1. The document provides summaries of 7 news articles. It reports that the Takata airbag recall is accelerating, Governor Brown declared a state of emergency in Porter Ranch due to a massive gas leak, the US sued VW for installing emissions cheating software, the FDA tightened regulations for surgical mesh used in some pelvic surgeries, Chipotle was subpoenaed in a criminal probe related to a norovirus outbreak, immigration raids in some states stoked fears, and Governor Snyder declared a state of emergency in Flint over problems with lead in the city's drinking water.

1. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 1.13.16
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Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
1. Recalls Spotlight, Takata Air Bag Recalls
Adapted fromsafercar.gov, 12/23/15
On Dec. 23, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the pace of
Takata air bag recall completion was rapidly accelerating. During the two-week period that ended on
December 4, more than 950,000 vehicles were repaired. The agency selected John D. Buretta of
Cravath, Swain & Moore to serve as the Takata monitor to oversee the ongoing recall efforts.
2. Brown Declares State Of Emergency At Porter Ranch Amid Massive Gas Leak
Adapted from L.A. Times, 1/6/16
On January 6th
, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency over the ongoing leak
at Southern California Gas Co.’s (SoCalGas) Aliso Canyon storage facility. According to the Air Resources
Board’s most recent estimates, the leak is releasing about 30,000 kilograms of methane per hour.
Governor Brown also ordered new regulations, including enhanced inspections and safety measures for
natural gas storage wells. These regulations will require all operators of natural gas storage facilities—
not just SoCal Gas—to inspect wellheads daily and regularly test safety valves. Since the leak began in
October, residents of the nearby Porter Ranch community have complained of health ailments including
headaches, vomiting, nausea, and nosebleeds. Governor Brown further ordered the California Public
Utilities Commission to ensure SoCalGas bears all leak-related costs while also protecting ratepayers.
3. U.S. Sues VW Over Tests
Adapted from L.A. Times, 1/5/16
On January 4, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint against Volkswagen (VW) over the
sale of diesel vehicles installed with “emissions cheating” software. The complaint accuses the
automaker of violating federal law and the Clean Air Act. While the lawsuit does not mention a total
penalty amount, it did specify that VW could be liable for up to $32,500 or $37,500 per vehicle,
depending on when the violation occurred. This could yield a fine of more than $18 billion. Worldwide,
about 11 million VW vehicles contain so-called “defeat devices,” including about 580,000 in the U.S.
Vehicles with these devices adhere to emissions standards during tests, but spew up to 40 times more
nitrogen oxide than permitted by U.S. law during normal driving conditions. The Department of Justice
added that the civil suit would not prevent the government from pursuing other legal action against the
company, such as filing criminal charges. While the department originally filed its complaint in Detroit—
the automaker has offices in Michigan—the government is seeking to transfer the case to the Northern
California District. That district is already handling consolidated multi-district legislation involving suits
filed by consumers over the emissions scandal.

2. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 1.13.16
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
4. FDA Tightens Rules For Mesh Device Used In Some Pelvic Surgeries
Adapted from Wall Street Journal, 1/4/16
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) tightened regulations for surgical mesh products introduced
through the vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The changes do not affect mesh used for other issues
such as urinary incontinence, or mesh introduced through a patient’s abdomen to treat pelvic organ
prolapse. The change reclassifies surgical mesh products from moderate-risk to high-risk. This means
manufacturers must submit data demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the devices before they
can go on the market. Manufacturers with products already on the market will have 30 days to comply
with the FDA’s new requirements. Many of the available surgical mesh kits were approved through an
expedited review that only required manufacturers to demonstrate the new products were
substantially similar to existing products. Numerous women have filed lawsuits over surgical mesh,
alleging the product caused debilitating pain when it eroded through organs. Manufacturers including
Boston Scientific Corp. and Endo International PLC have already lost suits and paid substantial sums to
women who alleged they were harmed by mesh products.
5. Chipotle Subpoenaed In Criminal Probe Tied To Norovirus In Simi Valley
Adapted from L.A. Times, 1/6/16
On January 6, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. acknowledged it has been served with a federal grand jury
subpoena regarding a criminal investigation into a norovirus incident at a restaurant in California’s Simi
Valley. The company said the restaurant experienced an “isolated” norovirus incident in August. That
incident and the subpoena are unrelated to a recent e-coli outbreak at Chipotle’s restaurants in
multiple states. In November, the company briefly closed 43 restaurants in Oregon and Washington
after some of the locations were initially linked to e-coli infections. One month later, almost 150 Boston
College students reportedly contracted norovirus from eating at a Chipotle restaurant in Brighton,
Massachusetts.
6. Rumors Of Immigration Raids Stoke Fears Across Region
Adapted from N.Y. Times, 1/7/16
Over the first weekend in January, 121 people were arrested for deportation, mostly from Georgia,
North Carolina and Texas, according to the Department of Homeland Security. It was part of an
operation targeting people who arrived from Central America after January 1, 2014. The people picked
up over the weekend had outstanding deportation orders against them, either because their asylum
claims had been denied or because people had never shown up for deportation hearings and removal
orders were issued in their absence. In the wake of the news, the immigration community is rife with
unsubstantiated rumors of agents sweeping in to arrest people at places like schools, churches, and
malls. The rumors have prompted some people to stay home from work or keep their children from
going to school.

3. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 1.13.16
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
7. Michigan Governor Declares Emergency in Flint Over Water
Adapted from Associated Press, 1/5/16
On January 5, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state emergency in Flint over problems with
lead contamination in the city’s drinking water. That same day, federal officials confirmed they were
investigating the issue. Governor Synder’s declaration follows earlier emergency declarations by both
Flint and Genesee County. The governor’s declaration makes state resources available for combating
the problem. The announcement included about $50 million in aid. While under state management,
Flint switched from Detroit’s water system to the Flint River in 2014 in order to cut costs. In October
2015, Flint switched back to Detroit water after elevated lead levels were found in the city’s water
supply.