Saturday, April 23, 2016
Landmark Ruling Will Finally Allow Victims to Hold CIA 'Torturers to Account'
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/22/landmark-ruling-will-finally-allow-victims-hold-cia-torturers-account
ACLU cheers 'historic win in the fight to hold the people responsible for torture accountable for their despicable and unlawful actions.'
ACLU cheers 'historic win in the fight to hold the people responsible for torture accountable for their despicable and unlawful actions.'
The NSA won't tell Congress how many Americans it's spying on because our democracy is broken
http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/22/11490278/nsa-congress-prism-702-spying-democracy-broken
Congress is trying to learn more about the NSA's surveillance programs, and it's not going well. In a letter delivered today to director of National Intelligence James Clapper, a group of 14 legislators (eight Democrats and six Republicans) asked for a ballpark figure on how many Americans are having their data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Section 702 is the legal justification for many of the NSA's most invasive programs, including PRISM. But we still don't have an exact idea of how broad its reach is. So Congress asked! They passed FISA, after all, so it's only right that they should know how it's being used. They don't need an exact number of Americans caught up in PRISM, just a ballpark. Is it a thousand? A hundred thousand? 318 million? Take an educated guess.
They've wanted that guess for a while now. Even before Snowden, members of Congress were asking for details on how 702 was being used, but it's gone on for five years now and the NSA has not responded in any way. So today, they asked some more!
Congress is trying to learn more about the NSA's surveillance programs, and it's not going well. In a letter delivered today to director of National Intelligence James Clapper, a group of 14 legislators (eight Democrats and six Republicans) asked for a ballpark figure on how many Americans are having their data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Section 702 is the legal justification for many of the NSA's most invasive programs, including PRISM. But we still don't have an exact idea of how broad its reach is. So Congress asked! They passed FISA, after all, so it's only right that they should know how it's being used. They don't need an exact number of Americans caught up in PRISM, just a ballpark. Is it a thousand? A hundred thousand? 318 million? Take an educated guess.
Oakland’s New Developer Fees are “Too Low and Too Slow,” Say Housing Activists
http://postnewsgroup.com/blog/2016/04/22/oaklands-new-developer-fees-low-slow-say-housing-activists/
Affordable housing funds can now go to households earning $110,000 a year
Affordable housing funds can now go to households earning $110,000 a year
Judge: Building Owner Can Charge Rent Based on Gold Prices
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-building-owner-charge-rent-based-gold-prices-38619852
A downtown office building is worth its weight in gold, according to a federal judge who upheld a nearly century-old lease that tied rent to the current price of the metal.
A downtown office building is worth its weight in gold, according to a federal judge who upheld a nearly century-old lease that tied rent to the current price of the metal.
Last month's ruling means rent paid by the company leasing the Commerce Building from a group of five property owners could jump from $6,000 annually to more than $300,000.
At issue is a so-called "gold clause" included in the original 1919 lease. The provision, common at the time, linked rent to the price of gold to account for inflation, similar to today's consumer price index.
Protesters want to topple Macedonia’s government over a corruption investigation
http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21697319-leaked-wiretaps-suggest-top-politicians-broke-law-president-ordered-investigation
Leaked wiretaps suggest top politicians broke the law, but the president ordered the investigation stopped
Leaked wiretaps suggest top politicians broke the law, but the president ordered the investigation stopped
Do Local Governments Have a Role to Play in Mental Health?
http://www.citylab.com/cityfixer/2016/04/do-local-governments-have-a-role-to-play-in-mental-health/478983/
In the face of growing awareness and need, New York has developed comprehensive programs focused on prevention and treatment.
The World Bank's Anti-Poverty Push Made These Controversial Tycoons Even Richer
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/01/risky-business-ifc-wealthy-beneficiaries
From an "often ruthless" Honduran oligarch to a pair of Indian billionaires who ran a company accused of falsifying drug data.
From an "often ruthless" Honduran oligarch to a pair of Indian billionaires who ran a company accused of falsifying drug data.
Residents Left Homeless After Fire Say They're Ignored, Treated Like Trash
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160423/austin/residents-left-homeless-after-fire-say-theyre-ignored-treated-like-trash
Tenants left homeless after a fire in South Austin feel like they're being treated like "trash," one of them said, and their building isn't being properly repaired.
Gayinga Washington, who lived at the apartment building in the 300 block of North Central Avenue, has had to sleep on a friend's floor with her 5-year-old son since the April 1 fire that killed one man and left two firefighters injured. Some of her neighbors, also left homeless, had to move into shelters or stay with family and friends. Officials said 30 people were displaced after the fire.
Residents of the first floor of the building were allowed to come back — but the building isn't safe to live in, Washington said.
Tenants left homeless after a fire in South Austin feel like they're being treated like "trash," one of them said, and their building isn't being properly repaired.
Gayinga Washington, who lived at the apartment building in the 300 block of North Central Avenue, has had to sleep on a friend's floor with her 5-year-old son since the April 1 fire that killed one man and left two firefighters injured. Some of her neighbors, also left homeless, had to move into shelters or stay with family and friends. Officials said 30 people were displaced after the fire.
Residents of the first floor of the building were allowed to come back — but the building isn't safe to live in, Washington said.
Are You Following Me Now? Striking Verizon Workers Keep Tabs on Their Replacements
http://www.wsj.com/articles/are-you-following-me-now-striking-verizon-workers-keep-tabs-on-their-replacements-1461336301
Jane Clausen got more than she bargained for this week when she asked Verizon Communications Inc. to send someone to her second-floor Brooklyn apartment to fix her Internet.
After opening her door Tuesday for two Verizon workers, Ms. Clausen, a 30-year-old Crown Heights resident, was surprised to see striking workers outside the building.
The men sent by the telecom company told her they weren’t regular technicians, but part of a replacement workforce tasked to fill in for nearly 40,000 Verizon union workers who went on strike last week. The men told her the strikers had followed their company van to her home.
Jane Clausen got more than she bargained for this week when she asked Verizon Communications Inc. to send someone to her second-floor Brooklyn apartment to fix her Internet.
After opening her door Tuesday for two Verizon workers, Ms. Clausen, a 30-year-old Crown Heights resident, was surprised to see striking workers outside the building.
The men sent by the telecom company told her they weren’t regular technicians, but part of a replacement workforce tasked to fill in for nearly 40,000 Verizon union workers who went on strike last week. The men told her the strikers had followed their company van to her home.
Obama in Germany: 35000 Protest TTIP Trade Deal in Hannover
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/obama-germany-25-000-protest-ttip-trade-deal-hannover-n560956
About 35,000 protestors marched Saturday against the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a day ahead of Barack Obama's visit, police said.
The president will use the annual CEBIT international trade fair in Hannover, northern Germany, to promote the deal, which would create the world's largest free trade area with approximately 800 million people.
About 35,000 protestors marched Saturday against the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a day ahead of Barack Obama's visit, police said.
The president will use the annual CEBIT international trade fair in Hannover, northern Germany, to promote the deal, which would create the world's largest free trade area with approximately 800 million people.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Report: Infighting at Apple leads to manager’s resignation, more ‘likely’ to follow
http://thenextweb.com/apple/2016/04/22/report-infighting-at-apple-leads-to-managers-resignation-more-likely-to-follow/#gref
A report today suggests that infighting at Apple is beginning to drive employees to leave as Apple’s upper management, and two development teams, tries to figure out just what to do with iCloud.
Multiple sources claim that Apple is working on its own internal cloud infrastructure — known as ‘Project McQueen’ — that would reduce its dependence on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. Currently, Apple is spending in excess of $1 billion a year on the patchwork solution that currently houses your iCloud data.
A report today suggests that infighting at Apple is beginning to drive employees to leave as Apple’s upper management, and two development teams, tries to figure out just what to do with iCloud.
Multiple sources claim that Apple is working on its own internal cloud infrastructure — known as ‘Project McQueen’ — that would reduce its dependence on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. Currently, Apple is spending in excess of $1 billion a year on the patchwork solution that currently houses your iCloud data.
Apple Services Shut Down in China in Startling About-Face
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/technology/apple-no-longer-immune-to-chinas-scrutiny-of-us-tech-firms.html
For years, there has been a limit to the success of American technology companies in China. Capture too much market share or wield too much influence, and Beijing will push back.
Apple has largely been an exception to that trend. Yet the Silicon Valley company is now facing a regulatory push against its services in China that could signal its good relations in the country may be turning.
Last week, Apple’s iBooks Store and iTunes Movies were shut down in China, just six months after they were started there. Initially, Apple apparently had the government’s approval to introduce the services. But then a regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, asserted its authority and demanded the closings, according to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
New York’s Bail Reforms Making Little Impact, Lawyers Say
http://citylimits.org/2016/03/21/new-yorks-bail-reforms-making-little-impact-lawyers-say/
Last December, New York City courts moved forward with a new initiative aimed at reducing the number of people who are held on Riker's Island after being charged with minor offenses.
The three-month old program grants defendants accused of some misdemeanors new bail hearings, in front of a different judge, within 10 days of the initial court appearance. The program is one component of former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman's longstanding effort to reduce the number of people held on Riker's Island solely because they couldn't afford to post even small amounts of bail.
News about the bail-review program initially seemed to spark optimism among some advocates, who have long fought to reform the bail system.
But initial reports from criminal defense attorneys indicate that the measure has yet to make a meaningful difference.
Last December, New York City courts moved forward with a new initiative aimed at reducing the number of people who are held on Riker's Island after being charged with minor offenses.
The three-month old program grants defendants accused of some misdemeanors new bail hearings, in front of a different judge, within 10 days of the initial court appearance. The program is one component of former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman's longstanding effort to reduce the number of people held on Riker's Island solely because they couldn't afford to post even small amounts of bail.
News about the bail-review program initially seemed to spark optimism among some advocates, who have long fought to reform the bail system.
But initial reports from criminal defense attorneys indicate that the measure has yet to make a meaningful difference.
Tenant Convention Sunday!
http://berkeleytenants.org/?p=1626
The 2016 Rent Board Convention to select a pro-tenant slate for the elected Rent Board will be held on April 24th – THIS SUNDAY! – at the South Berkeley Senior Center on Ellis at Ashby. The gathering is sponsored this year by BTU, Friends of Adeline, the Berkeley NAACP, Berkeley Green Party, Berkeley Progressive Alliance, Berkeley Citizens Action, Socialist Alliance, the Peace and Freedom Party, CalSERVE, and UC Berkeley Students for Bernie Sanders.
The convention has been held each election year by a coalition of progressive groups for over 20 years in order to present a unified slate for the November Rent Board election. This year, there are 11 candidates for four seats. Because Rent Board Commissioner is the only elected office in Berkeley with term limits, there are only two protenant incumbents: Asa Dodsworth and Alejandro Soto-Vigil.
Candidate statements are on the convention website. Asa Dodsworth and Marcia Levinson did not send written responses. Sponsoring groups also send representatives to rate the candidates, interview them, and get more information about specific concerns of their membership. The convention site will also host the ratings and comments from community screeners, as well as the rules of the convention.
The 2016 Rent Board Convention to select a pro-tenant slate for the elected Rent Board will be held on April 24th – THIS SUNDAY! – at the South Berkeley Senior Center on Ellis at Ashby. The gathering is sponsored this year by BTU, Friends of Adeline, the Berkeley NAACP, Berkeley Green Party, Berkeley Progressive Alliance, Berkeley Citizens Action, Socialist Alliance, the Peace and Freedom Party, CalSERVE, and UC Berkeley Students for Bernie Sanders.
The convention has been held each election year by a coalition of progressive groups for over 20 years in order to present a unified slate for the November Rent Board election. This year, there are 11 candidates for four seats. Because Rent Board Commissioner is the only elected office in Berkeley with term limits, there are only two protenant incumbents: Asa Dodsworth and Alejandro Soto-Vigil.
Candidate statements are on the convention website. Asa Dodsworth and Marcia Levinson did not send written responses. Sponsoring groups also send representatives to rate the candidates, interview them, and get more information about specific concerns of their membership. The convention site will also host the ratings and comments from community screeners, as well as the rules of the convention.
San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose: Three of five costliest rental markets in U.S.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_29797026/san-francisco-oakland-san-jose-three-five-costliest
That's the word from the Zumper apartment rental website, which puts San Francisco at the top of the list, followed by New York, Boston, Oakland and San Jose. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,590 in San Francisco, $2,280 in Oakland and $2,270 in San Jose, according to the Zumper National Rent Report for April.
Just this week, San Jose put a 5 percent cap on rent increases for the 44,000 units covered by the city's rent control law. Earlier this month, the Oakland City Council approved a 90-day moratorium on rent hikes. And a number of new analyses -- by CoreLogic, Redfin, RealFacts and others -- suggest that a leveling of prices may finally be occurring in the region for homebuyers and renters.
That's the word from the Zumper apartment rental website, which puts San Francisco at the top of the list, followed by New York, Boston, Oakland and San Jose. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,590 in San Francisco, $2,280 in Oakland and $2,270 in San Jose, according to the Zumper National Rent Report for April.
Senate Bill Reinforces Federal Control Over Drones
http://www.uasvision.com/2016/04/22/senate-bill-reinforces-federal-control-over-drones/
Legislation passed by the U.S. Senate could pave the way for the commercial deployment of drones in the national airspace, besides addressing safety issues by, for example, providing for a pilot that would find ways to lock down errant drones if they are close to airports.
The new rules in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016, passed by a vote of 95-3, reflect the opportunities seen in the country for the use of drones both for commercial and other applications such as in emergencies. They also highlight privacy and safety concerns about the reckless use of consumer drones by hobbyists.
Referring to an object, believed to be a drone, hitting a British Airways plane landing in Heathrow airport on Sunday, Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, said that if a drone is sucked into a jet engine, it could certainly render the engine inoperable and might start an explosion. The current bill proposes a pilot program to develop and test technologies to intercept or shut down drones when they are near airports.
Legislation passed by the U.S. Senate could pave the way for the commercial deployment of drones in the national airspace, besides addressing safety issues by, for example, providing for a pilot that would find ways to lock down errant drones if they are close to airports.
The new rules in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016, passed by a vote of 95-3, reflect the opportunities seen in the country for the use of drones both for commercial and other applications such as in emergencies. They also highlight privacy and safety concerns about the reckless use of consumer drones by hobbyists.
Referring to an object, believed to be a drone, hitting a British Airways plane landing in Heathrow airport on Sunday, Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, said that if a drone is sucked into a jet engine, it could certainly render the engine inoperable and might start an explosion. The current bill proposes a pilot program to develop and test technologies to intercept or shut down drones when they are near airports.
LA Returning the Tiny Houses it Took From the Homeless
http://la.curbed.com/2016/4/22/11485042/tiny-houses-homeless-elvis-summers
The confiscated houses will be given back to the man who built them
The confiscated houses will be given back to the man who built them
Dutch students serve up world's first 'drone café'
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/22/drone_cafe/
Visitors to Eindhoven University of Technology's Dream and Dare Festival over the next couple of days will able to pop into the world's first "drone café", where an interactive UAV will serve booze to eager punters.
Visitors to Eindhoven University of Technology's Dream and Dare Festival over the next couple of days will able to pop into the world's first "drone café", where an interactive UAV will serve booze to eager punters.
The State of Facecrook and Family Law
http://www.callawyer.com/2016/04/the-state-of-facebook-and-family-law/
Four attorneys share anecdotes about Facebook's effect on family law, and round up recent case trends and ethics rules on the topic.
Four attorneys share anecdotes about Facebook's effect on family law, and round up recent case trends and ethics rules on the topic.
Pro-Lifers Will Protest at Planned Parenthood in Over 200 Cities Saturday After it Sells Aborted Babies
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/04/22/pro-lifers-will-protest-at-planned-parenthood-in-over-200-cities-saturday-after-it-sells-aborted-babies/
A nation-wide rallying effort to expose Planned Parenthood’s horrendous abortion practices will take place on Saturday at more than 200 locations across the U.S.
Organized by a group of pro-life organizations, the #ProtestPP rallies will remind communities of the abortion chain’s abhorrent treatment of unborn babies through abortion and the sale of their body parts. The #ProtestPP movement began last year after the Center for Medical Progress began releasing undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood selling aborted babies’ body parts.
Last year 100,000 citizens rallied against Planned Parenthood at more than 400 locations, reacting in outrage to the abortion giant’s callous treatment of unborn babies, according to the organizers. In the wake of these protests, more than 20 Planned Parenthood centers closed and nine states stripped funding for the organization from their budgets, the organizers said.
Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, which is helping to organize the protests, said the undercover videos serve as more evidence of what many already knew about the abortion industry.
A nation-wide rallying effort to expose Planned Parenthood’s horrendous abortion practices will take place on Saturday at more than 200 locations across the U.S.
Organized by a group of pro-life organizations, the #ProtestPP rallies will remind communities of the abortion chain’s abhorrent treatment of unborn babies through abortion and the sale of their body parts. The #ProtestPP movement began last year after the Center for Medical Progress began releasing undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood selling aborted babies’ body parts.
Last year 100,000 citizens rallied against Planned Parenthood at more than 400 locations, reacting in outrage to the abortion giant’s callous treatment of unborn babies, according to the organizers. In the wake of these protests, more than 20 Planned Parenthood centers closed and nine states stripped funding for the organization from their budgets, the organizers said.
Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, which is helping to organize the protests, said the undercover videos serve as more evidence of what many already knew about the abortion industry.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
People Trafficker Targeted The Homeless
http://news.sky.com/story/1682951/people-trafficker-targeted-the-homeless
Lakatos promised his victims work and a home but kept them in his garage without access to heating or running water.
Lakatos promised his victims work and a home but kept them in his garage without access to heating or running water.
Strong Social Justice Medicine
http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/strong-social-justice-medicine/Content?oid=4755863
Legalizing cannabis could reduce sentences and clear criminal records for millions.
Legalizing cannabis could reduce sentences and clear criminal records for millions.
TransCanada director's speech to chamber draws protest in Ottawa
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/transcanada-director-speech-chamber-protest-1.3546764
Environmentalists question timing of breakfast series talk on eve of Earth Day
A New Blast at an Entrenched Elite
http://inequality.org/book-review-listen-liberal/
Thomas Frank’s new book offers us a must-read on how and why the Democratic Party lost interest in seriously addressing the deep inequality that so ails America.
Thomas Frank’s new book offers us a must-read on how and why the Democratic Party lost interest in seriously addressing the deep inequality that so ails America.
San Francisco becomes first major US city to mandate rooftop solar on new buildings
Union Pacific Profit Falls on Weak Freight Demand
http://www.wsj.com/articles/union-pacific-profit-falls-on-weak-freight-demand-1461242385
The company’s performance was hurt by big declines in energy-related businesses, particularly coal, and oil and natural gas shale fracking sand, which shrunk 34% and 49%, respectively in the quarter. Industrial products were down 10%.
The company’s performance was hurt by big declines in energy-related businesses, particularly coal, and oil and natural gas shale fracking sand, which shrunk 34% and 49%, respectively in the quarter. Industrial products were down 10%.
DOT Says Layoffs and Closures at Licensing Stations Will Happen if House GOP Budget Adopted
http://www.kbur.com/2016/04/21/dot-says-layoffs-and-closures-at-licensing-stations-will-happen-if-house-gop-budget-adopted/
Iowa D-O-T officials say without the extra money, up to 400 employees will be laid off, plus some of the state’s Driver’s License stations and DOT maintenance garages will have to be closed.
Republicans in the Iowa House say the Iowa DOT got a significant budget boost when the state gas tax went up a dime-a-gallon last year — and the agency should reallocate money within its budget to pay for negotiated employee pay raises.
Lee Wilkinson, director of the DOT’s operations and finance division says the D-O-T cannot use any of the additional gas tax revenue to cover salaries, because of legislative action in 2015 that barred the practice. “The increase that we received from the gas tax, none of that money goes towards our budget,” Wilkinson says. “All of that money is going into roads projects,” says Wilkinson.
Iowa D-O-T officials say without the extra money, up to 400 employees will be laid off, plus some of the state’s Driver’s License stations and DOT maintenance garages will have to be closed.
Republicans in the Iowa House say the Iowa DOT got a significant budget boost when the state gas tax went up a dime-a-gallon last year — and the agency should reallocate money within its budget to pay for negotiated employee pay raises.
Lee Wilkinson, director of the DOT’s operations and finance division says the D-O-T cannot use any of the additional gas tax revenue to cover salaries, because of legislative action in 2015 that barred the practice. “The increase that we received from the gas tax, none of that money goes towards our budget,” Wilkinson says. “All of that money is going into roads projects,” says Wilkinson.
Boeing SC to offer 200 engineers voluntary layoff
http://thetandd.com/business/boeing-s-c-to-offer-engineers-voluntary-layoff/article_527103b6-07d9-11e6-86e2-6f624afbaf5c.html
Boeing South Carolina plans to cut an undisclosed number of engineering positions through a voluntary layoff program — a first for the company’s North Charleston Dreamliner operations.
Two-hundred engineers have been selected to receive a voluntary layoff offer, though Boeing said it does not plan to lay off that amount.
The Boeing Co. said last month it plans to eliminate about 4,000 jobs in its commercial airplane business sometime this summer amid fierce competition from Airbus and others in the aerospace industry.
Although Boeing officials originally said Boeing South Carolina’s 787 Dreamliner operations would likely not be impacted, some cuts are expected over the next month.
The 200 selected employees will be notified today, company officials said. They will then have 30 days to decide whether to accept, as well as a five-day buffer during which they can change their minds.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
DARPA Wants To Swarm Enemy Skies With Small Reusable Drone Armies Called 'Gremlins'
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/darpa-wants-to-swarm-enemy-skies-with-small-reusable-dr-1771922555
The program was named “for the imaginary, mischievous imps that became the good luck charms of many British pilots during World War II,” according to DARPA.
The program was named “for the imaginary, mischievous imps that became the good luck charms of many British pilots during World War II,” according to DARPA.
Families of Sandy Hook victims go after 'untouchable' gun manufacturers
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/20/newtown-sandy-hook-shooting-lawsuit-gun-control-election
A lawsuit over the ads for the rifle used in the 2012 shooting has a remote chance of success but has pushed the gun control debate to the fore in the 2016 election
A lawsuit over the ads for the rifle used in the 2012 shooting has a remote chance of success but has pushed the gun control debate to the fore in the 2016 election
NHRC Cleared by CDC to Test for Zika Virus
http://sandiegonewscape.com/index.php/12-health-news/7505-nhrc-cleared-by-cdc-to-test-for-zika-virus
The Naval Health Research Center was cleared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test clinical specimens for Zika virus April 4.
NHRC is one of six laboratories in California, three of which are located in Southern California, that are authorized at this time to use the Trioplex Real-time RT-PCR Assay (Trioplex rRT-PCR), a new test developed by the CDC, to detect Zika virus.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allowing the CDCs test to be distributed to qualified laboratories in their Laboratory Response Network (LRN), an integrated network of domestic and international laboratories that respond to public health emergencies.
The Naval Health Research Center was cleared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test clinical specimens for Zika virus April 4.
NHRC is one of six laboratories in California, three of which are located in Southern California, that are authorized at this time to use the Trioplex Real-time RT-PCR Assay (Trioplex rRT-PCR), a new test developed by the CDC, to detect Zika virus.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allowing the CDCs test to be distributed to qualified laboratories in their Laboratory Response Network (LRN), an integrated network of domestic and international laboratories that respond to public health emergencies.
It Could Take Years for Big-City Millennials to Save for a Down Payment
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-20/it-could-take-years-for-big-city-millennials-to-save-for-a-down-payment
https://www.apartmentlist.com/rentonomics/millennials-and-homeownership-2016
Of the generation known for renting everything from designer handbags to desks in a shared office space, 79 percent say they want to purchase a home, according to a report published Wednesday by Apartment List, an online rental marketplace.
https://www.apartmentlist.com/rentonomics/millennials-and-homeownership-2016
Of the generation known for renting everything from designer handbags to desks in a shared office space, 79 percent say they want to purchase a home, according to a report published Wednesday by Apartment List, an online rental marketplace.
Coke Profit and Revenue Fall as Volume Is Flat
http://www.wsj.com/articles/coke-profit-and-revenue-fall-on-flat-volume-1461152837
Coke has been struggling with weakness overseas, with key countries such as Russia and Brazil in recession, consumer demand weak in Europe and Japan, and China’s economy slowing. Weakening foreign currencies also are hitting Coke, which generates about half its sales abroad but translates results into dollars.
The company has been able to offset that in part by raising prices and steering consumers to smaller packages that cost more per ounce in its U.S. market.
For the first quarter, Coke reported that its beverage volumes grew 2% both world-wide and in its key North American market.
Coke has been struggling with weakness overseas, with key countries such as Russia and Brazil in recession, consumer demand weak in Europe and Japan, and China’s economy slowing. Weakening foreign currencies also are hitting Coke, which generates about half its sales abroad but translates results into dollars.
The company has been able to offset that in part by raising prices and steering consumers to smaller packages that cost more per ounce in its U.S. market.
For the first quarter, Coke reported that its beverage volumes grew 2% both world-wide and in its key North American market.
IBM Shares Tumble After Earnings Forecast Misses Estimates
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-18/ibm-earnings-beat-estimates-as-currency-counters-sales-decline
IBM tumbled after forecasting second-quarter profit that fell short of analysts’ projections, signaling its multiyear effort to become a purveyor of cloud products and technology using artificial intelligence won’t soon stop its four-year sales slump.
About 38 percent to 39 percent of full-year earnings forecast of at least $13.50 a share will come in the first half, Chief Financial Officer Martin Schroeter said Monday. That projects to about $2.78 to $2.92 a share, compared with the $3.45 average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
IBM tumbled after forecasting second-quarter profit that fell short of analysts’ projections, signaling its multiyear effort to become a purveyor of cloud products and technology using artificial intelligence won’t soon stop its four-year sales slump.
About 38 percent to 39 percent of full-year earnings forecast of at least $13.50 a share will come in the first half, Chief Financial Officer Martin Schroeter said Monday. That projects to about $2.78 to $2.92 a share, compared with the $3.45 average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
VW to pay each U.S. customer $5,000 to settle dieselgate: Die Welt
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-court-idUSKCN0XH0ZV?il=0
Citing unidentified sources close to the negotiations, Die Welt said the agreement would be presented on Thursday to Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, avoiding a trial.
Volkswagen (VW) declined to comment.
Citing unidentified sources close to the negotiations, Die Welt said the agreement would be presented on Thursday to Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, avoiding a trial.
Volkswagen (VW) declined to comment.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Tell Congress: Stop the Burr-Feinstein Backdoor Proposal
https://act.eff.org/action/tell-congress-stop-the-burr-feinstein-backdoor-proposal
A new proposal could be disastrous for the future of digital security. The language offered by Senators Burr and Feinstein would force tech companies to break the security of their products to make it easier for law enforcement to spy on people. Tell Congress today: oppose the Burr-Feinstein backdoor proposal.
A new proposal could be disastrous for the future of digital security. The language offered by Senators Burr and Feinstein would force tech companies to break the security of their products to make it easier for law enforcement to spy on people. Tell Congress today: oppose the Burr-Feinstein backdoor proposal.
An Internal Report on Oregon’s Illegal Surveillance of Black Lives Matter on Twitter Leaves Us With More Questions Than Answers
Yale Law School clinic, ACLU question growth of domestic 'watchlist'
http://www.nhregister.com/government-and-politics/20160418/yale-law-school-clinic-aclu-question-growth-of-domestic-watchlist
https://www.scribd.com/doc/309637277/Wirac-9-11-Clinic-Trapped-in-a-Black-Box
An analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union and a clinic at the Yale Law School describes exponential growth in the number of persons on a domestic intelligence watchlist based on secret evidence.
In the report, “Trapped in a Black Box: Growing Terrorist Watchlisting in Everyday Policing,” the two groups view the expansion as a threat to constitutional and privacy rights.
From less than 10,000 entries in 2003 as part of the Violent Gangs and Terrorist Organizations File, the watchlist had ballooned to 272,198 individuals by 2008 under a successor category, the Known or Suspected Terrorist File.
The report, which reviewed 13,000 pages of information, suspects those numbers have increased since then.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/309637277/Wirac-9-11-Clinic-Trapped-in-a-Black-Box
An analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union and a clinic at the Yale Law School describes exponential growth in the number of persons on a domestic intelligence watchlist based on secret evidence.
In the report, “Trapped in a Black Box: Growing Terrorist Watchlisting in Everyday Policing,” the two groups view the expansion as a threat to constitutional and privacy rights.
From less than 10,000 entries in 2003 as part of the Violent Gangs and Terrorist Organizations File, the watchlist had ballooned to 272,198 individuals by 2008 under a successor category, the Known or Suspected Terrorist File.
The report, which reviewed 13,000 pages of information, suspects those numbers have increased since then.
Trump's Mental Slip - 7/11, Not 9/11
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-internet-may-never-let-donald-trump-forget-his-9-11-gaffe-2016-04-19
Where were you on 7-Eleven? Donald Trump knows exactly where he was. Maybe.
Where were you on 7-Eleven? Donald Trump knows exactly where he was. Maybe.
Recession Watch: Inventory Glut, Iffy Consumer Demand Sink US Freight Volume
http://wolfstreet.com/2016/04/19/inventory-glut-weak-consumer-demand-sink-u-s-freight-volume/
Worst March, worst first quarter since 2010.
Worst March, worst first quarter since 2010.
Corporate Media Slammed for Downplaying yet Another Colossal Protest
http://newswatchreport.com/item/274637_corporate-media-slammed-for-downplaying-yet-another-colossal-protest
Britain’s corporate media has been slammed for downplaying a monumental anti-austerity protest in London on Saturday. A huge demonstration in the capital brought tens of thousands of protesters to the streets to demonstrate not only against austerity measures, but to demand the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron. The corporate media’s initial lack coverage of the event provoked outrage on social media.
Britain’s corporate media has been slammed for downplaying a monumental anti-austerity protest in London on Saturday. A huge demonstration in the capital brought tens of thousands of protesters to the streets to demonstrate not only against austerity measures, but to demand the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron. The corporate media’s initial lack coverage of the event provoked outrage on social media.
House panels limit Carter's innovation push, boost troop levels
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/house-panels-limit-defense-secretarys-innovation-push-boost-troop-levels/article/2588947
Defense Secretary Ash Carter will need to limit the amount that can be spent on his innovation hub in Silicon Valley until he reports to Congress how the money will be used, according to a draft budget.
The Army, Air Force and Marine Corps would also see an increase in authorized personnel levels.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter will need to limit the amount that can be spent on his innovation hub in Silicon Valley until he reports to Congress how the money will be used, according to a draft budget.
Emergency Lawsuit Highlights Voter Frustration with NY Primary Process
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/19/emergency-lawsuit-highlights-voter-frustration-new-york-primary-process
One day before primary, voters sue Board of Elections and say mysterious "purges" of voting rolls have disenfranchised unsuspecting New Yorkers
One day before primary, voters sue Board of Elections and say mysterious "purges" of voting rolls have disenfranchised unsuspecting New Yorkers
Protest in Cairo over policeman killing of tea vendor
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/anger-egypt-policeman-killing-street-vendor-160419165000254.html
Hundreds take to streets after shooting sparked by argument over price of cup of tea between officers and street vendor.
Hundreds take to streets after shooting sparked by argument over price of cup of tea between officers and street vendor.
Theranos Is Subject of Criminal Probe by U.S.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-is-subject-of-criminal-probe-by-u-s-1461019055
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether the blood-testing company misled investors about the state of its technology and operations
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether the blood-testing company misled investors about the state of its technology and operations
Netflix Drops on Weak-Growth Forecast
http://www.wsj.com/articles/netflix-adds-more-users-than-expected-1461010680
Disappointing forecast for its overseas business and concerns about slowing U.S. expansion sends shares down in after-hours trading
Disappointing forecast for its overseas business and concerns about slowing U.S. expansion sends shares down in after-hours trading
Droids Not Drones Are the Future of E-Commerce Deliveries
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-18/droids-not-drones-are-the-future-of-e-commerce-deliveries
A billionaire-backed startup makes the first tentative steps toward BB-8 or Wall-E bringing home your weekly shopping.
A billionaire-backed startup makes the first tentative steps toward BB-8 or Wall-E bringing home your weekly shopping.
Six Years Later, the Fallout from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
http://www.wnyc.org/story/assessing-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-six-years/
To coincide with the 6th anniversary of the spill, a sneak peek screening of "Dispatches From The Gulf" will be livestreamed on Wednesday, April 20th here at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET.
On April 27th, the film will be available to watch in full on the "Dispatches" YouTube channel.
EU antitrust chief expected to charge Google on Wednesday: sources
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-google-antitrust-idUSKCN0XG21D
Google is already battling EU charges of promoting its own shopping service in Internet searches at the expense of rival products, a case which has dragged on since late 2010.
You may hate Donald Trump. But do you want Facebook to rig the election against him?
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/19/donald-trump-facebook-election-manipulate-behavior
The company’s dominance means it can easily manipulate voter behavior. Though it claims it won’t, just the possibility is a threat to democracy
The company’s dominance means it can easily manipulate voter behavior. Though it claims it won’t, just the possibility is a threat to democracy
U.S. housing data adds to signs of weak first-quarter GDP growth
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-housing-idUSKCN0XG1KB
U.S. housing starts fell more than expected in March and permits for future home construction hit a one-year low, suggesting some cooling in the housing market in line with signs of a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter.
Tuesday's report from the Commerce Department continued the recent run of weak data that has cast a pall on the economy's prospects. Economists say the fragile economy, combined with tepid inflation vindicated the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to raising interest rates.
U.S. housing starts fell more than expected in March and permits for future home construction hit a one-year low, suggesting some cooling in the housing market in line with signs of a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter.
Tuesday's report from the Commerce Department continued the recent run of weak data that has cast a pall on the economy's prospects. Economists say the fragile economy, combined with tepid inflation vindicated the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to raising interest rates.
IMF, World Bank, U.N., OECD form new group to stop tax erosion
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-imf-g20-tax-idUSKCN0XG1WM?il=0
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank said on Tuesday they are joining forces with other international organizations to cooperate on tax issues and develop new tools and standards to halt tax base erosion and evasion.
The new grouping, which will also include the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), will focus particularly on building effective tax systems in developing economies, the partners said.
The effort was announced just weeks after the release of the so-called "Panama Papers" stirred outrage at the widespread use of tax haven countries and shell companies by wealthy global elites and corporations to hide assets and avoid paying taxes.
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank said on Tuesday they are joining forces with other international organizations to cooperate on tax issues and develop new tools and standards to halt tax base erosion and evasion.
The new grouping, which will also include the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), will focus particularly on building effective tax systems in developing economies, the partners said.
The effort was announced just weeks after the release of the so-called "Panama Papers" stirred outrage at the widespread use of tax haven countries and shell companies by wealthy global elites and corporations to hide assets and avoid paying taxes.
Monday, April 18, 2016
The Tax Code Equals Inequality
http://whowhatwhy.org/2016/04/18/tax-code-equals-inequality/
The System Is Unfair — Which Is Why We Dread This Day
The System Is Unfair — Which Is Why We Dread This Day
Homeless Young Women Are 16 Times More Likely To Die Than Peers In This City
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/homeless-youth-san-francisco-mortality-rate_us_5711342de4b06f35cb6f8675
https://peerj.com/articles/1909.pdf
http://news.berkeley.edu/2016/04/14/san-franciscos-homeless-youth-at-10-times-higher-risk-of-death/
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/14/san-francisco-homeless-youth-ten-times-more-likely-to-die
A new study is shedding light on the harsh toll of homelessness on youth.
New research out of UC Berkeley found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a ten times higher mortality rate than their peers with permanent housing.
“This population is highly stigmatized,” said Colette Auerswald, associate professor at UC Berkeley, in a press release. “That stigma leads to neglect and, in turn, to increased mortality.”
What’s more, young women in the study were more likely to die than young men: the homeless female youth had a 16 times higher mortality rate than the average woman of their race and age, while men had a nine times higher mortality rate.
“Women are in a very vulnerable place socially on the streets,” Auerswald said to the Guardian.
“And they’re often in exploitative relationships where they are dependent on people who are hurting them in order to survive.”
https://peerj.com/articles/1909.pdf
http://news.berkeley.edu/2016/04/14/san-franciscos-homeless-youth-at-10-times-higher-risk-of-death/
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/14/san-francisco-homeless-youth-ten-times-more-likely-to-die
A new study is shedding light on the harsh toll of homelessness on youth.
New research out of UC Berkeley found that homeless youth in San Francisco have a ten times higher mortality rate than their peers with permanent housing.
“This population is highly stigmatized,” said Colette Auerswald, associate professor at UC Berkeley, in a press release. “That stigma leads to neglect and, in turn, to increased mortality.”
What’s more, young women in the study were more likely to die than young men: the homeless female youth had a 16 times higher mortality rate than the average woman of their race and age, while men had a nine times higher mortality rate.
“Women are in a very vulnerable place socially on the streets,” Auerswald said to the Guardian.
“And they’re often in exploitative relationships where they are dependent on people who are hurting them in order to survive.”
Oculus Executive: We'll Answer Questions About Rift's Privacy Policy “In Due Time”
https://consumerist.com/2016/04/18/oculus-executive-well-answer-questions-about-rifts-privacy-policy-in-due-time/
Virtual reality company Oculus doesn’t seem to be too concerned about questions some people have had about the privacy policy for its new Rift headset, with a company executive downplaying those concerns and saying that they’ll be answered “in due time.”
Sen. Al Franken (MN) sent a letter to Facebook-owned Oculus last week, wherein he raised a number of concerns about the privacy policy for the Oculus Rift VR headset and what kind of data the technology is collecting while it’s in use.
Virtual reality company Oculus doesn’t seem to be too concerned about questions some people have had about the privacy policy for its new Rift headset, with a company executive downplaying those concerns and saying that they’ll be answered “in due time.”
Sen. Al Franken (MN) sent a letter to Facebook-owned Oculus last week, wherein he raised a number of concerns about the privacy policy for the Oculus Rift VR headset and what kind of data the technology is collecting while it’s in use.
Smart clothes peg pings your phone when there's rain on the way
http://www.gizmag.com/peggy-smart-connected-clothes-peg/42854/
A quick turn in the weather can bring undone even the most carefully planned loads of washing, so detergent maker Omo is tapping into the Internet of Things (IoT) to offer a helping hand. Peggy is a smart clothes-peg prototype that uses a number of sensors and local weather information to tell you when the washing is dry and ping you when rain's on the way to prevent you drying the same load twice.
A quick turn in the weather can bring undone even the most carefully planned loads of washing, so detergent maker Omo is tapping into the Internet of Things (IoT) to offer a helping hand. Peggy is a smart clothes-peg prototype that uses a number of sensors and local weather information to tell you when the washing is dry and ping you when rain's on the way to prevent you drying the same load twice.
Americans Keep Their Cellphones Longer
https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/TDJNDN_2016041810289/americans-keep-their-cellphones-longer.html
The death of the two-year cellphone contract has broken many Americans from a habit of routinely upgrading their smartphones.
The death of the two-year cellphone contract has broken many Americans from a habit of routinely upgrading their smartphones.
Realty firms likely to see muted sales, profits in March quarter
http://www.livemint.com/Companies/iL1sRR9PRU8ALDx9tuL1hN/Realty-firms-likely-to-see-muted-sales-profits-in-March-qua.html
Property market in Delhi NCR remains under pressure; Mumbai continues to see sales volumes only in select residential projects
Property market in Delhi NCR remains under pressure; Mumbai continues to see sales volumes only in select residential projects
Weak markets crimp wealth management profits at big U.S. banks
http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCAKCN0XF2KI
Volatile financial markets took a bite out of earnings at big U.S. banks during the first quarter – not just in trading but wealth management, too.
Volatile financial markets took a bite out of earnings at big U.S. banks during the first quarter – not just in trading but wealth management, too.
Study: $5 Per Person Could Save 4 Million Lives
http://m.voanews.com/a/study-5-dollars-per-person-could-save-4-million-lives/3290748.html
They found that in 2015, pregnancy and birth complications resulted in the deaths of more than five million children and 300,000 women, 95 percent of the global population’s maternal and child deaths.
The researchers focused on expanding access to specific basic care services, which would not only save the millions of lives lost, but cost roughly $4.70 per patient per year to do so.
Black’s team created three health care packages that contain conditions and services relative to reproductive health, maternal health, newborn and child health and nutrition.
They found that in 2015, pregnancy and birth complications resulted in the deaths of more than five million children and 300,000 women, 95 percent of the global population’s maternal and child deaths.
The researchers focused on expanding access to specific basic care services, which would not only save the millions of lives lost, but cost roughly $4.70 per patient per year to do so.
Black’s team created three health care packages that contain conditions and services relative to reproductive health, maternal health, newborn and child health and nutrition.
Citizens In Hungary Burn Monsanto GMO Cornfields
http://investmentwatchblog.com/citizens-in-hungary-burn-monsanto-gmo-cornfields/
Citizens in Hungary have located and destroyed 1000 acres of cornfields that were found to be grown with GMO seeds supplied by Monsanto.
Citizens in Hungary have located and destroyed 1000 acres of cornfields that were found to be grown with GMO seeds supplied by Monsanto.
How are corporations hiding billions needed for fighting poverty?
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/how-are-corporations-hiding-billions-needed-for-fighting-poverty/
As Americans are finalizing their tax returns, corporations are hiding trillions in offshore tax havens and dodging billions in tax payments in the US and around the world—payments that should go to schools, roads, and health care.
As Americans are finalizing their tax returns, corporations are hiding trillions in offshore tax havens and dodging billions in tax payments in the US and around the world—payments that should go to schools, roads, and health care.
City will ask judge to evict tenants living in squalid rent homes near Dallas Zoo
http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/2016/04/city-will-ask-judge-to-evict-tenants-living-in-squalid-rent-homes-near-dallas-zoo.html/
A City Council committee has approved a plan to ask a judge to evict tenants living in six barely standing shotgun shacks along East Clarendon Drive near the Dallas Zoo.
A City Council committee has approved a plan to ask a judge to evict tenants living in six barely standing shotgun shacks along East Clarendon Drive near the Dallas Zoo.
Beverly Hills Has Decided to Build an On-Demand Autonomous Car Service
http://gizmodo.com/beverly-hills-has-decided-to-build-an-on-demand-autonom-1771543564
The Hollywood Reporter explains that the microcosm that is Beverley Hills wants to run a set of self-driving cars that would be used to provide public transportation. “Beverly Hills is the perfect community to take the lead to make this technology a reality,” explained Mayor John Mirisch in a press release. “It is now both feasible and safe for autonomous cars to be on the road.”
The Hollywood Reporter explains that the microcosm that is Beverley Hills wants to run a set of self-driving cars that would be used to provide public transportation. “Beverly Hills is the perfect community to take the lead to make this technology a reality,” explained Mayor John Mirisch in a press release. “It is now both feasible and safe for autonomous cars to be on the road.”
Milestones in the Supreme Court immigration case
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-immigration-chronology-idUSKCN0XF2G8?il=0
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a challenge by 26 states to President Barack Obama's executive action to defer deportation of certain immigrant children and parents who are in the country illegally.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a challenge by 26 states to President Barack Obama's executive action to defer deportation of certain immigrant children and parents who are in the country illegally.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Russian jet manoeuvres close to US spy plane
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Russian-jet-manoeuvres-close-to-US-spy-plane/articleshow/51866093.cms
The incident on Thursday occurred when a Russian jet "performed erratic and aggressive manoeuvres" as it flew within 50 feet of the US aircraft's wing tip over the Baltic Sea, Danny Hernandez, a spokesman for European Command, said.
The incident on Thursday occurred when a Russian jet "performed erratic and aggressive manoeuvres" as it flew within 50 feet of the US aircraft's wing tip over the Baltic Sea, Danny Hernandez, a spokesman for European Command, said.
Caelus making cuts
http://www.petroleumnews.com/pntruncate/35517855.shtml
Company suspending drilling and laying off 25 percent of Alaska workforce
Company suspending drilling and laying off 25 percent of Alaska workforce
Sleeping Ban Defeat in Santa Cruz Raises Many Questions
http://www.thestreetspirit.org/sleeping-ban-defeat-in-santa-cruz-raises-many-questions/
For decades, Santa Cruz has progressively sought to criminalize homelessness and the recent vote is little more than a sad confirmation of that well-established and deeply entrenched policy. Following the vote, one longtime observer commented that “now our community is officially homeless unfriendly.”
For decades, Santa Cruz has progressively sought to criminalize homelessness and the recent vote is little more than a sad confirmation of that well-established and deeply entrenched policy. Following the vote, one longtime observer commented that “now our community is officially homeless unfriendly.”
Why Americans' Trust in Financial Institutions Is in Sharp Decline
http://www.thestreet.com/story/13533187/1/why-americans-trust-in-financial-institutions-is-in-sharp-decline.html
Single digits.
That's how low the percentage of consumers who trust U.S. financial institutions has declined, according to a new study from The National Association of Retirement Plan Participants.
Specifically, consumer trust in banks, brokerage, insurance and other financial companies has fallen from 13% in 2015 to just 8% today.
But you might be surprised where Americans place blame.
This from the study: "The sharp decline in generalized trust in financial services companies, including banks, mutual fund companies and retirement plan providers, has been linked to peoples' lack of confidence in their own ability to make financial decisions (especially on retirement issues)."
Of course, there is plenty of blame to be placed at the feet of Wall Street and the financial industry, too.
Single digits.
That's how low the percentage of consumers who trust U.S. financial institutions has declined, according to a new study from The National Association of Retirement Plan Participants.
Specifically, consumer trust in banks, brokerage, insurance and other financial companies has fallen from 13% in 2015 to just 8% today.
But you might be surprised where Americans place blame.
This from the study: "The sharp decline in generalized trust in financial services companies, including banks, mutual fund companies and retirement plan providers, has been linked to peoples' lack of confidence in their own ability to make financial decisions (especially on retirement issues)."
Of course, there is plenty of blame to be placed at the feet of Wall Street and the financial industry, too.
Energy downturn leads to train traffic decline, blocked crossings
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2016/04/17/1-energy-downturn-leads-to-train-traffic-decline.html
Rail traffic has tailed off in recent months, mainly because of declining coal and oil business but also because of a struggling domestic steel industry. It’s so rough that both Norfolk Southern and its main regional rival, CSX Transportation, are laying people off.
Rail traffic has tailed off in recent months, mainly because of declining coal and oil business but also because of a struggling domestic steel industry. It’s so rough that both Norfolk Southern and its main regional rival, CSX Transportation, are laying people off.
“No one – and especially heads of state – has a right not to be offended”
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2016/04/merkel-authorises-shocking-prosecution-german-comedian-offending-erdogan/
Index deplores the decision by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to authorise the prosecution of a German comedian for offending the president of Turkey.
Turkey requested that the German authorities prosecute Jan Böhmermann after the comedian read out a deliberately offensive poem about Turkey’s President Recep Tayip Erdogan. Under German law, it is a crime to insult foreign heads of state. Erdogan, who has cracked down heavily on critics of his regime – including journalists in the past 12 months – also launched a private lawsuit against Böhmermann.
Index deplores the decision by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to authorise the prosecution of a German comedian for offending the president of Turkey.
Turkey requested that the German authorities prosecute Jan Böhmermann after the comedian read out a deliberately offensive poem about Turkey’s President Recep Tayip Erdogan. Under German law, it is a crime to insult foreign heads of state. Erdogan, who has cracked down heavily on critics of his regime – including journalists in the past 12 months – also launched a private lawsuit against Böhmermann.
Output falls by third as oil workers strike
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/output-falls-third-oil-workers-strike/
Thousands of Kuwaiti oil workers began an open-ended strike yesterday in protest at plans to cut their wages, action which saw the state’s crude production plunge. A spokesman for the Kuwait Oil Co (KOC), Saad Al-Azemi, said on Twitter that “average production reached 1.1 million” barrels in Kuwait yesterday. Daily production in OPEC’s fourth largest producer is normally around 3.0 million barrels per day. Azemi also said natural gas production was at 620 million cubic feet, down from Kuwait’s daily average of more than 1.3 billion cubic feet. Refinery production was also cut from 930,000 barrels a day to just 520,000 barrels.
Thousands of Kuwaiti oil workers began an open-ended strike yesterday in protest at plans to cut their wages, action which saw the state’s crude production plunge. A spokesman for the Kuwait Oil Co (KOC), Saad Al-Azemi, said on Twitter that “average production reached 1.1 million” barrels in Kuwait yesterday. Daily production in OPEC’s fourth largest producer is normally around 3.0 million barrels per day. Azemi also said natural gas production was at 620 million cubic feet, down from Kuwait’s daily average of more than 1.3 billion cubic feet. Refinery production was also cut from 930,000 barrels a day to just 520,000 barrels.
The strike comes as world oil producers gathered in Qatar aiming to negotiate an output freeze to boost prices. “Thousands of workers began their strike,” the oil workers union chief Saif Al-Qahtani said, adding that production had been partly halted but without clarifying which sites were affected. “Observed since 7:00 am (0400 GMT), this open-ended strike will continue until the workers’ demands are met,” Qahtani said.
The Cabinet strongly criticized the “unacceptable” strike, calling it a “clear violation of the law”, entrusting involved agencies with taking legal action against “unacceptable practices”, and with bringing to accountability anybody involved in the disruption of the country’s vital utilities. The government also urged Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) to mobilize the manpower needed to ensure continued production. KPC said it closed a petrochemicals plant in order to use the gas to supply power generation plants and insisted that domestic supplies and exports will not be affected.
Airport protest against HK leader over 'preferential treatment' for daughter
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/airport-protest-against-hk-leader-over-preferential-treatment-for-daughter
A large crowd staging a sit-in at Hong Kong's International Airport yesterday to protest against preferential treatment that was allegedly extended by airline staff to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying's daughter. About a week ago, she allegedly left behind a piece of cabin baggage at the airline's check-in desk, which is in the non-restricted area of the airport. Realising her mistake when she was at the boarding gate, she allegedly got her father to demand that airline staff retrieve it for her. The sit-in was organised by the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation. Protesters said the incident involving Ms Leung potentially compromised airline safety and the security of the public.
A large crowd staging a sit-in at Hong Kong's International Airport yesterday to protest against preferential treatment that was allegedly extended by airline staff to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying's daughter. About a week ago, she allegedly left behind a piece of cabin baggage at the airline's check-in desk, which is in the non-restricted area of the airport. Realising her mistake when she was at the boarding gate, she allegedly got her father to demand that airline staff retrieve it for her. The sit-in was organised by the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation. Protesters said the incident involving Ms Leung potentially compromised airline safety and the security of the public.
Wall Street Journal Slimes Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore, Forgets About George W. Bush’s Monumental Blunders
http://www.alternet.org/media/wall-street-journal-slimes-noam-chomsky-michael-moore-forgets-about-george-w-bushs-monumental
http://www.wsj.com/articles/islam-and-the-radical-west-1460416688
In an article titled “Islam and the Radical West” published in the Wall Street Journal, columnist Bret Stephens raises the important issue of the radicalization of Western Muslims. But as far as responsible and informed journalism goes, the piece’s credibility ends there. Stephens goes on to make a number of stereotypical and weakly supported claims regarding Islam while taking amateurish pot shots at some of America’s most important thinkers, including Noam Chomsky.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/islam-and-the-radical-west-1460416688
In an article titled “Islam and the Radical West” published in the Wall Street Journal, columnist Bret Stephens raises the important issue of the radicalization of Western Muslims. But as far as responsible and informed journalism goes, the piece’s credibility ends there. Stephens goes on to make a number of stereotypical and weakly supported claims regarding Islam while taking amateurish pot shots at some of America’s most important thinkers, including Noam Chomsky.
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