This kind of behavior needs immediate attention especially with the violence already happening in America.

Already, Trump’s attempted cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services have been disastrous—gutting the agency and terminating over 1,000 grants. And now he’s turning his sights to the Smithsonian as part of his administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion—laying the groundwork to keep attacking other publicly funded museums nationwide.  And make no mistake: Censoring institutions like museums is right out of the authoritarian playbook as a means of controlling the public narrative, promoting propaganda, and spreading disinformation. Art and history have often been weaponized under regimes to tighten control and suppress free speech.  We need to show up in support of our public museums and make sure they stay institutions for the people—not for any single political party or figure.  Sign the petition to protect museums—in Washington, D.C., and nationwide! 

The City of Syracuse is in the middle of a housing crisis. Nob Hill is one of the largest apartment complexes in the region. It has the potential to have beautiful apartments that could be a major resource to our community, but instead its residents are fleeing due to the horrible management of the property. New tenants are blindsided as they are being leased apartments with leaks, mold, faulty water and heat, and lack of appliances. As a city where 60% of residents are renters, this is about fighting for the care and rights of the majority of our neighbors. We don't want Nob Hill to become the city's next Skyline Apartments.

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

I believe females should have the same opportunity in football as male classmates. Many females would love to play football but can’t because they won’t accommodate for women. They believe girls shouldn’t play football, and most males believe “It’s a man’s sport”. I’m starting this petition for the females who want to play football despite the gender restriction towards women in our school. Please help us get this out to the community and towards other schools as well and most importantly the School Board of Education.

A wave of recent Republican bills aim to glorify Trump by putting his face on Mount Rushmore and U.S. currency, and his name on airports, transit systems, and the Kennedy Center. One piece of legislation would even make Trump’s birthday a national holiday. Trump loyalist Rep. Andy Ogles recently urged the government to put Trump on Mount Rushmore. After saying the White House is ushering in “America’s Golden Age,” Ogles added, “it is essential that we immortalize President Trump’s likeness on Mount Rushmore.” This is how political parties operate under authoritarian regimes. Sitting presidents don’t belong on money, monuments, airports, and landmarks — especially not Trump, who has defied the rule of law and threatened our democracy like no president before. Sign the petition: Tell Congress to oppose all efforts to put Trump on Mount Rushmore, money, airports, and other national landmarks! If it were up to Republicans, Trump would be on Rushmore, the Kennedy Center Opera House would change to “Melania Trump Opera House,” the D.C. metro and airport would be named for Trump, Trump’s face would go on the $100 bill, and even the coastal waters of the U.S. would be named after him. The drive to put Trump’s face on Mount Rushmore is particularly disturbing because the monument is built in the Black Hills on unceded Lakota territory — deeply important land that the U.S. government stole from Native Americans. And the person who led the construction of Mount Rushmore had ties to the KKK. Just like Trump’s grotesque and wasteful military parade, glorifying a sitting president with national statues, monuments, currency, and holidays is another act of authoritarianism. It's outrageous, undemocratic, and dangerous. We can’t let Republicans use our government to glorify Trump and attack the foundations of our country. Sign the petition: Reject ALL efforts and funding to glorify Trump on Mount Rushmore, currency, and public landmarks. SOURCES: - https://www.thedailybeast.com/gop-rep-andy-ogles-sends-letter-calling-for-donald-trump-to-be-added-to-mount-rushmore/ - https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-gop-efforts-put-trumps-name-face-things-2105146 - https://www.democracynow.org/2020/7/6/nick_estes_trump_mount_rushmore

With the influx of heavy traffic from residential and business growth in this area, anything we can do to increase the safety of our families and loved ones is worth implementing. 

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? 

For decades, Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused and trafficked girls and young women. His power and money shielded him from accountability—and he was enabled by those around him. Americans have been left in the dark about how many people were involved and helped Epstein cover up these atrocious crimes. But Ghislaine Maxwell, his former girlfriend, is one of the few people who has been held responsible for their role in the abuse.  Instead of taking accountability for the immeasurable amount of harm she has caused, Maxwell instead has been fighting her conviction and appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Meanwhile, she was recently moved from a federal prison in Florida to a minimum security prison camp in Texas, a transfer that has further sounded the alarm and raised suspicions. In recent weeks, when asked if he would pardon Maxwell, Trump has refused to denounce her or her crimes. Instead, he has emphasized that he is “allowed to give her a pardon” but hasn’t been approached about it.  Trump should not even be considering pardoning Maxwell—an accomplice to Epstein’s heinous crimes. Sign the petition if you agree. >>

In an effort to foster a “healthy environment for learning,” the state of New York has implemented a ban on phones in schools. While the intention behind this policy is commendable—reducing distractions, promoting focus, and encouraging interpersonal engagement—the execution overlooks the evolving role of technology in education and the realities of modern student life. Rather than cultivating a healthier learning environment, the ban risks creating one that is outdated, inequitable, and less responsive to students’ needs. A more effective approach would be to integrate phones into the educational framework with clear boundaries and purposeful use. The central argument for banning phones is that they distract students from learning. However, distraction is not a function of the device itself—it’s a behavioral challenge that requires guidance, not prohibition. In fact, when used intentionally, phones can deepen engagement. Apps like Kahoot!, Quizlet, and Google Classroom transform passive learning into interactive experiences. Students can research topics in real time, collaborate on shared documents, and access multimedia resources that cater to diverse learning styles. By banning phones, schools eliminate a tool that—when properly managed—can make learning more dynamic and personalized. In today’s world, phones are not just educational tools—they’re essential for safety and communication. Emergencies, whether personal or school-wide, demand immediate access to loved ones and information. Denying students this access can be ethically problematic, especially in a state that has experienced school lockdowns and weather-related crises. Moreover, phones offer autonomy: students can manage their schedules, track assignments, and communicate responsibly. Teaching students how to use phones wisely is far more empowering than removing them altogether. The phone ban disproportionately affects students from underserved communities. For many, a smartphone is their only reliable access to the internet. Homework, research, and college applications often require digital access that schools cannot always provide. Additionally, students with disabilities benefit from assistive technologies embedded in phones—speech-to-text, screen readers, and calming apps that support emotional regulation. Banning phones removes these supports and widens the equity gap, undermining the very mission of public education. Rather than shielding students from technology, schools should prepare them to navigate it responsibly. Digital literacy is a core competency in the 21st century. Students will use phones in college, the workplace, and daily life. By banning them, schools miss the chance to teach self-regulation, ethical online behavior, and critical thinking in digital spaces. A healthy learning environment is not one devoid of technology—it’s one where technology is used with intention, reflection, and accountability. Phones are creative tools. Students can film short documentaries, record podcasts, design graphics, and collaborate on projects—all from a device in their pocket. These activities foster critical thinking, storytelling, and teamwork. In a world where content creation is a viable career path, schools should encourage students to explore these skills. The ban stifles innovation and limits the ways students can express themselves and connect with others. The goal of creating a healthy learning environment is noble, but banning phones is a blunt instrument for a nuanced challenge. Instead of exclusion, New York schools should adopt structured policies that promote responsible use, digital literacy, and equitable access. Phones, when integrated thoughtfully, can enhance learning, support safety, and prepare students for the realities of modern life. The healthiest learning environment is not one that avoids technology. It is one that teaches students how to thrive within it.

Why This Matters Now Rep. Mills’ conduct—if left unaddressed—threatens the integrity of public office and the safety of individuals. The severity and multiplicity of the allegations: • Involve potential criminal misconduct (revenge porn, assault, extortion). • Suggest possible conflicts of interest or misuse of power for personal gain. • Undermine public trust in both Congress and Florida’s representation. We, the undersigned, demand:  1. A full and expedited ethics investigation into both criminal and financial allegations. 2. Mills’ resignation or removal from any official committee roles during the investigation.

For decades, New York’s family childcare providers and childcare workers have dedicated their lives to nurturing and educating our state’s children. Many of us have 20, 30, even 40 years of hands-on experience. Yet the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) says we are “not qualified” to serve as daycare center directors unless we hold a college degree. Across New York, long-serving family childcare providers are being blocked from becoming daycare directors solely because they don’t have a college degree—even if they’ve spent decades caring for children, mentoring other providers, and leading within their communities. This outdated policy dismisses the real-world expertise, commitment, and leadership that veteran providers bring to the childcare workforce, while worsening the staffing shortages already facing our state. Diane Abram (formerly Diane Ballard) is one of those providers. She began her licensed family daycare over 30 years ago under her maiden name and has supported generations of families in Buffalo. In addition to providing high-quality care, Diane has trained new providers, advocated for stronger childcare policies, and stood up for working families across the state. Despite her proven leadership and deep community roots, she was denied the opportunity to become a daycare center director—because she doesn’t hold a degree. This outdated requirement disregards real-world experience and disproportionately harms Black and Brown women, older providers, and those in underserved communities who built their careers through hard work, not academic credentials. Many of these providers work 60 to 80 hours a week, often offering non-traditional hours like evenings, overnights, and weekends—services most centers don’t provide, but working families rely on. We urge Senators Jabari Brisport and April N. M. Baskin to: • ✅ Support policy change at OCFS to recognize experience-based qualifications for director roles • ✅ Champion equitable leadership pathways for providers with proven service • ✅ Lead efforts that remove structural barriers to advancement in early childhood care