U.S. and the World
Homeland Security to begin Scanning Prepaid Payment Cards of Arriving Travelers
Under current law, travelers arriving in the United States must declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, traveler’s checks or other negotiable currency. However, according to a proposed amendment to the Bank Secrecy Act, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to also scan prepaid cards in possession of anyone trying to enter the United States. read more
Failure to Heed 2009 Report on Diplomatic Security May Have Contributed to Benghazi Attack
Although Diplomatic Security funding and personnel increased considerably between 1998 and 2010—the budget grew nine-fold from $200 million to $1.8 billion and the workforce doubled—since 2011 Republicans in Congress have pushed to cut BDS funding by tens of millions of dollars and the agency has experienced staff shortages. In 2008, about one-third of BDS’s domestic sub-offices had vacancy rates greater than 25%. read more
65th Place at the Olympics not Good Enough for “Extraordinary Ability” Visa to U.S.
Under the Immigration Act of 1990, employment visas can be given to those possessing “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. Noroozi sought the visa claiming to be a top international player. He finished tied for 65th and last place at the 2008 Olympics, having lost his only match. He was ranked 284th in the world. read more
U.S. Exports Reach Record High; Trade Deficit Lowest in almost Two Years
The change was brought about by a 3.1% increase in exports to $187 billion, an all-time high. Sales of commercial aircraft, heavy machinery and farm goods, especially soybeans, helped fuel the rise. Another key factor was a $2.2 billion boost in oil exports, spearheaded by the production of natural gas by fracking (hydraulic fracturing). read more
Remember the War in Afghanistan? U.S. Still has 68,000 Troops There and Averages One Drone Attack a Day
Despite the decreasing coverage of the war in Afghanistan, there are still about 68,000 U.S. troops in the country and 280 Americans died there during the first ten months of 2012. The United States this year has launched more drone strikes than at any other time in the 11-year conflict. read more
Puerto Ricans Vote to become U.S. State
The decision to become the 51st state ultimately rests with Congress, but it is unlikely lawmakers will approve statehood as long as Republicans are in charge of the House. This is because Puerto Ricans are viewed as more supportive of the Democratic Party. President Barack Obama had expressed support for the referendum.
Puerto Rico's representation in the House consists of a resident commissioner who can only vote on procedural matters and in committees.
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Europe OKs First Commercial Gene Therapy: Patient Cost is $1.6 Million
Glybera, which corrects errors in a person’s genetic code, will be available next year, now that the European Medicines Agency has approved its sale. The treatment will cost about 1.2 million euros ($1.6 million) per patient. The company’s goal is to gain the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval for the drug by 2014. read more
U.S. Ended Most of Its Foreign Meat Inspections and Curtailed Publicizing What’s Left
Although about 17% of the U.S. food supply is imported and several recent cases of food contamination have originated abroad, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has quietly cut spending since 2009 on in-person inspections of foreign slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, relying instead on a risk-based system that features more self-reporting. USDA officials disdain the phrase “risk-based,” preferring to call it “system-based.” read more
3 States Voting on Pot Legalization Could Have Major Impact on Drug Cartels
If voters in Colorado, Oregon and Washington on Tuesday pass ballot measures legalizing possession of marijuana they will be striking a blow against the violent drug cartels that sell Mexican weed in the U.S., according to a new report from a respected think tank in Mexico City. Marijuana has been illegal nationwide since 1937. read more
CIA Discloses Covert Team’s Rapid Response to Benghazi Embassy Attack
In response to criticism from conservatives and Fox News, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) disclosed for the first time how its agents assisted the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, when it came under attack two months ago.
Republicans have tried to score political points by questioning the Obama administration’s reaction to the assault that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. read more
Scotland Yard for Sale! (Sherlock Holmes Not Included)
To reach its goal of cutting $800 million from its budget, London’s police department is considering selling off its famed headquarters known as New Scotland Yard. Selling the building on Victoria Street, which has been the police force’s headquarters since 1967, could bring as much as $322 million. read more
Fidel Castro Hired Nazi SS Soldiers to Train His Troops during Cuban Missile Crisis, Reports German Intelligence
Newly released documents from Germany’s secret intelligence agency reveal that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro recruited two former Nazi SS soldiers to help train his military during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro also tried to hire German paratroopers and technicians to bolster his country’s defenses against a possible American invasion. read more
The Oldest Town in Europe—Dating to 4,700 BC—Is Discovered in Bulgaria
Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest known settlement in ancient Europe, located near the city of Provadia in Bulgaria. The town dates to between 4,700 and 4,200 BC, predating Greek civilization by 1,500 years. Discovered were two-story houses, walls, and parts of a gate, all located near then-valuable rock-salt deposits. read more
Siri Is Called on the Carpet by Apple—She May No Longer Help Chinese Find Prostitutes
Siri, the personal assistant on newer iPhones and iPads, will no longer help people find prostitutes in China. Responding to complaints, Apple decided to reprogram Siri to say it can’t locate them. In the U.S., however, she will still gladly lead you to an escort service. read more
What’s the Hurry, Mr. President? Former Bush FEMA Director—Who Did a “Heckuva Job” with Katrina—Slams Obama for Quick Sandy Response
Former FEMA chief Michael Brown criticized President Obama for his quick response to Hurricane Sandy, drawing a comparison to his attendance at a campaign fundraiser following the Benghazi attack. Brown is notorious for his slow response to Hurricane Katrina, which won him President Bush’s praise but cost him his job. read more
World’s Fastest Computer Is Quietly Turned On by the U.S. Government
The U.S. Department of Energy has activated Titan, the world’s fastest supercomputer. Scientists hope that Titan will support their research in areas ranging from climate change to biofuels to nuclear energy. For the past three years, Japan, China. and Germany variously held the titles for the fastest computer. read more