The Democratic National Committee Rejects a Climate Debate For Presidential Candidates

Members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voted 222-137 against allowing Democratic candidates to participate in a debate focused on climate change. Even though the proposal had support from major candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden, the DNC ultimately struck it down, arguing that it may lead to more calls for single-issue debates (as if that’s a bad thing?).

For the past few months, young activists have been at the forefront of a nationwide push for a climate debate and lasting environmental policy. And the youth climate movement is far from over, as protests against the DNC’s decision are already underway. The message is clear: young people are fighting for the planet’s future, and we will make ourselves heard.

Take Action: Demand that climate change be at the forefront of political discussion by participating in the Global Climate Strikes on September 20. Find (or organize) a climate strike near you.

ICE Shut Down a Hotline for Detained Immigrants After It Was Featured in Orange is the New Black

California not-for-profit Freedom for Immigrants has been offering free and confidential services for detained immigrants since 2013. Two weeks after their hotline was featured in an episode of Orange is the New Black, ICE shut it down. The organization thinks ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is acting in retaliation to their criticism of conditions at immigrant facilities.

The hotline (209-757-FREE) allowed callers to seek resources and report abuse. With a proposed regulation allowing for migrants (including children) to be held in detention indefinitely, and reports of abuse becoming more frequent, these kinds of resources are invaluable to detainees.

Take Action: Learn how you can volunteer with Freedom for Immigrants.

National Dog Day Reminds Us How Much of a Paw-sitive Impact Our Pups Have

August 26 was National Dog Day, and there was a whole lot of love for our furry friends. From celebratory songs to all-day canine content, it really...went to the dogs. For a moment, coverage even shifted from the Democratic presidential candidates to their adorable pups.

Cuteness aside, there’s actually real science behind the way that dogs help folks with their mental health. Being around a supportive dog changes our interpersonal neurobiology to make us happier and more talkative. And relationships with dogs are especially helpful for people recovering from traumatic experiences...and, ya know, anyone having a bad day.

Take Action: Help adoptable pups find new homes with social media. Promote shelter pets online!

• An update on last week’s One Big Thing... Brazil’s president is sending military to fight the Amazon fires, and he rejects funding from G7 countries.

• Why aren’t more people talking about… a string of fatal child shootings in St. Louis (you can submit a tip or spread the word here).

• Meanwhile, in Hong Kong… as the country reaches its 12th straight week of protest, police used water cannons and live ammunition for the first time.

• My hero today is… 17-year-old David Ledbetter who registered people to vote in line for Popeyes.

• Today in viral cuteness… strangers showed up to entertain a boy who can’t leave his house because of illness.

• I’m obsessed with… the dogs of DoSomething! In honor of National Dog Day, I asked to see my coworkers' dogs, and they didn’t disappoint. Just look at Diego’s pup, Daisy, this entire account dedicated to Soraya’s dog Bowie, and of course, Anthony’s absolute Good Boy, Harley. (I’m holding out for a Bring Your Dog to Work Day.)

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