ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (11/21/2023)

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Public Health is alerting consumbers to an FDA recall of children’s cinnamon applesauce pouches that may contain elevated levels of lead. At least one confirmed case in Illinois has bee linked to the product, which was sold online and at chains like Schnucks & Dollar Tree, under the brand names WanaBana & Schnucks. Parents who suspect their child may have consumed a contaminated product should check with their health care provider for further guidance. A blood test for lead may be needed.

(SPRINGFIELD) A mysterious respiratory illness has sickened dogs in several states, including Illinois, as veterinarians encourage dog owners to exercise caution and limit contact with other dogs. Animal health officials say the pneumonia-like illness begins as a cough and gradually gets worst and can become fatal. The dogs are most likely to contract the illness by coming into contact with other dogs, therefore visits to dog parks, kennels, groomers, and elsewhere could pose a larger risk than just staying at home.

(SPRINGFIELD) Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 262 wild turkeys during the 2023 fall firearm turkey season, which is similar to last year’s numbers. This year’s harvest is far below the record year take of 1,218 birds in 2005. There were just over 1,700 regular fall firearm season permits sold with the season open in 56 of Illinois’ 102 counties. Preliminary data shows that just over half of the fall harvest were female turkeys. The fall firearm turkey season is only nine days long, October 21st through the 29th.

(SPRINGFIELD) Campbells has released its annual “State of the Sides” survey to reveal each state’s favorite side dishes on Thanksgiving. The report says the top dish in the country is mashed potatoes, which is up from second place a year ago. Stuffing or dressing fell to second place this year. In Illinois, mashed potatoes and salad tied for first place. The survey also noted that 67% of all Americans prefer the side dishes over the main entrée.