The Committee to Protect Journalists must correct its false report that "Nearly all TV stations in Venezuela are either controlled or allied with the government of Nicolás Maduro and have ignored the nationwide protests." The New York Times has recently corrected a similar false claim. The Committee to Protect Journalists should follow the lead of the New York Times in correcting its false claim.

The New York Times must correct its false report that voices critical of the government are excluded from Venezuelan TV.

As community members, criminal justice organizations, advocates and allies, we write to stand with Jordan Young, a Black Albany native who was shot and nearly killed by an Albany police officer while in the throes of a mental health crisis. We express our profound dismay in the Albany County District Attorney's unconscionable decision to pursue charges against Jordan, for whom a prison sentence will almost certainly be deadly. On January 24, 2022, Jordan was walking his dog when he was unjustifiably approached and stopped by two Albany police officers and thereafter shot multiple times in the torso by a member of the Albany Police Department. As a result of the events on January 24, Jordan stands charged with Menacing a Police Officer and Attempted Aggravated Assault upon a Police Officer, which carries a mandatory term of imprisonment. Due to the extent of his injuries from the shooting, Jordan was treated in Albany Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit for almost a month, and was not released from the hospital until April 2022. He has endured multiple surgeries, spent weeks on ventilators, and experienced the loss of crucial organ functioning that will likely be permanent and life-altering. Even today, nearly nine months after being shot, Jordan’s medical condition remains dire; he is currently re-hospitalized indefinitely for issues attributed to the shooting. In the aftermath of this traumatic event, Jordan has continued to face unnecessary emotional stress on top of his existing mental health challenges. He was arraigned from his hospital bed, only able to speak through a tracheostomy valve in his neck; initially remanded without bail; restrained to his hospital bed by shackles; prohibited from having private consultations with his attorney; and restricted to having visitation in the hospital for a mere two hours a day with only his wife and no other family members. The District Attorney’s office has also refused to explore alternatives to incarceration, which could be achieved through a plea bargaining process. While not an exhaustive list, these injustices demonstrate some of the suffering that Jordan has already endured. Considering the circumstances of Jordan’s case, the charges against him cannot be allowed to stand. The pain and anguish that Jordan has experienced is fueled by a law enforcement culture that routinely dehumanizes those with mental illness. We, the undersigned, join in solidarity with Jordan, his loved ones, and the countless other people suffering from mental illness who are needlessly harmed or killed by law enforcement. We call for community-based alternatives centered on the diverse needs of people with mental health issues and people of color, instead of dehumanizing them. Above all, we stand with the Young family and call on the Albany County District Attorney to drop these disgraceful charges. We join their demand for justice for Jordan.

PETITION TO UPHOLD BYLAWS, PARLIAMENTARY ORDER, AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN THE HAWAI‘I REPUBLICAN PARTY To: State Chair Art Hanneman CC: State Officers, Rules Chair Boyd Ready From: Concerned Members and Delegates of the Hawai‘i Republican Party I. Purpose of Petition We, the undersigned members of the Hawai‘i Republican Party and members of its State Committee, submit this petition as a formal request and demand for the State Chair and State Leadership to: 1. Uphold the Hawai‘i Republican Party State and County Bylaws 2. Strictly follow Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in all meetings and deliberative procedures 3. Ensure that all party governance is conducted impartially, lawfully, and respectfully, in a manner consistent with the principles of this Party and the Constitution of the United States II. Context and Concerns At the Special Meeting held on June 17, 2025, multiple documented violations occurred, including: • Failure to distribute the agenda and essential documents with sufficient notice • Suppression of Points of Order and Appeals from the Chair, violating Robert’s Rules §23–24 • Improper transfer of the gavel to the First Vice Chair without absence, incapacity, or notice, violating Robert’s Rules §47:8 and HRP Bylaws §308 • Failure to allow the presentation of testimony or evidence during an official appeal hearing • Disregard for the proper handling of challenges under Bylaws §114 and 117 • Forcing a vote on matters without deliberation, evidence, or due process These actions violate the integrity of our bylaws, compromise party transparency, and jeopardize the standing of the Party with governing authorities, including those under the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. III. Expectations and Responsibilities We remind State Chair Art Hanneman and all officers that each of you took an oath to uphold the Party's Bylaws and to lead with integrity, fairness, and transparency. You ran as a slate on promises of unity and respect, and those values must be upheld without prejudice or selective application. Unity does not mean silencing opposing views. It means allowing the full and equal participation of all members, especially when their views are within the scope of the Bylaws, Robert’s Rules, and the laws of this State and country. We further call on Rules Chair Boyd Ready, as a licensed parliamentarian, to fulfill his professional duty to: • Interpret and apply the Bylaws accurately and impartially • Prevent the misuse or weaponization of Robert’s Rules of Order • Advise without bias and uphold the spirit of a fair deliberative process IV. Remedy and Future Accountability We hereby demand: 1. That the State Chair and Rules Chair publicly affirm their commitment to uphold the Party Bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order 2. That all future meetings be conducted with proper notice, transparency, and adherence to parliamentary procedure 3. That no member be silenced or penalized for raising objections, appeals, or alternative viewpoints, provided they remain within the scope of governing rules If these standards are not immediately and consistently upheld, we will: • Seek the formal resignation of the State Chair and other leadership failing to comply • Call for a special meeting of the State Committee to address procedural misconduct • Submit a formal complaint to oversight bodies, including the Republican National Committee and applicable authorities under state law V. Conclusion Leadership in the Republican Party requires more than holding office—it requires accountability, respect for the rules, and inclusion of all voices. This petition is not about division, but about protecting the foundation of order, fairness, and integrity that makes meaningful unity possible. Respectfully submitted, The Undersigned Members of the Hawai‘i Republican Party

The Equal Opportunity Review Commission (EORC) reviews and approves all applicable construction contracts for compliance with Chapter 161 of the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, as well as the contractor's compliance with City of Pittsburgh's policies regarding minority and women business enterprise opportunities. It also develops policies regarding employment opportunities for minorities and women in contracting with the City of Pittsburgh and its Authorities. As the EORC is governed by § 177A.02 - EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PRACTICE AND GOALS. The City of Pittsburgh is committed to the ideal of providing all citizens an equal opportunity to participate in City and its Authorities Contracting opportunities. In order to ensure that there are opportunities for historically disadvantaged minority groups and women to participate on Covered Contracts, and consistent with the City's current equal employment opportunity practice and goals, the EORC will review contracts to include an evaluation of a developer/contractor's employment of minority groups and women, encouraging goals of twenty-five (25) percent and ten (10) percent, respectively. What is key is having minority contractors present at a community-driven meeting with the EORC where they can discuss any barriers or issues experience in achieving employment or contract with the City as a MWDBE certified organization. This provides the EORC the opportunity to hear from those most affected by their approval process – minorities, women and disadvantage businesses. We, the undersigned intend to attend the public hearing.

May 2012 Honorable Governor Brown and the State Legislature State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Governor Brown's Budget Plan on California’s Financial Aid Grant Program REQUEST FOR SUPPORT AND SIGNATURE To Governor Brown and the State Legislature: On behalf of tens of thousands of students, educators, families, and allies from across California we urge you to prioritize all of California’s students and not slash funds for the Cal Grant program. The Cal Grant program helps thousands of students attend college each year, and the new plan to raise the GPA minimum would derail over 26,600 students. Denying financial aid to these individuals would greatly increase California’s dropout rate, creating problems that extend far beyond the education system. In addition, limiting financial aid resources for students to select a private California institution prevents choice and further opportunities for the California residents. Currently, California's education system is ranked one of the lowest compared to other states in the nation. It is time to prioritize education and make the welfare of California future voters the number one priority. Giving more students more opportunities and support will enable California, once again, to be a state full of the entrepreneurs, business and community leaders we desperately need to strengthen our state in the 21st century. Not slashing the Cal Grant program would ensure that California’s investment in the education of youth continues beyond K-12 by granting hard-working students to achieve their higher educational goals and thus creating a more educated, innovative and competitive workforce. The Cal Grant program has consistently been on the cutting board by past governors. Time and time again the voters and residents of California have said loudly, “NO.” It is time for CA’s governor and legislators to listen to the people they serve and find alternatives to fix the budget that will benefit ALL in the near and far future. Slashing opportunity, growth and innovation in a young people’s life is a death sentence to our state. Obtaining a college degree is incredibly important in this economic climate, and no one should have to drop out due to inadequate funds. We should be investing in our residents’ education, not downsizing it. At a time where students in California are struggling to obtain a degree in four years, there should be no talk about slashes in education – but more discussion and strategic planning on making California’s education system more effective and productive. The “Golden State” education program should be one of the best, not a state that does not make education imperative. At a time when the economic projections for the state of California suggest that by 2025, every five jobs will require a college graduate, we must ensure that all California students have equal access to higher education. It is in the best interest of our state’s economy and future that the country have an educated workforce to provide the innovation and leadership necessary to keep California at the forefront of the global economy and maintain its historic tradition as a national leader in enacting progressive legislation. I strongly urge the State Legislature and Governor Brown to show leadership on this issue, and not approve the slash cuts and adjustments recommended for the California State Aid Commission Grant program.

Subject: Formal Protest Regarding the Candidacy of Jacqueline Tkac for President Dear Recording Secretary and Election Committee Members, This letter serves as a formal protest of the candidacy of Jacqueline Tkac for the office of president in the upcoming CAPS Local 1115 election. This protest is filed in accordance with the UAW International Constitution, Article 38 and Local 1115 Bylaws, Article 3(2), Article 6(1), Article 7(1),  and Article 15(6), which govern election protests and eligibility requirements. The basis for this protest is the ineligibility of Jacqueline Tkac to hold elected office due to a failure to meet the fundamental requirements of membership and continuous good standing as defined by our governing documents. Specifically, on or about May 27, 2025, Ms.Tkac resigned from her position as a state worker within Bargaining Unit 10. According to our CAPS Local 1115 Bylaws, Article 3, Section 2, membership is contingent on being "employed in positions represented by the Local Union" and paying dues. Article 6, Section 1 states that the President is an elected Executive Officer of the Local Union. Article 7 Section 1, states that elected Local Union Executive Officers are on the Executive Board. Article 15, Section 6 of the bylaws specifies that "all Executive Board candidates shall belong to the Rank-and-File Unit." Article 3 of the CAPS Local 1115 Bylaws explicitly defines membership as being an 'employee in a State Civil Service classification within Bargaining Unit 10'. Ms. Tkac, having resigned from state service, is no longer employed in a State Civil Service classification within Bargaining Unit 10 and is therefor an ineligible candidate for an elected Local Union Executive Officer position that serves on the Executive Board. Although she was subsequently hired as Union Coordinator for CAPS Local 1115, staff positions are not within Bargaining Unit 10 represented by CAPS Local 1115. As a result, her status as a member in good standing, based on being an employee in a represented classification, was broken, rendering her ineligible to be a candidate for a local union office under our Local 1115 bylaws and the UAW International Constitution, Article 38, Section 3. Furthermore, our Local 1115 bylaws Article 12, Section 2, creates a separate and distinct role for "Local Union staff". This article establishes the Personnel Committee, which is "empowered to hire, terminate, supervise, and otherwise manage Local Union staff" and places the President on that Committee. Allowing a union staff member to hold the office of President creates a clear and unresolvable conflict of interest, as the President would be placed in a position of supervising their own employment.  We respectfully request that the Recording Secretary and the Elections Committee investigate this matter, rule Ms. Tkac ineligible for elected office, and take the necessary steps to preclude her from the election ballot. Please provide a written response outlining your determination as soon as possible, in accordance with the established timelines for election protests. We reserve the right to appeal this decision to the International Executive Board in the event of an unfavorable ruling. Sincerely, Concerned CAPS Members

The health insurance industry is thwarting their agreement to base what they will reimburse for out-of-network coverage on actual 'usual and customary' fees charged by health providers. Health insurance companies reached a settlement in 2009 with NYS requiring them to set up a data base to determine how much to reimburse for those policies that provided for out-of-network service. The insurance industry spent $90 million to create this data base. But since they were not obligated to use it, they are now basing their reimbursement amounts on Medicare rates, which are much lower. “They’re not getting what they think they’re paying for,” said Benjamin M. Lawsky, the superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services, whose investigators recently found that under the switch, 4.7 million New York State residents — 76 percent of those with out-of-network coverage — are facing reimbursement reductions of 50 percent or more. Mr. Lawsky, who worked for Mr. Cuomo when he was attorney general, is seeking legislation in New York State to require that minimum reimbursements be linked to the new database, known as Fair Health. Please sign this petition which will be delivered to the New York State Legislature and help Mr. Lawsky! Here is the link to a New York Times article detailing the abuse by the insurance industry: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/nyregion/health-insurers-switch-baseline-for-out-of-network-charges.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

"Insurers Alter Cost Formula, and Patients Pay More." -- April 24, 2012, New York Times. WE MUST ACT NOW. We must petition the legislature to reinstitute HIGHER REIMBURSED BENCHMARKS FOR CARE. Otherwise, out-of-network-healthcare for many times life-saving procedures is available only to the very rich and doctors can't afford to provide quality care. Tell your politician this is non-negotiable. REIMBURSEMENT RATES NEED TO CHANGE NOW to more fairly benefit consumers and doctors to save lives instead of for rich insurance companies to profit even further. The article goes on to explain: "The level of reimbursement varies by plan, pegged to benchmarks unknown or misunderstood by many consumers. The traditional benchmark was 80 percent of the U.C.R., while newer ones mostly range from 140 percent to 250 percent of Medicare rates. That sounds like more, but typically amounts to less, and is drastically below charges in large, emergency out-of-network bills." What does this mean for you? Patients will go bankrupt or heavily in debt for out-of-network care that is often times crucial, urgent and life saving. We cannot standby and let this change happen. Sign this petition today and let it be known that you will not accept New York approving these financially predatory changes which will result in vital life-saving care becoming unaffordable for the average consumer. We thank you for supporting health care rights!

I'm here writing this petition today in hopes someone will sign this petition. My name is Derek Miller I am a 24 year male. I am from Newark, New Jersey. I'm a father of one, a three year old beautiful little girl. I titled this petitioon " trying to do write by my daughter." I choose that name because that's what I'm trying to do, and the only way I know how to do that is by furthering my education. The reason why I'm writing this petition is because Im in need of some help. I said in need of help because I'm tryin to help myself. I'm not looking for a hand out. Just a little assistance. I'm currently living in Marietta, GA where I work at a fast food restaurant ( Captain D's), trying to save money so I can return to school. My situation is that I owe the college I attended 2,500 dollars. I have save some but its not enough. I'm here on this site asking anyone who reads this to please sign my petition. In hopes to being assisted with paying my University ( New Jersey City University) off. Thank you for taking out your time to read my petition. - Derek Miller