Nation Dec 01 New York mayor orders some homeless people involuntarily hospitalized for mental illness The rise in homelessness is a source of major tension around the country, including in New York City, which has a larger homeless population than any other city in the U.S. This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new policy…
Economy Nov 30 Some economists concerned aggressive interest rate hikes do more harm than good The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates six times this year and Fed Chair Jay Powell suggested that a seventh hike, albeit a smaller one, is on the way next month. But some Democrats and economists worry the Fed hit…
Health Nov 25 Adderall shortage raises questions about widespread dependency on the drug There is a national shortage of Adderall, a drug used to treat several attention-deficit disorders. Intermittent manufacturing delays and a lack of supply to meet market demand in the U.S. left those who rely on the drug unsure about how…
Economy Nov 24 Inflation casts a shadow over Thanksgiving as food banks struggle to meet demand This Thanksgiving, as many sit down with friends and family at tables overstuffed with food, there are millions of Americans who aren’t as fortunate. The holiday is a reminder of the stark reality of what’s called food insecurity. It’s widespread…
Nation Nov 23 Six killed when employee opens fire inside Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia, has now joined the long list of places in America where a lone gunman committed sudden, mass murder. Police say a Walmart employee opened fire in the store, killing at least six before taking his own life. William…
Politics Nov 22 Advocates push to end the automatic charging of juveniles as adults in certain crimes In some states, juveniles are automatically charged in adult court for certain serious crimes. It's a practice known as direct file. In Pennsylvania, there is a push to change that rule to prevent children from ending up with adult records.
Science Nov 17 Drought’s impact on Mississippi River causes disruptions in shipping and agriculture Up and down the Mississippi River basin, below-average rainfall has constricted one of the country’s major economic thoroughfares. Some areas along the river are reporting their lowest water levels in decades and it could affect consumers across the country. William…
World Nov 16 Gap between pledges and action sparks criticism at COP27 climate summit As nearly 200 countries negotiate at the COP27 climate talks on reducing emissions, there's a call for greater regulation and transparency around prior and future pledges. A United Nations report targets governments, corporations and banks for what's called "greenwashing," or…
World Nov 11 Biden announces new effort to cut emissions as low-income nations demand more aid President Biden arrived in Egypt for the COP27 U.N. climate talks. The president pledged new money for renewable energy projects around the world, and a greater push to cut emissions of methane. But he also is hearing a plea from…
Nation Nov 10 Formerly incarcerated face complicated path in aftermath of Hurricane Ian Hurricanes devastate vulnerable communities, but a group that’s often overlooked after disasters is the formerly incarcerated. William Brangham spoke with a woman whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. She then found that her criminal record made it very hard…