Lawmakers, Activists, and Experts Weigh In on Crises Across the U.S. and Ukraine

Reports from Arizona, Oregon, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Ukraine highlight urgent issues and calls for action

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:31am

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In a wide-ranging Zoom call, U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva, community leaders, and experts discussed a variety of pressing issues, including the beating of a man in Arizona, the need to shut down nuclear reactors, ICE attacks in North Carolina, the resistance movement in Minnesota, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The participants emphasized the importance of activism, solidarity, and upholding constitutional rights during these challenging times.

Why it matters

This Zoom call brings together diverse perspectives from across the country and abroad, shedding light on the interconnected nature of the social, political, and environmental crises facing communities. The discussion highlights the need for coordinated action and a unified response to address these complex issues.

The details

The Zoom call, titled Greep Zoom #254, featured first-hand accounts and updates from a range of speakers. Myla Reson reported on the beating of a man named Mr. James in Arizona, emphasizing the need to shut down the Palo Verde nuclear reactors. Representative Adelita Grijalva provided an update on the latest developments in Congress. Dr. Melissa Bird reported from the streets of Oregon, while former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts discussed ICE attacks in North Carolina. Hedy Tripp from St. Cloud, Minnesota, shared that the resistance movement in the state is holding strong, despite facing personal danger. The call also included contributions from media mogul David Saltman, solar owner Paul Newman, autistic activist Carly Fein, and commentator Donald Smith. Additionally, the group spoke with Denys Pilah and Oleh Savytskyl in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Green Party leader Howie Hawkins about the ongoing conflict with Russia.

  • The Zoom call, Greep Zoom #254, took place on January 29, 2026.

The players

Adelita Grijalva

A U.S. Representative who provided an update on the latest developments in Congress.

Myla Reson

A community member who reported on the beating of a man named Mr. James in Arizona and the need to shut down the Palo Verde nuclear reactors.

Jennifer Roberts

The former Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, who discussed ICE attacks in the state.

Hedy Tripp

A resident of St. Cloud, Minnesota, who shared that the resistance movement in the state is holding strong, despite facing personal danger.

Denys Pilah and Oleh Savytskyl

Individuals from Kyiv, Ukraine, who spoke about the ongoing conflict with Russia.

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What they’re saying

“It's the people who're going to safe us.”

— Jennifer Roberts, Former Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The group discussed the need for continued activism, solidarity, and upholding constitutional rights to address the various crises facing communities across the United States and in Ukraine.

The takeaway

This Zoom call highlights the interconnected nature of the social, political, and environmental challenges facing communities nationwide and abroad. The diverse perspectives and calls to action underscore the importance of coordinated efforts and a unified response to address these complex and pressing issues.