Short film Once More, Like Rain Man, written by and staring autistic actress Bella Zoe Martinez and directed by Sue Ann Pien, reflects the real challenges of autism representation within the entertainment industry. Showcasing a main character with more than one dimension to her, Once More, Like Rain Man aims to take down stereotypes about individuals with autism. Both Martinez and Pien take it a step further, showing their dedication to empowering others through relationships with non-profit organizations like Epic Players LA and Zeno Mountain Farms. To learn more about Bella Zoe Martinez, Sue Ann Pien, and their new short film, Once More, Like Rain Man, read on.
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.
Sustainable style is getting a powerful, culture-rich upgrade. Native American-owned clothing brands are weaving tradition, eco-consciousness, and bold design into every stitch. From upcycled materials to natural dyes and slow fashion ethics, these small businesses are demonstrating that fashion can honor the Earth and Indigenous heritage simultaneously.
Once the clocks change and the days get even shorter, it’s easy to lose your spark. The colder months can leave you feeling drained, restless, and oddly disconnected from yourself.
You might tell yourself to tough it out – but ignoring the signs of seasonal depression only makes winter feel longer and heavier than it needs to be. Here are four ways to help change that.
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, community, and the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. What better way to honor it than by spotlighting some amazing small businesses that bring flavor, creativity, and heart to everything they do? From bold ideas to beloved family traditions, these entrepreneurs are making big waves — and we’re here for it!
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.
As of late, the topic of free speech has been a popular one across the U.S. With disagreements over what we should consider sharing opinions versus hate and manipulative speech, the heavy polarization between Americans is more apparent than ever.
Even though it is an “off-year” for elections, several large US cities are holding mayoral elections this year, including New York City and San Antonio. In Seattle’s open primary, millennial progressive activist and community organizer Katie Wilson (she/her) came in first, ahead of Seattle’s current establishment mayor. Now a run-off is scheduled for Election Day in November between the two. Katie is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a group that focuses on improving public transport and workers' rights. As she says, “I am most passionate about making Seattle a city that's affordable for working families. That means tackling the affordable housing crisis, bringing people inside, protecting our immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members from attacks from the Trump administration, expanding workers' and renters' rights, and addressing the crisis of childcare for young families, among others issues our city faces.”
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.
If your car won’t start, one of the first culprits mechanics often check is the starter solenoid. This small but critical component helps transmit electrical current from the battery to the starter motor, allowing your engine to turn over. When it goes bad, your vehicle may struggle to start, or it may not start at all.
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.
Plant Powered Metro New York is a non-profit organization designed to inspire others to start their own health journeys through whole food, plant based eating. They make what may seem like a daunting task full of ease with the personalized programs and mentorships, endless delicious recipes, and informative cooking demos they offer. Aiming to bring healthy eating habits to everyone, Plant Powered Metro New York partners with organizations like Mexican Coalition and offer a version of their Jumpstart program in Spanish. To learn more about Plant Powered Metro New York and how you can start building your own healthy eating habits, read on, as we speak with their Network Director, Lianna Levine Reisner.
With a voice that echoes the smoky allure of classic soul and the fearless edge of modern pop, Gina Zo is more than just a singer—she's a storyteller who wears her heart on every note. First gaining national attention as a standout contestant on The Voice, Gina has since carved out a unique space in the music world with her raw vocals, retro style, and unapologetic authenticity. But beyond the spotlight lies a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and creative evolution that's just beginning to unfold.
As the leaves begin to turn and temperatures drop, fall ushers in not just a change in weather but a shift in our wardrobes. This season, however, fashion is undergoing a more profound transformation—one rooted in sustainability. From ethically sourced knits to recycled materials and timeless layering pieces, sustainable fall fashion is demonstrating that style and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously. In a world increasingly aware of the impact of fast fashion, this autumn’s trends are all about making mindful choices without sacrificing aesthetics. Here’s a look at how to stay on-trend and eco-conscious this fall.
You know instantly when you enter a space whether you could sit and work well there or not. A cluttered room or a table squished into the corner can make your shoulders tighten, while a light-filled café can suddenly lift your energy. These everyday experiences remind you that the spaces you choose to spend time in influence how you think and feel far more than you might realise.
When it comes to skincare and beauty, it’s easy to spend a huge amount without getting the best possible value for your money. Some products are fundamental to any effective routine, while others are merely nice to have. Developing an effective routine, which means one that’s a good match for your skin, is often a matter of being able to distinguish between the two. This way, you’ll be able to limit your spending without sacrificing results.
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.
New York based artist INDVGO writes music for those who feel deeply. With two new singles, “How Is It Love” and “Be Mine”, and more to come, her music aims to help others find the strength to heal no matter how messy it may feel. Beyond the music, INDVGO partners with Delta Theta Sorority Inc. and NAACP to spread empowerment and help amplify others voices. To learn more about INDVGO and her new music, read on.
In a world where authenticity is often filtered, Dolly Doops is refreshingly real. Based in London by way of the Isle of Wight and New York, the queer indie-pop artist crafts music that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically infectious. Whether she’s blending synth-driven beats with vulnerable lyrics, or volunteering at a community arts organization for the unhoused, Dolly is constantly exploring how creativity connects us — and how identity shapes the stories we tell. To find out more, read below.
