In this week’s parched edition of Rising Anxieties, Mariann dives into the meat industry’s growing water crisis – where aquifers are disappearing faster than industry excuses. While Texas suffers floods, livestock regions face exceptional drought conditions with vital aquifers dropping several feet annually. The meat industry’s brilliant solution? Water-free animals and air-to-water technology! Meanwhile, lab-grown salmon makes a splash in Portland’s elite dining scene, and Big Ag celebrates their latest government handout in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Turns out water isn’t the only thing the industry is draining!

• Aquifers in Crisis: Livestock-heavy regions facing severe drought while underground water sources drop 2-7 feet annually in key meat-producing states
• Meat Industry’s Water Woes: Industry insider admits animal agriculture uses “unbelievable amounts of water” with dire supply chain implications
• Cultivated Meat: Reluctant Savior?: Meat industry publications begrudgingly acknowledge lab-grown proteins might be their only sustainable option
• Sustainable Salmon Arrives: Lab-grown seafood now available (if you can get a reservation) at an exclusive Portland restaurant
• David vs. Goliath Delusion: Animal agriculture industry hilariously portrays itself as the “underdog” against “well-funded opposition”
• Disease Updates: New foot-and-mouth disease strain in Turkey; experts warn against letting bird flu spread unchecked through poultry farms
• Big Ag’s Windfall: Industry celebrates the “One Big Beautiful Bill” with expanded payments for feed crops and animal health tax safeguards

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