The Green New Deal for Cities would provide local governments the funding to create good-paying, union jobs repairing their infrastructure, improving water quality, reducing air pollution, cleaning up our nation's parks, creating new green spaces We need to give our local communities the funding and support to act to prevent even further environmental collapse. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act is a great start, but the scale of the the climate crisis and the threats that it poses to the health, safety, and livelihoods of our communities demand that we go further to rapidly de-transition from fossil fuels to a green economy. Source for image: Growing Together by James McInvale (left), Breathing New Life Into America by Caitlin Alexander (center), The Green New Deal by Jordan Johnson (right). From the Green New Deal poster series by Creative Action Network.

The Supreme Court's ruling is a devastating blow to equal opportunity and diversity. By axing race-conscious admissions but leaving protections in place for legacy admissions, the court is perpetuating a system that caters to the privileged and widens the inequality gap. This decision disregards the promises made to Black and brown families about fair opportunities for education, work, and economic stability. I believe that access to education is a right, not a luxury. This ruling favors those who are born into privilege, while leaving marginalized communities behind. It is out of touch with the current needs of our country and denies the reality of systemic racism and the urgent need to address historical injustices. We all benefit from diverse communities that bring together different voices, experiences, and backgrounds. It is the lifeblood of a strong democracy, and we cannot let this decision roll back decades of progress and trample on the principles of equal protection. However, I believe that there is still hope. Colleges and universities have the power to prioritize diversity and inclusion, even in the absence of affirmative action policies. We have seen this in the state of California, where public schools had to find alternative ways to address educational disparities after affirmative action was voted down almost 30 years ago. Therefore, we urge colleges and universities to take immediate action to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their admissions processes. This can be achieved through various means, such as implementing holistic admissions processes that consider a wide range of factors, expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented communities, investing in scholarships and financial aid programs for marginalized students, creating mentorship and support programs, and collaborating with community organizations and schools to develop pipeline programs. By taking these steps, colleges and universities can demonstrate their commitment to addressing educational disparities and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. Access to education should be a right for all, not a luxury for a privileged few. Therefore, I call on colleges and universities to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their admissions processes and take proactive measures to address educational disparities. Together, let us challenge the Supreme Court's decision and fight for a more just and equal society. Sincerely, Jonathan McGinley Portland, Oregon

A diverse and representative Supreme Court is not just a goal; it's an imperative for our democracy. The decisions made by the Supreme Court have a profound impact on the lives of every American, and to ensure that justice is served, the Court must reflect the experiences and perspectives of the diverse communities it serves. For the first 80 years of the U.S. judicial system, there wasn't a single woman represented. And over 200 years later, progress has continued to lag. About a third of all judicial positions are held by women and only 2% of federal judges are Black women. And for the highest court in our country, the statistics are even more dismal. Out of the 115 justices that have served on the Supreme Court, only six have been women and we have never had an out transgender or gender nonbinary justice appointed. By promoting greater representation of women of color in the judicial system, we are opening doors to much-needed expertise, fresh perspectives, and a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by different communities. A diverse Supreme Court can help build trust in the judicial system and foster greater public confidence in the decisions made by the Court. Additionally, when we have federal judicial courts that are truly representative, we send a powerful message to every young person that they too can aspire to serve on the highest court in the land. Yes, we know this inspiring Supreme Court of Barbie Land is just a movie—but maybe it's time we take the compelling vision of fiction and infuse our reality with it. Like Barbie, every young person in this country should know they can be anything they want to be.

This is not just a matter of compassion; it is essential for the education and future of our youth. Countless studies have demonstrated that hungry children struggle to focus, learn, and reach their full potential academically. By guaranteeing free school meals, we address childhood hunger and make a critical investment in the well-being of our future generations. States like Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, and California have already taken steps to implement policies that provide free meals to all kids, resulting in positive outcomes in combating childhood hunger and improving educational performance. It is imperative that we stand firm against any proposal that undermines the free school meals program and instead advocate for policies that make it easier for children to access nutritious meals at school.

We, the concerned citizens and supporters of “Literacy and Justice for all” urge the Houston Independent School District to reconsider its plans for converting library spaces into detention centers. Let us collectively protect and nurture the sanctity of libraries as beacons of knowledge and learning, fostering a love for reading and empowering students to succeed academically and beyond. By preserving these invaluable resources, we can create a more equitable and enriched educational experience for all students within the Houston community.

We live in a time where convenience makes a difference. It will be a added bonus to be able to have liquor delivered to your door since you have the option to have everything else delivered.

National forests in the United States are essential and irreplaceable. They preserve precious habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals, provide health and enjoyment to recreationalists, and play a key role in fighting climate change. But now the U.S. Forest Service is planning to allow carbon waste dumping in national forests. We can't allow the nation's forests to be used as a dumping ground for fossil fuel companies and other industrial polluters. Not only would carbon storage require the buildout of dangerous pipelines, injection wells and roads — it would also pose potentially deadly risks to people and wildlife. Carbon dioxide leaks are highly hazardous and can lead to suffocation and even death. We need to stop this dangerous proposal in its tracks. Tell the Forest Service to scrap its upcoming proposal to allow carbon waste dumping in U.S. forests.

Trump has been indicted on two federal charges—most recently for hatching a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results and, previously, for stealing classified documents and refusing to return them to the government when requested. He’s also been charged on the state level for violating campaign finance laws and sending hush money payments to Stormy Daniels to silence her, and more state charges are imminent. And any day now he will be charged in Georgia for 2020 election interference. Additionally, a recent jury trial found him liable for sexual assault. Trump is not above the law. Allowing the thrice-indicted Trump to participate in the first Republican debate would give him legitimacy that he does not deserve or have. Trump must be held accountable for all of the crimes he’s committed against the American people. Trump has used his legal woes to rake in tens of millions of dollars from donors, much of which he is using in self-serving ways that fly in the face of campaign finance laws. He is conning donors and voters and has made clear he will continue to break the law. MAGA Republicans continue to threaten our freedoms at every chance they get and are willing to hold on to power for themselves by any means necessary. To maintain any credibility as a legitimate national party, the Republican National Committee should not give credence to the idea that Donald Trump is a legitimate candidate.

The name "Donald J. Trump" on a state park is a constant reminder of a presidency stained by controversy and division. The former president's involvement in inciting the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 and his subsequent impeachment tarnished the dignity of the office. We deserve a park name that reflects unity, progress, and inclusivity. Donald Trump donated the land in 2006 with the promise that it would bear his name, but times have changed. With criminal charges against him, it's clear that honoring his name is no longer appropriate. Renaming the park is an opportunity to send a powerful message about our values and the kind of future we want to create. We need a park name that represents the best of our community and embraces the principles of democracy, justice, and respect for all. Sign this petition to support the renaming of Trump Park and usher in a new beginning that we can all be proud of!

Sinéad O’Connor released 10 studio albums and her contributions to musical excellence with albums like "The Lion and the Cobra" and "I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got" are undeniable. Chart toppers like “Nothing Compares 2 U” continue to have cultural and musical relevance decades later. Additionally, her prominence as a political activist challenging the entertainment industry has made her an icon ahead of her time, spurring films like "Nothing Compares" and countless pop culture references. A rising musician in the 1990s, Sinéad O’Connor was blacklisted by the industry for her outspoken political activism against sexual abuse, war, and nationalism. She passed away on July 26, 2023 at the young age of 56. She deserved recognition for her integrity as a musician and an artist while she was alive, and she deserves it now. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame lacks gender diversity, with only around 60 of its over 700+ inductees women. That’s less than 9%. It’s time more women take their rightful place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We can’t allow the bias and discrimination that prevented Sinéad O’Connor from being celebrated in the '90s to continue block her place in history. Demand that Sinéad O’Connor be nominated and voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as soon as possible!

As the climate crisis intensifies, so too will the impacts to all of Pennsylvania's communities, but especially to those that have been suffering disproportionately at the hands of polluting industries for generations. In fact, experts like Pennsylvania's Dr. Michael Mann have been warning us for years that conditions will only get worse, that there is no "new normal." And since what happens in Pennsylvania doesn't stay in Pennsylvania, our outsized contribution to the crisis will impact everyone. Nothing is going to improve without aggressive action by our state government. Nothing is going to make state government act without pressure from all of us.

A common misconception is that writers and actors are all super rich, but it couldn’t be further from the truth, which is that 95% of the 160,000 actors with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) make less than $25,000 per year, and they need to make $26,000 a year to even qualify for health insurance. And not to mention that the top studio executive made 384 times the average writer the past five years. The reality is that the massive wealth inequality that we see between the ultra wealthy and everyday working people is reflected in the entertainment industry too. Streaming companies make BILLIONS of dollars in corporate profits each year, pay top executives hundreds of millions of dollars combined, while giving writers and actors the short end of the stick. This cannot continue, and this is why actors and writers are on strike. And the impact of the companies' greed is not just causing harm to these workers, it is limiting the stories that come from the communities we need to hear from most. As the industry’s business model becomes unsustainable for emerging writers and actors there will potentially be fewer stories penned by historically marginalized communities. The lack of representation impacts us all—and it’s especially jarring given right-wing attacks on sharing diverse stories in classrooms and libraries. It also just means the range of TV shows we get to see will be worse. It's pretty clear that writers and creators should be fairly compensated to ensure creative talent of all backgrounds can contribute to the quality content we all love. Writers and actors simply want a fair contract, and together, we can make that happen. Sign the petition to tell ultrawealthy entertainment executives to put people over corporate greed and give writers and actors a fair contract NOW!