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. 

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 others, and leading within their communities. 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.

  ✊🏽 WHY THIS MATTERS If someone can be sentenced to life plus 25yrs for a case with: • Dismissed charges and refiled with a reused probable cause affidavit that was not only from another county but had been dismissed and reused with no new evidence.  • Juror only understood 20% of English • No actual insurance fraud, No claim number for a claim and No Money received!! • Injustice in This Case Undermines the Law Itself If “Stand Your Ground” does not apply to Prentice Ponds — a man protecting himself in his own home — who does it apply to? • Allowed a judge to sentence him despite a conflict of interest — she and the freelance investigator worked under the same umbrella company. • The same judge that refused to accept pictures of the man with the items Prentice was accused of stealing. This isn’t just about one man. This is about whether Oklahoma law protects all of its citizens — or only some. Wrongful convictions steal lives, erode trust in the legal system, and perpetuate cycles of injustice—particularly in Black communities. Prentice Ponds’ case is a glaring example of what happens when bias, misconduct, and indifference are allowed to override truth. If Oklahoma wants to claim a fair justice system, it must admit its errors, clear Prentice Ponds’ name, and free him with honor—not pity. We demand justice, truth, and accountability. Free Prentice Ponds. Exonerate him now. None of us are safe!! Prentice’s story is not about loopholes — it’s about abuse of power and erasure of truth. His past does not justify his future being stolen. We will not wait decades for the courts to “maybe” get it right. Freedom must come now. 

Why this is important: Every second counts in an overdose crisis. People using test strips are often in high-stress, low-light, or chaotic environments — shelters, bathrooms, street corners, or nightclubs. A split-second misread can mean the difference between life and death. We are losing tens of thousands of lives every year to fentanyl — not because tests don’t work, but because results aren’t clear. This isn’t a chemistry problem. It’s a communication problem — and one we can solve today. A simple shift in visual logic can save lives immediately — without costly materials, or new manufacturing

The 16 appointed experts who serve on USPSTF aren’t political insiders. They are nationally renowned for their work in "prevention, evidenced-based medicine, and preventative care.” An independent USPSTF is essential to protect public health, preserve scientific integrity, and ensure all Americans can access the preventative care they need to live longer, healthier lives. It is critical that we create as much public opposition and outrage as possible to pressure RFK Jr. to not go through with this likely decision. Sign the petition to demand that HHS Secretary RFK Jr. keep USPSTF unbiased and independent.