Archive
Pakistani Taliban Link to Times Square Bombing Attempt Would Have Troubling Implications
If the failed Times Square bombing is linked to the Pakistani Taliban, it could mean that a group with hardened fighters, previously intent on created an Islamic regime at home, is turning its sights on the U.S.
Gov’t Report Suggests Fixes for Broken Unemployment Insurance System
A GAO reports suggests ways to allow state unemployment funds to become more solvent, including increasing the base wage that can be taxed and eliminating free loans to states to shore up their funds.
Disorganization at Banks Causing Mistaken Foreclosures
The communication breakdown within banks is sometimes so complete that it leads to premature or mistaken foreclosures. Some people have lost their homes even while going through the mortgage modification process.
Govt Agency: Offshore Drilling Regulator Understated Risks of Oil Spills in Plans to Expand Drilling
In 2009, the Minerals Management Service submitted a five-year plan for expanding drilling off the coast of Alaska. But the plan ran into criticism from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency the monitors oceans.
Judge Opens Door to Case Against General Electric’s Omniscan
A ruling by a Cleveland judge will allow most of the plaintiffs' expert witnesses to testify about the MRI drug Omniscan. The ruling covers hundreds of lawsuits against General Electric’s health care unit.
NYT: We 'Should Have Included' Source's Industry Ties in Our Gulf Oil Spill Story
In an editor's note, The New York Times has clarified the connections that a group called the Gulf of Mexico Foundation has to the oil industry. In its original reporting, the Times had identified the foundation simply as a conservation group.
Over 50 Homeowners Have Sued in the Last Year, Alleging a Communication Breakdown Led to Foreclosure
A Missouri man says Chase Home Finance sold his home after assuring him it would not. In a lawsuit, the man says he was mailed loan modification papers that were dated one day after the foreclosure.
Disorganization at Banks Causing Mistaken Foreclosures
Communication breakdowns within big banks has cause some people to lose their homes by mistake. The problems have occurred even to homeowners involved in the federal mortgage modification program.
Nonprofit Conservation Group Has Ties to Oil Interests, Gulf Oil Spill
An article in The New York Times about the scope of the BP oil disaster quoted the executive director of the nonprofit Gulf of Mexico Foundation. It did not mention that the group has some close connections to the oil industry.
Congressmen Raised Concerns About BP Safety Before Gulf Oil Spill
In a letter to a BP executive this year, Reps. Henry Waxman and Bart Stupak warned that the company's cost-cutting efforts could jeopardize safety. They cited four recent close calls at BP's operations in Alaska.
Oil Companies Pay a Pittance in Penalties to Offshore Drilling Regulator
The Minerals Management Service, which regulates offshore drilling, issues penalties for safety violations. But the fines in recent years have been dwarfed by the profits made by oil companies.
