Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Senate Majority PAC Commits $10 Million to Flip Alaska Senate Seat
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Senate Majority PAC Commits $10 Million to Flip Alaska Senate Seat
Today, Senate Majority PAC announced an initial $10.6 million television reservation in Alaska to support Mary Peltola against Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan.
"Dan Sullivan had his chance to make life affordable
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Senate Majority PAC Commits $10 Million to Flip Alaska Senate Seat
Today, Senate Majority PAC announced an initial $10.6 million television reservation in Alaska to support Mary Peltola against Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan.
"Dan Sullivan had his chance to make life affordablefor Alaskans, but instead decided to put Donald Trump's agenda first," said Senate Majority PAC Spokesperson Lauren French. "Peltola is putting Alaska first - focusing on protecting its families' way of life and freedoms. That's the kind of senator Alaskans deserve."
This investment ensures voters will hear directly about how Sullivan backed Trump's tariffs and voted to strip millions from Medicaid. The reservations will be backed by a significant digital investment and will begin this fall.
In addition to Alaska, SMP has also announced a $46.4 million television investment in Ohio, a $33.4 million investment in Maine, and a $31.4 million investment in North Carolina - four states where Democrats have the opportunity to flip control of the Senate seats.
The Senate race in Alaska has become increasingly competitive, with polls finding Peltola holding a steady edge over Sullivan.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/senate-majority-pac-commits-10-million-to-flip-alaska-senate-seat/
[Category: Political]
New York Public Library and the Random House Publishing Group Announce the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction
NEW YORK, May 15 -- The New York Public Library issued the following news release:
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New York Public Library and the Random House Publishing Group Announce the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction
The fellowship honors excellence in nonfiction writing and will be awarded to authors who rely on the Library's vast collections for their work
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The New York Public Library and the Random House Publishing Group today announce the creation of the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction to support writers whose projects engage with the world-class collections
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 15 -- The New York Public Library issued the following news release:
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New York Public Library and the Random House Publishing Group Announce the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction
The fellowship honors excellence in nonfiction writing and will be awarded to authors who rely on the Library's vast collections for their work
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The New York Public Library and the Random House Publishing Group today announce the creation of the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction to support writers whose projects engage with the world-class collectionsof the Library's flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
The Kate Medina Fellowship was established with the generous joint support of Kate Medina, former Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher, and Executive Editorial Director at Random House. The fellowship promotes originality and excellence in nonfiction works that combine strong storytelling, reportorial precision, artistic writing, and depth of research into important subjects and ideas.
Applications for the inaugural Kate Medina Fellowship are currently open and will close on June 15, 2026. The selected fellow will receive a stipend of $30,000 to support four continuous months of research between September 1, 2026 and March 15, 2027.
This is one of fourteen prominent fellowship programs offered by the Library through the tremendous support of donors that champion excellence in writing across disciplines.
"I'm thrilled to launch the Kate Medina Fellowship at the Library, ensuring that writers who are committed to using storytelling and creativity to bring important research topics to life have the support they need. I can't wait to welcome the first Kate Medina Fellow to our research community and see the exciting works they bring into the world," said Brent Reidy, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries at The New York Public Library.
"At the heart of this fellowship program is my belief in the power of writers, and of creative literary narrative nonfiction, to inspire a wider understanding of our world, of other people, and of ourselves. I have long admired the depth and breadth of The New York Public Library's remarkable collections, and am delighted that the fellows will be able to draw on the Library's archives while working within the community of The Vartan Gregorian Center," said Kate Medina.
"As an editor, Kate Medina helped shepherd so many brilliant works of narrative nonfiction into the world--and into the hearts of readers everywhere. And as Kate knows, great narrative nonfiction takes time and dedication. It is the sincere hope of the Random House Publishing Group that these fellowships will offer the next generation of deserving authors the resources they need to make work that matters and endures," said Andy Ward, Executive Vice President of the Random House Publishing Group and Publisher of Random House.
Fellows at The New York Public Library will have access to the Library's premier collections and a dedicated workspace in the Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities, and will have opportunities to engage with and contribute to the Library's broad scholarly community, including through a presentation of their work. More details on application criteria and what Fellows can expect is available on our website.
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About The New York Public Library
For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.
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Original text here: https://www.nypl.org/press/new-york-public-library-and-random-house-publishing-group-announce-kate-medina-fellowship
[Category: Libraries]
NRWA Releases Guiding Principles on Voluntary Water System Consolidation
DUNCAN, Oklahoma, May 15 -- The National Rural Water Association issued the following news release:
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NRWA Releases Guiding Principles on Voluntary Water System Consolidation
Process establishes clear framework for fair, transparent, and voluntary consolidation
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The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has completed a grassroots process to develop and document the key factors that small and rural water and wastewater systems should consider when determining if consolidation is the right fit for their communities. The first piece to be released from the process is the NRWA Consolidation
... Show Full Article
DUNCAN, Oklahoma, May 15 -- The National Rural Water Association issued the following news release:
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NRWA Releases Guiding Principles on Voluntary Water System Consolidation
Process establishes clear framework for fair, transparent, and voluntary consolidation
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The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has completed a grassroots process to develop and document the key factors that small and rural water and wastewater systems should consider when determining if consolidation is the right fit for their communities. The first piece to be released from the process is the NRWA ConsolidationGuiding Principles, to support voluntary consolidation efforts among small and rural water utilities. These principles empower local communities to make informed decisions about their water infrastructure while protecting their rights and assets.
NRWA believes that consolidation can be an effective voluntary solution for some rural and small systems to ensure they are able to continue to provide safe, affordable water and clean wastewater services to the communities they serve. However, the viability and benefits of consolidation vary widely and must be determined by local decision-makers who understand their communities' unique needs.
"Rural Water has led or assisted more communities in consolidating water utilities than any other program, policy, or organization," said Matt Holmes, NRWA CEO. "We believe consolidation should always be voluntary, community-driven, and supported by trusted partners."
The community's rights to make local decisions about consolidation must be protected. A significant amount of misinformation is being spread about consolidation, and previous efforts to compel small, rural systems to consolidate under the guise of guaranteed benefits have caused confusion and mistrust. NRWA supports transparency and complete information on this critical topic.
NRWA's Four Guiding Principles on Consolidation:
1. Consolidation Must Be Voluntary
Decisions must be made by local governance boards and citizens, with full access to accurate and complete information.
2. Trusted Local Partner Support
Technical assistance should come from unbiased, experienced partners who respect local values and do not benefit financially from any consolidation activity.
3. Funding for Communities Most in Need
Federal subsidies should be directed to public and not-for-profit entities, ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most.
4. Consolidation Incentives for High-Performing Utilities
High-performing, local utilities should be eligible for incentives to assist neighboring systems, with protections to ensure fair treatment during the transition.
For over 45 years, NRWA has provided training and technical assistance for small and rural systems to assist with compliance and sustainability efforts, including regionalization and consolidation. This is highlighted in data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, showing that since 2000, the number of community water systems in the U.S. has decreased by 4,651.
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NRWA is dedicated to representing the needs and interests of small and rural water systems across the nation. NRWA will be providing more information about this key topic in the future.
To read NRWA's guiding principles and learn more, please visit our website here (https://nrwa.org/nrwa-regional-partnership-program/).
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Original text here: https://content.nrwa.org/home/news/15768818/national-rural-water-association-nrwa-2026q2-consolidation-nrwa
[Category: Water]
League of Women Voters, NAACP, and Partners Challenge Tennessee's Racially Discriminatory Congressional Map
WASHINGTON, May 15 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following news release:
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League of Women Voters, NAACP, and Partners Challenge Tennessee's Racially Discriminatory Congressional Map
MEMPHIS, TN -- The League of Women Voters of Tennessee joined the NAACP and other civil rights organizations and individuals in filing a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee's racially discriminatory congressional map, arguing the map unlawfully dilutes the voting strength of Black Tennesseans and undermines fair representation.
The lawsuit challenges Tennessee's dismantling
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 15 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following news release:
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League of Women Voters, NAACP, and Partners Challenge Tennessee's Racially Discriminatory Congressional Map
MEMPHIS, TN -- The League of Women Voters of Tennessee joined the NAACP and other civil rights organizations and individuals in filing a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee's racially discriminatory congressional map, arguing the map unlawfully dilutes the voting strength of Black Tennesseans and undermines fair representation.
The lawsuit challenges Tennessee's dismantlingof the state's only majority-Black congressional district in Memphis; a move plaintiffs argue fractures Black communities for partisan and racial advantage.
The lawsuit also alleges that the map was pushed through the legislative process in just 48 hours, with minimal transparency, little opportunity for meaningful public input, and despite repeated warnings that it would weaken Black political representation.
"Tennessee's congressional map is a blatant example of racial and partisan gerrymandering that unlawfully dilutes the voting strength of Black Tennesseans and denies voters fair representation," said Marcia Johnson, chief of activation and justice for the League of Women Voters. "By dismantling communities and manipulating district lines for political advantage, this map undermines the core promise of our democracy: that every voter's voice carries equal weight. The League of Women Voters is proud to stand with the NAACP in challenging this unconstitutional map and defending the fundamental right of voters to participate in free and fair elections."
"Tennessee voters deserve districts that reflect their communities and protect equal representation," said Debby Gould, president of the League of Women Voters of Tennessee. "Instead, this map intentionally fractures communities and weakens the voices of black and brown voters in Memphis/Shelby County for partisan advantage. We believe it is essential that the public has confidence that their votes matter. The League of Women Voters of Tennessee is joining this challenge because democracy works best when maps are fair, transparent, and accountable to the people."
"This lawsuit goes to the heart of our democracy," said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. "Tennessee lawmakers made a deliberate choice to silence Black voters by dismantling a district that has long ensured representation for one of the state's largest Black populations. We are at the dawn of a new Jim Crow era. People fought and died for the representation that lawmakers across the South are so casually eroding. The NAACP will not stand by while elected officials manipulate district lines to take away our political power and silence our voices."
As a plaintiff in the case, the League of Women Voters is fighting to protect voters from racially discriminatory maps that dilute political representation and weaken democracy for Tennessee communities.
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Original text here: https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/league-women-voters-naacp-and-partners-challenge-tennessees-racially
Impact Report: Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Prevents Use of Millions of Plastic Bottles, Expands Access to Safe Water
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Plastic Pollution Coalition issued the following news:
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Impact Report: Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Prevents Use of Millions of Plastic Bottles, Expands Access to Safe Water
Across the U.S., millions of Americans get their water from lead pipes, which contaminate drinking water and pose serious public health risks. And without safe tap water to drink, many people in affected communities rely on millions of bottles of costly, toxic chemical and material containing plastic bottled water--another major health hazard. In addressing the lead crisis, we must ensure
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Plastic Pollution Coalition issued the following news:
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Impact Report: Filtered Not Bottled Campaign Prevents Use of Millions of Plastic Bottles, Expands Access to Safe Water
Across the U.S., millions of Americans get their water from lead pipes, which contaminate drinking water and pose serious public health risks. And without safe tap water to drink, many people in affected communities rely on millions of bottles of costly, toxic chemical and material containing plastic bottled water--another major health hazard. In addressing the lead crisis, we must ensureone danger is not regrettably replaced for another.
Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) has been bridging this gap--advancing safe drinking water without plastic pollution while delivering measurable impact. The Filtered Not Bottled campaign:
* Successfully advocated for a stronger U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule to advance safe drinking water access;
* Distributed $100K to 10 organizations leading grassroots efforts, which provided over 970 filters and replacement cartridges to community members and avoids an estimated 3,573,480 single-use plastic water bottles from being used by households over a six month period;
* Reached an estimated audience of 26 million people with our communications; and
* Equipped policymakers with tools to implement real, non-toxic solutions
After reviewing decades of scientific knowledge showing that lead pipes are dangerous and advocates tirelessly calling for change, the Biden Administration passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021, allocating $15 billion dollars to replace lead service lines. As a result, some families across the country began receiving notices that the water in their own homes could be flowing through toxic lead pipes requiring replacement.
However, the process to complete lead pipe replacements for all Americans needs more funding, and will take years, if not decades in some cities. Families need an interim solution for safe drinking water. PPC's Filtered Not Bottled campaign stepped in to advocate for policymakers to provide safe water without plastic bottles and educate the public on ways to protect their health.
Local Action, National Results
Through our Filtered Not Bottled Grant Program, PPC funded $100K to 10 community organizations across six U.S. states. These organizations hand delivered over 970 filters and replacement cartridges at no cost to community members with lead pipes, providing clean water and peace of mind.
By just this small, but impactful water filter distribution: We estimate that at least 3,573,480 single-use plastic water bottles were avoided from being used by households over a six month period. With safe tap water, families no longer have to pay the high costs plastic water bottles pose to their wallets, their health, and the planet. Drinking plastic bottled water increases exposure to microplastics and plastic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, heart disease, hormone disruption, and other major health issues. Production of plastic bottled water, like all plastics production, pollutes air, food, soils, and waters, especially in the communities living on the fencelines of industrial facilities.
Direct community engagement and funding is a cornerstone of enhancing water equity. However, state and federal regulatory action is necessary for ensuring all Americans affected by lead pipes have safe water access. After years of advocacy from PPC and others concerned about safe drinking water for Americans, the EPA took a major step to expand water filtration with the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Through this policy, water systems with multiple "lead action level exceedances" are required to make water filters certified to remove lead, along with replacement filter cartridges, available to all customers. In effect, the distribution and use of filters across the country could avoid the use of billions of plastic water bottles now and into the future.
Following the release of the LCRI, PPC continued to advocate for state policy that could go beyond this national regulation to ensure families, and in particular children, were proactively protected from lead and plastic exposure. PPC and groups in New Jersey successfully advocated for the passage of a "filter first" bill to fund water filter bottling stations and filter faucets in public schools. Bottled water use can often become habitual, and in some cases life long. Filters alternatively maintain a connection to public water systems and help us transition away from the current culture of "use once, then throw away."
Tools to Enact Successful Filter Programs
Reaching communities through multiple channels--whether op-eds, social media, blogs, and grant partner-led local billboards and radio communications--has been critical for expanding awareness on the harms of lead and plastic, and driving solutions. Our opinion articles alone reached an estimated audience of 26 million people in 2025. We also distributed over 2,000 bilingual (English and Spanish) handouts to affected communities, providing essential information on filtering out lead, reducing reliance on plastic bottles where possible, and calling on the EPA to advance access to filtered water.
In addition, we released a comprehensive policy brief, Implementing In-Home Water Filter Programs that provides guidance to decisionmakers on how water filtration programs can be implemented to protect communities, and begin to rebuild trust in public water systems. The brief is the culmination of years of Filtered Not Bottled advocacy, research, and community engagement. It features best practices, resources, testimonials, and case studies that can drive the effective filter programs of tomorrow. Local advocates can carry on this work by using our Advocacy Toolkit: Protect Your Community from Toxic Lead and Plastic in Drinking Water.
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Advancing water equity in the U.S. remains urgent, and we encourage policymakers, advocates, and communities to use our resources to take action."
-- Madison Dennis, Project Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition
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Looking Forward: Getting Plastics off Our Food and Drinks
Plastic bottled water is just one piece of a much larger problem.
Building on our momentum from Filtered Not Bottled, we aim to reduce the use and pollution of all plastic food and beverage packaging. From microwave meals, plastic baby bottles to food storage containers, plastic wrapped produce, and to-go coffee cups, people are exposed to plastic particles and toxic chemicals every time they eat or drink from plastic.
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Original text here: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2026/5/14/impact-report-filtered-not-bottled-campaign-prevents-use-of-millions-of-plastic-bottles-expands-access-to-safe-water
[Category: Industrial Materials]
EPA Greenlights More Toxic Tailpipe Pollution
NEW YORK, May 15 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council posted the following news release:
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EPA Greenlights More Toxic Tailpipe Pollution
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency proposed delaying new standards that would limit toxic tailpipe pollution that cause soot and smog.
This proposal is the latest in a string of action by this administration that will give oil and auto companies a free pass while drivers are forced to make more trips to the pump and breathe dirtier air.
The following is a statement from Kathy Harris, director for clean vehicles at NRDC (Natural Resources
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 15 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council posted the following news release:
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EPA Greenlights More Toxic Tailpipe Pollution
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency proposed delaying new standards that would limit toxic tailpipe pollution that cause soot and smog.
This proposal is the latest in a string of action by this administration that will give oil and auto companies a free pass while drivers are forced to make more trips to the pump and breathe dirtier air.
The following is a statement from Kathy Harris, director for clean vehicles at NRDC (Natural ResourcesDefense Council):
"The EPA has one job, to protect the health and welfare of the American people. But, yet again, the Trump EPA is choosing polluters over people.
"Delaying these standards is going to mean more toxic pollutants spewing from tailpipes, and more soot and smog in our cities. That means more asthma, more heart attacks, and more lung disease.
"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims to want to provide clean air and clean water, but time after time he is acting to increase pollution. The Trump administration's war on our health continues unabated."
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NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
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Original text here: https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/epa-greenlights-more-toxic-tailpipe-pollution
[Category: Environment]
CODEPINK Files Ethics Complaints Against Senator John Fetterman for False Accusations and Unethical Conduct
LOS ANGELES, California, May 15 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK Files Ethics Complaints Against Senator John Fetterman for False Accusations and Unethical Conduct
WASHINGTON - CODEPINK has officially filed an ethics complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee against Senator John Fetterman for his unethical, slanderous statements made on a public platform using his official capacity as a duly elected public official.
On May 1, 2026,
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, May 15 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK Files Ethics Complaints Against Senator John Fetterman for False Accusations and Unethical Conduct
WASHINGTON - CODEPINK has officially filed an ethics complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee against Senator John Fetterman for his unethical, slanderous statements made on a public platform using his official capacity as a duly elected public official.
On May 1, 2026,during a Fox News interview with Jesse Watters, Senator John Fetterman (PA), stated that CODEPINK is "strongly aligned" with the CPC and financed by billionaires. His full quote:
"And a lot of these, you know, these terrible groups like Code Pink and a lot of the other ones that are strongly aligned to the CCP, without a doubt, they're being financed. I mean, it's ironic. I mean, these kinds of protests are being funded by billionaires against billionaires. I mean, I don't know if they realize the irony in many of those things right now."
CODEPINK emphasizes that we are funded exclusively by individuals and by nonprofit foundation grants, and that we operate without influence or support from any foreign entity. We have consistently passed our annual financial audits, unlike the Pentagon.
In contrast, CODEPINK points out the routine and well-documented foreign lobbying and financial contributions received by hundreds of members of Congress, including Senator Fetterman, from foreign interest groups such as the Israel lobby.
"As elected officials, Senators are responsible for upholding the truth and not using their positions to conduct smear campaigns against peaceful activists," said [add name] CODEPINK. We call on the respective ethics bodies to hold Senator Fetterman accountable for his conduct.
The ethics complaint (https://assets.nationbuilder.com/codepink/pages/71427/attachments/original/1778690515/Sen_Fetterman_Ethics_Complaint.pdf?1778690515) was hand-delivered to the Senate Ethics Committee as well as to Sen. Fetterman's office.
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Original text here: https://www.codepink.org/fettermanethicspr
[Category: Sociological]
