$3.1 Million
A South Carolina company that made contaminated pet food that killed dozens of dogs nationwide will pay $3.1 million in a settlement with pet owners. The pet food, which contained a mold called aflatoxin, was produced at Diamond Pet Foods’ plant in South Carolina. The company will set up a fund to reimburse pet owners for the loss of their dog, veterinarian bills and the cost of any unreturned contaminated food, said attorney Jim Andrews, who represented a Knoxville, Tenn., family that sued the company. Diamond Pet Foods, based in Meta, Mo., acknowledged that workers at its Gaston, S.C., plant failed to follow internal testing procedures to ensure its products were safe. The contaminated pet food was sold in 23 states.
$4.5 Million
Enforcement actions taken by Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin that became final during November include three license revocations, two license denials, and fines and restitution totaling $4,495,150, the Texas Department of Insurance reported. Monetary assessments included a $4.4 million fine against United Healthcare Insurance Company for prompt payment violations.
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Fire officials in Pine Bluff, Ark., say arsons are on the increase and authorities are seeking the public’s help through a new hotline for reporting fire bugs. Officials said the fire department statistics indicate that 143 fires were reported in November inside the city limits, resulting in damage estimated at $437,000. As of late December 67 fires had been reported, causing another $147,000 in damage. The hotline number is 870-543-5150 and will be answered 24 hours a day, fire department officials said. In 2006, Pine Bluff had 101 arson fires. AP
Despite slow progress in rebuilding some neighborhoods, New Orleans’ population is nearing 300,000, or about 65 percent of its pre-Hurricane Katrina size, according to a new report. The report, compiled by urban planning consultancy GCR & Associates and based on utility hookups, estimates the population at 295,450 and predicts it will surpass the 300,000 mark soon. That will put it on par with cities like Tampa, Fla., and Pittsburgh. New Orleans’ population is not expected to approach its pre-Katrina estimated population of 455,000 anytime soon. AP
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