Service, Survival, and Stories That Endure.

November 5, 2025

In today’s newsletter:

• Weathering The Storm - 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina.

• Get to Know Rick Smith! November 13th.

• I Do Solemnly Swear | Federal Aviation Administration Employee Pt. 3.

• The Activated Mexican | The Hidden Story of Taco Bell—How a Mexican Café Launched a Fast-Food Empire.

• FSTV Thanks YOU!

Weathering the Storm: 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina is a moving series that looks back at one of America’s most devastating disasters through the voices of survivors, activists, and artists who lived it. Katrina’s story is not just history—it’s a warning of the climate crisis we face today, fueled by fossil fuels and environmental racism. This Hip Hop Caucus series examines how Hurricane Katrina transformed New Orleans, reshaped lives, and inspired a movement for climate justice. Watch the trailer and join us in honoring the resilience of the Gulf South while pushing for bold action to protect our planet and our communities.

Rick Smith has an event in November and you're invited! Mark your calendars for November 13th to ask questions, join members of the community, and find out where we go from here. Scan the QR code to register for this free event and get all the details!

I Do Solemnly Swear is a series of first-person accounts from over a dozen current federal employees across agencies like the FAA, CDC, EPA, IRS, and more. The series is directed by acclaimed filmmakers Laura Nix (Oscar and Emmy-nominated, Peabody-winner) and Marc Weiss (creator of PBS’s POV), in partnership with Federal Workers Against DOGE. These audio interviews are emotional, authentic stories of what happens when government is hollowed out from the inside: delayed veterans’ care, abandoned environmental protections, understaffed air traffic control towers. These workers speak with striking clarity about how service to the public is being quietly unraveled. These interviews were conducted in April and May 2025. Some voices and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the participants' identities.

Want to watch the full episode? Click the link below!

Discover the surprising roots behind the iconic Taco Bell: in this revealing video, host Erik Garcia (The Activated Mexican) traces the chain’s origin back to a modest family-run spot — Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, founded in 1937 by Mexican immigrant Lucia Rodríguez. Learn how hardworking community cuisine and cultural generosity gave rise to one of America’s biggest fast-food brands, and why the story matters for generational wealth, cultural ownership and business innovation.

Thank You!

The resistance showed up! This past Thursday and Friday you helped us fight back the ghouls haunting America and made FSTV’s Halloween Special a success. 

We even got to have some fun! Did you get to see Thom’s costume or the creative spots from FSTV’s team? 

The Free Speech TV community came together to raise nearly $7000. And, with the support of our Frontline Funders, who will continue to match their donations for the first three months, we welcomed 32 new monthly donors! 

Each month, our donors make sure independent media survives the horror show that is America right now by giving us the gift of stability. That means that when the news gets scary, Free Speech TV is right there with you fighting back with the truth, community, and courage that you depend on. 

We extend our deepest gratitude for your support, solidarity, and trust. We could not do this with each and every one of you.