Let's begin today's offerings with some redistricting news. First, Republicans in Indiana have declined to draw new congressional maps, despite enormous pressure from Trump and J.D. Vance. Two days ago, CNN reported that "Republicans in Indiana have for months been hearing conflicting messages: Demands to join the nationwide redistricting arms race from President Donald Trump’s administration and his allies – and nearly unanimous opposition to the idea from their constituents, even in deep-red districts that back the president." Then today, another CNN article, headlined ‘Blackmail’: Indiana Senate Republicans say no to redistricting despite Trump’s primary threats, details the last-minute threats DJT together with the MAGA governor of the state are making. But the state legislature already voted to convene for the next session in early January 2026.
Also in the "No Thanks" column is Kansas. And then we have a Utah judge denies GOP-passed congressional map in a ruling issued on Monday, November 10. Meanwhile, as you probably already know, California passed Proposition 50, to allow the state to engage in its own mid-cycle redistricting to counter the new gerrymandered maps in Texas. And the vote was both voluminous — about 50% of voters turned out — and overwhelming: 65% of voters approved! Also on the BLUE side of the ledger, Maryland is actively considering a redistricting push. And the new Democratic majory in the Virginia House of Delegates — they flipped 13 seats in the November election and now enjoy a majority of 64-35 — is also contemplating a plan.
But a bombshell came out of a three-judge panel of the federal district court in Texas: Federal judges block Texas from using its new US House map in the 2026 midterms on November 17. The panel "blocked Texas from using a redrawn U.S. House map that touched off a nationwide redistricting battle and is a major piece of President Donald Trump’s efforts to preserve a slim Republican majority ahead of the 2026 elections" (AP, November 18, 2025). The vote was 2-1, with a judge appointed by Trump and one appointed by Obama in the majority. The ruling states that "substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 Map." For now, the panel issued an injunction and Texas promptly appealed to the Supreme Court. But the clock is ticking. The deadline to qualify for the ballot next year is Monday, December 8. So district lines have to have been established before then. In fact filing for a place on the ballot began on November 8 — nine days before the injunction was issued! You can track all the mid-cycle redistricting efforts at this site.
In Wisconsin, "liberal groups have found new ways to challenge the maps that the state Supreme Court appears open to considering. This time, plaintiffs are requesting the court appoint a three-judge panel to hear their partisan gerrymandering case, and a new group has stepped into the fray with a lawsuit that argues a novel anticompetitive gerrymandering claim." One of the lawsuits comes from the Wisconsin firm Law Forward; the other from the Elias Law Group, headed by the nationally prominent voting rights lawyer Marc Elias. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin (SCOWIS) issued an order in late September asking the litigants to file briefs on whether SCOWIS needs to appoint a judicial panel of three judges to hear the cases, in accordance with a 2011 law the Republican-controlled legislature passed.
In another bit of legal news, Brad Schimel has been appointed interim U.S. Attorney for eastern Wisconsin. His appointment comes after a breakdown in the process for nominating for the position. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put it, "In Wisconsin, the state's U.S. senators create a six-person committee to recommend candidates for the position. Then the president nominates a person to the Senate for approval. None of the candidates in either Wisconsin district got enough votes to advance." Urban Milwaukee, though, notes that "Sen. Tammy Baldwin charges that the Trump administration is sidestepping the commission established by herself and Sen. Ron Johnson at the start of the 119th congress." Disregarding the constitution and the law? Nothing to see here.
In stunningly good news, the citizens of Palmyra, Wisconsin, have persuaded the village board and the local police to abandon seeking a 287(g) Task Force agreement with ICE "that would have made it the first police department in Wisconsin to allow its officers to interrogate people about immigration status and make federal immigration arrests" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 17, 2025). Originally, the interim police chief told WISN TV "that the police department had a financial incentive for pursuing the partnership, because money would be offered to the department for each arrest of an undocumented person."
You can fill yourself up with Epstein file news without my help. But in just breaking news of yet another judicial setback for the Trump regime, CNN's site covering the Comey trial announced, Lindsey Halligan says full grand jury never saw final indictment it handed up against Comey. This is a humongous OOPSIE, to say the least. Democracy Docket goes into considerably more detail, beginning its article "federal prosecutors admitted Wednesday that the grand jury handling the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey never reviewed or voted on the final indictment used to charge him — a virtually unprecedented revelation that could topple the entire case." Later the article explains that "the admission strikes at the most basic safeguard in the criminal justice system — the requirement that ordinary citizens, not political leaders, decide when someone can be charged with a crime. By evading that principle, the Trump-led DOJ appears to have rewritten the indictment in secret after the grand jury rejected one of the original charges, then filed the altered document without ever sending it back to the jurors."
Finally, a reminder that Judge Hannah Dugan's trial is set to begin on December 15. If the trial goes forward, there will be a vigil at the Federal Court House. However, plea negotiations are ongoing and according to interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel, "typically movement doesn't happen until 'the 11th hour,' which is approaching in the Dugan case." A final pretrial hearing is set for November 26, at which point plea negotiations will have been reached or not. If not, the trial will proceed.
TAKE ACTION
Indivisible's All In for Aftyn: Special Election Phonebank for TN-07. Help us flip a red seat blue and deliver a big win for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district! We’ll be using Scale to Win, our easy-to-use calling tool, to connect with voters across TN-07 and ensure that they have a plan to vote in this critical special election.
A short phonebanking training will be included at the beginning of each phonebank, so both first-time dialers and phonebank pros are welcome to join. Be sure to have both a computer and a phone so that you can make calls to voters. Phonebanks are taking place Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Weekday times are 5:00 - 6:30pm; Saturdays 12:00 - 1:30pm. The in-person early voting period runs from November 12 to November 26, 2025. The special general election will be held December 2. Sign up.
The Milwaukee Voter Project will hold its last online training of the year on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00PM. If you are new to MVP or just want to brush up on our procedures, please email Laura at [email protected] to request the Zoom training link. (NOTE - training sessions last about 1 hour.)
Indivisible is promoting action to boycott Spotify: Cancel your Spotify Premium subscription until Spotify stops running ICE ads. Spotify is running ads recruiting more ICE agents to infringe our rights and terrorize our communities, so we’re calling on users to stop paying for or using the app until Spotify stops streaming fascism. Don’t use Spotify? Support the campaign by spreading the word on social media with this toolkit.
Postcards to Swing States has recently begun a new campaign to Write News Boosting Postcards! According to the project's website, the postcards "help combat disinformation and make sure voters in states with key elections in 2026 learn how harmful the Trump/GOP agenda is for them." The organization mails you the postcards for free, provides voter lists, and instructions. You supply the stamps. The postcards come in lots of 100, up to 500. So find yourself a group of postcard writers and get busy.
EVENTS
Wednesday, November 19
Banned Book Club: The Best We Could Do, 6:30pm
Virtual
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui is an illustrated memoir describing the experience of the author’s parents living in Vietnam before and during the VietnamWar, and then their escape to the United States as refugees when Bui was just a child. It was targeted for banning in a California public library system with the reason given that it was not suitable for people under 18. Sign up.
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help.
Thursday, November 20
Fund the Flip event for Robyn Vining, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location provided upon registration
Representative Robyn Vining is running for WI State Senate District 5 in what has been deemed the most “flippable” seat in the entire state legislature. No one knows how to “flip" better than Robyn! She was the first Democrat to flip a legislative seat on the most gerrymandered map in the country in 2018, and she's defeated all of her Republican opponents since then. Her most recent flip was in 2024, when she soundly defeated the incumbent after she was redistricted into the 13th District, winning 57% of the vote. Another flip! Robyn is a great candidate and an even better legislator. And she’s our best chance to break long-held Republican control of our state legislature in order to begin governing again for all Wisconsinites. Learn more about Robyn. RSVP for Fund the Flip.
Surviving the Big Ugly Bill: Small Businesses & Non-Profits & NGOS, Oh my! 6:00 - 7:30pm
Location provided upon registration
Join us IN MILWAUKEE for our LAST SESSION in our informational series about Trump's "Big Ugly Bill"! This week we address the bill's impact on small businesses and non-profits, especially those in Wisconsin. Republicans have voted to cut tax credits for millions of Americans, and the cons of this bill far outweigh any positives. Have you heard conflicting information about how this bill will impact you? Join us IN PERSON to get the facts and submit your own questions! Sign up.
Troublemaking 101: Organizing to Change Your Community, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Ready to make a difference in your community? From fighting bad policy to electing commonsense candidates, grassroots groups are a game changer. And it’s no surprise that the majority of local groups are led by women – because we get sh*t done! You can do it too – and we are here to help. Join our Troublemaking 101 training to learn organizing basics, how to get started, and how Red Wine & Blue can help you be successful. You will hear from other RWB members who have started local groups and learn how to connect with RWB grassroots leaders nationwide. This is how we build power – together we are unstoppable! See you there! Sign up.
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting: Supreme Court Candidate Chris Taylor, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St., Waukesha
Join us as we welcome Judge Chris Taylor to talk about her campaign for the WI Supreme Court. We will also be holding leadship elections at this meeting. Please come early to facilitate a smooth sign in and timely start to the meeting.
Friday, November 21
The Property Tax -School Funding Dilemma, 10:00am
Wauwatosa Library Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa
Can Wisconsin have good schools without taxing people out of their homes? Join the League of Progressive Seniors for a forum with WI State Representative Robyn Vining, followed by a discussion of school funding and housing affordability. For more information, contact David Weingrod.
Saturday, November 22
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste 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!
Local Actions to Fight Climate Change, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Summit Place, 6737 W Washington St, West Allis
The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee presents Local Actions to Fight Climate Change, featuring Erick Shambarger, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, and Grant Helle, Milwaukee County Sustainability Director. Learn about our local governments’ efforts to address climate change. Register.
Grassroots North Shore Poster Party, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Shorewood Recreation & Community Services, 1701 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood
Be ready for any rally! Express yourself and say what needs to be said! Make your own poster -- GRNS supplies the materials on Saturday, November 22nd, 10:30 - noon; Shorewood recreation center. RSVP to Shirley Horowitz.
Waukesha Protest, 11:00am - 12:30pm
321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha
Theme - Remove the Regime & Release the Epstein Files. It's never just a protest, it is a FUN FEST.
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.
Shorewood Hang with Hong, 4:00 - 6:00pm
4488 N Oakland Ave
Meet State Rep. Francesca Hong, Candidate for Governor! Fran is a mom, service worker, chef, and community organizer. She is running on policies to improve the lives of every Wisconsinite - universal childcare, guaranteed paid leave, fully-funding our public schools, and expanded Badgercare for all. Sign up.
Sunday, November 23
Packers vs. Vikings Watch Party Fundraiser, 12:00pm
Tulip Tavern, 509 6th St, Racine
A FUNdraiser for Trevor Jung, Democrat for State Senate District 21. Senate District 21 is the most competitive, winnable district in Wisconsin next year. Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin received 50% and 51% of the vote here respectively. Winning this seat is essential to securing a Democratic majority in the Wisconsin State Senate—and together, we can make it happen. So let’s fire up the campaign, cheer on the Packers, and build the team it will take to win this race. All are welcome to attend. If you can pitch in, the suggested donation is $30 in honor of my 30th birthday — but if you can give even more, we're also seeking sponsors for this event. RSVP and/or donate.
Tuesday, November 25
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Tuesday, December 2
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Saturday, December 6
Ozaukee Indivisible Pt. Washington Protest, 10:00am
762 W Grand Ave, Port Washington
The Ozaukee Dems affirms the right to peacefully protest the wrongful actions and overreach of the Trump Administration. We invite members to join our friends from Ozaukee Indivisible in their various actions.
Dems Holiday and Nomination Signature Drive! various times
various locations
Join a North Shore group of Dems for our last event of 2025! We'll be collecting winter clothing and accessories and toys to give away to families in need ahead of the holiday season. Join us for a drink or two and sign nomination signatures for Judge Chris Taylor while you're at it! Events will be held on this date in
- Lakefront (1915 N Water St, Apt 208, Milwaukee) from 3:30 - 5:00pm;
- Fox Point/Bayside (9293 N Waverly Dr, Bayside) from 4:00 - 5:30pm;
- Glendale (6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale) from 4:30 - 6:00pm.
4th CD Holiday Party 6:00 - 9:00pm
Broken Bat Brewery (The Lumber Room), 135 Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
Because the government shutdown caused considerable hardship for families in Milwaukee and our state, we're asking everyone who's able to bring one or more canned goods to help support our local food pantries and those who need it most. Tickets (donations) are $25 and up. Please JOIN US in celebrating this holiday season and our accomplishments from the past year.
Save the Date
Tuesday, December 9
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Shorewood Dems Holiday and Nomination Signature Drive! 7:00 - 8:00pm
3900 Estabrook Pkwy, Shorewood
Join Shorewood Dems for our last event of 2025! We'll be collecting winter clothing and accessories and toys to give away to families in need ahead of the holiday season. Join us for a drink or two and sign nomination signatures for Judge Chris Taylor while you're at it! Sign up.
Wednesday, December 10
Navigating Civil Liberties, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Inventors Brewpub Edison Room, 305 East Washington Street, Pt Washington
Immigrant rights, Citizen rights, Private Property, 287(g), Red Card. Facilitated by Norma Duckworth from Voces de la Frontera. Use the "Check availability" button on the website to sign up.
December Banned Book Club: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Virtual
The House of the Spirits is the first novel by world-renowned author, Isabel Allende. The novel is a family saga that spans three generations of a Chilean family living through a turbulent time. The book uses magical realism to explore political and social issues. Parents in North Carolina and California have attempted to have Allende’s book removed from school curriculum because they felt it was too graphic. Sign up.
Saturday, December 13
Voter Registration Training, 9:30 - 11:30am
Summit Place, Room Glass Patio
6737 W Washington St, Milwaukee
If you need to be trained to help people register to vote using MyVote.gov, this is the training for you! If you need refresher training on how to help people register to vote using MyVote.gov, this is for you! Registration is required but not yet available.
Ozaukee County Democrats Winter Clothing Driving and Judge Chris Taylor Nomination Signature Event! 10:00am - 1:30pm
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste. 103, Grafton
Join us on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Coffee, Tea, and Democracy, and again on Wednesday, December 17 from 5–7 p.m. (with our monthly membership meeting to follow). We’ll be collecting winter clothing donations and gathering signatures for Judge Chris Taylor’s nomination papers to help ensure she’s on the ballot this spring! Learn more and sign up.
Milwaukee County Winter Holiday Giveaway, 12:00 - 2:00pm
WI Dems Field Office, 8405 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee
Wisconsin Democrats are Supporting Families in a Time of Rising Costs! Join us for our Winter Warmth Giveaway, a community event offering free coats and toys to children and families in need. New and gently used coats and winter clothing will be available in a variety of sizes for kids and adults. Toys for children of all ages—just in time for the holidays! Whether you're looking to keep your family warm or bring a smile to a child’s face, this event is here to help. PLEASE RSVP TO HELP ESTIMATE ATTENDANCE - This event is first come, first serve! Sign up.
Monday, December 15
Astor Street Regulars: Craig Gilbert, 12:00pm
Wisconsin Club, 900 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Craig Gilbert, a keen observer of national and Wisconsin politics, will analyze the political environment in Wisconsin and nationally ahead of the 2026 midterms, and explore how Donald Trump has managed to wield so much power despite spending almost his entire political career "under water" in the polls (more disliked than liked by the American public.) Please respond by Wednesday, December 10th by contacting Phyllis Bankier. Lunch will be $35. Cash preferred, pay at the door. We must hold you to your reservations as we are charged for all lunches not canceled 5 days before the event.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore 
|
Visit and Like us on Facebook!  |
Support Grassroots North Shore
|
Join us on BlueSky
|
Showing 1 reaction