Nation Briefs

Washington, D.C. : Seven drug companies issue discount card

Seven major drug companies are offering elderly consumers a discount card that will let them save on more than 100 brand-name drugs.

The Together RX Card will be offered free to eligible Medicare enrollees. Participating companies are Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis.

The companies said it will offer discounts on more than 145 widely used drugs, including many used to treat arthritis, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Discounts will range from 20 percent to 40 percent.

There is no charge for the cards, which will be available to people who lack prescription drug coverage and have incomes of up to $28,000, or $38,000 for couples.

Los Angeles: Police panel denies second term to chief

Police Chief Bernard Parks’ bid for a second five-year term was rejected Tuesday by a civilian panel whose president said the understaffed and oft-criticized police department is in a crisis.

“The department is suffering a profound loss of confidence,” said Rick Caruso, head of the Police Commission that oversees the department.

The panel’s 4-1 decision can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the City Council.