Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Trump Accounts: List of Companies and Individuals Providing Additional Contributions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary:
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Trump Accounts: List of Companies and Individuals Providing Additional Contributions
Trump Accounts for kids were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cut. In addition to the $1,000 per child provided by the U.S. Treasury, private individuals and companies have also announced additional contributions to the accounts.
Americans for Tax Reform is tracking these announcements below - the list will be updated on a rolling basis:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (Menlo
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary:
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Trump Accounts: List of Companies and Individuals Providing Additional Contributions
Trump Accounts for kids were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cut. In addition to the $1,000 per child provided by the U.S. Treasury, private individuals and companies have also announced additional contributions to the accounts.
Americans for Tax Reform is tracking these announcements below - the list will be updated on a rolling basis:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (MenloPark, California) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Robinhood will match the $1,000 contribution from USTreasury into Trump Accounts for eligible children of Robinhood employees. Our mission is to democratize finance for all and we're honored to help extend that mission to the next generation through this initiative. -- December 19, 2025 Robinhood social media post
Chime Financial Inc. (San Francisco, California) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Chime Financial Inc. will match the US government's contributions to investment accounts for children of the financial-technology company's eligible employees.
The government has pledged to seed so-called "Trump Accounts" with $1,000 for children, starting next year. Under the initiative, any parent can open an account for their child and contribute up to $5,000 annually. Employers can pitch in $2,500 a year without affecting a worker's taxable income.
"The launch of Trump Accounts aligns with our mission to unlock financial progress for everyday Americans by teaching financial health and education from a young age," Chief Executive Officer and founder Chris Britt said in a Wednesday statement.
San Francisco-based Chime prioritizes catering to Main Street consumers, specifically targeting customers who earn less than $100,000 a year with bank-like services. -- December 17, 2025 Bloomberg News article
SoFi Technologies, Inc. (San Francisco, California) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Under this new benefit, SoFi will match the federal government's new $1,000 seed contribution by providing an additional $1,000 investment for eligible children of SoFi employees who qualify for the newly established tax-advantaged children's investment accounts.
The federal program, known as "Trump Accounts," provides a $1,000 pilot contribution from the U.S. Treasury into a tax-advantaged account for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028.
"When it comes to helping people get their money right, few things matter more than investing early, and nothing is earlier than day one," said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi. "Opening the door for more Americans to invest early will unlock decades of compound growth and transform financial outcomes over a lifetime. It is one of the most powerful steps we can take as a country, and SoFi was built to deliver secure, low-cost accounts at scale. We have the infrastructure needed to reach every child in America and we're ready to offer this at no cost to the taxpayer. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the financial lives of millions of Americans." -- January 14, 2026 company news release
The Charles Schwab Corporation (Westlake, Texas) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
The Charles Schwab Corporation (Schwab) today announced it will match the U.S. government's one-time $1,000 contribution to eligible newborn children of Schwab's U.S. employees, providing an additional $1,000 per eligible child.
The children's saving account program, known as "Trump Accounts," was signed into law by President Trump and provides a $1,000 pilot contribution from the U.S. Treasury into a tax-advantaged account for eligible children born in the U.S. between 2025 and 2028. The program is designed to help build the long-term financial security for millions of children by encouraging saving and investing from day one.
"For more than half a century, Schwab has stood for increasing access, lowering costs, and empowering millions of families to achieve their financial dreams and goals," said Rick Wurster, Chief Executive Officer of Charles Schwab. "By matching the government's contribution for our employees' children, we're honoring that commitment - helping more families take an early, confident step toward building long-term financial security. We will continue to work with this administration, future administrations, and Congress to do all we can to support getting more Americans invested."
Schwab's contribution reflects its longstanding mission to champion clients' financial goals with integrity and to promote financial literacy and participation in the markets. A key element of getting invested at a young age is increasing financial literacy and providing greater access to educational resources on the fundamentals of saving and investing. Through programs like Moneywise America and partnerships with schools and nonprofits, Schwab is committed to providing trusted financial education to empower the next generation to achieve their financial goals. -- December 23, 2025 Charles Schwab news release
Investment Company Institute (Washington, D.C.) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Investment Company Institute (ICI) President and CEO Eric J. Pan announced today that ICI will offer its employees a $1,000 matching contribution to the newly-established Trump Accounts to mirror the federal investment program set up in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"ICI is proud to support, not only in words but in action, too, the implementation of Trump Accounts to ensure our newest generation of Americans experience and enjoy the benefits of fund investing, setting them up for success later in life. We are grateful that Congress and the Administration are leading the way to support American families and encouraging long-term investing by all Americans." -- January 14, 2026 ICI news release
Russell Investments Group, LLC (Seattle, Washington) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Russell Investments today announced that it will match the U.S. government's $1,000 contribution made to newly established Trump Accounts for the eligible children of U.S. employees, reinforcing the firm's long-standing commitment to financial security and long-term wealth building.
Under the program, Russell Investments will match the government's initial contribution to newly established Trump Accounts, subject to plan terms and conditions. The firm will endeavor to contribute to accounts for employees' newborn children even past the existing expiration of the bill, and asks lawmakers to continue to support these accounts as they are a necessary building block for future investing and wealth creation.
"Starting early helps to demystify investing," said Zach Buchwald, Chairman and CEO of Russell Investments. "By matching government contributions to Trump Accounts, we're helping employees start investing for their children when compounding has the greatest impact."
The initiative builds on Russell Investments' broader approach to financial well-being, which includes competitive retirement programs, access to investment education, and resources designed to support long-term savings outcomes. The firm believes early savings and disciplined investing are critical components for long-term financial resilience. -- January 14, 2026 company news release
BlackRock (New York, New York) -- $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
"Today, BlackRock announced it will offer an employee match to the U.S. government contribution of $1,000 for all eligible U.S. employees to Trump Accounts, also known as Section 530A Accounts - new dedicated child savings accounts for eligible children.
BlackRock has long championed early childhood savings accounts and supported the policies that make them possible. (...) The Trump Account program was designed to help more Americans put money aside for future goals and milestones and created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Helping people invest better to live better is core to BlackRock's purpose. BlackRock's commitment today will help employees and their families foster strong financial habits early, encourage long-term planning, and invest in the potential of the next generation." - BlackRock announcement December 17, 2025
Ray and Barbara Dalio -- $250 dollar contributions to 300,000 children in Connecticut:
"My wife, Barbara, and I believe strongly in the importance of equal opportunity. I have been fortunate to live the American Dream. At an early age I was exposed to the stock market, and it changed my life. Over the last two decades, Barbara has devoted herself to helping at-risk and disconnected youth in Connecticut, supporting youth-serving organizations, teachers, and public schools, while working in a bipartisan way with our state and with local municipalities. Barbara has seen firsthand the spirit of our youth, and many have a lot stacked against them. We believe these young people deserve a better chance for success.
That is why @DalioDotOrg is proud to join @MichaelDell & Susan Dell in seeding an expanded number of the new Trump Administration investment accounts, matching their $250 contribution per child for approximately 300,000 children in our home state of Connecticut.
By providing children with savings accounts that compound over time we are providing them with early insights into financial literacy and a path towards financial independence. I applaud President Trump, @SecScottBessent, the Dell Family and many others who have spearheaded this initiative.
We are hopeful other philanthropists and leaders will join this effort by contributing to similar initiatives in their home states, and we hope this catalyzes Secretary Bessent's "50 State Challenge." As we enter the holidays, I can think of no better gift than the gift of opportunity." - X post December 17, 2025.
Bank of New York Mellon (New York, New York) - $1,000 contribution for children of U.S. employees:
Bank of New York Mellon is joining the Trump administration's new investment initiative for babies -- and doubling the federal contribution for its U.S. employees' children.
BNY is the first major financial institution to publicly get behind the "Trump accounts," the investment vehicle established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"By matching the government's contribution, we're helping our employees give their children a head start toward a stronger financial future," BNY CEO Robin Vince said.
The bank will match the government's $1,000 seed payment for eligible babies born between 2025 and 2028, giving employees' newborns $2,000 to start once accounts are opened and verified.
"For more than two centuries, BNY has supported our nation's financial ecosystem and the people who power it, including our own employees. This initiative advances that mission in a meaningful way. By matching the government's contribution, we're helping our employees give their children a head start toward a stronger financial future," - CEO Robin Vince. Citations: Dec. 11, 2025 Axios exclusive and Dec. 11, 2025 BNY press release.
Michael and Susan Dell -- $6.25 billion donation for Trump accounts for 25 million children:
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion Tuesday to provide 25 million American children 10 and under an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Donald Trump's tax and spending legislation.
The historic gift has little precedent, with few single charitable commitments in the past 25 years exceeding $1 billion. Announced on GivingTuesday, the Dells believe it's the largest single private commitment made to U.S. children.
Its structure is also unusual. Essentially, it builds on the " Trump Accounts " program, where the U.S. Department of the Treasury will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts it sets up for American children born between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2028. The Dells' gift will use the "Trump Accounts" infrastructure to give $250 to each qualified child under 11.
"We believe that if every child can see a future worth saving for, this program will build something far greater than an account. It will build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come," said Michael Dell." - Dec. 2, 2025 Associated Press
Charter Communications (Stamford, Connecticut): Contributions for children of U.S. employees:
Charter said the matching contribution further strengthens "its commitment to its 100% U.S.-based employee workforce." Charter will also "offer employees additional ways to direct their own pay into their children's Invest in America Trump Accounts."
"When employees know their children have a pathway to financial security, it shapes how they view their future and their place at Spectrum - that's good for customers and our communities, and that's good business," said CEO Chris Winfrey. "This initiative helps nurture future prosperity, supporting our employees and their families as we grow together." Charter said its participation in the new accounts builds on its broader commitment to employee financial security, and specifically, its frontline, U.S.-based sales and service workforce."- July 21, 2025 Deadline article.
Visa Inc. (San Francisco, California) -- Contributions for children of U.S. employees:
Visa is proud to offer the new 530A Trump Accounts to create a stronger, more secure financial future for children. We plan to include these accounts in our benefits package for U.S. employees when they become available. -- December 17, 2025 Visa social media post
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Original text here: https://atr.org/trumpaccounts/
[Category: Political]
Protect Our Care: South Carolina Measles Outbreak Now Officially Worst in Decades As Trump Administration Doubles Down On Anti-Vax Agenda
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:
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South Carolina Measles Outbreak Now Officially Worst in Decades As Trump Administration Doubles Down On Anti-Vax Agenda
As reported by CNN: "The fast-growing measles outbreak in South Carolina is now the largest in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in this country more than two decades ago. With 789 cases reported as of Tuesday, the South Carolina outbreak surpassed a massive outbreak in Texas and neighboring states, which reached 762 cases before it ended in August last year. Two children died
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:
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South Carolina Measles Outbreak Now Officially Worst in Decades As Trump Administration Doubles Down On Anti-Vax Agenda
As reported by CNN: "The fast-growing measles outbreak in South Carolina is now the largest in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in this country more than two decades ago. With 789 cases reported as of Tuesday, the South Carolina outbreak surpassed a massive outbreak in Texas and neighboring states, which reached 762 cases before it ended in August last year. Two children diedduring the outbreak in Texas."
94 percent of measles cases in 2026 so far acknowledged by the CDC have been among the unvaccinated or those with unknown vaccine status, while 86 percent of the infections have impacted patients 19 and under. The woefully inept response from the anti-vax Trump administration to this worsening public health crisis has ranged from simply ignoring it, to callously brushing off the prospect of the U.S. losing its measles elimination status as "just a cost of doing business with our borders," to further questioning the necessity of not only the measles vaccine but the polio vaccine too that has prevented paralysis in generations of American children.
"It's called cause and effect. There's a direct and bright line from RFK Jr using his power and influence to spread unfounded anti-vaccine information, to the U.S. now suffering through the worst measles outbreak in decades," said Kayla Hancock, Director of Public Health Watch, a project of Protect Our Care. "Trump's health secretary set out to prove that lower vaccination rates will somehow magically make America healthier, but his twisted experiment using our children as guinea pigs is failing miserably, and costing families dearly. Other than resign in disgrace, the least Secretary Kennedy can do to keep more children from contracting a preventable disease is to aggressively promote the use of vaccines that credible science has proven safe and effective, including the measles, hep B, and polio shots."
Previously From Public Health Watch:
* Rhetoric vs. Reality: RFK Jr's USA Today Interview a Master Class in Misinformation to Detriment of Public Health
* RFK Jr.'s Handpicked ACIP Chair Also Wants to Make Polio Great Again While Measles Crisis Worsens Under Anti-Vax Trump Administration
* Warnings Projected Onto Trump HHS Building, 'Measles HQ' and 'RFK Jr.: Making America Sick Again'
* VIDEO: RFK Jr. Owns Measles Crisis: HI Gov. Green, Dr. Daskalakis, Dr. Annie Andrews Implore Anti-Vax Trump Health Secretary to Stop Making Matters Worse
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Original text here: https://www.protectourcare.org/south-carolina-measles-outbreak-now-officially-worst-in-decades-as-trump-administration-doubles-down-on-anti-vax-agenda/
[Category: Health Care]
Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning Unveils New Guide to Boost Early Literacy Across Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 28 -- The Florida Chamber Foundation issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning Unveils New Guide to Boost Early Literacy Across Florida
Today, the Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning unveiled the Early Literacy Resource Guide, a comprehensive collection of free tools to support Florida's youngest learners from birth through age five. The guide provides families, educators, business leaders, and mentors with a wide array of research-backed resources to foster early
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 28 -- The Florida Chamber Foundation issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning Unveils New Guide to Boost Early Literacy Across Florida
Today, the Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning unveiled the Early Literacy Resource Guide, a comprehensive collection of free tools to support Florida's youngest learners from birth through age five. The guide provides families, educators, business leaders, and mentors with a wide array of research-backed resources to foster earlyliteracy development and prepare children for success in school and life.
Aligned with the Florida 2030 Blueprint goals of preparing 100 percent of children for kindergarten and achieving grade-level reading for all third graders, the Early Literacy Resource Guide provides story-based, educational, and caregiver-focused materials. Resources include:
* The University of Florida Lastinger Center's New Worlds Reading Initiative
* The Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign's Booksmart World Reader
* Share My Lesson from the Florida Center for Reading Research
* Vroom from the Bezos Family Foundation.
Families can select bilingual resources, off-screen activities, or children's literature to nurture curiosity, language, and foundational skills at home.
"Helping children become strong readers from the start is an investment in Florida's future workforce and communities," said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber Foundation. Through our early learning efforts, the Florida Chamber Foundation is bringing businesses together to support families and give every child the chance to succeed."
"Early literacy sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and opportunity," said Maria Briceno, Project Management Specialist for the Future of Work at the Florida Chamber Foundation. "By offering this guide through the Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning, we are equipping families and educators with practical tools that spark curiosity, develop skills, and help every child enter school ready to thrive."
Click here to view the Early Literacy Resource Guide. Families, educators, and business leaders are encouraged to explore and share the guide to support Florida's youngest learners.
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Original text here: https://www.flchamber.com/florida-chamber-foundations-business-alliance-for-early-learning-unveils-new-guide-to-boost-early-literacy-across-florida/
[Category: Business]
Campaign for Accountability Reacts to TTP Report - Nudify Apps Widely Available in Apple and Google App Stores
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (TNSrep) -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release:
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TTP Report: Nudify Apps Widely Available in Apple and Google App Stores
The recent controversy over Grok-generated sexual deepfakes on X has put pressure on Apple and Google to remove the X and Grok apps from their app stores. But a new Tech Transparency Project (TTP) investigation shows that Apple and Google have a much bigger problem when it comes to so-called "nudify" apps.
TTP's investigation found 55 apps in the Google Play Store and 47 apps in the Apple App Store that can easily create
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (TNSrep) -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release:
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TTP Report: Nudify Apps Widely Available in Apple and Google App Stores
The recent controversy over Grok-generated sexual deepfakes on X has put pressure on Apple and Google to remove the X and Grok apps from their app stores. But a new Tech Transparency Project (TTP) investigation shows that Apple and Google have a much bigger problem when it comes to so-called "nudify" apps.
TTP's investigation found 55 apps in the Google Play Store and 47 apps in the Apple App Store that can easily createnonconsensual, sexualized images of women--despite the apps' apparent violation of both companies' policies.
Read TTP's Report (https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/nudify-apps-widely-available-in-apple-and-google-app-stores).
"Apple and Google are supposed to be vetting the apps in their stores. But they've been offering dozens of apps that can be used to show people with minimal or no clothing--making them ripe for abuse," said Michelle Kuppersmith, Executive Director of Campaign for Accountability, the nonprofit watchdog group that runs TTP.
The apps identified by TTP have been collectively downloaded more than 705 million times worldwide and generated $117 million in revenue, according to an independent app analytics firm. Because Google and Apple take a cut of that revenue, they are directly profiting from the activity of these apps.
The Google Play Store prohibits "depictions of sexual nudity, or sexually suggestive poses in which the subject is nude" or "minimally clothed," and specifically bans apps "that claim to undress people or see through clothing." Apple prohibits apps that produce content that is "offensive, insensitive, upsetting, intended to disgust, in exceptionally poor taste, or just plain creepy," including "overtly sexual or pornographic material."
TTP's findings suggest that Apple and Google are not effectively policing their app stores--and enforcing their own policies--when it comes to these types of apps. The two companies have already come under pressure from a bipartisan group of state attorneys general over their efforts to prevent harms from nonconsensual deepfakes.
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Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.
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Original text here: https://campaignforaccountability.org/ttp-report-nudify-apps-widely-available-in-apple-and-google-app-stores/
[Category: Political]
Americans United for Separation of Church & State: Tennessee Parents and Faith Leaders Seek to Block Religious Public School Wilberforce Academy
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Tennessee parents and faith leaders seek to block religious public school Wilberforce Academy
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. -- Five Tennessee taxpayers dedicated to supporting public education and the separation of church and state filed a motion today in federal court seeking to intervene in a case about the constitutionality of a religious public charter school that is attempting to open in Knoxville.
The lawsuit, The Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville v. Knox County Board of Education,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Tennessee parents and faith leaders seek to block religious public school Wilberforce Academy
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. -- Five Tennessee taxpayers dedicated to supporting public education and the separation of church and state filed a motion today in federal court seeking to intervene in a case about the constitutionality of a religious public charter school that is attempting to open in Knoxville.
The lawsuit, The Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville v. Knox County Board of Education,was filed in November 2025 by a religious organization that wants to run a public charter school - funded by taxpayers - that, according to the school's own legal complaint, would provide an "explicitly biblical and Christian education." The proposed intervenors are seeking to join the lawsuit on the side of the defendants, the Knox County Board of Education and its members. They oppose Wilberforce Academy's effort to force the defendants to authorize and fund it as a religious public charter school.
Public school parents, faith & community leaders oppose Wilberforce Academy
The proposed parties are public school parents and faith and community leaders from Knox County who object to their tax dollars funding a public charter school that will indoctrinate students into one religion, in violation of Tennessee and federal law and our nation's longstanding commitment to the separation of church and state. They want to ensure that public schools remain secular and open to all.
"Public education is part of the common good. A religious charter school would be at odds with the need to ensure public schools remain appropriate for and welcoming to students of all faiths, families, and backgrounds," said proposed intervenor Amanda Collins, a retired school psychologist and parent of Knox County public school students. "And it would divert already limited public funds and scarce resources away from other public schools in Knox County. We can't let this happen."
Charter schools are public schools, which can't promote religious doctrine
The motion to intervene explains that charter schools are part of Knox County's public education system, and as such, cannot promote religious doctrine. Like all public schools, charter schools must accept and serve all students and may not be run as religious schools.
The proposed parties are asking the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee to allow them to participate in the case in order to safeguard these interests.
"The Reformed tradition in which I am formed has long supported the separation of church and state, believing that our faith, and all faiths, are best supported when they are free of undue state interference. This is why I object to the use of tax dollars to support religious education of any kind, including my own religion. Religious education is the job of churches, denominations, and private religious schools," said the Rev. Dr. Richard Coble, another proposed intervenor, who is a pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and the parent of two Knox County public school students.
The proposed parties are represented by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Education Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Tennessee, Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the law firm Morrison Foerster pro bono.
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Americans United is a religious freedom advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, AU educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
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Original text here: https://www.au.org/the-latest/press/wilberforce-academy-intervene-tenn/
[Category: Political]
Agrivoltaics Toolkit and upcoming webinar offers practical information and planning resources for landowners and decision makers
LYONS, Nebraska, Jan. 28 [Category: Sociological] -- The Center for Rural Affairs posted the following news release:
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Agrivoltaics Toolkit and upcoming webinar offers practical information and planning resources for landowners and decision makers
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LYONS, NEBRASKA-Across rural America, solar energy projects are becoming increasingly common. With demand for renewable energy continuing to grow, opportunities to combine solar projects with agricultural production can create pathways for economic and environmental benefits.
Agrivoltaics, which is the co-location of agricultural activities
... Show Full Article
LYONS, Nebraska, Jan. 28 [Category: Sociological] -- The Center for Rural Affairs posted the following news release:
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Agrivoltaics Toolkit and upcoming webinar offers practical information and planning resources for landowners and decision makers
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LYONS, NEBRASKA-Across rural America, solar energy projects are becoming increasingly common. With demand for renewable energy continuing to grow, opportunities to combine solar projects with agricultural production can create pathways for economic and environmental benefits.
Agrivoltaics, which is the co-location of agricultural activitiesand solar generation, offers a dual-use model that many producers and landowners are beginning to evaluate.
To support interested parties exploring these opportunities, the Center for Rural Affairs has released an Agrivoltaics Toolkit that compiles practical information and planning resources. The toolkit will be discussed in a free webinar on Feb. 11, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. central time.
"Agrivoltaics is about designing projects that can assist in diversifying farming operations and generating new revenue streams, while keeping the land in agricultural use," said Whitney Stockwell, policy manager at the Center for Rural Affairs. "This toolkit compiles practical planning guidance, policy considerations, and real-world examples to support informed decision making."
These resources are intended to offer guidance for communities, planners, landowners, and solar developers in understanding agrivoltaic options.
The Agrivoltaics Toolkit includes:
* Fact sheets on siting and zoning considerations;
* Information on cattle voltaics, beekeeping, solar grazing, and vegetation resources;
* Best practices for integrating agriculture with solar energy systems; and
* Research publications and policy options that support dual-use and agrisolar practices.
To explore the Agrivoltaics Toolkit and access downloadable resources, visit cfra.org/agrivoltaics. Event details and webinar registration are available at cfra.org/events.
Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
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Original text here: https://www.cfra.org/news-release/agrivoltaics-toolkit-and-upcoming-webinar-offers-practical-information-and-planning
ATR Op-ed in RealClear Markets: Shareholders, Not Bureaucrats, Should Decide the WBD Merger
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Jan. 27, 2026:
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ATR op-ed in RealClear Markets: Shareholders, Not Bureaucrats, Should Decide the WBD Merger
By Nate Norris
On January 27, 2026, RealClear Markets published an op-ed on Netflix's bid to purchase Warner Bros.-Discovery by ATR's Director of Innovation Policy James Erwin. The op-ed stands behind the financial decisions of Netflix and the shareholder's at WBD and makes a case against federal attempts to prevent the merger.
The American antitrust enforcement has operated under the consumer welfare
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Jan. 27, 2026:
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ATR op-ed in RealClear Markets: Shareholders, Not Bureaucrats, Should Decide the WBD Merger
By Nate Norris
On January 27, 2026, RealClear Markets published an op-ed on Netflix's bid to purchase Warner Bros.-Discovery by ATR's Director of Innovation Policy James Erwin. The op-ed stands behind the financial decisions of Netflix and the shareholder's at WBD and makes a case against federal attempts to prevent the merger.
The American antitrust enforcement has operated under the consumer welfarestandard for almost 50 years. Without a smoking gun to prove consumer harm from Netflix buying Warner Bros., the choice should fall on WBD shareholders, not bureaucrats.
Claims that WBD has preferred Netflix's bid over a better offer from Paramount due to the streaming competitor sharing woke ideologies with the legacy platform serves as another angle to get the government involved in the free market decisions of streaming services.
According to the majority of Americans, consolidation would serve the streaming industry well. Consumers have not forgotten a time, not long ago, you did not need a dozen miscellaneous subscriptions to get through a season of NFL.
Any attempt to prevent the shareholders of WBD from selling to Netflix should be similarly dismissed. On the merits, there is no argument for consumer harm arising from the merger of Netflix and HBO Max in the streaming market. Perhaps the deal's detractors believe that there are not enough streaming services out there, but the majority of Americans disagree. If any market is ripe for consolidation, it is streaming.
While opponents are not able to claim consumer harm from Netflix's bid, they stoke the fears of a streaming monopoly in the event that Netflix acquires Warner Bros. These fears are exaggerated, as Netflix currently competes as the third largest streamer behind Disney and Prime.
Netflix pioneered modern streaming to become what it is now. Blocking a potential merger with Warner Bros. would punish innovation,; sending a message that free market competition can be held down by the whims of arbitrary government actions.
Preventing them from claiming this spot would punish success. Unlike legacy studios WBD and Paramount, Netflix is the new kid on the block. They were the disruptor who pioneered modern streaming, now emulated by all the major studios. Netflix does not have an 80-year-old IP library, multiple major franchises, a studio footprint, theme parks, or cable assets. For them, acquiring WBD is not a merger of peers but an innovative young company joining the big leagues. They should not be prevented from doing this because they have been too successful in the estimation of some bureaucrat.
Leaving the decision to the shareholders is the right course of action because it requires no action from the government. Allowing the free market to continue encourages innovation through competition. Blocking this merger not only stifles the growth of a promising pioneer; it opens the door for future in which the government picks winners and losers.
Read the full op-ed here (https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2026/01/27/shareholders_not_bureaucrats_should_decide_the_wbd_merger_1160672.html).
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Original text here: https://atr.org/atr-op-ed-in-realclear-markets-shareholders-not-bureaucrats-should-decide-the-wbd-merger/
[Category: Political]
