Santa Muerte, Immigration Crackdowns, Redistricting Battles - The News You Need
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What’s New This Week?
This week’s newsletter is packed with stories to keep you informed and inspired.
History: Santa Muerte
News: Citizenship Test
Politics: Redistricting
More: Stories, Podcasts, Links
Behind The Cult Of Santa Muerte 🔦
The cult stayed underground during the whole second half of the 20th century until it exploded at the very beginning of the 21st. In 2001, a woman named Enriqueta Romero, who until then had made her income selling quesadillas, put an altar to the Santa Muerte outside her house, the same neighborhood where Sánchez located his novel.
Mrs. Romero opened a small shop with souvenirs: books, medals, pictures and candles of the Holy Death. It was a roaring success. The cult didn’t go unnoticed to Hollywood.
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Trump Administration Plans Tougher Citizenship Test 🚨
The Trump administration is proposing a more challenging U.S. citizenship test, including an essay component, to tighten pathways to legal immigration. Officials argue the current test is too lenient and plan to introduce subjective measures like "good moral character" evaluations.
Critics warn these changes could lead to biased decision-making and increased litigation, as the process becomes more discretionary. The administration's push for stricter standards comes amid broader efforts to curb immigration, including mass deportations and denaturalization cases.
Poll: Americans Oppose Political Parties Drawing Election Lines 🗳️
A new NBC News poll reveals that 82% of Americans prefer nonpartisan commissions to draw congressional districts, rejecting partisan gerrymandering. The findings come as states like Texas and California engage in mid-decade redistricting battles, with both parties seeking to gain an edge ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Despite partisan divides, support for independent redistricting remains strong across party lines. The poll highlights a disconnect between public opinion and political actions, as partisan redistricting efforts continue to shape electoral maps.
Immigration Appeals Court Expands Mandatory Detention For Millions ⛓️
A Justice Department appeals panel has ruled that immigrants in deportation proceedings who entered the U.S. without authorization are no longer eligible for bond hearings.
Critics argue the ruling pressures immigrants to abandon their cases, even if they have valid claims to remain in the U.S. The decision, which stems from a case involving a Venezuelan immigrant, is expected to face legal challenges in federal courts.
Homan Says Chicago Should Expect Immigration Enforcement This Week 🚔
Trump border czar Tom Homan has confirmed that Chicago and other sanctuary cities will face immigration enforcement actions this week. Speaking on CNN, Homan emphasized the administration's focus on sanctuary cities, accusing them of releasing public safety threats.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have criticized the move, with Pritzker calling it a "threat to an American city." The enforcement actions are part of a broader crackdown on sanctuary cities, with additional resources, including the National Guard, being considered.
Midwest Democrats Struggle To Counter GOP On Redistricting 🔵
Democrats in Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri are grappling with limited options to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts. With no legislative majority to block GOP plans, Democratic leaders are relying on public pressure and procedural tactics to slow the process.
The proposed maps could further entrench Republican dominance in the U.S. House, diluting Democratic representation in key districts. The redistricting battle highlights the challenges faced by Democrats in GOP-controlled states, where breaking quorum or leveraging ballot initiatives are among the few tools available.
Defiant History: Now Streaming On The Daily Chela YouTube Channel! 🍿
Defiant History is a compelling new micro‑documentary series created by filmmaker Brandon Loran Maxwell, best known for his work on American Homeboy. The series is now available to watch on the Daily Chela YouTube channel.
The three‑episode pilot dives into underrepresented slices of American subculture—like lowrider club plaques, Teen Angels magazine, prison‑based rehabilitation efforts, and graffiti art. Featured voices include Compton’s David Oropeza (Tattoo Nation), members of Sullen Art Collective, and artists from the Venice art walls.
More Stories 📌
Highlighting more news stories across the country.
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