No money, no justice?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has stopped testing DNA evidence in thousands of sexual assault cases because it is out of money, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The sheriff says he can no longer afford to send evidence to private labs to be analyzed, leaving thousands of cases in jeopardy unless more money becomes available.
Scary report on gun purchases
The Christian Science Monitor is reporting that about 900 people on the FBI’s terrorist watch list have passed background checks to buy a gun.
That is kind of worrisome no matter how you feel about the Second Amendment, isn’t it?
Cookie dough recall
Nestle Friday announced the voluntary recall of prepackaged Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.
The recall coincides with a statement from The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control warning people not to eat the cookie dough because it is contaminated with E-coli bacteria.
The bacteria causes food-borne illness and can cause cramping, vomiting and diarrhea.
According to Nestle’s Web site, the dough can be returned to grocers for a full refund.
For more information on the recall click here.
For a list of products recalled click here.
For more information from Nestle, click here.
FDA recalls Stamina-RX
Stamina-RX
The Food and Drug Administration and the company Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Monday announced the voluntary recall of the supplement Stamina-RX.
Consumers are urged to stop using the product and to contact the FDA and the manufacturer with any adverse effects from the supplement.
The FDA’s lab in May found an undeclared ingredient in the supplement. The chemical, called benzamidenafil, is included in the same class of drugs as those used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The chemical is not FDA approved and could pose a threat to individuals taking certain medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease.
According to the FDA, Stamina-Rx is not generally recognized as safe and effective for use under the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in its labeling.
The labeling at issue was advertising primarily done through Web sites and print media.
For more information and contact info click here .
For more information about supplements, go to this article by the Mayo Clinic.
Get it up front, in writing
I received a phone call today from an 18-year-old who recently tried to purchase a car. She went to a used auto dealership in Edmond, checked out the lot and decided on a $10,000 beauty.
Of course, the salesman was friendly, approving her credit initially and asking her to provide bank statements, references, job history, a phone bill and proof of current insurance.
He accepted a $1,000 deposit to hold the car and gave her a receipt. The sale was not complete, however, as she still needed to go through the entire credit approval process.
Days later, knowing her credit would probably be denied (and going off of advice from her parents), the woman decided to not move forward with the purchase. She returned to the dealership and asked for her money back.
The auto dealer surprised her by saying no.
After a visit from the woman’s father, a call from the Better Business Bureau and an interview with a nosey watchdog reporter, the dealer changed his mind and returned her money.
No one even had to throw the book at him.
A quick call to the Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission and I learned why. The salesman hadn’t followed the law.
If an auto dealer sells a used car, they must specify whether or not that deposit is nonrefundable on the receipt.
On the receipt. So there is no question at all. Doesn’t matter if there was a verbal agreement, it has to be written on the receipt.
Lesson learned. And for anyone who has any questions or concerns about purchasing a used automobile, go to the Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission’s Web site.
The Oklahoman’s Watchdog Team: Looking out for you. Visit NewsOK.com/watchdog
Have a Watchdog Team tip? Email Vallery at Vbrown@opubco.com
Don’t say cheese
Driver's license facial recognition software
Four states in the country that use facial recognition software to help curb driver’s license fraud are telling license holders to stop smiling for their license photos–or to at least tone down their expressions.
According to an article in USA Today, the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia require neutral facial expressions when photos are snapped at departments of motor vehicles locations.
Experts say dramatic differences in expressions can result in the software not being able to match an old photo to a new photo of the same person.
This sets off an internal alarm in the system that requires an agent or worker obtain an override from a supervisor to continue issuing the license.
Oklahoma uses similar recognition software to help prevent identity theft. It was put in place in late 2003 and the transition hasn’t been without snags. (See recent story here.)
Often, a tag agent will take photos until the system recognizes and accepts one. This can be time consuming and frustrating for Oklahomans renewing or obtaining a driver’s license.
One can only wonder if and when a trip to an Oklahoma tag agent for a driver’s license won’t be all smiles–not like it is now, anyway.
New perspective on newsroom cuts
I, for one, am keenly interested in the state of the newspaper industry, given that it is how I have chosen to make my living.
As such, I wince every time I read about job cuts at major newspapers.
I’m not sure how others react to such news, but the New York Times reports on a surprising group troubled by such cuts — death penalty opponents.
It seems they’re concerned the lack of investigative reporters at newspapers around the country will make it harder to unearth evidence that exonerates wrongly accused prisoners.
Read more here.
Know your recalls
A great clearinghouse for the most recent recalls announced by businesses and government agencies is just a click away.
Now you can keep track of the latest recalls of cosmetics, food, vehicles, medicines and other consumer products.
And feel free to share with us any of your helpful Web sites!
Rashes lead to face paint recall
This could put a crimp in some plans for upcoming festivals, fundraisers and carnivals.
Health officials are advising people to stop using water-based face paint distributed by a Nebraska company after some children suffered rashes, itchiness and swelling.
Several colors of face paint were voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a subsidiary of Oriental Trading Co. of Omaha. It was distributed nationwide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports of a cluster of adverse reactions at an event at an undisclosed location.
Tests showed “significant microbial contamination” in the face paint, which was manufactured in China.
Madelaine Base gets her face painted at a carnival at Truman Elementary School in Norman on May 8. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman.
The FDA is urging people to discard the recalled paint or return it to the retailer where it was purchased.
The agency also is asking people or health care providers to report any problems with the recalled face paint.
Hydroxycut recalls
The popular diet and weight loss supplement Hydroxycut was recalled today by the FDA and the manufacturer.
The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using the products after receiving 23 reports of serious health problems associated with its use.
Have you used Hydroxycut or other weight loss drugs? Is the FDA overreacting or should it have acted sooner?
Look for a full story on www.newsok.com/watchdog
