States get broadband funds: President Biden announced the allocation of $42 billion from the 2021 infrastructure law with the goal of connecting everyone in America to reliable, affordable high-speed internet by 2030; Texas got $3.3 billion, the largest amount. (White House)
Five-year lanternfly strategy: The USDA and state agriculture officials spelled out a five-year plan to limit the spread of the invasive Spotted lanternfly, now found in 14 states, and reduce the impact of the pest, which can damage crops, such as grapes and apples, and hardwood trees. (USDA)
High white corn tariff: Mexico imposed a 50 percent tariff on imports of white corn, used in making tortillas, a step that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said would encourage domestic production and keep out GMO corn amid a trade dispute with the United States. (Associated Press)
Dismal corn, soy ratings: Only half of the U.S. corn and soybean crop is in good or excellent shape this week, a decline from last week and far worse than at this point in 2022, when two thirds of corn and soybeans were rated good or excellent. (USDA)
Equity Commission readies report: Members of USDA’s Equity Commission were scheduled to vote during an online meeting that begins Tuesday on their preliminary recommendations for a final report on policies, programs and actions to address racial equality issues at the department. (USDA)