The federal government is investigating fake Botox cases across the country.

Botoxic

The Story

The federal government is investigating fake Botox cases across the country.

What’s going on?

This week, the FDA warned that counterfeit Botox was found in several states, putting consumer safety at risk. The CDC said 19 women in nine states, including New York, Florida, and Colorado, have reported “harmful reactions” after receiving Botox injections from both licensed and unlicensed providers. The FDA said the symptoms — blurred vision, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing — are similar to those presented by botulism and have even led to hospitalizations. The fake Botox injections were reportedly given in non-medical settings like homes or spas, which experts say is a red flag.

What do you mean?

Med spas aren’t federally regulated, and laws can vary state by state. Experts said the most qualified licensed practitioners will generally work in plastic surgery and dermatology offices. They noted that a cheaper cost could be a sign that the practice is not using legitimate Botox. Experts also suggest looking at the websites of FDA-approved Botox manufacturers to find a list of licensed providers. The FDA said it's working closely with the CDC and manufacturers to investigate the fake products and remove them from the market.

theSkimm

Botox is one of the most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures done in the US. Now, federal agencies are calling on providers and consumers to be vigilant as negative reactions to fake Botox are flaring up across the country.

Who’s ready to take it to the floor…

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Yesterday, he unveiled three foreign aid bills, setting up a showdown with far-right Republicans. The measures, which total $95 billion, include assistance for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Some far-right Republicans strongly oppose more aid to Ukraine, with at least two GOP members threatening to oust Johnson over it. In addition to the foreign aid bills, Johnson also plans to bring a vote on a border security measure in what appears to be an effort to appease GOP hardliners. The House could vote on the bills as soon as Saturday.

…Oh and speaking of the Hill, the Democratic-led Senate dropped two impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The move pulls the plug on House Republicans’ efforts to remove him over his handling of the southern border crisis.

What’s paying up…

The Justice Department. Yesterday, news outlets reported that the DOJ has agreed to pay approximately $100 million to the victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The payout, which is not yet finalized, is for the FBI’s failure to look into the athletes’ claims of abuse against the doctor. Simone Biles, along with other USA Gymnastics national team members and dozens of his patients, sued the FBI in 2022 for not properly investigating allegations against Nassar. 

Who’s doing heroic acts on and off screen...

Mariska Hargitay.

What’s giving contortionists a run for their money...

This humanoid robot.

While Simone Biles stands by her man…

One lawmaker could throw his wife under the bus.

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.