February 2011 Archive
Egypt Post-Mubarak: Key Facts on the Military’s Long-Standing Role
What we’ve learned about the Egyptian military, and what this could mean for where things are headed.
Experts Skeptical of New Report on Infant Deaths at Fort Bragg
Experts say tests used to eliminate drywall as a problem were unreliable and incomplete—and that more tests should have been done to determine the cause of recent infant deaths at the base.
California Health Boards Draft Rules to Fix Worker Loopholes
California’s health licensing boards are working to pass new regulations to prevent incompetent or dangerous workers from practicing.
GOP Proposes $1.6 Billion Cut to EPA Budget, Defends $4 Billion in Oil Subsidies
Despite arguing that the EPA should "let the market run on its own" without subsidizing different forms of power, GOP lawmakers have defended billions in subsidies to oil and gas companies.
John Hanger, PA's Former Environmental Chief, Talks About Challenges of Keeping Gas Drilling Safe
The former head of Pennsylvania's environmental agency defends his department, but says more work is needed to protect the state's natural resources from gas drilling.
EPA Wants to Look at Full Lifecycle of Fracking in New Study
An EPA study would be the most comprehensive investigation yet of whether hydraulic fracturing risks polluting drinking water near oil and gas wells across the nation.
CIA Officials Involved in Abuse and Wrongful Detention Rarely Reprimanded, Sometimes Promoted
CIA officers who were involved in cases of wrongful imprisonment, mistreatment and even detainee deaths have often avoided serious punishment and in many cases been promoted within the agency, according to an AP investigation.
Gov’t Considering Rolling Back Rule Allowing Private Planes to Keep Flights Secret
Under a plan the Department of Transportation is reportedly considering, most private plane owners will no longer be able to prevent the public from tracking their flights.
Accusations of Fraudulent Mortgage Documents Led Citigroup to Settle With Homeowners
Bankruptcy disputes over Citigroup's faulty mortgage documents have yielded settlements for some homeowners across the country, Bloomberg reported.
As Egyptian Army Cracks Down, Leaked Cables Shed Light on Its Gov’t Loyalties, Internal Rifts
Given the unrest in Egypt, U.S. officials have been in frequent communication with Egypt’s top military leaders long considered to be anti-reform and loyal to the regime, according to U.S. diplomatic cables.
Scientific Review Kicks Off to Weigh Treatment for Brain-Injured Soldiers
The National Institutes of Medicine convened the first of what's expected to be a series of public panels to help determine whether cognitive rehabilitation therapy could help heal troops who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Dollars for Docs Adds Payouts from HIV Drug Maker
ViiV Healthcare, which specializes in HIV medications, disclosed paying $3.4 million in speaking and consulting fees to doctors during the first three quarters of 2010. It becomes the eighth company in Dollars for Docs database.
Leaked Cables: Egyptian Government Stokes Fears of Muslim Brotherhood
The Muslim Brotherhood has long accused the Egyptian government of stoking fears about its power and radicalization. As it turns out, U.S. diplomats agree.
Without Competition, Private Firm Reaps Millions in Autopsy Work
Forensic Medical Group finds an unusual niche in Northern California, building a practice that has little overhead and more than a dozen counties as customers.
Autopsy Firm's High Caseloads, Practices Lead to Errors
Forensic Medical Group has become a key cog in Northern California justice system, handling death investigations for more than a dozen counties.
State Department Approved Export of U.S.-Made Tear Gas to Egyptian Gov’t
The American-made tear gas used to disperse pro-democracy protesters in Egypt earlier this week was sold to the country after government review, a State Department spokeswoman told us.
More Than 70 Members of Congress Demand Cognitive Treatment for Troops With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Citing an investigation by ProPublica and NPR, 74 members of Congress have signed a letter demanding that Tricare, the Pentagon’s health plan, provide treatment for troops with traumatic brain injuries.
