Farm Bill/E15: Sen. Chuck Grassley says the Senate Agriculture Committee will start reviewing new Farm Bill language soon, with E15 a key focus as lawmakers push for year-round demand and corn growth. Invasive Pests: Pennsylvania senators Fetterman and McCormick introduced a Spotted Lanternfly R&D bill to boost funding through USDA’s research arm, citing major crop risks to grapes, apples, peaches and hops. Food Safety/Cyclospora: Michigan reported 12,218 cyclosporiasis cases and its first two deaths tied to the multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell and sourced from Taylor Farms in Mexico; Iowa and other states are now reporting rapidly rising case counts. Water & Drought: Lake Mead is just inches above its record low, underscoring ongoing Colorado River strain that heavily affects Southwest agriculture. USDA Disaster Relief: USDA expanded drought disaster area designations in Virginia’s 9th District, adding more counties eligible for assistance. Agriculture Workforce/Enforcement: DHS and DOT ran Operation Highway Shield, detaining 51 immigrants and putting hundreds of commercial drivers/vehicles out of service across four Midwestern states. Farm Community & People: A Minnesota Farmfest profile highlights how women are increasingly leading farms, with strawberry grower Kris Huebsch as a featured example. Animal Health: Oregon detected classical scrapie at a slaughterhouse, restarting concern for the disease’s U.S. “freedom” timeline. Rural Safety Training: UMaine Extension launched a self-paced online tractor safety course for safer beginner operation.