The Breakdown: Children In Migrant Detention Facilities Subjected To Horrific Conditions
Plus, Billie Eilish’s soccer jersey, renewable energy, and a preschool graduation.
Getty Images: Drew Angerer / Staff
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The One Big Thing
“Torture Facilities”: Children In Migrant Detention Facilities Subjected To Horrific Conditions
According to an ABC News report, unaccompanied migrant children -- some as young as two and a half months old -- are being subjected to horrifying conditions. "The conditions within which they are held could be compared to torture facilities," said one of the physicians in a medical declaration. Some of these conditions include infants sleeping on concrete, lice outbreaks, and many children living without toothbrushes or soap. Meanwhile, the White House family separation practices coupled with these inhumane conditions has some questioning if these facilities are really concentration camps. While a bill to provide humanitarian aid at the border has been working its way through Congress, Democrats are divided on the merits of the bill as they aim to provide relief without furthering President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Attend a "Families Belong Together" rally this weekend to show this administration that immigrant rights should be protected.
(Pop) Culture Shock
Bleacher Report Releases Exclusive Soccer Jerseys In Collab With Women Creatives Like Billie Eilish and Megan Thee Stallion
If you’ve been following the FIFA Women’s World Cup at all this month, you may have heard about some of the issues women athletes are facing, including the gender pay gap and a lack of media representation compared to men. In response, Bleacher Report announced that they’ve teamed up with eight female artists and designers to launch a collection of exclusive soccer jerseys. This collection is a powerful way to show solidarity with female athletes and support for equality on and off the field. The jerseys are available for pre-order on Bleacher Report’s website (and look incredible, btw). And while we’re on the subject, don’t forget to root for Team USA during their quarterfinal match vs. France today!
Tell the US Soccer Federation that the womens’ national team deserves equal pay.
The Good News Is...
US Generates More Electricity from Renewable Energy Than Coal For First Time Ever
New federal data shows that April was the first-ever month where renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal provided more US electricity than coal did. This is another hit to workers in the coal industry but a landmark for non-polluting energy. Coal, long-considered the dirtiest energy source, has been replaced by primarily by cheap natural gas (a less polluting fuel) and also by wind and solar energy, whose prices have fallen dramatically. Aligning green (money) to green (conservation) is a crucial step towards curbing our climate crisis, even according to America’s billionaires.
Do your part to curb the climate crisis. Share a guide to help friends travel sustainably this summer.
That's What She Said
“I am old enough to know when the adults are talking about how they care about my future but actually not taking action or passing any laws to fight against climate change.” ”
-Havana Chapman-Edwards, 8, who was one of dozens of young protesters outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters calling for a climate-specific debate. The DNC has refused thus far.
Quick Hitters
Why aren’t more people talking about… how the suicide rate among Native American women has increased by 139% since 1999?
Meanwhile, in India... the country’s fourth largest city, Chennai, is in the midst of a devastating water drought.
My hero today is… a 13-year-old named Michael Platt, who started his own bakery called Michael’s Desserts. For each cupcake he sells, he donates one to a person experiencing homelessness.
Today in viral cuteness… a sweet sibling moment at a preschool graduation. (Warning: You’ll probably just melt into a puddle after watching this video.)
I’m obsessed with… this ADORABLE pup (and the less adorable but still lovely succulent). Credit to Margot, our DoSomething Campaign Lead, who has excellent taste in both animals and plants!
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