On their own free time, SJ and six others climbed El Capitan in Yosemite and took part in a tradition of hanging a flag at the top.  They never thought the display of acceptance and love would result in their losing their job. But in an effort to make an example out of them, the Trump administration is not only firing SJ, they are threatening criminal charges. Hanging flags off El Capitan has occurred in the past without consequences. In February, demonstrators hung an upside-down U.S. flag, often symbolizing a distress call, on El Capitan to draw attention to the mass firings by the Trump administration. And last year, a group “Climbers with Palestine” hung a flag in protest of the war on Gaza.  But the Trump administration has tightened restrictions around protest in an effort to suppress speech criticizing the government. And the day after the trans flag was displayed on El Capitan, Yosemite’s acting superintendent Ray McPadden signed a rule prohibiting people from hanging large banners, flags, or signs in nearly all areas of the park. The penalty? Up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for groups. Under Trump, the federal government has ramped up anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and the Park Service is no exception. The department has discouraged staff from participating in Pride events and stripped references to “transgender,” “bisexual,” and “queer” from the Stonewall website. SJ’s firing is a continuation of this administration's hostilities toward the LGBTQ+ community—sending a clear message to NPS staff that they, too, could lose their job for speaking out in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Trump and MAGA Republicans want to silence LGBTQ+ people and anyone who loves and supports them. But their efforts to suppress, intimidate, and divide us won’t work. Add your name to the petition to show solidarity with SJ and the other climbers involved! PHOTO: SJ Joslin/NBC

When policing expands without clear, public rules, trust erodes and everyone — residents, officers, and City Hall — takes on unnecessary risk. These guardrails are simple, lawful steps that keep Sioux Falls safe and accountable. They protect civil rights, focus resources where they work, and ensure our city remains welcoming and fair. Add your name if you believe we should: • Keep everyone safer with trust-based policing. Clear limits, data reporting, and safe-reporting policies help solve crimes by encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward. • Protect constitutional rights and due process. Warrant requirements and transparent policies prevent mission creep and ensure any cooperation with outside agencies stays lawful and narrow. • Spend tax dollars wisely. Public cost estimates and Council votes prevent blank checks and help prioritize what actually improves safety. • Rely on facts, not headlines. A monthly public dashboard lets all of us judge outcomes — stops, searches, arrests, use-of-force — so policy follows evidence, not press events. • Safeguard community spaces. Schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses should remain accessible and welcoming for everyone. • Reflect Sioux Falls values. We can have both effective public safety and dignity for our neighbors, including immigrant families. Your signature tells City leadership to adopt these reasonable, time-bound steps now so investigations can proceed lawfully, budgets stay transparent, and our community stays strong. Please sign and share.

Trump is using fear and fabricated fraud claims to justify imposing authoritarian control over elections. It’s the same tactic he’s trotted out in the past—and now he’s doing it from the White House. Elections in the United States already have rigorous checks and balances to keep them safe and secure. Trump isn’t interested in protecting elections; this executive order would strip away the very freedoms that make them fair and accessible, like vote-by-mail and drop boxes. Trump’s goal is clear: silence millions of Americans by making it harder to vote. Congress and governors must act now to reject Trump’s power grab and defend the basic principle that in America, voters pick our leaders—not the other way around. Add your name to tell Congress and governors to protect our freedom to vote in the face of Trump’s attacks.

Why We’re Urging FEMA to Act — And Why You Should Join Us The people of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and surrounding communities are facing a crisis that no city should bear alone. After the historic August 9th flood, thousands of families are still without safe homes, clean water, or basic stability. We are calling on FEMA not just for funding — but for recognition, urgency, and support. The damage exceeds federal aid thresholds. The need is real. And the longer the delay, the harder recovery becomes. We ask every American to stand with us by signing this petition — because this could happen in anytown, to any family. By showing solidarity, you help make clear that our federal emergency system must respond swiftly and equitably when disaster strikes.   FEMA: Our community matters. The time to act is now.

Joshua’s case is bigger than one family — it’s about justice, accountability, and basic human rights. When a suspicious death is mishandled, when the law requiring a board-certified forensic pathologist is ignored, and when families are denied the truth, it creates a dangerous precedent for everyone. If this could happen to Joshua, it could happen to your son, daughter, brother, or friend. We all deserve to know that when tragedy strikes, investigations will be handled with professionalism, honesty, and by the book — not rushed, buried, or brushed aside. Signing this petition means demanding transparency, accountability, and equal treatment under the law. Joshua’s life mattered — and fighting for answers in his case protects every family in New York from facing the same injustice.

Trump deployed hundreds of armed National Guard troops to DC and seized control of the local police. This move is not about safety — crime in the nation’s capital is actually the lowest it's been in 30 years. We’re witnessing another blatant power grab. This time, using the military and law enforcement as weapons against the people they’re sworn to protect. Right now, the California Attorney General is suing the White House over Trump’s recent National Guard and Marine deployments to the Los Angeles area. But as Trump threatens deployments to cities like Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, and Oakland, we need more state AGs to be ready and willing to help us take on Trump and defend our communities — and that’s where you come in.

Gerrymandering breaks up historically underrepresented voting blocs and shifts the balance of power for decades to come. And it’s been a part of the Republican playbook for years.  Now, Texas lawmakers are caving to Trump’s demands to flip seats after he said Republicans are “entitled to five more seats” in the state. Texas lawmakers have used the act of breaking quorum as a protest tool since the 1870s, and to demand the FBI hunt down lawmakers for this merited walkout is a massive misuse of taxpayer money and a huge overreach of federal power. Will you sign the petition demanding that the FBI stop grandstanding and cease any attempts to find Texas lawmakers? 

Overturning gay marriage on a federal level creates issues where couples will cross state lines and their marriage will no longer be recognized. If you go to the hospital in a state where they don’t recognize your marriage, then your partner cannot legally see you or have anything to do with you. Gay parents can’t adopt. Insurance will be in upheaval. This is another way for the GOP to distract and to weaken their opponents.

Since Trump initially came into office, Washington, D.C., has been an epicenter of resistance. From the Women's March to countless other rallies and events, Trump wants to squash all dissent against his unpopular, authoritarian agenda. It is illegal to use the American military against the American people—but that's exactly what Trump said he would do during his campaign, and it’s exactly what is happening now.  Trump is painting a dystopian picture of Washington, D.C., using obvious fearmongering to try to justify his blatant overreach, despite the fact that leaders and communities in D.C. have worked hard to keep our capital safe—crime is the lowest it’s been in 30 years because we know best what’s going to work. But since D.C. is a federal district, not a state, Trump is testing the limits of his power and using it as a testing ground zero for his militarized power grab.  Turning the U.S. military against the people puts our families and lives in danger. We need Congress to intervene and stop this erosion of our fundamental rights and freedom—and we need to come together to make it clear that Americans will not be silent in the face of this fascist power grab.

Our schools thrive when we have great teachers who inspire, mentor, and lead our children toward success. When those teachers are unfairly targeted, silenced, or removed because of politics, favoritism, or personal connections, our students and community pay the price. Recently, Mr. Cook — a respected Black male educator, the parish’s teachers’ union president, and a dedicated teacher of over 10 years — was terminated under troubling circumstances. After a disagreement with the Chief Operations Officer, who was hired by the superintendent and is his fraternity brother, Mr. Cook was removed from the classroom. The situation raises further concerns as the superintendent also hired the HR director, a friend and sorority sister to his fraternity. These facts point to a clear pattern of favoritism and compromised leadership. We believe that: • Decisions impacting our children’s education must be made in the best interest of students — not friendships or fraternity/sorority ties. • Educators who advocate for their colleagues and students should not face retaliation. • Our parish deserves leaders who act with fairness, accountability, and respect for all employees. We, the undersigned, call for the immediate reinstatement of Mr. Cook, the resignation or removal of the superintendent, and a full independent review of recent administrative hires and personnel decisions. Our children are watching. Let’s show them what courage, fairness, and community leadership look like.

  Because no one should be thrown into the most restrictive prison housing in Florida without due process, without cause, and without even being told.  Florida DOC approved Jose Jaime Tirado III (DC# 132634) for Close Management Level 1 — a form of extreme isolation — without notifying him, issuing a disciplinary report, or providing any written justification. The truth only came out when his father demanded answers.  Jose has now been cut off from his family, denied basic rights guaranteed under CM rules, and ignored when his family filed public records requests. This is targeted retaliation for asserting his rights and for his family speaking out — not a legitimate safety measure.  And Jose is one of the lucky ones — he has people who love him enough to fight for him, speak out publicly, and push for answers. Most incarcerated people don’t. For every case we see, there are countless more abuses that go unreported because no one on the outside is watching.  If Florida DOC can get away with violating its own rules, breaking state law, and trampling constitutional protections in Jose’s case, they can and will do it to anyone. We must act now to stop this abuse, free Jose from unlawful isolation, and hold DOC accountable before more lives are damaged by retaliation and cover-ups. 

In 2023, Florida passed legislation to demonize drag shows under the guise of protecting children. Despite it being blocked by federal courts for being unconstitutional, Florida officials are still trying to surveil the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s no surprise that the force behind the Attorney General’s investigation is Moms for Liberty—a fringe, extremist group that is known for banning books and spewing hate. The leader of a Florida chapter of Moms for Liberty, Jennifer Pippin, complained about children being at an event at The Kilted Mermaid—despite not even attending or being present herself. And while no one has been charged with a crime, Florida’s invasive violation of privacy is nothing short of a constitutional crisis, an attack on our freedom of expression, and a blatant attempt to smear the LGBTQ+ community.  Add your name to demand that Florida officials STOP attacks on drag and Pride events!