Today, Deshaun T. Durham, a 24-year-old Kansas resident sentenced to 92 months in prison for a first-time cannabis offense, was released from Hutchinson Correctional Facility. This commutation by Governor Laura Kelly is a rare decision to overturn the Kansas Prison Review Board’s rejection of Durham’s clemency application and bring him home for the holidays. After almost 3 years of incarceration and tireless advocacy from the Last Prisoner Project, Deshaun is now free.

Back in the USSR—except it’s not the USSR, it’s the United States in 2025, and we just voted out the Democrats. But before we dive into this political faceplant, let’s take a moment to consider where we stood as the votes were cast:

Somewhere in America, there’s an artist hard at work on a mashup that blends the wild-eyed stare of Beavis from Beavis and Butt-Head with Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. And while the resemblance may be little more than a punchline on social media, it begs the question: how did Gaetz—a man who, by any sane standard, wouldn’t pass the vetting process for a job at a mall kiosk—get floated as a possible nominee for Attorney General?

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s recent nomination as Secretary of Homeland Security by Donald Trump has sparked both anticipation and controversy. Known for her alignment with Trump’s policy views, Noem is now poised to oversee key federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Yet, amid discussions of her suitability for the role, another aspect of her record is raising red flags—one that sheds light on her approach to leadership, accountability, and empathy.

In the wake of Donald Trump's recent election victory, concerns are mounting over the potential rollback of environmental protections that could have far-reaching consequences for our planet and future generations. Trump has pledged to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move that would undermine global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, he plans to reduce the size of national monuments, opening these protected lands to drilling and mining activities.

Today marks a pivotal moment in the movement to legalize cannabis as Willie Nelson announces a groundbreaking Cannabis Community Zoom Call. This virtual event will feature a stellar lineup of supporters, including legendary musician Willie Nelson, acclaimed actress and activist Whoopi Goldberg, celebrated artist Brittney Spencer, Grammy-winning singer Margo Price, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen.

Project 2025 is an ambitious initiative spearheaded by conservative leaders aiming to restructure key federal agencies and reshape national policies in the coming years. Critics view this project as a significant threat to established democratic norms, environmental protections, and social welfare programs that many Americans rely on.

This past Monday (October 14), at a Donald Trump town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, that NPR characterized as going “from a Q-and-A session to a bizarre musical event in which Trump stood in front of his audience for an extended period while songs played on the sound system,” numerous songs were played. Among the songs was singer songwriter Rufus Wainwright’s version of Leonard Cohen’s seminal “Hallelujah.” Wainwright, who is supporting Kamala Harris, was horrified upon learning of this and today issues this statement:

A new report from The New York Times has shed light on the mounting consequences of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year plan for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) — a plan that has led to slower mail delivery, higher costs for consumers, and a staggering $6 billion deficit. Amid growing concern over DeJoy’s management of the USPS, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has taken a stand, pressing DeJoy to “fully resolve disastrous performance failures” after significant mail delays in the Atlanta area.

The public has likely heard of Project 2025, the sprawling far-right proposal that aims to radically overhaul how the United States governs its citizens. However, what has received less attention is the devastating tax impact this plan would have on everyone except the ultra-rich.