We’re back and we’re reading – everything from “CNN” to the “New York Times.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and everyday news. Today, we have Chicago naming a new mayor, a new subpoena in the Mueller investigation and new fluoride standards for water bottles.
Chicago elects its first black female and openly gay mayor
A monumental moment took place in Chicago last night as the city elected its first black female and openly gay mayor.
According to NBC News, the runoff between Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle was called on April 2 shortly before 8 p.m.
Upon her election, Lightfoot said, “In this election Toni and I were competitors, but our differences are nothing compared to what we can achieve together. Now that it’s over, I know we will work together for the city that we both love.”
This runoff was iconic for the city, because both candidates were going to be Chicago’s first black female mayor.
House Judiciary Committee approves subpoena for Mueller report
Early Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee sanctioned its chairman to use a subpoena in hopes of forcing the Justice Department to give Congress a full copy of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s report and all other evidence, according to the New York Times.
The subpoena is not being issued immediately as Attorney General William P. Barr is deciding how much of the 400-page report he wants to share with the lawmakers.
The committee has also approved five other subpoenas for five former White House aides who are believed to be relevant in an investigation in a possible obstruction of justice.
FDA approves new fluoride standard for bottled water
CNN reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is suggesting a lower concentration level of fluoride in bottled water.
The new regulation would allow for domestically packaged and imported water to contain 0.7 milligrams per liter, a slight reduction of the 0.8 milligram per liter already allowed by the FDA.
Some scientists and environmental groups still view this number as too high and believe it could still be harmful to human health.
The new standard would only affect bottled water where fluoride is added and would not affect fluoride levels where the water source may contain fluoride.
Deadly floods in Iran
Iran has been hit with three deadly floods in the last two weeks. ABC News reported that the death toll is still on the rise, but so far 62 people have been found dead.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani claimed that the U.S. imposed sanctions blocking international relief assistance for the people affected by the flood is an “unprecedented crime.”
These floods have hurt hundreds of villages, towns and cities in the western half of the country. A new state of emergency has been issued by authorities in some of these areas.
That’s all we have for today. Check back tomorrow for more.
