Thumbs up to growing numbers of legislative bill sponsors in KS, PA, RI, and NJ. We are grateful to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for their partnership, and standing up with us for New Jersey workers in our joint letter to NJ Senate President Scutari, urging a vote to end smoking in casinos.

ANR Foundation partnered with Trinity Health, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) to file proposals to the shareholders of three gaming giants, Bally's, Boyd Gaming, and Caesars. This is work that will continue, and we made positive headway this year. Play NJ notes our work and that casino workers in New Jersey are waiting to hear the decision on the lawsuit they filed against the state of New Jersey.

In RHODE ISLAND, table games dealer Vanessa Baker told legislators what it's like to work in a smoky casino and showed off her impressive collection of prescription medications as she advocated for passage of HB7500. The RI House Finance Committee voted in favor of considering HB 7500, to close the loophole that allows smoking in casinos. Bill sponsor Representative Teresa Tanzi said, “[This] puts pressure on Bally’s to either act on their own accord this summer, or we will make it happen by law when we return in January.”

Our partners at Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy (GRMP) share their view of our Marijuana 101 course. If you're an advocate or work in tobacco control, our online courses might be helpful to train your team.

This BuzzFeed “listicle” reminds us that indoor smoking used to be the norm in airplanes, homes, offices, and more. So many younger people are shocked to learn of how recently smoking indoors was the norm. Share our post with others to remind them: secondhand smoke is STILL a problem. We still have work to do!

Pictured, Berkeley Group Against Smoking Pollution (GASP) advocates active in the early days of smokefree advocacy including Ann Williamson and Harriet Hanauer. A GASP button declaring that nonsmokers have rights too.

Condolences to the family and friends of Tim Moder, one of the founders of Berkeley GASP, which eventually became Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights. At the celebration of Tim's life, ANR Director of Advocacy Bronson Frick was able to spend time with the Berkeley advocates that led the way in the mid-1970’s for non-smoking in workplaces and public places and to hear their stories. Advocacy Circle donor and Tim's best friend, Ken Hall was in attendance. He increased his monthly giving to ANR at the event (our Frequent Breather program). When asked why he donates at this level he said, “I have been battling the greatest mass murderers in the history of mankind for over 70 years.” We thank you Ken, and we're honored to carry on the legacy of this group as we continue the fight for smokefree air. 

Our partner, social media influencer and slot player Brian Christopher, recently announced that slot manufacturer Gaming Arts will unveil a game featuring his likeness. There's growing support for smokefree air even in Las Vegas! Here he answers the question, "How do you use your platform to persuade casinos into smokefree policies?"