Ray Downs

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• Sep 22, 2011

  Florida Officials Asking Youth to Teach Elders About Safe Sex

  Florida officials want young people to talk to older people about sex, but not to get advice. Instead, officials hope older adults will learn a thing or two about the risks of HIV/AIDS.

• Sep 22, 2011

  Islamic Groups Demand Calif. Official Apologize for Naming Dog 'Muhammad'

  A city council member in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., announced at a council meeting earlier this month that he named his dog, "Muhammad" – and now Islamic groups want an apology.

• Sep 22, 2011

  Sarah and Todd Palin Getting Divorced? National Enquirer Got it Right Before

  If the National Enquirer was right about John Edwards' secret affair with Rielle Hunter, could the publication also be right about Todd Palin filing for divorce from Sarah? Despite its reputation as a gossipy tabloid, the National Enquirer has beaten more "reputable" publications to the punch before.

• Sep 22, 2011

  Troy Davis Story: Georgia Inmate's Execution a Wake-Up Call for America?

  Despite the urging of millions of Americans who kept saying, "Seven of nine witnesses recanted. No physical evidence. Too much doubt," Troy Davis was executed by lethal injection Wednesday night shortly after 11 p.m. The effort to prevent his execution spanned the globe, and many are wondering how Davis' case might impact the movement to end the death penalty in the U.S.

• Sep 22, 2011

  Ground Zero Mosque Opens Peacefully; 'This Is For Everyone,' Says Founder

  What became known as the "Ground Zero Mosque" and sparked outrage over what some viewed as an affront to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, opened yesterday for its first public event with no protests or conflict, indicating that outrage toward the Park51 Community Center has subsided.

• Sep 21, 2011

  Lawyer for Calif. Couple Fined for Home Bible Study Blames 'Atheist With Attitude Problem'

  The California couple fined for holding Bible studies and religious gatherings in their home is fighting back against what they consider an attack on their religious freedom.

• Sep 21, 2011

  Undercover Cop at 'Ground Zero Mosque' Complicates NYC Terrorism Case

  The New York Police Department gave a ticket to an undercover cop at a protest against the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" last year, which has caused problems for lawyers of two suspected terrorists, the New York Daily News reports.

• Sep 21, 2011

  Troy Davis Story: Lawyers Issue Last-Minute Appeal Based on Flawed Evidence

  In a last-ditch effort to block his execution, lawyers for convicted cop killer Troy Davis have issued an appeal based on flawed ballistic testing that linked their client to the shooting.

• Sep 21, 2011

  Troy Davis Story: Will Supreme Court Halt Georgia Inmate's Execution?

  In the last week, the U.S. Supreme Court has halted two executions in Texas – an extremely rare move – in order for it to consider appeals in the cases. Does that mean the Troy Davis execution will be halted, too?

• Sep 20, 2011

  Georgia State Sen. Urges Prison Employees to Strike and 'Refuse to Kill Troy Davis'

  A Georgia politician is calling on prison employees given the task of executing Troy Davis to refuse carrying out their orders, telling them, "Refuse to carry out your tasks tomorrow! You have the power to stop this immoral execution."