Q: Are the Lifeline phone service and the Universal Service, for which there is a charge on monthly telephone bills, the same thing? — Fred Smith, Tucker
A: Lifeline is a "government benefit program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service for eligible low-income consumers" that is operated under the federal Universal Service Fund, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline, which was established in 1985, is available for prepaid wireless plans and land-line service. The Universal Service Fund provides support to residents in high-cost areas, low-income customers (the Lifeline program), through the schools and libraries program and the rural health care program, which ensures "eligible health care providers have access to affordable telecommunications services."
Q: NBC News showed a brief video of a brick building being demolished by a man with an excavator in Dayton, Ohio. Part of the building fell on him, but he wasn't injured. I can't find another mention of this incident. I used to live in Dayton and would like to know more. — Elmer K Miller, Cumming
A: Part of the old Dayton Daily News building fell on an excavator being operated by a Steve Rauch Inc. employee, who was not injured in the incident Oct. 17. Dayton's 2 News has amateur video of the incident on its website at www.wdtn.com/news/local/montgomery/downtown-demolition-buries-backhoe. Part of the building was destroyed — as planned — when the adjacent 12-story Schwind Building was imploded Aug. 17. The buildings were torn down to make room for a $22 million student housing development at Sinclair Community College.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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