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The life and times of “The People’s Department.”

Covid-19 stimulus bill to provide $4 billion in debt relief for Black farmers, other farmers of color

03.09.2021
Jessica Fu
An Oklahoma man made people attend a “ghost story” (read: sermon) before getting USDA food boxes. Then he let them take up to 30 at a time.
03.04.2021
by Jessica Fu + H. Claire Brown
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is confirmed (again)
02.23.2021
by H. Claire Brown
USDA is letting schools serve free meals during the pandemic. Officials fear an unintended funding gap.
02.19.2021
by Jessica Fu
Analysis: In easy confirmation hearing, Vilsack fielded questions on climate change, pandemic relief, and trade
02.02.2021
by H. Claire Brown + Jessica Fu + Sam Bloch
Biden’s choice to lead USDA is sparking a broad backlash. Here’s why.
12.10.2020
by The Counter
“This brings tears to my eyes”: A civil rights leader reacts to Vilsack nomination with grief and fury
12.10.2020
by Lawrence Lucas + Joe Fassler
Already under fire for campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime, Ag Secretary uses USDA email list to promote a pro-Trump Fox Business op-ed
11.02.2020
by H. Claire Brown + Jessica Fu
Alaskan salmon fishers to Trump: Leave the Tongass National Forest alone
10.29.2020
by Sam Bloch