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USDA Employees File Lawsuit Against Secretary Rollins Over Religious Messaging

USDA Employees File Lawsuit Against Secretary Rollins Over Religious Messaging

Employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have filed a lawsuit against Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, alleging that her religious messaging in official communications violates the First Amendment. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Rollins' emails, which include religious content, are 'unconstitutionally coercive' and impose her Christian beliefs on the agency's 100,000 employees. The plaintiffs argue that these messages create an environment where employees feel unwelcome and pressured to conform to Rollins' religious views. The lawsuit seeks to halt further religious messaging from Rollins, citing a violation of the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act. The USDA has not commented on the pending litigation but stated they will keep the plaintiffs in their prayers.

SNAP Enrollment Decline Puts Pressure on U.S. Food Banks

SNAP Enrollment Decline Puts Pressure on U.S. Food Banks

Food banks across the United States are experiencing increased pressure as participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) declines. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP enrollment fell by approximately 4.3 million people between January 2025 and January 2026. This decline is attributed to policy changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which tightened eligibility requirements and expanded work rules for recipients. As a result, more individuals are turning to food banks and local pantries for assistance.

Farmers Urge Congress for Fertilizer Price Transparency Amid Rising Costs

Farmers Urge Congress for Fertilizer Price Transparency Amid Rising Costs

Farmers and agricultural advocates are urging Congress to implement transparency reporting requirements for fertilizer pricing. During a hearing by the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, stakeholders highlighted the challenges posed by rising fertilizer prices, exacerbated by global conflicts such as the one in Ukraine. Andy Green, a senior advisor at Center Market Strategies, emphasized the need for transparency to help farmers understand price determinants. Trent Kubik, president of South Dakota Corn Growers, criticized the consolidation in the agriculture industry, which he claims has led to inefficiencies and opaque pricing. Kubik advocates for the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026, which would mandate the U.S. Department of Agriculture to publish weekly market data on fertilizer prices. Senators John Thune and Amy Klobuchar support these transparency measures and call for investigations into monopolistic practices in the industry.

DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be issuing subpoenas to reporters involved in national security leak cases. This move follows pressure from President Trump, who has expressed concerns about media leaks, particularly following the Iran war. Blanche's actions have raised alarms about the DOJ's approach to press freedom, as subpoenas have already been issued to the Wall Street Journal for its reporting on the Iran conflict. The DOJ's actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of aligning law enforcement activities with the president's preferences, raising questions about the independence of the DOJ.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's Road Trip Funded by Companies He Regulates Raises Conflict of Interest Concerns

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's Road Trip Funded by Companies He Regulates Raises Conflict of Interest Concerns

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a 'Great American Road Trip' series, celebrating the United States' 250th birthday. The series, which spans seven months, is funded by donations from companies Duffy regulates, such as Boeing, Toyota, and United Airlines. The funding strategy has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as these companies are under Duffy's regulatory oversight. The series aims to promote patriotism and counter negative narratives about America. Critics argue that the funding sources, particularly Boeing, which has a history of regulatory issues, suggest a problematic relationship between regulators and the industry.

Justice Department Defends Subpoenas to Wall Street Journal in Leak Investigation

Justice Department Defends Subpoenas to Wall Street Journal in Leak Investigation

The Justice Department has defended its decision to issue subpoenas to Wall Street Journal reporters as part of a leak investigation related to a report on the U.S. military's strategy in Iran. The department stated that the subpoenas aim to identify government employees leaking classified information, not to target journalists. The move has raised concerns about press freedom and the relationship between the media and the Trump administration. The subpoenas are part of a broader effort to address leaks of classified information, which the department argues could endanger national security and military personnel.

Federal Government Seeks Eminent Domain on Mount Cristo Rey for Border Wall Construction

Federal Government Seeks Eminent Domain on Mount Cristo Rey for Border Wall Construction

Federal officials have initiated an eminent domain claim to acquire Mount Cristo Rey, a mountain on the Texas-Mexico-New Mexico border, from the Catholic Church. The government aims to use the land for President Trump's border wall, citing the need to prevent unauthorized immigration. The mountain, topped with a statue of Jesus, is a significant religious site, drawing pilgrims from both sides of the border. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces opposes the acquisition, arguing it would violate religious rights and disrupt pilgrimage routes. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated that they attempted to purchase the land but resorted to eminent domain when the church refused to sell. The proposed 'Smart Wall' would include steel bollards and remote-detection technology. The diocese has filed a court case to block the acquisition, emphasizing the site's cultural and religious importance.

Trump administration will join a prayer gathering criticized for promoting Christian nationalism

Trump administration will join a prayer gathering criticized for promoting Christian nationalism

President Donald Trump and several top administration officials are joining with a cast of mostly conservative Christian clergy this Sunday for a prayer gathering

Trump to sign orders to boost beef imports, rebuild cattle herd, White House says

Trump to sign orders to boost beef imports, rebuild cattle herd, White House says

By David Lawder and Tom Polansek CHICAGO, May 11 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders on Monday to allow increased beef imports into the U.S. and to support renewal of the U.S. cattle herd in an effort to address high beef prices, a White House official said.

Trump administration 'fine-tuning' actions to ease US beef shortages, White House says

Trump administration 'fine-tuning' actions to ease US beef shortages, White House says

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is "fine-tuning" potential presidential executive orders aimed at reducing domestic beef prices, a White House official said on Tuesday after a delay in signing actions that were expected on Monday.

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Counties

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Counties

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing loan assistance to farmers in counties affected by drought, as announced by Governor Jim Pillen. The disaster declaration covers three primary counties, including Keya Paha and Rock, and extends to ten contiguous counties. Farmers in these areas have eight months from the declaration date to apply for assistance. Local Farm Service Agency offices will offer additional information to those impacted. This initiative aims to support farmers facing financial challenges due to adverse weather conditions.

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Farmers in Nebraska Counties

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Farmers in Nebraska Counties

The United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced loan assistance for farmers in Nebraska counties affected by drought. Governor Jim Pillen revealed that the disaster declaration covers three primary counties, including Keya Paha and Rock, and extends to ten contiguous counties such as Boyd, Brown, and Holt. Farmers in these areas have an eight-month window from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for the assistance. Local FSA offices are available to provide additional information to those impacted.