The Federal Aviation Administration seeks multimillion-dollar fines against United Airlines and US Airways for safety violations, including flying a plane after mechanics stuffed shop towels into an engine. The agency moves for a $5.4 million fine against US Airways, which is a dominant player in the Buffalo and Western New York market, for operating eight planes on a total of 1,647 flights from October 2008 to January 2009 in violation of safety directives or the company’s own maintenance rules. More can be found on AOLNews.

USDA revokes Beef Product exemption
According to the New York Times, Beef Products, Inc. is a South Dakota company that essentially uses beef products such fatty trimmings the industry once relegated to pet food and cooking oil, treats them with ammonia to kill bacteria, and puts them back into the market.