Indie-pop artist Will Hyde released his new single, “better without me,” an emotional collaboration with singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri. The single is a raw reflection of the decision of whether to let go or not in a relationship. Beyond music, Hyde is an avid advocate for mental wellness and even created his own video series titled “Really Mental.” To learn more about Will Hyde and his new music, read on.
Read MoreWe are pleased that this cycle, there are so many young progressive women running for elected office in the Indiana legislature (we have profiled several so far)! This week we are adding Kirsten Root (she/her) to that number. A bisexual Gen-Z social worker, Kirsten wants to restore trust and humanity to government. The values that guide her are service, partnerships, integrity, dignity, competence, and social justice. Kirsten’s platform includes universal healthcare, legalization of marijuana, empowering and protecting marginalized communities, strengthening labor unions, and focusing on prevention and rehabilitation over punitive treatment.
Read MoreActress, producer, and filmmaker Brittany McVicker stars as Emma in “Terri Joe: Missionary in Miami,” a film that was just listed in a Variety top 10 list. She’s also slated for a lead role in the upcoming thriller Kill Trip set to release this summer. Beyond the screen, she’s a passionate advocate for the Vasculitis Foundation. To learn more about Brittany McVicker and her upcoming projects, read on.
Read MoreIndiana is known as one of the most solidly Republican states in the country. But it does not necessarily need to be. Indiana has a long and proud tradition of manufacturing, supported by labor unions who made the state a notable center of steel production, automotive production, pharmaceuticals, and other heavy manufacturing. Indiana is a state with a large working-class population, and in recent years the rights of working-class people have been rolled back by Republican governors and the legislature through weakening of labor unions’ strength (becoming a right-to-work state in 2012), cutting food aid, and cutting access to child care.
Victoria Martz (she/her) is a bisexual millennial criminal defense lawyer who grew up on a farm in rural southeastern Indiana. Her experiences on the farm taught her the value of hard work and the dignity of owning one’s own labor. Victoria’s campaign focuses on workers’ rights, the legalization of marijuana (building tax revenue for the state to expand social programs), and creating public service programs for mental health.
Read MoreBelgium-born singer Selah Sue recently released her latest single “Another Way,” a moody, rhythmic collaboration with the Gallands that sits as the opening track to their new album “Movin’.” The album is collection of unique tracks that, together, build something special. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she’s been a godmother for Tele-Onthaal since 2013. To learn more about Selah Sue and her new music, read on.
Read MoreDue to the large number of retirements this year, a lot of seats are opening up. Some are quitting politics for good, while others are launching campaigns for other elected office. In Michigan’s 18th District, State Representative Jason Hoskins, the incumbent, is giving up his seat to run for Michigan State Senate. Into this vacancy stepped millennial Mykale (Kelly) Garrett (she/her). Kelly is being endorsed in her race by US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic Socialist who defeated a primary challenge from Kelly in 2022. As mayor of Lathrup Village, she advanced key initiatives focused on public safety, infrastructure, and community engagement. Kelly credits her Christian faith with shaping her views on protecting women’s rights (including reproductive and voting), protecting trans individuals from violence and discrimination, and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.
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 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 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 MoreWe are currently living in a frightening time in this country, where we have a right-wing federal government hellbent on rolling back US citizens’ civil rights. At this moment, our president is encouraging Congress to pass the “SAVE America Act”, a law that aims to restrict voting measures for US citizens. But Trump has slipped something else in this bill — conditions to restrict rights to transgender Americans, including preventing gender-affirming care for minors and preventing trans Americans from competing in sport.
At this critical moment, America needs more transgender leaders to show that the trans community will not be cowed, that trans Americans are equal with all other Americans, and they are proud and unafraid to represent the communities where they live. Brianna Titone (she/her), is one such American. Currently a state representative in the Colorado General Assembly, Brianna is running to be the next State Treasurer in Colorado. She has dedicated her life to service, not only as a scientist in multiple disciplines, but also as a volunteer firefighter in her community, and she became the first trans elected official in Colorado’s history in 2019. Brianna cares deeply about protecting the working class from corporations and billionaires, investing in affordable housing, protecting consumers from predatory corporations and unbridled AI, and protecting Colorado’s natural environment from fossil fuel exploration and production.
Read MoreActress, comedian, filmmaker, and model Anastasia Washington is doing it all. Her latest project features her playing multiple roles in the four-part horror comedy anthology “Grind.” Anastasia is also a fierce advocate for bipoc and women, tackling tough subjects, including police brutality, eating disorders, colorism, and more through the content she makes. To learn more about Anastasia Washington and her new film, read on.
Read MoreOne of the candidates running in the Democratic primary election for this district is Lucia Simonelli (she/her), a millennial who grew up without healthcare or financial stability but went on to get her PhD in Mathematics and works as a scientific advisor in the U.S. Senate. Her top issues in her campaign are Climate Change, Medicare for All, and abolishing ICE.
Read MoreMultidisciplinary producer, composer, vocalist, and engineer Reifier just released their debut EP titled “The Unfolding.” The project is an experimental electronic journey that explores self-discovery and transformation. Dedicated to supporting women and LGBTQ artists, Reifier also co-runs a supportive music studio called Forastero Sound and Music. To learn more about Reifier and their new music, read on.
Read MoreIn West Virginia, a working class state whose Republican representation in Congress has repeatedly failed its citizens, a new generation is beginning to challenge aged representatives (75% of West Virginia’s Congressional representation is over age 72). Rachel Fetty Anderson (she/her/Ma’am), is a pro-bono attorney, bocce coach, and mom of four whose Christian faith inspires her to do good works for the poor and working class. When she was 17 she was lured to Switzerland and put into indentured servitude due to her illegal immigration status, which has given her a unique perspective on the plight of undocumented immigrants in America today. Today she is passionate about Medicare for All, providing government services for the homeless and working poor, and restoring public utilities to working condition in a state where 250,000 people lack access to safe drinking water.
Read MoreThe current political landscape has inspired people from all walks of life to run for public office in the 2026 midterm elections! One of those is Kate-Lynn Holley (she/her), a former WWE RAW wrestler and current real estate agent based in northwest Indiana. This mother of one and lover of pink says her Christian faith has inspired her to care for and about the downtrodden, needy, and those failed by the current Republican administration in Indiana, and is running to harness the power of the legislature to begin to work to empower the working class instead of corporations. Her campaign is centered around making community safety, education, healthcare, and the economy more accessible to everyday Hoosiers who are not being properly served by the Indiana legislature.
Read MoreAttorney Vanessa Shakib is driving change in the field of animal law through fearless activism. Her work dedicated to protecting animals has been featured by news outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. Shakib is also the co-founder and co-director of the non-profit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. To learn more about Vanessa Shakib and her passion for animal advocacy, read on.
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