Health & Wellness

How America Lost Control of the Bird Flu

Amy Maxmen / KFF Health News Dec 20, 2024 By deferring to the farm industry and neglecting the safety of agriculture workers, the government helped set the stage for another pandemic. Dig deeper ( 14 Min. Read )

Another Trump Official Has Been Caught Red-Handed

Derek Kravitz / ProPublica Jan 14, 2020 A senior Agriculture Department official and ex-lobbyist repeatedly shared information with her former industry on policy and enforcement. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Factory Farm Conditions Are Bad for People Too

Tia Schwab / Independent Media Institute and Stone Pier Press Dec 6, 2019 Lack of government oversight has created public health crises including antibiotic-resistant diseases, foodborne illness and flu epidemics. Dig deeper ( 10 Min. Read )

White House Closer to Partial Shutdown With Wall Demand

HOPE YEN / The Associated Press Dec 16, 2018 Despite lawmaker resistance from both parties, the Trump administration insists that Congress provide billions for a southern border wall. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Farmers Hit Hard by Trade, Immigration, Biofuel Policies

DAVID PITT / The Associated Press Jul 15, 2018 Before the threat of tariffs and countertariffs, the Department of Agriculture predicted that U.S. farm income would drop this year to $60 billion, half what it was five years ago. That projection is likely to be high, given what's transpired since. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Drug Testing Plan Considered for Some Food Stamp Recipients

JULIET LINDERMAN and JONATHAN LEMIRE / The Associated Press Apr 11, 2018 If a plan allowing states to require certain food stamp recipients to undergo drug testing comes to fruition, it will be a win for conservatives seeking ways to curb the safety net program. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Food Box’ Idea Draws Criticism From Democrats, Others

JULIET LINDERMAN / The Associated Press Feb 16, 2018 Critics say a proposal to replace the food stamp program with deliveries of food would punish the poor. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

A Wide-Open Door for Pesticide Lobbyists at the Agriculture Department

Robert Faturechi / ProPublica, and Danielle Ivory / The New York Times Nov 15, 2017 One former lobbyist now leads the department's deregulatory team, and visitor logs show old ties remain strong. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

USDA Discourages Staff From Using the Term ‘Climate Change’

Emily Wells / Truthdig Aug 8, 2017 Though not requested by Trump administration, the change may reflect how some staff are reacting to its values. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

U.S. Farmers Face Fraught Future

By Alex Kirby, Climate News Network Feb 7, 2013 American farmers could lose millions of dollars to rising temperatures, faster-growing weeds, smaller yields and new pests, says a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )