Here's your daily briefing...
A new UC Davis study … shows that insects survive better in crops planted with one variety, than those with many. According to Capital Public Radio’s Julie Mitric, the study found that plant-eating insects depend on a steady flow of nutrients, which they get from single-variety crops. The study appeared in the journal “Nature.” Scientists think the work – done on the diets of 53 species of insects – could help farmers manage pests with less pesticides.
Tom Steyer to run for governor? It looks like he could be setting himself up to do so says USC political analyst Dan Schnur. Schnur was quoted in a recent story by Capital Public Radio as saying many of Steyer’s recent appearances in ads relating to some of California’s ballot measures reminds him of appearance then-private citizen Arnold Schwarzenegger ran in 2002. According to the story, Steyer – known for being a billionaire and an environmentalist – has been reported to be not only the top donor in California, but also the top donor to Super PACs in the entire nation this election cycle. Steyer’s spokesman says he’s narrating the ads solely for transparency and is only concentrated on the current election.
Missing plane: A search has been resumed for a small-engine plane that was returning to the Sacramento area from Idaho. According to the Associated Press, its last position was reported to be over rugged mountain terrain southwest of Lake Tahoe. The area was hit with gusty winds and heavy rains over the last few days.
Did you catch … this morning’s California Report? Some counties are beginning to take another look at who pays for kids to go to juvenile hall. As of now in California, if you’re a kid who gets locked up, your parents could likely get part of the bill.