Hope Isn’t Canceled. Here’s Proof.

From after-school funding to union contracts and a city turning it around this week delivered some glimpses of hope

Jul 21, 2025

Hola!

It is Sunday again. And today is also Colombian Independence Day!

We don’t really celebrate it like folks do here on July 4th, so I’m not even sure why I’m telling you that… but hey, it’s a fun fact!

This week I’ve been trying a new strategy to manage my anxiety.

I’m focusing on what I need to handle right now and trusting that “future Sylvia” will know how to handle the rest when her time comes.

There’s a big presentation I have to give in September. Just thinking about it used to make me freeze. But the truth is, it’s not today’s problem.

“Future Sylvia” will take care of that in August.

Something else that’s helped? Sharing good news, not just here, but with some of my friends you probably know and love. We started a weekly series of good news stories, and it’s already getting a great response. So yes, it’s staying!

Now let’s talk about some of this week’s wins.

Survivors of domestic violence just won a major victory

The Department of Justice has officially dropped its attempt to cut federal funding for the American Bar Association’s domestic violence programs. These funds help survivors access legal services during one of the hardest moments of their lives. The government backing off means that support stays in place, and survivors can keep getting the help they need.

A father of 3 U.S. Marines is free

Narciso Barranco, an immigrant father from Orange County, was released on bond this week, three weeks after being violently detained by ICE while working his landscaping job in Santa Ana.

Video from the scene showed him being pinned to the ground and punched. His arrest drew national concern, especially given that all three of his children are active-duty U.S. Marines. After strong community advocacy, he’s now back with his family.

Baltimore is showing what’s possible

Baltimore is having a really good year, and it’s no accident. Homicides are down. School attendance is up. Communities feel safer.

This didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of work: investing in education, youth programs, and community-centered safety strategies. It’s a hopeful reminder that when cities invest in people, good things follow.

Workers keep winning — from grocery stores to Hollywood

This week brought major labor victories:

45,000+ California grocery workers ratified contracts that include wage increases and protections.
The DNC staff approved a union contract with strong raises.
SNL’s visual effects artists secured a deal with healthcare and AI protections.

Momentum is building, and workers are making the most of it.

Over $1 billion in after-school funding is back on track

After pushback from states and lawmakers, the Trump administration is releasing more than $1 billion for after-school and summer programs. These funds support millions of students, and now, that support can continue.

Trump’s immigration approval hits a new low

Trump’s approval rating on immigration has dropped to 41%, the lowest since his return to the White House. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that most Americans disapprove of his harsh tactics, including public arrests and workplace raids.

Oh!! And I have some personal good news to share with you.

If you missed last week’s edition, I introduced you to Bob, the red dragonfly who likes to hang out on a stick in my backyard.