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November 10, 2024

Weekend Edition: The impact of Trump's win, misogyny growing online, and where abortion and climate won on the ballot.

In an increasingly hostile environment, more people are being prompted to redefine home. According to the World Bank, by 2050, 216 million people across six world regions could be forced to move within their countries due to climate change. And in 2023, over 3 million Americans were forced to relocate, with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden of displacement.

Beyond environmental forces, political tensions continue to reshape our concept of home. Recent policies affecting immigrant communities have impacted an estimated 11 million undocumented residents. Meanwhile, changing state laws have created a patchwork of healthcare access - forcing nearly 1 in 5 people to travel across state lines for medical care.

The question of 'home' extends beyond physical locations. Third spaces - public venues like libraries, community centers, and parks that serve as bridges between private and public life - are increasingly vital to building resilient communities. These spaces provide crucial support networks, particularly for marginalized groups: in 2023, public libraries served over 1.3 billion in-person visits, offering everything from internet access to citizenship resources.

This month's series will examine how our evolving understanding of home shapes our response to today's challenges. We'll feature:

• Stories from climate migrants and people that have chose to leave the U.S.

• How homes are increasingly polarized because of politics

• Insights from immigration policy experts and environmental scientists

• Analysis of how third spaces are transforming community building

• Critical examination of digital communities and their role in fostering belonging

The series will explore key questions:

• How do we protect vulnerable communities facing displacement?

• What role should public spaces play in building inclusive communities?

• How can we balance digital and physical community spaces?

• What policies could better support communities facing forced relocation?

Already, your responses about public libraries have shaped this series – and I’ll be asking for your thoughts throughout the series! Thanks for being here and helping me redefine this space. I’ll be posting twice a week this month, so let me know if the cadence feels alright.

Last Chance!

Do you find yourself in the kids section each Sunday morning, coffee in hand? Is this your classroom away from campus? Are you obsessed with the unlimited free books you can download on your Kindle? For an upcoming series, we want to hear your stories on the role that the public library has played for you and your community. Email us to share more!

Crisis calls from LGBTQ+ youth spiked by 700 percent after Election Day. LGBTQ+ youth are afraid, confused, and anxious about the outcome of the election, The Trevor Project said. Here are some resources. 19th News >

Trump’s election sparks speculation and infighting over future Supreme Court vacancies. Former President Donald Trump's return to power is setting off a flurry of speculation and interparty bickering about potential retirements. CNN >

Most states that considered abortion rights amendments approved them. Ten states considered adding language guaranteeing abortion rights in their state constitutions during this year's elections. NPR >

Emboldened by a Trump win, misogynists are being loud online. In this op-ed, Features Director Brittney McNamara explores the loud misogyny that proliferated online after Trump's re-election. Teen Vogue >

The hypermasculine sales influencers of the New Manosphere sell sales. Influencers teaching men to get rich through sales are on the fringes of the “Manosphere” — digital spaces where boys and men gather to resent feminism and discuss their other interests. This was written before the election, but has special relevance now. Lux >

What we know about how Trump will approach LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and other issues. Much is still unknown about how Trump will carry out some of his big promises. Project 2025 and what he’s said so far offer some clues. them >

The 10 richest people’s wealth increased by $64 billion the day after Trump win. Trump mega-donor Elon Musk saw the largest gains, receiving $26.5 billion the day after the election. Truthout >

The 5 states where environmental ballot initiatives triumphed. Across the country, voters approved spending billions of dollars on climate resilience and conservation. Grist >

More women than ever will serve as U.S. governors. With a win by Republican Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire, 13 women will hold the seat across the country, an all-time record. 19th News >

Trump won the most important climate election ever. Now what? This climate policy expert fears that electing Donald Trump is the “nail in the coffin” for meeting critical 2030 climate change goals. Atmos >

Liberalism will cost us the Earth. Trump’s recoronation is another symptom of centrism’s global bankruptcy. In These Times >

How California got convinced to lock more people up. California just voted in harsher penalties despite low crime rates, thanks to tv news, a $16 million campaign, and a slow defense by criminal justice advocates. The Intercept >

The debate over why Harris lost is in full swing. Here’s a guide. Was she a weak candidate? Was it Joe Biden’s fault? Did Trump have unexpected strength? Or was it a global trend? Vox >

Beyond the spectacle of elections. Organizing gets the goods, facilitates the formation of strong community bonds, and serves as a vehicle toward collective liberation. Can you honestly say voting does the same? Prism >

Undocumented families are fighting for our future. Will you join ss? As an undocumented mother, I can’t help but worry for my son’s safety first. As an organizer, my worry turns to resolve. Truthout >

This funky mold turning food waste into culinary delights. An Indonesian staple is shaking up the restaurant scene — and may just end up preventing a big source of emissions. Grist >

The Way Harris Lost Will Be Her Legacy. The incomparable Tressie McMillan Cottom reflects on the legacy of Harris’ campaign from the lens of Black women representation in politics. NYTimes >