Prepare For The Storm
Heat, rollbacks, and worker power in a week that says a lot about where we’re headed
This week’s stories tie together a simple reality. The climate crisis is getting harsher, workers are pushing back for safety and dignity, and powerful interests are trying to rewrite the rules while most folks are just trying to keep the lights on and the bills paid. Here are five can’t-miss reads that cut through the noise, with suggestions on how you can help.
Nighttime heat, daytime risk: California braces for the worst multiday heatwave of the year
A severe, lingering heatwave is setting up across California and the wider Southwest, with forecasters warning about record-warm nights that compound wildfire danger and health risks for outdoor workers, the unhoused, kids, and elders.
Governor Newsom has pre-positioned crews and equipment as fire conditions spike. If you work outside or care for someone who does, this is the one to read first.
“This dangerous level of heat will pose a threat to anyone without effective cooling and adequate hydration.”
Gabrielle Canon
Do this: Check on neighbors, especially seniors and folks without AC. Push your city or county to expand cooling center hours and transit access. If you’re an employer, adopt a real heat-illness prevention plan with paid cool-down breaks and water on site.
State AGs push back as EPA moves to kill the legal basis for climate rules
California’s Rob Bonta and a coalition of Democratic attorneys general are urging the administration to drop its plan to scrap the “endangerment finding,” the scientific and legal backbone that lets EPA set greenhouse gas standards for cars, trucks, power plants, and more. If repealed, it would gut federal climate protections and shift chaos onto states and courts.
“Abandon its plan to rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health.” — summary of the AGs’ demand. Reuters
Do this: Submit a public comment when the proposal opens, then call your state AG’s office to back litigation. Ask your city council to pass a resolution supporting the endangerment finding and send it to the EPA and your members of Congress.
Prices at the pipeline pop: producer inflation jumps the most in three years
Wholesale prices jumped 0.9% in July, the biggest monthly increase since 2022, with broad gains across goods and services. Economists warn that upstream costs often trickle down, which could squeeze families already juggling rent, groceries, and medical bills.
“The producer price index for final demand jumped 0.9% last month.” Reuters
Do this: If you run a small shop, price out supplier alternatives and lock in multi-month bids now. If you’re a household budgeter, check state utility assistance and SNAP/WIC recertification windows. Call your reps to oppose policies that push prices up for working people.
Oregon nurses vote to strike after 21 months without a first contract
Four hundred nurses at Legacy Mount Hood authorized a strike after nearly two years of bargaining, citing wages, staffing, and affordable health care. Patient safety is worker safety, and nurses are making that case loud and clear.
“Nurses … voted to authorize a strike, following 21 months of negotiations.”
Joni Land
Do this: If you’re local, show up to the picket when called and bring water and snacks. Everywhere else, ask your hospital board to publish staffing ratios and commit to safe standards. Donate to strike funds and support legislation for safe staffing.
After months on the line, Butler Hospital workers reach a tentative deal
In Providence, unionized workers at Butler Hospital reached a tentative agreement after a prolonged strike, with leadership on both sides announcing a path forward. It’s a reminder that organizing works, especially in care settings where burnout and turnover are real.
“A tentative agreement has been reached.” — joint statement quoted in coverage. Rhode Island Current
Do this: If you’re in health care, talk to coworkers about your top two issues and set a standing time to organize. If you’re a patient or family member, thank the staff and write the board urging retention-focused contracts and fair pay.
Big picture
Heat risk is rising, worker action is winning, and powerful interests are trying to roll back bedrock climate protections while costs creep higher on regular people. The through line is solidarity. Community cooling, public comments, union support, and local policy all stack up. Pick one action above and do it today.
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