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Ayesha Aleem

Ayesha Aleem is a graduate student in the journalism program at Boston University. She is spending her final semester in Washington, D.C., as a political correspondent for New Bedford Standard Times and as an intern with Gannett News Service. Previously, she has worked with Elle magazine in India, a nonprofit in Cambridge, Mass., and was an intern with the Community Newspaper Company in Needham, Mass. Born in London, raised in India and now studying in the United States, Ayesha hopes to develop into a writer who can tell stories across world cultures. In her spare time, she enjoys trying out new foods and is a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy.

STORIES WRITTEN:

Following Frank’s Money

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 – Health care and climate change may be among the major issues before Congress. But with his approaching reelection bid, the financial sector is a high priority for Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.  

As chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Frank plays a key role in legislation that regulates the financial services and banking industry. As of Sept. 30, Frank’s 2010 reelection campaign had received more than $200,000 from individuals and political action committees associated with the financial industry—insurance, securities and investment companies—according to OpenSecrets.org, the Web site of the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan organization that tracks money and politics.

Veterans benefits backlog creates financial problems for students

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 – After five years of Army service, including tours in Iraq, Richard Messier thought he would not have to worry about paying for college under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. But the heavy backlog of claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs has created financial problems for this 23-year-old unemployed, full-time undergrad at Bristol Community College.

New dates set for credit card regulations

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 —The House voted Wednesday to advance the starting date for new credit card regulations by as many as eight months. The bill, like the one introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and co-sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank and signed in May by President Obama, would limit the rate changes that credit card companies may impose on cardholders. The vote was 331-92.

Former Senator Edward Brook awarded Congressional Gold Medal

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 – Edward Brooke is familiar with being in the minority.  He has now joined another exclusive group when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress may bestow.

More Massachusetts families to stay warm this winter

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 – Massachusetts will receive $131.5 million in federal funds to help low income families pay their heating bills this winter, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, announced Thursday.

Massachusetts runnerup in state energy rankings

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 —Massachusetts ranked second among the 50 states in implementing efficient use of energy, according to the 2009 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy published on Wednesday.

Meeting Obama was ‘mind-blowing,’ New Bedford 18-year-old says

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 – At 18, Scott Paiva has already placed third in a national business competition and has had a personal meeting with the president. The graduate of New BedfordHigh School developed a business plan for a tax preparation service that caters to student clients.

Committee focuses on derivatives, not consumer agency

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 —Ever since Wall Street collapsed last year, dragging down major banks and many homeowners with it, the House Financial Services Committee has been working on legislation to establish a consumer financial protection agency. On Wednesday, however, the committee temporarily turned its attention to another area of financial reform—the arcane subject of financial derivatives.

To tweet or not to tweet: A question for politicians

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 – Rep. Barney Frank doesn’t use Twitter. And he doesn’t intend on turning to the microblogging Web site anytime soon, either.

Thousands celebrate books at National Book Festival

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 – Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, co-authors of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” were two of the more than 70 writers and illustrators participating Saturday in the 9th annual National Book Festival.   

“It’s the highlight of my life,” said DiTerlizzi, third-time attendee, about the festival. “This is on a crazy, huge, Lollapalooza scale. Thousands of people come together to celebrate books – how great is that!”

Vice President Biden swears in new Massachusetts senator

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 – Paul  Kirk was sworn in as interim Massachusetts senator by Vice President Joe Biden in the Capitol on Friday, one month after the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy,  whose position Kirk will be filling.

A hero from Massachusetts is honored at the Pentagon

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18– At a formal ceremony that celebrated his life, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on Friday. Described at the event as the Pentagon’s most sacred place, the Hall of Heroes honors recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Massachusetts protesters join taxpayers march in capital

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 –Protesting a host of issues from health care reform to the stimulus packages, tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Washington Saturday to demonstrate for lower taxes and less government.