Empowered, Not Afraid: How to Prepare for and Respond to ICE Encounters

In the United States, interactions with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be intimidating and, for many immigrant families, life-altering. Whether ICE is conducting raids, detaining individuals, or visiting homes and workplaces, it’s critical to understand that you have rights, no matter your immigration status. Knowing how to respond during an encounter can help protect you and your loved ones from unnecessary harm or legal consequences. Below are essential steps you can take to stay safe, informed, and empowered when dealing with ICE:

Nanná Millano's Musical Environmental Wake Up Call

Brazilian singer-songwriter Nanná Millano has created an impactful wake up call with the release of her new single “Wild Fire”. In lieu of the recent LA fires and ongoing devastation of the Amazon Rainforest in her home country, Millano’s “Wild Fire” brings attention to the impact humans are having on the environment and calls for change. She takes it a step further by partnering her music video with IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) to support Amazon Rainforest awareness and protection efforts. To learn more about Nanná Millano and her latest single, read on.

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

Eco-friendly Tips on How to Survive a Heatwave

With the height of summer approaching, temperatures are only climbing. Though, while air conditioning may feel good, it doesn’t exactly do good. Air conditioners can cause massive harmful effects on the environment that you might not even know about.

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?

Rooted in Harmony: Kristy Chmura on Music, Mindfulness, and Environmental Activism

Singer-songwriter Kristy Chmura blends heartfelt lyricism with atmospheric acoustic sounds, rooted in a lifelong love of journaling, poetry, and music. What began as a creative outlet in her youth evolved into a full-fledged songwriting practice during her time studying music in college. Whether working solo or collaborating with her bandmates Damien Musto, Christian Eigner, and Niko Stoessl, Kristy uses music as a way to process the world around her, from personal growth to environmental activism. Her recent reimagining of “Wake Up,” inspired by the eerie skies over New Jersey during the Canadian wildfires, reflects both her artistic vision and her deep connection to nature. In addition to her musical work, Kristy serves as Vice Chair of Chatham’s Shade Tree Commission, where she’s been a passionate advocate for urban forestry for over a decade. Read below to find out more about Kristy’s songwriting journey, creative collaborations, and how her music and environmental work go hand in hand.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.2Angelina DeSalvoJuly 14, 2025interview, activism, empowerment, vocal, vocalist, music, musicianComment

Leave Only Footprints: Your Guide to an Eco-Friendly Beach Day

Beach days are all about relaxing, recharging, and soaking up nature, so why not return the favor? With a few easy, thoughtful choices, you can have all the fun in the sun while keeping the sand and sea healthy for everyone. Here’s how to make your next beach outing both enjoyable and eco-friendly.

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.

March Like You Mean It: A Protester's Safety Guide

In a world where voices are increasingly amplified through collective action, protesting remains one of the most impactful ways to demand justice, challenge inequality, and influence policy. From grassroots marches to global movements, peaceful protest is a vital expression of democratic freedom. But taking to the streets, whether for climate justice, civil rights, or labor reform, comes with responsibilities and risks. To make your participation as safe, effective, and informed as possible, it’s important to prepare beforehand, know your rights, and understand how to navigate both the energy and unpredictability of a public demonstration. Whether you’re marching through city streets or gathering in quiet solidarity, the steps below will help you stay safe while making your message impossible to ignore.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.2Angelina DeSalvoJuly 10, 2025protest, safety, rights, Amendment, mindfulness, brave, climate changeComment

How Safe And Effective Are Root Canal Treatments?

When most people hear the term “root canal,” it usually triggers a sense of fear or uncertainty. However, if you're considering a root canal in Singapore, it’s important to look past the myths and understand the procedure from a medical and patient care standpoint. Root canal therapy, when performed by a qualified professional, is not only safe—it’s often the best way to save a damaged or infected tooth and preserve long-term oral health.

Jejune ContributorJuly 10, 2025

Nature's Guest: How to Travel in Harmony with the Earth

Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, offering the chance to explore new cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. But as tourism continues to grow, so does its impact on the environment. Fortunately, traveling sustainably doesn’t mean giving up comfort or adventure, it simply means making smarter, more conscious choices. The modern adventurer is not just seeking beautiful destinations, but also responsible ways to reach and enjoy them. I personally had the privilege of traveling around Europe for the last four months, where I was able to witness first-hand how simple practices like these can make an immense impact. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list journey, here are some practical and inspiring ways to make your travels more eco friendly.

William John Titus Bishop: Music Amplifying the Voice for Charity

Growing up listening to his parents records and teaching himself how to play the guitar and piano, music became a passion early on for William John Titus Bishop. Inspired by a range of music from classical composers like Mozart to artists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, he creates music with the purpose of making you think and reflect. Partnering with the Salvation Army and the O2 for charity campaigns and having hopes to further his support for other charity campaigns in the future, Bishop also uses his music to amplify the voice of charity. To learn more about William John Titus Bishop and his music, read on.

Why is the Freedom of Protesting So Important?

Protesting, a public act of opposition and objection to something.

The freedom to protest, the freedom to express our disapproval against something coming from a higher authority, is one of our most important freedoms. Protesting is the freedom of speech, without it we are silenced.

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.

Because Liberty Isn't Just a Long Weekend

The 4th of July is more than a celebration of independence, it is a reminder of what it takes to stay free. While fireworks and parades can be joyful markers of the day, the true spirit of this holiday lives in civic action, compassion, and accountability. In a time of political uncertainty, social division, and environmental urgency, perhaps the best way to honor our freedom is to take responsibility for protecting it. What does freedom mean today, and how do we keep it alive for everyone, not just a privileged few? Independence Day should be a time not just of national pride, but of national reckoning. Are we living up to the ideal son which this country was founded? Are we ensuring liberty and justice for all, as the Constitution promises?

Articles, zIssue 57.2Angelina DeSalvoJuly 3, 2025history, activists, #activism, Awareness, LearningComment

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.

Louis Henry Mitchell - Creativity is for Everyone

Everyone is an artist. Author of Qreative Evolution, Louis Henry Mitchell, explains how this is a truth throughout his new book and teaches others how to find their creativity and embrace it. As author of a book made for all and creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop for Sesame Street where he created the first ever Muppet on the autism spectrum, Mitchell brings inclusivity to the forefront of his work. With a podcast for all creative disciplines that teaches others how to be an artists coming soon, Mitchell is bringing us even more to look forward to and learn from. To discover more about Louis Henry Mitchell and his new book, read on.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 57.2Eva Elisa WellsJuly 2, 2025Autism, creativity, creative, Creative, book, newbook, children, self-help, Artists, artistComment

Cinema Music Group has a Heart of Gold

Los Angeles based music production house, Cinema Music Group, has created a musical fundraising project. This project’s first product is an album titled Heart of Gold Volume 1 and is composed of several Neil Young covers performed by various well-known artists like Fiona Apple, Mumford & Sons, and Brandi Carlile. Proceeds from this first volume and upcoming volumes will be donated to The Bridge School, an organization bringing education to children with speech and physical impairments. With more volumes on the way, the support for this cause can only grow. To learn more about Cinema Music Group and this project, read on.

Raw, Real, and Unapologetically Herself: Sophia Warren on Music, Rescue, and the Quiet Rebellion of Telling the Truth

Meet Sophia Warren: singer-songwriter, activist, and rebel heart. With her newest EP Adesso, she leans into raw emotion and radical honesty, crafting songs that are messy, real, and deeply human. When she’s not making music, Sophia is fighting for animals through the nonprofit she co-founded, Animal Defenders Alliance. From challenging unethical rescue practices to rescuing dogs from crisis situations, her mission is as bold as her sound. Read more below as Sophia opens up about her journey in music, the stories behind Adesso, and why she refuses to stay quiet—onstage or off.