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The Loop: Vaping illness cases on the rise again

Plus, OHSAA announces uniform rule change after controversy, and the holiday shopping season is kicking off.

US vaping illnesses rise to 1,888 with pace picking up again

The number of U.S. vaping illnesses has jumped again, reaching more than 1,800 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 1,888 confirmed and probable cases have been reported in 49 states. An Illinois report brings the toll to 38 deaths in 24 states.

RELATED: Vaping-related illnesses in US still rising, but more slowly

The total is 284 higher than what the government reported last week and a larger increase than seen in several weeks. Officials say the previous slowdown could have been caused by reporting delays.

The outbreak appears to have started in March. No single ingredient, electronic cigarette or vaping device has been linked to all the illnesses. Most who got sick said they vaped products containing THC, the high-inducing ingredient in marijuana.

Health officials urge people to avoid vaping, particularly products containing THC and purchased off the street.

RELATED: Cleveland Clinic research says vaping THC causes lung damage

Uniform rule change after hijab controversy

The Ohio High School Athletic Association is changing its uniform rule after three runners were disqualified for running while wearing their hijabs, which is a religious head covering. 

RELATED: Ohio student athlete allowed to compete, runs personal best after being disqualified for wearing hijab

Cross country runners from Northeast Ohio and the Toldeo area spoke out after they were disqualified from races while running with their hijab. 

The OHSAA's rule against wearing a hijab isn't a written rule, but rather a verbal rule.

No word on how or when the rule change will take place.

RELATED: Ohio cross country runner speaks out after being disqualified for wearing her hijab

Holiday shipping season kicks off at midnight

Now that Halloween is out of the way, the focus can shift to Christmas.

Yes, you may be saying it's too soon but at midnight the holiday shipping season starts.

RELATED: E-skimming could turn you into a fraud victim this holiday shopping season

Target's free shipping deal goes into effect when the clock strikes 12midnight. Amazon and Walmart are also offering free shipping and other sales to get customers to shop.

NBC News reports that experts predict online sales will total more than $140-billion. 

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