AP: "A new report says more than half of Americans still live in areas with unhealthy air, despite progress in reducing smog."

Sydney Morning Herald: "Malaria infects up to 500 million people each year. While adults are less likely to die from malaria, it is a debilitating illness that leaves victims unable to work or complete everyday tasks. In countries where millions of people subsist on less than $US2 a day, not working can quickly lead to … Continue reading Fight against malaria a test on the road to ending global poverty

CS Monitor: "The Taliban appear to be making good on a promise to escalate violence in Kandahar, where NATO is planning to launch what it sees as the next major offensive of the Afghanistan war."

USA Today: "Dozens of states are passing or debating new restrictions on abortion...At least 22 states have bills to increase counseling or waiting periods; 18 states have bills to expand the use of ultrasound."

AP: "Canada's Conservative government said Monday it won't fund abortions as part of its top foreign-aid initiative at this year's G-8 summit...Canada has made maternal and children's health its centerpiece issue at the G-8 summit in Huntsville, Ontario in late June." 

What traits and attributes should President Obama be looking for in his search for the next justice?  Someone with political experience?  A woman?  Someone young?  A social moderate?  An economic populist?  Montgomery Kosma offers the fairly unique perspective that older is better. 

Mark Shields: "This is the poison harvest of a political paranoia that demonizes and dehumanizes one's opponents. We, the real majority who care about our country, have an obligation to reject the politics of personal destruction and the Big Lie on every side and to give our political opponents the benefit of the doubt — … Continue reading The Politics of Personal Destruction and the Big Lie

PBS: "Syndicated columnist Mark Shields stopped by the Rundown Friday to talk with us about his latest column and the prospects for major financial reform and immigration reform legislation in Congress." Here is the video:

AP: "The Vatican will finance new research into the potential use of adult stem cells in the treatment of intestinal and possibly other diseases, officials announced Friday."