US Labor Department to compensate sick nuclear weapons workers News
US Labor Department to compensate sick nuclear weapons workers

[JURIST] Former US nuclear weapons workers can soon start filing claims for compensation for exposure to radiation [US Labor Department press release] and other industrial toxins while working on cold-war era nuclear weapons. The program details [DOL procedures for filing claims and determining eligibility] were released for living workers on Friday, but the government has already implemented a program for the survivors of deceased workers and has paid more than $53 million for 430 claims. Most of those benefited by the program worked at facilities in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. Critics argue that the new compensation plan may not cover all possible ailments and the burden of proving exposure may be too high. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.