Public Policy & NGOs
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Year of Milestones, Mourning and Momentum: The Church of Jesus Christ in 2025
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 27 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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A Year of Milestones, Mourning and Momentum: The Church of Jesus Christ in 2025
The past year was one of milestones, mourning and momentum for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The days were punctuated with sorrow from tragedies such as those in Lesotho and Michigan, as well as joy and progress from expanded opportunities for service and the continued growth of the Church around the globe.
The Church also experienced a change in leadership: President Russell
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 27 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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A Year of Milestones, Mourning and Momentum: The Church of Jesus Christ in 2025
The past year was one of milestones, mourning and momentum for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The days were punctuated with sorrow from tragedies such as those in Lesotho and Michigan, as well as joy and progress from expanded opportunities for service and the continued growth of the Church around the globe.
The Church also experienced a change in leadership: President RussellM. Nelson died at age 101, and President Dallin H. Oaks was named the faith's 18th Prophet and President.
Throughout the year, Latter-day Saints everywhere continued to carry out the Church's mission to pattern their lives after Christ's, care for people in need, invite the world to receive Christ's teachings, and unite families for eternity.
Caring for People in Need
To carry out Jesus Christ's two great commandments to love God and our neighbor, the Church continued to care for people in need around the world. One significant way the Church did this was by sharing the first of 250 truckloads of food with 250 food banks across all 50 United States to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
In Michigan, FISH of Grand Blanc received one of the first food truck deliveries on Wednesday, November 19. Grand Blanc was chosen as one of five cities to lead the initiative in recognition of the community's remarkable support after the September 28 shooting and fire that claimed four lives and injured eight others at a local Church meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Latter-day Saints also reached out in the wake of natural disasters, such as flooding in central Texas and the Philippines, fires in Southern California and Peru, earthquakes in Myanmar and Vanuatu, and Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean.
In Sri Lanka in May, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson observed the tangible effect that funding from the Church to UNICEF is having on women and children in the South Asian nation. During meetings on Temple Square in June, President Johnson told representatives from eight global humanitarian organizations that the Church is donating another US$63.4 million to its global initiative to improve the well-being of women and children.
In May, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited The Felix Project, the largest food redistribution charity in London. The Church collaborates with Muslim Aid to support The Felix Project's work of providing tens of millions of meals for those in need across the city.
In June, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Centro Sonrisas de Heroes (Smiles of Heroes Center) in Santiago, Chile. This care center serves children with terminal illnesses and complex disabilities through various therapies and programs. The Church donated two vans to support children with mobility needs.
In November, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited a children's medical center in Argentina and a hospital in Uruguay. Church donations have strengthened the care offered at both places.
In September, the Church donated 3,000 Chromebooks to help school children in Sainshand, Mongolia, the capital city of the Dornogovi province in the Gobi Desert.
In 2024, the Church's commitment to welfare, self-reliance, humanitarian aid, emergency relief and volunteer service was reflected in US$1.45 billion in expenditures. The details of the faith's 2025 caring efforts will be released on March 10, 2026.
Caring also included spiritual ministry to the brokenhearted. In February, President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared the love of Christ with families impacted by wildfires in California.
In September, Primary General President Susan H. Porter joined Sister J. Anette Dennis of the Relief Society General Presidency to minister in Lesotho to those mourning the tragic accident in late June that took the lives of six young women and four Church leaders.
Later that month, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Grand Blanc, Michigan, to minister to survivors of the deadly shooting and fire that claimed four lives and injured eight others at a local Church meetinghouse.
And in the Philippines in November, fellow Apostle Elder Patrick Kearon brought hope and comfort to survivors of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.
Inviting All to Receive Christ's Teachings
The Church continued to carry out Christ's New Testament commission to "go ... and teach all nations." In October, the Church announced plans to create 55 new missions. And in November, the First Presidency said women as young as 18 can now share the gospel as missionaries.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square -- the Church's musical missionaries -- performed its 5,000th episode of "Music and the Spoken Word" from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. The show is the world's longest continuously running network broadcast. More than 6 million people in over 50 countries tune in via radio, television, and online streaming each week.
President Oaks and his colleagues in the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Church's organizations for women and children traveled around the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In Europe, President Oaks said the key to resolving the many divisions seen in society -- whether political, economic, or doctrinal -- is to follow the example of the Savior of the world.
"The only permanent solution to the differences that divide us," he said, "is for all of us to follow our Savior's teachings and to gradually become even as He is. Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice, but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies to all persons at all times and in all places."
Many sermons focused on serving others as Christ would. One example came at the First Presidency Christmas devotional from President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency.
"Opportunities await each of us this Christmas season to reach out and show kindness with Christlike love -- and many times will have an enduring effect," President Eyring said. "As we embark on this wonderful Christmas season, I leave you my testimony that Jesus Christ is love and hope. We too can partner with him and share His love and hope with others through selfless acts of kindness."
Helping others follow Jesus Christ was also done in the interfaith realm. Speaking to Catholic friends in Rome in September, for example, President D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency spoke about human dignity -- and its roots in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
"As disciples of Christ, we have a solemn responsibility to advocate for human dignity, moral agency, and religious pluralism," President Christofferson said. "Our infinite worth is also connected to the redemption of the human being by Jesus Christ, His Atonement, and what that means for our ultimate destiny. ... His grace and His Atonement are key to the dignity, the worth that every soul has, regardless of where or when they live."
Church leaders traveled to the islands of the sea to share the message of Jesus Christ. Just one example was Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman spreading the gospel in Micronesia and Guam in February. She promised youth that "discipleship will be filled with adventure," and that "Jesus Christ can strengthen and help and comfort you in all areas of your life."
Apostles and prophets directed many Christ-focused messages to young adults around the globe. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, for example, taught this important demographic to trust in God. Life doesn't come with "cheat codes," he said, and "God won't give you a detailed itinerary for your life's journey," but "He trusts you to make the best possible decisions by following Jesus Christ."
Church leaders also shared their love of Christ with civic and government leaders. One example from May was Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visiting Cote d'Ivoire Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe at his private residence in Abidjan.
The Apostles also invited others to follow Christ's teachings by preserving the earth and caring for God's children.
"As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have a sacred duty to keep the flame of God's love burning in our hearts and to let its light shine within our communities," said Elder Gerald Causse of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. "The Lord asks us to be aware of the broader world around us -- something more possible than ever in our connected age -- while remaining grounded and actively engaged in the places where we live and serve."
Uniting Families Forever
Nearly six months before his death, President Nelson announced 15 new temples to be built in locations around the world. In his seven-plus years as leader of the Church, President Nelson announced 200 new temples. This is significant because each temple is a house of the Lord, where Christ's teachings are reaffirmed through sacred ordinances that unite families for eternity.
Ten new or renovated temples opened in 2025: The Toronto Ontario, Nairobi Kenya, Auckland New Zealand, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Syracuse Utah, Antofagasta Chile, Farmington New Mexico, Elko Nevada, Grand Junction Colorado, and Bahia Blanca Argentina Temples.
In Canada, just before offering the rededicatory prayer for the temple in Ontario, President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged Canadian Saints to rededicate themselves to "the promises of Christlike living."
During a visit to Mongolia in September, Elder Neil L. Andersen shared with local Saints the rendering and site location for the temple coming to Ulaanbaatar -- the country's first house of the Lord.
"The joy we saw in their faces as we said, 'Now you will have the house of the Lord right here in Ulaanbaatar.' They were overjoyed. We were overjoyed," the Apostle said.
One temple dedication coincided with an important milestone in Church history. At the dedication of the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple in November, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles noted that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication of South America for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
"What a great blessing to conclude this beautiful year of celebration with the temple dedication," said Elder Soares. "What a magnificent opportunity and blessing to see the growth of the kingdom of the Lord in South America that started here in Argentina in 1925. This temple is a symbol of faith; it's a beacon and a light to Argentina."
With the recent announcement of a temple coming to Portland, Maine, the Church has 383 temples operating, under construction, or announced.
"[Jesus Christ] invites us to follow the covenant path that leads to a heavenly family reunion," President Oaks said at the conclusion of the October 2025 general conference. "The sealing powers of the priesthood, directed by the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple, bring families together for eternity. They are currently being exercised in a growing number of temples of the Lord throughout the world. This is real. Let us be part of it."
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-of-jesus-christ-2025-year-in-review
[Category: Religion]
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities: What Does an Equitable Farm Bill Mean for Michigan's Rural Farmers?
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, Dec. 27 -- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities issued the following news:
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What does an equitable farm bill mean for Michigan's rural farmers?
AUTHOR: Amanda Brezzell
A Farm Dream
Just north of Mancelona, Michigan, along the US131 corridor sits the 160 acres of woods and farmland that make up Danu Hof Farm. Here, you'll find a hard-working family and a farm rooted in a passion to strengthen local food systems. "We believe actions speak louder than words, so farming became our way to live the change we wanted to see," says Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes.
Caitlin
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TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, Dec. 27 -- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities issued the following news:
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What does an equitable farm bill mean for Michigan's rural farmers?
AUTHOR: Amanda Brezzell
A Farm Dream
Just north of Mancelona, Michigan, along the US131 corridor sits the 160 acres of woods and farmland that make up Danu Hof Farm. Here, you'll find a hard-working family and a farm rooted in a passion to strengthen local food systems. "We believe actions speak louder than words, so farming became our way to live the change we wanted to see," says Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes.
Caitlinreceived her degree in business and hospitality management from northern Michigan University and shortly thereafter, left the Upper Peninsula to work in Traverse City. She got a job working with the Grand Traverse Resort, and that is where she met her husband Larry. Together they dreamed of owning their own farm. After working in the culinary industry and noticing how disconnected the food system has become from farmers, the land, and the people, Caitlin and Larry decided to turn their dream of becoming farmers into reality.
Day to Day Operations
In 2017, Caitlin and Larry purchased the land where their farm is now located. They have been farming now for eight years. On one half of their land, they are focused on forest conservation, with a long-term goal to turn the wooded area into a sugarbush for maple syrup. The other half is dedicated to living space and farm development. Their current operation includes farrow-to-finish pork, eggs, meat chickens, and market garden vegetables, all stewarded using techniques that have helped to improve soil health for their sandy plot.
Each year, they produce and sell roughly 2,000 dozen eggs, 13,000+ pounds of pork, 2,600+ pounds of chicken, and over 5,000 pounds of produce. They also sell goat milk soap, and more than 5,000 pounds of beef and 20,000 pounds of fruit from three other local partner farms. Together, these farms feed hundreds of families throughout northern Michigan. The revenue from the farm supports the McSweeney-Steffes's family of six and each of the three other farming families. "My favorite part of farming--and wearing all the many hats it requires--is the rhythm of daily life, even on the hard days." says Caitlin.
For Caitlyn and Larry, being Michigan growers means embracing the rhythm of the season while planning, adapting, and persevering through constant change. Spring and summer bring the gamble of weather and long hours in the field. Fall brings next season prep, farrowing pigs, raising chicks, and planning rotations. Winter is time for recordkeeping, repairs, and long-term planning for expansion and soil regeneration. Even on the days they set aside to rest, life is still interesting.
The Farm Bill
While farmers across the state attempt to make plans for the future, uncertainty looms as lawmakers negotiate a piece of legislation that will have major impacts on their livelihoods. As a reminder, roughly every five years, the United States Congress renews a major piece of legislation that we callThe Farm Bill. Each version of the bill has its own name, and the most recent one, "The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018," officially expired on September 30, 2025. This bit of legislation determines the United States policy on agriculture, food assistance, conservation, and rural development. It also determines funding and rules for farmers, nutrition programs, and environmental stewardship across the country.
Although drafts of the bill were presented in 2023 and 2024, a new bill has not been voted into law, leaving many programs operating with uncertainty. A stop-gap measure was presented in November of 2025 to extend support for some programs in the bill for another year, but not every program received this extension and it is not a long-term solution. Our vulnerable farmers do not have time to waste when their lives, and the lives of those who exist in the communities they support, are hanging in the balance.
What are Small-scale Rural Farmers Asking For?
As both first generation and small-scale farmers, Caitlin and Larry understand just how crucial an equitable farm bill is to maintaining their farm, sustaining their family, and stabilizing the local rural economy. Like many farmers across the country, their priorities include strengthening the Farm Safety Net, securing food and nutrition assistance, protecting conservation programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), supporting Fair Trade Agreements, developing a permanent disaster relief program for farmers, and ensuring consistent funding for historically underrepresented farmers.
For many rural communities, farming is what keeps the economy moving and food on the table. Having access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and food assistance programs helps farmers sell their products while families eat. Caitlin and Larry participated in the new WIC (SNAP for Women, Infants and Children) rollout, created a food subscription box for busy parents, and have partnered with Senior Project Fresh, Veterans initiatives, SNAP, and Double Up Food Bucks. These provide several outlets for them to get the products they are proud of into the community they sought to serve in the first place. "We believe our most vulnerable neighbors deserve to eat well and feel comfortable shopping at markets," says Caitlin.
"Risky" is a word often used when discussing farming. As our climate continues to shift, those with their hands in the soil, have witnessed these shifts and understand the risk to their operations. The Farm Safety Net is crucial for small and beginning farmers. This critical package of federal programs protects farmers from major financial losses caused by things like natural disasters and severe price drops. These programs were created to keep farms and the food supply stable in times of crisis. For small rural farms, however, some federal assistance programs do not apply because these programs aren't structured for farms of their size. This often results in emergency funding going to support larger farms.
There is a lot of debate at the USDA level regarding what is classified as a small farm. Sometimes this designation is classified by annual revenue, while other programs base the size of the operation on acreage. Rural farms are often measured in acres while urban farms are measured by the number of city lots the farm sits on. This ambiguity across the nation leaves a lot of farms in the gray area. Because rural economies rely so heavily on the small family farm, in the next farm bill, sizing standards need to be outlined and the safety net needs to be broadened to protect farms of all sizes.
After six years of applying, Caitlin and Larry finally received funding for their hoop house. In rural spaces, this funding typically goes to large farms. The reasoning is that large farms contribute more to the national food supply, but that ignores the vital contributions small family farms make to the community. While many large farms do the critical work of supplying markets outside of the neighborhood, small farms feed us at home. Expanding programs through the FSA and NRCS to include small and micro farms like Danu Hof expands local access to food across the state.
Ultimately, small rural farm priorities come down to ensuring consistent funding and program access to underrepresented farmers. When we discuss historically underrepresented farmers, the conversation is typically taken directly to racial lines and support for urban farmers. This comes from the misinformed perspective that these farmers only exist in urban spaces and that these programs are "woke DEI initiatives" to support ethnic and racial minorities only. This just is not the case. Underrepresented farmers exist in every farming community, yes, as farmers who belong to certain ethnic groups, but also as women and the gender-diverse, first time farmers, farmers with disabilities, Queer farmers, specialty crop farmers, small-scale farmers, and more. For farms like Danu Hof, federal programs need to specifically recognize the unique barriers to funding and support faced by farms because of their size, location, and the intersecting identities of those who run them.
Planning for The Future
Within the next five years, the plan for Danu Hof includes regenerating more land, adding sheep to the rotation, expanding the market garden, and eventually raising cattle. These changes will diversify and increase the farm's offerings, providing more food and financial security. For Caitlin and Larry, the hope is that as their children grow up on the farm, they continue to embrace the rhythm of this work to ensure the continuity of their operation into the next generation.
The future of farming and our current local food system rely on the stability of the small family farm. These farms are often overlooked, but as policies are made that will directly impact them, they deserve to have a say. Challenges to the stability of the system can have major impacts on small farms who are not positioned to bounce back quickly. When small farms are not supported, the families who rely on them feel it first. This work can feel isolating, "but we are stronger when our voices are united," says Caitlin. "We are resilient, willing, and eager to be heard."
The work to bring about an equitable farm bill is urgent, and we need support in getting it done for our farmers and for our Michigan economy. Congress needs to fund a bill that ensures that all farmers have access to programs that can sustain their lives and the food system across the country. Please share this story and visit our Groundwork Farm Bill Advocacy page to learn more about ways you can support this work. Groundwork logo for story end
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Amanda Brezzell is Groundwork's Policy & Engagement Specialist. amanda.brezzell@groundworkcenter.org
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Original text here: https://groundworkcenter.org/what-does-an-equitable-farm-bill-mean-for-michigans-rural-farmers/
[Category: Sociological]
Americans for Tax Reform: 2026 To Bring Further Tax Cuts, Income Tax Elimination To Missouri As Gov. Kehoe Leads Charge
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Dec. 26, 2025:
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2026 To Bring Further Tax Cuts, Income Tax Elimination To Missouri As Gov. Kehoe Leads Charge
By Dennis Hull
Governors and lawmakers across the country continued phasing down state income taxes in 2025. While 12 states cut personal income tax rates this year, Missouri stands out for becoming the first state to phase out taxation of capital gains when Governor Mike Kehoe (R-Mo.) signed HB 594 into law on July 11, four days after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Dec. 26, 2025:
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2026 To Bring Further Tax Cuts, Income Tax Elimination To Missouri As Gov. Kehoe Leads Charge
By Dennis Hull
Governors and lawmakers across the country continued phasing down state income taxes in 2025. While 12 states cut personal income tax rates this year, Missouri stands out for becoming the first state to phase out taxation of capital gains when Governor Mike Kehoe (R-Mo.) signed HB 594 into law on July 11, four days after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Actinto law.
"Conservative leadership is about keeping more money in the hands of Missouri families, and less in government coffers," Gov. Kehoe said when signing HB 594, which permits 100% deduction of capital gains when calculating state income tax liability. "Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work--families, job creators, and small business owners--by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates."
The Governor and his team are now looking to strengthen a competitive economic environment crafted over the last decade by taxpayer champions in the legislature, including Speaker Chad Perkins, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, House Leader Alex Riley and Senator Ben Brown, who have been instrumental in enacting multiple personal income tax cuts over the last several years that ultimately took the top marginal rate from 6% to 4.7% today. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the first-in-the-nation capital gains tax elimination that now puts Missouri at the forefront of innovative, pro-worker tax policy, while providing immediate relief to every retiree, investor, and every worker with a 401(k).
"This legislation is about creating a fairer tax system that supports growth and empowers individuals to keep more of their hard-earned money," Missouri Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins (R) said about HB 594. "I firmly believe this bill will have a great, positive impact on our state's economy and the financial well-being of our citizens." Representative George Hruza (R), a HB 594 cosponsor who championed the bill in the House, added that repealing the state capital gains tax will "turbocharge Missouri's economy."
After Leading on Cap Gains Repeal, Missouri Poised to Do the Same with Personal Income Tax Phase Out
While Missouri led the nation in eliminating state taxation of capital gains, the Show Me State is also poised in 2026 to leap ahead in a growing nationwide movement to phase out state taxation of all income. Gov. Kehoe has already made clear that personal income tax elimination will be his top tax priority in 2026. Expect Gov. Kehoe to focus on the matter during his State of the State address scheduled for January 15, fulfilling a key campaign promise and cementing his legacy early as a governor committed to making life more affordable for Missouri families.
Adding even more wind to the legislature's sails, the Missouri GOP's Executive Council last week voted unanimously to support the drive to take the state's 4.7% top income tax rate all the way to zero.
If Gov. Kehoe and Missouri lawmakers are able to enact legislation that phases out their state income tax, they will join the growing number of states that have already done so in recent years (Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Kentucky), as well as get ahead of the states that are in the process of doing so (Arkansas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia, and others). It's understandable that lawmakers in so many states are working to join the club of no-income-tax states, which currently has eight members. No-income-tax states have outperformed the rest of the nation for a long time when it comes to job creation, as well as economic and personal income growth.
"Americans for Tax Reform strongly supports the Missouri legislature and Governor Kehoe in their efforts to make Missouri the next zero-income-tax state, putting workers and families first -- not government bureaucrats," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. "Not only will an income tax phaseout make Missouri more affordable and competitive with neighbors like Oklahoma and Tennessee, but it will also attract families and individuals fleeing high tax blue states, inject new investment dollars into the state economy, and spur economic growth for decades to come."
Even with their existing advantage, lawmakers in no-income-tax states like Florida, New Hampshire and Texas have been finding other ways to provide tax relief in recent years that make their tax climates even more attractive, making the success of Gov. Kehoe's effort all the more imperative. Missouri is bordered by one no-income-tax state, but three other neighboring states are now on track to eliminate their income tax.
"We've got a well thought-out plan, and anytime you can let Missourians keep more money in their pocket, it's always better than the government spending it, any day," said Governor Kehoe of the Missouri GOP's plan to phase the income tax rate to zero.
Americans for Tax Reform will continue to vocally support Gov. Kehoe's effort to make Missouri a leader, not just a participant, in the nationwide movement to phase out state income taxes.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/2026-to-bring-further-tax-cuts-income-tax-elimination-to-missouri-as-gov-kehoe-leads-charge/
[Category: Political]
Luxury and Labour in the Gulf Heat
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Sociological] -- Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain posted the following news:
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Luxury and Labour in the Gulf Heat
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The Gulf region is notoriously known for its constantly hot, sunny weather and luxurious, modern infrastructure, providing travellers with ideal conditions for year-round beach holidays and outdoor activities. Yet few recognise that delivering such services relies heavily on human labour, with many workers compelled to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme heat for much of the year.
Most of the labour force in the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Sociological] -- Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain posted the following news:
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Luxury and Labour in the Gulf Heat
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The Gulf region is notoriously known for its constantly hot, sunny weather and luxurious, modern infrastructure, providing travellers with ideal conditions for year-round beach holidays and outdoor activities. Yet few recognise that delivering such services relies heavily on human labour, with many workers compelled to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme heat for much of the year.
Most of the labour force in theregion - specifically in the UAE - is comprised of migrants, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation either through the kafala system or through other restrictive employment practices that limit their rights, mobility, and wages. In addition, a Human Rights Watch report published this November has documented that migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are subjected to long working hours in harsh conditions, leading to significant health risks. The organisation has reported that multiple workers have suffered from fainting, vomiting and other heat-related symptoms, when working in temperatures above 35degC and high humidity.
A particularly stark illustration of these abuses is provided by a recent Amnesty International document reporting the severe and often unsafe conditions faced by migrant workers during the construction of the Riyadh Metro project. Amnesty interviewed 38 men from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal who worked for various foreign and Saudi companies on the Riyadh Metro project between 2014 and 2025. For most, the abuse began before departure, when they were charged recruitment fees of USD 700-3,500, pushing them into debt and leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation. Once in Saudi Arabia, they were paid less than USD 2 per hour while working over 60 hours per week. The long hours were made even more punishing by extreme heat, which some described as "like being in hell," with summer temperatures staying above 40degC for much of the day.
Nonetheless, GCC governments continue to devote limited attention to heat protection, relying largely on measures such as the 'Midday Work Ban', which allows workers to rest between 12:00pm and 3:00pm. Workers are also advised to take regular breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water, but they are not officially granted enough time to fully recover from prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Moreover, despite reaching a fragile deal at the recent COP30 in Brazil, fossil-fuel emissions were largely ignored, in part because Saudi Arabia threatened to derail the talks if its energy sectors were targeted. With fossil fuels being the major contributor to climate change and rising global temperatures, this omission undermines the effectiveness of the COP30 agreement and raises questions about the commitment of key Gulf states to meaningful climate action. This also highlights the broader disregard for the human cost, especially the extreme conditions faced by workers, as mega-projects like the Gulf Railway, a massive desert-spanning railway connecting six countries, get underway.
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Original text here: https://www.adhrb.org/2025/12/luxury-and-labour-in-the-gulf-heat/
Lawsuit Challenges Trump Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release:
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Lawsuit Challenges Trump Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline
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LOS ANGELES - Conservation groups have sued the Trump administration for taking over the regulation of the Las Flores Pipeline System and rushing this week to approve Sable Offshore Corp.'s pipeline restart plan and application for an "emergency" waiver from federal safety regulations.
The groups condemn the administration's blatant attempt to circumvent California regulators and fast-track the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Biology] -- The Center for Biological Diversity posted the following news release:
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Lawsuit Challenges Trump Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline
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LOS ANGELES - Conservation groups have sued the Trump administration for taking over the regulation of the Las Flores Pipeline System and rushing this week to approve Sable Offshore Corp.'s pipeline restart plan and application for an "emergency" waiver from federal safety regulations.
The groups condemn the administration's blatant attempt to circumvent California regulators and fast-track therestart of Santa Ynez Unit oil production using this defective pipeline system, which has been shut down since the massive 2015 Refugio State Beach oil spill.
"Sable and the Trump administration are running roughshod over transparency, environmental review, and pipeline safety requirements," said Julie Teel Simmonds, senior counsel at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Offshore drilling is one of the most dangerous businesses there is for both people and wildlife, and no one should be cutting corners or playing games with California's coast."
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by the Center for Biological Diversity on behalf of itself and Wishtoyo Foundation and the Environmental Defense Center on behalf of itself and Get Oil Out!, Santa Barbara County Action Network, Sierra Club, and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper.
The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration approved Sable Offshore Corp.'s restart plan on Dec. 22, after it reclassified the onshore pipelines that start in Santa Barbara County and terminate in Kern County as "interstate" on Dec. 17. This change was PHMSA's attempt to move the pipeline from the State Fire Marshal's oversight to the PHMSA's.
On Tuesday PHMSA issued an emergency special permit to Sable, waiving compliance with certain federal pipeline safety regulations. The agency contended this action was justified under President Trump's national energy emergency. The environmental groups are requesting the court to grant an emergency stay of PHMSA's decisions.
These PHMSA approvals blatantly violated the Pipeline Safety Act and the National Environmental Policy Act in failing to follow the required public process, conduct the necessary environmental review, or make the required findings about pipeline safety or the so-called emergency, according to the lawsuit.
The onshore pipelines are part of what's known collectively as the Santa Ynez Unit, which also includes offshore pipelines, three offshore platforms, and onshore processing facilities at Las Flores Canyon. The drilling unit had been shut down for 10 years since a corroded onshore pipeline failed, spilling what is believed to be more than 450,000 gallons of oil onto the coast.
The May 19, 2015, spill at Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara ravaged 150 miles of the California coast. The oil polluted thousands of acres of shoreline and habitat and killed hundreds of animals, shutting down beaches and fisheries.
Sable purchased the SYU in 2024 and has generated numerous notices of violation, cease-and-desist orders, and criminal charges as it has worked to try to restart oil operations and resuscitate the failed onshore pipeline system. Sable announced in May that it had resumed oil production and was storing that oil in onshore tanks while it sought a full restart of the onshore pipelines.
The company has hit other roadblocks in its efforts to restart, including Santa Barbara County's recent denial of its application for the transfer of Exxon's permits for the onshore infrastructure, citing "systemic non-compliance" with the law and other reasons. Sable still needs other approvals from California agencies to restart the onshore pipelines, including a new easement across Gaviota State Park.
The Center and Wishtoyo Foundation sued the California Office of the State Fire Marshal in April 2025 for waiving safety rules for the pipeline. They also have active lawsuits against the U.S. Department of the Interior for failing to require updated development and production plans for oil drilling at the Santa Ynez Unit and for rubberstamping extension of the offshore leases despite shuttered production.
The lawsuit was filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Original text here: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/lawsuit-challenges-trump-moves-to-restart-california-coastal-oil-pipeline-2025-12-26/
CAIR Calls on More Members of Congress to Oppose Funding Israel After Israeli Soldier-Settler Runs Over Praying Palestinian
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR Calls on More Members of Congress to Oppose Funding Israel After Israeli Soldier-Settler Runs Over Praying Palestinian
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today reiterated its call for the Trump administration and Congress to stop funding the Israeli apartheid government's human rights abuses after an armed Israeli settler and army reservist used an ATV to run over a Palestinian
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR Calls on More Members of Congress to Oppose Funding Israel After Israeli Soldier-Settler Runs Over Praying Palestinian
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today reiterated its call for the Trump administration and Congress to stop funding the Israeli apartheid government's human rights abuses after an armed Israeli settler and army reservist used an ATV to run over a Palestinianman while he was praying in the occupied West Bank.
Video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a vehicle deliberately striking the Palestinian worshiper. According to media reports, the driver was an Israeli reservist residing in an illegal settlement in the occupied territory.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
"This shocking and dehumanizing act is yet another example of the unchecked violence and abuse Palestinians face daily under Israel's illegal occupation. Brazenly running over a man while he prays is enabled by a system that grants near-total impunity to illegal settlers. The Trump administration must end its silence and take concrete steps to hold the Israeli government accountable for these ongoing human rights abuses."
CAIR recently condemned the Israeli government's approval of the construction of 19 new illegal colonial settlements in the occupied West Bank and said the move would further make a "Palestinian state impossible."
Earlier this week, CAIR welcomed Belgium formally joining the case launched by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) arguing that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Also this week, CAIR condemned Israel's massacre of at least six people, including a woman, at a Gaza wedding, marking yet another violation of the so-called "ceasefire," and called on President Trump and Muslim-majority nations that guaranteed the ceasefire to take action.
One report indicated that Israel killed a baby in that attack.
[ NOTE : Israel has slaughtered almost 400 Gazans during the "ceasefire." Israeli forces killed more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza. It is likely the true death toll is much higher.]
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT : CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-more-members-of-congress-to-oppose-funding-israel-after-israeli-soldier-settler-runs-over-praying-palestinian/
2025 in Review: Ascension Saint Thomas Expands Access and Enhances Care
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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2025 in Review: Ascension Saint Thomas Expands Access and Enhances Care
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From major capital investments to new facilities, expanded service lines, and community outreach, Ascension Saint Thomas advanced healthcare across Middle Tennessee in 2025. Below is a look back at the milestones we shared this year.
Major Investments to Modernize Hospitals and Expand Access Across Middle Tennessee
Ascension Saint Thomas announced more than $537 million in investments
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 [Category: Health Care] -- Ascension, a faith-based healthcare organization, posted the following news release:
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2025 in Review: Ascension Saint Thomas Expands Access and Enhances Care
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From major capital investments to new facilities, expanded service lines, and community outreach, Ascension Saint Thomas advanced healthcare across Middle Tennessee in 2025. Below is a look back at the milestones we shared this year.
Major Investments to Modernize Hospitals and Expand Access Across Middle Tennessee
Ascension Saint Thomas announced more than $537 million in investmentsto modernize hospitals, expand capacity and improve access across Middle Tennessee. The projects included upgrades to emergency departments, inpatient and surgical units, operating suites and cardiac catheterization labs, as well as new facility construction and advanced technology to improve patient care, reduce travel times, and increase capacity for the community. Ascension Saint Thomas West and Midtown will see modernization upgrades as part of the investment.
New Hospital and Health Campus in Clarksville-Montgomery County
Ascension Saint Thomas has received state approval to build a full-service hospital and health campus on a 96-acre site near I-24 and Highway 76 in Clarksville. The $148.5 million facility will open with 44 inpatient beds, with capacity to grow to 132, and will offer emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, women's health with a NICU, orthopedics, and other key specialties, creating about 250 jobs. The state also approved a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation. The hospital will include private rooms, therapy gyms, and a dedicated acquired brain injury unit. Additional partnerships with Tennessee Oncology and Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance will bring advanced cancer, orthopedic, and surgical services to the campus, and a public-private partnership with Montgomery County will add a new EMS station. Together, these projects expand access to high-quality care and keep patients close to home.
Two Hospitals in Winchester and Sewanee Added to Footprint via Highpoint Health Joint Venture Expansion
Lifepoint Health and Ascension Saint Thomas expanded their Highpoint Health joint venture by adding two Southern Tennessee Regional Health System hospitals in Winchester and Sewanee. The facilities now operate under existing leadership as Highpoint Health Winchester and Highpoint Health Sewanee.
Rutherford Hospital Expands Critical Care Capacity and Opens New Ambulance Bay
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford expanded its Critical Care Unit by 18 beds and added a new ambulance bay as part of a $42 million project. The expansion increases capacity from 32 to 50 beds and is part of a larger long-term investment in the rapidly growing region. With rising population demands, the hospital anticipates hiring additional staff to support expanded services for Rutherford and surrounding counties.
Nationally Recognized Hospitals and Service Lines
In 2025, Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals and care teams earned national recognition for quality and safety. Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital was named to Newsweek's 2025 list of World's Best Hospitals. In maternity care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown earned " High Performing " recognition for 2026, the only hospital in Middle Tennessee to receive the honor.
"Nothing Shall Be Impossible" Campaign Returns with Renewed Focus on Hope and Healing
Ascension Saint Thomas relaunched its " Nothing Shall Be Impossible " campaign, rooted in faith, driven by medical excellence, and growing to meet the needs of tomorrow. The refreshed campaign emphasizes the health system's mission to provide healing, hope, and medical innovation, highlighting physicians and caregivers as partners in overcoming health challenges. While updated with new visuals and storytelling, the campaign continues to reflect Ascension Saint Thomas' core values of spiritual tradition, clinical excellence, and community-centered care.
Ascension Saint Thomas Landing and Premier Medicine Open at Nashville Yards
Ascension Saint Thomas Landing and Ascension Saint Thomas Premier Medicine opened at Nashville Yards, welcoming the community to a 1.3-acre hub featuring pickleball courts, fitness classes, open air concerts, and other wellness activities. Ascension Saint Thomas Premier Medicine provides personalized primary care and continues the organization's 125-year legacy of serving the Nashville community.
State Approval Advances New Rehabilitation Hospital in Murfreesboro
Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation received state approval to build a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Murfreesboro, planned to open in 2027. The facility, adjacent to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, will provide intensive nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and speech pathology services for adults recovering from strokes, brain or spinal cord injuries, and other serious conditions. This is one of two new rehabilitation hospitals announced this year, with the other being located in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
Medical Mission at Home Delivers Free Care to More Than 860 Middle Tennesseans
Ascension Saint Thomas provided free medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health services to more than 860 people during the 2025 Medical Mission at Home. More than 950 volunteers supported the event, which has served more than 25,860 Tennesseans since 2008, reflecting Ascension Saint Thomas's commitment to holistic, community-centered healthcare.
New Freestanding Emergency Department Planned for Eastern Rutherford County
Ascension Saint Thomas and Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC) announced plans for a new freestanding emergency department in Eastern Rutherford County, part of MMC's upcoming medical and retail development near Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane. The $19 million project will bring state-of-the-art, around-the-clock emergency care to a rapidly growing part of the county and will complement the outpatient services MMC will offer on the same site. Ascension Saint Thomas continues to work together on planning and design while the project awaits final consideration by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. This is the second freestanding emergency department announced this year, with a new location planned for Lebanon through Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Completes Emergency Department Modernization and Access Improvements
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West completed a $10 million modernization that expanded its Emergency Department, improved patient flow, and upgraded cardiac and inpatient care areas. The renovation includes an improved layout to reduce wait times while supporting complex, high-acuity cases.
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital Opens Expanded ICU, Expands Emergency Department and Hospital Capacity
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital opened a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit to replace its former 8-bed unit. The $15.2 million project was funded by Ascension Saint Thomas and a partnership with the State of Tennessee. This growth reflects the health system's commitment to improving rural healthcare access in Middle Tennessee. Following the ICU expansion, the hospital is moving forward with a major emergency department upgrade, increasing capacity from 12 to 21 beds to better meet community needs.
Explore these stories and more 2025 highlights on Ascension Saint Thomas News.
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Original text here: https://about.ascension.org/news/2025/12/2025-in-review-ascension-saint-thomas-expands-access-and-enhances-care
