Sacramento, CA, USA. A ballot measure to require labeling of genetically modified foods brought big money and prominent players to the table in California and other states.

California’s Proposition 37 started out as one ex-farmer’s low-budget quest to get genetically modified foods labeled at the grocery store.

Washington, DC, USA. Threatened budget cuts would cut off food stamps for millions in states all over the country, but a Congressional stalemate may stave off the pain.

Capitol Hill inaction has been blamed for everything from near-shutdowns of the federal government to a historic downgrade in the U.S. credit rating, but a stalemate over a sweeping farm bill set back the clock on impending budget cuts that worries states and safety net advocates around the country.

Washington, DC, USA. A dozen GOP governors opted-out of Medicaid expansion, but skeptics say they are posturing and will eventually succumb to the lure of federal dollars.

They note that several GOP governors initially refused stimulus money on political principle, but eventually accepted it because their states were desperate for help.

Melbourne, Vic, Australia. Daily consumption of dark chocolate over 10 years can can reduce cardiovascular events in people with metabolic syndrome, says a new study.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Dark chocolate (containing at least 60% cocoa solids) is rich in flavonoids — known to have heart protecting effects — but this has only been examined in short term studies.

Greenwich, CT, USA. While most states are banking on managed care to hold down Medicaid costs, Connecticut has returned to directly reimbursing health care providers.

Anyone familiar with Medicaid’s financial woes will tell you that the traditional way of paying health providers — the so-called fee-for-service method — is a big part of the problem.