Archives for diciembre 2013

Minnesota Officials: Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Is A Waste Of Time And Money

As Minnesota counties prepare make welfare benefits contingent on random drug testing, some local officials call the program a waste of time and taxpayer money.

Minnesota counties are preparing to start randomly drug testing the individuals who receive welfare benefits, a new requirement that was passed as an amendment during the 2012 legislative session. But local officials are frustrated with the new policy, saying it’s largely a waste of time and money — and could actually end up costing

Could We Make Opposition To Iran War Obligatory For Blue State Democrats?

Is it socially acceptable among Democrats if a blue state Congressional Democrat supports war with Iran?

On August 8, 2006, something world-historical happened in Connecticut: Joe Lieberman was kicked out of the Democratic Party as punishment for the crime of supporting the Iraq war. The retribution delivered to Lieberman established a "red line" for "blue state" Democrats: Support the Iraq war, and something like this could happen to you. Will

At 20 years, NAFTA Didn’t Close Mexico Wage Gap

While auto, electronics and agriculture sectors in Mexico have grown, a majority of Mexicans have seen little benefit in income.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Looking around a Mexico dotted by Starbucks, Wal-Mart and Krispy Kreme outlets, it's hard to remember the country before the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has dramatically expanded consumer choice and trade since it took effect 20 years ago on Jan. 1. While it changed the country in some fundamental ways, the

Bangladesh Factory Owners To Face Homicide Charges

In the first prosecution of garment industry factory owners, the Bangladeshi government has issued arrest warrants for the 2012 fire that killed 112 workers.

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A Bangladesh court on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for two garment factory owners and four of their employees on homicide charges for the deaths of 112 workers in a fire that engulfed the factory in 2012. It's the first time Bangladesh has sought to prosecute factory owners in the lucrative garment industry, which is

Home Electricity Use In US Falling To 2001 Levels

Better homes, smarter gadgets helped check household electricity use.

NEW YORK (AP) — The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the smartest device in people's pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking about a tablet was probably an archaeologist or a preacher. Because of more energy-efficient housing, appliances and gadgets, power

Officials Warn Of Toxic Smoke Near ND Derailment

None hurt in the derailment of oil-hauling train, but 2,400 asked to evacuate while air quality is tested.

CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) — Many residents evacuated a southeastern North Dakota town overnight after a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, and officials warned that acrid smoke could blow into the area. No one was hurt in Monday's derailment of the mile-long train that sent a great fireball and plumes of black smoke skyward about a