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.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - James Solomon, Mayor of Jersey City, NJ

2025 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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Andrew FOctober 8, 2025millenial, cancer survivor, father, fatherhood, politician, politics, Politics, #politics, election, #electionComment

The War on Reason: How Anti-Intellectualism Threatens Our Future

In 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.

Articles, zIssue 57.5Angelina DeSalvoOctober 3, 2025knowledge, social cohesion, politics, education, democracy, innovationComment

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 57.5Eva 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.

The Uncertain Future of Gay Marriage

Just ten short years ago, on January 16th, 2015, gay marriage was legalized in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, on July 24th, 2025, the Supreme Court was formally asked to overturn the landmark ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, the law that makes same-sex marriage legal and nationally recognized.

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.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Aurin Chowdhury, Minneapolis City Council Ward 12

Today we are profiling Aurin Chowdhury (she/they), a Gen Z daughter of working-class Bengali immigrants who was elected councilwoman for Ward 12 on the Minneapolis City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor ticket. This former community organizer’s platform includes addressing homelessness humanely and with dignity, shaping public safety with community, standing strong on police accountability, and building a just and equitable climate resilient city.

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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.3Andrew FAugust 8, 2025millenial, election, elections, #election, politics, Local, political, Politics, #politics, get politicalComment

The America Party: Elon Musk’s Misguided Political Fantasy

Elon Musk is diving into politics with his new “New America” party—and, surprise, it’s not the revolutionary fix he thinks it is. While it’s pitched as a fresh alternative to a broken system, it’s more likely to stir chaos than spark progress. From billionaire ego trips to deepening political divides, Musk’s latest venture risks turning American democracy into his next pet project—and not in a good way.

Articles, zIssue 57.3Kylie MurphyJuly 28, 2025politics, Elon Musk, America party, democratic party, republican party, third party, changeComment

Local Change, Big Ideas: Inside Zohran Mamdani’s Work and Vision

In an era of profound political frustration, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has become a standout voice for progressive change in New York. Representing parts of Queens, he’s built a reputation for pushing bold policies on housing, transit, and immigrant justice, while staying closely connected to the communities he serves. For many New Yorkers, Mamdani represents not just a politician, but a reminder that the government can still work for the people.

Not for Sale: Why Public Lands Must Stay Public

Selling public land might sound like a quick way to make a buck, but it’s a deal with long-term costs we can’t afford. These lands aren’t just empty stretches of dirt; they’re wild spaces, community treasures, and a shared legacy for future generations. Handing them over to private hands risks losing access, harming ecosystems, and shrinking the commons we all rely on. To learn why selling public land is a bad idea and why keeping it public matters more than ever, keep reading.

Articles, zIssue 57.2Kylie MurphyJuly 16, 2025national parks, nature, save the planet, politicsComment

Mike De La Rocha: Man of Many Roles Working Towards Change

Mike De La Rocha is a man of many roles. As the author of “Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How To Love”, he has written a book that teaches men to unburden themselves from the weight of the patriarchy and accept vulnerability as a strength instead of a weakness. As a singer-songwriter, De La Rocha has transformed music into calls for action and anthems for social justice movements. As founder of Revolve Impact with a background in politics, he has been able to create an agency that embraces storytelling and creates campaigns that push for action. To learn more about Mike De La Rocha and the roles he’s played in pursuit of creating real change, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.2Eva Elisa WellsJuly 16, 2025artist, Musician, music artist, Author, politics, Politics, author, music, business, policiesComment

Time for Peace: Wars Bring Environmental Devastation

Wars are incredibly destructive not only because of the death tolls they bring, but also their mass contributions to global warming. War is currently one of the biggest climate threats the world is facing.

But why is war so horrible for the environment?

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Deja Foxx, Arizona's 7th Congressional District

One of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination is Deja Foxx (she/her), a Gen Z Democratic political activist. Raised by a single mother, Deja experienced homelessness as a child and relied on free school lunches, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and Medicaid. In 2017 she confronted her Senator, Jeff Flake, about plans to remove federal funding for Planned Parenthood at a town hall, and ever since then she has been involved in politics, including founding the El Rio Community Health Center's Reproductive Health Access Project in her native Tucson, and working on Kamala Harris’ 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. For her activism, Deja is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Planned Parenthood’s Catalyst for Change Award, the Global Citizen Prize, the Gloria Steinem's Woman of Vision Award, the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, and the United Nations Global Impact Award. Deja is running for Congress to fight for reproductive freedom, economic justice, and a government that actually works for young people and working-class families.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Adele McClure, Virginia House of Delegates District 2

The 2025 election season is now in full swing and primaries are happening now! Today we are profiling Adele McClure (she/her/hers) who recently won her primary for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Adele is a queer millennial of Black and Filipino descent who was the first member of her family to attend college. Although a classically trained pianist, she is a My Chemical Romance superfan who loves punk, emo, and alt rock. The issues Adele is most passionate about include mental health, housing, and gun safety.

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