January 23 2012

Hostess and Chapter 11

posted by Mac

Say it aint so. Hostess Brands cutting the fat (its high costs) by heading back into bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a decade.

The company has been battling rising labor costs and increased competition. More importantly, however, the 87-year-old company has to deal with the health-conscious Americans that favor yogurt and energy bars over the dessert cakes and white bread they consumed 30 years ago. In fact, according to reports, last year 36 percent of Americans ate white bread in their homes, down from 54 percent in 2000. Meanwhile, about 54 percent ate wheat bread, up from 43 percent in 2000. And consumption of healthy snacks is growing too. There just isn’t a whole lot of healthy benefits from Twinkies and Ding Dongs….who knew?

In Hostess' Chapter 11 filing on Wednesday, the company said its rivals have combined and expanded their reach, heightening… continue

January 16 2012

Constitutional Issue or Politics as Usual?

posted by Allie

During law school, I sat through my fair share of constitutional law discussions.  In fact, nearly every class I took during law school had some sort of constitutional component, even if it was minor. So imagine my surprise when the headlines for the last couple weeks have discussed a constitutional term that I had never heard of – recess appointments! 

President Obama is receiving criticism from many Republicans for making appointments while Congress is in recess.  The most controversial appointment was naming Richard Cordray as the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  This appointment comes after months of a standoff between the President and the Senate concerning the nomination.  Originally, consumer advocate, Elizabeth Warren, had been considered for the top post at the agency she had a large part in creating; however, because her appointment was unlikely with the… continue