The passage of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill was the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history—giving historic tax breaks to the wealthy and worsening income inequality across the country. As the cost of groceries continues to burden people across the country, millions of people will lose some, or even all, of the food assistance they rely on. From kicking more than 15 million people off their health insurance to cutting nutrition assistance more than ever before, everyday families will be paying the price of Trump and MAGA Republicans’ cowardice and greed.  This is a shameful grift, and our elected officials need to right this wrong immediately.  Democrats in the Senate have introduced legislation that would repeal the health care cuts made in Trump’s dangerous tax bill, including extending the ACA premium tax credits and restoring Medicaid coverage for tens of millions of people. But every single member needs to hear from constituents that we expect them to deliver on these repeals—and more—before changes go into effect.  Add your name to the petition NOW to demand that the Senate take action to reverse cuts to healthcare and SNAP.

Marriage equality is critically important because it provides LGBTQ+ individuals and families with vital legal, emotional, and social protections.    The ability to marry influences how couples support each other, providing easier paths to share resources, caregiving responsibilities, and family decisions.  Challenging marriage equality would put hundreds of thousands of families at risk—undermining their rights, hurting their children, and returning society to a time of greater inequality, stigma, and vulnerability for LGBTQ+ Americans. This isn't just about marriage; it's about the fundamental dignity and protection of families across the country. 

Overturning gay marriage on a federal level creates issues where couples will cross state lines and their marriage will no longer be recognized. If you go to the hospital in a state where they don’t recognize your marriage, then your partner cannot legally see you or have anything to do with you. Gay parents can’t adopt. Insurance will be in upheaval. This is another way for the GOP to distract and to weaken their opponents.

6/25/25 - Trump signed an executive order instructing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to create specialized units within the National Guard to “deal with public order issues.” It was revealed that the Pentagon has been planning to send the National Guard to Chicago—confirming his intentions of replicating his D.C. ploy in cities across the country. Since Trump initially came into office, Washington, D.C., has been an epicenter of resistance. From the Women's March to countless other rallies and events, Trump wants to squash all dissent against his unpopular, authoritarian agenda. It is illegal to use the American military against the American people—but that's exactly what Trump said he would do during his campaign, and it’s exactly what is happening now.  Trump is painting a dystopian picture of Washington, D.C., using obvious fearmongering to try to justify his blatant overreach, despite the fact that leaders and communities in D.C. have worked hard to keep our capital safe—crime is the lowest it’s been in 30 years because we know best what’s going to work. But since D.C. is a federal district, not a state, Trump is testing the limits of his power and using it as a testing ground zero for his militarized power grab.  Turning the U.S. military against the people puts our families and lives in danger. We need Congress to intervene and stop this erosion of our fundamental rights and freedom—and we need to come together to make it clear that Americans will not be silent in the face of this fascist power grab.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved his plan to launch a campaign to occupy Gaza City. New waves of bombing have already begun as the Israeli military moves toward a full takeover. Among those killed were five journalists, some of the last remaining voices in Gaza conveying their tragic reality to the world. The Israeli government’s dangerous escalation will only deepen the ongoing catastrophe suffered by Palestinians, endanger the remaining hostages, and indefinitely drag out the war. A permanent ceasefire is desperately needed. A ceasefire can save lives in Gaza by stopping the bombing and allowing opportunities for critically needed humanitarian relief. It can reunite the remaining hostages with their loved ones. A ceasefire can provide safety for people across the region. A ceasefire can make a massive and immediate positive difference in people’s lives. That’s why dozens of members of Congress are already on record with their support — and as PM Netanyahu’s disastrous, self-interested decision takes shape, we need every member of Congress to jump into action NOW.

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. 

In 2023, Florida passed legislation to demonize drag shows under the guise of protecting children. Despite it being blocked by federal courts for being unconstitutional, Florida officials are still trying to surveil the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s no surprise that the force behind the Attorney General’s investigation is Moms for Liberty—a fringe, extremist group that is known for banning books and spewing hate. The leader of a Florida chapter of Moms for Liberty, Jennifer Pippin, complained about children being at an event at The Kilted Mermaid—despite not even attending or being present herself. And while no one has been charged with a crime, Florida’s invasive violation of privacy is nothing short of a constitutional crisis, an attack on our freedom of expression, and a blatant attempt to smear the LGBTQ+ community.  Add your name to demand that Florida officials STOP attacks on drag and Pride events!

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.