WELCOME
TO THE EVENING SHADE
A SANCTUARY OF SANITY AFTER A LONG HARD DAY OF FIGHTING FASCISM
YOU WILL FIND in the DIARIES a LOT of POLITICS
(Or NOT As the CASE MAY BE)
AND EVEN MORE CRITTERS
THE PERSON who MAKES the FIRST COMMENT WILL GET TWO CRITTERS
EVERY PERSON WHO COMMENTS WILL GET A CRITTER
RULES IN THE DIARY
WHEN YOU FIND SOMETHING in the DIARY that you LIKE
YOU CAN REPOST IT AS COMMENT in the DIARY
=====================
======================
PostingADiary
CritterHerding
===
It’s a relatively tough day to focus on “regional” today. About the best I can do is to try to put “regional lipstick” on national stories, at least as far as this diary is playing out so far.
===
===
We’ll start today with New Jersey.
New Jersey Monitor
U.S. Rep. McIver wants judge to threaten Trump admin with sanctions
Attorneys for Rep. LaMonica McIver asked a federal judge to threaten sanctions to block the Trump administration from making any more statements about McIver that could affect her upcoming trial.
McIver’s filing, made on Thursday, is the latest salvo in a battle over how U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials have described the conduct of three New Jersey congress members during an unannounced inspection of Delaney Hall, an immigrant detention facility in Newark, in May. McIver (D-10) is accused of assaulting federal agents during that visit.
“DHS has slow-walked the removal of clearly prejudicial statements, issued new ones, and continued to maintain others on its website,” McIver attorney Lee Cortes said, adding that absent a court order McIver must continue playing whack-a-mole over federal officials’ statements about her. ✂️
A DoJ that wasn’t staffed by lawyers with the emotional maturity of six-year-olds would have learned by now that statements about pending cases before trial can only lead to trouble. Go Rep. McIver!
===
Chicago Sun-Times is pretty amazing and without paywall.
Magistrate judge plans visit to ICE Broadview facility amid lawsuit over conditions
A federal magistrate judge is arranging a visit to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in west suburban Broadview, which has become a controversial hub for the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation campaign in the Chicago area.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally authorized the visit Friday as part of a lawsuit over conditions inside the facility, which long served as a processing center. But since the start of the feds’ so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” in September, people have been held there for days at a time.
The visit has been tentatively planned for Thursday morning, and details will be sorted out early next week. ✂️
===
x
This is the facility that I and many others have been protesting. We’ve been hit, thrown, gassed, and shot with pepper bullets but none of that holds a candle to what is being done to people *in* the actual facility.
Read this thread. Don’t look away. Keep your eyes and the pressure on Broadview.
[image or embed]
— Kat Abughazaleh (@katmabu.bsky.social) November 7, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Here’s the unrolled thread she references.
===
===
Pennsylvania Capital Star
Uncertainty over SNAP benefits hits home in Pa.’s coal region
Alexis Miller first encountered Jim and Janet Bowers when she commissioned their bakery in Shamokin to make her wedding cake.
“We didn’t have a lot of money or time,” Miller said.
Miller, who was 24 at the time, said the event came together with just a month’s planning. She’d considered scrapping it entirely because she was so broken up over the recent loss of her grandparents (her grandfather had planned to walk her down the aisle). Her compromise was to fast-track everything and “just get it over with.”
A bright spot, however, was the wedding cake. To start, Miller said, Jim and Janet got it just right, pulling together and interpreting photos and descriptions from Miller.
And Miller said a big bonus was that the proceeds helped support the couple’s mobile soup kitchen: God’s Chuckwagon, run out of a retrofitted school bus since 2005 in Pennsylvania’s Coal Region.
“It was helping them, and helping us,” she said. “We got the cake and they got the money to help the community.”
The need is great in the area, where the population, economy and overall quality of life started declining decades ago when mines closed. The degradation worsened when factories shutdown and snowballed, culminating in relatively high unemployment and poverty rates as well as environmental degradation, healthcare deserts and more.
Miller said she and her family have recently become regulars at God’s Chuckwagon as they tighten their belts in every way possible due to the prospect of losing $800 in monthly grocery assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing, historically long federal government shutdown.
“We used to not come out. We didn’t really need the help,” Miller said. “It’s just gotten hard lately, probably over the last three weeks.” ✂️
===
Maryland Matters has a great presence in News from the States. It’s almost too good. They get an unfair advantage on Saturday mornings. At the same time, it’s nice to have news from them.
Low-income Marylanders, local officials left to navigate ‘roller coaster’ of SNAP disruption
The Trump administration told states Friday that it would be releasing funds to support federal food assistance during the government shutdown — just hours before winning a Supreme Court stay of lower court orders, apparently putting the payments on hold again.
It is just the latest example of the on-again, off-again policy changes that have left benefit recipients guessing on their status, and states, counties and local food aid organizations riding the policy “roller coaster”that has federal support for food assistance here one moment, gone the next.
It has also made it “difficult to know what to communicate” to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for the state and county officials who administer the program.
“I think the roller coaster is really with the federal government,” said Heather Bois Bruskin, director of the Office of Food Systems Resilience in Montgomery County. “First it was that the November benefits won’t be coming. Then with the court action, they were directed to release the funds that are set aside for SNAP benefits in situations just like this. ✂️
===
===
No, I really can’t blame the red states for trying to secure federal funds for health care. Yes, it’s hypocritical as hell, but if I were in their position, I’d do it too. Yes, I appreciate the unfairness of it all.
Daily Montanan
Montana applies for $1B Rural Health Transformation Program
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services anticipates the state will receive funding for a $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Program proposal it submitted to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to an agency official.
Montana submitted a five-year plan aimed at developing the rural workforce, stabilizing facility finances, expanding innovation, and increasing prevention, according to a presentation and news release this week from Gov. Greg Gianforte and health department Director Charlie Brereton.
The state anticipates it will learn whether Montana has been awarded funds in late December, although state officials said they are expecting success.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program is a historic investment in Montana’s future,” Gianforte said in a statement. “Since taking office, we’ve led on fixing what’s broken, making investments to improve access to quality health care. With the Rural Health Transformation Program, we will continue delivering better outcomes for families across Montana.” ✂️
===
Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho seeking $1 billion in federal funds for rural health care from ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
Idaho is asking the federal government for $100 million annually over five years to support rural health care through a grant created in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Through the major federal tax and spending bill approved by Congress in July, states are entitled to a pool of $25 billion divided equally among each state, of which Idaho will receive $500 million over five years.
Another $25 billion was set aside to be distributed as grants to states based on need. Idaho submitted its application Nov. 4 in hopes of receiving the additional $100 million in annual grant money, aiming to collect a total of $200 million annually between both distributions, or $1 billion over five years.
“Idaho is a mostly rural state, and we are grateful for the significant investments President (Donald) Trump and Congress have committed to improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural Idaho and across the country,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said in an emailed statement. “We are proud of the effective, collaborative approach we utilized in preparing Idaho’s application for funding through this transformative new program.” ✂️
You could interchange the articles and no one would notice the difference.
===
===
Nebraska Examiner
Biden visits Omaha with Kentucky governor as Nebraska Dems eye 2026
OMAHA — Former President Joe Biden highlighted harsh economic realities facing American families under President Donald Trump. And Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pitched a recipe for helping Democrats win in deep-red states.
Both headliners for the Nebraska Democrats’ top annual fundraiser Friday rallied a downtown Hilton crowd of 630 people headed into next year’s midterm elections, in which the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District could play a crucial role. Another 220 watched from an overflow area.
Friday was Biden’s first public speaking event since dropping out of the 2024 presidential campaign under fire from some in the party about his electability following a shaky debate performance against Trump.
He criticized Trump on a variety of issues, from cutting Medicare in the “big, beautiful” tax and spending bill to Trump’s handling of the “strong economy” Biden said he left him. He said Trump had taken a wrecking ball to the Constitution.
“Folks, look, this isn’t a golden age,” Biden said. “The fact of the matter is that it is a very, very dark moment … But we’re in a situation where we had something very special happen just last Tuesday.” ✂️
===
AZ Mirror
Student advocates demand ASU follow UA in rejecting Trump’s education compact
Former and current students joined Democratic lawmakers on Friday to urge Arizona State University to follow the lead of other prominent schools, including the University of Arizona, and refuse an offer by the Trump administration to expand federal funding if they agree to a series of demands aligned with Republican policy positions.
ASU currently is not one of the schools that has been offered the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” that was rejected last month by UA, but the school has been “providing feedback” to the administration on the compact.
“ASU has long been a voice for change in higher education. President (Michael) Crow will share his vision for higher education with students, families — and the administration,” an ASU spokesperson said in a statement to the Arizona Mirror. “As President Trump’s team seeks new and innovative approaches, ASU will share its ideas. And it is important to note that ASU has not received any kind of compact offer. There is nothing for the university to accept, reject, or negotiate.” ✂️
===
===
The Texas Tribune
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
HOUSTON — U.S. Rep. Al Green announced Friday that he plans to run in the redrawn 18th Congressional District, setting up a competitive primary between the longtime Houston Democrat and whichever candidate wins the upcoming special election runoff to decide the seat’s occupant through the end of next year.
Green began his speech not by talking about himself, but of President Donald Trump.
“This democracy belongs to the people, it doesn’t belong to one man,” Green said from a Southwest Houston hotel. “He is an authoritarian, and we are going to make sure that he knows that the people in the 18th Congressional District are going to send somebody to Congress that he fears.”
Green has been a strong advocate of the effort to impeach Trump, and he said continuing to criticize the president will be one of his priorities if he secures another term in Congress — but he’s facing a crowded race. ✂️
I hope this means that he thinks he’s a strong enough candidate to take the newly redrawn district and open the door to a different Democrat in his existing district.
===
Washington State Standard
Democrats poised for clean sweep of 9 legislative races in WA
Eight Democratic state lawmakers in Washington retained their seats in this week’s election, with a ninth on the cusp of winning.
State Rep. Edwin Obras inched closer to success Friday in the tightest House contest. Sen. Deb Krishnadasan declared victory a day earlier in the year’s most expensive duel among a stack of special elections for legislative seats.
Obras led Kevin Schilling, a fellow Democrat, by a margin of 50.6% to 47.7% in the 33rd Legislative District. More votes will be counted in the days ahead. Located south of Seattle, the district includes Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, SeaTac and much of Kent.
Competing in his first general election, Obras trailed Schilling, the mayor of Burien, in early rounds of ballot counting. But the SeaTac lawmaker edged in front by 205 votes Thursday and increased his lead to 641 in Friday’s count.
“If the trends continue and Edwin is victorious, congratulations to him,” Schilling said Friday. ✂️
===
===
Supporting our allies
The Jukebox is here. esquimaux is the host. The theme is Drinking Songs.
This Week in the War on Women will be here or here (the first queries by publishing group, the second by tag). If one doesn’t show you the new diary, try the other.
Bilbo’s latest is here — CHC Roundup: Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29) - Empowering Girls Everywhere. Best of luck on Wednesday, Bilbo!!!
If anyone has a diary of theirs that they’d like promoted, please drop a comment (preferably with a link) in the previous night’s Shade. Hopefully the next Shade will include a promotional link for you.
===
Today is…
Birthdays
Milton Bradley (1836-1911) - Founded the Milton Bradley Company.
Dorothy Day (1897-1980) - [wikipedia] Journalist who earned the title of being a well-known political and radical Catholics.
I’m surprised that the good Reverend didn’t point this out. She was a powerhouse.
Thea D. Hodge (1922-2008) [wikipedia]- Pioneer computer scientist and cofounder of the Association for Women in Computing (Minneapolis chapter). [*because I had to, that’s why]
Thomas "Satch" Sanders (1938-Still Living) - Former NBA player and winner of 8 NBA championships. [87 years old today]
Bonnie Raitt (1949-Still Living) - Country western and blues singer.
Bonnie Lynn Raitt was born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California. She is a grammy-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Music was a staple in her life, and her parents were musically inclined. Raitt’s mother was a pianist, and her father was an actor in musical productions. Her parents encouraged her to pursue music at a young age, and she began playing the guitar at eight. She has received 10 Grammy awards throughout her career and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Raitt has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her career continues to shine as she is set to release her 21st studio album. ✂️
Amidst all this musical acclaim, Raitt is also an activist, and her political involvement goes back to the early 1970s. She has been involved in the environmental movement, doing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water, and forest protection. Raitt is a founding member of Musicians United for Safe Energy which produced the historic concerts, album, and movie “No Nukes.” 21 albums later, numerous Grammy Awards and accolades, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award — Raitt’s career hasn’t looked to slow down or dim. ✂️
===
Events
1789 - Elijah Craig distills the first bourbon whiskey in KY.
Appropriated from WineRev this morning from the GNR.
1789 Bourbon, Kentucky Territory Elijah Craig, a Baptist preacher, founder of the town of Lebanon (now Georgetown), is also a businessman and entrepreneur. Started a sawmill, and a paper mill. He helped establish one of the first “classical” schools in Kentucky, where students could study Greek, Latin, and philosophy. This Day he distills a distinct version of whiskey. He uses only corn and names it for his town, Bourbon. (To be called bourbon, it must be distilled from at least 51% corn, aged in a new oak barrel, produced in America and must have a minimum proof of 80. (Mint Juleps, everyone!)
1864 - Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the U.S. for a second time.
1889 - Montana becomes the 41st state to join the Union.
1892 - Black and white trade unionists join forces and strike action for the first time together in New Orleans.
1932 - Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected as the 32nd President of the U.S.
WineRev again:
1932 Across America. At the bottom of the Great Depression, New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt, promising a New Deal for America, denies incumbent Republican President Herbert Hoover a 2nd term. In spite of millions unemployed (25% of the labor force), thousands of failed banks and tens of thousands failed business, and millions living on the edges of cities in shanty towns bitterly nicknamed “Hoovervilles”, while Roosevelt won in a landslide, Hoover still got 39% of the vote, almost 2 in 5.
1933 - President Roosevelt unveils the Civil Works Administration to help create jobs so the country can recover from the Great Depression.
1938 - Crystal Bird Fauset becomes the first Black woman elected as a legislator in Philadelphia.
WineRev:
1938 Philadelphia, PA In 1920 women gained the right to vote across the country. Here and there scattered women had been elected to local or state offices. On this day, 18years into the Women’s Vote era, Crystal Bird Fauset breaks new ground. She is the 1st African American woman ever elected to a state legislature.
1960 - John F. Kennedy is elected the 35th President of the U.S.
===
Bilbo’s CHC this morning highlighted Rep. Luz Rivas. Bilbo notes that Rep. Rivas started out with a STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics) career. It seems natural to highlight this today
NATIONAL S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. DAY
National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Day on November 8th calls for full S.T.E.A.M. ahead!The day inspires kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Inspired by the Project Mc² brand, created by MGA Entertainment, the S.T.E.A.M.- based franchise features four super smart girls who are part of a super-secret spy organization called NOV8 (that’s “innovate”).
===
National Parents as Teachers Day
National Parents as Teachers Day is celebrated on November 8 every year. This is a day to recognize the organizations that offer educational services to parents across the country and around the world so that they may be able to better support their children’s learning and growth. National Parents as Teachers Day acknowledges the important role that parents play in the initial education of their child’s life — every child learns their first lessons at home. This is the day to celebrate the indispensable role that parental involvement plays in a child’s development and ability to realize their full potential. Parents want the best for their children and strive hard to collect funds to support their future. To make the process easier, you can find information on multiple scholarships on Scholaroo to support you and your child.
===
World Pianist Day
World Pianist Day, celebrated on November 8, is a special occasion that honors pianists and their contributions to music.
This day recognizes the skill and dedication of pianists who bring the piano to life. It’s a time to appreciate the classical and contemporary talents that have shaped how we experience piano music today.
The day emphasizes pianists’ diverse styles and creativity. Jazz pianists, for example, are celebrated for their spontaneous and innovative performances, often collaborating with other musicians to create vibrant and dynamic music.
This artistic freedom is a core reason why the day is so important. It highlights pianists’ versatility and emotional depth to the music scene.
World Pianist Day also encourages people to explore piano music by attending live performances, listening to piano tracks, or even starting to play the piano themselves.
It’s a call to immerse oneself in the world of piano music, exploring the wide array of genres and styles that pianists have developed over the years. This day is about celebrating pianists’ artistry and their powerful impact on music and culture worldwide.
===
National Cappuccino Day
National Cappuccino Day, celebrated on November 8th, is a day full of warmth and froth. People across the country enjoy this delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
It’s a moment to savor the simple joys that a cup of cappuccino can bring. Whether it’s the comforting warmth, the creamy texture, or the energizing kick of espresso, something special about this drink brings people together.
The importance of National Cappuccino Day goes beyond just enjoying a cup of coffee. It celebrates the skill of baristas and the coffee culture that connects us.
This day is a tribute to the art of coffee making and the joy it brings to our daily lives. Every cup is a masterpiece from the careful crafting of the foam to the perfect balance of milk and espresso.
There are several reasons why we celebrate National Cappuccino Day. It’s not just about the taste but also about pausing and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
The day encourages us to appreciate the skill of making a perfect cappuccino and connect with others over a shared love for coffee.
It’s a reminder of the warmth and comfort that a simple coffee drink can provide, making it a celebration worth marking on our calendars.
===
Tomorrow is NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH DAY
===
===
The Shade is open. As always, the value is in the comments.
