BROWSE
THE
RECORD

Residents Push to Save Solar Observatory as Demolition Nears

NM Source New Mexico Jul 3, 2026

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing Public Testimony/Written Comments

A grassroots coalition of New Mexico residents called Friends of Sunspot are pushing to save the nearly 80-year-old Sunspot Solar Observatory after the National Science Foundation announced its plans to demolish the site due to environmental safety reasons. The coalition wants to pause demolition until area stakeholders can agree on an alternative plan.

Community Task Force Advocacy Leads School District to Add African American U.S. History Class as Graduation Requirement Option

Sacramento, CA The Sacramento Bee Jul 3, 2026

Education Coalition Building/Community Organizing Public Task Force

After a recommendation and sustained advocacy by a community Task Force of African American leaders and advocates, the public school district added African American U.S. History as an option for meeting district's high school graduation requirement for U.S. history and social science.

Detainees Boycott ICE Commissaries to Protest Exorbitant Price Markups

Multiple, CA Imperial Valley Press Jul 3, 2026

Financial & Economic System Boycott

Detainees at two federal immigration detention facilities in California launched a commissary boycott that coincides with pending state legislation that aims to cap at 35% commissary price markups by private for-profit prison operators.

Citizens Work Together to Come Up with Their County’s AI Policies

Snohomish County, WA Cascade PBS Jun 26, 2026

Technology & Innovation Civic Initiative Public Meeting/Town Hall Participation

County government convened a "civic assembly" of 29 randomly selected selected residents to deliberate and develop policy recommendations on the county's use of AI.

Voters Replace Four City Council Members Who Approved Data Center Project

Festus, MO KCUR Jun 8, 2026

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing Public Testimony/Written Comments Petition to Government or Business

Local residents in Festus, Missouri protested, petitioned, spoke at city council meetings, and elected four new city council members after the previous council approved a $6 billion data center project.

Local Group Sings to Protest ICE Detainments in Bellingham

Bellingham, WA Bellingham Herald Apr 16, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Protest Art

On April 16, 2026, about 30 members and supporters of Singing Resistance Whatcom gathered outside the Whatcom County Courthouse. They sang, played tambourines, and carried banners to protest immigration arrests in and around the courthouse. The Founder organized the event after learning that the court was expanding access to remote hearings in response to increased detentions. The group practices in small gatherings and chooses songs that newcomers can join.

Kansas City Rally Draws Hundreds to Protest Missouri Plan to End Income Tax and Expand Sales Taxes

Kansas City, MO KCUR Mar 19, 2026

Public Finance Community Education/Outreach Peaceful Protest/Demonstration

More than 200 Kansas City-area residents gathered at a church to oppose Missouri legislation that would begin the process of eliminating the state income tax and replacing some of the revenue through expanded sales taxes. The event was organized by Missouri Jobs with Justice, the Missouri Workers Center and Parents for KC Kids, bringing together public-school parents, educators, low-wage workers, union members and faith leaders. Speakers argued that shifting from income taxes toward sales taxes would place a greater burden on lower-income and older residents while threatening funding for schools, hospitals, roads, disability services and senior programs. Supporters of the legislation contend that eliminating the income tax could attract businesses and that consumption taxes give residents more control over what they pay. The measure had passed the Missouri House but still required Senate approval and, as a proposed constitutional amendment, voter approval.

Artists Assemble Illustrated Zines and Whistles for Neighborhood Alert Effort Amid Immigration Crackdown

Chicago, IL PBS Mar 17, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Civic Initiative Protest Art

The March 17, 2026, segment shows Chicago artists using their skills in response to federal immigration enforcement. Volunteers at the Pilsen Arts and Community House assemble illustrated zines and whistles for a neighborhood alert effort. Other artists make prints and banners, while one collective holds banner-making gatherings that bring residents together.

Minneapolis Man and Friends Raise $280K for Rent Assistance to Families Affected by ICE Surge

Minneapolis, MN The Minnesota Star Tribune Mar 13, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Fundraising

A Minneapolis podcaster and three friends held a charity gaming livestream. More than 3,000 people contributed over $280,000 to a local non-profit, which used the money to help families struggling to pay rent during the ICE surge. The non-profit estimated that the proceeds helped about 140–150 families with rent.

Mutual Aid Rental Assistance Staved Off an Eviction Crisis during ICE Surge But Is Now Slowing

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Axios Mar 13, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Mutual Aid/Volunteer Services

Mutual-aid organizers collected donations and distributed rent assistance to families whose income was disrupted, then worked to address continuing requests as donations slowed.

200-Plus Attend Protest for Trans Rights

Bellingham, WA Cascade Daily News Feb 22, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Peaceful Protest/Demonstration

Over 200 people braved pouring rain and heavy winds to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights that they say are under attack by the federal government. Starting at City Hall, protesters marched in the middle of the street, chanting “trans rights are human rights” among others. Organizers wearing bright orange vests directed traffic and car honks signaled support for what speakers described as resistance through joy.

Volunteer Lawyers Filed over 1,000 Lawsuits Challenging Immigrant Detentions During ICE Surge

MN Minnesota Reformer Feb 19, 2026

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Litigation/Court Challenge

Attorneys from different fields volunteered to represent people detained during an ICE enforcement surge. Working through legal networks, they filed petitions asking federal judges to review individual detentions and order release or bond hearings where warranted.