Archive of “wins, losses, and needs work“
Democratic Wins: Some LGBTQ+ School Policies Quietly Staying in Place
As educational institutions around the country capitulate, Denver’s public school system said Tuesday that it would defy demands from the Trump administration to discriminate against transgender students even if it means losing federal funds. Alex Marrero, the superintendent of Denver Public Schools (DPS), said the school “will protect all of their students from this hostile administration,” by refusing toimplement a ban on gender-neutral bathrooms mandated by what’s left of Trump’s Department of Education. Secretary Linda E. McMahon declares that gender-neutral bathrooms are in violation of Title IX.
The truth: Title IX simply and firmly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment and violence, in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Protest: The several egregious actions by the Supreme Court on Monday, September 8
A divided Supreme Court on Monday lifted a ruling by a lower court judge who placed limits on immigration raids in the Los Angeles area after finding federal agents were indiscriminately targeting people based on race and other factors. The justices sided with the Trump administration, which argued a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in California was hampering its ability to crack down on illegal migration and that the stops by authorities were not unlawful. The majority did not offer a rationale for the decision, which is common in cases decided on its emergency docket.
Challenge to Trump Over Firing of Federal Trade Commissioner
President Donald Trump can fire a Democrat on the Federal Trade Commission while a lawsuit challenging her removal continues, Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. ruled Monday.
The pause comes after an appeals court found last week that Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter could be reinstated to her job because the president had fired her “without cause” in violation of the statute creating the independent agency that focuses on consumer protection and antitrust issues.
Can Trump Fire Rebecca Slaughter?
And what will the Supreme Court do about this appeal?
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday (8 Sep 2025) to allow it to freeze billions of dollars in foreign aid, potentially setting up the biggest test yet of the president’s bid to assert sweeping authority over federal spending. U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali has obligated the government to spend about $10.5 billion that will expire at the end of next month. The Trump administration said in its court filings it plans to spend $6.5 billion of those funds and it has made a request to Congress to rescind about $4 billion. Trump officials want the Supreme Court to lift Ali’s order requiring the $4 billion be allocated.
Billions in Foreign Aid Dollars in Limbo
Help for Local Food Insecurity (a good thing)
“Chris Kolstad, owner of Pizza Man in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, went viral after offering free food to people he saw eating from his dumpster—raising over $4,000 in donations, partnering with local businesses, and helping nearly 100 people facing food insecurity while also supporting a local food shelf serving record numbers in the community.”
Fighting Food Insecurity Locally
And This Just In…(COVID vaccine Available)
“Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order Monday to protect vaccine access in Minnesota, in response to the recent change in federal COVID-19 vaccine guidelines put in place by the Trump administration. “Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine,” said Walz in a statement. “While the Trump Administration attempts to limit Americans’ access to preventative care, Minnesota will be guided by science and medical expertise, prioritizing the health and safety of our people.”
Gov. Walz Orders COVID Vaccine in Minnesota
Cheers (Did You Know?)
On October 18th, many members came to our Saturday Coffee Meet at Starbucks to pick up packets with mailing materials. These have been sent out to many residents within Senate District 31 in advance of the November 4th School Board election. Find out more about the election and our candidates elsewhere on this home page. We wish the best luck and well-deserved success to each one of them.
Work Needed – How Long Can the Republican House Speaker Refuse to Swear In the New Democratic Congresswoman?
Meidas+ reports: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. House of Representatives over Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to seat a duly elected member of Congress, Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Although Speaker Johnson has also sent Congress home, in truth Congress should be in session now, and Grijalva has plenty to do for her constituents. She was officially elected a month ago. A.G. Mayes asserts that Speaker Johnson may be trying to set a precedent for indefinitely barring future Democratic representatives from performing their duties. The Constitution does not give the Speaker any say about who gets to work in Congress. A.G. Mayes also notes that any federal judge can swear Grijalva into office. This case needs to be watched closely. October 22, 2025)
Arizona Loses Patience, Sues Mike Johnson for Stalling on Grijalva