Jackie Northam http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100981&ft=1&f=2100981 Veteran journalist Jackie Northam reports and produces long-form news and in-depth feature reports on for NPR News. Her pieces can be heard on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition, as well as NPR newscasts. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:58:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Jackie Northam http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100981&ft=1&f=2100981 yes Can This Dominican Factory Pay Good Wages And Make A Profit? Textile workers in some poor countries like Bangladesh can make less than $100 a month. One factory in the Dominican Republic is trying something different: It's paying workers $500 a month. The company has yet to break even after three years, but the CEO says the business is growing rapidly and he believes it will be profitable. Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/06/20/193491766/can-this-dominican-factory-pay-good-wages-and-make-a-profit?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/06/20/193491766/can-this-dominican-factory-pay-good-wages-and-make-a-profit?ft=1&f=2100981 Textile workers in some poor countries like Bangladesh can make less than $100 a month. One factory in the Dominican Republic is trying something different: It's paying workers $500 a month. The company has yet to break even after three years, but the CEO says the business is growing rapidly and he believes it will be profitable. 355 no Textile workers in some poor countries like Bangladesh can make less than $100 a month. One factory in the Dominican Republic is trying something different: It's paying workers $500 a month. The company has yet to break even after three years, but the CEO says the business is growing rapidly and he believes it will be profitable.

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]]> The Global Afterlife Of Your Donated Clothes The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported. Tue, 21 May 2013 02:59:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/21/185596830/the-global-afterlife-of-your-donated-clothes?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/21/185596830/the-global-afterlife-of-your-donated-clothes?ft=1&f=2100981 The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported. 262 no The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported.

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]]> First U.S. Company To Enter Export Market For Natural Gas With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years.. Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184700638/first-u-s-company-to-enter-export-market-for-natural-gas?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184700638/first-u-s-company-to-enter-export-market-for-natural-gas?ft=1&f=2100981 With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years.. 342 no With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years..

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]]> Port Of Baltimore Seeks Boost From Panama Canal Expansion The port is one of only two on the East Coast that can handle the large cargo ships that can pass through the Panama Canal's locks when the project to widen the canal is completed in 2015. It could mean an economic windfall for Baltimore, but it faces competition from other ports. Mon, 06 May 2013 03:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/06/180914866/port-of-baltimore-seeks-boost-from-panama-canal-expansion?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/06/180914866/port-of-baltimore-seeks-boost-from-panama-canal-expansion?ft=1&f=2100981 The port is one of only two on the East Coast that can handle the large cargo ships that can pass through the Panama Canal's locks when the project to widen the canal is completed in 2015. It could mean an economic windfall for Baltimore, but it faces competition from other ports. 273 no The port is one of only two on the East Coast that can handle the large cargo ships that can pass through the Panama Canal's locks when the project to widen the canal is completed in 2015. It could mean an economic windfall for Baltimore, but it faces competition from other ports.

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]]> Labor Watchdog Groups Limited In Their Power To Enforce Laws The collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh is seen as a gross violation of safety and workers rights. There are international organizations which try to guide and encourage companies and governments towards better codes of conduct, but the groups have no legal recourse. Thu, 02 May 2013 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180635947/labor-watchdog-groups-limited-in-their-power-to-enforce-laws?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180635947/labor-watchdog-groups-limited-in-their-power-to-enforce-laws?ft=1&f=2100981 The collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh is seen as a gross violation of safety and workers rights. There are international organizations which try to guide and encourage companies and governments towards better codes of conduct, but the groups have no legal recourse. 259 no The collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh is seen as a gross violation of safety and workers rights. There are international organizations which try to guide and encourage companies and governments towards better codes of conduct, but the groups have no legal recourse.

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]]> Britain's Iron Lady, Former Prime Minister Thatcher, Dies During her 11 years in office, she remade Britain and became an iconic figure for conservatives in her homeland and abroad. But Thatcher, who was 87, was also a divisive leader. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:51:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/08/130684167/u-k-s-iron-lady-prime-minister-thatcher-dies?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/08/130684167/u-k-s-iron-lady-prime-minister-thatcher-dies?ft=1&f=2100981 During her 11 years in office, she remade Britain and became an iconic figure for conservatives in her homeland and abroad. But Thatcher, who was 87, was also a divisive leader. 447 no During her 11 years in office, she remade Britain and became an iconic figure for conservatives in her homeland and abroad. But Thatcher, who was 87, was also a divisive leader.

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]]> Google's Eric Schmidt Heads To Another Isolated Asian Nation Schmidt, who recently traveled to North Korea, will be the first senior executive of a major U.S. tech firm to visit Myanmar since it began political and economic reforms. Myanmar plans to vastly expand its telecom infrastructure. But sanctions remain against members of the military, many of whom hold positions in the telecom sector. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/22/174933743/googles-eric-schmidt-heads-to-another-isolated-asian-nation?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/22/174933743/googles-eric-schmidt-heads-to-another-isolated-asian-nation?ft=1&f=2100981 Schmidt, who recently traveled to North Korea, will be the first senior executive of a major U.S. tech firm to visit Myanmar since it began political and economic reforms. Myanmar plans to vastly expand its telecom infrastructure. But sanctions remain against members of the military, many of whom hold positions in the telecom sector. 215 no Schmidt, who recently traveled to North Korea, will be the first senior executive of a major U.S. tech firm to visit Myanmar since it began political and economic reforms. Myanmar plans to vastly expand its telecom infrastructure. But sanctions remain against members of the military, many of whom hold positions in the telecom sector.

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]]> At A Pakistani Mobile Library, Kids Can Check Out Books, And Hope Many young Pakistanis have grown up in the grip of religious extremism. But Saeed Malik is trying to reverse that trend, starting at the most basic level. He has created a bookmobile that offers English and Urdu books to underprivileged children, in hopes of broadening their minds and fostering tolerance. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:34:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/28/173161452/at-a-pakistani-mobile-library-kids-can-check-out-books-and-hope?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/28/173161452/at-a-pakistani-mobile-library-kids-can-check-out-books-and-hope?ft=1&f=2100981 Many young Pakistanis have grown up in the grip of religious extremism. But Saeed Malik is trying to reverse that trend, starting at the most basic level. He has created a bookmobile that offers English and Urdu books to underprivileged children, in hopes of broadening their minds and fostering tolerance. 280 no Many young Pakistanis have grown up in the grip of religious extremism. But Saeed Malik is trying to reverse that trend, starting at the most basic level. He has created a bookmobile that offers English and Urdu books to underprivileged children, in hopes of broadening their minds and fostering tolerance.

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]]> Controversial Cleric Stirs Protests Upon Return To Pakistan Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri returned to his home country late last year, after spending eight years in Canada. The cleric has ignited a disgruntled electorate by taking on Pakistan's government, saying it has failed to curb militancy or fix the economy. His critics call him a demagogue who's more interested in the limelight. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 03:03:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/20/172416876/controversial-cleric-stirs-protests-upon-return-to-pakistan?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/20/172416876/controversial-cleric-stirs-protests-upon-return-to-pakistan?ft=1&f=2100981 Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri returned to his home country late last year, after spending eight years in Canada. The cleric has ignited a disgruntled electorate by taking on Pakistan's government, saying it has failed to curb militancy or fix the economy. His critics call him a demagogue who's more interested in the limelight. 285 no Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri returned to his home country late last year, after spending eight years in Canada. The cleric has ignited a disgruntled electorate by taking on Pakistan's government, saying it has failed to curb militancy or fix the economy. His critics call him a demagogue who's more interested in the limelight.

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]]> Amusement Park Planned In The Town Where Bin Laden Hid Out Pakistani developers are planning a $30 million amusement park in Abbottabad, the place Osama bin Laden secretly lived for several years before his death. The park's project manager says he wants to look past the event that put the town on the map. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:52:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/19/172396568/amusement-park-planned-in-the-town-where-bin-laden-hid-out?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/19/172396568/amusement-park-planned-in-the-town-where-bin-laden-hid-out?ft=1&f=2100981 Pakistani developers are planning a $30 million amusement park in Abbottabad, the place Osama bin Laden secretly lived for several years before his death. The park's project manager says he wants to look past the event that put the town on the map. 200 no Pakistani developers are planning a $30 million amusement park in Abbottabad, the place Osama bin Laden secretly lived for several years before his death. The park's project manager says he wants to look past the event that put the town on the map.

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]]> Momentum Grows For Pakistan-Taliban Peace Talks Both sides say they're ready to talk, but the Taliban is putting stiff conditions on any negotiations. All previous attempts at a peace deal have failed. Analysts say the Pakistani government lacks a coordinated strategy. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/18/172298065/momentum-grows-for-pakistan-taliban-peace-talks?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/18/172298065/momentum-grows-for-pakistan-taliban-peace-talks?ft=1&f=2100981 Both sides say they're ready to talk, but the Taliban is putting stiff conditions on any negotiations. All previous attempts at a peace deal have failed. Analysts say the Pakistani government lacks a coordinated strategy. 271 no Both sides say they're ready to talk, but the Taliban is putting stiff conditions on any negotiations. All previous attempts at a peace deal have failed. Analysts say the Pakistani government lacks a coordinated strategy.

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]]> Pakistan Says U.S. Drone Strikes Violate Its Sovereignty There was another U.S. drone strike in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday. At least three people were killed when missiles struck a compound in North Waziristan, near the border with Afghanistan. The strike comes as Washington debates the use of drones and not long after Ambassador Sherry Rehman said the use of drones was a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law. Throughout Pakistan, popular reaction to the drone strikes continues to be vociferously negative. Robert Siegel talks to Jackie Northam. Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/07/171413259/pakistan-says-u-s-drone-strikes-violate-its-sovereignty?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/07/171413259/pakistan-says-u-s-drone-strikes-violate-its-sovereignty?ft=1&f=2100981 There was another U.S. drone strike in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday. At least three people were killed when missiles struck a compound in North Waziristan, near the border with Afghanistan. The strike comes as Washington debates the use of drones and not long after Ambassador Sherry Rehman said the use of drones was a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law. Throughout Pakistan, popular reaction to the drone strikes continues to be vociferously negative. Robert Siegel talks to Jackie Northam. 250 no There was another U.S. drone strike in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday. At least three people were killed when missiles struck a compound in North Waziristan, near the border with Afghanistan. The strike comes as Washington debates the use of drones and not long after Ambassador Sherry Rehman said the use of drones was a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law. Throughout Pakistan, popular reaction to the drone strikes continues to be vociferously negative. Robert Siegel talks to Jackie Northam.

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]]> Algeria Offers No Apologies For Its Tactics During Hostage Crisis The Algerian government was criticized for its handling of the gas plant hostage crisis which left 37 foreigners dead, including three Americans. But Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told a press conference he was proud of how the security forces handled the crisis. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/23/170101074/algeria-offers-no-apologies-for-its-tactics-during-hostage-crisis?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/23/170101074/algeria-offers-no-apologies-for-its-tactics-during-hostage-crisis?ft=1&f=2100981 The Algerian government was criticized for its handling of the gas plant hostage crisis which left 37 foreigners dead, including three Americans. But Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told a press conference he was proud of how the security forces handled the crisis. 243 no The Algerian government was criticized for its handling of the gas plant hostage crisis which left 37 foreigners dead, including three Americans. But Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told a press conference he was proud of how the security forces handled the crisis.

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]]> Obama's Promise To Close Guantanamo Prison Falls Short In January 2009, the president signed an executive order to close the U.S. prison camp. But four years later, the prison remains open, and critics say the president miscalculated how difficult it would be to close the facility that houses terrorism suspects. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:35:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/23/169922171/obamas-promise-to-close-guantanamo-prison-falls-short?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/23/169922171/obamas-promise-to-close-guantanamo-prison-falls-short?ft=1&f=2100981 In January 2009, the president signed an executive order to close the U.S. prison camp. But four years later, the prison remains open, and critics say the president miscalculated how difficult it would be to close the facility that houses terrorism suspects. 267 no In January 2009, the president signed an executive order to close the U.S. prison camp. But four years later, the prison remains open, and critics say the president miscalculated how difficult it would be to close the facility that houses terrorism suspects.

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]]> 'Algerian Style': Cooperative, To A Point Algeria has been acting alone in the hostage situation at the remote In Amenas natural gas field, relying on its years of experience fighting terrorism internally. It has turned down offers of support and advice from other nations, including the U.S. Yet any anger over Algeria's go-it-alone approach has been muted; the nation is a critical ally of the U.S. Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:29:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/19/169762551/algerian-style-cooperative-to-a-point?ft=1&f=2100981 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/19/169762551/algerian-style-cooperative-to-a-point?ft=1&f=2100981 Algeria has been acting alone in the hostage situation at the remote In Amenas natural gas field, relying on its years of experience fighting terrorism internally. It has turned down offers of support and advice from other nations, including the U.S. Yet any anger over Algeria's go-it-alone approach has been muted; the nation is a critical ally of the U.S. 248 no Algeria has been acting alone in the hostage situation at the remote In Amenas natural gas field, relying on its years of experience fighting terrorism internally. It has turned down offers of support and advice from other nations, including the U.S. Yet any anger over Algeria's go-it-alone approach has been muted; the nation is a critical ally of the U.S.

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