Latest news with #Buckson
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials move to ban controversial food item found in schools across the country: 'Prioritizing student health'
Changes could be on the menu for Delaware schools after state lawmakers introduced a new bill. Senate Bill 69 would prohibit selling or distributing food and beverages that contain Red 40 at public and charter schools, according to the Delaware News Journal. Sen. Eric Buckson is the primary sponsor of the bill, which looks to protect students from potential health risks associated with the food additive. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Red 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. The dye is used in various foods, including cereal, beverages, dairy products, and sugary treats. However, Cleveland Clinic named allergic reactions and migraines as potential side effects. There are also studies that link artificial food dyes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in kids. The introduction of the bill comes just months after the FDA announced a nationwide ban on Red 3 in food, beverages, and drug products. Red 3 and Red 40 are not the same, though they pose similar concerns. According to scientists, Red 3 may cause cancer and thyroid issues, which prompted the European Union to ban the additive over 30 years ago. Delaware isn't the first state to take a stand against artificial food dyes. Many states across the nation have worked to pass laws prohibiting synthetic food coloring. Companies are moving away from dyes, too. PepsiCo is in the process of phasing out synthetic dyes used in snacks. The company will use natural ingredients instead. Banning artificial food dyes is a win for the environment as well. According to one study, synthetic dyes are harmful to animals, plants, and humans. Untreated synthetic dyes released into bodies of water can reduce light for photosynthesis, affecting the entire food chain. If the new bill is passed in Delaware, the restrictions would take effect in schools by July 1, 2026. The Senate Education Committee is reviewing the legislation. "The bill ensures Delaware is prioritizing student health while providing room for reasonable exemptions as necessary," Buckson said. Do you think kids learn enough about gardening in school? Not even close There could be more focus It's probably about right It doesn't belong in school Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Delaware lawmakers propose a bill banning Red No. 40 from use in public, charter schools
Red No. 40 could be banned from Delaware schools if a new bill passes. The effort comes on the heels of a similar bill proposing a statewide ban on Red No. 3 Senate Bill 69 was introduced on March 11 by Sen. Eric Buckson (R-South Dover) and aims to protect students in the First State from the potential health risks associated with Food, Drug and Cosmetic Red No. 40, a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. SB 69 would prohibit selling or distributing foods and beverages containing Red No. 40 during the school day in public and charter schools in Delaware. Recent concerns over the impact of synthetic food dyes on children's health, including potential links to behavioral issues and hyperactivity, were cited as reasons for the proposed ban. Red No. 40 is widely used and found in a variety of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, according to Healthline, including: Flavored milk Yogurt Pudding Ice cream Popsicles Cakes and other pastries Candy Gum Breakfast cereals and bars Fruit snacks Gelatin Chips Powdered drink mixes, including some protein powders Soda Sports drinks Energy drinks More education news: Don't call it recess: Delaware educators look to bring more 'play' to early learning If Red No. 40 is in a product, it will be listed on the label as: Red 40 Red 40 Lake FD&C Red No. 40 FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake Allura Red AC CI Food Red 17 INS No. 129 E129 ICYMI: Emergency Sirens will be tested throughout Delaware by DEMA in April The ban on Red No. 40 was originally proposed as part of a substitute to Senate Bill 41, which seeks a statewide ban on Red No. 3, another synthetic food dye. The Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide ban on Red No. 3 earlier this year. The substitute was added to SB 41 in February and proposed that along with the statewide ban on Red No. 3, Red No. 40 should also be banned for manufacture, sale, delivery and distribution across the state. The legislation pointed to several states planning to ban, limit, or require warning labels on food products with Red No. 40. That substitute was later amended for a second substitute for SB 41, which removed Red No. 40 from the bill. SB 41 now focuses solely on Red No. 3 while SB 69 pertains to Red No. 40 in schools. Sen. Buckson addressed the change by saying he recognizes the importance of a practical and focused approach to handling the presence of both food additives. He added that refining and separating the actions proposed for both Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 ensures a responsible transition for businesses and schools. SB 69 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee and is awaiting further consideration. If passed, the restrictions on Red No. 40 would be implemented by July 1, 2026, to allow schools and education officials time to prepare for the transition. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Recently introduced bill proposes Red No. 40 ban in Delaware schools
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Eric Ara Holder, pastor of Grace Baptist Church and ‘gentle giant' to community, dies
Eric Ara Holder, the Grace Baptist Church pastor recalled for his service to the community, died of influenza Feb. 15 at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He was 60 and lived in Coldspring Newtown. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of O'dell T. Holder Sr., a federal worker, and his wife, Dorothy Bell Holder, a nurse. He was a graduate of Parkdale High School, where he played basketball, football, and baseball. His classmates called him 'Varsity.' He entered the University of Maryland College Park on a football scholarship and was a wide receiver. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's Epsilon Psi Chapter. He joined the District of Columbia's Pretrial Services Agency and retired as program director for supervision services. He was also a coordinator for the Pop Warner Football League and coached the Woodlawn Falcons and the Northwest Bulldogs. In 1985, he met his future wife, Toni Downey on the campus of the University of Maryland. They married Dec. 24, 1992. 'Eric liked to laugh and everybody was his family,' his wife said. He joined the Garden of Prayer Baptist Church in Baltimore's Homestead neighborhood in 1991. He preached his first sermon in 2004. He attended the Washington Bible College and entered the ministry in 2007. He was schooled by the Rev. Melvin B. Tuggle II, a well-known Northeast Baltimore pastor. In November 2009, he was elected as the pastor of Grace Baptist Church on the Alameda in Northeast Baltimore. As a pastor, he established an annual prayer vigil at Stadium Way to pray for the sons and daughters of the area who had been killed by violence. He also led prayer walks through the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhoods in East Baltimore. 'His commitment to community outreach resulted in food and clothing giveaways, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and a thriving annual Community Day,' said Troy Buckson, chair of the church deacon board. 'Pastor was a leader who served with humility, patience and compassion,' Mr. Buckson said. 'He loved unconditionally, led with wisdom, and worked tirelessly to uplift others. He always put people before himself.' 'Eric was a gentle giant. He was caring and he always looked you in the face and smiled,' said Mr. Buckson. News Obituaries | Donald J. Slowinski, former president of CCBC Essex, dies News Obituaries | Charles Barry Truax, former advertising executive, dies News Obituaries | Rosetta Webster Graham, founder of the Family Bereavement Center, dies News Obituaries | Dennis Patrick O'Brien, former Baltimore Sun reporter, dies News Obituaries | Jane Blunt Clemmens, former pediatric nurse, dies Friends recalled that the Rev. Holder would pay rent or buy groceries for those who needed help. 'He loved life and was always good for a laugh,' his wife said. 'He could be caught singing the incorrect lyrics to a song, and when called on it, he would sing his version of the song louder. You knew you were in the family when he said, 'We have to find a nickname for you.'' Survivors include his wife, Toni L. Holder, a minister and life coach; two sons, Jalen Holder, of Orlando, Florida, and Emmanuel Holder, of Woodlawn; a daughter, Ryan Holder, of Baltimore; a brother, O'dell T. Holder Jr., of Philadelphia; two sisters, Sherease Doublin, of Clinton, and Lisa Thompson, of Charles County; and three grandchildren. A daughter, Taylor Holder, died in 1991. Services were held Friday at Huber Community Church. Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at and 410-332-6570.
Chicago Tribune
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
St. Charles Public Library to hold immersive programs on big screen beginning this spring
An immersive, multi-sensory show designed for all ages is coming to the St. Charles Public Library this spring, the library announced on Wednesday, as part of a new programming series. The first show, called 'From the Earth to the Moon: An Immersive Celebration of the Visionary Authors who Inspired Space Exploration,' will run from March 27 to April 1, officials said. The program will take place at the St. Charles Public Library at 1 S. Sixth Ave., with more than 20 showings of the program set during its run. This will not be a one-off event, St. Charles Public Library Director Kate Buckson told The Beacon-News in an email on Thursday. They expect to have several immersive programs each year, with another one coming later in 2025. The shows will be shown on the library's 10-foot by 36-foot screen, officials said. The initiative is designed to respond to 'the needs of modern library users,' Buckson said in Wednesday's press release about the initiative. She told The Beacon-News that future programs will also prioritize topics that will translate well to a large screen – architecture, famous art or natural wonders of the world, for example. It's also meant to be inclusive of different abilities, according to the release, and will include some sensory-friendly shows with reduced lighting and adjusted sound levels. Accessibility is an ongoing priority for the library, Buckson said. 'We offer accessible collections and recently completed an ADA audit to improve physical access in our building,' Buckson said. 'We work closely with several partners who serve adults with disabilities and our goal is to continue serving those groups as best we can.' The new immersive program is funded by the St. Charles Library Foundation, the release said. Anyone can attend a show, no library card needed. Registration is required, however, and can be done in person or at this link: There will also be a few drop-in shows on certain days, according to the library's website. The St. Charles Public Library also offers other programs – for both kids and adults – from arts and crafts clubs to tax preparation appointments, which are listed on its website calendar. In March, Buckson said, the library is holding Women's History Month events – with programs on women-owned business development and a showing of a documentary about workplace equity.
