Reporters, who could once file dispassionate stories on the topic, have become as hysterical as 12-steppers falling off the wagon when assigned to write a booze story. Alcohol, strictly forbidden by the American military in Iraq and Afghanistan, is involved in a growing number of crimes committed by troops deployed to those countries. solders including the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and the murder of her family by a liquored-up gang from the 101st Airborne Division to...

They say chewing khat is a cultural tradition that does no harm -- and the people facing charges didn't fully understand the legal risks they were taking. Jama Absiya, at a restaurant with friends, was among 18 men arrested last year by the DEA on accusations they were part of an international khatsmuggling operation. Earlier this month, charges were dropped against Absiya and three others -- considered to be among the least involved in the importation and distribution of the seized khat....

At age 18, you can register to vote, join the military, buy tobacco, and make your own decisions in the eyes of the law. They're more likely to drop out of high school and turn to drugs andalcohol at this point, than at any other time in their lives. For children in foster care, that 18th birthday means they can leave the system if they want to. Freer says it's easy to see why some kids use the situation as an excuse to drink and do drugs, just like their parents. Beresford senior Dan...

ATF will be conducting the investigation with the Burlington Police Department and Fire Marshal's Office, Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office, Iowa State Patrol Crime Scene Investigation Team, Des Moines County Sheriff's Department and Davenport Iowa Police Department's Canine Unit. ATF will be conducting the investigation with the Burlington Police Department and Fire Marshal's Office, Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office, Iowa State Patrol Crime Scene Investigation Team, Des Moines County...

Now, almost thirty years later, as a parish priest, I look back and trace the beginnings of a career dedicated to a type of social change that evolves over time, a blending, if you will, of the urgency that arises within a political and social framework coupled with the patience and persistence of a spiritually driven vision. Now, almost thirty years later, as a parish priest, I look back and trace the beginnings of a career dedicated to a type of social change that evolves over time, a...