# data[].attributes.body
https://www.justice.gov/crt

https://www.nlc.org/mayoral-powers

https://time.com/4679727/donald-trump-executive-orders-police/

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Kaili Stillman - Abortion and Reproductive Rights

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Kaili Stillman - Abortion and Reproductive Rights

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https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33467.pdf

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-state-government-powers-responsibilities-challenges.html

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-legislation-protecting-womens-reproductive-rights

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-local-government-definition-responsibilities-challenges.html

https://www.aauw.org/resource/tips-for-an-effective-rally/

https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government

https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/branches-of-government

https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/documents/resources-and-activities/CVC_EED_StudentEssay_HouseSenate.pdf

https://stefanik.house.gov/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231979/

https://www.schumer.senate.gov/

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/

https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/152539/elise-stefanik/75/abortion-and-reproductive

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50223637

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https://www.justice.gov/crt/addressing-police-misconduct-laws-enforced-department-justice

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/05/police-misconduct-sessions/527664/

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https://www.nycpolicemisconductlawyers.com/police-misconduct-law.html

https://www.justice.gov/crt/addressing-police-misconduct-laws-enforced-department-justice

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https://www.sgfcsd.org/
https://poststar.com/news/local/later-start-time-at-glens-falls-high-school-getting-good/article_98142438-159d-11e3-822d-0019bb2963f4.html

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1) https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cybersecurity
2) https://www.ccsinet.com/blog/ny-states-cybersecurity-regulation/
3) https://www.govtech.com/blogs/lohrmann-on-cybersecurity/how-local-governments-can-address-cybersecurity.html
4) https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/nppd-at-a-glance-bifold-02132018-508.pdf

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https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/library/materials/just-say-yes-fruits-and-vegetables-jsy

https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic

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https://www.schumer.senate.gov/

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/

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https://padlet.com/davisa38/2m1nt9x9ixdc

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Congress Considers National Distracted Driving Bills
https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/congress-considers-national-distracted-driving-bills-18781
New York State Police
https://troopers.ny.gov/Traffic_Safety/Distracted_Driving/
Congress.gov
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3009/text

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/hiddencommonground/2019/12/05/hidden-common-ground-americans-divided-politics-seek-civility/4282301002/

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Animal cruelty would become a federal offense with a penalty of up to seven years in prison under a proposed expansion of an animal welfare law that won unanimous approval this week in the House of Representatives.

The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act advanced through the House on Tuesday after a voice vote, which the law's backers said they hoped would get the Senate to act soon on a companion bill.

Most of the animal cruelty laws on the books are at the state level, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

The legislation would expand a 2010 law signed by President Barack Obama banning so-called crush videos that show animals being crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or subjected to other forms of torture. In some of the videos, women with their faces hidden could be seen stamping on rabbits with spiked high heels.

Animal welfare advocates said that while the current law prohibited the production and distribution of crush videos, it had failed to address the animal cruelty depicted in them. So Representatives Ted Deutch and Vern Buchanan, who are both from Florida and serve on opposite sides of the political aisle, sought to broaden the law.

"This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty against animals," Mr. Deutch, a Democrat, said in a statement. "We've received support from so many Americans from across the country and across the political spectrum."

"Animal rights activists have stood up for living things that do not have a voice," he continued. "Law enforcement officers have sought a federal overlay to help them stop animal abusers who are likely to commit acts of violence against people. And animal lovers everywhere know this is simply the right thing to do."

Mr. Buchanan, a Republican, said in a statement that the bill's prospects of becoming law were favorable.

"This is a landmark bill that establishes for the first time a federal offense against the malicious torturing of animals," Mr. Buchanan said.

He added, "We are optimistic it will pass the Senate, which has already supported the bill in two previous sessions of Congress."

The Humane Society Legislative Fund characterized Tuesday's House vote as a watershed moment and pointed out that the bill's supporters included the National Sheriffs' Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the National Children's Advocacy Center and Domestic Violence Intervention Services.

Kitty Block, the chief executive of the Humane Society, and Sara Amundson, president of the organization's legislative fund, said in a post on the legislative fund's blog that getting final approval for the bill was critical.

"We know by now that animal cruelty is an indicator of social pathology and those who commit crimes against humans often start out by hurting animals," the post said. "It is a pattern of violence that is both common and well-documented, and it adds to the urgency of passing this common sense law."

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut and an original co-sponsor of the companion Senate bill, said in an interview Wednesday that brutality toward animals was often a gateway to other violent behavior.

"Animal cruelty is not an isolated act in many instances," Mr. Blumenthal said. "The penalties should be stiff to act effectively as a deterrent."

The White House declined to comment Wednesday night when asked if President Trump planned to sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. The administration typically does not weigh in when the House votes to suspend the rules and take a voice vote on uncontroversial legislation.

One of the most jarring animal cruelty cases involved Michael Vick, whose National Football League career as the franchise quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons was interrupted by his prosecution for his role in a dogfighting ring.

Mr. Vick served 18 months in a federal prison and two months of home confinement after pleading guilty to conspiracy in operating an interstate dogfighting enterprise.

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House Unanimously Approves Bill to Make Animal Cruelty a Federal Offense

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Animal cruelty would become a federal offense with a penalty of up to seven years in prison under a proposed expansion of an animal welfare law that won unanimous approval this week in the House of Representatives.

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The shocking number of animal cruelty cases reported every day is just the tip of the iceberg-most cases are never reported. Unlike violent crimes against people, cases of animal abuse are not compiled by state or federal agencies, making it difficult to calculate just how common they are. However, we can use the information that is available to try to understand and prevent cases of abuse.

Who abuses animals?

Cruelty and neglect cross all social and economic boundaries and media reports suggest that animal abuse is common in both rural and urban areas.

Intentional cruelty to animals is strongly correlated with other crimes, including violence against people.

Hoarding behavior often victimizes animals. Sufferers of a hoarding disorder may impose severe neglect on animals by housing far more than they are able to adequately take care of. Serious animal neglect (such as hoarding) is often an indicator of people in need of social or mental health services.

Surveys suggest that those who intentionally abuse animals are predominantly men under 30, while those involved in animal hoarding are more likely to be women over 60.

Most common victims

The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock. Undercover investigations have revealed that animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry. But because of the weak protections afforded to livestock under state cruelty laws, only the most shocking cases are reported, and few are ever prosecuted.

Organized cruelty

Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty go hand in hand with other crimes, and continues in many areas of the United States due to public corruption.

The HSUS documented uniformed police officers at a cockfighting pit in Kentucky.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has prosecuted multiple cases where drug cartels were running narcotics through cockfighting and dogfighting operations.

Dozens of homicides have occurred at cockfights and dogfights.

A California man was killed in a disagreement about a $10 cockfight bet.

The HSUS's investigative team combats complacent public officials and has worked with the FBI on public corruption cases in Tennessee and Virginia. In both instances, law enforcement officers were indicted and convicted.

Correlation with domestic violence

Data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses.

There are approximately 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats in the U.S. where 20 men and women are assaulted per minute (an average of around 10 million a year).

In one survey, 71 % of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.

In one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88 % of the families under supervision for physical abuse of their children.

To put a stop to this pattern of violence, the Humane Society Legislative Fund supported the Pets and Women's Safety (PAWS) Act, introduced to Congress in 2015 as H.R. 1258 and S.B. 1559 and enacted as part of the farm bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in 2018. Once fully enacted, the PAWS Act helps victims of domestic abuse find the means to escape their abusers while keeping their companion animals safe-many victims remain in abusive households for fear of their pets' safety.

State legislative trends

The HSUS has long led the push for stronger animal cruelty laws and provides training for law officials to detect and prosecute these crimes. With South Dakota joining the fight in March of 2014, animal cruelty laws now include felony provisions in all 50 states.

First vs. subsequent offense

Given that a fraction of animal cruelty acts are reported or successfully prosecuted, we are committed to supporting felony convictions in cases of severe cruelty.

49 states have laws to provide felony penalties for animal torture on the first offense.

Only Iowa doesn't have such a law.

Animal cruelty laws typically cover intentional and egregious animal neglect and abuse.

Changes in federal tracking

On January 1, 2016, the FBI added cruelty to animals as a category in the Uniform Crime Report, a nationwide crime reporting system commonly used in homicide investigations. While only about a third of U.S. communities currently participate in the system, the data generated will help create a clearer picture of animal abuse and guide strategies for intervention and enforcement. Data collection covers four categories: simple/gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture, organized abuse (such as dogfighting and cockfighting) and animal sexual abuse.

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Facts, statistics and trends of animal abuse, animal cruelty and abused animals in the U.S.

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In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government.

Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level. There are also a handful of federal animal protection laws. Additionally, some cities and counties pass ordinances to protect animals.

This is why it's critically important to advocate for better animal protection laws with lawmakers in all government bodies. Each has the power to help.

Federal Animal Protection Laws

There are only a handful of federal animal protection laws:

The Animal Welfare Act: Signed into law in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the primary federal animal protection law. The AWA mainly involves animals kept at zoos and used in laboratories, as well as animals who are commercially bred and sold like those in puppy mills.

The AWA directs the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture to set minimum standards regarding these animals' "handling, care, treatment, and transportation." Dog fighting and cockfighting are also prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act, so long as the activity in some way crosses state lines.

The AWA itself, as well as its enforcement by the Department of Agriculture, are frequently criticized for allowing inhumane practices to go unchecked.

The "28 Hour Law": This law, enacted in 1873, requires vehicles transporting certain animals for slaughter to stop every 28 hours to allow the animals exercise, food and water. The law does not apply if the vehicle in which animals are being transported contains access to food or water, and there are many other exceptions as well. Birds like chickens and turkeys, which are the most-farmed animals in the United States, are considered exempt by the federal government.

The Humane Slaughter Act, or the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act : This law was first passed in 1958, then amended in 1978. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act requires that animals be stunned into unconsciousness before slaughter, to minimize pain.

Though chickens, turkeys and other birds feel pain just like other animals, they are not protected by this law. Enforcement of this law has been found by government inspectors to be "inconsistent."

The Endangered Species Act : Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act protects fish, mammals and birds - as well as plants - listed as threatened or endangered in the United States and beyond. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. This law is chiefly administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.

Companion animals:

Companion animals - a category often limited to dogs and cats, but that sometimes includes birds, horses, and other animals as well - usually receive the strongest level of protection under state laws. However, there have been cases where someone has been prosecuted for having committed egregiously cruel acts against wildlife or farmed animals.

This can even extend to marine animals. In 2017, three Florida teenagers were charged with animal cruelty for their torture of a shark.

Each state also has laws governing some aspects of the "hands-on" care of animals. For example, there are laws regulating how long animal shelters must "hold" stray animals before they can be adopted or euthanized. There are also laws about how frequently pets must be vaccinated against rabies. States often also have some regulations concerning commercial breeding of companion animals.

"Hot car laws" criminalize leaving an animal in a vehicle in extreme weather, and some hot car laws allow these animals to be rescued from vehicles in certain circumstances and make the rescuer immune from civil or criminal liability. Anti-tethering laws limiting how long pets can be tied up or chained outside, especially in extreme weather, are also growing in popularity, as are laws allowing pets to be included in domestic violence protective orders.

California is at the forefront of some other statewide animal protection measures. In 2017, California became the first state to pass a statewide "retail pet sale ban." Under this law, retail establishments like pet stores may only sell cats, dogs and rabbits coming from shelters and rescue groups-and not from commercial breeders. Maryland passed its own statewide retail pet sale ban in 2018, becoming the second state with this type of law.

Wildlife:

Each state also has wildlife protection laws, as well as laws regarding the time and manner under which it is sanctioned to kill wildlife through hunting and fishing.

Wild animal performance bans: Some states regulate the use of wild animals in performances. In 2017, Illinois and New York passed the country's first statewide bans on the use of elephants in entertainment. This is generally seen as the beginning of a more widespread trend.

Farmed animals:

While farmed animals are often left out of state animal protection laws, a number of states have adopted measures to limit the use of "intensive confinement" farming practices. Such practices entail confining animals in restraints that are so small the animals often can't fully stand up or move around. Chickens and hens kept in battery cages don't have room to stretch their wings.

Local animal protection laws: Many other companion animal protection measures are enacted and enforced at the local level. For example, hundreds of cities and counties have retail pet sale bans like California's and Maryland's.

Similarly, in states without anti-tethering laws, many cities and counties pass their own such laws. A growing number of cities are passing and enforcing their own wild animal performance bans.

While state and federal laws would offer more protection to more animals, these local laws are very important. They not only protect the animals in that area - but they can also act as a bellwether for more expansive protections to come. It is not infrequent for new animal protection measures to begin at the city or county level, and then as the public increasingly demands it, to be taken up by the state legislators.

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In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government. Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level.

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Alyssa Fisher- Social Media Impact on Teens Sources

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Alyssa Fisher- Social Media Impact on Teens Sources

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https://www.doi.gov/employees/dmguide/website-and-social-media-basics Website and Social Media Basics

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Web-Policies/Social-Media-Use-Policy Social Media Use Policy

https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-government/ Social Media in Government: Benefits, Challenges, and How It’s Used

https://smallbusiness.house.gov/about/membership.htm Committee On Small Business

https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/wmbrts20&div=27&id=&page= Teens, Sexts & Cyberspace: The Constitutional Implications Of Current Sexting & Cyberbullying Laws
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3286/text?format=txt Text: S.3286 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)

https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/news/e-updates/february-2016-teens-social-media-use/index.html February 2016: Teens' Social Media Use: How They Connect & What It Means for Health
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2019/12/22/cuomo-wants-to-ban-sex-offenders-from-social-media--chats-and-dating-apps Cuomo: Makes Sex Offenders Disclose Dating, Gaming User Names Cuomo: Make Sex Offenders Disclose Dating, Gaming User Names
https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government Branches of the U.S. Government Cuomo

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-presidential-social-media-summit/ Remarks by President Trump at the Presidential Social Media Summit
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-unveils-11th-proposal-2020-state-state-legislation-prevent-sexual-predators Governor Cuomo Unveils 11th Proposal of 2020 State of the State: Legislation to Prevent Sexual Predators from Using Social Media, Dating Apps and Video Games to Exploit Children

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Grace Taylor (climate change effects on extreme weather)

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Grace Taylor (climate change effects on extreme weather)

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s6599 https://www.c2es.org/content/congress-and-climate-change/https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-pfas-action-act-with-bipartisan-amendments-co-led-by-environment

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Brandon Amorosi Sources (Climate Change on Glacial Melting and Water Levels Rising)

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Brandon Amorosi Sources (Climate Change on Glacial Melting and Water Levels Rising)

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https://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/4/graphic-dramatic-glacier-melt/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/big-thaw/

https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/questions/climate.html

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https://sciencing.com/can-stop-glacier-melting-5377309.html