NO KINGS Day was a smashing success! The consensus estimate of turnout is 7+ million people — all peaceful. Here's Rachel Maddow covering the No Kings rallies and marches in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, including the rally in Cathedral Square Park in Milwaukee! She does the states in alphabetical order so Wisconsin comes near the very end. Feel free to fast forward if you don't want to see all the protests she covers. Wisconsin coverage begins around the 19-minute mark. But don't blink: it's over in a trice!
If you went to one of the protests, Indivisible asks that you tell your story — posting photos and videos if you have them — on every social media platform you use. Tag your posts #NoKingsMoment. This use of social media will keep the story of the historical event alive and in people's social media feeds. Plus these stories, pictures, and videos will push back against Republican lies. On the No Kings website, you will see some memes you can download and also use. One of the images boasts that the No Kings event was 14x larger than both of Trump's inaugurations combined.
Opposition to the lawless Trump regime is growing. The numbers at the No Kings events tells us that. But we need to keep expanding. The Research Collaborative (our go-to experts on messaging) is holding an Activation Briefing on Tuesday, October 28, at 3:00pm CT. The webinar will focus on ways to activate others who are not yet turning out for protests or other important events. If you would like to attend, please fill out the registration form.
The next Grassroots North Shore event — What's Happening to the US Economy? Does it still work? — will take place online on Sunday, November 9, from 4:30 - 6:00pm. You do not want to miss it! Our panel of experts will explain how the economy works and how to counter the misinformation, manipulation and economic threats as the US economy faces increasing headwinds due to the administration's dangerous economic policies. Sign up.
Another event you will want to watch — The ICE Man Cometh — discussed what is happening in Wisconsin with ICE raids and its efforts to turn a small law enforcement office into bounty hunters for ICE. If you don't have time to watch the entire video, you can view the slide deck from the meeting.
By now you have undoubtedly seen pictures of the East Wing of the White House being demolished. MSNBC's MaddowBlog explains: It’s not just the facade: Team Trump has wrecked much of the White House’s East Wing. On Monday, it seemed the demolition was confined to the entrance, but pictures taken on Tuesday show that much of the East Wing had been demolished. Today, Reuters is reporting that the White House "will submit plans for President Donald Trump's $250 million White House ballroom project to a body that oversees federal building construction." The article on the MaddowBlog observes, "The report was oddly comedic, in a macabre sort of way: In 2025, a president and his team decide to bring in bulldozers to demolish much of the East Wing first, and then submit plans to the National Capital Planning Commission for a formal review." Rather like the "logic" in Alice in Wonderland as the Queen of Hearts declares "Sentence first—verdict afterwards" in the trial of the Knave of Hearts. And continuing confirmation that the Trump regime recognizes no constraints.
And did you hear about the $230 million in taxpayer money that Trump plans to approve giving to himself? The demand is somehow related to the criminal indictments he suffered and outran (with a big assist from the Supreme Court) "in compensation as damages for the investigations into Trump related to the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections and his handling of classified documents between his two presidencies" (YouTube). The press avail demonstrates how confused, and how rambling, our fearless leader is.
This is how Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo sums up where we are and why the demolition of the White House East Wing and the demand for "compensation" from the Department of Justice are linked to each other:
Trump has been operating as king or dictator for going on a year. There’s no accountability for anything. No limits, no penalties. So the demands keep spiraling. It’s one thing to say that Trump now has deputies that are 100% MAGA and offer none of the pushback or foot-dragging of his first-term team. But this is a next step in the process. When you’ve been living the impunity lifestyle for 10 months, it grows on you. Things occur to you that wouldn’t have occurred to you before, even to a predatory malefactor overflowing with insatiable appetites.
He’s increasingly reckless, acting like someone who is free from any consequences or the need for support from anyone beyond his admirers. The reality is that Trump is deeply unpopular.... [H]is approval numbers [are] really low, at unprecedented levels of unpopularity for anyone at this point in their presidency with the exception of his own first term.
Now for some catching up on Wisconsin election news. Congressman Tom Tiffany announced that he would enter the Republican primary for governor (Wisconsin Examiner, September 23, 2025). When he announced, there were already two Republicans in the race: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Whitefish Bay manufacturer Bill Berrien. But a few days later, Berrien dropped out of the race. Tiffany is currently the representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. Although the district is weighted pretty heavily toward Republicans — Dave's Redistricting has it at 57% Republican and 41% Democratic — Tiffany's resignation from Congress presents an opportunity, albeit a slim one, to flip the seat. Fortunately, a promising Democratic candidate, Fred Clark, has come forward. Clark is "a former Democratic state legislator and executive director of Wisconsin Green Fire" (Wisconsin Examiner, October 1, 2025).
Two other congressional districts, the 1st and the 3rd, are extremely competitive with a more or less 1% difference between the two main parties. Neither Gwen Moore's district (mostly Milwaukee) nor Mark Pocan's district (Madison and its suburbs) are at all in danger of electing a Republican, while the 5th, 6th, and 8th districts are all strongly Republican. Our best shots at flipping congressional seats this cycle are in the 1st and 3rd districts with the open seat in the 7th a long shot.
The Democratic Party will have a primary for the governor's race that is chock full of aspirants. "Official candidates include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong and beer vendor Ryan Strnad" (Wisconsin Examiner, September 23, 2025). Ballotpedia also lists Zachary Roper, a 22-year-old political science major at Carthage College, as a declared candidate in the Democratic primary (WMTV, October 21, 2025). There's still plenty of time for others to join the fun. Stay tuned.
TAKE ACTION
Indivisible together with the allied organizations who have produced the No Kings events has two action items on its website:
- Know Your Rights Resource Guide includes How to Prepare for the Protest and Organizing a Community Response. It also includes a link to printable "Know Your Rights" cards in many different languages. These are very useful to hand out to people who might be targets for ICE.
- Take Action Now: Movements that last don't end after one day of action — they evolve. The No Kings Alliance is a nationwide rapid response network built to meet this moment: coordinating across our movement to push back in real time against authoritarian attacks.
Bookmark the No Kings Alliance page and look for a new action once a week.
Join the Dems' Weekly Voter Protection Phone bank. Love talking to voters and giving them an opportunity to protect our democracy? You’re in luck! Help our team recruit poll workers for the 2026-2027 election cycle at one of our weekly phone banks! We’ll train you how to make phone calls to potential poll workers, and provide a script. Our phone banks will run twice a week on Monday nights and Thursday nights from 5-7pm CT.
Sign up to become a poll worker for the 2026-2027 election cycle! Interested in becoming a Poll Worker for the upcoming election cycle? Curious about what it entails? Join our Poll Worker Info Sessions! These 30-minute Zoom sessions will run every Tuesday night (5-5:30pmCT) and Thursday afternoon (1-1:30pmCT) throughout this summer and fall. We’ll discuss the specifics of the nomination process, as well as the requirements and basics of being a poll worker, and you can ask our team any questions that you might have! Poll Workers are essential to the voting process and protecting the rights of voters and small-d democracy. It also provides an opportunity for you to serve your community in an essential civic capacity and to get to know your neighbors better.
EVENTS
Wednesday, October 22
No Tricks, Just Treats: A Democratic Majority Awaits, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
Location in Shorewood shared with RSVP
A fundraiser to re-elect Deb Andraca. Please RSVP to [email protected] or (414) 485-5284. Even if you can't attend, you can always make a donation!
Unite and Rise Trainings, 2:30 - 4:00pm CDT
Virtual
Building coalitions means being reflective, resonant, and responsive to the needs of your community. League members are active members in their communities, they know them well and they are advocates for issues concerning elections, voter registration, voter guides, and candidates. As trusted messengers in their communities Leagues have institutional knowledge and the information that excels civic engagement.
To build upon the legacy of the League as the trusted resource of election information, Leagues would benefit from an event that underscores the importance of coalition-building with an emphasis on anchoring diverse lived experience and connecting with voters who might not have access to their local Leagues. It is by way of connecting with these voters that deep coalition is built across country of origin, or socio-economic status, or education level. The League is a lever for connecting the dots as championing voting rights for all in our democracy.
Join, Democracy Truth Project manager, Chelsey Cartwright, Founder and CEO of MOV Strategies, Brencia Berry, and Associate Professor of Political Science at Howard University, Dr. Marcus Board, for a conversation on what intentional coalition-building looks like. How do you build relationships with similar “fight for democracy” organizations that speak to inclusion, expanding access and opportunity, and make space for all of those looking for a seat at the table. Register.
Rally Together to Take Back Power, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Looking to cut through the chaos and actually make a difference this year? Want to connect with other badass women who are ready to take action? Join Red Wine & Blue to learn why stopping extremism starts in our own backyards and why local elections are where we have the power. Friend to friend organizing is one of our most powerful tools and we will share how you can use it to win important races in your community. We’ll give you the training and resources you need to make a huge impact in your local races while building power for the future. This is how we fight back! See you there! Register.
From Protests to the Polls, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
We are protesting, standing up for our rights, and making our voices heard. Now let’s take that energy and turn it into wins at the ballot box! The best way to fight the chaos from DC right now is by electing local leaders who share our values and will stand up to federal threats. You can make a HUGE difference–but we only have a few weeks to get it done! Join Red Wine & Blue to learn why stopping extremism starts in our own backyards and why local elections are where we have the power. Friend to friend organizing is one of our most powerful tools and we will share how you can use it to win important races in your community. We’ll give you the training and resources you need to make a huge impact in your local races while building power for the future. This is how we fight back! See you there! Register.
Thursday, October 23
Indivisible: Weekly coming together in community, 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Online
The onslaught of news, the chaos coming out of the White House – it’s all meant to overwhelm us. It’s a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote: Coming together in community to process what’s happening, to sift through what’s important and what’s just noise, and coalesce around strategies for fighting back. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan. REGISTER HERE
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
The People’s Review of Derrick Van Orden, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
Virtual
Some Representatives allow the public to share feedback through open Google reviews, but not Derrick. He doesn’t want constituents to have a platform to voice their opinions, so we’re creating one. Join Dan Machalik of For our Future Wisconsin to share your review of DVO’s job performance, and we’ll publish them on social media to show what the community really thinks. Register.
Lakefront Dems Social 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
1750 N Lincoln Memorial Drive
Join the Lakefront Dems at the War Memorial Beer Garden! Whether you've canvassed before or are just interested getting involved, bring a friend (or two!) to hear about the great work we've done in past cycles and where we're going. RSVP.
Saturday, October 25
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CDT
Democratic Party of Ozaukee County, 1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10 - 11am for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Thursday, October 30
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
Friday, October 31
Bridging Across the Political Divide, 10:00 - 11:00am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee
You are invited to the LPS Forum on the values of diverse groups in our communities. Learn how these values impact our ability to communicate about the current political crisis. For more Information, contact Karen Royster. Let us know if you plan to attend or if you're interested but cannot attend.
Saturday, November 1
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Mequon, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Mequon (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our Can’t Afford to Wait Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Brookfield and Elm Grove, 9:00am & 12:00pm
Mequon (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Hartland and Delafield! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Hartland (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Menomonee Falls! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Menomonee Falls (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Muskego! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Menomonee Falls (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Waukesha City! 9:00am & 12:00pm
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Pewaukee, 9:00am & 12:00pm
Pewaukee (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Oconomowoc and Dousman! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Pewaukee (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in New Berlin! 9:00am & 12:00pm
New Berlin (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Sunday, November 2
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Mequon, 9:00am & 12:00pm
Mequon (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our Can’t Afford to Wait Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Muskego! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Menomonee Falls (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Pewaukee, 9:00am & 12:00pm
Pewaukee (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in Oconomowoc and Dousman! 9:00am & 12:00pm
Pewaukee (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Canvass in Waukesha City! 9:00am & 12:00pm
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
One Year to Win: Weekend of Action Canvass in New Berlin! 9:00am & 12:00pm
New Berlin (exact address on sign up)
Join us for our One Year to Win Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! Sign up here.
Wednesday, November 5
Fair Maps Activist Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:30pm CDT
Virtual
Fair Maps Activist Monthly Meeting zoom link (this same link will be used for all of 2025): Sign up.
Thursday, November 6
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
Friday, November 7
courage+ family gala 2025, 5:30pm CDT
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
This year, we’re not only celebrating 10 years of coming together to support LGBTQ+ youth. The 2025 gala also will mark our inaugural year as Courage+ and, with it, our extended reach beyond Milwaukee. More information and buy tickets.
Saturday, November 8
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Sunday, November 9
What's Happening to the US Economy? Does it still work?, 4:30 - 6:00pm CDT
Virtual
The US economy faces increasing headwinds due to the administration's dangerous economic policies. Our panel will explain how the economy works and how to counter the misinformation, manipulation and economic threats we face.
Our Panel of Experts
- Dr. William Holahan is an emeritus professor of economics and authors economic policy articles for a variety of local publications.
- Luz Sosa is the founder of an organization that provides financial literacy training. She also teaches a wide range of economic topics.
- Dr. Michael Rosen is an author and professor who taught economics for 29 years and served as president of the faculty union.
Save the Date
Tuesday, November 11
Milwaukee Veterans for Peace: Armistice Day, 6:30 - 8:00pm CDT
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N 25th St, Milwaukee
Music begins at 6:30pm and program starts at 7pm.
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