Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
UPMC Marks a Decade of Transforming Health Care in Lawrence and Mercer Counties
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 14 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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UPMC Marks a Decade of Transforming Health Care in Lawrence and Mercer Counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - Since joining UPMC in 2016, UPMC Jameson has become a regional health care destination for advanced medical, surgical and specialty services. What was once a hospital at risk of closure, before its UPMC affiliation, is now an essential part of a coordinated regional network delivering advanced care across Lawrence, Mercer and surrounding communities.
Across Lawrence and Mercer
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 14 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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UPMC Marks a Decade of Transforming Health Care in Lawrence and Mercer Counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - Since joining UPMC in 2016, UPMC Jameson has become a regional health care destination for advanced medical, surgical and specialty services. What was once a hospital at risk of closure, before its UPMC affiliation, is now an essential part of a coordinated regional network delivering advanced care across Lawrence, Mercer and surrounding communities.
Across Lawrence and Mercercounties, UPMC delivers a thoughtfully designed model of care with three hospital campuses: UPMC Jameson in New Castle, UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley in Farrell, and UPMC Horizon-Greenville in Greenville. The UPMC hospitals are bolstered by a coordinated network of outpatient and specialty services. Together, these sites function as a unified regional care delivery system with centers of excellence that bring advanced care closer to home.
"In 2016, our community made a decision to secure the future of its hospital," said Dave Patton, president, UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon, and Lawrence County native. "Ten years later, we've built something even stronger -- a system of care that delivers advanced services locally. We connect people to UPMC's full capabilities and deliver nationally recognized, high-quality health care that improves health outcomes for people in our region."
From Risk of Closure to Regional Strength
In 2014, Jameson Health System signed a letter of intent to merge with UPMC. But the transaction was delayed for more than a year following legal challenges from the office of then-Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane and a required national rebid. During that time, the hospital faced significant financial pressure and was at serious risk of closure, leading to the loss of key services.
No other bidder matched the level of commitment, investment and long-term vision of UPMC. Following extensive community advocacy and a competitive review process, an independent arbiter determined that UPMC was uniquely positioned to preserve and strengthen health care in the region, and the affiliation was approved and finalized on May 1, 2016.
Designing Care Around Community Needs
Since integration, UPMC has redesigned and improved care delivery across Lawrence and Mercer counties -- intentionally building high-volume, high-quality programs that allow people to receive advanced treatment close to home.
In Lawrence County, UPMC Jameson has become a destination for advanced cardiac care, supported by:
* A 24/7 interventional cardiac catheterization program
* A robust UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute built in New Castle, including expert subspecialties, such as electrophysiology
* Local access to complex cardiac and vascular consultations with advanced interventions delivered from within the region
* Regional intensive care access that now includes patients transported to UPMC Jameson for life-saving care
In Mercer County, UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley has become a regional destination for women's health and maternity services through The Birth Place at UPMC Horizon. UPMC Horizon teams deliver nearly 1,100 births annually and are fully staffed with board-certified obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) physicians, labor and delivery nurses, certified nurse midwives, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh neonatology providers and board-certified anesthesiologists. UPMC's labor and delivery services in Farrell also include a Level II nursery and real-time access to specialty care through telemedicine connection with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and UPMC Children's, supporting maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology, including virtual rounds for newborn care.
Across the region, cancer care has expanded through substantial investment with nationally recognized UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations in New Castle, Farrell and Greenville. Medical oncology is available in each community with advanced radiation oncology -- including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) -- offered at UPMC Hillman at UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley. These investments mean people can receive advanced, more precise treatments in fewer visits, supported by experienced care teams close to where they live.
"We've made deliberate decisions to meet the defined health needs of this community," said Patton. "Our care teams provide advanced, high-quality care close to home -- doing work that matters with people who care about the patients and families they serve."
Investing in People, Services and the Future
Over the past decade, UPMC has invested more than $200 million in capital improvements across facilities in Lawrence and Mercer counties -- far exceeding 10-year commitments outlined in the original agreement with Jameson Health System. These investments have expanded surgical capacity, strengthened inpatient medical and emergency care, modernized facilities including full-hospital renovations and introduced advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery, while also supporting physician recruitment and enhancing critical care capabilities.
Equally important, UPMC has strengthened the clinical workforce and provider pipeline. Through its ability to recruit and retain high-quality physicians and advanced practice providers, UPMC has expanded access to specialty care that was not previously available in the Lawrence-Mercer region.
"Physician recruitment is a key differentiator," Patton said. "UPMC allows us to attract and retain highly skilled physicians who want to do meaningful work, grow in their careers and be part of a team that's committed to improving care for this community."
UPMC now employs nearly 3,000 team members across its hospitals and outpatient locations in Lawrence and Mercer counties, reflecting continued investment in employees through enhanced benefits, competitive wages and expanded opportunities for education and career growth.
That approach includes strategic investments in new access points, such as the UPMC Outpatient Center at Westgate Plaza in Union Township, which expands access to primary care, specialty care and diagnostic services in Lawrence County, while also supporting the growth of the UPMC Horizon Family Medicine Residency Program. Horizon's residency program has doubled in scope with medical resident physicians now caring for people in Mercer and Lawrence counties.
UPMC also expanded access to specialized pediatric care by bringing UPMC Children's Rehabilitation Therapies to UPMC Jameson, providing local families access to advanced pediatric physical and speech therapy delivered by UPMC Children's clinical experts.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health services have expanded significantly in response to growing community need, including the addition of adult behavioral health intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs in New Castle -- providing critical access to structured, high-quality behavioral health care. These services are complemented by the planned opening of a new UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital adult inpatient behavioral health unit within UPMC Jameson, currently under construction.
"These investments, combined with UPMC's clinical standards and benchmarking, have contributed to measurable improvements in the quality and consistency of care delivered across the region," said Patton.
Fueling the Pipeline of Health Care Teams
UPMC continues to invest in the next generation of caregivers through the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing and the UPMC Jameson School of Radiography, both playing a critical role in building a sustainable workforce for the region. Since joining UPMC, the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing has grown significantly -- from 16 graduates in 2016 to more than 70 in 2025-26, with most choosing to begin their careers at UPMC.
This growth has been supported by program expansion, including the addition of a second annual cohort, a new LPN-to-RN pathway, and a partnership with Westminster College that enables students to pursue a BSN. Combined with UPMC's tuition forgiveness program, these efforts are strengthening the local pipeline of nurses and helping ensure high-quality care remains available close to home.
Delivering Impact Locally
Last year alone, UPMC provided $44 million in charity care, health and wellness programs and direct community support across the region.
"This affiliation was about more than preserving access to care -- it was about building a stronger, more sustainable future for health care in this region," said Frank Mendicino, UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon board chair. "Over the past decade, UPMC has continued to invest beyond its initial commitments, strengthening services, supporting our workforce and ensuring our communities have access to high-quality care close to home."
A Decade of Progress -- and a Foundation for the Future
"Ten years after joining UPMC, the impact is clear: stronger services, expanded access, advanced care close to home and a more sustainable future for health care in Lawrence and Mercer counties," said Patton.
"None of this happens without our people," he added. "Our teams provide safe, high-quality, advanced care that is tailored to the precise health needs of this community. From routine care to life-saving interventions, our community has local access to the care they need -- right here at UPMC."
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Original text here: https://www.upmc.com/media/news/051326-upmc-jameson-tenth
[Category: Health Care]
Protect Our Care: No Permanent FDA, CDC Heads or Surgeon General Is Unprecedented and Untenable
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:
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No Permanent FDA, CDC Heads or Surgeon General Is Unprecedented and Untenable
No Wonder Voters Don't Trust Trump or RFK Jr. to Handle a Public Health Crisis
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With Donald Trump forcing out FDA Commissioner Marty Makary for unscrupulous reasons, that now leaves this administration with no permanent FDA head, no Surgeon General, and no permanent CDC director as the 'ineffectual' NIH Director with no medical training pretends to oversee the CDC competently. Senate Republicans have not even bothered to schedule confirmation
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WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:
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No Permanent FDA, CDC Heads or Surgeon General Is Unprecedented and Untenable
No Wonder Voters Don't Trust Trump or RFK Jr. to Handle a Public Health Crisis
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With Donald Trump forcing out FDA Commissioner Marty Makary for unscrupulous reasons, that now leaves this administration with no permanent FDA head, no Surgeon General, and no permanent CDC director as the 'ineffectual' NIH Director with no medical training pretends to oversee the CDC competently. Senate Republicans have not even bothered to schedule confirmationhearings for Trump's latest in a long line of nominees for CDC director and Surgeon General.
The void of health department leadership is unprecedented for an administration well into its second year, leaving the nation more vulnerable to public health threats like hantavirus and measles.
Americans are right to be worried about health emergency preparedness: A new Data for Progress survey found a clear majority of voters (53%), including 59% of Independents, say they don't trust Trump to handle a public health crisis; while 51% of voters (51%), including 58% of Independents, say they don't trust Kennedy to be on top of it.
"As public health threats loom large, it's unnerving that Don Jr's unqualified 'hunting buddy' is now overseeing our food and drug safety, there's no Surgeon General to guide the public through troubled public health waters, and the NIH director with no medical training is phoning it in at the CDC," said Kayla Hancock, Director of Protect Our Care's Public Health Project. "Donald Trump and RFK Jr's patchwork health department has no authority figure around to object as they pursue a dangerous anti-science agenda, like wasting tens of millions of tax dollars to fear-monger vaccine safety."
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Original text here: https://www.protectourcare.org/no-permanent-fda-cdc-heads-or-surgeon-general-is-unprecedented-and-untenable/
[Category: Health Care]
President Simpson Issues Remarks on Trump Delivering More for Conservation Than Biden's Lands Rule
DENVER, Colorado, May 14 -- Western Energy Alliance issued the following remarks on May 12, 2026, by President Melissa Simpson:
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Trump Delivering More for Conservation than Biden's Lands Rule
Following an announcement by the U.S. Department of the Interior that it is rescinding the Bureau of Land Management's Conservation and Landscape Heath Rule from 2024, Western Energy Alliance President Melissa Simpson offered the following remarks:
"We're glad to see the Biden rule overturned. Our nation's economy and conservation of public lands are both better off. Today, the Trump Administration
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, May 14 -- Western Energy Alliance issued the following remarks on May 12, 2026, by President Melissa Simpson:
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Trump Delivering More for Conservation than Biden's Lands Rule
Following an announcement by the U.S. Department of the Interior that it is rescinding the Bureau of Land Management's Conservation and Landscape Heath Rule from 2024, Western Energy Alliance President Melissa Simpson offered the following remarks:
"We're glad to see the Biden rule overturned. Our nation's economy and conservation of public lands are both better off. Today, the Trump Administrationis embracing energy production on public lands because the resources Americans collectively own can be used for our nation's economic benefits. Nearly 10% of the oil and natural gas we use is produced on multiple use public lands. Drivers today certainly understand how important it is we produce oil at home when they go to fill up their vehicles.
"In return, the revenues from energy produced on public lands funds meaningful on-the-ground conservation in national parks, forests, wetlands, and other areas. Under the Legacy Restoration Fund that was created in 2020 during the first Trump Administration, our industry has contributed nearly $8 billion for 1,651 projects to improve public lands over the past five years. Our industry is currently the largest funder of federal conservation programs. The Biden rule put the future of that historic conservation program at risk and didn't offer a comparable replacement. We support Trump Administration's actions because they understand energy production and conservation are not competing priorities."
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Original text: https://www.westernenergyalliance.org/2026/05/12/trump-delivering-more-for-conservation-than-bidens-lands-rule/
[Category: Energy]
Montgomery Co. Councilman Jawando Introduces Data Center Moratorium
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Montgomery Co. Councilman Jawando Introduces Data Center Moratorium
Moratorium would pause building permits for two years
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Montgomery County, MD -- At a press conference in Rockville yesterday, Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando introduced a two-year moratorium for new data center permits. The announcement follows Councilman Evan Glass' proposal for a six-month moratorium, introduced last week.
Residents across Maryland's most populated county have been sounding the alarm on data center development,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Montgomery Co. Councilman Jawando Introduces Data Center Moratorium
Moratorium would pause building permits for two years
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Montgomery County, MD -- At a press conference in Rockville yesterday, Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando introduced a two-year moratorium for new data center permits. The announcement follows Councilman Evan Glass' proposal for a six-month moratorium, introduced last week.
Residents across Maryland's most populated county have been sounding the alarm on data center development,including in Dickerson where there are plans to develop a five-building data center campus on 700 acres of land co-located with the community's old coal power generation station.
"Hyperscale data centers that seek to enrich Big Tech at Marylanders' expense are not welcome in Montgomery County. Councilman Jawando's data center moratorium is a welcome move in addressing this defining issue. In the face of gross inaction at the state level this past legislative session, this moratorium introduction highlights why local government is so crucial in protecting our communities, economy and environment," said Food & Water Watch Maryland Organizer Jomar Lloyd.
In March, Food & Water Watch released a first-of-its-kind report detailing the harms of the AI and data center boom infiltrating communities around the country. In October, Food & Water Watch became the first national group to call for a data center moratorium. Over 250+ organizations have since joined the call.
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Original text here: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/05/13/montgomery-co-councilman-jawando-introduces-data-center-moratorium/
[Category: Science]
DHR Health Achieves Prestigious National Accreditation, Establishing the First and Only Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in South Texas
EDINBURG, Texas, May 14 -- DHR Health issued the following news:
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DHR Health Achieves Prestigious National Accreditation, Establishing the First and Only Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in South Texas
DHR Health is pleased to announce that its Epilepsy Center has been officially accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). This is the highest level of accreditation available for epilepsy care in the United States. Additionally, this achievement marks a historic milestone as the DHR Health Epilepsy Center is the first and only nationally accredited facility located south
... Show Full Article
EDINBURG, Texas, May 14 -- DHR Health issued the following news:
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DHR Health Achieves Prestigious National Accreditation, Establishing the First and Only Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in South Texas
DHR Health is pleased to announce that its Epilepsy Center has been officially accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). This is the highest level of accreditation available for epilepsy care in the United States. Additionally, this achievement marks a historic milestone as the DHR Health Epilepsy Center is the first and only nationally accredited facility located southof San Antonio and Houston.
An accredited NAEC epilepsy center offers specialized, multidisciplinary care designed to improve seizure control, particularly for drug-resistant epilepsy. Benefits include access to advanced diagnostics (video EEG/imaging), comprehensive surgical options, expert care teams, and specialized services like psychological counseling and specialized epilepsy management.
The designation by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers is awarded only to centers that meet rigorous standards for patients, staffing, technology, and outcomes. DHR Health joins an elite group of institutions nationwide recognized for excellence in epilepsy care.
"The achievement is not only a milestone for DHR Health but for the entire South Texas community," said Dr. Leonel Estofan, DHR Health neurologist who specializes in epilepsy and who oversees DHR Health's Epilepsy Center of Excellence. "It reflects our mission to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care and to lead with innovation and clinical excellence."
"Joining the elite ranks of NAEC-accredited centers confirms that our surgical staffing, technology, and clinical outcomes meet the highest standards of excellence in the nation and further ensures that patients with complex, drug-resistant epilepsy do not need to travel out of the area for world-class neurosurgical care," said Dr. Juan Torres-Reveron, DHR Health Neurosurgeon.
Key benefits of NAEC-accredited centers include:
High-Level Expertise: Access to epileptologists, specialized neurosurgeons, and neurophysiologists.
Advanced Diagnostics: Specialized Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) with video-EEG to accurately diagnose seizure types and focus points.
Comprehensive Treatments: Access to advanced surgical procedures.
Comprehensive Care Approach: Care often includes specialized nurse practitioners, psychologists, and social workers to address the impact of epilepsy on life.
Specialty Services: Treatment for comorbid conditions like depression/anxiety, genetics counseling, and pregnancy planning.
At the DHR Health Epilepsy Center, there is a full spectrum of care for people living with epilepsy--from diagnostics and surgical treatment to ongoing support and education. The DHR Health Epilepsy Center is home to the region's only epilepsy surgical program using the ROSA robot and the only ABRET-certified EEG lab in South Texas. Dr. Leonel Estofan is a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy, and Dr. Juan Torres-Reveron is a neurosurgeon who specializes in epilepsy surgery.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. A person may be diagnosed with epilepsy after two or more unprovoked seizures--or after a single seizure with a high likelihood of recurrence. While some seizures are linked to brain injury or genetics, many cases of epilepsy have no identifiable cause.
If you would like more information about the DHR Health Epilepsy Center, please call (956) 362-8500 or visit https://dhrhealth.com/epilepsy.
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About DHR Health
DHR Health was founded in 1997 by a visionary group of local physicians and business leaders to address the healthcare challenges and disparities faced by the people of the Rio Grande Valley, a region in deep South Texas that has been historically underserved, lacking access to healthcare resources found in major metropolitan areas.
Today, DHR Health stands as one of the largest physician-owned hospital systems in the United States. The health system has expanded access to world-class, comprehensive care through six inpatient facilities and more than 80 outpatient clinics. Serving a diverse community of over 1.5 million residents, DHR Health is powered by a medical staff of over 625 physicians, 355 advanced practice providers, and 1,970 nurses among its 7,275 employees, offering access to more than 70 medical specialties and subspecialties throughout the region.
Headquartered in Edinburg, Texas, DHR Health is committed to serving Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. Recent expansions include a medical campus in Starr County to expand access to primary and specialty healthcare services, advance clinical research, and train the next generation of physicians through the establishment of a clinic and training space for Starr County's first ever family medicine physician residency graduate medical education program, a new hospital in Brownsville and the upcoming behavioral health hospital in Pharr, Texas, built in partnership with the City of Pharr, and the State of Texas.
DHR Health is dedicated to advancing clinical research and expanding graduate medical education to train the next generation of physicians in the Rio Grande Valley. With the region's largest medical residency program and the only fellowship programs in South Texas, DHR Health continues to invest in graduate medical education and recently partnered with the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine to provide undergraduate medical education training opportunities for future physicians.
Distinguished by innovation and excellence, DHR Health became the first Level I Trauma Center in the region and continues to invest in advanced medical technologies, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), robotic surgery platforms such as the Da Vinci 5 and ROSA systems, and the ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system. The health system proudly operates South Texas's only freestanding and certified women's hospital, recognized as a Level IV maternal care center for delivering the highest standard of care and has collaborated with Driscoll Children's Hospital to provide pediatric care for those children. DHR Health has established and continues to expand access to kidney transplant services in the Rio Grande Valley.
DHR Health continues to create a world-class health system to advance medicine and increase access for the communities we serve by empowering caregivers to heal through compassion, knowledge, innovation, integrated care and excellence.
Learn more about DHR Health at www.dhrhealth.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://dhrhealth.com/news-stories/dhr-health-achieves-prestigious-national-accreditation-establishing-the-first-and-only-comprehensive-epilepsy-center-in-south-texas/
[Category: Health Care]
CAIR-NY Raises Concerns Over NYPD Delayed Response to Violent Assault Involving Muslim Man Near ICCNY
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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CAIR-NY Raises Concerns Over NYPD Delayed Response to Violent Assault Involving Muslim Man Near ICCNY
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 is calling for accountability and transparency following what appears to be a delayed and inadequate NYPD response to a violent assault in Manhattan on April 19, 2026.
According to the victim's family, a South
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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CAIR-NY Raises Concerns Over NYPD Delayed Response to Violent Assault Involving Muslim Man Near ICCNY
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 is calling for accountability and transparency following what appears to be a delayed and inadequate NYPD response to a violent assault in Manhattan on April 19, 2026.
According to the victim's family, a SouthAsian Muslim man was attacked shortly after arriving at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICCNY) near East 96th Street and Third Avenue. The incident began as a minor vehicle collision but quickly escalated into a severe physical assault. The victim was allegedly placed in a chokehold, slammed to the ground, struck multiple times, and ultimately hit and dragged by the assailant's vehicle for approximately half a city block.
The victim sustained significant injuries requiring ambulance transport to a local hospital.
Despite the severity of the incident, initial police documentation reportedly indicated that no injuries had occurred. As a result, a detective was not assigned to the case until April 23, raising serious concerns about investigative delays and procedural failures. On that same day, the victim reportedly gathered and provided video evidence of the incident to police. Despite the urging of the victim, the alleged assailant reportedly still has not been questioned or investigated to date.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
"The reported delay in the investigative response raises urgent questions about how incidents of this severity are classified and handled. Almost a month has passed since this violent incident took place. The victim is rightfully seeking action from the police and has gone above and beyond to secure evidence. It's frustrating to experience the indifference from police, but it's not surprising. Many in the Muslim community already are reticent to report incidents because of distrust in law enforcement's response. Accountability and transparency are essential to ensure justice for the victim and to cultivate public trust."
CAIR-NY is calling on the NYPD to review its handling of this case, clarify how the initial report was documented, and ensure that proper procedures are followed in all cases involving violent assaults.
The organization also urges the NYPD to examine whether implicit bias or systemic issues may contribute to disparities in response times and investigative prioritization.
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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-raises-concerns-over-nypd-delayed-response-to-violent-assault-involving-muslim-man-near-iccny/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-LA Welcomes Pasadena City Council's Vote to Prohibit Funding for Weapons Manufacturers, Private Prisons
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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CAIR-LA Welcomes Pasadena City Council's Vote to Prohibit Funding for Weapons Manufacturers, Private Prisons
The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed the Pasadena City Council's 5-2 vote to amend a city investment policy to prohibit investments in companies that manufacture weapons and in private prisons.
SEE: Pasadena amends investment policy, steering funds away from fossil fuel, weapons, private prisons
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 14 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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CAIR-LA Welcomes Pasadena City Council's Vote to Prohibit Funding for Weapons Manufacturers, Private Prisons
The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed the Pasadena City Council's 5-2 vote to amend a city investment policy to prohibit investments in companies that manufacture weapons and in private prisons.
SEE: Pasadena amends investment policy, steering funds away from fossil fuel, weapons, private prisons(https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2026/05/12/pasadena-amends-investment-policy-steering-funds-away-from-fossil-fuel-weapons-private-prisons/)
Passed on Monday, May 11, the final amendment states, "The City Treasurer or any other authorized individual or company managing the investments of the City's surplus funds shall not invest in companies that engage in the production of fossil fuel, weapons manufacturing, tobacco, or private prisons."
In a statement, CAIR-LA Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager Aliya Yousufi said:
"The Pasadena City Council's recent vote to amend its investment policy is a testament to what is possible when our community shows up, speaks out, and refuses to be ignored. For years, Pasadena residents have made it clear that city money should not be used to fund the destruction of our planet, the machinery of war, or the imprisonment of human beings for profit--and yesterday, the city council listened.
"CAIR-LA commends the city council for having the courage to act and demonstrate what values-aligned governance looks like. We hope city councils across Southern California and beyond will follow Pasadena's example and ask themselves the same question: Do our investments reflect our values? For the sake of all our communities, the answer must be yes."
She added that broader conversations about the city's ethical investments stemmed largely from public outcry over Israel's genocide in Gaza. Over the past year, community members have given public comments urging the city council to include divestments from companies doing business with Israel in Pasadena's ethical investment policy.
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CAIR-LA is Southern California's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-welcomes-pasadena-city-councils-vote-to-prohibit-funding-for-weapons-manufacturers-private-prisons/
[Category: Sociological]
