U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Virgin Islands Free Press

DOJ probes high cost of eggs everywhere

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice has begun a probe into the dramatic surge in egg prices across the country, a development that has drawn attention from both consumers…

John McCarthy March 8, 2025

Breaking News Business News Health News

Trump administration struggles to rehire fired bird flu employees

The Trump administration touted a nearly $1 billion plan Wednesday to combat the spread of avian flu and mitigate skyrocketing egg prices as the outbreak rips through poultry flocks across…

John McCarthy February 27, 2025

Breaking News Environmental News Health News

Bird flu confirmed in rats for first time, USDA reports

WASHINGTON (CBS) — Bird flu has been detected in rats for the first time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed Wednesday. Four black rats were…

John McCarthy February 20, 2025

Breaking News Health News National News

USDA says it is trying to rehire bird flu experts the agency accidentally fired

WASHINGTON (CBS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is trying to rehire bird flu experts that the agency accidentally fired as part of its efforts to cut costs…

John McCarthy February 19, 2025

Breaking News Community Affairs National News

Trump wants to end food stamps for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Plaskett warns

FREDERIKSTED — Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett used the opening of the Agriculture and Food Fair in Estate Lower Love on Saturday to issue a stern warning to residents of…

John McCarthy February 17, 2025

Breaking News Health News National News

Man who only ate cheese, beef and sticks of butter for 8 months suffers shocking side effect

Carnivore no more? A Florida man in his mid-40s on a meat, fat, and dairy-heavy diet arrived at a Tampa hospital with ooze emanating from yellowish nodes on the palms…

John McCarthy January 28, 2025

Breaking News Health News National News

He gave his cats raw milk because he thought it was healthier. He says it tragically backfired

A California man whose two cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu risk says he meant to keep his beloved pets healthy, but his efforts tragically backfired. “It’s horrible…

John McCarthy January 12, 2025

Breaking News Crime News Police News

U.S. Attorney Smith reminds USVI that cockfighting is prohibited by federal law

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — United States Attorney Delia L. Smith advises Virgin Islands residents that the Agricultural Improvement Act (P.L. 115-334), which has been in effect since December 20, 2019, prohibits…

John McCarthy November 29, 2024

Breaking News Business News Health News

Trump taps Rollins as agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead…

John McCarthy November 23, 2024

Breaking News Business News Health News

Human Services says SNAP benefits increased on October 1

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) is excited to announce anincrease in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, effective October 1, 2024.This increase represents a critical step…

John McCarthy October 8, 2024