As the 2025 federal government shutdown continues, 900,000 workers are furloughed and core services are disrupted. Minnesota programs—WIC, Head Start, passports, small-business loans, and $645M in energy projects—are at risk as partisan gridlock persists.
Congress
Posted inEducation
For Black students, college affordability now at risk
Congress is considering a bill that could reduce Pell Grant funding for low-income students, potentially making it harder for Black, low-income students to afford a bachelor’s degree and discouraging them from pursuing higher education.
Posted inPolitics
Resistance rises to Trump’s tariff war
Senator Amy Klobuchar has introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that would restore Congressional oversight to U.S. trade policy, in response to the economic instability caused by fluctuating tariffs imposed by President Trump.
Posted inNational
Global Protests on April 5: Cities Unite Against Trump and Musk
Tens of thousands of people in the US and around the world are planning to protest on April 5, demanding an end to the destruction of the government and economy, and defending their rights and democracy.
Posted inOpinion
America in free fall under corrupt Trump admin
Trump’s presidency has been marked by economic failure, authoritarianism, race-baiting, and a record-breaking number of indictments, convictions, and criminal charges, leaving the US on the brink of collapse.
Posted inOpinion
Biden makes history with Black judicial appointments
President Joe Biden has appointed 40 Black women to lifetime judgeships, surpassing previous efforts by his predecessors and reflecting his commitment to promoting equity and representation on the federal bench.
Posted inOpinion
The right to vote protects all other rights
Colin Allred, a voting rights attorney and U.S. Representative from Texas, is running for U.S. Senate in 2024 and is advocating for the reinstatement and modernization of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote.
Posted inNews
DOJ exposes failures in federal prisons leading to inmate deaths
A scathing report released by the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz revealed a disturbing pattern of operational and managerial deficiencies within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Posted inLocal & State
Congress working to avoid shutdown inches close to deal
Congress has reached an agreement on total spending of $1.66 trillion, which includes a boost in Pentagon spending to $886.3 billion and nondefense funding unchanged at $772.7 billion.
Posted inOpinion
Jay-Z Day and the erosion of political substance
New York City’s legislative realm has proposed legislation to declare December 4 as “Jay-Z Day” in honor of Shawn Carter, but the proposal also raises questions about the dangers of celebrity culture.
Posted inNews
GOP Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress over fraud and lies
House votes to expel NY Congressman George Santos for fraudulent activities.
Posted inOpinion
Consumers deserve to have choices in the grocery store
Some in Congress think getting it ‘right’ means restricting certain consumers’ food items as “wrong” to buy.
Posted inNational, News
Advocate delivers letters from Black small businesses to Minnesota’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill
‘I’m here to make sure they remember us when they are sitting around that table and dividing up the pie. I’m asking them for our piece.’
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Gridlock and low expectations greet new Congress
With Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans enjoying the majority in the House, much of any bill or other action signed by President Joe Biden would likely come in the form of executive orders.
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ election as minority speaker signals Democrats’ willingness to move on from old guard
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries becomes the first Black leader of a party in Congress.
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Biden readies pen after Congress passes historic climate, health care bill
It’s expected that Biden will sign the bill early next week, keeping alive an impressive string of legislative victories Democrats hope will translate into big midterm wins.
Posted inOpinion
Jan. 6 hearings’ in-your-face truths are undeniable
These hearings, now in their third week, have made an indelible impression on a lot of us.
Posted inNational, News
Emmett Till Antilynching Act passes House, expected to clear Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to make lynching a federal hate crime.
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Congress passes $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, but it’s unclear if Trump will sign (updated)
The package, though far less than the CARES Act, includes much-needed relief for businesses and individuals, as well as resources for COVID-19 vaccination.
Posted inOpinion
Don’t despair about the Supreme Court
The courts have never been on the side of justice, only moving a few degrees one way or the other, unless pushed by the people.