AltWeeklies Wire
Systemic Neglect at Texas' Troubled Insitutions for the Mentally Retardednew

Texas has the largest remaining set of mental institutions in the nation, housing the state's most vulnerable: some can't feed or dress themselves, and others can't even rise from a gurney or speak. And according to government records, the very people charged with caring for these patients are victimizing them.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
05-07-2008 |
Science
Was Peggy Reber Pregnant When She Was Murdered?new
Forty years after her death, Lebanon's DA exhumes the body of the slain 14-year-old.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Kevin Uhrich and Martha Shaak |
05-07-2008 |
Crime & Justice
What it Means to be Gay, Iranian and Living in Philadelphianew
S, now 46, is an openly gay lesbian living and working in Philadelphia with her girlfriend, P, a doctor who is also from Iran. "It's a struggle," says S, who has never returned to Iran since she was a teenager, eager to study in America.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Natalie Hope McDonald |
05-06-2008 |
LGBT
Richard Entriken's Last Step to Redemptionnew

The drug counselor swam a little too easily in a sea of sharks.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Amy Guthrie |
05-06-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Student's 911 Call Falls on Deaf Earsnew
Madison police believe Brittany Zimmermann called 911 before she was stabbed and beaten to death inside her Doty Street apartment, but the 911 Center failed to send help after erroneously concluding the call was a mistake.
Isthmus |
Jason Shepard |
05-06-2008 |
Crime & Justice
The War on La Familianew
Familia Loca wanted revenge on a rival Kansas City gang. Instead, they spilled the blood of a 2-year-old girl.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
05-06-2008 |
Crime & Justice
After Ted Haggard, a New Era at New Life Churchnew

By removing politics from the pulpit, Brady Boyd takes his church out of the public eye.
Colorado Springs Independent |
J. Adrian Stanley |
05-06-2008 |
Religion
Doctors vs. Parents: Who Decides Right to Life?new
Following surgery, Sabrina Martin's condition went south. And then, her family says, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital set about arranging for her demise.
Houston Press |
Chris Vogel |
05-06-2008 |
Children & Families
Retailers to Orlando: Ban Plastic Bags! Orlando: No Thanksnew
According to city spokeswoman Heather Allebaugh, Mayor Buddy Dyer has little interest in the issue: "In this case, the city feels banning the use of plastic bags is something the company itself should consider."
Orlando Weekly |
Deanna Morey |
05-06-2008 |
Environment
If Obesity is a Choice, It's Not One the Poor Get to Makenew

A recent study put grocery prices to the test. Among the 370 foods sampled, it found that energy-dense junk food cost an average of $1.76 per 1,000 calories, while nutritious, unprocessed foods came in at a whopping $18.16 per 1,000 calories.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
05-06-2008 |
Science
Barney Frank's Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Shouldn't be Controversialnew
It's been more than 36 years since a national commission appointed by President Richard Nixon recommended the decriminalization of up to 100 grams of marijuana for personal use, but no bill has been introduced in Congress to decriminalize marijuana since 1984; the Shafer Commission's recommendations remain ignored. Until two weeks ago.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Daniel McQuade |
05-05-2008 |
Drugs
The Sad Irony of Washington's Mental Health Systemnew
Only by killing Michael Robb did Samson Berhe finally become subject to the mental health treatment he has seemingly needed for years.
Seattle Weekly |
Laura Onstot |
05-05-2008 |
Science
ICE Casts an Over-Wide Netnew
It's sure a good thing Congress failed to pass any sort of immigration reform. Why bother, when you can just arrest and deport any Jesus, Jose or Maria? Immigration lawyer Fernando Dubove says his caseload has surged during the recent nationwide crackdown on plants, employers and workers.
Dallas Observer |
Megan Feldman |
05-05-2008 |
Immigration
How Seriously Should We Take Rush Limbaugh's Fantasies of Riots in Denver?new

Anyone who dismisses the syndicated talk-show host as a credibility-free joke does so at his own peril. Although he's embarrassed and contradicted himself plenty of times during recent years, he still attracts an audience estimated at 13.5 million people per week.
On the Foreclosure Tour Bus, the Mortgage Crisis is Just Another Money Makernew
The Miami Homes Tour is a new tactic for hawking foreclosed property. Its organizers are part of a burgeoning brood of businesspeople cleaning up after Miami's burst real estate bubble.
Miami New Times |
Janine Zeitlin |
05-05-2008 |
Economy