Hunger crisis: Higher food and fuel prices are forcing some Californians to ask for help for the first time at food banks, and the California Association of Food Banks now says it will need twice as much money from the state as the governor proposed in January. (Los Angeles Times)
HPAI hits Minnesota turkeys: In the past week, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza killed a reported 242,920 turkeys on seven farms in Minnesota, while a poultry breeder in Colorado lost 60,000 birds to the viral disease. (USDA)
Guns and medical marijuana: Florida agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried, running for the Democratic nomination for governor, sued the federal government over a rule that prohibits medical marijuana users from buying guns or having concealed-carry permits even though medical marijuana is legal in the state. (NBC News)
Big companies, low pay: The great majority of workers at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Dollar General are paid less than $15 an hour, and many other retail and food service companies also pay low wages, according to a wage tracker developed by the Economic Policy Institute and the Shift Project. (Guardian)
FDA inspection flaws: A routine FDA inspection last fall found no serious problems at a Michigan plant that was later identified as the maker of contaminated infant formula, leading consumer advocates to call for more rigorous oversight. (Politico)