ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, July 25, 1996 TAG: 9607250063
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
Roger Charles, the reporter who broke the controversial story on Boorda's right to wear combat decorations, has been fired in the wake of a backlash against his employer, the National Security News Service. The reason, his bosses said, is that donations to the nonprofit group have dropped since the Boorda tragedy in May, leaving the news service with a $60,000 deficit and a questionable future.
``The news service is in real serious danger because of the Boorda story,'' said Joe Trento, the group's bureau chief, who has lost one of his two reporters. ``When you get into independent reporting, this is the price of doing business. If we all have to look for jobs, so be it.''
Charles, a former Marine lieutenant colonel, is the journalist who uncovered records showing that Boorda was wearing decorations to which he apparently was not entitled. - The Washington Post
Committee approves English-only bill
WASHINGTON - A House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would require the federal government to conduct most of its business in English.
The House Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee approved the English Empowerment Act in a 19-17 vote along party lines, with Republicans voting for the bill and Democrats against it.
The bill, which is expected to be considered by the full House later this year, requires the federal government to publish its documents in English and requires federal employees to conduct their ``official business in English.''
Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Calif., said the bill would do little to encourage non-English speakers to learn the language and was based on the myth that those people don't want to learn. According to the U.S Census Bureau, 94 percent of the nation speaks English ``well'' or ``very well.'' - Knight-Ridder/Tribune
LENGTH: Short : 44 linesby CNB