USDA vows to address “historical discrimination” as Black farmers accuse agency of racism

by Mark Dovich, Jeff Chamer and Hazel Tang | Sep 28, 2021 | Featured, Social Justice

WASHINGTON — The Department of Agriculture launched on Friday a commission aimed at addressing “historical discrimination” in agriculture, a sign the USDA is looking to overcome a decades-long history of systemic racism that Black farmers say has shrunk their numbers...

Lawmakers take steps to raise awareness of the risks of vaping

by Saeed Abdullah | Aug 30, 2021 | Health

WASHINGTON – Lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to educate the public about and call attention to the risks of vaping. It would also allow the FDA to better regulate the vaping market. Vaping is increasing in popularity among youth, especially...

Bipartisan legislators seek to end workplace sexual assault and harassment

by Saeed Abdullah | Aug 27, 2021 | Politics

WASHINGTON – Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Il., and a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Senate and House of Representatives introduced legislation to give survivors of sexual assault and harassment more legal rights. This act aims to prevent perpetrators from...

As Washington debates immigrant labor, Wisconsin dairy workers could benefit

by Hazel Tang and Mark Dovich | Aug 18, 2021 | Immigration

WASHINGTON — Disruptions to the country’s food supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic have refocused attention on the key role that migrant workers play in U.S. agriculture, and legislation currently stalled in Congress could shore up the country’s...

Roll Call: Key votes from the Wisconsin congressional delegation this week

by Mark Dovich | Aug 9, 2021 | Politics

Here’s how members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation voted on major issues last week. The House was in recess and is expected to return in September. SENATE ADVANCING INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE: Voting 67 for and 27 against, the Senate on Saturday agreed (HR 3684)...

Voting Rights Protest on Capitol Hill Ends with Hundreds Arrested

by Mark Dovich and Hazel Tang | Aug 4, 2021 | Featured, Politics

WASHINGTON — Around 500 voting rights activists and faith leaders sat outside the Hart Senate Office Building singing hymns, protesting poverty, and calling for federal protection of voting rights on Monday. The actions were a part of the Poor People Campaign’s...