EPA Shutting Off Access to Info

Tucked away in the Bush administration’s recent budget is a proposal that has alarmed scientists and environmentalists. Under the plan, the Environmental Protection Agency will shut down its network of libraries serving the public and its own staff scientists.
In addition, the agency will discontinue its electronic catalog, “which tracks tens of thousands of unique documents [...]

Popularity: 1%

Big Oil’s Big Friends

It’s all about priorities for some members of Congress when it comes to treating America’s “addiction to oil.”
As reported by columnist Juan Gonzalez in the New York Daily News, Congressman Joe Barton (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has launched a probe into possible antitrust violations by Citgo. Could it be [...]

Popularity: 1%

UAE’s Publicity Blitz

In addition to DP World’s invitation to the U.S. government for a new security review, the United Arab Emirates-owned company is also working the aisles to help win over members of Congress and policymakers.
And they’ve got some powerful lobbyists on their side, including Bob Dole. The former Senator works for Alston & Bird, a law [...]

Popularity: 1%

Security at Other Ports

The true test of DP World’s security capabilities should be how well they’ve safeguarded the few dozen ports they run around the world from India and Germany to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
One example is their operation of Djibouti, a major port in East Africa. Long plagued by smuggling, DP World took over the port’s operation [...]

Popularity: 1%

UAE’s Reputation: Smuggling Haven?

In the midst of bipartisan outrage over the White House’s decision to allow a United Arab Emirates-owned company to oversee operations at U.S. ports, it’s worth considering the safety record of Dupai Ports World.
Most maritime experts attest to the firm’s solid reputation and Kim Petersen, head of SeaSecure, a U.S.-based maritime security company, and executive [...]

Popularity: 2%

Katrina Contracts: Corruption?

It’s been almost six months since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The federal government has handed out billions in contracts ranging from over $500 million for the giant construction company Bechtel to provide short-term housing to people displaced by the hurricane to a $185 contract with RT’s Plumbing in New Iberia, LA to service portable [...]

Popularity: 2%

What’s Brownie Really Doing?

Does former FEMA director Michael D. Brown’s consulting firm really exist?
Brown, who recently testified on Capitol Hill regarding his role in the federal government’s reaction to Hurrican Katrina, started a disaster preparedness consulting firm a few months ago. According to an AP story back in November:
“Brown said companies already have expressed [...]

Popularity: 1%

This Just In…

FDA Reopens Probe Into Contaminated Soda

It’s been 15 years since the FDA closed their investigation into soft drinks contaminated with cancer-causing chemical benzene. But the agency has reopened the probe amid evidence that the industry has failed to take care of the problem - recent tests have revealed levels of benzene from two and a [...]

Popularity: 1%

Comic Conceit

Amid mounting speculation that Syria and other forces have been quietly orchestrating the riots and violence surrounding the infamous Danish cartoon of Mohammed, it’s worth considering that history is full of imagery - both serious and satirical - of the prophet.
Check out this gallery of images of Mohammed, from medieval paintings to modern comic books. [...]

Popularity: 1%