Three Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts neighborhoods were marred by natural gas explosions Thursday, in an incident that left one dead and several others injured. This hour, we take an in-depth look at what happened and consider the likelihood that a similar situation could unfold here in Connecticut.
Later, we learn why some local residents and advocates are airing their grievances against Veyo, the company contracted to provide non-emergency transportation to adults and children on Medicaid. How did the California-based enterprise come to operate in Connecticut in the first place? We find out.
And finally, we wade through the known and unknown effects of e-cigarette use, and find out why the electronic tobacco devices are so fashionable among youths today. Have you owned or smoked an e-cigarette? What about your child or children? We want to hear from you.
Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
GUESTS:
- Luther Turmelle - Reporter for the New Haven Register(@LutherTurmelle)
- Martha Shanahan - Reporter covering health and the environment for The Day(@martha_shan)
- Bonnie Roswig - Senior staff attorney for the Center for Children’s Advocacy (@BRoswig)
- Dr. Andrew Hyland - Chair of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
READING LIST:
The Boston Globe:Baker declares state of emergency, puts Eversource in charge of recovery - "Governor Charlie Baker, saying he was dissatisfied with Columbia Gas’s recovery efforts after Thursday’s outbreak of explosions and fires in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, announced Friday that he was declaring a state of emergency in the communities and putting Eversource in charge instead."
The Day: Medicaid transport company boasts of improvements, is met with continued criticism - "Veyo's three-year contract with the Department of Social Services gives Veyo about $7 million a year in 2018, 2019 and 2020, in addition to an estimated $140 million over the three years to cover transportation costs at a rate of $4.81 per Medicaid member per month."
The New York Times: F.D.A. Targets Vaping, Alarmed by Teenage Use- "The order was part of a sweeping government action that targeted both makers and sellers of e-cigarettes. If Juul Labs and four other major manufacturers fail to halt sales to minors, the agency said, it could remove their flavored products from the market. It also raised the possibility of civil or criminal charges if companies are allowing bulk sales through their websites."
Chion Wolf contributed to this show.
