Featured Stories
Wildlife Society: September Issue of JWM is Now Available
BETHESDA, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news:
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The September issue of JWM is now available
The featured article explores the effects of oiling ravens' eggs on sage-grouse
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The Journal of Wildlife Management is a benefit of membership in The Wildlife Society. Published eight times annually, it is one of the world's leading scientific journals covering wildlife science, management and conservation, focusing on aspects of wildlife that can assist management and conservation.
Join today for access to The Journal of
... Show Full Article
BETHESDA, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news:
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The September issue of JWM is now available
The featured article explores the effects of oiling ravens' eggs on sage-grouse
-
The Journal of Wildlife Management is a benefit of membership in The Wildlife Society. Published eight times annually, it is one of the world's leading scientific journals covering wildlife science, management and conservation, focusing on aspects of wildlife that can assist management and conservation.
Join today for access to The Journal ofWildlife Management and all the other great benefits of TWS membership.
In the featured article for this issue, researchers looked at how coating developing raven (Corvus corax) eggs in nontoxic oil affects raven population density and reproductive success. Since ravens are major predators of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), researchers wondered how oiling would affect nest survival and population growth of sage-grouse nearby. The team uncovered that applying oil to raven eggs reduced hatchability by 94.5% and reduced raven densities. Sage-grouse benefited. Nest survival more than doubled when eggs were oiled and sage-grouse abundance increased by 44%.
Other articles in this issue address protecting seabirds from introduced predators, using drones to monitor moose, the effects of off-highway vehicle activity on Arizona wildlife and more.
Log in (https://tws1.my.salesforce-sites.com/n_customlogin) to read the September issue today.
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Original text here: https://wildlife.org/the-september-issue-of-jwm-is-now-available-2/
[Category: Environment]
WildEarth Guardians Sues Trump Administration for Withholding Endangered Species Act Protections From Pecos Pupfish
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 10 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Sept. 8, 2026:
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WildEarth Guardians Sues Trump Administration for Withholding Endangered Species Act Protections From Pecos Pupfish
The Pecos pupfish waits in legal limbo while the Trump administration slashes endangered species protections
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SANTA FE, N.M. - Today, WildEarth Guardians filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's failure to finalize Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for the Pecos pupfish, a tiny native fish found only in the Pecos River Basin in Southeast New Mexico
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 10 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Sept. 8, 2026:
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WildEarth Guardians Sues Trump Administration for Withholding Endangered Species Act Protections From Pecos Pupfish
The Pecos pupfish waits in legal limbo while the Trump administration slashes endangered species protections
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SANTA FE, N.M. - Today, WildEarth Guardians filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's failure to finalize Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for the Pecos pupfish, a tiny native fish found only in the Pecos River Basin in Southeast New Mexicoand West Texas. Pecos pupfish populations are disappearing due to loss of both surface and groundwater, declining water quality, and invasive species. These threats are not only part of the ongoing aridification of the American West, but a result of intense groundwater extraction and contamination from the Permian Basin's heavily active oil and gas industry. Indeed, two of the nine Pecos pupfish population units documented since 1992 have already been extirpated. While recent studies show freshwater fish are among the world's most rapidly declining species--suffering the highest extinction rate worldwide among vertebrates.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has already completed its scientific review of the pupfish and determined that the species warrants ESA protections. In November 2024, under the Biden administration, the Service proposed listing the Pecos pupfish as threatened and protecting 136 river miles and more than 26,500 acres of riparian habitat in New Mexico and Texas as critical habitat.
Under the ESA, the Service generally had one year after proposing protection--until November 2025--to make its final listing decision. Nearly another year has passed without a decision.
"The science has already been done, the threats are already known, and the Service has already concluded that the Pecos pupfish needs the protections of the ESA," said Jennifer Schwartz, Senior Attorney at WildEarth Guardians. "What this fish does not have is the luxury of waiting indefinitely while the Trump administration dismantles the very agency responsible for preventing extinction. Congress imposed deadlines for a reason: species can disappear while bureaucrats delay."
WildEarth Guardians first petitioned the Pecos pupfish for federal protection back in 2007. Nearly two decades later--and despite the Service itself finally determining that the species and its habitat warrant protection--the pupfish is still waiting.
Finalizing the threatened listing and critical habitat designation under the ESA will provide essential legal safeguards for the Pecos River system. With enforceable protections, federal agencies will need to consult on potentially destructive activities, limit excessive withdrawals for fracking, and curb industrial produced-water spills.
"Fossil fuel extraction and industrial water usage threaten both the Pecos pupfish and the human communities who rely on a healthy Pecos River," said Joanna Zhang, endangered species advocate at WildEarth Guardians. "Securing a final listing for this native desert species establishes a vital shield against the impacts of extractive industry in the Permian Basin."
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Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/wildearth-guardians-sues-trump-administration-for-withholding-endangered-species-act-protections-from-pecos-pupfish/
[Category: Environment]
WildEarth Guardians Responds to House Natural Resources Committee
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 10 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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WildEarth Guardians Responds to House Natural Resources Committee
Committee targeting organizations that protect our wildlife, lands, and waters
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SANTA FE, N.M. -- On Friday, September 4, 2026 WildEarth Guardians ("Guardians") received a request from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources ("Committee") for information regarding legal actions Guardians has taken to protect the health of the nation's wildlife, lands, and waters. The Committee requested this
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 10 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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WildEarth Guardians Responds to House Natural Resources Committee
Committee targeting organizations that protect our wildlife, lands, and waters
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SANTA FE, N.M. -- On Friday, September 4, 2026 WildEarth Guardians ("Guardians") received a request from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources ("Committee") for information regarding legal actions Guardians has taken to protect the health of the nation's wildlife, lands, and waters. The Committee requested thisinformation be delivered by September 18. Guardians is currently reviewing the request and will determine our response in the following days.
The press statement distributed by the Committee specifically questions legal actions taken by Guardians using some of the most popular laws in the nation, such as the Endangered Species Act (supported by 84% of Americans) and National Environmental Policy Act.
These laws were created to protect the natural heritage and health of our nation, everything from saving the bald eagle from extinction to allowing communities to have a say where data centers are constructed. We would think members of the Committee would support efforts to stop extinction and allow the public to have a voice in decisions involving what happens in their communities.
Specifically, in targeting environmental groups who use well-established laws in order to fight for environmental protection, the Committee neglects to mention that legal fees are only recovered by litigants when there is a clear demonstration the federal government violated the law. Taking issue with watchdog organizations that successfully defend the nation's wildlife, lands, and water for the American people is a very disappointing position for the House Natural Resources Committee to take.
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WildEarth Guardians is proud of our 37-year record of being a successful watchdog for the places, wildlife, and American people, and we will continue to do so. Rather than investigating organizations for successfully protecting our environment, we instead encourage the Committee to use their oversight to better protect our nation's air, water, wildlife, and communities, so legal actions to protect them will no longer be necessary.
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Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/wildearth-guardians-responds-to-house-natural-resources-committee/
[Category: Environment]
Save the Sound: Green Village Initiative Announced as 2026 Sound Environment Changemaker
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Sept. 10 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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Green Village Initiative Announced as 2026 Sound Environment Changemaker
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Sept. 9, 2026) -- Save the Sound is proud to announce Green Village Initiative as its 2026 Sound Environment Changemaker. The annual award recognizes environmental champions across the Long Island Sound region who are taking action to protect and improve our shared environment and ensure that our natural resources are vibrant, healthy, and accessible to all.
Founded in 2008, Green Village Initiative began in
... Show Full Article
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Sept. 10 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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Green Village Initiative Announced as 2026 Sound Environment Changemaker
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Sept. 9, 2026) -- Save the Sound is proud to announce Green Village Initiative as its 2026 Sound Environment Changemaker. The annual award recognizes environmental champions across the Long Island Sound region who are taking action to protect and improve our shared environment and ensure that our natural resources are vibrant, healthy, and accessible to all.
Founded in 2008, Green Village Initiative began inWestport before moving its operations to Bridgeport in 2011 and has since worked to create a more just food system through urban gardening, farming, education, and community leadership. Its programs include a farmers' market that supports local growers and small businesses, 49 community garden beds for Bridgeport residents, and programs that educate high school youth in agricultural knowledge and food justice advocacy. Each year, they also welcome about 200 students to their farm for field trips focused on urban farming and environmental stewardship.
"For most of Green Village Initiative's history we have just been doing the work, quietly transforming 1.7 acres of abandoned land in Bridgeport into a productive urban farm where neighbors compost, grow organic and culturally appropriate food, and tend a pollinator garden together," said Diego Osses, executive director of Green Village Initiative. "This recognition means more than we expected, and we intend to use the momentum to bring more partners, volunteers, and resources to what we are building here."
Green Village Initiative's work demonstrates how urban land stewardship can strengthen both communities and ecosystems. By improving soil health, supporting biodiversity, expanding access to green space, and engaging residents in sustainable practices, the organization is contributing to the environmental health of Bridgeport and the broader Long Island Sound watershed.
Green Village Initiative will be recognized at Save the Sound's Annual Meeting and Reception on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Riverside Yacht Club. Members of the public and press are welcome to attend. Registration is available here.
Additional award recognitions at the meeting include:
Youth Eco Advocate Award: Isabelle Deon, a high school student from Jericho, N.Y., recognized for her conservation and sustainability work through internships, volunteerism, scientific research, and co-founding Youth for Biodiversity.
Volunteer Award: Mary Stevens, a Guilford resident and donor who has supported Save the Sound through phone banking, educational webinars and community events, Soundkeeper field trips, and the annual Rock to Rock fundraiser.
President's Award: Doug and Marie McKeige, longtime advocates for Save the Sound who have hosted campaign events and used their boat, Save the Sound, to raise awareness of the organization's mission at regattas across the Sound.
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Original text here: https://www.savethesound.org/stay-informed/press-releases/green-village-initiative-announced-as-2026-sound-environment-changemaker/
[Category: Environment]
LeadingAge Announces Jill Wilson As 2026 Award of Honor Winner
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- LeadingAge, an organization that says it focuses on education, advocacy and applied research, issued the following news release:
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LeadingAge Announces Jill Wilson As 2026 Award of Honor Winner
Otterbein SeniorLife President and CEO To Be Honored at LeadingAge Annual Meeting in October
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September 9, 2026 Washington, DC -- LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven aging services providers, is proud to announce that Jill Wilson, president and CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife, is the recipient of the 2026 LeadingAge Award of Honor.
Bestowed annually
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- LeadingAge, an organization that says it focuses on education, advocacy and applied research, issued the following news release:
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LeadingAge Announces Jill Wilson As 2026 Award of Honor Winner
Otterbein SeniorLife President and CEO To Be Honored at LeadingAge Annual Meeting in October
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September 9, 2026 Washington, DC -- LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven aging services providers, is proud to announce that Jill Wilson, president and CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife, is the recipient of the 2026 LeadingAge Award of Honor.
Bestowed annuallyfor more than 60 years, the Award of Honor is among the nonprofit aging services sector's most prestigious recognitions. This year's award celebrates Wilson's three decades of leadership in aging services and her transformative impact on senior living through strategic growth, innovation, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership.
Wilson has served as president and CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife since 2009 after holding several executive leadership positions within the organization, including chief financial officer and executive vice president. During her time at Otterbein, the organization has expanded significantly through affiliations, acquisitions, campus developments, strategic joint ventures, and new ventures, growing into a multi-state organization that serves more than 10,000 individuals annually through 23 locations across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, while also providing home health and hospice services.
Throughout her career, Wilson has championed the preservation and strengthening of nonprofit senior living organizations. Through Otterbein's affiliations with mission-driven providers across the Midwest, she has helped ensure the continued vitality of organizations with deep community roots while advancing a shared commitment to faith-based, nonprofit service.
Beyond her role at Otterbein, Wilson contributes her expertise to the broader aging services sector and the health care community through a range of governance and industry leadership roles. She currently serves on the Premier Health board of trustees, which she chairs, and is the immediate past chair of Caring Communities, a provider-owned insurance organization serving nonprofit aging services providers nationwide. She is also a past chair of LeadingAge Ohio and the Ohio Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports and the past chair of AgingIN, the recent rebrand of The Center for Innovation, which includes the Pioneer Network and the Greenhouse Project.
Wilson is widely respected for a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, empowering teams, and what she describes as "productive struggle"--an approach that encourages organizations to continually innovate, ask difficult questions, and pursue new possibilities in service to older adults.
"Jill Wilson embodies the vision, courage, and commitment that have helped shape the future of aging services," said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. "For more than 30 years, she has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing mission-driven care while fostering innovation and growth across the field. Her ability to bring people together around a shared vision, preserve nonprofit missions, and create opportunities for older adults and the workforce alike has made an extraordinary impact. We are proud to recognize Jill with the 2026 Award of Honor for her remarkable leadership and enduring contributions to aging services."
Wilson will be recognized on Tuesday, October 27 at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, October 25-28, 2026.
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About LeadingAge: We represent more than 5,300 nonprofit and mission-driven aging services providers serving older adults and touching millions of lives every day. From our national headquarters in Washington, DC, and in collaboration with our state partners representing members active in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, we use advocacy, education, applied research, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership encompasses the entire continuum of aging services, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, affordable housing, retirement communities, adult day programs, hospice, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and home-based care. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information, visit leadingage.org.
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Original text here: https://leadingage.org/leadingage-announces-jill-wilson-as-2026-award-of-honor-winner/
[Category: Sociological]
Human Rights Watch Issues Commentary: Rising Tigray Tensions Test African Union
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch issued the following commentary by Advocacy Director for Africa Allan Ngari:
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Rising Tigray Tensions Test African Union
AU Should Act Before Conflict Escalates
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Barely a week after African leaders met in Luanda, Angola to strengthen the African Union's conflict prevention capacity, escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia are testing whether the AU can turn early warning into action.
Tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the Tigray region's main political party,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch issued the following commentary by Advocacy Director for Africa Allan Ngari:
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Rising Tigray Tensions Test African Union
AU Should Act Before Conflict Escalates
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Barely a week after African leaders met in Luanda, Angola to strengthen the African Union's conflict prevention capacity, escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia are testing whether the AU can turn early warning into action.
Tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the Tigray region's main political party,have grown for over a year amid increasing disputes around the implementation of the AU-brokered November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Both parties have accused the other of military mobilization, while unresolved questions over contested territories, the safe return of displaced people, and disarmament threaten the agreement. In August heavy fighting erupted between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan forces near Ethiopia's border with Sudan with reports of artillery and drone strikes.
The AU has expressed concern about rising tensions in Tigray as far back as March 2025 and Human Rights Watch has repeatedly highlighted concerns for the safety of civilians. In April, we documented continuing abuses against Tigrayans by authorities and security forces in Western Tigray. More recently, we documented TPLF forcibly recruiting civilians in Tigray, including children as young as 15.
The political mechanisms intended to manage growing tensions are under strain. However, efforts to revive the mediation dialogue have raised concerns about whether the existing mediation channel retains both parties' confidence.
The AU Peace and Security Council, of which Ethiopia is a member, called on August 12 for strengthening the Continental Early Warning System to bridge the gap between early warning and early action. The Council validated on August 24 a new Trigger Model for Early Warning and Response, intended to connect identifiable risks with timely preventive action. Days later, at their extraordinary summit in Luanda, African leaders emphasized strengthening conflict prevention, mediation, and early warning and early action.
Developments in northern Ethiopia now present a concrete opportunity to put those commitments into practice.
The AU should intensify engagement with Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF to address the disputes threatening the Pretoria agreement. It should assess whether the existing mediation arrangement needs strengthening and call for public reporting by its Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mechanism on compliance with the agreement, including allegations of remobilization and abuses against civilians.
The 2020-2022 conflict brought devastating abuses and civilian suffering. The AU should act before escalating tensions spiral out of control.
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Original text here: https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/09/09/rising-tigray-tensions-test-african-union
ADL Title VI Settlement Agreement With Colorado School District Leads to Sweeping Reforms in the Fight Against Antisemitism
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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ADL Title VI Settlement Agreement with Colorado School District Leads to Sweeping Reforms in the Fight Against Antisemitism
Boulder Valley School District agrees to make systemic changes to address antisemitism after Jewish student faced severe and persistent antisemitic harassment and assault
New York, NY - The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has entered
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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ADL Title VI Settlement Agreement with Colorado School District Leads to Sweeping Reforms in the Fight Against Antisemitism
Boulder Valley School District agrees to make systemic changes to address antisemitism after Jewish student faced severe and persistent antisemitic harassment and assault
New York, NY - The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has enteredinto a settlement agreement to implement comprehensive, districtwide measures to prevent and address antisemitic harassment, bullying and discrimination, resolving a federal civil rights complaint filed by ADL (the Anti-Defamation League).
Under the terms of the settlement announced today, BVSD will undertake a series of initiatives to strengthen its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when responding to allegations of harassment based on national origin or shared ancestry. These initiatives include updating districtwide policies, designating an executive-level staff member to serve as the district's Title VI Executive Director, strengthening reporting and oversight procedures, providing antisemitism training to all administrators, faculty and staff, delivering age-appropriate educational programming on antisemitism to all students and increasing public transparency by publishing annual reports on the district's response to allegations and reports of discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism.
The settlement agreement, secured through a mediation process with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and its mediators, resolves allegations raised by ADL in a complaint filed in June 2026. The complaint alleged that BVSD failed to protect a Jewish middle school student from repeated antisemitic bullying, slurs and physical assault, despite the district being continually notified.
"Jewish students and all students are safer and better protected at Boulder Valley School District because of the bravery of one family that stepped forward to say 'enough.' The pain of the last several years of targeted antisemitic harassment will now give way to meaningful, districtwide changes designed to help ensure that no other Jewish student feels unsafe or unwelcome because of their ethnic or religious identity," said James Pasch, ADL Vice President of Litigation. "By establishing a strong framework for preventing antisemitic harassment, strengthening reporting and oversight and holding BVSD accountable for its commitments, this agreement lays the groundwork for safer, more inclusive schools."
"No child should have to choose between their identity and their personal safety," said Susan Rona, ADL Mountain States Regional Director. "The measures BVSD has agreed to will make its schools safer for every student, including Jewish students. This agreement creates an important foundation for rebuilding trust, and ADL looks forward to working with BVSD by serving on the Superintendent Advisory Group and consulting with the District on trainings for the new Title VI Executive Director and student programming focused on antisemitism."
Under the settlement, BVSD has agreed to the following measures to address antisemitism:
* Update Board of Education policies, subject to Board approval, to clarify that protections against discrimination and harassment include conduct based on national origin and shared ancestry.
* Designate an executive-level staff member to serve as the district's Title VI Executive Director to work with the Compliance Officer to oversee the district's response to allegations of discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism.
* Revise the district's online incident-reporting form by providing clear information about the reporting process and ensure reports are sent directly to the Title VI Executive Director and Compliance Officer.
* Create and maintain for the next three years a public, comprehensive webpage that centralizes resources on antisemitism, defines antisemitism, district policies, reporting procedures and contact information for designated district officials.
* Utilize the definition of antisemitism located on the new webpage when evaluating, investigating or reviewing reports or complaints of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination based upon Jewish shared ancestry or ethnicity, religion and/or national origin.
* Publish annual community reports for three years concerning the district's response to allegations of discrimination and harassment, including aggregate data about antisemitic incident reports and district outcomes.
* Create a Superintendent Advisory Group focused on addressing antisemitism, with invitations to representatives of Jewish community organizations and from the Superintendent's office to foster open dialogue.
* Implement antisemitism training for all school administrators, faculty and staff.
* Provide age-appropriate programming to all students on discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism, educating them on what antisemitism is, how to combat it and ways to report it at their schools.
* Make resources and training materials from ADL's No Place for Hate program available to every school in the district.
ADL thanks the District for its commitment to implementing meaningful change and for working towards the shared goal of protecting Jewish students who attend BVSD schools. ADL welcomes the opportunity to support its implementation, and remains committed to helping foster a culture in which Jewish students are treated with dignity, inclusivity and respect.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color and national origin, including discrimination against Jewish students on the basis of their actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, by educational institutions that receive federal funding.
Today's announcement is the first settlement of a complaint that was submitted through ADL's Legal Action Network, which launched in late 2025 and currently consists of over 55 law firms across the country. Since Oct. 7, ADL has filed civil rights and legal complaints against public school districts to address antisemitic environments for Jewish students, including a successfully resolved matter against the Santa Ana Unified School District. ADL has brought Title VI complaints against the Bay County, Florida Public School District, Baltimore City Public Schools, Berkeley Unified School District, and Etiwanda School District. Several filed complaints have resulted in successful resolution agreements, including one with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District.
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ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate.
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Original text here: https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adl-title-vi-settlement-agreement-colorado-school-district-leads-sweeping
[Category: Political]
