Featured Stories
Election Month Ruling By Supreme Court Regrettable
FAIRFAX, Virginia, Aug. 10 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- Americans for Limited Government posted the following news release:
* * *
Election Month Ruling By Supreme Court Regrettable
*
Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee:
"In an apparent bid to avert Democrats' threatened Supreme Court packing scheme, Republican-appointed justices John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett have apparently opted to just give Democrats everything they want including
... Show Full Article
FAIRFAX, Virginia, Aug. 10 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- Americans for Limited Government posted the following news release:
* * *
Election Month Ruling By Supreme Court Regrettable
*
Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee:
"In an apparent bid to avert Democrats' threatened Supreme Court packing scheme, Republican-appointed justices John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett have apparently opted to just give Democrats everything they want includingan election month voting where ballots are counted no matter how late they arrive after Election Day. Arguing there is no prohibition against late ballots, the nation's highest court has effectively made Election Day a dead letter. Now, the only resort for the American people who want to restore same-day voting is for Congress to pass another statute to clarify what federal law has already stated for more than a century was 'the day for the election...' This ruling is regrettable and will prove Stalin's maxim that it is not those who vote, but those who count the ballots that decide everything."
***
Original text here: https://getliberty.org/2026/06/election-month-ruling-by-supreme-court-regrettable/
World Vision Receives U.S. Department of State Grant for Lifesaving Humanitarian Assistance
FEDERAL WAY, Washington, Aug. 7 -- World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development and advocacy activities for children, families and communities, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
World Vision Receives U.S. Department of State Grant for Lifesaving Humanitarian Assistance
Highlights
* The funding will be used to deliver urgent humanitarian needs such as food, clean water, and shelter across more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
-
WASHINGTON -- Christian humanitarian organization World Vision announced today that
... Show Full Article
FEDERAL WAY, Washington, Aug. 7 -- World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development and advocacy activities for children, families and communities, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
World Vision Receives U.S. Department of State Grant for Lifesaving Humanitarian Assistance
Highlights
* The funding will be used to deliver urgent humanitarian needs such as food, clean water, and shelter across more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
-
WASHINGTON -- Christian humanitarian organization World Vision announced today thatit was awarded $238 million from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response to provide lifesaving and life-transforming humanitarian assistance in countries affected by natural and man-made disasters.
The funding will be used to deliver urgent humanitarian needs such as food, clean water, and shelter across more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. World Vision will lead a consortium that includes Accord Network members along with local partners to provide aid and sustained humanitarian responses and strengthen emergency preparedness.
The announcement comes as global humanitarian needs have grown at an unprecedented pace. According to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, nearly 239 million people will require humanitarian aid and protection in 2026, driven by conflict, extreme weather, economic, and other factors.
"At a time when humanitarian needs are of significant magnitude around the world, this investment will help ensure that children and families facing crisis receive lifesaving assistance," said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. "We are honored by the trust placed in World Vision and our consortium partners, and we are committed to stewarding these resources with excellence, working alongside local communities and faith leaders to bring hope, protection, and practical support to those affected by disaster."
The grant aims to enhance the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and leverage the strength of partners to ensure that lifesaving assistance reaches populations more efficiently and with deeper community trust. The consortium will serve all people based on need.
World Vision has 75 years of humanitarian experience, with a footprint in over 100 countries and works with over 500,000 faith leaders globally to bring timely assistance during humanitarian emergencies. The Accord Network includes 160 faith-based organizations operating in more than 150 countries. Together, they leverage trusted local relationships and specialized expertise to deliver fast, coordinated responses to disasters.
* * *
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center/world-vision-receives-u-s-department-of-state-grant-for-lifesaving-humanitarian-assistance
[Category: Sociological]
World Vision Announces U.S. Department of State Award to Expand Lifesaving HIV and AIDS Treatment and Other Health Services Globally
FEDERAL WAY, Washington, Aug. 7 -- World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development and advocacy activities for children, families and communities, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
World Vision Announces U.S. Department of State Award to Expand Lifesaving HIV and AIDS Treatment and Other Health Services Globally
Highlights
* The Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) is a five-year global health effort with eight consortium members.
* It is designed to reach 22 million people annually in 16 African countries and the Philippines with access
... Show Full Article
FEDERAL WAY, Washington, Aug. 7 -- World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development and advocacy activities for children, families and communities, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
World Vision Announces U.S. Department of State Award to Expand Lifesaving HIV and AIDS Treatment and Other Health Services Globally
Highlights
* The Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) is a five-year global health effort with eight consortium members.
* It is designed to reach 22 million people annually in 16 African countries and the Philippines with accessto integrated, lifesaving care.
* The program will strengthen integrated HIV and maternal and child health services, including malaria, tuberculosis and nutrition at community and facility levels.
-
WASHINGTON -- Christian humanitarian organization World Vision today announced it has been awarded a $250 million grant from the U.S. Department of State for the Faith and Community Initiative (FCI), a five-year global health effort designed to reach 22 million people annually in 16 African countries and the Philippines with access to integrated, lifesaving care--including services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and nutrition.
The initiative aims to strengthen and transition HIV and AIDS and other essential health services to sustainable local leadership by investing in faith-based health networks that already deliver critical services in underserved communities.
"This investment represents a powerful opportunity to reach the world's most vulnerable children and families," said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. "For more than 75 years, our work has been rooted in our Christian faith--grounded in the belief that God loves the world and calls us to serve others. This work is delivered with proven technical excellence in partnership with governments, churches, and local communities. This initiative builds on that legacy, strengthening health systems through locally led, community-rooted approaches designed to drive sustainable impact and lasting change for generations."
FCI builds on a proven "hub-and-spoke" model in which a well-equipped hospital or major health facility serves as a central hub, providing training, supervision, supplies, and referral support to a network of smaller, community clinics or posts--the spokes.
The initiative prioritizes the most vulnerable populations affected by gaps in health access. This includes people living with HIV, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adolescent girls who are disproportionately affected by HIV, stigma, early pregnancy, and violence. This program will strengthen integrated HIV and maternal and child health services, including malaria, tuberculosis and nutrition at community and facility levels.
FCI is led by World Vision in partnership with a U.S.-based consortium of Christian organizations including ADRA International, Catholic Relief Services, Compassion International, HOPE Worldwide, International Care Ministries, LifeNet International, and World Relief. The initiative will be coordinated with local governments and through work with community groups and will serve all people based on need.
* * *
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center/world-vision-announces-u-s-department-of-state-award-to-expand-lifesaving-hiv-and-aids-treatment-and-other-health-services-globally
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Justice Groups Sue New York Department of Health for Failing to Protect Tenants From Lead Under Nation-Leading Law
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 7 -- Earthjustice posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
Environmental Justice Groups Sue New York Department of Health for Failing to Protect Tenants from Lead Under Nation-Leading Law
As currently structured, DOH's program risks certifying dwellings as "lead-free" even when dangerous lead hazards remain
-
Albany, N.Y. -- Today, environmental justice groups sued New York's Department of Health (DOH) for leaving tenants at risk of lead poisoning in violation of a New York law that requires inspections and the elimination of lead in many units
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 7 -- Earthjustice posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
Environmental Justice Groups Sue New York Department of Health for Failing to Protect Tenants from Lead Under Nation-Leading Law
As currently structured, DOH's program risks certifying dwellings as "lead-free" even when dangerous lead hazards remain
-
Albany, N.Y. -- Today, environmental justice groups sued New York's Department of Health (DOH) for leaving tenants at risk of lead poisoning in violation of a New York law that requires inspections and the elimination of lead in many unitsof rental housing across the state. The case, filed in the New York State Supreme Court, was brought by AVillage, Inc., WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and the New York Public Interest Group Fund, all represented by Earthjustice.
Rather than follow the clear directives in the law, DOH's regulations (67-2 and 67-5) will allow hazards to be missed and children continuing to be exposed to lead. Specifically, the final rules fail to address critical lead exposure pathways (friction and impact surfaces, porches, and soil), they use obsolete metrics for determining whether soil samples are contaminated and paint is lead-based, they fail to require sufficient certification for local health department inspectors and unlawfully weaken a prior law by permitting repainting over lead hazards in homes where children have already tested with elevated blood lead levels.
Specifically, the final rules fail to address critical lead exposure pathways (friction and impact surfaces, porches, and soil), they use obsolete metrics for determining whether soil samples are contaminated and paint is lead-based, they fail to require sufficient certification for local health department inspectors, and unlawfully weaken a prior law by permitting repainting over lead hazards in homes where children have already tested with elevated blood lead levels.
Background:
New York has the greatest number of children with elevated blood lead levels in the nation. In 2023, the New York Legislature took aggressive action and passed a nation-leading proactive inspection law that requires rental housing in communities with high rates of lead poisoning to be inspected and to have lead hazards remediated.
As a result, these insufficient lead inspections will mislead New Yorkers, already living in communities of concern with unacceptable levels of lead poisoning, into false confidence that their children will not be exposed to lead in their homes.
"The law protect tenants from lead in their homes. Now, it's time for the regulations to do the same," said Torie Atkinson, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice. "Without complete and accurate inspections and the elimination of any lead found in the home, New York children will continue to face serious and irreversible harm from lead exposure."
"Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable public health crises we continue to face, yet it still disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color," said Eva Bass, Executive Director of AVillage Inc. and a resident of Albany, New York's capital city. "As both a community leader and resident, I have seen firsthand the lasting harm that lead exposure can have on children, families, and entire neighborhoods. The Department of Health must implement this program in a way that prioritizes prevention, equity, and accountability, ensuring that every New Yorker--especially those in our most vulnerable communities--is protected from the devastating effects of lead exposure."
"New York City has proven that there are technologically feasible and health protective standards to measure lead hazards," said Anhthu Hoang, PhD, Esq. General Counsel & Deputy Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. "WE ACT has been advocating for lead-free homes in our impacted communities for decades. We have serious concerns that the regulations will not protect New Yorkers. DOH must fulfill its mission to protect human health."
"NYPIRG has been fighting for lead-free kids for decades and a proactive rental inspection regime was long-necessary to catch lead hazards before a child is exposed," said Russ Haven, Esq., General Counsel for the New York Public Interest Research Group Fund, Inc. "But a proactive inspection regime only works when DOH follows the science and implements a program that is effective at screening homes and correctly identifying lead-hazards. We're looking forward to getting this right and eliminating childhood lead poisoning in New York."
* * *
About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
* * *
Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/environmental-justice-groups-sue-new-york-department-of-health-for-failing-to-protect-tenants-from-lead-under-nation-leading-law
[Category: Environment]
Conservationists Challenge Dredging Project Near Port Everglades Over Endangered Species Act Violations
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 7 -- Earthjustice posted the following news release:
* * *
Conservationists Challenge Dredging Project Near Port Everglades Over Endangered Species Act Violations
Groups file lawsuit to protect imperiled Florida corals
-
Fort Lauderdale, FL -- Miami Waterkeeper, the Center for Biological Diversity, Florida Wildlife Federation, and the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Marine Fisheries Service on Tuesday for violating the Endangered Species Act when permitting a sand dredging project near Port Everglades.
The
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 7 -- Earthjustice posted the following news release:
* * *
Conservationists Challenge Dredging Project Near Port Everglades Over Endangered Species Act Violations
Groups file lawsuit to protect imperiled Florida corals
-
Fort Lauderdale, FL -- Miami Waterkeeper, the Center for Biological Diversity, Florida Wildlife Federation, and the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Marine Fisheries Service on Tuesday for violating the Endangered Species Act when permitting a sand dredging project near Port Everglades.
Thegroups, represented by Earthjustice, along with co-plaintiff Center for Biological Diversity, filed a motion seeking an injunction to halt work until the Corps and the Fisheries Service reassess the Port Everglades Inlet Sand Bypass Project's harm to critical marine habitat, threatened corals and queen conch. The dredging project -- which has sent harmful sediment plumes into nearshore waters -- paused in July and is set to resume in the fall.
The Sand Bypass Project is putting federally listed corals, conch, and other marine species and habitat at risk from sedimentation. There is added pressure on the reef ecosystem after an unprecedented 2023 marine heatwave caused widespread staghorn and elkhorn coral mortality, leaving these threatened species at dire risk of extinction.
"Staghorn coral is on the brink of extinction in Florida, and this project puts some of the last known surviving colonies at risk," said Danika Desai, senior attorney with Earthjustice. "We are suing to ensure the responsible agencies protect these surviving staghorn -- which are critical to the species recovery -- to the full extent the law requires."
The groups previously warned the Corps and the Fisheries Service in May that the agencies were violating the Endangered Species Act.
The lawsuit says that the Fisheries Service's formal biological opinion on the Sand Bypass Project is arbitrary and unlawful because it underestimates likely harms to corals and conchs, ignores critical information about the project's harm, and relies on mitigation strategies that are unlikely to ensure the survival and recovery of the federally protected species.
In April, the Fisheries Service corroborated some of these concerns in a letter to the Corps, recommending the Corps evaluate the need to formally reassess the harm to listed species and their habitat. Despite this, dredging continued without a new environmental analysis.
"The reef around Port Everglades is home to some of the last staghorn coral surviving in Florida. For reasons we still don't fully understand, they are hanging on right here -- and that makes the stakes of this dredging project extraordinarily high," said Rachel Silverstein, CEO and Waterkeeper at Miami Waterkeeper. "Unfortunately, we are already seeing warning signs that impacts may exceed expectations, and the failure to properly evaluate the gravity of the risks could have dire consequences. We are calling for commonsense safeguards, science-based oversight, and stronger mitigation so that more of these precious reefs are not lost."
Staghorn corals have been declared functionally extinct across the state. Some of the last healthy populations of naturally occurring staghorn corals and breeding queen conch live next to Port Everglades. The fate of these populations will be critical to the recovery of these species in Florida.
"Florida's iconic queen conchs are struggling to survive after decades of overharvesting and habitat degradation. This lawsuit intends to stop the dredging project before it's too late for them," said Alex Muir, a Florida attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Florida's queen conch are already too sparsely populated or otherwise impaired to recover the state's population, meaning every single one of them matters. Yet the Corps is pushing this project knowing it will wipe out hundreds of mother conchs and doom future generations. That's illegal and we're going to court to fight it."
This is the same Port-adjacent reef area that is also at risk from the proposed Port Everglades Expansion dredging project. If it moves forward, that major project would put more than 10 million corals at risk, as well as staghorn corals, queen conch, dolphins, turtles, and fish.
Satellite imagery and sediment monitoring show that the Sand Bypass project has produced larger-than-predicted plumes of sediment, stretching over thousands of meters from the dredging, and which could be harming the nearby reef, critical habitat, and listed species that call this area home.
The initial phase of dredging began in October 2025 with the construction of a 10.8-acre sand pit off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, just north of the Port Everglades Inlet. The sand pit represents the first component of the project, which will then be dredged routinely every two to four years to produce sand for ongoing beach renourishment nearby.
"It comes down to this: protect the habitat and you protect the species," said Jess Melkun, Vice President of Conservation Policy at the Florida Wildlife Federation. "Florida's coral reefs are among our state's most important ecosystems, supporting marine wildlife, protecting our coastlines, and sustaining local communities. This case is about ensuring decisions affecting these irreplaceable habitats are grounded in the best available science, before it's too late."
"The Sand Bypass project threatens more than coral reefs -- it threatens the businesses, jobs, and communities that depend on Florida's world-renowned diving resources. DEMA is joining this lawsuit because healthy marine ecosystems are the foundation of a thriving recreational diving industry. We believe Florida can responsibly manage its coastline while protecting the coral reefs and underwater habitats that support both marine life and the state's coastal economy," said Nicole Russell, Interim President and CEO of DEMA.
Florida's Coral Reef stretches along the Atlantic coast from Monroe to Martin Counties. It is the only nearshore coral reef in the continental U.S. and is extremely valuable. It provides protection from storm surge and flooding, habitat for hundreds of species, and opportunities for recreational use and eco-tourism that contribute billions of dollars in sales to South Florida each year. Florida's reefs are threatened by warming temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, disease, and dredging sediments. Coral reefs have declined rapidly in recent years, with coral cover decreasing by more than 90% since the 1970s.
* * *
About the Plaintiffs
Miami Waterkeeper is a non-profit organization that develops local solutions to global challenges. Miami Waterkeeper protects South Florida's waters by advocating for resilient solutions grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community. As a leader in environmental advocacy in South Florida, Miami Waterkeeper envisions a resilient South Florida that is a global leader in clean water solutions, where thriving communities and nature coexist.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.8 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. The Center's Florida and Caribbean program uses science, law, and creative media to defend the region's unique biodiversity for generations to come.
The Florida Wildlife Federation is a statewide non-profit dedicated to safeguarding Florida's water, wildlife, and wild spaces by taking action today to prevent irreversible loss tomorrow. Since 1936, we've united conservationists, anglers, hunters, recreationists, and wildlife enthusiasts to protect Florida's ecosystems. From the halls of legislature to the homes of everyday Floridians, we've achieved milestones such as securing protections for iconic species like the Florida panther and constitutional amendments for land and water conservation. With a steadfast commitment to tackling challenges like pollution and unchecked development, we envision a future where Florida's natural resources are fiercely protected by and for all.
The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is an international non-profit trade association with the mission of bringing businesses together to grow the diving industry worldwide. With more than 1,400 business members DEMA promotes recreational scuba diving through consumer awareness programs such as the Go Dive Now campaign; conducts industry research and advocates for access by divers to a clean and healthy aquatic environment. DEMA owns and produces DEMA Show, an annual trade-only event for businesses in the scuba diving, action watersports and adventure/dive-travel industries.
* * *
Additional Resources
* About the Oceans Program (https://earthjustice.org/office/oceans)
* * *
About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
* * *
Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/conservationists-challenge-dredging-project-near-port-everglades-over-endangered-species-act-violations
[Category: Environment]
CAIR-Pittsburgh Welcomes Arrest of Erie Man Over Antisemitic Threats
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
CAIR-Pittsburgh Welcomes Arrest of Erie Man Over Antisemitic Threats
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest and federal charges filed against an Erie man accused of making violent antisemitic threats targeting members of the Jewish community.
According to federal authorities, Eric Holman, 26, allegedly posted online threats
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
CAIR-Pittsburgh Welcomes Arrest of Erie Man Over Antisemitic Threats
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest and federal charges filed against an Erie man accused of making violent antisemitic threats targeting members of the Jewish community.
According to federal authorities, Eric Holman, 26, allegedly posted online threatsadvocating violence against Jewish people, prompting an FBI investigation that resulted in his arrest on federal charges. Messages allegedly included: "Get a gun, wear black, go to your local synagogue."
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
"We welcome the swift action taken by federal law enforcement in response to these deeply disturbing alleged threats targeting the Jewish community. Antisemitism has no place in our society, and credible threats of violence must be treated with the utmost seriousness. We stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors and with everyone working to confront hatred and violence in all its forms."
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
* * *
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-pittsburgh-welcomes-arrest-of-erie-man-over-antisemitic-threats/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-Ohio Calls for Hate Crime Probe of 'Die' Vandalism Targeting Cincinnati Mosque
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
CAIR-Ohio Calls for Hate Crime Probe of 'Die' Vandalism Targeting Cincinnati Mosque
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Ohio), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism and burglary of a Cincinnati-area mosque as a possible hate crime after hateful messages, including the word "Die," were
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
CAIR-Ohio Calls for Hate Crime Probe of 'Die' Vandalism Targeting Cincinnati Mosque
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Ohio), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism and burglary of a Cincinnati-area mosque as a possible hate crime after hateful messages, including the word "Die," werereportedly left behind.
CAIR said the Westwood Islamic Community Center in Cincinnati was burglarized and vandalized, with suspects causing extensive property damage and leaving threatening graffiti.
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani said:
"We strongly condemn this disturbing act of vandalism targeting a house of worship. The hateful messages reportedly left behind indicate this crime may have been motivated by bias. Every member of our community should be able to worship freely without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible, hold them accountable, and reassure the Muslim community that attacks apparently motivated by hate will not be tolerated."
He noted that Washington, D.C., based CAIR recently said it has documented 17 incidents targeting Islamic places of worship in May, June, and July to date. The 17 incidents represent 51 percent of the previous year's total and a 183 percent increase over the same three-month period last year, during which CAIR documented six such incidents.
Turaani added that earlier this week, CAIR condemned hateful, conspiratorial, and dangerous public comments made about a proposed mosque by individuals at a Mooresville, N.C., Board of Commissioners meeting.
He said CAIR's latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 - the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" booklet, which offers advice on how to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
* * *
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ohio-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-die-vandalism-targeting-cincinnati-mosque/
[Category: Sociological]
