Police ‘Regret’ Airing of Shooter’s Video

Staff / Truthdig Apr 20, 2007 The superintendent of the Virginia state police has politely criticized NBC for airing the Virginia Tech shooter's video diatribe. The head of NBC News defended the decision to broadcast the footage, saying: "I'm not sure we'll ever fully understand why this happened, but I do think this is as close as we'll come to having a glimpse inside the mind of a killer." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Virginia Shooter Had No Difficulty Buying Guns

Staff / Truthdig Apr 18, 2007 As more details emerge from the massacre at Virginia Tech, it has become tragically clear that the least remarkable aspect of the crime was the purchase of the weapons that killed 33 people. An investigation has found that Cho Seung-Hui bought two pistols quickly, affordably and, for the most part, legally. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Imus Distraction

James Harris / Truthdig Apr 17, 2007 Truthdig's resident analyst of racial politics argues that the firing of Don Imus will not alleviate the more pressing problems plaguing the black community. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

In Their Place

Paul Cummins / Truthdig Apr 11, 2007 After 400 years of abuse, African-Americans continue to struggle with an inequitable America. If we're serious about leaving no child behind, we should start by offering black families a fair shot in life. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

In Orlando, Charity Can Be a Crime

Staff / Truthdig Apr 6, 2007 A 21-year-old Floridian was arrested in Orlando for feeding a group of 30 homeless people. It is illegal in Orlando to feed more than 25 destitute people without a permit, which can be obtained only twice a year. As if to drive home the absurdity of the law, authorities took a sample of Eric Montanez's illegal stew for evidence. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Defense Contractor Jeopardized U.S. Soldiers

Staff / Truthdig Mar 28, 2007 ITT, the premier night vision equipment supplier to the US military, will pay $100 million in fines for violating the Arms Exports Control Act by sending sensitive information to China, Singapore and Britain without permission The U attorney in charge of the case said American soldiers were the "principal victims of ITT's crimes". Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Chiquita’s Slipping Appeal

Amy Goodman / Truthdig Mar 21, 2007 What do Osama bin Laden and Chiquita bananas have in common? Both have used their millions to finance terrorism. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

The Invisible City: Entering Oakland

James Harris / Truthdig Mar 11, 2007 In 2006 alone, 148 people were murdered in the streets of Oakland, most of them African-American. Today the epidemic of violence continues unabated and largely ignored. Truthdig contributor James Harris reports on the forgotten crisis that threatens to tear his city apart. Dig deeper ( 10 Min. Read )

FBI Abuses Patriot Act Powers

Staff / Truthdig Mar 9, 2007 An internal Justice Department investigation has documented multiple abuses by the FBI in obtaining the private records of U.S. residents. Even with the broad powers of the Patriot Act in place, the bureau is still required to certify that the phone, e-mail and financial documents it seeks are at least related to investigations of terrorism or intelligence activities. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Another Russian Journalist Dies Prematurely

Staff / Truthdig Mar 7, 2007 Police say Ivan Safronov, a military correspondent for a major Russian newspaper, jumped out of a fifth-floor window. But the media and friends say it's likelier that he was murdered because his reporting had embarrassed Vladimir Putin's government. Thirteen Russian journalists were killed in 2006, making it the third-most-dangerous country to report from. (h/t: Largest Minority) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Soldier Gets 100 Years for Rape and Murder

Staff / Truthdig Feb 23, 2007 Sgt. Paul Cortez has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for his role in the rape of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and the murder of her and her family. Cortez testified that he and two other soldiers chose the family because it was an "easy target." The gang rape, murder and mutilation of the girl (the soldiers burned her corpse) outraged Iraqis. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

New Mexico Tries Talking Urinals

Staff / Truthdig Feb 18, 2007 New Mexico's transportation department has installed 500 talking deodorizers in urinals around the state in an effort to curb drunk driving. The motion-activated device plays a recorded message that encourages the captive listener to phone a friend or a cab if he has "had one too many." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )