Transparency is the foundation of any functioning Democracy, but we still know very little about JD Vance, Donald Trump’s new running mate. JD Vance claims to be a “rags-to-riches” story, growing up poor with Hillbillies in Appalachia. Yet he has refused to release any real details about the source of his wealth in his relatively short career. No one knows where JD Vance's money came from. He grew up in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2009. He then received a law degree in 2013, but just three years later, in 2016, Vance published a book claiming to be a venture capitalist after only having a few months of relative experience and no education in the field. The media has only recently started to expose the major holes in JD Vance's resume. For example, they have discovered that JD Vance was a lawyer for a lobbying firm hired by Purdue Pharma in the months prior to the release of his book, blaming a hillbilly ”culture in crisis” for the opioid crisis. Vance never disclosed his connections to the makers of Oxycontin. Later, he started a fake opioid nonprofit that hired a spokesperson for the opioid industry. At the same time, media reports have also exposed Vance's connections to Peter Thiel, an Artificial Intelligence Billionaire who appears to be responsible for every major development in JD Vance's career. Not only did this billionaire support JD Vance while he wrote his book, but he also gave JD Vance his first “venture capitalist” job and donated a historic $15 million to get JD elected to the Senate in 2022. The fact is, JD Vance’s story seems to be a lie–or at least greatly exaggerated. JD Vance must now release the last ten years of his tax returns so American voters know the real source of his income. Of course, Donald Trump never released his tax returns because they are “under audit.” But every other candidate has. Mike Pence did when he was named Trump’s VP in 2016, with the “full support of Mr. Trump.” In fact, President Joe Biden released his tax returns while he was VP and then three years after when he became a candidate.  Kamala Harris released 10 years of their tax returns back in 2019. We need to see J.D. Vance’s tax returns. 

Minutes after we started this petition yesterday afternoon, Governor Shapiro signed the bill. Now it is up to the legislature to repeal it. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an unproven technology that has never worked. Naomi Oreskes, best known as the co-author of Merchants of Doubt, wrote in an essay in Scientific American in March that she is among geologists who believe that long term CO2 storage could be achieved, but that its success relies on identifying sites where CO2 will remain sequestered. “But site characterization takes time that we don't have,” she says. She points out that billions were spent over two decades to evaluate Yucca Mountain as a site for nuclear waste disposal before the proposal failed. Identifying sequestration sites is just as challenging. For years, we were told that Pennsylvania's geology was not suited to injection wells, the wells used for underground storage. Our geology hasn't changed, yet we've seen a huge increase in injection well projects, most of them Class II wells used for oil & gas waste. CCS requires its own class of well the EPA calls Class VI injection wells. Identifying sites for those wells is particularly challenging in Pennsylvania, not just because of our geology, but because the CCS involves injecting CO2 into pore space below a cap rock, or the impermeable rock, that will keep CO2 from leaking. The Marcellus would be the likely cap rock, but its integrity is in question because of decades of drilling and fracking and because there are hundreds of thousands of abandoned wells in the Marcellus. Does that disqualify the Marcellus from being a suitable cap rock? Does the corrosive effect of the CO2 compromise the cap rock? What does permanent, as in permanent sequestration, mean?  Scientists are still trying to answer these questions and many others. If scientists don't know the answers, our state legislators don't know them either. That didn't stop them from passing the bill without any hearings or discussion and without referring it to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The scientific and technological unknowns are concerning enough, but Yaw's bill takes aim at the public by imposing a form of subsurface eminent domain that bars people from saying no to injection into their pore space if enough neighbors say yes. It then shifts liability from the industry to the state so the taxpayers are left holding the bag when something goes wrong. And it exposes communities to dangerous Class VI wells and the CO2 pipelines that would deliver the CO2 to the site. The only ones who benefit from SB 831 are those who will profit from using PA as a CO2 waste dump. The rest of us have everything to lose. CCS is one of the false climate solutions that allows the fossil fuel industry to continue doing business as usual, but it's also the technology that turns gray hydrogen blue. The blue hydrogen hubs proposed for Pennsylvania use methane as a feedstock to produce the hydrogen. That means more drilling and fracking, more harms to our communities, and more climate-killing methane leaks. Governor Shapiro failed to protect Pennsylvania. It's up to the legislature now.

The two largest private employers in the U.S.—Amazon and Walmart—are using abusive and invasive surveillance tactics to get even richer at the expense of workers’ rights, safety, and dignity. Warehouse workers are being constantly monitored, creating environments where they have no choice but to keep up with inhuman, unsustainable productivity standards. These often result in health and safety risks, with workers reporting they don't have time to use the bathroom because of how fast they are pushed to work. This is unacceptable. Add your name to the petition to demand Amazon and Walmart stop the hyper-surveillance of their warehouse workers that compromises their health, safety, and well-being.

Empowering the Future - A Call to Lower the Age to Run for President Dear Fellow Citizens, Our nation stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In this moment, we must harness the full potential of every citizen, regardless of age. I am writing to you today to advocate for a cause that is not just about me, but about empowering an entire generation of young Americans who are ready to lead, innovate, and create a brighter future for us all. It is time to lower the age requirement to run for president and give young voices the platform they deserve. Why It Matters 1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Solutions The younger generation brings fresh ideas and a keen understanding of modern challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and social justice. Our nation needs leaders who can think outside the box, who are not bound by outdated paradigms but are eager to explore new solutions. By lowering the age requirement, we open the door to innovative policies that address today’s most pressing issues with the urgency and creativity they demand. 2. Representation for All Generations Youth make up a significant portion of our population, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the highest levels of government. This imbalance means that the concerns and aspirations of young people are not fully reflected in national policies. By allowing younger candidates to run for president, we ensure that our leadership is truly representative of all generations, leading to a more inclusive and balanced approach to governance. 3. Energy and Determination Young leaders are driven by passion and determination to make a difference. They are not yet jaded by the status quo and are often more willing to challenge existing systems to create meaningful change. This energy is essential for tackling long-standing issues that previous generations have struggled to resolve. It is time to infuse our political system with the vigor and ambition of youth. Why You Should Support This Movement 1. A New Era of Leadership Supporting the movement to lower the age requirement for presidential candidates is about more than just changing a number. It is about ushering in a new era of leadership that is responsive, dynamic, and attuned to the needs of a rapidly changing world. It is about believing in the potential of our youth to rise to the occasion and lead with integrity and vision. 2. Bridging Generational Divides Lowering the age requirement fosters greater understanding and collaboration between generations. It encourages mentorship and the sharing of wisdom between older and younger leaders, creating a more cohesive and united society. By bridging these divides, we can work together more effectively to build a prosperous future for all. 3. Fixing What Past Generations Couldn't There are persistent issues that have been passed down from generation to generation, unresolved and festering. It is time to give the younger generation the chance to tackle these problems with fresh eyes and new approaches. By supporting this movement, you are empowering young leaders to address and fix the challenges that past generations have struggled to overcome. Why Choose Me I stand before you as a representative of this movement, ready to champion the cause of youth empowerment and lead with dedication and purpose. My commitment to this cause is unwavering, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard. Here is why you should choose me to spearhead this movement: 1. Passionate Advocate for Change I have always been driven by a deep passion for making a positive impact in our society. My experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and determination to advocate effectively for this cause. I am committed to fighting for the rights and representation of young people in the political arena. 2. Proven Leadership Throughout my life, I have demonstrated leadership in various capacities, whether it be in community organizations, educational institutions, or advocacy groups. I have a track record of bringing people together, building consensus, and driving meaningful change. I am ready to bring this experience to the national stage. 3. Vision for the Future I envision a future where age is not a barrier to leadership, where young people are empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of national policy. I am committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking government that truly reflects the diversity and potential of our nation. Join the Movement This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Together, we can create a future where every voice is heard, and every citizen has the opportunity to lead. I ask for your support in this movement to lower the age requirement to run for president. Let us stand together, empower our youth, and fix what past generations couldn't. Thank you for believing in the power of young leadership. Together, we can make history. Sincerely, West Abadie 

Misuse of public funds: City of Chicago officials have failed the tax payers of Chicago. Instead of using tax funds to benefit tax payers, City of Chicago officials misappropriated the funds, opting to allocate them for the sole benefit of private law firms, a decision which was neither required nor necessary. Failure to hold public servants accountable: the City of Chicago's decision to not pursue criminal charges against disgraced Detective Reynaldo Guevara is unfathomable, indefensible, and a complete failure to the people of Chicago. Citizens of Chicago deserve better: Chicago of Chicago officials have a long history of failing their constituents. The people of Chicago deserve public officials who prioritize their fiduciary responsibilities and act in the best interest of the people they represent.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that General Motors has had to be held accountable for this. In the aftermath of the white supremacist attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, General Motors was part of a wave of companies that suspended donations to election deniers, pledging to pause their political contributions and reevaluate their standards. But in 2021, it was revealed that GM broke its promise and its PAC donated tens of thousands of dollars to reelect lawmakers who voted to overturn the election, making them one of the top corporate donors to insurrectionists. By donating to the RNC, where MAGA Republicans will spew lies, hatred, bigotry, and disinformation, GM is undermining our democracy. The implementation of MAGA Project 2025 under a second Trump term would cause irreparable harm to our country—from sabotaging our electoral process, implementing a national abortion ban, and eliminating Social Security and Medicare all the way up to the complete degradation of laws that protect bodily autonomy and marginalized communities. All protections and regulations are at risk, and if you think you and your community will be unaffected, you're wrong.    Trump claims to not know anything about Project 2025 or who is behind it. That is a lie. Many of members of Trump’s former administration and Trump allies are involved with Project 2025, and in 2022, when talking about the Heritage Foundation, Trump said, “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America." Is this really something GM wants to associate with? For years, we've seen Republicans both enable and support Trump as he attacks our communities over and over. And after Trump incited the January 6 insurrection, the Republican Party did nothing to hold Trump accountable, and now, he is about to be chosen to become their presidential nominee. This is what General Motors' donations are enabling. It's unacceptable. They must stop this NOW.  This is what General Motors’ donations are enabling. It’s unacceptable. They must stop this NOW. Will you add your name to the petition?

Concerns have been raised about some presidential candidates' cognitive abilities, psychological traits, or integrity, affecting their mental acuity, communication, behaviors, honesty, and other competencies. As Americans, we demand full transparency regarding candidates' cognitive abilities, psychological states, and integrity assessments to make informed decisions in November. We, our congressional representatives and governors must ensure presidential candidates are fit for the Executive Office of the President of the United States. The role is too demanding and consequential for us, our country, and the world to ignore or dismiss any possible deficiencies in any candidate that we may see and hear.

This petition is crucial because the new visitation rules at Shorter University significantly impact the quality of student life and their ability to maintain meaningful personal connections. The stringent regulations, such as the constant accompaniment requirement, open doors, and lighting mandates, create an intrusive atmosphere that undermines trust and independence. The restrictions on common area usage and the prohibition of opposite-gender visitation on specific days further stifle social interactions, collaboration, and community building. Additionally, the blanket ban on opposite-gender family member visits is unreasonable and disregards the importance of familial support. By advocating for more balanced and respectful guidelines, we aim to protect student autonomy, promote a healthier social environment, and ensure a supportive and inclusive campus experience. In addition to the overly restrictive visitation policies, Shorter University also faces serious issues such as inadequate access to food on campus and the presence of mold in dorms. These problems directly impact students' health and well-being, yet the administration appears more focused on regulating visitation hours. It is crucial that the university prioritizes addressing these fundamental concerns to ensure a safe and supportive living environment for all students.

PMTS picks and targets certain students they deem as problematic. Brianna was terminated for something she can not control and was targeted since she stepped foot in PMTS and it is not okay to pay $23,000 just to be singled out, not only by fellow students but also by staff members, Staff members who belittle students by saying they see us as “adult children”. This is outrageous and ruined Bri’s life plan. All over a claim that was made by someone who doesn’t live in roanoke and cannot verify if they saw Brianna being active or not. The day of termination, Bri was getting all her ducks in a row. She came to PMTS at 10am when her class begins at 5pm, she was attempting to do makeup time to work on counts and be productive. PMTS is not aware of what everyone has to deal with in their private life, so why do they feel as if it is acceptable to straight terminate Brianna without a warning. Then when speaking to Brianna’s family, PMTS tried to say Bri was written up 4 times and was warned in which she was not once warned or written up for the accusation that are being made about how she stole 2 hours, when she was dealing with a family matter. 

Changing the order of protection system to address its misuse is crucial for several reasons: Preserving the Integrity of Legal Protections: Orders of protection are essential tools designed to protect individuals from genuine threats of abuse, harassment, or violence. When these orders are misused, it undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the entire legal system. Ensuring that orders of protection are used appropriately helps maintain their integrity and ensures they remain a reliable resource for those in real need. Preventing Abuse of the Legal System: Misuse of orders of protection for personal gain, such as in contentious divorces or custody battles, can clog the legal system with frivolous cases. This not only wastes valuable judicial resources but also delays the resolution of genuine cases where individuals are in immediate danger and need prompt protection. Protecting the Rights of the Accused: Individuals falsely accused and restrained by orders of protection suffer significant emotional, social, and financial harm. They may face damage to their reputation, job loss, and severe emotional distress. By addressing misuse, the legal system can better balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect genuine victims. Ensuring Fairness and Justice: A legal system perceived as fair and just is fundamental to public trust. When orders of protection are weaponized, it creates a perception of injustice and bias, eroding confidence in the legal system. Reforming the system to prevent misuse helps restore faith in legal processes and ensures that justice is fairly administered. Encouraging Genuine Victims to Seek Help: When orders of protection are misused, it can create skepticism and stigma around seeking such protections. Genuine victims might hesitate to come forward, fearing they won't be taken seriously or that their cases will be seen as part of a larger pattern of misuse. Ensuring that orders of protection are applied correctly encourages genuine victims to seek the help they need without fear of judgment.  Reducing Retaliatory Actions: Misuse of orders of protection can lead to retaliatory actions, escalating conflicts rather than resolving them. By implementing measures to prevent such misuse, the system can focus on de-escalation and resolution, reducing the potential for further conflict and harm. Promoting Accountability and Responsibility: Holding individuals accountable for misusing legal protections promotes a sense of responsibility and respect for the law. It sends a clear message that the legal system is not a tool for personal vendettas or manipulation, but a serious and vital mechanism for ensuring safety and justice. By addressing the misuse of orders of protection, we can create a more just, efficient, and trustworthy legal system that better serves the needs of all individuals involved.

Major news networks are right now planning their special convention coverage for the Republican National Convention. We know that disgraced former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump will use this opportunity to fire up his most extreme, far-right base, spewing lies.  During last month’s debate alone, Trump made more than 30 false statements. Since CNN refused to engage in live fact checking, that meant that the over 51 MILLION viewers who tuned into the debate initially received Trump’s misinformation unchecked. Now Trump and his MAGA cronies will do it again—pumping disinformation directly over the airwaves over four evenings of prime-time coverage. News networks can and must do better in not treating lies as legitimate arguments, and in calling out deceptions before they permeate the public discourse. A strong democracy requires informed citizens, and we rely on independent journalism and news networks to provide factual information. It’s imperative that any news networks covering or broadcasting the RNC call out all falsehoods in real time to prevent misinformation and propaganda from spreading!

Clayton state has cut Counseling and Psychological services for its students leaving them helpless and in need. According to The Amercian College Health Association (ACHA) in 2022 they surveyed 54,000 students and "77% of students experienced some kind of psychological distress either moderate or severe" While in college students can experience burnout, homesickness, stress, anxiety, depression and more. Services pertaining to our mental health must be taken seriously in all schools across the country. Many students here take advantage of these services especially considering that we pay $46.00 each semester to have Mandatory Student Health which mental health should be a part of as well. Clayton State is also trying to fund a new football club which we want just as much as they do but not at the cost of our psychological wellbeing not to mention we pay $170 athletic fee already a year not to be mistaken with the student activity center fee for $115. We feel there are other ways to fund this rather than taking away much needed services or raising the prices for housing. The students deserve better, and the school needs to do better. Signing this petition is a push for a change to be made for the sake of our family, our laker nation, our school!