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Friday, April 4, 2025

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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

Pressure Builds on Costco to Commit to Better Poultry Practices

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Friday, September 30, 2022   

Watchdog groups say chickens used by Costco are bred to grow so quickly, many of them cannot stand under their own weight, and recent lawsuits against the company have put the spotlight once again on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.

There are more than 3,000 such poultry operations in North Carolina, growing hundreds of millions of chickens a year.

Chris Heaney, associate professor of environmental health at Johns Hopkins University, said breeding cheap chickens comes with a host of negative public health impacts.

"They include concerns around the role of antimicrobial use, promoting antimicrobial resistance, which can be transmitted between animals; and between food, animals and people who live in regions where there is intensive livestock production," Heaney outlined.

Heaney stated the large operations also generate air pollution, which can trigger respiratory problems, nausea, neurological issues, and anxiety and depression in residents living near them.

In a statement to investors, Costco said it has no significant evidence of any adverse impacts to chickens grown in its factory farms, which are mostly located in Nebraska, and emphasized it is "committed to the welfare of animals in its supply chains."

Heaney pointed out consumers are not typically aware of all the costs to the air, water, and soil, which come with purchasing a rotisserie chicken priced at less than $5.

"The open question is the degree to which the consumer, in terms of purchasing meats and the price that they pay, is actually reflecting a lot of those adverse impacts," Heaney noted.

Large operations are also vulnerable to climate impacts. One analysis by the Environmental Working Group and the Waterkeeper Alliance found in 2016, when hurricane Matthew flooded waste lagoons and livestock confinement barns, nearby waterways became contaminated with animal urine and feces, which contains pathogens such as E.coli, hormones, antibiotics and industrial chemicals known to cause illness in humans.


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In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

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As Mississippi grapples with one of the nation's highest incarceration rates, a new national campaign highlights the economic and social toll of …

Social Issues

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Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …


Marches, rallies and protests will take place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers. (Hands Off!)

Social Issues

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Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…

Environment

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Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

The U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to end the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's overdraft-fee protection regulation. (Adobe Stock)

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As President Donald Trump dismantles the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, advocates of the agency warn that veterans and military service …

Social Issues

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Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Social Issues

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UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

 

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