Featured Stories
Sunrise Movement Calls on Jeffries to Strip Haley Stevens of Committee Assignments
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Sunrise Movement issued the following news release:
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Sunrise Movement Calls on Jeffries to Strip Haley Stevens of Committee Assignments
Detroit, MI - After Haley Stevens Endorsed Republican Mike Rogers against Abdul El-Sayed, Sunrise Movement called on Hakeem Jeffries to strip Haley Stevens of all committee assignments. The movement launched an email tool calling on Jeffries to take action.
"Hakeem Jeffries must hold Haley Stevens accountable for selling out working class families by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers. Stevens' committee assignments must be stripped.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Sunrise Movement issued the following news release:
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Sunrise Movement Calls on Jeffries to Strip Haley Stevens of Committee Assignments
Detroit, MI - After Haley Stevens Endorsed Republican Mike Rogers against Abdul El-Sayed, Sunrise Movement called on Hakeem Jeffries to strip Haley Stevens of all committee assignments. The movement launched an email tool calling on Jeffries to take action.
"Hakeem Jeffries must hold Haley Stevens accountable for selling out working class families by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers. Stevens' committee assignments must be stripped.Jeffries, stand up for our party and make sure fake Democrats like sellout Stevens are held accountable," said Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay.
"Democratic voters need a fighter like Abdul El-Sayed, not AIPAC backed, corporate shills like Haley Stevens. Black and brown families are facing ICE at their doors, ridiculous prices in the grocery aisle and a President who doesn't care about them. Jeffries must show working people and the party he stands with them," said Campaigns Director Kidus Girma.
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Original text here: https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=03c6bd2c940b3a70bc44f0b69&id=3c1ba52c1b
[Category: Political]
Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rouses Markets Renew Partnership for Third Year to Support America's Veterans This Veterans Day
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Paralyzed Veterans of America issued the following news:
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Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rouses Markets Renew Partnership For Third Year to Support America's Veterans This Veterans Day
Holiday fundraising campaign invites customers across 76 Gulf Coast stores to support veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov 2, 2026) -- Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rouses Markets are teaming up for the third consecutive year to support America's veterans through an in-store fundraising campaign running Nov. 1-24 at all Rouses Markets
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Paralyzed Veterans of America issued the following news:
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Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rouses Markets Renew Partnership For Third Year to Support America's Veterans This Veterans Day
Holiday fundraising campaign invites customers across 76 Gulf Coast stores to support veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov 2, 2026) -- Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rouses Markets are teaming up for the third consecutive year to support America's veterans through an in-store fundraising campaign running Nov. 1-24 at all Rouses Marketslocations. The campaign invites customers to give $1 at checkout to help PVA support veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases, including MS and ALS, while advancing the rights and well-being of all people with disabilities.
"Year over year, Rouses Markets and its customers demonstrate what it means to support our nation's heroes," said Carl Blake, CEO of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "We're proud to continue this partnership and are grateful for the generosity of Gulf Coast communities."
Throughout the campaign, customers can make a $1 donation to help fund PVA's work to improve specialized care, advance groundbreaking research, expand barrier-free design, and more. Together, these efforts help veterans and others with disabilities access the services, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
"It's a privilege to continue our partnership with PVA and give back to the men and women who have served our country," said Donny Rouse, CEO of Rouses Markets. "Thousands of veterans live along the Gulf Coast, many of whom are our neighbors, friends, customers, and members of our own Rouses family."
More than 1.2 million customers shop at Rouses Markets' 76 locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The company employs 8,000 team members.
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About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.
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About Rouses Markets
Rouses Markets is one of the top private companies and largest employers on the Gulf Coast. Donny Rouse is the third generation to lead the company, which was founded by his grandfather in 1960 with a single store in Houma, Louisiana. The company actively supports local food banks, pantries, charities, festivals, and events throughout the region, consistently earning recognition for its commitment to community service and local engagement. Rouses Markets has been voted Best Supermarket on the Gulf Coast and a Top Workplace. It is the official Supermarket of the New Orleans Saints.
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Original text here: https://pva.org/news-and-media-center/recent-news/paralyzed-veterans-of-america-and-rouses-markets-renew-partnership-for-third-year-to-support-americas-veterans-this-veterans-day/
[Category: Political]
NPNA's Message to All Eligible Voters: Maintain Fervor and Faith in our Democratic Processes, Local Officials
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 3 [Category: Sociological] -- The National Partnership for New Americans posted the following news:
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NPNA's Message to All Eligible Voters: Maintain Fervor and Faith in our Democratic Processes, Local Officials
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Americans cast their ballots--despite repeated attempts to prevent eligible people from voting and intervene in our elections--the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) encourages every eligible voter to make their voice heard, know their rights, and uphold the right to vote in this critical midterm election.
As naturalized,
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 3 [Category: Sociological] -- The National Partnership for New Americans posted the following news:
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NPNA's Message to All Eligible Voters: Maintain Fervor and Faith in our Democratic Processes, Local Officials
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Americans cast their ballots--despite repeated attempts to prevent eligible people from voting and intervene in our elections--the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) encourages every eligible voter to make their voice heard, know their rights, and uphold the right to vote in this critical midterm election.
As naturalized,eligible voters face particular challenges in exercising their right to vote, a recent poll, commissioned by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) and conducted by the U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC), found that naturalized, eligible voters across the country are deeply committed to voting. A strong majority of respondents, 90 percent total, said they were committed to voting. Of those, 3 percent had already voted, 73 percent definitely planned to vote, and 14 percent stated that they would probably vote. We expect to see the full civic power of the eligible, naturalized vote on display nationwide.
Said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director, "We encourage every eligible voter, especially naturalized citizens who are voting for the first time, to trust in our local election system, to stay in line if they encounter any obstacles, and to know that your vote will be counted. Local election officials and our courts have safeguarded the democratic process for hundreds of years and voter protection hotlines stand at the ready to support them should they encounter any obstacles while exercising their right to vote. Voter intimidation tactics and baseless claims will not shake our confidence in a democratic process that belongs to us all."
Said Jasmine Rivera, executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC), "The right to vote belongs to every American equally, and New Americans in Pennsylvania have shown up and showed out to exercise their right to vote. And, as naturalized voters across the commonwealth have gotten out the vote, we have seen for months how our local board of elections offices have prepared, planned, and are now administering safe and secure elections--like they have every election cycle before. Here in Pennsylvania, the birthplace of democracy, we the people are once again deciding who represents us, not the other way around."
Said Gilda Pedraza, executive director, Latino Community Fund (LCF Georgia), "The Latino and AAPI communities, who happen to have combined the largest share of naturalized voters, turned out in huge numbers to vote early compared to the last Gubernatorial election, showing that our communities are not only the fastest growing, but also determined to have a say in the future of Georgia. Never again will we be a footnote in reports or analysis. We have affirmed once again that we are the margin of victory for any candidate or platform."
Said Hyunja Norman, project director, NAKASEC Texas, "Korean and Asian American community members across Texas are energized to vote because we want to have our voice heard loud and clear. As we spoke to voters, we heard healthcare was their top concern. Voters also shared that they are struggling with a high cost of living. Our community members are voting for a lower cost of living and better healthcare for all."
"Tonight, we are sending a message of hope, unity, and confidence in our democracy. Every vote matters, every vote must be counted, and every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard. Election protection experts, advocates, and community partners have been working tirelessly, and we are coordinated, prepared, and committed to ensuring that every ballot is accounted for and every voter's rights are protected. We must remain patient, trust the process, and have confidence in the local election officials who are on the ground doing the work of administering our elections. That responsibility belongs to our local election officials--not the President or any politician seeking to interfere with the process. As we celebrate the victories of working families and communities across Florida, we must remember that our democracy is strongest when we protect every vote, respect the people who administer our elections, and trust the power of the people. We have come too far and fought too hard to let anyone undermine that." Tessa Petit, Executive Director at the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
If eligible voters are still in line when the polls close on Election Day, NPNA reminds them to stay in line--they have the right to vote. If any eligible voter encounters issues on Election Day or has questions, call the Election Protection Hotline.
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Original text here: https://partnershipfornewamericans.org/npnas-message-to-all-eligible-voters-maintain-fervor-and-faith-in-our-democratic-processes-local-officials/
Hispanic Federation: People's Record Documents Chicago's Operation Midway Blitz, Calls On Congress and Federal Agencies to Investigate
NEW YORK, Nov. 3 -- The Hispanic Federation, an organization that supports and strengthens Latino institutions through education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment and the environment, issued the following news release:
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People's Record Documents Chicago's Operation Midway Blitz, Calls On Congress and Federal Agencies to Investigate
November 2, 2026
CHICAGO, IL - Today, Hispanic Federation published The People's Record: A Report on the People's Hearing on Immigration Enforcement in Chicago, documenting the unconstitutional conduct, unlawful detentions, and widespread
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Nov. 3 -- The Hispanic Federation, an organization that supports and strengthens Latino institutions through education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment and the environment, issued the following news release:
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People's Record Documents Chicago's Operation Midway Blitz, Calls On Congress and Federal Agencies to Investigate
November 2, 2026
CHICAGO, IL - Today, Hispanic Federation published The People's Record: A Report on the People's Hearing on Immigration Enforcement in Chicago, documenting the unconstitutional conduct, unlawful detentions, and widespreadcivil rights violations that took place during Operation Midway Blitz. The report draws from testimony given by 28 speakers across six panels at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. It is the second in a series that began with Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
Operation Midway Blitz began on September 8, 2025, and brought thousands of federal agents into the Chicago region without accountability. The Illinois Accountability Commission estimates approximately 3,900 arrests or detentions during the operation, and Illinois had the highest number of ICE arrests of any state during this period. The commission also found that 85% of those detained had no criminal conviction.
This People's Hearing on Immigration Enforcement was organized and sponsored by Hispanic Federation, the Miranda Family Fund, Latino Victory Foundation, and Texas Civil Rights Project. It took place on May 20th, 2026 and it was moderated by Rochelle Garza, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, with former Commission Chair Marty Castro.
Local organizations played an essential role in shaping the focus of the hearing, convening affected communities, and providing testimony. They include Latinos Progresando, Latino Policy Forum, ACLU of Illinois, Enlace Chicago, The Resurrection Project, Little Village Chamber of Commerce, Instituto del Progreso Latino, Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and many more.
"When the federal government fails to investigate its own actions, we need more institutions and organizations equipped to document abuses, preserve evidence, and pursue accountability," said Executive Director of the Illinois Accountability Commission Hina Mahmood. "Through its People's Hearing and this report, the Hispanic Federation is helping expand Illinois' accountability infrastructure, connecting community testimony with a national call for independent investigations and meaningful oversight."
"The Latino Policy Forum was honored to partner with Hispanic Federation and local nonprofit partners on this critical account of the abuses and violations communities across Chicagoland experienced during Operation Midway Blitz. By collecting stories and providing policy recommendations, this report demonstrates how those closest to challenges are the best equipped to create solutions. It is now up to our leaders to take this information and hold individuals and systems accountable for the harm suffered and the trauma that continues for so many," said Linda Xochitl Tortolero, President & CEO, Latino Policy forum.
"When federal operations like Midway Blitz target our neighborhoods, it is local leadership and resilient residents who step up to protect one another. Latinos Progresando was proud to help bring these powerful testimonies to light. This report isn't just a record of the deep harm done to our families and local economies--it's a call to action. Congress and federal agencies must take immediate accountability and establish real oversight to ensure our communities are never subjected to unchecked enforcement again," said Luis Gutierrez Chief Executive Officer of Latinos Progresando.
"It was my honor to have been called upon to co-chair this historic process along with Commission Chair Garza. The People's Hearings are an important step towards accountability nationally, as well as locally in communities like Chicago which have borne the brunt of the devastation wrought by the federal government's out of control immigration enforcement tactics. This Report not only documents the harm done by ICE to the Chicago metropolitan area, but just as important, how targeted Chicago communities have risen to the challenge to defend one another from this war on our families and neighbors," said Marty Castro, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and President & CEO of Casa Central.
"Operation Midway Blitz is a cautionary example of what happens when federal agents operate without limits: families torn apart, neighborhoods living in fear, and small businesses left to absorb the damage alone. What the people of Chicago shared during their testimony is horrifying. Communities across the country are facing the very same, ICE agents acting without rules, oversight, or consequences. I am grateful to everyone who had the courage to testify, and we will keep pressing Congress to enact real guardrails and hold these agencies accountable, because no one in America should have to live under fear," said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.
"The federal government is bound by the Constitution to uphold people's rights and must answer for any abuse committed in its name. What I heard in Chicago demands a full, independent investigation into Operation Midway Blitz, including the decisions of officials who authorized and directed immigration enforcement. The People's Record puts that testimony before Congress and federal agencies, which have a duty to seek accountability. The public deserves to know what happened, who bears responsibility, and how our government will address the lasting harm that's been done. Accountability must reach every level of government responsible for these abuses," said Rochelle Garza, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
"This Chicago chapter of The People's Record is absolutely vital. It exposes a devastating truth: federal immigration enforcement is being weaponized against our communities nationwide. The horrors we are seeing in Chicago are the same atrocities we've witnessed in Minnesota, and elsewhere. It is deeply alarming, and it exposes a dangerous, systemic pattern of federal overreach and government-sanctioned cruelty," said Luis A. Miranda, Jr., patriarch of the Miranda Family and Miranda Family Fund. "ICE is operating with a complete and utter disregard for public safety, for the well-being of our neighborhoods, for basic human rights, and for the law itself. They have discarded basic human decency. But this record stands as an archive of truth. It will outlast this administration, and it will serve as the undeniable foundation we need to hold those responsible fully accountable."
Seven Key Recommendations
The report calls on Congress and federal agencies to take seven urgent actions:
1. Conduct a full and independent investigation into Operation Midway Blitz
2. Establish independent oversight and public reporting requirements for immigration enforcement operations
3. Protect the constitutional rights of both targeted individuals and observers
4. Enforce due process protections and establish reliable tracking systems for detained individuals
5. Reform detention practices and fully enforce minimum standards, at Broadview and out-of-state facilities alike
6. Limit the use of interstate transfers
7. Support community recovery to address the economic and mental health impacts on families, workers, and local economies
The full report and hearing transcript are available here the hearing remains publicly accessible at hispfed.info/CHIforum.
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF's focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
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Original text here: https://www.hispanicfederation.org/news/peoples-record-documents-chicagos-operation-midway-blitz-calls-on-congress-and-federal-agencies-to-investigate/
[Category: Political]
FFRF Action Fund and States Win Partner to Break Ohio's Legislative Supermajority
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 3 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and States Win partner to break Ohio's legislative supermajority
November 2, 2026
The FFRF Action Fund is partnering with States Win to help break the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House in this November's general election.
The FFRF Action Fund is providing $10,000 to States Win to restore checks and balances
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 3 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and States Win partner to break Ohio's legislative supermajority
November 2, 2026
The FFRF Action Fund is partnering with States Win to help break the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House in this November's general election.
The FFRF Action Fund is providing $10,000 to States Win to restore checks and balancesin the Ohio statehouse, where one party has held unchecked power for years.
All 99 seats in the Ohio House and half the Ohio Senate are on the ballot this November, alongside races for the governorship and U.S. Senate.
Republicans control both legislative chambers and every statewide executive office. In the House, they hold a 65-34 supermajority, enough to override a governor's veto without a single Democratic vote. Flipping six seats would break that supermajority.
"Ohio shows what happens when one party answers to no one," says Annie Laurie Gaylor, president of the FFRF Action Fund. "The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) warned every school district in Ohio about LifeWise Academy's released time bible classes, and Ohio families send us more LifeWise complaints than any other state. Their children lose class time or sit apart from classmates who leave for bible study. The supermajority answered by forcing every district to adopt a released time policy, and it keeps steering public money to private religious schools through vouchers. Ohioans can restore a check on that power in November by breaking the GOP supermajority."
States Win is a national organization dedicated exclusively to building Democratic power in state legislatures.
"Races at the top of the ticket get a lot of attention and resources, but the make-up of the state legislature in Ohio will heavily shape how much the next governor can actually deliver," says States Win Executive Director Sarah Curmi. "The FFRF Action Fund's support helps us win these critical races that are often decided by just a few hundred -- or a few handfuls -- of votes."
For more information and candidates FFRF AF has endorsed this year, please go HERE (https://ffrfaction.org/ffrf-action-fund-endorsements/).
As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, the FFRF Action Fund's contributions support the independent expenditure work of partner organizations; the Action Fund does not conduct these expenditures directly.
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The FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues. The FFRF Action Fund is the advocacy arm of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog with over 40,000 nonreligious members and several chapters nationwide, including more than 1,000 members and chapters in Cincinnati and Arlington, Ohio.
States Win is a grassroots organization that aims to build enduring progressive power in state legislatures across the country to improve people's lives. They support Democrats by filling critical strategic gaps at every point in the political life cycle.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/ffrf-action-fund-and-states-win-partner-to-break-ohios-legislative-supermajority/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Condemns 'Obvious Anti-Muslim Hoax' After Disruption at Florida County Commission Meeting
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR Condemns 'Obvious Anti-Muslim Hoax' After Disruption at Florida County Commission Meeting
November 1, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, condemned manufactured outrage over an "obvious anti-Muslim hoax in which an unidentified person wearing a "burka" played a pre-recorded Islamic call to prayer (Adhan) during public comments at a meeting of Florida's Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR Condemns 'Obvious Anti-Muslim Hoax' After Disruption at Florida County Commission Meeting
November 1, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, condemned manufactured outrage over an "obvious anti-Muslim hoax in which an unidentified person wearing a "burka" played a pre-recorded Islamic call to prayer (Adhan) during public comments at a meeting of Florida's Pinellas County Board of County Commissionersmeeting.
According to the Tampa Bay Times:
"The woman, who was wearing a full-body garment called a niqab, is actually named Kaitlin L. New, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office incident report. It described her as a white female who wore 'clothing as if she was Muslim.'
"They believed the name she gave because they've had 'numerous incidents with her,' the report said. Court records show she also goes by the name Kaitlin Noethen, the name she used to run for the Pinellas school board in 2022 as a candidate who denounced mask mandates and 'critical race theory.'"
SEE: Woman escorted from Pinellas mosque hearing ran for school board (https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2026/10/30/woman-escorted-pinellas-mosque-hearing-ran-school-board/)
In a statement, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
"Incidents like this obvious anti-Muslim hoax are transparent attempts to weaponize Islamophobia. Local governance and public comment spaces should be grounded in civic decorum and respect, rather than being exploited for theatrical stunts designed to target a faith community.
"We urge local residents and public officials to reject manufactured provocations and ensure that civic proceedings remain fair, respectful, and free from bigotry."
He noted that CAIR recently highlighted a new report revealing how municipal zoning laws, conditional use permits, and local administrative processes are frequently used to mask systemic discrimination against proposed mosques.
CAIR urges local residents and public officials to reject manufactured provocations and ensure that civic proceedings remain fair, respectful, and free from bigotry.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-obvious-anti-muslim-hoax-after-disruption-at-florida-county-commission-meeting/
[Category: Sociological]
350.org: South Africa - Communities Call on Local Leaders to Pledge Support for Free Basic Electricity
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 3 [Category: Energy] -- 350.org, an organization that works to end the age of fossil fuels and build a community-led renewable energy, posted the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
South Africa: Communities call on Local Leaders to Pledge Support for Free Basic Electricity
The Electricity for All Campaign is calling on local election candidates to sign a pledge committing to deliver 350 kWh of Free Basic Electricity and ensure that more households can access and afford the electricity they need.
With local government elections taking place on 4 November,
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 3 [Category: Energy] -- 350.org, an organization that works to end the age of fossil fuels and build a community-led renewable energy, posted the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
South Africa: Communities call on Local Leaders to Pledge Support for Free Basic Electricity
The Electricity for All Campaign is calling on local election candidates to sign a pledge committing to deliver 350 kWh of Free Basic Electricity and ensure that more households can access and afford the electricity they need.
With local government elections taking place on 4 November,the Electricity for All Campaign, supported by a nationwide coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions and grassroots movements, is seeking commitments from ward councillor candidates to support the expansion of Free Basic Electricity and measures to make electricity more affordable for households.
Local government has a constitutional responsibility under Section 152 of the South African Constitution to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. Yet, for millions of working-class households, access to electricity remains unaffordable, unreliable and increasingly out of reach.
Although the national government introduced Free Basic Electricity (FBE) in 2003 as a social safety net, the allocation has remained at just 50 kWh per household per month since 2006. This amount is no longer sufficient to meet basic household energy needs, particularly as electricity costs continue to rise. At the same time, complicated indigent registration processes, proof-of-residence requirements and municipal administrative barriers continue to exclude many eligible households from accessing the support they are entitled to.
Money allocated by National Treasury to help poor households access Free Basic Electricity is not always reaching the people it is intended for. In 2025, municipalities redirected an estimated R14.6 billion in funding meant to support indigent households' energy needs to cover other operating expenses. This is reflected in the low number of households receiving the benefit: of the estimated 10 million households that qualify for Free Basic Electricity, around 8 million are still missing out (opens in a new tab).
Four commitments to deliver electricity for all
The Councillor Candidate Commitment and Accountability Pledge calls on candidates, whether representing political parties or running as independents, to commit to four key actions:
1. Increase Free Basic Electricity to 350 kWh per household per month.
Candidates are called on to support local government policies and decisions that increase the current 50 kWh allocation to 350 kWh per household per month. Research by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), particularly its Hungry for Electricity report, identifies 350 kWh as the minimum level of electricity needed for households to realise meaningful developmental benefits (opens in a new tab). This goes beyond basic lighting to enable families to cook daily, heat water, store food, support children's education and run small home-based businesses.
2. Expand access to Free Basic Electricity and end administrative exclusion.
Candidates must commit to removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that prevent eligible households from accessing FBE, including restrictive proof-of-residence requirements and complex registration processes that exclude residents in informal settlements, backyard dwellings and rental accommodation. They must also support ensuring that 100% of National Treasury Local Government Equitable Share funding allocated for indigent energy support is used for its intended purpose.
3. Invest in publicly financed, decentralised renewable energy with social ownership.
Candidates are called on to support public investment in decentralised renewable energy, including rooftop solar, microgrids and local electricity grid upgrades. These investments can expand access to affordable electricity, strengthen community resilience to climate impacts, reduce harmful air pollution and create much-needed local employment opportunities, while ensuring that communities benefit from publicly owned energy infrastructure.
4. Build an energy system that delivers affordable electricity for everyone.
Candidates must commit to supporting an energy system that guarantees affordable and reliable electricity for all households. This includes ending load reduction in townships, preventing electricity disconnections for low-income households and ensuring that municipal electricity tariffs do not put essential electricity beyond people's reach.
Promises made during election campaigns do not always translate into action once politicians take office. For communities struggling with high electricity costs, disconnections and load reduction, the challenge is ensuring that their concerns remain on the agenda beyond election day.
The Councillor Candidate Commitment and Accountability Pledge gives communities a way to hold their elected representatives to the commitments they make before elections. The Electricity for All Campaign will work with community organisations, trade unions and ward committees to monitor progress on the four commitments throughout councillors' terms in office.
The Councillor Candidate Commitment and Accountability Pledge can be downloaded here (https://s3.amazonaws.com/350wagtail-live-afef3c896ec14ef3a8d09e9-f6e2285.divio-media.com/media/documents/Ward_Candidates_Pledge_Electricity_4_All_with_350_kWh_FBE.pdf).
For further information on the Electricity for All Campaign, its demands and the case for expanding Free Basic Electricity, consult the campaign media dossier here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nJt3hHiFrmIabqjgmfHH8WMLtN61sfS15oLW1092xc/edit?usp=sharing).
Quotes:
Aaron Mahlangu, Ward candidate - Labour Party, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, said:
"We need to educate people and they must know their rights and benefits when it comes to indigent for those who cannot afford electricity and rates. [...] If we can get at least 350 kWh as subsidy grant for electricity, that will make a real difference. But the big question is: how are NERSA, Eskom and municipalities going to work together to make this happen?"
Ferron Pedro, Senior Campaigner - 350.org South Africa, said:
"Energy poverty is now a shared national crisis. People are not struggling because they waste energy; they are struggling because our energy system is designed around corporate profit instead of human dignity. This isn't inevitable. We can change this system by shifting public money away from polluting fossil fuels and, instead of subsidising renewable energy profits for corporations, expanding Free Basic Electricity to a universal 350 kWh baseline from publicly financed renewables. We must reclaim democratic control over our energy future. Virtually everything depends on it."
Thandiwe Tess Tshaka - Botshabelo Unemployed Movement said:
"As community activists, we believe that elections must be about more than promises and political campaigns. They must be about accountability, dignity, and improving the everyday lives of ordinary people. [...] We want ward candidates to sign this pledge because leadership comes with responsibility. Candidates must demonstrate that they are willing to listen to communities, put people's needs first and remain accountable beyond election time. [...] Our votes must translate into accountability, not empty promises. Communities deserve leaders who serve the people, not themselves."
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Original text here: https://350.org/press-release/south-africa-communities-call-on-local-leaders-to-pledge-support-for-free-basic-electricity/
