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Today, USDA officials confirmed the country's latest instance of mad cow disease. The cow in question was discovered at a rendering facility in central California, and its meat didn't enter into the food chain, and the USDA says we're safe — which is good news for people who buy Steak-umms. So we're probably okay for the time being, since of course this isn't even the first time an infected cow's been found on U.S. soil. Let's take a look back ...

Congressman Bob Brady, whose First Congressional District is one of the nation’s hungriest and neediest, took on the “Food Stamp Challenge.” Yesterday he, Mayor Michael Nutter and State Senator Vincent Hughes began the seven-day trial. For the rest of the week each of politicians will subsist only on the amount of food that the average food stamp benefit can pay for. And that works out to a measly $5 a day. Brady, Nutter and Hughes are participating in the challenge to raise awareness about the importance of food stamps (now called SNAP), and the difficulties that those who depend on them to feed their families face everyday. The challenge comes a week before the controversial asset test for SNAP recipients goes into effect, and ultimately disqualifies thousands of low-income families from receiving food assistance.

What are the best minds in fast food thinking about? "The drive-thru as an incredible opportunity to innovate," that's what. That's according to a report from Big Red Rooster, which is not itself a fast-food chain, but is a "multidimensional brand experience firm" (rough translation: consultants) that helps fast-food chains, er, we mean "quick-service restaurants," get their act together better. In the scary/fascinating world they conjure up, what is now an "impersonal, drive-around-back experience" could become a multimedia phantasmagoria of sensation and delight guaranteed to increase your loyalty to Scream-a-Burger or Taco Wowzo. Here's how.