Let me be blunt: if Budd and Tillis vote for the "Big Beautiful Bill," they are choosing to abandon North Carolina in its hour of need so that Mr. Trump can funnel $300 million in disaster relief money into protecting his private properties—Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, his golf courses—while our communities drown in debris and debt. Hurricane Helene caused over $60 billion in damage across North Carolina. Entire towns are still under water—literally and financially—and yet the Trump administration refused to honor a Biden-era promise to fully fund our cleanup. But now, when that same FEMA budget is being raided to pay for law enforcement security at Mr. Trump’s private estates, Budd and Tillis are staying silent again? That’s not just cowardice. It’s complicity. They’re putting party loyalty over the people who elected them—over the families, farmers, and small businesses of this state who are getting left behind. This is pure hypocrisy. For years, they’ve stood behind Mr. Trump’s empty promises to “take care of North Carolina.” They cheered while he blamed FEMA, blamed President Biden, and pretended he’d “take strong action” to help us rebuild. Well, here’s the truth: he lied—and now he’s cashing in. This bill doesn’t just “appropriate” money. It hijacks FEMA—an agency created to save lives—and turns it into a slush fund for Mr. Trump’s personal protection racket. You think that’s going to help North Carolina voters the next time a hurricane rips through Craven County or a tornado levels homes in Randolph? When FEMA says there’s no money left, remember where it went: Mr. Trump’s front gate. And let’s be honest—this isn’t about national security. This is about shielding a billionaire’s real estate portfolio from the same disasters they’re condemning their own constituents to face alone. He gets full reimbursement. We get the bill. So what will it be? Will our Senators finally show the courage to stand up for the people of North Carolina, or will they keep hiding behind Mr. Trump’s shadow while he bleeds this state dry? If Budd and Tillis vote for this bill, they are telling every storm-ravaged town in this state that they don’t matter. That they can pick up their own debris. That Mr. Trump’s gilded balconies deserve more protection than our children’s schools.

“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.

          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  

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.