White House ‘public charge’ rule cleared for now by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Trump administration can enforce its new “public charge” immigration rule while challenges work their way through the judicial system. The new rule makes it easier to deny immigrants residency or entry to the United States, if they are likely to receive assistance like food stamp benefits.
Will total U.S. ag exports rise if China buys more?
Without a doubt, the best outcome from the “phase one” agreement with China “is the possibility of U.S. exports to China returning to pre-trade war levels,” says economist Dave Widmar. But it’s not clear how larger sales to China would affect overall U.S. ag exports.
Talks & Eats – Manhattan – Surf ‘n’ Turf: Can our seafood survive Big Ag and climate change?
As oceans warm, our major fisheries are shifting. At the same time, farm runoff is contributing to dead zones from the Gulf of Mexico to Long Island. Both of these issues – climate change and farming practices – affect the health of ocean ecosystems and, ultimately, the seafood that winds up on our plates.
Join moderator and best-selling author Paul Greenberg for a stimulating discussion Feb. 10, 2020, 7:30 p.m., at Subculture in Greenwich Village. VIP reception with drinks and bites beforehand.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
USDA approves hemp plans in three more states (AMS): The USDA approved plans submitted by Delaware, Nebraska and Texas to regulate cultivation of industrial hemp, adding to previously approved plans from Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio.
House backs SNAP lawsuit (Speaker Pelosi): The Democratic-run U.S. House filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit by 14 states and the District of Columbia to overturn a Trump administration regulation that would eliminate food stamps for 688,000 people.
Food company phases out herbicide (Washington Post): Kellogg’s quietly committed to phasing out glyphosate – known as the weedkiller RoundUp – from its supply chain. But industry groups say the manufacturer neglected to tell them about the plan.
Restaurant that allegedly harbored abuse shuts down (Grub Street): The Spotted Pig, a once-influential Manhattan restaurant, is closing in the wake of sexual harassment and assault allegations from the restaurant’s employees.
Dairy farmers rule ballot box (NMPF): By two measures, dairy farmers are a powerful bloc in presidential elections: the five largest dairy states have half of the electoral votes needed to win the White House and three dairy states, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, were decisive in President Trump’s 2016 victory.
U.S. lets loggers pick their trees (Washington Post): USDA’s Forest Service will pay up to $300,000 a year to Alaska in an unusual contract in which the state pays the Alaska Forestry Association to decide which trees can be logged by helicopter on an island in the Tongass National Forest.
