14) Rosalind S. Helderman and Felicia Sonmez <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Kim Jong Il, the leader of North Korea, met with the president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday. After the decline of the Soviet Union, the nation’s relationship with North Korea weakened, in turn causing North Korea to become financially dependent on China. Kim Jong Il, however, searches for opportunities to gain economic stability independent of China as North Korea hopes to increase in prosperity in the time leading up to the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of King Il Sung. Medvedev hopes to gain an economic alliance with North Korea by cooperating to build a railway and gas pipeline across the two nations. Kim Jung Il responded to Menvedev’s letters and invitations by stating that the two nations will indeed increase cooperation for both nations’ needs. I agree that it would be in North Korea’s best interests to find other alliances other than China to gain economic stability but believe it might be difficult for Korea to do so because China has the dominant position in their relationship. China would not want North Korea to strengthen their relationship with Russia if that would weaken China’s benefits from North Korea’s dependence. Therefore North Korea must be careful with their dealings with other nations to prevent negative consequences from China which already holds a major role in the North Korea’s economy. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 21) Chico Harlan <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Rick Perry, governor of Texas, visited Greenville, South Carolina to gain endorsements as a republican presidential hopeful. He hopes to gain support from this region that has a conservative majority but Rep. Michelle Bachmann, who also has support from a conservative audience, stands a threat to Perry. Perry calls for cutting taxes and lowering regulations. While in Greenville, Perry pointed out his disagreements with the current Obama administration. For example, he stated that more focus should be put on creating jobs for the unemployed and not on food stamps. I disagree with Perry’s stance on food stamps because although I believe we should focus on creating more jobs, I believe that taking away food stamps would be harmful to our society because no matter how many jobs are created, people will always be in need and should have a source of support through their personal life emergencies. Also by getting rid of the food stamp system, the many Americans who work in state or city social services departments in the food stamp divisions will lose their jobs, creating greater unemployment. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 21) Philip Rucker <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Perry Vieth, the co-founder of Ceres Partners, is an example of the growing investments in agriculture. Investments in farmland and crops have proved successful for it is an indispensable commodity that will always be sold. Investments in agriculture have also found support because of the growth in the demand of food globally with the population increase of middle classes in China, India, and elsewhere. Many fear, however, that similar to the housing market, farmland will become a bubble and hurt both investors and the economy. I think that agriculture would be a good investment but believe that if too many people invest in agriculture, it would have a counter effect. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Washington Post (August 21) Seth Lubove <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> Rebels in Libya have pushed regime loyalists to the outskirts of Tripoli. Rebels are also making an effort open a supply road between Tripoli and Tunisia but have not yet succeeded. Rebels are also facing other challenges, for example, a lack of electricity and water throughout the city but supplies are said to be on the way. The rebels are depending on NATO for assistance through bombings so that the rebel forces have a clear path into Sirte, Gadhafi’s hometown. I think that with the help of NATO and other organizations, the rebel force can succeed. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Richmond Times-Dispatch (August 29) The Associated Press <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> On Saturday, Hurricane Irene hit multiple states along the eastern coast from North Carolina to as far north as some parts in Canada. Over six thousand troops were told to prepare to help with relief work by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. This hurricane has threatened the most people in America’s recorded history. About one million buildings lost power on Saturday and over two million people were ordered to evacuate their area. So far five deaths can be attributed to Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene created damage and I think it will take much planning to help those recover what was lost or damaged. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Richmond Times-Dispatch (August 29) David Ranii and Martin Merzer <span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif';"> While a quarter of Americans losing the struggle to house payments, people with over one million dollars in liquid assets experienced an increase in wealth. The Global Wealth and Investment Management division of Bank of America, which works with high-net-worth individuals, also experienced an increase in first quarter revenue. Because of the profits gained from the high-net-worth audience, banks are increasingly focusing on wealth management. After the credit crisis in 2009, many people desire management advice over that about investments. I think it’s good that banks are branching out because it might provide job openings for people for working with wealth management, but focus should not be taken off of helping other account holders searching for advice or loans. - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Richmond Times-Dispatch (August 29) St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">June 20th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Hungary’s new constitution ‘puts democracy at risk’ (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Court Issues Split Ruling on Poor’s Right to Counsel (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Companies Push for Tax Break on Foreign Cash (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">June 27th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Protests Spur Shuffle of Jordan Cabinet (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">New York’s Approval of Same-Sex Marriage Spurs Opponents for New Fights (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Big Banks Easing Terms on Loans Deemed as Risks (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">July 4th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">On Way to Rally for Election Overhaul, Malaysians Are Thwarted by Riot Police (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Tough Budget calculus as Technical Schools Face Deep Cuts (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Somehow, the Unemployed Became Invisible (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">July 11th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">German Group That Cited Putin as ‘Role Model’ Cancels Prize After Outcry (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Election cycle Emerges as the Year of the Pledge, but Some Candidates Resist (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">2nd Loans, 2nd Wave of Losses (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">July 18th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">In attacks, Norwegians see echo of Oklahoma City (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">NASA sets sights on a difficult, far-off goal (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Wall St. bracing for possible downgrade of credit rating (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">July 25th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Thousands of teachers march on Washington (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">For Turkish military, a telling change (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Uncertainty on debt drags down stocks (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">August 1st __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Protestors in Chile throw fruit, stones at rescued miners (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Hacker group leads data from U.S. sheriffs’ sites (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Debate preceded the downgrade (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">August 8th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">With debt rising, Japan debates a tax increase (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Race Is On (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Pressure mounts for deficit panel (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">August 15th __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">N. Korea’s Kim to hold talks with Medvedev (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Perry picks up key endorsement in S.C., attacks Obama (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Betting the farm- and winning (economic)
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">August 22nd __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Libyan rebels turn focus to Gadhafi’s hometown (international)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Storm heads northeast with 55 million potentially affected; troops alerted (national)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Banks place added focus on rich (economic)