Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
There's an App for That: PETA Launches 'Empathize', First-Ever Meditation App About Chickens
NORFOLK, Virginia, Jan. 7 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2026:
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There's an App for That: PETA Launches "Empathize," First-Ever Meditation App About Chickens
Today, PETA launched Empathize, the first-evermindfulness app designed to guide users through a series of daily meditations to bolster their empathy and deepen their connection with themselves and the other animals they share the world with--starting with chickens, arguably the most abused animals in the world.
Now available for free in the App Store, the innovative iPhone
... Show Full Article
NORFOLK, Virginia, Jan. 7 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2026:
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There's an App for That: PETA Launches "Empathize," First-Ever Meditation App About Chickens
Today, PETA launched Empathize, the first-evermindfulness app designed to guide users through a series of daily meditations to bolster their empathy and deepen their connection with themselves and the other animals they share the world with--starting with chickens, arguably the most abused animals in the world.
Now available for free in the App Store, the innovative iPhoneapp is narrated by vegan bodybuilding champion Torre Washington and invites users to see the world through the eyes of five chickens--Lilah, Eleanor, Zoey, April, and Henry--and share in their feelings of love and contentedness as they play with their chicks, bask in the sun, and roam freely. The meditations then prompt users to recognize the pain and suffering the chickens endure in the meat and egg industries, where they're denied everything natural and important to them and forced to spend their entire lives in severely crowded, filthy sheds or cramped wire-floored cages from the moment they hatch until the day they're violently killed. The series offers a gentle introduction to the practice of loving-kindness meditation, encouraging users to cultivate compassion in everyday life, starting with going vegan.
"Whether someone is a seasoned meditator or a beginner, Empathize (https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/3a9a96867d504a7f9e40c2ba4919b896/0/6389654c0b4240883f47b0767f6d8904ffab465bfbbdea9369a67364e5abacd5?cache_buster=1767723475) by PETA can help open their hearts to others and recognize that even a little bird has inherent worth and is deserving of respect," says PETA President Tracy Reiman. "Inner peace begins on our plates, and PETA invites everyone to tap into their compassion in the New Year and go vegan."
Chickens form complex social structures, dream when they sleep, and worry about the future, just as humans do--yet more chickens are raised and killed for food than all other land animals combined. PETA notes that the best action anyone can take to help chickens and other animals is to stop eating them--and offers a free vegan starter kit for those looking to make the switch.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/theres-an-app-for-that-peta-launches-empathize-first-ever-meditation-app-about-chickens/
[Category: Animals]
Report Highlights How Tobacco Companies Target Kids With Array of Flavored, High-Nicotine Products as State Tobacco Control Infrastructure is Weakened
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (TNSrpt) -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2026:
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New Report Highlights How Tobacco Companies Target Kids with Array of Flavored, High-Nicotine Products as State Tobacco Control Infrastructure is Weakened
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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A new report issued today by Truth Initiative details how the tobacco industry continues to attract and addict kids with a variety of flavored, nicotine-loaded products, including high-tech "smart" vapes, nicotine pouches, and disposable
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (TNSrpt) -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release on Jan. 6, 2026:
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New Report Highlights How Tobacco Companies Target Kids with Array of Flavored, High-Nicotine Products as State Tobacco Control Infrastructure is Weakened
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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A new report issued today by Truth Initiative details how the tobacco industry continues to attract and addict kids with a variety of flavored, nicotine-loaded products, including high-tech "smart" vapes, nicotine pouches, and disposablee-cigarettes. Many of these products lack FDA authorization and are on the market illegally.
The vast availability of these products threatens the enormous progress the U.S. has made in reducing youth use of tobacco products and underscores why policymakers cannot let up in implementing proven strategies to protect kids. It is especially critical that Congress reverse the current Administration's decision to eliminate the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, which has played a vital role in reducing youth tobacco use and supports tobacco prevention efforts in every state. In addition, federal agencies, including FDA, Customs and Border Protection, and Department of Justice must continue and enhance enforcement against illegal tobacco products, especially those that appeal to youth.
The new report highlights the following products putting kids at risk:
* High-tech "smart" vapes: Nearly one-third of youth (32%) and young adults (33%) who use e-cigarettes reported using 'smart' vapes with screens, games, or Bluetooth connectivity in the last month. Two of the top 5 brands sold - Geek Bar and Raz - have 'smart' features and are popular among youth. All of these "smart" vape products lack FDA authorization and are on the market illegally.
* Nicotine pouches: Oral nicotine pouches - like Zyn, Velo and On! - are now the most rapidly expanding tobacco or nicotine category in the United States, with sales nearly tripling from $145 million to $404 million between January 2023 and December 2024. This increase in sales has occurred at the same time as an increase in youth use; according to the Monitoring the Future survey, current use of nicotine pouches among high school seniors increased from 1.3% in 2023 to 4.4% in 2025.
* Disposable e-cigarettes: Flavored disposable e-cigarettes are cheaper and pack a bigger nicotine punch than ever before. The total amount of nicotine sold in e-cigarettes surged by an astounding 249% from 2020 to 2024. Some of the most popular disposable e-cigarettes on the market now contain as much nicotine as 20 packs of cigarettes or more.
In addition to federal efforts, states and localities must also step up their efforts to implement proven policies and well-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs. We can't let up our collective efforts to protect kids, especially when tobacco companies continue to spend billions on marketing and are continually introducing new products aimed at addicting another generation of customers.
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REPORT: https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2026/01/Trends%20Report%202025_final.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press-releases/2025_01_06_new-report-highlights-how-tobacco-companies-target-kids-with-array-of-flavored-high-nicotine-products
[Category: Political]
Maduro, Venezuela, the Drug War--Best Policy Is to Legalize All Prohibited Drugs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- The CATO Institute issued the following news release:
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Maduro, Venezuela, the Drug War--Best Policy Is to Legalize All Prohibited Drugs
In a new blog post, Cato Institute Vice President of Research, Jeffrey Miron, examines the Trump administration's claims about Nicolas Maduro and the drug trade and notes that "any disruption of the Venezuelan black market will likely exacerbate the adverse impacts of underground markets."
He argues that the real problem isn't foreign leaders, but rather prohibition itself: "The right policy is for the US to legalize all currently
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- The CATO Institute issued the following news release:
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Maduro, Venezuela, the Drug War--Best Policy Is to Legalize All Prohibited Drugs
In a new blog post, Cato Institute Vice President of Research, Jeffrey Miron, examines the Trump administration's claims about Nicolas Maduro and the drug trade and notes that "any disruption of the Venezuelan black market will likely exacerbate the adverse impacts of underground markets."
He argues that the real problem isn't foreign leaders, but rather prohibition itself: "The right policy is for the US to legalize all currentlyprohibited drugs. This will eliminate underground drug markets, which are the real reason for most adverse consequences typically attributed to drugs."
If you'd like to speak with Miron, feel free to reach out to Emily at esalamon@cato.org.
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Original text here: https://www.cato.org/news-releases/maduro-venezuela-drug-war-best-policy-legalize-all-prohibited-drugs#
[Category: Sociological]
Hispanic Federation Calls on Administration to Protect Displaced Venezuelans
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 [Category: Political] -- The Hispanic Federation, an organization that supports and strengthens Latino institutions through education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment and the environment, issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Federation Calls on Administration to Protect Displaced Venezuelans
Over this past weekend, the United States spearheaded a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. The apparent end of Maduro's reign has been greeted by many with concerns and celebrations, but what it means for hundreds
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 [Category: Political] -- The Hispanic Federation, an organization that supports and strengthens Latino institutions through education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment and the environment, issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Federation Calls on Administration to Protect Displaced Venezuelans
Over this past weekend, the United States spearheaded a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. The apparent end of Maduro's reign has been greeted by many with concerns and celebrations, but what it means for hundredsof thousands of Venezuelan immigrants who came to the United States to flee oppression remains uncertain. Recently, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that these individuals (Venezuelans that were under TPS) have "the opportunity to apply for refugee status." The meaning of Secretary Noem's comment remains unclear, particularly in light of the fact that this statement is not substantiated by current DHS policy. Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, offered comments demanding the need for protections for Venezuelan immigrants in the face of geopolitical uncertainty:
"While the world watches the unfolding geopolitical systemic crisis in Venezuela, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States wonder what is next for them. First, they fled their native country to escape political instability, economic collapse, and state sponsored oppression. Afterward, they were subjected to months of fear and uncertainty after the Trump administration's untimely, cruel, and destabilizing removal of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, a decision that put thousands of families at risk of deportation. The revocation by the Administration last year was made due to alleged change in "country conditions" that made Venezuela safe for return by its nationals. Now, the Trump administration launches military operations targeting Venezuelan assets claiming catastrophic conditions in the country. These measures have only confirmed what Venezuelans in the United States have argued for years - that it is tragically unsafe for them to return to their native country, and that it would be an unfathomable cruelty to force them to do so.
Hispanic Federation demands that the Administration prioritize the safety of the many Venezuelans who have sought shelter in the United States. In turn, the Executive Branch must take steps to ensure that Venezuelans residing in the United States are not subjected to the cruelty of deportation. Venezuelans who sought refuge find themselves caught between mass deportation on the one hand and unresolved political and economic turmoil on the other. As such, we urge the federal government to make sure that Venezuelans in the U.S. can access relief from detention and deportation. Whether that relief takes the form of TPS reinstatement, the opening of asylum or refugee programs that include regulations to ensure their eligibility, or the creation of new programs and pathways, the effect must be the same - a guarantee that those who fled to the U.S. from Venezuela may continue to live here without fear while so much about their native country's future remains uncertain."
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF's focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
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Original text here: https://www.hispanicfederation.org/news/hispanic-federation-calls-on-administration-to-protect-displaced-venezuelans/
Education Minnesota Statement on Walz's Decision to Not Seek Reelection
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 7 -- Education Minnesota issued the following news release on Jan. 5, 2026:
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Education Minnesota statement on Walz's decision to not seek reelection
The union of Minnesota educators thanked Gov. Tim Walz on Monday for his commitment to students and schools after the governor announced that he would not seek reelection to a third term in November.
"Gov. Walz has always been a teacher at heart. He cares for students and their futures and about educators and our profession," said Monica Byron, the president of Education Minnesota. "He has supported our schools through
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 7 -- Education Minnesota issued the following news release on Jan. 5, 2026:
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Education Minnesota statement on Walz's decision to not seek reelection
The union of Minnesota educators thanked Gov. Tim Walz on Monday for his commitment to students and schools after the governor announced that he would not seek reelection to a third term in November.
"Gov. Walz has always been a teacher at heart. He cares for students and their futures and about educators and our profession," said Monica Byron, the president of Education Minnesota. "He has supported our schools throughincreased funding for the past seven years and helped pass a historic improvement to teacher pensions last year. Year after year, he earned his title of the 'Educator Governor.' We thank him for his support of our students and educators."
"Education Minnesota has just begun its process for screening and endorsing 2026 candidates. Our member-leaders are looking forward to meeting with more candidates for governor and making an endorsement in the coming months," Byron said. "We're looking for champions who can help us fix the educator shortage - including by working with educators to control spiraling health insurance costs. Educators and elected officials need to work together to recruit and retain the professionals necessary to provide a world-class public education to every Minnesota student, with no exceptions."
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About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota's members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota's public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota's community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
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Original text here: https://educationminnesota.org/news/press-release/2026/education-minnesota-statement-on-walzs-decision-to-not-seek-reelection/
[Category: Union]
Center for Reproductive Rights: Report - Trump's First Year Weakened Abortion Rights Even Further
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (TNSrpt) -- The Center for Reproductive Rights issued the following news release:
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NEW REPORT: Trump's First Year Weakened Abortion Rights Even Further
Nearly one year after President Trump's second inauguration, the Center for Reproductive Rights has released new analysis documenting how the Trump administration has further decimated domestic abortion access during his first year back in office.
The report details the most damaging actions taken by the administration, which:
1. Eliminated nationwide protections for abortion by:
- Withdrawing federal guidance that
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (TNSrpt) -- The Center for Reproductive Rights issued the following news release:
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NEW REPORT: Trump's First Year Weakened Abortion Rights Even Further
Nearly one year after President Trump's second inauguration, the Center for Reproductive Rights has released new analysis documenting how the Trump administration has further decimated domestic abortion access during his first year back in office.
The report details the most damaging actions taken by the administration, which:
1. Eliminated nationwide protections for abortion by:
- Withdrawing federal guidance thatdirected hospitals to perform life-saving abortions in emergency rooms, even though deadly pregnancy complications have increased as much as 50% in some states that banned abortion.
- Green-lighting violence against abortion clinics by pardoning violent anti-abortion protestors who were convicted of violating the FACE Act, which the President has said he will no longer enforce to protect abortion clinics. Violence against clinics has drastically increased since Roe v. Wade fell.
- Weakening data privacy rules protecting abortion patients.
2. Further restricted abortion access (even in states where it is legal) by:
- Implementing a new policy that would prevent veterans on VA health insurance from having abortions even in cases of rape, incest, or severe health risks.
- Forcing clinics to close or reduce services nationwide by taking away their Medicaid funding. About 50 Planned Parenthood health centers have since closed and nearly 1,000 patients in Maine have lost their primary care.
3. Sowed distrust in proven science to pave the way for more attacks, by:
- Launching a politically motivated FDA investigation into the abortion pill, which could make it much harder to access.
- Falsely calling birth control an "abortifacient" to justify its plan to destroy millions of dollars in contraception headed for African countries. The destruction of these supplies could result in 1.5 million unintended pregnancies and thousands of preventable maternal deaths worldwide.
"Too many people wrongly believe that President Trump is done attacking abortion access, and that overturning Roe v. Wade was his endgame," said Nancy Northup, President & CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. "But in his first year back in office, the Trump administration is not 'leaving it to the states' to decide abortion policy, but wielding federal power to go after abortion access even in states where abortion is legal. The result has already been a reduction of abortion clinics in the U.S. and the looming fear that the FDA will soon gut access to abortion pills, which have been a lifeline in post-Roe America. This report should be a wake-up call to Americans that the threat to further limit access to abortion throughout the nation is real and must be met with vigorous opposition."
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the report forecasts that the Trump administration will attempt to: punish abortion providers by misusing the long-defunct Comstock Act; impose new restrictions on the abortion pill; and defund more abortion clinics. These actions would deepen the national public health crisis already unfolding in reproductive health care.
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REPORT: https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12-01-2025_One-Year-Report_RRF.pdf
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Original text here: https://reproductiverights.org/news/trump-abortion-restrictions/
[Category: Health Care]
Bangladesh's Expanded Tobacco Control Law Will Save Lives, Protect Young People From Addiction
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release:
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Bangladesh's Expanded Tobacco Control Law Will Save Lives, Protect Young People from Addiction
Statement of Smita Baruah, Executive Vice President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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The government of Bangladesh has approved an ordinance amending the country's existing tobacco control law, which will strengthen and expand lifesaving public health measures. The expansion is a move that will save lives and protect millions of young people from lifelong addiction to tobacco and nicotine products.
As
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following news release:
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Bangladesh's Expanded Tobacco Control Law Will Save Lives, Protect Young People from Addiction
Statement of Smita Baruah, Executive Vice President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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The government of Bangladesh has approved an ordinance amending the country's existing tobacco control law, which will strengthen and expand lifesaving public health measures. The expansion is a move that will save lives and protect millions of young people from lifelong addiction to tobacco and nicotine products.
Aspart of the new amendments, Bangladesh will now require pictorial health warnings to cover 75 percent of all tobacco product packaging and will ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, health facilities, playgrounds and children's parks and restrict all forms of tobacco advertising including in online and digital platforms and at points of sale. The country will also prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches. In addition, the ordinance paves the way for the implementation of standardized packaging of tobacco products and simplifies the procedure for lodging complaints about violations of the law.
The ordinance also introduces prohibitions on smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in all public places and on public transport - a move that will protect millions from exposure to deadly secondhand smoke and help ensure a healthier future for all Bangladeshis.
Bangladesh's comprehensive tobacco control ordinance is a significant win for public health and reflects the efforts of a network of champions who advocated for these lifesaving measures, despite intense opposition from powerful tobacco companies. In Bangladesh and around the world, tobacco companies fight hardest against the measures they know work to drive down smoking rates and impact their profits.
As Bangladesh moves to implement this new ordinance, it is important for the government to address cessation as part of its approach to reducing the harm of tobacco products. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids commends the government of Bangladesh for making such strong policy reforms to improve the lives of all Bangladeshis and stands ready to support this important public health law.
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Original text here: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press-releases/2025_01_06_bangladeshs-expanded-tobacco-control-law-will-save-lives
[Category: Political]
