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Secular Groups Seek Records From Tenn. School Districts About 10 Commandments Plans
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation posted the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Secular groups seek records from Tenn. school districts about 10 Commandments plans
Leading secular groups have requested from five Tennessee school districts all public records related to their recently announced plans to display the Ten Commandments in schools.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have asked for in letters sent yesterday to Blount County ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation posted the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026: * * * Secular groups seek records from Tenn. school districts about 10 Commandments plans Leading secular groups have requested from five Tennessee school districts all public records related to their recently announced plans to display the Ten Commandments in schools. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have asked for in letters sent yesterday to Blount CountySchool District, Rutherford County Schools, Washington County Schools, White County Schools and Wilson County Schools all school-district emails and other communications, as well as all board documents, regarding the display of the Ten Commandments. The letters also seek, pursuant to Tennessee's Public Records Act, all proposed or approved display designs. The records will shed light on the implementation of a new state law that authorizes local boards of education to post the Ten Commandments in a "prominent" location in school buildings.
The letters follow recent votes by the districts' boards of education requiring their schools to post the religious rules. A Tennessee law enacted earlier this year, House Bill 47, provides that boards may "allow" schools to display the Ten Commandments in "a prominent location." The statute defines "prominent location" as a "school entryway, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the display." Under the law, displays must include "text in a font size that is no smaller than [at] least twenty-six (26) point, and in a style and manner that is easy for students to see and read."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the ACLU of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following joint statement regarding the requests for public records:
"Forcing biblical scripture on public-school children violates families' religious freedom. Families and faith communities, not the government, get to decide what role religious doctrine and belief play in their lives. We are committed to protecting students' and parents' constitutional rights and are launching an investigation of every school district that foolishly accepts the state's invitation to trample those rights. We urge families who will be affected by these religious displays to contact our organizations."
The public records requests can be found online here (https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2026/08/Tennessee-FOIA-Requests-FILE.pdf).
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INFODOC: https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2026/08/Tennessee-FOIA-Requests-FILE.pdf
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Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/secular-groups-seek-records-from-tenn-school-districts-about-10-commandments-plans/
[Category: Religion]
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Secular groups seek records from Tenn. school districts about 10 Commandments plans
Leading secular groups have requested from five Tennessee school districts all public records related to their recently announced plans to display the Ten Commandments in schools.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have asked for in letters sent yesterday to Blount County ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation posted the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026: * * * Secular groups seek records from Tenn. school districts about 10 Commandments plans Leading secular groups have requested from five Tennessee school districts all public records related to their recently announced plans to display the Ten Commandments in schools. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have asked for in letters sent yesterday to Blount CountySchool District, Rutherford County Schools, Washington County Schools, White County Schools and Wilson County Schools all school-district emails and other communications, as well as all board documents, regarding the display of the Ten Commandments. The letters also seek, pursuant to Tennessee's Public Records Act, all proposed or approved display designs. The records will shed light on the implementation of a new state law that authorizes local boards of education to post the Ten Commandments in a "prominent" location in school buildings.
The letters follow recent votes by the districts' boards of education requiring their schools to post the religious rules. A Tennessee law enacted earlier this year, House Bill 47, provides that boards may "allow" schools to display the Ten Commandments in "a prominent location." The statute defines "prominent location" as a "school entryway, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the display." Under the law, displays must include "text in a font size that is no smaller than [at] least twenty-six (26) point, and in a style and manner that is easy for students to see and read."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the ACLU of Tennessee, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following joint statement regarding the requests for public records:
"Forcing biblical scripture on public-school children violates families' religious freedom. Families and faith communities, not the government, get to decide what role religious doctrine and belief play in their lives. We are committed to protecting students' and parents' constitutional rights and are launching an investigation of every school district that foolishly accepts the state's invitation to trample those rights. We urge families who will be affected by these religious displays to contact our organizations."
The public records requests can be found online here (https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2026/08/Tennessee-FOIA-Requests-FILE.pdf).
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INFODOC: https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2026/08/Tennessee-FOIA-Requests-FILE.pdf
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Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/secular-groups-seek-records-from-tenn-school-districts-about-10-commandments-plans/
[Category: Religion]
Foundation for Economic Education Issues Commentary Entitled 'Empower a Teacher, Reach a Generation'
DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 22 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by Education Manager James Redelsheimer:
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Empower a Teacher, Reach a Generation
FEE's Educator Engagement program and its impact in the classroom.
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As a former classroom teacher, I've seen firsthand how understanding personal finance and free enterprise can change the trajectory of a young person's life. My students still reach out to me years later, saying they've opened a Roth IRA, bought their first property, or chosen a career they're passionate about rather than simply chasing a paycheck, ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 22 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by Education Manager James Redelsheimer: * * * Empower a Teacher, Reach a Generation FEE's Educator Engagement program and its impact in the classroom. - As a former classroom teacher, I've seen firsthand how understanding personal finance and free enterprise can change the trajectory of a young person's life. My students still reach out to me years later, saying they've opened a Roth IRA, bought their first property, or chosen a career they're passionate about rather than simply chasing a paycheck,all because they learned personal finance and the economic way of thinking. That is the reach one teacher can have. Now multiply it by the more than 10,000 educators who have signed up for FEE's free curriculum and classroom resources, each reaching hundreds of students every year and thousands over the course of a career. That is the scale at which FEE's Educator Engagement team works. We have the opportunity to reach generations of young people with ideas that shape how they understand the economy, their opportunities, and the ideas that lead to prosperity.
Each year, our team trains thousands of teachers virtually and in person, equipping them with engaging, classroom-ready tools they can immediately put to use with their students. Through award-winning curriculum series like Economic Marvels, we help educators bring sound economic thinking, financial literacy, and the principles that build a prosperous society to life in their classrooms.
We want teachers and students to understand the foundations of the free enterprise system and how to participate and thrive in it, and that starts with the economic way of thinking. Every choice involves a trade-off, incentives shape behavior, prices carry information, and voluntary exchange creates value. Property rights, the rule of law, entrepreneurship, and open markets provide the bedrock of a free-market economy and have produced extraordinary increases in living standards around the world.
One way we make economics come alive is by focusing on businesses students know and relate to. That's the idea behind the Economic Marvels series, our most popular classroom resource, where students explore the economics and entrepreneurial stories behind the products, companies, and services they use every day. They start to recognize that the products surrounding them, items that were once luxuries and now have become everyday necessities, are not accidents. They are the result of entrepreneurs identifying problems, taking risks, and creating value in a market economy. Another one of our resources, Think Like an Economist, takes an article from FEE.org and provides in-depth analysis and discussion prompts. This helps teachers make current events and economic themes engaging and relevant to their students.
Sound economic thinking also gives students a framework for evaluating ideas that may sound appealing but can produce harmful unintended consequences. When students encounter proposals such as rent control, price controls, or government-run grocery stores, they should be empowered with the knowledge to ask critical questions about these ideas. What are the incentives? What are the trade-offs? Who ultimately bears the cost? Our lessons bring these questions to life through iconic stories, like the moment Soviet leader Boris Yeltsin, on an unscheduled stop during a 1989 Texas trip, stood awestruck in the aisles of a Houston-area supermarket. The experience reportedly shook his faith in communism and offers students a powerful reminder of both the abundance we often take for granted in a market economy and the folly of central planning.
Students should also wrestle with bigger questions. Why have people risked their lives to leave places like Cuba for the United States? Why do some societies create extraordinary opportunities for ordinary people while others struggle to do so? Our lesson plans teach students how to look beyond intentions and examine incentives, trade-offs, and consequences. These habits help students understand how property rights, the rule of law, market prices, and voluntary exchange contribute to human flourishing.
Financial literacy is another essential part of our mission. FEE's Financial Freedom curriculum gives teachers resources for helping students learn to save and invest their money, build credit, budget, and understand the magic of compounding interest. We want students to understand how free enterprise works and how they can participate in it. By saving, investing, and learning how to own assets, they can build financial freedom and benefit from the growth and prosperity the market economy creates.
Delivering financial literacy starts with well-prepared teachers, which is why we also offer our Financial Intelligence Teacher (FIT) certification, the nation's only free personal finance certification aligned to the latest national standards. FIT has become a requirement for teachers in programs like Financial Skills for Smart Living at the University of Northern Iowa, which helps Iowa high school students earn college credit in personal finance.
We aren't just distributing lesson plans. Our professional development brings these ideas directly to teachers. Because our educator outreach team is made up of former teachers, we know educators don't need another day of professional development that fails to engage or inspire. Instead, we create interactive sessions built around timely topics, often alongside outstanding faculty partners like Dr. Matthew Rousu, Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University.
This summer alone, that meant presenting our America's 250th anniversary curriculum to teachers at a Washington, DC, summit, showing how the Declaration of Independence and Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, both published in 1776, changed the world with powerful ideas about liberty, property rights, and economic freedom. We showed teachers how those principles, combined with specialization, exchange, and innovation, helped lay the foundation for remarkable economic growth and prosperity. It also meant a full day of training in Minnesota focused on financial literacy, investing, and giving teachers practical tools to help students build real-world money skills, and a session in San Diego where teachers explored tariffs, Adam Smith, and the economics of the World Cup.
This is especially valuable because many teachers assigned to teach economics never studied economics in college. We help them strengthen their own understanding while inspiring them to bring these ideas to their students in creative, engaging ways.
Teachers consistently tell us that these sessions make a difference. As a teacher from Minnesota put it: "This is the best PD I've been to in my 10-year career. I can't wait to use FEE's lessons with my students!"
The top priority of our Educator Engagement team is investing in educators who can reach the next generation with the ideas that make freedom and prosperity possible. We want students to believe in a better future: that they can build something, become owners, invest, pursue meaningful careers, start businesses, and benefit from a growing economy. By helping teachers bring these ideas to life, FEE is empowering young people to pursue their dreams, thrive in a free society, and understand why the freedom that makes those opportunities possible is worth preserving.
If you have any thoughts or comments about our work, or would like to reach out about an educational training, please feel free to contact the FEE Educator Engagement Team at learning@fee.org. We would love to hear from you. Educators can explore our full library of free classroom resources at teachers.fee.org.
* * *
James Redelsheimer is an Education Manager at FEE with over 20 years of experience as an AP Economics and personal finance instructor, and co-author of Barron's AP Economics. In recognition of his contributions to economic and personal finance education, he has received awards such as the Thrivent Personal Finance Educator of the Year Award from the Minnesota Council on Economic Education.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/empower-a-teacher-reach-a-generation/
* * *
Empower a Teacher, Reach a Generation
FEE's Educator Engagement program and its impact in the classroom.
-
As a former classroom teacher, I've seen firsthand how understanding personal finance and free enterprise can change the trajectory of a young person's life. My students still reach out to me years later, saying they've opened a Roth IRA, bought their first property, or chosen a career they're passionate about rather than simply chasing a paycheck, ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 22 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by Education Manager James Redelsheimer: * * * Empower a Teacher, Reach a Generation FEE's Educator Engagement program and its impact in the classroom. - As a former classroom teacher, I've seen firsthand how understanding personal finance and free enterprise can change the trajectory of a young person's life. My students still reach out to me years later, saying they've opened a Roth IRA, bought their first property, or chosen a career they're passionate about rather than simply chasing a paycheck,all because they learned personal finance and the economic way of thinking. That is the reach one teacher can have. Now multiply it by the more than 10,000 educators who have signed up for FEE's free curriculum and classroom resources, each reaching hundreds of students every year and thousands over the course of a career. That is the scale at which FEE's Educator Engagement team works. We have the opportunity to reach generations of young people with ideas that shape how they understand the economy, their opportunities, and the ideas that lead to prosperity.
Each year, our team trains thousands of teachers virtually and in person, equipping them with engaging, classroom-ready tools they can immediately put to use with their students. Through award-winning curriculum series like Economic Marvels, we help educators bring sound economic thinking, financial literacy, and the principles that build a prosperous society to life in their classrooms.
We want teachers and students to understand the foundations of the free enterprise system and how to participate and thrive in it, and that starts with the economic way of thinking. Every choice involves a trade-off, incentives shape behavior, prices carry information, and voluntary exchange creates value. Property rights, the rule of law, entrepreneurship, and open markets provide the bedrock of a free-market economy and have produced extraordinary increases in living standards around the world.
One way we make economics come alive is by focusing on businesses students know and relate to. That's the idea behind the Economic Marvels series, our most popular classroom resource, where students explore the economics and entrepreneurial stories behind the products, companies, and services they use every day. They start to recognize that the products surrounding them, items that were once luxuries and now have become everyday necessities, are not accidents. They are the result of entrepreneurs identifying problems, taking risks, and creating value in a market economy. Another one of our resources, Think Like an Economist, takes an article from FEE.org and provides in-depth analysis and discussion prompts. This helps teachers make current events and economic themes engaging and relevant to their students.
Sound economic thinking also gives students a framework for evaluating ideas that may sound appealing but can produce harmful unintended consequences. When students encounter proposals such as rent control, price controls, or government-run grocery stores, they should be empowered with the knowledge to ask critical questions about these ideas. What are the incentives? What are the trade-offs? Who ultimately bears the cost? Our lessons bring these questions to life through iconic stories, like the moment Soviet leader Boris Yeltsin, on an unscheduled stop during a 1989 Texas trip, stood awestruck in the aisles of a Houston-area supermarket. The experience reportedly shook his faith in communism and offers students a powerful reminder of both the abundance we often take for granted in a market economy and the folly of central planning.
Students should also wrestle with bigger questions. Why have people risked their lives to leave places like Cuba for the United States? Why do some societies create extraordinary opportunities for ordinary people while others struggle to do so? Our lesson plans teach students how to look beyond intentions and examine incentives, trade-offs, and consequences. These habits help students understand how property rights, the rule of law, market prices, and voluntary exchange contribute to human flourishing.
Financial literacy is another essential part of our mission. FEE's Financial Freedom curriculum gives teachers resources for helping students learn to save and invest their money, build credit, budget, and understand the magic of compounding interest. We want students to understand how free enterprise works and how they can participate in it. By saving, investing, and learning how to own assets, they can build financial freedom and benefit from the growth and prosperity the market economy creates.
Delivering financial literacy starts with well-prepared teachers, which is why we also offer our Financial Intelligence Teacher (FIT) certification, the nation's only free personal finance certification aligned to the latest national standards. FIT has become a requirement for teachers in programs like Financial Skills for Smart Living at the University of Northern Iowa, which helps Iowa high school students earn college credit in personal finance.
We aren't just distributing lesson plans. Our professional development brings these ideas directly to teachers. Because our educator outreach team is made up of former teachers, we know educators don't need another day of professional development that fails to engage or inspire. Instead, we create interactive sessions built around timely topics, often alongside outstanding faculty partners like Dr. Matthew Rousu, Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University.
This summer alone, that meant presenting our America's 250th anniversary curriculum to teachers at a Washington, DC, summit, showing how the Declaration of Independence and Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, both published in 1776, changed the world with powerful ideas about liberty, property rights, and economic freedom. We showed teachers how those principles, combined with specialization, exchange, and innovation, helped lay the foundation for remarkable economic growth and prosperity. It also meant a full day of training in Minnesota focused on financial literacy, investing, and giving teachers practical tools to help students build real-world money skills, and a session in San Diego where teachers explored tariffs, Adam Smith, and the economics of the World Cup.
This is especially valuable because many teachers assigned to teach economics never studied economics in college. We help them strengthen their own understanding while inspiring them to bring these ideas to their students in creative, engaging ways.
Teachers consistently tell us that these sessions make a difference. As a teacher from Minnesota put it: "This is the best PD I've been to in my 10-year career. I can't wait to use FEE's lessons with my students!"
The top priority of our Educator Engagement team is investing in educators who can reach the next generation with the ideas that make freedom and prosperity possible. We want students to believe in a better future: that they can build something, become owners, invest, pursue meaningful careers, start businesses, and benefit from a growing economy. By helping teachers bring these ideas to life, FEE is empowering young people to pursue their dreams, thrive in a free society, and understand why the freedom that makes those opportunities possible is worth preserving.
If you have any thoughts or comments about our work, or would like to reach out about an educational training, please feel free to contact the FEE Educator Engagement Team at learning@fee.org. We would love to hear from you. Educators can explore our full library of free classroom resources at teachers.fee.org.
* * *
James Redelsheimer is an Education Manager at FEE with over 20 years of experience as an AP Economics and personal finance instructor, and co-author of Barron's AP Economics. In recognition of his contributions to economic and personal finance education, he has received awards such as the Thrivent Personal Finance Educator of the Year Award from the Minnesota Council on Economic Education.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/empower-a-teacher-reach-a-generation/
Central New York Community Foundation: Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release:
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Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial.
Voting ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release: * * * Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial. Votingtook place online throughout the day and in person during a live community celebration held at the Center for the Arts of Homer. More than 1,000 total votes were cast.
The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who will lead planning, feasibility, and fundraising to transform the former Parker Elementary School into an Early Childhood Education Center and community hub. The Center will initially serve about 100 children, with capacity to expand to 150.
"I want to thank the CNY Community Foundation for bringing this opportunity to Cortland County and for recognizing early childhood education as a critical need in our county," said Bob Haight, president and CEO of the chamber. "We're blessed to be able to accept this grant and kickoff this work. We look forward to partnering with many local organizations, including the City of Cortland and CAPCO, to make the dream a reality."
Haight also remarked that the board of directors of both the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland Area Chamber Foundation recognize that early childhood education is a top priority for the region and fully support the opening of the Parker School as an Early Education Center.
Thursday's vote marked the culmination of a month-long community engagement process that invited Cortland County residents to help determine how funding should be invested locally. During two participatory budgeting sessions held earlier this month at Truxton Academy, residents worked to identify pressing community challenges and develop project ideas that would best support local needs. Participants identified increasing accessible, high-quality childcare throughout Cortland County.
"This process was designed to ensure that residents had a direct voice in shaping solutions for their community," said Kate Downes, program manager at the Community Foundation. "Community members shared their experiences, identified what they believed was most needed and helped guide this investment from start to finish. That level of participation and collaboration is what makes participatory budgeting so meaningful."
The ballot also included proposals submitted by Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives, Lime Hollow Nature Center and Cortland County Family YMCA. Participating nonprofit organizations worked closely with Community Foundation staff to refine their ideas and ensure proposals reflected community input gathered during the participatory budgeting sessions.
"The three organizations on the ballot are doing wonderful things for the children in our community, and we hope to partner with each of them," said Haight.
The Cortland County initiative is the third of five participatory budgeting projects the Community Foundation will host across its service area as part of its two-year centennial celebration leading up to 2027. Collectively, the initiatives will distribute $500,000 in funding through projects selected directly by residents. Additional participatory budgeting initiatives are taking place in Oswego, Cortland, Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Participatory budgeting is a community engagement process in which residents help decide how funding is allocated through a structured process of community need identification, prioritization and voting. In partnership with residents, nonprofits and grassroots organizations, participants identify priorities, co-design solutions and ultimately select the project they believe will best address a community need.
To learn more about the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative, visit cnycf.org/cortlandpb.
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Original text here: https://cnycf.org/chamber-chosen-by-cortland-county-residents-to-receive-75k-for-expanding-childcare/
* * *
Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare
The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial.
Voting ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release: * * * Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare The Central New York Community Foundation has named Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce the winner of a $75,000 participatory budgeting grant to support affordable child care access in Cortland County. The winning proposal was selected through a public vote held Thursday, August 20, as part of the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative celebrating its upcoming centennial. Votingtook place online throughout the day and in person during a live community celebration held at the Center for the Arts of Homer. More than 1,000 total votes were cast.
The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who will lead planning, feasibility, and fundraising to transform the former Parker Elementary School into an Early Childhood Education Center and community hub. The Center will initially serve about 100 children, with capacity to expand to 150.
"I want to thank the CNY Community Foundation for bringing this opportunity to Cortland County and for recognizing early childhood education as a critical need in our county," said Bob Haight, president and CEO of the chamber. "We're blessed to be able to accept this grant and kickoff this work. We look forward to partnering with many local organizations, including the City of Cortland and CAPCO, to make the dream a reality."
Haight also remarked that the board of directors of both the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland Area Chamber Foundation recognize that early childhood education is a top priority for the region and fully support the opening of the Parker School as an Early Education Center.
Thursday's vote marked the culmination of a month-long community engagement process that invited Cortland County residents to help determine how funding should be invested locally. During two participatory budgeting sessions held earlier this month at Truxton Academy, residents worked to identify pressing community challenges and develop project ideas that would best support local needs. Participants identified increasing accessible, high-quality childcare throughout Cortland County.
"This process was designed to ensure that residents had a direct voice in shaping solutions for their community," said Kate Downes, program manager at the Community Foundation. "Community members shared their experiences, identified what they believed was most needed and helped guide this investment from start to finish. That level of participation and collaboration is what makes participatory budgeting so meaningful."
The ballot also included proposals submitted by Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives, Lime Hollow Nature Center and Cortland County Family YMCA. Participating nonprofit organizations worked closely with Community Foundation staff to refine their ideas and ensure proposals reflected community input gathered during the participatory budgeting sessions.
"The three organizations on the ballot are doing wonderful things for the children in our community, and we hope to partner with each of them," said Haight.
The Cortland County initiative is the third of five participatory budgeting projects the Community Foundation will host across its service area as part of its two-year centennial celebration leading up to 2027. Collectively, the initiatives will distribute $500,000 in funding through projects selected directly by residents. Additional participatory budgeting initiatives are taking place in Oswego, Cortland, Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Participatory budgeting is a community engagement process in which residents help decide how funding is allocated through a structured process of community need identification, prioritization and voting. In partnership with residents, nonprofits and grassroots organizations, participants identify priorities, co-design solutions and ultimately select the project they believe will best address a community need.
To learn more about the Community Foundation's participatory budgeting initiative, visit cnycf.org/cortlandpb.
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Original text here: https://cnycf.org/chamber-chosen-by-cortland-county-residents-to-receive-75k-for-expanding-childcare/
Asthma & Allergy Foundation: Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release:
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Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance
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Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance - Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's(AAFA) analysis of data from 2021-2025 indicates pediatric asthma ED visits hit a peak in September and October. The overall incidence of ED visits for all people with asthma (children and adults) surge alongside respiratory infection outbreaks throughout the respiratory season.
"For the nearly 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, including 5 million children, the time to get ready for Asthma Peak Season is now," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Between 9-11 people die each day from asthma, and asthma symptoms lead to missed days of school and work, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. We urge people with asthma to take action now to ensure they are best prepared for the challenging season ahead. Effective preparation includes up-to-date vaccinations, seeing your doctor to review your Asthma Action Plan, having a good supply of asthma medicines and taking those medicines as prescribed."
AAFA's data analysis of ED visits for asthma from 2021-2025 shows that asthma ED visits often begin to increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below) but continue to rise well into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.
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Chart: Asthma ED Visits 2021-2025
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As children return to school, they are exposed to communicable respiratory diseases such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Many school buildings are in poor condition and have poor indoor air quality and even mold -- known asthma triggers. Additionally, weed pollen and outdoor mold counts are typically high in September. All of these conditions contribute to the start of the Asthma Peak Season.
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Chart: ED Visits for Asthma and Flu 2025
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Comparisons between ED visits for asthma and flu in 2025 show the months with the most asthma ED visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu ED visits.
"Recent policy changes at the federal level mean some people may lose Medicaid coverage, fewer people can afford health plans on the ACA exchange, and vaccine recommendation changes may delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated," said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. "These changes block people with chronic conditions like asthma from getting the treatment they need. Preventive care is the more affordable care, so policymakers should support affordable health care, pandemic prevention, and vaccine access to reduce societal costs."
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AAFA will release its 2026 Asthma Capitals(R) report on September 1. The report ranks the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma based on asthma prevalence, asthma-related ED visits, and asthma mortality rates. The report will include data on the link between respiratory infections and asthma emergency care. It will also include suggestions for policymakers on improving asthma management and care. To request an embargoed copy of the rankings and/or an advance copy of the full report, email gro.afaa@aidem
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Resources:
For more information about Asthma Peak Season, visit: https://aafa.org/asthmapeak
To download a sample Asthma Action Plan, visit: https://aafa.org/actionplan
To review AAFA's vaccination recommendations for people with asthma, visit: aafa.org/vaccine
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About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Steps people can take to manage and control asthma in September and beyond:
* Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist to discuss your current symptoms, medicines, and triggers. Talk with your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan.
* Take your asthma and allergy medicines as prescribed. Make sure you have enough on hand and get your refills done on time. If you start to have asthma symptoms, follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you use a press-and-breathe, known as metered dose inhaler, use a valved chamber or spacer device with the inhaler to help the medicine get into the lungs.
* Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. You need a new flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine every year. You may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccines you need.
* Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
* Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergies.
* Improve your indoor air ventilation and filtration. Replace the air filters on your HVAC system as recommended. Use portable air cleaners in bedrooms. Use exhaust fans to vent humid air out of your living spaces.
* If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to these allergens.
* Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important to reduce stress.
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/pediatric-asthma-related-hospitalizations-are-about-to-increase/
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Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase
Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance
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Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's ... Show Full Article ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following news release: * * * Pediatric Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Are About to Increase Leading asthma patient advocacy group explains the start of Asthma Peak Season, offers management strategies, policy guidance - Washington, D.C. - As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's(AAFA) analysis of data from 2021-2025 indicates pediatric asthma ED visits hit a peak in September and October. The overall incidence of ED visits for all people with asthma (children and adults) surge alongside respiratory infection outbreaks throughout the respiratory season.
"For the nearly 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, including 5 million children, the time to get ready for Asthma Peak Season is now," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Between 9-11 people die each day from asthma, and asthma symptoms lead to missed days of school and work, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. We urge people with asthma to take action now to ensure they are best prepared for the challenging season ahead. Effective preparation includes up-to-date vaccinations, seeing your doctor to review your Asthma Action Plan, having a good supply of asthma medicines and taking those medicines as prescribed."
AAFA's data analysis of ED visits for asthma from 2021-2025 shows that asthma ED visits often begin to increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below) but continue to rise well into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.
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Chart: Asthma ED Visits 2021-2025
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As children return to school, they are exposed to communicable respiratory diseases such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Many school buildings are in poor condition and have poor indoor air quality and even mold -- known asthma triggers. Additionally, weed pollen and outdoor mold counts are typically high in September. All of these conditions contribute to the start of the Asthma Peak Season.
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Chart: ED Visits for Asthma and Flu 2025
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Comparisons between ED visits for asthma and flu in 2025 show the months with the most asthma ED visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu ED visits.
"Recent policy changes at the federal level mean some people may lose Medicaid coverage, fewer people can afford health plans on the ACA exchange, and vaccine recommendation changes may delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated," said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. "These changes block people with chronic conditions like asthma from getting the treatment they need. Preventive care is the more affordable care, so policymakers should support affordable health care, pandemic prevention, and vaccine access to reduce societal costs."
* * *
AAFA will release its 2026 Asthma Capitals(R) report on September 1. The report ranks the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma based on asthma prevalence, asthma-related ED visits, and asthma mortality rates. The report will include data on the link between respiratory infections and asthma emergency care. It will also include suggestions for policymakers on improving asthma management and care. To request an embargoed copy of the rankings and/or an advance copy of the full report, email gro.afaa@aidem
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Resources:
For more information about Asthma Peak Season, visit: https://aafa.org/asthmapeak
To download a sample Asthma Action Plan, visit: https://aafa.org/actionplan
To review AAFA's vaccination recommendations for people with asthma, visit: aafa.org/vaccine
* * *
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Steps people can take to manage and control asthma in September and beyond:
* Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist to discuss your current symptoms, medicines, and triggers. Talk with your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan.
* Take your asthma and allergy medicines as prescribed. Make sure you have enough on hand and get your refills done on time. If you start to have asthma symptoms, follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you use a press-and-breathe, known as metered dose inhaler, use a valved chamber or spacer device with the inhaler to help the medicine get into the lungs.
* Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. You need a new flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine every year. You may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccines you need.
* Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
* Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergies.
* Improve your indoor air ventilation and filtration. Replace the air filters on your HVAC system as recommended. Use portable air cleaners in bedrooms. Use exhaust fans to vent humid air out of your living spaces.
* If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to these allergens.
* Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important to reduce stress.
* * *
Original text here: https://aafa.org/pediatric-asthma-related-hospitalizations-are-about-to-increase/
San Antonio Airport Fuel Workers Opposed to Forced Dues Win Freedom from Unwanted Machinists Union Bosses
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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San Antonio Airport Fuel Workers Opposed to Forced Dues Win Freedom from Unwanted Machinists Union Bosses
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Faced with overwhelming, majority-backed petition to remove the union, IAM union officials left rather than face election defeat
San Antonio, TX (August 21, 2026) - Fueling employees with Allied Aviation Fueling Company of San Antonio have regained their workplace freedom from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 142. ... Show Full Article SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release: * * * San Antonio Airport Fuel Workers Opposed to Forced Dues Win Freedom from Unwanted Machinists Union Bosses * Faced with overwhelming, majority-backed petition to remove the union, IAM union officials left rather than face election defeat San Antonio, TX (August 21, 2026) - Fueling employees with Allied Aviation Fueling Company of San Antonio have regained their workplace freedom from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 142.The workers, who operate and maintain the fueling facilities of San Antonio International Airport (SAT), filed a petition for a "decertification" election earlier in August. Employee Matthew Garwood, the lead petitioner, received assistance from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
The petition was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal labor law, a task that includes administering elections to install (or "certify") and remove (or "decertify") unions. The petition was signed by the majority of fuel workers, easily surpassing the threshold of signatures needed for the NLRB to schedule a decertification vote.
However, before the vote could be scheduled, IAM District 142 union bosses, likely fearing a defeat in a secret-ballot election, formally "disclaimed interest" in the bargaining unit, meaning that they withdrew their claim of monopoly bargaining powers over the workers. As a result, the approximately 38 airline fueling workers are now free to negotiate directly with their employer.
"The IAM was not negotiating in our best interests," said Garwood. "We are grateful to have regained control over our workplace after being confronted with a poorly-written contract that negatively impacted employees in multiple ways and threatened us with forced dues just to stay employed."
#Union Bosses Tried to Circumvent State and Federal Law
Texas is one of 26 states with a Right to Work law, which safeguards workers by making union membership and dues payment strictly voluntary. However, the IAM was attempting to claim the employees were subject to the Railway Labor Act, which overrides worker protections against forced dues provided by state Right to Work laws.
Ultimately though, despite pushing for mandatory dues in the union contract, IAM union officials were apparently unwilling to defend the claim that these workers were covered by the Railway Labor Act before the NLRB.
"Union bosses have no shortage of tricks to use when trying to maintain their stranglehold on hardworking Americans' paychecks, but in this case, the workers of Allied Aviation made their will abundantly clear," commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "We are grateful to have assisted these workers as they exercised their rights, and especially pleased that they were able to regain their workplace so quickly.
"Cases like these demonstrate why all hardworking Americans need Right to Work protections to ensure union affiliation and financial support is strictly voluntary, including those who might fall under the jurisdiction of the Railway Labor Act because they work in the railroad or airline industry," added Mix.
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrintShare
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
Posted on Aug 21, 2026 in News Releases
***
Original text here: https://www.nrtw.org/news/texas-airport-fuelers-decertification-08212026/
* * *
San Antonio Airport Fuel Workers Opposed to Forced Dues Win Freedom from Unwanted Machinists Union Bosses
*
Faced with overwhelming, majority-backed petition to remove the union, IAM union officials left rather than face election defeat
San Antonio, TX (August 21, 2026) - Fueling employees with Allied Aviation Fueling Company of San Antonio have regained their workplace freedom from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 142. ... Show Full Article SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release: * * * San Antonio Airport Fuel Workers Opposed to Forced Dues Win Freedom from Unwanted Machinists Union Bosses * Faced with overwhelming, majority-backed petition to remove the union, IAM union officials left rather than face election defeat San Antonio, TX (August 21, 2026) - Fueling employees with Allied Aviation Fueling Company of San Antonio have regained their workplace freedom from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 142.The workers, who operate and maintain the fueling facilities of San Antonio International Airport (SAT), filed a petition for a "decertification" election earlier in August. Employee Matthew Garwood, the lead petitioner, received assistance from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
The petition was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal labor law, a task that includes administering elections to install (or "certify") and remove (or "decertify") unions. The petition was signed by the majority of fuel workers, easily surpassing the threshold of signatures needed for the NLRB to schedule a decertification vote.
However, before the vote could be scheduled, IAM District 142 union bosses, likely fearing a defeat in a secret-ballot election, formally "disclaimed interest" in the bargaining unit, meaning that they withdrew their claim of monopoly bargaining powers over the workers. As a result, the approximately 38 airline fueling workers are now free to negotiate directly with their employer.
"The IAM was not negotiating in our best interests," said Garwood. "We are grateful to have regained control over our workplace after being confronted with a poorly-written contract that negatively impacted employees in multiple ways and threatened us with forced dues just to stay employed."
#Union Bosses Tried to Circumvent State and Federal Law
Texas is one of 26 states with a Right to Work law, which safeguards workers by making union membership and dues payment strictly voluntary. However, the IAM was attempting to claim the employees were subject to the Railway Labor Act, which overrides worker protections against forced dues provided by state Right to Work laws.
Ultimately though, despite pushing for mandatory dues in the union contract, IAM union officials were apparently unwilling to defend the claim that these workers were covered by the Railway Labor Act before the NLRB.
"Union bosses have no shortage of tricks to use when trying to maintain their stranglehold on hardworking Americans' paychecks, but in this case, the workers of Allied Aviation made their will abundantly clear," commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "We are grateful to have assisted these workers as they exercised their rights, and especially pleased that they were able to regain their workplace so quickly.
"Cases like these demonstrate why all hardworking Americans need Right to Work protections to ensure union affiliation and financial support is strictly voluntary, including those who might fall under the jurisdiction of the Railway Labor Act because they work in the railroad or airline industry," added Mix.
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrintShare
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
Posted on Aug 21, 2026 in News Releases
***
Original text here: https://www.nrtw.org/news/texas-airport-fuelers-decertification-08212026/
Freedom From Religion Foundation: Mass. High Court Upholds Injunction Preventing Religious Statues Installation
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
* * *
Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance.
The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michael ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance. The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michaelthe Archangel and St. Florian violate the Massachusetts Constitution's requirement of government neutrality towards religion. The injunction will remain in place while litigation proceeds in Norfolk Superior Court. The plaintiffs are represented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Cloherty & Steinberg LLP.
In its ruling, the court affirmed that installing the statues as the sole adornment on the municipal building "could be viewed by the public as endorsement of a particular religion, and the subordination of others," especially because "they stand tall and alone, adorned with Catholic iconography" and are not long-standing historic monuments. The justices affirmed on this record the trial judge's conclusion that "the statues' primary effect will be to advance a religious message," even if they also serve a secular purpose as symbols of courage for first responders.
Finally, the justices ruled that the public interest weighs strongly in favor of maintaining the preliminary injunction, because if the statues were to be installed while the litigation continued, "the plaintiffs and other members of the public would have to confront them regularly, experiencing feelings of subordination given their own religious beliefs or nonbeliefs."
"I'm thrilled with this ruling and I'm relieved that these statues will not be installed while we pursue our case against the city," says Claire Fitzmaurice, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "As a Unitarian Universalist, I cherish the principle of religious pluralism. I believe that Quincy should be a place where we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds. To have these imposing religious statues looming over the entrance of the public safety building would fly in the face of that pluralistic ideal -- especially as our city continues to grow more diverse. I look forward to our next day in court."
"The court's wise decision casts doubt on the profoundly un-American idea that Quincy's city government can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on massive religious statuary and then affix it to the front of the public safety building, where it would loom above citizens using the main entrance," says David Reich, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "Our predicament in Quincy takes me back to grammar school, when I and my Catholic and Jewish classmates -- a majority of the student body -- were required to recite a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer. Like the mandatory prayers in 1950s public schools, affixing these statues to the public safety building would send a stark message to people in less-favored religious groups: You don't count. I'm grateful that the statues will remain far away from the public safety building while we pursue our lawsuit, so that nobody in 2020s Quincy receives that message from their government."
The plaintiffs in Fitzmaurice v. City of Quincy filed their lawsuit in May 2025 after local media revealed Mayor Thomas P. Koch's plan to install the statues, which had been commissioned in secret nearly a year and a half earlier. The estimated cost to taxpayers is at least $850,000. None of these details had previously been disclosed either to the public or to the full Quincy City Council. Despite significant opposition from constituents -- including an online petition with over 1,600 signatures and a statement from 19 local faith leaders -- the mayor pressed forward with his plan. In October 2025, the Norfolk Superior Court denied the city's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation.
The plaintiffs' legal counsel issued the following statements:
"We are delighted by the ruling, which concludes that a government may not give special preference to religion," says Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has wisely upheld the trial court's preliminary injunction, affirming that sectarian religious statues cannot be imposed on the people of Quincy."
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts: "Here in Massachusetts, our state Constitution is clear: the government must remain neutral in matters of religion and must not elevate one faith above others. With today's landmark ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court affirms those principles, which are the essential foundation of a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish. As Quincy residents and taxpayers, our clients believe that installing these plainly religious statues would undermine those ideals. We are proud to represent these courageous plaintiffs, and we look forward to continuing to litigate the merits of this case in Superior Court."
Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief: "This ruling is a powerful reminder that the government has no business playing favorites with faith, including at important city facilities. As the court made clear, religious freedom belongs to all Quincy residents, not just those who align with government officials' preferred religious beliefs."
Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United: "This is a win for religious freedom and church-state separation. Police and fire services are for all Quincy residents, regardless of their religious belief. By trying to install large religious statues in front of the government building dedicated to public safety, Mayor Koch and the city are violating the constitutional promise of church-state separation and sending a message to all who rely on city services that one faith is favored over all others."
For more information about the Freedom From Religion Foundation, visit: https://ffrf.org/
For more information about the ACLU of Massachusetts, visit: https://www.aclum.org/
For more information about the ACLU, visit: https://www.aclu.org/
For more information about Americans United, visit: https://www.au.org/
* * *
Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/mass-high-court-upholds-injunction-preventing-religious-statues-installation/
[Category: Religion]
* * *
Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance.
The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michael ... Show Full Article MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 21 -- The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026: * * * Mass. high court upholds injunction preventing religious statues installation The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today in a landmark ruling upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the installation of two 10-foot-tall religious statues outside the Quincy public safety building entrance. The court unanimously upheld the trial court's determination that a group of Quincy residents and taxpayers are likely to succeed in their claim that the statues depicting St. Michaelthe Archangel and St. Florian violate the Massachusetts Constitution's requirement of government neutrality towards religion. The injunction will remain in place while litigation proceeds in Norfolk Superior Court. The plaintiffs are represented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Cloherty & Steinberg LLP.
In its ruling, the court affirmed that installing the statues as the sole adornment on the municipal building "could be viewed by the public as endorsement of a particular religion, and the subordination of others," especially because "they stand tall and alone, adorned with Catholic iconography" and are not long-standing historic monuments. The justices affirmed on this record the trial judge's conclusion that "the statues' primary effect will be to advance a religious message," even if they also serve a secular purpose as symbols of courage for first responders.
Finally, the justices ruled that the public interest weighs strongly in favor of maintaining the preliminary injunction, because if the statues were to be installed while the litigation continued, "the plaintiffs and other members of the public would have to confront them regularly, experiencing feelings of subordination given their own religious beliefs or nonbeliefs."
"I'm thrilled with this ruling and I'm relieved that these statues will not be installed while we pursue our case against the city," says Claire Fitzmaurice, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "As a Unitarian Universalist, I cherish the principle of religious pluralism. I believe that Quincy should be a place where we welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds. To have these imposing religious statues looming over the entrance of the public safety building would fly in the face of that pluralistic ideal -- especially as our city continues to grow more diverse. I look forward to our next day in court."
"The court's wise decision casts doubt on the profoundly un-American idea that Quincy's city government can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on massive religious statuary and then affix it to the front of the public safety building, where it would loom above citizens using the main entrance," says David Reich, a resident of Quincy and a plaintiff. "Our predicament in Quincy takes me back to grammar school, when I and my Catholic and Jewish classmates -- a majority of the student body -- were required to recite a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer. Like the mandatory prayers in 1950s public schools, affixing these statues to the public safety building would send a stark message to people in less-favored religious groups: You don't count. I'm grateful that the statues will remain far away from the public safety building while we pursue our lawsuit, so that nobody in 2020s Quincy receives that message from their government."
The plaintiffs in Fitzmaurice v. City of Quincy filed their lawsuit in May 2025 after local media revealed Mayor Thomas P. Koch's plan to install the statues, which had been commissioned in secret nearly a year and a half earlier. The estimated cost to taxpayers is at least $850,000. None of these details had previously been disclosed either to the public or to the full Quincy City Council. Despite significant opposition from constituents -- including an online petition with over 1,600 signatures and a statement from 19 local faith leaders -- the mayor pressed forward with his plan. In October 2025, the Norfolk Superior Court denied the city's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation.
The plaintiffs' legal counsel issued the following statements:
"We are delighted by the ruling, which concludes that a government may not give special preference to religion," says Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has wisely upheld the trial court's preliminary injunction, affirming that sectarian religious statues cannot be imposed on the people of Quincy."
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts: "Here in Massachusetts, our state Constitution is clear: the government must remain neutral in matters of religion and must not elevate one faith above others. With today's landmark ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court affirms those principles, which are the essential foundation of a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish. As Quincy residents and taxpayers, our clients believe that installing these plainly religious statues would undermine those ideals. We are proud to represent these courageous plaintiffs, and we look forward to continuing to litigate the merits of this case in Superior Court."
Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief: "This ruling is a powerful reminder that the government has no business playing favorites with faith, including at important city facilities. As the court made clear, religious freedom belongs to all Quincy residents, not just those who align with government officials' preferred religious beliefs."
Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United: "This is a win for religious freedom and church-state separation. Police and fire services are for all Quincy residents, regardless of their religious belief. By trying to install large religious statues in front of the government building dedicated to public safety, Mayor Koch and the city are violating the constitutional promise of church-state separation and sending a message to all who rely on city services that one faith is favored over all others."
For more information about the Freedom From Religion Foundation, visit: https://ffrf.org/
For more information about the ACLU of Massachusetts, visit: https://www.aclum.org/
For more information about the ACLU, visit: https://www.aclu.org/
For more information about Americans United, visit: https://www.au.org/
* * *
Original text here: https://ffrf.org/news/releases/mass-high-court-upholds-injunction-preventing-religious-statues-installation/
[Category: Religion]
Foundation for Economic Education Issues Commentary Entitled 'I Bought Beans at the Government Store'
DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine:
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I Bought Beans at the Government Store
Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government.
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Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion of ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine: * * * I Bought Beans at the Government Store Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government. - Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion ofjackhammers that chipped away at the sidewalks. Finally, I approached the automatic doors to my destination, Azalea Fresh Market, and was welcomed by two security guards.
At first glance, the store seemed like an ordinary supermarket, but a bit smaller than my usual. Upon a closer look at the items, the prices were anything but ordinary. My eyes darted toward the row of eggs displayed: $3 per dozen. Next to the eggs was a gallon of milk, $4. Behind me was a loaf of Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread, $5, and a 12-pack of canned sodas, $10. I trudged up a nearby set of stairs to see a modern cafe that featured a sushi counter, a sandwich shop, and a smoothie stand with several iPads to place an order. The sleek wooden tables and chairs were filled with professionals and students typing away on their computers while enjoying a sip and a bite. If you were anything like most Atlantans, given the prices and atmosphere, you probably thought that I was at the newest semi-luxury food market that I spotted on TikTok. In reality, I went to a government-funded grocery store that socialists are raving about.
Azalea Fresh Market opened last September to address a growing demand for a grocery store in downtown Atlanta. Its opening was the result of a partnership between the City of Atlanta, the Independent Grocers Alliance, and a successful local mini-grocery store chain, Savi Provisions. With no major grocery company inclined to open a location in the downtown area, the City of Atlanta managed to contribute roughly $8 million in cash, loans, and grants to provide the infrastructure needed to help open the business (as well as a second location that is under construction), while the owners of Savi Provisions operate it independently, hoping that the ongoing success of the store will eventually allow it to run on its own. To reach that goal, the store keeps the prices of staple food items as close to those at other supermarkets as it can (though $3 for a dozen eggs and $5 for a loaf of bread can really add up for the more budget-conscious shopper), while operating the cafe upstairs to generate higher-margin sales from college students and professionals.
Given the intent behind the establishment of this store, it's difficult to imagine why it's gaining so much praise from advocates for Zohran Mamdani's proposed government-owned markets. Mamdani's goal isn't to target food deserts; he aims to outprice private grocers in areas where supply is abundant because he's convinced that businesses are price-gouging consumers. Azalea was established because there is no grocery store nearby, meaning that there were no local grocers to worry about being priced out.
Azalea's location also serves a much different demographic from what Mamdani says his stores will be intended to serve. While Mamdani's stores will sit in busier, residential areas of New York, Azalea sits on a college campus and borders several government and corporate buildings. So it's not a quick walk for most low-income families who need fresh groceries for their homes. The store's main demographic consists of thousands of college students, a risky consumer base when a majority of the university's population leaves for breaks throughout the year. With many students enrolled in dining plans and few permanent residents to provide consistent foot traffic, it becomes easier to see why major grocers were hesitant to open in the area.
But more importantly, if Azalea Fresh Market is supposed to be a case study to show that the government should become a grocer in cities such as New York, it's a strange example. The city didn't open a grocery store and ask taxpayers to keep it afloat. It sought out a private grocer and helped them overcome the steep cost of entering a market that other grocers had already rejected. Savi will eventually need to stand on its own two feet. That sounds less like socialism and more like a government-funded bet on the private sector.
With Mamdani having no plans to perform a public-private partnership, taxpayers will foot $30 million of the bill for its first 9,000-square-foot location in East Harlem, compared with Atlanta's $8 million investment on a 30,000-square-foot location. That makes New York's project a much riskier investment. If socialists want to see a grocery store model that most closely aligns with what Mamdani has in mind, they should turn to Kansas City's Sun Fresh Market, which closed down after receiving roughly $18 million of taxpayer dollars over 10 years, citing low profits and crime as major factors for locking its doors.
But that doesn't necessarily make Azalea a victory for free-market advocates, either. The city responded to demand from consumers who wanted fresh food within walking distance, while private grocers had decided that opening downtown wasn't worth the risk. For Savi, the deal offered an opportunity to expand into downtown without shouldering the full upfront cost of entering an untested market. If the model fails, Savi's potential losses are cushioned by the city's support. If it succeeds, Savi gets a profitable new location, an expanded customer base, and a reputational boost from being seen as a company willing to serve a community that other grocers had passed over.
As the store approaches its first anniversary and construction continues on a second location, Azalea Fresh Market is still too young to know whether that bet will pay off. Perhaps the private market was failing to provide something downtown Atlanta genuinely needed. Or perhaps it was accurately assessing the risks of doing business there. Either way, Azalea will eventually provide an answer. And should the store succeed, the success won't belong to the mayor's office alone. It will belong to the private grocer that managed to make a business work where others wouldn't.
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Ryan Devine is an Editorial Associate at FEE. He earned a BA in Psychology from Salisbury University and an MPA from Villanova University. At Salisbury, he received the Psychology Department Award, presented to a graduating senior in recognition of academic achievement and meaningful contributions to the department.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/i-bought-beans-at-the-government-store/
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I Bought Beans at the Government Store
Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government.
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Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion of ... Show Full Article DETROIT, Michigan, Aug. 21 -- The Foundation for Economic Education issued the following commentary by editorial associate Ryan Devine: * * * I Bought Beans at the Government Store Atlanta bet on a private grocer; New York is betting on the government. - Downtown Atlanta has an unpleasant grayness to it, as if its architects forgot their charm at home when it was built. I glanced up at the towering corporate buildings that block out any sun that could have reached me, cut through Georgia State University's greenless college campus, and my route was redirected by the relentless percussion ofjackhammers that chipped away at the sidewalks. Finally, I approached the automatic doors to my destination, Azalea Fresh Market, and was welcomed by two security guards.
At first glance, the store seemed like an ordinary supermarket, but a bit smaller than my usual. Upon a closer look at the items, the prices were anything but ordinary. My eyes darted toward the row of eggs displayed: $3 per dozen. Next to the eggs was a gallon of milk, $4. Behind me was a loaf of Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread, $5, and a 12-pack of canned sodas, $10. I trudged up a nearby set of stairs to see a modern cafe that featured a sushi counter, a sandwich shop, and a smoothie stand with several iPads to place an order. The sleek wooden tables and chairs were filled with professionals and students typing away on their computers while enjoying a sip and a bite. If you were anything like most Atlantans, given the prices and atmosphere, you probably thought that I was at the newest semi-luxury food market that I spotted on TikTok. In reality, I went to a government-funded grocery store that socialists are raving about.
Azalea Fresh Market opened last September to address a growing demand for a grocery store in downtown Atlanta. Its opening was the result of a partnership between the City of Atlanta, the Independent Grocers Alliance, and a successful local mini-grocery store chain, Savi Provisions. With no major grocery company inclined to open a location in the downtown area, the City of Atlanta managed to contribute roughly $8 million in cash, loans, and grants to provide the infrastructure needed to help open the business (as well as a second location that is under construction), while the owners of Savi Provisions operate it independently, hoping that the ongoing success of the store will eventually allow it to run on its own. To reach that goal, the store keeps the prices of staple food items as close to those at other supermarkets as it can (though $3 for a dozen eggs and $5 for a loaf of bread can really add up for the more budget-conscious shopper), while operating the cafe upstairs to generate higher-margin sales from college students and professionals.
Given the intent behind the establishment of this store, it's difficult to imagine why it's gaining so much praise from advocates for Zohran Mamdani's proposed government-owned markets. Mamdani's goal isn't to target food deserts; he aims to outprice private grocers in areas where supply is abundant because he's convinced that businesses are price-gouging consumers. Azalea was established because there is no grocery store nearby, meaning that there were no local grocers to worry about being priced out.
Azalea's location also serves a much different demographic from what Mamdani says his stores will be intended to serve. While Mamdani's stores will sit in busier, residential areas of New York, Azalea sits on a college campus and borders several government and corporate buildings. So it's not a quick walk for most low-income families who need fresh groceries for their homes. The store's main demographic consists of thousands of college students, a risky consumer base when a majority of the university's population leaves for breaks throughout the year. With many students enrolled in dining plans and few permanent residents to provide consistent foot traffic, it becomes easier to see why major grocers were hesitant to open in the area.
But more importantly, if Azalea Fresh Market is supposed to be a case study to show that the government should become a grocer in cities such as New York, it's a strange example. The city didn't open a grocery store and ask taxpayers to keep it afloat. It sought out a private grocer and helped them overcome the steep cost of entering a market that other grocers had already rejected. Savi will eventually need to stand on its own two feet. That sounds less like socialism and more like a government-funded bet on the private sector.
With Mamdani having no plans to perform a public-private partnership, taxpayers will foot $30 million of the bill for its first 9,000-square-foot location in East Harlem, compared with Atlanta's $8 million investment on a 30,000-square-foot location. That makes New York's project a much riskier investment. If socialists want to see a grocery store model that most closely aligns with what Mamdani has in mind, they should turn to Kansas City's Sun Fresh Market, which closed down after receiving roughly $18 million of taxpayer dollars over 10 years, citing low profits and crime as major factors for locking its doors.
But that doesn't necessarily make Azalea a victory for free-market advocates, either. The city responded to demand from consumers who wanted fresh food within walking distance, while private grocers had decided that opening downtown wasn't worth the risk. For Savi, the deal offered an opportunity to expand into downtown without shouldering the full upfront cost of entering an untested market. If the model fails, Savi's potential losses are cushioned by the city's support. If it succeeds, Savi gets a profitable new location, an expanded customer base, and a reputational boost from being seen as a company willing to serve a community that other grocers had passed over.
As the store approaches its first anniversary and construction continues on a second location, Azalea Fresh Market is still too young to know whether that bet will pay off. Perhaps the private market was failing to provide something downtown Atlanta genuinely needed. Or perhaps it was accurately assessing the risks of doing business there. Either way, Azalea will eventually provide an answer. And should the store succeed, the success won't belong to the mayor's office alone. It will belong to the private grocer that managed to make a business work where others wouldn't.
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Ryan Devine is an Editorial Associate at FEE. He earned a BA in Psychology from Salisbury University and an MPA from Villanova University. At Salisbury, he received the Psychology Department Award, presented to a graduating senior in recognition of academic achievement and meaningful contributions to the department.
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Original text here: https://fee.org/articles/i-bought-beans-at-the-government-store/