Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
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Reason Foundation Issues Commentary: Georgia Finally Gets Licensing Reform Across the Finish Line
LOS ANGELES, California, June 5 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following commentary by Sephria Reynolds-Tanner, criminal justice and drug policy analyst:
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Georgia finally gets licensing reform across the finish line
Senate Bill 207 gives people with criminal records a real path to obtaining occupational licenses and a model for other states to follow.
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Georgia citizens with criminal records will see expanded opportunities to find employment and rejoin productive society thanks to a new bill signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 12.
Senate Bill (SB) 207 makes some significant
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, June 5 -- The Reason Foundation issued the following commentary by Sephria Reynolds-Tanner, criminal justice and drug policy analyst:
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Georgia finally gets licensing reform across the finish line
Senate Bill 207 gives people with criminal records a real path to obtaining occupational licenses and a model for other states to follow.
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Georgia citizens with criminal records will see expanded opportunities to find employment and rejoin productive society thanks to a new bill signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 12.
Senate Bill (SB) 207 makes some significantreforms to the state's occupational licensing laws and will require, among other things, that officials prove a direct relationship between a person's criminal history and the line of work they're pursuing before they can deny them a license.
An occupational license is a government-issued state credential that many workers must obtain before they can legally work in fields ranging from cosmetology to contracting. In Georgia, more than one in five jobs requires an occupational license, including one in four of the state's high-demand jobs. Georgia already has a shortage of workers in licensed fields like healthcare and childcare, with 65,000 licensed positions sitting unfilled today and projections showing that number could triple as the current workforce retires.
At the same time, these jobs are going unfilled, and some Georgia citizens are getting rejected from opportunities to get these occupational licenses due to criminal backgrounds that do not necessarily correlate with any actual risks of misconduct on the job.
There are, of course, some cases where there is a legitimate public safety interest that justifies denying licensure to individuals. A conviction for elder abuse should disqualify an individual from working in a nursing home or caretaking role, and someone with a fraud conviction should not be managing other people's money.
But beyond those direct connections, individuals who find stable, gainful employment are less likely to reoffend. Research finds that employment stability reduces recidivism regardless of prior work history or criminal background.
Georgia has been working for years to reduce these barriers. In 2021, Georgia passed Senate Bill 114, which barred licensing boards from denying licensure to applicants under community supervision. But boards still retained broad discretion to deny licenses under vague "moral turpitude" standards with no requirement to show the conviction was related to the occupation sought.
Additionally, Georgia law did not allow prospective applicants to determine in advance whether their convictions would disqualify them before investing in the training, education, and fees required for licensure. After several failed attempts at reform in recent years, the passage of SB 207 finally gives qualified Georgians with a criminal record a pathway to licensed careers.
SB 207 removes "moral turpitude" as a basis for denial and requires the board to demonstrate a "direct relationship" between a conviction and the license sought. A conviction is disqualifying only if it directly relates to the duties of the occupation. Boards must make that distinction explicitly and document it. The new law also:
* Creates a predetermination petition process allowing individuals to seek an early eligibility ruling, even while still incarcerated or before completing education and training requirements or paying application fees.
* Entitles applicants to a hearing if the board denies a license. The board must issue written findings signed and retained for at least five years, in addition to explaining the denial and noting the applicant's right to appeal.
* Requires licensing boards to weigh evidence of rehabilitation based on sentence completion, treatment, education, employment history, and family/community responsibilities.
* Prohibits boards from considering sealed, pardoned, or annulled convictions, deferred adjudications, discharged first offender treatment, or misdemeanor convictions more than five years old in most circumstances.
Reason Foundation contributed research and policy analysis throughout the legislative process. State Sen. Brian Strickland (R-42nd District) celebrated SB 207's passage in a Facebook video, noting, "This has been a several-year effort to make certain that we have a clear process for those with criminal records in our state, they know exactly what to expect when it comes to getting occupational licenses, and help people get out of the system and get a job and support their families. This is a great bill for all of Georgia and all Georgia citizens."
For the 4.5 million Georgians carrying a criminal record, SB 207 is a positive step forward for successful reentry and reduced recidivism in Georgia.
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Sephria Reynolds-Tanner is a criminal justice and drug policy analyst at Reason Foundation.
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Original text here: https://reason.org/commentary/georgia-finally-gets-licensing-reform-across-the-finish-line/
Hispanic Access Foundation Connects Local Leaders to Strengthen Community Health and Wellness Networks
WASHINGTON, June 5 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Access Foundation Connects Local Leaders to Strengthen Community Health and Wellness Networks
Hispanic Access Foundation is strengthening community health and wellness by equipping trusted local leaders with the tools, training, and networks needed to improve quality of life. Through initiatives focused on mental health, faith communities, urban forestry, and wellness nationwide, the organization is helping communities build healthier, more resilient futures.
"Our health initiatives are rooted
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 5 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Access Foundation Connects Local Leaders to Strengthen Community Health and Wellness Networks
Hispanic Access Foundation is strengthening community health and wellness by equipping trusted local leaders with the tools, training, and networks needed to improve quality of life. Through initiatives focused on mental health, faith communities, urban forestry, and wellness nationwide, the organization is helping communities build healthier, more resilient futures.
"Our health initiatives are rootedin the understanding that wellness extends beyond healthcare--it includes mental and emotional well-being, strong community connections, and healthy environments," said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. "By connecting local leaders with resources and opportunities, we help communities build lasting solutions that improve overall well-being."
One example is Iglesias Sanas, Comunidades Sanas (Healthy Churches, Healthy Communities), a cornerstone of Hispanic Access Foundation's Leadership Institute. The initiative equips faith and community leaders with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to advance health and wellness in the communities they serve.
Recently, Hispanic Access Foundation convened a cohort gathering in Puerto Rico, bringing together leaders from across the country to share successes, strengthen collaboration, and identify new opportunities to expand access to critical health resources.
Mental health remains a key focus of the program. To date, 60 faith leaders have completed Mental Health First Aid training, enabling them to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support, and connect individuals with professional care. By empowering trusted community leaders, the program helps reduce stigma and create supportive spaces where people feel comfortable seeking help.
Through leadership development and community partnerships, Iglesias Sanas continues to expand access to health information, mental health resources, and wellness support nationwide.
Hispanic Access Foundation is also advancing wellness through its urban forestry initiative. One of the subgrantees through the program, Bosque Comunitario de la Fe: Un Corredor Ecologico Urbano en la Florida Central (Community Forest of Faith) in Orlando's Azalea Park neighborhood, is leading a wellness workshop series through November 2026, in partnership with the Renacer Foundation. The evidence-based curriculum combines health education and community engagement, covering topics such as mental health first aid, stress management, emotional resilience, goal setting, healthy coping strategies, and nature-based wellness practices.
As residents work together to plant and care for trees, they help create cooler, healthier neighborhoods while experiencing the mental, emotional, and social benefits of community engagement and connection to nature.
The Central Florida project reflects Hispanic Access Foundation's broader vision for health--one that recognizes the connection between physical, mental, environmental, and social well-being.
Alongside the wellness workshops, Corpus Care expands access to health resources through digital programming and community activities, while Observatorio Ambiental provides technical expertise to support conservation practices that improve neighborhood livability. These partnerships have driven strong grassroots engagement, with multigenerational events involving local families and digital outreach reaching more than 48,700 people.
Through initiatives like Iglesias Sanas and Community Forest of Faith, Hispanic Access Foundation continues to strengthen the leadership, partnerships, and community networks that help people thrive.
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Original text here: https://www.hispanicaccess.org/news-releases/3111-hispanic-access-foundation-connects-local-leaders-to-strengthen-community-health-and-wellness-networks
Foundation for Economic Education Posts Commentary: Fires Destroyed Thousands of Homes in LA
DETROIT, Michigan, June 5 -- The Foundation for Economic Education posted the following commentary by Yale law student Rachel Chiu:
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Fires Destroyed Thousands of Homes in LA
The mayoral race spotlights how hard it is to rebuild.
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Pending the results of this week's Los Angeles mayoral primary, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will face off against former reality TV star Spencer Pratt or City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the general election this November.
Except for New York City, very few cities receive national attention for their local politics. But this election is unique. Pratt has been
... Show Full Article
DETROIT, Michigan, June 5 -- The Foundation for Economic Education posted the following commentary by Yale law student Rachel Chiu:
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Fires Destroyed Thousands of Homes in LA
The mayoral race spotlights how hard it is to rebuild.
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Pending the results of this week's Los Angeles mayoral primary, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will face off against former reality TV star Spencer Pratt or City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the general election this November.
Except for New York City, very few cities receive national attention for their local politics. But this election is unique. Pratt has beenusing evocative campaign ads to spotlight issues such as crime, drug use, and, most notably, city mismanagement during emergencies. He decided to run for mayor after his house burned down in last year's Palisades Fire, which, together with the Eaton Fire, destroyed over 13,000 homes and residential properties. As of April, only 34 homes have been rebuilt in the hard-hit Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Because of Pratt's personal stake, the mayoral race has shifted its focus to housing: unaffordability, regulatory red tape, and the city's inability to rebuild. These problems have burdened California cities for years, and they have now become impossible to ignore in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has long been a prosperous city attracting aspiring entertainers, business professionals, and immigrants. Over the past decade, however, the city has become increasingly expensive and struggled to maintain public safety. Last year, over 50,000 residents left LA County--the highest population loss in the country. The fires have exacerbated the exodus out of the region, in part because residents cannot rebuild.
Slow recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Fires highlights the steep cost of excessive regulation. Burdened by what the Los Angeles Times called "heaps of paperwork," fire victims found themselves "navigating confusing web portals, frustrating phone-tree systems and other soul-crushing bureaucracy." While most residents lacked the financial capacity to rebuild immediately, those who did were unable to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction. For example, Malibu issued its first rebuilding permit in August 2025, seven months after the fires. One year later, fewer than a dozen homes had been rebuilt in LA County.
This sluggish rebuilding process prompted the federal government to intervene. In January, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing the "unnecessary, duplicative, or obstructive permitting requirements that prevent families and businesses from rebuilding." Trump directed his officials to preempt state and local permitting processes that have obstructed the timely use of federal emergency-relief funds and created a builder self-certification process. Constitutional questions aside, opponents have primarily argued that local and state officials have increased the pace of permit issuance and helped residents move forward after the fires.
However, according to a January 2026 study by NORC at the University of Chicago and the Pacific Palisades Community Council, 64% of Palisades residents plan to rebuild their residences, yet only 13% of heavily impacted single-family homeowners have begun construction. Empty lots are still very visible in Los Angeles, which is why Pratt's ad juxtaposing his opponents' properties with the site of his burned-down home is so expressive.
This regulatory red tape impeding building is pervasive throughout California. In March 2025, the California Assembly Select Committee on Permitting Reform published a report highlighting how the permitting process "plays an outsized role" in the overall housing crisis across the state: "For individual projects, it factors heavily into the timeframe and risks associated with building housing--both of which are correlated to increased costs." This lag is especially common for multifamily development projects.
The poor recovery in the Palisades reveals the breadth of California's housing issues. While the focus has largely been on the lack of housing--especially affordable and high-density units--the Palisades shows that even building more "socially desirable" homes is still difficult. These are primarily single-family, large houses occupying the same lots they once stood on, rather than projects in new areas where neighboring residents might object. Yet, the regulatory hurdles are ever-present and continue to impede construction.
As the LA mayoral race demonstrates, housing is a major challenge in California, made even more complicated by regulatory hurdles. The stakes are even higher when fires displace residents, yet the government remains unwilling to act effectively. These issues are likely to remain at the forefront of LA and California politics through the November general election.
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Rachel Chiu is a J.D. candidate at Yale Law School and a Young Voices contributor focused on online speech and technology policy.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/fires-destroyed-thousands-of-homes-in-la/
Denver Foundation: CEDS Finance Invests in Entrepreneurs Who are Excluded From Traditional Financing
DENVER, Colorado, June 5 -- The Denver Foundation issued the following news:
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CEDS Finance invests in entrepreneurs who are excluded from traditional financing
Investing in local businesses
In 2024, as Denver welcomed a growing number of immigrants, CEDS Finance began conversations with The Denver Foundation about an impact investment to expand CEDS lending to address the increasing demand among the entrepreneurs they support.
The opportunity was a strong fit, aligning with our mission and our experience with impact investments.
The Denver Foundation started our Impact Investment Pool
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, June 5 -- The Denver Foundation issued the following news:
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CEDS Finance invests in entrepreneurs who are excluded from traditional financing
Investing in local businesses
In 2024, as Denver welcomed a growing number of immigrants, CEDS Finance began conversations with The Denver Foundation about an impact investment to expand CEDS lending to address the increasing demand among the entrepreneurs they support.
The opportunity was a strong fit, aligning with our mission and our experience with impact investments.
The Denver Foundation started our Impact Investment Poolin 2013 with gifts from numerous donors and an initial investment of $1 million from the foundation's operating reserve. Following a board decision in 2023, we doubled the size of the pool, increasing the opportunities to create meaningful impact in the places we all care about.
Since creating this program, we've used impact investments as an innovative way to partner with our donors and nonprofits to address community needs, such as expanding economic opportunity, while also generating financial returns.
A trusted partner and shared purpose
CEDS Finance was founded to help immigrants, refugees, and other underserved small business owners achieve financial self-sufficiency. They work with immigrants and refugees who are still building up their assets, or have had to leave their assets at home.
CEDS helps people build up their credit score, assets, and collateral so that once they successfully repay their CEDS loans, they can apply for loans within the traditional financial sector. The way they do that is by providing small business owners with micro-loans for up to $100,000 and free technical assistance.
At The Denver Foundation, we believe economic opportunity is achievable when communities have the tools and resources to build wealth, increase assets, and create local and just economies, which is why we've partnered with CEDS, supporting their work alongside our donors since 2014, and through our Community Grants Program since 2022. Between 2014 and May 2026, we've seen CEDS invest $18.7 million into more than 650 entrepreneurs in the Denver Metro area. CEDS has also created more than 1,727 local jobs and allowed our community to thrive.
"The Denver Foundation's bold, longstanding partnership has been instrumental in our ability to grow and innovate our financial services, allowing us to uniquely serve immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs who are systematically excluded from traditional financing pathways," said Alexandria Wise, CEDS Finance, executive director.
When we started these early conversations in 2024 about this impact investment opportunity, we knew CEDS would be a strong partner to help support foreign-born business owners in Colorado's local economy.
One of the unique practices that sets CEDS apart is its Islamic-compliant business lending product, Murabahas. Murabahas offer a monthly fee structure instead of an interest-based structure. Many Muslims are excluded from traditional loans because interest (riba) conflicts with their religious principles. CEDS is the only organization in Colorado that does this.
Success stories
Mahad Hassan, a truck driver who always dreamed of owning his own business, faced a significant obstacle because his faith prohibited the use of traditional loans involving interest. Once he discovered the Islamic-compliant loan option at CEDS, Mahad was able to purchase his own truck, turning his long-held dream into reality. "This was a major turning point for my business," Mahad proudly shared. "Alhamdulillah, I'm doing well now."
Another practice that sets CEDS apart is through its character-based underwriting. Character-based underwriting is more about getting to know each individual entrepreneur. It asks who they are, what their business plan is, and who is part of their community. This is valuable information that helps inform the loan process at CEDS.
In Aurora on Havana Street, Abdurahman Ahmed Mohamed has built a thriving ethnic goods store, Durdur Wholesale and Retail LLC, specializing in clothes, carpets, beauty products, suits, and accessories from around the world. With a Murabaha loan from CEDS Finance, he's enhancing his inventory by sourcing premium products from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Turkey, allowing him to provide a wider selection to customers seeking familiar goods from their homelands. Recognizing his community's diverse needs, Abdurahman has also expanded to include remittance services.
"CEDS came when I really needed the boost during a time when other loan institutions overlooked my business," Abdurahman shares. "They recognized the potential in how I ran my store and gave me the chance to grow."
The investment: Making business lending more inclusive and accessible
After learning more about the impact investment opportunity with CEDS, and how it could benefit our community, we decided to make a $500,000 program-related investment (PRI) to support their lending practices, and expand their Murabahas (Islamic-compliant lending product) to Islamic-owned small businesses. Our investment is expected to generate a financial return over time, while contributing to a larger pool of funding to help CEDS expand its lending and move closer to its strategic goal of supporting more immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs nationally.
"Education and integration into the American business and financial systems that coincide with the beliefs and practices of the Islamic faith, Muslim families and businesses, are essential. With this cooperative relationship, Muslims and non-Muslims can benefit from the American Dream and help make it a reality for all Coloradans," said Timothy Floyd, board member at CEDS Finance.
Ways to engage
Through our Impact Investing, we make direct investments in ideas, programs, and initiatives that support our community in innovative ways. We invite donors and fundholders to partner with us as funders and impact investors.
Donors can participate in impact investing through their donor-advised fund at The Denver Foundation by giving to our Impact Investment Pool or by joining us in individual impact investments. There are select opportunities throughout the year to co-invest alongside the foundation, and donors may also recommend their own impact investments.
To learn more about impact investing at The Denver Foundation, please contact us at 303.300.1790, or email information@denverfoundation.org.
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Original text here: https://denverfoundation.org/2026/06/ceds-finance-invests-in-entrepreneurs-who-are-pushed-out-of-traditional-financing/
Colorado repeals e-filing requirement that attorneys pledge not to assist federal immigration enforcement
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, June 5 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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Colorado repeals e-filing requirement that attorneys pledge not to assist federal immigration enforcement
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DENVER, June 5, 2026 - After a public outcry, Colorado has repealed the state's recently imposed requirement that private attorneys seeking to access the state's court system pledge under penalty of perjury not to assist federal immigration enforcement.
On Thursday, Gov. Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 26-1276, the "Protect Safety of Individuals Who
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, June 5 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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Colorado repeals e-filing requirement that attorneys pledge not to assist federal immigration enforcement
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DENVER, June 5, 2026 - After a public outcry, Colorado has repealed the state's recently imposed requirement that private attorneys seeking to access the state's court system pledge under penalty of perjury not to assist federal immigration enforcement.
On Thursday, Gov. Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 26-1276, the "Protect Safety of Individuals WhoAre Immigrants" Act. Nestled in the bill's language was a provision amending state law to clarify that Colorado rules against sharing information with federal immigration officials do not apply to private attorneys accessing the electronic filing system for state courts, ending a brewing First Amendment controversy.
"I'm glad that Colorado has backed down from a First Amendment fight they weren't going to win," said attorney Ian Speir, of Covenant Law in Colorado Springs, who first drew attention to the unconstitutional demand. "Colorado might be able to tell its own lawyers what they can say to ICE. But I work for my clients, not the government."
Attorneys throughout the state received an emailed notice today informing them that, with the passage of the new bill, the certification requirement had been lifted. And not a moment too soon -if Colorado's bill hadn't repealed the requirement, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression was prepared to file a First Amendment lawsuit on behalf of Speir seeking an injunction to force the state to lift it.
"Under the First Amendment, the government cannot condition an attorney's access to courts on a promise not to use information for a lawful purpose the state disfavors," said FIRE senior attorney Greg Greubel, Speir's counsel. "Kudos to Colorado legislators and the governor for acting quickly to resolve this issue, but it's troubling that the state attempted this in the first place."
In 2021, Colorado passed a law that required any third party accessing records managed by a state agency to certify under penalty of perjury that they will not provide private personal information to federal civil immigration enforcement. In 2025, Colorado passed a second law to expand the definition of "state agency" to include the legislative and judicial branches.
That second change in law went relatively unnoticed until March 2026, when Speir attempted to access the state's e-filing system. For the first time, he was greeted with a prompt reading, in part: "I certify under penalty of perjury that I will not use or disclose personal identifying information... obtained from this database for the purpose of investigating for, participating in, cooperating with, or assisting in federal immigration enforcement."
Speir was unable to proceed unless he certified his compliance with the state's demands. And because Colorado requires attorneys to use the e-filing system to litigate in state court, he was effectively locked out of the legal system until he agreed to the certification.
Ultimately, Speir agreed to the terms under protest, for his clients' sake. But rather than taking this violation of his First Amendment rights sitting down, he screenshot the prompt and alerted his X followers. "This is outrageous draconian overreach," he said. Speir's tweet went viral, receiving nearly 7,000 retweets and 15,000 likes, and prompted a House Judiciary Committee investigation.
The widespread outrage was certainly justified, as Colorado's certification violated the First Amendment in multiple ways.
* The First Amendment requires that laws restricting speech be viewpoint neutral. But Colorado's law plainly wasn't -attorneys were allowed to share information in a way that hampers federal immigration enforcement, but were barred from using it to help federal immigration enforcement.
* The terms used in the certification were unconstitutionally vague. Attorneys have to know when they are or are not violating the law, but there's no clear red line for when their speech crosses into "assisting" and "cooperating with" federal immigration enforcement.
* Colorado's certification was not narrowly tailored to a compelling interest. If the state's concern was simply the misuse of personal data, for example, there are already content-neutral rules that prohibit and punish attorneys who engage in that conduct. Colorado can't impose a viewpoint-based speech restriction when narrower tools already exist.
Legal issues aside, Colorado's bill set a terrible precedent that was all too likely to be replicated across the country. If blue states can force attorneys to pledge not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, there is no reason red states couldn't force attorneys not to cooperate with, say, federal environmental or labor enforcement. Every attorney across the country would be at risk of becoming pawns of the state with each new foray into the culture wars.
Hopefully, Colorado's new law marks the end of states attempting to lock access to the courts behind unconstitutional pledges. If not, FIRE remains ready to act.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought -the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
CONTACT:
Alex Griswold, Communications Campaign Manager, FIRE: 215-717-3473; media@fire.org
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Original text here: https://www.thefire.org/news/colorado-repeals-e-filing-requirement-attorneys-pledge-not-assist-federal-immigration
Canada's AI Strategy Rightly Targets Adoption, but Funding Alone Won't Get Results, Says CCIC
WASHINGTON, June 5 [Category: Computer Technology]-- The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation posted the following news release:
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Canada's AI Strategy Rightly Targets Adoption, but Funding Alone Won't Get Results, Says CCIC
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OTTAWA-Following the release of the Government of Canada's new National AI Strategy, the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness (CCIC) issued the following statement from Lawrence Zhang, head of policy at CCIC:
The government's new AI Strategy is right to recognize that Canada's problem isn't a shortage of invention, but a failure to turn
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 5 [Category: Computer Technology]-- The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation posted the following news release:
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Canada's AI Strategy Rightly Targets Adoption, but Funding Alone Won't Get Results, Says CCIC
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OTTAWA-Following the release of the Government of Canada's new National AI Strategy, the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness (CCIC) issued the following statement from Lawrence Zhang, head of policy at CCIC:
The government's new AI Strategy is right to recognize that Canada's problem isn't a shortage of invention, but a failure to turnits research strength into widespread business adoption. It correctly sets a clear national target and is candid about the central barrier to adoption: Many businesses still do not understand how AI can improve their operations. However, the strategy's proposed solutions don't fully address the adoption challenge it lays out.
By the strategy's own account, 78 percent of firms not using AI say they cannot see how it would benefit their business. That means Canadian businesses aren't holding back because AI is too expensive; they're holding back because they don't know what AI would do for them.
Loans, grants, and readiness tools can lower the cost of adoption, but on their own, they don't show a manufacturer how AI can improve production or a hospital how it can reduce administrative burden. Practical demonstrations, such as testbeds and extension services, can.
Getting from 12 percent of businesses using AI to 60 percent by 2034 will be an enormous lift, and it will take more than capital. Canada needs a sector-by-sector adoption plan that shows firms which tools work in their settings, what returns they can expect, and how to navigate industry-specific barriers.
If Canada wants firms to adopt AI at scale, it has to show them the technology working in operations like theirs, not just make it cheaper.
Contact: Sydney Mack, smack@itif.org
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Original text here: https://itif.org/publications/publications/2026/06/05/canada-ai-strategy-targets-adoption-but-funding-wont-get-there-ccic/
2026 JED Gala Honors UBS Optimus Foundation, Tom Kitt, and Student Mental Health Champions
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 5 -- The Jed Foundation issued the following news release:
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2026 JED Gala Honors UBS Optimus Foundation, Tom Kitt, and Student Mental Health Champions
The Jed Foundation (JED) hosted its annual gala on June 3 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, bringing together 650 attendees and raising more than $1.7 million to support its mission to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults nationwide. Because of this support and commitment to JED's mission, the organization has been able to expand programmatic partnerships, ultimately supporting
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 5 -- The Jed Foundation issued the following news release:
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2026 JED Gala Honors UBS Optimus Foundation, Tom Kitt, and Student Mental Health Champions
The Jed Foundation (JED) hosted its annual gala on June 3 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, bringing together 650 attendees and raising more than $1.7 million to support its mission to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults nationwide. Because of this support and commitment to JED's mission, the organization has been able to expand programmatic partnerships, ultimately supportingnearly 1,500 schools and community-based organizations that serve 10 million youth with evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention programs; educate more than 30 million stakeholders through campaigns, training and digital resources; and guide a powerful federal and state advocacy presence.
For the third straight year, Emmy Award-winning journalist Savannah Sellers hosted the inspiring event, recognizing honorees, presenters, and special guests amplifying JED's work to strengthen mental health systems where young people live, learn, and grow.
"More than a quarter century ago, Donna and Phil Satow founded The Jed Foundation after their son, Jed, died by suicide. Since then, we have seen both progress and new challenges in the youth mental health and suicide prevention landscapes. Throughout this time, JED has remained committed to creating a world where no young person struggles alone," said John MacPhee, JED CEO. "We stand at the beginning of a new chapter where we can help youth and every person across the lifespan feel connected and thrive. JED is humbled by our roots, grateful for our hopeful present, and invigorated for our shared future. This gala is a reflection and celebration of all we've achieved and all that lies ahead."
This year's gala held special significance as JED's first event since announcing its planned merger with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to form the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention across the lifespan, pending regulatory approvals expected this fall. Phillip M. Satow, JED's co-founder and chair emeritus, spoke about next steps for the combined organization - AFSP/JED - a union of equals leveraging the complementary strengths and decades of expertise to prevent suicide, touch lives, and improve mental health outcomes.
Tony award-winning performer Adrienne Warren introduced Tom Kitt, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, arranger, orchestrator, and producer - whose work in theater, film, and television has been seen and celebrated internationally. He was honored with the 2026 Voice of Mental Health Award for his extraordinary contributions to elevating awareness of youth mental health and suicide prevention. Kitt's groundbreaking rock musical, Next to Normal, for which he composed the music, explores mental health challenges and their impact on family. His lyricism has been widely praised for its thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of mental illness, grief, and modern psychiatry.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized by The Jed Foundation. As an artist, I have always tried to create work that investigates the human condition and champions compassion, empathy, connection, and resilience," said Kitt. "These are all qualities at the core of JED's mission, and I am incredibly proud to support the important and vital work that they do."
Elisha London, founder of United for Global Mental Health, presented UBS Optimus Foundation with JED's 2026 Corporate Voice of Mental Health Award for their leadership and unwavering commitment to young adult mental health and well-being. The UBS Optimus Foundation is a global network of separately organized and regulated, tax-exempt, charitable organizations, founded and managed by UBS, that make grants and other financial contributions to implementing partner organizations aligned with their values and objectives. Their mental health strategy takes an integrated, systems-level approach to improve outcomes for young people by strengthening early intervention in schools, expanding equitable access to 24/7 crisis support, and promoting healthier digital environments through a curated platform of vetted partners. By mobilizing philanthropic capital toward scaled, evidence-based solutions--while emphasizing equity, measurement, and collaboration--the Foundation aims to move the field beyond fragmented projects toward durable, nationwide impact for youth mental health and well-being.
"The JED Gala was a powerful reminder of what's possible when leaders across philanthropy, business, mental health, and culture come together with a shared purpose," said Liza Green, CEO, UBS Optimus Foundation US. "We're deeply honored to accept this award from JED, which recognizes UBS Optimus Foundation's commitment to making youth mental health and suicide prevention a core philanthropic priority. This acknowledgment affirms our belief that driving systems level change--and challenging the stigma and silence around mental health--is essential to helping young people thrive."
Sellers introduced the 2026 Student Voice of Mental Health Award recipients: 17-year-old Sarah Shelke, a recent California high school graduate bound for University of California, Berkeley, and 21-year-old Kyra Wagner of Nashville, Tennessee, a rising senior at Spelman College. Both recipients shared with attendees their passion for mental health advocacy, and lived experiences that have shaped their work.
The evening also featured powerful performances by Kitt, who wrote and dedicated an original song especially for the Gala, JED, and its supporters titled, "I've Got You"; Adrienne Warren; Indigo Girls singer-songwriter Emily Saliers; Young People's Chorus of New York City; and 2024-2025 National Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco.
To support JED's transformative work and its future with AFSP, visit jedfoundation.org/donate/.
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About The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults. We're partnering with high schools, colleges, school districts, and youth-serving community-based organizations to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We're equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We're encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
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Original text here: https://jedfoundation.org/2026-jed-gala-honors-ubs-optimus-foundation-tom-kitt-and-student-mental-health-champions/
