Let's keep our parks and recreations space for parks and recreation and the active use by our neighborhood and fellow Huntsvillians. Cemeteries fill up. It happens. I know that Maple Hill Cemetery is getting full if not nearly full already, but there are other cemeteries. Once we give up the recreation and pubic space we can never get it back.

This is important to the kids of our town because we have had a successful league here in Wellsville for over 10 years. We have lost a great number of kids to River Valley League in East Liverpool. If we continue on with no changes to the committee, it is very possible that our league will no longer exist within a couple of years. There are plenty of coaches and parents that care enough to turn this around and build the best possible league for our kids. 

These changes are essential to ensure that the league operates with integrity and fairness, honoring the dedication and passion of its players. We call upon the league's management to take immediate action to rectify these issues and create a supportive environment for all players.

Trump was convicted by a jury of 12 people on 34 counts for a felony election conspiracy and cover up. He is the first former president to ever be convicted of a felony.  Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, and Judge Merchan overseeing the case has discretion in deciding the sentencing. Trump could face up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $170,000, or he could only be charged a fine, or sentenced just to probation or home confinement. Time and time again we’ve seen injustice play out in the American criminal legal system—with the wealthy and privileged able to buy their way out of accountability while poor and working class people, LGBTQ+ communities, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American and Pacific Islander people, and other marginalized groups are overpoliced, criminalized, and harshly sentenced. Our elected leaders should be held to the highest standards. With all eyes watching, it’s important for Judge Merchan to deliver on the promise of the American legal system, and make sure the will of the people is reflected fairly and justly in the sentencing.  Add your name to demand that no preferential treatment be given to Trump—and for him to issue a fair and firm sentence!

The integrity of our democratic process depends on the quality and fairness of the information provided to the public. Debates are a critical platform for candidates to present their policies and for voters to make informed decisions. Without measures to prevent misinformation and ensure fairness, the value of these debates becomes nothing more than a joke. We need a transparent and accountable political process. Our debates should reflect true democratic values, not devolve into chaos and misinformation. 

There are many ethical concerns on animal testing, but above all which reaserchers care about is the accuracy of these tests, but there are crucial differencs. Different animals will have different reactions, laboratory animals are not exposed to smoke in the same manner or time frame that human smokers are. Much information has been obscured because there has been no link with the reactions on animals to humans. The biological differences are no surprise, our cells, nose filtering abilities, lungs and more have many differences of those of the animals. Simply, animals should not be used for predications on humans. Beagles were forced to smoke around 2 packs a day, monkeys were forced to smoke 6 hours a day for a year, mice get cigar tar smeared on them inducing tumors; all these experiments continously went on until the animals were killed and of no more use.

Scouting America has systematically failed to protect children at every turn. The Boy Scouts knew about predators in their ranks for a long, long time. A 2010 civil lawsuit revealed that the organization for years had tracked suspected and known abusers but didn't consistently report them. Even leadership from within the scouting organization have begged lawmakers and the public to act. In a press conference detailing the ways in which Scouting America is unsafe for kids, Michael Johnson, former Scouts' Head of Youth Protection, called the organization and its programs "high risk."  Yet, law enforcement and politicians have done little to support survivors and hold the organization accountable. And the consequences are devastating. Beyond the initial abuse, thousands of survivors have come forward and shared the impact of the abuse on their lives. From drug abuse to difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, victims of childhood sexual abuse may spend a lifetime healing from their trauma. NO child should ever have to go through this horror.  Scouting America, an organization meant to teach young people leadership and integrity, not only failed to protect these children but put them directly in harm's way. Add your name to demand that Congress investigate Scouting America NOW.

Nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development and issues are crucial because they provide essential support and resources to help young individuals grow, learn, and overcome challenges. We plan to expand and offer mentorship programs, educational opportunities, and guidance that can positively impact the lives of young people, shaping them into future leaders and contributing members of society. By addressing the specific needs of youth, we aspire to play a vital role in creating a better future for the next generation!

There has been several accidents and deaths at the particular location. One of my childhood friends has been struck at this location. My older sister has been struck by vehicles there. Moreover,  a number of my childhood friends have been killed at that intersection.

If you believe that a community should have a voice and be heard, and that city council members should make the effort to reach out to their constituents so they can be reflective of their community’s desire then sign this petition. Signing this petition does not declare your wishes for flying the flags or removing the flags. It just sends a message to our elected council members that we expect them to make an effort to adequately reflect what each of their wards desire. This is especially important when a volunteer committee has a split recommendation to council on a sensitive topic. Please also note the  committee was only 6 people and made no effort to reach out to the public either. Sadly one member skipped almost all the meetings and discussions but did show up to vote for removing the flags at the final meeting 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has overseen the Israeli military as it’s caused catastrophic suffering in Gaza, including needlessly killing tens of thousands of people. Right now, families are starving amidst a famine his government created. That’s not all: He’s also allegedly given quotes to journalists to undermine ceasefire talks and repeatedly ignored requests from the families of hostages to get their loved ones home safe. He’s vowed to continue it ALL. Yet, despite a growing list of potential war crimes, House Speaker Mike Johnson has drafted Netanyahu an invitation to address a joint session of Congress — and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is reportedly ready to sign on. Netanyahu does not deserve the honor of speaking on the congressional stage. Especially as powerful decision-makers, from the President to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, seem finally willing to use their influence to end the horrific violence in Israel, Palestine, and beyond. Inviting Netanyahu to speak at the U.S. Capitol would not only undermine our values — it could undo the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire. U.S. credibility — and hundreds of thousands of lives — are on the line. The decision is a no-brainer: Sen. Schumer must say ‘No.’ The good news? The chance that he does increases if he hears from thousands of people across the country now. For the sake of justice, peace, and basic human decency, will you add your name to our petition to Sen. Schumer and urge him to refuse Netanyahu this prestigious platform?

The NPS policy bans “participating in or attending any demonstration or public event wherein the wearing of the uniform could be construed as agency support for a particular issue, position, or political party.” It also appears like they are banning pins, buttons, and “ribbons” that are not in official capacity.  The email iterating the policy was sent less than a month before the start of Pride and was sparked because of requests from employees. Frank Lands, the Deputy Director of Operations at NPS, said that “approving participation in some events and not others could be seen as discrimination based on viewpoint.” NPS itself holds Pride events—so marching in local Pride parades is in line with their internal and external support for LGBTQ+ rights. Supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ folks shouldn't be a controversial political position—the fact that it may be viewed that way is because of egregious assaults that make it all the more critical for institutions across the country to affirm their support and empower their employees. The identities of LGBTQ+ park rangers don’t change when they put on and take off their uniform, and they should be able to celebrate their identity publicly all year long.  Historically, LGBTQ+ people have experienced disproportionate surveillance and policing in public parks. And LGBTQ+ people continue to face specific barriers when trying to access public parks, including harassment and discrimination. Still, only 30% of park and recreation agencies have programming specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ communities. The NPS should focus on actively doing outreach to LGBTQ+ community members, not banning employees from self-expression or prohibiting their presence at their local Pride events.  LGBTQ+ people deserve to feel safe, welcome, and celebrated everywhere. Sign the petition to urge NPS to allow their park rangers to march in community and local Pride parades, and demand NPS commit to publicly supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and visitors.  PHOTO: METRO WEEKLY/Sean Burgandy, Todd Franson and Ward Morrison