Headlines from around the world: 9-6-10

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Education shows that technical, liberal arts, and nursing schools have the highest loan repayment rates. Surprisingly, liberal arts schools posted significantly higher loan repayment rates than many business schools.
The recent outcry over the pending construction of an Islamic Community Center and mosque near ground zero in Manhattan has anti-terrorism experts worried. Experts say that this message of intolerance is hurting U.S. relations with foreign nations, undermining our traditional stance as a nation of religious freedom and acceptance.

Due to the recent resurgence of bedbugs, many people are misusing pesticides or hiring  exterminators that promise cheap eradication, oftentimes using dangerous pesticides meant for outside use. Local authorities in some cities are petitioning the EPA to legalize the use of banned chemicals to combat the infestation.

Republicans identifying themselves as gay or lesbian are now seeking acceptance by their fellow party members. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman’s affirmation of homosexuality two weeks ago has brought the issue to a head. The party, not traditionally supportive of gays, has received a fair amount of support from those claiming homosexuality.

While the BP oil spill in April seemed to stir congress to act on the controversial energy and climate bill, it remains stalled as fall elections near. The main point of contention seems to be the cap-and-trade section, which would seek to limit greenhouse gases through capping the amount of pollution that individual companies would be allowed to produce.

Tensions have increased between North Korea and UN nations as more information about North Korea’s nuclear weapons testing and arms dealing networks are being uncovered daily. Two N. Korean men have emerged as key proponents in N. Korea’s arms program, revealing new information about N. Korea’s arms trading with countries including Myanmar, Iran, and Syria.

While European markets continue to rise, the jobless rate continues to hold at a steady 10%. Economic recovery in the countries that use the Euro are seeing a rise in consumer spending and exports, but that rise has yet to be reflected in the creation of new jobs.