Morning Media Summary
Tech:
Netflix Lowers Streaming Video Qualify To Cut Data Use:
“Online video rental company Netflix Inc has tweaked its Canadian streaming service to cut down on the amount of data it uses in a country where Internet usage is typically metered and capped.”
Microsoft denies intentionally shutting off Hotmail encryption in Arab countries:
“Microsoft says it did not “intentionally limit” access to Hotmail’s HTTPS encryption service in foreign countries where freedom of expression is under attack.”
Restaurant Chain is First Fined Under Massachusetts Data Breach Law:
“A Massachusetts restaurant chain was the first company fined under the state’s toughest in the nation data breach law and will have to pay $110,000 in penalties, according to a statement by the Massachusetts Attorney General. The Briar Group LLC entered into a settlement with Massachsuetts Attorney General Martha Coakley over allegations that the chain failed to protect patrons’ personal information. The case stemmed from an April, 2009 incident in which a malicious program installed on Briar’s computer systems allowed unknown hackers to access customers’ credit and debit card information. That malicious code wasn’t detected and removed until December, 2009, according to a statement from the Attorney General.”
Facebook drops uprising page after Israel protest:
“A Facebook page calling on Palestinians to take up arms against Israel has been removed from the social-networking site after a high-profile Israeli appeal.”
Global Warming / Environment / Energy:
Opec set for $1,000bn in export revenues:
“Opec, the oil producers’ cartel, will reap $1,000bn in export revenues this year for the first time if crude prices remain above $100 a barrel, according to the International Energy Agency.”
Coburn spars with Norquist over tax breaks for ethanol:
“Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) ripped conservative activist Grover Norquist on Tuesday for defending tax breaks that benefit special interest groups. “
Insurance / Gambling:
‘Party boat’ owner says gaming laws ‘vague’:
“Saturday wasn’t the first time law enforcement has confiscated what they describe as “illegal gambling machines” from the Mark Twain, a boat docked at the Marker 79 Marina in Vance.”
Health / Safety:
Louisiana Becomes 9th State to Request an Obamacare Waiver:
“IBD has just gotten word that Louisiana will become the ninth state to request a waiver from ObamaCare’s medical-loss-ratio regulations.”
FDA examines link between food dyes, hyperactivity:
“The FDA is examining the link between dyes found in everyday foods and hyperactivity in children.”
Economics:
Inflation worries push consumer confidence lower:
“Rising prices at the gas pump and in grocery aisles are starting to crimp shoppers’ outlook.”
Legal:
Wisconsin judge halts state from moving forward on law stripping collective bargaining rights:
“The showdown over Wisconsin’s explosive union bargaining law shifted from the Statehouse back to the courthouse on Tuesday, but it remained unclear when or even whether the measure would take effect.”
Labor:
Statement by SEIU Local 503 about legislative co-chairs’ budget:
“As the co-chairs acknowledged today the cuts that are still proposed in this budget to seniors and people with disabilities will put our system of long-term care at risk. The proposed cuts will force seniors from their homes into facilities that will also be facing similarly drastic reductions. The scenario is a perfect storm that will leave Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities with no place to turn to ensure safe, quality care. This is a cut that middle-class Oregonians can’t afford.”
Transportation/ Land Use:
Gov applying for $150M for Wis. train:
“Several months after rejecting federal funds to build high-speed rail across Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker is now asking for at least $150 million to add trains for an existing Milwaukee-to-Chicago line.”
Members Collect Many Unpaid Tickets:
“Members of Congress have immunity from many routine parking tickets in the District of Columbia, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try to rack up fines.”