Economy

Some Stimulus Money Preventing Homelessness

8:00am July 05, 2009

by Pam Fessler

Homeless programs are about to get a big push in a new direction. They used to focus on providing food and shelter. Now, the economic stimulus package is providing $1.5 billion to prevent people from becoming homeless and to quickly re-house those who do.

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Karen Hersh, a homeless woman, carries her belongings at the tent city in Sacramento.

Hundreds Of Calif. Homeless March For Land Rights

3:47pm July 02, 2009

In Sacramento, hundreds of homeless demonstrate in hopes of securing land to sleep on. In recent months a tent city and a city shelter have closed. With laws that prohibit sleeping in public places, these individuals say it is now illegal for them to exist.

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The Joy Of Work: A Disabled Man's Quest For A Job

12:01am July 02, 2009

Michael Medina is looking for a job that will make him as happy as he once was when he worked as a janitor. He's aided by a job coach from the Arc of San Francisco, part of a national nonprofit network that helps people with developmental disabilities find general employment.

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Carmen Calderon, second from the right, and her colleagues with New York’s Labor Department.

New York Tackles Wage Theft Against Immigrants

1:16pm May 19, 2009

Nearly half of New York City's work force is foreign-born. And labor officials say these immigrant workers are among the most exploited. Now, after what critics call years of neglect, the state's Labor Department is testing out a more aggressive approach to help them.

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Tax Protests About More Than Money

12:00pm April 20, 2009

In her weekly commentary, host Michel Martin shares thoughts about last week's tax protests and why it is important for Presidents to have some money in their own pockets.

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Alfre Woodard Brings True Story To Screen

12:00pm April 20, 2009

Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard stars in American Violet, a new film based on the story of Regina Kelly of Hearne, Texas. Kelly, a single mother of four, was unjustly accused of dealing drugs. Woodard talks about her role and the film's importance.

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NPR Story Inspires Hollywood Film

12:00pm April 20, 2009

by Wade Goodwyn

Filmmaker Bill Haney decided to make American Violet while he was driving home one afternoon in 2002. He was stuck in rush-hour traffic when he heard NPR correspondent Wade Goodwyn report the story of Regina Kelly. Haney was so moved by the story he turned it into a film. Goodwyn recalls his initial reporting and his more recent coverage of the movie's premiere in Regina Kelly's hometown of Hearne, Texas.

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Children Of Immigrants Less Likely To Get Benefits

12:00am April 15, 2009

Children living in immigrant families are more likely to be poor than those whose parents were born in the U.S., but these same children are far less likely to receive public benefits to which they are entitled. Advocacy groups are now trying to help these families navigate the registration process.

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Wisdom Watch: Veteran Journalist Beats The Odds

12:00pm April 01, 2009

Tim Giago, founder of the Native American Journalist Association, has been working as a journalist for more than three decades. Now, despite the country's recession and a shrinking print media industry, he's launching The Native Sun News, a weekly newspaper for Native Americans. Giago explains his inspiration and why he knows he will succeed.

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Possible Change To Labor Law Ignites Controversy

5:14pm March 11, 2009

Two Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday that has stirred up a firestorm of debate between business interests and labor groups. The Employee Free Choice Act would amend existing labor law. If passed, workers could form a union if the majority of them sign cards requesting one.

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