Health Apr 02 How algorithms are being used to deny health insurance claims in bulk Federal data shows that health insurance companies denied more than 49 millions claims in 2021, but customers appealed less than 0.2 percent of them. Investigative journalists at ProPublica found that the insurance company Cigna is using an automated system…
World Mar 19 Expert analyzes new account of GOP deal that used Iran hostage crisis for gain The Iran hostage crisis consumed the last year of the Carter presidency, contributing to a perception of weakness. Saturday, a new allegation surfaced that Ronald Reagan's campaign worked to prevent the U.S. hostages from being freed before Election Day. Gary…
World Dec 04 Violence and instability in Haiti as ongoing crisis deepens Gripped by gang violence, a new cholera outbreak and widespread shortages of food, water and fuel, the crisis in Haiti has worsened in recent months. Many are calling for international intervention, even as the U.S. continues to deport Haitian migrants…
Arts Nov 20 Acclaimed artist Kadir Nelson on what influences his paintings Award-winning artist Kadir Nelson is known for his oil paintings that evoke both modern urban realism and the masterly works of turn-of-the century American painters. For our Weekend Spotlight, Geoff Bennett spoke to Nelson while he was in Washington, D.C.,…
Nation Oct 30 How medical providers are checking on patients’ civic health According to Census data, fewer than three-quarters of eligible Americans are registered to vote. Since 2019, a nonprofit called Vot-ER has taken voter registration efforts into medical exam rooms across the country. Tionya Lawrence, a family nurse practitioner in Georgia,…
Health Sep 17 Jackson water crisis exposes consequences of aging infrastructure Jackson, Mississippi's boil water notice was lifted Thursday, nearly seven weeks after a failure at the city's main water treatment plant left residents without access to clean running water. But many residents say problems with Jackson's water system have persisted…
Arts Sep 11 Online community enables unconventional path to publishing for ‘Old Country’ "Old Country" is a debut horror-thriller novel gaining attention not just for its page-turning suspense, but also for the way its early draft found publishing success — on Reddit. Geoff Bennett spoke with authors Matt and Harrison Query to learn…
Arts Sep 04 Singer Michael Bublé on his musical choices, inspirations Throughout his 20-year career, Michael Bublé has been known for the kind of music that seems to transcend generations. For our Weekend Spotlight, Geoff Bennett spoke with Bublé to learn more about the mind behind the voice.
Economy Sep 03 Answers to questions about Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan The total amount of student loan debt in the U.S. currently stands at $1.6 trillion — more than the debt from credit cards and car loans combined. Following President Biden's announcement on student loan forgiveness, many borrowers could soon see…
Science Aug 14 Climate change is worsening heat waves in oceans. Here’s why that’s a problem This summer has seen record-high temperatures around the world, but the damaging effects of heat do not stop at the water's edge. In Europe, the Mediterranean Sea has been experiencing elevated temperatures since May, with deadly consequences for delicate underwater…