News Roundup 12/4/19 Cont.
668,000 Will Lose Food Stamp Benefits Under New Work Rules
It was announced on Wednesday that under a new Trump administration rule, hundreds of thousands of Americans who rely on the federal food stamp program will lose their benefits. This administration move is an attempt to scale back the social safety net for low-income Americans. It will limit states from exempting work-eligible adults from having to maintain steady employment in order to receive benefits. It has been estimated the change would save roughly $5.5 billion over five years and cut benefits for roughly 688,000 Supplemental Nutrition Program, SNAP, recipients.
Source: Associated Press
Once-a-month birth control pill? Experiment works in animals
Scientists have now figured out how to pack a month’s supply of brith control into one capsule, so that woman will not have surprise pregnancies when they miss doses. It is a tiny star-shaped gadget that unfolds in the stomach and gradually releases the drug. The experimental capsule is still years away from being sold, but researchers have now reported that it worked as designed in a key test in animals. The drug has even had donors like The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is investing $13 million to continue its development. It was tested on pigs, who have human-like digestive systems. The capsule should be designed to emit three weeks of contraception and then allow for a woman’s period.
Source: Associated Press
Deadly defect found in another version of Takata airbags
A distinct problem that has led to the death of at least one person has been discovered in air bags made by the now bankrupt company Takata. It is different than the defect that led to at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide. Although like the earlier issue it leads to air bags that can explode and hurl shrapnel, killing or injuring people. BMW is warning owners of some older 3-series cars to stop driving them. In the recall on Wednesday there are more than 116,000 BMW 3-Series cars from the 1999 to 2001 model years. About 8,000 definitely have faulty inflators and should be parked, although the rest can be driven. In addition, certain Audi, Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi vehicles made from 1995 to 2000 also are being recalled.
Source: Associated Press
Testing, no suspensions for opioids considered likely in MLB
According to union head Tony Clark, players who test positive for opioids will enter treatment and not be suspended under the change to Major League Baseball’s drug agreement that is being negotiated by management and the players’ association. Talks to add for players to be tested for opioids began this year after the death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in the Dallas area on July 1 before the start of a series against the Texas Rangers. A medical examiner’s office said the 27-year-old died after choking on his vomit with a toxic mix of alcohol and the painkillers fentanyl and oxycodone in his body. The union and MLB are in agreement that treatment would be warranted for opioids and not discipline.
Source: Associated Press
California recovers $23M from auto parts makers’ bid rigging
California recovered more than $23 million from settlements with 52 automobile parts manufacturers for illegal bid rigging that jacked up consumer costs. The parts makers stifled competition by conspiring to fix prices in automobile manufacturers’ requests for bids. The largest settlement of $4.25 million, was reached this week with DENSO Corp. DENSO is based in Kariya, Japan, but operates in 35 countries. In the settlement the company admits no wrongdoing and is settling to avoid expensive litigation. A settlement website claims auto buyers could each be eligible for $100 or more in restitution from those private class-action lawsuits, but must apply by year’s end.
Source: Associated Press