The breakdown of rural roads (New York Times): Rural roads bear a disproportionate amount of use compared to the local population, but face a funding deficit that has left many in disrepair.
DFA to buy Dean (DFA): The dairy co-op Dairy Farmers of America reached an agreement to buy a “substantial portion” of the bankrupt milk processor Dean Foods’ assets. The Department of Justice is looking into the deal.
Possible new dairy rules in Oregon (Statesman Journal): The Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would tighten requirements for new dairy CAFOs, but some advocates say it doesn’t go far enough.
Sierra snowpack half of normal (Sacramento Bee): Snowpack in the Sierra Nevadas, the source of 30 percent of California’s water supply, is 53 percent of normal for this time of the year, raising fears of tight water supplies this summer and dry conditions that would fuel wildfires.
Green groups challenge WOTUS replacement (Turtle Island): Thirteen conservation groups filed a notice of intent to sue the Trump administration over its Navigable Waters Protection Rule that would remove federal protection from half of U.S. wetlands and millions of miles of streams.
Animal welfare records online again (APHIS): As directed by Congress, the USDA will restore on its searchable database the animal welfare records that were removed in January 2017.