Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Landmark U.S. ruling allows Indonesians to proceed with lawsuit against Bumble Bee for forced labor on fishing boats
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 [Category: Environment] -- Greenpeace USA, an organization that says it uses protest and confrontation to expose environmental problems and promote solutions, issued the following news release:
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Landmark U.S. ruling allows Indonesians to proceed with lawsuit against Bumble Bee for forced labor on fishing boats
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (November 13, 2025) The case of a group of Indonesian fishers who sued U.S. tuna brand Bumble Bee, alleging forced labor, will move forward, according to a judgment released by the Southern California federal district court yesterday. Their
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 [Category: Environment] -- Greenpeace USA, an organization that says it uses protest and confrontation to expose environmental problems and promote solutions, issued the following news release:
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Landmark U.S. ruling allows Indonesians to proceed with lawsuit against Bumble Bee for forced labor on fishing boats
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (November 13, 2025) The case of a group of Indonesian fishers who sued U.S. tuna brand Bumble Bee, alleging forced labor, will move forward, according to a judgment released by the Southern California federal district court yesterday. Theircase, which cites years of research from the Greenpeace global network, alleges years of forced labor while catching fish sold by the company.
Syafi'i, a plaintiff in the case, said: "I'm actually in tears. I am happy and overwhelmed. This gives me hope for justice for me and my fellow plaintiffs as we struggle for justice and change for the better. Our fight and sacrifice are not in vain in order to get justice for all of the fishers. I remain steadfast, strong, and enthusiastic."
The four fishers filed suit against Bumble Bee in March 2025 under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Investigations and supply chain research from the Greenpeace global network's Beyond Seafood fisheries campaigns were used by the litigants' attorneys to support this complaint. It is believed to be the first case of its kind against the seafood industry in the U.S., and one of only a few TVPRA supply chain cases to move past the motion to dismiss stage.
Sari Heidenreich, Senior Human Rights Advisor, Greenpeace USA, said: "This is a historic moment and an incredible victory for the fishers and the ocean. By allowing this case to move ahead, the court has given these fishers' voices the space they deserve. We celebrate that the fishers will be allowed their day in court, recognizing this is monumental not only for these four men, who are brave enough to stand up to a giant U.S. corporation but for hundreds of thousands of fishers globally."
The court ruled that the fishers presented sufficient allegations of forced labor as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, noting that Bumble Bee did not contest the fishers were subject to forced labor. The court also found that Bumble Bee "likely had 'notice about the prevalence' of forced labor on the vessels from which it sourced tuna, 'failed to take adequate steps to train staff in order to prevent its occurrence,'" had an "active role in obtaining albacore tuna from the vessels on which Plaintiffs were subject to forced labor," and resold the tuna for profit.
Heidenreich continued: "This ruling once again affirms that U.S. companies have a responsibility to ensure the products they sell including tuna that they market for you to pack for lunch were not produced with the abhorrent crimes of forced labor and modern slavery. Allegations as horrific as those in the suit should never happen to these fishers or anyone else. Seafood companies cannot continue to put profits over all else; they cannot continue this rabid exploitation of workers, the oceans, and marine life. They must act now to address the root causes of modern slavery and end isolation at sea. The global Greenpeace network's Beyond Seafood Campaign has been working for over a decade to hold Big Seafood to account. It is an affirmation of the importance of this work that the campaign's reports documenting these abuses were cited by the judge in her ruling."
The judge's ruling also cited numerous reports from Greenpeace East Asia and Greenpeace Southeast Asia as evidence that the company knew or should have known about forced labor on its supplying vessels. [1]
Arifsyah Nasution, Global Project Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said: "With this ruling, all of Big Seafood is officially on notice: exploitation at sea could land you in court at home. It is well known that physical violence, excessive working hours, and lack of payment all conditions alleged in this lawsuit are prevalent in the fishing industry and exacerbated by the overexploitation of our oceans."
The Greenpeace global network's Beyond Seafood Campaign has called for concerted action by all stakeholders and governments along the seafood supply chain to end isolation at sea. This includes:
* Free, accessible, and secure Wi-Fi on all fishing vessels to allow fishers to have contact with their families, unions, and governments.
* Capping time at sea at three months to reduce the risk of human rights abuse, forced labor, and human trafficking.
* 100% human or electronic observer coverage to ensure vital data on catch composition, bycatch, interactions with protected species, and overall fishing practices are reported by independent and impartial parties.
Freedom of association and access to unions for workers are key enabling rights to ensure a strong worker voice and protections across the various stages of the supply chain. It is essential to have accessible grievance mechanisms, including those available at sea, that are secure and responsive. These mechanisms should allow workers to raise issues as they arise, and companies must respond promptly, providing remedies and directly addressing the root causes of the problems.
The lawsuit, Akhmad v. Bumble Bee Foods LLC, No. 3:25-cv-00583, was filed in March 2025 in U.S. federal court in San Diego, California, and is currently before chief judge Cynthia Bashant. In addition to Greenpeace Inc., the plaintiffs in the suit are represented by the law firms of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC and Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes LLP.
Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library
[1] Fake My Catch: The Unreliable Traceability in our Tuna Cans
Choppy Waters: Forced Labour and Illegal Fishing in Taiwan's Distant Water Fisheries
Forced Labour at Sea: The Case of Indonesian Migrant Fishers
Contacts:
Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, tbrooks@greenpeace.org
Vela Andapita, Global Communications Coordinator, Beyond Seafood campaign, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, +62 817 5759 449 (UTC+8), vela.andapita@greenpeace.org
Greenpeace USA Press Desk: mediausa@greenpeace.org Greenpeace International
Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org
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Original text here: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/landmark-u-s-ruling-allows-indonesians-to-proceed-with-lawsuit-against-bumble-bee-for-forced-labor-on-fishing-boats/
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Agrivoltaics Increases Yields, Reduces Water Usage, and Boosts Rural Participation in the Renewable Energy Transition
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 14 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Agrivoltaics increases yields, reduces water usage, and boosts rural participation in the renewable energy transition
Key Takeaways:
Agrivoltaics can reduce local opposition to solar projects on farmland and create new income streams across rural stakeholder groups.
Agrivoltaics significantly reduces water usage and increases yields in arid regions.
Agrivoltaics broadens participation in the rural economy, and can contribute meaningfully to both the renewable
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 14 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Agrivoltaics increases yields, reduces water usage, and boosts rural participation in the renewable energy transition
Key Takeaways:
Agrivoltaics can reduce local opposition to solar projects on farmland and create new income streams across rural stakeholder groups.
Agrivoltaics significantly reduces water usage and increases yields in arid regions.
Agrivoltaics broadens participation in the rural economy, and can contribute meaningfully to both the renewableenergy transition and the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture.
With continued research, supportive policy, and adaptive financial models, agrivoltaics has the potential to align farmer needs, developer interests, and community priorities.
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Across the United States, energy demand is surging after decades of stagnant growth, due to electrification efforts, data centers, and artificial intelligence. As demand increases, the economics continue to favor wind and solar, which consistently outcompete gas and coal in affordability. As rural communities look to increase renewable energy, a unique opportunity presents itself.
Flat, sunny, easily accessible land that is ideal for solar farms is often already in use for agriculture. A new report (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/Agrivoltaics_November%202025.pdf) from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) highlights the opportunity to expand the use of agrivoltaics market to boost generation from renewable energy, decrease water use, and increase yields--providing a win for renewable energy and agricultural communities.
Agrivoltaics--the dual-use integration of solar panels and active farming on the same land--offers a solution that benefits all three core stakeholders. Landowners gain a new, steady revenue stream in a volatile industry while maintaining their land's agricultural productivity; solar project developers get access to viable sites with fewer permitting battles; and communities retain agricultural land in production while enjoying local investment and tax revenue.
"Agrivoltaics demonstrates that agricultural production and solar development can be complementary rather than competing options for land use," said Asher Salkin, former research intern at IEEFA and author of the report. "Our research shows that using agrivoltaics in agricultural settings increases crop yields in water-stressed regions, which not only lowers operating costs but also improves soil and ecosystem health."
Will still not widespread, agrivoltaics installations are expanding, growing from 27,000 acres with 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity in 2020 to more than 62,000 acres and 10 GW in 2024--enough to power 1.5 million homes. With supportive policies, agrivoltaics could help small farmers, meet growing electricity needs, and include more rural communities in the energy transition.
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/agrivoltaics-increases-yields-reduces-water-usage-and-boosts-rural-participation-renewable
[Category: Energy]
Independent Women's Voice: Bipartisan Breakthrough Ends Democrat-Driven Shutdown, Delivering Relief to Millions of Americans
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Independent Women's Voice, an organization that fights for policy solutions for women, posted the following news release:
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Bipartisan Breakthrough Ends Democrat-Driven Shutdown, Delivering Relief to Millions of Americans
After the longest shutdown in history, lawmakers in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed a clean continuing resolution to reopen the federal government. President Donald J. Trump will promptly sign this legislation, delivering relief to millions of Americans who faced weeks of disruptions to essential programs and missed
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Independent Women's Voice, an organization that fights for policy solutions for women, posted the following news release:
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Bipartisan Breakthrough Ends Democrat-Driven Shutdown, Delivering Relief to Millions of Americans
After the longest shutdown in history, lawmakers in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed a clean continuing resolution to reopen the federal government. President Donald J. Trump will promptly sign this legislation, delivering relief to millions of Americans who faced weeks of disruptions to essential programs and missedmultiple paychecks. This bipartisan agreement comes just weeks after thousands of Americans began speaking up and sharing details about the suffering their families were experiencing -- over 1,500 personal stories from all 50 states were collected and amplified by Independent Women. Their stories sent a clear message to Senate Democrats to end the shutdown.
Independent Women's Voice applauds Republican leadership in both chambers of Congress who stood strong in their commitment and fight to reopen the government in the face of fierce Democratic opposition, who by their own admission, stated that "every day gets better" for them by using the hardship of Americans as "leverage."
Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women's Center for Economic Opportunity, said:
"Victory! Bipartisanship has won the day as responsible lawmakers did their jobs to serve the American people. We have endured over 7 weeks of needless hardship that fell hardest on those who could least afford it. 6 million poor pregnant women and children lost nutrition aid, 42 million households lost food benefits, and 1.4 million federal workers lost pay. Not to mention the small businesses, from dry cleaners to barbers to restaurants and coffee shops, that lost significant revenue. Our economy has lost over $15 billion in revenue each week, some of which will never be recovered. Thank you to every member of Congress who placed the health, safety, and security of every American ahead of partisan politics. We look forward to President Trump signing this bill and turning the lights back on in Washington, D.C."
Meaghan Mobbs, director of Independent Women's Center for American Safety and Security, said:
"Thank goodness it's over. We are extremely grateful to the Members of Congress who put people over politics and voted in a bipartisan way to reopen the government. This shutdown, driven by partisanship, harmed the most vulnerable and did nothing to advance the safety and security of our nation. Instead, we had Veterans programs held hostage and military families worried about putting food on their tables. It also placed air safety at risk with consequences tragically extending far beyond the government reopening. This should serve as a wake-up call: America's security, infrastructure, and people cannot be collateral damage in political fights. Our leaders must ensure stability - not create crises - and always put the nation's safety and strength first."
Gabriella Hoffman, director of Independent Women's Center for Energy and Conservation, said:
"Our gratitude to the Members of Congress who came together in a bipartisan manner and voted to reopen the government. During these past seven weeks, pending energy and critical mineral projects were stalled. New projects to reduce energy prices and cut reliance on adversarial nations were equally at risk. As we enter the winter months, rising electricity demand and affordability must be addressed to power our nation and keep Americans warm. In the spirit of bipartisanship, Congress must use this occasion to pass permitting reform and modernize environmental laws to help meet America's energy abundance moment."
Julie Gunlock, director of Independent Women's Network, the grassroots membership arm of Independent Women, said:
"This is a reminder that when our leaders put people over politics, we all win. Independent Women's Network members are relieved that a bipartisan agreement was finally reached. As the holiday season approaches, Americans want to know their government is working for them and that the needs of the most vulnerable Americans will be met. Now it's time to build on this moment of cooperation and keep the focus where it belongs -- on fair and transparent policies that make life healthier, safer, and more affordable for everyone."
On October 28, Independent Women sent letters to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasizing the personal impact of the prolonged shutdown on single mothers, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and military families, which were exclusively featured in the Daily Caller. Drawing from firsthand accounts submitted through Independent Women's "Gridlock Hurts Real People: Tell Senate Democrats to End the Shutdown comment drive, the letters called out Democratic leadership for the collateral damage caused by their inaction.
See more from Independent Women highlighting the veterans, families, federal workers, and mothers who endured hardship from the government shutdown:
* Peach Pundit | Shutdown Siege in Georgia: How a Washington Standoff Is Starving Families and Service Members
* Forbes | Reopen Government to Fund SNAP--Then Reform It
* Arizona Free News | ALISON FURNO: From Luke Air Force Base To Main Street: How Washington's Shutdown Is Hitting Arizona Hard
* Inside Sources | "Political Games in Washington are Throwing Massachusetts Under the Bus "
* The Hill | Democrat shutdown cuts off aid to the poor to give the rich cheaper insurance
* The Washington Post | Here's what the Americans being hurt by the shutdown are saying
* The Daily Signal | Democrats Dragging Out Shutdown Hold Poor, Hungry Families Hostage
* How Women and Families Could Be Affected by a Government Shutdown
* Shutdown Update: Tariff Money will Keep Poor Women and Children from Going Hungry
* When Washington Shuts Down, Veterans Pay the Price
* Another Casualty of Senate Democrats: Shutdown Halts U.S. Jobs Report
* Shutdown Update: Mass Layoffs at Four Federal Agencies
* Shutdown Update: Oh SNAP! Food Benefits Will Run Out Next Week
Click here (https://www.independentwomen.com/shutdown-hurts-real-people/) to view the comment drive.
For media inquiries or booking requests, email press@independentwomen.com.
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Original text here: https://www.iwvoice.com/2025/11/bipartisan-breakthrough-ends-democrat-driven-shutdown-delivering-relief-to-millions-of-americans/
[Category: Sociological]
Humane Society Legislative Fund: Texas Legislature Delivers Significant Progress for Animal Welfare in New Voter Scorecard
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Texas legislature delivers significant progress for animal welfare in new voter scorecard
Bipartisan coalitions support low-cost spay/neuter services, strengthen legal recourse options for neglect, and empower counties to counteract roadside animal sales
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Austin, Tx.--Today Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2025 Texas Humane Scorecard (https://humaneaction.org/media/341). The scorecard, released by the nation's leading political
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Texas legislature delivers significant progress for animal welfare in new voter scorecard
Bipartisan coalitions support low-cost spay/neuter services, strengthen legal recourse options for neglect, and empower counties to counteract roadside animal sales
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Austin, Tx.--Today Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2025 Texas Humane Scorecard (https://humaneaction.org/media/341). The scorecard, released by the nation's leading politicalanimal advocacy organization, evaluates Texas's state lawmakers on their actions during the most recent legislative session to advance animal protection and serves to help voters understand where their elected officials stand on animal welfare issues.
Texas took major steps forward for animal welfare this legislative session with new laws that close cruelty statute loopholes, ban exploitative roadside animal sales in key counties, and fund low-cost spay/neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation.
"These victories show what's possible when legislators cooperate across the aisle to prioritize animal welfare," said Alex Gamez, Texas state director for Humane World Action Fund. "We encourage county and local leaders across Texas to follow the state legislature's lead--whether by adopting roadside sales bans where authorized, supporting spay/neuter programs in their communities, or strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws. Together we can build on this progress and create safer, more humane communities for animals throughout the state."
Nearly all Texas Senators--27 in total--scored 100% on the scorecard, with two members scoring 75%. Additionally, 80 Texas Representatives received a perfect score. However, 29 state representatives scored below 33%, including the nine who scored 0%, highlighting a divide in support for animal protection legislation among Texas lawmakers in 2025 despite these promising victories.
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About the scorecard
The 2025 Texas Humane Scorecard features the following bills. Humane World Action Fund only scores bills that receive roll-call votes to accurately reflect legislators' actions. When reading the scorecard, a check indicates a pro-animal action.
* Pancho's Law (HB 285): Named in memory of Pancho, a dog killed while in a trainer's care, this Texas law closes a cruelty statute loophole by allowing prosecution of acts committed with criminal negligence. Previously, cases involving clear harm often went unpunished, leaving negligent trainers, boarders and groomers unaccountable. The law ensures more cases can be prosecuted while protecting veterinary professionals acting within their scope of practice. Sponsored by Rep. Claudia Ordaz (D-79) and passed into law.
* Roadside Animal Sales Ban in Border Counties (HB 2731): Allows certain counties to prohibit transient sales of cats and dogs in parking lots or roadsides. These sales often result in impulse purchases of sick or poorly bred animals that end up in overburdened shelters. The law enables border counties including Webb, El Paso, Cameron and Hidalgo to stop these sales, reducing animal suffering and promoting responsible pet acquisition. A broader provision for counties with more than 500,000 residents was removed before passage. Sponsored by Sen. Juan Hinojosa (D-20) and Rep. Sergio Munoz (D-36) and passed into law.
* "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." License Plate Program (SB 1568): Creates a new specialty license plate promoting responsible pet ownership, with $22 from each sale directed to a state fund for low-cost spay/neuter services, prioritizing rural and underserved areas. Paired with the legislature's $13 million spay/neuter pilot appropriation, this program will significantly expand access and help reduce pet overpopulation. Sponsored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-21) and Rep. Pat Curry (R-56) and passed into law.
* Roadside Animal Sales Ban in Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties (HB 2012): Grants Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties authority to prohibit roadside and parking lot sales of live animals in unincorporated areas. These sales often involve cats and dogs from unsafe, unregulated sources, leading to animal suffering, consumer deception, and increased shelter intakes. Targeting these high-population counties adjacent to Harris County, the law closes a state law loophole and supports responsible pet acquisition. Sponsored by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-4), Rep. Cecil Bell (R-3) and Rep. Janis Holt (R-18) and passed into law.
As the nation's leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online, including the 2023 version for Texas, at humaneaction.org/humane-scorecard.
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Original text here: https://humaneaction.org/press-release/2025/11/texas-legislature-delivers-significant-progress-animal-welfare-new-voter
[Category: Political]
Human Rights First: ICE Flight Monitor Report Reveals Record U.S. Enforcement Flights Flights and Abusive Conditions Under Trump Administration
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSrpt) -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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New ICE Flight Monitor Report Reveals Record U.S. Enforcement Flights Flights and Abusive Conditions Under Trump Administration
A new report from ICE Flight Monitor, housed at Human Rights First, reveals that the Trump administration's deportation campaign continues to ramp up in both scale and cruelty. In October 2025 alone, the project tracked 1,014 domestic transfer flights and 199 deportation flights to 30 countries, including first-time flights to Morocco and Sri Lanka since flight tracking began in 2020.
From
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSrpt) -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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New ICE Flight Monitor Report Reveals Record U.S. Enforcement Flights Flights and Abusive Conditions Under Trump Administration
A new report from ICE Flight Monitor, housed at Human Rights First, reveals that the Trump administration's deportation campaign continues to ramp up in both scale and cruelty. In October 2025 alone, the project tracked 1,014 domestic transfer flights and 199 deportation flights to 30 countries, including first-time flights to Morocco and Sri Lanka since flight tracking began in 2020.
FromJanuary 20 to October 31, 2025, the Trump administration has conducted at least 10,357 U.S. enforcement flights, including removal, removal-related, and domestic transfer ("shuffle") flights, which move people between detention centers and deportation staging facilities. There have been 1,701 removal flights to a record 77 countries--a 79 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
"These ICE flights represent a system operating in darkness," said Savi Arvey, Director of Research and Analysis, Refugee Protection at Human Rights First. "People are disappearing, deported to countries where they face persecution, or sent to places they've never lived--all without transparency or due process."
The report highlights several alarming trends: forced third-country transfers to nations where individuals deported are not citizens, deportations carried out in violation of court orders (including the removal of an Alabama father protected by a court order) or due to administrative errors, and the growing use of punitive and inhumane conditions aboard ICE charter flights.
"Many passengers are shackled at the wrists, waist, and ankles--and at times even the full-body WRAP--for journeys that can last over 40 hours with multiple layovers and fuel stops." Arvey continued. ICE Flight Monitor's mission is to bring transparency to this system, hold the government accountable for abuses, and ensure that the human cost of these policies is not hidden from public view."
The full report, U.S. Immigration Enforcement Flight Overview: October 2025, is available here (https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/ice-flight-monitor-october-2025-report/).
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About ICE Flight Monitor
ICE Flight Monitor uses publicly available aviation data to track U.S. immigration enforcement flights operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and partner agencies. Founded on the methodology pioneered by researcher Tom Cartwright, the project provides transparent, data-driven reporting to strengthen accountability and expose the human costs of mass deportation.
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REPORT: https://humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/October-IFM-report.pdf
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Original text here: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/new-ice-flight-monitor-report-reveals-record-u-s-enforcement-flights-flights-and-abusive-conditions-under-trump-administration/
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Advocates NY Responds to New York State's Delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 14 -- Environmental Advocates of New York issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2025:
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Environmental Advocates NY Responds to New York State's Delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act
Today, Katherine Nadeau, Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programs at Environmental Advocates NY, issued the following statement in response to New York State's announcement that it will delay the statewide mandate to ban new gas hookups in buildings under seven stories, as required under the All-Electric Buildings Act:
"Delaying the All Electric Buildings Act will keep
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 14 -- Environmental Advocates of New York issued the following news release on Nov. 12, 2025:
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Environmental Advocates NY Responds to New York State's Delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act
Today, Katherine Nadeau, Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programs at Environmental Advocates NY, issued the following statement in response to New York State's announcement that it will delay the statewide mandate to ban new gas hookups in buildings under seven stories, as required under the All-Electric Buildings Act:
"Delaying the All Electric Buildings Act will keepus stuck in a fossil fuel past we can't afford. New York already has a plan ready to go to build and power our buildings more safely, cleanly, and cheaply, but Governor Hochul is choosing not to use it.
"We need the Governor to fight for clean energy, not drag things out even further. Every month we wait holds back New York's climate progress and puts our future at risk."
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Original text here: https://www.eany.org/news/environmental-advocates-ny-responds-to-new-york-states-delay-of-the-all-electric-buildings-act
[Category: Environment]
Bill to Allow Adoption of Beagles Used in Laboratories Gutted by Animal-Testing Lobby
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 14 [Category: Animals] -- The Center for a Humane Economy posted the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Bill to Allow Adoption of Beagles Used in Laboratories Gutted by Animal-Testing Lobby
Leading animal welfare groups ask lawmakers to restore original design of the legislation and to help dogs get out of labs after they've been used in tests
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Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Dane4Dogs, and allied organizations are calling on members of the Wisconsin Legislature to reject or remove the harmful Senate Amendment 1 recently attached
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 14 [Category: Animals] -- The Center for a Humane Economy posted the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Bill to Allow Adoption of Beagles Used in Laboratories Gutted by Animal-Testing Lobby
Leading animal welfare groups ask lawmakers to restore original design of the legislation and to help dogs get out of labs after they've been used in tests
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Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Dane4Dogs, and allied organizations are calling on members of the Wisconsin Legislature to reject or remove the harmful Senate Amendment 1 recently attachedto AB436/SB414, the Wisconsin Beagle Freedom Bill. The amendment turns the bill's purpose on its head -- serving the animal-testing lobby and no longer providing a practical plan to allow beagles already used in tests to come out of the lab alive and move toward adoption into loving homes.
In a letter to some key state lawmakers, the coalition urged them to ensure that dogs, cats, and other animals used in testing are given a chance at adoption. "These changes gut the heart of the Beagle Freedom Bill," said Paul Collins, Wisconsin state director for Animal Wellness Action. "Instead of protecting animals and ensuring transparency, this amendment creates a 'fox-in-the-hen house' situation -- allowing research institutions to police themselves. It's like passing a highway safety law that lets reckless drivers decide their own penalties. Wisconsinites deserve better."
Originally introduced with broad bipartisan support and modeled after successful Beagle Freedom laws in 16 other states, including Illinois, Minnesota, and California, AB436/SB414 would have required research facilities to make reasonable efforts to release animals no longer needed for testing to humane societies for adoption. The legislation, spearheaded by Dane4Dogs, received broad bipartisan support, with 20 percent of the legislature cosponsoring the bill prior to recent amendment.
The amendment, introduced without consultation or public input, undermines the intent of the bill by handing control over adoptions entirely to the animal research institutions. It allows them to decide whether animals used in experiments are ever made available for adoption, shields their records from public oversight by exempting them from open-records laws, and eliminates penalties for failing to maintain or produce adoption records.
The need for this humane legislation is underscored by recent events in Wisconsin. Ridglan Farms, one of the nation's largest suppliers of beagles for experimentation, recently agreed to relinquish its state license following years of documented animal cruelty. Advocates argue that Wisconsin should be strengthening -- not weakening -- protections for animals in research as the nation shifts away from animal testing altogether.
"After what we've seen at Ridglan Farms, it's outrageous that lawmakers would undermine a bill meant to help those very dogs," said Rebekah Robinson, president of Dane4Dogs. "Wisconsin citizens have made it clear they want transparency and compassion -- not cover-ups and loopholes that protect cruelty."
"This amendment completely undermines the intent of the Beagle Freedom Bill," said Maggie Premo, president of Dane County Humane Society Board of Directors. "It was supposed to ensure that dogs and other animals used in research would finally have a pathway to adoption. Instead, it gives the research facilities full control to decide which animals get that chance -- and which never will. That's not reform; it's surrender."
"Should the worthy original bill be encumbered with the proposed contradictory amendments, the result will likely be that none of the test subject dogs or cats will ever be free to enjoy 'life after the lab.' These animals deserve to feel sunshine instead of lab lights, grass and soft beds instead of wire cages, and the touch of compassionate hands in the home they deserve," said Eilene Ribbens, executive director for the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project.
"Historically, this is a consistent pattern among a few Wisconsin legislators who appear to be gatekeepers for corporations and individuals who exploit animals for profit," said Melanie Weberg, director, League of Humane Voters-Wisconsin.
The coalition letter also notes that federal agencies are already moving away from animal testing. The U.S. FDA, NIH, and EPA have announced plans to replace animal experiments with human-relevant methods. The FDA's 2025 Roadmap envisions animal testing as "the exception rather than the norm," while the NIH has pledged to prioritize non-animal science. As the nation shifts toward modern, humane research, it is inconsistent and indefensible to deny animals who have already suffered the chance to live out their remaining years in peace.
The Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies added, "The Wisconsin humane community is united in its support of the original Beagle Freedom Bill. We are ready, willing, and able to help test subject animals move from laboratory life to caring homes. They have given so much, endured so much -- we must stand united in our advocacy for them."
"Dogs have stood beside us for centuries as loyal companions. To allow their suffering in labs is a betrayal of that bond and of our own humanity. Passing this bill as amended affirms that cruelty, not compassion, defines how we view these animals, and the state of Wisconsin should work quickly to rectify this," said Mindi Callison, founder and executive director of Bailing Out Benji.
Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Dane4Dogs, Dane County Humane Society, League of Humane Voters-Wisconsin, Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, and Bailing Out Benji are urging legislators to restore the original, unamended Beagle Freedom Bill and ensure Wisconsin stands for transparency, accountability, and humane treatment of animals used in research.
Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help animals by helping forge a more humane economic order. The first organization of its kind in the animal protection movement, the Center encourages businesses to honor their social responsibilities in a culture where consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders abhor cruelty and the degradation of the environment and embrace innovation as a means of eliminating both. The Center believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @TheHumaneCenter
Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News
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Original text here: https://centerforahumaneeconomy.org/bill-to-allow-beagle-adoption-used-in-laboratories-gutted-by-animal-testing-lobby/
