Marissa Chanel Hampton: Storytelling Drives Social Change

Actress, audiobook narrator, and social justice advocate Marissa Chanel Hampton stars as the lovingly honest character Gail in a new modern family drama series titled “It’s Not Like That.” She is also currently narrating the Farah Rochon’s Bayou Dreams series. Beyond storytelling, Hampton is an active social justice advocate, supporting organizations like the American Library Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Sister Song of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. To learn more about Marissa Chanel Hampton and her storytelling, read on.

What’s Happening in Iran & Why Should We Be Paying Attention?

Over the last 17 years Iranians have taken to the streets to protest their theocratic regime, but recently demonstrations have seen rapid growth. Alongside that increase, thousands of protestors have been severely injured and killed as a result of riot police force’s tear gas and live ammunition.

Our Favorite Candidates in 2026 - Amanda Edwards, Texas's 18th Congressional District

Today we are highlighting Amanda Edwards (she/her), a former member of the Houston City Council. Endorsed by EMILY’S List, Amanda is focused on rolling back Trump’s cuts to federal assistance programs, including SNAP, FEMA, Meals on Wheels, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, that affect the constituents in TX-18. Amanda is particularly passionate about supporting equitable health outcomes, having served on a steering committee to address the issue on black maternal deaths among other issues, and being an active proponent of funding measures like the Momnibus Bill to reduce the black maternal death disparities we face.

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.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Lauren Myers, Community School District Board for Council Bluffs, Iowa

Today 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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Andrew FOctober 14, 2025school, school supplies, education, election, millenial, elections, #electionComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Jackie Glass, Virginia House of Delegates District 93

We are now entering the home stretch of the 2025 elections! There are quite a few elections going on this year, including for the Virginia House of Delegates, where Democrats hold a slim majority. Today we are profiling Jackie Glass (she/her/hers/ella) the delegate for Virginia’s 93rd district, which rests within the city of Norfolk, Virginia’s 4th largest city by population. A veteran of the US Navy, Jackie is now a DEI consultant and member of the NAACP and Black Chamber of Commerce. This millennial mom of two is passionate about public schools, housing and honest police interrogation.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Nicole Zelen, West Deer Township, Pennsylvania Supervisor, District 1

It is now three months away from the 2025 elections and more candidates are running for November races! Today we are profiling Nicole Zelen (she/her), a millennial who is passionate about transparent governance, community collaboration, sustainability, environmental preservation, and evidence-based policymaking. Nicole and her husband both ride vintage Honda motorcycles (photo below) and have two cats.

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Behind the Rhetoric: The Real Impact of Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill"

President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” passed Congress, becoming one of the more notable pieces of legislation associated with his administration. While the name itself was informal and primarily rhetorical, the bill incorporated several of Trump’s core policy objectives. Framed as a sweeping legislative package encompassing immigration reform, tax policy, deregulation, and infrastructure investment, the bill reflects the ideological priorities of the Trump movement, and it carries significant implications for the nation’s future. Let’s break down what is included in such a bill, and what its passage means for the country: