December 28th in 1996 was something of a mixed bag, news-wise. As the drama continued to unfold at the Japanese Embassy in Lima Peru, the self-proclaimed Marxist Guerrillas released 20 hostages, leaving some 80 still to contemplate their fates. The drama would drag out for months before it came to a conclusion.

Also high on the list of news happenings was word on the infamous Hale-Bopp Comet, scheduled to make an appearance almost any time. Meanwhile, controversy was brewing over the Canadian government's seemingly blind-eyed treatment of Nazi War Criminals living freely in Canada. Critics complained the Canadian government had an appalling record of prosecuting known Nazis living all over Canada and none had yet to come to trial.

The DNC was under fire for allegations White House Aide Doris Matsui was using her office and influence to solicit contributions from Asian-Americans during the recent election. Matsui denied the charges.

The growth of the Religious Right was a topic for discussion on this day. Theories that the Religious Right weren't so interested in the White House as much as the local Boards of Education around the country gave pause for thought, particularly in Texas where the Religious Right had considerable influence with local government.

And Congress ruled on Trans-Racial adoptions, making it illegal to prevent White parents from adopting African-American babies and vice versa. Three states had laws stipulating against trans-racial adoptions, including Minnesota. The Federal ruling set about to change that.

And that was the day in a nutshell, as broadcast over NPR's Weekend All Things Considered for December 28, 1996.