FDA Questions Over-The-Counter Cholesterol Drug

The government is questioning if too many of the wrong people will take cholesterol-lowering Mevacor if it's sold without a prescription, days before Merck & Co. makes its third try to move the drug over the counter.

Merck says selling a low dose of this long-used medication on drugstore shelves, next to the aspirin, could get millions of people at moderate risk of heart disease important treatment that they otherwise may miss.

A preliminary Food and Drug Administration review released Tuesday agreed that nonprescription Mevacor would be "a reasonably safe and effective" option-if consumers used it as directed. Read more

NCPA Statement Urging Congress To Include Pharmacy Provisions In Medicare-Medicaid Legislation, USA

Sen. Max Baucus , chair of the Senate Finance Committee, is negotiating directly with House leadership on a must-pass Medicare bill this year. via MediLexicon

Key issues still simmering

As Congress closes the book on 2007, several issues of priority to hospitals remain unresolved. via Hospital Connect

Got a knack for network systems? You're in demand

"It's really the industry growth that's fueling the [projected] job growth."

News Got a knack for network systems? You're in demand Certain IT skill sets look hot for the future, according to BLS forecast By Todd R. Weiss -- Computerworld -- Looking for the hottest IT jobs over the next ... via CIO

Is political future for Morrison now over?

"I think it's a huge setback for Kansans"

Even if he doesn't resign, observers said Monday thatMorrison's troubles deal a crippling blow to his political future and potentially knock much of the wind out of a Democratic resurgence Morrison helped ... via The Wichita Eagle

Tattoos In Workplace: Your Right To Bear Arms

"Perception is reality, and people make decisions based on image."

Since the Paleolithic era, tattoos and other body art have been a documented part of human culture. via TheNewOrleansChannel

Groups Wanting To Block I-69 Expansion Lose Court Battle

A federal judge has ruled against environmental groups that sought to block the expansion of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville. via TheIndyChannel

Former transportation secretaries urge consistent fuel economy rules

"As the energy bill moves to the Senate, we urge you to include a provision that ensures the DOT and EPA work in concert to give automakers one fuel economy target"

Two former U.S. transportation secretaries warned today that new fuel efficiency standards included in an energy bill could jeopardize the domestic auto industry if it creates conflicting requirements. via Battle Creek Enquirer

Hearing Set for U.S. Steel in Gary

The US Environmental Protection Agency will hold its long awaited public hearing in Gary tomorrow on a controversial permit application from U.S. Steel. via WBEZ-FM Chicago

Wyndham Worldwide Director James E. Buckman Exercises Options for and Sells 70,183 Shares

A director of hotel operator Wyndham Worldwide Corp. exercised options for 70,183 shares of common stock under a prearranged trading plan, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday. via Canadian Business Magazine

H&R Block preliminary Q2 loss $1.55 per share vs 49c loss

Tax-services provider H&R Block Inc. said Tuesday said it won't file its fiscal second-quarter report on time and that it expects to report a second-quarter loss of $502.3 million, or $1.55 cents a share. via Market Watch

Tower Tech to buy wind industry services firm

Tower Tech Holdings Inc. said Monday that it has agreed to buy Energy Maintenance Service LLC , a service provider to the wind power industry. via The Business Journal of Milwaukee