Tag Archives: Florida

Top3 : Same-Sex Discrimination, Racial IQ and The Lottery


TEEN EXPELLED, CHARGED WITH FELONY FOR SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP

STUDENTS CONDEMN RACIAL IQ STUDY

WHY POWERBALL IS BAD FOR YOU, EVEN IF YOU WIN
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the Senate considers the Farm Bill & Nominees :::::: CONGRESS :::::: the House considers the S.982, Freedom to Fish Act


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The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, May 20, 2013.

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.954, the Farm bill.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
  • There will be up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled by Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the Chappell and McShane nominations.
  • The following amendments are pending to S.954, the Farm bill:
    • Cantwell amendment #919 (Indian tribes – land and soil conservation programs)

    The following amendments have been considered to S.954, the Farm bill:

  • The Senate has begun consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. Senator Stabenow called up Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal soil and water conservation programs).At 5pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session with 30 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the below listed nominations.-          Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; and-          Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon.We may be able to consider one of the nominations by voice vote, but we don’t know which one yet.
  • Senator McCain asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up the Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (tobacco crop insurance). Senator Stabenow objected in order to give the committee time to group additional crop insurance amendments together, but assured Senator McCain a vote on the amendment.
  • 5:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida;Confirmed: 90-0
  • Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, was confirmed by voice vote.
  • The Senate is in a period of morning business until 7pm, with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes today.
  • WRAP UP
  • ROLL CALL VOTE1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Confirmed: 90-0LEGISLATIVE ITEMSDischarged the Banking Committee and passed S.309, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol with a Harkin amendment.

    Adopted S.Res.149, Designating the week of May 19 through May 25, 2013 as “National Public Works Week.”

    EXECUTIVE ITEMS

    Confirmed Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon by voice vote.

  • At 4pm on Wednesday, May 22, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to. The motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table, all with no intervening action or debate.
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  • Monday, May 20, 2013

    Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

  • The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on May 20, 2013.
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CONGRESS


capitolphonelines

The Senate stands in adjournment until 11:00am on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy with up to 3 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Wyden and Murkowski or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Moniz nomination.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, the Senate reached an agreement that on Monday, May 20th, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #73, S.954, the Farm bill

The Senate is debating Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy, for up to 3 hours. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination. If all time is used, the vote would begin at approximately 2:26pm. If time is yielded back, the vote could begin earlier.

1:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy

1:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy;

Confirmed: 97-0

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 5pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Senator Murray asked unanimous consent to proceed to H.Con.Res.25, that the amendment which is at the desk, the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table; that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees. This is the long way of saying she asked to go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator Lee asked that Murray modify her request to make it not in order to consider any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator Murray declined to modify her request. Senator Lee objected to Murray’s request.

Senator Sessions then asked consent that at a time to be determined the Senate proceed to H.Con.Res.25, House passed Budget resolution. Senator Murray objected.

Senator Lee asked unanimous consent the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.133, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress and the States should investigate and correct abusive, unsanitary, and illegal abortion practices; and the Senate adopt the resolution and preamble, with no intervening action or debate.

 Senator Blumenthal objected and asked that in lieu of S.Res.133, the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.134, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that all incidents of abusive, unsanitary, or illegal health care practices should be condemned and prevented and the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law; the resolution be agreed to; the Blumenthal amendment to the preamble (to reflect the outcome of the court case), which is at the desk, be agreed to; and the preamble, as amended, be agreed to; with no intervening action or debate.

 

Senator Lee objected to Blumenthal’s request.

 

On Monday, May 20, 2013, at 5:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nomination:

 

Executive Calendar #45, Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; and

Executive Calendar #46, Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon.

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed. If all time is used, at approximately 5:30pm on Monday the Senate will vote in relation to the above listed amendments.

 

Further, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

Executive Calendar #11 Mark A. Barnett, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade; and

Executive Calendar #12 Claire R. Kelly, of New York, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade.

 

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed.

 WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar # 91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy; Confirmed: 97-0

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.982, to prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking certain actions to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam.

 

Adopted S.Res.145, a resolution Promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2013 to bring attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations such as American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

 

Adopted S.Res.146, designating the week of May 12 through May 18, 2013 as “National Police Week.”

 

Adopted S.Res.147, recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

 

Adopted S.Res.148, designating May 18, 2013, as “National Kids to Parks Day”.

 

Adopted S.Con.Res.16, a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass.

 

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

 

 

 

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action:
8:04:15 P.M. – The House adjourned. 5/15

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 16, 2013.

2:32:27 P.M. H. Res. 215 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 193 (Roll no. 150).
2:42:58 P.M. H. Res. 215 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 192 (Roll no. 151).
2:43:00 P.M. H. Res. 215 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:43:01 P.M.   MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the police officers who serve and protect us each day.
2:44:01 P.M.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished question was on the Speakers approval of the Journal on which previous proceedings had been postponed.
2:52:01 P.M.   On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 277 – 132, 1 Present (Roll no. 152).
2:52:52 P.M. H.R. 45 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 215. H.R. 45 — “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”
2:52:57 P.M. H.R. 45 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 45 with 2 hours of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution provides that the amendment printed in the report shall be considered as adopeted
2:53:15 P.M. H.R. 45 DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H.R. 45.
5:41:05 P.M. H.R. 45 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:41:24 P.M. H.R. 45 Mrs. Capps moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce.
5:45:00 P.M. H.R. 45 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to preserve benefits of the Affordable Care Act for women and children by excluding from repeal: (1) elimination of cost sharing for preventive health services, including breast cancer screening, screening for gestational diabetes, and screening for domestic abuse; (2) access to health care coverage for those with preexisting conditions (children and adults); (3) medical loss ratio requirements that ensure consumers receive good value for their premiums; (4) elimination of lifetime and annual limits on benefits; and (5) dependent coverage of adult children until age 26.
5:54:40 P.M. H.R. 45 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:20:25 P.M. H.R. 45 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 153).
6:20:31 P.M. H.R. 45 On passage Roll Call 154 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

   

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Immigration Reform Update


By ThinkProgress War Room

Today’s Immigration Top 5

As we discussed last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee has begun its work on a landmark immigration reform bill including a pathway to earned citizenship. The committee continued its work today, focusing on a new guest worker program and visas for highly-skilled immigrants.

There’s real momentum behind the bill, which is expected to be voted out of committee on a bipartisan basis by the end of next week.

Here’s today’s top five reads to help catch you up on the action:

  1. GOP Senator exploits immigrant deaths. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is one of the immigration reform bill’s leading opponents. He has used his seat on the Judiciary Committee to try and insert numerous “poison pill” provisions into the bill, but thankfully those efforts have been defeated by a bipartisan group of pro-reform senators. Yesterday, Cornyn released a bizarre video that seemed to exploit the deaths of immigrants in order to attack the Obama administration.
  2. GOP’s Florida Director of Hispanic Outreach quits job, becomes a Democrat. Citing last week’s blowup over Heritage’s now ex-researcher and his racist views, the Republican National Committee’s Director of Hispanic Outreach in Florida, Pablo Pantoja, not only quit his job but also left the GOP. “It doesn’t take much to see the culture of intolerance surrounding the Republican Party today,” Pantoja said in a note announcing his decision.
  3. House Republicans’ craziest arguments against immigration reform. At the very same moment a bipartisan group of senators was formally crafting immigration legislation, several Tea Party House Republicans held a press conference to denounce the bill. Among them was Rep. Steve King (R-IA), one of the few members of Congress still willing to cite a Heritage Foundation report written by a racist researcher who has since resigned.
  4. GOP Senator wonders why border security can’t be more like Disney World. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) proposed an amendment today that would’ve thrown up a major road block on the pathway to earned citizenship: the requirement that a biometric entry and exit system be in place ports of entry before any of the 11 MILLION undocumented are allowed to earn green cards. This expensive and technologically difficult requirement could’ve delayed the pathway to citizenship for years, if not permanently. The current bill already includes a tracking exit system in the form of a “photo tool” that expands the existing E-Verify program. Biometric information also will be collected from the undocumented applying for provisional status. But Cornyn claimed that Disney World’s system uses fingerprints, and what’s “good enough for the Magic Kingdom” should be U.S. law. Thankfully, most senators realize that the 329 U.S. ports of entry are a little bit different than the entry to Disney World and they voted down the amendment 6-12.
  5. Anti-reform groups stand by racist researcher. Though he may have resigned from the Heritage Foundation, racist researcher Jason Richwine still enjoys the support of numerous anti-immigration reform groups. Not only have these groups refused to condemn Richwine’s racism, they have continued to actively promote the Heritage report he co-wrote.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

GOP’s latest Benghazi allegation completely falls apart.

Why we need real disclosure laws.

Senate committee approves major cut in food aid, House preparing even worse bill.

The deficit is shrinking rapidly.

Another new attack on Obamacare.

The Attorney General recused himself from the leak investigation involving the Associated Press.

Brazil to become 15th country to support marriage equality nationwide.

The GOP’s problem with Latinos could get much, much worse.

When the IRS went after liberals.

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Modern Slavery :


Florida’s tomato farms supply 50% of all U.S. fresh tomatoes but have also been called America’s ‘ground zero for slavery.

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Florida’s tomato farms supply 50% of all U.S. fresh tomatoes1 but have also been called America’s ‘ground zero for slavery.’ Countless workers have been found held against their will, threatened with violence and forced to haul hundreds of heavy tomato buckets a day for little to no pay.

And right now is the worst part of Florida’s tomato picking season – the days are hot and the vines have nearly been picked clean making it hard to fill quotas. In these final days, there is also tremendous pressure for tomato farms to turn a profit making conditions ripe for worker exploitation.

It’s important that we act now.

A new solution called the Fair Food Program has been proven successful in the fight against modern slavery in Florida’s tomato fields. But a major U.S. supermarket chain, Publix Super Markets, is refusing to support the Fair Food Program. Publix continues to buy tomatoes from growers that are not partners of the Fair Food Program and where workers still toil beyond the reach of its proven protection from modern slavery.

Tell Publix Super Markets’ CEO William Crenshaw to join the fight against slavery in the U.S. tomato industry.

After decades of abuse, Florida’s farmworkers finally have a chance in the fight against exploitation with the Fair Food Program, demanding a policy of zero tolerance for human rights abuses, including slavery, on tomato farms.

The White House recently called the exciting new program “one of the most successful and innovative programs” in the world today in the fight to uncover – and prevent — modern-day slavery, and just last week United Nations investigators called it “impressive” and praised its “independent and robust enforcement mechanism.”

Leading brands including Subway, Whole Foods Market, McDonald’s and Trader Joe’s have already joined the fight against forced labour and now only buy tomatoes from growers who comply with the following Fair Food Principles:

  • A code of conduct for tomato growers;
  • Complaint mechanisms for farmworkers;
  • Education sessions to help workers understand their rights; and
  • Regular auditing of farm operations. 

It’s been four long years of public pressure but Publix, one of the largest purchasers of local tomatoes, still refuses to take responsibility for their supply chain. 

Tell Publix to make the right decision to join the Fair Food Program and ensure our tomatoes meet the highest human rights standards in the food industry today.

Will Publix Super Markets, which prides itself on making Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For” list, continue to turn a blind eye and give excuses, or will it leverage its vast market influence and lead the way in cleaning up slavery in the tomato supply chain once and for all?

We think Publix will make the right choice, but it won’t happen without broad public support. Once you’ve sent your message to Publix, please forward this email on to your friends and family, urging them to join the fight that is ending slavery in the U.S. tomato industry.

Thank you for your support,

Debra, Kate, Ryan, Mich, Hayley, Nick, Jess, Amy and the Walk Free team.

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~~ Time to Replace the Sequester with a Balanced Approach to Deficit Reduction


President Obama says that because Republicans in Congress allowed a series of harmful, automatic budget cuts—called the sequester—to take effect, important programs like Head Start are now forced to reduce their services. After travelers were stuck for hours in airports and on planes this past week, members of Congress passed a temporary band-aid measure to stop the cuts that impact airlines — but they must do more to stop cuts to vital services for the American people. That’s why it’s time for a balanced approach to deficit reduction that makes smarter cuts and reforms in the tax code while creating jobs and strengthening the middle class

White House Science Fair: On Tuesday, President Obama welcomed our country’s youngest scientists and innovators for the 3rd Annual White House Science Fair. More than 100 students from more than 40 states joined the President for the all-day celebration. The President toured the fair and even hopped on a bicycle-powered, emergency water-sanitation station developed by high-school students Payton Karr and Kiona Elliott of Oakland Park, Florida.

The President launched the White House Science Fair in 2009 as way to help encourage science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.  In December of 2012 the Administration announced a goal of one million new STEM graduates in the next decade, and the President’s plan works for educational opportunities and support for women and underrepresented minorities.

Teacher of the Year: On Wednesday, the President invited the state and national teachers of the year to the White House. Jeff Charbonneau from Zillah, Washington received the honor of the 2013 National Teacher of the Year. Over a decade ago, Zillah High School did not have a single engineering class and a struggling science curriculum, but 11 years ago Charbonneau returned to his hometown to teach at Zillah High School determined to change this. Today, science enrollment is up and students are graduating with college-level science credits. The President thanked all of the educators for their hard work and commitment in the classroom.

I want you guys to know that the country appreciates you. The kids appreciate you. The parents appreciate you.  What you do matters.  It’s critical to our success as a country, but most importantly, it’s critical to those kids themselves.  I cannot think of something more important than reaching that child who maybe came in uninspired, and suddenly, you’ve inspired them.

Texas Memorial Service: On Thursday, President Obama delivered remarks at a memorial service for emergency first responders killed during the tragic explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The President praised the people of West for their unity and their ability “to stand tall in times of unimaginable adversity.” The President provided comfort to the people of West and amid recent crisis, he assured West the country shares their pain.

Today our prayers are with the families of all who we’ve lost — the proud sons and daughters of West whose memories will live on in our hearts.  Parents who loved their kids and leaders who served their communities.  They were young and old, from different backgrounds and different walks of life.

George W. Bush Presidential Library: On Thursday, the President and the First Lady traveled to Dallas for the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library. President Bush was joined by former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as former First Ladies Roslyn Carter, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush. President Obama thanked President Bush for his service and love of country, while also pointing out his personality.

“He knows who he is,” said President Obama. “He doesn’t put on any pretenses. He takes his job seriously, but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is a good man.”

Amir of Qatar: On Tuesday, President Obama welcomed Hamad bin Khalifa al- Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to discuss issues covering commerce, trade and education. The two leaders also talked about the urgency to end the slaughter in Syria and finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The President thanked Qatar for their friendship and says he looks forward to working with Qatar for many years to come.

National Park Week: Last Saturday marked the start of National Park Week, an annual tradition celebrating our country’s great natural beauty and cultural landscapes. By being involved, you can help preserve the beauty, history and values of America and protect national parks for future generations.

There are national parks located in and around America’s major cities, including San Francisco, New York City, Santa Monica, Chicago, St. Louis, Miami, San Antonio, Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Take a look at the National Park Week event calendar and plan your visit for today!

Bombings in Boston: Last Friday, the President addressed the country after the capture of the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing. President Obama vowed to find more answers and ensure the American people are safe.

All in all, this has been a tough week. But we’ve seen the character of our country once more. And as President, I’m confident that we have the courage and the resilience and the spirit to overcome these challenges — and to go forward, as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)


04/17/2013 10:44 PM EDT
Prime Food USA, 50st & 1st Ave Building # 57, Brooklyn NY 11232, is recalling Latis Brand Herring Fillet “Matiej”, Salmon Fillet Slices and Herring Fillet “Forelka” in Oil due to contamination with listeria monocytogenes.
 
 
04/17/2013 12:34 PM EDT
Abbott today announced it is initiating a voluntary recall of FreeStyle lnsulinx® Blood Glucose Meters in the United States. The company has determined that at extremely high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above, the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter will display and store in memory an incorrect test result that is 1024 mg/dL below the measured result.
 
 
04/16/2013 09:52 PM EDT
Wegmans Food Markets is recalling approximately 1,100 affected units of Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Roasted Red Pepper Dip, 8 oz. tub, with a best-by date of 5/17/13, because some of the tubs may have an incorrect ingredient label that does not list milk and eggs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
 
 
04/16/2013 02:51 PM EDT
April 15, 2013 – Cedarlane Natural Foods, Inc., is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of O Organics Black Bean Enchiladas because they contain undeclared milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product
 
 
04/15/2013 12:51 PM EDT
Winn-Dixie today announced an immediate voluntary recall of 64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice. The product is being recalled as a precaution because it could have levels of “patulin” that exceeds FDA limits.

President Obama –


President Obama discusses his plan to create jobs by investing in rebuilding the infrastructure that powers our businesses and our economy. March 29, 2013.

President Obama uses his Weekly Address to mark a sacred time for the millions of Americans celebrating Easter and Passover, and he calls on everyone to use this time to reflect on the common values we share as a nation. The President says that this is a chance to embrace loved ones, give thanks for our blessings, and help those less fortunate as we celebrate our individual traditions as well as the thread of humanity that connects us all.

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

Middle East Trip: Last Friday, President Obama wrapped up his visit to the Middle East. The President paid respects with a visit to Mount Herzl where he honored two Jewish heroes, Theodor Herzl and former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Then President Obama took a tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Complex.

Later, President Obama joined Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the West Bank where they toured the crypt containing the birthplace of Jesus.

The President then traveled to Jordan, the final stop of his trip, where he was greeted at Al-Hummar Palace in Amman by King Abdullah II and his son, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah. The President participated in an official welcoming ceremony followed by a series of events in Jordan.

Check out our Middle East trip gallery and visit our Middle East page for more information.

Remembering Sandy Hook: On Thursday, President Obama promised Americans he had not forgotten about the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. Standing with parents and teachers of gun violence victims, the President pressed Congress to pass legislation to protect our children and our communities.

And I want to make sure every American is listening today. Less than 100 days ago that happened, and the entire country was shocked. And the entire country pledged we would do something about it and that this time would be different. Shame on us if we’ve forgotten. I haven’t forgotten those kids. Shame on us if we’ve forgotten.

In January, the President put out a series of common-sense proposals to reduce gun violence. Download the plan here.

Spirit of America: On Monday, President Obama gave remarks at a naturalization ceremony for 28 active duty service members and civilians who came to the United States from all over the globe, “from Nigeria to Nicaragua, from the Philippines to Peru.”

“But what binds you together — what binds us all together — is something more meaningful than anything of that,” said President Obama. ”A love for this country and all that it represents — that’s what unites each and every one of you.”

President Obama called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that lives up to our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

Learn about the President’s proposals here.

First Female U.S. Secret Service Director: On Wednesday, President Obama swore in Julia Pierson as the first female director of the U.S. Secret Service. With President Obama watching, Vice President Biden administered the oath at the swearing-in ceremony.

“I have to say that Julia’s reputation within the Service is extraordinary,” said the President. “She’s come up through the ranks. She’s done just about every job there is to do at the Secret Service.”

African Leaders: On Thursday, President Obama welcomed four African leaders — President Sall from Senegal, President Banda from Malawi, President Koroma from Sierra Leone, and Prime Minister Neves from Cape Verde. Through democratic governments and expanded human rights, the four leaders have exemplified the progress in Africa. President Obama thanked them for their tireless work and ensured the United States will be a partner in progress:

“You should know that you have a great friend in the United States, in the people of the United States, and in the President of the United States, because we believe that if you’re successful, that ultimately will help us grow our economies and contribute to a more peaceful world, as well.”

New National Monuments: On Monday, President Obama celebrated our nation’s rich history and national heritage by signing proclamations establishing five new national monuments. The landmarks are in Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, and Washington. Each commemorates extraordinary events in our nation’s history, while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

“These sites honor the pioneering heroes, spectacular landscapes and rich history that have shaped our extraordinary country,” said the President. ”By designating these national monuments today, we will ensure they will continue to inspire and be enjoyed by generations of Americans to come.”

President’s Passover Message: On Monday, President Obama shared his warmest wishes to all celebrating Passover at home, in Israel and around the world. The President touched upon the importance of Passover and looking to the future to better our world.

City of Champions: On Wednesday, President Obama honored the Stanley Cup champion LA Kings and MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy. This marks the second year in a row the Galaxy have come to the White House to celebrate a championship, while the Kings are new visitors to the White House. The Kings enjoyed their first Stanley Cup in franchise history last season. Watch the full ceremony here.

Stay Connected

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)


03/30/2013 12:29 AM EDT Natura Pet Products is voluntarily expanding its recall of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been confirmed to date
 
03/29/2013 08:46 PM EDT Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), announced today it is initiating a voluntary nationwide user-level recall of one lot of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 1000 mL, Flexible Container, NDC 0409-7983-09. This action is due to one confirmed customer report where brass particulate was identified in the primary container in the form of several small grey/brown particles.
 
 
03/29/2013 01:59 PM EDT
Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York, is announcing a voluntary recall of Farm Rich® Mini Quesadillas (PC 35635), Farm Rich® Mini Pizza Slices (PC 35643 and PC 37690), Farm Rich® Philly Cheese Steaks (PC 35634), Farm Rich® Mozzarella Bites (PC 37443 and PC 37691) and Market Day® Mozzarella Bites (PC 80435), produced from November 12, 2012 to November 19, 2012 due to possible contamination with Escherichia coli O121 bacteria (“E. Coli O121”).
 
03/29/2013 02:49 PM EDT
Lifestyle Evolution Inc announces the voluntary recall of NuGO FREE, NuGO Dark and NuGO Slim Non Dairy bars Made BEFORE October 2012 because of the potential for undeclared milk.
 

 Lisy Corporation Issues Voluntary Recall on Undeclared Soy in 5 Seasoning Blends

03/29/2013 02:15 PM EDT
Lisy Corporation of Miami, FL is voluntarily recalling select seasoning blends because they contain the ingredient soy that is not declared on the label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.