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Julian Bond, chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told participants at the organization's annual convention, in Milwaukee, that national leaders are hindering efforts to battle racism, the Associated Press reports. In the last year, the Baltimore organization has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, which said officials from the group made political statements against the Bush administration that were partisan in nature, and therefore violated the organization's nonprofit status. The group has denied the charge.

WASHINGTON - July 11 - Online communications tools have contributed to a surge in new communications to Congress -- 200 million in 2004, up from 50 million in 1995 -- according to a new study by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Of those 200 million messages sent to Congress last year by the public, 91 percent, or 182 million, were sent online, while only 9 percent, or 18 million, were sent by postal mail. Despite the increase in communications, the report's survey research of House and Senate staff show they believe that the Internet and e-mail have had a positive effect on the democratic process. For example, 79 percent believe the Internet has made it easier for a citizen to get involved in the public policy process; 55 percent believe it has increased public understand of what goes on in Washington; while 48 percent (a plurality) believe it has made Members more responsive to their constituents. Check out the report!