Slate's Bizbox
today's papers: A summary of what's in the major U.S. newspapers.

Four on the Floor

Daniel Flynn
Posted Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998, at 4:00 AM ET

The House Judiciary Committee's approval of a fourth article of impeachment and rejection of a censure proposal dominate the front pages of the Sunday papers. The fourth article of impeachment accuses President Clinton of giving false or incomplete answers to the 81 questions previously submitted by the HJC. In its original form, the article accused Clinton of numerous, far-reaching offenses, including making misleading statements in televised appearances. However, Committee Republicans voted to limit the charges to the President's 81 responses in what the Washington Post calls a "tactical retreat." The amended article was approved by a 21-16 party-line vote. The New York Times reports that the House will hold a floor vote on all four articles late next week, but will likely not do the same for the Democrat-sponsored resolution for censure. The Times quotes a White House official who says, "Impeachment by the full House is starting to look inevitable."

A NYT report details the current crisis faced by U.S. hog farmers--pig devaluation. Due to a glut of pig-production, a hog (the terms hog and pig are interchangeable, the article explains) that was selling for $118 a year ago now fetches only $45. Iowa, the "nation's leading hog state," has been hit hardest by the price drop. The true gluttons appear to be the nation's retailers, who have done little to pass lower livestock costs on to consumers.

A Los Angeles Times front-page piece says the U.S. military has conducted investigations on more than 50 servicemen suspected of running marijuana and cocaine for Mexican and Californian drug operations. Eight probes were conducted in the past year to sniff out smugglers who likely used their access to conveniently located military bases to avoid Mexican Border Patrol.

The NYT Magazine drives home its theme (yes, another theme issue) with its cover. The masthead is printed upside down at the bottom, alerting you to the message that modern design--from toothbrushes to Web pages--aims to catch your eye with "the shock of the familiar." The new style in Web pages is "logical as well as luscious": more color, less confusion. In desks, it's creative clutter (though the clean-swept desktop also has its champions). In modern art museums, it's jumbo jets, Jeeps, subway signs, and Post-It notes. In chairs, it's casual, cheap, and computer-designed. Also "100 Years of Stuff," which includes Isadora Duncan's Grecian robes, the electric fan, and Penguin Books. At the height of a high-consumption holiday shopping season, it all seems familiar.

All the papers report that University of Texas running back Ricky Williams was awarded the Heisman trophy Saturday at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan. The NYT reports that Williams, who holds the all-time college rushing record, also plays baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies organization, idolizes Bob Marley, and hopes to someday teach elementary school.

Print This ArticlePRINTDiscuss this in The FrayDISCUSSEmail to a FriendE-MAIL
Share on FacebookPost to MySpace!Share with MixxDigg ThisShare with RedditShare with del.icio.usShare with FurlShare with Ma.gnolia.comShare with SphereShare with Stumble Upon
Disclosure: Slate is owned by the Washington Post Co.Don't understand Today's Papers jargon? Check out the Today's Papers glossary.Get Today's Papers free in your mailbox.Having trouble receiving Today's Papers?
Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum
What did you think of this article?
POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES
Washington Post
The Washington Post
OPINIONS
The Great Debate
Marcus | Forget Biden. I'd like to see McCain face off against Palin.
Toles: Another McCain SurpriseStumped: Where's Palin's Baby?