The CDC is investigating reports of an increase in pediatric pneumonia cases in 11 states, mostly in the South and Southwest. Symptoms of the illness are serious but not as severe as Covid-19, and the CDC is urging people to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. It is also important to get a flu shot to protect against the flu, which is picking up steam.
The FDA has begun screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination, after reports of children becoming ill from eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree. The agency is working with the CDC to monitor the health of those affected and is urging consumers to check their pantries for recalled products and to contact their healthcare provider if they have any concerns. The FDA is also continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The CDC is warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. The blood lead levels of the affected children ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter, higher than the 3.5 micrograms per deciliter marker to identify children with higher levels of lead. Lead poisoning can cause a range of health issues, and the CDC is urging parents to check their pantries for the recalled products and to contact their child’s doctor if they have any concerns.
Families of the 240 people kidnapped in a Hamas-led offensive in October remain in an uncertain and fearful state, with the US, Israel, and Qatar working together to facilitate negotiations and bring the hostages home. Two older hostages were released last month, but the family of 36-year-old Yarden Roman and 84-year-old Ditza Heiman have heard no details about their fate.
The FDA is expanding an investigation into potentially lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children, with reports of seven illnesses in at least five states possibly linked to the contaminated puree. Two new companies have recalled certain cinnamon applesauce products due to the potential for high levels of lead, and the FDA is urging parents to check their homes for the recalled products and to discard them immediately. The FDA is working with the CDC to monitor the situation and is recommending that children under the age of six be tested for lead poisoning if they have been exposed to lead-tainted products.
U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected as the Republican House speaker nominee on October 24, ending a tumultuous period for the GOP. Separately, U.S. Capitol Police have charged Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) with a misdemeanor for pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building. Johnson is expected to bring stability to the House of Representatives, while Bowman has issued a statement saying he will pay the fine and looks forward to the charges being dropped.
The House of Representatives is voting for the next Speaker after Kevin McCarthy failed to win more than 218 votes on three ballots. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio has failed to garner the necessary support to become the next Speaker of the House, losing 20 Republicans on the first ballot and requiring a third ballot if those who voted against him do not change their minds. Jordan has flipped one of his holdouts, but it is unclear if he will be able to win the necessary support to become the next Speaker.
President Joe Biden has postponed his planned trip to Jordan and meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Sisi of Egypt, and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority due to days of mourning announced by President Abbas. President Biden will still be traveling to Israel on Tuesday night, but the White House has not yet announced a new date for the President's trip to Jordan or the meeting with the three leaders.
