FRIDAY ROUNDUP: Women's Voices, Dogs & Celebrating the NC Victory!
PLUS a giveaway of When We're in Charge!
We had some fantastic news out of North Carolina this week: the Republican judge who has been trying to tear down democracy finally conceded. Jefferson Griffin, a far-right darling groomed to help lock in GOP power through the courts, admitted defeat in the state Supreme Court race to Democrat Allison Riggs. Finally putting an end to months of conspiracy theories, election denial, tons of citizen action and intense litigation we have proof of the system fighting back against right wing extremism.
While two recounts affirmed Rigg’s 734-vote win in the November election, Griffin used Trump-style tactics to challenge the eligibility of more than 65k votes. There was no evidence of illegal voting, just the specter of impropriety created by Republicans and two GOP dominated courts that supported his scheme to throw out votes.
While the republican majority on the NC Supreme Court is still 5-2, this win gives Democrats the shot of flipping 2 seats in 2028 before a huge 2030 redistricting battle. By focusing on controlling things like election boards and state courts, Republicans have tried to create systems to subvert democracy. Democratic State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls called Griffin’s attempt to steal the election “a bloodless coup.”
A state Supreme Court has final say over everything from gerrymandering to abortion. These state-level races are absolutely critical, and fighting all year round is too. Rigg’s win happened because she fought it in the courts, but also because people showed up, organized, and voted in an off-year election that generally people ignore. And then they kept fighting, kept speaking out.
It's a big win for democracy, and a reminder that you might be one of the 734 people to change an election. Let’s celebrate the wins. And then get back to work making more of them.
→ And if you’re looking to connect with people in your area, don’t forget to use the comments. You never know, you might find new friends here.
Take a Moment to Stretch in the Morning. I’ve been taking 30 seconds to stretch my body after I get out of bed and it’s been a really helpful change to my day.
Take a Few Minutes to Daydream. Yesterday I walked to a park without my phone and just ... sat … for 10 minutes. Allow yourself a brief mental break to imagine positive future scenarios or pleasant memories. This has been proven to spark creativity, reduce stress, and improve your mood.
→ Call your reps and tell them not to cut Medicaid. Republican leadership wants to cut more than $500 billion from Medicaid, and the fight has become the chief hurdle in Trump getting his tax cuts.
The Unchecked Power Behind Trump’s Legal Philosophy (Mother Jones)
Inside how the “unitary executive theory” could give Trump near-dictatorial control if he returns to the White House.
Has the Internet Changed How Women Sound? (The New York Times)
As artificial intelligence becomes more present in our lives, the choice of female-sounding voices is raising questions about power, empathy, and gender bias.
“Tradwives” Are Going Viral. But Some Say It’s a Way to Escape Patriarchy (Elle)
A new generation of women online are embracing traditional gender roles but many say it’s not submission, it’s strategy. What happens when being a tradwife becomes a performancem and a rebellion?
The Children Are All Of Ours (Jill Filipovic,
)Mothers go to great lengths to keep their children safe. But no mother can protect her child from dirty air, toxic chemicals, and poisoned water.
Land Under The Country’s Largest Cities is Sinking. Here’s Where — And Why. (WaPo)
The movement is slow, sinking on the scale of millimeters per year in the United States, but the effects accumulate over years.
27 Little Things That Make Life Better. A crowd-sourced list of tiny joys, comforts, and rituals from the Platonic Love Letter community—because sometimes it’s the little stuff that saves us. Read it here.
Advil or Tylenol? Here’s How to Choose. NPR breaks down the science of when to reach for each common painkiller, depending on what hurts—and why. Learn more here.
Design Trends to Break Out of a Mid-Year Slump. Feeling uninspired at home? These five fresh design ideas from Apartment Therapy will help you hit reset without a total overhaul. Check them out here.
The Culture Study Job Fair Is Back.
’s beloved virtual job fair returns with an open thread for sharing work, finding leads, and helping each other figure out what’s next. Find it here.
The neighborly dog crush that’s melting the Internet. Goose the Chocolate Lab has a weekly playdate with his human BFF next door, complete with a code phrase—“Release the Goose.” It’s the kind of wholesome we all need right now. See it here.
A TikTok fundraiser that will restore your faith in humanity. An 81-year-old waitress couldn’t afford to retire—until a stranger’s video went viral and raised over $300K. Read more here.
BOOK GIVEAWAY: Each week, I give away a book to my paid subscribers (U.S. only). This week, I’m excited to offer a copy of When We're in Charge: The Next Generation's Guide to Leadership by
.This bold, practical guide is for millennials and Gen Zers stepping into positions of power. Litman, cofounder of Run for Something, draws from her own experience and conversations with over 100 next-gen leaders across politics, business, media, tech, and education. She provides actionable advice on leading with authenticity, setting boundaries, and embracing transparency.
If you're ready to challenge outdated leadership models and redefine what it means to lead with compassion and effectiveness, this book is for you.
→ Comment LEAD below for a chance to win.
I know it would never happen but I would LOVE it if Griffin were forced to pay at least a portion of the costs incurred by his attempt to steal the seat he lost.
I was one of the 60,000 votes originally challenged by Griffin! I got to change my name and everything. Apparently having four names is too much for them, so now I'm down to three. 😅