What Happened Today - 18 April 2025 - Good Friday

Only good news for today’s post.  I don’t even want to dig to see what’s happening today.  😊 

What happened Today – 18 April 2025 – Good Friday
Today is Good Friday—a day that should be about reflection, rest, and spending time with loved ones, not getting sucked into the endless noise of the propaganda machines. This weekend, I’m choosing to step back from the outrage cycle and encourage everyone else to do the same. There’s more to life than doom-scrolling through political spin, especially when so much of it is designed to divide us or distract from what really matters.
THE BEST NEWS worth highlighting is that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is alive! 
After weeks of stonewalling, Senator Chris Van Hollen was able to meet with him in person. But the details around this visit are strange and raise more questions than answers. Garcia was seen in civilian clothes, not a prison jumpsuit—where did those come from? The meeting didn’t happen at the notorious CECOT mega-prison where he’s being held, but at a “fancy” location, possibly arranged to make things look better for the cameras. No one’s saying exactly where it was which could add to the sense that this was a staged event rather than a real check on his well-being.  However, the fact that Hollen did get to see him and pass a message back to his wife is something that I think we are all greatful for.  
Meanwhile, let’s be clear about the narrative the right is pushing: they keep claiming that “Democrats want to release a dangerous MS-13 member.” That’s just not true. The reality is that Americans—people who care about fairness and due process—want to see a father released who was targeted and deported based on nothing more than his ethnicity, tattoos, and a lot of assumptions. There’s never been any real evidence against him, just whispers and shadows, and the administration’s refusal to admit their mistake is shameful.
Massive Nationwide Protests Planned
Grassroots organizations like 50501 are leading a wave of anti-Trump protests scheduled for April 19, with events planned in every state and hundreds of cities. These demonstrations are focused on defending civil rights, judicial independence, and core democratic values. The movement is gaining momentum and visibility, showing that resistance is alive and well across the country.  To find a protest near you, go to:  https://www.fiftyfifty.one  I do plan on attending the Denver, CO one to take some pictures – will post as I get through edits, etc..  
Democrats and Allies Finding Their Backbone
There’s a real surge of energy among Democrats and progressives. This week saw big, energized town halls, with people eager to learn how to fight back. In Montana, two major left-leaning figures rallied crowds to “fight oligarchy” and push back on Trump’s policies. Democratic lawmakers are traveling, speaking out, and highlighting abuses—like Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador to shine a light on Trump’s overreach with immigration and deportations. Universities like Harvard, MIT, and Princeton are refusing to cave to Trump’s threats and demands, standing up for academic freedom and constitutional rights.
Courts and Legal Resistance
Federal judges continue to block Trump’s most extreme executive actions, issuing nationwide injunctions that have stopped everything from mass deportations to attacks on birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, but for now, lower courts have kept those protections in place.
Bipartisan Push to Rein in Tariffs  
A bipartisan group in Congress is pushing legislation to limit Trump’s power to impose tariffs unilaterally. There’s growing public opposition to Trump’s tariffs, with a majority of Americans wanting Congress to step in and block them. Even some Republicans are joining Democrats in demanding more oversight and checks on executive power.
Public Engagement and Awareness Rising:
People who once felt overwhelmed or tuned out are now paying attention and getting involved. Town halls are packed, and there’s a sense that Americans are ready to hold their leaders accountable and demand better—especially when it comes to protecting healthcare, Social Security, and the rights of vulnerable communities.
The resistance to Trump isn’t just alive—it’s growing. People are marching, speaking out, organizing, and using every tool available to defend democ
racy and push back against authoritarian overreach. Institutions that once hesitated are now standing firm. There’s a long way to go, but this week showed real momentum—and that’s good news for anyone who wants to see the Trump “madness” stopped in its tracks.

Take a breath this weekend. Step away from the noise. Remember what actually matters: truth, dignity, and standing up for real justice—not whatever the spin of the day might be.

Happy Easter to those who celebrate.  

If this has helped, please like and share—cause good trouble. 

Go Cause Good Trouble, with Your Elbows Up!

**These are facts that I researched and verified – AI helped put together some sentence structure, but the words and tone are mine. These are my views based upon facts, research and thoughtful consideration using logic. I own the copyright to any images used, and I’m comfortable to stand alone to uphold truth.  Feel free to check me, but do not attack me. I am only causing good trouble.**