DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY - Sometimes having the diploma isn't enough, according to NYC resident Trina Thompson. After graduating Monroe College in April with a degree in Information Technology, she's yet to find a job.

Her solution? Claiming the college's "Office of Career Advancement hasn't provided her with the leads and career advice it promises", Ms Thompson is seeking the return of her $70,000 in tuition.

A college spokesman says "Thompson's lawsuit is completely without merit.

"The college insists it helps its graduates find jobs."

'UNFARE' SUSPENSION - Joseph Cohen, a Boston cabdriver for 39 years, "almost took the blame" when he picked up a family at Logan International Aiport and drove them to their home in the Mattapan neighbourhood, only to learn Massachusetts state police "were looking for him".

He was told the family left a child in his cab.

Cohen recollects the experience: "I said, 'What?' So I looked in the back and I see the baby sleeping. I said, 'What should I do?' So you know, I will take the baby (back) to the family," he said.

"The father came out. He was very happy.'"

At that time, Cohen received an extra $50 tip from the relieved father.

However, the next day, Cohen was ordered to report to the Hackney unit, where police told him his licence was being suspended for three days because he didn't do a thorough check of the van. He appealed the suspension and was allowed to keep his licence pending a hearing.

He visited the police station with an attorney and learned he would only get a warning.

"We are very happy that the baby was safely returned to mom and dad," said Elaine Driscoll, a police spokeswoman.

"That said, it was an important opportunity to remind cab drivers why we have a rule that dictates they must check the back of their cab after every fare."

Cohen said the girl had been in the back of the van behind another seat and he could not see her from his rearview mirror or from the outside of the vehicle.

The cabbies' union expressed outrage at the proposed suspension, saying the fault should lie with the child's family, not the driver.