US tabloid once (3,6)

I believe the answer is:

the people

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'us' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for the people that I've seen before include "Sunday reading?" , "Subjects" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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