Balance Sheet

Jeff Taylor from the July 2006 issue

Assets

Checkpoint Checkmate

Tennessee’s Supreme Court rules that the use of roadblocks to check identification papers, licenses, and registrations is unconstitutional. The court found that the primary goal of a Chattanooga Housing Authority roadblock was to issue tickets for minor infractions, not to promote safety.

Fat Genes

Researchers at Boston University find a genetic link to obesity that seems to run in families, which could lead to a genetic treatment and fewer attacks on junk-food advertising.

Last Resort

After issuing and then canceling a couple of subpoenas to reporters, the Securities and Exchange Commission clarifies its policy to say forced testimony should be a last resort.

Double Trouble

Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the American Civil Liberties Union challenge a Higher Education Act provision that has blocked nearly 200,000 students with drug convictions from access to federal financial aid. The groups argue this policy—which applies to pot smokers but not to rapists—amounts to double jeopardy.

Burning Hotness

Porn juggernaut Vivid Video is blazing a trail to downloadable films. Can mainstream Hollywood keep up? Vivid figures $20 should cover a burnable title while the legit side dallies with a $30 price point and tedious copying restrictions.

Motorcycle Diplomacy

A new Harley-Davidson store brings the American icon to Beijing. “My heart beats so fast when I ride mine, I always have to smoke a cigarette and drink some water afterward,” one fan enthuses.

Liabilities

Copyright Terror