Senate passes five-year farm bill

WASHINGTON — Congress has given its final approval to a sweeping five-year farm bill that provides food for the needy and subsidies for farmers.

Ending years of political battles, the Senate vote Tuesday sends the measure to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it.

The bill provides a financial cushion for farmers who face unpredictable weather and market conditions. But the bulk of its nearly $100 billion-a-year cost is for the food stamp program, which aids 1 in 7 Americans.

House Republicans had hoped to trim the bill’s costs, but conservatives were eventually outnumbered as the Democratic Senate, the White House and a bipartisan coalition of farm-state lawmakers supported it.

The legislation cuts the food stamp program about 1 percent; the House had pushed for five times that amount.

Mower County

Blair Lawhead concert announces this year’s guest

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: July 7-14

Mower County

Lunchbox History to present latest show

Mower County

In Your Community: Shriner’s support Paramount project

Mower County

In Your Community: Austin Noon Lions news

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

News

Republican Scott Jensen announces he’ll again run for Minnesota governor

News

Congress slashes public media funding in ‘worst-case scenario’ for some Minnesota stations

News

National bike race puts Minnesota’s gravel roads on display

Grand Meadow Superlarks

Representing the law: Mower County Sheriff’s Office deputy honors his father at World Police and Fire Games

Mower County

PHOTOS: Secretary of State Steve Simon visits Mower DFL Summer Party

Education

RCC, HRA wraps up this year’s collaboration home, looks to shift work to SW Austin next year

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Faribault man accused of felony theft gets probation

Business

Austin Domino’s honored with company award for excellence

Business

Twice Is Nice closing its doors after serving Austin community for 24 years

Local Government

Mower County brings important records system back online

Business

Regional tour brings new SMIF president/CEO to Austin

Mower County

PHOTOS: Public lines up for some chops

Mower County

New Austin Salvation Army officers appointed

Mower County

Down the home stretch: Paramount project nears the finish line as it looks to August goal

Mower County

MPR holds its breath as vote nears for potential federal cuts

News

Federal grand jury indicts Vance Boelter on six counts related to lawmaker shootings

News

Feds refute Eichorn claim of ‘vindictive’ prosecution