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December 4, 1995
Web posted at: 1:30 a.m. EST
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A record number of Americans are behind bars.
The Justice Department said Sunday that the prison population grew to more than 1.1 million in the 12 months ending last June. The increase of nearly 90,000 people is the largest in history and means the U.S. locks up more of its residents than any other nation.
Stiff mandatory sentences for drug and violent crimes contributed to the increase.
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A major commuter headache was averted Sunday night when local unions promised to hold no job actions Monday. A strike by rail unions would have affected more than 100,000 New York area residents.
The Metro-North unions and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters agreed to the "status quo" to keep the trains running temporarily, said federal mediator Ernest DuBester in a statement.
Officials said there would be an 11 a.m. EST news conference Monday to discuss developments, but would not confirm that there had been any progress Sunday.
Earlier Sunday, DuBester asked both sides to avoid talking with the media creating a 24-hour news blackout in the ongoing labor dispute.
Last week, workers staged two limited spot strikes after a dispute over a new vacation schedule.
Two men to be questioned about missing heiressVICKSBURG, Mississippi (CNN) -- Two men arrested for burglarizing the home of furniture heiress Jaqueline Levitz will be questioned about her suspected murder, police said Sunday.
Authorities plan to question Randy Cook, 21, and George Alexander, 17, about her disappearance. They have been charged with robbing Levitz's home after she disappeared.
Police stress there is nothing to link Cook and Alexander to the missing woman's disappearance.
Job Market improving for college gradsLANSING, Michigan (CNN) -- The job market remains very competitive, but a new study suggests things are looking up for next year's college graduates.
According to an annual survey by Michigan State University, employers expect to hire 4.7 percent more graduates next year that in 1995 -- the third straight increase after four years of fewer hires.
Hiring is still projected to be below 1988 and 1989 levels.
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