Some more thoughts

here are a few more ideas...

University vs. Trade School-
As classes prepare to resume, are local universities seeing a big increase in the number of older students who are returning to school after being laid off? Are those students enrolling more in 4 year programs, or trade programs such as welding? Which options offers more assistance?

*** side story- What ARE the most popular degrees being sought? Are they in a field that will actually be able to support the surge of graduates in 4 years? For instance... are there a lot of people seeking a degree in say, journalism? I think we all know that industry and others are suffering big cutbacks... so even if someone graduates with a degree, there may not be a job for them. Are counselors working with students to help them SEE this? I mean, the only thing worse than a bunch of uneducated people being out of a job is a bunch of over educated people being out of a job.


Bang for your Buck- Home Improvements
As more and more people are choosing to stay in their homes rather than buying a new one... they're also investing in home improvements. What are the top projects that will get you a good return and improve your home's value? What are the big money pits that will leave you at a loss? Are local home improvement stores seeing an increase in people showing up for their "Do it yourself" courses? Could go to one of those courses to find families to tell this story. Couple that with an appraiser's expert advice.


The current state of health care-
As many people have lost their jobs and insurance, are they putting their health in God's hands and hoping for the best? What are local health groups doing to prevent that? For instance... Has the Cancer support house seen an increase in women showing up for free mammograms? Or is it the opposite... sort of a "I don't want to know because I can't afford it" situation? Are there programs to help these people? Could talk with Cancer Support House to find out what they're doing to PUSH early detection and have them talk about whether they're afraid people are putting it all out of sight and out of mind until they get health insurance again.