DUQ News presents an occasional series that looks at issues of religion, ethics, leadership, and other important topics that both affect and interpret the news of the day. Each program features a single topic explored in several segments, with the opening segment featuring Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty interviewing an expert in that program's topic. Other segments include additional interviews with community leaders, analysis of how that program topic affects the lives of Pittsburghers, and more.

DUQ Journal, March 28, 2010
"Equal Human Dignity for Every Person"
From workers' rights and safe conditions to racial reconciliation to poverty to the challenge of peacemaking in an age of terrorism, the Reverend Bryan Massingale believes that addressing each of these is important to the human dignity of every person. This program features a discussion between Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty and Rev. Massingale who has served as a consultant to the National Black Congress as well as the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops and the Catholic Health Association.
Also on this program, health care will not be a major point in the Democratic Senate Primary contest in Pennsylvania in May because both the incumbent Arlen Specter and his challenger Congressman Joe Sestak voted for it. It's been nearly a year since Specter, a five term incumbent switched to the Democratic Party. Specter says he has not changed his principles but Sestak says Specter is a political opportunist who’s just trying to hold onto his job. DUQ's Scott Detrow spent part of a day recently shadowing Specter in Washington D.C. and another day with Sestak and has 2 separate reports.
Plus, we'll take a look at the difficulty in getting behavioral health care services in rural areas.LISTEN

DUQ Journal, February 28, 2010
"The Death of American Virtue"
It's being called the definitive examination of the wide-ranging investigation of President Bill Clinton that nearly toppled his administration‚ from special prosecutor Ken Starr's initial probe of the Whitewater land deal to the Monica Lewinsky affair‚ to the impeachment trial. Duquesne law professor Kem Gormley has written "The Death of American Virtue: Clinton versus Starr." He spoke with Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty. Also on this program, it's been nearly 7 weeks after an earthquake devastated Haiti. Medical personnel and relief agencies from the Pittsburgh area have been trying to meet the health needs of injured Hatians. Later on this program we'll hear from a Pittsburgh doctor and physician assistant who recently returned from Haiti. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, January 31, 2010
"Operation Safety Net"
It's not unusual for a physician to expand his or her practice. That's what Dr. Jim Withers did in 1992. But he took his practice to the streets to care for the homeless in Pittsburgh. It started small but out of the efforts of volunteers came Operations Safety Net, one of the nation's first full-time street medicine programs. Dr Withers spoke with Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty. Operation Safety Net recently hired a psychiatrist. One night a week, she delivers mental health care to some of the region's poorest people,those who live on the streets, DUQ's Erika Beras reports. Also on this program, a look at a new court that aims to help troubled veterans, and we'll hear from the co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus about common ground on health care legislation. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, October 25, 2009
"Health Care Ethics"
The definition and scope of health care ethics has expanded over the centuries and especially the last few decades as politics has permeated the discussion of various stages of health care from end of life to stem cells to universal care. Dr. Charles Dougherty, president of Duquesne University, spoke with medical ethicist Gerard Magill, a professor in the university's Center for Healthcare Ethics.
Also, on this program, a look at a local study of Post-partum depression; a report on new technology that could allow blinded veterans and civilians "to see," and, we hear ffrom the Reverend Dr. Thomas Long of Emory University in Atlanta. He spoke at the recent Compassionate Care for All Conference in Pittsburgh. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, September 27, 2009
"Sustainable and Environmentally Prudent Agriculture"
With nearly 1 billion people world-wide going to bed hungry on a regular basis are we making the best uses of our resources to produce food. The process by which food is produced around the world, is it the healthiest system for the people, the soil and even the water? Coming up on this program, a talk with Frances Moore Lappe , author of Diet for a Small Planet.
Also, on this program, agriculture is Pennsylvania's number one industry, with more than 60-thousand farms scattered across the commonwealth. We visit with farmers who are followers of the sustainable farm movement, discuss efforts to help this conversion, and developing markets for their products. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, August 30, 2009
"G20 Summit in Pittsburgh"
The leaders of 19 powerful nations plus the head of the European Union and a couple of thousand delegates from those countries converge in Pittsburgh for the G20 Summit in September. On this program, Charles Dougherty, President of Duquesne University speaks with Bill Flanagan, a member of the Pittsburgh G20 Planning Committee about the opportunities and challenges that hosting such an event poses.
Also on this program, we'll visit visit with Leo Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers of America, whose union protested at the London G20 Summit, but he's part of the planning process.
Plus, the 150th anniversary of the modern oil industry-- it started in Pennsylvania. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos takes us for a tour of the Drake Museum.
Also, a program for at-risk boys is underway in Allegheny County. In our latest look at behavioral health issues, we visit SNAP, a program aimed at boys who have been arrested or have conduct disorders. The program hopes to reduce impulsive behaviors, decrease aggression and eventually lower the numbers of juveniles and adults in the justice system. DUQ's Erika Beras reports. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, May 31, 2009
"Revitalizing Uptown"
Residents, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders are involved in creating a vision and the means to implement that plan to revitalize the Uptown section of Pittsburgh. Uptown is not officially a neighborhood; it has fewer than 800 residents but part of the vision is to boost that number to at least 2,000 by creating green, affordable, workforce housing. Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty discusses the visioning process with Uptown Partner, developer and consultant Linda Metropulos.
But first, several blocks of Uptown were closed yesterday for "Pop Up Pittsburgh", an event intended to make the neighborhood a destination, rather than a place people just drive through. The event included a theatrical reading, barbecue sauce competition, and flamenco dancers. Uptown is expected to go through many changes over the next few years as development from downtown and Oakland squeezes in. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports that residents have been talking a lot about what they want their neighborhood to look like in the future.
Also, on this program: When Mayview State Hospital closed last year, it signified an official change in the way behavioral health care is administered in southwestern Pennsylvania. In our latest look at behavioral health issues, DUQ's Erika Beras examines the services the former patients are now receiving.
The number of Latino immigrants in Pittsburgh remains fairly low. But their population is growing quickly. And just like everyone else, they need access to health care. Sometimes it's difficult for people who were born in this country to understand the health care system. Just imagine what it would be like if you're not from here and English is not your first language. DUQ's Katherine Fink has the story.
The popular Carnegie International piece, "Migration" has a new home. The Contemporary Galleries at the Carnegie Museum of Art reopened recently following the International, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar tells us visitor are getting a chance to see a revamped version of "Migration." LISTEN

DUQ Journal, April 26, 2009
"Rights of Refugees"
The battle for individuals' human rights while addressing the common good of all people: how does that concept apply to the 65 million displaced people around the world, half from war and violence? The U.N. Convention on Refugees is supposed to govern the way the world responds to displaced people. Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty speaks with Dr. David Hollenbach, university chair in human rights and international studies at Boston College. Hollenbach is author of "Refugee Rights: Ethics, Advocacy and Africa."
Also on this program, more than a decade ago, Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the more people used the Internet, the more anti-social they became. But much has changed since then. So, do the researchers' findings still hold true? And if we are becoming less social, what types of long-term implications might there be? DUQ's Katherine Fink has that story.
Plus, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar talks with Doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian obstetrician who speaks out against violence and oppression by both sides. Earlier this month he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Three months ago, during the fighting in the Gaza Strip, an Israeli shell destroyed his home and killed 3 of his daughters and a niece.
A years-long struggle to get more spending money into the hands of more than 9,000 Personal Care Home Residents came to an end earlier this year. DUQ's Erika Beras has that story. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, March 29, 2009
"Crisis in Darfur"
It's been six years since civil war began in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. Three hundred thousand people have died, thousands of women have been raped, and 3 million people have been driven from their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis. Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes in the Darfur region of the country. Al-Bashir retaliated by expelling 13 large foreign aid agencies, most of which were operating in Darfur. The U.N. warned that this would leave millions of Sudanese at risk of a humanitarian crisis. Jerry Fowler, president of the Save Darfur Coalition, was in Pittsburgh recently and spoke with Dr. Charles Dougherty, President of Duquesne University.
While much of the focus now is in the Darfur region of Sudan, Pittsburgh has played host to refugees from the southern portion of that country for most of the last decade. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar has that story.
Also on this program, Southwestern Pennsylvania has become a hot spot for filming movies and television shows, and some wonder if the industry has the potential to re-make the region's image. DUQ's Larkin Page-Jacobs has details.
Plus, one of Somerset County's newest residents, Jackson, a 5 and a half ton African bull elephant, is finding life is good in semi-retirement. He's enjoying bigger surroundings and special care at the Pittsburgh Zoo's International Conservation Center in Somerset County. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos has that story. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, February 22, 2009
"Darwin Celebration 2009"
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and 150th of his book "On the Origin of Species." The late 19th century was the heyday of "Social Darwinism", the consequences of which were on full display in 1892 during the Homestead Steel Lockout. Dr. Paul Krause is a Professor of History at the University of British Columbia and author of "The Battle for Homestead, 1880 to 1892: Politics, Culture and Steel." He spoke at a recent Darwin Celebration event about "Social Darwinism and Philanthropy in Pittsburgh's Gilded Age". He talked with Dr. Charles Dougherty, President of Duquesne University.
Plus, Duquesne University is partnering with Carnegie Mellon University, the Children's Museum, National Aviary, the Pittsburgh Zoo, Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museums, and Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh for a year's worth of events and activities all with the goal of helping people better understand that what Darwin revealed about evolution is the indisputable basis of biology and medicine. DUQ's Charlee Song has more.
Also on this program, new federal regulations aimed at improving water quality are prompting a switch in chemicals. But could that do more harm than good? And we'll have a discussion about the role of nature in child development. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, January 25, 2009
"Living Wages in a Time of Economic Uncertainty"
The living wage issue is considered by activists to be a fundamental human rights matter. It's also a concern for economists and policy experts. Stephanie Luce is a research associate at the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In her book, "Fighting for a Living Wage", Luce evaluates how living wage laws are adopted, implemented and enforced in communities across the nation. She spoke with Dr. Charles Dougherty, President of Duquesne University.
Also on this program, with the new Democratic White House and gains made by that party in the House and Senate, many activists are hoping life will improve for those on the lowest rung of the employment ladder. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar takes a look at some of the efforts underway in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Plus, Americans are wondering how effective Barack Obama will be as president and wondering what kind of first lady, Michelle Obama will be. Will she be politically involved? Quiet? Outspoken? Lisa Burns is a former DUQ reporter. She is associate professor of media studies at Quinnipiac University. She spoke with DUQ's Kevin Gavin about her book: "First Ladies and the Fourth Estate: Press Framing of Presidential Wives."LISTEN

DUQ Journal, November 30, 2008
The Cost and Allocation of Health Care Resources
Why has "managed care" become a "dirty word?" On this DUQ Journal, Dr. James Sabin, co-founder of the Center for Ethics and Population Health at Harvard Medical School, talks with Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty about the ethics of managed care. They also discuss the cost and fair allocation of this nation's health care resources, and why are 47 million Americans uninsured when 16% of the country's GDP is spent on health care.
Pennsylvania lawmakers ended their legislative session before taking votes on a long list of health care reform measures. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar examines chances for passage in the next session.
Also, on this program, DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos visits with several Muslim women who attended a recent conference in Pittsburgh to discuss the challenges they face.
Plus, we'll have another story in our Pittsburgh 250 Initiative...this time on innovations. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, October 26, 2008
Urban Education
Student achievement in urban schools is a challenge that many areas of the country are facing, including Pittsburgh. On this DUQ Journal, we present a discussion about how context and culture can make a difference in student performance. The misperception that failing urban schools are solely in need of "good teachers" , without consideration for cultural differences and even physical locations of schools is compounding the problems of urban students. That's according to Dr. Jackie Jordan Irvine, Professor Emerita of Urban Education at Emory University. She spoke with Duquesne University President Dr. Charles Dougherty.
The State Legislature in 1997 passed Act 22 allowing for the creation of charter schools in Pennsylvania. Three charter schools opened in Pittsburgh in 1998 and all 3 are still in operation. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar looks at what they are doing 10 years later and the impact they've had on the district. Have they met their goals....kept their promises?
Also on this program, most of us have heard of the "No Child Left Behind" Act. The U.S. House recently approved the "No Child Left Inside" Act. Since the 2005 publication of "Last Child In The Woods", more research has come out about the important role of nature in child development. DUQ's Charlee Song spoke with the author Richard Louv.
Plus, we'll have another story in our Pittsburgh 250 Initiative...this time on innovations. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, September 28, 2008
Transitioning From A Crude Oil-Based Economy
We often hear political, environmental and some business leaders call for action to reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil and to transition from a crude oil-based economy. On this program, Charles Dougherty, president of Duquesne University discusses the potential next step, natural gas, with Kent Moors, the director of the university's Energy Policy Research Group and an expert in global oil and natural gas policy and finance. They discuss new technology that will make huge formations of natural gas, including one in Pennsylvania, more fiscally and environmentally accessible. Also on this program, volatile oil prices, debates over global warming and talk of energy independence have converged to increase interest in renewable energy. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports on companies and unions in Pennsylvania trying to make sure they are ready to capitalize on that growing demand for years to come. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, April 27, 2008
National Symposium on Handgun Violence
About 30,000 Americans are killed a year with guns. Second Amendment Rights supporters decry efforts to impinge on the rights of law-abiding citizens in an effort to crack down on gun crime. David Hemenway believes the issue should be addressed as a matter of public health. Hemenway is the author of Private Guns, Public Health and is director of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center and the Harvard Youth Violence Prevention Center. He spoke with Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty. How do we protect the public while still protecting the 2nd amendment rights of citizens. We ll hear from participants of a National Symposium on Handgun Violence. Shootings like the one at Virginia Tech last year have prompted a new look at gun laws. In addition, we will have a report about proposals for new gun restrictions in Pennsylvania have encountered heavy resistance from those who say these kinds of measures ignore the root cause of violence. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, March 30, 2008
White Collar Crime and Business Ethics
Does society and the justice system go easier on white collar criminals? Or is that the public’s perception? White collar crime certainly didn’t begin with the Enron scandal but it did attract much media attention. One of the first instances of large-scale white-collar crime was Ivar Kreuger, a Swedish industrialist from the 1920s who masterminded a pyramid scheme that bilked $400 million from investors. On this program, the history of white collar crime and the impact on business ethics. Also, we present another in our series of stories marking the 250th anniversary of Pittsburgh. Plus, Mark Nootbaar will talk with Douglas Fogle, curator of the 55th Carnegie International about why he decided to name the exhibition "Life on Mars." LISTEN

DUQ Journal, February 24, 2008
New Treatment For Wounded Soldiers
Tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. What is the extent of medical care they are receiving on the battlefield as well as when they return home? What has the Army done in response to the criticism of care of soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty speaks with Major General Gale Pollock, the first woman to serve as Acting U.S. Army Surgeon General. Plus Katherine Fink reports that Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of research into sports-related concussions. Now that expertise may be used to help military personnel. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, January 27, 2008
"Finding and Nurturing New Leaders for the Pittsburgh Region"
Guest: David Zubik, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
Are leaders born or made? Are they just the individuals that citizens elect for public office? What about those who direct companies, non-profits and other organizations? And, if you are a leader of one of those groups does it automatically make you a community leader? On this program, Duquesne President Charles Dougherty speaks with one of Pittsburgh's newest leaders, Bishop David Zubik. Also, we'll have a conversation with Aradhna Dhanda, C-E-O of Leadership Pittsburgh and we’ll hear about a program to develop women leaders. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, November 25, 2007
"The Steelers Mark Their 75th Anniversary While Pittsburgh Prepares to Celebrate 250 Years"
Guest: Andy Masich, President and CEO of the Heinz History Center
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 by the late Art Rooney Senior. During those 75 years and especially in the last 35, the Steelers have given Pittsburghers many thrills including 5 Super Bowl titles. This program includes a discussion between Dr. Charles Dougherty, president of Duquesne University and Andy Masich, co-author of the autobiography "Dan Rooney: My 75 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL."
Also on this program, DUQ reporter Mark Nootbaar provides a look at the special exhibit of the 75th anniversary of the Steelers at the Heinz History Center. The Steelers have been part of Pittsburgh's history for three quarters of a century and Pittsburgh over the next 12 months will be celebrating its 250th birthday. This program features two stories that are part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative: Nine Mile Run as a microcosm of Pittsburgh's history; and, a look at how the three rivers' relationshp with residents has changed through evolving economic realities. LISTEN

DUQ Journal, September 30, 2007
"Freedom of-- or from-- Religion"
"The Metaphoric Wall of Separation of Church and State"
Guest: Daniel Dreisbach, Professor of Justice, Law and Society at American University
The so-called wall of separation between church and state...has it been breached? Has the line been blurred??? Erased??? A discussion between Dr. Charles Dougherty, president of Duquesne University and Daniel Dreisbach, Professor of Justice, Law and Society at American University. Also, on this program, one of the controversial issues concerning church and state "faith based initiatives" -- how are local organizations adapting? And discussions with 2 women who want to serve their religion but are going about it quite differently. LISTEN