Gap Between Americans, Congressional Representatives Grows Considerably Over Last 25 Years
A new investigation by the Washington Post has revealed the financial gap between Americans and their representatives in Congress has widened considerably over the past 25 years. Between 1984 and 2009, the median net worth of a member of the House more than doubled from $280,000 to $725,000 in inflation-adjusted 2009 dollars. Over the same period, the wealth of an American family has declined slightly, with the comparable median figure sliding to just more than $20,000. A key reason for the shift is the soaring cost of political campaigns. According to the
Federal Election Commission, since 1976, the average amount spent by winning House candidates quadrupled in inflation-adjusted dollars, to $14 million.
Fire at Nebraska Nuclear Plant Posed Serious Safety Risk
A new report by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has revealed an electrical fire at an idled Nebraska nuclear plant posed a high safety risk because the fire knocked out pumps circulating water in a pool with spent nuclear fuel. The fire occurred last June at the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station shortly after the reactors were idled due to massive flooding. The NRC said it classified the fire as a “red” event, representing the highest level of safety threat tracked by the agency. The report also criticized workers at the nuclear plant for ignoring an “acrid odor” at the plant that existed for three days before the fire began.
Khader Adnan released
Israels Supreme Court has ordered the release of Khader Adnan, a Palestinian prisoner being held in Israel without charge or trial who is the 66th day of his hunger strike. Agence France-Presse reports Adnan has ended his 66-day hunger strike under a deal that will see him released in April. Khader Adnan has refused to eat since he was arrested in mid-December. Doctors say hes at immediate risk of death.