Vol. 1 10.13.25
🗞️ This Week in the World
Speaker Mike Johnson has officially hit Day 13 of refusing to open the government, still calling it “the Schumer Shutdown” — even though the GOP holds power.
Meanwhile, over at the Department of Education, a major reduction in force is underway: funding is being slashed from $15 billion, cutting nearly 466 jobs and affecting programs that serve 7.5 million children with disabilities.
And in case that wasn’t enough chaos for one week, Trump reportedly advised Hegseth to redirect Department of Defense funds to pay active-duty troops but not the Coast Guard — a move that would require congressional approval (and Congress isn’t in session today).
*Update as of 5:45pm, per a press release from the Coast Guard, they will be paid between October 15-17.
💬 TL;DR: Political power plays continue, but the people paying the price are families, teachers, and everyday workers.
💡 Small Ways to Stay Informed (and Involved)
🗳️ Check your voter registration: nass.org/can-I-vote
🍎 Support educators: donate directly through DonorsChoose.org
📰 Stay grounded in facts: trusted reads this week include The Hill, NPR, and ProPublica
🛍️ Small Business Spotlight
This Week’s Find: Three Coastal Babies
Founded by Latina mom and entrepreneur Pamela Baez-Briscoe, this coastal Georgia brand creates buttery-soft, sustainable bamboo clothing for families who care about comfort and conscience. Each purchase helps support not only their family, but also their mission to give back in multiple ways- to NICU families, foster children, flood victims and more - through their TCB Cares Box.
🩵 Soft on skin, strong in purpose.
🍲 Cozy on a Budget
Recipe of the Week: Sheet-Pan Chickpeas with Roasted Veggies & Feta
Toss canned, drained, and dried (pat with cloth or paper towel) chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, and garlic. Add chopped bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, then roast everything at 400°F for 25 minutes. Top with crumbled feta and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
Feeds 4 people for under $10 — simple, hearty, and budget-friendly. Also tastes amazing with rice, cucumbers, honey goat cheese, and ground turkey.
🩷 What I’m Loving
PaintLab Press-On Nails because I haven’t been to a nail salon in almost a decade and love being able to do my nails at midnight.
Activism Tees that clearly state my views without having to say a word.
This lip combo that makes me feel put together, even if my hair is in a messy bun.
Audio books that benefit indie bookstores.
💬 Parting Thought
“Empathy isn’t soft — it’s a strength. And right now, this country needs a lot more of it.”
Until next week — stay informed, stay kind, and don’t forget your iced latte. ☕
💛 Sandee
🩷 Bonus Freebie
If you haven’t grabbed them yet — the free phone wallpapers are waiting for you once you become a member!