Featured Stories
CEO Jim Berk Highlights NYC Mayor Mamdani's Dangerous Rhetoric
LOS ANGELES, California, June 20 [Category: Political] -- The Simon Wiesenthal Center posted the following news:
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CEO Jim Berk Highlights NYC Mayor Mamdani's Dangerous Rhetoric
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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (June 20, 2026) - Mayor Mamdani's portrayal of a Jewish advocacy organization as uniquely motivated by division, power, or manipulation for its own sake is dangerous. This kind of rhetoric inflames suspicion from both the far left and the far right by portraying Jews and Jewish institutions as uniquely responsible for social division.
The claim that AIPAC exists not to pursue a political
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, June 20 [Category: Political] -- The Simon Wiesenthal Center posted the following news:
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CEO Jim Berk Highlights NYC Mayor Mamdani's Dangerous Rhetoric
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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (June 20, 2026) - Mayor Mamdani's portrayal of a Jewish advocacy organization as uniquely motivated by division, power, or manipulation for its own sake is dangerous. This kind of rhetoric inflames suspicion from both the far left and the far right by portraying Jews and Jewish institutions as uniquely responsible for social division.
The claim that AIPAC exists not to pursue a politicalagenda, but to spread discord and wield influence for its own sake, is not new. Soviet anti-Zionist campaigns and earlier antisemitic movements similarly portrayed Jewish organizations as pursuing power not to achieve political goals, but because Jews themselves were said to crave influence and control. The suggestion that Jewish political participation is inherently suspect, illegitimate, or secretly manipulative is abhorrent. This is the same old story, retold in a new language.
Many advocacy organizations lobby, organize, and support candidates. Their motives are assumed to be political. But when Jewish organizations alone are portrayed as uniquely divisive or corrosive, we cross into territory where old prejudices take root.
It is also difficult to ignore the contradiction between calls for unity in one setting and accusations that Jewish organizations thrive on division in another. Disagreement with AIPAC is part of democratic debate. Suggesting that Jewish civic participation itself is inherently dangerous is something else entirely.
For further information, please email Aram Goldberg at agoldberg@wiesenthal.com. Join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your X feed.
About the Simon Wiesenthal Center
The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a globally recognized human rights organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate, promoting tolerance, and advancing justice through a strategic combination of education, advocacy, and storytelling. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices worldwide, SWC translates the enduring lessons of the Holocaust into contemporary frameworks that equip individuals and institutions to identify and confront prejudice, misinformation, and extremism. A global leader in addressing online disinformation, SWC empowers people of all ages with the media literacy tools and guidance needed to navigate today's digital landscape. Its education arm, the Museum of Tolerance and its fleet of Mobile Museums of Tolerance, delivers immersive, technology-driven experiences that foster empathy and critical thinking among diverse audiences. Through advocacy, SWC partners with governments, policymakers, and civic leaders to advance meaningful reforms and keep local and global Jewish communities safe. Its Academy Award-winning storytelling arm, Moriah Media, extends this impact through film, television, and digital content that elevate critical Jewish issues and human interest narratives.
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Original text here: https://wiesenthal.org/news/ceo-jim-berk-highlights-nyc-mayor-mamdanis-dangerous-rhetoric
National Logistics Day: Celebrating the Industry Powering Polk County's Growth
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Real Estate] -- The Central Florida Development Council posted the following news:
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National Logistics Day: Celebrating the Industry Powering Polk County's Growth
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In Polk County specifically, the logistics industry is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and investment.
Polk County's Strategic Advantage for Supply Chain and Logistics
Located in the heart of Florida, Polk County offers companies unmatched access to one of the nation's fastest-growing markets. Businesses operating within Polk can reach 21.5 million consumers within a 5-hour
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Real Estate] -- The Central Florida Development Council posted the following news:
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National Logistics Day: Celebrating the Industry Powering Polk County's Growth
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In Polk County specifically, the logistics industry is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and investment.
Polk County's Strategic Advantage for Supply Chain and Logistics
Located in the heart of Florida, Polk County offers companies unmatched access to one of the nation's fastest-growing markets. Businesses operating within Polk can reach 21.5 million consumers within a 5-hourdrive, making the county one of the most strategically positioned logistics hubs in the Southeast.
Polk County's robust transportation infrastructure supports efficient movement of goods through a comprehensive multimodal network that includes:
* More than 300 miles of rail infrastructure
* One international airport and three regional airports
* Thousands of miles of roadway connecting major markets
* Access to two international airports in Orlando and Tampa within 75 miles
* Proximity to three major seaports serving domestic and global trade
This connectivity continues to attract leading companies seeking to strengthen their supply chains and improve operational efficiency.
The impact of the industry is significant. According to JobsEQ by Chmura Economics, more than 20,000 Polk County residents are employed in the Logistics & Distribution sector. In 2023, the industry generated approximately $1.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) for Polk County.
"With more than 21,000 people employed in Logistics & Distribution and $1.4 billion in GDP generated for Polk County, this industry continues to be a driving force in our local economy,"said Kate Bernthal, Business Development Associate for the Central Florida Development Council. "Polk County has evolved into one of Florida's premier multimodal logistics hubs, with access to road, rail and air transportation that helps businesses move products quickly and efficiently. As the industry continues to grow and diversify, it is creating quality career opportunities and strengthening the economic future of our community."
Featured Project: Chick-fil-A Supply Expands in Polk County
A recent example of the industry's continued growth is Chick-fil-A Supply's investment in Polk County.
The company has announced plans to construct a new 244,000-square-foot logistics operations center within the Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park in Winter Haven. As the supply chain and distribution subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, the facility will support restaurant operations through warehousing, inventory management, and delivery of ingredients and supplies to franchise locations throughout the region.
The project represents more than $150 million in capital investment and is expected to create approximately 180 new jobs in Polk County.
This investment further reinforces Polk County's reputation as a premier destination for logistics, distribution, and supply chain operations.
Industry Spotlight: GMF Steel Group
Headquartered in Polk County, GMF Steel Group has established itself as one of the nation's leading structural steel partners. The company provides comprehensive steel fabrication and erection services from its offices in Lakeland, Tampa, Panama City, and Concord, North Carolina.
GMF Steel has contributed to numerous high-profile projects across the country, including Florida State University's Doak Campbell Stadium, Tampa International Airport, Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, Tyndall Air Force Base, and the University of Florida Baseball Stadium. Their continued growth reflects the strength of Polk County's industrial and construction sectors.
Industry Spotlight: Intersect Development Group
Intersect Development Group is a development agency that continues to play an important role in expanding industrial real estate opportunities throughout Central Florida.
With more than 4 million square feet currently under development, the company focuses on creating industrial and logistics facilities that align with the needs of businesses and the surrounding communities they serve.
Most recently, Intersect Development Group partnered with The Ruthvens to open a new industrial development in Auburndale, FL. The Pace Innovation Center in the Central Florida Innovation District offers flexible unit sizes ranging from 5,460 to 85,975 square feet, providing opportunities for distribution, manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial users looking to establish or expand operations in Polk County.
Building the Future of Logistics in Central Florida
As supply chains evolve and consumer demand continues to grow, Polk County remains uniquely positioned to support the future of logistics and distribution. With strategic infrastructure, a growing workforce, available industrial sites, and continued private-sector investment, the county is helping companies move products more efficiently while creating quality jobs for residents.
This National Logistics Day, the Central Florida Development Council celebrates the companies, workers, and industry leaders who keep goods moving and contribute to Polk County's continued economic success.
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Original text here: https://www.cfdc.org/national-logistics-day-2026-polk-county/
MAJOR VICTORY: Ninth Circuit Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking California's Child Transition Secrecy Law
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Political] -- America First Legal, a civil rights organization, posted the following news release:
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MAJOR VICTORY: Ninth Circuit Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking California's Child Transition Secrecy Law
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AFL secures federal appellate win, vindicating parental rights under the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta
America First Legal Foundation, with co-counsel Schaerr Jaffe, achieved a major victory on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach and brave California parents after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Political] -- America First Legal, a civil rights organization, posted the following news release:
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MAJOR VICTORY: Ninth Circuit Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking California's Child Transition Secrecy Law
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AFL secures federal appellate win, vindicating parental rights under the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta
America First Legal Foundation, with co-counsel Schaerr Jaffe, achieved a major victory on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach and brave California parents after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuitentered a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of key provisions of California's AB 1955 -a law that prohibits schools from disclosing information to parents about a child's sexual orientation, "gender identity," or gender expression, unless the child consents. In other words, the State of California sought to prevent parents from obtaining information about "gender transitions" of their own children without the child's consent.
In City of Huntington Beach v. Newsom, No. 25-3826, the three-judge panel enjoined Defendants from enforcing Sections 5 and 6 of AB 1955 as to the Plaintiff-Parents with respect to information about their children. The Ninth Circuit reconsidered its prior denials of preliminary injunctive relief in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta, 607 U.S. 492 (2026), and found that the Plaintiff-Parents satisfied all requirements for emergency relief. The court held that the parents "very likely have standing because they are objects of the challenged exclusion policies," regardless of "any individualized showing as to whether a particular parent's child was likely to exhibit gender dysphoria."
The court further declared that "parents-not the State-have primary authority with respect to the upbringing and education of children" and "have the right not to be shut out of participation in decisions regarding their children's mental health." The Ninth Circuit concluded that AB 1955 "forbids the mandatory policies that the Constitution requires" regarding disclosure of gender dysphoria information to parents and that "[t]he deprivation of constitutional rights constitutes irreparable harm" and that the injunction "promotes child safety by guaranteeing fit parents a role in some of the most consequential decisions in their children's lives."
This victory marks AFL's second circuit-level win grounded in the Supreme Court's decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta. In Doe v. Pine Richland School District, the Third Circuit reversed the district court's dismissal of AFL's client's claims, ruling that the mother had Article III standing to pursue her constitutional claims against a Pennsylvania school district that secretly provided "gender transition teams" to students without parental notification or consent. AFL now holds victories in two federal circuits, establishing that the Constitution protects the fundamental right of parents to be informed about critical decisions in their children's lives.
"The Ninth Circuit's decision is a powerful vindication of parental rights," said Nick Barry, Senior Counsel at AFL. "California cannot use state law to force schoolteachers and administrators into a conspiracy of silence against parents. California's law, and similar school policies, use state coercion to intentionally interfere with the parent-child relationship and separate a child from their parent. That is wrong and unlawful. The Constitution is clear -parents have the right to know what is happening with their children and make decisions regarding their mental health, and no state law can override that fundamental protection."
America First Legal will continue to defend parental rights and challenge unconstitutional government overreach at every level of the judicial system.
Read the court's full ruling here.
Learn more about this case here.
Find more of AFL's resources for parents here.
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Original text here: https://aflegal.org/press-release/major-victory-ninth-circuit-grants-preliminary-injunction-blocking-californias-child-transition-secrecy-law/
Lenox Hill Hospital, Carter Burden Network Host Symposium to Help Older Adults Age With Dignity and Independence
NEW HYDE PARK, New York, June 19 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release:
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Lenox Hill Hospital, Carter Burden Network host symposium to help older adults age with dignity and independence
The symposium brought together key stakeholders to strategize comprehensive solutions for integrated, long-term well-being
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Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital partnered with the Carter Burden Network to host a symposium dedicated to helping older adults and their loved ones navigate aging with confidence, dignity and support. The event, titled "Aging in New York City: Finding Care and Support,"
... Show Full Article
NEW HYDE PARK, New York, June 19 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release:
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Lenox Hill Hospital, Carter Burden Network host symposium to help older adults age with dignity and independence
The symposium brought together key stakeholders to strategize comprehensive solutions for integrated, long-term well-being
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Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital partnered with the Carter Burden Network to host a symposium dedicated to helping older adults and their loved ones navigate aging with confidence, dignity and support. The event, titled "Aging in New York City: Finding Care and Support,"brought together leading experts to share practical guidance, essential resources and the latest insights on aging safely at home and within the community.
The symposium featured a presentation by Tobe Banc, MD, medical director of the Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging, who highlighted demographic trends driving the rapid growth of the older adult population and outlined how the Institute is preparing to meet the evolving needs of this group. As part of those efforts, Northwell continues to expand services for older adults across the continuum of care, including 17 geriatric emergency departments accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
"With New York's older adult population growing rapidly, now is the time to fundamentally strengthen the vital partnerships between hospitals and community organizations like Carter Burden Network, which assist patients as they transition from hospital to home," said Daniel Baker, MD, MBA, president of Lenox Hill Hospital. "Events like this symposium not only foster greater collaboration but also provide an opportunity to listen to the community's concerns and better understand how we can work together to support older adults as they age."
Responding to an aging NYC
From 2000 to 2023, New York City's population aged 65 and older grew by 53 percent, and by 2040 nearly one in five New Yorkers will be over 65. These trends underscore the importance of initiatives like this symposium to ensure older adults receive high-quality care.
"Strong community partnerships are essential to meeting the needs of older adults and ensuring they are supported, informed and empowered," said William J. Dionne, the former executive director of the Carter Burden Network. His successor, Joy Salvador, also attended the event prior to assuming her new position.
"As I begin my role as Executive Director, Carter Burden Network I am inspired by the meaningful conversations among healthcare leaders, policymakers, community-based organizations, caregivers, and older adults who came together to discuss the future of aging services. I look forward to building strong partnerships that help older adults age with dignity, independence, and purpose," Salvador said.
The event was attended by local elected officials and community leaders, underscoring the shared commitment across sectors to improving services and programs for older New Yorkers.
"As chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I commend Carter Burden Network and Northwell Health for their dedication to improving the lives of older New Yorkers," said Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright. "This health symposium highlights the importance of collaboration in strengthening services and supports, ensuring that every older adult can age in place with dignity and access to quality care."
Attendees also heard from distinguished speakers, including Dozene Guishard, director of health and wellness initiatives at Carter Burden Network and Lisa Scott-McKenzie, DHA, commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, who participated in discussions focused on resources, care coordination and best practices for supporting older adults.
"As the population of older New Yorkers continues to grow, professionals in the aging sector need to work together and share best practices through forums like this one," said Lisa Scott-McKenzie, DHA. "These discussions show just how integral the supports and services we provide are in every community. NYC Aging is committed to strengthening these relationships to ensure older New Yorkers can age in place with the resources required to live with dignity and respect well into the future."
Lenox Hill Hospital's comprehensive approach to geriatric care
Lenox Hill Hospital is meeting the challenge of an aging population head on, including a newly renovated 3,600-square-foot medical practice specializing in geriatric medicine and adult primary care. The hospital also operates an expansive house calls program that brings primary and specialized care directly into the homes of medically fragile and homebound patients throughout New York City and Long Island.
The focus on care and comfort for older adults has earned Lenox Hill recognition from prominent health care organizations, including the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, which designated it an Age-Friendly Health System. The Joint Commission has certified Lenox Hill's palliative care program, and U.S. News and World Report ranked the hospital among the 30 best in the nation for geriatric care.
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Original text here: https://www.northwell.edu/news/the-latest/lenox-hill-hospital-carter-burden-network-symposium-on-aging
[Category: Health Care]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: Whitehaven Debt Prospectus Highlights Risks for Equity Investors
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, June 19 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Whitehaven debt prospectus highlights risks for equity investors
Debt facility raises concerns over thermal coal exposure, emissions costs
Key Takeaways:
* Whitehaven's market analysis presents an upside case for high-quality coal, but deeper analysis suggests a market facing declining demand and a growing threat from lower-quality substitutes.
* The company's reporting highlights a deteriorating financial position that reflects increased operating costs
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, June 19 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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Whitehaven debt prospectus highlights risks for equity investors
Debt facility raises concerns over thermal coal exposure, emissions costs
Key Takeaways:
* Whitehaven's market analysis presents an upside case for high-quality coal, but deeper analysis suggests a market facing declining demand and a growing threat from lower-quality substitutes.
* The company's reporting highlights a deteriorating financial position that reflects increased operating costswith growing exposure to emission costs. If not addressed, IEEFA believes annual emission costs could reach between $37.5 million and $60 million at its Narrabri mine alone by 2034.
* The increased debt used to fund Whitehaven's Queensland entry places further financial pressure on all assets. By being secured specifically against Queensland assets, it effectively increases equity exposure to NSW thermal coal assets.
* A strategy to reduce the risks of current NSW assets rather than invest in growth would be consistent with Whitehaven's stated capital management priorities, which stress shareholder returns above growth.
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Following the signing a new US$900 million loan facility in April, Whitehaven has projected a positive outlook for its thermal coal assets based on expectations of growing demand growth and sustained high prices.
However, new analysis by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) presents a markedly different picture. Published today, the briefing note The canary in the thermal coal mine highlights several key risks that, in IEEFA's view, could be a concern for investors.
"Our analysis suggests Whitehaven faces an outlook of declining demand and falling prices for its product," says the note's author Jonathan Teubner, Lead Analyst - Australian Coal. "In addition, Whitehaven's own reporting points to a deteriorating financial position, with increased operating costs, and growing exposure to emission costs. The debt burden places further financial pressure on all the company's assets."
Acquired through Whitehaven's subsidiary Australian MetCoal Financing (AMCF), the loan facility will be used to pay down debts from the acquisition of the Blackwater and Daunia metallurgical coal mines in Queensland in 2024. In a prospectus released to accompany the loan, the company presented an optimistic forecast for its New South Wales (NSW) thermal coal assets. This was based on projections of growing demand, mainly in Asia, for the high-quality coal produced by its NSW mines, with prices anticipated to rise for the coming decade.
IEEFA examined the analysis underpinning Whitehaven's forecasts, which drew heavily on modelling by consultants Commodity Insights and Wood Mackenzie. Comparison of this with another assessment by Wood Mackenzie for another coal producer raised questions about various assumptions contained in Whitehaven's prospectus, concerning future pricing trajectories and the long-term demand for higher-grade coal.
"Most notably, prices are only projected to rise in a scenario where the global energy transition to net zero is delayed," says Teubner. "In other scenarios where transition occurs sooner, the price trends are downward. In other words, the price growth Whitehaven forecasts is based on a scenario where global temperatures rise 3.1 degrees by 2100."
IEEFA's analysis also highlighted significant financial challenges for Whitehaven. Its NSW thermal coal mines are facing increasing costs while the outlook for prices is likely trending downwards. This suggests a future of increasing pressure on margins, placing significant pressure on the NSW assets' future economic viability. For the Queensland mines, the cost of financing their acquisition has combined with decreased revenue to deliver an underlying loss.
Whitehaven's corporate structure also raises concerns over shareholders' risk exposure. In the prospectus, the Queensland mines Blackwater and Daunia are placed alongside AMCF, with their assets used to secure the financing of the new loan facility. This means investors in Whitehaven Coal Limited, the parent guarantor, have less security from the performance of the Queensland assets, leaving their risk positions heavily weighted to NSW thermal coal assets.
Teubner explains: "The AMCF transaction dilutes the equity exposure to the performance of met coal assets - and more broadly to the metallurgical coal market and its differing risk profile to the market for thermal coal. Shareholders who based their increased investments on Whitehaven's acquisition of the Queensland assets may want to consider the impact of this dilution and their consequently enhanced proportional risk exposure to NSW thermal coal assets."
Moreover, Whitehaven's prospectus offers limited detail on potential emissions exposures under the Safeguard Mechanism, though this appears to be a further cost category under pressure. The most emissions-intensive of Whitehaven's mines, Narrabri produced 511,474 tonnes of Scope 1 emissions in FY2025. Assuming production rates remain unchanged, IEEFA's analysis suggests the potential Safeguard liabilities for Narrabri could rise to between AU$37.5 million and AU60 million in 2034.
"The combination of cost increases and exposure to softening market prices, along with future Safeguard liabilities, points to significant risks to the future profitability of thermal coal operations in NSW," says Teubner.
In IEEFA's view, equity investors are facing increased exposure to a growing array of risks associated with Whitehaven's NSW thermal coal assets. This has been compounded by the debt financing structure established to enable the purchase of the Queensland met coal assets.
In its prospectus, Whitehaven describes a capital allocation framework in which surplus capital is only used to pursue growth projects once operations are optimised, the balance sheet is strong and it is delivering returns to shareholders. In other words, the company prioritises capital returns to shareholders over growth investments.
"We believe it would not be unreasonable for shareholders to hold Whitehaven to its stated capital management priorities," says Teubner. "A strategy to reduce the risks of the current NSW assets - rather than investing in growth - would be consistent with this commitment."
This analysis is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to be read as investment advice. It is subject to our disclaimer. Please click here (https://ieefa.org/important-notice?check_logged_in=1) to read our disclaimer.
Read the report: The canary in the thermal coal mine - Whitehaven's debt prospectus highlights increasing risks for equity investors (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/BN_The%20canary%20in%20the%20thermal%20coal%20mine_Jun26.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/whitehaven-debt-prospectus-highlights-risks-equity-investors
[Category: Energy]
Court Enters Final Judgment in Favor of Waco Judge Who Refused To Perform Same-Sex Weddings, Awarding $10,000 in Damages and $630,000 in Attorney's Fees
PLANO, Texas, June 19 [Category: Sociological] -- The First Liberty Institute, an organization that says it is dedicated to defending liberty for all Americans, issued the following news release:
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Court Enters Final Judgment in Favor of Waco Judge Who Refused To Perform Same-Sex Weddings, Awarding $10,000 in Damages and $630,000 in Attorney's Fees
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Austin, TX -The District Court of Travis County has issued its final judgment in favor of Judge Dianne Hensley, who had been disciplined by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct ("Commission") for recusing herself from performing same-sex
... Show Full Article
PLANO, Texas, June 19 [Category: Sociological] -- The First Liberty Institute, an organization that says it is dedicated to defending liberty for all Americans, issued the following news release:
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Court Enters Final Judgment in Favor of Waco Judge Who Refused To Perform Same-Sex Weddings, Awarding $10,000 in Damages and $630,000 in Attorney's Fees
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Austin, TX -The District Court of Travis County has issued its final judgment in favor of Judge Dianne Hensley, who had been disciplined by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct ("Commission") for recusing herself from performing same-sexweddings on account of her Christian faith. The final judgment awards Judge Hensley $10,000.00 in compensatory damages under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act -the maximum allowed under the statute -and permanently enjoins the Commission from "investigating, sanctioning, or disciplining Judge Hensley over her refusal to officiate at same sex weddings on account of her religious beliefs." The court's judgment also requires the Commission to pay $630,000 for Judge Hensley's attorney's fees. First Liberty Institute and Jonathan F. Mitchell of Mitchell Law PLLC represented Judge Hensley.
"Judge Hensley always adhered to the law and the legal guidance provided by the Attorney General of Texas," said Hiram Sasser, Executive General Counsel for First Liberty Institute. "We are grateful that this case has concluded and that Judge Hensley was vindicated."
To ensure that all residents of McLennan County have access to low-cost wedding ceremonies, Judge Hensley compiled a referral list of local wedding officiants that would perform same-sex ceremonies at her price. Despite her efforts and no complaints from the public, the Commission issued Judge Hensley a "Public Warning," sanctioning her for the referral solution and accusing her of violating certain canons of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. Hensley sued the Commission, Ken Wise, and others for violating her religious liberty under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
In June 2024, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Judge Hensley's claims against the Commission could proceed and sent the case back to the lower court to consider her claims under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. On January 9, 2026, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in a different case that the Commission has no authority under state law to discipline judges who refuse to perform same-sex weddings for moral or religious reasons. The district court entered judgment in favor of Judge Hensley shortly thereafter.
Although the Hensley litigation has concluded, the Commission is still facing a statewide class-action lawsuit on behalf of justices of the peace who were unwilling to perform same-sex marriages and stopped performing weddings entirely to avoid disciplinary action from the Commission. The class action is seeking damages in the tens of millions of dollars for income lost by justices of the peace throughout the state. The case in Brandt v. State Commission on Judicial Conduct, No. 048-374066-26 (Tarrant County).
About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org.
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Original text here: https://firstliberty.org/media/court-enters-final-judgment-in-favor-of-waco-judge-who-refused-to-perform-same-sex-weddings-awarding-10000-in-damages-and-630000-in-attorneys-fees/
Ascension Sacred Heart partners with Visit Pensacola to launch lifesaving skills training for hospitality workers
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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Ascension Sacred Heart partners with Visit Pensacola to launch lifesaving skills training for hospitality workers
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Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Visit Pensacola successfully launched the inaugural Summer Safe Pensacola Series, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Northwest Florida designed to equip frontline hospitality workers with critical emergency response skills.
The launch event, held on June 16, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 19 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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Ascension Sacred Heart partners with Visit Pensacola to launch lifesaving skills training for hospitality workers
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Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Visit Pensacola successfully launched the inaugural Summer Safe Pensacola Series, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Northwest Florida designed to equip frontline hospitality workers with critical emergency response skills.
The launch event, held on June 16, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach,provided free, hands-on training to 50 local hospitality workers. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the tourism industry, including staff from hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourist organizations, as well as local surfing and tennis instructors.
Medical and trauma experts from Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, Studer Family Children's Hospital, Escambia County Emergency Services, Lifeguard AirCare 3, and Nemours Children's Health led the instruction. The curriculum focused on three vital emergency response areas:
* Hands-only CPR: Bystander intervention through immediate CPR can triple survival rates for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.
* Stop The Bleed: Participants practiced techniques to control severe bleeding, a leading cause of preventable death following traumatic injury.
* Water Safety Skills: Training provided drowning prevention resources tailored for children, individuals with autism and special needs, and adults with dementia.
"We are thrilled to partner with Visit Pensacola to offer this free training event and equip hospitality workers with lifesaving skills to respond when seconds count," said Will Condon, President and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. "Using the expertise of the region's only Level I Trauma Center to help keep residents and visitors safe aligns perfectly with our mission".
The program serves as a strategic response to the area's high visitor volume. "With more than 2.5 million visitors traveling to the Pensacola Bay Area each summer, expanding access to emergency response training helps create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike," said Nicole Stacey, Vice President of Destination Development for Visit Pensacola.
For frontline staff, the training provided practical preparedness. "It's so important to get your frontline people trained-as far as bartenders, maintenance, housekeepers, anything," said attendee Brandi Crowley, Director of Sales for Residence Inn Pensacola-Airport. "You never know who might be walking by and see something".
The Summer Safe Pensacola Series will continue with two additional events:
* August 5: Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach.
* September 9: Perdido Key Visitors Information Center.
***
Original text here: https://about.ascension.org/news/2026/06/ascension-sacred-heart-partners-with-visit-pensacola-to-launch-lifesaving-skills-training-for-hospitality-workers
