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Can other cities follow the lead? | Innovative stimulus spending in Kansas City ASK THIS The Kansas City Green Impact Zone, a large, low-income area, could be a stimulus model for the nation. As Judith Bell explains it, the 150-block section is slated for a major economic makeover, thanks to a strong effort by political and community groups. 
The road to health care reform | What about the Massachusetts plan for universal coverage? ASK THIS A single-payer advocate warns that the Massachusetts 2006 health care reforms, now being looked at by Congress, may not be a good model for the nation.
For sure, it'll be more expensive | If a drug is new does that make it better? ASK THIS Obama wants an institute to be set up to guide reviews of the effectiveness of various health care decisions. Morton Mintz points out that, for prescription drugs, a simple legislative test of effectiveness is easily available—one in which new drugs, to get FDA approval, must be shown to be more effective than existing ones.
Asking to be heard | Doctors ask: Why such poor coverage of single-payer? ASK THIS Two Harvard doctors, noted ‘Medicare for all’ advocates, say the press, along with politicians, is part of a black-out. They offer some questions that should be asked.
Reporting on abuses could be crucial | Why aren’t domestic corporations backing Obama on limiting offshore tax breaks? ASK THIS The press needs to focus on basic questions, writes Martin Lobel. For example, how about exploring the relationship between campaign contributions and soft Congressional handling of corporate taxes?
Possibly billions of pieces | Space debris – a growing concern ASK THIS How’s this for a collision: In February, one satellite smashed into another at a closing speed of 22,000 miles per hour. Both were destroyed, creating almost 900 pieces of trackable debris.
A higher eduction ‘Armageddon?' | Some state colleges face drastic cuts ASK THIS Applications are up but many schools may have to cap enrollment, freeze hiring, cut programs, delay maintenance and raise tuition.
The Af-Pak War | Seven lessons and many questions about Afghanistan ASK THIS A former Air Force officer revisits Mary McCarthy’s unconventional and insightful analyses of the Vietnam War – and comes up with probing questions based on her 40-year-old lessons that are well worth asking Obama today about his ever-deepening involvement in Afghanistan.
The ‘Post 9/11 GI Bill’ | It’s time to report on the new GI Bill ASK THIS The new GI bill offers extensive tuition coverage—100 percent at state universities—and other benefits to soldiers who were on active duty for at least 90 days after 9/11. What impact will it have?
Behind the Federal Direct Loan Program | Sweeping change for the better in student loans ASK THIS Obama’s proposed overhaul of the student financial aid system would pump in more funding and still result in savings to taxpayers. Naturally, therefore, it is generating controversy and misinformation.
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