Halloween is a time for creativity, costumes, and candy—but it can also be a surprisingly wasteful holiday. From single-use decorations to plastic packaging and fast-fashion costumes, the spooky season often leaves behind an environmental nightmare. This year, you can keep the fun (and the frights) while cutting down on waste. With a bit of imagination and a few eco-friendly swaps, it’s easier than ever to celebrate Halloween sustainably—without losing any of the magic.
Read MoreAfter Democrat and Republican Senators were unable to agree on health policy, the federal government was driven to a shutdown on Oct. 1. The issue at hand relates to the cost of premiums for healthcare plans individuals purchase through the Affordable Care Act. The enhanced tax credits for these premiums are set to expire at the end of the year and have been a major factor at play in keeping ACA plans affordable for the millions of people who rely on them.
Democrats voted against Republican’s proposed short-term funding bill for a few different reasons, one of the main ones being because it did not include an extension for these enhanced tax credits. This issue will impact the more than 24 million Americans who don’t get health insurance through jobs and public programs like Medicare or Medicaid, but instead buy it through the ACA.
Read MoreLos Angeles based actor Matthew Von Der Ahe fell in love with acting when he was a kid. Now starring in two upcoming movies, “One Perfect Date” and “Wish Watch”, after having experience on screen alongside Woody Harrelson in “Champions”, his career is on the rise. As an ambassador and speaker for several different organizations devoted to helping individuals with developmental disabilities, including Best Buddies and Hearts of Joy, Ahe shows dedication to representation in the entertainment industry. To learn more about Matthew Von Der Ahe and his upcoming films, read on.
Read MoreThe “ber months” have arrived, bringing with them the coziness of autumn and the excitement of the upcoming holidays. If you’ve been scrolling on social media lately, you’ve probably seen countless ads and sponsored videos promoting the latest fall fashion trends and seasonal home decor items that influencers say you just have to have. Despite the pressure to shop, you don’t have to buy into the new microtrends to enjoy this time of year. Here’s how you can ditch the trends and make the most of the upcoming seasons sustainably.
Read MoreMusician Cindy Lawson is not afraid to say what she’s feeling. After taking a break from music, her new single, The Reckoning”, has pulled her back into the craft at full force. It’s powerful and unforgiving nature screams in delight at the karmic wheel of life. Beyond the music, Lawson is dedicated to community. Supporting efforts like Minnesota Music Resistance Group, International Institute of Minnesota, and Abortion Access Front, she highlights the importance of making a difference. To learn more about Cindy Lawson and her music, read on.
Read MoreAfter deploying over 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. under the guise of cracking down on supposed out of control crime, Trump recently widened his focus to include other democratic-led cities. Portland, Oregon and Memphis, Tennessee have been named next on his list following a rising number in protests against his administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
Read MoreIn a creative landscape saturated with fleeting trends and recycled styles, artist Mykel emerges as a powerful force of originality. With a style that fuses raw emotion, cultural storytelling, and modern technique, Mykel has carved out a space where vulnerability meets bold expression. Mykel’s music invites viewers to confront the complexities of identity, transformation, and the human experience. This article dives into the evolution of Mykel’s artistic journey, the themes that drive their work, and the impact they’re making.
Read MoreArgentinian singer-songwriter Carolina Mama has created a breathtaking album intertwined with a real heartbreaking story. With intimate singles that work to empower, heal, and break free from silence, Mama has written this album in dedication to all women, especially those who have experienced gender-based violence. Through the healing power of storytelling, AMINA speaks truth. To learn more about Carolina Mama and her new album, read on.
Read MoreOne progressive candidate we are profiling is Latasha Palmer (she/her), is looking to make a difference in her community on the city council in her first-ever election. Latasha, a queer Black millennial woman, is running to expand the political power of labor unions, build a green local economy, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and uplift BIPOC leadership. At one point homeless, Latasha became the first person in her family’s history to graduate from college (Columbia University) and went on to work as a community organizer at the Hilltop Action Coalition and the Aya Community Land Trust. Devoted to the natural environment, this anime fan and devoted mother of three still finds peace in the great outdoors.
Read MoreShort film Once More, Like Rain Man, written by and staring autistic actress Bella Zoe Martinez and directed by Sue Ann Pien, reflects the real challenges of autism representation within the entertainment industry. Showcasing a main character with more than one dimension to her, Once More, Like Rain Man aims to take down stereotypes about individuals with autism. Both Martinez and Pien take it a step further, showing their dedication to empowering others through relationships with non-profit organizations like Epic Players LA and Zeno Mountain Farms. To learn more about Bella Zoe Martinez, Sue Ann Pien, and their new short film, Once More, Like Rain Man, read on.
Read MoreToday we are profiling Lauren Myers (she/her/hers), a bisexual millennial and current School Board member up for re-election in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Lauren is a small business owner who works in behavioral health, has deep ties to her community, and decided in 2021 to give back to the public school system she was educated in by joining the school board. She is passionate about ensuring that students have all opportunities open to them, and not taken away, to help them learn and become successful with a rich, well-rounded education.
Read MoreSustainable style is getting a powerful, culture-rich upgrade. Native American-owned clothing brands are weaving tradition, eco-consciousness, and bold design into every stitch. From upcycled materials to natural dyes and slow fashion ethics, these small businesses are demonstrating that fashion can honor the Earth and Indigenous heritage simultaneously.
Read MoreOnce the clocks change and the days get even shorter, it’s easy to lose your spark. The colder months can leave you feeling drained, restless, and oddly disconnected from yourself.
You might tell yourself to tough it out – but ignoring the signs of seasonal depression only makes winter feel longer and heavier than it needs to be. Here are four ways to help change that.
Read MoreDuring his inaugural address, Trump kicked off his second term as President with the promise to “immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America.” He also vowed that “never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents.” Less than nine months into his second term, these promises have already been broken.
Read MoreHispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, community, and the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. What better way to honor it than by spotlighting some amazing small businesses that bring flavor, creativity, and heart to everything they do? From bold ideas to beloved family traditions, these entrepreneurs are making big waves — and we’re here for it!
Read More2025 is the year for New Jersey elections, both at the state and local levels. In Jersey City, the second largest city in the state, its mayor announced he was stepping down to run for governor, so the office is now open. James Solomon (he/him), a millennial current city councilman, is viewed as one of the most progressive candidates in the race. The Jersey City race can be seen as a smaller parallel of the mayoral race across the Hudson River in New York City: a progressive candidate (Solomon/Zohran Mamdani) running against a former state governor who resigned in disgrace (Jim McGreevey/Andrew Cuomo) looking to make a political comeback.
James, a cancer survivor, is a professor of public policy at New Jersey City University, a public university in Jersey City, and is the father of three girls.
Read MoreAs of late, the topic of free speech has been a popular one across the U.S. With disagreements over what we should consider sharing opinions versus hate and manipulative speech, the heavy polarization between Americans is more apparent than ever.
Read MoreEven though it is an “off-year” for elections, several large US cities are holding mayoral elections this year, including New York City and San Antonio. In Seattle’s open primary, millennial progressive activist and community organizer Katie Wilson (she/her) came in first, ahead of Seattle’s current establishment mayor. Now a run-off is scheduled for Election Day in November between the two. Katie is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a group that focuses on improving public transport and workers' rights. As she says, “I am most passionate about making Seattle a city that's affordable for working families. That means tackling the affordable housing crisis, bringing people inside, protecting our immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members from attacks from the Trump administration, expanding workers' and renters' rights, and addressing the crisis of childcare for young families, among others issues our city faces.”
Read MoreIn an age defined by unprecedented access to information, it’s paradoxical that intellectualism (the pursuit and respect for knowledge, critical thinking, and evidence based reasoning) is under increasing attack. From online conspiracy theories to populist rhetoric that mocks experts, a growing wave of anti-intellectual sentiment is reshaping how people engage with truth, authority, and education. This trend is not only troubling, it carries profound implications for the future of democratic societies, scientific progress, and social cohesion.
Read MoreIf your car won’t start, one of the first culprits mechanics often check is the starter solenoid. This small but critical component helps transmit electrical current from the battery to the starter motor, allowing your engine to turn over. When it goes bad, your vehicle may struggle to start, or it may not start at all.
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