Leah Douglas
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social
Reuters journalist covering agriculture, fed agencies, more. email: leah.douglas@tr.com; signal: leahjdouglas.01
on the food & ag beat for 10-15 years, depending how you count. they/them.
https://reuters.com/authors/leah-douglas | www.leahjdouglas.com
on the food & ag beat for 10-15 years, depending how you count. they/them.
https://reuters.com/authors/leah-douglas | www.leahjdouglas.com
Pinned
Leah Douglas
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social
· Jan 31
Want to reach me securely? Use this link to contact me on Signal: tinyurl.com/2x48v222
I'm a journalist covering agriculture, bird flu, USDA, farm labor, trade, and many other areas for @reuters.com. Have something to share? Message me. We protect our sources.
I'm a journalist covering agriculture, bird flu, USDA, farm labor, trade, and many other areas for @reuters.com. Have something to share? Message me. We protect our sources.
My latest for @Reuters was featured on the front page all day yesterday. Miss it? Read more:
USDA searched for terms like 'diversity,' 'climate modeling' to target grants for cancellation - www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
USDA searched for terms like 'diversity,' 'climate modeling' to target grants for cancellation - www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
www.reuters.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:28 PM
My latest for @Reuters was featured on the front page all day yesterday. Miss it? Read more:
USDA searched for terms like 'diversity,' 'climate modeling' to target grants for cancellation - www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
USDA searched for terms like 'diversity,' 'climate modeling' to target grants for cancellation - www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
Reposted by Leah Douglas
US Supreme Court allows Trump's passport policy targeting transgender people reut.rs/3Jk5Qw4
US Supreme Court allows Trump's passport policy targeting transgender people
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Donald Trump's administration to bar applicants for U.S. passports from designating the sex reflecting their gender identities on the document, part of the Republican president's crackdown on the rights of transgender Americans.
reut.rs
November 6, 2025 at 8:35 PM
US Supreme Court allows Trump's passport policy targeting transgender people reut.rs/3Jk5Qw4
The start of November has brought confusion, concern and painful choices for many SNAP recipients as benefits lapse for the first time ever.
Some are forgoing medications or eating less to stretch tight food budgets.
My latest: www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
Some are forgoing medications or eating less to stretch tight food budgets.
My latest: www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
The start of November has brought confusion, concern and painful choices for many SNAP recipients as benefits lapse for the first time ever.
Some are forgoing medications or eating less to stretch tight food budgets.
My latest: www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
Some are forgoing medications or eating less to stretch tight food budgets.
My latest: www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
Two of the top three stories on @reuters.com are the latest news on SNAP and WIC. Keep with us for the latest.
November 3, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Two of the top three stories on @reuters.com are the latest news on SNAP and WIC. Keep with us for the latest.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO USE CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO PARTIALLY PAY FOR NOVEMBER'S SNAP FOOD BENEFITS, COURT FILING SAYS - Reuters
November 3, 2025 at 5:22 PM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO USE CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO PARTIALLY PAY FOR NOVEMBER'S SNAP FOOD BENEFITS, COURT FILING SAYS - Reuters
Neither party shows signs of changing its position to end the 29-day federal shutdown, as SNAP benefits for 42 million people are set to lapse Nov. 1. Meanwhile, the USDA defends a legal U-turn on contingency funds.
From Bo Erickson and I for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
From Bo Erickson and I for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Food aid for 42 million imperiled by shutdown politics, as Trump tests law
Nearly 42 million people are set to lose food aid due to the second-longest U.S. government shutdown, as Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to blame each other for a weeks-long legislative stalemate.
www.reuters.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Neither party shows signs of changing its position to end the 29-day federal shutdown, as SNAP benefits for 42 million people are set to lapse Nov. 1. Meanwhile, the USDA defends a legal U-turn on contingency funds.
From Bo Erickson and I for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
From Bo Erickson and I for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
A banner on the USDA website says SNAP benefits will not go out on November 1.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
An agency memo yesterday said the USDA will not use contingency funds for Nov. benefits: www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
“Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
An agency memo yesterday said the USDA will not use contingency funds for Nov. benefits: www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
October 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
A banner on the USDA website says SNAP benefits will not go out on November 1.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
An agency memo yesterday said the USDA will not use contingency funds for Nov. benefits: www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
“Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
An agency memo yesterday said the USDA will not use contingency funds for Nov. benefits: www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
Food banks, already under strain, say there is little they can do to prepare for the likelihood that SNAP and WIC benefits will lapse in November.
We talked to 9 food banks in 8 states and heard the same thing again and again.
“We’re in some real trouble.”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
We talked to 9 food banks in 8 states and heard the same thing again and again.
“We’re in some real trouble.”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
October 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Food banks, already under strain, say there is little they can do to prepare for the likelihood that SNAP and WIC benefits will lapse in November.
We talked to 9 food banks in 8 states and heard the same thing again and again.
“We’re in some real trouble.”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
We talked to 9 food banks in 8 states and heard the same thing again and again.
“We’re in some real trouble.”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
NEW: the USDA says it will not use $5 billion in contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits.
The benefits are set to lapse at the end of this month due to the federal shutdown.
States, mayors, House Democrats etc have been urging the agency to use this money. Story TK
The benefits are set to lapse at the end of this month due to the federal shutdown.
States, mayors, House Democrats etc have been urging the agency to use this money. Story TK
October 24, 2025 at 8:10 PM
NEW: the USDA says it will not use $5 billion in contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits.
The benefits are set to lapse at the end of this month due to the federal shutdown.
States, mayors, House Democrats etc have been urging the agency to use this money. Story TK
The benefits are set to lapse at the end of this month due to the federal shutdown.
States, mayors, House Democrats etc have been urging the agency to use this money. Story TK
🚨Two dozen states have warned SNAP recipients that November benefits will not go out if the gov’t shutdown continues.
November could see a historic benefit gap for nearly 7 mln WIC and 41 mln SNAP recipients.
“This could get really bad.”
www.reuters.com/business/env...
November could see a historic benefit gap for nearly 7 mln WIC and 41 mln SNAP recipients.
“This could get really bad.”
www.reuters.com/business/env...
www.reuters.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🚨Two dozen states have warned SNAP recipients that November benefits will not go out if the gov’t shutdown continues.
November could see a historic benefit gap for nearly 7 mln WIC and 41 mln SNAP recipients.
“This could get really bad.”
www.reuters.com/business/env...
November could see a historic benefit gap for nearly 7 mln WIC and 41 mln SNAP recipients.
“This could get really bad.”
www.reuters.com/business/env...
U.S. farmers on Monday criticized Trump's suggestion that the country may import more beef from Argentina. Farmers have also lost out to the South American nation on soybean sales to China.
"This plan only creates chaos,” said one cattle group.
With Tom Polansek: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
"This plan only creates chaos,” said one cattle group.
With Tom Polansek: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:30 PM
U.S. farmers on Monday criticized Trump's suggestion that the country may import more beef from Argentina. Farmers have also lost out to the South American nation on soybean sales to China.
"This plan only creates chaos,” said one cattle group.
With Tom Polansek: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
"This plan only creates chaos,” said one cattle group.
With Tom Polansek: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Reposted by Leah Douglas
Federal Layoffs Update 🚨
We could have a better sense today of the # of federal staff laid off since the shutdown began.
A judge ordered the Trump admin to provide an accounting of the firings by 2 p.m. ET today, October 17.
The Trump admin previously said 4,108 people lost their jobs.
We could have a better sense today of the # of federal staff laid off since the shutdown began.
A judge ordered the Trump admin to provide an accounting of the firings by 2 p.m. ET today, October 17.
The Trump admin previously said 4,108 people lost their jobs.
October 17, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Federal Layoffs Update 🚨
We could have a better sense today of the # of federal staff laid off since the shutdown began.
A judge ordered the Trump admin to provide an accounting of the firings by 2 p.m. ET today, October 17.
The Trump admin previously said 4,108 people lost their jobs.
We could have a better sense today of the # of federal staff laid off since the shutdown began.
A judge ordered the Trump admin to provide an accounting of the firings by 2 p.m. ET today, October 17.
The Trump admin previously said 4,108 people lost their jobs.
Thanks very much to the team at 1A for having me on @npr.org / @wamu.org today to talk about the government shutdown and risks to WIC, and the broader context of rising hunger and federal food aid cuts.
Listen to the segment here: the1a.org/segments/wha...
Listen to the segment here: the1a.org/segments/wha...
What the shutdown means for the Women, Infants and Children program
The GOP is blaming the Left for keeping baby formula and healthy foods out of the hands of low-income families.
the1a.org
October 8, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Thanks very much to the team at 1A for having me on @npr.org / @wamu.org today to talk about the government shutdown and risks to WIC, and the broader context of rising hunger and federal food aid cuts.
Listen to the segment here: the1a.org/segments/wha...
Listen to the segment here: the1a.org/segments/wha...
The Trump administration is expected to announce a plan as soon as Tuesday to bail out U.S. farmers - as much as $15B - but the plan could be difficult to roll out because of the government shutdown.
Read more from me and Bo Erickson at @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Read more from me and Bo Erickson at @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The Trump administration is expected to announce a plan as soon as Tuesday to bail out U.S. farmers - as much as $15B - but the plan could be difficult to roll out because of the government shutdown.
Read more from me and Bo Erickson at @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Read more from me and Bo Erickson at @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Democrats say the Trump administration is violating the Hatch Act by posting political messages on government websites, like the USDA. Reporting by me and Steve Holland.
October 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Democrats say the Trump administration is violating the Hatch Act by posting political messages on government websites, like the USDA. Reporting by me and Steve Holland.
🚨The WIC nutrition program could face funding shortfalls in days if the government shutdown continues.
Bo Erickson and I report for @reuters.com on why this key aid is now in jeopardy: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Bo Erickson and I report for @reuters.com on why this key aid is now in jeopardy: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
US government shutdown threatens food-aid program for low-income Americans
Crucial food assistance for about 6.7 million low-income Americans has been put in jeopardy.
www.reuters.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:38 PM
🚨The WIC nutrition program could face funding shortfalls in days if the government shutdown continues.
Bo Erickson and I report for @reuters.com on why this key aid is now in jeopardy: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Bo Erickson and I report for @reuters.com on why this key aid is now in jeopardy: www.reuters.com/business/hea...
There's a lot of news today (!). But take a moment to read this @reuters.com story about a less-covered impact of Trump's federal funding cuts: the end of SNAP-Ed, a nutrition education program that has served millions over 30 years. Its funding ends today.
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
States to end nutrition education programs after Trump cuts
On a warm September day in the courtyard of a San Francisco senior living community, a dozen residents shake their hips and throw their hands in the air to the beat of, fittingly, Earth, Wind & Fire's "September."
www.reuters.com
September 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
There's a lot of news today (!). But take a moment to read this @reuters.com story about a less-covered impact of Trump's federal funding cuts: the end of SNAP-Ed, a nutrition education program that has served millions over 30 years. Its funding ends today.
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to change the childhood vaccine schedule in September, former CDC head Susan Monarez told Congress on Wednesday.
Kennedy asked her to commit to approving the changes before reviewing scientific evidence, Monarez said.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Kennedy asked her to commit to approving the changes before reviewing scientific evidence, Monarez said.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com
September 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to change the childhood vaccine schedule in September, former CDC head Susan Monarez told Congress on Wednesday.
Kennedy asked her to commit to approving the changes before reviewing scientific evidence, Monarez said.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Kennedy asked her to commit to approving the changes before reviewing scientific evidence, Monarez said.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
NEW: A FEMA disaster management tool that emergency managers use to communicate may no longer be supported Wednesday, according to a notice posted and later deleted from a federal government website.
My latest w/ @courtneyrozen.bsky.social:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
My latest w/ @courtneyrozen.bsky.social:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
US online disaster planning tool may go dark on Wednesday, agency website says
An online disaster management tool that U.S. emergency managers use to communicate may no longer be supported Wednesday, according to a notice posted and later deleted from a federal government website.
www.reuters.com
September 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
NEW: A FEMA disaster management tool that emergency managers use to communicate may no longer be supported Wednesday, according to a notice posted and later deleted from a federal government website.
My latest w/ @courtneyrozen.bsky.social:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
My latest w/ @courtneyrozen.bsky.social:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
The recent loss of 2,500 staff and 24 senior career officials could compromise FEMA's ability to respond to natural disasters this year, according to a report by a government watchdog agency.
My latest for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/env...
My latest for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/env...
Staff losses at FEMA could compromise disaster response, says watchdog agency
Recent staff losses at the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the departure of two dozen senior leaders, could compromise the agency's ability to respond to natural disasters this year, according to a report by a government watchdog agency.
www.reuters.com
September 3, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The recent loss of 2,500 staff and 24 senior career officials could compromise FEMA's ability to respond to natural disasters this year, according to a report by a government watchdog agency.
My latest for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/env...
My latest for @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/business/env...
BREAKING: Changes to the CDC's vaccine advisory board and other vaccine policies drove three senior officials to resign on Wednesday, they told @reuters.com in an interview today shortly after they were escorted from the CDC HQ.
Follow our coverage here: www.reuters.com/world/live-u...
Follow our coverage here: www.reuters.com/world/live-u...
Live: CDC director Monarez ousted after RFK Jr. vaccine shifts
Kennedy took questions with Texas Governor Abbott during a press conference in Austin. Departing senior CDC officials told Reuters that changes to CDC's vaccine advisory board and other policies drove them to resign.
www.reuters.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
BREAKING: Changes to the CDC's vaccine advisory board and other vaccine policies drove three senior officials to resign on Wednesday, they told @reuters.com in an interview today shortly after they were escorted from the CDC HQ.
Follow our coverage here: www.reuters.com/world/live-u...
Follow our coverage here: www.reuters.com/world/live-u...
Here's the story: www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
August 13, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Here's the story: www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
NEW: The USDA has moved to end union contracts with some workers at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the latest move by the Trump administration to strip federal workers of collective bargaining rights. Story TK @reuters.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:56 PM
NEW: The USDA has moved to end union contracts with some workers at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the latest move by the Trump administration to strip federal workers of collective bargaining rights. Story TK @reuters.com
The USDA spent $16,400 on the 31-foot banners of Trump and Lincoln that hang from its HQ building in DC, according to records obtained by @washingtonian.com via public records request.
www.washingtonian.com/2025/08/12/u...
www.washingtonian.com/2025/08/12/u...
USDA Spent $16,400 on Banners to Honor Trump and Lincoln - Washingtonian
The unusual installation was a 31-foot-tall reminder of how much things have changed in Washington.
www.washingtonian.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The USDA spent $16,400 on the 31-foot banners of Trump and Lincoln that hang from its HQ building in DC, according to records obtained by @washingtonian.com via public records request.
www.washingtonian.com/2025/08/12/u...
www.washingtonian.com/2025/08/12/u...
Reposted by Leah Douglas
'MAHA' Activists Urge Trump To Oppose Limits On #Pesticide Regulation
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social reports for @reuters.com
#news #environment #climatechange
EJ Today Headlines: sej.org/headlines/list
www.reuters.com/business/env...
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social reports for @reuters.com
#news #environment #climatechange
EJ Today Headlines: sej.org/headlines/list
www.reuters.com/business/env...
'MAHA' activists urge Trump to oppose limits on pesticide regulation
President Donald Trump should block the U.S. House from limiting the regulation of pesticides and "forever chemicals" in its environmental appropriations bill or risk losing Republican support, more than 200 activists aligned with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement said in a letter to Trump.
www.reuters.com
August 13, 2025 at 11:19 AM
'MAHA' Activists Urge Trump To Oppose Limits On #Pesticide Regulation
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social reports for @reuters.com
#news #environment #climatechange
EJ Today Headlines: sej.org/headlines/list
www.reuters.com/business/env...
@leahjdouglas.bsky.social reports for @reuters.com
#news #environment #climatechange
EJ Today Headlines: sej.org/headlines/list
www.reuters.com/business/env...