USDA~ FSN ~ FDA ~ October 2026 ~ Food Recalls ~ Safety Alerts ~ Previous Month & last day of prior month update


** SLR Food Distribution Inc. Recalls Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon Due to Elevated Lead Levels. Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon (UPC: 0688474302754) was distributed to retail stores and grocery stores in Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin between September 8, 2025, and June 28, 2026.

The recalled product is packaged in a 110 g (3.88 oz) clear plastic container with a black screw-top cap. The Best Before date is 4/25/2027. The UPC 0688474302754 is printed on the back label of the product.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers with questions may contact:
SLR Food Distribution Inc.
495 West John St.
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 1-516-437-3782
Email: slrusaorder@gmail.com
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

** Vitality Works Inc. Recalls 365 Whole Foods Market Ashwagandha Capsules Sold Nationwide Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination. The recalled product was available for purchase from November 24, 2025, through October 20, 2026, both online through Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide.

The product is packaged in white plastic bottles labeled as 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha 120 count, with UPC 9948252099. The product can be identified by lot number 2025-26227 and expiration date 10/13/2028, both printed on the bottom of the bottle.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers with questions may contact Vitality Works Inc. at (505) 268-9950. Business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Time.

** Taylor Farms recalls salad kits because of undeclared allergens
Taylor Farms of Dallas, TX, is recalling H-E-B Backyard BBQ Chop Salad kits due to the potential undeclared soy and almonds.
By News Desk

** Natural Grocers Recalls Natural Grocers Brand Organic 2 Pound Mung Beans Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material. 10/22/2026, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., Lakewood, Colorado, is recalling Natural Grocers Brand Organic 2-Pound Mung Beans due to the potential presence of glass. The recall is being initiated after receiving customer complaints about sharp glass fragments in the product. Ingesting glass fragments may cause injury to the consumer, and these injuries may include damage to teeth, laceration of the mouth and throat, or perforation of the intestine. No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 303-226-1434, Monday-Friday, 8am-5 pm (mountain time), or send email to media@naturalgrocers.com.

The affected lots may have shipped to Natural Grocers stores in the following states: AR, AZ, CO, IA, ID, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI and WY. These lots began shipping on 6/10/26.

The recalled Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Mung Beans are packaged in 2-pound clear plastic bags with UPC 000080112600. The recall includes the following pack dates: 26-160, 26-173, 26-196, 26-224, and 26-258, which can be found in the lower left corner of the label.

** HAIFA SMOKED FISH of QUEENS NY is recalling approximately 560 lbs. of Cold Smoked Sprats, due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-523-8899, between 9am and 5 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Cold Smoked Sprats was distributed in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania through retail stores.

All Lots are included in the recall

“No illnesses have been reported to date.” FDA initiated an inspection at D&M Smoked Fish Inc., of Jamaica, NY, and the inspection revealed that the firm was producing cold-smoked sprats without required food safety controls to prevent Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation.

** Lidl recalls gelato because of Listeria contamination

Lidl US is recalling one lot of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces because testing showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. LINGTON, VA – OCTOBER 16, 2026 – Lidl US is recalling one lot of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces 16 FL OZ (1 PT) UPC 4 0564897 22458 Lot: 085261 Best By MAR/26/2028 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. he recalled product was distributed between 7/19/2026 – 10/15/2026 to all Lidl US retail store locations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The recalled product can be identified as follows: Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces 16 FL OZ (1 PT) UPC 4 0564897 22458 Lot: 085261 Best By MAR/26/2028, which can be found on the bottom of the container. The recalled product is packaged in a clear plastic container with a brown lid. Customers should immediately discard or return the recalled product to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund (a receipt is not required for return). Customers who have questions about this recall should call the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844) 747-5435, Monday – Saturday between 8 am – 8 pm ET.

By Food Safety News Desk

**Frozen smoked salmon recalled after positive test for Listeria ~ Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is voluntarily recalling STARFISH SEAFOOD PREMIUM COLD SMOKED NORWEGIAN SALMON SLICED because the product has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The STARFISH SEAFOOD PREMIUM

By Food Safety News Desk

** Kayem Foods Inc., of Chelsea, MA, is recalling more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products because they may have experienced temperature abuse during storage, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. More than 1.5 million pounds of hot dogs, bacon, sausage, turkey breasts and more meat products of various brands were recalled. The RTE meat and poultry bacon, hot dogs sausage, turkey breasts, hams and other products were produced March 31, 2026, to Oct. 7, 2026, and some have long shelf life. FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

View some of the product labels by clicking here. View the list of more than 100 products by clicking here.

The products subject to recall bear establishment numbers “EST. M/P 7839,” “EST. P 20935A” and “EST. M 9520” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail and foodservice locations nationwide in the United States and to Hong Kong.

The problem was discovered after the firm received a retail customer complaint regarding warm product temperatures at point of delivery on Oct. 1.

** Walker’s Wine Juice LLC of Forestville, NY, is recalling its pumpkin juice because it may be contaminated with Botulism. Product was distributed via Walker’s Wine Juice retail store in NY. The juice was also distributed directly by Walker’s to a limited number of commercial wineries in the following states: IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI.

Products can be identified as follows:

  • 2.5-gallon bag in box and 5-gallon hot pack are labeled “pumpkin”; All lots are subject to the recall
  • 30-, 60-, and 275-gallon bulk containers are tagged “pumpkin”; All lots are subject to the recall

No illnesses have been reported to date.

~ FSN News Desk

** Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. Recalls Starfish Seafood Trio Because of Possible Health Risk. Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. of Brooklyn, New York, is voluntarily recalling Starfish Seafood Trio – Cold Smoked Salmon, Halibut, and Trout, 8 oz (227 g) packages, because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,The recalled product was distributed in New York, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The recalled product is identified as follows:

  • Product Name: Starfish Seafood Trio – Cold Smoked Salmon, Halibut, Trout
  • Brand: Starfish
  • Net Weight: 8 oz (227 g)
  • Packaging: Vacuum-sealed plastic package
  • Lot Number: D139149161-153
  • Expiration Date: 12/01/2027
  • Country of Origin: Latvia

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product. Consumers who have purchased the recalled Starfish Seafood Trio are urged not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. at (718) 858-6720, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

** Gardeners Basics Recalls Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination. The product was distributed nationwide in the United States through online sales and shipped directly to consumers.

The product was sold online through Amazon, www.gardenersbasics.comExternal Link Disclaimer, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy. Sales have stopped. Consumers should identify recalled bags using the product name, package and marking described below.

The recalled product is Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, packaged in a white and green resealable pouch, net weight 1 pound (454 g), with UPC 848137042889. The bag is marked “Packed for 2027.”

On September 26, 2026, Gardeners Basics was notified by our seed supplier that bulk broccoli seed lot #W4105 was recalled because Salmonella was detected in a broccoli seed sample that was collected and analyzed by the FDA. Additionally, the seeds were identified as being used by a sprout grower whose finished product was part of an FDA investigation involving a multistate foodborne illness outbreak.

No illnesses related to this product had been reported to Gardeners Basics as of October 6, 2026. Email info@gardenersbasics.com, or text or leave a voicemail at 801-769-6181 any time, seven days a week. Live calls are not answered.

FDA Advisory

** Par Health Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Argatroban Injection Due to the Presence of Particulate Matter. October 13, 2026 – Par Health is recalling 22 lots of Argatroban Injection 250 mg/2.5 mL (100 mg/mL) to the hospital/user level. This recall is being conducted due to the presence of particulate matter, identified as cellulose, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, stopper material, and possibly stainless steel, that was detected in certain lots.

There are two NDC numbers, 42023-182-01 and 42023-182-89, and a lot of lot numbers

These lots were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and hospitals between December 30, 2024, and May 5, 2026. Questions regarding this recall can be directed to Inmar, Inc. at 1-855-648-7909 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or by email at rxrecalls@inmar.com.

For medical or technical product information or to report a product complaint or adverse event please call 1-800-828-9393 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET or Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

** Family Farmstead Dairy Announces Recall of Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese Due to Potential E. coli O157:H7 Contamination.

The issue was discovered when a LFFM sample in Maryland isolated two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in two samples of Family Farmstead A2 Raw Cheddar, 8 oz package, 7/22/27.

At this time, Family Farmstead Dairy has received no reports of illness associated with the recalled product.

Family Farmstead Dairy

Phone: (607) 397-4044

Email: customerservice@familyfarmsteaddairy.com

8:30am-5:00pm Easterm, Mon-Fri.

**Miami company recalls sprouts in Florida, New Hampshire because of E. coli contamination

LEASA Industries Co. Inc. of Miami, FL, has recalled its alfalfa sprouts because of possible contamination with E. coli. The recall was not posted on the Food and Drug Administration’

** Update: Ice cream recalled because of metal pieces Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream because of the potential presence of metal.

** Saint Francis Apizza LLC Issues a Voluntary Recall of its Frozen Pizzas for Missing Sub Ingredients on the Label for Soy, Which Includes Soybean Oil and Soy Lecithin, an Allergen. here have been no reports of illness involving the products addressed in this recall, however, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of a serious or lifethreatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction should contact a physician immediately.

All products should be discarded or returned to Saint Francis Apizza LLC for a full refund.

Customers with any questions or concerns should contact Alex Plattner at 971.221.7086.

** Stewart’s Shop Corp. Recalls Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry Due to Possible Foreign Object.  Stewart’s Shops Corp. of Saratoga Springs, NY is recalling two flavors, Heavenly Medley and Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, of half-gallon ice cream due to the potential presence of metal.

The following products are subject to recall and were sold at all Stewart’s Shops locations in NY, VT, and NH between 7/17/26 and 10/2/2026: No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after a metal object was discovered by a consumer in a half-gallon carton of ice cream. Consumer & Media Contact:
Robin Cooper
518-248-0455
rcooper@stewartsshops.com

** Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile expands its previously initiated recalls on July 3, 2026 and September 3,2026 recall of frozen organic IQF blueberries and berry blends to include additional lots of Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ, Great Value frozen Organic Blueberries 10 OZ and one Lot of Trader Joe’s frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145).

The affected products are:

  • Product: Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ (Including Strawberries, Blackberries and Blueberries), with UPC: 7874211226
    Package Size: 10 oz
    Lot Code: 6 031 01, 6 041 01 (in front of the package)
    Best If Used By Date: January 31, 2028 and February 10, 2028
  • Product: Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 OZ, with UPC: 7874211213
    Package Size: 10 oz
    Lot Code: 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01 (in front of the package)
    Best If Used By Date: January 19, 2028; February 9, 2028 and June 12, 2028.
  • Product: Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ with UPC: 00977654
    Package Size: 12 oz
    Lot Code: 6 051 01 (in back of the package)
    Best Before Date: February 20, 2028

Consumers who have Great Value Organic Triple Berry 10 OZ with lot code 6 031 01, 6 041 01, Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 OZ with lot code 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01 and Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ with lot code 6 051 01 should not consume those products. The product should be discarded or returned to Walmart or Trader Joe’s for a full refund.Media Contact: Joshua Weiss
Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612.
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 6 PM EST

** Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Due to Possible Health Risk. At this time, the investigation has not been narrowed to a specific lot, date code, or production date. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all the Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products listed below currently in distribution. The recalled products were distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers, and direct customers. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company initiated the voluntary recall after being contacted by FDA regarding the ongoing FDA/CDC outbreak investigation. The company immediately stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese, notified customers that purchased the affected products directly from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, and issued notices through its website and social media. The company is cooperating with FDA and CDC as the investigation continues. Consumers with questions may contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com.

Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory

** Greenwich Rx Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Compounded Glutathione Due to Elevated Endotoxin Levels. The glutathione was distributed to patients nationwide between June 26, 2026, and September 21, 2026.

Customers can direct questions regarding this recall to Sedgwick at (866) 552-4916 or GreenwichRx7542@sedgwick.com Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

** EAK Distribution LLC Recalls HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom Because of Possible Health Risk. HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom was sold on Amazon.com to consumers nationwide between the dates of August 20th, 2026 and September 18th, 2026

HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom is in a cream colored pouch with the UPC code 850056627443. The top seal is embossed with the Production Lot Code of AUG172026. There have been no reported illnesses from our product to date. The recall was initiated after our seed supplier notified us that the seeds were identified as being used by a sprout grower whose finished product were part of an FDA investigation involving a multistate food borne illness outbreak. Consumers with any questions may contact EAK Distribution at 541-306-4278, Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm PST.

** WinCo Foods of Boise, ID is Recalling the Following Salsa Bean Dip Trays Due to the Inclusion of Recalled Peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta. WinCo Foods of Boise, ID is recalling the following Salsa Bean Dip Trays due to the inclusion of recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.

  1. WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray Express with UPC 2-67173-#####, with a net weight of 54oz.
  2. WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Tray, 16 Inch Catering Tray(by special order only) with UPC 2-67240-##### with a net weight of 104oz.

The affected peperoncini may have been used as an ingredient on the bean dip trays with “Best If Used By” dates of Aug. 14, 2026 through Sept. 25, 2026.

Product was distributed in WinCo Foods retail stores in AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, and WA.

WinCo Foods was notified by G.L. Mezzetta that a single lot of their Golden Greek Peperoncini has been recalled due to potential pest inclusion due to a video from another grocery chain circulating on social media. Peperoncini are used as an ingredient in the WinCo Foods Salsa Bean Dip Trays.

WinCo Foods did not have or use any product with evidence of pests included in the jar, nor has the company received any complaints regarding potential pests or illness related to the bean dip trays to date. Consumer Contact Information:
WinCo Foods Customer Service Desk
Phone number: 1-800-824-1706
Website: WinCo Foods – Contact Us Online

** Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. Expands Recalls to Include Additional Lots of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ, Great Value Frozen Organic Blueberries 10 OZ and One Lot of Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ Because of Potential Contamination with E. coli O145. The recalled Great Value product was shipped to select Walmart stores in 30 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia, along with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Consumers should check their freezers for the affected product. The recalled Trader Joe’s product was shipped to select Trader Joe’s stores in 26 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia.

The affected products are:

Product: Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ with UPC: 00977654
Package Size: 12 oz
Lot Code: 6 051 01 (in back of the package)
Best Before Date: February 20, 2028

Product: Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ (Including Strawberries, Blackberries and Blueberries), with UPC: 7874211226
Package Size: 10 oz
Lot Code: 6 031 01, 6 041 01 (in front of the package)
Best If Used By Date: January 31, 2028 and February 10, 2028

Product: Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 OZ, with UPC: 7874211213
Package Size: 10 oz
Lot Code: 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01 (in front of the package)
Best If Used By Date: January 19, 2028; February 9, 2028 and June 12, 2028. Consumers who have Great Value Organic Triple Berry 10 OZ with lot code 6 031 01, 6 041 01, Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 OZ with lot code 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01 and Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ with lot code 6 051 01 should not consume those products. The product should be discarded or returned to Walmart or Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

Consumers or customers with questions regarding this recall may contact:

Media Contact: Joshua Weiss
Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612.
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 6 PM EST

** Gias Foods, Inc. Recalls Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine Because of Possible Health Risk


Gias Foods of New York, NY is recalling all lot codes of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine was distributed nationwide at Walmart stores.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

View Full Recall

**

History of Halloween… Britannica


Halloween, contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day.

The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls’ Day. In much of Europe and most of North America, observance of Halloween is largely nonreligious.

Halloween is celebrated on October 31.

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no645.com


Say NO to! Initiative645

I-645 would repeal the Millionaires Tax, a historic new law that will modestly increase taxes on just the top half of one percent of Washingtonians – while cutting taxes for the other 99.5% of us. And the facts are clear: the Millionaires Tax is a tax only on millionaires and income over one million dollars.
The governor has promised to veto any expansion of the tax, and any attempt to expand the tax would inevitably end up in front of the voters as an initiative. In the end, voters will always have the final say about who pays this tax and can reject any efforts to expand it.
Despite what Brian Heywood says, the Millionaires Tax bill that was signed into law was a package, with tax cuts for 99.5% of Washingtonians paid for by a tax on millionaires. Passing the initiative would put these critical tax breaks for Washingtonians in jeopardy, tax breaks that are only paid for by the Millionaires Tax.

Learn MORE … no645.com

on this day 10/31


1517 – Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church. The event marked the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

1864 – Nevada became the 36th state to join the U.S.

1868 – Postmaster General Alexander Williams Randall approved a standard uniform for postal carriers.

 

1914 – The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) joined the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria).

1922 – Benito Mussolini became prime minister of Italy.

1926 – Magician Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis resulting from a ruptured appendix. His appendix had been damaged twelve days earlier when he had been punched in the stomach by a student unexpectedly. During a lecture Houdini had commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows.

1940 – The British air victory in the Battle of Britain prevented Germany from invading Britain.

1941 – Mount Rushmore was declared complete after 14 years of work. At the time the 60-foot busts of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were finished.

1941 – The U.S. Navy destroyer Reuben James was torpedoed by a German submarine near Iceland. The U.S. had not yet entered World War II. More than 100 men were killed.

1952 – The U.S. detonated its first hydrogen bomb. 

1954 – The Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) began a revolt against French rule.

1959 – Defense Department announced elimination of all segregated regiments in the armed forces.

1955 – Britain’s Princess Margaret announced she would not marry Royal Air Force Captain Peter Townsend.

1956 – Rear Admiral G.J. Dufek became the first person to land an airplane at the South Pole. Dufek also became the first person to set foot on the South Pole.

1959 – Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine from Fort Worth, TX, announced that he would never return to the U.S.At the time he was in Moscow, Russia.

1961 – In the Soviet Union, the body of Joseph Stalin was removed from Lenin’s Tomb where it was on public display.

1968 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered a halt to all U.S. bombing of North Vietnam.

1969 – Wal-Mart Discount City stores were incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

1981 – Antiqua and Barbuda became independent of Great Britain.

1983 – The U.S. Defense Department acknowledged that during the U.S. led invasion of Grenada, that a U.S. Navy plane had mistakenly bombed a civilian hospital.

1984 – Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated near her residence by two Sikh security guards. Her son, Rajiv, was sworn in as prime minister.

1992 – In Liberia, it was announced that five American nuns had been killed near Monrovia. Rebels loyal to Charles Taylor were blamed for the murders.

1993 – River Phoenix died at the age of 23 after collapsing outside The Viper Room in Hollywood.

1993 – The play “Wonderful Tennessee” closed after only 9 performances.

1994 – 68 people were killed when an American Eagle ATR-72, plunged into a northern Indiana farm.

1997 – Louise Woodward, British au pair, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 8-month-old Matthew Eappen. She was released after her sentence was reduced to manslaughter.

1998 – Iraq announced that it was halting all dealings with U.N. arms inspectors. The inspectors were investigating the country’s weapons of mass destruction stemming from Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

1999 – EgyptAir Flight 990 crashed off the coast of Nantucket, MA, killing all 217 people aboard.

1999 – Leaders from the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church signed the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. The event ended a centuries-old doctrinal dispute over the nature of faith and salvation.

2001 – Microsoft and the U.S. Justice Department reached a tentative agreement to settle the antitrust case against the software company.

2007 – Google shares hit $700 for the first time.

2008 – Distribution Video Audio, Inc. shipped its final shipment of VHS tapes to stores. The company was the last major United States supplier of pre-recorded VHS tapes.

Legal Rules on Police Presence at Polling Places


In the U.S., federal law and most state laws prohibit armed federal forces and, in many states, armed local police from standing at polling places, except in narrow, legally defined situations.

Federal Law

Several federal statutes explicitly bar armed federal forces and law enforcement from polling places:

  • 18 U.S.C. § 592 – Prohibits deploying federal troops or armed federal law enforcement agents to any polling place, except to repel armed enemies of the United States electiontaskforce.orgelectiontaskforce.org+1.
  • 18 U.S.C. § 594 – Makes it a federal crime to intimidate voters electiontaskforce.orgelectiontaskforce.org.
  • 42 U.S.C. § 1985 – Prohibits conspiracies to intimidate or injure voters in federal elections electiontaskforce.orgelectiontaskforce.org.
  • Voting Rights Act, § 11(b) – Bars intimidation of voters by public or private entities electiontaskforce.orgelectiontaskforce.org.
  • Posse Comitatus Act (1878) – Restricts the use of the U.S. Army and Air Force for domestic law enforcement, including election policing, unless Congress authorizes it electiondesk.orgelectiondesk.org.

These laws mean that federal military or armed federal law enforcement cannot be stationed at polling places except in extremely narrow, historically rare circumstances Brennan Center for JusticeBrennan Center for Justice+1.

State Law

While each state’s statutes differ, all states have restrictions on behavior at or near polling places to ensure voters can cast ballots without intimidation Katie Couric MediaKatie Couric Media+1. Many states:

  • Directly prohibit armed personnel (including police) from entering polling places except for specific purposes such as:
    • Casting their own ballot
    • Responding to an immediate emergency at the request of election officials electiondesk.orgelectiondesk.org
  • Ban firearms at or near polling locations for anyone, including law enforcement Katie Couric MediaKatie Couric Media+1.

If you believe local police are violating these rules, you can document the incident and contact the Washington State Department of Elections or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.