The Social Security Administration each month falsely reports that nearly 1,200 living Americans have died. These clerical errors, found in a federal database ominously titled the "Death Master File," might be darkly humorous -- evoking Mark Twain's famous quip that death reports can be greatly exaggerated -- were not the consequences so severe.
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 An SHNS investigation has found records indicating that dozens of individuals who had been banned as food-stamp vendors nonetheless remained in business in communities across the country. The federal government has opened investigations into alleged violators identified by Scripps. |
 On the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Scripps Howard News Service examines the life and legacy of America's World War II veterans. |
Roughly 1,200 of the nation's 6,700 animal shelters and rescue groups -- more than one in five -- identify themselves as no-kill, suggesting they subscribe to the ideal of euthanizing only those creatures suffering from terminal illness or injury or too vicious to live among humans. But no matter how shelters label themselves, their performances and policies are as mixed as a mutt's pedigree, SHNS reporter Lee Bowman has found. The stark reality is that half of the estimated 8 million dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters of all kinds last year were put down. Still, the no-kill movement is making a positive impact.
An SHNS investigation has found records indicating that dozens of individuals who had been banned as food-stamp vendors nonetheless remained in business in communities across the country. The federal government has opened investigations into alleged violators identified by Scripps.
More recent projects
Pressure at the Pump
SHNS' Isaac Wolf reports on an independent lab test of national gasoline brands for detergent additives, which affect the health of vehicle engines and environment; some automotive and fuel experts contend the Environmental Protection Agency's minimum standard is outdated.
Crucial or Cruel?
Tens of millions of animals are still sacrificed to biomedical research projects in labs across America each year. Scientists say the studies have to go on to find cures; animal protectionists say much of the work is dubious, but all sides agree better and cheaper technology needs to be found.
