Tighter rein possible on SNAP waivers (Crow River Media): To resolve a stalemate over work requirements for SNAP, the 2018 farm bill may let the administration reject state waivers of the 90-day limit on food stamps for able-bodied adults aged 18-49 without dependents, said the senior House Democrat in the negotiations.
Did Perdue cross the line? (Atlanta Journal-Constitution): A good-government group says in a complaint filed with USDA that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue engaged in politicking in violation of the Hatch Act, during a supposedly nonpartisan town hall meeting in Illinois, by saying “we need … very much” to have Rep. Mike Bost’s perspective in the House.
Bayer might settle glyphosate cases (Reuters): Bayer “will resolutely and with all means defend ourselves” in lawsuits blaming glyphosate for causing cancer, said chief executive Werner Baumann, but it might settle lawsuits if the costs of legal defense are larger than the potential settlements.
‘Our water is screwed’ (New York Times): Rural communities call the discovery of contaminants in their well water, that may come from farm runoff or industrial sites, their own private Flint.
Shorter leash for state rules on dicamba (DTN/Progressive Farmer): The EPA has warned state officials that the bedrock federal law regulating pesticides, rather than supporting state restrictions on chemicals such as dicamba, may be interpreted solely for expanded use of them.