National

Few Families File with Sept. 11 Compensation Fund

August 31, 2003 • Nearly two years after the Sept. 11 attacks, only about 40 percent of the victims' families have filed claims with the U.S. government's victim compensation fund. The deadline is Dec. 22, and some local and federal officials express concern that so few have filed. Hear Kenneth Feinberg, who oversees the distribution of the fund.

Illinois School Cuts Principal's Position to Save Costs

August 31, 2003 • In an effort to save the district money, Illinois' Mundelein High School eliminates the principal's job and other administrative positions. Superintendent Stan Fields says other school officials can take over the principal's duties, but the state's principals association questions the lack of leadership. Hear NPR's Cheryl Corley.

Labor Secretary Chao Assesses Economy

August 31, 2003 • U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao says despite a 6.2 unemployment rate, the U.S. economy is recovering. Chao credits President Bush's jobs and growth package and says the administration has plans to deal with the loss of millions of jobs in the manufacturing sector. Hear Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Harley Shaiken of the University of California Berkeley.

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Hatfill Sues over Anthrax Probe

August 30, 2003 • Steven Hatfill, the former bioweapons expert, and current subject of an FBI anthrax investigation, has filed a lawsuit claiming his rights have been violated. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports.

Decline in Male Teachers Worries Educators

August 30, 2003 • The National Education Association says the number of male teachers in public schools has fallen to a 40-year low. There are exceptions, of course. Walter Brown, who teaches English at Fairpark High School in Shreveport, La., speaks with NPR's Jacki Lyden.

Massachusetts Mayor Tests FDA over Canadian Drugs

August 30, 2003 • The mayor of Springfield, Mass., is at odds with the Food and Drug Administration over a cost-cutting plan. He's using Canadian suppliers to acquire bulk quantities of prescription drugs for the city's 9,000 employees. Prescription drug costs account for nearly 20 percent of the city's budget -- and they're up to 80 percent cheaper at Canadian pharmacies. Pippin Ross reports.

California Passes Sweeping Domestic Partner Law

August 29, 2003 • California lawmakers approve a measure that would give same-sex couples -- and certain unmarried couples -- new rights and obligations nearly as wide-ranging as those available in Vermont. Gov. Gray Davis has pledged to sign the measure. Opponents vow to block it in the courts. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

S. Dakota Congressman Charged with Manslaughter

August 29, 2003 • U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow (R-SD) is charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with a car accident that killed a 55-year-old motorcyclist earlier this month. Authorities say Janklow, who has a history of speeding, was driving too fast and ran a stop sign before the crash. Janklow is one of his state's most revered and powerful politicians. Hear Kurt Nickish of South Dakota Public Radio.

S. Dakota Congressman Charged in Highway Death

August 29, 2003 • U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow (R-SD) is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of a 55-year-old motorcyclist killed earlier this month in a collision with Janklow's automobile. Janklow, 63, is accused of speeding and running a stop sign before the crash. Because the charge is a felony, the House Ethics Committee is likely to investigate. Hear Kurt Nickish of South Dakota Public Radio.

S. Dakota Congressman Charged in Highway Death

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Sept. 11 Transcripts Tell a Disturbing Story

August 29, 2003 • Transcripts of Sept. 11 emergency calls, released by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, highlight public safety officials' early response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Andrea Bernstein of member station WNYC reports.

Schwarzenegger Takes Campaign on the Road

August 29, 2003 • Arnold Schwarzenegger's appearance in Fresno Thursday was the film star's first major campaign stop outside the Los Angeles area in a campaign to replace California Gov. Gray Davis. The Republican hopeful visited an elementary school, a food-processing plant and a shopping mall, playing to a friendly crowd. Tamra Keith of member station KQED reports.

Good Timing Aided Bustamante's Rise

August 29, 2003 • California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante could be the state's next governor -- if his fellow Democrat, Gov. Gray Davis, is recalled in an Oct. 7 vote, and if Bustamante wins the most votes in a parallel election. Bustamante worked as a staff member in the state assembly for many years. Supporters say he has a knack for listening -- and for being in the right place at the right time. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Harley Davidson Turns 100

August 28, 2003 • Hundreds of thousands of motorcycle aficionados gather in Milwaukee this week for festivities marking the 100th anniversary of the Harley Davidson company. NPR's Melissa Block speaks with Jack Johnson, who rode his Harley for two days straight to arrive at the event.

Transcripts of Sept. 11 Calls Released

August 28, 2003 • The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey releases transcripts of emergency calls and radio transmissions made by some Port Authority workers who were in the World Trade Center towers on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. The release of the transcripts comes two weeks before the second nniversary of the terrorist attacks. Hear Andrea Bernstein of member station WNYC.

University of Michigan Alters Admissions Policy

August 28, 2003 • The University of Michigan unveils a new undergraduate admissions policy that puts less emphasis on an applicant's race. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the school could not award students points for being part of a minority. Students will now be required to write an essay on cultural diversity, and applications will go through a three-step review process. Hear Michael Leland of Michigan Radio.