Religion Federal Religious Discrimination Lawyer Criticized May 31, 2006 • In 2003, The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division created a position called the Special Counsel for Religious Discrimination. Eric Treene, who has held the job since it was created, identifies religious discrimination cases and brings lawsuits. But some critics say Treene is too involved in the public sphere.
Economy In Congress, Paulson Faces Skeptics on Tax Policy May 31, 2006 • Henry Paulson, President Bush's nominee to be Treasury Secretary, has a challenge in getting the president's competitiveness initiative through Congress. Plans to renew research and development tax credits, as well as credits for math and science education, have run into roadblocks from Republican conservatives.
Opinion Analysis Haditha Case May Test Military Justice May 31, 2006 • The military system faces a complicated test as it investigates accusations that U.S. Marines covered up a mass killing of Iraqi civilians in Haditha. Melissa Block talks with retired Col. Gary Solis, who spent 18 years as a judge advocate and a judge in the Marine Corps.
World If Deported, Accused Smuggler May Face Death in China May 31, 2006 • Lai Changxing is an accused smuggler who faces extradition from Canada back to his native China for trial. Lai, who fled China in 1999, is accused of overseeing a massive o smuggling operation. But Canadian courts could refuse to return Lai to China; Canada has no death penalty, while China does.
Sports Barbaro Stabilizes, but His Future Is Uncertain May 31, 2006 • Dr. Dean Richardson, the horse surgeon that operated on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro after his devastating injury in the Preakness Stakes on May 20, has been optimistic about Barbaro's progress in the past week but says he is still wary of his future as a stud. Breeding Barbaro in the future would require that he mount mares using his injured hind leg. Melissa Block talks with Richardson.
The Impact of War American Soldiers Explain Decision to Re-Up May 31, 2006 • Soldiers who re-enlist, returning for tours of duty in Iraq, often cite patriotism, duty, and the need to protect their homeland from terrorism when asked why they've re-upped. They also describe being part of a "committed brotherhood to defend the constitution and the people who cannot defend themselves." Producer Eric Whitney of member station KRCC offers a sound montage from a visit to a re-enlistment ceremony at Ft. Carson, Colo., in early May.
Diversions Happy Birthday, Mr. President, from Art Fans May 31, 2006 • President Bush turns 60 years old on July 6. Whether or not you get invited to his party, you can send him a greeting. A New York City performance artist is traveling the country, collecting people's thoughts so they can share them with the president.
World Suffering Persists After Zimbabwe Razing Campaign May 31, 2006 • As Zimbabwe's economy collapses under 1,000 percent inflation, many of the people uprooted by a slum-clearance campaign last year remain homeless and unemployed. Human-rights activists in the Southern African nation say the country is on the verge of social upheaval.
Environment Stirring Up Dust in the Desert May 31, 2006 • In the Southwestern United States, dust storms are largely the result of tires and hooves, which are destroying natural biological barriers that once kept dust on the ground.
Author Interviews 'Cockeyed': An Unsentimental Take on Blindness May 31, 2006 • On his 18th birthday, Ryan Knighton was diagnosed with a condition that would eventually leave him blind. Fifteen years later, with his sight almost completely gone, he's written a book of his observations.
Economy Sky-High Housing Prices Boosting Rents in U.S. May 31, 2006 • Housing prices within the United States have reached such highs that many who would like to buy a home are instead forced into the rental market -- and as a result, landlords are finding they can charge higher rents. Is the sky-high cost of housing sparking inflation fears? Madeleine Brand talks with David Laray, chief economist with the National Association of Realtors, about the current real estate picture.
The Impact of War Anti-West Riots, Resurgent Taliban Roil Afghanistan May 31, 2006 • Officials in Afghanistan have pledged to prosecute an American soldier involved in a deadly traffic accident in Kabul that sparked an anti-Western riot. Alex Chadwick speaks with Rachel Morarjee, reporting from Afghanistan for the Financial Times newspaper, about the rush-hour truck crash. Madeleine Brand discusses the Afghan public's views of U.S. forces, the Afghan government and the resurgent Taliban with Geoffrey York, a reporter for Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper.
Sports Little Leaguers Talk About Bonds and Steroids May 31, 2006 • San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds recently eclipsed Babe Ruth's home run record, but his achievement is overshadowed by allegations Bonds has taken performance-enhancing drugs. Mark Moran of member station KJZZ visited a Little League team in Phoenix to see what coaches and kids think about Bonds and the steroid allegations.
The Impact of War Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment Costs Soar May 31, 2006 • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has watched the amount of money paid to cover treatment for claims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) rise significantly in the last five years. Some researchers believe veterans who aren't eligible for PTSD compensation are claiming disability. But efforts to redefine PTSD is alarming some veterans' advocates.
Golfer John Daly, 'In and Out of the Rough' May 31, 2006 • How does one man rack up $50 million in gambling loses? Pro golfer John Daly says he did, and became notorious for his fast living in the normally tame world of golf. He recounts his adventures in a new memoir, My Life In and Out of the Rough.