U.S. House of Representatives to Hold Hearing on Proposed Merger of Sirius and XM Satellite Radio

The newly created Antitrust Task Force of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday 2/28 at 3:00 pm Eastern time entitled, "Competition and the Future of Digital Music."  This hearing will focus on the proposed merger between the two satellite radio companies, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio.

Volkswagen (VW) Recalls 790,000 Vehicles Due to Brake Lights

Volkswagen of America has announced a recall of 790,000 vehicles due to problems with a brake light switch.  The vehicles effected by this recall are:

• VOLKSWAGEN / GOLF (1999-2006)
• VOLKSWAGEN / GTI  (1999-2006)
• VOLKSWAGEN / JETTA (2001-2005)
• VOLKSWAGEN / NEW BEETLE (2001-2007)
• VOLKSWAGEN / R32 (2004)

Dealers will install a newly designed brake light switch free of charge. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.  For more information, search the NHTSA recall database for NHTSA Campaign ID# 07V063000 and see an AP article on the recall (via USAToday.com).

Postal Regulatory Commission Recommends Postage Rate Increase and Creation of "Forever Stamp"

Today the Postal Regulatory Commission released a report recommending U.S. Postal Service rate increases which could go into effect as early as May 2007.  Some highlights from the Commission report include:

• An increase in the price of a first-class stamp by two cents - from 39 cents to 41cents
• An increase in the price of mailing postcards by two cents - from 24 cents to 26 cents
• The creation of a new "Forever Stamp."  Forever Stamps would be sold in limited quantities for the price of a first-class one-ounce letter, and would continue to be worth the price of a first-class one-ounce letter even if that price changes.

For more information:

• Docket R2006-1: Opinion and Recommended Decision - Contains the full text of the Commission recommendations and proposed postal rate changes.
• Docket page R2006-1 - Contains a variety of background documents.

Tests Confirm Peanut Butter Contamination; Lawsuits Filed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that salmonella has been found in jars of peanut butter, according to the Associated Press: Tests Find Salmonella in Peanut Butter.

On Tuesday, a class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington state, on behalf of people who became ill after eating Salmonella-tainted Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter. More information from the Seattle Times: Class-Action Peanut Butter Suit Filed in Seattle

On Wednesday, an Associated Press article reported that a Pennsylvania family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against ConAgra Foods, manufacturer of Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter, alleging that 76 year-old Roberta Barkay died as a result of eating peanut butter contaminated with Salmonella.

• Peter Pan / Great Value Peanut Butter (FindLaw)

FDA Orders Increased Warnings for ADHD Drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is directing the manufacturers of all approved Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drugs to alert patients to possible cardiovascular risks and risks of adverse psychiatric symptoms associated with the medicines, and to advise them of precautions that can be taken. The FDA has received reports of sudden death in ADHD patients with underlying serious heart problems or defects, and reports of stroke and heart attack in adults with certain risk factors. The medicines that are the focus of this FDA action include Adderall, Concerta, Methyline, and Ritalin. Read the FDA Press Release.

Airline Creates Passenger Bill of Rights; U.S. Senators Introduce Bill

In the wake of recent weather-related flight cancellations and delays, JetBlue Airlines has introduced a new "Bill of Rights" for its customers, detailing its passengers' rights in situations including flight cancellations, delays, and diversions. Learn more about JetBlue's Customer Bill of Rights.

Also this week, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) have introduced the "Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2007," which would require airlines to allow passengers to safely exit a plane once it has been on the ground three hours (in most instances), and to provide passengers with necessary food, water and restroom facilities while the plane is delayed. See a Press Release announcing the new legislation.

U.S. Supreme Court Dismisses $79.5 Million Damages Award in Smoking Case (Philip Morris USA v. Williams)

Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of Philip Morris USA v. Williams (case number 05-1256).  In its 5 - 4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned an Oregon Supreme Court ruling and dismissed a $79.5 million punitive damages award to Mayola Williams, the widow of Jesse Williams, a heavy cigarette smoker.  To learn more:

• U.S. Supreme Court ruling: Philip Morris USA v. Williams
• U.S. Supreme Court case docket (includes legal briefs filed in the case): Philip Morris USA v. Williams
• FindLaw Legal News story on the case

For information on some other tobacco litigation see the Light Cigarettes section.

New Report Documents 2006 Hate Crimes Against People Experiencing Homelessness

The Nstional Coalition for the Homeless has released a report today entitled "Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes And Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness, 2006."  This report documents incidents of hate crimes and violent acts against people experiencing homelessness, including 20 fatal attacks.

The report also contains recommendations for action and model state legislation to respond to the issue of hate crimes against people experiencing homelessness.  Thusfar the states of California and Maine have approved some legislation to respond to this issue.

For additional information see this article on CNN.com.

Health Warning on Recalled Baby Food

Consumers should not use certain jars of Earth's Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby food, because of the risk of contamination with a bacterium which can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness or death, according to a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hain Celestial Group, manufacturer of the affected baby food, initiated a recall of the affected products on February 9, 2007, and the recall is still in effect.

No illnesses have been reported to FDA or the manufacturer to date in connection with this problem. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, usually causes illness within 18-36 hours of exposure. Caregivers or people observing any unusual health problems in babies or others who have come into contact with the affected baby food should seek immediate medical attention for those affected.

Consumers are warned not to use the affected jars of baby food, even if the food does not look or smell spoiled. If consumers have any of the specified jars in their home, they should not use it and destroy it immediately.

• Food Poisoning in the News: Earth's Best Baby Food
• FDA Warning
• Hain Celestial Group Press Release on the recall

U.S. Senator Calls for Air Passenger Bill of Rights

Recent weather delays at U.S. airports have forced passengers to remain on grounded planes for up to 10 hours, and have prompted U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to announce a plan for a "Passengers' Bill of Rights." According to a press release from Senator Boxer, the legislation "would require air carriers to ensure passengers access to necessary services such as food, water, and adequate restroom facilities. The legislation would also give passengers the right to safely deplane if the aircraft has remained on the ground for more than three hours past its scheduled departure time." Read the Press Release. More information:

• Plane Strandings Fuel Passenger Rights Push (CNN)
• Air Travel FAQ (FindLaw)