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Monday, May 20, 2013
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New nurses find themselves in unhealthy job market
by Chris Linden and Melissa Suran
A year ago, new nursing school graduates at the University of North Carolina faced a much different future. The slumping economy has now hit new nurses, who are finding it harder than ever to land their dream job—or any job, for that matter.
Volunteers in Peace Corps' Arab world programs resign at high rate
by J.H. Freeman and Walter Morris
Peace Corps recruiters have seen an increased interest in its programs in the Arab world. But once volunteers head east, do they stay the full two years?
Organ harvesting in China still considered a problem by some
by Melissa Suran
A few years ago, China was accused of supplying organs to needy patients-- from unwilling participants. Prisoners, mostly who practiced Falun Gong, a now illegal religion, were allegedly executed so their organs could be harvested. Today, it is illegal to supply organs to "tourists" but the problem is said to be internal now, with China being providing the most organ transplants than any other nation.
Assessing the Department of Homeland Security — Part 1
by Deb Weinstein
The Department of Homeland Security is a ponderous beast. Since the agency is responsible for cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, immigration, border security, counterterrorism and subdivisions within each of these areas, pinning down how well it is fulfilling its mission is a challenge. So we asked experts and insiders.
Assessing the Department of Homeland Security — Part 2
by Deb Weinstein
Second in a two-part series that looks at how the Department of Homeland Security is performing under the new administration. Yesterday: The states' perspective. Today: Experts and insiders.
In education reform, some states race from the bottom
by Chris Linden
As states scramble to win money for education reform, some states are finding their laws at odds with the priorities of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
Military officials won’t ask, tell about revising gay policy
by Lisa Jacobson
‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ became armed forces policy under President Bill Clinton and was heralded as a milestone at the time. With a new administration and new century, however, many believe the military policy on sexual orientation needs a modern day facelift.
Experts debate whether cap on Social Security payments hurts retirees
by Felice Baker
Social Security benefits are expected to not rise in the next two years, thanks to negative inflation. But some say that a rise in Medicare costs and other impacts of the recession means there should be a cost-of-living-adjustment anyway.
Credit card companies boost rates ahead of new law
by Felice Baker
Credit card companies are making the best of their honeymoon before enactment of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act in six months. Issuers have been raising rates and fees significantly in the past three months.
Amid protests from the right, seniors in Virginia try to be heard on health care
by J.H. Freeman
Protestors at a Springfield, Va. town hall on health care support comparisons of President Barack Obama's policies to Adolf Hitler, fascism, and even a famous Spanish novel
Video:
Military veteran asks president to keep seniors in mind
Environmental cigarette company? You decide
by Lisa Jacobson
Going green has puffed to new heights as tobacco companies are trying to change their message through corporate responsibility.
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In defense of animals: Congress questions use of animals in casualty training
by Melissa Suran
One would expect to find people in the Department of Defense but there are animals too — used in casualty training. While some believe it is absolutely necessary, others say medics need to train with entities that more closely resemble humans.
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Rap video aims to save honeybees
by J.H. Freeman
Five brothers from Los Altos, Calif. make a rap video entitled "Do The Honey Bee"
Camp offers helping hand to military families
by Chris Linden
Soldiers on the battlefield are making the ultimate sacrifice. But the mothers, spouses and children left at home are making their own sacrifices while their loved ones are deployed. A camp in West Virginia is easing that sacrifice.
Lockerbie bomber's early release spurs discussion: Was compassion misplaced?
by Deb Weinstein
The release of Abdel Basset Ali al Megrahi, the only person convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 has triggered a number of questions. Among them: What is compassionate release and does it have a place in this situation?
Veterans still fighting – for health care
by Melissa Suran
While many veterans suffer from mental illnesses, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, not all receive appropriate health care – if any at all. While the VA says it is doing all it can to help sick veterans, some veterans say that can't be farther from the truth.
How much is the cost of living?
by Melissa Suran, Deb Weinstein
In a recessive economy, one would expect to find people skimping out on luxury vacations, fancy clothes -- and high-priced food. After compiling grocery lists from the five largest cities in the United States, though, it turns out people still want their organic veggies and name-brand carbs.
Docs cringe at the thought of painkillers taken off the market
by Melissa Suran
An advisory panel recommended that the FDA recall popular painkiller medications such as Vicodin and Percocet. The experts also advised that Tylenol be available by prescription only. Unfortunately, there are not many alternatives for those living with chronic pain.
Hello, Soto
by Deb Weinstein
After months of vetting, four days of public questioning, and weeks of contemplation, the Senate voted 68-31 to make Sonia Sotomayor the newest member of the Supreme Court.
A city on guard
by Deb Weinstein
Learning how Washington works was only one lesson of the academic quarter. How a city that once welcomed rambling tourists became more regimented and rigid was another.
Reporter’s notebook: Sotomayor, in retrospect
by Deb Weinstein
It often seemed reporters thought covering the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Even lulls, however, triggered more questions than I was able to answer.
Life
Lab-animal alternatives are the new guinea pigsControversial stem cell research under way but no major breakthroughs – for now
A day at the Newseum
