First, huge shoutout to Jackie for covering me during last Friday’s Breakdown while I was out (psst, don’t tell her I said this, but I’m pretty sure she’s trying to take my job???).

Second, I wanted to give an update on a previous One Big Thing story. A few weeks ago, we told you that the DNC announced they would not be hosting a climate-only debate. However, Democratic candidates did just participate in a CNN Town Hall where they spent hours talking about their stances on climate change, so make sure you check it out!

Third, we’ve got the latest on Hurricane Dorian, the heroes lending a hand, and what you can do to help. Let's Do This.

- Anthony

Mother and daugther embracing in aftermath of hurricane

Hurricane Dorian Wreaks Havoc in Bahamas and Carolinas

Hurricane Dorian began its path of destruction earlier this week, causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas and killing at least 20 people. Currently, the storm is working its way along the US coastline and is expected to have the biggest impact in North and South Carolina.

This latest natural disaster is a reminder of two important issues. First, the need for immediate action on climate change, which continues to increase the likeliness of natural disasters. Second, disasters like this are also an income inequality issue, as low-income communities are usually the ones who are most heavily impacted.

As both areas are forced to deal with the disaster, we’ve seen heroes emerge from all corners. Whether it’s this 6-year-old spending the money he had saved for Disneyland to feed 100 evacuees or a woman who rescued nearly 100 dogs from the storm, we’re constantly reminded that there’s always something we can do to help others in times of tragedy.

Take Action: Encourage others to donate to the American Red Cross so they can help people recovering from the disaster.

#OneVidaAtATimeHugChallenge: Celebrities Are Hugging To Raise Funds & Empathy For Migrant Children

As you likely know by now, thousands of migrant children have been separated from their families at the border. As a result, many of them have experienced severe trauma.

Now, activists and celebs are trying a different technique to help out. Celebrities from Eva Longoria to Zoe Saldana to Yalitza Aparicio are posting pictures of themselves participating in the Hug Challenge, which aims to use the importance of a hug to mobilize others to use their platform to foster empathy and raise funds for Immigrant Families Together, which works to reunite migrant children with their families. Ready to hug for good?

Take Action: Participate in the #OneVidaAtATimeHugChallenge to raise funds and awareness for affected migrant children.

Canadian Citizens Raise $3 Million To Save Virtually Untouched Land

In an inspiring tale of grassroots activism, a committed group of Canadians crowdsourced over $3 million to purchase and save a stretch of coastal wilderness from development. "It was so many people who gave us $10 or $15 and said, 'This is all I can do, but this is a wonderful thing that you're doing,'" said organizer Andrew Day. The 2,000 acres of coastline off of British Columbia are absolutely stunning (seriously, check it out) and will now be turned into a protected park.

Take Action: Want to protect green spaces in your own community? Rally your crew for a cleanup of a local park, beach, court, or community space.

“Over 184 years ago, our ancestors bargained for a guarantee that we would always have a voice in the Congress. It is time for the United States to uphold its end of the bargain.”

Why aren’t more people talking about… how San Francisco officials recently labeled the NRA as a domestic terrorist organization, accusing the organization of “inciting gun owners to acts of violence”?

Meanwhile, in England… Prime Minister Boris Johnson unsuccessfully tried to call for a general election, with Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn stating an election would be backed once legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit is passed. (Check out BuzzFeed’s explainer on what the hell is going on with Brexit.)

My hero today is… Samuel Sinyangwe, a young policy analyst who is using data to combat police brutality.

My *other* heroes today are… the Brooklyn middle schoolers who successfully protested to make their schools a less segregated.

Today in viral cuteness… this mom puts in long hours to make adorable dolls for kids with disabilities and illnesses.

I’m obsessed with… Enya. I’m usually pretty attuned to pop culture, but I only heard of her for the first time, like, last week… whoops. The music may be 30 years old, but it’s just so great when you need something spiritual.

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