More than a week into the war with Iran, the fallout continues to grow. The Trump administration’s actions have taken civilian lives, thrown the middle east into chaos, and caused oil and gas prices to spike globally. This week, Stacey speaks to Mehdi Hasan, Editor-in-chief of ‪@zeteo ‬about the motivations behind the war, the importance of independent media in covering the conflict, and what history can teach us about foreign policy consequences that play out over decades. CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS  WILD ALASKAN COMPANY: http://www.wildalaskan.com/ASSEMBLY QUINCE: http://www.quince.com/stacey MOSH: https://www.moshlife.com/ASSEMBLY FOUND: http://www.found.com/ F REEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION: “http://www.ffrf.us/stacey or text STACEY to 511511” Learn & Do More: Be Curious: To hear more from Mehdi Hasan and support independent media, subscribe to Zeteo. Solve Problems: Call your member of Congress and urge them to oppose funding this war. Do Good: Contribute to organizations helping those impacted by war. Donate to World Central Kitchen at wck.org, which is serving communities in Lebanon as the conflict escalates. The Palestinian relief fund at pcrf-rescue.org is providing emergency medical care and other essential aid to children.  Stacey is the Host of Assembly Required - a weekly podcast from Crooked Media where she breaks down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduces us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, and then strategizes and shares tangible ways to get involved. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable and are willing to pitch in and work toward the solution. And that’s because even though we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; we can each do something, somewhere, soon. “When people feel that they don’t understand or that the problem is too big, they can be overwhelmed by just the sheer size of the issue, and I think a podcast is an entertaining and informative way to … take topics, whether they are politics or policy, and allow people to ask questions and then break it down, talk about how it impacts our lives, and then help them better understand how they can create change.” Stacey in The Hollywood Reporter   Watch More Podcast Episode  

A Celebration of Books in Historic Savannah: Savannah Book Festival 2026 Savannah Book Festival Draws Crowds as Readers Gather for a Weekend of Literature and Ideas Thousands of readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts gathered in the historic city of Savannah for the annual Savannah Book Festival, a multi-day celebration of storytelling, ideas, and the power of books. The 2026 festival once again brought together bestselling authors, emerging voices, and eager readers for conversations, readings, and book signings across the city. Held each February, the Savannah Book Festival has grown into one of the nation’s most respected literary events, drawing nationally recognized authors and thousands of attendees from across the country. The festival features dozens of presentations, panel discussions, and author appearances, many of which are free and open to the public. This year’s festival maintained that tradition, filling venues throughout Savannah with enthusiastic audiences eager to hear directly from writers about their latest work and creative journeys. Readers and Authors Connect Across the City Throughout the festival weekend, book lovers lined up outside historic churches, theaters, and event spaces to attend author talks and participate in signings. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, reflecting Savannah’s deep appreciation for literature and culture. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from writers across multiple genres — including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, history, and political commentary. The sessions provided audiences with insights into the writing process, research behind major works, and the personal stories that shape many authors’ voices. For many readers, the chance to interact directly with their favorite authors is what makes the festival special. Book signings and informal conversations allowed readers to ask questions, share personal experiences, and celebrate the stories that have inspired them. Festival organizers noted that the event continues to grow each year as more readers travel to Savannah specifically for the literary celebration. Stacey Abrams Headlines Festival Conversations One of the most anticipated appearances at this year’s festival came from Stacey Abrams, who spoke to a packed audience during her scheduled presentation. Abrams, a nationally known political leader, entrepreneur, and bestselling novelist, discussed her latest work of fiction, Coded Justice. The novel continues the story of Avery Keene, a former Supreme Court clerk who becomes involved in a high-stakes investigation involving powerful corporations and advanced technology. During her talk, Abrams shared insights into her writing process and the themes that drive her storytelling. She explained that her background in public service, law, and business often informs the complex political and ethical questions explored in her novels. Abrams has built a dual career as both a public policy leader and a successful fiction writer, and audiences were eager to hear how she balances those two worlds. Readers responded enthusiastically to her appearance, with many lining up after the session to have their books signed and speak with the author. A Diverse Lineup of Voices and Perspectives Abrams was just one of many writers featured during the weekend-long event. The festival hosted a wide range of authors whose work spans multiple literary genres and perspectives. From investigative journalism and historical nonfiction to contemporary fiction and memoir, the festival’s programming highlighted the diversity of voices shaping today’s literary landscape. Many sessions focused on timely issues including politics, social change, cultural identity, and technological transformation. Other discussions explored the craft of storytelling and the evolving role of literature in modern society. By bringing together authors with varied backgrounds and expertise, the festival aims to encourage thoughtful conversations that extend beyond the pages of books. A Festival That Strengthens Literary Culture For the city of Savannah, the book festival has become more than just a literary event — it is an important cultural tradition that supports education, community engagement, and tourism. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts scene while also supporting local businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Beyond the main festival weekend, the organization behind the event also sponsors educational programs and outreach efforts designed to promote reading and literacy. These initiatives often connect authors with local schools, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from writers and learn about careers in literature and publishing. By encouraging a love of books among young readers, organizers hope to inspire the next generation of storytellers and thinkers. The Enduring Power of Stories Throughout the weekend, one theme emerged repeatedly in author talks and audience conversations: the enduring power of storytelling. Books, many speakers noted, help people understand complex issues, connect with different perspectives, and imagine new possibilities for the future. In a rapidly changing world, literature continues to provide both reflection and inspiration. For many attendees, the Savannah Book Festival offers something unique — a space where readers can come together to celebrate ideas, creativity, and the written word. As crowds filled auditoriums and lined up for book signings, the festival once again demonstrated why it has become a beloved tradition in Savannah’s cultural calendar. With another successful year completed, organizers are already looking ahead to future festivals that will continue bringing authors and readers together — proving that the love of books remains as strong as ever.

A Powerful Message for Civic Leaders and Communities At a packed ballroom in Concord, California, civic leaders, business executives, and community members gathered to hear a message that was both urgent and hopeful. During the East Bay Leadership Council’s 40th Anniversary Leadership Series kickoff on January 29 at the Concord Hilton, political leader, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Stacey Abrams delivered a keynote address urging Americans to actively defend democratic values rather than assume they will endure on their own. Abrams, widely known for her advocacy for voting rights and civic participation, has built a national reputation through her work as a public servant, business leader, and author. She made history as the first Black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major political party in the United States and previously served as minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives. In Concord, she reflected on her personal journey, the current challenges facing democratic institutions, and the responsibility individuals and communities share in protecting them. Moments after Abrams took the stage, the audience responded with laughter, applause, and thoughtful engagement as she blended humor, storytelling, and policy insight. Throughout her remarks, Abrams emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion — often referred to as DEI — as foundational principles tied directly to the promise of democracy. “DEI is not about race or gender or class,” Abrams explained during the speech. “It’s about America living up to its values. It’s about educating our people and building our future. It’s a pillar of democracy and a pathway for making the American dream real.” A Leadership Journey Rooted in Family Values Abrams’ remarks extended beyond policy discussions into personal reflection. She shared stories about her upbringing in a large family in the American South, describing how her parents instilled in their children a sense of purpose despite financial hardships shaped by systemic inequality and segregation. Growing up with four siblings, Abrams said her parents emphasized education, faith, and mutual support as guiding principles. Even though the family faced economic limitations, her parents refused to allow those challenges to define their children’s futures. “They told us that we had three responsibilities,” Abrams said. “Go to church, go to school, and take care of each other.” Those lessons, she explained, helped shape her approach to leadership. Whether working as a lawyer, writing novels, launching businesses, or running for public office, Abrams has consistently framed civic engagement as a shared responsibility. East Bay Leadership Council board chair Chadi Chazbek said Abrams’ career and message align closely with the organization’s mission of strengthening regional leadership and economic vitality. “Stacey has dedicated her life to empowering communities,” Chazbek said during the event. “Here in the Bay Area, the values she speaks about don’t just feel good — they support innovation, economic growth, and opportunity.” Community Leadership and Regional Impact The event marked the start of the leadership council’s annual speaker series, drawing a broad cross-section of civic and business leadership from across the Bay Area. Among those in attendance were elected officials and regional leaders, including members of Congress and education officials from Contra Costa County. Corporate and institutional sponsors supported the program, reflecting the region’s strong public-private partnerships. In addition to conversations about democracy and leadership, the event also highlighted pressing community challenges. Representatives from regional nonprofit organizations spoke about the ongoing issue of food insecurity across the Bay Area. During the program, Kaiser Permanente presented a $25,000 donation to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to support its efforts to address hunger in the region. Food bank CEO Caitlin Sly accepted the contribution and described how community partnerships are helping expand the organization’s impact. According to Sly, the nonprofit distributes more than 2.7 million meals each month to roughly 80,000 households throughout the area. Understanding the Risks to Democracy Following her keynote remarks, Abrams participated in a moderated discussion with journalist Ann Notarangelo, a former television news reporter and member of the leadership council’s board. The conversation turned to Abrams’ broader national initiative known as the 10 Steps Campaign, a project designed to help citizens understand how democratic systems can weaken over time and how communities can respond. Abrams outlined what she calls the “10 Steps to Autocracy,” a framework describing how governments can gradually move toward authoritarian control. She explained that such shifts often occur through a combination of information manipulation, suppression of dissent, and erosion of trust in democratic institutions. One of the most significant risks, Abrams said, is the breakdown of a shared understanding of facts. “When there is no shared truth, there are no shared values,” she told the audience. “And when that happens, democracy becomes harder to sustain.” From Awareness to Action To counter these trends, Abrams encourages citizens to follow what she calls the “10 Steps to Freedom and Power,” a set of actions designed to strengthen democratic engagement. These include organizing locally, participating in elections, supporting credible information sources, and holding public officials accountable. Central to her message was the idea that civic participation requires effort and sometimes sacrifice. “Civil resistance is hard,” Abrams said. “There are consequences. Our job is to assess the risks and decide how far we’re willing to go.” She challenged the audience to move beyond symbolic support and toward meaningful engagement in civic life. “If it feels good, it’s not enough,” Abrams added. “We all have to decide how we can push a little further.” A Call for Leaders to Do Good In a brief conversation with youth reporters attending the event, Abrams offered a simple philosophy for leaders in business, government, and community organizations alike. “Be curious, solve problems, and do good,” she said. “If we can find ways to solve problems in our own communities, chances are we’re helping solve them somewhere else too.” The message resonated with many attendees, particularly young journalists and emerging civic leaders who were present for the program. Democracy Requires Participation As the event concluded, Abrams’ remarks left the audience with a clear takeaway: democracy is not guaranteed. It is a system that must be nurtured, defended, and strengthened through active participation by citizens at every level of society. Her closing message was both cautionary and motivating — a reminder that the health of democratic institutions ultimately depends on the willingness of individuals to engage, speak out, and act. In Abrams’ words, meaningful change begins when people are willing to go beyond what simply feels comfortable and commit themselves to the ongoing work of democracy.

The Importance of DEI in Modern Business   Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI have become essential components of modern business and strategy. In an era where social consciousness drives consumer choices, are held not just for their financial performance but their societal impact as well. Implementing DEI programs is not simply a matter of corporate responsibility also a strategic advantage that can lead to greater innovation, employee satisfaction, and expansion EmacingI attract a diverse client base while fostering environments that promote creativity broad perspectives within teams.  Stacey Abrams Warning to Companies Stacey Abrams, a celebrated political leader and social justice advocate, has been about the imperative need for companies to adhere to their DE commitments. Abrams that businesses that fail to live up to their DEI promises not only jeopardize their public image but also face substantial risks that can affect their bottom lines. According to, these broken promises signify more than just a breach of; they represent a fundamental misunderstanding of the business value of diversity, is to drive economic growth and. The Cost of Failing to Honor DEIments When companies do not fulfill their DEI pled, costs can be multifaceted and severe. Financially, companies may customers who prefer support socially responsible. Moreover, potential investors assess a company's commitment toI as a measure of future sustainability growth. Relationships partners and stakeholders can be strained or even lost. In cases, the repercussions can to the operational level, affecting everything from supply chain dynamics to customer service outcomes. Studies: Companies That Faced Backlash Numerous companies that have failed to honorI promises have faced notable backlash. One example is a multinational corporation that declared ambitious diversity but failed to implement any actionable steps, leading to public and campaigns urging boycotts. Another instance involved a tech giant that touted inclusive culture, only for internal reports reveal discriminatory practices. Both examples serve as potent that promising change is vastly from achieving it through tangible. Legal and Financialpercussions Besides reputational damage, companies reneging on DEI commitments expose to significant legal liabilities. Failure to comply with equal opportunity can lead to lawsuits and fines. losses can accumulate not only from legal fees and but from market as consumers choose competitors perceived as more ethically sound Additionally, companies may face divestment from socially conscious investors, further exacerbating financial woes. Impact on Brand and Trust A company’s brand reputation is closely tied to consumer perception of its ethical standards, including its commitment DEI. Breaking DEI promises breeds distrust among consumers and portrays the company as lacking integrity and accountability. erosion of trust can lead to a in customer loyalty, diminished brand equity, and a tarn image that can years and significant to rebuild. Employee Morale Retention Challenges Internally, to meet DEI objectives severely impact employee morale. workforce that perce its employer as insinc in its DE engagements can becomeaged, reducing productivity and. Furthermore, high turnover rates might occur as employees seek workplaces that genuinely align with their values. This churn not onlys team dynamics but incurs additional costs related to hiring and training new employees. Long-term Implications for Talent Acquisition In’s job market, top talent employers that exemplify inclusivity and fairness. Companies that go back on their DEI may it to attract highly skilled candidates. Prospective employees increasingly researching potential employers’I policies and past performance, making transparency in areas a critical factor in recruitment.ual failure to honor DEI commitments limit a company's ability to build a workforce representative of diverse backgrounds and perspectives— drivers of innovation. Strategic Steps to Uphold DEI Promises To ensure that DEI initiatives are merely symbolic, companies should strategic steps to these into their corporate fabric. Establishing clear goals and metrics regular progress assessments, and accountability systems are crucial. Involving employees at all inI dialogues fosters collective responsibility. External audits and partnerships DEI consultants provide additional insights recommendations Transparency challenges and successes cultivates trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to continual improvement. Conclusion: Necessity of DE Eff As Stacey emphasizes, the costs of failing to honor DE promises extend far beyond immediate financial impacts. They a company's competitive edge, morale, and cultural relevance. In the long run, genuine and sustained DEI efforts not only align with ethical imper but drive long-term business success By authentically integrating DEI into corporate DNA, companies can thrive in a diverse world that values inclusion and equality as fundamental to progress and prosperity.