Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Taylor Swift honors her father with $1 million gift to the American Heart Association
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:
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Taylor Swift honors her father with $1 million gift to the American Heart Association
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DALLAS, Dec. 23, 2025 Heart disease and stroke claim more lives in the United States than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined, affecting nearly half of all U.S. adults. The American Heart Association is working to change that and create a future where everyone everywhere can live healthier, longer lives. Global music superstar Taylor Swift is supporting that mission
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:
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Taylor Swift honors her father with $1 million gift to the American Heart Association
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DALLAS, Dec. 23, 2025 Heart disease and stroke claim more lives in the United States than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined, affecting nearly half of all U.S. adults. The American Heart Association is working to change that and create a future where everyone everywhere can live healthier, longer lives. Global music superstar Taylor Swift is supporting that missionwith a personal $1 million contribution to advance ongoing scientific research, stronger prevention and treatment efforts, and expanded access to life-saving care for every community. Swift gave her gift in honor of her father, Scott Swift, whose heart condition she spoke about earlier this year.
"Taylor Swift's remarkable generosity will create lasting change far beyond its financial value," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Her family's experience with cardiovascular disease is all too common, affecting nearly half of American adults. Her commitment to supporting her father will make so many others aware of the need to take their own heart health seriously, strengthen prevention efforts, and improve controllable risk factorsultimately helping more people live longer, healthier lives."
Swift has previously spoken about her family's experience with cardiovascular disease on the New Heights Podcast. Stories like hers are powerful, offering strength, connection and healing for others facing similar challenges. The American Heart Association provides a free online platform, the Support Network, where patients, survivors and caregivers can share their experiences and support one another. This peer-led community gives voice to every journey with the nation's leading cause of death, helping build resilience and hope.
The American Heart Association stresses that preventive care is essential for lifelong heart health, urging early attention to family history and major risk factors, in addition to talking to your doctor. Routine screenings help track blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, body weight, and lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, physical activity, and nutrition. Nearly 80% of heart disease can be prevented through consistent healthy behaviors, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and effective stress management. Understanding personal risks and making steady, heart-healthy choices can reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease and improve overall well-being.
"Taylor has long been associated with the symbol of heart hands. At the American Heart Association, we proudly use that same gesture to honor all who have been affectedour mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and so many others. My hope is that together we can raise our collective heart hands and drive meaningful change against this disease, shaping a healthier future for generations to come," said Brown.
Supporting the American Heart Association helps drive meaningful, long-term improvements in heart health. The Association fights cardiovascular disease by funding research, educating the public, training millions in CPR, setting medical guidelines, advocating for health policies, and running programs that expand access to care and promote healthy habits, especially in underserved areas. These systemic efforts are critical as risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity continue to rise. According to American Heart Association projections, within 30 years, at least 6 in 10 Americans are expected to have cardiovascular disease. The work being done today is essential to alerting that trajectory and changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Linzy Cotaya, linzy.cotaya@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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Original text here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/taylor-swift-honors-her-father-with-1-million-gift-to-the-american-heart-association
Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
By Jen Goodale
The Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan effort to fix a long-standing injustice in the military retirement and disability compensation system, has taken a significant procedural step in Congress as lawmakers look to move the issue forward before the end of the year.
The MOAA-supported bill (H.R. 2102 | S. 1032) eliminates a dollar-for-dollar offset faced by servicemembers whose combat-related injuries force
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
By Jen Goodale
The Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan effort to fix a long-standing injustice in the military retirement and disability compensation system, has taken a significant procedural step in Congress as lawmakers look to move the issue forward before the end of the year.
The MOAA-supported bill (H.R. 2102 | S. 1032) eliminates a dollar-for-dollar offset faced by servicemembers whose combat-related injuries forcethem to medically retire before the 20-year mark. Ending this "wounded veteran tax" would allow eligible veterans to receive both full retirement pay and full disability compensation.
In a strategic shift to advance the legislation in this session of Congress, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have filed the text of the bill as an amendment to House-passed appropriations legislation (H.R. 4016).
That House bill contains five of the 12 annual funding bills often viewed as must-pass legislation for federal operations, including money for:
* Defense
* Commerce, Justice and Science
* Interior
* Labor/Health and Human Services
* Transportation/Housing and Urban Development
By offering the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to this package, sponsors hope to give members of both chambers an opportunity to vote on the issue in the context of essential federal spending legislation.
Why This Matters Now
Attaching the legislation to must-pass funding bills represents a key shift in advocacy strategy as the first session of 119th Congress winds down. Because the standalone bills have faced procedural hurdles over the past seven years, leveraging the appropriations process may provide the best remaining opportunity to secure floor consideration and a recorded vote in the coming weeks.
MOAA continues to highlight that this reform carries modest budgetary impact relative to its importance to veterans' families and supporters, and stresses that military retirement pay and disability compensation are distinct entitlements earned through service and sacrifice.
How MOAA Members Can Help
MOAA's advocacy remains focused on passing the Major Richard Star Act. We need your help to urge members of Congress to support inclusion of the bill's language as an amendment to the appropriations legislation, and to oppose procedural barriers that could derail progress. Grassroots engagement remains critical to maintaining momentum.
Send a message to your lawmakers today, and keep track of this and other MOAA legislative priorities at our advocacy news page.
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About the Author
Jen Goodale
Goodale, a Marine Corps veteran, is MOAA's Director of Government Relations for Veteran and Retired Affairs.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/advocacy/long-sought-fix-for-combat-wounded-veterans-takes-new-path-in-congress/
[Category: National Defense]
Know a Veteran Facing Financial Trouble? These Resources May Help
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Know a Veteran Facing Financial Trouble? These Resources May Help
By Kevin Lilley
MOAA members work year-round to support fellow members of the wider uniformed services community, including via programs targeting those facing financial crises. But the holidays can lead to greater strains on limited funds, and an online VA resource may provide a helpful starting point for veterans seeking guidance.
"Individuals with budget problems - especially veterans - often don't need, or don't want, a handout,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Know a Veteran Facing Financial Trouble? These Resources May Help
By Kevin Lilley
MOAA members work year-round to support fellow members of the wider uniformed services community, including via programs targeting those facing financial crises. But the holidays can lead to greater strains on limited funds, and an online VA resource may provide a helpful starting point for veterans seeking guidance.
"Individuals with budget problems - especially veterans - often don't need, or don't want, a handout,"said Lila Quintiliani, MOAA's program director for financial and benefits education/counseling. "They may benefit from some veteran-focused, easy-to-navigate resources ... all situations are different, but pointing them toward FINVET could be a good first step."
Also known as the National Veterans Financial Resource Center, the VA launched FINVET last year with support from 25 different federal agencies. Among the offerings:
* Tools to create and maintain a budget.
* The basics on increasing income, from understanding investment strategies to maximizing earned veteran benefits.
* Financial security information, such as scam prevention resources, life insurance options, and banking guidance.
* A list of essential veteran financial resources, covering everything from details on VA educational and home-loan programs to job-search platforms to veteran discounts.
The site also includes information for veterans seeking financial assistance with basic needs, whether it's finding stable housing, affording food or clothing, or securing reliable transportation. FINVET does not provide direct assistance for veterans, but it does offer resources for finding such aid.
The FINVET site, which launched in early 2024, had received more than 150,000 visitors as of August 2025, according to a VA news article. Resources are updated regularly, and many are used as part of VA financial literacy outreach efforts.
"Any veteran can benefit from reviewing the financial basics," Quintiliani said. "No matter your income level, problems can appear quickly if you make poor investment decisions, fail to stick to a budget, or fall prey to scam attempts."
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About the Author
Kevin Lilley
Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/finance/know-a-veteran-facing-financial-trouble-these-resources-may-help/
[Category: National Defense]
Consumer Technology Association: Retailers Gather at CES 2026 to Discover Innovations Shaping Consumer Behavior
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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Retailers Gather at CES 2026 to Discover Innovations Shaping Consumer Behavior
Session with Best Buy CEO Corie Barry and expanded retail programming showcases the future of commerce
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R) announces retail innovation will take center stage at CES(R) 2026, highlighting the technologies and experiences reshaping how consumers discover products, engage with brands, and make purchase decisions. From AI powered personalization to seamless omnichannel
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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Retailers Gather at CES 2026 to Discover Innovations Shaping Consumer Behavior
Session with Best Buy CEO Corie Barry and expanded retail programming showcases the future of commerce
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R) announces retail innovation will take center stage at CES(R) 2026, highlighting the technologies and experiences reshaping how consumers discover products, engage with brands, and make purchase decisions. From AI powered personalization to seamless omnichannelecosystems and next generation social shopping, CES 2026 will bring together the retailers, brands, platforms and creators defining the new retail economy.
"Consumers expect immediacy, personalization, seamless movement between digital and physical experiences," said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. "CES 2026 will highlight the technologies and partnerships redefining product discovery, loyalty and meaningful brand-shopper connections."
Attendees will see AI engines customizing discovery, content linking to purchases, advanced store tech enhancing in-person experiences and data insights predicting consumer needs. CES will showcase a retail world built on deeper connection, intuitive design and more intentional shopping journeys.
The conference session, "Seamless Ecosystems, Personalized Experiences: The Next Era of Retail," will feature Best Buy CEO Corie Barry in conversation with Michael Kassan, CEO of 3C Ventures at C Space(R). Together, they will explore how aligning people, software and services come together to create retail journeys that feel effortless, personal and grounded in human connection. C Space at ARIA is the epicenter of innovative conversations for advertisers, marketers and media executives.
* The Retail Conference Track will examine the evolution of discovery, experience and purchase, with sessions including:
* Content to Commerce: The World of Social Shopping
* Experience Driven Retail
* The Future of "Search" at Retail with Justin Honaman, Head, Worldwide Retail & Consumer Goods Industry Strategy & Business Development, AWS
* The New Retail Experience in the AI Powered Store with Siobhan McFeeney, SVP, Technology, Target
The Retail Track is available for purchase as a standalone option or comes as part of the Deluxe Pass for conference programming. Additional individual sessions included in CES registration will feature leaders in retail media, creator commerce, AI-fueled insights, mixed reality, and full-funnel demand generation.
The retail conversation will continue across other programming with Daniel Danker, EVP, AI Acceleration, Product and Design, Walmart on the CES Foundry Stage and Seemantini Godbole, CTO, Lowes as part of a Great Minds session.
CES 2026 will deliver an immersive look at retail's next chapter and connect retailers, brands, creators, investors and technology innovators building the next era of consumer engagement and commerce. Brands like Amazon, Best Buy, IKEA, Instacart, Roundel, Walmart and more will be represented on our stages and show floor.
CES is where technology transforms the shopping experience and takes place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas. Register at CES.tech.
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About CES(R):
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world - the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.
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About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
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Original text here: https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/retailers-gather-at-ces-2026-to-discover-innovations-shaping-consumer-behavior?_gl=1*6jt04u*_gcl_au*NjYyMjYxMzk4LjE3NjUzNjA4MTg.
[Category: Electronic Products]
Cannabis Use Associated With Myriad Negative Impacts in Adolescents Even With Infrequent Use
ITASCA, Illinois, Dec. 23 [Category: Medical] -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Cannabis Use Associated With Myriad Negative Impacts in Adolescents Even With Infrequent Use
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A study examining the impact of cannabis use on adolescents found that even infrequent use was associated with poor academic performance, emotional states, impulsivity, and issues with self-regulation when compared with peers who didn't use cannabis. Researchers found the negative impacts of cannabis use to be present regardless of frequency of use, but more severe for younger
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, Dec. 23 [Category: Medical] -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Cannabis Use Associated With Myriad Negative Impacts in Adolescents Even With Infrequent Use
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A study examining the impact of cannabis use on adolescents found that even infrequent use was associated with poor academic performance, emotional states, impulsivity, and issues with self-regulation when compared with peers who didn't use cannabis. Researchers found the negative impacts of cannabis use to be present regardless of frequency of use, but more severe for youngerusers.
The study, "Cannabis Use Among US Adolescents," published in the January 2025 Pediatrics (published online on Dec. 23), examined over 162,500 responses to a national survey of public high school students in grades 8, 10 and 12 between 2018 and 2022. About 74% of respondents reported no cannabis use with the remaining 26% reporting noncurrent use. Frequent cannabis users (monthly at 4.8%, weekly at 3.6% and near-daily at 4.6%) were more likely to be older, with the median age around 17 years old. Researchers found cannabis use was associated with 2 to 5 times increased odds of low academic achievement.
Cannabis use was also associated with low social engagement, high impulsivity and aggression, as well as increased symptoms of anxiety, distress, and low self-esteem. Authors state that their findings underscore the need for routine inquiry regarding cannabis use in adolescents.
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Original text here: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/pediatrics2/2025/cannabis-use-associated-with-myriad-negative-impacts-in-adolescents-even-with-infrequent-use/
American Gastroenterological Association: Current State of GI Research
BETHESDA, Maryland, Dec. 23 -- The American Gastroenterological Association issued the following statement on Dec. 22, 2025, by Chair Michael Camilleri:
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The current state of GI research
You know what I've noticed these past months? GI investigators are feeling very anxious.
Normally, you hear the enthusiasm investigators have to establish significant
translational, clinical, and basic research that will positively impact patient outcomes.
But not today. Today, we hear about the uncertainty regarding the availability of federal funding for research, the cuts being made to research programs,
... Show Full Article
BETHESDA, Maryland, Dec. 23 -- The American Gastroenterological Association issued the following statement on Dec. 22, 2025, by Chair Michael Camilleri:
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The current state of GI research
You know what I've noticed these past months? GI investigators are feeling very anxious.
Normally, you hear the enthusiasm investigators have to establish significant
translational, clinical, and basic research that will positively impact patient outcomes.
But not today. Today, we hear about the uncertainty regarding the availability of federal funding for research, the cuts being made to research programs,and the dwindling pipeline of physician-scientists.
Breakthroughs in digestive health are at risk.
Cuts to NIH research funding will harm the future of GI research if we don't act now. The AGA Research Foundation can help keep GI research moving forward, with your support. Donate this holiday season to help fund pilot research awards for 10 investigators in need in 2026.
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Original text here: https://gastro.org/news/the-current-state-of-gi-research/
[Category: Medical]
AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
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What a year! Thanks to supporters like you, AFA had a real impact on 2025. Here are 10 ways your Air & Space Force Association made a difference for our Air Force and Space Force family over the course of the past 12 months.
1\. An Old Tradition, a Brand New Headquarters
AFA welcomed more than 120 distinguished guestsincluding Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
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What a year! Thanks to supporters like you, AFA had a real impact on 2025. Here are 10 ways your Air & Space Force Association made a difference for our Air Force and Space Force family over the course of the past 12 months.
1\. An Old Tradition, a Brand New Headquarters
AFA welcomed more than 120 distinguished guestsincluding Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and then-Chief of Staff of the Air ForceGen. David Allvinfor the grand opening of our new HQ, celebrated in conjunction with AFA's annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast. Hundreds more tuned in online, and around the world, with many chapters holding their own Raiders Memorial Toast. Here's to the Raiders, AFA, and the future!
2\. Turning Heads, Changing Policy
With the fate of the Air Force's E-7 early warning and battle management aircraft suddenly in doubt, AFA and the Mitchell Institute rallied 16 four-star generalsincluding six former Air Force Chiefs of Staffto co-sign an AFA letter warning against the move. Led by AFA's President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), and Dean of AFA's Mitchell Institute Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), the collective action voiced by these experienced leaders had an impact: Within weeks, the House of Representatives voted to support funding for the E-7 program, legislation that has since become law in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The E-7 Wedgetail continues!
3\. Fighting for Families
AFA rallied in support of Airmen, Guardians, federal civilians, and Families as the government shutdown ground on and some families faced severe financial hardships. In less than a week, AFA members contributed more than $17,000 and AFA pledged thousands more to help fund AFA Chapters' efforts around the nation, supporting food banks and other quality-of-life projects at Tinker AFB, Shaw AFB, Buckley SFB, Dobbins ARB, Bolling AFB, Duluth ANGB, and many more.
AFA's United Forces & Families program has more to give. Chapters can apply for $1,000 grants here.
4\. Building Coalitions and Influence
The cosigners of AFA's letter included the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the Marine Corps Association (MCA), the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the Reserve Organization of America (ROA), and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). The six associationsrepresenting a combined 1.8 million membershighlighted the impact of the month-long funding lapse across the defense community in the letter to the House and Senate, and during an AFA-hosted press event a few days before the government reopened.
5\. "Building Better Leaders"
AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center launched a new podcast, rapidly connecting with top leaders past and present. Among the first dozen episodes launched in 2025, are interviews with:
* Gen. Anthony Cotton, then-Commander of U.S. Strategic Command
* Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces
* Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, USSF (Ret.), the first Chief of Space Operations
* Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman, Command Sr. Enlisted Leader U.S. Space Forces - Space
Watch and listen to all 12 episodes here, or on your favorite platform:
6\. Connecting with Leadership
Air & Space Forces Magazine scored the first on-the-record interview with new Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who laid out his history and strategic vision for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Interview opportunities like this, along with opportunities to cover invitation-only events, like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's addresses to America's generals and to the defense industry, underscore that AFA's news reporters and products are trusted at the highest levels of government and industry.
7\. Notching STEM Records
AFA's CyberPatriot, the world's largest youth cyber education program, has now helped prepare 250,000 students for futures in science, technology, engineering and math. Among them, more than 100,000 CyberPatriot alumni have pursued degrees and/or careers in cybersecurity or computer science, helping to reduce our nation's deficit in cyber defenders by 15%.
Meanwhile, AFA's StellarXplorers space education program is growing as well, registering more teams for its national space design competition in 2025 than any of its 11 seasons before!
8\. Going the Distance
A record 270 riders joined the 350-mile bicycle ride from the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk, N.C., to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., this year. Together, they raised $73,000, well more than this year's goal, for AFA's Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program.
9\. Complex Wargaming
Bringing warfighters together from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), and Air Force Futures, allied participants from the Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and also members of the global defense industry, AFA's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies used the wargame to assess how differing future force structures measured up to the demands of peer competition in the Indo-Pacific.
10\. Farewell and Welcome
Outgoing AFA Chair of the Board Bernie Skoch completed his tenure as AFA's 51st Chair of the Board by handing the gavel to his successor, Kathleen Ferguson, on October 1. Under Skoch's stewardship, AFA membership grew to 130,000 and prominent leaders including former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and former Chief Information Security Officer of the U.S. Greg Touhill to the Board.
Ferguson's deep roots as a career civil servant, military spouse, and longtime AFA leader, give her an ideal profile to guide AFA through a pivotal erastrengthening the Association's advocacy, supporting its families, amplifying its voice, and building a vibrant future....and get ready for so much more in 2026!
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Original text here: https://www.afa.org/afas-10-key-milestones-in-2025/
