HOUSTON, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) is doing its part to improve the safety of pharmacy technicians with the launch of a new ACPE-accredited certification course on the safe handling of hazardous medications, also referred to as Chemo Certification. The new course will teach pharmacy technicians the latest standards and recommendations on how to prepare, manipulate, store and dispose of hazardous drugs.

Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog in western Pennsylvania, was honored Saturday at the annual Groundhog Club Picnic before his winter sleep. The treats available at the picnic, held at Gobbler's Knob outside Punxsutawney, included an elixir of life his guardians believe extend Phil's years, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. This is a really big deal, said Mike Johnston, a member of the Inner Circle, the group responsible for Phil's welfare.

By Daly, Pete LANSING - Legislation that makes Michigan a member of the Great Lakes Compact may help protect the region's water from diversion to distant states, but it will also ensure that businesses in Michigan can know in advance just how much groundwater they can legally withdraw in any given location.

By Dean Kahn, The Bellingham Herald, Wash. Nov. 11--Can good things come out of a bruising neighborhood fight? Silver Beach Neighborhood Association is going to find out. Last month, about 200 people packed a meeting to argue, debate, and to vote on a draft revision of the neighborhood's plan.

By Claude Solnik A resurging airline industry and soaring rates at New York City hotels are providing significant lift for the Long Island hospitality industry.