Thursday, July 17, 2008

• US HIV/AIDS Policy
• Antioch Discrimination Suit
• Iraq War Now Costing $12 Billion Per Month
• Ashcroft Testifies on Torture Memos
• Oil Speculation Bill

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US HIV/AIDS Policy

The Senate passed legislation last night authorizing $48 billion for HIV/AIDS programs worldwide – a program that originally started with $15 million in 2003. The renewal bill had been delayed for weeks, stymied by some Republicans who opposed an increase in funding, and objected to some provisions in the bill. While many welcome the boost in funding, some say the bill was compromised by Washington politics. Naji Mujahid has more from Washington.

Antioch Discrimination Suit

Civil rights lawyers filed a class action lawsuit in Federal Court against the city of Antioch, California. The suit alleges that Antioch, a working class suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area and its city police force have been engaging in a campaign of intimidation, harassment and discrimination against African American renters in Section 8 housing. Eric Klein has more.

Iraq War Now Costing $12 Billion Per Month

Most people have felt economic instability in one form or another, although critics say that not enough focus has been placed on the largest drains to the US economy: including the Iraq War, which is costing $12 billion a month. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke tried to calm economic fears as he testified before lawmakers in Washington yesterday – but the outlook is dismal. Erik Leaver is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies – he says that the costs incurred in the Iraq War need to be taken into account.

Ashcroft Testifies on Torture Memos

Meanwhile, Former Attorney General John Ashcroft testified before the house judiciary committee about what he knew and when concerning torture memos authorized by the Bush Administration for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Karen Miller has more.

Oil Speculation Bill

Renewable, oil, gas, conservation, speculation, high cost: Washington has its share of buzz words when it comes to energy – and they don't always gel. In an attempt to push forward, Congress is holding forums, information sessions, and introducing legislation to address what some would call an energy crisis - but Al Gore refers to as an energy opportunity.  FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.