Multiple sources report on the Trump administration's proposed "skinny budget" for FY26, which calls for significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, including the elimination of funding for cultural and educational agencies such as the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and CPB. The sources also detail various legal challenges arising from the administration's actions, including lawsuits filed by the CPB challenging the attempted removal of board members, several organizations suing over the dismantling of the NEH, and the ALA and AFSCME securing a temporary restraining order against the dismantling of IMLS. These actions are seen as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending and reshape government priorities, though they face resistance from Congress and various organizations.

This information outlines Black Restaurant Week, a promotional campaign dedicated to showcasing Black-owned culinary businesses throughout North America, including restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and specialty food shops. Participating businesses can register for varying levels of digital marketing support, which include website listings, social media and newsletter exposure, and marketing toolkits, with fees based on the chosen package. The campaign aims to increase business awareness and attract new customers through sponsored promotions, press opportunities, and influencer collaborations, offering a more affordable marketing alternative compared to traditional methods. Businesses are encouraged to offer special menus during the campaign and utilize provided marketing tips and resources to maximize their participation. Partnership and influencer collaboration opportunities are also available to further support and expand the initiative.

This text, an article from Morning Ag Clips, reports that Clemson University has become the first organization to achieve full certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard. This certification, announced on Arbor Day, acknowledges Clemson's dedication to responsibly managing its campus trees and green spaces for long-term advantages. It also highlights Clemson's ongoing leadership in forestry, building on its prior SFI certification for its experimental forest. The university emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of urban forests, including air quality improvement and stormwater reduction. An independent audit confirmed Clemson's adherence to various sustainability criteria, reinforcing its commitment to natural resource stewardship as a land-grant institution.

Both sources discuss the challenges and opportunities facing urban and small-scale agriculture, highlighting the need for increased recognition and support for these growers. They point out that current agricultural policies often favor larger, rural operations, making it difficult for urban farmers to access funding, land, and resources. Both sources emphasize the importance of policy changes at various levels, from local zoning to national and potentially European Union initiatives, to legitimize and integrate urban agriculture into the broader food system. The texts also suggest that advocacy, stronger support networks, market connections, and public education are crucial steps in ensuring the future success of urban farming and its contributions to food security and sustainability.

This Investigate Midwest article focuses on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's attempt to rehire employees it previously forced out through resignations and terminations. The article explains that the administration is now recognizing the "vital, mission critical" work these individuals perform, particularly in preventing and controlling agricultural pests and diseases through port inspections. It highlights that many former employees are unlikely to return due to poor working conditions and frustration over being pushed out. The piece also touches on the criticism from Democratic House members regarding the staffing cuts and their potential negative impact on farmers and vital USDA services.

This content from The People's Pharmacy promotes a podcast featuring Dr. Allan Hamilton, a neurosurgeon, who discusses the hidden capabilities of the unconscious brain. The discussion highlights how the unconscious brain processes vast amounts of information beyond conscious awareness, citing examples like brain activity in comatose patients and the potential for premonitions or influencing random number generators. The text also touches upon the evolutionary stages of the brain and the concept of empathy fatigue, emphasizing the significant role of the unconscious mind as popularized by Freud. Listeners are encouraged to access the information through a live broadcast or later podcast.

C. Joy Johnson Brown is a deeply committed individual who leverages her expertise and passion for agriculture to foster community development, combat food insecurity, and promote sustainable practices. Her work at the Belle Terrace Community Garden and through her various leadership roles demonstrates a holistic approach that nourishes both the body and the spirit, driven by her faith and a strong desire to empower others.

This interview highlights Carolyn Henry, owner of the Stop Food Truck, who moved to the Augusta area seeking a slower pace of life. She emphasizes her motto, "Where we will stop is where we will cook," reflecting her commitment to harvesting locally from area farmers and adding global flavors to her dishes.

Henry strongly advocates for supporting local businesses and growers, noting its positive impact on the local economy and reducing food insecurity. She also stresses the importance of growing your own food, promoting self-sufficiency and providing access to healthy produce, especially for families with children.

Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram at @thestopfoodtruck

According to data from a Pew Research Center report, the public holds largely negative views of key actions taken by the Trump administration, specifically cuts to federal departments and agencies, increased tariffs on imported goods, and the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. However, the report indicates that majorities of Republicans express approval for these same actions. Complementing this, a CNN article describes widespread "Hands Off!" protests across the United States and internationally, organized by pro-democracy movements against President Trump and Elon Musk, citing concerns about a "billionaire power grab," cuts to federal programs, and attacks on various communities and rights. Both sources highlight significant public opposition to specific Trump administration policies, although the Pew data reveals a strong partisan divide in these opinions.

An excerpt from an article titled "FDA Suspends Food Safety Checks Following Staff Cuts" reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily halted a crucial quality control program for its food testing labs due to significant reductions in staff at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This suspension impacts the ability of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) labs to conduct proficiency testing and ensure the accuracy of detecting pathogens and contaminants in food, potentially affecting crucial food safety checks like testing for Cyclospora and glyphosate. The cuts, including the departure of key personnel, are having an immediate and significant impact on the program, which is vital for demonstrating the competency and readiness of the lab network. The article notes that the program is suspended at least through September 30 and mentions a previous suspension of efforts to improve bird flu testing due to staff cuts.