July 2025

• Complex relationship between US and Iran

  • U.S.–Iran tensions are rooted in history, beginning with Western exploitation of Iranian oil and culminating in a U.S.-backed coup in 1953 that overthrew Iran’s democratic leader.

  • Authoritarian rule under the Shah and U.S. involvement fueled domestic unrest, eventually leading to the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the rise of anti-U.S. sentiment.

  • Attempts at diplomacy have fluctuated, from the Iran Nuclear Deal under Obama to its dismantling by Trump, with relations remaining unstable today.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Advocate for informed, diplomacy-first foreign policy by supporting leaders who prioritize peace-building, and educate peers about the historical roots of U.S.–Iran relations to push for smarter, more ethical international engagement.

• Transgender Rights On The State & Federal Levels in North Carolina

  • Trans rights are under coordinated attack in 2025 through state and federal laws targeting healthcare, sports participation, education, and military service—often under the guise of “protecting children” or “fairness.”

  • North Carolina is a key battleground, with laws banning gender-affirming care for minors, barring trans women and girls from sports, and inserting transphobic language into unrelated legislation—all aligned with Trump administration policies.

  • Federal actions under Trump have intensified, including executive orders banning gender-affirming care and military service for trans people, restricting passport gender markers, and pushing anti-trans enforcement of Title IX.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.:

  • Join or support local and national advocacy groups (like the ACLU, Transgender Law Center, or Equality NC), and work to elect pro-LGBTQ+ officials at every level. Speak out publicly, organize or attend rallies, and help educate your peers on how these laws harm real people—especially youth—by sharing stories, facts, and ways to take action.

• Six Fords Road Widening Has Been Scrapped

  • Raleigh City Council canceled the Six Forks Road widening project due to skyrocketing costs, which rose from $56.1 million to $93.5 million—a 67% increase.

  • The project had over a decade of planning and community engagement, but rising land costs made it unsustainable.

  • Funds will be redirected to improve pedestrian safety, including closing a sidewalk gap near Carroll Magnet Middle School.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Advocate for smart, equitable urban development by supporting investments in pedestrian and transit infrastructure. Attend city planning meetings, push for climate-friendly alternatives to road expansion, and back candidates who prioritize community input and sustainable growth.

• Local Election Filling Begins

  • Candidate filing for Wake County municipal elections began on July 7 and runs through July 15; elections will be held on November 4, with a voter registration deadline of October 10.

  • Wake County Board of Commissioners races have moved to even-numbered years, so they will not appear on this year’s ballot.

  • More details on candidates will be available after the filing deadline.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat:

  • Mark your calendar and double-check your registration before the October 10 deadline. Start learning about local issues, attend candidate forums, and be ready to volunteer or canvass for progressive candidates who align with your values in the November election.