WHITE OFFICER WON’T FACE CHARGES IN KILLING OF CLEVELAND BOY
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CLEVELAND (AP) — A grand jury declined to indict a white rookie police officer in the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a black youngster who was shot while playing with what turned out to be a pellet gun, a prosecutor said Monday. Cuyahoga County prosecutor Tim McGinty said it was “indisputable” that the boy was gunned down while drawing the pistol from his waistband – either to hand the weapon over to police or to show them it wasn’t real. But McGinty said the officer and his partner had no way of knowing that. “Simply put, given this perfect storm of human error, mistakes and miscommunications by all involved that day, the evidence did not indicate criminal conduct by police,” McGinty said. He said patrolman Timothy Loehmann was justified in opening fire: “He had reason to fear for his life.” Tamir’s family condemned the decision but echoed the prosecutor in urging those disappointed to express themselves “peacefully and democratically.” Barricades were set up outside a Cleveland courthouse in case of protests, and a few demonstrators gathered, holding up pictures of Tamir and others killed by police around the country. A grainy surveillance-camera video of the boy’s November 2014 shooting provoked outrage nationally, and together with other killings of black people by police in places such as Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, it helped fuel the Black Lives Matter movement. Tamir was gunned down by Loehmann within two seconds of the officer’s police cruiser skidding to a stop near the boy outside a city recreation center. Loehmann and his white training partner, Frank Garmback, were responding to a 911 call about a man waving a gun. Tamir was carrying a borrowed airsoft gun that looked like a real gun but shot nonlethal plastic pellets. It was missing its telltale orange tip. The grand jury had been hearing evidence and testimony since mid-October. In explaining the decision not to charge either officer, McGinty said police radio personnel contributed to the tragedy by failing to pass along the “all-important fact” that the 911 caller said the gunman was probably a youngster and the gun probably wasn’t real. Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Meyer said it was “extremely difficult” to tell the difference between the pellet gun and a real one. And he said Tamir was big for his age – 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds, with a men’s XL jacket and size-36 pants – and could have easily passed for someone much older. Before police arrived, the youngster was seen repeatedly drawing the gun from his waistband and pointing it at other children, Meyer said. “There have been lessons learned already. It should never happen again, and the city has taken steps so it doesn’t,” McGinty said. Among other things, the Cleveland police department is putting dashboard cameras in every car and equipping officers with bodycams. Also, the police department reached a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department earlier this year to overhaul its use of force. The settlement was prompted largely by a car chase that ended with the killing of a couple in a 137-shot barrage of police gunfire. In a statement, Tamir’s family said it was “saddened and disappointed by this outcome – but not surprised.” It accused the prosecutor of “abusing and manipulating the grand jury process to orchestrate a vote against indictment.” Tamir’s family charged that McGinty improperly hired use of-force experts to tell the grand jury that Loehmann’s actions were reasonable. The family also said that the prosecutor allowed the officers to read statements to the grand jury without being subjected to cross-examination. The family renewed its request for the U.S. Justice Department to step in and conduct “a real investigation.” Federal prosecutors in Cleveland noted Monday that a civil rights investigation into the case is already underway. In addition, Tamir’s family has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the two officers and the city. McGinty said it was a “tough conversation” with Tamir’s mother when she was told there would be no charges. “She was broken up, and it was very hard,” the prosecutor said. Both officers insisted that they shouted at Tamir repeatedly to show his hands before Loehmann opened fire from a distance estimated at 4½ to 7 feet. Loehmann fired twice, with one shot missing the boy. “With his hands pulling the gun out and his elbow coming up, I knew it was a gun and it was coming out. I saw the weapon in his hands coming out of his waistband and the threat to my partner and myself was real and active,” Loehmann told investigators. After the boy’s killing, it was learned that Loehmann had washed out from the police force in the Cleveland suburb of Independence. Loehmann had “dismal” handgun performance, broke down in tears at the gun range and was emotionally immature, according to files. He quit the force before he could be fired. Steve Loomis, the head of Cleveland’s police union, said the organization is pleased with the grand jury’s finding but said the decision “is no cause for celebration and there will be none.” McGinty urged those who disagree with the grand jury decision to react peacefully, and said: “It is time for the community and all of us to start to heal.” State Sen. Sandra Williams, a Cleveland Democrat, called the decision a “grave miscarriage of justice” but pleaded with the community to remain focused on positive change and “avoid falling into the traps that have hampered progress and the broader movement of social equality.” — Associated Press reporters Mitch Stacy, Kantele Franko and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus and Dan Sewell in Cincinnati contributed to this story. © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. |
K. MICHELLE SUING UNNAMED PEOPLE & BLOGS FOR INVASION OF PRIVACY
K. Michelle revealed that she spent her Christmas taking legal action against unidentified offenders that have made her life a living hell.
“What was meant for my bad yesterday actually turned out for my good. For over 4 months now I’ve been stalked and threatened,” K. Michelle revealed in a Christmas post on Instagram. “I’ve spent now over 32,000 on an investigation. I’ve remained quiet and prayerful.
According to the R&B siren, some unnamed people and media outlets have been sharing private information (like her home address). She’s so fed up with the alleged breach of privacy that she’s decided it’s time to fight back, and she’s gotten some websites to cooperate.
K. Michelle thanked other blogs for being cooperative in the investigation and handing over a number of email addresses and other traceable resources. It was all the information she needed to press charges.
“On This Christmas morning I was finally able to start the process of pressing criminal charges against certain individuals and certain blogs,” she announced, listing the shocking people behind the leaks. “You all will not believe the people who run these blogs they are mothers, felons, and people in your church.”
She continued, “I don’t want to see anyone go to jail, and I’ve tried to let it go, but some people are miserable and sick. You can’t put my addresses out, leak private material found.”
Although K. Michelle could have taken her hard-earned money and used it on nice bags and fabulous shoes, she decided to give herself the gift of peace of mind for the holidays this year.
“Yes it’s a weird Christmas Gift, but I’m proud to be standing up for myself and helping other people and celebrities maintain their safety and privacy,” K. Michelle wrote.
K. Michelle was also able to find some humor in the situation as she signed off, “First time I’m not being Sued. Yes Gawd!”
We’re not sure about her chances of winning such a case, but we wish her well.
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Pips Member William Guest Dies, Gladys Knight Issues Statement
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gladys Knight is asking God to look after one of her beloved band members who has died.
Knight and her brother, Merald “Bubba” Knight, released a statement Sunday about Pips member William Guest, (pictured, left) who died last week at 74 of congestive heart failure.
“We have lost many along the way; Edward Patten, Eleanor Guest, and now William Guest,” Gladys Knight said. “We tried using our gifts of music in a way that would be pleasing to God. Please, take care of their journeys home and I say thank you Lord for a long and wonderful ride.”
Merald Knight said Guest was “more like a ‘big’ brother to me than a distant cousin.”
“From day one, when the Pips were formed, we were two Road Warriors, succeeding against the odds of the show business,”Knight said.
blackamericaweb.com
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic
by James Lewis Jr.
The 2016 GLC 300 replaces the GLK as the Mercedes-Benz compact crossover, and the new “C” in the naming structure means that it shares the platform with the C-Class. Even though the GLK came out first in 2009 in the midst of an economic recession that left many without jobs and facing foreclosures on their homes, and yet sales remained strong for the GLK, with that said the GLC has some very large shoes to fill. Frankly my friends I believe that the design Mercedes-Benz has taken with the GLC added yet another winner starting in its lineup.
New Mainstream Look
The GLC has a more rounded look which is in tune with the rest of the mainstream design in general when it comes to Crossovers and SUV’s also the GLC’s stance is more assertive, luxurious, and dare I add glamorous, without its signature boxy look. The GLC has a clean, yet hinted at muscular design that doesn’t come off overly bulky and it looks great when being viewed from all angles once again in my opinion.
I love looking at the front where the strong double-deck front grille dominates the SUV’s look with a massive Mercedes star that reminds me of the huge 50-cents pieces that my Grandparents use to pass out during the Holidays.
High-End Interior
I drove the GLC 300 in the designo Diamond White Metallic Exterior Color with the Espresso Brown MB-Tex with Linden Wood interior which is of superior quality. It feels just so luxurious in the cabin and has a better dashboard layout than most vehicles that competes in its class. Even more, it has a lot of the same driver assistance and safety features available as its expensive sibling, so being equipped with the Distronic Plus feature, the GLC can practically drive itself; look out for the car to remind you place your hands on the steering wheel when you test my theory!
Inside, the road noise can barely make it into the cabin, and everything feels velvety soft and smooth. The mix of textures and materials are classy and comfortable. I love the dashboard layout; because the center console-mounded gear selector really cleans up the layout and allows room for storage and the infotainment system is operated by a clickable touchpad and a rotary scroll wheel. Mercedes do not offer touchscreens (which I hope they would consider in the near future however, touchpad is able to understand the swiping gestures one would make when using a smartphone. The menu structure and buttons are very intuitive and allows you to become familiar with them easily. The redesign of the GLC makes it bigger and roomier than the GLK without the extra pounds — it weighs 170 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. The passengers are given a riding experience that allows them to have more ROOM (head, shoulder and leg) to fully enjoy being driven around town in the GLC300. The Cargo Capacity has 20.6 cubic feet, and the rear seats can fold down with the touch of a button and put back into place with the ease of using one hand; with a 40/20/40 seats folded down, 56.5 cu. ft. of cargo space. The Panorama Sunroof extends all the way to the rear passenger seats and the Burmester Surround Sound System is a music lovers dream!
The Driving Experience
The GLC 300 4 Matic all-wheel-drive system was reengineered and features a 45/55 front to rear torque split. And provides you with an awesome off-road driving experience! The 241 horsepower and 273 lb. per torque with the 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (with shift paddles on the steering wheel) allow you to really experience the Sportiness of the GLC 300. The ability to change the way the GLC driving style with the tap of a button on the steering on by change it you the selector dial felt as if I was driving three different vehicles: ECO, Sports, and Comfort. It was as if the car was begging for me to share my personal attitude with it. You and the GLC become one!
The features of the 2016 GLC 300 4 Matic that I had the pleasure of driving are as follows:
Performance/Handling: 2.0 Liter I-4 Turbo Engine with Direct Fuel Injection, 241hp/273 lb. per torque. 9-Speed Automatic Transmission w/Shift Paddles, 4Matic Permanent All-Wheel Drive, ECO Start/Stop System, DYNAMIC SELECT, Independent Front/Rear Suspension, 18 inch Wheels with All Season Tires along with Extended Mobility Tires.
Comfort and Performance: Audio System with Single Disc CD with SIRIUS XM, Touchpad, 7-inch Color Display Screen, Media Interface, Bluetooth Connectivity, embrace Connect includes Remote Start with 5years Service, COMMAND System Navigation Map, Keyless Start, Power Front Seats with Lumbar Support and Heated Seats for ALL of the Passengers, Power Memory for both the Driver’s and the Front Passenger’s Seats, Memory for the Driver’s Steering Column and Extended Mirrors, Split Folding Seats, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, Ambient Lighting, Garage Door Opener, Power-Folding Mirrors, Driver’s Side Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Cargo Cover, Power Liftgate, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, Rear Window Intermittent Wiper and Washer, Privacy Glass and Roof Rails.
Safety and Security : 24-hr Roadside Assistance Program, Advanced Airbag Protection System, Anti-Theft Alarm System, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe Predictive Occupant-Protection System, Brake Assist System (BAS) Plus, Rearview Camera (with excellent visual quality), Automatic LED Headlights with Twilight Sensor/ Locator Lighting and Active Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Rear Door Child Safety Locks, Top Tether Anchors (All Rear Seats), Anti-Locking Brakes (ABS), Crosswind Stabilization and Electronic Stability Program (EPS) with EPS Trailer Stabilization.
EARL HILLIARD, JR. NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FOR THE VULCAN PARK FOUNDATION
Birmingham, AL (December 1, 2015) — Earl Hilliard, Jr., owner of Magic City Films and former State Legislator, has been identified as the 2015-2017 Chairman of the Board for the Vulcan Park Foundation — a nonprofit that promotes and preserves Vulcan as the symbol of the Birmingham Region through a variety of education and community programs. Hilliard is charged with overseeing all activities of the board to ensure that the mission of Vulcan Park is fulfilled.
“My goal as chairman is to help Vulcan Park substantially enhance its growth and technological advancement and tangible expansion,” said Hilliard.
Not only does Hilliard bring with him a background in legislation, but also in marketing, film and entertainment. He has already put his skills to use by incorporating innovative technology into Vulcan Park’s marketing and museum experience.
“Earl is a dream board member. He is very involved, enthusiastic and provides insightful guidance,” said Darlene Nergotto, President and CEO, Vulcan Park Foundation. “I believe his desire to lead comes from his personal passion to serve others.”
Hilliard has been a board member since 2012, but he has been supporting the foundation long before then. He began visiting the park as a child when his uncle managed the ground work of the park. During his time as a State Legislator, Hilliard provided funding to support schools in his district to attend Vulcan Park.
“The students are able to learn in an interactive way. This makes a difference for young children. I know that I’m helping educate youth and adults by supporting the Vulcan Park Foundation,” said Hilliard.
Hilliard is excited about his role as the chairman where he will serve with 17 other board members. With strategic vision, he believes that he will walk away with a successful term and looks forward to the growth and expansion of the park.
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What’s Happening at Talladega Superspeedway and in the motorsports industry with Gwen DeRu!
Bouchard Stunned Racing World in 1981 Talladega 500
Winner of One of NASCAR’s Greatest Finishes Passes Away at Age 67
The 1981 talladega 500. It has always been known as a race with one of the most exciting finishes in the history of NASCAR that produced one of the biggest upset victories in the sport. As a result of that August 2nd day, the name of Ron Bouchard, who passed away recently at the age of 67, will forever be etched in the minds of motorsports fans everywhere.
Bouchard, a rookie that year who was competing in just his 11th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, swept past two future NASCAR Hall of Famers – Darrell Waltrip and Terry Labonte – in the final stretch of 1,250 feet to the finish line that memorable day. As the trio was coming through the tri-oval on the final lap, Waltrip, who was leading, chose to crowd Labonte near the outside retaining wall as he attempted a pass. Meanwhile, third-place runner Bouchard saw a chance at the low side.
The rest is history. The trio came across literally in a dead heat, and after reviewing video replays of the finish in slow motion, Bouchard had stunned the racing world with a “two-foot” victory – the only triumph of his career.
The extra distance to the start-finish line at Talladega Superspeedway, which is nearly 1,250 feet toward Turn 1 from the center of the tri-oval, is a path to continued or greater success. For Bouchard, it was the difference between having a NASCAR victory on his career ledger and never finding Gatorade Victory Lane at all.
“When we first went there, Buddy Baker told me that one of the differences at this track was that when you came off Turn 4, you had to remember that the start-finish line wasn’t in the tri-oval,” Bouchard said in the summer of 2013. “He actually went through the scenario with me where he said if, for some reason, I was third coming off Turn 4, I needed to wait until the second-place guy made his move then go the other way because, at that point, there was still plenty of time to draft by those guys at the line.
“When we came off Turn 4, I remembered what Buddy told me, and I waited. And, Terry jumped to the high side of Darrell (Waltrip). Then, the only thing Darrell was worried about was Terry, and I got a draft off the two of them. When I passed them, I remember thinking as we crossed the stripe, ‘I’ll be a son-of-a-gun if Baker didn’t talk about this very thing, and it happened just like he said.”
It’s only one of 93 chapters that have made Talladega what it is, and always will be – the fastest, most exciting race track in the world. Bouchard’s triumph in the No. 47 Race Hill Farm Buick led to him becoming that season’s Cup Series rookie of the year. His Talladega momentum carried him to the pole position the following week at Michigan. He went on to post 12 top-10 finishes in the 22 races that season. It was good enough to give him the Rookie of the Year Honor over the likes of notable drivers’ Morgan Shepherd, Tim Richmond and Joe Ruttman.
Bouchard, from Fitchburg, Mass, started 160 times through 1987 at stock-car racing’s major level, posting 19 top-five and 60 top-10 finishes. He was eighth in the 1982 points standings.
(Interested in opportunities with Talladega Superspeedway, contact Gwen DeRu at (205) 251-5158 Ext. 21, thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com and gwenderu@yahoo.com)
Persons, Places, and Things by Gwen DeRu
ONE MAN’S OPINION by Dr. Jesse J. Lewis Sr.
Donald Trump is Always the Topic of Conversation
Even Ted Koppel is making statements:
Ted Koppel appeared on Meet the Press with Chuck Todd. He laid out perfectly the damage the Donald Trump is doing. Referring to Trump and his supporters he said the following:
“The irony is that they think they are being tough on ISIS,” Ted Koppel said. “And Trump thinks he is being tough on ISIS. Senator Rubio in his interview touched on it very very lightly. Donald Trump is in effect the recruiter in chief for ISIS. ISIS wants nothing more right now than to have the world divided into Judaeo Christian on one side and the Muslim world on the other. That is exactly what Trump is doing for them. I think it’s time we started thinking about what ISIS wants and then not doing it.”
In other words Ted Koppel is just pointing out the obvious. Instead of playing into the hands of ISIS as Donald Trump is doing right now by giving them the semblance of a culture war effected by America and the West, it is imperative that we show that we embrace multiculturalism. It is unlikely that those who are embraced will be easily persuaded to radicalize themselves.
According to Donald Trump he has three or four billion dollars. By the time he gets through running for President, he will have one billion dollars or less.
Donald Trump has pissed off everybody, not just the Blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, Democrats and part of the Republicans in America. He has pissed off people all over the world, throughout Scotland, Ireland, Europe, Middle East and the Far East.
When Donald Trump bought the famous Turnberry golf club in Ayrshire last year, he believed his name would soon be cemented alongside the legends of the game.
But his dream of handing over the trophy at The Open is in tatters. The Independent on Sunday revealed, after golf’s governing body, headquartered in Scotland, privately decided that his reputation is now so toxic that the newly renamed Trump Turnberry can no longer host the game’s most prestigious tournaments.
Scotland had already stripped Trump last week of his business ambassadorship, but this will surely sting a bit more. Trump purchased the golf course in Ayrshire just a year ago for $63 million, with a promise to pour $200 million more into renovations. The payoff was going to be its scheduled 2020 hosting of The Open.
If I were running as a Democrat, I would be campaigning for the Republican Party to nominate Donald Trump. He would be the easiest one to beat. There is no way in the world that you can win an election in the United States as a Republican when 15 percent of the Republicans will not vote for you, 85 percent of the Hispanics will not vote for you, no Democrat will vote for you and 85 percent of the Blacks would not vote for you.
There is not one person or organization on the planet that Trump has not criticized which includes all of the above, plus women.















