NewsHour Extra: U.S. Archive

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Government/Politics

Elasticity of Demand
Students use prior knowledge of the terms "economic downturn," "weak dollar," "niche market," "income elasticity of demand," and "inelasticity of demand" to apply these concepts to an advertising project.

Undercounting Unemployment
Our Hidden Jobless: A lesson plan featuring in-class debate, original research and some surprising conclusions about the unemployment data, built around a video in which Chicago's Ebony Allen tries to get a job.

Constitution Day: The 1965 Alabama Literacy Test
Students will read excerpts from President Johnson's speech to Congress and parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and research obstructions which were placed before African Americans attempting to vote before the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

America's Infrastructure: Miller Center National Discussion and Debate Series
Students will define infrastructure and then debate the potential effect of increased infrastructure spending.

Presidential Debate Primer
Students will use the debates as a valuable opportunity to learn how the candidatesuse tactics and strategies communicate their policy positions and leadership qualities to the American electorate.

Financial Crisis Glossary
Students will master all the terms of the current financial meltdown and use them to write questions to Paul Solman's Business Desk.

Is Iraq in the U.S.'s Best Interests?
Students will join the National Discussion and Debate Series created by the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. (Lesson Plans)

The Uninsured in America
Using activities for the visual learner, students analyze the growing problem of going without health insurance in America.

Vote 2008
These lesson plans help students examine the issues and candidates in the 2008 presidential election.

The State of the Union
Students learn about the history and purpose of the State of the Union address. Students will evaluate President Bush's next address on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

Analyzing the U.S. Policy in Iraq
Students analyze and compare President Bush's new plan for Iraq with options suggested by the Baker-Hamilton Commission and others.

Mid-term Elections -- The Impact of Local and National Issues
Students learn the importance of midterm elections and look at specific national, state, and local mid-term election issues that may be of interest to young people.

U.S. Immigration Reform
Students will use research, analysis and role play activities to understand the perspectives of the various stake holders in the immigration debate in the U.S.

What is the Role of Civil Disobedience Today?
Students will examine civil disobedience's history through the lens of Rosa Parks and others. Then they will explore whether it is a viable form of protest in today's world.

The United Nations and Reform
Students study the history and mission of the U.N., understand the major accomplishments of the U.N. over the past 60 years, examine criticisms of the organization and calls for reform.

U.S. Base Realignments and Closures
Students examine he process by which the U.S. military examines its base structure and determines what changes are needed in order to efficiently respond to current and future national security challenges.

The Senate Considers the President's Nominee
Students examine different aspects of the balance of power among the three branches and the process of judicial nomination and confirmation.

The President's Cabinet: Choosing the Right Person for the Job
Students examine the process for confirming President Bush's latest Cabinet nominees.

The Electoral College
Students learn how the Electoral College works and debate the system's pros and cons.

Watching the Presidential Debates
Use a ballot developed by the National Forensic League to help your students critique the presidential and vice presidential debates for effectiveness, reasoning, analysis and delivery.

Hold an in-class Post Presidential Debate
Students watch one of the 2004 televised presidential and vice presidential debates and hold a debate of their own dealing with the major issue that emerges from that debate.

Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election
Students learn the provisions of the 2004 Bush immigration initiative and examine critiques of the proposal. They also study the process of naturalizing immigrants by taking a sample U.S. citizenship test.

The Role of American Embassies
Students identify the services provided by U.S. embassies abroad and understand the role ambassadors and embassies play in carrying out U.S. foreign policy and protecting American interests.

Bringing Out the Vote
Students learn about voter turnout and analyze why so many Americans don't vote.

Political Commercials: Leading or Misleading Voters
Students watch political commercials, analyze them for logical fallacies and then create their own commercials using what they've learned.

Gay Marriage and Constitutional Amendments
Students examine the process of amending the U.S. Constitution through the lens of the gay marriage debate.

The Structure of Congress
In this lesson, students will examine the structure of Congress and the legislative process.

Defining Terrorism
In the first lesson plan, students use case studies to investigate the difference between revolutionaries and terrorists. In the second, they role-play four policy options and then write their views.

History

The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
Students will come to understand the significance of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through the study of primary documents.

The Supreme Court
Through this lesson, students will come to understand the history and role of the Supreme Court.

The Nuclear Option
Students understand the history of the filibuster and its constitutional implications and discuss the filibuster legislative procedure and its recent use in the U.S. Senate.

How Secure is Social Security?
Students study the Social Security program, its history and the problems facing it, then examine the effectiveness of possible solutions including President Bush's proposal for "personal accounts."

The March on Washington and its Impact
In this lesson, students explore the social and historical impact of the 1963 March on Washington.

Economics

America's Infrastructure: Miller Center National Discussion and Debate Series
Students will define infrastructure and then debate the potential effect of increased infrastructure spending.

The Housing Crisis: GDP, Housing Bubble, Recession
Students will understand the housing bubble and the current U.S. and global economic crisis.

Looking for the Bottom
Students will understand important economic factors that indicate whether the U.S. economy is experiencing a recession and analyze historical charts that plot economic recessions for the past 50 years

Financial Crisis Glossary
Students will master all the terms of the current financial meltdown and use them to write questions to Paul Solman's Business Desk.

How Secure is Social Security?
Students study the Social Security program, its history and the problems facing it, then examine the effectiveness of possible solutions including President Bush's proposal for "personal accounts."

Law/Supreme Court

The Supreme Court
Through this lesson, students will come to understand the history and role of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Confirmation Activity
In this short activity, students discuss the political nature of selecting and confirming a Supreme Court justice and collaborate to evaluate the merits of the president's new nominee.

Checks & Balances in Supreme Court Nominations
Students will examine the process and politics behind nominations for the Supreme Court.

Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Students use cooperative learning activities to discuss opinions about medical marijuana use and see both sides of the issue.

The Juvenile Death Penalty
Teach students about the Eighth Amendment and how the U.S. Supreme Court makes decisions about what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment through the example of the death penalty.

The Rights of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay
Students study the history and controversy surrounding the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there.

Gay Marriage and Constitutional Amendments
Students examine the process of amending the U.S. Constitution through the lens of the gay marriage debate.

Policing the Airwaves: The Debate Over Indecency
The FCC and the Senate are raising fines for media outlets who broadcast indecent material. In this lesson, students explore issues of on-air indecency and consider who should be held accountable.

The Supreme Court and You
In this lesson, students explore the impact of historic and recent Supreme Court decisions and issues on their lives.

Society and Culture

Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
Students do research to determine the types of energy currently used in the U.S., study the economic effects of rising energy costs on average households, and come up with ideas for alternative energy sources.

The Gulf Coast Region
Students study the history, topography, economics, and demographics of the Gulf Coast Region/New Orleans, then use their knowledge of current events to participate in a class discussion about the facts surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Students use cooperative learning activities to discuss opinions about medical marijuana use and see both sides of the issue.

BE the Press: Local Interviews, National Issues
Students choose a national issue of interest to them, and interview someone on the local level about that issue. To prepare students, the lesson offers tools for writing a "straight news" article and an "in depth" news article.

Anniversary of September 11
This lesson plan serves as a basis for discussion and reflection on the one year anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Defining Terrorism
In the first lesson plan, students use case studies to investigate the difference between revolutionaries and terrorists. In the second, they role-play four policy options and then write their views.

Government/Politics

Election Day 2009: Republicans Win Back Virginia and New Jersey
One year after President Obama's historic election, Republicans took back two states run by Democrats. But fighting between conservatives and moderates may have lost a Republican seat in the House of Representatives. 11.04.09

Congress Widens Hate Crimes Law to Include Gender Identity
In the first expansion of a federal hate crimes law since 1968, President Barack Obama signed a bill Wednesday that extends hate crime protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. 10.30.09

Copenhagen Climate Summit Challenges World Leaders
The United Nations Climate Change Summit, to take place this December in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a major event in the worldwide effort to deal with the problem of global warming, which scientists say is accelerated by human activity.
October 23, 2009

Health Care Reform is Tricky Balancing Act for Obama
Leaders in Congress and the White House are working together to craft a health care reform bill to fix the nation's health care system, one of the most expensive and complicated in the world.
October 15, 2009

President Revisits 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy for Gays in the Military
Facing criticism from the gay community for failing so far to live up to campaign promises, President Barack Obama addressed gay advocacy group Human Rights Campaign over the weekend, pledging to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prohibits gay and lesbian soldiers from serving openly in the armed forces. 10.13.09

Obama Welcomes Students Back to School
Students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia had an unusual back-to-school assembly this Tuesday when President Barack Obama arrived on campus to deliver a speech urging students to work hard, stay in school and to take personal ownership of their education and their future. 09.09.09

"Liberal Lion of the Senate," Edward Kennedy Dies
The last surviving brother of the Kennedy political dynasty and champion of liberal causes, Senator Edward Kennedy, died after a year-long battle with brain cancer at the age of 77. He will be remembered as one of America's most influential senators. 08.26.09

Dissent on Display as Congress Debates Health Reform
President Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress are pushing for a major overhaul in how Americans obtain health insurance, and that effort is exposing a deep division between citizens who think reform is essential and those who think the government has too large a role in their lives. 08.16.09

Obama Urges School Districts to Pay Teachers More and Open Charter Schools
School districts across the country are about to get a lot of money under President Barack Obama's "Race to the Top" program, but only if they follow specific rules set out by Education Secretary Arne Duncan. 07.29.09

Sotomayor Sparks Debate on Role of Judges
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of the constitutionally-mandated confirmation process for new justices. 07.15.09

Democrats Reach Magic 60, as Former Comedian Takes Senate Seat
After months of recounts and legal challenges, Democrat Al Franken has been declared the winner of the Minnesota Senate seat previously held by Republican Norm Coleman, after the Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Coleman’s legal appeal and he resigned from the race. 07.02.09

Higher Unemployment Rates Hamper Economic Recovery
As the national unemployment rate climbs above 9 percent, the highest rate in 26 years, President Barack Obama is urging states and local governments across the country to spend stimulus funds to improve parks, build roads and other projects. 06.09.09

President Obama Nominates New Supreme Court Justice
President Barack Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York to the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday. If confirmed, Sotomayor would be the third female justice and the first person of Hispanic descent to sit on the High Court. 05.26.09

President Obama Encourages 'Civil Debate' on Abortion
President Obama used his commencement address at the Catholic university Notre Dame Sunday to call for all sides in the abortion debate to treat each other with respect and search for common ground and work toward a world with fewer unexpected and unwanted pregnancies. 05.19.09

Torture Fight Rages On, Even After Obama's Policy Change
President Barack Obama has called for an end to interrogation techniques of terrorism suspects he considers torture, but there is an intense debate about whether to prosecute Bush administration officials who authorized the interrogations and whether top Democrats in Congress knew about them. 05.15.09

Privacy Concerns Arise As Digital Life Trends Toward Cloud Computing
As more people rely on the Internet for applications and data storage, those technologies are raising tough questions about user privacy. 05.05.09

Supreme Court Justice Retiring; Obama Will Help Shape High Court
Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to retire this year, giving President Obama an opportunity to choose a member of the high court and begin to shape the institution that helps form the laws and rules that govern everyday life. 05.01.09

Court Weighs School's Right to Strip Search Students
In a case that could affect students across the country, the United States Supreme Court is considering whether it is constitutional for school officials to strip search students on suspicion of hiding contraband such as drugs. 04.24.09

Obama Goes After Credit Card Companies That Target Young People
As a new study shows students are carrying record levels of credit card debt, President Barack Obama and Congress are working on legislation to rein in the actions of some credit card companies. 04.21.09

April Looms Large for American Taxpayers
For a nation that strongly values individual achievement and right to property, the U.S. income tax system remains a complex and sensitive issue, and many Americans have mixed feelings about giving part of their yearly income to the government. 04.14.09

Will Facebook “Friend” the Stock Market?
Amidst changes in management at Facebook headquarters, there’s growing speculation that the popular social networking site might soon go public, meaning that anyone would be able to buy a share of the company on the stock market. 04.07.09

Cyber Crime and Spying Threaten National Security
Criminals and foreign agents are using the Internet to infiltrate personal computers, spy on governments and perpetrate old-fashioned scams. 04.10.09

New Grads Increasingly Turning to AmeriCorps, Teach for America
With the nation's unemployment rising to a 25-year high this month and the financial sector in turmoil, many recent graduates are turning to service-oriented job programs like Teach for America and Peace Corps. 03.17.09

Fear of "Zombie Banks" Drives Government to Deal With "Toxic Assets"
America’s largest banks are in serious trouble, and the Obama administration faces difficult choices about how to untangle the modern financial system without making the crisis worse. 03.13.09

Supreme Court Considers First Amendment, Sherman Act
The U.S. Supreme Court began a new session Feb. 23, and has already ruled on a freedom of speech case and another that questioned whether AT&T violated the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. 02.27.09

Obama Outlines Economic Plan in Address to Congress
While not technically a State of the Union address, President Barack Obama went before the joint houses of Congress and the American public Tuesday to lay out his plans for the nation, saying that the United States is “a nation that has seen promise amid peril and claimed opportunity from ordeal.” 02.25.09

In New Role as Chief Diplomat, Secretary of State Clinton Tours Asia
Promising to usher in a new era of American diplomacy, Hillary Clinton is touring Asia on her first trip abroad as secretary of state, amid growing concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program and Japan's sinking economy.02.20.09

Massive Spending Bill Aims to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy
President Barack Obama signed a massive economic stimulus bill into law this week, a major piece of legislation aimed at helping America’s economy via hundreds of billions of dollars in government spending. 02.18.09

Obama Orders Review of Fuel Efficiency Policies
President Barack Obama on Monday ordered federal regulators to reexamine two policies that could lead to more fuel-efficient new cars and trucks. 01.27.09

Obama Moves Quickly in First Days
The newly minted President Barack Obama is acting swiftly to reverse some of President Bush’s controversial policies and to set a new tone for the Obama administration.01.23.09

Obama Inauguration Draws Celebrities and Citizens to Washington DC
Millions of people from around the world are in Washington DC to witness the inauguration of America’s first black president, Barack Obama. 01.16.09

Bush Legacy Lies in 9/11, Iraq, Economy, Education and AIDS Relief
As President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take the oath of office next week, out-going President George W. Bush is leaving behind a controversial legacy shaped by the war in Iraq and a broken economy. 01.13.09

New Congress Convenes Amid Questions Over Senate Seats
The 111th U.S. Congress opened Tuesday even though two Senate seats are mired in scandal and legal challenges, and several more are in flux as lawmakers move into the new Obama administration. 01.06.09

Obama Inauguration Plans Celebrate America's Diversity
For Inauguration Day, the historic ritual that celebrates the long history of peaceful passage of power in the United States, President-elect Barack Obama has chosen a civil rights leader, a Pulitzer Prize finalist author, a multi-Grammy winning artist, decorated military officers and a controversial conservative minister.12.23.08

Obama Cabinet Picks Create Open Senate Seats, and Controversy
As top Democrats move from the U.S. Senate into jobs in President-elect Barack Obama's White House, the process of filling those Senate seats without elections has, in some instances, led to charges of nepotism or bribery.12.16.08

American Automobile Industry Seeks Rescue Plan to Survive
The White House is considering a plea from the “Big Three” U.S. automotive companies, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, for billions of dollars in government loans if they are to survive. 12.12.08

U.S. Economy Officially in a Recession
After months of job losses, tumbling markets and low retail and home sales, the research organization with the authority to declare a recession made it official on December 1: the U.S. economy is in a recession. 12.05.08

Obama Team Takes Shape, Includes One-time Rival Hillary Clinton
A month and a half before he officially becomes president, Barack Obama has announced many of the key appointments in his new administration, including former rival Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. 11.25.08

Plans Change Dramatically for U.S. Financial Bailout
The U.S. government is shifting the focus of the $700 billion financial rescue plan away from buying up bad mortgage assets, instead trying to help consumers get credit by investing in banks and other financial institutions. 11.14.08

Transition From Bush to Obama Presidency Presents Challenges
President-elect Barack Obama began announcing plans for his new administration just days after winning the election, but he doesn't officially become president until he takes the oath of office at noon on January 20. 11.07.08

High Voter Turnout Helps Barack Obama Win Presidency
After a campaign that is destined to redefine American politics, Sen. Barack Obama solidly won the U.S. presidency Tuesday, making him the country's first black leader. 11.05.08

Iraqis, U.S. Military Negotiate Future of American Troop Presence
Heated debates in the Iraqi cabinet have stalled negotiations over a deal allowing 150,000 U.S. troops to stay in the country after a United Nations mandate expires December 31. 10.28.08

U.S. Economy's Troubles Hurt Alternative Energy Plans
As the economy falters, investment money dries up, demand for gas goes down and oil prices fall, causing advocates for more American alternative energy sources to worry that previous excitement for new energy technology will be lost. 10.24.08

Obama Shatters Fundraising Records, Reigniting Public Finance Debate
Democrat Barack Obama's campaign raised a record-smashing $150 million in the month of September, putting him on track to inject the most money into any election in history, and perhaps making the public financing system irrelevant. 10.21.08

Shifting Away From Free Market Ideals, U.S. Government Buys Big Stakes in Banks
Following the lead of several European nations, the United States decided to use $250 billion in taxpayer money to buy pieces of some of America's largest banks in an effort to help fix a struggling financial system. 10.17.08

Electoral College Turns Presidential Election into State-to-State Combat
While voters might think they're voting for Barack Obama or John McCain on Election Day, they're not. They're voting for a member of the Electoral College — a uniquely American institution responsible for George W. Bush's win in 2000 despite his losing the popular vote to Al Gore, and the reason the campaigns have spent over $25 million on ads in Ohio and nothing in Utah. 10.14.08

Financial Worries, Credit Crisis Are Felt Around the Globe
As the financial crisis continued to have a ripple effect around the globe this week, U.S. stocks plummeted to five-year lows, affecting half of all Americans who have some sort of savings invested in stocks. 10.10.08

Vice Presidential Candidates Hold Their Own in Closely Watched Debate
As they sparred over the economic bailout, Iraq, and education, both insisted that their presidential candidate was the one to lead the country through tough times ahead. 10.03.08

Markets Falter After Congress Fails to Agree on Rescue Plan
Stock prices tumbled Monday after the House of Representatives voted against a $700 billion emergency rescue package, ignoring pleas from President Bush and the leaders of both parties. 09.30.08

Financial Crisis Tests Notions of the President's Role in the Economy
As the Bush administration and Congress try to prevent what many fear is the biggest economic meltdown since the Great Depression, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama face a new era in government intervention in the economy. 09.23.08

Big Banks Fail, Signaling More Economic Troubles Ahead
The collapse of one of America's oldest and largest investment banks, and the weakened state of other important Wall Street companies shook stock markets worldwide as the financial crisis tied to falling home prices continues to shake the economy. 09.16.08

Obama, McCain Push Different Visions for Schools, Teachers and Students
Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama and Republican nominee Senator John McCain sparred over education policy this week, as the campaigns kept up a furious pace with just two months left in the race for the White House. 09.12.08

Democrats Hope to Increase Obama's Support at Convention
A Democrats hold their national convention in Denver the week as the party rallies behind the Obama-Biden ticket in hopes of building momentum for the final three months of the 2008 presidential campaign. 08.25.08

Obama World Tour Highlights Foreign Policy Differences With McCain
As the 2008 presidential campaign chugs along, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is traveling to the Middle East and Europe -- attracting plenty of media attention along the way while trying to win some political points on foreign policy. 07.22.08

Supreme Court Rules Individuals Have Right to Own Guns
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court said Americans have the right to own guns for self defense -- the court's first ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years. 06.27.08

New Measures Aim to Make Buildings Accessible for Disabled People
The House of Representatives and the Bush administration are pursuing separate measures to expand the scope and enforcement of laws aimed at making it easier for disabled people to access courthouses, stadiums and hotel rooms. 06.24.08

Supreme Court Rules Terror Suspects Can Appeal Detentions
The Supreme Court ruled last week that detainees held at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the constitutional right to challenge their imprisonment in U.S. federal courts. 06.17.08

Families in Katrina Temporary Housing Face Health Problems
The U.S. government is rushing to move families from trailers used as emergency housing since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 after the mobile homes were found to contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause severe health problems, including cancer. 06.10.08

Obama Claims Democratic Nomination as Clinton Concedes
After one of the longest primary races in recent history, Senator Barack Obama won the support of enough delegates to claim the Democratic presidential nomination and his rival Senator Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign June 9. 06.09.08

McCain Follows Unlikely Path to Republican Nomination
After a lifetime of public and military service Arizona Senator John McCain is in place to be the presidential nominee of the Republican Party, despite significant differences with some of its more conservative members. 05.21.08

California Supreme Court Overturns Same-sex Marriage Ban
The California Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriages, declaring it unconstitutional and paving the way for the state to become the second to permit same-sex couples to marry. 05.19.08

Obama Solidifies Delegate Lead after N.C., Indiana Primaries
Senator Barack Obama cruised to a double-digit victory in North Carolina while Senator Hillary Clinton won by a razor-thin margin in Indiana, raising questions about Clinton's prospects in the race for the nomination. 05.07.08

Congress Passes Anti-Genetic Discrimination Bill
A new law would outlaw discrimination based on a person's genetic information, making it more attractive for people to get tested for genetic mutations that could make them susceptible to certain diseases. 05.05.08

Democrats Face Continued Battle After Clinton's Pa. Victory
Facing another must-win political battle, Hillary Clinton emerged victorious in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, but it's unclear how much the victory will help close her delegate deficit against the better-funded Barack Obama. 04.23.08

Memo Reveals Bush Administration Legal Theory on Interrogation
A recently released 2003 Department of Justice memo has rekindled debate over interrogation tactics with its assertion that the president's authority in times of war overrides laws against torture and cruel treatment. 04.09.08

Democratic Super Delegates Face Pressure Over Presidential Pick
Nearly 800 Democratic super delegates are playing an unexpectedly important role in this year's Democratic primary between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. 04.02.08

Democrats Fight on for Nomination, McCain Seals GOP Spot
John McCain clinched the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday, while Democrats must continue state-by-state as attention shifts to the Pennsylvania primary on April 22. 03.05.08

Free Trade Agreement is Key Issue for Ohio Voters
Democratic rivals Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama have accused each other of supporting the NAFTA trade agreement in an attempt to sway working-class voters in Ohio. 03.03.08

U.S. Military Intentions in Outer Space are Focus of U.N. DebateOuter space is emerging as the newest frontier in the quest for a technical military advantage, sparking a war of words between the United States, Russia and China. 02.13.08

California Recycles Water 'Toilet to Tap'
In response to Southern California's dwindling water supply, several California cities are trying out new water reclamation projects that turn wastewater into drinking water. 02.11.08

Upcoming Primaries Gain Importance as Candidates Vie for Delegates
All five Democratic and Republican presidential candidates vowed to fight for each state in upcoming primary elections, following inconclusive results from 24 states on Super Tuesday. 02.06.08

President Bush Focuses on Economy in Last State of the Union
In a speech outlining his plans for his remaining months in office, President Bush spoke about government spending in response to stock market troubles and sluggish economic growth. 01.29.08

Congress and President Debate Ways to Ease Impact of Mortgage Crisis
The government is working on ways to help Americans pay their mortgages and stay in their homes so that a growing housing crisis does not weaken other areas of the economy. 01.14.08

Presidential Candidates Turn to Next Big Contest: Super Tuesday
New Hampshire's primary voters rejected the winners of Iowa's caucuses, breathing life into two presidential campaigns that had been showing recent signs of faltering, and setting up Feb. 5 as a critical contest in the race to the White House. 01.09.08

Obama and Huckabee Win at Iowa Caucus
Democratic Senator Obama and Former Republican Governor Huckabee are the clear winners in the first test for the White House. 01.04.08

Candidates Make Final Push Before Voting
The 2008 presidential candidates are making their final push before the Iowa caucuses, the first real test in the race for the White House. 12.28.07

Sliding U.S. Dollar Affects Worldwide Markets
The U.S. dollar continues to loose value in the wake of the recent housing crunch. 12.18.07

Farm Bill Changes May Affect Food Industry
Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are squaring off over a new version of the farm bill, which affects what we eat and how it is grown. 11.20.07

U.S. Ally Pakistan Faces Political Crisis
Clashes between protesters and police renewed pressure on President Pervez Musharraf to hold democratic elections in Pakistan. 11.12.07

Candidates Pick Up Steam in Run-up to Presidential Primaries
Presidential candidates are turning up the rhetoric as several states battle for early 2008 presidential primary dates. 11.05.07

Children's Health is Political Battleground
Democrats failed to override the president's veto of a bill expanding SCHIP, a health insurance program for poor children and their families. 10.29.07

Dalai Lama Award Angers China
In a move that has upset China, the United States awarded the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Congressional Gold Medal. 10.17.07

Genocide Resolution Outrages Turkey
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a resolution that labels the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as a genocide. 10.15.07

Contractors Criticized for Violence in Iraq
The American security firm Blackwater is under scrutiny after its contractors shot and killed 17 Iraqis. 10.10.07

Central Bank Attempts to Reboot Economy
The Federal Reserve lowered two key interest rates to prevent problems in the housing market from causing a recession the U.S. economy. 09.19.07

Iraq War Central Issue in 2008 Primary
Although the 2008 presidential primaries are still months away, candidates are scrambling to define their positions on the war in Iraq. 09.05.07

Politics Topples Attorney General Gonzales
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned after investigations into the firing of U.S. attorneys and the legality of a secret wiretapping program. 08.29.07

Bill Would Make College More Affordable
As college tuition continues to skyrocket, Democrats in Congress are trying to make good on their promise to make college more affordable. 08.16.07

Social Networks Aid Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates for the 2008 election are using Facebook and MySpace as new tools to generate voter support and raise money. 07.25.07

President Bush Cancels Libby's Jail Term
Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. 07.09.07

States Seek Stricter Car Emissions Standards
Following a Supreme Court decision that called carbon dioxide a "pollutant," California is leading the charge for stricter car emissions standards. 5.29.07

Government Looks to Regulate TV Violence
The Federal Communications Commission called on Congress to regulate violent TV programming for its effects on children. 05.02.07

President Bush Pushes Immigration Reform
During a visit to Yuma, Ariz., President Bush inspected border security measures and called for an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws. 4.11.07

Congress Seeks End to War in Iraq
Both houses of Congress are looking to pull out U.S. troops in Iraq by setting deadlines for the President in an emergency funding bill. 3.28.07

Too Much Testing?
Congress debates the mandatory achievement testing required by President Bush's controversial No Child Left Behind education policy. 3.21.07

President Bush Visits Latin America
President Bush spent six days in Latin America trying to strengthen U.S. economic ties and address social issues affecting the region. 3.14.07

Treatment of Wounded Soldiers Criticized
Investigative news stories describing inadequate treatment of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have sparked political finger-pointing. 3.07.07

Lowest Paid Workers May Get Raise
The House of Representatives and Senate are debating two bills that would increase the federal minimum wage by 40 percent over the next two years. 2.21.07

President Bush Pitches $2.9 Trillion Budget
The president's new budget proposal would increase spending on the military and limit spending on health care and social security. 2.07.07

Set, Go: 2008 Presidential Race Starts Early
More than a dozen presidential hopefuls are lining up for the primary races -- the first since 1928 without a sitting president or vice president running. 1.31.07

President Bush Outlines 2007 Agenda
In his State of the Union address, the president defended his strategy in Iraq and introduced goals for the environment and health care. 1.24.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 1.22.07

President Bush Sends More Troops to Iraq
President Bush's plan to deploy 21,000 more U.S. troops to Iraq received harsh criticism from many Democrats and some Republicans. 1.16.07

Democrats Aim for Change in New Congress
Democrats control both houses of the 110th Congress and will take up the issues of stem cell research, the minimum wage, and Iraq war funding. 1.08.07

History

Yale Returns Incan Artifacts to Peru
Yale University agreed to return a massive collection of artifacts taken from Peru's Machu Picchu ruins nearly 100 years ago. 11.14.07

Sputnik Launches 50 Years of Space Race
When the Soviet Union launched a basketball-sized satellite into space October 4, 1957, it shocked the world and set off a space race. 10.03.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

Jamestown Celebrates 400th Anniversary
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's trip to Virginia highlights the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. 4.30.07

Economics

Basic Needs Threatened by Busted State Budgets
States across America face difficult choices as the troubled economy eats away at the tax money they use to pay for important services such as libraries, health care and education. 09.18.09

Finance Reform Still on the Agenda, One Year After Collapse
A year after the collapse of investment giant Lehman Brothers that set off global financial crisis and unprecedented government involvement in the financial system, President Barack Obama gave a speech warning bankers against complacency and called for stronger government oversight of Wall Street. 09.15.09

Fear of "Zombie Banks" Drives Government to Deal With "Toxic Assets"
America’s largest banks are in serious trouble, and the Obama administration faces difficult choices about how to untangle the modern financial system without making the crisis worse. 03.13.09

Big Banks Fail, Signaling More Economic Troubles Ahead
The collapse of one of America's oldest and largest investment banks shook stock markets worldwide as the financial crisis tied to falling home prices continues to shake the economy. 09.16.08

High Gas Prices Changing Habits, Consumer Choices
With gasoline costing a national average of more than $4 a gallon -- over a dollar more than the same time last year -- people all across the United States are changing the way they shop, vacation and even go to school. 07.15.08

Math Madness: Statistics Might Help Choose NCAA Brackets Statisticians have found ways to improve the odds of picking the winners of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, but have not been able to conquer the uncertainties that make it nearly impossible to create the perfect bracket. 03.17.08

Stagflation Threatens U.S. Economy
As the U.S. economy slows in part from a lagging housing market, economic indicators point to the possibility of stagflation -- a slowdown in economic activity combined with rising prices not seen since the 1970s. 02.25.08

Sliding U.S. Dollar Affects Worldwide Markets
The U.S. dollar continues to loose value in the wake of the recent housing crunch. 12.18.07

Facebook, MySpace Launch New Targeted Ads
MySpace and Facebook developed tools that allow advertisers to target users based on wall postings and other personal information. 11.07.07

Central Bank Attempts to Reboot Economy
The Federal Reserve lowered two key interest rates to prevent problems in the housing market from causing a recession the U.S. economy. 09.19.07

Chinese Toy Recall Impacts U.S. Businesses
Following a massive recall by Mattel, toymakers and other manufacturers are reexamining how they do business with China. 08.22.07

Bill Would Make College More Affordable
As college tuition continues to skyrocket, Democrats in Congress are trying to make good on their promise to make college more affordable. 08.16.07

Law/Supreme Court

Constitutional Questions Raised in New Supreme Court Session
The Supreme Court is open for business, considering questions such as: do big businesses have the same free speech rights as people? Are movies depicting animal cruelty free speech? And how rigid is the line separating church from state? 10.07.09

Sotomayor Hearings Feature Debate Over Role of Judges
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Barack Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week as part of the constitutionally-mandated confirmation process for new justices. 07.15.09

Supreme Court Considers First Amendment, Sherman Act
The 111th U.S. Congress opened Tuesday even though two Senate seats are mired in scandal and legal challenges, and several more are in flux as lawmakers move into the new Obama administration. 02.27.09

Supreme Court Rules Individuals Have Right to Own Guns
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court said Americans have the right to own guns for self defense -- the court's first ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years. 06.27.08

Supreme Court Rules Terror Suspects Can Appeal Detentions
The Supreme Court ruled last week that detainees held at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the constitutional right to challenge their imprisonment in U.S. federal courts. 06.17.08

Supreme Court Takes 2nd Amendment Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban, which challenges the Second Amendment. 11.26.07

Court Rules on Students with Disabilities
The Supreme Court affirmed a ruling requiring school districts to pay for the private special education for learning disabled students. 10.08.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

D.C. Appeals Gun Ban to Supreme Court
Washington, DC is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if its handgun ban is legal, and the ruling could affect gun laws nationwide. 09.12.07

President Bush Cancels Libby's Jail Term
Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. 07.09.07

Race Criteria Struck Down in Public Schools
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public schools may not consider an individual's race when trying to create a diverse student body. 7.02.07

Supreme Court Rules to Allow Censorship in High Schools
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to limit student speech after a high-school senior was suspended for displaying a sign with a drug reference at a school-sponsored activity. 6.26.07

Lawsuit Alleges Vaccine Caused Autism
A class-action lawsuit brought by parents of autistic children claims that a preservative in vaccines caused the neurological disorder. 6.20.07

Bald Eagle May Fly off Endangered List
Once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle has rebounded and may soon be removed from the list of endangered species. 6.13.07

Opinion Mixed on Raising Drop-out Age
In an effort to encourage more students to earn high school diplomas, some states are raising the age that kids can elect to drop out of school. 05.14.07

High School Student's Free Speech on Trial
The Supreme Court is considering a First Amendment rights case focused on a high schooler suspended for displaying a sign reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." 3.19.07

Society and Culture

Chicago Teen's Violent Death Spurs Plans to Reduce Youth Violence
The Obama administration promised a "sustained national effort" to combat youth violence this week, after a cell phone video camera captured the beating and killing of 16-year-old Derrion Albert when he crossed paths with rival gangs on his way home from school. 10.09.09

Destructive Fires in Southern California Highlight Risks of Dry Season
I Families are beginning to return to the burnt remains of homes and melted cars after firefighters gained control of wildfires that raged through southern California, forcing thousands of people to flee last week. 1.18.08

New Measures Aim to Make Buildings Accessible for Disabled People
The House of Representatives and the Bush administration are pursuing separate measures to expand the scope and enforcement of laws aimed at making it easier for disabled people to access courthouses, stadiums and hotel rooms. 06.24.08

Families in Katrina Temporary Housing Face Health Problems
The U.S. government is rushing to move families from trailers used as emergency housing since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 after the mobile homes were found to contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause severe health problems, including cancer. 06.10.08

California Recycles Water 'Toilet-to-Tap'
In response to Southern California's dwindling water supply, several California cities are trying out new water reclamation projects that turn wastewater into drinking water. 02.11.08

Facebook, MySpace Launch New Targeted Ads
MySpace and Facebook developed tools that allow advertisers to target users based on wall postings and other personal information. 11.07.07

California Battles Devastating Wildfires
Fierce winds and no rain in California continue to fuel wildfires that have destroyed more than 1,400 homes or businesses and killed five people. 10.24.07

Schools Fighting Deadly "Superbug"
Schools in the northeastern U.S. are using Lysol and better hygiene to combat outbreaks of a bacteria known as the MRSA "superbug." 10.22.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

Chinese Toy Recall Impacts U.S. Businesses
Following a massive recall by Mattel, toymakers and other manufacturers are reexamining how they do business with China. 08.22.07

Collapse Reveals Problems with U.S. Bridges
The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota has spurred transportation regulators to examine bridge testing procedures. 08.08.07

Social Networks Aid Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates for the 2008 election are using Facebook and MySpace as new tools to generate voter support and raise money. 07.25.07

New Fees Put Pressure on Internet Radio
Internet-based radio stations are battling the record industry -- and the clock -- as they face hefty new copyright fees in two months. 05.21.07

Opinion Mixed on Raising Dropout Age
In an effort to encourage more students to earn high school diplomas, some states are raising the age that kids can elect to drop out of school. 05.14.07

Government Looks to Regulate TV Violence
The Federal Communications Commission called on Congress to regulate violent TV programming for its effects on children. 05.02.07

Virginia Tech Begins Healing Process
Two days after a 23-year-old student went on a shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, the university community mourns and shares feelings. 4.18.07

Owners, Vets Question Pet Food Safety
As the list of recalled dog and cat food continues to grow, pet owners and veterinarians are questioning the lack of manufacturer regulation. 4.09.07

Daylight-saving Time Lasts Longer This Year
Most of the United States begins daylight-saving time three weeks earlier this year -- Congress' attempt to save energy and money. 3.09.07

Treatment of Wounded Soldiers Criticized
Investigative news stories describing inadequate treatment of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have sparked political finger-pointing. 3.07.07

Lowest Paid Workers May Get Raise
The House of Representatives and Senate are debating two bills that would increase the federal minimum wage by 40 percent over the next two years. 2.21.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 1.22.07


	Wakefield High Senior Class President Introduces President Obama Timothy Spicer Students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia had an unusual back-to-school assembly when President Barack Obama arrived on campus to deliver a speech on the importance of education. Timothy Spicer, 17, of Arlington, Virginia was chosen to introduce President Obama before his speech. He talks to NewsHour Extra about his experience. President Obama Sends a Valuable Message to Students in Education Speech Michael Sloan Students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia had an unusual back-to-school assembly when President Barack Obama arrived on campus to deliver a speech on the importance of education. Michael was there covering the story for his school's paper. Students Interested in the Military Cite Rising College Costs, Tough Economy Tammy Chan According to military officials, the number of young people interested in the military has increased for the first time in five years, thanks in part to the tough economy. Tammy, 16, is from New York City, and talks to students at her school who are thinking about enlisting. Youth Radio's Austin on Calif. School Budget Cuts Austin De Rubira This summer, school administrators in districts across the country will have to face some tough budget decisions. Youth Radio’s Austin De Rubira reports on the unusual way Oakland’s school district is adapting its science program to tough economic times. Peter Argues For Free Expression Rights for Unpopular Ideas Peter Breighner Peter, 18, a recent graduate of Harbor Springs High School in Harbor Springs, Michigan, thinks that his school should allow students to display the Confederate flag in the school parking lot, despite the fact that it is an unpopular symbol that many people associate with racism. Closing Gitmo is the Right Thing to Do Adrienne Adrienne of San Francisco, California, weighs in on the controversy over President Obama's plan to close the Guantanamo Bay military detention center and send some detainees to American prisons. She argues that closing the prison is a crucial part of restoring America's credibility with the rest of the world. California Students Brave Tough Economic Times Arianna Perez Student reporter Arianna Perez, 17, is from Stockton, California. She interviews four students from her high school who are coping with financial difficulties along with their families. Jordan Says Gitmo Prisoners Should Go to Her Montana Hometown Jordan Minnick Jordan Minnick of Hardin, Montana, explains her town's request to hold the terrorism suspects from the soon-to-be-closed military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jordan thinks transfering the prisoners to Hardin would create jobs. Youth Radio's King Anyi on Obama's First 100 Days King Anyi Howell Youth Radio correspondent, King Anyi Howell, looks at how President Obama has dealt with the various issues that are important to young Americans -- from health care to education -- during his first 100 days as president. College Goals Change Everything Zebedee Williams Zebedee Williams is a 19-year-old Senior at Roosevelt High School in south St Louis. Originally from the neighborhood around Roosevelt, his mother moved in with his grandmother to help make ends meet. Zebedee decided it was worth the 90-minute bus ride across town to attend Roosevelt, after it transformed from being one of the worst schools in the area to one of the better public high schools. He's accepted into two colleges now and is hoping for more scholarships to help make it more affordable. This is an excerpt from a NewsHour interview. Eliana Notices Economic Changes in St. Louis Eliana Parnas Eliana, a sophomore at Ladue High School in St. Louis, shares her thoughts on the city of St. Louis, President Obama's election and how the recession is affecting her hometown. Elliot Talks About Moving to a St. Louis Magnet School Elliot Kleiman Elliot is a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School in St. Louis. He talks about moving from a school in the suburbs to a magnet school in the inner city. He also discusses how students at his school felt about the election of President Barack Obama. Kyriah Opens Up About De Facto Segregation in St. Louis Kyriah Shannon Kyriah, 17, loves her hometown for its diversity but she regrets that the city has remained so segregated. Kyriah also discusses families facing the housing crisis and the election of President Obama. Jordan Shares His Thoughts on Race, Economy in St. Louis Jordan Williams Jordan, 16, is a student at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis. He has noticed underlying racial divisions in St. Louis and discusses President Obama's first 100 days in office. Winnie Discusses Life in the Suburbs of St. Louis Winnie Hawker Winnie, 17, is a junior at Webster Groves High School in Rock Hill, Missouri. She talks about how students from the suburbs rarely travel into the city of St. Louis. Littleton, Colorado Student Discusses How Columbine Shootings Changed Her Town Erin Bilir On April 20, 1999, teenagers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed twelve students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado. Youth Radio correspondent Erin Bilir grew up in Littleton, Colorado and remembers the day of the shootings and how it changed everything for kids in the town. Student Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence Markeyla In Feburary 2009, pop singers and couple Chris Brown and Rihanna were allegedly involved in an altercation during which Brown is accused of hitting Rihanna and threatening her life. Markeyla used the incident to argue that domestic violence is a serious issue that her peers might overlook. Iraq War Hits Home for Students and Families Kyle and Tessa The U.S. will begin another year of armed conflict in Iraq this March. Kyle and Tessa, of Michigan, interviewed two students and a teacher with family members currently serving in the military. Student Interviews Economist and Local Businesses about Recession Hannah Hannah, of Littleton High School in Colorado, interviewed community members and an economist about the nation's economic problems. Stimulus Bill Another Bogus Bailout Chris Chris, of Matthews, N.C., argues that the stimulus package is a waste of taxpayer money, and will do little to help the nation's struggling economy. Student Reports on Effects of Economy Alejandra Alejandra talked to students and teacher about where they think the economy is headed and what it means for their daily lives. Student Supports Her Parents' Right to Marry Adrienne Adrienne, of San Francisco, writes that same-sex couples like her parents should be allowed to get married. Obama Inauguration Should Inspire Hard Work and New Achievements Maya Maya, from Atlanta, Ga., traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in inaugural events in January. She writes that Americans should follow President Obama's example and continue to work to improve society. Student Explores Local Economic Changes Nicole Nicole, a senior from Ridge Community High School in Davenport, Florida, talked to the owners of a car dealership, realty company and restaurant to gauge how the economic decline is impacting her area. Students Prepare for Changes as Economy Slows Camille Camille, from Michigan, writes that the economic downturn is making students think twice about their spending and could have far-reaching consequences for her community. President-elect Faces Tough Road Ahead Alexander Alexander writes that President-elect Barack Obama has to repair the United States' place in the world, and that he should start by focusing on immigration, closing Guantanamo Bay and reinstilling respect for the law. The Long Road to Becoming a U.S. Citizen Kelsey Sejkora Kelsey interviewed Ming Chen, a new U.S. citizen, about his journey from his home country of China and building a life in the United States. Video Your Vote: Students Reflect on the Election and Voting Video Your Vote is a joint project between the NewsHour and YouTube to document the experiences of voters across the country and collect voter opinions on the 2008 election. Students across the country submitted videos documenting the voting process and talking about its importance. Election Spurs Students to Become Politically Active Hayley Hayley, from Colorado, interviewed students about their involvement in the 2008 elections and how they are supporting candidates, even if they can't vote. Attack Ads Distract from the Issues Myles Myles writes that negative campaign ads take attention away from the important issues. He spoke with other students about how they perceive these ads. Students Rate Presidential Candidates' Final Debate Josh and Robert Top National Forensic League debaters Josh Zoffer and Robert Kindman discuss the candidates' strategies and rhetoric in the third presidential debate. Criticism of Flip-Flops Not Valid Miriam Miriam writes that no person is completely consistent in their stance on a particular issue and that candidates should not feel insecure when they change their minds on a topic. Second Presidential Debate Leaves Many Unanswered Questions Tess Tess argues that both Obama and McCain failed to support their points with real facts, making it difficult for voters to draw any substantive conclusions from the debate. McCain, Obama Play it Safe, with One Month Left Emily Emily writes that neither Obama nor McCain used the second presidential debate as an opportunity to show real leadership and vision on the economy and other pressing issues. Obama Scores a Win in Second Debate Becca Becca writes that confidence and focus helped Senator Obama carry the second debate, despite complications from the town-hall style format. Palin and Biden Make Appeals to Average Voters Evan Evan writes that Sen. Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin used different techniques in the vice-presidential debate to connect with the American people and show they know the concerns of an average family. Student Debaters Give VP Debate Play-by-Play Jeff and Robert In a video, debaters Josh Zoffer and Robert Kindman's break down the vice-presidential debate issue by issue and assess the candidates' performances and strong points. Palin Holds Her Own Against Biden in VP Debate Ross Ross Gordon writes that Sen. Biden adeptly tied Sen. McCain to unpopular current policies, but that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin performed well despite some vague answers and deflected questions. Gov. Palin Misses the Credibility Mark in VP Debate Michael Michael writes that in the first, and only, vice presidential debate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin failed to prove she would be a qualified leader. Candidates Show Their True Colors at the Debate Will Will writes that the first debate between Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain was too close to call, but revealed plenty about the candidates' different dispositions and how they want voters to perceive them. Obama Holds Ground in Debate, but McCain Still First on Foreign Policy Alex Alex writes that McCain had a slight edge in the first presidential debate, but that both candidates performed well enough to prevent any negative effects on their campaigns. Presidential Race Puts Focus on Big Issues Atige Atige writes about some of the controversial issues in the presidential race and speaks to students about their views. McCain Deserves A Look, Too Nia Nia writes that young African-Americans should listen to both candidates before making a decision about who they will support. VP Pick Sarah Palin is a True Alaskan Tyler Tyler, a native Alaskan, writes about his support for Gov. Sarah Palin, and the misconceptions about Alaska. Children's PressLine Reporters Cover the Democratic and Republican National Conventions Throughout the conventions, held from August 25 to September 4, Children's Pressline reporters were on the ground in Denver and Minneapolis covering issues important to young people. Small Changes Can Help Curb Climate Change Arielle Arielle describes some of the ways climate change is already affecting the United States and her home state, and suggests some ways for students to improve their carbon footprints. Students Weigh Military Schools as Alternative Elizabeth Military academies and colleges are attracting student looking to serve in the military and avoid paying tuition. Elizabeth interviewed students at her high school in San Jose, Calif., about the pros and cons of the military schools. Could Obama and Clinton Be the Golden Ticket? Namrata With Sen. Barack Obama now the presumptive Democratic nominee attention has turned to who he will pick as his running mate. Namrata writes about the benefits and obstacles for a potential Obama-Clinton ticket. Latina Student Embraces New and Old Traditions Jalisa Jalisa interviewed Katy Hernandez, a Latina student who moved to the United States from Mexico ten years ago and now attends Concord High School. Katy talked about what life was like in Mexico and how she has balanced the two countries' cultures. Myanmar Cyclone Hits Close to Home for Refugees Bebe Bebe was raised in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Myanmar. She talked to NewsHour Extra about the cyclone in Myanmar and her own experience coming to the United States. Road to Nomination Goes through Pennsylvania Julia Julia spoke with students at her high school in Bloomsburg, Pa., about the election issues that concern them most, and who they are supporting in the state's primary, an important contest in the close race between Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama. Pope Benedict Makes First U.S. Visit Young Catholics from across the country are flocking to Washington and New York to see Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to the country as the pope. Students attending his April 17 mass at the Washington Nationals ball park talked to NewsHour Extra about what they hope to hear. Digital Dissection is a Promising Alternative Heather Heather writes about the ecological consequences of dissecting frogs and other animals in the classroom. Digital dissection computer programs could replace the traditional version, she argues. Online Predators Target Vulnerable Teens Keisha Being a teenager can be an emotionally difficult time, writes Keisha, making teens easy targets for online predators. New laws are making it easier to catch predators earlier. Rallying Student Support for Obama in Ohio Joshua Joshua has been volunteering with the Barack Obama campaign in Ohio for 9 months, organizing students and talking to voters. He talks about his experiences and why he feels so passionate about this election. Texas Volunteer Hopes for Clinton Comeback Griffin Griffin is a volunteer in the Dallas Clinton offices. He reflects on the media coverage of the campaigns and how students in his school are taking sides. Obama Volunteers Flood into Texas Emily A new Obama volunteer in Austin, Texas, reports on the positive energy at the campaign office and how out-of-state volunteers are working to get Texas Democrats to the polls. Campaigning for Clinton in Ohio Lonnie Lonnie, voting this year in his first presidential election, talks about volunteering for Senator Hillary Clinton in the weeks before the crucial Ohio primary. The Upside of Down Syndrome Sydney Sydney writes about the joys, and occasional frustrations, of life with her brother Aaron, who was born with Down syndrome. Prolonged Writers Strike Means Lost Fans Meghan The writers strike has gone on for too long, Meghan writes, and has been handled badly by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Struggling with Obesity and Self Image Shakura With obesity at epidemic levels in the United States, Shakura writes about how being overweight has affected her and her social life. Partisan Politics Hurt Progress Michael Michael Feinberg argues that the Democratic Congress has failed to live up to its promises of real reforms. Instead, the parties blame each other for the lack of progress, and no one wins. Black-on-Black Violence Needs a Community Solution Jamari Jamari Caldwell writes that black-on-black violence is destroying communities and that ordinary citizens need to help. Iraqi Refugee Split Between Very Different Worlds Omer Omer Kassim, 17, is an Iraqi refugee living in Cleveland, Ohio. He was recently granted asylum to stay in the country, but longs for home as well. California Family Hopeful After Losing Home The Wilson Family lost their home in the recent California wildfires. In this audio slideshow, they share their experiences and hopes for the future. California Wildfires Force Evacuations Michelle Sophomore Michelle Boccia talks to NewsHour Extra about evacuating her home in northeastern San Diego because of wildfires spreading through the area. The Internal Battle of Depression Caroline Caroline Schepker, a 19-year-old college student, talks to NewsHour Extra about learning to understand and manage depression. The Armenian Genocide Resolution is a Danger to U.S. Troops Erika Erika Martin writes that Congress will endanger U.S. troops' lives if the Armenian Genocide resolution is passed. Congress Must Pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution Kim Junior Kim Kinden argues that the Armenian Genocide resolution would give overdue acknowledgment to the victims of a tragic event. Diluting the Meaning of Torture Beverly Beverly Congdon writes that reporters and politicians calling harsh, but humane, interrogation techniques torture is dangerous. Questioning Romney on Faith Reinforces Intolerance Heather Heather Doyle, a Mormon high school senior, describes how Mitt Romney's presidential campaign has affected her life, and caused unfair scrutiny of her religion. Vick Dog Fighting Case Exposes Cruel Sport Rachel Rachel Weaver, 16, argues dog fighting is a serious, inhumane crime and that Michael Vick should be punished accordingly. Jena Six Case Shows Race Bias in the Justice System, and Media Lisa Senior Lisa Vinson writes that the Jena six were treated unfairly, while their white peers escaped punishment for a hate crime. Americans Should Look to Adopt British Health Care Model Elizabeth Following a trip to England with her family, Elizabeth DeSimone thinks that the United States should adopt a system in which all Americans are guaranteed free health care. Bonds' Record Not Tarnished by Scandal Kevin Junior Kevin Whitaker argues that Barry Bonds' home run record should be remembered as a feat in a new era of baseball. Lack of Financial Literacy Hurts Students Brison Senior Brison Harvey argues that high schools need to prepare students for big financial decisions through required financial literacy education Darfur Crisis Tests U.S. Superpower Status Shannon Rising 11th grader Shannon Mason argues that the United States needs to ramp up its action in Darfur to prevent the loss of innocent lives. Reflections on Blacksburg and Virginia Tech Dana Dana Al-Qadi, 17, grew up in Blacksburg, Va., where a mass shooting left 33 dead on April 16, 2007. Dana reflects on her hometown and the victims she knew. The Need for More Troops in Iraq Beverly Editorial writer Beverly Congdon, 17, argues that Congress is overstepping its authority in opposing President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq. Banning Teens from Nightclubs Won't Stop Violence Maya As Washington, DC considers legislation that would ban underage patrons from nightclubs following the death of a 17-year-old girl, Maya Gibson-Reinemer argues that keeping teens out of venues with live music will not stop the violence. U.S. Military Strategies Ignore Iraqi Girls' Rights Natalia As the president requests more troops for the Iraq war, teen Natalia Thompson criticizes the lack of attention on the waning freedoms of Iraqi Being Young and HIV Positive in America Brett At the age of 16, Brett's life changed forever when he tested positive for HIV. Now an 18-year-old college freshman in North Carolina, he is battling the stigma of the virus every day. Former Congressional Page Reflects on Experience Laura As a scandal involving explicit messages sent by a congressman to a former page saturates the news, former page Laura Meixell describes her Capitol Hill experience. New Michigan Graduation Requirements Shortchange Many Students Nick Nick Thomas, a 17-year-old reporter with 8-18 Media, thinks new, more rigorous Michigan high school graduation requirements could negatively affect a variety of students. Sept. 11 Remains a Reminder of Heroism Andrew Andrew LaCombe, a 16-year-old reporter with 8-18 Media, remembers the Sept. 11 attacks and reflects on the lingering impacts of that day. Politicians Should Involve Youth in Decision Making Chelsea Chelsea Parrish, a 14-year-old Michigan student and 8-18 Media reporter, wants politicians to recognize the value of youth input. Making an 'Exit' Jazmine A California judge says they don't have to, but Youth Radio reporter Jazmine Livingston thinks high school students should have to pass the state's exit exam before they can graduate. Cruzando la Frontera Maria Maria, a Youth Radio correspondent, is a student and an illegal immigrant. She tells the story of her harrowing trip from Mexico to the U.S. in a poem. Is Convenience Worth the Cost to the Environment? Yoko A student from Japan launches a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of disposable chopsticks on the environment. Black Market for ADD Drugs Thrives on Campus Michelle Youth Radio reporter Michelle Jarboe tells how Ritalin has become the drug of choice among students eager for better grades or a better buzz. Media Coverage of the Sago Mine Tragedy Raises Many Questions Lindsay A student from West Virginia criticizes the media's coverage of a mining accident in her state as sensationalist. Hurricane Katrina and the End of Life as I Knew it Paige DiMacco Seventeen-year old Paige DiMacco fled her home, friends and all she knew in River Ridge, Louisiana to escape Hurricane Katrina. Teen Hurricane Survivors Tell Their Stories After escaping their flooded homes in Louisiana, two New Orleans teens describe their experiences and share their hopes for the future. Soldier's Death Brings War Home June The war in Iraq suddenly came home for a student with the death of a soldier who graduated from her school.

Fort Hood Aftermath

		Hasan's Background
		Jobless Numbers Jump
		Freelance and Out of Work
		Health Reform Debate
		Afghan Voices
		Shields and Brooks

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