Must-read recap: The New Lede's top stories over the last week

A cancer crisis in Iowa, persistent PFAS in Maryland, and the latest in the Bayer Roundup litigation

This past week at TNL, our reporters took you to Iowa, the nation’s No. 2 state for cancer incidences where researchers launched an examination of environmental factors as suspected culprits behind the cancer crisis.

We also visited a Maryland community stricken by years of PFAS contamination tied to a Perdue plant, and we reported Bayer’s move to settle the latest Roundup trial, even as the company looks to a US Supreme Court conference this coming week in hopes of finding an exit ramp from the broader litigation.

We brought you news from Kraft Heinz on the company’s effort to move away from synthetic food dyes, and shared insightful reflections from industry experts on on persistent environmental injustice issues and the demise of rural America.

Here’s the latest from The New Lede:

Seeking answers to a cancer crisis in Iowa, researchers question if agriculture is to blame

As a key US farm state, Iowa has long been known for the leafy green stalks of corn that stretch seemingly endlessly across the horizon. But the state holds a darker, more ominous ranking as well: For the last few years, Iowa has had the second-highest rate of cancer in the nation, and is only one of two US states where cancer is increasing. Researchers are questioning if agricultural chemicals are playing a role, and farm groups may not like it.

(Read the rest of the story.)

Kraft Heinz to remove synthetic dyes from all products by 2027

Kraft Heinz, the food giant behind dozens of popular brands including Oscar Mayer, Jell-O, Velveeta and Kool-Aid, will not launch any new foods with synthetic dyes and will remove the dyes from its current products by the end of 2027. The company is replacing some with natural dyes and is also “reinventing new colors and shades,” it says.

(Read the rest of the story.)

Maryland residents search for answers as community struggles to overcome PFAS contamination

Rick Wawrzeniak is tired of worrying about “forever chemicals.” Over the last several years he has developed mysterious gut issues and other health problems, and watched as his son and several neighbors have also seen health problems arise. They all live in a community awash in PFAS contamination from a Perdue plant. Now they’re working to hold Perdue accountable.

(Read the rest of the story.)

Bayer settles Missouri Roundup case mid-trial; looks to US Supreme Court

Bayer put a halt to its latest courtroom battle over allegations that its weed killing products cause cancer, settling a Missouri case after four weeks of testimony and just as the trial was heading to the jury. The confidential settlement came after the judge in the case denied Bayer’s motion for a directed verdict in the company’s favor.

(Read the rest of the story.)

OPINION: The role of farming in the exodus of rural America

The small towns and local economies that epitomize America’s heartland have become a causality of a commodity agriculture system, where a farmer’s control of their own operation has been eroded. Consequently, succeeding generations see little to no opportunity on the family farm. As a result, rural America is disappearing.

(Read the rest of the guest column by Dr. Ryan Schmid of Ecdysis Foundation here.)

Opinion: Juneteenth, the EPA and recognition of freedom, liberty and justice

Juneteenth marked the end of slavery and a celebration of our right to be free, safe, healthy and treated with dignity. But for far too many those rights are still being trampled upon. One glaring example: the right to breathe clean air, to drink safe water, and to live in communities that aren’t drowning in pollution or ignored in policy decisions is still a long-sought dream.

(Read the rest of the guest column by Stephanie Reese or Moms Clean Air Force here.)

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