Organ Donation
The first live-donor kidney transplant occurred 52 years ago. Back then, and as recently as a decade ago, the biggest challenge was making the transplants actually work. Today, thanks to medical advances, most transplants are successful. But people continue to die every day because of organ shortages. It’s estimated that by the year 2010 100,000 people will be on waiting lists. A recent survey indicates that as many as 40% of potential kidney donors decide not to donate because of “financial concerns”. In this month’s issue of the American Journal of Transplantation, a group of medical, legal, economics and ethics specialists propose a system that they say could help solve the shortage problem. Doctor Robert S. Gaston, director of medical evaluation and patient treatment for UAB’s kidney transplant program, spoke with WBHM’s Tanya Ott.
Puerto Rico holds general election that promises to be historic
Puerto Rico is holding elections that will be historic regardless of which of the top two gubernatorial candidates wins.
Boeing machinists approve contract, bringing an end to a bruising seven-week strike
Striking machinists voted to approve an agreement that will hike wages by 38%. The deal was endorsed by union leaders, who warned that Boeing’s next offer might be worse.
States and cities beef up security to prepare for potential election-related violence
Washington state's governor activated the National Guard to stand by to help local law enforcement as needed. Meanwhile, extra security is in place at locations across Washington, D.C.
When will mail-in and absentee ballots be counted?
Various state rules regarding when election officials can process and count mail ballots means it will likely take some time after Election Day before the results from these ballots are fully known.
When do polls close in every state? Here’s a timeline
The Associated Press can't call any races until polls close in their respective state. Here's a breakdown of when that will happen.
How has the Electoral College survived, despite being perennially unpopular?
Despite its substantial-sounding name, the Electoral College isn’t a permanent body: It’s more of a process. For decades, a majority of Americans have wanted it to be changed.
