Lead poisonings traced to applesauce: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 287 patients, a large number of them children, have been found with extremely high lead levels after eating pouches of cinnamon applesauce. (Food Safety News)
Sierra Nevada ‘snow drought’: Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, the source of one-third of California’s water supply, is at record-low levels for this time of year, said officials after the first snow survey of 2024. (Los Angeles Times)
Belching less methane: Researchers in New Zealand are investigating selective breeding as a way to reduce the amount of methane emitted by the country’s dairy cattle and sheep. (BBC)
Drought persists in Midwest: Most of Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri, major grain-growing states, are forecast to remain in drought through January, along with parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. (National Weather Service)
Profiling rural voters: In a new book, two Colby College political scientists identify four sensibilities typical of rural voters: an overwhelming belief that their way of life is discounted; that hard work will overcome discrimination; a deep sense of economic anxiety; and high levels of civic pride. (Daily Yonder)