You likely remember the horrifying images from CECOT, El Salvador’s notorious mega-prison: detainees stripped and forced to kneel, surrounded by armed guards in riot gear. That includes hundreds of men who the U.S. government deported without due process, based on unproven allegations that they were members of a Venezuelan gang. Men like 19-year-old Carlos Daniel Terán, who told NPR how he was dragged from his cell, beaten, and sexually assaulted. He called CECOT “hell on earth” — and a troubling secret memo details how U.S. tax dollars paid for the torture he and others experienced. It may not surprise you that the Trump administration signed off on a multi-million dollar deal that turns a blind eye to some of the worst human rights abuses imaginable. The horrific reality is that things could get worse yet: Right now, the Trump administration is working to expand third-country deportations to as many as 58 countries. It’s unconscionable. But as soon as this week, Senator Tim Kaine will force votes on a package of SIX game changing resolutions that would require the State Department to provide human rights reports on South Sudan, Rwanda, Eswatini, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico — places the Trump administration is currently deporting people. The clock is ticking, and we have the narrowest window of opportunity to build enough support to pass Senator Kaine’s resolutions and help ensure no one faces the abuse that Terán and others experienced.

Trump recently announced U.S. forces have “knocked off … three boats” — indicating another unauthorized, lethal strike on vessels in the Caribbean. That’s three strikes in less than three weeks. At least 14 people have been killed, likely in violation of both U.S. and international laws. Trump and his cronies are stonewalling Congress’ efforts to get answers, as troubling questions have emerged as to who was even on the boat, in addition to reports that the vessel was retreating from U.S. forces at the time of the attack. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 makes it Congress’ responsibility to decide most questions involving the use of force — everything from putting U.S. troops in harm’s way to ordering airstrikes that kill. Congress never authorized these strikes — or any military action in the Caribbean. We cannot let Trump get away with these unauthorized, unnecessary, and dangerous attacks. Luckily, we’re not alone: Champions in Congress are prepping and introducing a number of War Powers Resolutions to stop Trump. Now, our job is to build support for each one and remind lawmakers that no one wants needless and lawless violence. First up? S.J.Res.83, just introduced by Senators Schiff and Kaine.

San Francisco approved a detailed and comprehensive Climate Action Plan in 2021 with a top-line goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. Some progress towards this goal has been made since then, including general fund budget money awarded over the last few years to the SF Environment Department, for the first time ever. But we are now in danger of going backwards in our fight to mitigate climate change. Mayor Lurie and the Board of Supervisors recently approved a 2-year budget that revokes virtually all funding for programs critical to implementing the CAP. Without changes, staff will be laid off and successful projects will grind to a halt. In the face of rising climate catastrophe, this is simply unacceptable. The federal government’s abdication of any climate action only underscores the need for forward-thinking cities like San Francisco to lead the way, ensuring we don't get left behind as the rest of the world accelerates in this critical energy and economic transition. San Francisco is uniquely poised as a center of innovation and progressive values to forge ahead, demonstrating how to take meaningful action on one of the greatest challenges of our time. The City can build on the excellent work already being done by our Environment Department and other City agencies, community organizations, and the business community to speed our progress towards reduced emissions and protection of our most vulnerable communities.

South Fulton’s seniors and residents of all abilities deserve a voice in how our City plans for the future. Too often, decisions are made without considering the daily challenges of aging like safe transportation, affordable housing, access to healthcare, and digital inclusion. By joining this Initiative, you are helping create the Senior Aging & Inclusion Commission, a group that will soley advise City leaders on these issues, publish an annual Senior & Inclusion Well-Being Index for transparency, and push for safer, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods. When you sign, you are standing up for your family, your neighbors, and the future of South Fulton showing City Hall that our community is united in supporting seniors and residents of all abilities. City leaders can only make the best decisions when they hear directly from the people those decisions affect. Seniors and residents of all abilities know firsthand the daily challenges of transportation, housing, healthcare, and staying connected. When these voices are organized and lifted through the Senior Aging & Inclusion Commission, it not only guides local policies but also strengthens our partnerships with county, state, and federal agencies.  At a time when federal resources are limited and requirements are constantly shifting, it is more important than ever that South Fulton hears directly from its community so we can advocate effectively, align our policies, and secure the right resources for our residents.

Turning Point USA targets minority groups and supports the “MRS” degree. The MRS degree is the belief woman go to college seeking marriage. Meredith College is founded on the principle women are entitled to education like anyone else. Do not let them weaken our community and commitment to keeping women educated! If you sign the petition, you’re letting our faculty and other students know we do not tolerate creating a space for chaos and needless arguing.

Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr announced Wednesday that he had a strong case for taking action against Kimmel—insinuating that Disney’s license was on the line.  “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney. They have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest,” Carr said.  This is blatant corruption—a government agency abusing its power to coerce corporations into submission and silence those who disagree with it.  This isn’t just about one late-show host. It’s about the ability of people—whether they're high-profile media hosts like Kimmel or everyday Americans—to use their platform to speak out against the government.  Kimmel’s suspension comes on the heels of CBS and Paramount Global's firing of popular and Emmy-winning late-show host Stephen Colbert. From slashing funding for public television and NPR to the firing of media personalities, the Trump administration wants to control what Americans hear and watch. It wants to strip away access to a diversity of news and information sources so that it can control the narrative.  This is a dangerous slide into authoritarianism, and we have to resist every step of the way. Add your name to the petition now. 

The fundamental values of Constitutional free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment have been stabbed in the heart by this illegal and false attack censoring Jimmy Kimmel.  He told the truth about the dishonest misconduct of the Trump administration in their entirely false and misleading propaganda about the death of Charlie Kirk. Having the federal government threaten a network to censor speech is precisely what the First Amendment prohibits and this action threatens the very nature of our American Democracy. 

If you agree with this, please sign to make a change!!!

The fight for D.C.'s right to govern itself is not just a local issue—it is a fight for democracy, equality, and justice. The residents of Washington, D.C. are being denied the fundamental right that every American citizen deserves: self-determination. By signing this petition, you are standing up for: 1. Democracy: Every citizen should have a voice in how they are governed. But residents of D.C. pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to society in countless ways—yet they are denied voting representation in Congress. This is a direct attack on the democratic principles our nation was built on. The fight for D.C. is the fight for true democracy. 2. Equality: D.C. residents deserve the same rights as those in any state. No community should be denied a voice in its own government, especially when its people have been consistently contributing to the nation’s well-being. When Congress continues to impose laws that strip away D.C.’s autonomy, it is a violation of the very principle of equal treatment under the law. The rights of D.C. residents should not be second-class. 3. Justice: The people of D.C. have fought tirelessly for the right to govern themselves, yet Congress continues to impose policies that diminish their power. By signing this petition, you’re standing up for justice—and fighting back against the federal overreach that strips the people of D.C. of their voice, their power, and their right to create laws that best serve their community. This fight isn’t just about D.C.; it’s about sending a clear message: We will not stand by as Congress continues to infringe upon the rights of any group of Americans to have a say in their future. D.C. should be able to make decisions for its residents without unnecessary federal interference. Now is the time for action. The people of Washington, D.C. are counting on your support to protect their autonomy and preserve their voice. Add your name, make your voice heard, and join the movement to demand justice, equality, and democracy for all.

Hundreds of thousands of people WILL be impacted if these programs do not receive funding, leaving clients and students with less ability to pursue education and program staff without jobs!  I used Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) when I left the service to go back to school. Without the resources and guidance of Education Specialists with VUB, my transition would have been unimaginably difficult and I may not be where I'm at today, about to graduate and applying for my Master's degree. There are countless stories like mine, and many more who have faced even greater obstacles to try to create a better life for themselves and their families. As Upward Bound programs, including Veterans Upward Bound, near the FY deadline for the programs to continue, advocacy is needed to disburse funds to the programs. Upward Bound programs provide needed support to people from first-generation and low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education. Specific programs are tailored for high school students, veterans, and other adult learners who would other lack the opportunity to start or complete their education. The Grant Award Notices (GANs) have allocated the funding for the new fiscal year, but the funds still have not been released. If the funding is not released by September 30th, Upward Bound programs will not be able to continue providing services and the programs will end. The populations served by these programs often lack realistic opportunities to pursue or complete higher education. Having worked directly with these people, your friends, family, and coworkers, I can attest to their work ethic and passion. And that carries beyond the classroom. That same work ethic and passion will feed back into their careers and communities, making them better and stronger!

Since he was confirmed in February 2025, RFK Jr. has put the health of Americans at risk. Under his direction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was fired—leading to the mass exodus of other top CDC officials.  Secretary Kennedy also fired every single member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and, in their place, appointed a panel of vaccine skeptics, including individuals who opposed mRNA vaccines, spread misinformation on COVID-19 and measles, and espoused debunked theories on vaccines and autism.  Under Secretary Kennedy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rescinded its emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines and has approved the latest version of the vaccine only for people 65 or older or who have unspecified high-risk medical conditions—against the recommendations of most major medical organizations. He has stripped funding for mRNA vaccine research, spread misinformation, and undermined the CDC by calling it a “cesspool of corruption.” It’s not just COVID-19 that’s on the line. Secretary Kennedy is coming for hepatitis B vaccine—an effective vaccine given to newborns that has reduced infection rates by 99% over the past two decades. And recommendations for a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and chickenpox vaccine could also be on the line.  ACIP recommendations are often adopted by the CDC and used to inform state vaccination mandates, insurance coverage, and liability. By appointing extremist vaccine skeptics, Secretary Kennedy is wreaking havoc to our vaccine infrastructure and undermining Americans' trust in our health leaders.  Instead of putting science and health above all else, Secretary Kennedy is prioritizing partisanship and putting lives at risk. We are not exaggerating: People will die because of RFK Jr.'s reckless, ill-informed, and dangerous leadership. He must be removed now before he completely erodes our health infrastructure. 

 Our Call to Action  We call upon the African Union Commission, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, and all Africans who believe in genuine Pan-Africanism to:  1. Launch an independent review of the AU’s headquarters location with input from member states, civil society, and security experts. 2. Select a new host city that reflects African values of unity, peace, and sovereignty, free from ongoing civil conflict or historical domination of other African peoples. 3. Reaffirm the AU’s founding mission: to stand against all forms of oppression—colonial or internal—and to promote genuine solidarity among African nations. This is not a rejection of Ethiopia’s people, whose cultures and histories are an integral part of Africa’s fabric. Rather, it is a call for the AU to align its symbolism and operations with its principles. Africa deserves a headquarters in a place where peace, inclusivity, and mutual respect are more than words—they are lived realities.   The time has come to relocate the African Union to a city that embodies the Africa we aspire to build: stable, forward-looking, and truly united.