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Web by Topic: Current Topics

Heartland's knowledgeable librarians have assembled a list of some of the more reliable Web sites.

What are some credible sites about current topics?

• Abortion

  Dozens of essays covering both the pro-life and pro-choice sides of the issue with regard to laws, religious aspects and public opinion.

• Almanac of Policy Issues

  Background information and links to U.S. public policy issues are presented in an unbiased format. Topics include welfare, Medicare, gun control, abortion, global warming and more.

• AlterNet

  Current items in the news from an independent, alternative viewpoint.

• Amnesty International

  The purpose of this organization is to campaign internationally for human rights. Their site includes facts and figures, latest news items, a history of the organization and more.

• Center for Defense Information

  Research current topics in national defense at this site, which includes international peacekeeping, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons issues, conventional arms issues and more. There also are "hot spot" issues posted on some topics, such as terrorism, space security and Iraq.

• College Drinking: Changing the Culture

  Sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism this site provides research, links, NIAAA reports, college policies on alcohol and informative power point presentations.

• Earthsave

  Promotes a healthy plant-based diet (vegetarianism). Contains articles on genetically modified food, health and environmental issues and more with a vegetarian slant.

• Frontline

  Based on the PBS television show, issues discussed on this Web site include the death penalty, genetically modified food, biracial families, teen culture, SUVs and more.

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  Published research on a wide range of highway safety issues, along with quick-reference fact sheets by topic that include safety belt use, teenagers, airbags, the elderly and more.

• Human Cloning Foundation

  Essays in support of human cloning.

• MedlinePlus: Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery

  This is one of many sites provided by the National Institutes of Health. Find reliable information on plastic and cosmetic surgery.

• Mental Help Net

  Topics on this site include ADHD, eating disorders, autism, rape and many more. Each section gives a basic introduction to the topic with links to articles, associations, latest news, personal accounts and more.

• National Safety Council

  Articles on topics such as cell phones and safe driving, graduated driver licensing and child safety seats.

• Today's Front Pages from Newseum

  Select a region and see the newspapers that are available. Click on the paper you are interested in and see the front page. Also incudes links to the papers' home Web pages.

• No Child Left Behind

  Information on the No Child Left Behind Act, including sections on charter schools and testing.

• The Presidents Council on Bioethics

  Essays on the ethics of cloning, stem cells, sex selection and more.

• ProCon

  Detailed articles analyzing pros and cons of current hot topics.

• Pro-Death Penalty

  Look at the table of contents for the complete coverage of this site. Includes scheduled executions, articles and interviews, information, resources and more.

• Public Agenda Online

  Research and opinions on issues including abortion, crime, the family, the environment, health care, right to die, race and more.

• September 11 Archive

  An archived collection of sites created in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

• September 11 News

  Thumbnail photos that lead to news stories from Sept. 11.

• Smoking Section

  A pro-smoking site that contains issues, rights, a list of places welcoming smokers, ratings for luxury smokes and much more.

• U.S. FDA Hot Topics

  Hot topics on drugs, foods, medical devices, biological products and more.

• The Why Files: the Science Behind the News

  Background information on current topics in the news with a new feature each week and archived files that are easily accessible.

• Women Against Gun Control

  Supports the view that gun control is wrong and provides arguments, legislative actions, boycotts and more promoting the organization's cause.

Always remember to evaluate your sources.