USDA approves hemp plans in three more states (AMS): The USDA approved plans submitted by Delaware, Nebraska and Texas to regulate cultivation of industrial hemp, adding to previously approved plans from Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio.
House backs SNAP lawsuit (Pelosi): The Democratic-run U.S. House filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit by 14 states and the District of Columbia to overturn a Trump administration regulation that would eliminate food stamps for 688,000 people.
Food company phases out herbicide (Washington Post): Kellogg’s quietly committed to phasing out glyphosate, in the weedkiller RoundUp, from its supply chain. But industry groups say the manufacturer neglected to tell them about the plan.
Restaurant that allegedly harbored abuse shuts down (Grub Street): The Spotted Pig, a once-influential Manhattan restaurant, is closing in the wake of sexual harassment and assault allegations from the restaurant’s employees.
Dairy farmers rule ballot box (NMPF): By two measures, dairy farmers are a powerful bloc in presidential elections: the five largest dairy states have half of the electoral votes needed to win the White House and three dairy states, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, were decisive in President Trump’s 2016 victory.
U.S. lets loggers pick their trees (Washington Post): USDA’s Forest Service will pay up to $300,000 a year to Alaska in an unusual contract in which the state pays the Alaska Forestry Association to decide which trees can be logged by helicopter on an island in the Tongass National Forest.