"You just slammed my head to the ground. Do you not even care about that?" These were some of the last words of 28-year-old Sandra Bland. On Friday, Texas State troopers pulled Sandra over as she was driving to her new job for allegedly not using the turn signals during a lane change. What happened next was all too familiar and terrifying. An eyewitness says police ripped Sandra out of the car, violently slammed her on the ground, and arrested her as she screamed for help. Just 72 two hours later, she was dead. Police are claiming Sandra took her own life, but her family and friends don't believe it. Local District Attorney Elton Mathis has handed over the investigation to the same police agency that arrested Sandra. The FBI is now jointly investigating with the Texas Rangers. But the Department of Justice has the power and authority to conduct a national, independent investigation. Police cannot police themselves. Thoroughly investigate Sandra Bland's death and hold all those responsible fully accountable.

Change the legal age when you can get your license in Ohio from 16 to 18.

Vermont State Wide Riparian Buffer Zone Petition We, the undersigned property owners and residents of the State of Vermont, do hereby petition our elected representatives as follows: Viewing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irene along Vermont rivers and streams is heart wrenching. We do not wish to see this tragedy repeated. Nor do we wish to see our Vermont neighbors and friends broken lives on display for TV cameras. Incremental but unrelenting encroachment upon and development of the stream banks and flood plains following the devastating flood of 1927 has unnecessarily put human lives and property in harms way. The best interests of citizens and property owners, our communities, soil preservation, and the ecological integrity of Vermont rivers, streams, lakes and ponds demands that meaningful state wide riparian buffer zone legislation be drafted, approved and implemented as soon as possible. Sincerely the undersigned: Name (print) Signature Town Date

Stop trying to cut social security benefits, The people and companies they worked for paid into this fund. If the US Government would stop dipping into the peoples funds. You would not have to keep contributing back. Social Security would fund itself if the Government would stay out of it.

We demand that you vigorously oppose Donald J. Trump to the extent that he pursues racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, anti-worker, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, anti-environmental policies. We demand that you block nominees who threaten the rights of women, the LGBTQ community, people of color, immigrants, and the poor. We need and expect you to protect our civil liberties, and to use your congressional powers to obstruct anything that violates our core values as diverse Americans.

I believe we can take steps to reduce gun violence without infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners.

HB 1925 was implemented to discourage camping in public areas for persons experiencing homelessness. In the bill, the responsibility for enforcing the act is placed in the hands of police officers. These specific police officers are named "peace officers," as they are meant to encourage those experiencing homelessness to access social services resources instead of camping in public areas. Peace officers are also allowed to issue citations and arrests if individuals are uncooperative. Often, people experiencing homelessness have undergone tremendous trauma in their lives, before and during the experience of being unhoused. They could have untreated mental health issues, be scared of law enforcement because of traumas they have endured, and fear being displaced from the only home they know in the current moment. To ensure the safety and well-being for all persons experiencing homelessness, this petition is requiring all peace officers be accompanied by a licensed social worker when engaging with the population. Social workers are specialized in dealing with vulnerable and marginalized populations, with intensive knowledge on de-escalation skills and trauma-informed care. In addition, peace officers must undergo trainings on the population of persons experiencing homelessness to ensure they are competent to engage peacefully with population.

Board of Trustees University of the Cumberlands Dear Trustees, For the majority of Alumni, University of the Cumberlands/Cumberland College will always hold a special place in our hearts. The institution has always been a place full of wonderful memories, love, compassion, friendship and so much more. Cumberlands is a place that has represented growth, outreach and unwavering support for anyone within the campus or local community. Most importantly, Cumberland has always represented a sanctuary where the love of Christ has been passionately shared - to believers and non-believers a like. The Scripture that is often associated with Cumberlands is “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). And it is a Scripture that has perfectly embodied the spirit of this wonderful institution. However, in lieu of recent events, it seems as though the compassion and light of the world Cumberlands has represented has since been abandoned. President Jim Taylor’s Facebook post this past weekend focusing on the resignation of Patriots’ head football coach John Bland took many of us by surprise. Not only because of the unprofessional approach President Taylor took regarding the issue, but also because of the shameful way he attempted to tarnish the reputation of a man and family who gave everything they had to our beloved institution. Regardless of the circumstances, no person deserves the public ridicule that was handed down by President Taylor. This behavior has detrimental to the reputation of the university and the ethical guidelines of an academic institution. While this has become the most public display of misconduct directed towards employees/former employees, sadly this is not the first incident. In recent years, elongating lists of grievances from many parties have surfaced. We do not forget the time, effort and years in which he has donated to the university, but there comes a breaking point in which poor treatment of employees, faculty and staff can no longer be ignored. Many of us have differentiating opinions regarding the forthcoming steps to be taken by the University/Board of Trustees – yet that is not a decision of our choosing. However, the silence of the University and President Taylor has spoken volumes to many of us – as it seems as though the institution condones/supports this type of behavior. This letter has been written to you in hopes of improving the reputation of our Alma Mater – a reputation that this unfortunate situation has sadly decimated. The alumni/future alumni signing this petition have gravely decided that all donations to the university will cease until action is taken. Others that have considered giving in the future will be forced to reconsider. As part of the Cumberlands’ family, we pray that we can soon return to proudly giving and supporting our beloved institution just as we did before this situation. The love and compassion of the Cumberlands family, students and faculty is too important to allow it to be tarnished by these acts. Thank you for your time and willingness to read our concerns.

In light of recent events, the nation’s second most-played rivalry and the oldest this side of the Mississippi River is set to expire on July 1, 2012. This would undoubtedly be a tragedy to both the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. The Border War is a rivalry that transcends all else. It transcends money. It transcends pride. It transcends conferences. It transcends sports itself. The story of the Border War is an all too familiar one. Starting ten years prior to the Civil War with Kansas militiamen raiding Missouri towns and the retaliatory “Lawrence Massacre” led by William Quantrill, this is a rivalry that is unlike any other. The Border War isn’t based on a feud between two woebegone coaches or a squabble over team colors. It’s founded in warfare. Warfare that we as students, alumni and fans have seen played out hundreds of times on the field, the court, the diamond and any other venue that either side saw fit. The Border War has given fans so many great and lasting memories. Never in the history of this great rivalry has there been a meaningless game. Even when both teams are down and there is seemingly nothing to play for, Tigers and Jayhawks alike get up for the Border War. The rivalry has produced historic wins on both sides, which are magnified by the passion held in the hearts of all fans. Not only does the rivalry have historical and traditional meaning, but it also benefits communities across both states. Each year, the rivalry raises thousands of dollars for the United Way through the MU/KU Challenge. This past season, the Border Showdown Food Drive benefiting Harvesters Community Food Network raised enough food between the two schools to provide over 146,000 meals for hungry families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Dating back to the days of the Western Interstate University Football Association, Tigers and Jayhawks have laced up their shoes, donned the colors of their beloved alma mater and given it everything they’ve got for the chance to beat the enemy from across the state line. When the schedules are released each year, there is one date that is circled on everybody’s calendar that players and fans look for first: the Border War. Sadly, this date will be vacant from the 2012-2013 schedule. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s not too late to change if we act now. For the sake of competition, for the sake of passion and for the sake of rivalry, help us keep the Border War alive. By signing this letter, you can show your support for keeping the rivalry alive. As fans of good teams and better games, it is our duty to keep this long-standing tradition alive. Let the administration in Lawrence know that you want the Border War to stay forever! Sincerely, The Tradition Together, Rivals Forever Movement

For over thirty years my mother has worked as a professional server earning $2.13/hour. She has never once received a raise. Benefits have been reduced over time, rather than added. No more extra $1/hour for "Holiday work," no paid sick time, no free shift meal. Also, the servers are asked to take on more non-server work such as bussing tables, seating guests, answering phones, preparing food, vacuuming, attending to the increased carry-out demands... All work that is ineligible for tips, yet is still paid at $2.13/hour. This year, regular Federal Minimum Wage will increase to $11.25, yet servers are again left to bridge their own gap. We have lost so many workers from the service sector throughout the pandemic. This is surely one of the causes. Please consider increasing the Federal Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers.