Throwing soup at Mona Lisa: Two environmental protesters, calling for “healthy and sustainable food,” threw pumpkin soup at the Mona Lisa; the 500-year-old painting, behind protective glass, was not damaged. (BBC)
States vs. food additives: A bill filed in the Illinois legislature would ban five food additives, one more than California has banned. Three other states are considering action on the additives. (Food Fix)
Free school meals nixed: On an 8-7 vote, the South Dakota House Education Committee defeated a bill to provide free meals to public school students from low-income households who qualify for reduced-price meals. (South Dakota Searchlight)
Hawaiian coffee crop plunges: The Hawaiian coffee crop is forecast at 16.9 million pounds this season, down 26 percent from 2022-23 and the second steep decline in two years; the coffee leaf rust fungus has affected production. (USDA)