rssPosts by Mike Lillis
Inspectors Could Return to Exploded Massey Mine Friday
Two teams of inspectors emerged from the Upper Big Branch mine yesterday evening, with plans to return as early as tomorrow, according to a statement just released by Massey Energy, which owns the mine.
During yesterday’s visit — which was initially aborted due to toxic gases More…
BP Chief: Company Never Had the Tools to Address Oil Leak
Calling his company’s oil-well blowout in the Gulf a “low-probability, high-impact” episode, BP CEO Tony Hayward conceded this week that the energy giant was ill prepared to handle an accident at the depths being drilled by the Deepwater Horizon when it exploded.
“What is undoubtedly true is that we did More…
Steny Hoyer: Israel ‘Rightfully’ Defended Itself
Here’s the statement just released by the House Majority Leader:
“As we wait for all the facts to emerge about Monday’s events, several things are already clear. First, the loss of life was tragic. Second, Israel – rightfully so – invoked its right to self-defense on the Mavi Marmara.”
Inspectors Re-Enter Massey’s Upper Big Branch Mine
After toxic gasses initially turned them away, two teams of inspectors have re-entered the Upper Big Branch mine this afternoon to begin their investigation into what caused a horrific blast that took 29 lives in April, according to Massey Energy, which owns the UBB.
Two teams entered
Who’s Responsible for the National Debt?
Annie just noted that the national debt hit a (somewhat meaningless) milestone this week, topping $13 trillion yesterday. As a quick addendum, it’s worth pointing out which presidents are most responsible for running up the national tab. We’ll go back five. (All numbers come from the Treasury Department, More…
Kucinich Calls for U.S. to ‘Redefine’ Ties With Israel Following ‘Act of Belligerence’
Most of the lawmakers already weighing in on Israel’s deadly raid against an international aid flotilla headed for Gaza have come out squarely in support of Israel’s decision. Not Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
The Ohio Democrat began circulating a letter to colleagues on Wednesday condemning the attack in no uncertain More…
Into — Then Quickly Out of — the Upper Big Branch Mine
Nearly two months after an explosion at Massey’s Upper Big Branch mine killed 29 workers, investigators finally entered the mine on Wednesday in search of the cause. Their visit didn’t last long.
About one hour into their descent, the investigators hit toxic gases that forced them back to the surface, More…
Israel’s Attack on Aid Flotilla: Legal Act or Naked Piracy?
The Christian Science Monitor’s Ben Quinn sheds some light on the legality of Israel’s recent and deadly attack on an aid flotilla making its way to Gaza. Quinn spoke with Douglas Guilfoyle, international and maritime law expert at King’s College London University College London, More…
Mountaintop Mining Threatens One of America’s Best White Water Rivers
The Charleston Gazette’s tireless Ken Ward Jr. notes today that, in southern West Virginia, mountaintop removal mining is threatening more than wildlife and drinking water; it’s also jeopardizing one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.
The Gauley River, among the top white water rafting More…
A Closer Look at One of Most Dangerous Coal Mines in the Country
With so much focus on West Virginia’s coal mines following April’s deadly blast at the Upper Big Branch, The Washington Post today has a good reminder that the safety concerns surrounding the industry transcend state boundaries.
In a front-page feature, reporter Kimberly Kindy takes a close look at the More…
