Oct 7, 2018

FDA places ban on 7 synthetic food additives

Spicy food. Photo: Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images

The FDA is placing a ban on seven synthetic food additives after a petition created by environmental groups laid a case linking the additives to cancer, reports NPR.

The details: The petition, created by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Food Safety, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, laid out scientific facts proving that the synthetic additives benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, methyl eugenol, myrcene, pulegone and pyridine were linked to causing cancer in animals. The FDA is giving food manufacturers time to remove the additives before they are penalized.

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Mike Allen

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Postal slowdown threatens election breakdown

In 24 hours, signs of a pre-election postal slowdown have moved from the shadows to the spotlight, with evidence emerging all over the country that this isn't a just a potential threat, but is happening before our eyes.

Why it matters: If you're the Trump administration, and you're in charge of the federal government, remember that a Pew poll published in April found the Postal Service was viewed favorably by 91% of Americans.

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Axios

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Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 21,280,608 — Total deaths: 767,422— Total recoveries: 13,290,879 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 5,335,398 — Total deaths: 168,903 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
Podcasts: The rise of learning pods — Special ed under pressure — Not enough laptops — The loss of learning.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

USPS pushes election officials to pay more for mail ballots

Protesters gather in Kalorama Park in D.C. today before demonstrating outside the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Photo: Cheriss May/Reuters

The Postal Service has urged state election officials to pay first class for mail ballots, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says could nearly triple the cost.

Why it matters: Senate Democrats claim that "it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service."