Today’s quick hits, Oct 30, 2024

‘Newhouse has to go’: Former president Donald Trump called for the defeat of Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse, who voted to impeach him in 2021; the other candidate in the district in central Washington State is Jerrod Sessler, also a Republican and the top vote-getter in the “jungle” primary. (Politico)

Working forestlands conservation: The USDA said it will spend $265 million in partnership with states to conserve nearly 335,000 acres of ecologically and economically significant forestlands in 17 states through the Forest Legacy Program. (USDA)

Trying to automate agriculture: “A growing number of companies are bringing automation to agriculture” with row crops such as corn being a reasonable and easy — if expensive — target to reach, while fruit is much more difficult. (AP and Grist)

Rural shifts can tip states: A shift of 3 percent of the rural vote could determine which presidential candidate prevails in a swing state, says a University of New Hampshire analysis of the past four elections; rural Americans usually vote Republican by large margins. (NHPR)