Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
VFW Applauds Federal Court Ruling Against Veterans Guardian
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, May 27 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release:
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VFW Applauds Federal Court Ruling Against Veterans Guardian
Federal judge confirms VFW's long-held position that unaccredited claims companies are unlawfully profiting from veterans
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WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) welcomed a major federal court ruling in North Carolina finding that claims consulting company Veterans Guardian violated federal law by preparing and presenting veterans' disability claims to the Department of Veterans
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, May 27 -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., a veterans service organization, issued the following news release:
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VFW Applauds Federal Court Ruling Against Veterans Guardian
Federal judge confirms VFW's long-held position that unaccredited claims companies are unlawfully profiting from veterans
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WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) welcomed a major federal court ruling in North Carolina finding that claims consulting company Veterans Guardian violated federal law by preparing and presenting veterans' disability claims to the Department of VeteransAffairs (VA) while charging fees and operating without VA accreditation.
In its order, the court stated, "The evidence is undisputed that Guardian is not accredited, that on behalf of veterans it prepares claims forms, that in those forms it presents disability claims for decision by the VA, and that it charges fees for doing so. These actions violate federal law."
"This is one of the clearest judicial statements we have seen confirming that these companies are acting unlawfully," said VFW General Counsel John Muckelbauer. "For years, the VFW has argued that unaccredited claims companies cannot avoid federal law simply by calling themselves 'consultants' or 'coaches.' The court looked beyond the marketing language and focused on the conduct itself."
The ruling directly rejects the industry's long-standing argument that fee-charging claims companies operate outside the VA accreditation system because they are not technically representing veterans as "agents." Instead, the court determined the company's activities constituted claims representation under existing federal law.
The decision also reinforces the VFW's long-standing position that current federal statutes already prohibit unaccredited entities from charging veterans for assistance with disability claims preparation and submission.
According to materials filed in the certified class action, plaintiffs alleged Veterans Guardian collected more than $250 million from veterans during the class period, underscoring the scale of the issue nationwide.
"This decision should serve as a wake-up call," said Muckelbauer. "The court made clear these facts were 'undisputed.' That matters. It demonstrates that the law is not unclear or outdated, as the industry has repeatedly claimed. Veterans deserve qualified, accredited representation -- not companies exploiting loopholes and charging illegal fees."
The VFW calls on Congress and the VA to use the ruling as a basis for stronger enforcement actions against unaccredited claims actors and to continue opposing state-level efforts aimed at legitimizing fee-charging companies operating outside the VA accreditation framework.
The VFW remains committed to protecting veterans from predatory practices and ensuring they receive free, accredited assistance when navigating the VA claims process.
Read the full federal court decision (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ncmd-1_23-cv-00756/pdf/USCOURTS-ncmd-1_23-cv-00756-3.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/5/vfw-applauds-federal-court-ruling-against-veterans-guardian
[Category: National Defense]
Consumer Reports Supports the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act
YONKERS, New York, May 27 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Consumer Reports supports the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act
Springfield, IL - Consumer Reports announced its support today for SB 340, legislation that would create a set of baseline consumer rights, including the right to access, delete, and stop the sale of their personal information. Notably, the bill would create strong data minimization provisions relating to sensitive data, preventing companies from collecting or using consumers' sensitive data unless necessary to provide the requested
... Show Full Article
YONKERS, New York, May 27 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Consumer Reports supports the Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act
Springfield, IL - Consumer Reports announced its support today for SB 340, legislation that would create a set of baseline consumer rights, including the right to access, delete, and stop the sale of their personal information. Notably, the bill would create strong data minimization provisions relating to sensitive data, preventing companies from collecting or using consumers' sensitive data unless necessary to provide the requestedproduct or service. The bill would also outright prohibit the sale of a consumer's most sensitive data.
"Consumers' sensitive information is routinely sold to dozens of third-party businesses that have no right to it," said Matt Schwartz, senior policy analyst at Consumer Reports. "This has led to a variety of harms, including stalking, identity theft, and unfair pricing schemes. The Illinois Consumer Data Privacy Act, while imperfect in many ways, would help put a stop to this practice. We hope that the House will advance this legislation, and ideally, strengthen several key provisions in the process."
CR urges the House to address several outstanding concerns with the bill, including:
* Improving the bill's data minimization standard for non-sensitive personal information;
* Restoring meaningful enforcement provisions, including some version of a private right of action;
* Strengthening the definition of targeted advertising; and
* Eliminating entity-level carveouts.
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Original text here: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/consumer-reports-supports-the-illinois-consumer-data-privacy-act/
[Category: Business]
Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Jon Bonck on TX-38 Primary Runoff Victory
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Club for Growth, an advocacy organization, issued the following news release:
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Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Jon Bonck on TX-38 Primary Runoff Victory
Club for Growth PAC congratulates Jon Bonck on winning the Republican primary runoff in Texas' 38th Congressional District. Bonck, a mortgage and real estate broker, defeated Shelly deZevallos to advance to the general election. President Donald Trump also endorsed Bonck in the race.
"Jon Bonck is committed to lowering taxes, supporting school freedom, and cutting red tape on overbearing regulations," said Club
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WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Club for Growth, an advocacy organization, issued the following news release:
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Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Jon Bonck on TX-38 Primary Runoff Victory
Club for Growth PAC congratulates Jon Bonck on winning the Republican primary runoff in Texas' 38th Congressional District. Bonck, a mortgage and real estate broker, defeated Shelly deZevallos to advance to the general election. President Donald Trump also endorsed Bonck in the race.
"Jon Bonck is committed to lowering taxes, supporting school freedom, and cutting red tape on overbearing regulations," said Clubfor Growth PAC President David McIntosh. "Club for Growth PAC is proud to have played a role in Bonck's runoff victory, and we look forward to him winning the general election this November."
Club for Growth Action and its affiliated Super PACs invested over $300,000 in the race to support Bonck's candidacy and inform voters of President Trump's endorsement. Club for Growth PAC members contributed $42,046 directly to the Bonck campaign.
Click here (https://youtu.be/f54VdxGSqjU) to watch The Guy, a Club for Growth Action ad showcasing President Trump's endorsement of Bonck in the race.
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Original text here: https://www.clubforgrowth.org/club-for-growth-pac-congratulates-jon-bonck-on-tx-38-primary-runoff-victory/
[Category: Political]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints President Johnson Meets With Maryland's Governor
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 27 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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President Johnson Meets With Maryland's Governor
Relief Society leader and governor discuss service and family history
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General Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson and Elder Michael P. Brady, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with Maryland's Governor Wes Moore in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday, May 15, 2026, to discuss expanding opportunities for service and strengthening communities throughout the state.
Maryland's governor
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 27 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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President Johnson Meets With Maryland's Governor
Relief Society leader and governor discuss service and family history
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General Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson and Elder Michael P. Brady, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with Maryland's Governor Wes Moore in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday, May 15, 2026, to discuss expanding opportunities for service and strengthening communities throughout the state.
Maryland's governoremphasized the importance of service as a unifying force. He spoke about his office's efforts to improve access to service opportunities and shared his vision for expanding participation statewide. Governor Moore is familiar with JustServe.org, a website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ as a gift to the community. The website connects volunteers with local service opportunities. Governor Moore believes the resource is a valuable tool not just for his state, but for others across the country.
As part of the visit, President Johnson and Elder Brady presented Governor Moore with a personalized family history compiled by a FamilySearch specialist. The governor was thrilled to see his family's generational tree and supporting records containing images of documents and photos that connect him to his family roots.
President Johnson shared other resources the Church offers to strengthen individuals and families and invited him to "see the Church as an ally and a resource in fulfilling his responsibilities as governor of the state."
The governor expressed gratitude and recognition for the work already being done in his state by the Church and expressed a deep conviction to continue his efforts to promote service. "Service is something we believe to our core," Governor Moore added.
Prior to the meeting with the governor, Dr. Lora Hargrove, director of faith outreach for the Governor's Office, met with Church leaders and shared her passion for bringing people of faith together. She expressed the incredible amount of good that she has seen as faith groups unite.
Also present were Eme Martin, a member of the Relief Society general advisory council, and Bente Uhlig, communication director for the Baltimore Maryland Coordinating Council.
The meeting reflected a shared commitment to increasing service, strengthening families and building partnerships that bless communities throughout the state and beyond.
In Annapolis, President Johnson traveled to the United States Naval Academy, where she toured and ministered to Latter-day Saints who are current midshipmen. "The midshipmen and women are an inspiring group of young adults committed to personal discipline, academic excellence, valor in service and discipleship of Jesus Christ," President Johnson said. More than 500 youth attended a devotional in Frederick that evening.
On Saturday, the leader of the Church's 8 million women provided leadership instruction, then spoke at a special meeting that was attended by more than 800 Relief Society sisters at the Frederick Maryland Stake Center. On Sunday morning, President Johnson attended worship services at the Inner Harbor Ward in Baltimore.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-johnson-meets-with-maryland-s-governor
[Category: Religion]
CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism Targeting Queens Kosher Bagel Shop
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism Targeting Queens Kosher Bagel Shop
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned vandalism targeting a kosher bagel shop in Queens, New York, and called for a full investigation into the incident.
Police are reportedly investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism Targeting Queens Kosher Bagel Shop
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned vandalism targeting a kosher bagel shop in Queens, New York, and called for a full investigation into the incident.
Police are reportedly investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director AfafNasher said:
"CAIR-NY condemns this act of vandalism targeting a kosher business in Queens. Houses of worship, businesses, and community institutions should never be targeted because of their faith, ethnicity, or perceived national origin. Criminal acts and bias-motivated intimidation undermine the safety of all New Yorkers.
"We urge community leaders, elected officials, and residents to reject antisemitism and all other forms of bigotry. Law enforcement authorities should conduct a thorough investigation and hold anyone responsible accountable."
She said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-condemns-vandalism-targeting-queens-kosher-bagel-shop/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Condemns Reported Plan to Strip Muslim Custodianship of Al-Aqsa Mosque As 'Dangerous and Illegal'
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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CAIR Condemns Reported Plan to Strip Muslim Custodianship of Al-Aqsa Mosque As 'Dangerous and Illegal'
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned reported plans pursued by Israeli and U.S. officials, as well as Jared Kushner, to strip Jordan of its historic custodianship over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem in an attempt to end Muslim leadership over the holy site.
CAIR
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WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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CAIR Condemns Reported Plan to Strip Muslim Custodianship of Al-Aqsa Mosque As 'Dangerous and Illegal'
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned reported plans pursued by Israeli and U.S. officials, as well as Jared Kushner, to strip Jordan of its historic custodianship over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem in an attempt to end Muslim leadership over the holy site.
CAIRalso called on the Trump administration to address the reporting and disavow any such "dangerous and illegal" plans.
According to media reports, discussions are underway to transfer oversight of the holy site away from Jordan despite its internationally-recognized custodial role.
In a statement, Washington, D.C.-based CAIR said:
"Any attempt to further strip Al-Aqsa Mosque of its religious character would be illegal, dangerous and an affront to nearly two billion Muslims around the world. Key members of the Israeli government have made no secret of the fact that they wish to up end the status quo and would, if they could, destroy the Al-Aqsa compound.
"The Israeli apartheid government's attacks on religious institutions and its denial of Muslim and Christian religious rights are completely out of control. The international community must reject any effort to erode protections for Palestinian religious sites or diminish the rights of worshippers in occupied Jerusalem."
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-reported-plan-to-strip-muslim-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-as-dangerous-and-illegal/
[Category: Sociological]
A Better Wisconsin Together: Tom Tiffany Ally Applies for Over $3 Million in Trump Slush Fund Money
MONONA, Wisconsin, May 27 -- A Better Wisconsin Together, a state-based research and communications hub for progressives, posted the following news release:
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Tom Tiffany Ally Applies for Over $3 Million in Trump Slush Fund Money
Tiffany is letting his election denying MAGA allies try to take millions of our public tax dollars
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Less than a week after GOP Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany didn't lift a finger to stop Trump from using Wisconsinites' public tax dollars as a potential payout for January 6 insurrectionists, one of Tiffany's MAGA allies in Wisconsin is already
... Show Full Article
MONONA, Wisconsin, May 27 -- A Better Wisconsin Together, a state-based research and communications hub for progressives, posted the following news release:
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Tom Tiffany Ally Applies for Over $3 Million in Trump Slush Fund Money
Tiffany is letting his election denying MAGA allies try to take millions of our public tax dollars
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Less than a week after GOP Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany didn't lift a finger to stop Trump from using Wisconsinites' public tax dollars as a potential payout for January 6 insurrectionists, one of Tiffany's MAGA allies in Wisconsin is alreadyasking for more than $3 million.
Recent documentation shows that Jim Troupis is seeking $3.2 million from Trump and Tiffany's insurrectionist slush fund. Tiffany conferred with Troupis, Trump's disgraced former Wisconsin campaign attorney, around legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Troupis is currently facing felony charges tied to his role in the failed 2020 fake electors scheme. Also in the weeks ahead of January 6, Troupis worked to throw out the presidential election votes of 220,000 Wisconsin voters.
"After their failed attempt at helping Trump steal millions of Wisconsinites' votes, Tom Tiffany is letting his election denying MAGA allies try to take millions of our public tax dollars," said A Better Wisconsin Together Deputy Director Mike Browne.
Browne noted that Tiffany's latest proximity to extremism is unacceptable, but perhaps not surprising.
Tiffany voted against certifying the 2020 election results and just last week was caught still refusing to acknowledge the truth that Donald Trump lost that election. Tiffany also supported a related lawsuit that even the MAGA majority on the U.S. Supreme Court wouldn't take up.
"Who is Tom Tiffany really looking out for?" said Browne. "Because it certainly isn't Wisconsinites, our votes, or our tax dollars."
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A Better Wisconsin Together is a state-based research and communications hub for progressives and is an affiliate of ProgressNow.
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Original text here: https://abetterwisconsin.org/tom-tiffany-ally-applies-for-over-3-million-in-trump-slush-fund-money/
[Category: Economics]
