Declarations

Bad Drone

“These unmanned aircraft are becoming very popular with people, and there’s a possibility we will see more of them.”

—California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said a private drone trying to record footage of a Northern California wildfire in July nearly hindered efforts to attack the flames from the air.

Wild, Wild West

“New York City has become the wild, wild west for commercial and hobby drones. Until clear, smart regulations are put in place by the federal government, they will continue to threaten the privacy and safety of New Yorkers.”

—U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on private drone use. Schumer said that while civilian drones have beneficial uses they can pose a hazard to other aircraft or pedestrians. He also said there have been incidents in which drones were used by private investigators to spy on people.

Able to Pay

“The State Fire and Tornado Fund is financially strong and is more than able to pay any potential claims. … When policyholders work with the F&T management to reduce risk and therefore claims, policyholders should benefit.”

—North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm. The fire and tornado fund is waiving insurance premiums for policyholders this year.

Attention Getting

“We’re trying to get their attention.”

—Lenny Davis, plaintiffs’ attorney in a new lawsuit filed against Chinese drywall manufacturers and China’s State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The suit was filed after U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon held Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd. and related defendants in contempt of court for ignoring court proceedings over harm done by the drywall.

No Legal Requirement

“There is no legal requirement for testing at all for salmonella. … Kellogg’s never tested for salmonella in any of their products. It’s a whole lot harder to mess with a big corporation than a little family business like PCA.”

—Tom Bondurant, attorney for Georgia-based Peanut Corp. of America, which is linked to a deadly salmonella outbreak. In a criminal case against PCA, federal prosecutors say the company shipped products that were untested, and products that it knew were tainted to customers including food giant Kellogg’s.