The Sheetz convenience store chain has been hit with a lawsuit by federal officials who allege the company discriminated against minority job applicants.

Sheetz Inc., which operates more than 700 stores in six states, discriminated against Black, Native American and multiracial job seekers by automatically weeding out applicants whom the company deemed to have failed a criminal background check, according to U.S. officials.

President Joe Biden stopped by a Sheetz for snacks this week while campaigning in Pennsylvania.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit in Baltimore against Altoona, Pennsylvania-based Sheetz and two subsidiary companies, alleging the chain’s longstanding hiring practices have a disproportionate impact on minority applicants and thus run afoul of federal civil rights law.

Sheetz said Thursday that it “does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

“Diversity and inclusion are essential parts of who we are. We take these allegations seriously. We have attempted to work with the EEOC for nearly eight years to find common ground and resolve this dispute,” company spokesperson Nick Ruffner said in a statement.

The privately held, family-run company has more than 23,000 employees and operates convenience stores and gas stations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday, the day Biden stopped at a Sheetz market on a western Pennsylvania campaign swing, buying snacks, posing for photos and chatting up patrons and employees.

Federal officials said they do not allege Sheetz was motivated by racial animus, but take issue with the way the chain uses criminal background checks to screen job seekers. The company was sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion and national origin.

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“Federal law mandates that employment practices causing a disparate impact because of race or other protected classifications must be shown by the employer to be necessary to ensure the safe and efficient performance of the particular jobs at issue,” EEOC attorney Debra M. Lawrence said in a statement.

“Even when such necessity is proven, the practice remains unlawful if there is an alternative practice available that is comparably effective in achieving the employer’s goals but causes less discriminatory effect,” Lawrence said.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many job applicants have been affected, but the agency said Sheetz’s unlawful hiring practices date to at least 2015.

The EEOC, an independent agency that enforces federal laws against workplace discrimination, is seeking to force Sheetz to offer jobs to applicants who were unlawfully denied employment and to provide back pay, retroactive seniority and other benefits.

The EEOC began its probe of the convenience store chain after two job applicants filed complaints alleging employment discrimination.

The agency found that Black job applicants were deemed to have failed the company’s criminal history screening and were denied employment at a rate of 14.5%, while multiracial job seekers were turned away 13.5% of the time and Native Americans were denied at a rate of 13%.

By contrast, fewer than 8% of white applicants were refused employment because of a failed criminal background check, the EEOC’s lawsuit said.

The EEOC notified Sheetz in 2022 that it was likely violating civil rights law, but the agency said its efforts to mediate a settlement failed, prompting this week’s lawsuit.

Unfortunately, mothers committing crimes involving the neglect or murder of their children isn’t an oddity in the United States.

In 2021, 311 children died due to abuse from both parents and 408 died from abuse or maltreatment from their mothers alone, according to the Statista Research Department.

Below are 14 cases in which mothers were charged with the murder, abuse or neglect of their children. Some were accused of careless mistakes that turned out to merit criminal charges. Others were accused of heinous acts that were so vile, they brought judges and juries to tears.

Approach this list with caution.

A Fatal Fire

Brandi Sturdivant was charged with three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of her 4-year-old and 1-year-old twins. Police claim she left home the morning of Dec. 12, 2022 and returned to find her house engulfed in flames.

Sturdivant told investigators she believed the fire sparked from a stove in the living room used to heat the home instead of the baseboard heater, via My FOX 8. She also admitted to repeatedly leaving the children home alone as she went out at night.

A Grave Mistake

Mariah Thomas, 26, was arrested after her child was found unresponsive in her home. Kansas City authorities allege her grandfather smelled smoke inside the home and found Thomas’ child not breathing in her crib. They said the child was covered with burns and damaged clothing that looked melted.

Thomas told investigators she accidentally placed the baby in the oven instead of the crib for a nap. She is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

A Foul Social Media Stunt

Jasmine Moss, 30, ran a hair removal business out of her home. Moss was reported to authorities after her 5-year-old was allegedly seen in a video on social media applying hot wax to the nude, private areas of multiple adult women.

In the social media post, Moss wrote that her daughter waxed over 24 clients in a single day. She was charged with child neglect after a controversial social media post.

Walmart Welfare Check

A Walmart employee captured 26-year-old Kambria Darby strolling around the freezer section with her shivering child who was barely clothed. The employee called the police to report the concern, and Darby was seen in the video arguing that she had the police called on her twice already.

The police arrested Darby in the parking lot. She was charged with child neglect.

A Fatal Neglect

Phoenix police arrested Sara Harris after her mother called 911 to report an unresponsive infant. Police said they found a 1-month-old lying limp on the mattress in the living room. Harris told investigators the infant was being fussy and she tried to use children’s NyQuil and a bit of food to soothe him. Surveillance footage revealed she left the baby alone for two days after.

Harris was charged with child abuse and second-degree murder.

A 1999 Cold Case

In February 1999, police discovered the remains of 6-year-old William DaShawn Hamilton in the woody area near a cemetery. It wasn’t until 2020 that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children rendered digital images of his face.

Police then received a tip from the boy’s old neighbor which eventually led them to believe his mother, Teresa Black, was involved in his death.

Black told investigators she and her son were unsheltered at the time of his death. She said she gave him cold medicine the night before he died because she believed he was sick and took him to the cemetery to sleep. When she woke up, she said she realized he was deceased and fled.

Black was charged with felony murder, cruelty to children, aggravated assault and concealing the death of another. However, a Dekalb County jury acquitted her of all charges except concealing the death of another.

A Child’s 911 Call

Miami-Dade police responded to the call of a 6-year-old boy who claimed his mother, Demetria Spencer, left him and his 2-year-old brother home alone without food and electricity. When they arrived at the home, the children looked like they hadn’t been bathed and the home was filthy. Spencer was located nearly eight hours later.

She was charged with two counts of child neglect causing no great bodily harm.

When “Missing” Became “Murdered”

Nakira Griner, 28, reported her 2-year-old son Daniel missing in 2019, claiming he’d been abducted while she walked to a store in Bridgeton, N.J. However, the police bloodhounds used to embark on the search tracked the baby’s scent to Griner’s backyard. The boy’s autopsy revealed blunt force trauma resulting in his skull being broken in 74 pieces. His remains were also burnt.

Griner confessed to assaulting her son, placing his body in the oven and dismembering him before burying him in the backyard. Griner was found guilty of first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, child endangerment, evidence tampering and false public alarm.

A Nationally Debated Miscarriage

Brittany Watts, 33, was only 22 weeks along in her pregnancy when she suddenly felt a contraction while using the bathroom. Watts told the Warren Police Department she felt the infant passing and then a “big splash.”

When police responded to her call, they said the infant’s remains were stuck in the toilet. Prosecutors accused Watts of trying to plunge her child down the drain. However, a jury declined to indict Watts on criminal charges in connection to her miscarriage.

The Child in the Suitcase

After months on the run, Dejuane Anderson was arrested in March in connection to the death of her 5-year-old-son Cairo, whose remains were found in a suitcase in 2022.

Anderson’s partner, Dawn Coleman, told police she found Anderson lying on top of the boy while he was face down on the bed. Authorities also discovered a series of concerning social media posts from Anderson suggesting she premeditated the killing because her son was “trying to kill her” and had been possessed by a “powerful demonic force.”

Anderson faces charges of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and obstruction of justice.

A Tortured Adopted Teen

Felicia Adams-Franks and Jesse Franks were accused of brutally torturing their adopted son, 15-year-old Karreon Franks, to death. During the trial for the couple, it was revealed that Karreon had a developmental delay, autism and blindness, and was nonverbal. He also struggled to keep food down but police say his parents kept food from him.

On several occasions, Karreon was locked in a room, hit with a paddle or electrical cord. He eventually died of starvation. The Franks were found guilty of homicide by abuse and second-degree murder. Each of them were sentenced to up to 35 years in prison, per KOIN.

10 Days Alone

Kristel Candelario, 32, was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated murder and child endangerment in the death of 16-month-old Jailyn. According to the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office, from June 6 to June 16, 2023, Candelario left the baby unattended while she traveled to Detroit and Puerto Rico.

Jailyn was found in her Pack-N-Play covered in soiled blankets. The county medical examiner said she died of starvation and severe dehydration from pediatric neglect, per NBC News.

Case of Co-Sleeping

Aaliyah Lykins was charged with reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent. Police say she was breastfeeding her 2-week-old daughter and fell asleep. An affidavit states when she woke up, her daughter went into cardiac arrest. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police said in court documents that this was not the first time an incident like this happened: Lykins’ 2-month-old son died during a co-sleeping incident two years ago, court documents said.

A Fateful Drop

Persia Nelson Nelson is alleged to have dropped 10-month-old Halo Branton down an 8-foot pipe at the General Electric campus in Schenectady, New York. She was charged with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child, per News10.

Netflix has ignited excitement among fantasy enthusiasts by announcing the commencement of production for both Season 4 and Season 5 of its hit series, “The Witcher.” A tantalizing glimpse of the cast accompanied the news during a recent table read.

The streaming giant also revealed that Season 5 will mark the final chapter in Geralt’s saga, promising to bring Andrzej Sapkowski’s epic tale to a satisfying conclusion. Seasons 4 and 5 will adapt the remaining books in Sapkowski’s series: “Baptism of Fire,” “The Tower of the Swallow,” and “Lady of the Lake.”

In Season 4, viewers can expect a Continent-altering narrative as Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves navigating war-torn landscapes and confronting formidable foes separately. The season’s logline teases a journey where the trio must embrace leadership roles among disparate groups to survive the baptism of fire and reunite.

Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich expressed her pride in embarking on the penultimate season, promising an epic culmination to the beloved series. Notably, Australian actor Liam Hemsworth joins the cast in the iconic role of Geralt of Rivia, leading an ensemble that includes returning favorites Anya Chalotra as Yennefer and Freya Allan as Ciri.

The cast also features a host of new faces, including Laurence Fishburne as Regis, Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold, and Sharlto Copley as Leo Bonhart, among many others.

Hissrich underscored the series’ commitment to pushing characters to their limits, hinting at the trials and tribulations awaiting the protagonists in the upcoming seasons.

Behind the scenes, a seasoned team is at the helm, with Hissrich herself leading the writing team and serving as an executive producer alongside Steve Gaub, Mike Ostrowski, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, and production companies Platige Films and Hivemind Content.

The directing duties for Seasons 4 and 5 will be handled by a talented lineup, including Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Tricia Brock, Alex Garcia Lopez, and Jeremy Webb.

With production underway and anticipation at an all-time high, fans of “The Witcher” can rest assured that the journey is far from over as Geralt’s final chapter approaches.

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U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., is urging the Biden-Harris administration to stand with Haiti and extend safeguards as they flee from the Caribbean nation to the United States.

Clarke told theGrio the situation in Haiti “is very chaotic” as Haitians are “not receiving humanitarian aid” and some are on the verge of starvation amid the country’s instability.

In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Clarke demands that the administration grant Haitians Temporary Protected Status (TPS), halt all deportations from the U.S. to Haiti, and extend humanitarian parole to any Haitians currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Clarke said that if the U.S. were to grant TPS to Haitians fleeing unrest in the Caribbean nation marred by gang violence and poverty, it would give them needed “stability.”

The congresswoman said it also provides them an avenue to earn income to send back to family and loved ones at home.

Several congressional members signed the letter, including U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.

Kamlager-Dove, who serves on the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, told theGrio that the U.S. “needs to step up” and that “Haiti deserves our attention and alliance.”

Haiti has faced “constant turmoil” due to instability, poverty, and political chaos, said the California lawmaker. She added, “They have never been allowed to have the kind of economic support that other countries have been allowed to have.”

Omar told theGrio the U.S. Congress needs to pressure the Biden-Harris administration “to make sure policies are being implemented to help and support Haiti.”

Since late February, Haiti has seen an uptick in violence, deaths, and kidnappings as armed gangs terrorize the nation. In recent months gang members have attacked Haiti’s airports, police stations, prisons, and the country’s largest port, which has stopped the flow of supplies and destabilized life for many Haitians.

Gang members claim they have launched targeted attacks across the nation due to frustration from postponed elections.

In the letter, members expressed that critics believe Prime Minister Ariel Henry is partially to blame for the turmoil because he is “unconstitutionally clinging to power” and failed to hold elections following President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021.

After repeated calls for Henry’s resignation, the prime minister announced he would step down once a transitional government was in place.

On Friday, the U.S. welcomed the establishment of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, which many hope will quell violence and restore stability in the country.

Clarke told theGrio she plans to send the letter to the Biden-Harris administration next week and remains hopeful that Biden will respond positively.

Clarke added, given President Biden’s work in the Western Hemisphere as vice president and as a U.S. senator who served as a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he “understands how imperative it is” to provide humanitarian assistance to Haitians.

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Despite being Black, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) isn’t exactly a popular figure in Black America. And up until recently, he didn’t appear eager to appeal to Black voters either. The South Carolina Senator generally eschewed conversations around race in his Presidential run unless it was to tell everyone that racism isn’t an issue anymore or that welfare was worse than slavery — a message that generally lands much better with white audiences than Black ones.

But Former President Donald Trump’s sudden interest in the Black vote, or at least in driving enough Black voters away from former President Joe Biden to win in 2024 — seems to have rubbed off on Scott.

Earlier this month, Scott launched a weekly podcast, “America’s Starting Five” with the pretty intent of drawing Black voters to the Republican party. The podcast features Scott and other four other Black Republicans, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. John James (R-MI), and Wesley Hunt (R-TX).

“Here are four non-Black, Black people,” joked Scott during the first episode, a thinly veiled reference to Biden’s heavily maligned comments saying Black Americans who don’t vote for him “ain’t really Black.”

It’s not just the podcast that points to a shift in Scott’s strategy.

While promoting Trump on Fox News, Scott argued that Black voters should support Trump because we were “better off under Trump.” The Senator falsely claimed that Black unemployment was the lowest ever under Trump.

This apparent strategic shift seems tailor-made to appeal to Trump, who has seemingly convinced himself that Black voters adore him because of his criminal charges. However, polling suggests that the overwhelming majority of Black Americans believe the legal actions against Trump were “appropriate.”

Scott’s team has made no secret of his interest in him becoming Trump’s running mate. And if he can prove his ability to pull disgruntled Black voters from Biden to Trump, that’s a pretty big asset.

The majority of Black Americans don’t hold a favorable opinion of Trump, and tell pollsters they don’t plan to vote for him. However, Trump has been polling somewhat better among Black men — giving hope to some Republican operatives of a Black swing to their party, that has yet to materialize.

For Scott’s part, his appeal to Black voters hasn’t exactly borne out in the past. The New York Times previously chronicled Scott’s attempt to run for a state senate seat in a majority Black district, which ended in a cataclysmic 30-point defeat.

But perhaps talking about how much Black voters love Trump will be enough to elevate him to the Vice Presidency.

In anticipation of the fourth and final season of the hit series “Power Book II: Ghost,” STARZ has unveiled a gripping collection of first-look photographs, giving fans a sneak peek at the high-stakes drama that awaits them. Golden Brooks (“Girlfriends”) has joined the cast in a recurring role as “Janet Stewart,” Monet Tejada’s cousin.

The series will launch on Friday, June 7, at midnight ET on the STARZ app, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of “Power’s” debut on STARZ. It will also air on linear television in the United States at 8:00 PM ET/PT and 9:00 PM ET in Canada. The second half of the season is set to premiere on Friday, September 6, under a similar distribution schedule.

Among the revealed images are snapshots of Michael Ealy in the role of “Detective Don Carter” and Golden Brooks as “Janet,” along with Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo as “Tariq” and “Brayden,” respectively, on the run after igniting a conflict in the season three finale. The Tejada siblings, played by Woody McClain, LaToya Tonodeo, and Lovell Adams-Gray, are shown anxiously awaiting Monet’s fate following a tense confrontation with Tasha.

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The final season promises to be explosive, with adrenaline-fueled twists and turns as characters navigate the complex web of power and betrayal. Family dynamics will be tested, and tensions will reach their peak as viewers are left questioning loyalties and alliances.

The cast of season four includes returning stars such as Michael Rainey Jr., Mary J. Blige, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, and Gianni Paolo, alongside newcomers like Golden Brooks. Additional recurring cast members add depth to the narrative, including Talia Robinson, Sydney Winbush, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Allison Luff, and Stephanie Sheperd.

“Power Book II: Ghost” is the flagship series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise, overseen by showrunner and executive producer Brett Mahoney. The series is executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Mark Canton, with Lionsgate Television producing for STARZ.

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In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Morehouse College and did an interview with Mekhi Perrin the 2023-2024 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Perrin, who is majoring in Philosophy, is from Queens, NY. He is a proud Spring 2023 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

We interviewed Mekhi Perrin, and talked to him about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

Being the SGA President has been a profound learning experience, highlighting the importance of effective delegation. The role demands balancing administrative responsibilities with active student responsibilities, which is much easier said than done. Realizing that I can’t do it all alone has been crucial. Delegating tasks has not only lightened my load but also empowered others to contribute their skills and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and successful administration. Having good relationships is also necessary as these are either people you will be representing or working with.

What made you decide to attend Morehouse College for undergrad?

Growing up in Queens, NY, I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU. When the time came to apply, I only considered two schools, one of them being Morehouse, and I knew it was an environment that could not be replicated. The atmosphere and true mission of Morehouse were unlike anything I had experienced elsewhere. Morehouse’s commitment to the success and empowerment of black men is unparalleled, creating an environment that fosters personal and academic growth in a way that is truly one-of-a-kind.

How has Morehouse College molded you into the person you are today?

My life has been completely transformed by Morehouse College. It molded me into the person I am today the moment I stepped foot on campus. I have gained an abundance of confidence from Morehouse, as it has enhanced my leadership abilities in ways I never would have thought possible. The Morehouse atmosphere and rich legacy have given me the resources and opportunities that improved my academic career and equipped me for success after graduation. This experience instills in you values of importance and the ability to go out, as a black man, and be a much needed change agent in this world.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

This year the Revolutionary Administration has worked to ensure students felt connected to the SGA and that their voices were heard. This was done by engaging in consistent communication with students on the front end and having many discussions with administration surrounding what students want and need on the back end. This administration has worked to build relationships with students and truly represent them through the friendships formed. We revitalized a student leadership space on campus and made it much more engaging and student centered as campus awaits design plans for the future. We also worked towards strengthening diversity within the SGA in a way that has prepared students to continue their leadership into the next administration.

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Ensuring the well-being of students’ mental health requires ongoing dedication and attention. The 92nd SGA administration recognizes this and are working on a Tiny Desk Event and a Jazz Festival to provide students with a much-needed opportunity to unwind and destress. These events offer a space for students to relax, enjoy music, and express themselves through poetry and music, creating a supportive and therapeutic environment on campus. During the first semester the SGA organized one of our annual events which is our car smash therapy during finals week and counseling services has been working to make themselves more accessible as well as create more consistent programming.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, embodies the ability to navigate both the highs and lows with determination. True leaders have duality, managing multiple engagements and challenges while inspiring others in transformative ways. When others witness your leadership, whether in big or small actions, it should ignite a spark within them to strive for excellence and imitate your dedication. Effective leadership sets a standard, showing others the true essence and potential of a role, motivating them to achieve similar levels of excellence.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?

Institutions need to modify their online presence in the digital era of 2023–2024 in order to properly represent themselves in a way that is inclusive and engaging. As it relates to HBCUs, things that make the experience and encapsulate the HBCU lifestyle should absolutely be included i.e. sports, sga, greek life etc. This means keeping up with and showcasing events on campus, clubs, and all programming. There should also be access to what every day life looks like as a student and details about programs, admissions, campus life, and support services. All social media should be utilized and the website should build community as well as encourage people to attend.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch The Yard is a necessary platform, spotlighting the positive aspects of HBCU campuses. It not only keeps alumni engaged by showcasing current events but also provides prospective students with a glimpse into campus life. For those featured on the site, it serves as a validation of their efforts, encouraging them to continue the impactful work. Ultimately, Watch The Yard plays a crucial role in celebrating and promoting the excellence and achievements within the HBCU community.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

My goals post graduating are to attend The University of Chicago to obtain a Master of Social Sciences degree. Having a special interest in areas like psychiatry or education, I am extremely passionate about working in fields that have the potential to change people’s lives. My commitment is to positively impacting people’s lives, whether it is through advocacy in education or mental health. I am going to increase my expertise and skills through graduate study, which will ultimately enable me to make a more meaningful contribution to society.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Mekhi Perrin for his work as the SGA president of Morehouse College.

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Photo Credits:

Joe Carlos – @joecarlos

Emmanuel Agoro – @the_agoro @auccam