Debt relief injunction: A federal judge in Florida issued a preliminary injunction against the USDA program that would provide an estimated $4 billion in debt relief to socially disadvantaged farmers because white farmers are not eligible. (Pacific Legal Foundation)
Wilkes picked for USDA post: President Biden nominated Homer Wilkes, director of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Team, to be agriculture undersecretary for natural resources. (White House)
Grassley or not?: Although nearly two-thirds of Iowa voters say they would prefer “someone new” in the Senate, other indicators suggest that seven-term Sen. Chuck Grassley could be re-elected in the Republican state. (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
Plant-based meals in schools: New York Democratic Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Jamaal Bowman filed a bill to create a voluntary grant program for schools that want to provide “healthier, climate friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entree options for students.” (Velazquez)
McCain to FAO: Cindy McCain, widow of former Sen. John McCain, was nominated by President Biden to serve as U.S. ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. (White House)