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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Analysis: Farm Bill “Cash Crops” Still Shortchange Idaho’s Number One Industry

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Monday, October 22, 2007   

Boise, ID – For spuds, it's a dud. At least one agriculture expert says the latest U.S. Farm Bill proposal being considered in the Senate does nothing to look out for Idaho's number one crop.

Chuck Hassebrook of the Center for Rural Affairs says the proposal would hurt Idaho family farmers and specialty crop growers, because it keeps multimillion dollar payments flowing to corporate farms, located mainly in the Midwest. Hassebrook says the result is unfair competition.

"Farmers and non-farmers agree that farm programs ought to be designed to strengthen small and mid-sized farms, not help the big farms drive them out of business."

Those who support the payments argue that they help keep food prices low for consumers. Hassebrook counters that consumers don't get a good deal, because their tax dollars are disappearing into corporate profits. He adds true reform of the payment system is possible, and several Senators are working on a plan that takes an alternate, "get tough" approach.

"We've got payment limitations on the books, but they're not effective because they contain so many loopholes. We're just going to close the loopholes."

The U.S. House has already passed its version of a new Farm Bill; the Senate takes up the issue this week.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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