There are many ethical concerns on animal testing, but above all which reaserchers care about is the accuracy of these tests, but there are crucial differencs. Different animals will have different reactions, laboratory animals are not exposed to smoke in the same manner or time frame that human smokers are. Much information has been obscured because there has been no link with the reactions on animals to humans. The biological differences are no surprise, our cells, nose filtering abilities, lungs and more have many differences of those of the animals. Simply, animals should not be used for predications on humans. Beagles were forced to smoke around 2 packs a day, monkeys were forced to smoke 6 hours a day for a year, mice get cigar tar smeared on them inducing tumors; all these experiments continously went on until the animals were killed and of no more use.

It could have been you... It can still happen to you... #Compassion #Dignity #Humanity 

The CW recently entered into a three year extension with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to broadcast their pageants. With a reach of over one million viewers and the network’s top special, the pageants have tremendous influence on not only the contestants, but viewers.  Miss USA has been active for over 70 years with the mission of “empowering and inspiring women across the world.” But over the past few years, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants have been riddled with controversy and scandal. From sexual harassment allegations to bullying and mental health concerns, the pageant has come under fire. And just last month 2023 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA both stepped down from their positions after reports of bullying and abuse by owner Laylah Rose.  It is reckless and irresponsible for the CW to air Miss USA and Miss Teen USA amid numerous complaints and concerns. It’s important that the CW take a serious stance against bullying—and that starts by breaking their contract and refusing to air the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants in August!

Many members, in recent months, have repeatedly raised concerns and resolutions to leadership and specific pediatric sections. However, we often meet significant resistance and are told calling for a ceasefire is too divisive of a statement to make. Humanitarian groups and international organizations have consistently pushed for Israel to make stronger efforts to increase humanitarian assistance and prevent civilian casualties, as well as call for a ceasefire, but there is instead more targeting of civilians and humanitarian aid workers.  The International Court of Justice has pushed for Israel to take actions to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. There has been, to date, little-to-no adherence to this ruling. Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, was completely destroyed after an Israeli military operation. Humanitarian aid workers, of any nationality, are also not protected: 7 individuals from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli attack on their convoy after coordinating their movements with the Israeli military. The purported last safe place in Gaza, Rafah, is already being invaded by Israeli forces, killing dozens of civilians, including children, despite American and international warnings to halt the Israeli offensive in the enclave. The Academy has already released statements asking the United States government to consider the unique needs of Gazan children in conflict, and to refrain from putting children at risk of death. While commendable, we believe these aims will only be achieved by a permanent end to the ongoing violence.  We also note that in 2022, in the face of similar violence in the Ukraine, the Academy called for members to donate to UNICEF to care for Ukrainian children in the face of the Russian invasion, a push that has not occurred for the children affected by the Israel-Hamas war. The starvation rates that affect children in Gaza, has reached a catastrophic point, with 1.1 million civilians at risk of imminent famine. If war and siege continue, deaths will occur at an even more frequent rate. Our concern, as that of many members of the Academy, should be that of children who are at imminent risk of dying because of war. 

Parking permits and fines place an undo financial burden on SLCC students, especially for those who are already struggling financially. It is especially unjust in the sense that you are unable to appeal a ticket unless you pay the fine regardless if it is warranted with no room to defend yourself until after you are found guilty. Especially since SLCC holds the right to hold your transcripts and ability to graduate hostage unless you pay these fines. Not to mention that SLCC students are already spending thousands of dollars to simply attend classes and this nickeling and diming maneuver serves nothing but to further alienate and impoverish SLCC students. Additionally our campuses severely lack accessible parking spots for those who may struggle if forced to park further away. Please sign here or at https://sign.moveon.org/p/Bruinsunbooted

Scouting America has systematically failed to protect children at every turn. The Boy Scouts knew about predators in their ranks for a long, long time. A 2010 civil lawsuit revealed that the organization for years had tracked suspected and known abusers but didn't consistently report them. Even leadership from within the scouting organization have begged lawmakers and the public to act. In a press conference detailing the ways in which Scouting America is unsafe for kids, Michael Johnson, former Scouts' Head of Youth Protection, called the organization and its programs "high risk."  Yet, law enforcement and politicians have done little to support survivors and hold the organization accountable. And the consequences are devastating. Beyond the initial abuse, thousands of survivors have come forward and shared the impact of the abuse on their lives. From drug abuse to difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, victims of childhood sexual abuse may spend a lifetime healing from their trauma. NO child should ever have to go through this horror.  Scouting America, an organization meant to teach young people leadership and integrity, not only failed to protect these children but put them directly in harm's way. Add your name to demand that Congress investigate Scouting America NOW.

Nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development and issues are crucial because they provide essential support and resources to help young individuals grow, learn, and overcome challenges. We plan to expand and offer mentorship programs, educational opportunities, and guidance that can positively impact the lives of young people, shaping them into future leaders and contributing members of society. By addressing the specific needs of youth, we aspire to play a vital role in creating a better future for the next generation!

We have seen the harmful effects of chemicals like Roundup, which has been linked to cancer. Spraying herbicides near our water bodies will be detrimental to the entire ecosystem around the lakes, affecting both wildlife and human health.

As a community we need to recognize that this is a big problem. Dr. Hester has provided a safe and orderly environment for her students and staff for eight years. It is evidenced through her hard work how much she loves her school and the students. She’s always working and goes above and beyond for all stakeholders. She is able to call all students by name and takes a genuine interest in their success in the high school setting. The castle needs her to remain principal as she continues to lead us forward! 

Vanguard is the second largest asset manager in the world, managing almost $8 trillion on behalf of 50 million investors, including tens of millions of individuals saving for retirement. Asset management companies, like Vanguard, manage the investments and retirement savings of pensions, corporations, and everyday Americans like us. Given Vanguard’s size, how the company invests its funds has a big impact on whether or not we will reach global climate goals. And, for those of us who are Vanguard clients – anyone who has a pension, 401(k), or savings plan managed by Vanguard – these actions to address the climate crisis will impact our retirement goals and the safety of our (financial) future.  Unfortunately, Vanguard has been failing on climate: it is the biggest investor in fossil fuel companies and has among the worst records for holding companies accountable on their climate and sustainability impacts.  But that could change. Vanguard just announced a new CEO, Salim Ramji, who has an opportunity to steer the company in a new direction. It’s imperative that Vanguard focuses on responsibly managing the risks of climate change. To do that, Ramji needs to hear from us that we demand change.   It’s time to put Vanguard at the vanguard of its industry. Tell the company's new CEO to protect its clients’ investments – and our future – by taking action to combat the climate crisis.

There’s allot of Artist and entertainers that make it big in the industry. And there’s an overwhelming amount of those same people that say that their hometown didn’t support them on their climb. That will never be me. Over 10 years I’ve had the support of my classmates, family, friends, co-workers, church and neighbors. I’d like to think I have the support of my elected officials and City Board as well. I would love to tell the story of how the City of Kannapolis pulled resources together to bring an upscale comedy show to the city and it turned into a relationship that grew over years. That those that we voted to be in office see us, hear us and want us to excel. Those in power to open doors are doing just that and not gate keeping. Please join me in making this reality for our great city

There has been several accidents and deaths at the particular location. One of my childhood friends has been struck at this location. My older sister has been struck by vehicles there. Moreover,  a number of my childhood friends have been killed at that intersection.