When community members protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) raids to protect their neighbors this weekend, they were met with what The New York Times called, “an extraordinary show of force.” “Dozens of federal agents wearing helmets and green camouflage arrived in two hulking armored trucks and other unmarked vehicles, and were soon approached by a crowd of immigrant activists and supporters. Some agents carried riot shields and others held rifles, as well as shotguns that appeared to be loaded with less-than-lethal ammunition.” This is mass deportation under Trump. Now that he has deployed thousands of National Guard troops along with 700 active duty Marines to crush protests in the Los Angeles area, more violent intimidation and threats to free speech are likely. Troops and tanks don’t belong on LA’s streets, or anywhere. But the horrifying reality is that Trump’s military flex likely won’t be limited to southern California or his DC tank parade — and that’s why we’re reaching out today with an urgent call. This is no time for business as usual. Senators have a crucial role to play in securing an end to the ICE raids and Trump’s violence-first responses. The good news? They’re more likely to do it if they hear from you today.

Public schools should be safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, or religious background. By forcing every public school in Texas to display the Ten Commandments, the Texas government is sending a loud and clear message to the many students who don’t practice Christianity: You don’t belong here. This is all part of a coordinated conservative playbook to take control of our schools, undermine public education, and push an extreme Christian nationalist agenda nationwide. Sign the petition to fight back >> 

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of California President David Huerta was assaulted, injured, and detained while advocating for immigrant workers. He was hospitalized for a head injury sustained during his arrest, but the federal government has charged him with with conspiracy to impede an officer. David, a husband and father of two, is also a well-known and beloved community member. From organizing with Justice for Janitors to his decades of work with SEIU, Huerta has been a champion for workers in Los Angeles. In 2014, he was awarded the National Champion of Change from then-President Barack Obama for his advocacy and commitment to fighting for immigrant neighbors. And now, the Trump administration threatens to imprison him.  The Trump administration is trying to silence civil unrest and using workers like David to intimidate everyday people from exercising their fundamental rights. Add your name to show your solidarity with David and the immigrant workers across the country that he was defending.

I am writing to urge you to consider sponsoring and supporting a proposed piece of legislation called Topher’s Law. (Together on Protecting Human Ethical Rights) This bill is designed to reform Missouri’s guardianship laws to ensure that adult wards who are disabled or otherwise under guardianship retain their right to maintain family relationships—without unnecessary court hurdles or isolation imposed by overreaching guardians. Currently, immediate family members often face significant barriers in simply visiting, calling, or taking their loved one on an outing, even with the ward’s full consent. In some cases, families must petition the court just to spend time together—placing an unjust burden on those who should be presumed to act out of love and care. Topher’s Law flips that burden: if a guardian wishes to deny access, they must go to court and prove why it is necessary. This legislation: Centers the ward’s own voice and consent. Provides a court-appointed advocate regardless of the ward’s ability to pay. Protects against unjustified isolation from immediate family. Brings transparency and accountability to guardianship practices. I’ve included a full draft of the proposed law with this letter. I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet with you or your staff to discuss this further. Families across Missouri—and more importantly, the individuals placed under guardianship—deserve protection, dignity, and a law that puts their humanity first

RFK Jr. has spouted reckless conspiracy theories about autism for years—spreading dangerous lies about links between autism and vaccines and calling autism a "preventable disease" that “destroys” lives, which experts say is unfounded and stigmatizing. Most recently, he's made promises to "find the cause" of autism by September of this year. But experts say that the lack of clarity around how data will be collected, shared, maintained, and tested for accuracy raises red flags. Rather than including the communities most impacted by RFK JR.'s proposal, federal health agencies have repeatedly excluded autistic people and those with disabilities from the conversation, deepening a sense of mistrust. We need states to intervene, protecting Americans' medical data and stopping RFK Jr.’s dangerous stigmatization of autistic and disabled people. Add your name!

More details:   Elsy Berrios, a mother and Westminster resident, was violently taken into ICE custody by two agents (one of them masked) on March 31, 2025 in Westminster, MD. The agents did not produce a warrant, and Berrios was not resisting. Her daughter filmed as the ICE agents violated Berrios’ constitutional fourth amendment right by smashing her car window and taking her away. Ms. Berrios has an employee authorization document and had been working as a seamstress while she applied for asylum. Now, Berrios is being detained at the Moshannon Valley ICE Processing Center in Pennsylvania, and, in an immigration court that is operating under the Trump administration Department of Justice’s interpretation and bidding, Berrios was denied bond. On April 14, 2025, Sheriff DeWees said of Ms. Berrios, “It’s about time they came up and got her. She’s no big loss to this community.” We condemn Sheriff DeWees’ cavalier dehumanization of a community member based on unsubstantiated and disputed allegations. This is just one example of how ICE agents, with the support of local law enforcement, are enacting the Trump administration’s illegal reign of terror on immigrants’ right in our backyard. Carroll County Sheriff Jim Dewees and Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker claim that local cooperation with ICE is just "common sense.” They characterize people as "illegal" for simply existing in Carroll County while they work through an intentionally broken immigration system. They conflate being arrested with being guilty. They say cooperation with ICE will make Carroll County “safer.” But, we know that these claims of “common sense” and “safety” mask actions that trample Carroll County residents’ constitutional due process rights, that pit neighbor against neighbor, that erode trust between immigrants and the police, and that result in less community safety.  In March 2025, the Carroll County Sheriff’s office signed a working agreement with ICE to provide Warrant Service Officer (WSO) training to Carroll County Detention Center deputies. Due to a bill in the Maryland General Assembly attempting to ban such an agreement, DeWees did not immediately implement it. Now that the legislative session has ended and such agreements were not banned, DeWees has a green light to begin the WSO training. The training will allow Carroll County Detention Center deputies to serve and execute ICE administrative arrest warrants to people held in Carroll County detention who are believed to be undocumented immigrants. Warrant Service Officer training agreements are part of the 287(g) program, which draws its name from the Immigration and Nationality Act that authorizes it. 287(g) agreements create partnerships between ICE and local and state law enforcement – delegating authority to allow local officers to perform some of the same functions as an immigration officer.  Sheriff DeWees mischaracterizes 287(g) agreements as “non-discriminatory” and all about community safety. But, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) researchers describe WSO Programs as “an attempt to shield local officers from liability when they violate people’s rights, and as a way to subvert state and local decisions not to participate in immigration enforcement.” In direct contradiction to DeWees’ claims –  • Uniform crime report data show that 287(g) programs do not make communities safer.  • Data show that 287(g) programs undermine public safety “by decreasing trust in local law enforcement and diverting resources away from investigation of serious crimes.”   • 287(g) programs are feeding into a discriminatory immigration system. And studies have shown that “programs pushing more collaboration between local police and ICE like 287(g) use racial profiling to stop, arrest, and deport Black and Brown immigrants.” Carroll County residents’ politics are varied, but we are united in our desire to keep an inhumane, illegal, and weaponized immigration system out of our county. We have seen how ICE agents violated Elsy Berrios’ rights in our community. We have  seen ICE agents enacting illegal orders by detaining and “disappearing”  Kilmar Abrego Garcia and over 200 other immigrants to CECOT prison in El Salvador with no due process. We have seen ICE weaponized to suppress the free speech of students and others who lawfully protest. We have seen videos of ICE agents harassing and brutalizing people all over the country including in our region. Imagine what we have not seen! Under any circumstances, we do not support local cooperation with ICE or 287(g) agreements, which have been shown to be racist and dangerous for communities. Under the current presidential administration, cooperation with ICE and implementation of 287(g) agreements amount to local facilitation of and complicity with illegal and inhumane orders. ICE is currently not operating under constitutional principles. Therefore, Carroll County residents demand that the Sheriff’s office end all cooperation with ICE and end the WSO training 287(g) agreement.  The ACLU states that “the fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.” As we see these rights being trampled across the United States and in Carroll County, we are speaking up to protect ourselves and our neighbors. It is now the Carroll County Sheriff office’s turn to be on the right side of history and stand up for the rights of immigrants and all community members by serving the Carroll County community instead of serving the Trump administration’s brutal and inhumane agenda.

These attacks aim to erase us entirely. Yet politicians keep pushing these discriminatory laws while our communities face escalating attacks. The violence and censorship are real: • Bomb threats shutting down drag shows • Harassment campaigns targeting organizers and drag performers • Threats of gun violence, armed protests and more • Cities are using vague language and ordinance to push LGBTQ+ events out of public spaces.  • States are banning LGBTQ+ performance and restricting trans rights. But we're fighting back. Stand with drag artists and LGBTQ+ organizers nationwide. Sign now to protect free expression for all. This petition is co-led by drag performers from places with active efforts to censor free speech but refuse to be silenced, including: • Idaho:  • Miss Cali Je (Pocatello) • Buster Hyman (Pocatello) • North Carolina: • Naomi Dix (Durham) • Stormie Daie (Durham) • Flamy Grant (Asheville) • Ohio:   • Veranda L'ni (Cleveland) • Dean Heartthrob (Cleveland) • Betty Aboddum (Cleveland) • Empress Dupree (Cleveland) • Jace Blaze (Cleveland) • Maelstrom West (Columbus) • Oklahoma • Skaði Jötunn (Norman) • Feral Rose Fawcett (Norman) • Ariel Monroe (Lawton) • Lucki P Brooks Royal (El Reno) • Storytime with May Lynn (Tecumseh) • Tennessee:  • Sairen Strange (Memphis) • Texas:  • Maxine LaQueene (Austin) • Isis Paris York (Corpus Christi) • Utah • Mitski Avalox (St. George) • Tara Lipsyncki (Provo)

Englewood Beach is the heart of our community—economically, socially, and emotionally. Its prolonged closure for over seven months is harming local businesses, limiting recreational space for families and children, and disrupting daily life for residents of all ages. Surrounding beaches have reopened, yet Englewood remains fenced off with no clear explanation or visible effort toward progress. With summer approaching and thousands of students soon out of school, urgent action is needed. Reopening the beach is not just about access—it's about restoring the well-being, economy, and spirit of an entire town.

“Why should other people join me in my campaign for the Correctional Transparency Act?” “Because every person — whether inside or outside prison walls — deserves accountability, safety, and dignity. Right now, too many abuses go unseen and unheard behind locked doors. Requiring body cameras in all state and federal prisons and jails is a simple, powerful step toward transparency and justice. This isn’t just about protecting inmates — it’s about protecting correctional officers, restoring public trust, and making sure our tax-funded institutions uphold the values we claim to stand for. By joining this campaign, you’re standing up for human rights, government accountability, and common-sense reform. Together, we can shine a light where it’s long been dark — and help create a correctional system that’s safer, fairer, and more just for everyone.”

Bullying isn't just "kids being kids"—it's a crisis that claims lives, destroys self-esteem, and leaves lasting emotional scars. When we stay silent, we allow a system that tolerates cruelty to continue. When we speak up, we save lives. You should join this campaign because: • Every child deserves safety. Schools should be places of learning, not fear. No child should dread going to school because of harassment, threats, or violence. • Tragedies like Jason’s death are preventable. This is not an isolated incident. When bullying is ignored or mishandled, it escalates—with heartbreaking consequences. • Legislation works. With clear laws in place, schools are held accountable, educators are equipped to intervene, and students know there are consequences. Change doesn't happen in silence—it happens through action and policy. • We all have a role to play. Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or simply someone who cares, your voice matters. Real change requires a community united in compassion, courage, and conviction. By standing together, we can turn pain into purpose—and make sure no other child is lost because we failed to protect them. This is about saving lives, healing families, and building a kinder future. Join us. Speak out. Push for the protection our children deserve.

Refugees from Ukraine who came to the US legally need to have an opportunity to work to support their families and contribute to the US economy by paying taxes. The government of the US is refusing to renew their work authorization, forcing them to start working illegally and be on social financial assistance. This assistance doesn’t provide enough financial support, robs them of dignity to provide for their families, and prevents them from contributing to the US economy. 

          People with a disability do experience substantial limitations with one or more major life activities. Although we can’t do some daily living things, there are still many things we can do, including working fulltime in carefully chosen career fields. Work is a good thing! For example, when I work on a daily bases I help my community, you , and your loved ones. Plus, I pay taxes when I work so I am also not only paying towards my own program, I am chipping in to help pay your grandparents SSI and only means of income. Also, as a tax payer this is your money and I’m sure if possible you would rather give it while I am giving back.            Then there is the moral reasons, no one should be forced onto the sidelines of life when they can contribute and participate in the community. Great societies care for those that can’t fully care for themselves, and we can’t continue pushing disability into poverty or forcing people to choose between staying alive or a career. Also, we are not advocating for luxury, comfort, or cosmetic services, this is all about critical lifesaving care that is… - 100% needed to live and only provided year round by Medicaid  - so costly that only the top 5-10% of Americans could afford to pay themselves. Very few Americans after paying there monthly bills and essentials have an extra $4,000-5,000 of disposable income every month in their pocket. Consider your current bills and circumstances, now could you add an additional $50,000-60,000 a year to that? This is not spare change people have lying around! - not about doctor visits or pharmacy copays or the typical things you need insurance for. We do have those same things to pay as well , but this is all about very costly long term home health support services such as: day to day getting dressed, getting in and out of bed , using the rest room bowel /bladder care, things we literally can’t do nor afford out of pocket - Extremely important to know if we don’t receive these services and can’t live in the community, we must live in a nursing home where Medicaid pays the bill(Your same tax money except it costs double to pay)          Most people are not familiar with or knowledgeable about the world of disability so you are likely reading this thinking.. wow this sounds backwards, outdated, and just wrong. Everyone I've talked to agrees, including the government. They understand and agree that this is a broken flawed system. However, they will not actually fix it nor do anything unless enough people speak up on the issue! You have the opportunity to be a part of a very important civil rights movement.  Please lend us your voice to make sure our government is spending your money smart and doing the right thing ethically to care for People with a Disability.  Sincerely, Dr. Christian,  AKA The Quadriplegic Rockstar * FYI, disability and employment + Medicaid has obstacles nationally. Tennessee , Alabama, and South Carolina have barriers instead of obstacles. This is the bill that has been voted on, signed, but is setting at the Center for Medicaid collecting dust since August 2024! Help us get this paperwork processed. https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tennessee-bill-aims-to-ease-tenncare-access-for-working-adults-with-disabilities