Today’s quick hits, Oct. 24, 2022

USFS ‘burn boss’ arrested: In an apparently unprecedented action, a U.S. Forest Service “burn boss,” who oversees prescribed fires on federal land, was arrested by sheriff’s deputies in western Oregon for “reckless burning.” (High Country News)

Bird flu in Rhode Island: Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed among 40 birds at an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the Newport, Rhode Island, area; the state is the 43rd with HPAI since February. (USDA)

‘Long enough’ for Grassley: Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, 89, models himself as an independent but has eroded into a “divisive partisan figure,” said a state newspaper endorsement of Grassley’s opponent, Democrat Mike Franken, for Senate. “Simply put, Grassley has served long enough.” (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Still seeking debt relief: After thanking USDA for aid to financially distressed farmers, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund said it was steadfast in seeking debt relief for 20,000 farmers of color under a program authorized by Congress last year and repealed this year. (FSC/LAF)

‘Serious concerns’ about merger: The leaders of the Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee said they have “serious concerns” about the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, and will hold a hearing in November on the consequences that consumers may face. (Klobuchar)

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