by Don Babwin CHICAGO (AP)—As Chicago struggles to quell gang violence that has contributed to a jump in homicides, a top elected official wants to tax the sale of every bullet and firearm—an effort that has national gun-rights advocates already considering a legal challenge. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle speaks at a news conference in Chicago. On Oct. 18, Preckwinkle is set to propose a tax on bullets. She will propose five cents a bullet and a dollar for a box of 20 of them and 25 bucks per firearm. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle submitted a proposed budget on Thursday that would impose a tax of a nickel for each bullet and $25 for each firearm sold in the nation's second-largest county, which encompasses Chicago.
by Nigel Duara PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—Again and again, decade after decade, an array of authorities—police chiefs, prosecutors, pastors and local Boy Scout leaders among them—quietly shielded scoutmasters and others accused of molesting children, a newly opened trove of confidential papers shows. SECRET FILES REVEALED--In this April 13, 2010 file photo, plaintiff Kerry Lewis reacts after the verdict in Portland, Ore., where a jury found the Boy Scouts of America negligent for repeated sexual abuse by an assistant Scoutmaster in the 1980s. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) At the time, those authorities justified their actions as necessary to protect the good name and good works of Scouting, a pillar of 20th century America. But as detailed in 14,500 pages of secret "perversion files" released Thursday by order of the Oregon Supreme Court, their maneuvers allowed sexual predators to go free while victims suffered in silence.
by Charles Babington WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)—Here in a county that knows a thing or two about Election Day meltdowns, both parties are fretting over what might go seriously wrong before, during or just after the Nov. 6 presidential election. NIGHTMARE--This Nov. 8, 2000 file photo shows Orlando Sentinel election night headlines The first headline was, "Oh, so close," followed by "IT'S BUSH," then "IS IT BUSH?" and lastly "CONTESTED." AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove, File) "More than 50 percent of the provisional ballots are thrown in the trash in this state," Florida state Rep. Mark Pafford told about 80 retirees who gathered for last week's meeting of the Golden Lakes Democratic Club.
by Jesse Washington The issue: What, exactly, is discrimination, and what should be done to fight it? This election offers choices on the answers. In areas such as mortgages, voter identification and immigration enforcement, the presidential candidates differ over how to use laws that guarantee equality and how far the Justice Department's civil rights division, which exerts strong influence on issues of race and ethnicity, should go to ensure all Americans are treated fairly. FIGHTING DISCRIMNATION--Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the League of Women Voters National Convention in Washington June 11. What, exactly, is discrimination, and what should be done to fight it? This election offers choices on the answer. In areas such as mortgages, voter identification and immigration enforcement, the presidential candidates differ over how to use laws that guarantee equality and how far the Justice Department's civil rights division, which exerts strong influence on issues of race and ethnicity, should go to ensure all Americans are treated fairly. The election also will shape the Justice Department's actions in continuing court cases that challenge voter ID laws passed in some Republican-led states. Opponents contend such laws unfairly discourage minority voting. Under Holder, the Justice Department has used lawsuits based on statistics to hold banks' feet to the fire on how they lend money to Hispanics and Black people. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The election also will shape the Justice Department's actions in continuing court cases that challenge voter ID laws in some Republican-led states. Opponents contend such laws unfairly discourage minority voting.
by Carolyn Thompson BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)—A pep rally skit by three white high school students who wore blackface and parodied Chris Brown's arrest for assaulting Rihanna has officials in a largely white New York district vowing to set clearer expectations for school events. CHRIS BROWN and RHIANNA The skit was one of several pop culture parodies performed Friday at Waverly High School as part of an annual "Mr. Waverly" competition, Superintendent Joseph Yelich said. The one in question had a male student portraying Brown standing over another cowering actor playing Rihanna; a third male student played an arresting officer.
by Matthew CraftAP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP)—The American Civil Liberties Union accused Morgan Stanley of violating civil rights laws by encouraging a lender to push more expensive and risky mortgages on Black neighborhoods in Detroit. PLAINTIFF—Rubbie McCoy, a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against Morgan Stanley, reacts while describing her housing situation during a news conference, Oct. 15, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
by Michael KunzelmanAssociated Press Writer NEW ORLEANS (AP)—The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Bernette Johnson will be the court's next chief justice, resolving a racially tinged power struggle that wound up in federal court. NEW CHIEF JUSTICE—This undated photo provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court shows Justice Bernette Johnson of New Orleans. (AP Photo/Louisiana Supreme Court)
by Jocelyn Novek NEW YORK (AP)—Maybe it's a cliché to say the gloves came off in Tuesday's presidential debate. But then again, maybe not, since the candidates sometimes looked like they were actually about to start boxing. INTO FINAL STRETCH--Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama speak during their first presidential debate at the University of Denver, Colo. In a September Pew Research Center poll 48 percent of registered voters said Obama was more “honest and truthful,” to 34 percent who felt Romney was. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay) It was a tense and testy exchange at New York's Hofstra University, featuring a newly energized and forceful President Barack Obama squaring off against a vigorous, stand-your-ground Mitt Romney. But the evening will also be remembered for giving the distinct impression that these candidates were liking each other less and less.
Week of October 17-23 October 17 1720—Jupiter Hammon, the first Black American poet, is born in slavery. He was a Calvinist and self-educated writer. PRINCE HALL 1787—Led by Black Mason Prince Hall, free Boston Blacks petition the Massachusetts legislature for equal school facilities for African-American children. In addition to spreading Freemasonry among Blacks, Hall became the most prominent Black leader of the period. For reasons which are not entirely clear, records show there were at least 21 men named “Prince Hall” living in Massachusetts at the time.
by Marc Levy HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) —Arlen Specter, who spent much of his pugnacious 30-year career in the U.S. Senate warning of the dangers of political intolerance, lost a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at a time when Congress is more politically polarized than anyone serving there—or living in America—can remember. LAST CAMPAIGN—President Barack Obama arrives at a fundraising event September 15, 2009 for Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) Specter, who died Sunday, is remembered as one of Congress’ best-known moderates.
