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Nation in brief
Compiled from Times wires Polygraph is called useless in securityA long-awaited research report released Tuesday by the National Academy of Sciences describes polygraph testing for national security screening as little more than junk science. The United States' premier scientific organization said such tests, a key counterespionage tool for 50 years, are so inaccurate as to be counterproductive -- promoting false confidence that spies and other national security threats have been ferreted out. The Academy's National Research Council prepared the report based on 19 months of study. Produced by experts in psychology, engineering, law and other fields, the report confirms long-standing doubts about the validity of polygraph testing that led to a 1988 federal law banning the use of such tests for employment screening in most private businesses. Polygraph results are also inadmissible as evidence in nearly all state courts. Also in Washington . . .CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Congressional sponsors of the new campaign finance law went to court Tuesday to challenge regulations they say open loopholes in the law's restrictions on large political contributions known as "soft money." Reps. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Marty Meehan, D-Mass., say the law was clearly meant to prohibit national party committees, federal candidates and federal officeholders from soliciting or spending the unlimited contributions from companies, labor unions and others. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The House passed a bill Tuesday that would reinforce support for references to God in the Pledge of Allegiance and the national motto. The measure passed in a 401-5 vote. In addition to reaffirming support for the words "under God" in the pledge, the measure also reiterates that "In God we trust" is the national motto. The Senate has already passed a bill, but it was not identical; senators are expected to pass the House version soon. Democrat backs Texas' Republican governorHOUSTON -- Dan Morales turned his back Tuesday on the man who defeated him for the Democratic nomination for governor, endorsing Republican Gov. Rick Perry in his bid for a full term in office. The Democrat's campaign dismissed the move as irrelevant. Morales, a former Texas attorney general, lost to millionaire businessman Tony Sanchez in the March Democratic primary. He announced during a stop in Houston that he was backing the incumbent. Calif. panel rejects plan to store water in desertLOS ANGELES -- A proposal to store water beneath the Mojave Desert and pump it to Southern California during drought years was killed Tuesday by water authorities. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted by a slim margin not to proceed with the $150-million project, spearheaded by a Santa Monica agricultural company. Opponents, led by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., had complained the project would damage the fragile desert environment. RecallsFORD TAURUS, MERCURY SABLE: Ford Motor Co.; 2000 and 2001 models with adjustable pedals, and a few 2002 models. Cause: Brake and accelerator may be so close they can cause drivers to hit the accelerator accidentally when trying to slow down. Injuries reported: 18 accidents, two injuries. Action: Owners who receive letters from Ford should take car to dealer. On the Web: www.ford.com. WHOLE FOOD MARKET CHOCOLATE BARS: All bars in 30- and 100-gram sizes. Cause: Label doesn't list nuts and dairy products. Sickness: one. Action: Return to store for refund or call company. Call: (928) 443-1994.
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From the Times wire desk
From the AP |
