Warehouse workers say they endured cold

Warehouse workers say they endured cold

ALLENTOWN, Pa.

A report says workers at an Amazon.com warehouse in Pennsylvania who were subjected to sweltering conditions last summer also say they endured frigid wintertime conditions a year ago.

The (Allentown) Morning Call says workers at the warehouse in Breinigsville required medical attention during three fire alarm evacuations in November and December 2010. Federal labor records say some were treated at hospitals for exposure after being outside in below-freezing temperatures.

Amazon says it has updated its procedures to re-enter the building more quickly after alarms and distributes hats, blankets and hand warmers.

The paper has reported that sweltering conditions inside the warehouse on several days this summer sent a few employees to hospitals, prompting a federal inspection.

Deepak Chopra, brother in book deal

NEW YORK

Amazon.com is adding another high-profile name to its publishing roster.

The literary agent for spiritual doctor Deepak Chopra and his physician brother Sanjiv Chopra says Amazon will be the publisher for their memoir, “Brotherhood: A Tale of Faith, Big Dreams, and the Power of Persistence.”

Trident Media Group announced the deal Sunday.

Amazon has been steadily expanding its publishing operations. Last month, filmmaker-actress Penny Marshall signed a deal for her memoir. Amazon also has a deal with best-selling, self-help author Timothy Ferris and has started an imprint for science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Maine tribe still hopeful for casino OK

INDIAN TOWNSHIP, Maine

One voice has been largely silent as Maine residents prepare to vote whether to allow three more casinos in Maine.

The Passamaquoddy Indians aren’t putting money into Question 2 after being stung by a series of referendum defeats, explaining why the Passamaquoddies’ voice has seemed largely silent during the latest high-profile casino campaign.

Chief Joseph Socobasin from Indian Township says the tribe decided against gambling its money on another referendum. If it’s approved, tribal leaders say the Passamaquoddies will be free and clear to solicit casino proposals.

Associated Press