Ed Rendell treated for Parkinson’s
PHILADELPHIA— Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, 74, announced Monday morning that he has Parkinson’s disease, but that his symptoms have stabilized with aggressive treatment.
Mr. Rendell said he had begun having symptoms including a slight tremor 3½ years ago, and sought medical attention at the urging of his family. The disorder mostly affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The cause remains largely unknown. The disease causes tremors, walking and balance problems, and muscle rigidity. These symptoms may be accompanied by thinking and behavior changes and, in late stages, dementia.
In addition to taking Parkinsons’ medication, Mr. Rendell began rigorous physical therapy at the Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Coal ash oversight
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday approved the first state permit program for disposal of toxic ash from coal plants, a switch from federal oversight that the coal industry had sought.
Coal ash is the residue left after burning coal to generate power. Utilities around the country have reported groundwater contamination with arsenic, radium and other pollutants at coalburning power plants.
Environmental groups had argued against the transfer of oversight of coal ash disposal to states, arguing that state inaction had already contributed to widespread groundwater contamination.
Senator claims injustice
WASHINGTON— The Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley, said a watchdog report shows Hillary Clinton got “kid-glove” treatment from the FBI while the bureau used “brass-knuckle” tactics against Donald Trump.
A hearing on a 500-page report issued last week by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz found that former FBI Director James Comey was “insubordinate” and made several critical mistakes in handling the probe into Clinton’s use of a private email server, but concluded the FBI wasn’t biased or politically motivated in deciding not to seek charges against Clinton for mishandling classified information.
IOS sends location to 911
SANFRANCISCO — Apple is trying to drag the U.S.’s antiquated system for handling 911 calls into the 21st century.
The iPhone’s next operating system, iOS 12, which will be released in September as a free update, will automatically deliver quicker and more reliable information pinpointing the location of 911 calls to about 6,300 emergency response centers in the U.S.
Judge weighs Mill’s retrial
PHILADELPHIA— A Pennsylvania judge said Monday she’ll rule in “due time” after an evidence hearing to determine whether rapper Meek Mill should get a new trial in his decade-old gun and drug convictions.
Mill’s attorneys have asked for a new trial based on credibility issues with former Philadelphia police officer Reginald Graham, who was pivotal in his arrest in 2007 and who testified at his trial.
The Philadelphia district attorney’s office supported the request for a new trial, agreeing before Monday’s hearing that the “Commonwealth does not have confidence in the credibility of Reginald Graham’s testimony in this case.”