Under the current system, companies have been able to apply these labels to meats imported from other countries. While the use of these labels remains voluntary, the new regulation seeks to bolster consumer confidence in the “Made in the USA” designation, ensuring that such claims on meats, eggs, and poultry are genuinely reflective of American sourcing.
“Today’s announcement is a vital step toward consumer protection and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace where smaller processors can compete,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.”
The USDA is also distributing $9.5 million across 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program, focusing on simple equipment projects to enhance local meat and poultry processing. Announced in April 2023, Local MCap, part of a $1 billion initiative to strengthen the meat supply chain, offers up to $75 million for projects that increase processing options and market potential for producers.
U.S. intelligence chiefs warn of threats at border, abroad
With ongoing wars and the crisis at the border, U.S. intelligence officials warn of threats at home and abroad. And changes are coming for groceries with that ‘Made in the USA’ label. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
U.S. intelligence chiefs warn of threats at border, abroad
Wray addressed concerns about the crisis at the border, responding to questions from Senator Marco Rubio about threats from individuals entering the U.S. illegally. Wray highlighted the danger posed by drug trafficking and violent crime linked to gangs involved in distributing fentanyl, noting the FBI seized enough fentanyl in the last two years to kill 270 million people.
Despite acknowledging that criminals have indeed entered the U.S. through the southern border, Wray clarified that the FBI is not aware of any specific plots. The officials also discussed threats related to ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East.
Burns emphasized the importance of America’s continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, arguing that additional funding is crucial for Ukraine to remain a “strong, sovereign, independent country.” He warned of a “grimmer future” for Ukraine and broader implications for European security and stability in the Indo-Pacific if support wanes, potentially emboldening China’s ambitions in regions such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Robert Hur to testify before Congress on Biden classified documents report
A month after the release of his report on the investigation into President Biden’s handling of classified documents, Robert Hur, the special counsel, is scheduled to testify before Congress today. In his role as special counsel, Hur recommended no charges against Biden.
However, his report, which spans nearly 400 pages, drew significant attention for its critique of the president’s age and memory, suggesting that a potential jury might view Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with poor memory.”
Following the release of Hur’s report, President Biden addressed the nation from the White House, defending his cognitive abilities and overall fitness for office. Hur’s report did acknowledge Biden’s cooperation with the investigation, noting that the president had voluntarily turned in classified documents, consented to searches of multiple locations including his homes, and sat for a voluntary interview.
Biden, Trump could clinch nominations after today’s contests
While President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are the frontrunners for their respective parties’ presidential nominations, nothing is official yet. This could change after today’s contests. Georgia, Mississippi, and Washington state are holding primaries for both parties, along with a GOP caucus in Hawaii. The Northern Mariana Islands and Democrats Abroad will also conclude their Democratic Party contests.
Biden is 102 delegates short of securing the Democratic nomination, with 254 delegates available today. Trump needs 140 delegates to become the GOP’s presumptive nominee, with 161 delegates at stake in today’s primaries.
Haitian Prime Minister to resign amid rising gang violence
The leaders gathered to discuss the increasing violence in Haiti, where criminal gangs have seized control of a large part of the capital city, impacting international travel. Due to security concerns, Henry has been unable to return to Haiti and remains in Puerto Rico. However, the U.S. Territory’s Department of State indicated he plans to return once conditions allow.
A ship carrying 200 tons of food aid for Gaza has set sail from Cyprus, marking what is considered the first shipment of aid by sea to the war-torn territory. The departure of the ship was captured in video footage by The Associated Press as it was towed out of a harbor Tuesday morning.
The effort is spearheaded by World Central Kitchen, an international charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. The organization describes this shipment as a test run for establishing a sea corridor to supply aid to Gaza amid the ongoing five-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to the rule, only products derived from animals born and raised in the United States can bear the labels “Made in the USA” or “Product of USA.”
Under the current system, companies have been able to apply these labels to meats imported from other countries. While the use of these labels remains voluntary, the new regulation seeks to bolster consumer confidence in the “Made in the USA” designation, ensuring that such claims on meats, eggs, and poultry are genuinely reflective of American sourcing.
California’s Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced on Jan. 18 that it and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will remove fruit from 2,000homes in the Redlands area in San Bernardino County.
Oriental fruit flies (OFF) attack more than 230 crops, including citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables, and berries.
“The short life cycle of the OFF allows rapid development of serious outbreaks, which can cause severe economic losses,” a CDFA fact sheet said. “Heavy infestations can cause complete losses of crops.”
The CDFA said the Oriental fruit flies, if not taken care of, could cause billions of dollars in damage annually and added that confiscating fruit will help eradicate the tiny pest, helping save commercial growing operations.
California farmers need your help! If you grow fruit or vegetables in the areas affected by invasive fruit flies, please remove mature fruit, including those fallen to the ground, from your property ASAP. Throwing it away? Double bag it to avoid sending fruit flies to new areas! https://t.co/QBAoWQY9Yy
— USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (@USDA_APHIS) December 14, 2023
According to the CDFA, Oriental fruit flies lay eggs in fruit to breed, which leads to the development of larvae and maggots, leaving the fruit inedible.
The invasive species, which was first discovered in California in the 1960s, has been found in California every year since 1996. Still, eradication efforts have kept the pest from becoming a permanent resident of the state.
The forfeiture efforts are expected to run through February; the CDFA said anyone living within the specified area will be notified 48 hours before eradication teams visit the property. The CDFA also urged affected residents to dispose of fallen fruit, double bagging it and putting it into a trash bin, not containers used for food waste.
“A limited number of consumers have reported they found small, pliable metal pieces in the product, and out of an abundance of caution, the company is recalling this product,” Tyson said in a release.
The USDA added that it is concerned consumers may have this product in freezers and urges anyone who purchased the affected nuggets not to eat them.
According to the USDA, there has been one minor oral injury reported. Tyson Foods said anyone who purchased the nuggets should cut the UPC and date code from the packaging, throw out the product, and contact the company.
Tyson Foods has recalled tens-of-thousands of pounds of chicken in the last decade. In 2019, Tyson recalled 36,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after a piece of equipment broke contaminating the food with rubber.
Polls: Trump leads Biden in most key swing states: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 6, 2023
With one year until the presidential election, voters in key swing states are sharing their views. And check your freezers — Tyson is recalling nearly 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.
Polls: Trump leads Biden in 5 of 6 swing states one year before election
With one year to go until Americans head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election, a new survey is showing what voters in key battleground states are thinking.
A New York Times and Siena College poll show President Joe Biden trailing former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, in five swing states.
The polls were conducted over the last two weeks with over 3,600 registered voters surveyed. According to the results, Biden is behind Trump in five states by margins of four to 10%.
Arizona
Georgia
Michigan
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin is the only state in the Times’ polls with Biden ahead of Trump by two percentage points.
If you combine the polling data from all six states, Trump leads Biden 48% to 44%.
Most voters polled said Biden’s policies have personally hurt them, and at least 60% of voters in each state said the nation was headed in the wrong direction. At least 47% of voters in each state said there was “not really any chance” they would support Biden, whereas at least 44% in each state said that about Trump.
The former president is set to take the stand today in his $250 million civil fraud trial in New York.
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Late last night, Nov. 5, Israel said it fully encircled Gaza City as it is carrying out a “significant operation” in Gaza with the Israeli army searches for senior Hamas commanders.
Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who, according to the Palestinian news agency, called for “an immediate halt” to the attacks in Gaza.
The United States has been urging Israel to allow “humanitarian pauses” in its response against Hamas for the terror attacks. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, Nov. 3, there would be no ceasefire until the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas are freed.
Following the trip to the West Bank, Blinken traveled to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, where he repeated America’s warning to Iran and its allies not to get involved in the conflict. U.S. forces in Iraq and other locations in the region have been facing a surge of attacks from militia groups aligned with Iran.
“To anyone who might seek to take advantage of the conflict in Gaza, to threaten our personnel, here or anywhere else in the region, don’t do it,” Blinken said. “I made it very clear that the attacks, the threats coming from the militia that are aligned with Iran are totally unacceptable, and we will take every necessary step to protect our people.”
On Sunday, Nov. 5, officials said the U.S. military shot down an attack drone that was targeting American troops near their base in Syria. After visiting Baghdad, the secretary of state traveled to Turkey.
Stanford student hit-and-run being investigated as a hate crime
According to a public safety statement from the university, the victim, Abdulwahab Omira, who is Arab Muslim, said he was walking to class on Friday afternoon, Nov. 3, when a white man driving a Toyota 4runner made eye contact with the student, accelerated and then struck him while shouting at the victim.
University police said Omira’s injuries were not life-threatening. From his hospital room over the weekend, the Stanford student released a statement denouncing hate.
“…grappling with a reality I had never imagined, I reflect on the importance of spreading love, kindness, and compassion in a world that seems to be steadily succumbing to hatred and prejudice. This ordeal has solidified my resolve to advocate for love, understanding, and inclusivity,” Omira said.
According to authorities, the girl’s mother notified police that her father had abducted her in a possible custody battle. The hostage situation ended peacefully, with authorities taking the man into custody after 18 hours of negotiations.
While no one was hurt during the stand-off, more than 100 flights were canceled, and several planes were rerouted, ultimately affecting the plans of thousands of travelers.
Tyson recalls nearly 30,000 pounds of dino chicken nuggets
The products were shipped to distributors in several states.
Tyson said it issued the recall after a few customers reported they found small “pliable” metal pieces in the chicken.
According to the USDA, there has been one minor oral injury reported. Tyson Foods said anyone who purchased the nuggets should cut the UPC and date code from the packaging, throw out the product and contact the company.
Mark Zuckerberg injured while training for MMA match
You may remember that proposed MMA fight between tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Though that match never came to be, Zuckerberg has been preparing for another one. However, his training took a turn last week, and the Meta CEO ended up in the hospital.
Zuckerberg recently posted a photo to his Instagram account showing him in a hospital bed with his left knee in bandages, revealing he is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during a martial arts sparring session.
This isn’t the first injury Zuckerberg sustained from his MMA training; last month, he posted a photo of himself sporting bruising on his face, with the caption “sparring got out of hand.”
Zuckerberg said he has been training for an MMA fight early next year, but as he recovers from surgery, he said that fight has been delayed “a bit,” but he’s looking forward to having the match once he’s back on his feet.
USDA announces ‘unprecedented’ total of food stamp payment errors
In a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it has been revealed that an “unprecedented” number of errors were made in the payment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between 2020 and 2022.
“The first state-by-state set of payment error rates coming out of the pandemic reflects the challenging circumstances under which the state agencies were operating, and from which many are continuing to recover,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean said in a statement.
These errors affected a significant proportion of SNAP beneficiaries across the country. However, the report also highlighted that the magnitude of errors varied among states, with some states experiencing larger discrepancies in providing accurate government assistance to their residents.
The USDA report states that approximately 10% of SNAP beneficiaries nationwide were overpaid in government benefits during the specified period. These errors were not limited to overpayments, as a minority of beneficiaries were also underpaid. On average, 9.84% of recipients were overpaid, while close to 2% were underpaid. Consequently, the government’s average error rate in SNAP payments amounted to nearly 12%.
“USDA is committed to supporting states in improving payment accuracy in SNAP to ensure the program effectively and efficiently serves those who need it and promotes good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Dean said. “We are doubling down to work with state partners to find ways to decrease payment errors and tackle the issues aggressively at their root cause. Together, we will continue to move toward a stronger, efficient, more modern future for SNAP and those it serves.”
The state of Alaska stands out as having the highest overpayment rate in the nation, with an alarming 56% of SNAP recipients being overpaid. Similarly, in Maryland, almost one in every three SNAP recipients received overpayments.
An outage at the FAA disrupts thousands of flights; assault rifles banned in Illinois and the COVID-19 public health emergency extended. These stories and more highlight the midday rundown for Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.
COVID-19 public health emergency extended
The Department of Health and Human Services has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency today. It’s something that was expected happen this week. This means COVID-19 tests and vaccines will continue to be paid for by the government.
Once the public health emergency ends, insurance companies will largely be responsible for the costs of COVID-19 treatments.
The administration is reportedly looking to end the public health emergency this spring.
7,700 flights canceled or delayed
There’s been nearly 7,000 flights delayed today and more than 1,000 canceled. The FAA experienced an outage this morning. It affected part of its system that relays important safety alerts to pilots on airborne issues and ground traffic at airports.
All airplanes were grounded until the system was fixed. Now, it’s causing a ripple effect, as travelers at airports are caught in an entanglement of cancellations.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, criticized the FAA today, calling the error “unacceptable.”
“The flying public deserves safety in the sky. The FAA’s inability to keep an important safety system up and running is completely unacceptable and just the latest example of dysfunction within the Department of Transportation. The administration needs to explain to Congress what happened,” said Cruz.
Illinois assault rifle ban in effect
The Illinois governor signed sweeping gun control legislation into law this week. Effective immediately, the sale and distribution of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines is banned in Illinois. The new law also bans switches used to convert handguns into assault weapons.
Illinois courts also have new powers to prevent dangerous individuals from possessing a gun, through firearm restraining orders.
The governor says the new measures are in response to the Highland Park shooting that happened in Illinois last July.
Possible prosecution over abortion pill
If a woman takes an abortion pill to terminate her pregnancy, she could be prosecuted for it in the state of Alabama. The news came straight from Alabama’s attorney general.
The state is one that already has an abortion ban. But just last week, the FDA approved two abortion pills that can be sent through the mail with a prescription.
The Department of Justice issued an opinion that the postal service could deliver pills in states that ban abortion. But Alabama is warning women that if they take the pill, they could face prosecution.
The state would use an existing law that makes it illegal for women to take drugs while pregnant.
More than half of all abortions in the U.S. are carried out through a pill.
More animal species found to have had COVID-19
It’s been known that animals could get COVID-19. But a new report says the problem is more widespread than previously known. Infection is occurring in both domesticated and wild animals.
Throughout the pandemic, hundreds of dogs and cats contracted the virus, as well as zoo animals like tigers, lions, gorillas, leopards and otters.
Only three wild species have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. Those include mink, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. Experts say since testing wild animals is so infrequent, there’s a good chance that more species have been affected. How they’re getting COVID-19 remains a mystery.
New Girl Scouts cookie unveiled
If you’re in the winter blues, how about a Girl Scouts cookie to cheer you up? Girl Scouts cookies will soon be outside of a grocery store near you.
This is the first look at the newest addition to the batch. Introducing the highly-anticipated “Raspberry Rally” cookie. The “sister cookie” to the beloved Thin Mint.
It’s dipped in the same chocolate as a Thin Mint and it is the same texture on the inside. The difference is on the inside, it has a raspberry flavor.
If this cookie sounds good to you, it will have to be purchases online. It is the first ever online exclusive cookie that the Girl Scouts have ever sold.
Experts warn of ‘meat recession’ as beef supply shrinks; prices to rise
In an Instagram post, online meat delivery company Good Ranchers warned consumers that “a meat recession is knocking and supply is about to be tight” as beef supply continues to shrink. According to The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of cattle moving from pasture into a feedlot to be conditioned for slaughter in September fell 4% nationwide year-over-year. In certain areas, such as Kansas, the drop was as high as 11%.
“The cattle heard has shrunk due to droughts and pandemic prices pushing ranchers to sell to stay alive,” Good Ranchers said in the post. “This means our total meat supply for the coming year is down significantly. This is one of the main reasons a meat recession is coming.”
The drought Good Ranchers referenced in its post has been lingering in key U.S. cattle producing states in the Southwest such as Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas since 2021. According to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, areas of Texas and the Oklahoma panhandle have not experienced material precipitation since September 2021.
“There’s been an acute drought in those states for really the better part of 2022,” Walter Kunisch, senior commodities strategist at Hilltop Securities, told FOX Business. “That drought has been so prolonged, the opportunities to graze or for ranchers to put cattle in the pasture has sharply declined.”
On top of the drought, breeders are also culling more unbred female cattle at a faster pace. This effectively reduces the supply of future animals for slaughter.
“Our replacement heifers – the young cows that will produce future calves to help rebuild the herd – are at their lowest number since the USDA started tracking them in 1973,” Good Ranchers said in its post. “There’s no quick fix for that problem.”
These issues, combined with higher commodity and operating costs, is creating “persistent higher cattle prices, which can lead to higher beef prices,” according to Kunisch. He estimated the U.S. beef cattle supply will continue to contract throughout 2023, continuing the meat recession and further pushing up beef prices for consumers “well the first half of 2024.”