The next big nationwide event to show the strength of opposition to TRUMP 2.0 is happening in about 10 days. The more than 1,400 peaceful demonstrations registered with the NO KINGS site provide both national and local media a response to our dictator-wannabe's expensive military parade — an unprecedented display most commonly seen in authoritarian countries. The date for NO KINGS (and for Trump's parade) is hardly random. June 14 is Flag Day, the 250 birthday for the US Army (so they say), but most importantly our TACO's 79th birthday. The numbers we bring to the streets will show a different kind of strength — without any armaments or threats of any kind.
I hope all of you will attend a rally. In Wisconsin, there are at least 46 separate NO KINGS events, including in such unlikely places as Eagle River, Minocqua, Baraboo, West Bend, Cedarburg, Brookfield, and Delavan! Large, boisterous, and inspiring events will take place in Milwaukee — at Cathedral Square Park (520 E Wells St, Milwaukee, from noon to 2:00pm) — and in Madison (at the UW Library Mall from 2:00 - 5:00pm).
Not in Milwaukee or Madison or even in Wisconsin? Find a rally near where you'll be on the NO KINGS site. Sign up for one (just click on the map's circle for the location you want and you will see an RSVP link for that rally). Encourage like-minded friends and family to join you. And if you have a Bluesky account, make sure you SPREAD THE WORD by posting one of the NO KINGS promotions you'll find below the nationwide map of events. There are SIX varieties to choose from.
Also, we could use a little help from our supporters to cover the cost of renting a robust sound system, some portapotties, and a clean-up crew. You can make a donation online or you can send a check: please make the check out to Grassroots North Shore and include "NO KINGS" on the memo line. Send your check to PO Box 170684, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8056. We deeply appreciate whatever support you can give: publicizing the rally, showing up, bring friends and family wiith you, and giving some financial support. It all counts.
Ghastly news, alas, keeps pouring in. Right here in Milwaukee, a man allegedly "tried to get a witness in the armed robbery case against him deported so he wouldn’t be able to testify. Seizing on anti-immigrant fervor, the man sent letters in the name of the witness threatening to assassinate President Trump. The witness was arrested, but law enforcement eventually figured out the scheme and have filed new charges against the imposter" (Talking Points Memo, June 4, 2025). And ICE or HSI or who knows who tried to pose as utility workers (Arizona Daily Star ), using the deception to try to enter the home of a man they were seeking — without any kind of warrant I might add. A quick-thinking neighbor intervened to prevent the imposters from arresting the man who lived there.
As the verbal attacks on judges emanating from the administration continue apace, "Federal judges across several states are being delivered unsolicited pizza orders — an act of harassment and attempted intimidation, they say, from people who are unhappy with their rulings involving President Donald Trump." Judge Esther Salas, whose son was killed by a faux pizza delivery man, knows what it means: “'We know the first is, ‘I know where you live.’ Second is, ‘We know where your children live.’ And the third now is, ‘Do you want to end up like Judge Salas? Do you want to end up like Daniel?'” (Truthout, May 13, 2025).
Lying, cheating, wearing masks, excoriating and arresting judges, arresting mayors, arresting congressional representatives, deporting people without due process, deporting people who have protective orders, deporting people by "mistake" and then shrugging about it: it's all in the MAGA playbook. But we do not need to be silent about these egregious actions. We WILL make our voices heard!
There's a smidgeon of good news, though, coming from the few town halls Republicans are holding. Call it "buyer's remorse." Here's a Newsweek article: Has Trump Buyer's Remorse Already Set In?. The New York Times (gifted article) chimes in: After Muscling Their Bill Through the House, Some Republicans Have Regrets. There's the response to Senator Joni Ernst's bizarre "We're all going to die" remark when asked about the deaths that will follow from Medicaid cuts (Bloomberg News). And of course there's Elon's implicit threat to primary every Republican House member: "'Shame on those who voted for it,' said Musk, hinting that he may try to unseat the politicians responsible at next year's midterm elections" (BBC News, June 4, 2025). Good luck with trying to unseat all of the 215 Republicans who voted for it. And does that mean he'd support Democrats? Geez. That'll be the day.
So our job now is to work on ramping up the buyer's remorse out there. We have roughly 18 months until the 2026 elections. Now is the time to hone messages and to make plans. We need to flip a minimum of two state Senate seats and a handful of state Assembly seats (and of course elect a Democratic Governor) to enjoy control of state policy. We will also need to help flip the US Congress. And just our luck, there are two possible candidates — even if the congressional electoral maps don't change in time for the 2026 elections. So we have a concept of a plan. We'll be seeking volunteers to help lead and execute it, though. So we are counting on your grit and persistence!
Meanwhile, as we prepare for what is bound to be a busy and impactful political year, a lot of the focus in the news right now has been on the Medicaid cuts the big, ugly bill proposes. To see just how the cuts are likely to affect each congressional district, the Center for America Progress (CAP) has put together a tool to show how many Medicaid recipients are in each district and how much funding will be lost in each district if the bill passes as is. Medicaid expansion could significantly mitigate the cuts, though. The Department of Health Services explains that expanding Medicaid (aka BadgerCare) is the "'cornerstone' of its two-year budget proposal. It projects that taking federal dollars to expand Medicaid would lower state health-care costs by $1.9 billion over the next biennium, which runs from July 1 through June 30, 2027" (Public Health Watch, May 29, 2025). You know what to do: call your Assembly and Senate representatives to discuss the issue.
CAP has also provided an interactive map that will allow you to explore DOGE Cuts by City, State, and Congressional District. A cursory glance at the data suggests some political targeting, with a large number of cuts in the two congressional districts represented by Democrats. But the disparities might also reflect the number of grants at the two state research universities — UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. Or a combination of retribution and going where the money is.
Let's get busy.
TAKE ACTION
From Indivisible: Email your senators -- Republicans and Democrats -- to demand they speak out LOUDLY against the No Contempt Clause! The GOP hid a reckless provision to shield Trump officials from contempt of court in their Medicaid-slashing megabill. We need to get Republican senators on the record about that sneak-attack on democracy -- and push Democrats to disrupt Republicans’ anti-democracy agenda with every tool at their disposal.
Also from Indivisible: Call folks in key states to connect them with GOP senators and disrupt the Republican Tax Scam. As the Senate rewrites the reconciliation bill, we’re making sure vulnerable senators hear from their angry constituents by calling people to connect them directly to senators' offices! Phonebanks happen weekly, and anyone can join with just a phone and computer. Here’s a recorded phonebank training to hit the ground running!. Phone banks are scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 - 11:30am CDT through June 26.
From the League of Progressive Seniors: "Call our US Senators and tell them not to cut Medicaid and Medicare. Remind them that Wisconsin spends $ 2.1 billion a year to pay for long term care for the elderly and disabled persons. Medicaid covers the cost for about 6 in every 10 persons in nursing homes. If federal funds are cut WHO WILL PAY ?
Call:
Senator Ronald Johnson : DC Office 202-224-5323; Local Office 414-276-7282.
Senator Tammy Baldwin : DC office 202-224-5653; Local Office 414-297-4451.
And while you have them on the line, remind them to read the bill carefully and remove language that allows the administration to ignore the rule of law!"
From WAVE: Yesterday, some legislators introduced a package of lifesaving gun violence prevention bills. "The package includes some of our top policy priorities—evidence-based measures shown to reduce gun deaths in states where these policies are already law. It contains bills to:
- Require background checks on all gun sales – because Wisconsin must keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of already-prohibited people.
- Create an extreme risk law – because those closest to someone in a crisis must be empowered to stop a tragedy.
- Reinstate the 48-hour waiting period, which Republicans rescinded – because rage and despair should never pull the trigger.
- Prohibit ghost guns – because untraceable firearms keep showing up at crime scenes.
" WAVE points out that the measures won't move forward without bipartisan backing. So contact your legislators today and urge them to support these bills!
Postcards to Swing States: "Sign-ups for our postcard programs for this November's elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are off to a great start — click here to order those now. So far, volunteers have signed up to write 4 million postcards with us this year."
The page of instructions notes that the stamps currently cost $0.56. But it does not note that the price will increase to $0.62 on July 13. Since it takes up to 4 weeks for you to receive your postcards, you might want to purchase the stamps for them now.
EVENTS
Friday, June 6
Waukesha Resist: Peaceful Protest Supporting Our Veterans, 4:00 - 5:30pm
321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Waukesha Resist will be having another peaceful protest at Cutler Park (sidewalk in front of library). See more information.
Sunday, June 8
Shalom Ireland, All Day
Congregation Emanu-El B'Ne Jeshurun,
2020 W Brown Deer Rd, River Hills
Join us for Shalom Ireland: A Fusion of Jewish and Irish Music. Featuring our SLÁINTE-L’CHAYIM band - Cantor David Barash, Gillian Hitchcock, Jordan Kroeger, Heather Lewin, Brett Lipshutz, David Moss, Starr Moss, and Amy Richter. Shalom Ireland blends the soulful melodies of Klezmer with the lively rhythms of Celtic folk. This unique musical tradition celebrates the shared histories of both cultures, creating a vibrant and heartfelt sound that unites audiences through storytelling and song. Click here to become a sponsor and purchase tickets.
LWVMKE: Milwaukee Pride Parade, 1:30pm
2nd St in Walker's Point, Milwaukee
Join us as we proudly march with our partner, Planned Parenthood for the 21st celebration of our inclusive community. More info on the parade is here. Contact Kaye Vance at [email protected] to sign up OR to become a member of our new LGBTQ+ advocacy program. Planned Parenthood will have a float and has graciously offered a seat on the float for anyone with mobility issues.
Bystander Intervention Training, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Greendale Community Church, 6015 Clover Ln, Greendale
Bystander Intervention training will focus on ways to intervene when you're a bystander to racist, sexist, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, anti-Trans, or other forms of oppressive interpersonal violence, all while considering the safety of all parties. This workshop includes a learning segment of tips and strategies, how to document, knowing your rights as an intervener, and practice scenarios. Showing Up For Racial Justice-Milwaukee is a Southeastern Wisconsin network of groups and individuals undertaking the work of challenging and dismantling racism by calling in our fellow white people to learn, build relationships, organize, mobilize and act against white supremacy with passion and accountability. The program is FREE and open to the public. Register.
Tuesday, June 10
Protest Sign Making Party, 4:30 - 5:30pm
League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County Meeting Room 2212,
6737 W Washington St, Suite 2218, West Allis
Come join League members and make non-partisan signs to carry at marches or protests such as the "No Kings" protest on Jun 14th. Materials will be provided. Bring your creative skills!
Thursday, June 12
Lake Country's Canvass Training, 5:30 - 6:30pm
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Join us to learn how to canvass ahead of our next day of action (June 28th)! Whether you plan on canvassing in the City Waukesha, in the Lake Country area, in Southeastern Waukesha County, or any corner of our county - this is great opportunity for those who are new to canvassing or are looking for refresher. All interested must RSVP.
Saturday, June 14
NO KINGS Rally, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells, Milwaukee
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.
🚨On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.🚨
The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it. On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings. Sign up to attend the rally and march in Milwaukee. To find a rally somewhere else, check out nokings.org for more information.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Brookfield Resist: NO KINGS Rally, 11:00am - 1:00pm
19400 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield
On June 14th, let’s let Donald Trump know we reject authoritarianism and are building a movement that leaves him behind. They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings!
If not already done so, PLEASE SIGN UP. We need to know how many people to expect and be able to contact you with further instructions if necessary.
We will line up along the sidewalk in front of the Eble Ice Area. Do not block entrance. Depending on crowd size we may also line up on the sidewalk across the street.
See more information about the locale, the lettering on signs, and some suggested messages.
Tabling for Waukesha Dems at Waukesha Pride 2025, Multiple times available
We are looking for volunteers to help us at our table for Waukesha Pride on June 14th! The first time slot, from 11:30am-1:00pm, is for setup. The second and third time time slots (1pm-3pm & 3pm-5pm) are for staffing our vendor table during the event. The last time slot, from 5pm-6:30pm, is for take down. If you are interested, please sign up for any/all time slots which you're available for. Our coordinator will contact you via email a week prior to the event to confirm your shift time(s). Sign up.
Monday, June 16
Senator Larson's Annual Backyard Fundraiser, 5:00 - 7:00pm
3233 S Herman St, Milwaukee
Mark your calendars and join us on June 16th for an evening filled with friends, beverages, and good times. Donation levels: $500 Host | $250 Sponsor | $100 Activist | $50 Friend.
Thursday, June 19
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:30pm
200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our June Monthly Meeting! More details to follow.
Friday, June 20
Drag Show & Game Night Fundraiser, 6:00pm
Waukesha Elks Lodge #400, 2301 Springdale Rd, Waukesha
Celebrate Pride Month with the Waukesha Dems! We will have bingo, games, photo ops, and raffle prizes you won't want to miss out on! All the funds raised will go to support or 2025 plans to fight back on the Trump 2.0 agenda, and build for 2026 where we will win locally in April and keep Wisconsin blue in November. There will be no cash prizes. Games are for fun not gambling. Buy your tickets!
Save the Date
Saturday, June 21
Serve a Meal at the Ozaukee Food Alliance, TBD
Details to come
Please join us to prepare and serve a meal at the Ozaukee Food Alliance on Saturday, June 21. Email us at [email protected] if you’re interested and we will share the details with you.
Sunday, June 22
WI Helps Wisconsin Volunteer Fair, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Doctors Park,1870 E Fox Ln, Fox Point
Grassroots North Shore Promotes Wisconsin Safety Net at our Volunteer Fair. Our featured speaker is Robert Craig. Dr. Kraig is the Executive Director of Citizen Action of WI, which promotes activism and accountability in the areas of Health Care, Climate Action, Health Justice, and Energy Burden. We will be joined by the following organizations: Wisconsin Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, Voces de la Frontera, WAVE, and We Got This. Please sign up.
Saturday, July 12
Sierra Club: Fish for the Future, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Urban Ecology Center - Washington Park, 1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee
Thanks to the creativity and dedication of people from across the country, we’re about to break the record for the largest display of origami fish — each one a symbol of our shared commitment to protect the Great Lakes and shut down Line 5. With every fish, we’re sending a clear message: clean water matters more than corporate pipelines.
Now it’s time to bring it all together. On July 12 we’ll attempt to break the world record for the largest display of origami fish — and you’ll want to see it with your own eyes. Imagine a display of over 18,000 paper fish, each one telling a story, carrying a pledge, and making it impossible for decision-makers to ignore the call: Shut Down Line 5.
This isn’t just an art installation. It’s a movement. It’s a splash of resistance. And it’s a celebration of the people who believe in a future where our water is safe, clean, and protected. More details coming soon. RSVP.
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