Duodenoscope Sterilization a Focus as FDA Warns Three Device Makers

The regulator sent the letters to the Olympus, Fujifilm, and Pentax as part of an effort to fight against a wave of deadly bacterial infections attributed to the insufficient cleaning and sterilization of the devices. Duodenoscopes are reusable flexible tubes that go down the throat in order to treat gastrointestinal tract ailments.


NLRB Claims Lack of Jurisdiction, Dismisses Northwestern Football Players’ Petition to Unionize

In the dismissal, the NLRB wrote, “the Board held that asserting jurisdiction would not promote labor stability due to the nature and structure of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).” The NLRB wrote that the dismissal is specific to this particular petition saying, “This decision is narrowly focused to apply only to the players in this case and does not preclude reconsideration of this issue in the future.”


Volkswagen Issues new Airbag-Related Recall

Although this latest recall adds to the list of airbag-related defects, it does not appear to be connected to the massive recall from Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata, which has affected 11 automakers and an estimated 50 million vehicles worldwide.


Two Citigroup Subsidiaries reach $180 Million Hedge Fund Fraud Settlements

As part of to the settlements, Citigroup does not admit, nor deny the SEC charges. The proceeds of the agreement will be diverted to investors who were harmed by the funds. Both investments were sold through Citigroup Private Bank as well as through Smith Barney. Citigroup spokesperson Danielle Romero-Apsilos said in an emailed statement, “We are pleased to have resolved this matter,” although offering little elaboration.


New Steelworkers Deal Looms Heavy, Rallies Workers

The main battle in the negotiations is over healthcare. Both companies are asking employees to contribute to their healthcare insurance premiums. ArcelorMittal CEO Lakshmi Mittal said in a recent interview that, in addition to wage-freezes and vacation concessions, the company is asking that individuals pay $150 and families $250 for monthly healthcare premiums. U.S. Steel representatives have requested similar concessions in its negotiations with the USW.


Civil Rights Founding Father Julian Bond Dies at 75

In a statement on Sunday President Obama called Bond “a hero and, I’m privileged to say, a friend.” Citing Bond’s long resume, Obama continued, “Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that.”


Three More Birth-Defect Lawsuits add to GSK’s Zofran Tally as MDL Deadline Approaches

The lawsuits accuse GSK of “off-label” marketing, that is, it is prescribed for ailments (pregnancy) that is not mentioned in the drug’s official FDA labeling. Zofran’s 1991 FDA approval was for “treatment of nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and surgery.” According to San Francisco attorney Rachel Abrams, speaking at a bar conference in the city regarding the lawsuits, “If they’re marketing and pushing a drug for a certain indication, and don’t have FDA approval for that indication, that’s a problem for GSK in and of itself.”


Illinois Passes Large-Scale Police Conduct Reform

Rauner, a Republican, worked alongside the bill’s primary sponsor, Chicago Democratic State Senator Kwame Raoul, as well as with police unions throughout the state to turn the reform into law. Rauner praised the bipartisan effort, saying in a statement, “As a society, we must ensure the safety of both the public and law enforcement. SB 1304 establishes new and important guidelines and training for police departments and their officers, while protecting the public by prohibiting officers from using excessive force.