Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
World Vision International: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Venezuela: Children Face Hunger, Malnutrition, and Protection Risks
MONROVIA, California, Jan. 16 -- World Vision International issued the following news release:
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Venezuela: Children Face Hunger, Malnutrition, and Protection Risks
Caracas - Eleven days after the United States' military incursion into Venezuelan territory, the country is navigating a profound humanitarian crisis, institutional control by the ruling Chavista movement under new leadership, and direct external oversight from Washington.
The intervention, which reportedly left close to 100 people dead (including 32 Cuban military personnel, according to official
... Show Full Article
MONROVIA, California, Jan. 16 -- World Vision International issued the following news release:
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Venezuela: Children Face Hunger, Malnutrition, and Protection Risks
Caracas - Eleven days after the United States' military incursion into Venezuelan territory, the country is navigating a profound humanitarian crisis, institutional control by the ruling Chavista movement under new leadership, and direct external oversight from Washington.
The intervention, which reportedly left close to 100 people dead (including 32 Cuban military personnel, according to officialsources), culminated in the detention of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were transferred to New York, where they are facing judicial proceedings.
In the resulting power vacuum, Venezuela's Supreme Court (TSJ) swore in Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President. Since January 8, the government has released several groups of political prisoners, including Spanish, Italian, and U.S. citizens. However, at least 13 journalists have been detained and/or deported, and arrests continue across multiple states. In addition, a State of External Commotion has been declared, allowing the military and the interim government to assume control over the population and the management of critical infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the United States is "in charge" of the transition and has demanded access to the country's oil infrastructure and natural resources.
The growing military presence, travel restrictions, and public security risks have created an environment that threatens the minimum conditions required for schooling and for the resumption of classes scheduled by the government for January 12. It is important to note that, according to the 2024 National Survey of Living Conditions (ENCOVI), 3.9 million children, adolescents, and youth are currently out of the school system.
At the same time, the country's socioeconomic situation has further deepened food insecurity, exposing children to serious health risks. A stark gap exists between income levels and the cost of living: while the basic food basket for a family of five is estimated at USD 633.99, the minimum wage--frozen at 130 bolivars for nearly four years, has effectively collapsed, amounting to approximately USD 0.40 per month.
This economic disparity has been translated into a critical humanitarian situation. According to recent data collected since January 3, 18.2% of children go to bed without eating, 49% of families are forced to reduce portion sizes to prioritize feeding children, and in 11.4% of households, at least one family member has gone a full 24 hours without food.
Impact on Children and Families
Venezuelan children are facing escalating challenges:
* Children are experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, including inability to sleep or eat, persistent crying, and states of hypervigilance or what caregivers describe as "terror-induced silence."
* An increase in incidents of violence by parents or caregivers toward children, triggered by extreme stress and hunger.
* Displacement of children and adolescents in other neighborhoods or states due to insecurity and the presence of armed groups.
* Rising levels of hunger and malnutrition.
* Heightened the risk of forced recruitment.
This combination of factors is pushing many families into critical conditions, where daily survival depends on limited access to nutritious food, healthcare, and community support.
World Vision's Response
In this context, World Vision continues its work to protect children and their families through the following key actions:
* Activation of all internal protocols to ensure the safety and security of staff.
* Continuous monitoring of the national situation through our primary partners, churches and faith-based organizations across the country.
* Rapid needs assessments, with a particular focus on nutrition, child protection, and basic services.
* Active engagement within the humanitarian coordination structure, contributing to joint analysis and operational recommendations.
* Since January 8, community kitchens have been reactivated in partnership with churches to ensure food access for the most vulnerable children.
* Strengthening community networks and safe spaces for children and adolescents.
Call to the Humanitarian Community
World Vision urges the international humanitarian community and support offices to urgently scale up humanitarian assistance in Venezuela and in countries hosting Venezuelan migrants. Ensuring continuous and safe access to essential services is critical to protecting the lives and rights of children.
Conclusion
The convergence of hunger, malnutrition, threats to press freedom, and restricted access to basic services underscores that the situation in Venezuela requires a sustained humanitarian response, prioritizing the well-being, dignity, and rights of children and their families.
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Original text here: https://www.wvi.org/newsroom/venezuela-crisis/humanitarian-crisis-deepens-venezuela-children-face-hunger-malnutrition
[Category: Sociological]
TFAS Launches New Journalism Excellence Fellowship Program and Announces First Partnerships With The Washington Post and The Boston Globe
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The Fund for American Studies issued the following news:
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TFAS Launches New Journalism Excellence Fellowship Program and Announces First Partnerships with The Washington Post and The Boston Globe
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is pleased to announce the creation of the Journalism Excellence Fellowship. This new program will provide promising young journalists the opportunity to work alongside top writers, reporters and media professionals at leading news outlets. TFAS is launching the new Journalism Excellence Fellowship Program by partnering with two respected
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The Fund for American Studies issued the following news:
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TFAS Launches New Journalism Excellence Fellowship Program and Announces First Partnerships with The Washington Post and The Boston Globe
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is pleased to announce the creation of the Journalism Excellence Fellowship. This new program will provide promising young journalists the opportunity to work alongside top writers, reporters and media professionals at leading news outlets. TFAS is launching the new Journalism Excellence Fellowship Program by partnering with two respectedpublications, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe, which will each host one Fellow on their opinion teams in 2026.
The Journalism Excellence Fellowship, a program of the TFAS Center for Excellence in Journalism, will create a new pipeline for elite talent to enter the field of journalism, while also providing rising young journalists the opportunity to undertake important work and receive high-level training in reporting and writing at prestigious news publications early in their careers.
The new Fellowship continues to build on the success of the TFAS Center for Excellence in Journalism and its existing programs to advance the field of journalism, including the Joseph Rago Memorial Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism, in partnership with The Wall Street Journal; the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship; the Student Journalism Association; the Media Accelerator Fellowship; the European Journalism Institute and the Campus Transparency Fellowship.
"At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and trust in journalism is on the decline, it's more important than ever that we provide meaningful career opportunities for rising journalists who approach opinion writing with intellectual honesty, moral seriousness and a commitment to truth," said Ryan Wolfe, Director of the TFAS Center for Excellence in Journalism. "The Journalism Excellence Fellowship is designed to develop writers who can engage complex issues thoughtfully, challenge prevailing orthodoxies when warranted and contribute original, well-reasoned perspectives to the national conversation. By investing in principled editorial voices early in their careers, we hope to strengthen the quality and credibility of opinion journalism for years to come."
The first class of Journalism Excellence Fellows will begin their Fellowships on the opinion pages of The Washington Post and The Boston Globe in September 2026. Applications for the first class of Fellows will open soon.
TFAS will continue to announce new Journalism Excellence Fellowship partnerships with leading news publications throughout 2026. For more information, visit TFAS.org/JEF.
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Original text here: https://tfas.org/news/tfas-launches-new-journalism-excellence-fellowship-program-and-announces-first-partnerships-with-the-washington-post-and-the-boston-globe/
[Category: Sociological]
Nature Conservancy: Congress Passes Spending Bills That Invest in Conservation
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 16 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news:
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Congress passes spending bills that invest in conservation
U.S. Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water.
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On January 15, the United States Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water. As a result of these bills, funding for many federal government conservation programs will remain the same or increase. In some cases, funding
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 16 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news:
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Congress passes spending bills that invest in conservation
U.S. Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water.
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On January 15, the United States Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water. As a result of these bills, funding for many federal government conservation programs will remain the same or increase. In some cases, fundingwill decrease. In response to this news, The Nature Conservancy issued the following statement from Managing Director of North America Policy and Government Relations Kameran Onley.
"Investing in nature is one of the most effective and forward-looking investments the United States can make. Nature is core to the American way of life. It supports our health, economy, security and well-being.
"We are grateful that the bills passed and received bipartisan support. We recognize that Congress is facing difficult choices in a tough budget environment. Its decision to fund many conservation programs at current, and in some cases, higher levels is welcome news. We are disappointed in the cuts to some important conservation and climate programs. However, compared to other proposals that would have made much broader and deeper cuts, the final bills are a much more constructive outcome.
"This vote is proof that conserving nature is common ground, not a partisan issue. When we continue to bring people together, from all walks of life, around the benefits nature provides, we strengthen our ability to solve some of our planet's most pressing challenges.
"We also are pleased to see that these bills include clear provisions that reflect Congress's constitutional authority over the use of public funds. Restoring accountability is essential, particularly after a year marked by attempts to scale back or eliminate conservation and climate programs and agencies.
"TNC is committed to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to create and implement policies and programs that help safeguard the nation's land, air, water and wildlife, as well as maintain America's global leadership. It is crucial we do so on behalf of all people."
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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/congress-passes-spending-bills/
[Category: Environment]
Earthjustice: New York Governor Hochul Delivers 2026 State of the State
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 16 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release:
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New York Governor Hochul Delivers 2026 State of the State
As energy bills skyrocket, data centers must build their own renewables
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Albany, NY -- New York Governor Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address. In focusing on making New York more affordable, the Governor addressed utility costs, AI data centers, the benefits of solar and electric vehicles (EVs), and more. She also proposed additional funding to protect water and reduce energy costs. Earthjustice and its partners look forward
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 16 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release:
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New York Governor Hochul Delivers 2026 State of the State
As energy bills skyrocket, data centers must build their own renewables
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Albany, NY -- New York Governor Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address. In focusing on making New York more affordable, the Governor addressed utility costs, AI data centers, the benefits of solar and electric vehicles (EVs), and more. She also proposed additional funding to protect water and reduce energy costs. Earthjustice and its partners look forwardto working with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure we get the details right, with the understanding that community input and environmental protections are key to promoting economic development.
As the federal government prioritizes the interests of corporate polluters, an affordable, safe, and healthy New York depends upon increased renewables, transmission, and battery storage, along with safeguards against toxic chemicals and pollution.
The following statement is attributed to Liz Moran, Earthjustice Policy Advocate:
"Governor Hochul is right to protect New Yorkers from being forced to subsidize the extremely energy-intensive AI data center industry. Across the country, unchecked data center expansion is leading to skyrocketing energy bills, massive increases in air and water pollution, and even more reliance on expensive fossil fuels. If Governor Hochul is serious about protecting New Yorkers from the predatory big tech and fossil fuel industries, she must require data centers to build their own clean, safe renewable energy sources as defined under the climate law. Otherwise, AI data center expansion will become New York's next affordability and environmental crisis."
Earthjustice offers views on the following items mentioned or alluded to in the Governor's State of the State:
* Data Centers: Read more about Earthjustice's policy recommendations for managing the impacts of AI data centers here. Ample evidence shows that building new fossil fuel infrastructure to power data centers drives up utility rates for ratepayers, while renewable energy paired with transmission and storage is far cheaper and far less polluting for host communities. Without proactive legislative action, everyday New Yorkers will be left to pay not only for the massive energy consumption of data centers, but also for the fossil fuel infrastructure built to power facilities that may never materialize. States that previously welcomed and subsidized unchecked data center expansion have since experienced buyer's remorse, and are now adopting policies to protect ratepayers. Lawmakers are urged to learn from these states by holding tech companies accountable for their energy use and pollution, rejecting fossil fuel expansion, and protecting working families and small businesses from rising energy bills. As such, data center interconnections should not be sped up until the pollution and energy impacts are understood and mitigated.
* $50M for EmPower+: Earthjustice urges the Governor and the Legislature to include at least $200M for EmPower+ in the SFY2027 budget. As the Governor rightfully notes, EmPower+ is a critical, and oversubscribed, program that helps low and moderate-income households reduce their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable while cutting emissions. We are pleased to see the Governor propose an increase in funding towards this program, but given the severity of the energy affordability crisis and the popularity of this program, far more is needed.
* Excelsior Power: Incentivizing grid flexibility through the adoption of smart thermostats and other technologies is an exciting move that will put money back in New Yorkers wallets while helping to avoid millions in system costs and reduce our dependence on polluting power plants. We look forward to reviewing the details of this proposal.
* Tackling Utility Costs: New York must advance policies to protect consumers from skyrocketing utility bills and to hold utilities accountable. Ensuring New Yorkers have access to a Utility Intervenor and a Utility Intervenor Fund, a model that has been successful in other states, would enable ratepayers to have a voice in rate cases. As the Governor notes, far too many New Yorkers who qualify for the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) are not enrolled - we are eager to see the state hold utilities accountable to ensure the program is reaching those who need it. Getting people enrolled in the EAP will save all New Yorkers money. Additionally, New York must adopt policies to avoid unnecessary spending on costly fossil fuel infrastructure - the main driver of rate increases. Signing the repeal of the 100-foot rule was a key step in this regard, but more must be done.
* $3.75B for Water Infrastructure: New York's extremely successful Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA) has been long-overdue for increased funding. We are thrilled to see the Governor's proposal to bolster this program with historic levels of funding, which protects water quality and public health, while creating good jobs. With so much uncertainty at the federal level, additional funding for the CWIA will help ensure New York communities have the resources they need to replace and repair essential water infrastructure.
* Lead in Drinking Water: We are encouraged to see the Governor emphasize the importance of tackling lead in drinking water. New York must stay on track with the newly amended Lead and Copper Rule and ensure communities have the resources they need to replace all lead service lines at no cost to individual homeowners or renters. We hope to see dedicated funding towards these efforts within the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.
* Solar in Schools: The Governor is right to identify the urgent need - and enormous untapped opportunity - of greening New York Public Schools. However, this will require far more than an adjustment to the Building Aid rules. We urge the Governor to include, at a minimum, another $50 million for Green Schools funding in the Sustainable Future Fund.
* Streamlining SEQR: Environmental review under State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) remains a critical tool to highlight and mitigate potential environmental harms from various projects. Earthjustice agrees SEQR should not hold up housing development in the circumstances set forward by the governor, or the narrow set of beneficial infrastructure projects outlined like new parks and green stormwater management. But carveouts from SEQR must remain narrow. Communities deserve to understand and be able to prevent potential environmental harm from larger projects and other infrastructure.
* EV Charging Sales Tax Exemption: We welcome the proposal to exempt commercial EV charging from sales tax, which will further enhance the overall financial benefits of EVs over combustion cars. There is much more New York can and should be doing to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles to save fleets and consumers money and clean up our air. The Governor's inter-agency task force created last spring must do more to deliver on their promises to support expanded public and private charging infrastructure, support fleet transitions, and expand incentive programs.
* $425M Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): The funding provided by EPF is a win for New York communities that protects our air, water, and natural resources while creating jobs and improving our economy. We are pleased to see the Governor continue a commitment to these programs, however, we urge the Governor and Legislature to work towards funding EPF at $500 million. With the federal government walking away from environmental funding and protections, our communities need resources to fill any gaps and keep up with the impacts of our changing climate.
* Sun and Soil Program: Enabling working farms to pursue additional solar offers tremendous benefits not only to farmers, but New York communities. We are excited to see the Governor pursue a program that will allow farmers to pursue additional revenue through solar while maintaining farming activities, which will help keep farms profitable while having the added benefit of cutting climate pollution and providing energy to the community.
Though it was not mentioned in the Governor's State of the State Address, we hope to see the Governor re-commit at least $1 billion to the Sustainable Future Fund. Investing in renewables, energy efficiency, the adoption of electric vehicles, and more, are crucial not only for keeping up with our state's landmark climate law, but to save New Yorkers money and make our grid more reliable.
To couple the Governor's proposal for an EV charging sales tax exemption, we urge the Governor to dedicate at least $200 million within the Sustainable Future Fund towards clean transportation measures.
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Additional Resources
* About the Northeast Office (https://earthjustice.org/office/northeast
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About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
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Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/new-york-governor-hochul-delivers-2026-state-of-the-state
[Category: Environment]
DHR Health Transplant Institute Achieves Historic Milestone: 101 Kidney Transplants in 2025
EDINBURG, Texas, Jan. 16 -- DHR Health issued the following news on Jan. 15, 2026:
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DHR Health Transplant Institute Achieves Historic Milestone: 101 Kidney Transplants in 2025
DHR Health Transplant Institute announced today a historic milestone achievement for the Rio Grande Valley: 101 kidney transplants successfully performed in 2025, the highest number of kidney transplants completed in a year since the Institute opened in 2017.
This monumental achievement for DHR Health's Transplant Institute represents 101 lives saved and 101 lives transformed for patients and their families living
... Show Full Article
EDINBURG, Texas, Jan. 16 -- DHR Health issued the following news on Jan. 15, 2026:
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DHR Health Transplant Institute Achieves Historic Milestone: 101 Kidney Transplants in 2025
DHR Health Transplant Institute announced today a historic milestone achievement for the Rio Grande Valley: 101 kidney transplants successfully performed in 2025, the highest number of kidney transplants completed in a year since the Institute opened in 2017.
This monumental achievement for DHR Health's Transplant Institute represents 101 lives saved and 101 lives transformed for patients and their families livingin the Rio Grande Valley. For these patients, kidney transplantation means they are free from regular dialysis treatments with the opportunity to regain their quality of life and live a longer life.
The accomplishment also underscores the level of high-quality, advanced medical care that is in the Rio Grande Valley. Patients do not need to leave the region for this type of advanced care nor incur significant expenses related to travel and lodging associated with frequent follow-up visits.
"I would like to congratulate every member of the Transplant Team on a job well done. This is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our multidisciplinary Transplant Team as well as the generosity of organ donors and their families," said Dr. Sridhar Allam, DHR Health transplant nephrologist and medical director of the Transplant Institute. "We will continue to provide the best transplant care for our patients."
According to Allam, the need for transplant care in the Valley is especially important due to the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which significantly increase the risk of kidney failure.
"Unfortunately, the RGV has some of the highest rates of kidney failure in the country. There are currently about 4,000 patients on dialysis in this region alone," Allam said. "Our goal is to continue to provide world-class transplant care that is close to home, so patients don't have to travel long distances for treatment."
Across the United States, there are over 100,000 people waiting for an organ transplant, every 8 minutes another person is added to this list and 13 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant, highlighting the critical need for organ donation and expanded transplant services.
Established in 2017, the DHR Health Transplant Institute continues to expand access to transplantation in a region with a population of about 1.5 million residents. It remains the only medical facility of its kind south of San Antonio and Houston. This local access significantly reduces financial and emotional burden on patients and their families.
At the DHR Health Transplant Institute, a multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse coordinators, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare providers collaborate to provide specialized and compassionate care for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disorders, including kidney transplantation.
The DHR Health Transplant Institute is certified by the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The multidisciplinary team works closely with patients pre and post-surgery to ensure their new kidney remains healthy and functional--supporting long-term success.
The DHR Health Transplant Institute is located at 1100 E. Dove Avenue, 2nd floor. For more information or to make an appointment call (956) 362-5433. Also visit them on their website at https://www.dhrhealth.com/services/transplant/.
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Original text here: https://dhrhealth.com/news-stories/dhr-health-transplant-institute-achieves-historic-milestone-101-kidney-transplants-in-2025/
[Category: Health Care]
As Deaths Mount, NPNA Appeals to Congress: No More Funding for Trump's Secret Police Force
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 16 -- The National Partnership for New Americans issued the following news:
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As Deaths Mount, NPNA Appeals to Congress: No More Funding for Trump's Secret Police Force
By Andres Bautista
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Against a backdrop of the senseless death of Renee Good, a second shooting of a Venezuelan man, and dozens of others harmed or killed at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Congress continues its budgetary appropriations process and debates giving additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s violent assault on our cities,
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 16 -- The National Partnership for New Americans issued the following news:
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As Deaths Mount, NPNA Appeals to Congress: No More Funding for Trump's Secret Police Force
By Andres Bautista
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Against a backdrop of the senseless death of Renee Good, a second shooting of a Venezuelan man, and dozens of others harmed or killed at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Congress continues its budgetary appropriations process and debates giving additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s violent assault on our cities,communities, and neighbors. The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) firmly believes that DHS and ICE have abused our tax dollars, our families, and our democracy for far too long. Along with over 400 other organizations, we demand Congress reject any additional funding to DHS.
Last year, Congress gave DHS a windfall of $170 billion to supersize its detention and abduction capacities through the budget reconciliation process, giving a blank check for cruelty to DHS. Now, masked agents, equipped for war, are dragging people from their cars, zip-tying children, firing tear gas at high schoolers, and pointing guns at observers. In 2025 alone, there were 32 known deaths at the hands of ICE--the deadliest year ever--while tens of thousands of others suffer inhumane conditions in detention camps. While attempting to exercise oversight authority, Members of Congress have been turned away from visiting detention centers and responding to reports of cruelty. Recently, Democratic representatives Kelly Morrison, Ilhan Omar, and Angie Craig attempted to visit a Minnesota ICE detention center but were blocked, citing new guidance that requires Members of Congress to provide seven days' notice of their visit.
Said Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, Executive Director, Unidos MN, "What we are witnessing in Minnesota is ICE flooding neighborhoods, kidnapping, and murdering community members with impunity. Trump has purposefully empowered ICE to operate like a militia, letting it inflict real economic violence with zero accountability. Small businesses are struggling or closing during this militarized occupation because our communities are scared of being targeted next, and workers are afraid of being abducted.
"It is unacceptable that our taxpayer dollars are funding this chaos instead of public safety. As Minnesotans, we are resilient and will not back down. We will stand by our values and defend all of us. It is long overdue for Congress to do its job by stopping the signing of blank checks that enable ICE's violence and economic harm. We demand action now."
Said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director, "Under the weight of an affordability crisis, rising civil unrest, and escalating public safety concerns due to rogue ICE operations, our government now debates inflating ICE capacity even further--with more taxpayer dollars--to continue its reign of terror. In this reality, there is absolutely no accountability for actions by DHS and ICE--and it's shameful and horrifying to witness. Since the murder of Renee Good, there have been more than one thousand peaceful demonstrations across the country. The people have spoken in the streets: do not fund this violent secret police force.
Last year, lawmakers were willing to shut down the government to maintain healthcare access for millions of Americans. Now, Congress must be willing to take equally as bold action to prevent hundreds and thousands of immigrant families and their loved ones from being murdered, abused, or disappeared by ICE. With lives at stake at the hands of completely unchecked executive power, we demand you refuse to fund ICE and use every tool--including, if necessary, a possible government shutdown--to ensure ICE does not continue its chaotic assault on our communities. That is what the American people demand of you."
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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 88 of the nation's largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 42 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant and refugee equity and inclusion, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation. See our website for more information at partnershipfornewamericans.org.
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Original text here: https://partnershipfornewamericans.org/as-deaths-mount-npna-appeals-to-congress-no-more-funding-for-trumps-secret-police-force/
[Category: Sociological]
ALL4 Announces Acquisition of VCS Environmental, Expanding Environmental Planning and Compliance Capabilities
BROOKLINE, Massachusetts, Jan. 16 -- The Environmental Business Council of New England issued the following news:
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ALL4 Announces Acquisition of VCS Environmental, Expanding Environmental Planning and Compliance Capabilities
[Kimberton, PA] -- EBC Member ALL4 LLC (ALL4), a leader in environmental, health, safety, sustainability, and digital consulting services, and portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), today announced the acquisition of VCS Environmental (VCS), a full-service consulting team located in San Juan Capistrano, CA. VCS specializes in wetlands and endangered
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BROOKLINE, Massachusetts, Jan. 16 -- The Environmental Business Council of New England issued the following news:
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ALL4 Announces Acquisition of VCS Environmental, Expanding Environmental Planning and Compliance Capabilities
[Kimberton, PA] -- EBC Member ALL4 LLC (ALL4), a leader in environmental, health, safety, sustainability, and digital consulting services, and portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), today announced the acquisition of VCS Environmental (VCS), a full-service consulting team located in San Juan Capistrano, CA. VCS specializes in wetlands and endangeredspecies regulatory permitting, biological studies, cultural resource services, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) preparation.
The VCS team brings a diverse range of qualifications with decades of experience to provide expert solutions to every project, whether related to regulatory permitting, biological, cultural services or CEQA/NEPA. VCS is led by CEO Julie Beeman with close to 40 years of experience working with public agencies and private firms to assist them in meeting their development project goals.
"We are thrilled to expand our presence in California and to bring on new technical capabilities. Julie and the VCS team deliver thought leadership and strategic permitting and analysis capabilities that align with our long-term strategic plan," said Bill Straub, CEO of ALL4.
By combining VCS's regional leadership and permitting depth with ALL4's national platform and technical resources, the firms are well positioned to deliver integrated, end-to-end environmental solutions across a broader range of markets.
"We are very excited to join ALL4 to provide expanded services to our respective clients and to enhance career growth opportunities for our team. The VCS team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in raw land and redevelopment including environmental analysis and regulatory permitting for new residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects as well as infrastructure," said Julie Beeman, CEO of VCS Environmental.
Through this acquisition, ALL4 will broaden its environmental planning, permitting, and cultural resource capabilities while VCS gains access to ALL4's national platform and expanded environmental, health, safety, and digital services. VCS will continue to serve its existing clients while integrating with ALL4's broader network of technical experts.
"At a time when capital project execution in fast-growing markets, including power and data centers, demands integrated expertise, this partnership immediately benefits our clients by adding in-house wetlands, endangered species, biological, cultural, and CEQA/NEPA study and permitting capabilities to our existing EHS services," said Ali Farnoud, Chief Strategy Officer of ALL4.
This marks ALL4's seventh acquisition and represents ALL4's commitment to providing a comprehensive menu of strategic solutions to the global regulated community. The addition of VCS brings ALL4 to over 350 professionals, serving a wide range of industries, furthering ALL4's purpose of growing sustainable community.
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About VCS Environmental
VCS Environmental is a specialized environmental consulting firm providing regulatory permitting, biological, cultural resource services, and CEQA/NEPA support. The firm is led by CEO Julie Beeman, with President Wade Caffrey and Directors Eric Turner, Patrick Maxon, and Donna Decker leading the Regulatory, Biological, Cultural and CEQA/NEPA divisions. Since its founding, VCS has been committed to serving others by supporting global and local charitable initiatives and mentoring business leaders, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and students. Its corporate philosophy is to serve others and to embrace clients' goals and objectives as their own in order to provide strategic advice and leadership.
For more information visit www.vcsenvironmental.com.
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About ALL4
ALL4 is a leading global provider of strategic consulting services, helping organizations navigate complex Environmental, Health, and Safety challenges across a broad range of heavily regulated industries.
Our areas of expertise encompass air quality, chemical reporting and management, digital solutions, sustainability, investigation and remediation, occupational health and safety, waste management, and water quality. With offices and remote experts across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Spain, Chile, and Brazil, ALL4 brings a robust North American presence and a growing international footprint to our clients, which positions us to support them seamlessly and effectively around the world.
ALL4 operates from key physical offices in the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, PA (headquarters); Rancho Cucamonga, CA; San Juan Capistrano, CA; Atlanta, GA; Louisville and Lexington, KY; Raleigh, NC; Houston, TX; Bellingham, WA; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; and Madrid, Spain. ALL4 has consistently earned recognition as a "Best Place to Work" both regionally and nationally, reflecting our growth in personnel, culture, and environmental impact. Notable honors include:
Verdantix Green Quadrant for service providers - Innovator Status
Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies
ENR Top 200 Environmental Firms
Zweig Hot Firm - Fastest Growing Firms
Best Companies Group
For more information visit www.all4inc.com.
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About Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP)
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm with a 41-year track record of investing across various targeted sectors, including Business Services, Franchising & Multi-unit, Education & Training and Engineered Products & Manufacturing. LLCP utilizes a differentiated Structured Private Equity investment strategy, combining debt and equity capital investments in portfolio companies. LLCP believes that by investing in a combination of debt and equity securities, it offers management teams growth capital in a highly tailored, flexible investment structure that can be a more attractive alternative than traditional private equity.
LLCP's global team of dedicated investment professionals is led by 9 partners who have worked at LLCP for an average of 20 years. Since inception, LLCP and its affiliates have managed approximately $18.1 billion of capital across nearly 20 investment funds and has invested in approximately 120 portfolio companies. LLCP currently manages $12.7 billion of assets and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
For more information visit www.llcp.com
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Original text here: https://ebcne.org/news/all4-announces-acquisition-of-vcs-environmental-expanding-environmental-planning-and-compliance-capabilities/
[Category: Environment]
