Issues
TOPICS
THE NEW YORK TIMES' TIMES TOPICS [Log-in is not required for TIMES TOPICS] Each topic page collects all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on many topics. This treasure trove is available, without charge, on articles going back to 1981. |
"Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan primarily pro-con format." |
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"Abortion" updated from The New York Times' Times Topics
"'Roe v. Wade' Turns 40 but Abortion Debate is Even Older" by Julie Rovner. NPR.org 22 Jan 2013.
"Arkansas Adopts a Ban on Abortions After 12 Weeks" by Eric Eckholm. The New York Times 6 Mar. 2013. A law enacted Wednesday contradicts the 24-week limit established by the Supreme Court, and abortion rights groups have promised a suit to block the ban before it goes into effect.
"When States Abuse Women" by Nicholas D. Kristof. The New York Times 3 Mar. 2012. A new law in Texas requiring ultrasounds before an abortion comes close to state-sanctioned rape, and it's emblematic of a broad assault on women's reproductive rights at the state level. This is an opinion piece from a very reliable journalist. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: Racial Issues at Public Universities
"Justices Weigh Race as Factor at Universities" by Adam Liptak. New York Times 10 Oct. 2012. The Supreme Court debated the nature and value of diversity in higher education and the role of the courts in policing how much weight admissions officers may assign to race. Mothers Against Drunk Driving The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.
Drinking Age
Governor's Highway Safety Association
"State Highway Safety Showcase: Underage Drinking Prevention Conferences" Governor's Highway Safety Association.
"The Debate on Lowering the Drinking Age" CBS News 1 Mar. 2010. "
At the Legal Limit" by Kevin Sack.
New York Times 29 Oct. 2008.
Should the drinking age be lowered to 18? Looking for answers at the University of Florida, dubbed the nation's top party school.
ASSISTED SUICIDE, EUTHANASIA
EUTHANASIA & ASSISTED SUICIDE: BELGIUM & EUROPE and the U.S. : "For Belgium's Tormented Souls, Euthanasia-Made-Easy Beckons" by Naftali Bendavid. Wall Street Journal 15 June 2013 ProQuest Newstand. This article includes which countries already allow euthanasia, which ones are consdiering this, and which states in the U.S. allow assisted suicide now. To access from home: User name: lions Password: welcome
"
U.S. Safety Board Urges Cellphone Ban for Drivers" by Matt Richtel.
New York Times 13 Dec. 2011.
The National Transportation Safety Board said that states should ban all driver use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices, except in emergencies.
DEATH PENALTY (Capital Punishment)
DISASTERS
Earthquakes (alphabetized by location)
California
"
For 7.8 Californians, an Earthquake Drill" by Malia Wollan.
New York Times 21 Oct. 2010.
At exactly 10:21 a.m., Californians across the state dropped to the ground, crouched under the nearest desk or table and held on for dear life in a preparedness event. (mentions Loma Prieta Earthquake Oct. 17, 1989) Haiti Earthquake
"Cholera Outbreak Kills 150 in Haiti" by Donald G. McNeil Jr. New York Times 22 Oct. 2010. Relief agencies are trying to prevent a major outbreak of diarrheal diseases from spreading to tent cities. Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Crisis
"
Japan: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Crisis (2011)" updated from The New York Times’ Times Topics
"Tsunami Quake Disaster" CNN.com
"The Japan Quake" TIME.com. After Japan suffers a massive, deadly earthquake and tsunami, the country grapples with a growing humanitarian disaster and the potential for a nuclear meltdown. Use the Library SIGN IN at School and from Home: E-mail address: library@lmtsd.org Password: lions5
“In Japan, a Culture That Promotes Nuclear Dependency.” Fackler, Martin, and Norimitsu Onishi. The New York Times 30 May 2011. This article relates to reasons why Japan was so devastated by the tsunami. Tokyo has showered generous subsidies, payouts and jobs on local communities that host or expand nuclear power plants.
Virginia
"Above All Else, Eastern Quake Rattles Nerves" by Katharine Q. Seelye. New York Times 24 Aug. 2011. Several buildings in Washington remained closed Wednesday morning as engineers checked for structural damage after an earthquake on Tuesday. Hurricanes
“Hurricanes and Tropical Storms (Hurricane Sandy)” updated from The New York Times’ Times Topics
Oil Spills
"Gulf Coast Towns Brace as Huge Oil Slick Nears Marshes" by Leslie Kaufman and Campbell Robertson. New York Times 1 May 2010. With oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico unabated and officials offering little hope that the flow could be contained soon, towns prepared for an imminent environmental disaster. Tornadoes/Twisters
"Tornadoes" (Joplin, MO) updated from The New York Times’ Times Topics "
Storm Tracker"
TIME (graphics included with above article) Despite better warning systems, this year's tornado season has been the deadliest since 1953, and experts aren't sure why. Use the Library SIGN IN at School and from Home: E-mail address: library@lmtsd.org Password: lions5
GAMBLING (Compulsive, online gambling, and sports betting)
GAYS IN THE MILITARY
GENDER EQUITY: TITLE IX IN SPORTS: Should Women Be Allowed to Play on Male Teams?
"College Teams, Relying on Deception, Undermine Gender Equity" by Katie Thomas. The New York Times 25 Apr. 2011.
GLOBAL WARMING "Global Warming & Climate Change" from
Times Topics The New York Times. A collection of articles and multimedia
updated.
"Heat-Trapping Gas Passes Milestone, Raising Fears" by Justin Gillis. New York Times 10 May 2013. The amount of the gas in the air has not been this high for at least three million years, and scientists believe the rise portends large changes in the climate and sea level.The New York Times Member ID is nyt@lmtsd.org Password is lions2
GLOBALIZATION: OUTSOURCING vs. "MADE IN AMERICA" "
China's Money Trail: In the Heart of the Rust Belt, Chinese Funds Provide the Grease" by Joseph B. White and Norihiko Shirouzu.
The Wall Street Journal 11 Feb. 2012: A1.
ProQuest.
To access from home: User name: lions Password: welcome
Chinese state-owned and private enterprises are pouring investment money into the U.S., into industries such as auto parts, real estate, and oil and gas. Besides giving Chinese buyers a foot in new markets, the deals are giving them access to American technology and management techniques -- know-how that, in some cases, they can use in Chinese markets. Apple
"Apple Asks Outside Group to Inspect Factories" by Charles Duhigg and Nick Wingfield. The New York Times 13 Feb. 2012. Apple, in shift, pushes an audit of sites in China. Data will be public response to critics of labor practices.
"Critics Question Record of Monitor Selected by Apple" by Steven Greenhouse. The New York Times 13 Feb. 2012. The Fair Labor Association, the firm that Apple has hired to examine worker conditions at the plants of its suppliers, has been criticized by labor groups as ineffective.
"How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work by Charles Duhigg and Keith Bradsher. The New York Times 21 Jan. 2012. Building Apple’s iPhone in the United States would demand much more than hiring Americans — it would require transforming the national and global economies.
GUN CONTROL and GUN VIOLENCE
Gun Control
"Guns and Gun Control" New York Times' Times Topics, updated with all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on this topic.
"Senate Rejects Toomey-Manchin Gun Bill; 'Shameful day,' says Obama" by Jonathan Tamari. Philly.com 18 Apr. 2013.
"In Gun Vote, Majority Doesn't Rule" by Dan Balz. Philly.com 18 Apr. 2013.
"Senate Hearing on Guns Suggests an Uphill Fight on New Limits" by Jennifer Steinhauer. The New York Times 30 Jan. 2013. Advocates and opponents of increased gun regulation seemed to talk past rather than at each other, each offering statistics and anecdotes to bolster their own view.
"Even Defining 'Assault Rifles' is Complicated" by Erica Goode. The New York Times 16 Jan. 2013. One obstacle President Obama may face in proposing a new federal ban on assault weapons could lie in the use of the term "assault weapon" itself.
"Obama to 'Put Everything I've Got' Into Gun Control" by Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear. The New York Times 16 Jan 2013. President Obama on Wednesday unveiled plans to introduce legislation by next week that includes a ban on assault weapons, limits on high-capacity magazines and other steps.
Brady Law & More
"Brady Background Checks" by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (organization) 2012
"Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence" See articles on "After Aurora, We Want Accountability" and "Colorado Gun Laws"
"Tucson Tragedy: Is Gun Control a Dead Issue?" by Michael Grunwald. TIME.com 24 Jan. 2011. Use the Library SIGN IN at School and from Home: E-mail address: library@lmtsd.org Password: lions5
"Justices Extend Firearms Rights in 5-to-4 Ruling" by Adam Liptak. New York Times 28 June 2010. A 5-4 ruling on the Second Amendment is a symbolic victory for gun rights advocates, but its short-term practical impact is unclear.
District of Columbia v. Heller 544 U.S. ___ (2008). This case addresses the central meaning of the Second Amendment and its relation to gun control laws.
Gun Violence
Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo. July 20, 2012
"James Holmes (Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo.)" New York Times' Times Topics is a collection of archived articles, photos, and video that is constantly updated.
"Gunman Kills 12 in Colorado, Reviving Gun Debate" by Dan Frosch and Kirk Johnson. New York Times 20 July 2012.
"Colorado Gun Laws Remain Lax, Despite Some Changes" by John Schwartz. New York Times 20 July 2012. Since the Columbine tragedy, the state's lawmakers and voters have passed some gun restrictions, but gun control opponents have successfully fought other efforts.
School Shootings
"Newtown, Conn. School Shootings (Adam Lanza)" Sandy Hook Elementary School The New York Times' Times Topics, updated with all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on this topic. On Dec. 14, 2012, a gunman killed 26 people, including 20 children between the ages of 6 and 7, at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., 65 miles northeast from New York City.
Chardon, OH: "Ohio Shooting Suspect Confesses, Prosecutor Says" by Sabrina Tavernise and Jennifer Preston. The New York Times 28 Feb. 2012. Prosecutors said the student who confessed told them that he had not known his victims, three of whom have died.
Virginia Tech:
"Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University" The New York Times' Times Topics, updated with all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on this topic. On April 16, 2007, a student, Seung-Hui Cho, opened fire in a dormitory and classroom building on the Virginia Tech campus, killing 32 people before committing suicide. It was the most deadly mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
"Making of a Massacre" (cover story) Newsweek 30 April 2007: 18-23. ProQuest. To access from home: User name: lions Password: welcome
"Darkness Falls" by Nancy Gibbs. TIME.com 19 April 2007. Use the Library SIGN IN at School and from Home: E-mail address: library@lmtsd.org Password: lions5
Tucson Tragedy
"Gabrielle Giffords" The New York Times' Times Topics, updated with all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on this topic. Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat who had represented Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District since 2007, was one of 19 people shot at a meet-and-greet political event outside a shopping center in her hometown of Tucson. In the attack, six people died, including a 9-year-old girl, Christina-Taylor Green, and a federal judge, John M. Roll; 12 people were wounded besides Ms. Giffords, who was shot in the head at close range.
HEALTH and SOCIAL ISSUES (Statistics, articles) Universal Health Care (The Affordable Care Act)
HOME SCHOOLING
Home Schooling: News about home schooling including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times' Times Topics
IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION
"Times Topics: Immigration and Emigration" New York Times. A collection of available news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files on this topic.
"On Immigration, Obama Assumes Upper Hand" by Michael D. Shear and Mark Landler. New York Times 30 Jan. 2013. A belief that the politics of immigration has firmly shifted in the president’s direction is fueling his push for quick action and broad changes.
"Blocking Parts of Arizona Law, Justices Allow Its Centerpiece" by Adam Liptak. New York Times 25 June 2012. The Supreme Court rejected much of Arizona's immigration law but permitted the state's instruction to its police to check the immigration status of people they detain. This article also contains the Document: Supreme Court Argument Transcript: Arizona v. United States.
Illegal Immigrants
Times' Topics: Illegal Immigrants New York Times. A collection of available news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files on this topic.
"Arizona Enacts Stringent Law on Immigration" by Randal C. Archibold. New York Times 23 Apr. 2010. Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill aimed at identifying, prosecuting, and deporting illegal immigrants.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
"Pa.'s High Court Grapples with Federal Decision on Sentencing Juveniles" by Dana DiFilippo. Philadelphia Daily News 13 Sept. 2012.
"Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles" by Adam Liptak and Ethan Bronner. New York Times 25 June 2012. The justices ruled that such sentencing for those under 18 violated the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
"A Challenge to Teens' Life Terms: The U.S. Supreme Court Ruled Mandatory Sentences Cruel, Unusual Punishment" by Joseph A. Slobodzian. Philadelphia Inquirer 26 June 2012: A1. ProQuest. To access from home: User name: lions Password: welcome
The US Supreme Court ruled mandatory sentences cruel, unusual punishment. PA has the highest number of teens under 18 in prison for commiting murder.
"Juveniles Don't Deserve Life Sentences" by Gail Garinger. The New York Times 14 Mar. 2012. This is an opinion article written by an experienced juvenile court judge in Massachusetts from 1995-2008. Because adolescents are immature and their characters are still in formation, it is impossible to assume that they will always present a risk to public safety.
"States Prosecute Fewer Teenagers in Adult Courts" by Mosi Secret. The New York Times 5 Mar. 2011. With states raising the age of adult criminal responsibility, New York might be, by year’s end, the only state where adulthood, in criminal matters, begins at 16.
"Juvenile Justice: Facts, Statistics, & History" Frontline. {Recommended by Kristina}
MARIJUANA AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA
MINIMUM WAGE from
Times' Topics The New York Times (a collection of articles, mutimedia).
NUCLEAR WEAPONS from Times Topics The New York Times (a collection of articles, mutimedia).
"Nuclear Weapons" updated 12 Dec. 2012 and updated from Times Topics The New York Times (a collection of articles, mutimedia).
ONLINE EDUCATION
"Students Rush to Web Classes, but Profits May Be Much Later" by Tamar Lewin. The New York Times 6 Jan. 2013. New companies are partnering with universities to offer online courses in an effort that could define the future of higher education - if anyone can figure out how to make money.
"College of Future Could Be Come One, Come All" by Tamar Lewin. The New York Times 19 Nov. 2012. Colleges are building global student bodies and trying to create models for massive open online courses, or MOOCs.
"College is Dead. Long Live College!" by Amanda Ripley. TIME 18 Oct. 2012. TIME.com. SIGN IN at School and from Home: E-mail address: library@lmtsd.org Password: lions5
POLLS (Statistics) AND RESEARCH ARTICLES on SOCIAL ISSUES and TRENDS
Pew Research Center This highly regarded think tank explores numbers, facts, trends, and issues shaping our world. Gallup Poll Topics A-Z: Gallup Poll polls population on controversial issues. A good source for current statistical information.PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2012
Times' Topics for Barack Obama and Mitt Romney updated
from The New York Times' Times Topics
Where the candidates stand on the issues: Barack Obama and Mitt Romney OnTheIssues: Every Political Leader on Every Issue (international, domestic, economic, and social) Includes quotes.
FactCheck.org: A Project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center (well-regarded organization). FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. This site monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases.
Huffington Post: POLITICS Breaking News and Opinion: offers syndicated columnists, blogs, and news stories with moderated comments.
The Huffington Post home page: The Internet Newspaper: News Blogs Video Community
PRISONS AND PRISONERS
Prisons and Prisoners inTimes Topics The New York Times Updated. This is a collection of many articles and multimedia. "Pennsylvania Study Finds Halfway Houses Don't Reduce Recidivism" by Sam Dolnick. The New York Times 24 Mar. 2013. A groundbreaking study concluded that inmates in halfway houses were more likely to return to crime than inmates released directly to the street, a finding that led the state to overhaul its contracts with providers. PRO: "Supervised, Not Institutionalized" by Mark A.R. Kleiman, a professor of public policy at UCLA, a visiting fellow at the National Institute of Justice, vs.
CON: "Punishment Fails. Rehabilitation Works" by James Gilligan, clinical professor of psychiatry and an adjunct professor of law at New York University
"Prisons Rethink Isolation, Saving Money, Lives and Sanity" by Erica Goode. The New York Times 10 Mar. 2012. A growing number of states are rethinking the use of long term isolation and re-evaluating how many inmates require the punishment that's been long opposed by humanitarian groups. "
A Watershed Move, Both Risky and Inevitable" by Adam Nagourney.
New York Times 9 May 2012.
In expressing his support for same-sex marriage, which remains a controversial issue, President Obama has clearly come to recognize that the forces of history appear to be changing.
SPORTS INJURIES
SPORTS AND STEROIDS
"A Flawed Policy for Drug Testing" by Jere Longman. New York Times 25 Feb. 2012. R
yan Braun’s exoneration by an arbitration panel illustrates how Major League Baseball’s drug-testing policy falls below the most rigorous standards of effectiveness and legitimacy. "McGwire Admits That He Used Steroids" by Tyler Kepner. New York Times 11 Jan. 2010. Mark McGwire, the St. Louis Cardinals' new hitting coach, said he used steroids on and off for nearly a decade, including when he broke the home run record in 1998. "Steroid Report Cites 'Collective Failure.'" by Duff Wilson and Michael S. Schmidt. New York Times 14 Dec. 2007. Dozens of baseball stars, including seven M.V.P.'s, were named in a report (the Mitchell Report) on the use of illegal, performance-enhancing drugs during the sport's "steroids era."
SPORTS AND WOMEN
"As Girls Become Women, Sports Pay Dividends" by Tara Parker-Pope. New York Times 15 Feb. 2010. Two new studies found that girls' involvement in team sports can mean lifelong improvements in educational, work and health prospects. Discusses the impact of the education law, Title IX.
STEM CELLS (Human Embryonic Stem Cells)
TAXES (Obama and the Republican Party)
President Obama's State of the Union Address published in
The New York Times 25 Jan. 2012. .
In his election-year State of the Union address, President Obama set forth a long list of domestic economic proposals. Watch his speech, especially the parts on Taxes and "The Buffett Rule" and Corporate Tax Reform "
Budget to Call for Taxes on Wealthy"
by Jared A. Favole and Damian Paletta. The Wall Street Journal 12 Feb. 2012. ProQuest. To access from home: User name: lions Password: welcome
TEEN DRIVING
"Tough Teen Driver Rules" by Kathleen Brady Shea. The Philadelphia Inquirer 3 Feb. 2012. SIGN IN: E-mail address: hslibrary@lmtsd.org Password: inquirer1 While Pa.'s new restrictions are applauded, many say the work isn't done. "Study on Teen Licensing: N.C. Crashes Involving 16-year-olds Drop Dramatically" 2 Oct. 2001 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill News Services. VIDEO GAMES
"Shooting in the Dark" by Benedict Carey. The New York Times 11 Feb. 2013. New research suggests violent games can stir hostile urges and aggressive behavior in the short term, but it is not clear whether the habit increases the likelihood of committing a violent crime.
WOMEN IN THE MILITARY: Ban on Combat Lifted
"Combat Roles to Open to Women" by Lolita C. Baldor. The Philadelphia Inquirer 24 Jan. 2013. The groundbreaking change to a 19-year ban is set to be announced by the resigning Pentagon chief. SIGN IN: E-mail address: hslibrary@lmtsd.org Password: inquirer1
"First Pull-Ups, Then Combat, Marines Say" by Elizabeth Bumiller. The New York Times 1 Feb. 2013. The announcement last week ending the ban on women in combat only accelerated a sweeping re-examination of fitness standards in the American military for Marines. Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) advocates for all military women, in order to increase their visibility and improve their access to equal opportunity, equal protection, and equal benefits.
