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States Target Political Robo-calls
As Shaun Dakin phoned a list of Cleveland voters while campaigning for John Kerry in 2004, he wondered whether he was doing more harm than good for his candidate when the voices on the other end became angrier and more aggressive with each call. A volunteer for state and national campaigns since 1988, Dakin learned […]
As U.S. Heating Aid Drops, Venezuela Chips In
Close to 200,000 poor families in 15 cold-weather states – in every Northeastern state except New Hampshire – can thank controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for helping them heat their homes this winter. The Venezuelan-controlled oil-refining company, Citgo Petroleum Corp., donated 45 million gallons of free home heating oil this winter in a move that […]
States Lead Feds in Toy Safety
Reacting to an increase in toy recalls and consumer complaints, five states have targeted tainted toys in new laws that in some way regulate toy sales in their states. In total, 29 states have pursued legislation on toy safety, with 20 of those states taking steps to ban four toxic substances sometimes used in toy […]