Welcome to Wednesday, May 18th, paintings and portraits...

The Biden administration canceled offshore oil & gas drilling lease sales in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico as gasoline prices reach record highs.

Administration officials cited a lack of industry demand as the reason for the cancellation, but that claim drew pushback from Alaska’s senators.

Climate and environmental groups praised the decision to cancel the leases, as the Center for Biological Diversity’s oceans legal director Kristen Monsell said the Biden administration should go even further by canceling all new leasing and phase out existing oil and gas development.

Do you support or oppose canceling the Alaska and Gulf of Mexico offshore oil drilling leases?

Sweden's Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership

Sweden’s government announced Monday that it will pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The historic move will bring an end to Sweden’s longstanding neutrality and non-alignment which it has maintained since 1814.

Sweden is expected to join NATO as soon as this summer in tandem with its neighbor Finland, which announced its own decision to join the alliance last week and will hold a parliamentary vote in the next few days to move the process forward.

Are you in favor of Sweden joining NATO?

Could Eating Less Meat Reduce Rates of Deforestation?

Researchers have shown that eating less meat would benefit the environment and combat climate change.

Even decreasing meat consumption by 25% would have a great impact by protecting the rainforests and limiting emissions. Cutting meat consumption by a quarter would also free up around 23 million acres of land that would no longer be used for animal agriculture.

Would you cut down your meat consumption to help prevent more deforestation?

Congress Holds First Public Hearing on UFOs in Over 50 Years - ‘We Want to Know What’s Out There’

Congress held its first public hearing on UFO sightings in over 50 years on Tuesday, as defense officials briefed lawmakers and the public on the processes the government is using to track and investigate unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

The panel met in an open session for about 90 minutes, after which the hearing continued in a closed, classified setting.

Do you think the UAP investigation will produce conclusive results for the public?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. We previously covered the Soldier and the Civilian.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.

$\"\"$

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

It's International Museum Day. Will you be exploring a museum near you?

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-18T13:47:24.243Z","status":"published","snippet":"Welcome to Wednesday, May 18th, paintings and portraits... The Biden administration canceled offshore oil & gas drilling","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-18T16:27:19.070Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"IT: 🛢️ Biden administration cancels offshore drilling leases, and...Would you eat less meat to curb rates of deforestation?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Welcome to Wednesday, May 18th, paintings and portraits...

The Biden administration canceled offshore oil & gas drilling lease sales in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico as gasoline prices reach record highs.

Administration officials cited a lack of industry demand as the reason for the cancellation, but that claim drew pushback from Alaska’s senators.

Do you support or oppose canceling the Alaska and Gulf of Mexico offshore oil drilling leases?

Sweden's Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership

Are you in favor of Sweden joining NATO?

Could Eating Less Meat Reduce Rates of Deforestation?

Researchers have shown that eating less meat would benefit the environment and combat climate change.

Would you cut down your meat consumption to help prevent more deforestation?

Congress Holds First Public Hearing on UFOs in Over 50 Years - ‘We Want to Know What’s Out There’

The panel met in an open session for about 90 minutes, after which the hearing continued in a closed, classified setting.

Do you think the UAP investigation will produce conclusive results for the public?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. We previously covered the Soldier and the Civilian.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.

$\"\"$

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

It's International Museum Day. Will you be exploring a museum near you?

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Could Eating Less Meat Reduce Rates of Deforestation?","id":54093,"slug":"54093-eating-meat-reduce-rates-deforestation","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54093-eating-meat-reduce-rates-deforestation","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54093","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54093/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":"Would you cut down your meat consumption to help prevent more deforestation?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.17.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/3b37b7/3b37b7-iStock-875237010.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/3b37b7/3b37b7-iStock-875237010.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/3b37b7/3b37b7-iStock-875237010.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/3b37b7/3b37b7-iStock-875237010.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/3b37b7/3b37b7-iStock-875237010.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":340,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nLike all forms of agriculture, raising livestock affects the climate and environment and many of its processes emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during food production, including animal emissions, transportation, storage, machinery usage, and converting ecosystems into farmlands. \n
\nLivestock, mainly cattle, directly emits methane during digestion, adding up to 37% of total emissions from human activities. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide, and a single cow can produce between 154 to 264 pounds of it per year. \n
\nCurrently, cattle ranching accounts for 80% of deforestation in the Amazon, amounting to 340 million tons of CO2 emissions each year, and 3.4% of emissions worldwide. Brazil’s use of slash and burn agriculture releases high amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere as companies create land for cattle pastures and soy farms. This practice wipes out carbon sinks from the environment, which are parts of the earth that absorb and hold CO2. As climate change worsens, scientists emphasize how imperative carbon sinks are in combating the crisis.\n
\nGrowing meat requires more resources than crops, mainly because livestock need more land and must be fed. Industrial agriculture puts more stress on the land by using unnatural products and processes to grow crops faster for animals, such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, tillage, monocropping, and more. Fertilizers and pesticides boost plant productivity and control weeds, insects, and fungi in the fields. Monocropping is the practice of planting the same crop on the same plot of land year after year, which depletes the soil of nutrients and causes erosion. Farms till soil to speed up the regeneration of nutrients in the topsoil. \n
Forcibly speeding up these natural processes can ruin the soil, causing a cascade of problems and releasing the CO2 from the carbon sink in the ground. These practices often leave the land unfarmable, forcing industry leaders to cut down more forests to have clear land to farm on.

What are experts saying?

\nWhile climate scientists warn the public about the connection between meat consumption and climate change, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization projects that global meat demand will rise by more than 1% this year. \n
\nResearchers have shown that eating less meat would benefit the environment and combat climate change. One study stated that over half of CO2 emissions from the average American diet come from eating meat. Another study found that going vegetarian for a year would save over one metric ton of CO2 emissions from the average American's carbon footprint. \n
\nProfessor and climate change expert Naomi Oreskes said that cutting meat consumption is one of the most influential things Americans can do to tackle the climate crisis.\n

What would eating less meat look like?

Like many experts, Oreskes emphasized that becoming vegetarian/vegan is not the only way to cut down meat consumption. Even decreasing meat consumption by 25% would have a great impact by protecting the rainforests and limiting emissions. Cutting meat consumption by a quarter would also free up around 23 million acres of land that would no longer be used for animal agriculture.
\nThe Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that the increase in meat demand between 2020 and 2050 would eventually double the annual rate of deforestation globally. However, replacing 20% of the world’s per-capita beef consumption with an option like mycoprotein, a high-quality meatless alternative, would reduce methane emissions by 11% by 2050, and halve annual deforestation.\n
\nWhile the environmental impact of plant-based meats is not zero, it does have a lower carbon footprint than meat produced in the U.S. As individuals take the step to eat less meat, many companies and start-ups are investing in alternative meat products, which would lessen the demand for meat, in turn relieving the environment of the associated stressors. \n

What do you think? Will you cut down your meat consumption to help curb rates of deforestation?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / PeopleImages)

","comments_count":67,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["animals","food-and-agriculture","environment","fossil-fuel","climate-change"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-17T19:21:06.684Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Like all forms of agriculture, raising livestock affects the climate and environment and many of its processes","share_count":3,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#624960","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#edb723","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#4ac6ec","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-17T19:22:23.497Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Could Eating Less Meat Reduce Rates of Deforestation?","cta_prompt":"Would you cut down your meat consumption to help prevent more deforestation?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nLike all forms of agriculture, raising livestock affects the climate and environment and many of its processes emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during food production, including animal emissions, transportation, storage, machinery usage, and converting ecosystems into farmlands. \n
\nLivestock, mainly cattle, directly emits methane during digestion, adding up to 37% of total emissions from human activities. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide, and a single cow can produce between 154 to 264 pounds of it per year. \n
\nCurrently, cattle ranching accounts for 80% of deforestation in the Amazon, amounting to 340 million tons of CO2 emissions each year, and 3.4% of emissions worldwide. Brazil’s use of slash and burn agriculture releases high amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere as companies create land for cattle pastures and soy farms. This practice wipes out carbon sinks from the environment, which are parts of the earth that absorb and hold CO2. As climate change worsens, scientists emphasize how imperative carbon sinks are in combating the crisis.\n
\nGrowing meat requires more resources than crops, mainly because livestock need more land and must be fed. Industrial agriculture puts more stress on the land by using unnatural products and processes to grow crops faster for animals, such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, tillage, monocropping, and more. Fertilizers and pesticides boost plant productivity and control weeds, insects, and fungi in the fields. Monocropping is the practice of planting the same crop on the same plot of land year after year, which depletes the soil of nutrients and causes erosion. Farms till soil to speed up the regeneration of nutrients in the topsoil. \n
Forcibly speeding up these natural processes can ruin the soil, causing a cascade of problems and releasing the CO2 from the carbon sink in the ground. These practices often leave the land unfarmable, forcing industry leaders to cut down more forests to have clear land to farm on.

What are experts saying?

\nWhile climate scientists warn the public about the connection between meat consumption and climate change, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization projects that global meat demand will rise by more than 1% this year. \n
\nResearchers have shown that eating less meat would benefit the environment and combat climate change. One study stated that over half of CO2 emissions from the average American diet come from eating meat. Another study found that going vegetarian for a year would save over one metric ton of CO2 emissions from the average American's carbon footprint. \n
\nProfessor and climate change expert Naomi Oreskes said that cutting meat consumption is one of the most influential things Americans can do to tackle the climate crisis.\n

What would eating less meat look like?

Like many experts, Oreskes emphasized that becoming vegetarian/vegan is not the only way to cut down meat consumption. Even decreasing meat consumption by 25% would have a great impact by protecting the rainforests and limiting emissions. Cutting meat consumption by a quarter would also free up around 23 million acres of land that would no longer be used for animal agriculture.
\nThe Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that the increase in meat demand between 2020 and 2050 would eventually double the annual rate of deforestation globally. However, replacing 20% of the world’s per-capita beef consumption with an option like mycoprotein, a high-quality meatless alternative, would reduce methane emissions by 11% by 2050, and halve annual deforestation.\n
\nWhile the environmental impact of plant-based meats is not zero, it does have a lower carbon footprint than meat produced in the U.S. As individuals take the step to eat less meat, many companies and start-ups are investing in alternative meat products, which would lessen the demand for meat, in turn relieving the environment of the associated stressors. \n

What do you think? Will you cut down your meat consumption to help curb rates of deforestation?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / PeopleImages)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":65,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["climate-change","animals","environment","food-and-agriculture","fossil-fuel"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Sweden's Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership","id":54092,"slug":"54092-sweden-s-government-decides-apply-nato-membership","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54092-sweden-s-government-decides-apply-nato-membership","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54092","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54092/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":17,"cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of Sweden joining NATO?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.16.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/4598db/4598db-4722186.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/4598db/4598db-4722186.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/4598db/4598db-4722186.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/4598db/4598db-4722186.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/4598db/4598db-4722186.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":317,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

Sweden’s government announced Monday that it will pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The historic move will bring an end to Sweden’s longstanding neutrality and non-alignment which it has maintained since 1814.
\nPrime Minister Magdalena Andersson’s office released a statement that read, “The Government’s assessment is that NATO membership is the best way to protect Sweden’s security in light of the fundamentally changed security environment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” Her office also added in a tweet:\n

“Today, Sweden has decided to apply to become a member of NATO. A historic decision with broad support in parliament. NATO membership would strengthen Sweden’s security. As a member, Sweden would increase the security for all of NATO.”

\nSweden is expected to join NATO as soon as this summer in tandem with its neighbor Finland, which announced its own decision to join the alliance last week and will hold a parliamentary vote in the next few days to move the process forward. The two countries have been involved in extensive consultations on their security policies and both reassessed their policy of formal non-alignment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.\n
\nThe U.S. and Britain have reportedly provided Sweden and Finland with security guarantees during the NATO application process until they become formal members covered by the alliance’s Article V mutual defense clause. An expeditionary strike group led by the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge recently entered the Baltic Sea after spending the last few weeks in the North Sea off the coast of Norway for exercises with regional allies and partners. Additionally, Finland and Sweden’s Nordic neighbors Denmark, Iceland, and Norway are all NATO members and have pledged to support the applicants if they’re attacked prior to full NATO membership. \n
\nRussia has warned that if Finland and Sweden join NATO they will become potential military targets, potentially with tactical nuclear weapons. Vladimir Putin said that while any build-up of NATO forces in Finland and Sweden will “trigger a response” by Russia’s military, potential NATO membership by those countries “doesn’t pose a threat” to Russia ― comments which represent a significant walk-back from prior threats made by Russian officials.\n

What would Sweden bring to NATO?

\nDespite its formal non-alignment, the Swedish armed forces have a long history of holding joint exercises and training with NATO militaries that have enhanced their interoperability. Swedish troops have participated in the NATO Response Force despite not being formal members.\n
\nSweden recently announced plans to ramp up its defense spending to meet the NATO benchmark of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) “as soon as possible”. Its defense budget in 2022 is estimated at around 1.3% of GDP, up from 0.9% in 2015.\n
\nThe Swedish armed forces have an active duty component of about 24,000 personnel in addition to a reserve of about 31,800. The active component is comparable in size to Finland’s active military force, although its reserves are smaller. Sweden maintains a capable air and naval forces, and has a shared defense industrial base with NATO members, as it recently began using American-made Patriot missiles for air defense.\n
\nThe proximity of Sweden and Finland to the three Baltic states ― Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ― means that their geography would make them an integral part of NATO’s defensive plans in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish island of Gotland, strategically located halfway between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and the city of St. Petersburg, is considered a possible Russian invasion target if Putin attempts military action in the Baltic.\n
\nThe strategic impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO would also be seen further north as they are two of the eight Arctic countries and five of the others are members of NATO (the only non-NATO Arctic country is Russia).\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n
\nNATO Turns 70: Truman Completed the Ratification of the North Atlantic Treaty On This Date (7/25/19)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Averi Coppa via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","comments_count":46,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["nato","defense","war","military","russia"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-17T01:05:19.695Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Sweden’s government announced Monday that it will pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#624960","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#edb723","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#4ac6ec","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-17T01:08:00.000Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":"Sweden’s government announced Monday that it will pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The historic move will bring an end to Sweden’s longstanding neutrality and non-alignment which it has maintained since 1814. Read more →","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Sweden's Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership","cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of Sweden joining NATO?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

Sweden’s government announced Monday that it will pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The historic move will bring an end to Sweden’s longstanding neutrality and non-alignment which it has maintained since 1814.
\nPrime Minister Magdalena Andersson’s office released a statement that read, “The Government’s assessment is that NATO membership is the best way to protect Sweden’s security in light of the fundamentally changed security environment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” Her office also added in a tweet:\n

“Today, Sweden has decided to apply to become a member of NATO. A historic decision with broad support in parliament. NATO membership would strengthen Sweden’s security. As a member, Sweden would increase the security for all of NATO.”

\nSweden is expected to join NATO as soon as this summer in tandem with its neighbor Finland, which announced its own decision to join the alliance last week and will hold a parliamentary vote in the next few days to move the process forward. The two countries have been involved in extensive consultations on their security policies and both reassessed their policy of formal non-alignment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.\n
\nThe U.S. and Britain have reportedly provided Sweden and Finland with security guarantees during the NATO application process until they become formal members covered by the alliance’s Article V mutual defense clause. An expeditionary strike group led by the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge recently entered the Baltic Sea after spending the last few weeks in the North Sea off the coast of Norway for exercises with regional allies and partners. Additionally, Finland and Sweden’s Nordic neighbors Denmark, Iceland, and Norway are all NATO members and have pledged to support the applicants if they’re attacked prior to full NATO membership. \n
\nRussia has warned that if Finland and Sweden join NATO they will become potential military targets, potentially with tactical nuclear weapons. Vladimir Putin said that while any build-up of NATO forces in Finland and Sweden will “trigger a response” by Russia’s military, potential NATO membership by those countries “doesn’t pose a threat” to Russia ― comments which represent a significant walk-back from prior threats made by Russian officials.\n

What would Sweden bring to NATO?

\nDespite its formal non-alignment, the Swedish armed forces have a long history of holding joint exercises and training with NATO militaries that have enhanced their interoperability. Swedish troops have participated in the NATO Response Force despite not being formal members.\n
\nSweden recently announced plans to ramp up its defense spending to meet the NATO benchmark of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) “as soon as possible”. Its defense budget in 2022 is estimated at around 1.3% of GDP, up from 0.9% in 2015.\n
\nThe Swedish armed forces have an active duty component of about 24,000 personnel in addition to a reserve of about 31,800. The active component is comparable in size to Finland’s active military force, although its reserves are smaller. Sweden maintains a capable air and naval forces, and has a shared defense industrial base with NATO members, as it recently began using American-made Patriot missiles for air defense.\n
\nThe proximity of Sweden and Finland to the three Baltic states ― Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ― means that their geography would make them an integral part of NATO’s defensive plans in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish island of Gotland, strategically located halfway between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and the city of St. Petersburg, is considered a possible Russian invasion target if Putin attempts military action in the Baltic.\n
\nThe strategic impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO would also be seen further north as they are two of the eight Arctic countries and five of the others are members of NATO (the only non-NATO Arctic country is Russia).\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n
\nNATO Turns 70: Truman Completed the Ratification of the North Atlantic Treaty On This Date (7/25/19)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Averi Coppa via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

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Welcome to Monday, May 16th, rock and rollers...

Gas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, according to AAA.

Each day from Tuesday through Saturday, gas prices topped the previous record of $4.33 per gallon on March 11th.

AAA Spokesperson said in a statement that decreased global oil supplies and higher consumer demand have driven gas prices:

“With the cost of oil accounting for more than half of the pump price, more expensive oil means more expensive gasoline.”

Are you feeling the financial hit from gas prices reaching record highs?

Drought and Wildfire Brought by Climate Change in the Plains Leaves Farmers in Dire Conditions

Farmers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are experiencing an unusually dry season, leading to concern over crops and profits. More than 80% of farmers in this region reported severely dry conditions.

Drought conditions have been building since October, which long-term projections show will hold throughout the summer. Droughts are natural in the Plains, yet scientists believe that climate change could be worsening the dryness.

Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?

Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance

Finland’s government announced Thursday that the country is going to join NATO in the coming days. That will start a formal process that will likely conclude this summer with its membership in the NATO alliance.

Finland’s decision to end its longstanding policy of non-alignment between NATO and Russia (or the Warsaw Pact during the Soviet era) comes amid Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

Are you in favor of Finland joining NATO?

Senate to Take Up $40B Ukraine Aid Bill, House Considers Letting the President Halt ‘Excessive’ Energy Price Hikes

The Senate is set to take up the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine this week after it passed the House on a bipartisan vote last week.

Meanwhile, House lawmakers are expected to consider legislation letting the president freeze “excessive” energy price hikes during declared emergencies, among a number of other bills.

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

#TeamSeas for NFTs

Planning to support efforts to clean the oceans of toxic plastics? May as well get something for all that giving you do...

We call it a \"charitable sweepstakes\"—each dollar you donate to #TeamSeas earns you entries for a chance to win 1 of 4 NFTs by famed Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshii.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

Today is Love a Tree Day, so get out there and hug a tree. What's not to love?

$\"\"$

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-16T14:08:30.562Z","status":"published","snippet":"Welcome to Monday, May 16th, rock and rollers... Gas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this","share_count":4,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-16T15:39:51.618Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"IT: ⛽ Gas prices reach new all-time highs, and...Are you in favor of Finland joining NATO?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Welcome to Monday, May 16th, rock and rollers...

Gas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, according to AAA.

Each day from Tuesday through Saturday, gas prices topped the previous record of $4.33 per gallon on March 11th.

AAA Spokesperson said in a statement that decreased global oil supplies and higher consumer demand have driven gas prices:

“With the cost of oil accounting for more than half of the pump price, more expensive oil means more expensive gasoline.”

Are you feeling the financial hit from gas prices reaching record highs?

Drought and Wildfire Brought by Climate Change in the Plains Leaves Farmers in Dire Conditions

Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?

Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance

Are you in favor of Finland joining NATO?

Senate to Take Up $40B Ukraine Aid Bill, House Considers Letting the President Halt ‘Excessive’ Energy Price Hikes

The Senate is set to take up the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine this week after it passed the House on a bipartisan vote last week.

Meanwhile, House lawmakers are expected to consider legislation letting the president freeze “excessive” energy price hikes during declared emergencies, among a number of other bills.

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

#TeamSeas for NFTs

Planning to support efforts to clean the oceans of toxic plastics? May as well get something for all that giving you do...

We call it a \"charitable sweepstakes\"—each dollar you donate to #TeamSeas earns you entries for a chance to win 1 of 4 NFTs by famed Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshii.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

Today is Love a Tree Day, so get out there and hug a tree. What's not to love?

$\"\"$

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":4,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Gas Prices Reach New All-Time Highs - Are You Feeling the Pain at the Pump?","id":54088,"slug":"54088-gas-prices-reach-new-time-highs-feeling-pain-pump","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54088-gas-prices-reach-new-time-highs-feeling-pain-pump","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54088","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54088/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":17,"cta_prompt":"Are you feeling the financial hit from gas prices reaching record highs?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.14.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/34d08e/34d08e-iStock-1384741310.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/34d08e/34d08e-iStock-1384741310.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/34d08e/34d08e-iStock-1384741310.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/34d08e/34d08e-iStock-1384741310.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/34d08e/34d08e-iStock-1384741310.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":480,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nGas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, topping off at an average of $4.45 per gallon on Saturday, according to AAA. Each day from Tuesday through Saturday, gas prices topped the previous record of $4.33 per gallon on March 11th. \n
Three states ― California, Nevada, and Hawaii ― are averaging more than $5 per gallon statewide, while only a pair of states ― Kansas and Oklahoma ― are still enjoying average gas prices that are below $4 per gallon.
AAA Spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement that decreased global oil supplies and higher consumer demand have driven gas prices higher. Gross said, “With the cost of oil accounting for more than half of the pump price, more expensive oil means more expensive gasoline.”
\nSeveral states have adopted or will adopt temporary gas tax holidays to help mitigate the increased costs for drivers. \n
\nConnecticut’s 25 cents a gallon gas tax is suspended from April 1st through June 30th, and Georgia suspended its 29.1 cents a gallon tax from March 18th through May 31st. Florida will suspend its 25.3 cents per gallon gas tax from October 1st through October 31st, and New York will suspend its 16 cents per gallon tax from June 1st through the end of the year. Maryland had a gas tax holiday from March 18th through April 16th for its 36.1 cents a gallon gas tax.\n
While the idea of a gas tax has been floated in a number of other states and at the federal level, where there is an 18.4 cents per gallon tax, it has encountered resistance because the revenue from gas taxes funds road repairs and infrastructure projects. Skeptical lawmakers worry about the impact that will have on maintenance budgets and the potential deferral of projects to improve roadways.

What do you think: Should gas taxes be suspended at the state and federal levels? Where do you stand on the tradeoff between pain at the pump and potholes?

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Ladanifer)

","comments_count":96,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["energy-prices","fossil-fuel","transportation","economy","families"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-14T15:28:25.719Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Gas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, topping off at an","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#624960","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#4ac6ec","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":9,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-14T15:28:25.648Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":"Gas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, topping off at an average of $4.45 per gallon on Saturday, according to AAA. Each day from Tuesday through Saturday, gas prices topped the previous record of $4.33 per gallon on March 11th. Read more →","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Gas Prices Reach New All-Time Highs - Are You Feeling the Pain at the Pump?","cta_prompt":"Are you feeling the financial hit from gas prices reaching record highs?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nGas prices reached new all-time highs in the U.S. on five consecutive days this week, topping off at an average of $4.45 per gallon on Saturday, according to AAA. Each day from Tuesday through Saturday, gas prices topped the previous record of $4.33 per gallon on March 11th. \n
Three states ― California, Nevada, and Hawaii ― are averaging more than $5 per gallon statewide, while only a pair of states ― Kansas and Oklahoma ― are still enjoying average gas prices that are below $4 per gallon.
AAA Spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement that decreased global oil supplies and higher consumer demand have driven gas prices higher. Gross said, “With the cost of oil accounting for more than half of the pump price, more expensive oil means more expensive gasoline.”
\nSeveral states have adopted or will adopt temporary gas tax holidays to help mitigate the increased costs for drivers. \n
\nConnecticut’s 25 cents a gallon gas tax is suspended from April 1st through June 30th, and Georgia suspended its 29.1 cents a gallon tax from March 18th through May 31st. Florida will suspend its 25.3 cents per gallon gas tax from October 1st through October 31st, and New York will suspend its 16 cents per gallon tax from June 1st through the end of the year. Maryland had a gas tax holiday from March 18th through April 16th for its 36.1 cents a gallon gas tax.\n
While the idea of a gas tax has been floated in a number of other states and at the federal level, where there is an 18.4 cents per gallon tax, it has encountered resistance because the revenue from gas taxes funds road repairs and infrastructure projects. Skeptical lawmakers worry about the impact that will have on maintenance budgets and the potential deferral of projects to improve roadways.

What do you think: Should gas taxes be suspended at the state and federal levels? Where do you stand on the tradeoff between pain at the pump and potholes?

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Ladanifer)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":92,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["energy-prices","economy","transportation","families","fossil-fuel"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Finland’s Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance","id":54087,"slug":"54087-finland-s-leaders-announce-support-joining-nato-alliance","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54087-finland-s-leaders-announce-support-joining-nato-alliance","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54087","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54087/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":17,"cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of Finland joining NATO?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.13.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/0d3f56/0d3f56-24714640182_192098fdc4_b.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/0d3f56/0d3f56-24714640182_192098fdc4_b.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/0d3f56/0d3f56-24714640182_192098fdc4_b.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/0d3f56/0d3f56-24714640182_192098fdc4_b.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/WY0pybRD/0d3f56/0d3f56-24714640182_192098fdc4_b.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":358,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

Finland’s government announced Thursday that the country is going to undertake the steps necessary to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the coming days, with an announcement of its plan to join expected to follow on Sunday. That will start a formal process that will likely conclude this summer with its membership in the NATO alliance.
\nFinnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced the move in a joint statement on Thursday:\n

“Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.”

Finland’s decision to end its longstanding policy of non-alignment between NATO and Russia (or the Warsaw Pact during the Soviet era) comes amid Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The non-alignment policy arose during the Cold War due to Finland’s 810-mile border with Russia and to prevent a reprise of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Finland during World War II in the Winter War and the Continuation War. In those conflicts, Finnish forces inflicted heavy losses on the Red Army before an armistice that involved Finland ceding land in the Petsamo region near the Barents Sea and the Karelia region between Helsinki and St. Petersburg (then known as Leningrad) to the Soviet Union.
\nThe Finnish government has joined many NATO members in providing military aid to Ukraine, and public support for NATO membership has soared following Russia’s invasion. Public support for NATO membership in Finland began to rise after Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine and invaded the Donbas in 2014, but remained less than a majority at the time according to polls. Since Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, support for NATO membership has grown to outright majorities in Finland that trend to supermajorities if it joins the alliance simultaneously with Sweden.\n
\nRussia has made repeated threats against Finland and Sweden as those countries have moved toward NATO membership, with officials saying the Nordic duo may become military targets for Russia. On Friday, Russia announced it will cut off its electricity supplies to Finland, which receives about 10% of its electricity from Russia. Finnish transmission system operator Fingrid said that electricity shortages aren’t expected, as Finland will compensate by importing more electricity from Sweden. The country is also expected to open a new nuclear power station this summer and warmer temperatures in the spring and summer will bring more wind power generation online.\n
Finland has been in extensive consultations with its neighbor Sweden throughout this process, and Sweden is expected to announce its own decision to pursue NATO membership in the coming days or weeks. The U.S. and Britain have reportedly provided security assurances to Finland and Sweden while the NATO admittance process plays out. Once they formally join NATO, they will be covered by the alliance’s mutual defense guarantee under Article V.

What would Finland bring to the NATO alliance?

Finland already spends over 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on its defense budget, which meets the NATO benchmark, and announced a $2.2 billion boost in defense spending above its base budget of over $6 billion following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite its formal non-alignment, the Finnish armed forces have a long history of holding joint exercises and training with NATO militaries that have enhanced their interoperability.
\nFinland utilizes a significant amount of equipment from the defense industrial base of NATO members which has further deepened that interoperability. For example, Finland flies American-made F/A-18 Super Hornets and will eventually replace those with F-35 Lightning II fighters that many NATO militaries field. It has also acquired missiles from the U.S., plus tanks and artillery from the Netherlands.\n
The Finnish military is highly competent and unlike most European countries, continues to implement a conscription policy in which military-age males serve terms of 165, 255, or 347 days before their 29th birthday. That allows Finland to rapidly expand its active personnel from about 21,500 to 280,000 in wartime with a reserve of more than 900,000 troops.
Finland also has the most extensive artillery capability in all of western Europe, with 700 howitzers, 700 heavy mortars, and 100 multiple rocket launchers, and has a capable navy that cooperates with Sweden in securing sea lanes in the Baltic.
\nThe proximity of Finland and Sweden to the three Baltic states ― Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ― means that their geography would make them an integral part of NATO’s defensive plans in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish island of Gotland, strategically located halfway between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and the city of St. Petersburg, is considered a possible Russian invasion target if Putin attempts military action in the Baltic.\n
\nThe strategic impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO would also be seen further north as they are two of the eight Arctic countries and five of the others are members of NATO (the only non-NATO Arctic country is Russia).\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William A. Tanner, 7th Army Training Command via Flickr / Creative Commons)

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What’s the story?

Finland’s government announced Thursday that the country is going to undertake the steps necessary to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the coming days, with an announcement of its plan to join expected to follow on Sunday. That will start a formal process that will likely conclude this summer with its membership in the NATO alliance.
\nFinnish President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced the move in a joint statement on Thursday:\n

“Now that the moment of decision-making is near, we state our equal views, also for information to the parliamentary groups and parties. NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope that the national steps still needed to make this decision will be taken rapidly within the next few days.”

Finland’s decision to end its longstanding policy of non-alignment between NATO and Russia (or the Warsaw Pact during the Soviet era) comes amid Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The non-alignment policy arose during the Cold War due to Finland’s 810-mile border with Russia and to prevent a reprise of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Finland during World War II in the Winter War and the Continuation War. In those conflicts, Finnish forces inflicted heavy losses on the Red Army before an armistice that involved Finland ceding land in the Petsamo region near the Barents Sea and the Karelia region between Helsinki and St. Petersburg (then known as Leningrad) to the Soviet Union.
\nThe Finnish government has joined many NATO members in providing military aid to Ukraine, and public support for NATO membership has soared following Russia’s invasion. Public support for NATO membership in Finland began to rise after Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine and invaded the Donbas in 2014, but remained less than a majority at the time according to polls. Since Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, support for NATO membership has grown to outright majorities in Finland that trend to supermajorities if it joins the alliance simultaneously with Sweden.\n
\nRussia has made repeated threats against Finland and Sweden as those countries have moved toward NATO membership, with officials saying the Nordic duo may become military targets for Russia. On Friday, Russia announced it will cut off its electricity supplies to Finland, which receives about 10% of its electricity from Russia. Finnish transmission system operator Fingrid said that electricity shortages aren’t expected, as Finland will compensate by importing more electricity from Sweden. The country is also expected to open a new nuclear power station this summer and warmer temperatures in the spring and summer will bring more wind power generation online.\n
Finland has been in extensive consultations with its neighbor Sweden throughout this process, and Sweden is expected to announce its own decision to pursue NATO membership in the coming days or weeks. The U.S. and Britain have reportedly provided security assurances to Finland and Sweden while the NATO admittance process plays out. Once they formally join NATO, they will be covered by the alliance’s mutual defense guarantee under Article V.

What would Finland bring to the NATO alliance?

Finland already spends over 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on its defense budget, which meets the NATO benchmark, and announced a $2.2 billion boost in defense spending above its base budget of over $6 billion following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite its formal non-alignment, the Finnish armed forces have a long history of holding joint exercises and training with NATO militaries that have enhanced their interoperability.
\nFinland utilizes a significant amount of equipment from the defense industrial base of NATO members which has further deepened that interoperability. For example, Finland flies American-made F/A-18 Super Hornets and will eventually replace those with F-35 Lightning II fighters that many NATO militaries field. It has also acquired missiles from the U.S., plus tanks and artillery from the Netherlands.\n
The Finnish military is highly competent and unlike most European countries, continues to implement a conscription policy in which military-age males serve terms of 165, 255, or 347 days before their 29th birthday. That allows Finland to rapidly expand its active personnel from about 21,500 to 280,000 in wartime with a reserve of more than 900,000 troops.
Finland also has the most extensive artillery capability in all of western Europe, with 700 howitzers, 700 heavy mortars, and 100 multiple rocket launchers, and has a capable navy that cooperates with Sweden in securing sea lanes in the Baltic.
\nThe proximity of Finland and Sweden to the three Baltic states ― Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ― means that their geography would make them an integral part of NATO’s defensive plans in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish island of Gotland, strategically located halfway between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and the city of St. Petersburg, is considered a possible Russian invasion target if Putin attempts military action in the Baltic.\n
\nThe strategic impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO would also be seen further north as they are two of the eight Arctic countries and five of the others are members of NATO (the only non-NATO Arctic country is Russia).\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William A. Tanner, 7th Army Training Command via Flickr / Creative Commons)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":59,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["nato","diplomacy","military","defense","war"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Drought and Wildfire Brought by Climate Change in the Plains Leaves Farmers in Dire Conditions","id":54085,"slug":"54085-drought-wildfire-brought-climate-change-plains-leaves-farmers-dire-conditions","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54085-drought-wildfire-brought-climate-change-plains-leaves-farmers-dire-conditions","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54085","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54085/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":"Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.13.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/6ad93d/6ad93d-iStock-1325302888.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/6ad93d/6ad93d-iStock-1325302888.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/6ad93d/6ad93d-iStock-1325302888.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/6ad93d/6ad93d-iStock-1325302888.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/6ad93d/6ad93d-iStock-1325302888.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":209,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFarmers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are experiencing an unusually dry season, leading to concern over crops and profits. More than 80% of farmers in this region reported severely dry conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. \n
Recent rains have been helpful, but the drought still overwhelms farms in the Great Plains. Many farmers are worried that their crops won’t have enough moisture to break above ground.
High winds are factoring into crop failure as well. One farmer, Randy Uhrmacher, reported clouds of dust hanging in the air over his fields from dry soil, comparing it to the 1930s Dust Bowl. The above-average wind speeds and dry fields are causing wildfires that burn hay and thousands of acres of grasslands.
These conditions follow an extremely dry winter, as explained by climatologist Brian Fuchs, which exceeded predictions. Fuchs said the drought is getting more intense from South Dakota, down to Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Drought conditions have been building since October, which long-term projections show will hold throughout the summer. Droughts are natural in the Plains, yet scientists believe that climate change could be worsening the dryness.

How does climate change impact farming conditions?

Drought

\nMeteorologist Chip Redmond said climate change has a slow, gradual impact on the environment, pushing this region further into drought in the future. Through the warmer temperatures of climate change, an increased rate of evaporation causes drought conditions to worsen. When temperatures rise, the water molecules easily turn from a liquid to a gas. Drier air has the same effect. Warm, dry air can “carry” a higher concentration of water vapor than cold air. \n
This reduces water in the soil and vegetation, which can cause the ground to absorb more solar heat, leading to high-pressure systems that reduce rainfall even further. The drought cycle continues year-round, causing warmer, drier winters. Snowfall is vital for this ecosystem since it adds moisture to the ground and acts as a reflective surface, so the soil doesn’t soak up more solar energy.

Wildfires

\nResearch shows that wildfire risk is increasing due to climate change. Wildfires depend on several factors, including high temperature, low soil moisture, and the presence of trees, plants, kindling, hay, and more. All of these components have strong ties to climate change. \n
Climate change creates drier conditions for soil and organic matter (the material that burns during wildfires), which helps fire spread and become harder to put out. The heat also allows certain insects to thrive, which weaken or kill trees, leading to more fuels in a forest for fires.
Scientists predict that for much of the Western U.S., the median burned area will increase as much as 600%. With climate change creating these severe conditions, farmers fear for the future viability of their crops and animals.

Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / eyfoto)

","comments_count":37,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["economy","food-and-agriculture","climate-change","environment","fossil-fuel"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-13T17:14:52.897Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Farmers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are experiencing an unusually dry season , leading to concern over","share_count":3,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#624960","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#4ac6ec","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":9,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-13T18:28:02.067Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Drought and Wildfire Brought by Climate Change in the Plains Leaves Farmers in Dire Conditions","cta_prompt":"Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFarmers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are experiencing an unusually dry season, leading to concern over crops and profits. More than 80% of farmers in this region reported severely dry conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. \n
Recent rains have been helpful, but the drought still overwhelms farms in the Great Plains. Many farmers are worried that their crops won’t have enough moisture to break above ground.
High winds are factoring into crop failure as well. One farmer, Randy Uhrmacher, reported clouds of dust hanging in the air over his fields from dry soil, comparing it to the 1930s Dust Bowl. The above-average wind speeds and dry fields are causing wildfires that burn hay and thousands of acres of grasslands.
These conditions follow an extremely dry winter, as explained by climatologist Brian Fuchs, which exceeded predictions. Fuchs said the drought is getting more intense from South Dakota, down to Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Drought conditions have been building since October, which long-term projections show will hold throughout the summer. Droughts are natural in the Plains, yet scientists believe that climate change could be worsening the dryness.

How does climate change impact farming conditions?

Drought

\nMeteorologist Chip Redmond said climate change has a slow, gradual impact on the environment, pushing this region further into drought in the future. Through the warmer temperatures of climate change, an increased rate of evaporation causes drought conditions to worsen. When temperatures rise, the water molecules easily turn from a liquid to a gas. Drier air has the same effect. Warm, dry air can “carry” a higher concentration of water vapor than cold air. \n
This reduces water in the soil and vegetation, which can cause the ground to absorb more solar heat, leading to high-pressure systems that reduce rainfall even further. The drought cycle continues year-round, causing warmer, drier winters. Snowfall is vital for this ecosystem since it adds moisture to the ground and acts as a reflective surface, so the soil doesn’t soak up more solar energy.

Wildfires

\nResearch shows that wildfire risk is increasing due to climate change. Wildfires depend on several factors, including high temperature, low soil moisture, and the presence of trees, plants, kindling, hay, and more. All of these components have strong ties to climate change. \n
Climate change creates drier conditions for soil and organic matter (the material that burns during wildfires), which helps fire spread and become harder to put out. The heat also allows certain insects to thrive, which weaken or kill trees, leading to more fuels in a forest for fires.
Scientists predict that for much of the Western U.S., the median burned area will increase as much as 600%. With climate change creating these severe conditions, farmers fear for the future viability of their crops and animals.

Is your area experiencing droughts and wildfires?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / eyfoto)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":37,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["climate-change","economy","environment","food-and-agriculture","fossil-fuel"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"IT: 🗣️ It's National Mental Health Month, and... Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?","id":54084,"slug":"54084-s-national-mental-health-month-concerned-baby-formula-shortage","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54084-s-national-mental-health-month-concerned-baby-formula-shortage","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54084","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54084/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":null,"cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.13.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/1dc221/1dc221-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/1dc221/1dc221-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/1dc221/1dc221-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/1dc221/1dc221-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/1dc221/1dc221-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":5,"html_content":"

Welcome to Friday, May 13th, Jasons and Freddies...

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of mental health toward overall wellbeing.

This month calls attention to the need to fight the stigma around mental health, provide support and health resources, and educate the public on the causes and impacts of mental health struggles.

How do you feel about Mental Health Awareness Month?

Senate Rejects Democrats' Bill to Codify Abortion Rights Before & After Fetal Viability

The Senate offered another bipartisan rejection of Democrats’ Women’s Health Protection Act on Wednesday, which failed to clear a procedural hurdle on a 49-51 vote ― short of the 60 votes needed for debate to continue.

The Act would create a federal statutory right to abortion that would allow people to undergo abortions without having to comply with nearly all existing state-level abortion restrictions.

How do you feel about the Senate’s vote?

Inflation Remained Near 40-Year High in April at 8.3%

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday that the all items consumer price index (CPI) rose by 8.3% over the last 12 months through April. Inflation remained near a four-decade high and is more than four times the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2%.

April marks the fifth consecutive month with inflation running at 7% or higher during the preceding 12-month period.

Are you feeling the financial pressure of inflation?

Baby Formula Shortage Across the U.S. Sends Parents Scrambling

A shortage in baby formula has impacted families across the country, leaving parents scrambling to feed their children. The national out-of-stock rate for baby formula was 43% this week, as found by Datasembly.

Many manufacturers are struggling to increase production to meet consumer demands. Major retailers are limiting how much baby formula their customers can buy to prevent panic buying.

Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. We previously covered the Soldier, this is The Civilian.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.

All the Memes Fit to Post

$\"\"$

And, in the End…

It's Friday, the 13th...we recommend keeping an eye out for selener.

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":false,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-12T19:22:05.866Z","status":"published","snippet":"Welcome to Friday, May 13th, Jasons and Freddies... May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-13T16:25:05.456Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"IT: 🗣️ It's National Mental Health Month, and... Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?","cta_prompt":null,"html_content":"

Welcome to Friday, May 13th, Jasons and Freddies...

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of mental health toward overall wellbeing.

This month calls attention to the need to fight the stigma around mental health, provide support and health resources, and educate the public on the causes and impacts of mental health struggles.

How do you feel about Mental Health Awareness Month?

Senate Rejects Democrats' Bill to Codify Abortion Rights Before & After Fetal Viability

The Act would create a federal statutory right to abortion that would allow people to undergo abortions without having to comply with nearly all existing state-level abortion restrictions.

How do you feel about the Senate’s vote?

Inflation Remained Near 40-Year High in April at 8.3%

April marks the fifth consecutive month with inflation running at 7% or higher during the preceding 12-month period.

Are you feeling the financial pressure of inflation?

Baby Formula Shortage Across the U.S. Sends Parents Scrambling

Many manufacturers are struggling to increase production to meet consumer demands. Major retailers are limiting how much baby formula their customers can buy to prevent panic buying.

Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. We previously covered the Soldier, this is The Civilian.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.

All the Memes Fit to Post

$\"\"$

And, in the End…

It's Friday, the 13th...we recommend keeping an eye out for selener.

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"May is National Mental Health Awareness Month","id":54058,"slug":"54058-national-mental-health-awareness-month","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54058-national-mental-health-awareness-month","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54058","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54058/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"How do you feel about Mental Health Awareness Month?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.13.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/18734b/18734b-mentalhealth.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/18734b/18734b-mentalhealth.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/18734b/18734b-mentalhealth.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/18734b/18734b-mentalhealth.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/18734b/18734b-mentalhealth.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":198,"html_content":"

What’s the story

\nEach May is dedicated to National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of mental health toward overall wellbeing. This month calls attention to the need to fight the stigma around mental health, provide support and health resources, and educate the public on the causes and impacts of mental health struggles. \n

Recent news and important facts

\nPresident Joe Biden released a proclamation recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month this year, highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic’s role in exacerbating mental health issues.\n
\nAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental health condition, meaning you likely know someone who is impacted by a mental health illness. Worldwide, 450 million people have a mental illness, representing 1 in 4 people. \n
One in 20 Americans lives with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.
\nMental health stigma, prejudice, and discrimination often lead people to delay or avoid seeking treatment. The American Psychiatry Association reports that more than half of people with mental illness do not receive help for their disorders. Despite the efforts made by the government, 10.3 percent of adults with mental illnesses are uninsured, making treatment inaccessible.\n
\nMental health stigma and other persisting barriers to access affect everyone. Studies have found that men are less likely to seek mental health treatment and are more likely to die by suicide. Women report higher rates of depression, some eating disorders, and are more likely than men to attempt suicide. Disparities in treatment also vary by race, with people of color less likely to seek out or have access to mental health services than white people. And youth in America are facing a mental health crisis. No matter who you are, mental health matters.\n

Ways to Take Action

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is free, confidential, and open 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also chat online with their Lifeline Crisis Chat here.

Take care of yourself

\nIt starts with you. Practice self care, incorporate a mental health app into your daily routine or implement some other ways to improve your mental health, and check in with yourself and your loved ones.\n
\nYou don’t need to be actively resolving a mental health issue to go to therapy. Read this article to see if you could benefit from mental health counseling.\n
\nNot sure where to start? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control provides resources here for how you or someone you want to help can connect with trained mental health professionals. The National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI) also has resources, including how to find a health care provider or treatment, and ways to learn more about mental disorders. The New York Times also recently published an article with tips and tricks for finding a therapist who is a good fit.\n

Donate or Volunteer

\nThe National Alliance for Mental Illness has many ways you can get involved and take action to help improve mental health in your community, including hosting a fundraiser, participating in awareness events, and sharing your story. \n
\nSo many volunteer opportunities are essential to helping with your community’s well being, including mental health. Volunteering at a nursing home, helping to clean a local park, or donating money to a mental health charity can all help. For a more direct volunteer opportunity, learn more about how to become a Crisis Counselor for crisis text lines.\n

-Jamie Epstein and Casey Dawson

","comments_count":33,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["health","education","public-safety","government","families"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-02T17:50:19.171Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story Each May is dedicated to National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of mental","share_count":6,"reaction_config":[{"icon":"excited","text":"Excited","color":"#EE4950","stance":"excited"},{"icon":"happy","text":"Happy","color":"#EDB723","stance":"happy"},{"icon":"apathetic","text":"Apathetic","color":"#3AB093","stance":"apathetic"},{"icon":"sad","text":"Sad","color":"#5ACDED","stance":"sad"},{"icon":"angry","text":"Angry","color":"#624960","stance":"angry"}],"reaction_config_id":5,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-13T14:47:23.890Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"May is National Mental Health Awareness Month","cta_prompt":"How do you feel about Mental Health Awareness Month?","html_content":"

What’s the story

\nEach May is dedicated to National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of mental health toward overall wellbeing. This month calls attention to the need to fight the stigma around mental health, provide support and health resources, and educate the public on the causes and impacts of mental health struggles. \n

Recent news and important facts

\nPresident Joe Biden released a proclamation recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month this year, highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic’s role in exacerbating mental health issues.\n
\nAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental health condition, meaning you likely know someone who is impacted by a mental health illness. Worldwide, 450 million people have a mental illness, representing 1 in 4 people. \n
One in 20 Americans lives with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.
\nMental health stigma, prejudice, and discrimination often lead people to delay or avoid seeking treatment. The American Psychiatry Association reports that more than half of people with mental illness do not receive help for their disorders. Despite the efforts made by the government, 10.3 percent of adults with mental illnesses are uninsured, making treatment inaccessible.\n
\nMental health stigma and other persisting barriers to access affect everyone. Studies have found that men are less likely to seek mental health treatment and are more likely to die by suicide. Women report higher rates of depression, some eating disorders, and are more likely than men to attempt suicide. Disparities in treatment also vary by race, with people of color less likely to seek out or have access to mental health services than white people. And youth in America are facing a mental health crisis. No matter who you are, mental health matters.\n

Ways to Take Action

Take care of yourself

\nIt starts with you. Practice self care, incorporate a mental health app into your daily routine or implement some other ways to improve your mental health, and check in with yourself and your loved ones.\n
\nYou don’t need to be actively resolving a mental health issue to go to therapy. Read this article to see if you could benefit from mental health counseling.\n
\nNot sure where to start? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control provides resources here for how you or someone you want to help can connect with trained mental health professionals. The National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI) also has resources, including how to find a health care provider or treatment, and ways to learn more about mental disorders. The New York Times also recently published an article with tips and tricks for finding a therapist who is a good fit.\n

Donate or Volunteer

\nThe National Alliance for Mental Illness has many ways you can get involved and take action to help improve mental health in your community, including hosting a fundraiser, participating in awareness events, and sharing your story. \n
\nSo many volunteer opportunities are essential to helping with your community’s well being, including mental health. Volunteering at a nursing home, helping to clean a local park, or donating money to a mental health charity can all help. For a more direct volunteer opportunity, learn more about how to become a Crisis Counselor for crisis text lines.\n

-Jamie Epstein and Casey Dawson

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":33,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["public-safety","health","education","families","government"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Baby Formula Shortage Across the U.S. Sends Parents Scrambling","id":54083,"slug":"54083-baby-formula-shortage-u-s-sends-parents-scrambling","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54083-baby-formula-shortage-u-s-sends-parents-scrambling","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54083","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54083/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.12.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/b17804/b17804-iStock-1320599569.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/b17804/b17804-iStock-1320599569.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/b17804/b17804-iStock-1320599569.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/b17804/b17804-iStock-1320599569.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/b17804/b17804-iStock-1320599569.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":325,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nA shortage in baby formula has impacted families across the country, leaving parents scrambling to feed their children. The national out-of-stock rate for baby formula was 43% this week, as found by Datasembly. \n
\nAbbott Nutrition, a popular baby food manufacturer, recalled three types of infant formula in February after four babies were hospitalized and two died due to bacterial infections from consuming the products. The recall was exacerbated by supply-chain difficulties and labor shortages. \n
The Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan, shut down to restart the production of infant formula products. Abbott said it is doing everything it could to provide consumers with formula, including increasing production at other U.S. plants and shipping products from its facility in Ireland.
Many manufacturers are struggling to increase production to make up for the loss of baby food and to meet consumer demands.
Another issue on top of supply-chain problems and labor shortages is panic buying, said Rudi Leuschner, an associate professor of supply-chain management at Rutgers Business School.
Major retailers are limiting how much baby formula their customers can buy to prevent panic buying.

How are parents responding?

According to the New York Times, many parents say they are rationing food for their babies, driving several hours to find formula, and creating homemade infant formula.
Health experts warn parents that homemade formula recipes found online can lack vital nutrients or present other dangers.
Babies who require specialty formulas are especially at risk, as many products cannot address allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or metabolic disorders.
The federal Women, Infants, and Children program in San Antonio recommends not watering down the formula because it can lead to poor nutritional balance and health problems.
Doctors are encouraging parents to increase breastfeeding as much as possible.
Parents who are buying formula online have encountered higher prices and scams.
Baby formula was already a high cost for many families. The office of the U.S. Surgeon General said that families usually spend up to $1,5000 on infant formula in one year.

What do you think about the baby formula shortage?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Miljan Živković)

","comments_count":66,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["health","hunger","food-and-agriculture","children","families"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-12T19:11:56.939Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? A shortage in baby formula has impacted families across the country , leaving parents scrambling to feed their","share_count":4,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#624960","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#edb723","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#4ac6ec","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-12T21:07:43.386Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Baby Formula Shortage Across the U.S. Sends Parents Scrambling","cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about the baby formula shortage?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nA shortage in baby formula has impacted families across the country, leaving parents scrambling to feed their children. The national out-of-stock rate for baby formula was 43% this week, as found by Datasembly. \n
\nAbbott Nutrition, a popular baby food manufacturer, recalled three types of infant formula in February after four babies were hospitalized and two died due to bacterial infections from consuming the products. The recall was exacerbated by supply-chain difficulties and labor shortages. \n
The Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan, shut down to restart the production of infant formula products. Abbott said it is doing everything it could to provide consumers with formula, including increasing production at other U.S. plants and shipping products from its facility in Ireland.
Many manufacturers are struggling to increase production to make up for the loss of baby food and to meet consumer demands.
Another issue on top of supply-chain problems and labor shortages is panic buying, said Rudi Leuschner, an associate professor of supply-chain management at Rutgers Business School.
Major retailers are limiting how much baby formula their customers can buy to prevent panic buying.

How are parents responding?

According to the New York Times, many parents say they are rationing food for their babies, driving several hours to find formula, and creating homemade infant formula.
Health experts warn parents that homemade formula recipes found online can lack vital nutrients or present other dangers.
Babies who require specialty formulas are especially at risk, as many products cannot address allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or metabolic disorders.
The federal Women, Infants, and Children program in San Antonio recommends not watering down the formula because it can lead to poor nutritional balance and health problems.
Doctors are encouraging parents to increase breastfeeding as much as possible.
Parents who are buying formula online have encountered higher prices and scams.
Baby formula was already a high cost for many families. The office of the U.S. Surgeon General said that families usually spend up to $1,5000 on infant formula in one year.

What do you think about the baby formula shortage?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Miljan Živković)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":64,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["hunger","health","children","food-and-agriculture","families"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"IT: 🍃 Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and...What does SCOTUS say about past abortion rights cases?","id":54078,"slug":"54078-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month-does-scotus-say-past-abortion-rights-cases","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54078-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month-does-scotus-say-past-abortion-rights-cases","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54078","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54078/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.11.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/0fd871/0fd871-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/0fd871/0fd871-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/0fd871/0fd871-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/0fd871/0fd871-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/0fd871/0fd871-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":3,"html_content":"

Welcome to Wednesday, May 11, ghosts and ghouls...

It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of AAPI individuals.

The umbrella term AAPI encompasses a wide range of communities with origins from the entire Asian continent including East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands. This year, the theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration,” seeking to emphasize the importance of representation in leadership roles, and for leaders to listen and work with affected communities.

Learn more about the history of the month, and ways to take action, honor, and celebrate.

Austin To Implement ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot Program to Combat Homelessness

Austin will become the first Texas city to try out a guaranteed income initiative after the city council approved a year-long pilot program to send $1,000 to 85 households. The capital of Texas joins 28 other U.S. cities in sending no-strings-attached cash to families in need. According to the City of Austin, roughly 1 percent of the population is homeless.

What do you think about guaranteed income programs?

President Biden Signs Bipartisan Ukraine Lend-Lease Bill Into Law

President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act into law at a White House ceremony on Monday. The bill passed the Senate on a unanimous voice vote on April 6th and was approved by the House on a 417-10 vote on April 28th.

The Act temporarily waives requirements on the president’s authority to lend or lease defense articles intended for Ukraine’s government and also the governments of other Eastern European countries affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

How do you feel about the Ukraine Lend-Lease Act becoming law?

What Did the Supreme Court Say About Abortion Rights in Cases Like Roe, Casey, & Others?

While the contents of a leaked draft opinion indicated that a majority of the Court is prepared to overturn precedents under Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the leaked draft isn’t official.

Besides Roe and Casey, there have been several other notable decisions on the topic over the last few decades. Here’s a look at what the Court said about abortion rights in its most prominent and lesser known opinions.

How do you feel about the Supreme Court’s past rulings on abortion rights?

#TeamSeas for NFTs

Planning to support efforts to clean the oceans of toxic plastics? May as well get something for all that giving you do...

We call it a \"charitable sweepstakes\"—each dollar you donate to #TeamSeas earns you entries for a chance to win 1 of 4 NFTs by famed Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshii.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

Next stop, the Twilight Zone.

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-11T17:08:44.243Z","status":"published","snippet":"Welcome to Wednesday, May 11, ghosts and ghouls... It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month to recognize","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-11T18:55:40.664Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"IT: 🍃 Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and...What does SCOTUS say about past abortion rights cases?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Welcome to Wednesday, May 11, ghosts and ghouls...

It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of AAPI individuals.

Learn more about the history of the month, and ways to take action, honor, and celebrate.

Austin To Implement ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot Program to Combat Homelessness

What do you think about guaranteed income programs?

President Biden Signs Bipartisan Ukraine Lend-Lease Bill Into Law

How do you feel about the Ukraine Lend-Lease Act becoming law?

What Did the Supreme Court Say About Abortion Rights in Cases Like Roe, Casey, & Others?

How do you feel about the Supreme Court’s past rulings on abortion rights?

#TeamSeas for NFTs

Planning to support efforts to clean the oceans of toxic plastics? May as well get something for all that giving you do...

We call it a \"charitable sweepstakes\"—each dollar you donate to #TeamSeas earns you entries for a chance to win 1 of 4 NFTs by famed Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshii.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

Next stop, the Twilight Zone.

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ways to Honor and Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month","id":54056,"slug":"54056-ways-honor-celebrate-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54056-ways-honor-celebrate-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54056","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54056/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"How are you honoring AAPI Heritage month this year? ","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.11.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/4119c3/4119c3-apahm.jpeg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/4119c3/4119c3-apahm.jpeg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/4119c3/4119c3-apahm.jpeg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/4119c3/4119c3-apahm.jpeg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/4119c3/4119c3-apahm.jpeg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":28,"html_content":"

What’s the story

\nThis May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM), a national commemorative month that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of AAPI individuals and brings awareness to the issues facing AAPI communities. The umbrella term AAPI encompasses a wide range of communities with origins from the entire Asian continent including East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands.\n
\nThis year, the theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration,” building on last year’s theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service.” Both themes seek to emphasize the importance of representation in leadership roles, and for leaders to listen and work with affected communities.\n

When did APAHM begin?

\nEfforts to recognize AAPI heritage began in the 1970s, when Congress first passed a resolution to declare the first days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a month. The month of May was chosen as it marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the first U.S. transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was constructed with substantial work from Chinese laborers, who were underpaid and overworked.\n

Why ‘AAPI’?

\nThe term AAPI has grown in popularity as it enables a vast array of ethnicities, countries, nationalities, and identities to come together as one group and connect over this shared term — the 2020 U.S. Census estimated over 24 million people in the U.S identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. \n
\nHowever, the term has also faced criticism for being too broad of a categorization, unable to properly encompass the unique experiences of so many different cultures, and tending to focus on East Asians over other marginalized groups. The AAPI categorization consists of around 50 different ethnic groups, with enormous generational, religious, economic, cultural, and ideological differences. \n
\nAfter the racial category of “Asian” was established, it was expanded in the 1980s to include “Pacific Islanders”, groups which had previously been categorized individually, like “Hawaiian” or “Samoan.” However, some Pacific Islanders also include people who identify as Indigenous, and groups like this saw the inequities they faced being ignored by this new label. Achievement gaps exist within the AAPI label from educational attainment to healthcare access to financial resources. For example, 71 percent of Asian Americans aged 25 to 29 attained a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 22 percent of Pacific Islanders. By grouping AAPI people all under one umbrella, data assessment can obscure important issues.\n
It is important to recognize these complexities and understand that AAPI people are not a monolith, and individual ethnic groups need their own recognition and advocacy as well.

Ways to Honor, Celebrate, and Take Action

Educational Resources

\nAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, AAPIs have the lowest treatment-seeking rate of any racial or ethnic group. Check out this website for specific mental health resources for AAPI communities.\n
\nLearn more about AAPI data and data disaggregation at AAPI Data’s website.\n
\nThe Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has compiled a “Learning Together” page with interviews, book recommendations, interactive activities, videos, and more. The page is geared toward providing resources for ways to incorporate AAPI history and information into class curriculum, but can be helpful for anyone interested in expanding their worldview.\n
\nStop AAPI Hate is an organization that raises awareness of anti-Asian biases, collects data on hate crimes, and advocates for policy to address the root causes of discrimination and hate. You can report an incident of anti-AAPI hate on their website, learn more about the history of AAPI discrimination, and read about safety tips to follow and share. You can also donate to support their ongoing efforts here. \n

Events near and far

\nSome ways to celebrate and raise awareness in the Washington, D.C. area include food festivals, Tai Chi on Saturdays, and an upcoming campaign against anti-Asian violence that launches later this month.\n
\nFilm festivals, library workshops, and museum events are just a few ways to celebrate in the Bay Area.\n
\nCheck out Celebrasia 2022 in Austin, visit cultural sites (virtually or in-person) or attend Asia Society Texas’ numerous events in Houston, and explore museums, local restaurants, and festivals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.\n
\nCheck out these great ways to celebrate and educate with your family and friends from anywhere in the world.\n
\nOpen up The Asian Pacific American Center’s ‘Care Package’ of poems, films, music, and mediations. Then check out their online calendars of virtual events throughout the month.\n

How are you honoring AAPI Heritage month this year?

-Casey Dawson

","comments_count":10,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["social-justice","history","education","human-rights","civil-rights"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-02T14:37:36.665Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story This May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM), a national commemorative month that","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-11T15:42:43.989Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ways to Honor and Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month","cta_prompt":"How are you honoring AAPI Heritage month this year? ","html_content":"

What’s the story

\nThis May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM), a national commemorative month that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of AAPI individuals and brings awareness to the issues facing AAPI communities. The umbrella term AAPI encompasses a wide range of communities with origins from the entire Asian continent including East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands.\n
\nThis year, the theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration,” building on last year’s theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service.” Both themes seek to emphasize the importance of representation in leadership roles, and for leaders to listen and work with affected communities.\n

When did APAHM begin?

\nEfforts to recognize AAPI heritage began in the 1970s, when Congress first passed a resolution to declare the first days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a month. The month of May was chosen as it marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the first U.S. transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was constructed with substantial work from Chinese laborers, who were underpaid and overworked.\n

Why ‘AAPI’?

\nThe term AAPI has grown in popularity as it enables a vast array of ethnicities, countries, nationalities, and identities to come together as one group and connect over this shared term — the 2020 U.S. Census estimated over 24 million people in the U.S identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. \n
\nHowever, the term has also faced criticism for being too broad of a categorization, unable to properly encompass the unique experiences of so many different cultures, and tending to focus on East Asians over other marginalized groups. The AAPI categorization consists of around 50 different ethnic groups, with enormous generational, religious, economic, cultural, and ideological differences. \n
\nAfter the racial category of “Asian” was established, it was expanded in the 1980s to include “Pacific Islanders”, groups which had previously been categorized individually, like “Hawaiian” or “Samoan.” However, some Pacific Islanders also include people who identify as Indigenous, and groups like this saw the inequities they faced being ignored by this new label. Achievement gaps exist within the AAPI label from educational attainment to healthcare access to financial resources. For example, 71 percent of Asian Americans aged 25 to 29 attained a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 22 percent of Pacific Islanders. By grouping AAPI people all under one umbrella, data assessment can obscure important issues.\n
It is important to recognize these complexities and understand that AAPI people are not a monolith, and individual ethnic groups need their own recognition and advocacy as well.

Ways to Honor, Celebrate, and Take Action

Educational Resources

\nAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, AAPIs have the lowest treatment-seeking rate of any racial or ethnic group. Check out this website for specific mental health resources for AAPI communities.\n
\nLearn more about AAPI data and data disaggregation at AAPI Data’s website.\n
\nThe Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has compiled a “Learning Together” page with interviews, book recommendations, interactive activities, videos, and more. The page is geared toward providing resources for ways to incorporate AAPI history and information into class curriculum, but can be helpful for anyone interested in expanding their worldview.\n
\nStop AAPI Hate is an organization that raises awareness of anti-Asian biases, collects data on hate crimes, and advocates for policy to address the root causes of discrimination and hate. You can report an incident of anti-AAPI hate on their website, learn more about the history of AAPI discrimination, and read about safety tips to follow and share. You can also donate to support their ongoing efforts here. \n

Events near and far

\nSome ways to celebrate and raise awareness in the Washington, D.C. area include food festivals, Tai Chi on Saturdays, and an upcoming campaign against anti-Asian violence that launches later this month.\n
\nFilm festivals, library workshops, and museum events are just a few ways to celebrate in the Bay Area.\n
\nCheck out Celebrasia 2022 in Austin, visit cultural sites (virtually or in-person) or attend Asia Society Texas’ numerous events in Houston, and explore museums, local restaurants, and festivals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.\n
\nCheck out these great ways to celebrate and educate with your family and friends from anywhere in the world.\n
\nOpen up The Asian Pacific American Center’s ‘Care Package’ of poems, films, music, and mediations. Then check out their online calendars of virtual events throughout the month.\n

How are you honoring AAPI Heritage month this year?

-Casey Dawson

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":10,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["civil-rights","human-rights","history","social-justice","education"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Austin To Implement ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot Program to Combat Homelessness","id":54075,"slug":"54075-austin-implement-guaranteed-income-pilot-program-combat-homelessness","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54075-austin-implement-guaranteed-income-pilot-program-combat-homelessness","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54075","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54075/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"What do you think about guaranteed income programs?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.9.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/5e72a3/5e72a3-1600px-Downtown_Austin_TX.jpeg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/5e72a3/5e72a3-1600px-Downtown_Austin_TX.jpeg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/5e72a3/5e72a3-1600px-Downtown_Austin_TX.jpeg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/5e72a3/5e72a3-1600px-Downtown_Austin_TX.jpeg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrn3XA7K/5e72a3/5e72a3-1600px-Downtown_Austin_TX.jpeg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":302,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

Austin will become the first Texas city to try out a guaranteed income initiative after the city council approved a year-long pilot program to send $1,000 to 85 households.
\nThe capital of Texas joins 28 other U.S. cities that have tried similar programs to send no-strings-attached cash to families in need, with the goal of preventing homelessness. According to the City of Austin, roughly 1 percent of the population is homeless. \n
Mayor Steve Adler said in a press conference:

“We can find people moments before they end up on our streets that prevent them, divert them from being there. That would be not only wonderful for them, it would be wise and smart for the taxpayers in the city of Austin because it will be a lot less expensive to divert someone from homelessness than to help them find a home once they’re on our streets.”

There would be no restrictions on how qualified participants can spend the money they receive, but who exactly will qualify is still being worked out.
\nCalifornia nonprofit UpTogether will work with the city to run the program, and the nonprofit think tank Urban Institute will track the program’s impact. Adler also belongs to a coalition called Mayors for Guaranteed Income, which plans to use the results from the pilot program to lobby the White House and Congress to craft legislation for national guaranteed income.\n

Guaranteed Income at the Federal Level

\nGuaranteed Income programs in cities across the country have shown positive effects, but proponents of the plan argue that federal policy is ultimately needed to enact long-term change.\n
\nEnd Poverty Make Trillions is one organization working to make federal guaranteed income a reality, ending financial poverty and helping the U.S. save trillions of dollars at the same time. Read more about the plan here.\n

What do you think about guaranteed income programs?

-Casey Dawson

(Photo: Wikimedia / George Miquilena)

","comments_count":58,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["housing","economy","families"],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-09T15:39:50.238Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Austin will become the first Texas city to try out a guaranteed income initiative after the city council","share_count":5,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Good Idea","color":"#2ca788","stance":"good-idea"},{"text":"Undecided","color":"#edb723","stance":"undecided"},{"text":"Bad Idea","color":"#ef3e42","stance":"bad-idea"}],"reaction_config_id":16,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-09T18:28:17.275Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Austin To Implement ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot Program to Combat Homelessness","cta_prompt":"What do you think about guaranteed income programs?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

Austin will become the first Texas city to try out a guaranteed income initiative after the city council approved a year-long pilot program to send $1,000 to 85 households.
\nThe capital of Texas joins 28 other U.S. cities that have tried similar programs to send no-strings-attached cash to families in need, with the goal of preventing homelessness. According to the City of Austin, roughly 1 percent of the population is homeless. \n
Mayor Steve Adler said in a press conference:

“We can find people moments before they end up on our streets that prevent them, divert them from being there. That would be not only wonderful for them, it would be wise and smart for the taxpayers in the city of Austin because it will be a lot less expensive to divert someone from homelessness than to help them find a home once they’re on our streets.”

There would be no restrictions on how qualified participants can spend the money they receive, but who exactly will qualify is still being worked out.
\nCalifornia nonprofit UpTogether will work with the city to run the program, and the nonprofit think tank Urban Institute will track the program’s impact. Adler also belongs to a coalition called Mayors for Guaranteed Income, which plans to use the results from the pilot program to lobby the White House and Congress to craft legislation for national guaranteed income.\n

Guaranteed Income at the Federal Level

\nGuaranteed Income programs in cities across the country have shown positive effects, but proponents of the plan argue that federal policy is ultimately needed to enact long-term change.\n
\nEnd Poverty Make Trillions is one organization working to make federal guaranteed income a reality, ending financial poverty and helping the U.S. save trillions of dollars at the same time. Read more about the plan here.\n

What do you think about guaranteed income programs?

-Casey Dawson

(Photo: Wikimedia / George Miquilena)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":57,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["housing","economy","families"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"IT: 📈 U.S. faces largest interest-rate hike in 20 years, and... Are you concerned about South Asia's heatwave? ","id":54074,"slug":"54074-u-s-faces-largest-interest-rate-hike-20-years-concerned-south-asia-s-heatwave","links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/articles/54074-u-s-faces-largest-interest-rate-hike-20-years-concerned-south-asia-s-heatwave","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=54074","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/54074/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":101,"cta_prompt":null,"cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.9.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/960da2/960da2-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/960da2/960da2-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/960da2/960da2-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/960da2/960da2-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/nextgencauses/ul/q_auto/mrnqxw7Y/960da2/960da2-88488c-ITforNewCauses-4.8.22.jpg"},"profile_id":1,"action_count":9,"html_content":"

Welcome to Monday, May 9th, flora and fauna...

The Federal Reserve announced the largest hike to U.S. interest rates in over two decades in an effort to tame inflation in the economy.

The Federal Reserve will raise its benchmark interest rate, known as the federal funds rate, by half a percentage point (0.50% or 50 basis points) ― which is the largest hike since 2000. That will bring the federal funds rate to a range of 0.75% to 1%.

Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that further hikes of that size are expected to be considered in the months ahead as the Fed tries to mitigate inflation, which has surged to a 40-year high.

Do you think the interest rate hikes will help reduce inflation?

Heatwave in South Asia – Scientists Warn of What’s to Come

South Asia is experiencing an early heatwave this month with record-breaking temperatures, reaching past 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. This follows extreme heat in March and April, which already had higher temperatures than India has seen in those months for more than a century.

Researchers say South Asia is on the front lines of climate change. Experts believe life may become unbearable in the region before the end of the century.

Are you concerned about the record-breaking heatwave in South Asia?

U.S. Economy Added 428K Jobs in April, Leaving Workforce 1.2M Jobs Below Pre-Pandemic Level

The Bureau of Labor Statistics April 2022 jobs report found that the U.S. economy added 428,000 jobs and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.6%. The report exceeds the Dow Jones forecast of 400,000 jobs, although the forecast had projected the unemployment rate to decline to 3.5%.

With April’s gains, overall employment in the U.S. economy is down 1.2 million jobs from its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

How do you feel about the state of the job market?

Dems to Hold Procedural Vote on Codifying Abortion Rights

Senate Democrats are expected to hold a procedural vote this week on a bill to codify elective abortion rights through all nine months of pregnancy and prohibit state-level laws related to abortion. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is expected to file a motion on Monday that will set up a procedural vote for Wednesday on Democrats’ abortion rights codification bill.

The bill would prohibit all restrictions on abortion prior to viability, permit abortions after fetal viability if a healthcare provider determines the pregnancy would pose a risk to the mother, remove nearly all state abortion laws, and instruct courts to interpret its text “liberally” when undergoing judicial review.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said in an interview that a national abortion ban is “possible” if Roe v. Wade gets overturned this summer.

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. The first is The Soldier.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, in the End…

Today marks National Women's Checkup Day, focusing on the importance of regular health screenings and self-care.

Take care of yourselves,

—Jamie Epstein

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-05-09T14:22:04.158Z","status":"published","snippet":"Welcome to Monday, May 9th, flora and fauna... The Federal Reserve announced the largest hike to U.S. interest rates in over two","share_count":4,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-05-09T16:21:20.958Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"IT: 📈 U.S. faces largest interest-rate hike in 20 years, and... Are you concerned about South Asia's heatwave? ","cta_prompt":null,"html_content":"

Welcome to Monday, May 9th, flora and fauna...

The Federal Reserve announced the largest hike to U.S. interest rates in over two decades in an effort to tame inflation in the economy.

Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that further hikes of that size are expected to be considered in the months ahead as the Fed tries to mitigate inflation, which has surged to a 40-year high.

Do you think the interest rate hikes will help reduce inflation?

Heatwave in South Asia – Scientists Warn of What’s to Come

Researchers say South Asia is on the front lines of climate change. Experts believe life may become unbearable in the region before the end of the century.

Are you concerned about the record-breaking heatwave in South Asia?

U.S. Economy Added 428K Jobs in April, Leaving Workforce 1.2M Jobs Below Pre-Pandemic Level

With April’s gains, overall employment in the U.S. economy is down 1.2 million jobs from its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

How do you feel about the state of the job market?

Dems to Hold Procedural Vote on Codifying Abortion Rights

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said in an interview that a national abortion ban is “possible” if Roe v. Wade gets overturned this summer.

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

#WomenInPeacekeeping

Peace is on everyone’s mind, now more than ever. Stronger Together: #WomenInPeacekeeping is a campaign to promote and empower women at the forefront of peace operations.

As part of WinTogether x Boss Beauties’ #WomenInPeacekeeping campaign, we're highlighting each of the four NFTs you can win. The first is The Soldier.

Donate now to support women in peacekeeping, and you’ll be entered to win one of five exclusive NFTs.