Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

ACLU @aclu.org · 1h

The people have the power.

Communities in Portland and across the country are making it clear that troops don’t belong in our streets.

Kristi Noem came to Portland, and people protested with dogs, dancing: Get caught up

As U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Noem made the case for increased security, local officials repeated that the situation was well in hand.

www.oregonlive.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 20h

For many families, the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict birthright citizenship have turned what should've been the happiest moments — the birth of a new child — into a time of stress and uncertainty.

We won't back down from defending the 14th Amendment.

Immigrant Parents Confront Fear, Uncertainty Over Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Threats

Families share how Trump’s threat to end birthright citizenship turned moments of joy into doubt about their children’s futures.

www.aclu.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 21h

NEW: Last night, the Senate passed a bill that reauthorizes addiction treatment and housing services for recently incarcerated people.

This is a crucial step toward ensuring people coming out of prison have the support they need.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 22h

The Trump administration wants the courts to grant them free rein to use immigration enforcement powers to crack down on free speech.

That's not how the First Amendment works. We're fighting back.

Mahdawi and Öztürk’s Legal Battle Highlights First Amendment Constitutional Risks - Documented

Legal experts say the rulings in Mohsen Mahdawi and Rümeysa Öztürk’s cases could redefine First Amendment protections for both immigrants and citizens.

documentedny.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

"Nothing is quite like the surreal experience of saying goodbye to someone who is perfectly healthy but preparing to die at the hands of the state."

Claudia Van Wyk, ACLU Senior Staff Attorney, reflects on what it was like for Texas to execute her client, Richard Tabler.

ACLU Attorney Reflects on Texas Death Penalty Case

Marking World Day Against the Death Penalty, Claudia Van Wyk recounts witnessing Richard Tabler’s final moments and the toll of state executions.

www.aclu.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

And we're not slowing down.

Join us: ACLU.org

@Boom-WhatsGoingOn.bsky.social @boom-whatsgoingon.bsky.social · 1d

Take notice, the ACLU is hard at work…

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine the future of the Voting Rights Act.

At stake in Louisiana v. Callais is Black voters’ ability to elect their candidates of choice in Louisiana, and all voters' ability to challenge racially discriminatory maps.

The Supreme Court Is Being Tested on History Once Again

The leading arguments in support of Black voting rights were race-conscious at their core.

slate.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

Black people are far more likely to be sentenced to death than white people, especially if the victim is white.

Add your name to our petition to demand an end to the death penalty.

Abolish The Death Penalty Now

Capital punishment is a moral stain on our nation: Add your name to the growing calls to abolish the death penalty now.

action.aclu.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

Racism is embedded in the death penalty.

This World Against the Death Penalty Day and every other day of the year, we’re calling on our elected officials to work toward an end to capital punishment once and for all.

Graphic reading "Black adults compromise 14% of our nation's population but they account 41% of people currently on death row." Hands holding through jail cells.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

As we've said before: Diss tracks are protected by the First Amendment.

Drake’s Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Dismissed by Judge

Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us" has been dismissed by a federal judge.

www.billboard.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

We must end the death penalty, once and for all.

On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, add your name to the growing number of people calling for an end to capital punishment.

Abolish The Death Penalty Now

Capital punishment is a moral stain on our nation: Add your name to the growing calls to abolish the death penalty now.

action.aclu.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

The government has executed more people in 2025 than any year in over a decade — and there are five more executions scheduled over the next week.

Just a handful of states are responsible for these executions, and they’re increasingly out of step with public opinion.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

BREAKING: A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump from deploying federalized National Guard troops into Chicago.

This ruling reinforces what we already knew: It is illegal for the president to use manufactured emergencies to send soldiers into our cities.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

All servicewomen serving in combat roles already have to meet stringent gender-neutral physical standards.

But Secretary Hegseth is intent on smearing those women as unqualified — and pushing all women out of military service.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Moves to Push Women Out of the Military

From eliminating the Pentagon’s gender advisory committee to misrepresenting women’s combat readiness, Hegseth’s record shows a clear campaign against women in uniform.

www.aclu.org

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Reposted by ACLU

NYCLU @nyclu.org · 1d

BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Attorney General Letitia James, the latest in a long list of brazen abuses of power by Trump in his ongoing attempts to weaponize our nation’s judicial system to settle personal vendettas, attack his political opponents, and silence his critics.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

The Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais will not only determine the next steps for Louisiana’s congressional map, but could shape the future of redistricting cases nationwide.

No matter what, we'll continue fighting for fair representation.

‘The stakes are quite large’: US supreme court case could gut Voting Rights Act

Court’s decision in Louisiana v Callais could limit voters from challenging racial discriminatory districts

www.theguardian.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, has been a steadfast advocate for our civil liberties throughout her career.

She's issued powerful dissents in support of abortion rights, protecting the 14th Amendment, defending immigrant communities, and more.

Photo of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, on top of the photo there is a quote attributed to her that reads "The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever."

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Reposted by ACLU

ACLU of Colorado @acluofcolorado.bsky.social · 2d

BREAKING: We sued the Trump administration to stop ICE’s warrantless arrests in Colorado.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

Join us in protest on October 18. Find an event near you today.

When using this link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.

No Kings

As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power ...

www.nokings.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

The power of the people is stronger than the people in power. We reject any and all attempts to strip away our rights and dismantle our democracy.

Black graphic with orange and white text: We the people protest: escalating abuses of power, troops on our streets, targeting of immigrant communities, attacks on free speech, threats to our democracy. Saturday, October 18 in cities across the country

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

NEW: A Texas court just blocked the execution of Robert Roberson, a man falsely convicted of a crime he did not commit.

While this is good news, the work for justice isn't over. Robert's legal team is still fighting for a retrial.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

Employees of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services oversee lawful immigration applications. They've never been authorized to make arrests, carry firearms, or execute search warrants — until now.

This intimidation tactic is unnecessary and cruel.

How is Trump Weaponizing USCIS for the First Time?

USCIS once managed legal immigration. Now, Trump is weaponizing the agency—turning America’s immigration system into a deportation machine.

www.aclu.org

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

We're in court today challenging a Florida law that gives local law enforcement the power to arrest, detain, and prosecute people based only on how they entered the country.

This law has been blocked while our litigation plays out, and we're asking the court to affirm that decision.

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

From voting rights to trans rights, the Supreme Court has several major cases on its docket this term — we're ready to defend all of our freedoms.

As Supreme Court returns, major tests ahead for Trump's presidential power

The Supreme Court's new term features major disputes over presidential power with implications for the economy, American foreign policy, and the midterm elections.

abcnews.go.com

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ACLU @aclu.org · 2d

President Trump has relentlessly come after media companies, journalists, and even entertainers for publicly opposing him.

Congress must defend the First Amendment and protect our free press.

Congress: Protect Our Free Press

The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act is our chance to rein in the FCC's out-of-control attacks on our free press. Congress must act now to pass this bill.

action.aclu.org

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