Wildfire Smoke, Food Recall, Immigration Officer Vetting Make News

Why it matters locally: While most of the wildfire smoke impacting the contiguous United States typically originates from fires in the Lower 48 or Canada, Alaska can experience its own periods of poor air quality due to local wildfires, and distant smoke can sometimes reach the state depending on atmospheric conditions. The lettuce recall due to cyclosporiasis is a concern for food safety, and such products are likely distributed in Alaska.

Parts of the United States experienced reduced air quality Friday as smoke from wildfires drifted across swathes of the country. This smoke presence prompted public health advisories in affected regions. Separately, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of lettuce products. The company linked the recall to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by the _Cyclospora cayetanensis_ parasite. In Washington, Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the vetting process for immigration officers. Their calls for answers followed an Associated Press report. The report detailed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in a shooting incident. The agent reportedly had a history of violent behavior and mental health issues.