Russia and Germany will collaborate in the investigation of the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, signaling a welcome opportunity to learn the truth behind an event eerily similar to attacks on numerous other Russian opposition figures. Congratulate the German Justice Ministry’s good sense in allowing this cooperation.
Twelve suspects who reportedly made millions from the illegal trafficking and killing of sharks and endangered marine life for their valuable fins and bladders are now facing charges, thanks to the efforts of federal authorities. Applaud the demise of an alleged mass trafficking enterprise.
Poland has announced massive investment in green and sustainable energy, signaling a faster move away from coal which has been both the country’s main source of power and a perpetual stain on the environment. Congratulate the Polish government for this sensible decision.
Criminalizing marijuana has caused more harm than it ever accomplished for the good. Non-violent offenders have sat in jail for years, sometimes decades, and countless individuals have suffered in pain without this medically beneficial recourse. Applaud promising strides made in ending this senseless misfire within the justice system.
The construction of a destructive gold mine that would have severely damaged Alaskan wildlife has been blocked due in part to an environmental impact statement issued by the Army Corps of Engineers. Thank them for protecting endangered salmon and other species from habitat destruction and contamination.
Migratory birds killed in incidental acts can now receive justice, thanks to advocates who fought the Trump administration’s efforts to curb their protections. This means that anyone who treats birds as collateral damage will face legal consequences. Support this conservation victory.
A dangerous mining project on Alaska’s coast has been cancelled in an encouraging decision from the White House. This is a win for the local environment, which would have suffered greatly due to the release of toxic chemicals. Congratulate the Secretary of the Interior for this constructive development.
African American families who have endured generations of inequality will now stand a better-than-ever chance of realizing their dreams and ambitions due to one city’s investment in boosting minority businesses, career and educational opportunities, and home ownership. Applaud this novel approach to slavery reparations.
Plans for destructive logging in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest have been cancelled, granting wildlife and human residents of the area a reprieve from harm and deprivation. Congratulate the government for their sensible decision to stop this needless destruction.
Thousands of acres of Native American ancestral lands will be returned to their first inhabitants in California. This should be celebrated. Applaud the reversal of this long-ago wrong and needed victory during a time of such deep racial, ethnic, and cultural divides.
Violent federal forces were removed from Portland, with conditions. While the fight to protect free speech is not over yet, it’s a victory for the safety of protesters in Portland. Thank Oregon lawmakers for pushing to remove federal forces, and encourage them to continue to protect protesters.
The culling of bison at Yellowstone National Park will be halted, thanks to a lawsuit brought by conservation advocates. Park officials are exploring alternative options of managing the species, including giving them more freedom to roam. Thank those who saved hundreds of animals from certain death.
Methane regulations have been reinstated to ensure that less of the potent greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere. This is an important step in the fight against climate change. Thank the lawyers who fought the rollback of these protections in an effort to save the environment.
People found guilty of animal cruelty in Scotland will now be subject to stricter legal penalties. Thank First Minister Sturgeon, other Parliament members, and animal advocates who fought hard to bring about this needed change.
The issuing of permits to slaughter Yellowstone’s grizzly bears is now illegal and will cease immediately, thanks to the work of conservation advocates. This will allow the endangered species to repopulate and thrive. Thank those who fought for this victory.
The US Army has suspended its efforts to recruit teenagers through the video game platform Twitch thanks to pressure from concerned citizens. This is an important victory for human rights. Applaud those who spoke out against this practice.
A pipeline which would have destroyed disadvantaged and Native American communities and harmed the environment has been successfully cancelled thanks to the work of concerned citizens. Thank them for their tireless efforts to protect small towns and wildlife.
International students will be granted visas even if their classes are online, thanks to the efforts of Harvard and MIT lawyers. This decision blocks a recent policy that would deport international students who can no longer attend in-person classes due to the pandemic. Thank those responsible for this remarkable human rights victory.
Women will no longer have to expose themselves to COVID-19 in order to obtain an abortion. Healthcare providers can now mail or deliver abortion-inducing medications to patients at home. Thank those who fought for this reproductive health victory.
In the wake of the murder of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, Georgia has finally passed a long-delayed hate crimes bill. Thank the governor for signing this important law.
Mississippi’s convicted animal abusers will now be treated with the condemnation and punishment they deserve. The state has toughened its standards and penalties for cruelty. Applaud this important reversal of fortune for vulnerable animals.
Migrant children who are confined in US detention centers will soon be freed, thanks to the hard work of immigration advocates. This is an important development for human rights and public health in the wake of the devastating coronavirus pandemic. Thank those who fought to free these children.
The national park system will receive over 18 million dollars for maintenance and repairs in a landmark victory for environmentalists. The national park system has been underfunded for decades, as well as threatened by oil companies and hunters seeking to claim miles of unspoiled nature for themselves. Thank those who voted in favor of funding and protecting public lands.
A restrictive anti-abortion law was recently overturned. This law would have made women’s access to a safe abortion very difficult. Thank activist organization Pro-Choice America for their tireless work fighting for women’s right to their bodies.
Amazon just helped ensure its facial recognition technology is not weaponized for racial profiling and wrongful imprisonment. The influential company will ban use of its often inaccurate tech by law enforcement in most cases. Thank business leaders for this step in the right direction.
