Salem-News.com Business articles Page 2

Bayer AG Announces Intention to Buy California-Based Conceptus

Bayer will pay up to $1.1 billion dollars to control the company.

(FRANKFURT) - The Germany based drug company known as "Bayer AG" announced today their intention to buy California-based "Conceptus" so that they can "expand their ability to offer birth control" globally.

Conceptus caught Bayer's attention because the company makes a product called "Essure", an irreversible birth control method...

Oregon Proposal to Tax Fuel Efficient Cars Gains Speed

To date, there are 1,200 cars registered in Oregon that would meet the 55 miles per gallon criteria.

(SALEM) - A proposal to tax fuel efficient cars could be getting some mileage in the Oregon legislature.

Though the bill that would put a per-mile fee on cars that get 55 miles to the gallon or more still sits in committee, it’s far from dead.

BANGLADESH: Burning Garment Factory Collapses, 225 Dead

Fire investigators say the blaze broke out after rags on the ground caught fire.

(DHAKA, Bangladesh) - A garment factory fire was first observed around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, it only took about 15 minutes for firefighters to bring the fire under control.

At least 255 factory workers were trapped inside. NPR reports that the Readymade Garment Factory produced cheap retail items for WalMart in America.

EPA Criticizes Environmental Review of Keystone XL Pipeline

The agency responds to the State Department's draft report, which concluded the project would have a minimal impact.

(LOS ANGELES LA Times) - The EPA on Monday criticized the State Department's environmental impact review of the Keystone XL pipeline.

They say there was not enough evidence to back up key conclusions on gas emissions, safety and alternative routes.

Palestinian-Jordanian Crossing Open for Trade for the First Time

Israel closes the crossing for religious and national occasions.

(AL KARAMA CROSSING, Jordan) - Chief of General Committee for Crossings and Borders, Nazmi Mohana, announced on Thursday that Al-Karama Crossing connecting Jordan with the West Bank is open for commercial purposes.

"This is the first time the crossing is going to be used for commerce," Mohana said.

Setting the Record Straight on Coal Exports

Taxpayers to foot $300,000 bill for unnecessary study.

(SEATTLE) - Even as proposals for new Northwest bulk export facilities proceed through the rigorous environmental review mandated by law, opponents continue to mount an aggressive effort to block these projects.

In particular, recent efforts to fan concern about alleged health impacts from an increase in railway traffic defy logic...

Supreme Court Limits Justice for Human Rights Victims

Numerous existing human rights cases against individuals, groups, and corporations for abuses abroad are now in question.

(WASHINGTON DC) - Today the Supreme Court ruled Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum (Shell) that Esther Kiobel may not proceed in her case against Shell for aiding and abetting in the torture and murder of her husband.

Setting back Esther’s quest for justice, the Court’s decision gives foreign corporations preferential treatment over domestic businesses.

Nike and the Big O

"What's good for Nike is good for Oregon."

(PORTLAND, OR) - When GM boss Charles E. "Engine Charlie" Wilson appeared in 1953 for his nomination hearings to head the Pentagon, a senator asked him if as secretary of defense he could make a decision adverse to the interests of General Motors.

Wilson qualified his answer by declaring he could not conceive of such a situation "because for years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors and vice versa."

Putting Our Money Where Our Hearts Are

Last year GE, BofA, Chevron and Goldman Sachs all paid no federal tax money- through loopholes, subsidies and offshoring.

(SEATTLE) - “I will give one for defense, but I’m cutting the whole offense budget,” the man said as he dropped one penny into the jar marked “Military” in our Tax Day Penny Poll.

Then he dropped various amounts of his 10 pennies into various jars with labels such as Health and Human Services, Education, Foreign Humanitarian Aid, and Environmental Protection.

Tax Day Reminder: Congressman Greg Walden Favors Tax Breaks for Millionaires and Big Oil

Walden’s first priority is budget-busting tax breaks for Big Oil and millionaires who don’t need them and for his special interest campaign contributors

(WASHINGTON DC) - As Americans file to meet the Tax Day deadline today, here’s a reminder of what Congressman Greg Walden is stubbornly committed to protecting.

The list includes tax breaks for millionaires, Big Oil companies, and special interests.