The unhoused, including 1.5 million women and children, and 33,000 veterans, are some of the most vulnerable citizens in our country. Many have a long history of abuse, trauma, and neglect. They have experienced violence, often from the very system they depend upon for survival and protection. When they are further marginalized by the media, and in this case, violently threatened, it adds fuel to the fire of an already tempestuous relationship the unhoused have with many in society.  Please fire Brian Kilmeade, now. 

Distressing questions continue to emerge amidst a Trump administration strike in the Caribbean that left 11 people dead earlier this month The Venezuelan government has claimed that none of the passengers were gang members. U.S. media reports the attack came after the vessel had turned back upon spotting U.S. forces – trying to avoid, and certainly not attack, them. So far, the Trump administration has been silent in the face of these concerns. But here’s what we know about the strike:   • It was unlawful; Congress has not authorized this or further lethal operations in the Caribbean, and they mark an unconstitutional power grab by the executive branch. • It was unnecessary; military action in the Caribbean will do nothing to help solve the overdose crisis at home. • It may only be the beginning; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already vowed, “It won't stop with just this strike.” There is no military solution to the overdose crisis, but there is a political solution to a president with authoritarian ambitions. That’s why we need to throw up the roadblocks necessary to prevent further unauthorized, lawless military action immediately. Earlier this week, Senator Kaine led 24 senators in pressing the Trump administration for answers. It’s a critical step, but it’ll take more than that to get the answers we deserve. Can you help increase the pressure for transparency, accountability, and justice by sending your members of Congress an urgent message today? 

Recently, Trump said "Big changes are being made at the Smithsonian" (1) after the White House threatened to strip the Smithsonian’s funding if it didn’t change its museums to fit Trump’s far-right worldview. (2) Trump’s remarks come after the top executive at the Smithsonian said the museum would maintain its independence and authority over exhibits and programming.(3) Clearly, Trump does not want to accept the Smithsonian’s independence. If he succeeds in rewriting history at the museums, it will reach into classrooms and put Trump’s perspective directly in front of students.(4) We must show a mass of opposition to the Trump administration’s campaign to distort the historical record — because the White House has no plans to stop its attacks on the Smithsonian. Sign the petition: Tell the Smithsonian to preserve history and stand up to Trump’s threats! The White House has targeted artists of color and exhibits depicting America’s diversity. Trump even said the Smithsonian focuses too much on "how bad slavery was." (5) Four Democratic Senators sent a letter to the Smithsonian echoing our calls to protect the institution, and the historical record, from Trump’s relentless "bullying." (6) One historian called the White House’s review of the Smithsonian, "a full assault on the autonomy of all the different branches of the institution." (7) Another historian said it’s Trump’s attempt to "put his stamp on the way we tell the story of America." (8) Trump’s war on the Smithsonian is the frontline of his admin’s attacks on America’s institutions. Big law firms, Big Tech companies, media corporations, and universities have folded to Trump’s threats — emboldening him to escalate his authoritarian tactics against any organization, company, and institution he disagrees with. The Smithsonian must stand strong against Trump’s threats. Sign the petition: Save the Smithsonian from Trump’s right-wing attacks! Sources: 1. NBC News, "Trump had a ‘little problem with the Smithsonian’,” September 8, 2025. 2. Reuters, "Trump targets the Smithsonian again, says it focuses too much on how bad slavery was,” August 20, 2025. 3. The New York Times, "Smithsonian Responds to Trump’s Demand for a Review of Its Exhibits,” September 3, 2025. 4. AP, "White House’s review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide,” September 7, 2025. 5. The White House Executive Orders, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” August 27, 2025. 6. NPR, “Four Democratic senators urge Smithsonian to resist White House attempts to 'bully the institution',” September 5, 2025. 7. The New York Times, "White House Announces Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions,” August 12, 2025. 8. Democracy Now, "“Whitewashing of History”: Harvard Historian on Trump’s Targeting of School Curricula, Smithsonian,” August 18, 2025.

Their futures remain uncertain due to the lack of permanent legal status. Many live in constant fear of deportation and are unable to fully contribute to the country they call home. I urge you to advocate for and implement a permanent legislative solution that grants Dreamers a path to citizenship—not just protection from removal, but full participation in the civic life of our nation. Thousands of eligible young people have been left in limbo, unable to apply for protection due to administrative or legal roadblocks. Restoring this essential program will allow more individuals to come out of the shadows and contribute openly to society. This is not just a political issue—it is a moral one. Dreamers and other undocumented individuals are nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, and service members. They deserve a chance to live without fear and to pursue the American Dream that has inspired generations.

ICE is increasing its reach throughout the country, and local police forces are being asked to assist in doing the duties of the federal government. Section 287 (g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act states that collaboration with federal officers is optional, and we do not want our police force to take up this option. Our neighbors are living in fear that they will be arrested by federal immigration officers. Our property taxes should go towards making the Village of Saranac Lake a better place for everyone to live in and visit, not making it worse for a select few. Please only sign if you are a resident of the Village of Saranac Lake.

Since October 2023, Gaza has become the deadliest place for journalists in modern history, with the United Nations reporting that at least 247 journalists (estimates could be higher) nearly all Palestinian were killed by Israeli military attacks as of August 2025.    These targeted killings, combined with repeated strikes on newsrooms and media offices, have wiped out generations of reporters, devastated families, and left the Palestinian population with only a handful of surviving witnesses willing to document the realities of what's going on in Gaza. The world’s ability to know what is happening in Gaza relies almost entirely on the courage of local journalists, as the Israeli government has banned nearly all foreign media from entering the strip. By systematically silencing Palestinian reporters—often under the pretext of “security”—the Israeli government is not only violating international law but also gravely restricting press freedom, humanitarian oversight, and any evidence for accountability at the international level.   Journalistic efforts to document atrocities, defend civilian lives, and call for humanitarian access become nearly impossible without their work.  Killing journalists is an attack not just on individuals, but on the ability to speak truth itself.    Protecting reporters in Gaza is urgent not only for their lives, but for the world’s right to witness, understand, and respond to this ongoing humanitarian crisis. 

Add your name to this petition and stand with BCCC faculty, students, and community members in demanding fair treatment, real investment, and a better future for public education in Baltimore. #EducationJustice #SupportBCCC #RespectFaculty #FundOurFutures #UnionStrong

These hardworking union members are not just nameless faces; they are your neighbors, friends, and family members -- and they need your support! They deserve a contract that reflects their hard work, not the concessionary disaster that is currently being presented to them.

We all have an ethical and moral obligation to speak up when we witness human rights violations. These reprehensible actions by our federal government are increasing exponentially under the Trump 2.0 administration. Any lawyer who is working for ICE Office of Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) or for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) are enabling these actions by helping to drive this machinery. Let us show our solidarity in asking these lawyers to leave their roles or speak out against what is happening (even if it means they lose their job). We should support those who do so and help them find a new role in the legal community. Please sign this petition.

Why Springfield Needs to Act Now Our LGBTQ+ neighbors are under attack. Recent events show why sanctuary cities are more crucial than ever: • Supreme Court threats: The Supreme Court is being asked to overturn marriage equality in a case they'll consider this fall. SCOTUS has also upheld Tennessee's ban on youth gender-affirming care and Trump’s trans military ban  • Right next door: New Hampshire just became the ONLY state in New England to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, making Massachusetts a critical refuge for families across our border • Nationwide bathroom restrictions: 19 states now restrict where transgender people can use public restrooms - increasingly people get harassed to prove their gender • 988 LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline Faces Funding Cut: HHS proposes ending government funding putting thousands of young lives at risk • Local hate crimes: Even in progressive Northampton, Pride flags were stolen and burned in the streets Springfield can be a beacon of safety and inclusion! Sign this petition to show Springfield City Council that our community demands action.   Sign if you are: ·       A Springfield, MA resident who supports LGBTQ+ rights (your signature carries the most weight with City Council) ·       A Western Massachusetts resident who cares about regional LGBTQ+ safety ·       Anyone who believes all people deserve safety and dignity ·       Ready to make Springfield a sanctuary for our most vulnerable neighbors   Springfield resident signatures will be highlighted when delivered to City Council, with broader regional support noted separately to show the widespread concern for LGBTQ+ rights in our area.   Every signature matters - sign now and share with your friends, family, and neighbors across Western Mass!   Important Note: This is a community advocacy petition to demonstrate public support for LGBTQ+ sanctuary status in Springfield. This is not an official ballot initiative or legally binding referendum. The petition will be delivered to Springfield City Council to show community demand for action on this issue. Organized by Rise Up Western Mass Indivisible (RUWMI)   #SpringfieldSanctuary #LGBTQRights #MassachusettsValues

Armored military vehicles running red lights and causing car accidents. 2,000 armed troops on patrol. Military checkpoints across the city. This is what DC looks like amidst Trump's National Guard deployments. Under current law, Trump’s takeover automatically expires after 30 days — but Trump’s lackeys in Congress are rushing to extend his DC takeover. Two pieces of legislation are raising alarms: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) H.J.Res. 114 would declare a “crime emergency” in DC and allow Trump’s takeover to continue indefinitely; Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has introduced H.R. 5105 to amend the DC Home Rule Act to automatically extend any emergency period in DC to six months — and to apply that new standard retroactively to the current sham “emergency.” Trump’s armed troops aren’t making anyone safer. If Republicans successfully push these bills through the House, only united Senate opposition can stop Trump’s authoritarian power grab — and that’s why we’re putting every lawmaker on alert today. Congress must reject ANY efforts to strip away DC’s autonomy and normalize Trump’s militarized power grab — and it’ll take pressure from constituents like you to make that happen.

The involvement of a church in political agendas threatens its role as a community haven and spiritual sanctuary. Religion should be a refuge from the tumult of political differences, not a contributor. Allowing political summits within religious institutions can further polarize our communities, fracturing unity by aligning spiritual beliefs with political objectives. Calvary Chapel's participation in such political engagement could potentially jeopardize its tax-exempt status, risking its future support and services for the local community, and setting a dangerous precedent for other religious entities. It is crucial to uphold the sanctity and singular purpose of religious institutions by preventing them from becoming tools in partisan politics. Let us protect the church's role as a place of worship and spiritual guidance, free from political entanglements. Please join in urging Calvary Chapel Chino Hills to cancel hosting this political summit to preserve the integrity and neutrality of our cherished religious spaces. Sign the petition now and safeguard the essential separation between church and state.