The modern world has many challenging environmental issues. At the same time, plenty of wonderful things are happening, and nature remains awe-inspiringly beautiful. To celebrate Earth Day, here are 10 reasons to remain hopeful for the future of the planet.
Read MoreJen Wiles (she/her) is very committed to service. A healthcare clinician, this millennial mom of two also volunteers in public schools and with the unhoused community and is active in local organizations Forsyth Dem Women, Camel City United Indivisible, and Fuerza Triad. Jen’s platform rests on the basic foundations of increased affordable healthcare, universal Pre-K, a $15 minimum wage, and increased taxes on corporations, millionaires and billionaires who currently enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in this country, including in North Carolina.
Read MoreMemphis-based artist Bailey Hyneman recently released a new single titled “Better Days.” The song is soulful and heartfelt a meditation on perseverance through tough situations. Beyond music, Hyneman is a supporter of a multitude of organizations making a significant impact, including St. Jude and The Contributor. To learn more about Bailey Hyneman and her latest music, read on.
Read MoreSince the start of the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran, countries all over the world have been able to feel its repercussions. Countries on edge are starting to impose stricter energy resource conservation measures as critical fuel supplies dwindle, prices are rising worldwide, and the UN is warning of catastrophic consequences the longer this conflict continues, all while U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to continue attacks until Iran surrenders unconditionally. It is estimated the U.S. is spending roughly $890 million a day on this war.
Read MoreOrquestra Pacífico Tropical is a Portland-based Cumbia collective. Their most recent release, a single titled “Fantasma,” is a beautiful celebration honoring fond memories. The band will release their third studio album on June 19 titled “El Poder.” Beyond the music, they play an active role within their community by working with Bienstar to help BIPOC first time home buyers find the resources and support they need. To learn more about Orquestra Pacífico Tropical and their upcoming album, read on.
Read MoreNew Hampshire, while having voted Democrat for US president since 2004, is a notoriously swing state. Republicans typically win at the state level, and at the federal level, Congressional representation tends to flip back and forth. In 2006, both of New Hampshire’s Congressional seats flipped Democrat after years of being Republican. Then four years later, they flipped back. Then two years later, they flipped Democrat again. Then two years later, the 1st District flipped Republican, and then back to Democrat in 2016.
Because the current Congressman, Chris Pappas, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen, the 1st District is now open. With the political winds at the backs of Democrats this year, helped by the fact that the seat has stayed blue since 2016, the opportunity to elect a progressive representative is not only possible, but probable. Heath Howard (he/him/his), a Gen-Z state representative, has tossed his hat into the ring. He gained fame and notoriety in November when he heckled Shaheen at an state Democratic event, calling her out for voting to end the government shutdown, which led to a lapse in Affordable Health Care tax credits. Heath, the current Vice Chair of the House Progressive Caucus in the New Hampshire legislature, is passionate about healthcare, and has based his campaign on Medicare for All, a minimum wage of $25, tuition-free education, and more affordable housing.
Read More<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Three-piece queer band Kid Sistr knows all too well that the lessons you learn throughout your adolescence stay with you forever, aspects of girlhood bleed into adulthood. Their most recent release, “American Teenage Prophecy,” creates a world where love of all kinds exist without societal expectations. Playing charity concerts at Campchella for Amplify, their dedication to inspiring young girls continues. To learn more about Kid Sistr and their new music, read on.</p>
Read MoreAs much as Republicans do not want to admit it, but Republican-run states in the Midwest have been drawing larger numbers of immigrants, thus changing the political landscape of the state. Indiana is no exception. Coumba Kebe (she/her), is a millennial first-generation American, the daughter of immigrants from Senegal. Coumba is a small business owner and holds a Masters in Public Health. As her business as a health consultant grew, she became more aware of the severe limitations of America’s healthcare system. Determined to put these limitations into understandable language, Coumba took to TikTok. As her following grew, she was encouraged to run for public office, and she declared her intention to run in January. This CrossFitter and aunt of five has centered her campaign around universal healthcare (including universal reproductive care) and raising taxes on corporations to help fund public programs that strengthen the social safety net, seeing it as the backbone of a strong society and economy.
Read MoreFor years Cuba has been plagued with wide-scale failure of power grids, nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages, and high tensions with the United States. Following the capture of Maduro on Jan. 3, the U.S. cut off all supply of Venezuelan oil to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that supplies Cuba with fuel. As of mid-March, fuel imports have reduced to near zero and left the country with an increasing economic crisis.
Read MoreWest Virginia is undoubtedly a working-class state, with a long, rich history of organized labor. The state was on the forefront of the labor revolution against inhumane working conditions: the West Virginia coal mine wars raged for nine years, culminating in the Battle of Matewan. The ultimate effect of this revolution was the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, which empowered American workers and strengthened labor rights.
That is why West Virginia needs a representative who will fight for the working class, especially in a time where the rights of workers are being systematically rolled back nationwide, especially in West Virginia. Elizabeth Ferris (she/her), is a millennial teacher and writer who has had a diverse job history: hotel maid in northern Spain, nanny in Australia, garden worker on a commune in Sweden, and holiday delivery person for UPS. Elizabeth is passionate about reforming tax policy to eases the tax burden on the working class and shifts it back onto the wealthy; this will give West Virginia a better chance to invest in road infrastructure, make healthcare and childcare affordable for all, and improve the public school system. Elizabeth credits her Lutheran faith for guiding her toward serving the neediest; indeed, through her church she became co-chair of the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter Committee, helping provide homeless residents with a safe and warm bed from November to March every year.
Read MoreAlexa Speed, founder of Cut Off The Spigot, started out just like any other frustrated consumer, angry at money hungry corporations that will do anything for a dollar. Out of this frustration grew the opportunity to create real change, thus beginning the story of her platform. Through Cut Off The Spigot, Speed shares alternatives for all categories of badly behaving corporations. To learn more about Alexa Speed and Cut Off The Spigot, read on.
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