As the incident of the recent separation of some 2,300 migrant children from their families unfolded, we learned that the nonprofit, Southwest Key Programs, won more than $1 billion in federal contracts since 2015 to run shelters and/or provide other services to immigrant children in federal custody. Questions: 1. About how many contractors operate more… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Costs
What could go wrong?
General Motors and Volvo have partnered with Amazon to deliver packages to car trunks in 37 U.S. cities, as the e-commerce giant seeks new delivery methods for customers who may be wary of leaving packages outside or allowing couriers into their homes. Questions: 1. What are some of the security concerns? 2. This project follows… Read more »
You’re never too old for foster care!
The Veteran’s Administration (VA) has a new program that provides housing and care for veterans for an alternative to nursing home care for those who cannot live safely on their own. Veterans pay their caregivers $1,500 to $3,000 a month, depending on location, saving the government about $10,000 a month in nursing home care. Questions:… Read more »
Legalized Wage Theft?
According to Huffington Post, the burrito chain, Chipotle’s, has asked the Supreme Court to exclude 2,814 workers from a massive wage theft lawsuit because they signed mandatory arbitration agreements. Questions: 1. At the heart of this dispute, how many people who have worked for the burrito chain joined a 2014 lawsuit alleging the company systemically… Read more »
Flight of the Bumble Bee
According to the Associated Press, U.S. prosecutors filed a criminal charge against the CEO of Bumble Bee Foods as part of an ongoing investigation into price fixing in the packaged seafood industry. Questions: 1. During what period did the firm allegedly conspire with others in the industry to eliminate competition by setting prices for canned… Read more »
Would you rather make a Type 1 or Type 2 Error Regarding the Emergency Room Visit?
Jim Burton thought he was dying after lifting a box in his garage last and feeling a large jolt in his back. When his health insurer, Anthem, refused to pay for his E.R. visit of $1,722, citing that care was not needed right away, Jim learned that Anthem denied thousands of claims last year under… Read more »
Sports Betting in All States!
According to the New York Times, The Supreme Court struck down a federal law that effectively banned commercial sports betting in most states, boosting the prospect of such gambling across the nation. Questions: 1. Who are the winners in this decision? 2. Who are the losers in this decision? 3. According to the article, what… Read more »
Growing your own mystery meat!
According to Reuters, Tyson Foods (TSN.N), the largest U.S. meat processor, has invested in an Israeli biotech company developing a way to grow affordable meat in a laboratory that takes live animals out of the equation. Questions: 1. What does the technology focus on in order to provide the same texture as meat? 2. How… Read more »
Now you see it, now you don’t…Presto!
According to Axios, there was a 17% drop in international students in the U.S. last year, mostly due to the 28% decline in Indian students and a 24% decline in Chinese students receiving visas. Questions: 1. Is the trend in international students attributable to President Trump’s immigration policy changes and rhetoric? Explain. 2. What are… Read more »
Which Card Should I Choose?
The first credit card offering frequent-flier miles made its debut over 30 years ago. Delta Airlines generated $3 billion from its relationship with American Express in 2017 and expects to hit $4 billion by 2021. Questions: 1. What did the frequent flier airline cards offer in the 1980s? How does that compare to now? 2…. Read more »