::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

x Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) is battling pancreatic cancer she announced on Monday. Lee, 74 represent the 18th District encompassing Houston.in a seat sue has held fir 30 years. "My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer," Jackson Lee said. "I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year." She will continue to serve but said the diagnosis means she will "occasionally absent from Congress" However she will continue "to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people." She said "the road may not be easy" adding that she "stands.in faith" and is confident doctors have developed the best possible treatment plan. The Congresswoman has been down a similar path before. She overcame breast cancer in 2012.

  GIVING GEN. LLOYD AUSTIN THE RESPECT THAT IS DUE (TSN): Many media outlets did not refer to Gen. Lloyd Austin's rank in their reports and updates regarding his health status. Several articles, which omit his title in the headline and sometimes in the body, are an example of a media microaggression, a subtle, often unintentional, form of  prejudice that can be insulting. He is a retired 4-star Army General. That is the very top rank he could acquire. It is disrespectful and frankly poor etiquette to refer to a military officer by their name. "General" is his first name in the military. For a Black man from the South to have come up the ranks to lead the Pentagon is an enormous accomplishment that is not suitably recognized. This status should and must be acknowledged in headlines and body text of stories about him. Furthermore, the press has scrutinized every detail surrounding his hospitalization down to how his security officer requested transport. Their ...

The U.S Food and Drug Administration advises against making homemade baby formula, despite alarming shortages following a Similac recall earlier this year. Abbott Labs issued a voluntary recall on Similac back in February  after learning about the death of a baby that tested positive for Cronobacter Sakazakii. Shortages have continued since then and  are worsening to the point where retailers are limiting purchases.  This includes  Walgreens, CVS Health, and  Target.  A spokesperson for Walgreens told CBS MoneyWatch it is limiting customers to three infant and toddler formula products per transaction, citing "increased demand and various supplier issues." CVS Health also said it has imposed a limit of three baby formula products per purchase in stores and online, until it can procure sufficient supply from its vendors." (CBS)  Nationally,  40% of the top-selling baby formula products were out of stock as of the week ending April 24,   a new a...

Talk Show host Wendy Williams is taking an indefinite absence from her duties in her 10th anniversary year.  Williams. 54 has had some health struggles that require she is hospitalized. A statement for her family follows: As Wendy Williams Hunter previously shared, she fractured her shoulder and has been on the mend. Over the past few days, Wendy has experienced complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment. Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital. Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being. Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time.” Statement from Debmar-Mercury For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. We wholeheartedly support...

buzzz worthy. . . Mona Austin Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson is hospitalized in Brazil after suffering a stroke on his 87th birthday.  On Sunday in São Paulo,   Jackson reportedly woke up dizzy and unable to see.   According to TMZ, who broke the story, doctors  at the Albert Einstein Hospital  in Brazil  are running tests to determine the extent of the damage and whether to fly the elder Jackson back to the U.S. for treatment.   Mr. Jackson is diabetic, but at reporting time it is unknown if the  disease was a factor in the illness or whether Jackson has regained his sight. Mr. Jackson was in the country to celebrate his birthday in a massive Brazilian-themed bash, placing an open invitation online:   “Join me on the 26th of July to celebrate 87 full years on earth. The greatest adventure you can take on this world, is to live your life and enjoy the ride.”  The father of the late Michael Jackson arrived in the ...