Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

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


** 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.

youtube.com

What is Ocean Acidification?


SalmonAcidification

The Chemistry

When carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are termed “ocean acidification” or “OA” for short. Calcium carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms. In areas where most life now congregates in the ocean, the seawater is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate minerals. This means there are abundant building blocks for calcifying organisms to build their skeletons and shells. However, continued ocean acidification is causing many parts of the ocean to become undersaturated with these minerals, which is likely to affect the ability of some organisms to produce and maintain their shells.

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of surface ocean waters has fallen by 0.1 pH units. Since the pH scale, like the Richter scale, is logarithmic, this change represents approximately a 30 percent increase in acidity. Future predictions indicate that the oceans will continue to absorb carbon dioxide and become even more acidic. Estimates of future carbon dioxide levels, based on business as usual emission scenarios, indicate that by the end of this century the surface waters of the ocean could be nearly 150 percent more acidic, resulting in a pH that the oceans haven’t experienced for more than 20 million years.

The Biological Impacts

Ocean acidification is expected to impact ocean species to varying degrees. Photosynthetic algae and seagrasses may benefit from higher CO2 conditions in the ocean, as they require CO2 to live just like plants on land. On the other hand, studies have shown that a more acidic environment has a dramatic effect on some calcifying species, including oysters, clams, sea urchins, shallow water corals, deep sea corals, and calcareous plankton. When shelled organisms are at risk, the entire food web may also be at risk. Today, more than a billion people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein. Many jobs and economies in the U.S. and around the world depend on the fish and shellfish in our oceans.


Pteropods

The pteropod, or “sea butterfly”, is a tiny sea creature about the size of a small pea. Pteropods are eaten by organisms ranging in size from tiny krill to whales and are a major food source for North Pacific juvenile salmon. The photos below show what happens to a pteropod’s shell when placed in sea water with pH and carbonate levels projected for the year 2100. The shell slowly dissolves after 45 days.  Photo credit: David Liittschwager/National Geographic Stock. Used with permission. All rights reserved. National Geographic Images.

Pteropod image showing acidification results


Shellfish

Freshly harvested oysters from Yaquina Bay, Oregon

In recent years, there have been near total failures of developing oysters in both aquaculture facilities and natural ecosystems on the West Coast. These larval oyster failures appear to be correlated with naturally occurring upwelling events that bring low pH waters undersaturated in aragonite as well as other water quality changes to nearshore environments. Lower pH values occur naturally on the West Coast during upwelling events, but a recent observations indicate that anthropogenic CO2 is contributing to seasonal undersaturation. Low pH may be a factor in the current oyster reproductive failure; however, more research is needed to disentangle potential acidification effects from other risk factors, such as episodic freshwater inflow, pathogen increases, or low dissolved oxygen. It is premature to conclude that acidification is responsible for the recent oyster failures, but acidification is a potential factor in the current crisis to this $100 million a year industry, prompting new collaborations and accelerated research on ocean acidification and potential biological impacts.

Photo: Freshly harvested oysters from Yaquina Bay, Oregon (Credit: NOAA)


Coral

Many marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells or skeletons are negatively impacted by increasing CO2 levels and decreasing pH in seawater. For example, increasing ocean acidification has been shown to significantly reduce the ability of reef-building corals to produce their skeletons. In a recent paper, coral biologists reported that ocean acidification could compromise the successful fertilization, larval settlement and survivorship of Elkhorn coral, an endangered species. These research results suggest that ocean acidification could severely impact the ability of coral reefs to recover from disturbance. Other research indicates that, by the end of this century, coral reefs may erode faster than they can be rebuilt. This could compromise the long-term viability of these ecosystems and perhaps impact the estimated one million species that depend on coral reef habitat.  For more information on the impact of ocean acidification on coral, see NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch website.

Ocean Acidification: An Emerging Global Problem

Ocean acidification is an emerging global problem. Over the last decade, there has been much focus in the ocean science community on studying the potential impacts of ocean acidification. Since sustained efforts to monitor ocean acidification worldwide are only beginning, it is currently impossible to predict exactly how ocean acidification impacts will cascade throughout the marine food chain and affect the overall structure of marine ecosystems. With the pace of ocean acidification accelerating, scientists, resource managers, and policymakers recognize the urgent need to strengthen the science as a basis for sound decision making and action.

~ NOAA

On this day 10/30


1735 – John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born in Braintree, MA. His son became the sixth President of the U.S.

1817 – The independent government of Venezuela was established by Simon Bolivar.

1831 – Escaped slave Nat Turner was apprehended in Southampton County, VA, several weeks after leading the bloodiest slave uprising in American history. 

1875 – The constitution of Missouri was ratified by popular vote. 

1893 – The U.S. Senate gave final approval to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890.

1894 – The time clock was patented by Daniel M. Cooper of Rochester, NY.

1938 – Orson Welles’ “The War of the Worlds” aired on CBS radio. The belief that the realistic radio dramatization was a live news event about a Martian invasion caused panic among listeners.

1943 – In Moscow, a declaration was signed by the Governments of the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and China called for an early establishment of an international organization to maintain peace and security. The goal was supported on December 1, 1943, at a meeting in Teheran.

1854 – Defense Department announced elimination of all segregated regiments in the armed forces. blackfacts.com

1944 – Martha Graham’s ballet “Appalachian Spring” premiered at the Library of Congress. 

1945 – The U.S. government announced the end of shoe rationing.

1953 – General George C. Marshall was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1961 – The Soviet Union tested a hydrogen bomb with a force of approximately 58 megatons.

1961 – The Soviet Party Congress unanimously approved an order to remove Joseph Stalin’s body from Lenin’s tomb.

1972 – U.S. President Richard Nixon approved legislation to increase Social Security spending by $5.3 billion.

1972 – In Illinois, 45 people were killed when two trains collided on Chicago’s south side.

1975 – Prince Juan Carlos assumed power in Spain as dictator Francisco Franco was near death.

1975 – The New York Daily News ran the headline “Ford to City: Drop Dead.” The headline came a day after U.S. President Gerald R. Ford said he would veto any proposed federal bailout of New York City.

1982 – Portugal’s constitution was revised for the first time since it was ratified on April 25, 1976.

1984 – In Poland, police found the body of kidnapped pro-Solidarity priest Father Jerry Popieluszko. His death was blamed on four security officers.

1989 – Mitsubishi Estate Company announced it would buy 51 percent of Rockefeller Group Inc. of New York.

1993 – Martin Fettman, America’s first veterinarian in space, performed the world’s first animal dissections in space, while aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

1993 – The United Nations deadline concerning ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide passed with country’s military still in control.

1995 – Federalist prevailed over separatists in Quebec in a referendum concerning secession from the federation of Canada.

1998 – The terrorist who hijacked a Turkish Airlines plane and the 39 people on board was killed when anti-terrorist squads raided the plane.

2001 – Michael Jordan returned to the NBA with the Washington Wizards after a 3 1/2 year retirement. The Wizards lost 93-91 to the New York Knicks.

Tacoma ICE Detention Center Wins $1.5B Federal Contract Renewal


Voters need to demand that this contract be investigated, since Tacoma and the surrounding area could have used that $ 1.5Bil for city infrastructure, and while members of our state congress and city council whine about this problem, as reported, it has been around for a decade… what took so long to get upset? ALL Detention Facilities need Oversight, yo

Bottom line:

The federal government has renewed GEO Group’s contract for the Tacoma ICE detention center for another decade at a multi‑billion‑dollar cost, despite ongoing criticism over conditions and oversight issues

FACTS:

Contract details

  • Value: $1.5 billion total; ~$140 million per year
  • Duration: October 29, 2026 – October 27, 2036
  • Operator: GEO Group, Florida‑based private prison company
  • Capacity: 1,635 beds at the Tacoma Tideflats facility
  • Services: Security, maintenance, food services, recreational amenities, medical care, and transportation

Source: Yahoo, KUOW,

Lawmakers’ concerns: U.S. Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Emily Randall visited the facility and called for an investigation, citing lack of transparency, a reported single‑bid process, and potential limits on state oversight

GEO Group has run the Northwest ICE Processing Center since 2005

The renewal follows the expiration of its previous 10‑year contract last year – Yahoo Finance

The deal comes amid ongoing scrutiny over detainee conditions, including reports of poor food quality, inadequate medical care, water quality issues, and delayed prescription access – KUOW