New York City seems so far away. Yet the story here sounds so very familiar to many in our community. "Testilying" doesn't only happen in the big city, but in Central Illinois.

Police in Gun Searches Face Disbelief in Court
by Benjamin Weiser

After listening carefully to the two policemen, the judge had a problem: He did not believe them.

Studies on Tasers Are Flawed, Cardiologist Tells Inquiry
By Anna Mehler Paperny

Tasers pose potentially fatal health risks that studies proving their safety don’t take into account, a U.S. doctor told the B.C. taser inquiry yesterday.

Three Suspended for Not Standing for Pledge of Allegiance
By Paul Walsh

Three small-town eighth-graders in Minnesota were suspended by their principal for not standing Thursday morning for the Pledge of Allegiance, violating a district policy that the principal now says may soon be reworded to protect free speech rights.

Reports Find Racial Gap in Drug Arrests
By ERIK ECKHOLM

ACLU of Colorado Sues to Ensure DNC Protesters’ Rights
by Matthew Rothschild

If you’re planning on going to protest at the Democratic National Convention in Denver August 25-28, they’re not making it easy on you.

Neither the city nor the Secret Service has yet let the public know about when and where they can protest.

Maine Jury Acquits Peace Activists For Senate Office Sit-In

BANGOR, Maine - Six longtime anti-war activists arrested last year for refusing to leave the Federal Building when it closed for the day were found not guilty Wednesday of criminal trespass.

Blackwater Permit Faces Challenge Over ‘Vocational Training Institute’ Status
by Tanya Mannes

OTAY MESA - San Diego officials will challenge Blackwater Worldwide’s permit for an indoor military training facility in South County, saying the public didn’t know about the plan.