Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
VFW Still Serving Campaign Shatters Records
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Oct. 14 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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VFW Still Serving Campaign Shatters Records
Over 6.5 million people engaged, 3,500 veterans' stories shared and 3,700 community service events occurred in 32 countries
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched Still Serving in March 2020 to highlight how America's veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military. What started as a campaign became a movement as veterans across the
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Oct. 14 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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VFW Still Serving Campaign Shatters Records
Over 6.5 million people engaged, 3,500 veterans' stories shared and 3,700 community service events occurred in 32 countries
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched Still Serving in March 2020 to highlight how America's veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military. What started as a campaign became a movement as veterans across theworld stepped up to share stories of their continued service. In 2022, the organization launched an outgrowth of the initiative, VFW Day of Service - an annual dedicated day of community service projects led by veterans throughout the world. To date, more than 3,700 community service events have taken place. The Still Serving initiative has continued to break records for year-over-year growth. For example, from FY2024 to FY2025, engagements grew 112% and Day of Service events more than tripled.
"Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off," said Carol Whitmore, VFW national commander. "The Still Serving campaign reminds us that veterans, to include the collective VFW, not only give back to our local communities, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow veterans, helping them navigate their VA benefits, advocating for enhanced quality of life programs and resources and ensuring no one is left behind. Veterans continue to answer the call, proving every day that the spirit of service lasts a lifetime."
VFW Still Serving campaignAccording to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index1, veterans average nearly 30% more volunteer hours per year and outpace civilians by 15% in charitable donations. Additionally, nearly 40% more veterans belong to a group working on community issues.
Since its launch, 6.5 million people have engaged with the campaign through the Still Serving website, videos and social channels. Additionally, more than 3,500 veterans have shared their personal stories of sacrifice and service.
Building on a legacy of service spanning over a century, the Still Serving initiative captures the essence of the VFW and its members, reflecting the ongoing evolution of today's VFW Posts as a place where veterans can seek support, share camaraderie with those who have similar experiences and give back to both fellow veterans and the broader community. The VFW encourages veterans and their families to share stories on social media using #StillServing to showcase how they themselves continue to answer the call to serve or honor a veteran in their lives who believes the spirit of service transcends military life.
Visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.
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Original text here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2025/10/vfw-still-serving-campaign-shatters-records
[Category: National Defense]
Meat Stinks! Foul Stench From Feedlots Prompts PETA Messages Across Fresno County
FRESNO, California, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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Meat Stinks! Foul Stench From Feedlots Prompts PETA Messages Across Fresno County
The putrid odors emanating from local feedlots--feces-filled holding pens where animals spend their final, miserable days before slaughter--may have everyone holding their noses, but PETA has a solution: Go Vegan! PETA points out that fruit and vegetable crops don't produce the same nauseating stench as feedlots (and are better for animals, our health, and the environment)--so it
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FRESNO, California, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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Meat Stinks! Foul Stench From Feedlots Prompts PETA Messages Across Fresno County
The putrid odors emanating from local feedlots--feces-filled holding pens where animals spend their final, miserable days before slaughter--may have everyone holding their noses, but PETA has a solution: Go Vegan! PETA points out that fruit and vegetable crops don't produce the same nauseating stench as feedlots (and are better for animals, our health, and the environment)--so ithas strategically placed vegan appeals at gas stations across Coalinga and Kingsburg.
"The only thing more horrific than the smell of toxic waste flowing from feedlots is the nightmare millions of animals experience at slaughterhouses every day," says PETA President Tracy Reiman. "PETA urges everyone to clean up their communities, and their consciences, by going vegan."
Pigs are soothed by music, and cows mourn when a loved one dies or when they're separated from each other. But in the meat industry, they're subjected to tail docking, castration, and other mutilations with no pain relief. Eventually, they're forced onto transport trucks for a terrifying journey to a slaughterhouse, where workers slit their throats--often while they're still conscious. Feedlots also emit toxic airborne chemicals that, according to a report by the California State Senate, can cause "inflammatory, immune, and neurochemical problems in humans."
In contrast, people who go vegan slash their risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity; dramatically shrink their food-related carbon footprint; and save nearly 200 animals' lives every year.
PETA's ads can be seen at gas stations in Fresno County, including:
* Shell: 24553 W Dorris Ave in Coalinga
* ARCO: 400 Sierra St in Kingsburg
* Chevron: 800 Sierra St in Kingsburg
* Shell: 1499 Simpson St in Kingsburg
* Sinclair: 825 Sierra St in Kingsburg
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free vegan starter kits to anyone looking to make the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/meat-stinks-foul-stench-from-feedlots-prompts-peta-messages-across-fresno-county/
[Category: Animals]
Is Dunn Police Department Overworking Aging, Arthritic K-9? PETA Asks Chief to Retire Senior Dog
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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Is Dunn Police Department Overworking Aging, Arthritic K-9? PETA Asks Chief to Retire Senior Dog
After obtaining records revealing that a K-9 named Apacs used by the Dunn Police Department had surgery to remove a tumor over the summer and has repeatedly been prescribed medications and therapies typically used to treat osteoarthritis and anxiety, PETA today sent a letter to Acting Chief of Police Major Nicholas Simmons and City Manager Justin Hembree urging
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FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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Is Dunn Police Department Overworking Aging, Arthritic K-9? PETA Asks Chief to Retire Senior Dog
After obtaining records revealing that a K-9 named Apacs used by the Dunn Police Department had surgery to remove a tumor over the summer and has repeatedly been prescribed medications and therapies typically used to treat osteoarthritis and anxiety, PETA today sent a letter to Acting Chief of Police Major Nicholas Simmons and City Manager Justin Hembree urgingthem to retire the senior German shepherd.
According to the records, Apacs has been prescribed Rimadyl--a pain medication commonly used to treat arthritis--since 2022 and has undergone therapy sessions used for dogs with arthritis or degenerative joint diseases. He has also been prescribed Trazadone, which is used to treat anxiety or keep dogs calm in stressful situations. PETA notes that the average lifespan for this large breed is only seven to 10 years--and Apacs, who is nearly nine years old, has already spent seven years being worked.
"K-9s don't choose to 'work' and put their lives on the line, but Apacs has served his community loyally for seven years, and no elderly dog should be forced to continue working through painful health problems," says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA urges the Dunn Police Department to reconsider its use of K-9s entirely and give Apacs the retirement he deserves and allow him to live out his golden years in the comfort of a loving home."
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/is-dunn-police-department-overworking-aging-arthritic-k-9-peta-asks-chief-to-retire-senior-dog/
[Category: Animals]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: From Competition to Collaboration - How BYU Athletics Shines Christ's Light Through Service
TUCSON, Arizona, Oct. 14 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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From Competition to Collaboration: How BYU Athletics Shines Christ's Light Through Service
When the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars football team travels for games, it turns competition into collaboration to help those in need.
The most recent example came October 11, 2025, on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson. The pregame party included service spearheaded by the local BYU alumni chapter and others. Their focus was giving to the local
... Show Full Article
TUCSON, Arizona, Oct. 14 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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From Competition to Collaboration: How BYU Athletics Shines Christ's Light Through Service
When the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars football team travels for games, it turns competition into collaboration to help those in need.
The most recent example came October 11, 2025, on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson. The pregame party included service spearheaded by the local BYU alumni chapter and others. Their focus was giving to the localcommunity. Fans from both teams participated in a "read and feed" service project, donating food and books to support Sunnyside Elementary School and the Sunnyside Community Food Pantry.
"We don't call these things a party with a purpose for no reason," said BYU President Shane Reese.
Downloadable B-roll (https://f.io/1SzqMqTm) & SOTs (https://f.io/Kxt6Chqh) for Journalists
Since 2023, when BYU's sports teams entered the Big 12 conference -- a major collegiate athletics conference in the United States -- the school has sought to "develop the courage to be different," President Reese said.
"We decided that one of the ways we could do that better than anything is to serve in ways that are meaningful to the community," he added.
BYU, whose motto is "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve," is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The impetus for service is the model set by the Savior of the world.
"It's all about all of us giving back, to the Christ-centered beliefs that we have, that we're all in this together," said BYU Director of Athletics Brian Santiago.
University of Arizona Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois praised these pregame initiatives as "true sportsmanship."
"We're really grateful for all that the BYU community brings," Reed-Francois said. "I think this is an incredible tradition."
In addition to helping others, this tradition involves many in local communities -- including those on the receiving end of the service. On Saturday, many in the Sunnyside school system lent a helping hand.
"We're just doing some fundraising for books and canned food and stuff just to provide back," said Destiney Arriola, a student at Sunnyside High School. "I'm having a great time. Everybody's really friendly. Everybody's really nice. I love getting out there. I love giving to my community. It's something we've never done before, and I think it's a really big step for us."
"From a very young age I always wanted to be a teacher. I want to be a leader," said fellow Sunnyside High School student Esmeralda Cruz. "I want to be able to help out as much as I can. We're all a family here. We're all a community. And that's what we're here to do."
The service went beyond boxes of books and canned goods. Earlier in the week, a semitruck from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered 40,000 pounds of food to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Some of those provisions will go to the Sunnyside Foundation to support their "Youth on Their Own" program.
"I just thought it was really beautiful that you come into these communities and learn about work that's being done to strengthen those communities and support them in this way," said Veronica Cruz-Mercado, director of operations for the Sunnyside Foundation.
Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church's Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, expressed gratitude to "be part of the good happening here in Tucson, Arizona."
"As we unite in service," he said, "we not only strengthen our communities but also reflect the Savior's love in ways that uplift and inspire. When we choose to serve, we follow the example of Christ to care for those in need."
This pregame service tradition began in 2019 when BYU played at Tennessee and collaborated with the Knox Area Rescue Ministries on a coat and food drive. Working closely with local charities, the BYU Alumni Association has organized service-focused gatherings at many BYU football games outside of Provo since that time.
In 2024, BYU fans and others donated more than 2,000 pounds of food to the University of Wyoming food pantry, 3,000 books to a literacy program in Tempe, Arizona, 1,000 art supplies for a nonprofit in Dallas that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and more than 500 pairs of underwear for the unhoused in San Antonio.
The year 2025 adds a unique twist to the focus on service. BYU is celebrating its 150th year, and all 466,000 of its living alumni are invited to do 150 hours of service during the year.
"It's going to be a year of celebration unlike anything you've ever seen," President Reese said. "We're hoping that what it really does is lift the communities where so many Cougars are gathered. "It's an amazing way to simply let the light of Christ shine through our everyday actions."
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cougs-care-tucson
[Category: Religion]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Elder Gary E. Stevenson Dedicates Elko Nevada Temple
ELKO, Nevada, Oct. 14 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Oct. 12, 2025:
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson Dedicates Elko Nevada Temple
New house of the Lord is the third dedicated in the state
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Elko Nevada Temple on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Elder Stevenson said one of the primary purposes of temples is to bless families and testified that those who make covenants in temples and do temple work will draw closer to their
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ELKO, Nevada, Oct. 14 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release on Oct. 12, 2025:
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson Dedicates Elko Nevada Temple
New house of the Lord is the third dedicated in the state
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Elko Nevada Temple on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Elder Stevenson said one of the primary purposes of temples is to bless families and testified that those who make covenants in temples and do temple work will draw closer to theirfamilies.
"Temples are blessing the lives of millions of Heavenly Father's children on both sides of the veil," he said.
Elder Stevenson said that in the midst of violence, tragedy and commotion in the world, he has "witnessed the divine process of the passing of keys."
"Following protocol, we look forward to sustaining a new prophet, seer and revelator for the 18th time in this dispensation, who will be the only person on earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys," he said.
The last time a temple was dedicated during an apostolic interregnum, the transition of prophetic leadership from one prophet to another, was in 1888, when President Wilford Woodruff was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during the dedication of the Manti Utah Temple.
Elder Stevenson said he had recently had an opportunity to visit with President Dallin H. Oaks, who currently leads the Church as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
"These proceedings all take place under his direction," Elder Stevenson said. "How reassuring it was to see this in real time as I was able to discuss the Elko Nevada Temple dedication with him and receive presiding direction."
Elder Stevenson pointed to President Oaks' teachings on the covenants made and blessings promised to those who worship and serve in the house of the Lord.
In the April 2022 general conference, President Oaks taught, "God desires all of us to strive for His highest possible blessings by keeping His highest commandments, covenants and ordinances, all of which culminate in His holy temples being built throughout the world."
Elder Stevenson said this temple dedication serves as a testament to the Saints living in the remote region of Nevada. For years, many in the newly formed temple district have traveled long distances -- to temples in Idaho, Nevada, California and Utah -- to worship in the house of the Lord.
"The small group of Latter-day Saints who participated in the organization of the first branch in Elko likely never imagined 100 years later a temple would be announced and dedicated," he said.
The Elko temple district now includes towns and communities in six large counties, covering nearly half of the state of Nevada. The temple will serve almost 12,000 members and 36 wards in the Elko area.
Elko Nevada East Stake President Mathew N. Spieth said, "We are especially excited that the rising generation will be able to make the house of the Lord their own personal sanctuary," he said. "It already feels like home."
Elko Nevada West Stake President Alberto Jimenez said, "The influence felt by the presence of the house of the Lord has already produced and will continue to generate profound and inspiring experiences."
Elder Stevenson was accompanied at the dedication by his wife, Lesa; Elder Michael A. Dunn, a General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the United States Southwest Area Presidency, and his wife, Linda; Elder James R. Rasband, a General Authority Seventy and Assistant Executive Director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Mary; and Bishop L. Todd Budge of the Presiding Bishopric and his wife, Lori.
The late President Russell M. Nelson announced a house of the Lord for Elko, Nevada, on April 4, 2021, during the April 2021 general conference. It was one of 20 temples announced at the conference. The open house ran Saturday, August 30, through Saturday, September 13 (excluding Sundays).
The Elko Nevada Temple is one of the Church's 382 temples around the world that are operating, announced or under construction. It is Nevada's third operating temple, following the Las Vegas Nevada Temple, which was dedicated in December 1989. The Reno Nevada Temple was dedicated in April 2000. A fourth temple, the Lone Mountain Nevada Temple, was announced in October 2022, and ground was broken on September 25.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-gary-e-stevenson-dedicates-elko-nevada-temple
[Category: Religion]
CCRKBA HAILS NEW CAL LAWSUIT, SAYS NEWSOM HAS 'HANDGUN DERANGEMENT SYNDROME'
BELLEVUE, Washington, Oct. 14 [Category: Political] -- The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms issued the following news release:
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CCRKBA HAILS NEW CAL LAWSUIT, SAYS NEWSOM HAS 'HANDGUN DERANGEMENT SYNDROME'
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BELLEVUE, WA - The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is hailing a new lawsuit filed in federal court in California, challenging Assembly Bill 1127, signed recently by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom, which bans popular--and commonly used--Glock pistols in the state.
While CCRKBA is not a plaintiff in the new legal action, we are watching it closely
... Show Full Article
BELLEVUE, Washington, Oct. 14 [Category: Political] -- The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms issued the following news release:
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CCRKBA HAILS NEW CAL LAWSUIT, SAYS NEWSOM HAS 'HANDGUN DERANGEMENT SYNDROME'
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BELLEVUE, WA - The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is hailing a new lawsuit filed in federal court in California, challenging Assembly Bill 1127, signed recently by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom, which bans popular--and commonly used--Glock pistols in the state.
While CCRKBA is not a plaintiff in the new legal action, we are watching it closelybecause the court has already held that several provisions of the UHA likely violate the Second Amendment. That case is known as Renna v. Bonta, filed originally in November 2020 by CCRKBA and several others, noted CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. The Renna case challenged California's "Unsafe Handgun Act" (UHA).
The new case was filed Monday by the Second Amendment Foundation--CCRKBA's sister organization--along with the National Rifle Association and Firearms Policy Coalition, all three parties to the earlier legal action, plus one firearms retailer and two private citizens. The case is known as Jaymes v. Bonta, and was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
"The court has already held that several provisions of the UHA likely violate the Second Amendment," Gottlieb observed, "but instead of taking a hint from the court, Gov. Newsom has doubled down because of what can best be described as a case of handgun derangement syndrome by signing this new legislation. This new ban is flagrantly unconstitutional, and Newsom must know it."
Gottlieb said Democrats in Sacramento evidently "didn't get the memo" from the U.S. Supreme Court that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right, "so they passed AB 1127 and Newsom quickly signed it into law." The CCRKBA chairman said Newsom and Democrats in the legislature appear determined to play a game of "one-upmanship" with the courts and the constitution.
"This may be a game for Newsom and the Democrats in Sacramento," Gottlieb stated, "but defending the Second Amendment rights of California gun owners is not a game. This is not some kind of sporting match for Newsom's amusement. You don't fight crime by restricting the rights of peaceable, law-abiding citizens. We're going to closely monitor this legal action, and based on previous results, we expect the court to act decisively."
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Original text here: https://ccrkba.org/2025/10/14/ccrkba-hails-new-cal-lawsuit-says-newsom-has-handgun-derangement-syndrome/
'Save the Earth, Go Vegan!' Blitz of PETA Appeals Urge EV Drivers to Go the Extra Mile for the Planet
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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'Save the Earth, Go Vegan!' Blitz of PETA Appeals Urge EV Drivers to Go the Extra Mile for the Planet
Eco-conscious EV owners in Honolulu are in for some food for thought this month, as PETA has plastered charging stations throughout the city with almost 100 digital messages urging everyone who's revved up about saving the Earth to go vegan. The pointed appeals--featured in both English and Japanese--aim to spark awareness about how the massive amounts of greenhouse
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Oct. 14 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Oct. 13, 2025:
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'Save the Earth, Go Vegan!' Blitz of PETA Appeals Urge EV Drivers to Go the Extra Mile for the Planet
Eco-conscious EV owners in Honolulu are in for some food for thought this month, as PETA has plastered charging stations throughout the city with almost 100 digital messages urging everyone who's revved up about saving the Earth to go vegan. The pointed appeals--featured in both English and Japanese--aim to spark awareness about how the massive amounts of greenhousegases pumped out by the meat, egg, and dairy industries more than cancel out the good done by zero-emission vehicles.
According to the United Nations, a global shift to vegan eating is vital to combat the worst effects of the climate catastrophe, as animal agriculture alone is responsible for approximately one-fifth of all human-induced greenhouse-gas emissions.
"The difference between driving an electric car and a smog-spewing gas guzzler isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the lives saved and emissions slashed by going vegan," says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. "PETA is urging everyone who gives a hoot about Earth's future to get truly plugged-in to planetary protection and switch to plant-powered eating before it's too late."
Research shows that each person who goes vegan lowers their food-related carbon footprint by up to 73%--making it conceivably the biggest way to reduce one's negative impact on the planet--and spares the lives of nearly 200 animals a year. PETA's free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch.
PETA's appeals can be found on 97 EV charging stations throughout Honolulu, including near Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall, and International Market Place.
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. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/save-the-earth-go-vegan-blitz-of-peta-appeals-urge-ev-drivers-to-go-the-extra-mile-for-the-planet/
[Category: Animals]
