WASHINGTON – As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to breaking news and/or items of immediate interest garnering attention across the nation.
1- The members of the Freedom Caucus have yet to express uniform support for the House farm bill, which has a revote deadline set for this Friday. SFN Today
Current issues include:
Freedom Caucus sends positive signs for farm bill Politico
Fight over food stamps among big hurdles facing farm bill Roll Call
FB Voice: 2018 Farm Bill NCFB
2- And in the immigration reform discussions, broader reform bills in Congress could include tightened restrictions on farm labor programs, although the Trump Administration has pledged to modernize the temporary agriculture worker program. CNBC
3- Constitutional amendments regarding hunting and fishing rights and voter ID are on the agenda at the N.C. General Assembly today. Greensboro News & Record
Senate panel backs amendment on hunting, fishing rights US News & World Report
4- The Trump Administration issued a new rule, as predicted, to help small businesses offer association health plans. New York Times
5- We’re in the midst of National Pollinator Week, and a new report finds more of us are taking steps to help pollinators thrive. SFN Today
National Pollinator Week Pollinator.org
Celebrate Pollinator Week with the latest buzz from a local startup In the Field
6- The State Agriculture Department is now signing up farmers who wish to have an On-Farm Readiness Review to make sure their FSMA-regulated farms are compliant. NCDA & CS
7- This Q & A seeks to simplify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules related to hours of service regulations and the agricultural commodity exemption provision. The Packer
8- A salmonella outbreak related to pre-cut melons distributed in NC, among other states, has now sickened 70 people, CDC says. WGN
9- T-Mobile and Sprint are touting improved rural broadband service and jobs for rural areas among the reasons why the Federal Communications Commission should approve their merger. Engadget
