Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
Foundations
Featured Stories
Reason Foundation: Accept Treatment or Lose Access - Ontario's New Opioid Rules Undermine Harm Reduction
LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 24 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following news:
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Accept treatment or lose access: Ontario's new opioid rules undermine harm reduction
Restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid.
Jeffrey A. Singer
Senior Fellow
October 23, 2026
Ontario is moving backward in its opioid harm-reduction policies, restricting access to drugs that help users fight addiction. Regulators argue that these restrictions will reduce diversion--the sale, sharing, or transfer of ... Show Full Article LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 24 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following news: * * * Accept treatment or lose access: Ontario's new opioid rules undermine harm reduction Restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid. Jeffrey A. Singer Senior Fellow October 23, 2026 Ontario is moving backward in its opioid harm-reduction policies, restricting access to drugs that help users fight addiction. Regulators argue that these restrictions will reduce diversion--the sale, sharing, or transfer ofprescribed drugs to others. However, restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid.
On Oct. 13, Ontario's medical regulator, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, approved new restrictions on what's referred to as "safer supply" opioid prescribing--providing access to pharmaceutical drugs of known strength and composition to people who would otherwise obtain them from the black market. Physicians must prescribe safer-supply opioids only in conjunction with opioid-agonist therapy--long-acting opioids that reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms, such as methadone or buprenorphine. They must prohibit take-home doses and assess patients in person at least once a month. The regulator expects physicians to comply by Nov. 16.
Ontario's first formal safer-opioid-supply program began in London, Ontario, in 2016. Programs have typically prescribed immediate-release hydromorphone--sold under the brand name Dilaudid--which patients collect daily from pharmacies and take home. Clinicians often also prescribe a longer-acting opioid, e.g., methadone, and programs provide primary care and social support. The goal is to reduce exposure to unpredictable street drugs without requiring patients to abstain from opioids.
Ontario has long allowed patients with opioid use disorder to obtain it from community pharmacies, including take-home doses when clinically appropriate. Canada allows physicians to prescribe methadone through community pharmacies, whereas the United States generally restricts access to specialized opioid treatment programs regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ontario's new safer-supply restrictions deny clinicians comparable discretion. Its revised prescribing policy requires physicians to mark these prescriptions "safer supply" and "no carries"--meaning no take-home doses. The regulator explicitly intends this requirement to ensure that all safer-supply medication is consumed under supervision. This restriction applies only to safer-supply prescriptions; it does not impose a blanket prohibition on take-home methadone or buprenorphine prescribed as opioid-agonist therapy. Thus, under the new rules, a patient receiving both methadone and hydromorphone could take the methadone home while having to appear for supervised consumption of the hydromorphone.
Ontario permits clinicians to individualize take-home methadone decisions, yet it now denies them comparable discretion in prescribing safer-supply medications. The Ontario College of Pharmacists has even highlighted research linking expanded access to take-home methadone with lower risks of overdose and treatment interruption or discontinuation. Although these findings do not establish that take-home doses are appropriate for every safer-supply patient, they reinforce the need to weigh the dangers of restricting access against the risks of diversion.
Prohibiting take-home doses creates practical barriers. Patients must arrange transportation and fit supervised consumption into their daily schedules. Rural residents may live far from a participating pharmacy. Employed patients may struggle to attend during operating hours without missing work. Caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, and unreliable transportation can make repeated visits even harder. A prescription that patients cannot obtain in practice offers little protection.
The rationale for safer supply draws on lessons from the U.S. crackdown on prescription pain pills, as I explain in Your Body, Your Health Care. For example, many states operate prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) that track and trend prescriptions and impose state statutory limits on the number and dose of opioids that doctors may prescribe, based on the belief that over-prescribing opioids was the main cause of the overdose crisis. In response, many nonmedical opioid users migrated to illicit heroin and then to fentanyl as pharmaceutical opioids became harder to obtain. The crackdown also harmed patients receiving legitimate pain treatment.
As I have written previously, some chronic pain patients, cut off from their medications by physicians fearing law-enforcement scrutiny, turned to the illicit market for relief. There, patients and non-medical users alike risk encountering counterfeit pain pills containing fentanyl or other adulterants. Pharmaceutical opioids carry risks, but knowing what is in a drug and its dose makes those risks more predictable.
Research offers encouraging, though incomplete, evidence supporting safer supply. A 2022 study of London's program found that emergency department visits and hospital admissions declined after patients enrolled in safer supply programs, while those outside of the program saw no significant improvements. A larger 2025 Ontario study associated safer-supply enrollment with fewer hospital-treated opioid poisonings and less health care use.
The researchers also examined a separate comparison group: those who started methadone treatment. Both groups improved. The methadone comparison group had lower poisoning rates, while safer-supply recipients were less likely to discontinue their programs. Because some safer-supply patients also received opioid agonist therapy, these findings should not be read as a comparison of hydromorphone alone against methadone alone.
Both studies were observational as opposed to controlled studies, meaning that many outside factors might have influenced the outcomes. They cannot conclusively separate the effects of pharmaceutical opioids from those of accompanying medical and social services. But these findings support keeping safer supply available as an option while researchers continue to evaluate its benefits and risks. They do not demonstrate that requiring patients to accept opioid-agonist therapy as a condition of receiving safer supply improves outcomes.
The problem of drug diversion deserves attention. Prescribed opioids can reach people for whom clinicians did not prescribe them, including recreational users. But acknowledging that risk does not prove that blanket restrictions will reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Regulators must also consider what happens to patients who can no longer meet the conditions for obtaining their prescriptions. Reducing diversion while driving patients back to illicit fentanyl would hardly constitute a public health success.
The same distinction applies to any mandates that users participate in opioid-agonist therapy. Methadone and buprenorphine can help people manage opioid use disorder and reduce overdose risk. Clinicians should offer these medications and explain their benefits and risks. However, evidence supporting a treatment does not establish that making it compulsory as a condition of another prescription produces better outcomes.
Rather than physically forcing patients to take medication or confining them in treatment facilities, Ontario makes access to safer supply conditional on accepting opioid-agonist therapy. A competent patient who declines that treatment loses access to a pharmaceutical alternative to street fentanyl, even when the prescribing physician considers safer supply appropriate. This regulatory requirement pressures patients to accept treatment they would otherwise refuse and prevents clinicians from tailoring care to their patients' needs and preferences.
Repeated pharmacy visits may make safer supply impractical for some patients, increasing their reliance on illicit drugs. Researchers will need to assess whether Ontario's new restrictions lead to that outcome. Regulators should track whether patients remain in care, retain access to pharmaceutical alternatives, and experience more or fewer overdoses.
Ontario still offers patients a pharmaceutical alternative to illicit opioids that U.S. policymakers have yet to permit. U.S. policymakers should consider that harm-reduction approach while preserving the patient choice and clinical discretion Ontario is now curtailing. Clinicians should assess risks on a case-by-case basis, offer treatment voluntarily, and tailor prescribing and supervision to each patient's circumstances. Regulators should judge restrictions by their effects on overdose rates, access, and retention in care. Counting fewer diverted pills tells us little if the policy leaves more people dependent on an unpredictable illicit market.
Harm reduction starts with helping people reduce the risks they face, even when they decline the treatment others would choose for them. Making that help conditional on accepting the government's preferred treatment risks defeating its purpose.
* * *
Jeffrey A. Singer is a senior fellow at Reason Foundation.
* * *
Original text here: https://reason.org/commentary/accept-treatment-or-lose-access-ontarios-new-opioid-rules-undermine-harm-reduction/
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Accept treatment or lose access: Ontario's new opioid rules undermine harm reduction
Restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid.
Jeffrey A. Singer
Senior Fellow
October 23, 2026
Ontario is moving backward in its opioid harm-reduction policies, restricting access to drugs that help users fight addiction. Regulators argue that these restrictions will reduce diversion--the sale, sharing, or transfer of ... Show Full Article LOS ANGELES, California, Oct. 24 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following news: * * * Accept treatment or lose access: Ontario's new opioid rules undermine harm reduction Restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid. Jeffrey A. Singer Senior Fellow October 23, 2026 Ontario is moving backward in its opioid harm-reduction policies, restricting access to drugs that help users fight addiction. Regulators argue that these restrictions will reduce diversion--the sale, sharing, or transfer ofprescribed drugs to others. However, restricting access to pharmaceutical opioids risks driving patients back to the dangerous illicit market these programs seek to help them avoid.
On Oct. 13, Ontario's medical regulator, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, approved new restrictions on what's referred to as "safer supply" opioid prescribing--providing access to pharmaceutical drugs of known strength and composition to people who would otherwise obtain them from the black market. Physicians must prescribe safer-supply opioids only in conjunction with opioid-agonist therapy--long-acting opioids that reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms, such as methadone or buprenorphine. They must prohibit take-home doses and assess patients in person at least once a month. The regulator expects physicians to comply by Nov. 16.
Ontario's first formal safer-opioid-supply program began in London, Ontario, in 2016. Programs have typically prescribed immediate-release hydromorphone--sold under the brand name Dilaudid--which patients collect daily from pharmacies and take home. Clinicians often also prescribe a longer-acting opioid, e.g., methadone, and programs provide primary care and social support. The goal is to reduce exposure to unpredictable street drugs without requiring patients to abstain from opioids.
Ontario has long allowed patients with opioid use disorder to obtain it from community pharmacies, including take-home doses when clinically appropriate. Canada allows physicians to prescribe methadone through community pharmacies, whereas the United States generally restricts access to specialized opioid treatment programs regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ontario's new safer-supply restrictions deny clinicians comparable discretion. Its revised prescribing policy requires physicians to mark these prescriptions "safer supply" and "no carries"--meaning no take-home doses. The regulator explicitly intends this requirement to ensure that all safer-supply medication is consumed under supervision. This restriction applies only to safer-supply prescriptions; it does not impose a blanket prohibition on take-home methadone or buprenorphine prescribed as opioid-agonist therapy. Thus, under the new rules, a patient receiving both methadone and hydromorphone could take the methadone home while having to appear for supervised consumption of the hydromorphone.
Ontario permits clinicians to individualize take-home methadone decisions, yet it now denies them comparable discretion in prescribing safer-supply medications. The Ontario College of Pharmacists has even highlighted research linking expanded access to take-home methadone with lower risks of overdose and treatment interruption or discontinuation. Although these findings do not establish that take-home doses are appropriate for every safer-supply patient, they reinforce the need to weigh the dangers of restricting access against the risks of diversion.
Prohibiting take-home doses creates practical barriers. Patients must arrange transportation and fit supervised consumption into their daily schedules. Rural residents may live far from a participating pharmacy. Employed patients may struggle to attend during operating hours without missing work. Caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, and unreliable transportation can make repeated visits even harder. A prescription that patients cannot obtain in practice offers little protection.
The rationale for safer supply draws on lessons from the U.S. crackdown on prescription pain pills, as I explain in Your Body, Your Health Care. For example, many states operate prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) that track and trend prescriptions and impose state statutory limits on the number and dose of opioids that doctors may prescribe, based on the belief that over-prescribing opioids was the main cause of the overdose crisis. In response, many nonmedical opioid users migrated to illicit heroin and then to fentanyl as pharmaceutical opioids became harder to obtain. The crackdown also harmed patients receiving legitimate pain treatment.
As I have written previously, some chronic pain patients, cut off from their medications by physicians fearing law-enforcement scrutiny, turned to the illicit market for relief. There, patients and non-medical users alike risk encountering counterfeit pain pills containing fentanyl or other adulterants. Pharmaceutical opioids carry risks, but knowing what is in a drug and its dose makes those risks more predictable.
Research offers encouraging, though incomplete, evidence supporting safer supply. A 2022 study of London's program found that emergency department visits and hospital admissions declined after patients enrolled in safer supply programs, while those outside of the program saw no significant improvements. A larger 2025 Ontario study associated safer-supply enrollment with fewer hospital-treated opioid poisonings and less health care use.
The researchers also examined a separate comparison group: those who started methadone treatment. Both groups improved. The methadone comparison group had lower poisoning rates, while safer-supply recipients were less likely to discontinue their programs. Because some safer-supply patients also received opioid agonist therapy, these findings should not be read as a comparison of hydromorphone alone against methadone alone.
Both studies were observational as opposed to controlled studies, meaning that many outside factors might have influenced the outcomes. They cannot conclusively separate the effects of pharmaceutical opioids from those of accompanying medical and social services. But these findings support keeping safer supply available as an option while researchers continue to evaluate its benefits and risks. They do not demonstrate that requiring patients to accept opioid-agonist therapy as a condition of receiving safer supply improves outcomes.
The problem of drug diversion deserves attention. Prescribed opioids can reach people for whom clinicians did not prescribe them, including recreational users. But acknowledging that risk does not prove that blanket restrictions will reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Regulators must also consider what happens to patients who can no longer meet the conditions for obtaining their prescriptions. Reducing diversion while driving patients back to illicit fentanyl would hardly constitute a public health success.
The same distinction applies to any mandates that users participate in opioid-agonist therapy. Methadone and buprenorphine can help people manage opioid use disorder and reduce overdose risk. Clinicians should offer these medications and explain their benefits and risks. However, evidence supporting a treatment does not establish that making it compulsory as a condition of another prescription produces better outcomes.
Rather than physically forcing patients to take medication or confining them in treatment facilities, Ontario makes access to safer supply conditional on accepting opioid-agonist therapy. A competent patient who declines that treatment loses access to a pharmaceutical alternative to street fentanyl, even when the prescribing physician considers safer supply appropriate. This regulatory requirement pressures patients to accept treatment they would otherwise refuse and prevents clinicians from tailoring care to their patients' needs and preferences.
Repeated pharmacy visits may make safer supply impractical for some patients, increasing their reliance on illicit drugs. Researchers will need to assess whether Ontario's new restrictions lead to that outcome. Regulators should track whether patients remain in care, retain access to pharmaceutical alternatives, and experience more or fewer overdoses.
Ontario still offers patients a pharmaceutical alternative to illicit opioids that U.S. policymakers have yet to permit. U.S. policymakers should consider that harm-reduction approach while preserving the patient choice and clinical discretion Ontario is now curtailing. Clinicians should assess risks on a case-by-case basis, offer treatment voluntarily, and tailor prescribing and supervision to each patient's circumstances. Regulators should judge restrictions by their effects on overdose rates, access, and retention in care. Counting fewer diverted pills tells us little if the policy leaves more people dependent on an unpredictable illicit market.
Harm reduction starts with helping people reduce the risks they face, even when they decline the treatment others would choose for them. Making that help conditional on accepting the government's preferred treatment risks defeating its purpose.
* * *
Jeffrey A. Singer is a senior fellow at Reason Foundation.
* * *
Original text here: https://reason.org/commentary/accept-treatment-or-lose-access-ontarios-new-opioid-rules-undermine-harm-reduction/
Pijar Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch Asia Leaders' Circle for Southeast Asia's Next Generation of Leaders
NEW YORK, Oct. 24 -- The Rockefeller Foundation posted the following news release:
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Pijar Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch Asia Leaders' Circle for Southeast Asia's Next Generation of Leaders
The regional fellowship will bring together 18 emerging leaders to reflect on complex challenges facing the region and strengthen leadership practices that better account for the needs of underserved communities.
-
BANGKOK | October 23, 2026 -- Pijar Foundation, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, today launched the Asia Leaders' Circle, a regional fellowship initiative ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Oct. 24 -- The Rockefeller Foundation posted the following news release: * * * Pijar Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch Asia Leaders' Circle for Southeast Asia's Next Generation of Leaders The regional fellowship will bring together 18 emerging leaders to reflect on complex challenges facing the region and strengthen leadership practices that better account for the needs of underserved communities. - BANGKOK | October 23, 2026 -- Pijar Foundation, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, today launched the Asia Leaders' Circle, a regional fellowship initiativefor emerging leaders across Southeast Asia working on public-interest challenges. The programme will provide a high-trust, culturally grounded space for participants to examine ethical dilemmas, reflect on difficult institutional decisions, and consider how their choices affect underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented communities.
The Circle responds to a gap in leadership development across the region: the need for spaces where leaders working on social and development challenges can reflect honestly on competing priorities, public pressures, and difficult trade-offs, particularly when their decisions affect communities that are often underrepresented in institutional decision-making. Through structured reflection, peer exchange, and cross-sector dialogue, the programme will encourage participants to consider how their leadership practices can better account for the needs and lived experiences of these communities.
The programme was announced during AsiaXchange 2026, The Rockefeller Foundation's annual regional flagship convening that brings together leaders and partners from across Asia.
"Southeast Asia has no shortage of capable leaders. Experienced leaders bring institutional wisdom, while emerging leaders offer fresh perspectives and the courage to challenge established thinking. Leadership should not be a one-way transfer of knowledge, but a continuous exchange where both generations learn from one another," said Ferro Ferizka, Chairman of Pijar Foundation.
"This is the ambition behind the Asia Leaders' Circle: to create a trusted space where emerging and experienced leaders can challenge assumptions, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships. We hope to nurture leadership grounded in humility, wisdom, and collaboration, where different perspectives can lead to more thoughtful and inclusive decisions for the communities we serve," Ferro added.
The inaugural Asia Leaders' Circle is expected to bring together 18 emerging leaders from across Southeast Asia, representing public service, civil society, media, arts and culture, business and innovation, and scientific research. The selection process will prioritize individuals whose roles advance charitable causes, alongside demonstrated leadership experience or potential. Candidate identification will also consider regional representation and gender balance, with particular attention to individuals whose work involves engagement with communities or responsibility for decisions that shape outcomes for under-resourced groups.
In the 2026 State of Southeast Asia Survey, an annual regional survey of opinion-makers and thought leaders on ASEAN and Southeast Asia's political, economic, and geopolitical landscape, more than 70% of respondents were under the age of 46. This points to the growing presence of a younger generation in the professional communities shaping the region's agenda and public debate. This generational transition is unfolding at a time when the challenges facing Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly interconnected.
"Young people in Southeast Asia are already shaping a brighter future for the region with innovative solutions, a willingness to take risks, and a shared sense of responsibility for their neighbors' well-being. The Asia Leaders' Circle will be a valuable platform for emerging leaders to build unlikely partnerships, broaden their perspectives, and tackle regional and global challenges together. We're proud to support this initiative and look forward to learning from the cohort," said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation.
The Asia Leaders' Circle is pleased to welcome K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X as the first member of its Board of Advisors. His perspectives on intergenerational leadership, cultural heritage, and institutional stewardship will continue to help shape the programme's direction and development as it takes root across the region. Drawing on Mangkunegaran's longstanding traditions of education, cultural preservation, and public service, his involvement brings a distinct perspective on how leaders can carry forward inherited wisdom while responding to the changing needs of society.
"When I was entrusted with leading Mangkunegaran, I inherited a responsibility that connects generations: to care for a living heritage, and to ensure that its wisdom continues to serve people in a changing world. Each generation brings new questions. Our task is to carry that wisdom forward with the openness and courage to respond. That is why I welcome the Asia Leaders' Circle: a space where honest reflection and lasting relationships can lead to better decisions for the communities we serve," said K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X.
Through his involvement, the inaugural fellowship will take place in Surakarta, with cultural learning activities hosted at Puro Mangkunegaran, a historic centre of Javanese culture, education, and artistic tradition. Beyond its historical significance, Mangkunegaran offers a living example of how cultural knowledge, leadership traditions, and institutional values can be preserved, questioned, and adapted across generations. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with these perspectives, exploring how humility, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility towards others can inform contemporary leadership and institutional decision-making.
The inaugural fellowship will combine a residential immersion in Surakarta with a public-facing convening in Jakarta and structured post-programme engagement. Together, these elements are designed to create a continuum from private reflection to public dialogue and continued learning. Fellows will have opportunities to exchange perspectives with policymakers, practitioners, philanthropies, and regional leaders, while alumni engagement will support continued peer learning after the programme.
Over the longer term, the Asia Leaders' Circle aims to contribute to more conscious, inclusive, and accountable decision-making within Fellows' institutions and areas of work. Through follow-up engagement and documentation of emerging decision-making practices, the programme will examine how participants apply their learning, including whether their approaches give greater consideration to underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented communities. These insights will contribute to a Decision Practice Compendium intended to support programme learning and inform future cohorts.
Applications for the inaugural Asia Leaders' Circle are open to emerging leaders across Southeast Asia whose work advances charitable causes and who are interested in reflecting on complex leadership challenges alongside peers from across sectors, countries, and disciplines.
Apply here: https://www.pijarfoundation.org/alc2026
* * *
About Pijar Foundation
Pijar Foundation is an Indonesian philanthropic foundation working to strengthen the leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration needed to shape Asia's future. Its work spans three core pillars: Leadership & Capacity Building, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Policy Advocacy & Philanthropic Secretariat.
Through partnerships with governments, businesses, philanthropic organisations, academia, and communities, Pijar Foundation supports locally grounded solutions and helps connect promising ideas with the institutions, partnerships, and resources needed to grow their impact across Indonesia and the wider Asian region. For more information, visit pijarfoundation.org.
* * *
About The Rockefeller Foundation
Investing $30 billion over the last 113 years to promote the well-being of humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on unlikely partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results for people in the United States and around the world. We leverage scientific breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, and new technologies to make big bets across energy, food, health, and finance, including with our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
* * *
About Mangkunegaran
Mangkunegaran is a royal institution and cultural centre in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Rooted in a rich heritage of history, arts, and values, it sustains and nurtures culture through tradition, education, collaboration, and experiences that bring people closer to its living heritage. Drawing on knowledge and values passed down through generations, Mangkunegaran inspires new ideas, creative expression, and cultural practices that respond to contemporary needs and challenges. It creates opportunities for people across generations to discover, find meaning in, and contribute to culture as part of everyday life. For more information, please visit our website https://mangkunegaran.id/ or Instagram @mangkunegaran.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/pijar-foundation-rockefeller-foundation-launch-asia-leaders-southeast-asias-next-generation-leaders/
* * *
Pijar Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch Asia Leaders' Circle for Southeast Asia's Next Generation of Leaders
The regional fellowship will bring together 18 emerging leaders to reflect on complex challenges facing the region and strengthen leadership practices that better account for the needs of underserved communities.
-
BANGKOK | October 23, 2026 -- Pijar Foundation, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, today launched the Asia Leaders' Circle, a regional fellowship initiative ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Oct. 24 -- The Rockefeller Foundation posted the following news release: * * * Pijar Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation Launch Asia Leaders' Circle for Southeast Asia's Next Generation of Leaders The regional fellowship will bring together 18 emerging leaders to reflect on complex challenges facing the region and strengthen leadership practices that better account for the needs of underserved communities. - BANGKOK | October 23, 2026 -- Pijar Foundation, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, today launched the Asia Leaders' Circle, a regional fellowship initiativefor emerging leaders across Southeast Asia working on public-interest challenges. The programme will provide a high-trust, culturally grounded space for participants to examine ethical dilemmas, reflect on difficult institutional decisions, and consider how their choices affect underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented communities.
The Circle responds to a gap in leadership development across the region: the need for spaces where leaders working on social and development challenges can reflect honestly on competing priorities, public pressures, and difficult trade-offs, particularly when their decisions affect communities that are often underrepresented in institutional decision-making. Through structured reflection, peer exchange, and cross-sector dialogue, the programme will encourage participants to consider how their leadership practices can better account for the needs and lived experiences of these communities.
The programme was announced during AsiaXchange 2026, The Rockefeller Foundation's annual regional flagship convening that brings together leaders and partners from across Asia.
"Southeast Asia has no shortage of capable leaders. Experienced leaders bring institutional wisdom, while emerging leaders offer fresh perspectives and the courage to challenge established thinking. Leadership should not be a one-way transfer of knowledge, but a continuous exchange where both generations learn from one another," said Ferro Ferizka, Chairman of Pijar Foundation.
"This is the ambition behind the Asia Leaders' Circle: to create a trusted space where emerging and experienced leaders can challenge assumptions, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships. We hope to nurture leadership grounded in humility, wisdom, and collaboration, where different perspectives can lead to more thoughtful and inclusive decisions for the communities we serve," Ferro added.
The inaugural Asia Leaders' Circle is expected to bring together 18 emerging leaders from across Southeast Asia, representing public service, civil society, media, arts and culture, business and innovation, and scientific research. The selection process will prioritize individuals whose roles advance charitable causes, alongside demonstrated leadership experience or potential. Candidate identification will also consider regional representation and gender balance, with particular attention to individuals whose work involves engagement with communities or responsibility for decisions that shape outcomes for under-resourced groups.
In the 2026 State of Southeast Asia Survey, an annual regional survey of opinion-makers and thought leaders on ASEAN and Southeast Asia's political, economic, and geopolitical landscape, more than 70% of respondents were under the age of 46. This points to the growing presence of a younger generation in the professional communities shaping the region's agenda and public debate. This generational transition is unfolding at a time when the challenges facing Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly interconnected.
"Young people in Southeast Asia are already shaping a brighter future for the region with innovative solutions, a willingness to take risks, and a shared sense of responsibility for their neighbors' well-being. The Asia Leaders' Circle will be a valuable platform for emerging leaders to build unlikely partnerships, broaden their perspectives, and tackle regional and global challenges together. We're proud to support this initiative and look forward to learning from the cohort," said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation.
The Asia Leaders' Circle is pleased to welcome K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X as the first member of its Board of Advisors. His perspectives on intergenerational leadership, cultural heritage, and institutional stewardship will continue to help shape the programme's direction and development as it takes root across the region. Drawing on Mangkunegaran's longstanding traditions of education, cultural preservation, and public service, his involvement brings a distinct perspective on how leaders can carry forward inherited wisdom while responding to the changing needs of society.
"When I was entrusted with leading Mangkunegaran, I inherited a responsibility that connects generations: to care for a living heritage, and to ensure that its wisdom continues to serve people in a changing world. Each generation brings new questions. Our task is to carry that wisdom forward with the openness and courage to respond. That is why I welcome the Asia Leaders' Circle: a space where honest reflection and lasting relationships can lead to better decisions for the communities we serve," said K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X.
Through his involvement, the inaugural fellowship will take place in Surakarta, with cultural learning activities hosted at Puro Mangkunegaran, a historic centre of Javanese culture, education, and artistic tradition. Beyond its historical significance, Mangkunegaran offers a living example of how cultural knowledge, leadership traditions, and institutional values can be preserved, questioned, and adapted across generations. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with these perspectives, exploring how humility, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility towards others can inform contemporary leadership and institutional decision-making.
The inaugural fellowship will combine a residential immersion in Surakarta with a public-facing convening in Jakarta and structured post-programme engagement. Together, these elements are designed to create a continuum from private reflection to public dialogue and continued learning. Fellows will have opportunities to exchange perspectives with policymakers, practitioners, philanthropies, and regional leaders, while alumni engagement will support continued peer learning after the programme.
Over the longer term, the Asia Leaders' Circle aims to contribute to more conscious, inclusive, and accountable decision-making within Fellows' institutions and areas of work. Through follow-up engagement and documentation of emerging decision-making practices, the programme will examine how participants apply their learning, including whether their approaches give greater consideration to underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented communities. These insights will contribute to a Decision Practice Compendium intended to support programme learning and inform future cohorts.
Applications for the inaugural Asia Leaders' Circle are open to emerging leaders across Southeast Asia whose work advances charitable causes and who are interested in reflecting on complex leadership challenges alongside peers from across sectors, countries, and disciplines.
Apply here: https://www.pijarfoundation.org/alc2026
* * *
About Pijar Foundation
Pijar Foundation is an Indonesian philanthropic foundation working to strengthen the leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration needed to shape Asia's future. Its work spans three core pillars: Leadership & Capacity Building, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Policy Advocacy & Philanthropic Secretariat.
Through partnerships with governments, businesses, philanthropic organisations, academia, and communities, Pijar Foundation supports locally grounded solutions and helps connect promising ideas with the institutions, partnerships, and resources needed to grow their impact across Indonesia and the wider Asian region. For more information, visit pijarfoundation.org.
* * *
About The Rockefeller Foundation
Investing $30 billion over the last 113 years to promote the well-being of humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on unlikely partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results for people in the United States and around the world. We leverage scientific breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, and new technologies to make big bets across energy, food, health, and finance, including with our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
* * *
About Mangkunegaran
Mangkunegaran is a royal institution and cultural centre in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Rooted in a rich heritage of history, arts, and values, it sustains and nurtures culture through tradition, education, collaboration, and experiences that bring people closer to its living heritage. Drawing on knowledge and values passed down through generations, Mangkunegaran inspires new ideas, creative expression, and cultural practices that respond to contemporary needs and challenges. It creates opportunities for people across generations to discover, find meaning in, and contribute to culture as part of everyday life. For more information, please visit our website https://mangkunegaran.id/ or Instagram @mangkunegaran.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/pijar-foundation-rockefeller-foundation-launch-asia-leaders-southeast-asias-next-generation-leaders/
International Myeloma Foundation Launches US Myeloma Network to Accelerate Clinical Trials, Expand Access, and Improve Patient Care
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California, Oct. 24 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news:
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The International Myeloma Foundation Launches US Myeloma Network to Accelerate Clinical Trials, Expand Access, and Improve Patient Care
STUDIO CITY, CA, October 22, 2026 -- Today, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced the launch of the US Myeloma Network (USMN) -- a first-of-its-kind national clinical research network designed to accelerate the prevention and cure of multiple myeloma by advancing scientific discovery, expanding access to clinical trials, and ensuring ... Show Full Article NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California, Oct. 24 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news: * * * The International Myeloma Foundation Launches US Myeloma Network to Accelerate Clinical Trials, Expand Access, and Improve Patient Care STUDIO CITY, CA, October 22, 2026 -- Today, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced the launch of the US Myeloma Network (USMN) -- a first-of-its-kind national clinical research network designed to accelerate the prevention and cure of multiple myeloma by advancing scientific discovery, expanding access to clinical trials, and ensuringmore patients benefit from breakthrough therapies. Johnson & Johnson joins this initiative as the network's first industry collaborator. The USMN will focus on clinical trials with the potential to change clinical practice across care settings, accelerating the delivery of innovative therapies and new treatment approaches to patients.
The USMN connects leading academic centers, community oncology practices and industry partners through a coordinated national infrastructure designed to streamline trial activation, reduce operational barriers, expand equitable access to clinical trials, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies across the continuum of myeloma care - from prevention and early intervention through relapsed and refractory disease.
"The future of myeloma depends on our ability to bring scientific innovation to patients more quickly and more equitably," said S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, Mayo Clinic, Chairperson of the International Myeloma Foundation. "The US Myeloma Network creates an unprecedented opportunity to unite investigators across the country through a coordinated research infrastructure that accelerates clinical trials, expands patient participation, and advances the discoveries that will ultimately lead to the prevention--and one day the cure--of multiple myeloma."
Expanding equity in clinical research is a foundational principle of the USMN. Beyond increasing the availability of clinical trials, the network is committed to ensuring patients understand - and can confidently participate in - research through culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate education and community engagement designed in partnership with populations that have historically faced barriers to trial participation.
"Every breakthrough in myeloma begins with a patient who participates in research," said Heather Cooper Ortner, IMF President and CEO. "The US Myeloma Network is designed to ensure that more patients have that opportunity regardless of where they live. By making clinical research more accessible, more collaborative, and more inclusive, we will accelerate scientific discovery, bring promising therapies to patients faster, and move closer to preventing and curing this disease."
"Johnson & Johnson is proud to support the International Myeloma Foundation's US Myeloma Network as its first industry collaborator," said Imran Khan, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, U.S. Hematology Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson. "At Johnson & Johnson, our ambition is to move closer to a future where multiple myeloma can be cured. Collaborations like this help advance the research and insights needed to accelerate progress toward that goal and improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma."
A cornerstone of the US Myeloma Network is its strategic collaboration with Sarah Cannon Development Innovations, LLC, which is Sarah Cannon Research Institute's (SCRI) CRO. Combining the IMF's internationally recognized scientific leadership, patient trust, and global research collaborations with Sarah Cannon Development Innovations' expertise in complex oncology trials establishes a powerful national research infrastructure capable of launching innovative studies faster, expanding equitable access to clinical trials, and accelerating progress for myeloma patients.
"The US Myeloma Network and SCRI share a common goal: expand access to innovative clinical research and bring promising therapies to patients faster," said Marcy Vallone, Senior Vice President of Sarah Cannon Development Innovations. "As an oncology-dedicated CRO, we are honored to support this important initiative by providing the infrastructure and operational expertise needed to deliver clinical trials across participating USMN sites. Together, we are creating more opportunities for patients, helping advance the next generation of therapies for multiple myeloma."
Through collaborating with biopharmaceutical companies, leading research centers, and community oncology practices, the USMN creates a more efficient pathway from scientific discovery to clinical practice - helping innovative therapies reach patients sooner.
US Myeloma Network: Building on the legacy of the IMF's mission
For nearly four decades, the IMF has united researchers, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, patients, and care partners around one shared mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families.
The US Myeloma Network builds on that legacy by transforming how clinical research is conducted, expanding equitable access to innovation, and bringing the promise of scientific discovery to more patients than ever before.
Learn more about the US Myeloma Network (https://www.myeloma.org/usmn).
* * *
ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called "multiple" because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It often causes damage to bones and kidneys. Multiple myeloma is still incurable, but great progress has been made in terms of survival over the last two decades. The disease is twice as common and is diagnosed at a younger age in Black and African Americans than White Americans. The most common symptoms include fatigue and bone pain.
* * *
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world's leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma. The IMF is steadfast in its mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families. Through initiatives such as the US Myeloma Network, the International Myeloma Working Group, the Black Swan Research Initiative(R) (BSRI), and its comprehensive education, support, and advocacy programs, the IMF works to accelerate the prevention and cure of myeloma while ensuring every patient has equitable access to the latest scientific advances.
The IMF serves people impacted by myeloma at every stage of the disease by combining world-class research, trusted education, global advocacy, and direct support. A cornerstone of this work is the International Myeloma Working Group(R) (IMWG), a network of more than 380 internationally renowned researchers and clinicians who establish guidelines that shape how myeloma is diagnosed, treated, and managed across the globe.
Through its global network of support groups, educational programs, its 24/7 generative-AI myeloma assistant Myelo(R), its InfoLine, and its advocacy for greater healthcare access, the IMF helps people living with myeloma and their care partners navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. At the same time, the IMF ensures scientific advances translate into better care and outcomes.
Learn more at www.myeloma.org or contact the IMF InfoLine at (800) 452-CURE (2873) (U.S. & Canada), +1 (818) 487-7455 (worldwide), or infoline@myeloma.org.
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Original text here: https://www.myeloma.org/news-events/multiple-myeloma-news/international-myeloma-foundation-launches-us-myeloma-network-accelerate-clinical-trials-expand
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The International Myeloma Foundation Launches US Myeloma Network to Accelerate Clinical Trials, Expand Access, and Improve Patient Care
STUDIO CITY, CA, October 22, 2026 -- Today, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced the launch of the US Myeloma Network (USMN) -- a first-of-its-kind national clinical research network designed to accelerate the prevention and cure of multiple myeloma by advancing scientific discovery, expanding access to clinical trials, and ensuring ... Show Full Article NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California, Oct. 24 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news: * * * The International Myeloma Foundation Launches US Myeloma Network to Accelerate Clinical Trials, Expand Access, and Improve Patient Care STUDIO CITY, CA, October 22, 2026 -- Today, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced the launch of the US Myeloma Network (USMN) -- a first-of-its-kind national clinical research network designed to accelerate the prevention and cure of multiple myeloma by advancing scientific discovery, expanding access to clinical trials, and ensuringmore patients benefit from breakthrough therapies. Johnson & Johnson joins this initiative as the network's first industry collaborator. The USMN will focus on clinical trials with the potential to change clinical practice across care settings, accelerating the delivery of innovative therapies and new treatment approaches to patients.
The USMN connects leading academic centers, community oncology practices and industry partners through a coordinated national infrastructure designed to streamline trial activation, reduce operational barriers, expand equitable access to clinical trials, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies across the continuum of myeloma care - from prevention and early intervention through relapsed and refractory disease.
"The future of myeloma depends on our ability to bring scientific innovation to patients more quickly and more equitably," said S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, Mayo Clinic, Chairperson of the International Myeloma Foundation. "The US Myeloma Network creates an unprecedented opportunity to unite investigators across the country through a coordinated research infrastructure that accelerates clinical trials, expands patient participation, and advances the discoveries that will ultimately lead to the prevention--and one day the cure--of multiple myeloma."
Expanding equity in clinical research is a foundational principle of the USMN. Beyond increasing the availability of clinical trials, the network is committed to ensuring patients understand - and can confidently participate in - research through culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate education and community engagement designed in partnership with populations that have historically faced barriers to trial participation.
"Every breakthrough in myeloma begins with a patient who participates in research," said Heather Cooper Ortner, IMF President and CEO. "The US Myeloma Network is designed to ensure that more patients have that opportunity regardless of where they live. By making clinical research more accessible, more collaborative, and more inclusive, we will accelerate scientific discovery, bring promising therapies to patients faster, and move closer to preventing and curing this disease."
"Johnson & Johnson is proud to support the International Myeloma Foundation's US Myeloma Network as its first industry collaborator," said Imran Khan, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, U.S. Hematology Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson. "At Johnson & Johnson, our ambition is to move closer to a future where multiple myeloma can be cured. Collaborations like this help advance the research and insights needed to accelerate progress toward that goal and improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma."
A cornerstone of the US Myeloma Network is its strategic collaboration with Sarah Cannon Development Innovations, LLC, which is Sarah Cannon Research Institute's (SCRI) CRO. Combining the IMF's internationally recognized scientific leadership, patient trust, and global research collaborations with Sarah Cannon Development Innovations' expertise in complex oncology trials establishes a powerful national research infrastructure capable of launching innovative studies faster, expanding equitable access to clinical trials, and accelerating progress for myeloma patients.
"The US Myeloma Network and SCRI share a common goal: expand access to innovative clinical research and bring promising therapies to patients faster," said Marcy Vallone, Senior Vice President of Sarah Cannon Development Innovations. "As an oncology-dedicated CRO, we are honored to support this important initiative by providing the infrastructure and operational expertise needed to deliver clinical trials across participating USMN sites. Together, we are creating more opportunities for patients, helping advance the next generation of therapies for multiple myeloma."
Through collaborating with biopharmaceutical companies, leading research centers, and community oncology practices, the USMN creates a more efficient pathway from scientific discovery to clinical practice - helping innovative therapies reach patients sooner.
US Myeloma Network: Building on the legacy of the IMF's mission
For nearly four decades, the IMF has united researchers, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, patients, and care partners around one shared mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families.
The US Myeloma Network builds on that legacy by transforming how clinical research is conducted, expanding equitable access to innovation, and bringing the promise of scientific discovery to more patients than ever before.
Learn more about the US Myeloma Network (https://www.myeloma.org/usmn).
* * *
ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called "multiple" because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It often causes damage to bones and kidneys. Multiple myeloma is still incurable, but great progress has been made in terms of survival over the last two decades. The disease is twice as common and is diagnosed at a younger age in Black and African Americans than White Americans. The most common symptoms include fatigue and bone pain.
* * *
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world's leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma. The IMF is steadfast in its mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families. Through initiatives such as the US Myeloma Network, the International Myeloma Working Group, the Black Swan Research Initiative(R) (BSRI), and its comprehensive education, support, and advocacy programs, the IMF works to accelerate the prevention and cure of myeloma while ensuring every patient has equitable access to the latest scientific advances.
The IMF serves people impacted by myeloma at every stage of the disease by combining world-class research, trusted education, global advocacy, and direct support. A cornerstone of this work is the International Myeloma Working Group(R) (IMWG), a network of more than 380 internationally renowned researchers and clinicians who establish guidelines that shape how myeloma is diagnosed, treated, and managed across the globe.
Through its global network of support groups, educational programs, its 24/7 generative-AI myeloma assistant Myelo(R), its InfoLine, and its advocacy for greater healthcare access, the IMF helps people living with myeloma and their care partners navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. At the same time, the IMF ensures scientific advances translate into better care and outcomes.
Learn more at www.myeloma.org or contact the IMF InfoLine at (800) 452-CURE (2873) (U.S. & Canada), +1 (818) 487-7455 (worldwide), or infoline@myeloma.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.myeloma.org/news-events/multiple-myeloma-news/international-myeloma-foundation-launches-us-myeloma-network-accelerate-clinical-trials-expand
FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves
NAPLES, Florida, Oct. 24 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability posted the following news release:
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FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves
October 22, 2026
New Trump administration rule would require chip-enabled food stamp cards to stop the skimming rings that have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from low-income families.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) issued the following statement in strong support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule that requires food stamp ... Show Full Article NAPLES, Florida, Oct. 24 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability posted the following news release: * * * FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves October 22, 2026 New Trump administration rule would require chip-enabled food stamp cards to stop the skimming rings that have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from low-income families. - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) issued the following statement in strong support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule that requires food stampcards to be chip and tap-enabled with enhanced security features; gives households the ability to monitor their accounts, block out-of-state transactions, and protect their cards; and requires states to improve monitoring of EBT terminals.
"Under the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Vance, the War on Fraud has gone after those who wrongly seek to profit off Americans' generosity--this rule takes the war to the checkout line," said Jonathan Ingram, Vice President of Policy and Research at FGA. "This week alone, the Justice Department and USDA took action against more than 40 defendants in schemes targeting tens of millions in food stamp benefits, including foreign crime rings that skimmed card numbers and drained families' accounts."
"With a move to chip technology, which is already the standard for debit and credit cards, outdated cards will no longer be an easy payday for fraudsters and money meant for the truly needy will stay where it belongs," continued Ingram. "This is commonsense program integrity that will protect low-income families across the country."
Additional Information
Most food stamp cards still run on magnetic-stripe technology that banks moved away from years ago, and it has left them vulnerable to fraud. Skimming rings hide devices on store card readers and copy the card numbers. They then use these numbers to build counterfeit cards and drain benefits meant for groceries. Between October 2022 and December 2024, the federal government replaced more than $360 million in stolen food stamp benefits for more than 750,000 households. USDA's inspector general projected that another $233 million could be lost over the following two years.
This week, the Justice Department and USDA announced enforcement actions against more than 40 defendants in cases involving nearly $42 million in food stamp fraud. In the largest, two Chicago store owners allegedly ran stolen Ohio EBT cards through their registers, sometimes only seconds apart, in a scheme worth nearly $30 million. The Biden administration approved both stores to accept food stamps. Prosecutors say some of the money bought cars that were shipped overseas. In another case, a crew made up mostly of Romanian nationals in the country illegally used skimming devices to steal benefits, and its partners shipped more than 124,000 pounds of baby formula bought with those benefits for resale on the black market.
For more on welfare program integrity, visit https://thefga.org/solution/promoting-work-over-welfare/.
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit think tank that promotes public policy solutions in all 50 states to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
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Original text here: https://thefga.org/press/fga-applauds-usda-proposal-to-protect-food-stamps-from-skimmers-and-thieves/
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FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves
October 22, 2026
New Trump administration rule would require chip-enabled food stamp cards to stop the skimming rings that have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from low-income families.
-
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) issued the following statement in strong support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule that requires food stamp ... Show Full Article NAPLES, Florida, Oct. 24 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability posted the following news release: * * * FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves October 22, 2026 New Trump administration rule would require chip-enabled food stamp cards to stop the skimming rings that have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from low-income families. - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) issued the following statement in strong support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule that requires food stampcards to be chip and tap-enabled with enhanced security features; gives households the ability to monitor their accounts, block out-of-state transactions, and protect their cards; and requires states to improve monitoring of EBT terminals.
"Under the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Vance, the War on Fraud has gone after those who wrongly seek to profit off Americans' generosity--this rule takes the war to the checkout line," said Jonathan Ingram, Vice President of Policy and Research at FGA. "This week alone, the Justice Department and USDA took action against more than 40 defendants in schemes targeting tens of millions in food stamp benefits, including foreign crime rings that skimmed card numbers and drained families' accounts."
"With a move to chip technology, which is already the standard for debit and credit cards, outdated cards will no longer be an easy payday for fraudsters and money meant for the truly needy will stay where it belongs," continued Ingram. "This is commonsense program integrity that will protect low-income families across the country."
Additional Information
Most food stamp cards still run on magnetic-stripe technology that banks moved away from years ago, and it has left them vulnerable to fraud. Skimming rings hide devices on store card readers and copy the card numbers. They then use these numbers to build counterfeit cards and drain benefits meant for groceries. Between October 2022 and December 2024, the federal government replaced more than $360 million in stolen food stamp benefits for more than 750,000 households. USDA's inspector general projected that another $233 million could be lost over the following two years.
This week, the Justice Department and USDA announced enforcement actions against more than 40 defendants in cases involving nearly $42 million in food stamp fraud. In the largest, two Chicago store owners allegedly ran stolen Ohio EBT cards through their registers, sometimes only seconds apart, in a scheme worth nearly $30 million. The Biden administration approved both stores to accept food stamps. Prosecutors say some of the money bought cars that were shipped overseas. In another case, a crew made up mostly of Romanian nationals in the country illegally used skimming devices to steal benefits, and its partners shipped more than 124,000 pounds of baby formula bought with those benefits for resale on the black market.
For more on welfare program integrity, visit https://thefga.org/solution/promoting-work-over-welfare/.
* * *
The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit think tank that promotes public policy solutions in all 50 states to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
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Original text here: https://thefga.org/press/fga-applauds-usda-proposal-to-protect-food-stamps-from-skimmers-and-thieves/
Asia Foundation: Nepalis Call for Greater Accountability, Economic Opportunity, and Responsive Governance, New National Survey Finds
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 24 (TNSrpt) -- The Asia Foundation issued the following news:
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Nepalis Call for Greater Accountability, Economic Opportunity, and Responsive Governance, New National Survey Finds
Oct 22, 2026
KATHMANDU, NEPAL, October 20, 2026 - A new national public opinion survey finds that Nepalis see local governments' capacity to deliver services as improving, even as optimism has declined and concerns have grown about corruption, employment, economic conditions, and political accountability.
A Survey of the Nepali People in 2025 was launched on October 7 at an event ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 24 (TNSrpt) -- The Asia Foundation issued the following news: * * * Nepalis Call for Greater Accountability, Economic Opportunity, and Responsive Governance, New National Survey Finds Oct 22, 2026 KATHMANDU, NEPAL, October 20, 2026 - A new national public opinion survey finds that Nepalis see local governments' capacity to deliver services as improving, even as optimism has declined and concerns have grown about corruption, employment, economic conditions, and political accountability. A Survey of the Nepali People in 2025 was launched on October 7 at an eventhosted by the School of Arts, Kathmandu University. The report is the fifth round of a longitudinal public opinion survey that has tracked Nepali citizens' experiences and perceptions of governance, public services, economic opportunities, political participation, personal security, and the overall direction of the country since 2017.
The survey series is a collaboration between the Kathmandu University School of Arts, Interdisciplinary Analysts, and The Asia Foundation. The 2025 edition was published with support from the Subnational Governance Program, implemented under a strategic partnership between the Australian Government and The Asia Foundation, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
"The survey provides an important record of how Nepalis are experiencing the country's political, economic, and governance transitions," said the survey's principal investigator, Dr. Dhiraj Giri, Kathmandu University School of Arts. "By bringing citizens' perspectives into public debate, it can help policymakers and development partners better understand where expectations are changing and where more responsive action is needed."
The findings point to a striking shift in Nepal's national mood. In 2018, 51.4 percent of respondents believed the country was moving in the right direction. Optimism increased to 65.6 percent in 2020 before falling to 41.7 percent in 2022. The 2025 and subsequent follow-up findings show a further decline, with optimism reaching its lowest recorded level of 17.5 percent following the youth-led movement of September 2025.
Concerns about corruption were particularly widespread. Before the September 2025 movement, 58.9 percent of respondents identified increasing corruption as one of the country's biggest problems. Concern remained especially pronounced among respondents with higher levels of education and those engaged in business. Among respondents with a bachelor's degree or higher, 65.7 percent identified corruption as a major national problem.
Economic pressures were also central to people's concerns. The proportion of respondents who said it was difficult to earn a living or find work rose from 18.9 percent in 2022 to 46.2 percent in the 2025 survey and increased further to 54.5 percent in the follow-up survey. Similarly, the share who believed the country's economic condition was deteriorating climbed from 15.3 percent in 2022 to 36.1 percent in 2025 and 40.5 percent in the follow-up survey. Rising living costs added to this sense of economic insecurity. In 2025, 31.1 percent of respondents identified increases in the prices of essential goods as a major national problem, compared with 28.6 percent in 2022. This figure increased to 32.9 percent in the follow-up survey.
The findings also suggest that citizens' development priorities are changing. In earlier survey rounds, improvements to physical infrastructure, particularly roads and trails, were important drivers of public optimism. More recent findings show a growing emphasis on human development, with employment and quality education displacing physical infrastructure as citizens' leading priorities in the follow-up survey.
At the same time, the survey documents the gradual institutionalization of federalism and increasing public awareness of local government. Across successive rounds, respondents generally viewed the capacity of local governments to deliver services as improving. However, the latest findings indicate that expectations have also risen, with citizens increasingly seeking not only accessible services and infrastructure but also better livelihoods, accountability, transparency, and service quality.
The timing of the 2025 survey presented an unusual research challenge. Fieldwork began with a planned sample of 8,211 respondents but was disrupted by protests, strikes, road blockades, and political unrest associated with the September 2025 youth-led movement. Data collection was therefore concluded after 6,394 interviews. These responses were treated as the pre-movement survey. A separate nationally representative follow-up survey was subsequently conducted with 1,428 respondents to examine how public opinion had changed after the movement.
Together, the two datasets offer a rare opportunity to examine shifts in public opinion before and after one of the most consequential episodes of social and political mobilization in Nepal's recent history. The survey findings provide important context for understanding Nepal's recent political trajectory and how major events can significantly reshape broader public perceptions. They trace how steady declines in trust in institutions, together with growing concerns about corruption, shaped the public mood leading up to the September 2025 movement and help explain the two-way relationship between public perception and governance, including how government action influences public confidence and expectations.
Since its inception in 2017, the Survey of the Nepali People has sought to document how Nepalis experience the country's transition to a federal democratic republic. Across five survey rounds, it has developed into an important source of evidence on public perceptions of the functioning of Nepal's federal, provincial, and local governments.
The latest edition suggests that the next phase of Nepal's federal and democratic transition will need to respond directly to public concerns about livelihoods, corruption, political accountability, and service quality. It also underscores the importance of incorporating citizens' perspectives into policymaking and public debate at a time of heightened expectations and declining confidence in the country's direction.
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REPORT: https://asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NPL_2025-survey-of-the-nepali-people_pdf_v4_2026-10_survey-report.pdf
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Original text here: https://asiafoundation.org/nepalis-call-for-greater-accountability-economic-opportunity-and-responsive-governance-new-national-survey-finds/
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Nepalis Call for Greater Accountability, Economic Opportunity, and Responsive Governance, New National Survey Finds
Oct 22, 2026
KATHMANDU, NEPAL, October 20, 2026 - A new national public opinion survey finds that Nepalis see local governments' capacity to deliver services as improving, even as optimism has declined and concerns have grown about corruption, employment, economic conditions, and political accountability.
A Survey of the Nepali People in 2025 was launched on October 7 at an event ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 24 (TNSrpt) -- The Asia Foundation issued the following news: * * * Nepalis Call for Greater Accountability, Economic Opportunity, and Responsive Governance, New National Survey Finds Oct 22, 2026 KATHMANDU, NEPAL, October 20, 2026 - A new national public opinion survey finds that Nepalis see local governments' capacity to deliver services as improving, even as optimism has declined and concerns have grown about corruption, employment, economic conditions, and political accountability. A Survey of the Nepali People in 2025 was launched on October 7 at an eventhosted by the School of Arts, Kathmandu University. The report is the fifth round of a longitudinal public opinion survey that has tracked Nepali citizens' experiences and perceptions of governance, public services, economic opportunities, political participation, personal security, and the overall direction of the country since 2017.
The survey series is a collaboration between the Kathmandu University School of Arts, Interdisciplinary Analysts, and The Asia Foundation. The 2025 edition was published with support from the Subnational Governance Program, implemented under a strategic partnership between the Australian Government and The Asia Foundation, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
"The survey provides an important record of how Nepalis are experiencing the country's political, economic, and governance transitions," said the survey's principal investigator, Dr. Dhiraj Giri, Kathmandu University School of Arts. "By bringing citizens' perspectives into public debate, it can help policymakers and development partners better understand where expectations are changing and where more responsive action is needed."
The findings point to a striking shift in Nepal's national mood. In 2018, 51.4 percent of respondents believed the country was moving in the right direction. Optimism increased to 65.6 percent in 2020 before falling to 41.7 percent in 2022. The 2025 and subsequent follow-up findings show a further decline, with optimism reaching its lowest recorded level of 17.5 percent following the youth-led movement of September 2025.
Concerns about corruption were particularly widespread. Before the September 2025 movement, 58.9 percent of respondents identified increasing corruption as one of the country's biggest problems. Concern remained especially pronounced among respondents with higher levels of education and those engaged in business. Among respondents with a bachelor's degree or higher, 65.7 percent identified corruption as a major national problem.
Economic pressures were also central to people's concerns. The proportion of respondents who said it was difficult to earn a living or find work rose from 18.9 percent in 2022 to 46.2 percent in the 2025 survey and increased further to 54.5 percent in the follow-up survey. Similarly, the share who believed the country's economic condition was deteriorating climbed from 15.3 percent in 2022 to 36.1 percent in 2025 and 40.5 percent in the follow-up survey. Rising living costs added to this sense of economic insecurity. In 2025, 31.1 percent of respondents identified increases in the prices of essential goods as a major national problem, compared with 28.6 percent in 2022. This figure increased to 32.9 percent in the follow-up survey.
The findings also suggest that citizens' development priorities are changing. In earlier survey rounds, improvements to physical infrastructure, particularly roads and trails, were important drivers of public optimism. More recent findings show a growing emphasis on human development, with employment and quality education displacing physical infrastructure as citizens' leading priorities in the follow-up survey.
At the same time, the survey documents the gradual institutionalization of federalism and increasing public awareness of local government. Across successive rounds, respondents generally viewed the capacity of local governments to deliver services as improving. However, the latest findings indicate that expectations have also risen, with citizens increasingly seeking not only accessible services and infrastructure but also better livelihoods, accountability, transparency, and service quality.
The timing of the 2025 survey presented an unusual research challenge. Fieldwork began with a planned sample of 8,211 respondents but was disrupted by protests, strikes, road blockades, and political unrest associated with the September 2025 youth-led movement. Data collection was therefore concluded after 6,394 interviews. These responses were treated as the pre-movement survey. A separate nationally representative follow-up survey was subsequently conducted with 1,428 respondents to examine how public opinion had changed after the movement.
Together, the two datasets offer a rare opportunity to examine shifts in public opinion before and after one of the most consequential episodes of social and political mobilization in Nepal's recent history. The survey findings provide important context for understanding Nepal's recent political trajectory and how major events can significantly reshape broader public perceptions. They trace how steady declines in trust in institutions, together with growing concerns about corruption, shaped the public mood leading up to the September 2025 movement and help explain the two-way relationship between public perception and governance, including how government action influences public confidence and expectations.
Since its inception in 2017, the Survey of the Nepali People has sought to document how Nepalis experience the country's transition to a federal democratic republic. Across five survey rounds, it has developed into an important source of evidence on public perceptions of the functioning of Nepal's federal, provincial, and local governments.
The latest edition suggests that the next phase of Nepal's federal and democratic transition will need to respond directly to public concerns about livelihoods, corruption, political accountability, and service quality. It also underscores the importance of incorporating citizens' perspectives into policymaking and public debate at a time of heightened expectations and declining confidence in the country's direction.
* * *
REPORT: https://asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NPL_2025-survey-of-the-nepali-people_pdf_v4_2026-10_survey-report.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://asiafoundation.org/nepalis-call-for-greater-accountability-economic-opportunity-and-responsive-governance-new-national-survey-finds/
Anker Eufy Earns Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification for Robot Vacuum Omni E35
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 24 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release:
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Anker eufy Earns Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification for Robot Vacuum Omni E35
Certified Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 supports healthier homes through proven allergen reduction and consistent cleaning performance
-
Washington, D.C., October 22, 2026 - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announce that the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification.
The Asthma & Allergy ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 24 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Anker eufy Earns Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification for Robot Vacuum Omni E35 Certified Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 supports healthier homes through proven allergen reduction and consistent cleaning performance - Washington, D.C., October 22, 2026 - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announce that the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification. The Asthma & AllergyFriendly Certification Program, a collaborative initiative between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), helps consumers identify products that contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Regular vacuuming plays a key role in reducing indoor allergens, helping to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from carpets, rugs, and floors, preventing particles from becoming airborne - a meaningful contribution to addressing indoor air pollution, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks among the top five environmental risks to public health.
For the more than 106 million Americans living with asthma and allergies, a vacuum cleaner that effectively captures and contains allergens, rather than redistributing them into the air, plays a key role in managing indoor triggers.
To earn the certification, the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 underwent rigorous scientific testing and met or exceeded the Program's standards, demonstrating its ability to:
* Remove allergens from floors: Remove at least 90% of tested allergens from hard floors and at least 80% from carpet. Allergens assessed under the standard include cat and dust mite allergens.
* Effectively remove household dust: Remove at least 75% of test dust from hard floors and at least 40% from carpet.
* Limit airborne particles and allergens during use: Keep fine airborne particles and cat allergen below strict certification limits while vacuuming.
* Maintain low particle emissions: Keep fine particle emissions low even when operating on a clean floor, demonstrating that the vacuum itself does not release excessive dust into the air.
* Maintain pick-up performance: Demonstrate no more than a 10% loss in pick-up efficiency after two passes.
* Limit exposure when emptying the dust bin: Keep fine particles and cat allergen below certification limits during dust-bin emptying.
The certification adds the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 to the Program's list of independently certified vacuum cleaners, giving households a further science-backed option for reducing allergen exposure during everyday cleaning.
"For most families, the dust that matters most is the dust you can't see: pet dander, dust mite allergens and fine particles that settle into carpets and onto floors. That's the problem we set out to solve with the Robot Vacuum Omni E35, picking up those allergens and keeping them contained rather than sending them back into the air. We're proud that the Omni E35 has earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification. It's an independent, science-based standard that requires products to prove what they remove through rigorous testing, rather than simply claiming it, and for Anker eufy, that's exactly the bar we want to be measured against," said Frank Zhu, President of Smart Innovations, Anker Innovations.
"People spend 90% of their time indoors and managing exposure to indoor allergens and airway irritants is an important way to control allergy and asthma symptoms," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. "By meeting the strict standards of the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification program, Anker's eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 provides homeowners with another tool that can be a part of effective indoor air quality management."
"As robotic vacuums become a standard part of home cleaning, it's important that consumers have independent, science-based proof that these devices actually reduce allergen exposure. The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 met that standard by demonstrating effective allergen removal while keeping airborne particle levels low during vacuuming and dust-bin emptying, giving people with asthma and allergies clear evidence that this product supports a healthier home," said Dr John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd.
* * *
About the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification Program
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification Program is a collaboration between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) that tests and certifies products against strict standards to prove their suitability for people with asthma and allergies. Certified products include air cleaners, air filters, paints, bedding, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, cleaning products, flooring, and more. More information is available at aafa.org/certified.
* * *
About Anker eufy
Anker eufy specializes in AI-driven smart living solutions. Since 2016, we have introduced a wide range of products, from home security systems, robot vacuums, and robot lawn mowers to baby care and personal health devices. Anker Innovations (SZSE: 300866; HKEX: 00668) is a consumer technology company founded in 2011, serving more than 200 million customers across over 180 countries and regions. More information is available at https://www.eufy.com/eufy-robot-vacuum-omni-e35
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/anker-eufy-earns-asthma-allergy-friendly-certification-for-robot-vacuum-omni-e35/
* * *
Anker eufy Earns Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification for Robot Vacuum Omni E35
Certified Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 supports healthier homes through proven allergen reduction and consistent cleaning performance
-
Washington, D.C., October 22, 2026 - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announce that the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification.
The Asthma & Allergy ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 24 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Anker eufy Earns Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification for Robot Vacuum Omni E35 Certified Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 supports healthier homes through proven allergen reduction and consistent cleaning performance - Washington, D.C., October 22, 2026 - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announce that the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification. The Asthma & AllergyFriendly Certification Program, a collaborative initiative between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), helps consumers identify products that contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Regular vacuuming plays a key role in reducing indoor allergens, helping to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from carpets, rugs, and floors, preventing particles from becoming airborne - a meaningful contribution to addressing indoor air pollution, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks among the top five environmental risks to public health.
For the more than 106 million Americans living with asthma and allergies, a vacuum cleaner that effectively captures and contains allergens, rather than redistributing them into the air, plays a key role in managing indoor triggers.
To earn the certification, the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 underwent rigorous scientific testing and met or exceeded the Program's standards, demonstrating its ability to:
* Remove allergens from floors: Remove at least 90% of tested allergens from hard floors and at least 80% from carpet. Allergens assessed under the standard include cat and dust mite allergens.
* Effectively remove household dust: Remove at least 75% of test dust from hard floors and at least 40% from carpet.
* Limit airborne particles and allergens during use: Keep fine airborne particles and cat allergen below strict certification limits while vacuuming.
* Maintain low particle emissions: Keep fine particle emissions low even when operating on a clean floor, demonstrating that the vacuum itself does not release excessive dust into the air.
* Maintain pick-up performance: Demonstrate no more than a 10% loss in pick-up efficiency after two passes.
* Limit exposure when emptying the dust bin: Keep fine particles and cat allergen below certification limits during dust-bin emptying.
The certification adds the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 to the Program's list of independently certified vacuum cleaners, giving households a further science-backed option for reducing allergen exposure during everyday cleaning.
"For most families, the dust that matters most is the dust you can't see: pet dander, dust mite allergens and fine particles that settle into carpets and onto floors. That's the problem we set out to solve with the Robot Vacuum Omni E35, picking up those allergens and keeping them contained rather than sending them back into the air. We're proud that the Omni E35 has earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification. It's an independent, science-based standard that requires products to prove what they remove through rigorous testing, rather than simply claiming it, and for Anker eufy, that's exactly the bar we want to be measured against," said Frank Zhu, President of Smart Innovations, Anker Innovations.
"People spend 90% of their time indoors and managing exposure to indoor allergens and airway irritants is an important way to control allergy and asthma symptoms," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. "By meeting the strict standards of the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification program, Anker's eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 provides homeowners with another tool that can be a part of effective indoor air quality management."
"As robotic vacuums become a standard part of home cleaning, it's important that consumers have independent, science-based proof that these devices actually reduce allergen exposure. The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 met that standard by demonstrating effective allergen removal while keeping airborne particle levels low during vacuuming and dust-bin emptying, giving people with asthma and allergies clear evidence that this product supports a healthier home," said Dr John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd.
* * *
About the Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification Program
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly(R) Certification Program is a collaboration between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) that tests and certifies products against strict standards to prove their suitability for people with asthma and allergies. Certified products include air cleaners, air filters, paints, bedding, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, cleaning products, flooring, and more. More information is available at aafa.org/certified.
* * *
About Anker eufy
Anker eufy specializes in AI-driven smart living solutions. Since 2016, we have introduced a wide range of products, from home security systems, robot vacuums, and robot lawn mowers to baby care and personal health devices. Anker Innovations (SZSE: 300866; HKEX: 00668) is a consumer technology company founded in 2011, serving more than 200 million customers across over 180 countries and regions. More information is available at https://www.eufy.com/eufy-robot-vacuum-omni-e35
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/anker-eufy-earns-asthma-allergy-friendly-certification-for-robot-vacuum-omni-e35/
2026 Ballot Guide From the Denver Foundation
DENVER, Colorado, Oct. 24 -- The Denver Foundation issued the following news:
* * *
2026 Ballot Guide from The Denver Foundation
October 22, 2026
Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will make decisions on state and local issues. This ballot will tie the previous state record of 14 statewide measures. We want to help you get the information you need to make an informed vote.
Below is our ballot guide and links to additional ballot guides from other organizations that we either fund or have a track record of publishing nonpartisan, educational ballot information.
We review ballot issues and take positions ... Show Full Article DENVER, Colorado, Oct. 24 -- The Denver Foundation issued the following news: * * * 2026 Ballot Guide from The Denver Foundation October 22, 2026 Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will make decisions on state and local issues. This ballot will tie the previous state record of 14 statewide measures. We want to help you get the information you need to make an informed vote. Below is our ballot guide and links to additional ballot guides from other organizations that we either fund or have a track record of publishing nonpartisan, educational ballot information. We review ballot issues and take positionson those that align with our mission, vision, and values, our strategic framework, and our 2026 policy principles. We know there are many issues that our board, staff, and community care deeply about. Our strategic framework and policy principles help guide when to take a position and when not to. We also need to assess our capacity to conduct research and outreach to fully understand the impact on our stakeholders, and that sometimes leads us to not take a position at all. And through our Civic Fabric Fund, we support additional voter education efforts on all state-level and many local-level ballot measures.
Statewide
Oppose 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Amendment 81: Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements to Federal Authorities
We oppose Amendment 81 because we believe in protecting Coloradans from being racially profiled or targeted by federal authorities. We are also opposing this because we believe in protecting due process rights by making sure no Coloradan is reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before a court has found them guilty of a crime and before they have a chance to prove their citizenship.
About: An amendment to the Colorado constitution, requiring certified peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency, correctional officers, and district attorney offices to notify the federal Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours of charging someone with a crime if the person is not believed to be lawfully in the U.S. and is either charged with a violent crime or has a prior felony conviction.
Policy framework alignment: Critical and timely issues. We have backed legislation for the past three years that supports the immigrant community, including state responses to federal actions that diminished protections for immigrants.
Learn more (https://no81.org/).
Oppose 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Amendment 82: Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas
We oppose Amendment 82 because it would harm the health and safety of Coloradans and could make it harder for state and local governments to enforce or enact safety and environmental rules that keep our water clean and homes safe. Its passage could also lead to increased costs for consumers.
ABOUT: Adds a new section to the Colorado Constitution that would grant consumers the right to purchase natural gas for cooking or heating in homes or businesses, and for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas to consumers.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate
Learn more (https://no82.org/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Proposition 137: Designate Sporting Goods Sales Tax Revenue for Conservation
We support 137 because it will provide funding, without raising taxes, for wildfire mitigation, outdoor equity programs, and workforce development. We also support this because it will help our state and local governments have the resources needed to adapt to the increasing changes to our climate.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $175 million annually of state sales tax revenue collected from sporting goods and equipment sales as wildfire and conservation revenue.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate, Economic Opportunity
Learn more (https://yesonprop137.com/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Proposition NN: State Public K-12 Education Funding
We support NN because, throughout our history, we've always supported increasing funding for K-12 education. Proposition NN will further increase equitable school funding by allowing the state to invest the revenue it already collects in public education. Funding can be used to increase teachers' salaries, technical training opportunities, and smaller class sizes, without raising taxes or asking Coloradans to pay a dollar more.
ABOUT: Allows the state to retain revenue to support a 2% increase in state education funding over the next decade. This funding would support teacher pay and retention, smaller class sizes, career and technical courses, and school services, among other things.
Policy framework alignment: Youth Well-Being
Learn more (https://www.yesforcoloradokids.com/).
Local: Aurora
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Aurora: Ballot Issue 3A: Dedicated Sales Tax for Community Facilities
We support this because it will fund the renovation and construction of recreation centers and libraries across Aurora. These vital community resources will help people access resources to help them with school, jobs, and recreational activities.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $105 M through a 0.129% citywide sales and use tax for 30 years to renovate and construct parks, recreation facilities, and libraries.
Policy framework alignment: Economic Opportunity
Learn more (https://www.buildupaurora.com/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Aurora: Ballot Issue 3C: Dedicated Sales Tax for Transportation Infrastructure and Facilities
We support this because this bond invests critically needed dollars into infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring our communities have safe, reliable roads and sidewalks. The selected projects protect pedestrians, build new multimodal transit options, and promote community resilience.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $107.5 M through a 0.129% citywide sales and use tax for 30 years to replace a bridge, construct traffic calming infrastructure, and improve roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate
Learn more (https://www.buildupaurora.com/).
Ballot guides and trackers
There are numerous ballot measures, making it challenging to locate the necessary information to make informed decisions. We hope the resources help you ensure that your registration is active and your vote is informed.
Ballot Guides (as of 10/13)
* Colorado Public Radio (https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/24/vg-2026-colorado-midterm-election-voter-guide/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=lookout&utm_campaign=lookout20260925)
* Colorado Budget Tradeoffs (https://colabnews.co/colorado-tradeoffs/)
* Count me in Colorado (https://countmeincolorado.org/ballot-information/)
* League of Women Voters of Colorado (https://lwvcolorado.org/ballot-issues)
* League of Women Voters of Denver (https://lwvdenver.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=550279&module_id=362853)
* The Bell Policy Center (https://bellpolicy.org/colorado-ballot-guide-2026/)
* The Denver Post Colorado voter guide (https://www.denverpost.com/2026/10/03/colorado-election-2026-voter-guide-candidates-ballot-measures/)
* Denverite Voter Guide (https://denverite.com/2026/09/25/vg-2026-denver-midterm-election-voter-guide/)
* The Sentinel Aurora Voter Guide (https://sentinelcolorado.com/voter-guide/ballot-questions/co-vote-2026-a-brief-guide-to-pro-and-con-for-the-bevy-of-statewide-ballot-questions/)
* The Women's Foundation of Colorado - The Womanifesto (https://wfco.org/advocacy/ballot-guides-2026/)
* Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (https://denverchamber.org/denver-metro-chamber-of-commerce-announces-2026-prospective-colorado-ballot-initiative-positions/)
* Progress Now Colorado Education Fund (https://progressnow.co/c3guide26.pdf)
General Resources
* Colorado Blue Book (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf)
* Adams County Election Resources (https://www.adamscountycoelections.gov/2025-coordinated-election/)
* Arapahoe County Election Resources (https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/arapahoevotes/election_resources/index.php)
* Aurora Ballot Guide (https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/elections/voter_resources)
* Capitol Commons Candidates & Ballot Guide (https://capitolcommons.ai/ballot)
* Colorado Health Foundation Local ballot measures tracker (https://coloradohealth.org/local-ballot-measure-tracker)
* Common Cause Election Protection resources (https://www.commoncause.org/work/election-protection/)
* Check your voter registration (https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml)
* Denver Ballot Guide (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Denver-Clerk-and-Recorder/Elections-Division/Upcoming-Elections)
* Denver Decides candidate forum (https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Elections/Denver-Decides)
* Denver Election Resources (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Denver-Clerk-and-Recorder/Elections-Division/Upcoming-Elections)
Supporting voter engagement
Another way we support voter education and engagement on ballot measures is by funding nonprofit organizations to educate and activate voters during the municipal and statewide elections. Learn more about this year's grantees and their work this election here.
You, too, can support this work by giving to the Civic Fabric Fund.
* * *
Original text here: https://denverfoundation.org/2026/10/2026-ballot-guide/
* * *
2026 Ballot Guide from The Denver Foundation
October 22, 2026
Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will make decisions on state and local issues. This ballot will tie the previous state record of 14 statewide measures. We want to help you get the information you need to make an informed vote.
Below is our ballot guide and links to additional ballot guides from other organizations that we either fund or have a track record of publishing nonpartisan, educational ballot information.
We review ballot issues and take positions ... Show Full Article DENVER, Colorado, Oct. 24 -- The Denver Foundation issued the following news: * * * 2026 Ballot Guide from The Denver Foundation October 22, 2026 Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will make decisions on state and local issues. This ballot will tie the previous state record of 14 statewide measures. We want to help you get the information you need to make an informed vote. Below is our ballot guide and links to additional ballot guides from other organizations that we either fund or have a track record of publishing nonpartisan, educational ballot information. We review ballot issues and take positionson those that align with our mission, vision, and values, our strategic framework, and our 2026 policy principles. We know there are many issues that our board, staff, and community care deeply about. Our strategic framework and policy principles help guide when to take a position and when not to. We also need to assess our capacity to conduct research and outreach to fully understand the impact on our stakeholders, and that sometimes leads us to not take a position at all. And through our Civic Fabric Fund, we support additional voter education efforts on all state-level and many local-level ballot measures.
Statewide
Oppose 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Amendment 81: Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements to Federal Authorities
We oppose Amendment 81 because we believe in protecting Coloradans from being racially profiled or targeted by federal authorities. We are also opposing this because we believe in protecting due process rights by making sure no Coloradan is reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before a court has found them guilty of a crime and before they have a chance to prove their citizenship.
About: An amendment to the Colorado constitution, requiring certified peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency, correctional officers, and district attorney offices to notify the federal Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours of charging someone with a crime if the person is not believed to be lawfully in the U.S. and is either charged with a violent crime or has a prior felony conviction.
Policy framework alignment: Critical and timely issues. We have backed legislation for the past three years that supports the immigrant community, including state responses to federal actions that diminished protections for immigrants.
Learn more (https://no81.org/).
Oppose 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Amendment 82: Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas
We oppose Amendment 82 because it would harm the health and safety of Coloradans and could make it harder for state and local governments to enforce or enact safety and environmental rules that keep our water clean and homes safe. Its passage could also lead to increased costs for consumers.
ABOUT: Adds a new section to the Colorado Constitution that would grant consumers the right to purchase natural gas for cooking or heating in homes or businesses, and for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas to consumers.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate
Learn more (https://no82.org/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Proposition 137: Designate Sporting Goods Sales Tax Revenue for Conservation
We support 137 because it will provide funding, without raising taxes, for wildfire mitigation, outdoor equity programs, and workforce development. We also support this because it will help our state and local governments have the resources needed to adapt to the increasing changes to our climate.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $175 million annually of state sales tax revenue collected from sporting goods and equipment sales as wildfire and conservation revenue.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate, Economic Opportunity
Learn more (https://yesonprop137.com/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Proposition NN: State Public K-12 Education Funding
We support NN because, throughout our history, we've always supported increasing funding for K-12 education. Proposition NN will further increase equitable school funding by allowing the state to invest the revenue it already collects in public education. Funding can be used to increase teachers' salaries, technical training opportunities, and smaller class sizes, without raising taxes or asking Coloradans to pay a dollar more.
ABOUT: Allows the state to retain revenue to support a 2% increase in state education funding over the next decade. This funding would support teacher pay and retention, smaller class sizes, career and technical courses, and school services, among other things.
Policy framework alignment: Youth Well-Being
Learn more (https://www.yesforcoloradokids.com/).
Local: Aurora
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Aurora: Ballot Issue 3A: Dedicated Sales Tax for Community Facilities
We support this because it will fund the renovation and construction of recreation centers and libraries across Aurora. These vital community resources will help people access resources to help them with school, jobs, and recreational activities.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $105 M through a 0.129% citywide sales and use tax for 30 years to renovate and construct parks, recreation facilities, and libraries.
Policy framework alignment: Economic Opportunity
Learn more (https://www.buildupaurora.com/).
Support 2022 Ballot Measures (1)
Aurora: Ballot Issue 3C: Dedicated Sales Tax for Transportation Infrastructure and Facilities
We support this because this bond invests critically needed dollars into infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring our communities have safe, reliable roads and sidewalks. The selected projects protect pedestrians, build new multimodal transit options, and promote community resilience.
ABOUT: Designates approximately $107.5 M through a 0.129% citywide sales and use tax for 30 years to replace a bridge, construct traffic calming infrastructure, and improve roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
Policy framework alignment: Environment and Climate
Learn more (https://www.buildupaurora.com/).
Ballot guides and trackers
There are numerous ballot measures, making it challenging to locate the necessary information to make informed decisions. We hope the resources help you ensure that your registration is active and your vote is informed.
Ballot Guides (as of 10/13)
* Colorado Public Radio (https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/24/vg-2026-colorado-midterm-election-voter-guide/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=lookout&utm_campaign=lookout20260925)
* Colorado Budget Tradeoffs (https://colabnews.co/colorado-tradeoffs/)
* Count me in Colorado (https://countmeincolorado.org/ballot-information/)
* League of Women Voters of Colorado (https://lwvcolorado.org/ballot-issues)
* League of Women Voters of Denver (https://lwvdenver.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=550279&module_id=362853)
* The Bell Policy Center (https://bellpolicy.org/colorado-ballot-guide-2026/)
* The Denver Post Colorado voter guide (https://www.denverpost.com/2026/10/03/colorado-election-2026-voter-guide-candidates-ballot-measures/)
* Denverite Voter Guide (https://denverite.com/2026/09/25/vg-2026-denver-midterm-election-voter-guide/)
* The Sentinel Aurora Voter Guide (https://sentinelcolorado.com/voter-guide/ballot-questions/co-vote-2026-a-brief-guide-to-pro-and-con-for-the-bevy-of-statewide-ballot-questions/)
* The Women's Foundation of Colorado - The Womanifesto (https://wfco.org/advocacy/ballot-guides-2026/)
* Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (https://denverchamber.org/denver-metro-chamber-of-commerce-announces-2026-prospective-colorado-ballot-initiative-positions/)
* Progress Now Colorado Education Fund (https://progressnow.co/c3guide26.pdf)
General Resources
* Colorado Blue Book (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf)
* Adams County Election Resources (https://www.adamscountycoelections.gov/2025-coordinated-election/)
* Arapahoe County Election Resources (https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/arapahoevotes/election_resources/index.php)
* Aurora Ballot Guide (https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/elections/voter_resources)
* Capitol Commons Candidates & Ballot Guide (https://capitolcommons.ai/ballot)
* Colorado Health Foundation Local ballot measures tracker (https://coloradohealth.org/local-ballot-measure-tracker)
* Common Cause Election Protection resources (https://www.commoncause.org/work/election-protection/)
* Check your voter registration (https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml)
* Denver Ballot Guide (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Denver-Clerk-and-Recorder/Elections-Division/Upcoming-Elections)
* Denver Decides candidate forum (https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Elections/Denver-Decides)
* Denver Election Resources (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Denver-Clerk-and-Recorder/Elections-Division/Upcoming-Elections)
Supporting voter engagement
Another way we support voter education and engagement on ballot measures is by funding nonprofit organizations to educate and activate voters during the municipal and statewide elections. Learn more about this year's grantees and their work this election here.
You, too, can support this work by giving to the Civic Fabric Fund.
* * *
Original text here: https://denverfoundation.org/2026/10/2026-ballot-guide/