Archive for July, 2008

Asbestos Problems Force Albany Elementary School To Close For School Year

The entire staff and student body of The Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology will be sent elsewhere this year so that a serious asbestos problem can be corrected.

Disgruntled San Francisco IT Administrator Relents, Hands Over Network Passwords to Mayor

Terry Childs, who has been jailed since July 13 on suspicion of computer tampering, handed passwords for San Francisco's FiberWAN network over to Mayor Gavin Newsom Monday.

Over 500,000 Bus and Truck Drivers Collect Medical Disability But Keep Driving

According to a study released Monday, more than 563,000 truck and bus drivers qualify for full disability benefits due to health issues, yet are still eligible to drive.

Crane Accident in Houston is Area's Second Within Four Days

A 150-ton crane fell over in Houston Monday while operators were attempting to remove a sign marking the entrance to Kingwood planned community.

Disney, Universal Studios, and Georgia-Pacific Claim Exemptions from Florida Gun Law

A new Florida law allowing employees to bring guns to work has come under fire from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and paper manufacturer Georgia-Pacific.

Mysterious New Mexico Death Solved By Viewing of Five Year-Old CSI Episode

New Mexico State Police have closed their case on a Texas man's death after determining he killed himself in a manner similar to that shown in an episode of CSI.

Federal Aviation Administration Passes New Rule Intended to Prevent Fuel Tank Explosions

12 years after TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long Island, killing 230, the FAA has passed a rule intended to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Study Shows Experimental Amgen Bone-Loss Drug Aids Prostate Cancer Patients

California-based Amgen announced Monday that its experimental drug denosumab reduced risks of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures in men being treated with prostate cancer medicines that can cause bone loss.

17 Premature Babies Given Heparin Overdoses at Corpus Christi Hospital, One Dies

A Corpus Christi hospital has opened an investigation into how 17 premature babies in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit received overdoses of the blood thinner heparin.

FDA Imposes Urgent Safety Warnings on Fluoroquinolone Drugs Due to Tendon Risks

FDA Imposes Urgent Safety Warnings on Fluoroquinolone Drugs Due to Tendon Risks

The FDA announced today that they will require a class of antibiotic drugs known as fluoroquinolones, including Cipro and Levaquin, to carry severe warnings on their packaging.

Jamul Tribal Chairman and Daughter-In-Law Killed in Motorcycle Crash

A motorcycle wreck has claimed the lives of William C. Mesa, chairman of the Jamul Indian Village, and daughter-in-law Crystal Roberts-Mesa on Lyons Valley Road in Jamul, California.

FDA Announces Intention to Seek Black Box Warnings on Epilepsy Drugs

The FDA announced Monday that they intend to ask drug manufacturers to add warnings about increased suicide risks to 11 drugs used to treat epilepsy.

Patients Being Recruited For New Columbia University Mesothelioma Treatment Study

Researchers are currently seeking pleural mesothelioma patients for a clinical research study investigating the possibilities of a new targeted radiation and chemotherapy treatment protocol.

Panel of FDA Experts Urges Stricter Testing and Standards for Diabetes Drugs

An FDA panel comprised of outside medical experts has recommended that the agency impose stricter standards for approval of diabetic drugs, including long-term studies on cardiovascular effects.

French Court to Try Continental Airlines and Five Others over Concorde Crash

A Paris prosecutor has filed manslaughter charges against Houston-based Continental Airlines along with five individuals in connection with the 2000 Concorde jet crash left 113 people dead.

European Union Caps Airline Emissions, Angers International Trade Groups

A landmark agreement reached last week by the European Union to limit greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft has ignited controversy and protest from trade groups who question the legality of the Union's decision.

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Punitive Damages in Maritime Law Cases

In a 5-3 decision hailed as a victory for corporations seeking to limit lawsuit damages, the U.S. Supreme Court has severely reduced the $2.5 billion punitive award in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill case.