Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
SwRI tackles pre-ignition challenges in hydrogen-fueled engines
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 26 [Category: Business] -- Southwest Research Institute posted the following news release:
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SwRI tackles pre-ignition challenges in hydrogen-fueled engines
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November 26, 2025 Engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have developed a reliable testing methodology to study stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (H2-ICEs), offering the automotive industry tools to address challenges associated with hydrogen fuel and advance cleaner engine technologies.
Pre-ignition, where unintentional combustion occurs before spark
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 26 [Category: Business] -- Southwest Research Institute posted the following news release:
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SwRI tackles pre-ignition challenges in hydrogen-fueled engines
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November 26, 2025 Engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have developed a reliable testing methodology to study stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (H2-ICEs), offering the automotive industry tools to address challenges associated with hydrogen fuel and advance cleaner engine technologies.
Pre-ignition, where unintentional combustion occurs before sparktiming, is disruptive and sometimes detrimental to engine performance and durability. While hydrogen's low ignition threshold is a suspected SPI factor, SwRI explored whether lubricant autoignition contributes to SPI in H2-ICEs.
"H2-ICEs experience pre-ignition at higher frequencies than SI gasoline ICEs, albeit the events are milder compared to the intense SPI events observed in SI gasoline ICEs, which can cause severe mechanical damage," said Dr. Vickey Kalaskar, lead engineer with SwRI's Powertrain Systems Engineering Department. "The research conducted demonstrates that while additive chemistry appears to be the dominant driver for gasoline engine SPI, lubricant oil volatility and compression ratio is a driving influence for hydrogen-fueled pre-ignition events."
Through the course of this research, SwRI engineers developed a new testing methodology, which provides insight into lubricant-initiated SPI in H2-ICEs and supports further work, such as refining SPI quantification methods, exploring mitigation strategies and evaluating commercial lubricants.
The research underlines SwRI's leadership in hydrogen engine innovation, building upon initiatives like the Clean Highly Efficient Decarbonized Engines (CHEDE-9) program and the successful development of a fully functional H2-ICE Class-8 truck. These efforts demonstrated advancements in H2-ICE systems research with innovations such as SwRI's fully functional H2-ICE Class-8 truck. SwRI is also partnering with the University of Texas at San Antonio to integrate machine learning and AI for real-time pre-ignition detection in H2-ICEs.
Kalaskar and his team will present their findings at the 2025 IAV Symposium on Pre-ignition, Auto-ignition, Reactivity and Knock (SPARK) on Dec. 2, 2025, in Detroit. This project was funded through the SwRI Internal Research and Development Program. In 2024, SwRI invested more than $11 million in tomorrow's technology to broaden its knowledge base, expand its reputation as a leader in science and technology, and encourage its staff's professional development. For more information, visit Southwest Research Institute Internal R&D.
For more information, visit Hydrogen Powered Vehicles or contact Jesus Chavez at +1 210 522 2258, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.
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Original text here: https://www.swri.org/newsroom/press-releases/swri-tackles-pre-ignition-challenges-hydrogen-fueled-engines
International Aid Transparency Initiative: New D-portal Features Enhance Traceability and Data Quality
NEW YORK, Nov. 26 -- The International Aid Transparency Initiative, a voluntary, multi-stakeholder initiative that works with donors, partner countries and civil society organizations to make information about aid spending easier to access and use, issued the following news:
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New d-portal features Enhance Traceability and Data Quality
The IATI Secretariat is pleased to announce three significant product improvements to d-portal (https://d-portal.iatistandard.org/), IATI's data search tool. The updates cover organisation visibility, data quality, and experimental network mapping and are
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Nov. 26 -- The International Aid Transparency Initiative, a voluntary, multi-stakeholder initiative that works with donors, partner countries and civil society organizations to make information about aid spending easier to access and use, issued the following news:
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New d-portal features Enhance Traceability and Data Quality
The IATI Secretariat is pleased to announce three significant product improvements to d-portal (https://d-portal.iatistandard.org/), IATI's data search tool. The updates cover organisation visibility, data quality, and experimental network mapping and arecritical steps in improving the usefulness of IATI data.
The changes respond to recent discussions with IATI's community and the initiative's State of the Data dialogues.
1. New Visibility for Participating Organisations
For the first time in an IATI tool, users can now easily find and list Participating Organisations for any given search. They describe who is actually involved in the development and humanitarian activity-- not just who is reporting the data.
* This feature moves beyond only focusing on the Reporting Organisation (reporting-org) to explicitly surface the funding and implementing partners described within IATI activity data.
* It allows users to generate lists of the specific organisations funding and delivering aid and humanitarian activities, revealing the full breadth of the IATI delivery chain.
* The data used to provide names for these organisations is filtered by the list generated through the State of the Data work, building on earlier efforts to improve organisation referencing.
Read more: New Visibility for Participating Organisations (https://www.iaticonnect.org/group/35/home/topic/d-portal-new-visibility-participating-organisations)
2. Improved Activity Status Display
The display of activity status in d-portal has been updated to provide a clearer picture of data quality by directly reflecting the data as published.
* d-portal now clearly displays the publisher's direct declaration of the activity's lifecycle stage (e.g., Implementation, Finalisation, Closed).
* This replaces the old method of inferring status from only the activity dates (e.g., assuming "Ended" if an end date was present).
* By presenting the published status, the tool helps publishers and data users alike identify where declared status and activity dates might be out of sync. This is a crucial step in showing a true picture of the data.
Read more: Improved Activity Status Display (https://www.iaticonnect.org/DUWG/topic/d-portal-activity-statuses-now-reflect-published-data)
3. Experimental Activity Network Stream
An experimental feature has been enabled to visualise an activity's network connections in a single, continuous stream.
* This groundbreaking view maps direct relationships (parent/child) and cross-publisher traceability, where activities from multiple publishers are linked.
* The results vary - from clear, sensible networks to impenetrable ones - which offers crucial insight into data quality and usage.
* This feature is intended to open up discussion on the value of networked data and champion good use cases, helping to refine future tool use and data needs.
Read more: Experimental Activity Network Stream (https://www.iaticonnect.org/DUWG/topic/d-portal-tracing-activity-networks-d-portals-new-network-stream?check_logged_in=1)
Next Steps
The IATI Secretariat encourages the IATI community to explore these new features on d-portal today and provide feedback, which is vital to inform future updates.
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Original text here: https://iatistandard.org/en/news/newdportalfeatures/
[Category: Sociological]
Human Rights First Condemns Trump Administration's Dangerous Refugee Review Directive
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Human Rights First Condemns Trump Administration's Dangerous Refugee Review Directive
Human Rights First condemns the Trump administration's directive ordering a sweeping review of more than 230,000 refugees admitted under the Biden administration -- a move that halts green-card processing, re-traumatizes already-vetted refugees, and opens the door to mass terminations of legal status.
"This policy is a massive squandering of taxpayer dollars that will endanger people's lives," said Human Rights First CEO & President
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Human Rights First Condemns Trump Administration's Dangerous Refugee Review Directive
Human Rights First condemns the Trump administration's directive ordering a sweeping review of more than 230,000 refugees admitted under the Biden administration -- a move that halts green-card processing, re-traumatizes already-vetted refugees, and opens the door to mass terminations of legal status.
"This policy is a massive squandering of taxpayer dollars that will endanger people's lives," said Human Rights First CEO & PresidentUzra Zeya. "Far from being necessary, these purported 'reviews' and 're-interviews' are a pretext for the administration's broader unjust and discriminatory objectives. It is abundantly clear that this policy's impact and its ultimate goal are to deport immigrants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East who have legal status in the United States and prevent them from becoming citizens. This directive is attacking our neighbors and community members. The administration is attempting to change what it means to be American by targeting who gets to belong. The administration has hijacked the refugee resettlement capacities of the U.S. government to try to deny protection to actual refugees while misusing them to facilitate the migration of White Afrikaners."
Zeya added, "Survivors of persecution deserve protection, not further punishment by our own government. To call into question the legal status of hundreds of thousands of refugees who passed the most rigorous vetting standards for any U.S. immigration category is both wasteful and reprehensible."
This unprecedented action undermines due process, destabilizes families who have already undergone rigorous screening, and diverts massive federal resources to advance discriminatory political aims. Human Rights First urges Congress, civil society, faith leaders, and public officials to reject any attempt to strip refugees of legal status without due process, protect appeal rights and fair legal representation, and recommit to a refugee policy rooted in human rights and non-discrimination.
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Original text here: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/human-rights-first-condemns-trump-administrations-dangerous-refugee-review-directive/
[Category: Sociological]
Grantsville Slaughterhouse Owner Cut Foot Off Conscious Steer - PETA Pursues Criminal Probe
NORFOLK, Virginia, Nov. 26 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 25, 2025:
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Grantsville Slaughterhouse Owner Cut Foot off Conscious Steer; PETA Pursues Criminal Probe
A just-released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report reveals that the owner of Tooele Valley Meat cut a hoof off a conscious steer caught in a gate despite a federal inspector's explicit directions to stun the animal first. In response, PETA sent a letter today to Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead urging him to investigate and file suitable criminal charges against
... Show Full Article
NORFOLK, Virginia, Nov. 26 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 25, 2025:
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Grantsville Slaughterhouse Owner Cut Foot off Conscious Steer; PETA Pursues Criminal Probe
A just-released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report reveals that the owner of Tooele Valley Meat cut a hoof off a conscious steer caught in a gate despite a federal inspector's explicit directions to stun the animal first. In response, PETA sent a letter today to Tooele County Attorney Scott Broadhead urging him to investigate and file suitable criminal charges againstthe suspect.
According to the report, on November 5, a steer apparently attempted to escape being slaughtered by jumping over a gate. His left front hoof got stuck in the gate, and as he tried to free himself, he suffered a compound fracture near his ankle. Operations were suspended at the facility after the owner ignored a federal inspector's repeated instructions to stun the steer and instead cut his hoof off with a knife while he was still fully conscious. The animal again tried to flee, but was forced to walk on the stump of his leg into the facility, where he was killed.
"This terrified animal made a desperate bid for freedom, only to have his foot gruesomely hacked off by the facility owner, who had repeatedly been told not to do so," says PETA Vice President of Legal Advocacy Daniel Paden. "PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of this steer and urges everyone to please go vegan to help spare other animals from suffering in slaughterhouses."
Tooele Valley Meat has a record of failing to comply with federal law, including two incidents in which conscious, crying pigs were shot in the head multiple times. PETA is asking the Tooele County Attorney to intervene because the USDA hasn't initiated a criminal prosecution of any inspected slaughterhouses for acts of abuse since at least 2007.
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PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness and free vegan starter kits for anyone thinking of making the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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PETA's letter to Broadhead follows.
November 25, 2025
The Honorable Scott Broadhead
Tooele County Attorney
Dear Mr. Broadhead:
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law-enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against the Tooele Valley Meat owner responsible for cutting a foot off a conscious, suffering steer on November 5 at its slaughterhouse located at 985 E. Main St., outside Grantsville. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented the incident in the attached report, which states the following:
The Steer ... attempted to jump over a gate and got [his] left front hoof stuck .... In an attempt to free [himself] from the situation, the Steer broke (compound fractured) [his] leg approximately in the ankle location. The Steer ... laid against the gate and the corral panels; a small amount of blood was observed at the base of the gate around where the Steer had slumped with [his] head under its stuck leg. Plant employees ran into the building to get the Plant Owner [six minutes later] to obtain assistance in freeing the Steer. The CSI [FSIS Consumer Safety Inspector] and I remained observing actions taken to free the Steer. ... At approximately 1100 hours, the plant owner asked one of his employees to get a knife, stating he was going to have to "cuts its (i.e., the steer) hoof off". I informed the plant owner that he would have to stun the Steer outside before "cutting its hoof off". The plant owner responded that he didn't know how he would get the Steer into the building if he did that .... Again, I said the Steer needed to be stunned, that you can't cut the hoof off a living animal. This request was disregarded at approximately 1105 hours, I called Frontline Supervisor within seconds of being disregarded and left the other CSI to continue observations of the situation. When I returned the Steer had been freed from the gate by having [his] left front hoof removed .... The other CSI, who remained outside while I was speaking with the Frontline Supervisor, observed the plant owner utilize a knife to cut off the hoof at the approximate level of the fetlock while the animal remained conscious. ... The other CSI reported that the steer then began trying everything to get on the other side of the fence,
including head butting, kicking, and attempting to jump over the gate multiple times.[1]
This conduct appears to violate Utah Code Sec. 76-13-202(2)(c). Importantly, FSIS' action carries no criminal or civil penalties and does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.[2] Given that the FSIS has not initiated a criminal prosecution of a licensed slaughterhouse for inhumane handling since at least 2007, charges under state law are this victim's only chance at a measure of justice.
Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
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Associate Director of Project Strategy
[1] FSIS District Manager Dr. Robert Reeder, Notice of Suspension, Tooele Valley Meat(November 5, 2025) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/M20594-NOS-11052025.pdf. Last accessed November 24, 2025.
[2] See Nat'l. Meat Assoc. v. Harris, 132 S. Ct. 965, 974 n.10 (2012) ("States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA)]. See [21 U.S.C.] Sec.678; cf. Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 544 U.S. 431, 447 (2005), holding that a preemption clause barring state laws 'in addition to or different' from a federal Act does not interfere with an 'equivalent' state provision. Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses, it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.").
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/grantsville-slaughterhouse-owner-cut-foot-off-conscious-steer-peta-pursues-criminal-probe/
[Category: Animals]
Apostle Encourages South American Young Professionals to Be Examples of Jesus Christ
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Nov. 26 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Apostle Encourages South American Young Professionals to be Examples of Jesus Christ
Between his ministry visit to Brazil and the dedication of the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the 7th annual Seminario Sudamericano (or Latter-day Saint South American Seminar) on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Today's world needs integrity,
... Show Full Article
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Nov. 26 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Apostle Encourages South American Young Professionals to be Examples of Jesus Christ
Between his ministry visit to Brazil and the dedication of the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the 7th annual Seminario Sudamericano (or Latter-day Saint South American Seminar) on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Today's world needs integrity,empathy and moral clarity. These qualities grow where discipleship runs deep. That is why it is so important to reinforce the idea that, as disciples of Christ, we set an example not only in religious matters but in conduct, integrity, compassion and relationships -- with people, with governments, with everyone in the world," said Elder Soares.
This year marks 100 years since Elder Melvin J. Ballard, an Apostle of the Church, traveled to Argentina and offered a dedicatory prayer for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in South America on Christmas Day, December 25, 1925.
"Bless the presidents, governors and leading officials of these [South] American countries that they may kindly receive us and give us permission to open the doors of salvation to the peoples of these lands. May they be blessed in administering the affairs of their several offices that great good may come unto the people, that peace may be upon these nations," Ballard prayed.
Before leaving Argentina, Ballard predicted that the Church would initially grow "just as an oak grows slowly from an acorn." But, he promised, the day would come when "thousands would join the Church [in South America.]"
This centennial anniversary inspired the conference's theme: "Roots of the Restoration in South America: A Century to Inspire the Next Decade."
"The same spirit that inspired Elder Ballard to dedicate this land speaks to hearts today and continues to inspire us, calling teachers to elevate minds, leaders to defend freedom, families to build Zion in their homes, and youth to carry the light of the gospel to every nation," said Elder Soares.
He continued, "We are not merely witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy; we are participants in its unfolding. The Lord's work is not static but dynamic. Its vitality depends on our courage to act, our willingness to serve, and our faith to believe that miracles are still possible."
"Listening to Elder Soares's perspective on the vision Elder Ballard had 100 years ago fueled us with joy and renewed energy to have courage and joy when we go forth and open our arms and our hearts to our South American brothers and sisters," said Romanna Remor, President of the Roble Sul Foundation.
This annual initiative includes a conference designed to engage young Latter-day Saints from 10 South American countries who want to give back to their communities and nations through public engagement and service.
"It is often said, "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words." I believe that participating in and serving the community is a way of preaching the gospel," said Mauricio Pacheco, a participant in the event from Ecuador.
"We strongly believe that our young professionals have great potential to go forth and make a difference in their communities by applying the principles of the gospel and by being examples of Jesus Christ. We know that leaders can be better leaders if they follow the example of Jesus Christ," Remor said.
Scholars and early Church members presented the history of the Church in South America and explored its historical relationship with governments across the continent.
"The Church is very careful about respecting the laws of each country. This relationship between the Church and local governments [allows] the Church to bring more people to Christ," said Clara Schettini, a historian who presented during the conference.
Other topics discussed during the four-day seminar included religious freedom and public policy.
"An intellect grounded in faith is one of the greatest positive influences in the modern world. In interfaith dialogue, building bridges means discovering common moral ground while respecting doctrinal differences. It means finding a shared cause in defending the dignity of every soul, protecting religious freedom, and promoting peace," said the Apostle.
"In the next decade, South America can lead by example, showing how faith and knowledge, devotion and dialogue can coexist and strengthen one another. The call of our generation is to continue what Elder Ballard began -- to look beyond our time and plant seeds that will endure," Elder Soares added.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/apostle-encourages-south-american-young-professionals-to-be-examples-of-jesus-christ
[Category: Religion]
Americans United Urges Federal Judge to Protect Integrity of Elections and Charities by Upholding Johnson Amendment
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news:
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Americans United urges federal judge to protect integrity of elections and charities by upholding Johnson Amendment
Dallas -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State attorneys are in federal court in Texas today to urge U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker to reject a proposed settlement agreement in National Religious Broadcasters v. Long. The agreement proposed by the Internal Revenue Service and the plaintiffs would radically reinterpret a federal law known as the Johnson
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news:
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Americans United urges federal judge to protect integrity of elections and charities by upholding Johnson Amendment
Dallas -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State attorneys are in federal court in Texas today to urge U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker to reject a proposed settlement agreement in National Religious Broadcasters v. Long. The agreement proposed by the Internal Revenue Service and the plaintiffs would radically reinterpret a federal law known as the JohnsonAmendment by allowing houses of worship (but not secular nonprofits) to endorse and oppose partisan political candidates. AU also will argue that it should be granted intervenor status to defend the law, since the Trump administration has demonstrated it will not.
Trump administration radically reinterpreting the Johnson Amendment
"The Trump administration's radical reinterpretation of the Johnson Amendment would eviscerate a popular law so that religious extremists can exploit houses of worship for political campaigns," said Laser. "Tax-free giving to charities should fund charitable work, not partisan politics. Exempting only houses of worship and not secular nonprofits is not only unfair, it's unhealthy for our democracy because it would allow churches to become unaccountable political action committees. We urge the court to reject the administration's latest gambit to re-write the law and usurp Congressional power to write our laws."
AU Litigation Counsel Alexandra Zaretsky and Constitutional Litigation Fellow Jess Zalph will argue on behalf of Americans United.
Broad support for Johnson Amendment
Last Thursday, members of Congress wrote to urge IRS Acting Commissioner Scott Bessent to withdraw the proposed settlement agreement: "Congress has repeatedly chosen to maintain the Johnson Amendment in statute, and we reject the notion that the IRS can unilaterally reinterpret 70 years of this settled law."
When the first Trump administration threatened the Johnson Amendment, more than 4,600 faith leaders, 5,800 nonprofit organizations and 106 religious and denominational organizations weighed in to strongly oppose weakening or repealing the current law. AU and allies launched a national sign-on letter in late July that has already been joined by more than 1,800 organizations voicing support for the law.
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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/johnson-amendment-hearing-texas/
[Category: Political]
'Mush-room for Innovation': PETA Pushes Tyson to Convert Closing Slaughterhouse to Fungi Farm: 'Save the Workers, Save the Cows!'
LEXINGTON, Nebraska, Nov. 26 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 25, 2025:
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'Mush-room for Innovation': PETA Pushes Tyson to Convert Closing Slaughterhouse to Fungi Farm: "Save the Workers, Save the Cows!"
Following the announcement that Tyson Foods is shutting down its Lexington slaughterhouse and will lay off over 3,000 employees in January, PETA sent a letter today to Tyson CEO Donnie King with a win-win proposal: upgrade the facility to a mushroom farm.
PETA points out that the mycelial makeover would not only allow workers to keep
... Show Full Article
LEXINGTON, Nebraska, Nov. 26 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 25, 2025:
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'Mush-room for Innovation': PETA Pushes Tyson to Convert Closing Slaughterhouse to Fungi Farm: "Save the Workers, Save the Cows!"
Following the announcement that Tyson Foods is shutting down its Lexington slaughterhouse and will lay off over 3,000 employees in January, PETA sent a letter today to Tyson CEO Donnie King with a win-win proposal: upgrade the facility to a mushroom farm.
PETA points out that the mycelial makeover would not only allow workers to keeptheir jobs, but would make their work far safer and less disgusting, as they'd no longer have to go home smelling of blood and offal--and employees could be proud to bring their children to see how they make a living. And as more consumers choose vegan options, demand for healthy, protein-packed fungi will continue to grow.
"Killing and slicing up thousands of terrified cows per day is a cruel, filthy, and dangerous business, but growing tasty truffles and exquisite enokis is a job anyone can be proud of," says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. "PETA encourages Tyson to do right by animals and its workers by converting its Lexington slaughterhouse to a mushroom plant."
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PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness and free Vegan Starter Kits for anyone thinking of making the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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PETA's letter to King follows.
November 25, 2025
Donnie King, CEO
Tyson Foods Inc.
Via e-mail
Dear Mr. King:
I'm writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals--PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters globally, including many thousands across Nebraska and Arkansas--with a suggestion: We hear that Tyson will be shutting down a meat processing plant in Nebraska in January, but we'd like to urge you to rethink that closure and keep people employed by embracing the future of food, converting this plant into an indoor mushroom farm, and starting to produce zero-cholesterol, high-protein versatile mushroom products. A mushroom farm would be far less hazardous than running a slaughterhouse. People wouldn't go home smelling of blood and offal, and employees could be proud to bring their children to see how they make a living.
Plant-based proteins are far more sustainable--mushrooms require significantly less water than animal agriculture--and can be produced at much lower costs than animal products. In addition, consumers are increasingly choosing vegan options. Tyson has the scale, supply-chain expertise, and brand recognition to lead the protein industry in a bold new direction, rather than chasing a market that continues to shrink and relies on the torture and deaths of billions of animals each year.
Mushrooms are delicious and healthy, and they make a satisfying meal in dishes like vegan stroganoff, Wellington, pasta, soups, and stews. With rapid growth cycles and a nutritional profile that surpasses that of animal proteins, mushrooms offer a powerful way to help Americans lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. They also support immune function and promote brain, heart, and gut health.
We welcome the chance to discuss how Tyson could seize the opportunity to grow in this revolutionary direction and prove that there's always mushroom for innovation. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid Newkirk
Founder
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/mush-room-for-innovation-peta-pushes-tyson-to-convert-closing-slaughterhouse-to-fungi-farm-save-the-workers-save-the-cows/
[Category: Animals]
