Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
Foundations
Featured Stories
Central New York Community Foundation: Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release:
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Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial.
Voting ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release: * * * Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial. Votingtook place online throughout the day and in person during a live community celebration held at the Center for the Arts of Homer. More than 1,000 total votes were cast.
The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who will lead planning, feasibility, and fundraising to transform the former Parker Elementary School into an Early Childhood Education Center and community hub. The Center will initially serve about 100 children, with capacity to expand to 150.
"I want to thank the CNY Community Foundation for bringing this opportunity to Cortland County and for recognizing early childhood education as a critical need in our county," said Bob Haight, president and CEO of the chamber. "We're blessed to be able to accept this grant and kickoff this work. We look forward to partnering with many local organizations, including the City of Cortland and CAPCO, to make the dream a reality."
Haight also remarked that the board of directors of both the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland Area Chamber Foundation recognize that early childhood education is a top priority for the region and fully support the opening of the Parker School as an Early Education Center.
Thursday's vote marked the culmination of a month-long community engagement process that invited Cortland County residents to help determine how funding should be invested locally. During two participatory budgeting sessions held earlier this month at Truxton Academy, residents worked to identify pressing community challenges and develop project ideas that would best support local needs. Participants identified increasing accessible, high-quality childcare throughout Cortland County.
"This process was designed to ensure that residents had a direct voice in shaping solutions for their community," said Kate Downes, program manager at the Community Foundation. "Community members shared their experiences, identified what they believed was most needed and helped guide this investment from start to finish. That level of participation and collaboration is what makes participatory budgeting so meaningful."
The ballot also included proposals submitted by Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives, Lime Hollow Nature Center and Cortland County Family YMCA. Participating nonprofit organizations worked closely with Community Foundation staff to refine their ideas and ensure proposals reflected community input gathered during the participatory budgeting sessions.
"The three organizations on the ballot are doing wonderful things for the children in our community, and we hope to partner with each of them," said Haight.
The Cortland County initiative is the third of five participatory budgeting projects the Community Foundation will host across its service area as part of its two-year centennial celebration leading up to 2027. Collectively, the initiatives will distribute $500,000 in funding through projects selected directly by residents. Additional participatory budgeting initiatives are taking place in Oswego, Cortland, Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Participatory budgeting is a community engagement process in which residents help decide how funding is allocated through a structured process of community need identification, prioritization and voting. In partnership with residents, nonprofits and grassroots organizations, participants identify priorities, co-design solutions and ultimately select the project they believe will best address a community need.
To learn more about the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative, visit cnycf.org/cortlandpb.
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Original text here: https://cnycf.org/chamber-chosen-by-cortland-county-residents-to-receive-75k-for-expanding-childcare/
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Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial.
Voting ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release: * * * Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial. Votingtook place online throughout the day and in person during a live community celebration held at the Center for the Arts of Homer. More than 1,000 total votes were cast.
The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who will lead planning, feasibility, and fundraising to transform the former Parker Elementary School into an Early Childhood Education Center and community hub. The Center will initially serve about 100 children, with capacity to expand to 150.
"I want to thank the CNY Community Foundation for bringing this opportunity to Cortland County and for recognizing early childhood education as a critical need in our county," said Bob Haight, president and CEO of the chamber. "We're blessed to be able to accept this grant and kickoff this work. We look forward to partnering with many local organizations, including the City of Cortland and CAPCO, to make the dream a reality."
Haight also remarked that the board of directors of both the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland Area Chamber Foundation recognize that early childhood education is a top priority for the region and fully support the opening of the Parker School as an Early Education Center.
Thursday's vote marked the culmination of a month-long community engagement process that invited Cortland County residents to help determine how funding should be invested locally. During two participatory budgeting sessions held earlier this month at Truxton Academy, residents worked to identify pressing community challenges and develop project ideas that would best support local needs. Participants identified increasing accessible, high-quality childcare throughout Cortland County.
"This process was designed to ensure that residents had a direct voice in shaping solutions for their community," said Kate Downes, program manager at the Community Foundation. "Community members shared their experiences, identified what they believed was most needed and helped guide this investment from start to finish. That level of participation and collaboration is what makes participatory budgeting so meaningful."
The ballot also included proposals submitted by Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives, Lime Hollow Nature Center and Cortland County Family YMCA. Participating nonprofit organizations worked closely with Community Foundation staff to refine their ideas and ensure proposals reflected community input gathered during the participatory budgeting sessions.
"The three organizations on the ballot are doing wonderful things for the children in our community, and we hope to partner with each of them," said Haight.
The Cortland County initiative is the third of five participatory budgeting projects the Community Foundation will host across its service area as part of its two-year centennial celebration leading up to 2027. Collectively, the initiatives will distribute $500,000 in funding through projects selected directly by residents. Additional participatory budgeting initiatives are taking place in Oswego, Cortland, Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Participatory budgeting is a community engagement process in which residents help decide how funding is allocated through a structured process of community need identification, prioritization and voting. In partnership with residents, nonprofits and grassroots organizations, participants identify priorities, co-design solutions and ultimately select the project they believe will best address a community need.
To learn more about the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative, visit cnycf.org/cortlandpb.
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Original text here: https://cnycf.org/chamber-chosen-by-cortland-county-residents-to-receive-75k-for-expanding-childcare/
Asthma & Allergy Foundation: Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release:
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Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance
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Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance - Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's(AAFA) analysis of data from 2021-2025 indicates pediatric asthma ED visits hit a peak in September and October. The overall incidence of ED visits for all people with asthma (children and adults) surge alongside respiratory infection outbreaks throughout the respiratory season.
"For the nearly 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, including 5 million children, the time to get ready for Asthma Peak Season is now," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Between 9-11 people die each day from asthma, and asthma symptoms lead to missed days of school and work, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. We urge people with asthma to take action now to ensure they are best prepared for the challenging season ahead. Effective preparation includes up-to-date vaccinations, seeing your doctor to review your Asthma Action Plan, having a good supply of asthma medicines and taking those medicines as prescribed."
AAFA's data analysis of ED visits for asthma from 2021-2025 shows that asthma ED visits often begin to increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below) but continue to rise well into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.
* * *
Chart: Asthma ED Visits 2021-2025
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As children return to school, they are exposed to communicable respiratory diseases such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Many school buildings are in poor condition and have poor indoor air quality and even mold -- known asthma triggers. Additionally, weed pollen and outdoor mold counts are typically high in September. All of these conditions contribute to the start of the Asthma Peak Season.
* * *
Chart: ED Visits for Asthma and Flu 2025
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Comparisons between ED visits for asthma and flu in 2025 show the months with the most asthma ED visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu ED visits.
"Recent policy changes at the federal level mean some people may lose Medicaid coverage, fewer people can afford health plans on the ACA exchange, and vaccine recommendation changes may delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated," said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. "These changes block people with chronic conditions like asthma from getting the treatment they need. Preventive care is the more affordable care, so policymakers should support affordable health care, pandemic prevention, and vaccine access to reduce societal costs."
* * *
AAFA will release its 2026 Asthma Capitals(R) report on September 1. The report ranks the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma based on asthma prevalence, asthma-related ED visits, and asthma mortality rates. The report will include data on the link between respiratory infections and asthma emergency care. It will also include suggestions for policymakers on improving asthma management and care. To request an embargoed copy of the rankings and/or an advance copy of the full report, email gro.afaa@aidem
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Resources:
For more information about Asthma Peak Season, visit: https://aafa.org/asthmapeak
To download a sample Asthma Action Plan, visit: https://aafa.org/actionplan
To review AAFA's vaccination recommendations for people with asthma, visit: aafa.org/vaccine
* * *
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Steps people can take to manage and control asthma in September and beyond:
* Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist to discuss your current symptoms, medicines, and triggers. Talk with your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan.
* Take your asthma and allergy medicines as prescribed. Make sure you have enough on hand and get your refills done on time. If you start to have asthma symptoms, follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you use a press-and-breathe, known as metered dose inhaler, use a valved chamber or spacer device with the inhaler to help the medicine get into the lungs.
* Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. You need a new flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine every year. You may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccines you need.
* Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
* Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergies.
* Improve your indoor air ventilation and filtration. Replace the air filters on your HVAC system as recommended. Use portable air cleaners in bedrooms. Use exhaust fans to vent humid air out of your living spaces.
* If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to these allergens.
* Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important to reduce stress.
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/pediatric-asthma-related-hospitalizations-are-about-to-increase/
* * *
Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance
-
Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance - Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's(AAFA) analysis of data from 2021-2025 indicates pediatric asthma ED visits hit a peak in September and October. The overall incidence of ED visits for all people with asthma (children and adults) surge alongside respiratory infection outbreaks throughout the respiratory season.
"For the nearly 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, including 5 million children, the time to get ready for Asthma Peak Season is now," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Between 9-11 people die each day from asthma, and asthma symptoms lead to missed days of school and work, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. We urge people with asthma to take action now to ensure they are best prepared for the challenging season ahead. Effective preparation includes up-to-date vaccinations, seeing your doctor to review your Asthma Action Plan, having a good supply of asthma medicines and taking those medicines as prescribed."
AAFA's data analysis of ED visits for asthma from 2021-2025 shows that asthma ED visits often begin to increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below) but continue to rise well into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.
* * *
Chart: Asthma ED Visits 2021-2025
* * *
As children return to school, they are exposed to communicable respiratory diseases such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Many school buildings are in poor condition and have poor indoor air quality and even mold -- known asthma triggers. Additionally, weed pollen and outdoor mold counts are typically high in September. All of these conditions contribute to the start of the Asthma Peak Season.
* * *
Chart: ED Visits for Asthma and Flu 2025
* * *
Comparisons between ED visits for asthma and flu in 2025 show the months with the most asthma ED visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu ED visits.
"Recent policy changes at the federal level mean some people may lose Medicaid coverage, fewer people can afford health plans on the ACA exchange, and vaccine recommendation changes may delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated," said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. "These changes block people with chronic conditions like asthma from getting the treatment they need. Preventive care is the more affordable care, so policymakers should support affordable health care, pandemic prevention, and vaccine access to reduce societal costs."
* * *
AAFA will release its 2026 Asthma Capitals(R) report on September 1. The report ranks the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma based on asthma prevalence, asthma-related ED visits, and asthma mortality rates. The report will include data on the link between respiratory infections and asthma emergency care. It will also include suggestions for policymakers on improving asthma management and care. To request an embargoed copy of the rankings and/or an advance copy of the full report, email gro.afaa@aidem
* * *
Resources:
For more information about Asthma Peak Season, visit: https://aafa.org/asthmapeak
To download a sample Asthma Action Plan, visit: https://aafa.org/actionplan
To review AAFA's vaccination recommendations for people with asthma, visit: aafa.org/vaccine
* * *
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Steps people can take to manage and control asthma in September and beyond:
* Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist to discuss your current symptoms, medicines, and triggers. Talk with your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan.
* Take your asthma and allergy medicines as prescribed. Make sure you have enough on hand and get your refills done on time. If you start to have asthma symptoms, follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you use a press-and-breathe, known as metered dose inhaler, use a valved chamber or spacer device with the inhaler to help the medicine get into the lungs.
* Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. You need a new flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine every year. You may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccines you need.
* Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
* Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergies.
* Improve your indoor air ventilation and filtration. Replace the air filters on your HVAC system as recommended. Use portable air cleaners in bedrooms. Use exhaust fans to vent humid air out of your living spaces.
* If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to these allergens.
* Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important to reduce stress.
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/pediatric-asthma-related-hospitalizations-are-about-to-increase/
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Surgical Specialists Show the Power of Collaboration in a Complex Cancer Surgery
LONDON, England, Aug. 21 -- The Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust issued the following news:
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Surgical specialists show the power of NHS collaboration in a complex cancer surgery
Three NHS trusts came together to successfully remove a 7kg tumour from 26-year-old patient, Brandon Lee.
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A collaboration between four clinical specialities from three NHS Trusts has successfully removed a tumour from a patient's shoulder blade that threatened to cut off his airway if left untreated.
Surgeons from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital ... Show Full Article LONDON, England, Aug. 21 -- The Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust issued the following news: * * * Surgical specialists show the power of NHS collaboration in a complex cancer surgery Three NHS trusts came together to successfully remove a 7kg tumour from 26-year-old patient, Brandon Lee. - A collaboration between four clinical specialities from three NHS Trusts has successfully removed a tumour from a patient's shoulder blade that threatened to cut off his airway if left untreated. Surgeons from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital(RNOH) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust carried out the surgery in The Royal Marsden theatres on Thursday 13 August.
Patient Brandon Lee, 26, a former hydraulic engineer from Barnet, was diagnosed with a chondrosarcoma in his scapula (shoulder blade) and referred to The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Chondrosarcomas are rare bone cancers that grow out of cartilage-type cells found in areas of the bone called growth plates.
The 7kg tumour posed a risk to Brandon's respiratory system
Brandon has been diagnosed with hereditary multiple exostoses, a genetic condition caused by mutations in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes which results in multiple hard masses appearing near a person's joints. There is a lifetime risk of between two and 10 per cent that these benign growths may transform into chondrosarcomas.
Due to the size (approximately 20cm in length and 7kgs in weight) and location of the tumour, as well as the risk it posed to Brandon's respiratory system, a team of specialists was assembled to carry out the operation.
They included Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr Andrew McLeod, Consultant Anaesthetist, and Mr Aadil Khan, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from The Royal Marsden; Professor Craig Gerrand and Mr Sudhir Kannan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons from RNOH; and Professor Colin Bicknell, Consultant Vascular Surgeon from Imperial.
The team of specialists were able to remove the tumour, including Brandon's scapula and part of his collarbone, without damaging his airway and while retaining his hand function.
"I feel really fortunate to have had a great team behind me here. Everyone involved from all three hospitals has been really helpful and explained everything from start to finish," said Brandon.
"My family have provided so much support and have been by my side the whole way, helping keep my courage up and keep me thinking positively. When I'm fully recovered, I'm looking forward to spending more time with my kids and getting back to living a normal life."
15 surgical staff were needed for the operation
Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon at The Royal Marsden and Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, shared his thoughts on Brandon's care.
"This operation shows the NHS at its very best," said Professor Paleri. "Three NHS trusts have come together to provide the very best care for this patient, each bringing their own expertise. A regular major cancer surgery may require, at most, six to seven surgical staff, but this operation required up to 15, so the level of orchestration needed to make this happen was incredible."
Professor Paleri is Director of The Royal Marsden's International Centre for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (IReC). IReC has been made possible thanks to Charles Wilson CBE and Dr Rowena Olegario and Keith and Isabelle McDermott's generous support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Specialist expertise provided by The Royal Marsden
The surgery was led by Professor Craig Gerrand, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
"Although we manage a lot of patients at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, from time to time we have to phone a friend," he said.
"We came to The Royal Marsden because this particular patient had a tumour that required their expertise as well as ours. The tumour was very large and involved the whole of his shoulder blade, having also grown onto the chest wall and into the neck. By operating here, we are able to access other specialists who are used to operating in the neck and also on the chest wall.
"One of the things we underestimate in the NHS is the ability to collaborate across hospitals and it has been a great pleasure to work alongside our colleagues."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/surgical-specialists-show-power-nhs-collaboration-complex-cancer-surgery
* * *
Surgical specialists show the power of NHS collaboration in a complex cancer surgery
Three NHS trusts came together to successfully remove a 7kg tumour from 26-year-old patient, Brandon Lee.
-
A collaboration between four clinical specialities from three NHS Trusts has successfully removed a tumour from a patient's shoulder blade that threatened to cut off his airway if left untreated.
Surgeons from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital ... Show Full Article LONDON, England, Aug. 21 -- The Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust issued the following news: * * * Surgical specialists show the power of NHS collaboration in a complex cancer surgery Three NHS trusts came together to successfully remove a 7kg tumour from 26-year-old patient, Brandon Lee. - A collaboration between four clinical specialities from three NHS Trusts has successfully removed a tumour from a patient's shoulder blade that threatened to cut off his airway if left untreated. Surgeons from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital(RNOH) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust carried out the surgery in The Royal Marsden theatres on Thursday 13 August.
Patient Brandon Lee, 26, a former hydraulic engineer from Barnet, was diagnosed with a chondrosarcoma in his scapula (shoulder blade) and referred to The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Chondrosarcomas are rare bone cancers that grow out of cartilage-type cells found in areas of the bone called growth plates.
The 7kg tumour posed a risk to Brandon's respiratory system
Brandon has been diagnosed with hereditary multiple exostoses, a genetic condition caused by mutations in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes which results in multiple hard masses appearing near a person's joints. There is a lifetime risk of between two and 10 per cent that these benign growths may transform into chondrosarcomas.
Due to the size (approximately 20cm in length and 7kgs in weight) and location of the tumour, as well as the risk it posed to Brandon's respiratory system, a team of specialists was assembled to carry out the operation.
They included Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr Andrew McLeod, Consultant Anaesthetist, and Mr Aadil Khan, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from The Royal Marsden; Professor Craig Gerrand and Mr Sudhir Kannan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons from RNOH; and Professor Colin Bicknell, Consultant Vascular Surgeon from Imperial.
The team of specialists were able to remove the tumour, including Brandon's scapula and part of his collarbone, without damaging his airway and while retaining his hand function.
"I feel really fortunate to have had a great team behind me here. Everyone involved from all three hospitals has been really helpful and explained everything from start to finish," said Brandon.
"My family have provided so much support and have been by my side the whole way, helping keep my courage up and keep me thinking positively. When I'm fully recovered, I'm looking forward to spending more time with my kids and getting back to living a normal life."
15 surgical staff were needed for the operation
Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon at The Royal Marsden and Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, shared his thoughts on Brandon's care.
"This operation shows the NHS at its very best," said Professor Paleri. "Three NHS trusts have come together to provide the very best care for this patient, each bringing their own expertise. A regular major cancer surgery may require, at most, six to seven surgical staff, but this operation required up to 15, so the level of orchestration needed to make this happen was incredible."
Professor Paleri is Director of The Royal Marsden's International Centre for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (IReC). IReC has been made possible thanks to Charles Wilson CBE and Dr Rowena Olegario and Keith and Isabelle McDermott's generous support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Specialist expertise provided by The Royal Marsden
The surgery was led by Professor Craig Gerrand, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
"Although we manage a lot of patients at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, from time to time we have to phone a friend," he said.
"We came to The Royal Marsden because this particular patient had a tumour that required their expertise as well as ours. The tumour was very large and involved the whole of his shoulder blade, having also grown onto the chest wall and into the neck. By operating here, we are able to access other specialists who are used to operating in the neck and also on the chest wall.
"One of the things we underestimate in the NHS is the ability to collaborate across hospitals and it has been a great pleasure to work alongside our colleagues."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/surgical-specialists-show-power-nhs-collaboration-complex-cancer-surgery
Mich. State University Research Foundation: MEDC Earns 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Statewide Startup Competition PitchMI
EAST LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Michigan State University Research Foundation issued the following news release:
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MEDC Earns 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Statewide Startup Competition PitchMI
International recognition celebrates a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship across Michigan
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Lansing, MI - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning international recognition for its innovative efforts to identify, support and invest in Michigan's most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process. In its annual ... Show Full Article EAST LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Michigan State University Research Foundation issued the following news release: * * * MEDC Earns 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Statewide Startup Competition PitchMI International recognition celebrates a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship across Michigan - Lansing, MI - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning international recognition for its innovative efforts to identify, support and invest in Michigan's most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process. In its annualExcellence in Economic Development Awards, which recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) honored the MEDC with a Silver Award in the Innovative Economic Development category for PitchMI, a founder-focused pitch competition organized by the MEDC and the Michigan State University Research Foundation. The award will be presented at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25-28.
"The MEDC is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its PitchMI program. This award shines a spotlight on the MEDC's commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "IEDC is honored to present this award to the MEDC to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field."
PitchMI is designed to provide serious capital, rigorous evaluation and meaningful visibility to Michigan's most promising startups. The 2026 PitchMI Championship served as the culmination of a statewide search, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting founders who want to make a career or business in Michigan.
In total, the 2025-26 PitchMI competition awarded more than $2.3 million in investment capital. The road to the championship began in the fall of 2025 with four regional pitch events across the state, which saw 375 applications from founders in more than 100 Michigan communities.
"We couldn't be prouder to celebrate the MEDC's IEDC Excellence Award for PitchMI," said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. "PitchMI gives our state's entrepreneurs a stage that matches the quality of the companies that they're building. This recognition is really a Team Michigan recognition of the engagement and efforts of Governor Whitmer, bipartisan members of the state legislature, partner organizations and my tremendous teammates at the MEDC. My colleagues' dedication and hard work are making positive differences throughout the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Work remains as Team Michigan seeks the gold performance that Michiganders deserve as we support businesses of all sizes."
"Michigan has incredible founders and ideas across the state, and PitchMI is about giving them the resources and runway to grow," said David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation. "This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with MEDC and the many organizations that make Michigan's innovation ecosystem thrive. By investing together, we are helping more entrepreneurs choose Michigan as the place to build and become something bigger."
Applications for the 2026-2027 round of PitchMI closed on Aug. 10. Selected semifinalists will be notified on Aug. 31, ahead of pitch events from Sept. 15 through Oct. 1.
Michigan's entrepreneurial landscape continues to thrive with the addition of critical tools, including a $60 million investment in early-stage startups through the Michigan Innovation Fund, an R&D tax credit for small businesses, a statewide Innovation Alliance and increased access to resources to close the gap for underrepresented founders. Over the past five years, state investments in entrepreneurship and innovation helped catalyze more than 15,800 jobs and over 1,400 high-tech companies. Additionally, for every $1 the state invested, founders leveraged roughly $85 from other sources, which is an exceptional leverage ratio for public capital.
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
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Original text here: https://msufoundation.org/medc-earns-2026-excellence-in-economic-development-award-for-statewide-startup-competition-pitchmi/
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MEDC Earns 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Statewide Startup Competition PitchMI
International recognition celebrates a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship across Michigan
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Lansing, MI - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning international recognition for its innovative efforts to identify, support and invest in Michigan's most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process. In its annual ... Show Full Article EAST LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Michigan State University Research Foundation issued the following news release: * * * MEDC Earns 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Statewide Startup Competition PitchMI International recognition celebrates a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship across Michigan - Lansing, MI - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning international recognition for its innovative efforts to identify, support and invest in Michigan's most promising startups through a competitive statewide selection process. In its annualExcellence in Economic Development Awards, which recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) honored the MEDC with a Silver Award in the Innovative Economic Development category for PitchMI, a founder-focused pitch competition organized by the MEDC and the Michigan State University Research Foundation. The award will be presented at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25-28.
"The MEDC is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its PitchMI program. This award shines a spotlight on the MEDC's commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "IEDC is honored to present this award to the MEDC to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field."
PitchMI is designed to provide serious capital, rigorous evaluation and meaningful visibility to Michigan's most promising startups. The 2026 PitchMI Championship served as the culmination of a statewide search, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting founders who want to make a career or business in Michigan.
In total, the 2025-26 PitchMI competition awarded more than $2.3 million in investment capital. The road to the championship began in the fall of 2025 with four regional pitch events across the state, which saw 375 applications from founders in more than 100 Michigan communities.
"We couldn't be prouder to celebrate the MEDC's IEDC Excellence Award for PitchMI," said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. "PitchMI gives our state's entrepreneurs a stage that matches the quality of the companies that they're building. This recognition is really a Team Michigan recognition of the engagement and efforts of Governor Whitmer, bipartisan members of the state legislature, partner organizations and my tremendous teammates at the MEDC. My colleagues' dedication and hard work are making positive differences throughout the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Work remains as Team Michigan seeks the gold performance that Michiganders deserve as we support businesses of all sizes."
"Michigan has incredible founders and ideas across the state, and PitchMI is about giving them the resources and runway to grow," said David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation. "This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with MEDC and the many organizations that make Michigan's innovation ecosystem thrive. By investing together, we are helping more entrepreneurs choose Michigan as the place to build and become something bigger."
Applications for the 2026-2027 round of PitchMI closed on Aug. 10. Selected semifinalists will be notified on Aug. 31, ahead of pitch events from Sept. 15 through Oct. 1.
Michigan's entrepreneurial landscape continues to thrive with the addition of critical tools, including a $60 million investment in early-stage startups through the Michigan Innovation Fund, an R&D tax credit for small businesses, a statewide Innovation Alliance and increased access to resources to close the gap for underrepresented founders. Over the past five years, state investments in entrepreneurship and innovation helped catalyze more than 15,800 jobs and over 1,400 high-tech companies. Additionally, for every $1 the state invested, founders leveraged roughly $85 from other sources, which is an exceptional leverage ratio for public capital.
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
* * *
Original text here: https://msufoundation.org/medc-earns-2026-excellence-in-economic-development-award-for-statewide-startup-competition-pitchmi/
Freedom From Religion Foundation: Mass. High Court Upholds Injunction Preventing Religious Statues Installation
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
* * *
Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance.
The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michael ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance. The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michaelthe Archangel and St. Florian violate the Massachusetts Constitution's requirement of government neutrality towards religion. The injunction will remain in place while litigation proceeds in Norfolk Superior Court. The plaintiffs are represented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Cloherty & Steinberg LLP.
In its ruling, the court affirmed that installing the statues as the sole adornment on the municipal building "could be viewed by the public as endorsement of a particular religion, and the subordination of others," especially because "they stand tall and alone, adorned with Catholic iconography" and are not long-standing historic monuments. The justices affirmed on this record the trial judge's conclusion that "the statues' primary effect will be to advance a religious message," even if they also serve a secular purpose as symbols of courage for first responders.
Finally, the justices ruled that the public interest weighs strongly in favor of maintaining the preliminary injunction, because if the statues were to be installed while the litigation continued, "the plaintiffs and other members of the public would have to confront them regularly, experiencing feelings of subordination given their own religious beliefs or nonbeliefs."
"I'm thrilled with this ruling and I'm relieved that these statues will not be installed while we pursue our case against the city," says Claire Fitzmaurice, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "As a Unitarian Universalist, I cherish the principle of religious pluralism. I believe that Quincy should be a place where we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds. To have these imposing religious statues looming over the entrance of the public safety building would fly in the face of that pluralistic ideal -- especially as our city continues to grow more diverse. I look forward to our next day in court."
"The court's wise decision casts doubt on the profoundly un-American idea that Quincy's city government can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on massive religious statuary and then affix it to the front of the public safety building, where it would loom above citizens using the main entrance," says David Reich, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "Our predicament in Quincy takes me back to grammar school, when I and my Catholic and Jewish classmates -- a majority of the student body -- were required to recite a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer. Like the mandatory prayers in 1950s public schools, affixing these statues to the public safety building would send a stark message to people in less-favored religious groups: You don't count. I'm grateful that the statues will remain far away from the public safety building while we pursue our lawsuit, so that nobody in 2020s Quincy receives that message from their government."
The plaintiffs in Fitzmaurice v. City of Quincy filed their lawsuit in May 2025 after local media revealed Mayor Thomas P. Koch's plan to install the statues, which had been commissioned in secret nearly a year and a half earlier. The estimated cost to taxpayers is at least $850,000. None of these details had previously been disclosed either to the public or to the full Quincy City Council. Despite significant opposition from constituents -- including an online petition with over 1,600 signatures and a statement from 19 local faith leaders -- the mayor pressed forward with his plan. In October 2025, the Norfolk Superior Court denied the city's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation.
The plaintiffs' legal counsel issued the following statements:
"We are delighted by the ruling, which concludes that a government may not give special preference to religion," says Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has wisely upheld the trial court's preliminary injunction, affirming that sectarian religious statues cannot be imposed on the people of Quincy."
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts: "Here in Massachusetts, our state Constitution is clear: the government must remain neutral in matters of religion and must not elevate one faith above others. With today's landmark ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court affirms those principles, which are the essential foundation of a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish. As Quincy residents and taxpayers, our clients believe that installing these plainly religious statues would undermine those ideals. We are proud to represent these courageous plaintiffs, and we look forward to continuing to litigate the merits of this case in Superior Court."
Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief: "This ruling is a powerful reminder that the government has no business playing favorites with faith, including at important city facilities. As the court made clear, religious freedom belongs to all Quincy residents, not just those who align with government officials' preferred religious beliefs."
Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United: "This is a win for religious freedom and church-state separation. Police and fire services are for all Quincy residents, regardless of their religious belief. By trying to install large religious statues in front of the government building dedicated to public safety, Mayor Koch and the city are violating the constitutional promise of church-state separation and sending a message to all who rely on city services that one faith is favored over all others."
For more information about the Freedom From Religion Foundation, visit: https://ffrf.org/
For more information about the ACLU of Massachusetts, visit: https://www.aclum.org/
For more information about the ACLU, visit: https://www.aclu.org/
For more information about Americans United, visit: https://www.au.org/
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Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/mass-high-court-upholds-injunction-preventing-religious-statues-installation/
[Category: Religion]
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Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance.
The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michael ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance. The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michaelthe Archangel and St. Florian violate the Massachusetts Constitution's requirement of government neutrality towards religion. The injunction will remain in place while litigation proceeds in Norfolk Superior Court. The plaintiffs are represented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Cloherty & Steinberg LLP.
In its ruling, the court affirmed that installing the statues as the sole adornment on the municipal building "could be viewed by the public as endorsement of a particular religion, and the subordination of others," especially because "they stand tall and alone, adorned with Catholic iconography" and are not long-standing historic monuments. The justices affirmed on this record the trial judge's conclusion that "the statues' primary effect will be to advance a religious message," even if they also serve a secular purpose as symbols of courage for first responders.
Finally, the justices ruled that the public interest weighs strongly in favor of maintaining the preliminary injunction, because if the statues were to be installed while the litigation continued, "the plaintiffs and other members of the public would have to confront them regularly, experiencing feelings of subordination given their own religious beliefs or nonbeliefs."
"I'm thrilled with this ruling and I'm relieved that these statues will not be installed while we pursue our case against the city," says Claire Fitzmaurice, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "As a Unitarian Universalist, I cherish the principle of religious pluralism. I believe that Quincy should be a place where we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds. To have these imposing religious statues looming over the entrance of the public safety building would fly in the face of that pluralistic ideal -- especially as our city continues to grow more diverse. I look forward to our next day in court."
"The court's wise decision casts doubt on the profoundly un-American idea that Quincy's city government can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on massive religious statuary and then affix it to the front of the public safety building, where it would loom above citizens using the main entrance," says David Reich, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "Our predicament in Quincy takes me back to grammar school, when I and my Catholic and Jewish classmates -- a majority of the student body -- were required to recite a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer. Like the mandatory prayers in 1950s public schools, affixing these statues to the public safety building would send a stark message to people in less-favored religious groups: You don't count. I'm grateful that the statues will remain far away from the public safety building while we pursue our lawsuit, so that nobody in 2020s Quincy receives that message from their government."
The plaintiffs in Fitzmaurice v. City of Quincy filed their lawsuit in May 2025 after local media revealed Mayor Thomas P. Koch's plan to install the statues, which had been commissioned in secret nearly a year and a half earlier. The estimated cost to taxpayers is at least $850,000. None of these details had previously been disclosed either to the public or to the full Quincy City Council. Despite significant opposition from constituents -- including an online petition with over 1,600 signatures and a statement from 19 local faith leaders -- the mayor pressed forward with his plan. In October 2025, the Norfolk Superior Court denied the city's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation.
The plaintiffs' legal counsel issued the following statements:
"We are delighted by the ruling, which concludes that a government may not give special preference to religion," says Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has wisely upheld the trial court's preliminary injunction, affirming that sectarian religious statues cannot be imposed on the people of Quincy."
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts: "Here in Massachusetts, our state Constitution is clear: the government must remain neutral in matters of religion and must not elevate one faith above others. With today's landmark ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court affirms those principles, which are the essential foundation of a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish. As Quincy residents and taxpayers, our clients believe that installing these plainly religious statues would undermine those ideals. We are proud to represent these courageous plaintiffs, and we look forward to continuing to litigate the merits of this case in Superior Court."
Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief: "This ruling is a powerful reminder that the government has no business playing favorites with faith, including at important city facilities. As the court made clear, religious freedom belongs to all Quincy residents, not just those who align with government officials' preferred religious beliefs."
Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United: "This is a win for religious freedom and church-state separation. Police and fire services are for all Quincy residents, regardless of their religious belief. By trying to install large religious statues in front of the government building dedicated to public safety, Mayor Koch and the city are violating the constitutional promise of church-state separation and sending a message to all who rely on city services that one faith is favored over all others."
For more information about the Freedom From Religion Foundation, visit: https://ffrf.org/
For more information about the ACLU of Massachusetts, visit: https://www.aclum.org/
For more information about the ACLU, visit: https://www.aclu.org/
For more information about Americans United, visit: https://www.au.org/
* * *
Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/mass-high-court-upholds-injunction-preventing-religious-statues-installation/
[Category: Religion]
Foundation for Economic Education Issues Commentary Entitled 'I Bought Beans at the Government Store'
DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine:
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I Bought Beans at the Government Store
Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government.
-
Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion of ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine: * * * I Bought Beans at the Government Store Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government. - Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion ofjackhammers that chipped away at the sidewalks. Finally, I approached the automatic doors to my destination, Azalea Fresh Market, and was welcomed by two security guards.
At first glance, the store seemed like an ordinary supermarket, but a bit smaller than my usual. Upon a closer look at the items, the prices were anything but ordinary. My eyes darted toward the row of eggs displayed: $3 per dozen. Next to the eggs was a gallon of milk, $4. Behind me was a loaf of Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread, $5, and a 12-pack of canned sodas, $10. I trudged up a nearby set of stairs to see a modern cafe that featured a sushi counter, a sandwich shop, and a smoothie stand with several iPads to place an order. The sleek wooden tables and chairs were filled with professionals and students typing away on their computers while enjoying a sip and a bite. If you were anything like most Atlantans, given the prices and atmosphere, you probably thought that I was at the newest semi-luxury food market that I spotted on TikTok. In reality, I went to a government-funded grocery store that socialists are raving about.
Azalea Fresh Market opened last September to address a growing demand for a grocery store in downtown Atlanta. Its opening was the result of a partnership between the City of Atlanta, the Independent Grocers Alliance, and a successful local mini-grocery store chain, Savi Provisions. With no major grocery company inclined to open a location in the downtown area, the City of Atlanta managed to contribute roughly $8 million in cash, loans, and grants to provide the infrastructure needed to help open the business (as well as a second location that is under construction), while the owners of Savi Provisions operate it independently, hoping that the ongoing success of the store will eventually allow it to run on its own. To reach that goal, the store keeps the prices of staple food items as close to those at other supermarkets as it can (though $3 for a dozen eggs and $5 for a loaf of bread can really add up for the more budget-conscious shopper), while operating the cafe upstairs to generate higher-margin sales from college students and professionals.
Given the intent behind the establishment of this store, it's difficult to imagine why it's gaining so much praise from advocates for Zohran Mamdani's proposed government-owned markets. Mamdani's goal isn't to target food deserts; he aims to outprice private grocers in areas where supply is abundant because he's convinced that businesses are price-gouging consumers. Azalea was established because there is no grocery store nearby, meaning that there were no local grocers to worry about being priced out.
Azalea's location also serves a much different demographic from what Mamdani says his stores will be intended to serve. While Mamdani's stores will sit in busier, residential areas of New York, Azalea sits on a college campus and borders several government and corporate buildings. So it's not a quick walk for most low-income families who need fresh groceries for their homes. The store's main demographic consists of thousands of college students, a risky consumer base when a majority of the university's population leaves for breaks throughout the year. With many students enrolled in dining plans and few permanent residents to provide consistent foot traffic, it becomes easier to see why major grocers were hesitant to open in the area.
But more importantly, if Azalea Fresh Market is supposed to be a case study to show that the government should become a grocer in cities such as New York, it's a strange example. The city didn't open a grocery store and ask taxpayers to keep it afloat. It sought out a private grocer and helped them overcome the steep cost of entering a market that other grocers had already rejected. Savi will eventually need to stand on its own two feet. That sounds less like socialism and more like a government-funded bet on the private sector.
With Mamdani having no plans to perform a public-private partnership, taxpayers will foot $30 million of the bill for its first 9,000-square-foot location in East Harlem, compared with Atlanta's $8 million investment on a 30,000-square-foot location. That makes New York's project a much riskier investment. If socialists want to see a grocery store model that most closely aligns with what Mamdani has in mind, they should turn to Kansas City's Sun Fresh Market, which closed down after receiving roughly $18 million of taxpayer dollars over 10 years, citing low profits and crime as major factors for locking its doors.
But that doesn't necessarily make Azalea a victory for free-market advocates, either. The city responded to demand from consumers who wanted fresh food within walking distance, while private grocers had decided that opening downtown wasn't worth the risk. For Savi, the deal offered an opportunity to expand into downtown without shouldering the full upfront cost of entering an untested market. If the model fails, Savi's potential losses are cushioned by the city's support. If it succeeds, Savi gets a profitable new location, an expanded customer base, and a reputational boost from being seen as a company willing to serve a community that other grocers had passed over.
As the store approaches its first anniversary and construction continues on a second location, Azalea Fresh Market is still too young to know whether that bet will pay off. Perhaps the private market was failing to provide something downtown Atlanta genuinely needed. Or perhaps it was accurately assessing the risks of doing business there. Either way, Azalea will eventually provide an answer. And should the store succeed, the success won't belong to the mayor's office alone. It will belong to the private grocer that managed to make a business work where others wouldn't.
* * *
Ryan Devine is an Editorial Associate at FEE. He earned a BA in Psychology from Salisbury University and an MPA from Villanova University. At Salisbury, he received the Psychology Department Award, presented to a graduating senior in recognition of academic achievement and meaningful contributions to the department.
* * *
Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/i-bought-beans-at-the-government-store/
* * *
I Bought Beans at the Government Store
Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government.
-
Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion of ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine: * * * I Bought Beans at the Government Store Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government. - Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion ofjackhammers that chipped away at the sidewalks. Finally, I approached the automatic doors to my destination, Azalea Fresh Market, and was welcomed by two security guards.
At first glance, the store seemed like an ordinary supermarket, but a bit smaller than my usual. Upon a closer look at the items, the prices were anything but ordinary. My eyes darted toward the row of eggs displayed: $3 per dozen. Next to the eggs was a gallon of milk, $4. Behind me was a loaf of Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread, $5, and a 12-pack of canned sodas, $10. I trudged up a nearby set of stairs to see a modern cafe that featured a sushi counter, a sandwich shop, and a smoothie stand with several iPads to place an order. The sleek wooden tables and chairs were filled with professionals and students typing away on their computers while enjoying a sip and a bite. If you were anything like most Atlantans, given the prices and atmosphere, you probably thought that I was at the newest semi-luxury food market that I spotted on TikTok. In reality, I went to a government-funded grocery store that socialists are raving about.
Azalea Fresh Market opened last September to address a growing demand for a grocery store in downtown Atlanta. Its opening was the result of a partnership between the City of Atlanta, the Independent Grocers Alliance, and a successful local mini-grocery store chain, Savi Provisions. With no major grocery company inclined to open a location in the downtown area, the City of Atlanta managed to contribute roughly $8 million in cash, loans, and grants to provide the infrastructure needed to help open the business (as well as a second location that is under construction), while the owners of Savi Provisions operate it independently, hoping that the ongoing success of the store will eventually allow it to run on its own. To reach that goal, the store keeps the prices of staple food items as close to those at other supermarkets as it can (though $3 for a dozen eggs and $5 for a loaf of bread can really add up for the more budget-conscious shopper), while operating the cafe upstairs to generate higher-margin sales from college students and professionals.
Given the intent behind the establishment of this store, it's difficult to imagine why it's gaining so much praise from advocates for Zohran Mamdani's proposed government-owned markets. Mamdani's goal isn't to target food deserts; he aims to outprice private grocers in areas where supply is abundant because he's convinced that businesses are price-gouging consumers. Azalea was established because there is no grocery store nearby, meaning that there were no local grocers to worry about being priced out.
Azalea's location also serves a much different demographic from what Mamdani says his stores will be intended to serve. While Mamdani's stores will sit in busier, residential areas of New York, Azalea sits on a college campus and borders several government and corporate buildings. So it's not a quick walk for most low-income families who need fresh groceries for their homes. The store's main demographic consists of thousands of college students, a risky consumer base when a majority of the university's population leaves for breaks throughout the year. With many students enrolled in dining plans and few permanent residents to provide consistent foot traffic, it becomes easier to see why major grocers were hesitant to open in the area.
But more importantly, if Azalea Fresh Market is supposed to be a case study to show that the government should become a grocer in cities such as New York, it's a strange example. The city didn't open a grocery store and ask taxpayers to keep it afloat. It sought out a private grocer and helped them overcome the steep cost of entering a market that other grocers had already rejected. Savi will eventually need to stand on its own two feet. That sounds less like socialism and more like a government-funded bet on the private sector.
With Mamdani having no plans to perform a public-private partnership, taxpayers will foot $30 million of the bill for its first 9,000-square-foot location in East Harlem, compared with Atlanta's $8 million investment on a 30,000-square-foot location. That makes New York's project a much riskier investment. If socialists want to see a grocery store model that most closely aligns with what Mamdani has in mind, they should turn to Kansas City's Sun Fresh Market, which closed down after receiving roughly $18 million of taxpayer dollars over 10 years, citing low profits and crime as major factors for locking its doors.
But that doesn't necessarily make Azalea a victory for free-market advocates, either. The city responded to demand from consumers who wanted fresh food within walking distance, while private grocers had decided that opening downtown wasn't worth the risk. For Savi, the deal offered an opportunity to expand into downtown without shouldering the full upfront cost of entering an untested market. If the model fails, Savi's potential losses are cushioned by the city's support. If it succeeds, Savi gets a profitable new location, an expanded customer base, and a reputational boost from being seen as a company willing to serve a community that other grocers had passed over.
As the store approaches its first anniversary and construction continues on a second location, Azalea Fresh Market is still too young to know whether that bet will pay off. Perhaps the private market was failing to provide something downtown Atlanta genuinely needed. Or perhaps it was accurately assessing the risks of doing business there. Either way, Azalea will eventually provide an answer. And should the store succeed, the success won't belong to the mayor's office alone. It will belong to the private grocer that managed to make a business work where others wouldn't.
* * *
Ryan Devine is an Editorial Associate at FEE. He earned a BA in Psychology from Salisbury University and an MPA from Villanova University. At Salisbury, he received the Psychology Department Award, presented to a graduating senior in recognition of academic achievement and meaningful contributions to the department.
* * *
Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/i-bought-beans-at-the-government-store/
Boston Foundation Distributes $376,000 in Grants From Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to Organizations Helping Immigrants Impacted by TPS Revocations
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 21 -- The Boston Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
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The Boston Foundation distributes $376,000 in grants from Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to organizations helping immigrants impacted by TPS revocations
The Boston Foundation today announced the distribution of $376,000 in new grants to nine organizations from its Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors initiative, targeting organizations supporting immigrants being uprooted by recent decisions on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Tens of ... Show Full Article BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 21 -- The Boston Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * The Boston Foundation distributes $376,000 in grants from Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to organizations helping immigrants impacted by TPS revocations The Boston Foundation today announced the distribution of $376,000 in new grants to nine organizations from its Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors initiative, targeting organizations supporting immigrants being uprooted by recent decisions on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Tens ofthousands of immigrants in Massachusetts, primarily Haitians, are at greatest risk from federal rulings allowing the Trump Administration to unilaterally cancel TPS designations, resulting in thousands of jobs lost and families displaced to countries many of them have not seen in well over a decade.
"Beyond the very real economic impact summarily evicting thousands of workers will have on Massachusetts, the human toll on thousands of our neighbors is unconscionable," said Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Program Officer at the Boston Foundation. "These organizations are providing critical supports, helping TPS holders navigate the legal process, meet their basic needs, protect their families and defend their legal and human rights as they explore any options they might have to avoid returning to often unsafe homelands many of them have not seen in over a decade."
Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors is a focused, three-prong strategy to provide resources for immigrant communities across Greater Boston. TBF is expanding legal aid and community-based supports to protect families facing immediate threats, providing flexible resources so immigrant-serving nonprofits can meet rising demand and plan for the long term, and investing in research, local journalism, and storytelling to counter misinformation and guide effective policy.
Launched this spring in partnership with the City of Boston and other organizations, the initiative is funded by the Boston Foundation and its community of donors.
Among the grants in this round are support for eight nonprofit organizations working directly to support immigrants and their families. In addition, the Foundation is making a $50,000 grant to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay's United Response Fund, which provides support statewide for organizations on the front lines to deploy emergency financial assistance to individuals and families to ensure they can access basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare and childcare.
Grantees include:
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA): $46,000
The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) is a statewide coalition advancing the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees through advocacy, education, organizing, and direct community resources. In response to the recent TPS decision, MIRA has provided dedicated information and education for Haitian TPS holders, including Haitian Creole resources, webinars on legal options and asylum, and guidance for advocates supporting impacted community members.
International Institute of New England: $40,000
The International Institute of New England provides comprehensive services to refugees and immigrants, including immigration legal assistance, case management, employment support, housing and food connections, and other services supporting long term stability. IINE has served thousands of Haitian immigrants in recent years and, following the Supreme Court's TPS decision, launched a dedicated TPS Support Initiative offering legal consultations, family preparedness planning, intensive case management, employment assistance, and connections to essential resources such as food and housing.
Greater Boston Legal Services: $40,000
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents throughout Greater Boston, including extensive immigration representation and advocacy. Its Immigration Unit represents immigrants before USCIS, ICE, immigration courts, and federal courts while also providing communities and service providers with information about immigration rights and available remedies; GBLS also offers services addressing housing, public benefits, health coverage, employment, and other basic-needs issues.
Caribbean Youth Club: $40,000
Caribbean Youth Club (CYC) provides culturally specific support to newly arrived Afro-Caribbean immigrant and refugee youth enrolled in Boston Public Schools, helping young people and their families navigate the transition to life in the United States. Its year-round programming includes academic support, mentoring, life-skills development, employment opportunities, culturally connected peer networks, and assistance navigating education and social-service systems.
WelcomeNST: $40,000
WelcomeNST mobilizes community-based Neighborhood Support Teams to help refugee and immigrant families establish stability and self-sufficiency in their new communities. In Greater Boston, its model connects immigrant households with teams that can provide practical assistance such as food access, accompaniment to appointments, financial-literacy and Know Your Rights education, housing support, and help overcoming barriers to self-reliance.
Justice at Work: $40,000
Justice at Work is a multilingual legal nonprofit that partners with worker centers and grassroots organizations to protect workers in low-paying jobs, with deep roots in supporting immigrant worker communities. The organization provides direct legal services, workplace-rights education, technical assistance, and representation for workers facing wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, workplace injury, sexual harassment, and other violations.
Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN): $40,000
The Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) is a community-based network providing direct accompaniment and practical assistance to people impacted by the immigration enforcement system. Its support can include accompaniment to court and ICE check-ins, legal referrals, assistance with bond and legal costs, transportation, paperwork support, and short-term housing and other immediate needs for people released from detention.
Brockton Workers Alliance: $40,000
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA) is a worker-led organization that educates, organizes, and advocates alongside immigrant workers experiencing workplace abuse, exploitation, and other systemic barriers. BWA provides workers' rights clinics, Know Your Rights education, ESOL classes, voter education, immigration defense and deferred-action assistance, and advocacy around health-care access and economic justice; its organizing has included Brockton's Latinx, Haitian, and Cape Verdean communities.
United Way of Massachusetts Bay/United Response Fund: $50,000
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Original text here: https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2026/august/meeting-the-moment-grants-tps-revocation-20260820
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The Boston Foundation distributes $376,000 in grants from Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to organizations helping immigrants impacted by TPS revocations
The Boston Foundation today announced the distribution of $376,000 in new grants to nine organizations from its Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors initiative, targeting organizations supporting immigrants being uprooted by recent decisions on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Tens of ... Show Full Article BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 21 -- The Boston Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * The Boston Foundation distributes $376,000 in grants from Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors to organizations helping immigrants impacted by TPS revocations The Boston Foundation today announced the distribution of $376,000 in new grants to nine organizations from its Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors initiative, targeting organizations supporting immigrants being uprooted by recent decisions on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Tens ofthousands of immigrants in Massachusetts, primarily Haitians, are at greatest risk from federal rulings allowing the Trump Administration to unilaterally cancel TPS designations, resulting in thousands of jobs lost and families displaced to countries many of them have not seen in well over a decade.
"Beyond the very real economic impact summarily evicting thousands of workers will have on Massachusetts, the human toll on thousands of our neighbors is unconscionable," said Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Program Officer at the Boston Foundation. "These organizations are providing critical supports, helping TPS holders navigate the legal process, meet their basic needs, protect their families and defend their legal and human rights as they explore any options they might have to avoid returning to often unsafe homelands many of them have not seen in over a decade."
Meeting the Moment: Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors is a focused, three-prong strategy to provide resources for immigrant communities across Greater Boston. TBF is expanding legal aid and community-based supports to protect families facing immediate threats, providing flexible resources so immigrant-serving nonprofits can meet rising demand and plan for the long term, and investing in research, local journalism, and storytelling to counter misinformation and guide effective policy.
Launched this spring in partnership with the City of Boston and other organizations, the initiative is funded by the Boston Foundation and its community of donors.
Among the grants in this round are support for eight nonprofit organizations working directly to support immigrants and their families. In addition, the Foundation is making a $50,000 grant to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay's United Response Fund, which provides support statewide for organizations on the front lines to deploy emergency financial assistance to individuals and families to ensure they can access basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare and childcare.
Grantees include:
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA): $46,000
The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) is a statewide coalition advancing the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees through advocacy, education, organizing, and direct community resources. In response to the recent TPS decision, MIRA has provided dedicated information and education for Haitian TPS holders, including Haitian Creole resources, webinars on legal options and asylum, and guidance for advocates supporting impacted community members.
International Institute of New England: $40,000
The International Institute of New England provides comprehensive services to refugees and immigrants, including immigration legal assistance, case management, employment support, housing and food connections, and other services supporting long term stability. IINE has served thousands of Haitian immigrants in recent years and, following the Supreme Court's TPS decision, launched a dedicated TPS Support Initiative offering legal consultations, family preparedness planning, intensive case management, employment assistance, and connections to essential resources such as food and housing.
Greater Boston Legal Services: $40,000
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents throughout Greater Boston, including extensive immigration representation and advocacy. Its Immigration Unit represents immigrants before USCIS, ICE, immigration courts, and federal courts while also providing communities and service providers with information about immigration rights and available remedies; GBLS also offers services addressing housing, public benefits, health coverage, employment, and other basic-needs issues.
Caribbean Youth Club: $40,000
Caribbean Youth Club (CYC) provides culturally specific support to newly arrived Afro-Caribbean immigrant and refugee youth enrolled in Boston Public Schools, helping young people and their families navigate the transition to life in the United States. Its year-round programming includes academic support, mentoring, life-skills development, employment opportunities, culturally connected peer networks, and assistance navigating education and social-service systems.
WelcomeNST: $40,000
WelcomeNST mobilizes community-based Neighborhood Support Teams to help refugee and immigrant families establish stability and self-sufficiency in their new communities. In Greater Boston, its model connects immigrant households with teams that can provide practical assistance such as food access, accompaniment to appointments, financial-literacy and Know Your Rights education, housing support, and help overcoming barriers to self-reliance.
Justice at Work: $40,000
Justice at Work is a multilingual legal nonprofit that partners with worker centers and grassroots organizations to protect workers in low-paying jobs, with deep roots in supporting immigrant worker communities. The organization provides direct legal services, workplace-rights education, technical assistance, and representation for workers facing wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, workplace injury, sexual harassment, and other violations.
Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN): $40,000
The Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) is a community-based network providing direct accompaniment and practical assistance to people impacted by the immigration enforcement system. Its support can include accompaniment to court and ICE check-ins, legal referrals, assistance with bond and legal costs, transportation, paperwork support, and short-term housing and other immediate needs for people released from detention.
Brockton Workers Alliance: $40,000
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA) is a worker-led organization that educates, organizes, and advocates alongside immigrant workers experiencing workplace abuse, exploitation, and other systemic barriers. BWA provides workers' rights clinics, Know Your Rights education, ESOL classes, voter education, immigration defense and deferred-action assistance, and advocacy around health-care access and economic justice; its organizing has included Brockton's Latinx, Haitian, and Cape Verdean communities.
United Way of Massachusetts Bay/United Response Fund: $50,000
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Original text here: https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/press-releases/2026/august/meeting-the-moment-grants-tps-revocation-20260820