How about skate boards—Responding to a budget pinch, cops in Vail, Colorado, will sacrifice the use of Swedish Saab patrol cars and chug around in cheaper Ford Explorers.

Prompt, decisive action—BABY FOOD ALARM—“A toxin linked to cancer was discovered in jars of baby food and popular sauces. Manufacturers pledged to change the packaging.”—The Times, London.

Not surprising—According to a United Kingdom report, cancer rates are falling in England. But survival rates between rich and poor remain very unequal. Which reminded us, as a kid during the depression, Mom advised, “We really can’t afford to be poor.”

A few 4-martini lunches?—Private prison operators are pressing the Arizona legislature to outsource prison operations to them to solve the overcrowding problem. Allegedly, the state prison system is short 4,000 beds and another 16,000 are needed immediately. The situation was due to be weighed in a special session of the state legislature.

Wonder which it will be—According to the Cedar Rapids University Gazette, the Iowa university system has paid out a bundle to cover medical care and leaves of absence for university workers injured on the job. School officials said they needed to prevent injuries and to get injured employees back on the job sooner.

Next New York, Chicago, L.A.?—A money crunch in Hydaberg, Alaska, led to the layoff of the four town employees—clerk, janitor, foreman, and water plant operator. Reportedly, they will continue as volunteers. The mayor will take a suspension in pay.

Thought for the week—“Buyers, even very rich ones, think that $40 million, or more, is too much to ask for a house.”—Forbes magazine noting that its Most Expensive Homes list includes a good number that don’t get sold.  
 
 
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