Already the Republican majority has failed on the promise of lowering prices, and now they want to take a hatchet to our wallets by making child care struggles even worse by decimating child care, preschool, early intervention and Head Start budgets in order to provide trillions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires and wealthy corporations. Child care is already unaffordable and unattainable for families, and new data released from the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor shows that child care costs more than median yearly rent for U.S. Families! Cutting funds to child care and Head Start to subsidize the rich is UNCONSCIONABLE. Sign our letter now to say NO to child care cuts!

Republican-led cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would disproportionately hurt small towns and rural communities, where poverty rates tend to be higher and access to jobs, transportation, and support services is more limited. SNAP is not just a family lifeline—it’s also an economic stabilizer for local businesses. Small towns, grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other retailers often depend on SNAP dollars to sustain operations.  Many rural areas rely heavily on SNAP to combat food insecurity, with a significant share of recipients being working families, children, and seniors. When benefits are reduced or eligibility is tightened, the immediate result is less money for groceries, which can have cascading effects on health, school performance, and economic stability. If the proposed Republican cuts are implemented, these businesses will see a drop in revenue, which can lead to layoffs or closures, further weakening the local economy.  Unlike in urban areas, where job opportunities are more diverse and numerous, rural communities typically have fewer options, so the economic blow hits harder and lingers longer. Cutting SNAP, in effect, pulls money out of the economies that need it most, undermining household well-being and local resilience. 

Trump has ratcheted up his fight with the judiciary when his FBI arrested a Wisconsin judge. And then, Trump’s press secretary wouldn’t rule out arresting Supreme Court justices. The Trump admin is accusing the judge of obstructing immigration officials — following through on Trump's threat against all local, state, and federal officials who try to stop his vile mass deportation plans. All while his administration defies federal court orders. This public show of force against the checks on Trump’s power is the latest move to take down our democracy and the rule of law. Republicans in the Senate are also pushing the No Rogue Rulings Act, a bill already passed in the House to take power away from federal judges and hand it to Trump. Our leaders must stand against this extreme power grab. The arrest of the county judge in Wisconsin, celebrated by FBI Director Kash Patel, is an extreme act meant to strike fear into any judge or other government official who goes against Trump’s agenda. And the No Rogue Rulings Act is an extreme right-wing reaction to federal judges placing injunctions on Trump’s policies. Trump’s showdown with the judiciary is a constitutional crisis. Republicans in Congress are trying to tilt the scales for Trump and hand him absolute power with their No Rogue Rulings legislation. Sign the petition: The rule of law and our democracy are on the line. Stop Trump’s power grab — oppose the No Rogue Rulings Act! Sources: - https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/26/judge-dugan-arrest-trump-battle-courts/ - https://newrepublic.com/post/194481/karoline-leavitt-arrest-supreme-court-judges

We veterans, like elected representatives, have sworn an oath to protect and defend our constitution and our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  We still stand by that oath. It is vital that we work together to protect our nation, its constitution, and our democracy.

The 2025 wildfires didn’t just destroy homes, they exposed deep systemic inequities and left vulnerable residents without jobs, homes, or access to critical services. As future social workers, we believe recovery is not just about rebuilding structures; it’s about restoring people’s lives, their connections, and their opportunities. AB 338 is crucial because it provides a targeted solution for those most affected by the disaster. The bill would not only help rebuild the physical infrastructure but also offer long-term benefits, such as job training and local employment opportunities, that contribute to economic stability. This will help survivors recover their livelihoods while giving them the tools to rebuild their communities. If AB 338 is not passed, the rebuilding process will face significant delays, and thousands of low- and middle-income residents will be at risk of homelessness, financial instability, and adverse mental health outcomes. Families and businesses need the support of both local and state governments to recover in a way that restores their dignity and independence. By supporting AB 338, we can ensure a faster, more equitable recovery and invest in a California where communities are stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

As constituents of Texas’ 31st District, we believe it is vital that our elected representative maintain open, two-way communication with the people he serves. A public town hall provides a forum for dialogue, transparency, and accountability — values that transcend party lines and strengthen our democracy. Many of us have serious concerns about issues that directly impact our lives, such as protecting due process for all Americans and preserving essential healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Whether we agree on every policy or not, we all deserve the opportunity to ask questions, share our views, and be heard. A town hall is not about division — it’s about connection, respect, and being active participants in the decisions that affect our communities.

Just days ago, three U.S. citizen children from two different families were deported with their mothers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One of them is a 4-year-old with Stage 4 cancer who was deported without medication or the ability to contact their doctors. Lawyers say the families were taken to an ICE facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, where they were prevented from communicating with their family members and legal representatives and then put on a flight to Honduras. The lack of humanity and due process is shocking and intentionally violent.  Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in an already broken immigration system that isn’t working for anyone. And it’s becoming increasingly worse and harder to navigate for people under the Trump administration in the past few months.  People are being arrested by ICE, their families ripped apart and their children—regardless of their citizenship— kidnapped and sent to countries they’ve never called home. This is happening right now in our country. And it must stop.  This isn’t about partisan politics. It’s a matter of fairness and basic rights. Trump’s administration and these expedited deportations are violating the rights of both citizens and noncitizens. It’s unacceptable. 

Democracy -By Langston Hughes Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear. I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand On my two feet And own the land. I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread. Freedom Is a strong seed Planted In a great need. I live here, too. I want freedom Just as you.

Why This Matters ● The continued use of this language in marketing erodes the progress made in protecting minors from exploitation. ● Research has shown that the normalization of such terms in media can perpetuate dangerous cultural attitudes toward youth and consent. ● Current laws regulate the content of pornography but fail to address the language used to advertise it, creating a loophole that allows harmful narratives to persist. ● Other industries, such as social media and advertising, have implemented stricter guidelines regarding content that sexualizes minors—the adult industry should be held to the same standard. Our Demand We call on Congress to introduce an amendment to the Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act (2002) that: 1. Prohibits the use of terms that suggest underage individuals in pornography marketing and advertising. 2. Imposes penalties on adult content platforms and distributors that continue to use such exploitative language. 3. Requires stricter oversight on the marketing strategies employed by the adult entertainment industry. Protecting minors from exploitation extends beyond content regulation—it requires addressing the language and narratives that fuel dangerous cultural perceptions. By closing this legal  loophole, we take a critical step in safeguarding future generations from the normalization of predatory marketing tactics. Sign This Petition If you believe that no industry should profit from the fetishization of underage individuals, sign this petition to demand legislative action now. Together, we can hold the industry accountable and push for ethical advertising standards that no longer contribute to the normalization of child sexualization.

Diversity broadens the possibility of Diverse points of view having an impact in the County 

It is important that Montana's senators represent all Montanans. Missoula County is the second most populous county in Montana. Our newest senator has opened offices in Yellowstone, Flathead, Gallatin, Silver Bow, Cascade, and Lewis and Clark counties. Why has he not opened an office in Missoula? 

The arrest of a sitting judge is an alarming move that signals a dangerous abuse of federal power—one that threatens judicial independence and any remaining checks on Trump’s power.  It will also make our communities less safe. People must have trust in the courts to be willing to report a crime. When people in our communities are afraid to access the courts out of fear of being snatched up by ICE, it hurts our communities in so many ways. And it ties back to the broader anti-immigrant crackdown aligned with Trump’s Project 2025 framework. Together, we must protect the rule of law, judicial independence, and the rights of every person who appears in a courtroom—regardless of immigration status. We’ve already seen how ICE abuses its power to target student activists, U.S. citizens, legal residents and green card holders, and Trump’s political opponents—often without a warrant. When does it end? If we don’t speak up now—and demand our elected officials do the same—there’s no telling how far this administration will go. Sign the petition for Congress to investigate this judge’s arrest immediately.  All of these arrests, abductions, and deportations aren’t just about attacking immigrants and marginalized communities. Trump is using his administration to fearmonger so he can continue to seize and build his power without opposition. Without checks and balances.  Demand Congress act NOW to answer for Kash Patel’s—and ultimately Donald Trump’s—dangerous overreach.  Image credit: Wall Street Journal