September 2011 Archive
SEC Proposes Ban on Magnetar-Like Deals
The SEC moves to ban the questionable Wall Street deals that, as we detailed, helped fuel the financial crisis.
Our Sputtering Economy by the Numbers: Poverty Edition
A snapshot of how Americans are faring economically more than two years after the recession.
Key Context on Obama’s Vague Proposed Millionaires’ Tax
We run through what’s actually known about the so-called 'Buffett Tax,' the impact it might have on the deficit and the history behind it all.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know the 2012 GOP Candidates?
Just how much do you know about the GOP presidential candidates? Do you know how they measure up to each other in terms of political experience, what they’re promising and what they’ve done in the past? Take our quiz and test your knowledge.
Doctors Avoid Penalties in Suits Against Medical Firms
At least 15 drug and medical-device companies have paid $6.5 billion since 2008 to settle accusations of marketing fraud or kickbacks, but none of the more than 75 doctors named as participants were sanctioned.
Recent Blackout Highlights Nation's Rickety Power Grid
The blackout that put millions of Westerners in the dark last week was no surprise: Major power outages have more than doubled in the last decade.
Science Lags as Health Problems Emerge Near Gas Fields
People who live close to natural gas drilling in four states complain of similar health symptoms, ranging from respiratory infections to lesions and neurological problems, but there is little science or study to get at the cause of their ailments.
This Week’s Top MuckReads: Paying for Good Press and Pakistani Journos in Peril
The must-read stories from our ongoing collection of the best watchdog journalism.
What’s Happening With That Solar Company Scandal? Here’s Our Guide on Solyndra.
The bankruptcy of solar firm Solyndra has raised concerns that the Obama administration shouldn’t have loaned the company money via a stimulus program. We break it all down.
Health-Care Reform Rules Would Restrict Public Reporting
Last year’s health-care reform law promised to use Medicare billing data to increase public reporting about the performance of doctors and health-care facilities. Now, proposed government rules could prevent consumer groups from getting the data and would give medical providers the right to review any quality findings in advance.
Tackling Reams of Bank Data Can Take Diligence, and Trust
Since emerging as one of the country’s largest banks, Wells Fargo has continued to let its numbers speak for themselves. That may not be such a good thing.
Despite Sweeping Scandals, Big States Don’t Check for Cheating by Teachers
California no longer screens for teacher cheating, while Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania chose not to investigate suspicious results.
Troubled Health-Care Staffing Chain Settles With Government for $150 Million
Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. had been accused of submitting false bills to federal and state health programs. An earlier ProPublica investigation found that the company had hired several nurses despite a history of problems.
The Best, Most Damning Reporting of the 9/11 Era
Our list of the most seminal stories of the years after Sept. 11, the ones that reveal the reality about the attacks, the attackers and how our government changed in the post-9/11 era.
