Inspired by politically vocal artists that have come before her, singer-songwriter Zoey Tess blends her passion for music with activism in hopes of inspiring radical change. Her latest single, “Knocking at Your Front Door,” faces issues relevant to people of color, the LGBTQ community, and women head on. With her debut album, “There’s Gonna Be a Reckoning,” on the way, we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Also a proud advocate for gun reform, Tess was recently welcomed as an Artist for Action under the Sandy Hook Promise organization. To learn more about Zoey Tess and her upcoming music, read on.

Cytrus' Psychedelic Songs

Cytrus, a Seattle-based Psychedelic Powerfunk band, recently dropped their new album “Duality.” The project explores the fusion between familiar psych rock elements and a modern 60s/70s psych soul. They let their passion for supporting others bleed into their music by hosting musical livestreams to raise money for organizations near and dear to their heart, including Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, Christopher Street Project, and Backline. To learn more about Cytrus and their new album, read on.

Restricted SNAP Benefits: How to Find Resources & How to Help

After the recent government shutdown left millions of Americans with little to no access to SNAP food benefits, many have been scrambling to find food for themselves and families. Now that the shutdown is officially over, states are working quickly to get the missing food assistance back to its people.

The Democrats Caved - What Does This Mean for Americans?

On Oct. 1 Democrat and Republican Senators were unable to agree on health policy leading to the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States. Read our article “What Does This Government Shutdown Mean?” to learn more about the shutdown. After over 40 long days of limited government functionality and seemingly no end in sight, a key vote on Nov. 9 sparked the much anticipated movement towards finalizing the legislation and reopening the government.

Recent “No Kings” Protests Are Building Community Strength

Saturday, October 18, cities across the U.S. saw massive crowds hit the streets to lead anti-Trump administration protests. This acted as the second round of nation-wide action organized by “No Kings” and quickly became one of the biggest demonstrations against the Trump administration to date. The previous turnout of around 5 million for their June demonstration was topped this month with attendance of over 7 million spreading across more than 2,700 events planned in every single state in the U.S.

Is the Palestine-Israel War Over?

For years the war between Israel and Palestine has meant violence, exceedingly high tensions, and loss of innocent life on a devastating scale, though it seems we may have arrived at a turning point in this conflict. The recent release of almost 2000 Palestinian prisoners and the last 20 living Israeli hostages have marked a critical moment in the war. Despite the fact that U.S. President Trump traveled to Israel and Egypt to definitively declare “the war is over”, it is still unclear whether or not the conflict is finally coming to an end.

Articles, zIssue 57.6Eva Elisa WellsNovember 6, 2025government, Government, war, Israel, Palestine, violent, violence, peace, peacedeal, end war, Trump, Trump administration, Donald Trump, GazaComment

What Does This Government Shutdown Mean?

After 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.

Blue City Bullying

After 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.

Going Back on His Word: Trump & Free Speech

During 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.

RFK Jr.’s Plan to “Make America Healthy Again”

Known anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed lead of the Department of Health and Human Services by President Donald Trump. With a long history of publicly making false medical claims, including linking the cause of autism to vaccines, Kennedy now holds the power to impose his medical beliefs on the whole of America through the United States’ top health agency with his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

What is Next for America if Trump Dies?

After rising health concerns for Trump took over many news headlines, almost every social media platform began debating the cause of Trump’s recent weekend disappearance. Hundreds of theories arose, though one in particular gained the most traction. What if Trump was dead? After a press conference in the Oval Office where Trump was seen very much alive, we now know for certain that he has, in fact, not passed away, but many are still wondering, what would happen if Trump passed away while in office?

Articles, zIssue 57.5Eva Elisa WellsSeptember 19, 2025Trump, Trump administration, Donald Trump, government, Government, politics, Politics, #politics, president, PresidentComment

Protecting Against School Shootings: The Big Debate

On Wednesday, August 27th, the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis marked the United States’ most recent school shooting. With over 57 school shootings having taken place just this year, America’s ongoing challenge with mass amounts of yearly school shootings cannot be ignored.

The biggest debate happens amongst the ways in which we can work towards solving this devastating issue. One popular side says we should be arming teachers and staff while the other calls for tighter firearm regulations. Both solutions would mean changing government policies.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Eva Elisa WellsSeptember 10, 2025school shootings, school, children, kids, Kids, #kids, guns, gun control, gun violence, politics, Politics, #politics, political, government, GovernmentComment

Government Funded Scientific Grant Cuts Are Affecting Education

Known for their cutthroat budget planning and aversion to scientific research, the Trump administration’s efforts towards cutting down biomedical research show no signs of slowing. Released back in May of this year, the administration’s 2026 budget plan revealed detrimental cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding.

Fighting Stupid With Stupid: Gavin Newsom’s New Approach to Trump

Trump’s famously dramatic way of posting on social media is not lost on any left leaning person in or outside of politics. Most dissenting responses garnered by his posts are either simpler statements of disagreement or more outspoken cries of disgust and outrage. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, seems to have a different approach altogether when it comes to the manner of Trump’s social media presence.

The Undemocratic Process of Gerrymandering

Over the course of history, gerrymandering has proven to be deeply undemocratic and significantly influential in regards to which party has control over Congress. Gerrymandering helps manufacture election outcomes, creates the illusion of democracy while effectively denying the actual practice of it, and hands the real voting power over to politicians.

Profiting Off of Presidency

Trump has made millions of dollars profiting off of his supporters and will continue to do so throughout his time in office. Starting February of last year he has made several business ventures, from selling his own merchandise such as perfumes and bibles to selling cryptocurrency and creating his very own wireless service, effectively making his target consumers his supporters.

Putting the targeting of his supporters aside, holding onto and pursuing even more business opportunities while acting as president of the United States is unprecedented. In the past, presidents have opted to put their business ventures aside and focus their efforts on their presidential duties.

Sam Lee on the Importance of Transgender Healthcare and Rights

From questions about discrimination and injustices, conservative legislation in not just the U.S. but around the world, and thoughts on fleeing the U.S., to advice, resources, and ways to support the queer community, transgender nurse Sam Lee speaks on the importance of transgender healthcare, rights, and what the future looks like for the community. To learn more about Sam Lee and her thoughts on these topics as a professional in the healthcare field and individual a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, read on.

Blue States Contribute So Much, What Would Happen If They Stopped?

Blue states contribute a great deal to the U.S. government and economy. As of 2024, about 47 percent of the U.S.’ GDP is composed of contributions from blue states, with the total GDP being around 23.54 trillion and blue states contributing around 11.116 trillion of that total, California, New York, and Illinois being the top three contributing blue states.

While red states do make up more of the U.S.’ GDP, at about 50.5 percent/11.89 trillion with their top contributors being Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, it is important to note that there are 31 red states and only 19 blue states (red & blue states as defined by recent presidential election voting results). Even though there is a large number of red states compared to that of the blue states numbers, the blue states’ impact is almost on par with the red states' impact. This shows just how important and strong the blue states are to the U.S.’ economy.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.1Eva Elisa WellsJune 10, 2025Government, money, policies, politics, Politics, political, Trump, Trump administration, economy, gdpComment

It Might Be Memorial Day, But Are We Supporting Veterans?

Memorial Day is here and what better way to support our veterans is there than to advocate for them. With the Trump administration working to cut federal spending, veteran’s access to affordable healthcare is in jeopardy.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa House of Representatives District 80

Well, primary season is officially over, and the candidates are in! This week’s candidate advanced from the Iowa primary on June 4. Aime Wichtendahl (she/her) is the first transgender elected official in the state of Iowa. She is the chair of the city council in Hiawatha, Iowa and has been on the council since 2015. Aime is also a novelist and journalist, and is a dues paying member of American Federation of Musicians local 137. She is passionate about transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights, green energy, and small businesses.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FAugust 28, 2024Government, Transgender, Women's rights, vote, democracy, electionComment