Monthly Archives: <span>February 2018</span>

’92 Reforms Aid in Reducing Workers’ Comp Premiums in Maine

Maine businesses could save as much as $27 million this year thanks to a projected decline in workers’ compensation insurance claims. Maine Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa said Tuesday he approved a 12 percent average decrease in expected workers’ compensation …

Chronic Pain Sufferers Plead for Nuanced Approach to Opioids

Will Michele Jacobovitz get out of bed today? That depends on how many painkillers she has left in her monthly prescription, which sometimes she’s forced to ration. Some mornings are harder than others. Jacobovitz, 56, has suffered from chronic pain …

Army Corps of Engineers Said it Emphasized Flood Risk Before Harvey

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Friday that leading up to and during Hurricane Harvey it “worked diligently” with officials to inform the public on flooding risks from Houston reservoirs that ended up inundating thousands of homes. The Corps’ …

Utilities Blame Climate Change to Avoid Fire Cost Liability

Across America, utility executives are getting grilled this earnings season about the consequences of tax reforms, slackening growth and possible mergers. In California, though, Wall Street just wants to know one thing: Are power companies going to take the heat …

Driving Study: Male Teens Better Than Older Men, Sports Aid Skills

A UCLA study explored the relationship between new drivers’ skills and four factors. Instructors from a Los Angeles driving school rated students’ driving skills on a scale of 1 to 4, and the researchers analyzed the results based on these …

Federal Food Safety Agency Recalls Chicken Salad Due to Salmonella Risk

The federal government issued a recall of chicken salad made by an Iowa processing company and distributed by Fareway Stores which has now sickened more than 100 people in five states and prompted lawsuits in Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota. …

House Panel Supports Georgia Distracted Driving Bill

With Georgia having experienced a spike in both fatal crashes and auto insurance premiums, legislators advanced a proposal to make it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving. By a non-unanimous voice vote, a House committee on Wednesday voted in …

Midwest Could Face Severe Flooding, Other Problems

Several states could see severe flooding and other weather-related problems amid a storm system that has brought rain, ice and snow to the Midwest and Great Plains. The weather already was blamed for several fatalities, including the deaths of four …

Parents of Dead Florida Pledge File Suit Against Fraternity, Members

The parents of a Florida State University fraternity pledge who died of alcohol poisoning after a party have filed a civil suit against those who have a connection in their son’s death. Thomas and Sandra Coffey are suing Pi Kappa …

Arizona Fire Department Saves Money by Building Ambulance

Buying local to replace an aging ambulance has provided big savings for an Arizona fire department. Yuma Fire Chief Steve Irr discovered a new unit typically costs $210,000. But Irr and Fleet Manager Floyd Friar instead elected to save the …