“President Trump has vocally opposed companies that relocate overseas. But Congress could soon make it easier on them to import goods.” More …
Republicans are giving raises to striking teachers — and making the middle class pay for them
“Tax hikes in Arizona, Oklahoma, and other states will burden middle- and low-income workers.” More …
Two Leading Bidders for Lucrative Los Alamos Lab Contract Have Checkered Safety Records
“Defense contractor Bechtel and the University of California are in the running even though they have run the lab as partners for the last decade and amassed a record of worker health and safety violations.” More ….
Trump Administration Wants to Train Teens in ‘Hazardous’ Jobs
“The DOL will propose relaxing current rules—known as Hazardous Occupations Orders (HOs)—that prohibit 16- and 17-year-old apprentices and student learners from receiving extended, supervised training in certain dangerous jobs, said the two sources. That includes roofing work, as well as operating chainsaws, and various other power-driven machines that federal law recognizes as too dangerous for youth younger than 18.” More …
Cambridge Analytica dismantled for good? Nope: It just changed its name to Emerdata
“The company formerly known as Cambridge Analytica shocked the media today when it announced an immediate shutdown and liquidation of its business.That ‘shutdown,’ however, may be short-lived as official documents indicate those behind the controversial analytics company will be launching as a new firm with a less-toxic brand.” More …
EPA vs. Dept of Interior
“As Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt faces a seemingly endless stream of scandal, his team is scrambling to divert the spotlight to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.” More …
Congressional Budget Office: Republican policies add nearly $1.6 trillion to deficit
“Total deficit spending will increase by $11.7 trillion over the next 10 years, including an additional $1.58 trillion because of changes like the GOP tax law and the omnibus spending bill, according to a new report released by the Congressional Budget Office. Annual deficit spending will top $1 trillion by 2020.” More …
Scott Pruitt ousted EPA science advisers. Now he’s going after the science itself.
“Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a new directive aimed at increasing transparency in science. The announcement poses a fundamental challenge to the agency’s work as a regulator by instituting new restrictions on the scientific findings used by the EPA.” More …
Hobby Lobby Purchased Thousands of Ancient Artifacts Smuggled Out of Iraq
“The Hobby Lobby Bible-thumpers have dealt with some interesting characters in their side business.” More …
Trump Team Hired Spy Firm for ‘Dirty Ops’ on Iran Arms Deal
“Israeli agency told to find incriminating material on Obama diplomats who negotiated deal with Tehran.” More …