News summary: 10/30-11/6

Last week's CSR news was less voluminous than usual; I assume that a greater proportion the news is being devoted to poltics in the run-up to today's elections - and that next week may similarly focus on the effects of whatever happens today. Of course, it would be great if voters were really concerned with how these business issues are being regulated and represented by our politicians, but that's mainly an aspiration in the U.S.

The highlights in company news included:

• KFC is phasing our trans fats from its fried chicken
• Microsoft is reconsidering its China business for human rights reasons
  
• BP apparently knew long ago about safety issues at its Texas City refinery

The mining industry had a couple of interesting (and opposing) articles. In Ghana, a reporter sharply criticized government promotion of mining due to its negative effects on the local population and environment. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez says he is shutting down various mining operations because of environmental concerns - but miners have protested the loss of their livelihood, causing Chavez to send in troops which have killed at least six miners.

I will try to keep new news round-up as a more regular feature.