Flock vote rescheduled. Again
Hello CRAGgys!
A very quick note to let you know that the Hancock City Council has canceled Wednesday's meeting where they were expected to vote on FLOCK Cameras.
There's no word yet whether this will be taken up again on the Nov 19th meeting.
Remember to double check agendas before attending these meetings; they are usually posted on the web a day in advance. Schedules change.
Food Banks
Food bank info, compiled by Emma and Keweenaw Indivisible.
See also the Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative.
News and Notes
Some random bits and bites.
- Keweenaw Now has published Valorie's article on the Houghton NO KINGS 2.0 rally and march.
- Senator Gary Peters has released a report on the ongoing data security breaches by DOGE, which continues to operate despite Musk's departure. From the summary:
- "Peters Report Finds that DOGE Continues to Operate Unchecked, Likely Violating Federal Privacy and Security Laws, and Putting the Safety of Americans’ Personal Information in Danger"
- "Peters’ report includes multiple whistleblower disclosures that DOGE staff have copied Americans’ sensitive Social Security and employment data into a cloud database without any verified security controls, likely a serious violation of cybersecurity and privacy laws that puts the information at risk of being stolen by cybercriminals. One individual—previously fired from a private sector job for mishandling data—was found to have unrestricted access to SSA’s systems. Despite an SSA risk assessment warning of an up to 65% chance of catastrophic breach, the data remains in systems without any verified security controls. The consequences of a potential breach or improper release of this information, for example a potential hack are so severe that, according to a whistleblower, the fallout could require re-issuing Social Security numbers for every American—a process that would disrupt access to banking, employment, health care, and housing. The report outlines how the loss of Social Security numbers would trigger widespread identity theft, delay access to benefits, and destabilize core systems Americans rely on. Peters is calling for these agencies to immediately halt DOGE operations and access to information systems given the catastrophic risk of a serious data breach."
- How new foreign worker visa fees might worsen doctor shortages in rural America. The administration has imposed a $100,000 fee for H1-B visas, which is the visa that allows doctors from other countries to work in the U.S. Visa applications for U.S. physician training programs had already dropped by 10% in 2025, before the fee was announced.
Energy News
- Michigan has joined two dozen states in suing to stop cuts to the solar energy grant program.
- Trump’s Order to Keep Michigan Coal Plant Running Has Cost $80 Million So Far. Consumers wants to charge regional Midwestern rate payers (us) for this boondoggle. The 63-year old Campbell plant was scheduled to close in the spring, the company doesn't need it, the grid doesn't need it, and its outdated and dirty. But the administration ordered it to stay open. And we're going to pay for it.
- Across the country the republican administration is wasting money trying to keep obsolete coal plants running. ‘Burning Money’: Dept. of Energy Directs $100 Million to Modernize Declining Coal Plants
- This administrations concerted assault on the game-changing Biden policies has pushed us further off-track in reaching a stable climate.
Organizational Meetings
Details are on the CALENDAR. (Please send updates, check to confirm.) These groups are all very welcoming. Drop by a meeting to connect with friendly faces. Any level of engagement contributes to making our world better.
Houghton/Hancock
- Yoopers for Ukraine 🇺🇦 Rally at the bridge Wednesdays at 5 pm.
- Keweenaw Indivisible meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6-8 pm at the KUUF.
- Houghton County Dems meet every 1st Wednesday, 7 pm at the Super 8.
- 4th Wednesdays AWAVE, 6 pm. Gathering at KUU Fellowship Houghton.
- 3rd Sundays, 7-8:45 pm, Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy Monthly Action Committee (KATO). Please register at the link to help with the headcount.
Baraga
- Baraga County Democrats, 3rd Tuesdays at 6 pm, L'Anse Township Hall
Marquette
- Every Tuesday evening at 7pm, Yoopers Unite, a gathering of local pro-democracy groups, at LoveMarq Church, 728 W. Kaye Ave, Marquette.
- Marquette: Every Saturday morning from 11:30-12:30, between 40 - 80 people have been assembling at the Marquette Post Office, standing in support with long-established Citizens for Peace & Justice.
- Join Lake Superior Region Indivisible
Emma's Amazing Community Calendar
- Now posted on CRAG: November Calendar
📎 Paper Clip Protest 📎
It's a thing! Wear a paper clip, cheap, easy, recognizable. Know your tribe. Inspired by the Norwegian resistance during WWII. Promoted by Ollie and Janice Pedersen, and E. Jean Carroll, and recently amplified by Joyce Vance.
Reminder that I will be away attending the International Climate Conference, COP30, for the next several weeks. So, posting will be slow. Connect to the organizations listed above for rapid local news.
Thanks for all your support and all your efforts to support and expand freedom, justice, and democracy!
Stay Well
Sarah
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