NATIONAL NEWS

Producer dies Producer Debra Hill who had battled cancer for more than a year died at the age of 54. Her big break came in horror films, when she and director John Carpenter co-wrote the modern classic, “Halloween.” The flick, released in 1979, starred a 20-year-old Jamie Lee Curtis. The low budget film went on to gross $60 million worldwide. Drugs seized The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have seized inventories of two prescription drugs to treat depression and type 2 diabetes. The seizure occurred at three GlaxoSmithKline production plants and according to the FDA was based on poor manufacturing practices. The seizure’s occurred at the Puerto Rico and Tennessee plants. The drugs involved were the antidepressant Paxil CR (controlled release) and the diabetes medication Avandamet. Lower wages The Senate has rejected two proposals to raise the minimum wage. The first called for an increase of $2.10 over two years to a new wage of $7.25 an hour. That proposal was defeated by a vote of 49 to 46. The second asked for an increase of $1.10, included various tax breaks and an option for employees to work 80 hours over two weeks without qualifying for overtime pay. That vote was rejected by a vote of 61-to-38. McMahon injured Johnny Carson’s former sidekick on “The Tonight Show” Ed McMahon was hospitalized after he fell at his home in Beverly Hills and ended up with a mild concussion and cut on his head that required stitches. The spokeswoman says McMahon’s prognosis is “excellent” and that he’s expected to be released “in the next few days.” MaMahon’s birthday was Sunday, he turned 82. McMahon turned 82 on Sunday.