Our schools thrive when we have great teachers who inspire, mentor, and lead our children toward success. When those teachers are unfairly targeted, silenced, or removed because of politics, favoritism, or personal connections, our students and community pay the price. Recently, Mr. Cook — a respected Black male educator, the parish’s teachers’ union president, and a dedicated teacher of over 10 years — was terminated under troubling circumstances. After a disagreement with the Chief Operations Officer, who was hired by the superintendent and is his fraternity brother, Mr. Cook was removed from the classroom. The situation raises further concerns as the superintendent also hired the HR director, a friend and sorority sister to his fraternity. These facts point to a clear pattern of favoritism and compromised leadership. We believe that: • Decisions impacting our children’s education must be made in the best interest of students — not friendships or fraternity/sorority ties. • Educators who advocate for their colleagues and students should not face retaliation. • Our parish deserves leaders who act with fairness, accountability, and respect for all employees. We, the undersigned, call for the immediate reinstatement of Mr. Cook, the resignation or removal of the superintendent, and a full independent review of recent administrative hires and personnel decisions. Our children are watching. Let’s show them what courage, fairness, and community leadership look like.

  Because no one should be thrown into the most restrictive prison housing in Florida without due process, without cause, and without even being told.  Florida DOC approved Jose Jaime Tirado III (DC# 132634) for Close Management Level 1 — a form of extreme isolation — without notifying him, issuing a disciplinary report, or providing any written justification. The truth only came out when his father demanded answers.  Jose has now been cut off from his family, denied basic rights guaranteed under CM rules, and ignored when his family filed public records requests. This is targeted retaliation for asserting his rights and for his family speaking out — not a legitimate safety measure.  And Jose is one of the lucky ones — he has people who love him enough to fight for him, speak out publicly, and push for answers. Most incarcerated people don’t. For every case we see, there are countless more abuses that go unreported because no one on the outside is watching.  If Florida DOC can get away with violating its own rules, breaking state law, and trampling constitutional protections in Jose’s case, they can and will do it to anyone. We must act now to stop this abuse, free Jose from unlawful isolation, and hold DOC accountable before more lives are damaged by retaliation and cover-ups. 

Drag is protected speech. Federal courts already said this law is probably unconstitutional. Uthmeier is only enforcing it because of a legal loophole—not because it's suddenly okay. The law is intentionally vague. Since "lewd" isn't defined, Uthmeier can go after anyone. Performers face jail time. Venues can lose their businesses. And get this: even if a teenager uses a fake ID to sneak into your show, you can still be prosecuted. There's no defense. Your privacy is at risk. When you go to a drag show, the government shouldn't be collecting your name and tracking you. That's exactly what the First Amendment protects against. But Uthmeier is demanding guest lists anyway. Hate groups are calling the shots. Moms for Liberty and similar extremist groups are monitoring drag shows and filing complaints about events they didn't even attend—taking photos out of context and demanding the government crack down. Uthmeier is doing their bidding. Fear is the point. Uthmeier wants performers too scared to perform and venues too scared to book them. He's trying to kill drag in Florida without having to prove anything in court. We won't let him.

More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed over the past 22 months. 92% of homes have been destroyed. Millions of people are completely reliant on humanitarian aid for shelter, food, and medical care.  Meanwhile, the Israeli government has blocked unimpeded aid, causing widespread famine and starvation. On average 28 Palestinian children die every day from the inhumane actions of the Israeli government.   Entire generations have been erased, and the cumulative trauma from living through this horror is unimaginable. This mass destruction will take decades to rebuild. It is imperative that Palestinians be able to have self-determination in what happens next. And the U.S. must use every lever of power in order to make that possible.  Representative Ro Khanna—along with more than a dozen other Democratic lawmakers—have called on President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to recognize Palestinian statehood. 147 countries currently recognize the state of Palestine. Now three global leaders—France, Britain, and Canada—have expressed their intention of doing so, as well. It is beyond time for the U.S. to not only recognize Palestinian statehood but also back it up in action to end the violence, destruction, and starvation.

Chicago has inclement weather more often than not. We care about the quality of life for our little ones and do not want to remove this space that is so needed for their physical, emotional and social wellness. Many of us chose State of Illinois Childcare Development Center Development Center because of the high standards in quality care. Removing the indoor playground also puts a strain on our beloved teachers.  Help us send a message that we want to find a solution that benefits the SOICDC, the teachers and the children. We care deeply about our community and about the long-term success of SOICDC.

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.

Please join in showing your support for: • Truth, facts, and science. • Scientific integrity. • Life-saving vaccines that have saved millions of lives and mRNA technology that helps fight cancer. • Ethical and responsible public health leadership. • U.S. leadership in global health innovation and preparedness. 

 Commitment to protecting Floridians' rights and natural resources is vital. This issue is about more than just parking—it’s about preserving the public's access to Florida’s beaches, a core part of our identity, economy, and freedom. 

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

Consider the deleterious effect this action will have on ALL the voters of Texas.  All Texans should be able to choose who represents them in fair elections. Fair elections have been the cornerstone of the United States of America government and envied around the world.   Please sign this petition to let Governor Abbott know that Texans do not support this.