| Healthcare |
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| Mental Disorder Handbook Being Revised |
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In preparation for the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), psychiatrists are debating what is normal and what constitutes an illness. When that edition of the book often referred to as the “bible of psychiatry” is released in 18 months, most agree it will contain significant revisions based on information gathered from newer imaging techniques and genetic studies. Mental health advocates hope that the new edition will include information to help with diagnoses of those with mild versions of disorders, as well as those suffering from multiple disorders. Shari Roan, LA Times 05/26/2009
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LA Times
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| Issues |
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| Supreme Court Nominee Announced |
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United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor was chosen by President Obama as his nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. Although she has not been involved in many cases relating to divisive issues such as abortion, conservatives are attacking her as an activist judge. In an unusual twist, a case that she decided in Circuit Court is now before the Supreme Court. Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times 05/26/2009
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The New York Times
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| Johnson & Johnson Urged to Remove Chemicals |
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According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, two chemicals in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo are potential carcinogens, and should be removed from the shampoo immediately. The Environmental Protection Agency lists both 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde as potential carcinogens, and 1,4-dioxane has been banned by the European Union. A company spokesman said the levels of the chemicals are so low they are considered safe. Linda A. Johnson, Newsday 05/25/2009
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Newsday
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| Laws/Cases |
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| GM’s Troubles Concern Family in Suit |
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According to her family’s lawsuit filed against General Motors, Amanda Dinnigan is now a quadriplegic due to a seatbelt in a GMC Envoy that failed. Now not only are they worried about winning their case in court, but also about whether GM will be around to pay any damages they might be awarded. Many with cases pending against GM are choosing to settle for pennies on the dollar just to ensure they receive some payment in case the automaker goes bankrupt. John Marzulli, New York Daily News 05/26/2009
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New York Daily News
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| Civil-Rights Lawsuit Dismissed |
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Ken Marsh’s civil-rights lawsuit against Rady Children’s Hospital and San Diego County was dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Janis Sammartino. After his wrongful conviction for killing his girlfriend’s toddler, Marsh spent 21 years in prison before the conviction was overturned. His suit contended that the county and hospital conspired to convict him of a crime he didn’t commit, but the judge found no evidence of intentional wrongdoing; they plan to appeal. The Associated Press, San Jose Mercury News 05/26/2009
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San Jose Mercury News
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| Former Governor Settles Suit |
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Scott Eckersley will receive $500,000 to settle his case alleging that former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt wrongly fired him as deputy counsel after he raised concerns that the governor’s office broke open records laws. According to a statement from the office of the attorney general, the state still believed its actions were legal, but settled because more than $1.3 million had been spent to date defending the case. Tony Messenger, St. Louis Post Dispatch 05/23/2009
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St. Louis Post Dispatch
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| Appeals Court Decision to Impact Union Suit |
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California law prohibits police and firefighter unions from striking, but a 2003 state law gave them the right to engage in binding arbitration in cases where the contract was deemed unfavorable. However, a recent ruling by the 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco found that law to be unconstitutional, throwing other cases into chaos. The California State Association of Counties and League of California Cities said the ruling was a victory for the rights of local officials. Angela Lau, San Diego Union Tribune 05/26/2009
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San Diego Union Tribune
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