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New York Times
Science writer for the New York Times
PROFILE
John Schwartz
Guest
FROM John Schwartz
To the Point
Norway's "Oil Fund" to Divest from Coal The push to divest fossil fuel stocks began three years ago on college campuses, in the interests of climate change. Now the biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world has announced plans to sell off investments related to coal mining. It's Norway's $890 billion government pension fund. John Schwartz is reporting the story for the New York Times . Special thanks to Sarah Sweeney for production assistance.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Economics of Climate Change Denial Wei-Hock Soon, a scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, is a leading global warming skeptic. His work has been used by pundits and politicians alike to deny the existence of man-made climate change. He says global warming is caused by the sun, not humans. But documents obtained by Greenpeace show that Soon has received more than $1 million in research funding from oil and coal companies, which he’s never disclosed when publishing his research. We find out just how influential Soon is, and how well-funded.
Which Way, L.A.?
Aaron Swartz and Internet Freedom At the age of 14, Aaron Swartz was considered an Internet prodigy who developed a code still used to deliver changing content to the worldwide web. He was accused of wire fraud and unlawfully obtaining information, facing federal charges and possible decades in prison. Some supporters say his indictment could have helped cause his death. Last week, he committed suicide at the age of 26. His suicide has cast new light on old laws regulating a changing technology.
To the Point
Aaron Swartz and Internet Freedom At the age of 14, Aaron Swartz was considered an Internet prodigy who developed a code still used to deliver changing content to the worldwide web. He was accused of wire fraud and unlawfully obtaining information, facing federal charges and possible decades in prison. Some supporters say his indictment could have helped cause his death. Last week, he committed suicide at the age of 26. His suicide has cast new light on old laws regulating a changing technology.
To the Point
Pentagon Suspends 'Don't Ask Don't Tell,' but Appeals Order The Pentagon has ordered military recruiters to accept applicants who volunteer that they’re gay or lesbian. But the applicants also have to be told that could change. It’s all about the likely appeal of a judge’s order that 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. One of the best known soldiers discharged when his homosexuality became known is former Army Lieutenant Dan Choi . Yesterday in Times Square, he re-enlisted. John Schwartz is domestic correspondent for the New York Times .
To the Point
Federal Judge Says No More 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Last month, Federal District Court Judge Virginia Phillips declared Don't Ask Don't Tell unconstitutional . Yesterday, she ordered the US military to stop enforcing the policy that prohibits openly gay men and women from serving their country. Though it's an order the Obama Administration probably will appeal, it's still "a significant milestone for gay rights in the United States." That's according to John Schwartz of the New York Times .
To the Point
Famous Golden 'Double-Eagles' in a Safe Deposit Box When Franklin Roosevelt took the US off the gold standard in 1933, almost a half-million $20 gold pieces were melted down. Only one of the missing coins has ever been sold publicly — for $7.6 million in 2002. Now ten more have turned up. A federal judge has ordered that the Treasury Department must prove that these "double eagles" were stolen from the US Mint some time in the 1930's by a Philadelphia jeweler named Israel Switt. If it can't make the case, the judge says they'll have to be given back to Switt's grandson, Roy Langbord. That's reported by John Schwartz in today's New York Times .
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To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?