GEORGIA

Salmonella linked to precut melons

ATLANTA — At least 60 people became ill and dozens were hospitalized with salmonella poisoning after tainted precut melons were distributed to stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and Whole Foods in several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traced the outbreak to a Caito Foods facility in Indiana. The company issued a recall notice in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. (Washington Post)

NEW YORK

Judge favors plan on foam containers

NEW YORK — A judge has ruled in favor of New York City in its battle with the restaurant industry over plastic foam containers. The ruling issued Friday in state court in Manhattan means officials can go forward with their ban on polystyrene containers, city lawyers said. Judge Margaret Chan denied an appeal by a restaurant lobbying group and manufacturers. They had argued that it was feasible to recycle the containers. (AP)

CALIFORNIA

Power lines blamed for deadly wildfires

SAN FRANCISCO — A dozen wildfires that burned thousands of homes in California’s wine country and killed at least 15 people last October were started by Pacific Gas & Electric power lines and utility poles, state fire officials said. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released its investigation Friday for some of the wind-driven fires that ravaged Mendocino, Humboldt, Butte, Sonoma, Lake, and Napa counties. (AP)