Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Protect Our Care: "Cruelty With a Price Tag": State Leaders, Medicaid Experts Expose How GOP Medicaid Cuts Are Wreaking Havoc on State Health Care Systems
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrpt) -- Protect Our Care issued the following news on May 6, 2026:
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"Cruelty With a Price Tag": State Leaders, Medicaid Experts Expose How GOP Medicaid Cuts Are Wreaking Havoc on State Health Care Systems
Protect Our Care Releases New Report Detailing How GOP Medicaid Cuts Are Blowing a Hole in State Budgets
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Today, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa, Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Valerie A. Arkoosh, former Centers for Medicare &
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 (TNSrpt) -- Protect Our Care issued the following news on May 6, 2026:
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"Cruelty With a Price Tag": State Leaders, Medicaid Experts Expose How GOP Medicaid Cuts Are Wreaking Havoc on State Health Care Systems
Protect Our Care Releases New Report Detailing How GOP Medicaid Cuts Are Blowing a Hole in State Budgets
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Today, Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa, Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Valerie A. Arkoosh, former Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, and former Medicaid Director Daniel Tsai joined Protect Our Care to expose the damage of Republican Medicaid cuts. During the call, Protect Our Care released a report detailing how Republicans' sweeping health care cuts are blowing holes in state budgets, forcing painful tradeoffs, stripping coverage from millions, and putting essential care increasingly out of reach.
Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans gutted over $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, and the ramifications are causing devastation across the country. More than 15 million Americans are at risk of losing coverage, and over 900 hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other critical providers are closing, cutting essential services, or are at risk of doing so since Trump and the GOP passed their big, ugly bill. As the repercussions mount, states are scrambling -- spending millions to plug budget gaps, weighing tax increases to keep hospitals open, cutting critical services for seniors and children with disabilities, and even considering rolling back Medicaid expansion altogether.
"Republicans found the money for billionaire tax breaks. They couldn't find it for a kid's inhaler," said Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, MSN, MPH, RN. "This is not a budget cut. That's cruelty with a price tag. Health care is not a talking point. It's whether a mom can afford her kids' medicine. It's whether a grandmother can pay for that hospital bill and groceries in the same week. It's whether your hospital in town is still open when you need it. Wisconsin is doing everything we can, but we can't patch a hole this big from the state level alone."
"Here in Colorado, the Polis-Primavera administration and partners across the state have worked since day one to make it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to access health care," said Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. "The unfortunate reality is recent federal changes made by Congressional Republicans directly undermine the vital progress we have made and reduce access to critical care. In my experience as a patient and an advocate, I've seen firsthand how reckless changes like these impact millions of people and reduce health care access for everyone."
"Republicans' bill makes it really, really difficult for us to keep the coverage that people need in order to be productive citizens," said Marvin Figueroa, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources. "I'm thinking about the families in Norfolk, who I just visited with a couple of weeks ago, who are working two or three jobs. I'm thinking about the families in Marion, Virginia, southwest Virginia, who are having to figure out, because of this bill, how to put food on the table. It feels like a betrayal in many ways."
"I have spent nearly 20 years using my experience as a physician to fight for a health care system that actually can meet patients' needs -- and the structures and supports that keep our health care system standing for all of us," said Valerie A. Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services. "Medicaid is at the heart of that, and never have we faced a threat quite as grave as what the federal government has forced on states. I hear the anxiety and fear in the voices of Pennsylvanians and providers. The ripple effects will be felt far beyond our Medicaid program. H.R. 1 is putting our entire health care system at risk, and states alone cannot solve this crisis."
"This difficult situation that we find ourselves in was not inevitable," said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Former CMS Administrator. "This was a choice by the administration and Congress and it can be undone. When you focus on doing good things, on making our health care more affordable, people see those effects. We should not be making it difficult for every single mom, every single person with disabilities, every single individual to go through red tape."
"I can't overstate the magnitude of the challenge that states are facing," said Daniel Tsai, Former Medicaid Director. "When I talk to my former colleagues running Medicaid programs all across the country, people are panicked. What Congress and the President have enacted will lead to many people who are eligible for Medicaid not being able to navigate a deeply complex, unprepared system. This will have a real impact on children, families, working adults, and people with disabilities that we care for. What we are dealing with here is not unique, it is happening all across the country as a result of Republican actions."
"Donald Trump and Republicans blew a massive hole in our health care system to bankroll tax giveaways for billionaires and big corporations," said Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care, Senior Advisor. "Now, states are scrambling to pick up the pieces, facing impossible budget choices, cuts to essential services, and the threat of hospital closures that will devastate communities. Hard-working families are being crushed under the weight of GOP cuts as out-of-pocket costs skyrocket and access to life-saving care shrinks. These cuts are destabilizing health care systems across the country and putting millions of families at risk. Americans are paying the price for Republicans' reckless betrayal, and the damage is only beginning to unfold."
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REPORT: https://www.protectourcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GOP-Medicaid-Cuts-Wreak-Havoc-Across-All-50-States.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.protectourcare.org/cruelty-with-a-price-tag-state-leaders-medicaid-experts-expose-how-gop-medicaid-cuts-are-wreaking-havoc-on-state-health-care-systems/
[Category: Health Care]
National Rural Water Association Awarded USDA Circuit Rider Contract
DUNCAN, Oklahoma, May 7 -- The National Rural Water Association issued the following news release:
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National Rural Water Association Awarded USDA Circuit Rider Contract
Flagship technical assistance program has helped systems since 1980
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The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded the five-year, competitive contract for the Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.
The Circuit Rider Program has been a flagship program for NRWA, with continuous contract operations
... Show Full Article
DUNCAN, Oklahoma, May 7 -- The National Rural Water Association issued the following news release:
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National Rural Water Association Awarded USDA Circuit Rider Contract
Flagship technical assistance program has helped systems since 1980
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The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded the five-year, competitive contract for the Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.
The Circuit Rider Program has been a flagship program for NRWA, with continuous contract operationssince 1980. The program fields 132 Circuit Riders across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. This group of boots-on-the-ground experts has an average of 23 years of experience in the water sector and directly benefited 43% of rural Americans last year through their work.
"Circuit Riders are an essential resource for our nation's small and rural drinking water systems," said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matt Holmes. "The recognition by USDA Rural Development of our boots-on-the-ground experts throughout the country and the work they accomplish is truly gratifying. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the agency and to helping ensure small and rural communities have access to safe drinking water."
The USDA Farmers Home Administration, now USDA Rural Development, established the Rural Water Circuit Rider Program in collaboration with NRWA. This program provides a nationwide team of drinking water experts to provide training and technical assistance to water utility managers, boards, and operations specialists, protecting USDA Rural Development's current water utility infrastructure investments and helping them plan for a more sustainable future.
"The renewal of the Circuit Rider contract is an achievement that speaks to the strong partnership between NRWA and USDA," said USDA Rural Utilities Service Assistant Administrator Michele Brooks. "Circuit Riders are often the first line of defense for small, rural water systems, and their unwavering support builds a lasting impact on each community they serve. We eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration to provide access to clean, safe drinking water across rural America."
NRWA operates the program in all 50 States and Puerto Rico, supporting rural water systems with technical assistance, including but not limited to:
* Identifying and evaluating affordable solutions to drinking water problems in rural areas
* Assisting systems to rapidly respond and recover after natural and man-made emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and ice storms
* Protecting the environment and public health by improving treatment processes
* Promoting the economic vitality of rural communities through protection and expansion of water and wastewater infrastructure, which is vital for businesses
* Improving financial sustainability through better management the practices, more efficient operations, and assistance with financial loan/grant applications
* Enhancing compliance with federal regulations
* Aiding with all aspects of water utility management, finance, operation and maintenance, regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and loan/grant applications
To learn more about the Circuit Rider Program and NRWA, please click here (https://nrwa.org/circuit-rider-program/).
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About the National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals who serve small and rural communities across the country. NRWA provides nationwide training and technical assistance through its affiliated State Rural Water Associations that currently have over 31,000 utility system members across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Rural Water training and technical assistance covers every aspect of operating, managing, and financing water and wastewater utilities.
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Original text here: https://content.nrwa.org/home/press-release/15824243/national-rural-water-association-nrwa-national-rural-water-association-awarded-usda-circuit-rider-contract
[Category: Water]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: With Renewable Power Generation Still at 2.3%, Bangladesh's Fossil Fuel Imports Rise by 14.8% in Four Years
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, May 7 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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With renewable power generation still at 2.3%, Bangladesh's fossil fuel imports rise by 14.8% in four years
Heightened risks of global supply disruptions, fiscal burden, and increasing costs underscore the importance of fostering Bangladesh's energy transition
Key Takeaways:
Renewable energy, including hydropower, contributes to 2.3% of Bangladesh's power generation as opposed to the global average of around 33.8%. This highlights the need to swiftly shore up
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, May 7 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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With renewable power generation still at 2.3%, Bangladesh's fossil fuel imports rise by 14.8% in four years
Heightened risks of global supply disruptions, fiscal burden, and increasing costs underscore the importance of fostering Bangladesh's energy transition
Key Takeaways:
Renewable energy, including hydropower, contributes to 2.3% of Bangladesh's power generation as opposed to the global average of around 33.8%. This highlights the need to swiftly shore upthe country's renewable energy capacity to insulate it from volatility in the global energy markets.
Currency depreciation and the high prices of imported fossil fuels do not fully explain Bangladesh's soaring power generation cost. Costly peaking plants alongside capacity payments due to high reserve margin and fuel supply shortage make its power significantly expensive, leading to continued fiscal burden.
High cost of LNG continues to affect Bangladesh, which could pay a large subsidy of around USD1.07 billion to import the fuel to meet its power demand in April-June 2026.
Besides accelerating renewable energy-based generation, an enhanced cross-border energy cooperation through BBIN, improved energy efficiency, and domestic gas supply would cut Bangladesh's dependence on imported fossil fuels.
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(IEEFA South Asia): Bangladesh's primary energy imports rose from 47.7% to 62.5% in four years, exposing its vulnerability to the volatile international fossil fuel market and raising the power generation cost by 83%. Apart from expensive fossil fuels and depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) against the United States Dollar (USD), large capacity payments from low demand growth significantly influenced the rising power costs, according to 'Fostering Bangladesh's energy transition', a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
Analysing data from FY2020-21to FY2024-25, the report finds that a surge in the average coal price by 290% between FY2020-21 and FY2022-23, along with an expensive oil price for a brief period and a sharp currency depreciation increased Bangladesh's power generation cost drastically. However, despite 59.7% fall in coal prices as compared to FY2022-23, and oil prices remaining low during the time, generation cost did not reduce in FY2024-25.
"The average capacity payments of approximately BDT9.5/Kilowatt hour (kWh) (USD0.077/kWh) and BDT5.9/kWh (USD0.048/kWh) paid to private oil- and coal-fired plants, respectively, in FY2024-25 raised overall generation costs," said Shafiqul Alam, the report's author and lead energy analyst at IEEFA. "Further, gas supply shortage increased cost--plants with load factor under 25% generated power at BDT16.85/kWh (USD0.137/kWh) while plants operating at around 75% load factor did so at a cost of BDT6/kWh (USD0.049/kWh)."
In addition, declining domestic gas production means that Bangladesh needs to import expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG). The report estimates that the country could pay a subsidy of USD1.07 billion (BDT131.34 billion) on account of LNG imports from April to June 2026. This estimate is based on the import trend from April to June 2025 and the current import price of about USD20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), excluding regasification and terminal costs.
Additionally, the share of renewable energy remains just 2.3% of grid-based power generation, far below the global average of around 33.8%, limiting its ability to hedge against the volatile prices in international fossil fuel markets. Currently, however, high import duties are levied on distributed renewable energy (DRE) systems. The report estimates that a combined rooftop solar capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) will save more than 30 times the one-off import duties by reducing furnace oil imports over the lifecycle. Hence, it calls on the government to offer a duty waiver.
"The solutions to Bangladesh's persistent problems lie closer to home, such as in expanding domestic renewable energy at scale while limiting fossil fuel-based plants to contain overcapacity. Given the requirement of spinning reserve and grid balancing, the government may consider retaining part of the operational oil-fired plants in its ownership to avoid the hefty capacity payments once their contracts expire," said Alam.
To reduce its gas demand, Bangladesh could tap into the cost-competitive hydropower potential of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) framework. A combined hydropower capacity of 6,000MW from Nepal and Bhutan for the high-demand March-September period will likely help the country reduce annual gas consumption by up to 257 billion cubic feet (Bcf) post 2030.
The report also seeks to draw policymakers' attention towards the need to keep the open access cost of renewable energy projects under Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) at a minimum. This would enable the apparel sector and corporates to decarbonise their operations as part of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. While power utilities fear loss of revenue due to such projects under the CPPA, the analysis by IEEFA shows that electricity consumption in industries increased by 4.8% in FY2024-25.
"BPDB recorded revenue shortfalls of BDT556.6 billion (USD4.53 billion) in FY2024-25. The West Asia conflict will likely add to the financial stress of other key energy sector utilities. Ultimately, the pathway to energy transition hinges on prudent policy decisions about implementing realistic targets on the ground supported by a favourable ecosystem, thereby minimising the country's continued reliance on imported fossil fuels and high subsidies," said Alam.
Read the report: Fostering Bangladesh's energy transition (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Fostering%20Bangladesh%E2%80%99s%20energy%20transition.pdf)
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About IEEFA: The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends, and policies. The Institute's mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy. (ieefa.org)
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/renewable-power-generation-still-23-bangladeshs-fossil-fuel-imports-rise-148-four-years
[Category: Energy]
Earthjustice: NAACP Asks Court for Emergency Action to Stop Illegal Air Pollution From XAI's Data Center Power Plant
SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 7 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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NAACP Asks Court for Emergency Action to Stop Illegal Air Pollution from xAI's Data Center Power Plant
Instead of addressing its Clean Air Act violations, Elon Musk's company added even more unpermitted gas turbines to its illegal powerplant -- saddling nearby communities with harmful toxic emissions
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Southaven, Miss. -- Today, the NAACP filed a request for a preliminary injunction to stop unpermitted air pollution from an illegal power plant built by Elon Musk's company, xAI, and its
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 7 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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NAACP Asks Court for Emergency Action to Stop Illegal Air Pollution from xAI's Data Center Power Plant
Instead of addressing its Clean Air Act violations, Elon Musk's company added even more unpermitted gas turbines to its illegal powerplant -- saddling nearby communities with harmful toxic emissions
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Southaven, Miss. -- Today, the NAACP filed a request for a preliminary injunction to stop unpermitted air pollution from an illegal power plant built by Elon Musk's company, xAI, and itssubsidiary, MZX Tech. The unpermitted power plant, which is located in Southaven, Mississippi, powers xAI's Colossus 2 data center in Memphis.
This request follows the organization's Clean Air Act enforcement lawsuit filed last month. The NAACP is represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice in the case.
In February, the NAACP notified xAI and its subsidiary that their personal power plant consisting of 27 gas-fired turbines violated the Clean Air Act and put the health of local communities at risk. But instead of fixing these problems and complying with federal law, the tech companies did the opposite: they brought six additional gas turbines on site, bringing the total number of turbines at the power plant to 33. These six new turbines -- which on their own would be considered a major source of pollution under the Clean Air Act -- are some of the largest turbines at this unpermitted facility and have the greatest potential for pollution.
The company's failure to get a permit for its power plant -- which is located near homes, schools, and churches -- creates added health risks for families in North Mississippi and Memphis. It's also a clear violation of the Clean Air Act, which requires major sources of pollution to obtain air permits, which include stringent pollution limits and require the use of pollution controls, before being constructed or operated.
"The urgency of ensuring that our communities' health and environment are protected is clear," said Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice. "By expanding an unpermitted power plant despite decades of clear direction for permitting, xAI is showing a blatant disregard for the law. xAI was already violating the law then showed no remorse by adding six more turbines that further exacerbates the health risks facing families in North Mississippi and the Greater Memphis region. We will not stand by and idly watch as the Clean Air Act is ignored. We will continue to fight to ensure all polluters, including billionaires' companies, understand that the law is not to be treated as a suggestion while local communities bear the consequences."
Toxic emissions from the facility threaten to do long-lasting harm to nearby communities. Pollution from gas turbines includes smog-forming nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, and hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde. These pollutants are tied to increases in asthma, respiratory diseases, heart problems, and certain cancers.
"We put these companies on notice that their toxic air pollution is both dangerous and illegal. Rather than stop, they've added more turbines capable of inflicting even more harm to the surrounding communities," says Laura Thoms, the director of enforcement for Earthjustice. "We're asking the judge to halt all unpermitted pollution and make sure xAI follows the law to protect people put at risk by their illegal operations."
"We've warned xAI for months that its operation of unpermitted gas turbines violates federal law. But instead of fixing these issues, xAI installed six more massive turbines to its personal power plant, increasing the amount of illegal pollution that it can pump into nearby communities," Ben Grillot, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, said. "We're asking the court to force xAI to immediately stop the use of these turbines in order to protect communities in North Mississippi and Memphis from the tech company's harmful pollution."
The 33 unpermitted gas turbines that make up xAI's power plant have the potential to emit a staggering amount of toxic air pollution each year:
* 2,508 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions numbers likely make the facility the largest industrial source of NOx in the greater Memphis area, an area already failing to meet national smog standards. The American Lung Association recently gave both DeSoto County (Southaven, MS) and Shelby County (Memphis, TN) an "F" for ozone (smog) pollution.
* 236 tons of fine particulate matter, which causes premature death and is linked to cancer, asthma attacks, and hospitalizations and emergency room visits for severe heart and lung diseases.
* 837 tons of carbon monoxide.
* 25 tons of formaldehyde -- a toxic, cancer-causing chemical.
Data for blue bars (permitted facilities): EPA, 2020 National Emissions Inventory Data; Ex. A-25 (PSD Air Permit for MZX fleet); Ex. A-2 (Shelby County's Colossus 1 Permit for CTC fleet); Ex. H (Laufenberg Decl.)
31. Case: 3:26-cv-00074-MPM-JMV Doc #20.
In January, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that large methane gas turbines -- like the ones used at xAI's power plant--require construction and air permits.
NAACP's request for a preliminary injunction asks the court to take emergency action to immediately halt xAI's illegal and dangerous pollution in order to protect nearby communities that are facing imminent health harms.
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Additional Resources
* Related case documents & news (https://earthjustice.org/library?_case=xai-caa-enforcement)
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About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
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Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/naacp-asks-court-for-emergency-action-to-stop-illegal-air-pollution-from-xais-data-center-power-plant
[Category: Environment]
CAIR Calls on Congress to Condemn Israel's Latest Targeting of Christians, Ben-Gvir's Plans to Hang Palestinians
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Congress to Condemn Israel's Latest Targeting of Christians, Ben-Gvir's Plans to Hang Palestinians
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on members of Congress to condemn the Israeli military's targeting of Christians, including Israeli soldier's disrespectful and mocking photo with a statue of the Virgin Mary and an attack by Israeli troops on Christians celebrating St.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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CAIR Calls on Congress to Condemn Israel's Latest Targeting of Christians, Ben-Gvir's Plans to Hang Palestinians
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on members of Congress to condemn the Israeli military's targeting of Christians, including Israeli soldier's disrespectful and mocking photo with a statue of the Virgin Mary and an attack by Israeli troops on Christians celebrating St.George's Day in the West Bank.
CAIR also called on Congress to condemn a video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir depicting him longing to hang Palestinians using a new racist law passed by the Knesset.
In a statement, CAIR said:
"Once again, the Israeli apartheid government is showing its true face to the world. Attacking Christian worshippers outside a holy site, desecrating Christian religious symbols, looting homes after forcing their owners to abandon them, all with American taxpayer dollars.
"The members of Congress who vote to fund the Israeli military and insist that American Christians have a religious obligation to support Israel should the first ones in line to condemn Israel's attacks on Christians. It is long past time for Congress to stop funding and enabling the Israeli apartheid government's crimes."
In a photo posted today, an Israeli soldier is seen sticking a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces, in addition to desecrating Christian and Muslim religious symbols, have also been looting homes in the areas of south Lebanon they have ethnically cleansed.
SEE: From jewelry to photos: Israeli troops loot S. Lebanon homes | Daily Sabah (https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/from-jewelry-to-photos-israeli-troops-loot-s-lebanon-homes)
Yesterday, a convoy of Israeli army vehicles stormed the old area of Al-Khader, where hundreds of Palestinian Christians had assembled around St. George's Monastery to mark the saint's feast day. Israeli soldiers then used tear gas and stun grenades to attack the celebrants. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that its teams had transported one wounded person to the hospital after he was beaten inside the monastery.
SEE: Israeli army attacks West Bank Christians marking St George Day (https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-army-attacks-west-bank-christians-marking-st-george-day)
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted a video saying he 'dreams' of nooses, featuring a montage of AI-generated images of nooses. The video is in reference to the death penalty law targeting Palestinian detainees.
SEE: Ben-Gvir 'dreams' of nooses in video posted to TikTok | Israel-Palestine conflict | Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/5/6/ben-gvir-dreams-of-nooses-in-video-posted-to-tiktok)
CAIR noted that the Washington Post today reported that support for Israel is collapsing in both the Democratic and Republican parties.
SEE: The pro-Israel political consensus is collapsing in both parties - The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/05/06/israel-political-division-democrats-republicans/)
Recently, CAIR condemned Israel's reported destruction of a historic Christian monastery and a nuns' school in southern Lebanon, calling the incident part of a broader pattern of escalating attacks on Christian and Muslim communities in the region.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Israel's Destruction of Christian Monastery, Nuns' School in Lebanon (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-israels-destruction-of-christian-monastery-nuns-school-in-lebanon/)
CAIR also recently called on all Americans, especially Republican elected officials and Christian political organizations, to condemn escalating attacks on Christians in Palestine and Lebanon, including an Israeli man's assault on a French nun in Jerusalem and Israel's destruction of churches and Christian villages in Lebanon.
SEE: CAIR Calls on GOP, Christian Rights Activists to Support Christian Community in Palestine After Israeli's Attack on French Nun in Jerusalem (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-gop-christian-rights-activists-to-support-christian-community-in-palestine-after-israelis-attack-on-french-nun-in-jerusalem/)
CAIR also called on the Trump administration and Congress to stop ignoring and enabling Israel's longstanding "war on Christians" after Israeli occupation forces were shown smashing a statue depicting Jesus in Lebanon.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Congress to Stop Ignoring Israel's Attacks on Christians After Desecration of Jesus Statue in Lebanon (https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-congress-to-stop-ignoring-israels-attacks-on-christians-after-desecration-of-jesus-statue-in-lebanon/)
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-congress-to-condemn-israels-latest-targeting-of-christians-ben-gvirs-plans-to-hang-palestinians/
[Category: Sociological]
Beyond the Campus: Student Journalists Bridge the Gap to National Newsrooms
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Fund for American Studies issued the following news:
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Beyond the Campus: Student Journalists Bridge the Gap to National Newsrooms
Representing 24 schools from across the country, more than 45 aspiring journalists recently met in Dallas for the inaugural TFAS Student Journalism Honors Conference. The TFAS Student Journalism Association--a program of the TFAS Center for Excellence in Journalism--presented young conservative, libertarian and independent journalists with opportunities for professional networking and career workshops and fostered a powerful sense of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Fund for American Studies issued the following news:
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Beyond the Campus: Student Journalists Bridge the Gap to National Newsrooms
Representing 24 schools from across the country, more than 45 aspiring journalists recently met in Dallas for the inaugural TFAS Student Journalism Honors Conference. The TFAS Student Journalism Association--a program of the TFAS Center for Excellence in Journalism--presented young conservative, libertarian and independent journalists with opportunities for professional networking and career workshops and fostered a powerful sense ofcommunity among voices united by a steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity and objectivity in the media.
The weekend kicked off with a dinner keynote from James Dao of The Boston Globe, who shared on journalism in a changing political and technology environment. He reminded students of journalism's core principles and emphasized adaptability in reporting.
Following the opening dinner keynote, the conference continued with sessions on how to run a newsroom, producing short videos and podcasts and editing and pitching stories. Notable speakers and faculty included Charles Hilu '23, '25 of The Dispatch, Jessica Schwalb '25 of The Washington Free Beacon and Cami Mondeaux '20, '24 of Deseret News. Students actively engaged in workshop sessions and discussions, exploring the best ways to approach ideas and advance their writing.
Luke Babler, TFAS journalism program officer, said the conference helps students from across the nation learn from experienced professionals at national publications like The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The Dispatch, The Washington Free Beacon and many more.
"These students listened to editors, producers and journalists from across the country, learning how to stay up to date on writing cutting edge news and unbiased journalism," Babler said. "The idea is they'll be bringing in all these different stories they've been telling from their campuses."
Sessions also equipped young journalists with tools to understand journalism's regulatory and legal challenges in higher education. Editors, writers and reporters from schools examined the barriers and ethical considerations students encountered and will face in the future. Students participated in workshops on marketing themselves and networking with peers.
TFAS alumni also returned to the classroom to mentor the next generation, transforming their professional milestones into a roadmap for young aspiring reporters. Veteran journalists shared hard-won career wisdom and the enduring principles they first encountered at TFAS, providing students with a blueprint for an evolving media landscape.
Campus Transparency Fellows heard from Faith Bottum, Rago '21, an assistant editorial features editor at The Wall Street Journal Opinion, and Dr. Steven McGuire, a Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. They coached students on how to present themselves to news outlets and fellow journalists. Starting as a TFAS Rago Fellow with The Wall Street Journal, she outlined her career trajectory, emphasizing engagement with leading reporters, legal experts and policy professionals to strengthen student's understanding of transparency, accountability and integrity in campus reporting.
Honors students had the opportunity to meet with Collin Anderson of The Washington Free Beacon and Max Towey of Roca News, who shared their personal experiences during their time working for major news publications.
"It's so encouraging seeing all these student journalists from across the country really come together and practice and use their shared wisdom to encourage unbiased journalism on their campus," Babler said.
TFAS's Center for Excellence in Journalism proudly supports students committed to objective news coverage and challenging dominant ideas on campus in their opinion writing. Support CEJ today at TFAS.org/support and help equip courageous young reporters to defend a free and robust press.
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Original text here: https://tfas.org/news/beyond-the-campus-student-journalists-bridge-the-gap-to-national-newsrooms/
[Category: Sociological]
Americans for Tax Reform: Governor Sanders and Arkansas Republicans Deliver Yet Another Income Tax Cut
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on May 6, 2026, by Jack Baum:
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Governor Sanders and Arkansas Republicans Deliver Yet Another Income Tax Cut
Arkansas leaders have once again delivered for taxpayers. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and legislative Republicans have continued their strong record of pro-growth tax reform by advancing another round of income tax cuts that will further strengthen the state's economy and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Arkansans.
In recent years, Arkansas has made significant progress improving its
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on May 6, 2026, by Jack Baum:
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Governor Sanders and Arkansas Republicans Deliver Yet Another Income Tax Cut
Arkansas leaders have once again delivered for taxpayers. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and legislative Republicans have continued their strong record of pro-growth tax reform by advancing another round of income tax cuts that will further strengthen the state's economy and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Arkansans.
In recent years, Arkansas has made significant progress improving itstax climate. Lawmakers have steadily reduced both individual and corporate income tax rates, helping make the state a more attractive place to live, work, and invest. This latest round of tax relief builds directly on that success and continues the state's move toward a simpler, more competitive tax structure.
"Governor Sanders just got a major win and delivered her 4th income tax cut since taking office," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. "By continuously cutting tax rates and leaving money in the hands of taxpayers who earned it, Governor Sanders is strengthening Arkansas's economy and cementing herself as a strong defender of taxpayers."
With this latest effort, Arkansas has now cut its income tax rates by roughly 25 percent in just four years, returning more than $1.5 billion to taxpayers. The top individual income tax rate drops to 3.7 percent, while the top corporate rate falls to 4.1 percent, further simplifying the tax code and reducing the burden on families and employers.
These reforms also send a broader signal. Lower, flatter income taxes improve incentives to work, invest, and expand. They make it easier for businesses to plan and for families to keep more of their paychecks. Over time, that kind of environment supports stronger economic growth and greater opportunity.
Importantly, this latest round of tax relief comes as Arkansas remains on solid fiscal footing. Strong revenue performance in recent years has allowed lawmakers to return excess collections to taxpayers without jeopardizing core government responsibilities. That balance, delivering tax relief while maintaining budget stability, has been central to the state's success.
Governor Sanders and Arkansas Republicans deserve credit for continuing to cut at the state's tax burden. This latest income tax cut builds on a growing track record and keeps Arkansas moving toward a simpler, more competitive tax system that works better for taxpayers and employers alike.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/governor-sanders-and-arkansas-republicans-deliver-yet-another-income-tax-cut/
[Category: Political]
