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 Rather than cultivating a healthier learning environment, the ban risks creating one that is outdated, inequitable, and less responsive to students’ needs.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

This petition honors Walter’s memory and fights so that no other family experiences this heartbreak. Will you stand with us to bring life-saving changes to our community? 👉 Sign now for safe, accessible rail crossings in Woodward County.

With the election of Stephen Colbert as US Senator from South Carolina we will not only eliminate Trump sycophant, Lindsey Graham, from federal office but help to flip the Senate to Democratic control.

Trump sued Paramount Global for $20 billion in damages for their 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris—yet another example of Trump trying to intimidate media outlets that report on information he disagrees with. At the beginning of July, CBS announced they settled for $16 million, sending a disturbing message to independent media.  During his Monday segment, Colbert spoke vocally against the settlement, calling it a bribe and stating: “This all comes as Paramount’s owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new owner, Skydance.”  And Trump celebrated the announcement, stating on Truth Social, “I absolutely love that Colbert’ got fired.” Colbert has been hosting the show since 2015, and he’s been a frequent critic of Trump. Even the implication that prominent political media figures like him are being silenced or punished for their commentary against the government could have a chilling ripple effect when it comes to freedom of speech. This is a moment when we need strong voices reaching viewers across the nation and when we need institutions—including corporations—holding the line against interference from an increasingly abusing and corrupt federal government. Members of Congress, including Sen. Adam Schiff and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have speculated whether Colbert’s criticism of CBS’s settlement with Trump influenced the network’s decision.  CBS has forgotten who it answers to: its viewers. And viewers want Colbert to stay on air. Add your name to the petition to put the public pressure on CBS to keep “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” 

Andrew Cuomo is a disgraced former governor. He has a reputation of a bullying and abusive temperament, and a history of numerous credible allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior. He has long sided with corporate interests and “punched down” and “punched left” to block progressive change. He ran his primary campaign with backing from Trump supporters. No wonder he was resoundingly defeated in the primary when New York City Democratic voters delivered a landslide victory to Zohran Mamdani, a dynamic and compelling state assembly member who is offering a powerful new approach to politics. Mamdani has attracted new voters, built a broad coalition, and championed an important agenda to make NYC more affordable. Mamdani’s campaign should be a model for Democrats around the country. And Democratic leaders across New York should be rallying around him in advance of his general election race. Instead, a number of prominent Democrats are withholding their endorsement, news outlets are fearmongering around Mamdani, and big corporate backers—many of whom share Trump’s agenda—have been promising to fund an opponent. Andrew Cuomo has decided to run in the general election as an independent with a coalition of billionaire backers, Trump donors, and fearmongers.Cuomo may decide to be a sore loser after the primary, but Democrats deserve better. Democratic voters deserve party leaders to back the candidate the voters chose. Cuomo’s presence confuses the race, amplifies fearmongering and disinformation, and gives an opportunity for some of the worst actors in New York and American politics to try to shape the NYC election. We don’t need greedy billionaires, corporate shills, and Trump apologists trying to choose the next mayor. All Democratic leaders need to unite—and Cuomo needs to drop out.

Despite a wide majority of Americans—including all parts of the political spectrum—wanting the full truth about the Jeffrey Epstein case, the Department of Justice is refusing to release their files to the public. This refusal is undermining the investigation, fuels conspiracy theories, and sure smells like a cover-up in the service of rich and powerful men who participated in Epstein’s criminal activities. The majority of Americans are unhappy with the limited amount of information the government has released related to its investigation into Epstein. President Trump campaigned on the issue, claiming that he would have “no problem” looking into a rumored Epstein client list. And Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to release the files.  Now is the time to make good on this promise.  The public deserves to know the extent of Epstein’s abuse and to hold accountable anybody—regardless of political affiliation—who enabled it. We are owed answers. Otherwise, given that his clients were predominantly wealthy, powerful individuals, it seems like one more example of a rigged system: one set of rules for the elite, and a different set for everyone else. Add your name to the petition to demand the Department of Justice and White House publicly release the files. 

Today, the Southside Gym is no longer run by individuals who know, understand, or prioritize the needs of our community. Decisions are being made without our input, and opportunities for our youth and families are disappearing. We are asking for your support to help us reclaim the Southside Gym and restore it as a community-run space — where programs can be rebuilt, kids can feel safe and engaged, and families can receive the support they deserve. Sign this petition to show that Southside belongs to its people. Let’s bring it back to life - together