WAMU

Eco-idealism and staggering wealth meet in ‘Birnam Wood’

John Powers — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:32:00 +0000

Eleanor Catton's novel centers on young members of an radical environmental rights group who wind up entangled with a billionaire drone manufacturer. Our critic devoured all 400+ pages in two days.

The USDA is making sure your organic food is organic. But what does that mean?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:59:11 +0000

What does that organic label actually mean? And what kind of benefits can you expect?

D.C. is giving preschool teachers a pay bump. Here’s how it’s making a difference to them

Emily Berman — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:49:06 +0000

This spring marks the one year anniversary of the D.C. Council passing a law to boost pay for the District’s early childhood teachers. Preschool teachers received an annual bonus payment of up to $14,000.

Why Medicare is suddenly under debate again

Array — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:25:00 +0000

As the White House and Republicans in Congress gear up for negotiations over the U.S. debt ceiling, how to pay for senior health care could be a sticking point, even if cuts are "off the table."

Mexican pharmacies are selling pills to U.S. travelers laced with deadly fentanyl

Brian Mann — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:22:00 +0000

Researchers say Mexican pharmacies that cater to U.S. tourists and medical travelers are selling medications that look safe but are laced with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamines.

Using diabetes medication to treat conditions other than diabetes

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:13:04 +0000

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are making headlines for their ability to stimulate weight loss.

It’s Equal Pay Day. The gender pay gap has hardly budged in 20 years. What gives?

Stacey Vanek Smith — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:44:00 +0000

Women have to work nearly 15 months to earn what a man earns in 12. And that's been true for decades.

Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, a pioneer for women’s rights, dies at 82

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:44:00 +0000

Schroeder took on the powerful elite with her rapier wit and antics for 24 years — shaking up stodgy government institutions by forcing them to acknowledge that women had a role in government.

Listen: D.C. residents want a community led approach to address gun violence

Ayan Sheikh, Esther Ciammachilli — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:42:59 +0000

Communities impacted by gun violence say they feel like the government isn’t listening to their needs.

Some trees in San Diego are getting a second life thanks to 2 local businesses

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:34:00 +0000

The company West Coast Arborists removes trees that are near the end of their lives. They're then cut and dried. After that Taylor Guitars turns them into musical instruments.