Nation briefs BIOPHARM FIRM TO PAY $7.5 MILLION
N.J.» A biopharmaceutical NEWARK, firm will pay more than $7.5 million to resolve claims it paid kickbacks to doctors to persuade them to prescribe its fentanyl-based drug Abstral, federal prosecutors said.
The settlement with Galena Biopharma was announced Friday.
Prosecutors said the allegations arose from a whistle-blower lawsuit. The person who filed the suit will receive more than $1.2 million from the settlement.
The kickbacks included more than 85 free meals to doctors and staff from a “high-prescribing” medical practice and paying various doctors a $5,000 honoraria and speakers $6,000 along with expenses to attend an “advisory board” that was planned and attended by the Galena sales staff, prosecutors said.
DACA backers protest outside Trump Tower.
YORK» Hundreds of
NEW people have rallied outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City to protest the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
The protesters Saturday waved signs that read “No one is illegal” and “Immigrants welcome.”
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced the end of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an administrative order initiated by former President Barack Obama that allows some immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children to stay.
Police prank pays tribute to “It.”
Police in the Maine city that’s home to Stephen King played a prank to coincide with the opening of the horror film “It,” based on King’s book.
The police department said Thursday on Facebook that a red balloon was “found” floating near the department’s stuffed duck, which has been the department’s mascot over the years.
A red balloon is the calling card of Pennywise, the sewer-dwelling, homicidal clown in “It.” The book is set in Derry, Maine. King has said the fictionalized town is based on Bangor.
Sharpton daughter arrested in dispute.
NEW Police say a daughter of the Rev. Al Sharpton has been arrested after a taxi driver accused her of snatching his car keys and tossing them away.
Police say Ashley Sharpton has been released on an appearance ticket after her arrest around 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
The 30-year-old was arrested on charges including petit larceny. The driver told police she grabbed the keys out of the ignition after he pulled over, trying to clarify where she and three fellow passengers wanted to go.
Man sentenced in kitten deaths. A
CHESTER,
South Carolina man has been sentenced to two years in prison for burning four kittens to death.
Christopher Rainey, 27, pleaded guilty Friday to arson and ill treatment of animals. Prosecutors say he poured gasoline on a shed at his family’s home in Great Falls in May to burn it down with five kittens in it. Rainey blamed his use of marijuana, meth and cocaine while not taking his prescribed medications for mental health issues.
One kitten survived.