CELTICS’ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TO KICKOFF ADVICE FROM THE PROS SERIES

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August 19, 2015

raw — Ted Dalton photo courtesy Boston Celtics

MONTGOMERY – Ted Dalton, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Business Development of the Boston Celtics, and Dr. Marc Williams, the CEO of the award-winning brand marketing firm Williams Communications, LLC, will speak to students at Alabama State University, Wednesday August 26th, to kick off the 2nd Annual ASU Speaker Series entitled “Advice from the Pros.”

The event, presented by ASU Athletics, Career Services, Student Government Association, and Williams Communications LLC, will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Abernathy Auditorium on the Alabama State campus. Attendance is free and open to the public.

The event will be a part of the “Striving for Excellence Leadership Academy” for ASU student-athletes. The speakers will give career advice about their industry, the importance of networking, relationships, and their personal brand. Dr. Williams and ESPN anchor Jay Harris are the co-creators of the “Advice From the Pros” series that began at Indiana University in 2009.

“I am extremely pleased Mr. Dalton and Dr. Williams have accepted our invitation to speak to our student-athletes,” said Melvin Hines, Alabama State University Interim Athletics Director. “Ted and Marc are considered to be two of the most respected executives in the sports industry, and have worked for some of the most decorated and recognized sports brands in the world. I am excited our student-athletes will be able to learn from former student-athletes and how they were able to make the transition to becoming successful businessmen.”

Dalton enters his 11^th season with the Celtics of the National Basketball Association. In this role, Dalton is responsible for managing partnership sales and activation, community relations and business development. The Celtics have been recognized for their innovative and best-in-class approach to sponsorship by the industry and the NBA, and in 2009 were named Professional Sports Team of the Year by the Sports Business Journal.

Prior to joining the Celtics as Director of Corporate Partnerships in 2005, Dalton served as Director of Business Development for 16W Marketing, a full service sports marketing company that he helped launch with the company’s founders in October 2000. Before working at 16W Marketing, Dalton held positions with SFX Sports, Integrated Sports International, and Walt Disney Attractions.

Along with his duties at the Celtics, Dalton currently serves on the Wesleyan University Athletic Advisory Council, and is the Chairman of the Wesleyan University Cardinal Club, both of which provide support for student-athletes at the school. Dalton is a graduate of Wesleyan, with degrees in Economics and Government, and earned a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts.

“I’ve known Dr. Williams since our days together at UMass where we received our post graduate degrees in Sports Management,” Dalton said. “Since that time, he has been focused on helping student-athletes realize their full potential beyond athletics. Today’s student-athletes are under tremendous pressure and scrutiny, and the Striving For Excellence Leadership Academy is a fantastic way to better equip the next generation with critical life-skills developed in conjunction with experts across multiple disciplines. I look forward to seeing the program in action at Alabama State University.”

Dr. Williams is a sports marketing pioneer, one of the nation’s experts on branding, sports marketing, networking and preparing athletes for life after sports. Williams is the CEO of Williams Communications, LLC, a brand management consulting firm, and the founder of the Striving For Excellence Leadership Academy, an empowerment program that encourages personal and professional development for athletes. His insights have been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, USA Today, ESPN and CNN.

Dr. Williams recently received his Doctorate in Education from West Virginia University. Dr. Williams will make his debut as a film director and producer later this year by directing a documentary about the history of life skills programming for student-athletes at the University of Nebraska. In addition, Dr. Williams will be featured this fall in a PBS documentary about the challenges of competitive sports and how sports can be used to have a positive impact on society.

Prior to creating Williams Communications, LLC firm, Dr. Williams worked for three of the largest sports brands in the world: Reebok, Footaction, and Champs Sports. As the former Brand Director for Champs Sports, a division of Foot Locker, Williams was in charge of global marketing, sponsorships, partnerships and helped Champs Sports become a $1 billion footwear and apparel brand. In addition to his Doctorate, Dr. Williams is a graduate of William Paterson University with a degree in sociology, and a Masters in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to introduce Ted Dalton to the Alabama State University family,” Dr. Williams said. “Ted is one of the most respected sports executives globally, and is a man of integrity, passion and excellence. The student-athletes and coaches at Alabama State University are among the nation’s best and I am honored to continue our partnership with them.”

#myasuathletics

Raffi Freedman-Gurspan is White House’s First Openly Transgender Official

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Birmingham Times

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August 19, 2015

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History is being made within the White House with 28-year-old Raffi Freedman-Gurspan becoming the first openly transgender official to serve inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

ABC News cites an announcement made by the Obama administration that Freedman-Gurspan began her new job Tuesday (Aug. 18). The former National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) policy advisor’s new gig involves being the new outreach and recruitment director for presidential personnel in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, according to the NCTE.

White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett expressed her excitement in having Freedman-Gurspan on board in a statement, telling ABC News that she “demonstrates the kind of leadership this Administration champions.”

“Her commitment to bettering the lives of transgender Americans, particularly transgender people of color and those in poverty, reflects the values of this Administration,” she said.

As far as what Freedman-Gurspan will actually do, the White Houses’ website noted that she will be directing presidential personnel staffers who work to recruit qualified candidates to serve the president in departments and agencies across the government. In addition, the office is responsible for ensuring that personnel priorities of the administration are being addressed.

News of Freedman-Gurspan’s historic appointment was praised by LGBTQ+ advocates, who applauded the fact that the presidential administration is starting to mirror the actual diversity of America.

“I am elated that Raffi Freedman-Gurspan will become the first openly transgender staff member at the White House,” NCTE executive director Mara Keisling voiced in a statement. “That the first transgender appointee is a transgender woman of color is itself significant. And that the first White House transgender appointee is of a friend is inspiring to me and to countless others who have been touched by Raffi’s advocacy.”

Despite the presence of a handful of transgender people previously appointed to presidential commissions and boards, Freedman-Gurspan’s appointment represents a major step in her being the first openly transgender person working in the White House.
Noting Freedman-Gurspan’s time as a policy advisor for the NCTE, Keisling added that her colleague addressed improving conditions for transgender prisoners as well as spent her time addressing biased policing in trans communities, limiting use of detention for undocumented transgender immigrants and finding solutions to address violence against trans women of color.

In addition to the White House, Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino Jr. shared with ABC News that that Freedman-Gurspan made history in the state as the first outwardly transgender woman working at the Massachusetts State House before she worked for the NCTE.

“Raffi is a role model,” Sciortino said in a statement. “As the first out transgender woman working at the Massachusetts State House, she showed leadership and courage, and among her many contributions, was instrumental in helping pass the Transgender Equal Rights Law.”

credit: blackamericaweb.com

Miles College Prepares for New Student Record Enrollment

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Birmingham Times

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August 19, 2015

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Fairfield Ala. – Miles College Administrators are pleased to announce that fall 2015 new student enrollment of nearly 600 students is the largest in the college’s history. It is anticipated that the number will continue to climb as registration continues throughout this week; however, once again the increase of new student enrollment is resulting in full dormitories and contracting with local hotel for residential placement assistance. Official numbers won’t be reported for federal purposes until October 15th.

This is the fifth consecutive year of increased new student enrollment at Miles College.
The incline has been consistent, which is indicated by the data.

First Time Freshman Fall Enrollment

Fall 2011        394 (End of cycle)
Fall 2012       448   “    “
Fall 2013       406   “   “
Fall 2014       494    “   “
Fall 2015       598 (as of Friday evening 8/11) –Final count Oct 15th

The incoming student population is comprised of students from all over the country. A number of students enrolled are from Alabama, however, attendees come from as far as California and as near as from all of Alabama’s connecting states; Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi.

Miles College is a senior, liberal arts, church related College with roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Miles offers 25 Bachelor Degree programs in six academic divisions.

In addition to its traditional full-time student class schedule, Miles offers evening and weekend courses for working students who wish to continue study toward degrees. With small classroom size 14-1 teacher to student ratio, and strong alumni support, Miles College has a rich legacy of graduating leaders and trail blazers.

For more information visit www.miles.edu or call 800-445-0708.

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Dangerous Dualities – Queendom.com’s Study Reveals Other-Oriented Perfectionism Linked To Low Self-Esteem

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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Dangerous Dualities – Queendom.com’s Study Reveals Other-Oriented Perfectionism Linked To Low Self-Esteem

Research by Queendom.com and PsychTests.com reveals that people who set high expectations for others to live up to are more likely to have low self-esteem.

Montreal, Canada – August 18, 2015 – Social philosopher Eric Hoffer brought to light a somber human truth when he said that “We hate others when we hate ourselves.” When Queendom researchers looked at data they collected for their Perfectionism Test, they came to a surprising conclusion: Confidence, or high self-esteem, is never synonymous with perfectionism. In fact, people with low self-esteem are more likely to set unrealistic expectations for others than those with high self-esteem

Based on data from 698 people with either low or high self-esteem, Queendom’s study reveals that:

· The average perfectionism score for people with low self-esteem was 64, while the average score for people with high self-esteem was 48 (on a scale from 0 to 100; the higher the score, the higher the level of perfectionism)

· 41% of people with low self-esteem feel very disappointed when their family does not live up to expectations, compared to 26% for people with high self-esteem.

· When they assign a task to others, 55% of people with low self-esteem, want it to be done flawlessly and without errors, compared to 46% for people with high self-esteem.

· If a group project is unsuccessful, 47% of people with low self-esteem blame other team members, compared to 42% of people with high self-esteem.

· 35% of people with low self-esteem believe that they have to point out their partner’s mistakes because it’s the only way that he or she will learn, compared to 30% of people with high self-esteem.

· 26% of people with low self-esteem believe that it’s essential to be tough on a child when he or she fails, in order to encourage success, compared to 18% of people with high self-esteem.

· 39% of people with low self-esteem get frustrated when they find a mistake in someone else’s work, compared to 29% of people with high self-esteem.

· 55% of people with low self-esteem expect chores at home to be done their way, compared to 44% of people with high self-esteem.

· 39% of people with low self-esteem are consistently disappointed with their colleagues’ work ethic, compared to 30% of people with high self-esteem.

· 50% of people with low self-esteem get impatient when family members make mistakes, fail, or “mess up”, compared to 34% of people with high self-esteem.

· 47% of people with low self-esteem expect their partner to live up to all their expectations, compared to 36% of people with high self-esteem.

The surprising contrast between the low and high self-esteem group begs the question: ”What compels someone with low self-esteem to demand so much of others?”

“A lot of people with self-esteem issues hide it behind a mask of arrogance or self-righteousness,” explains Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests, the company that runs Queendom.com. “Arrogance almost always hides a very fragile sense of self. And add this under the ‘sad but true’ category: a lot of people will tear down others in order to feel better about themselves. Rather than expend their energy verbally beating themselves up – or in this case, other people – they should use it to rebuild the foundation of their self-worth. When you feel strong, capable and empowered, you don’t need power trips, dominance or territoriality to secure your spot in the sun.”

For those who set excessively high expectations for others, the researchers at Queendom offer the following tips:

· Cut a deal. When it comes to day-to-day concerns, work on compromise. If, for example, you are very tidy and orderly and your partner is messy, you have to learn to meet him or her halfway. Constant nagging about insignificant details is a real turn-off that can put a lot of strain on your relationship. Remember that the people around you will never be able to meet your standards if you only look for what’s missing … something always will be.

· Set a good example. “Do as I say, not as I do” really doesn’t cut it. Instead of making demands of others, why not show them? For example, rather than criticize your child for failing a test, try helping him or her develop better study habits. If you don’t give people a chance to prove themselves, you’ll never know what they’re capable of accomplishing on their own.

· Think of your image. Imagine being around someone who constantly nitpicks and criticizes every mistake you make. We’ve all met at least one person like this and probably didn’t enjoy being around him or her very much. Unless you change your attitude and make your standards reasonable, you may end up alienating yourself.

· Consider the other person’s self-image. Setting unreasonable standards for others and then judging them harshly when they don’t live up to them is downright unfair. It also impacts their self-esteem and can do damage to their psychological and physical health. Imagine how it makes others feel when you treat them this way.

Want to determine whether you’re a perfectionist? Go to http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3052

Professional users of this assessment (therapists, life coaches and counselors) can request a free demo of this or any other tests from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1

To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr

About PsychTests.com

PsychTests.com is a subsidiary of PsychTests AIM Inc. PsychTests.com is a site that creates an interactive venue for self-exploration with a healthy dose of fun. The site offers a full range of professional-quality, scientifically validated psychological assessments that empower people to grow and reach their real potential through insightful feedback and detailed, custom-tailored analysis.

PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com). The company’s research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

fyi…. MISSISSIPPI HOMECARE OF PICAYUNE TO PAY $100,000 TO SETTLE EEOC DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION SUIT Home Healthcare Provider Failed to Provide a Reasonable Accommodation and then Terminated Employee, Federal Agency Charged

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mississippi HomeCare of Picayune, a major home healthcare provider in the Picayune, Mississippi region, will pay $100,000 and enter into a consent decree with United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in settlement of a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by EEOC, the agency announced today.

EEOC brought suit on behalf of Kristy Sones, a former Mississippi HomeCare employee, who suffered an epileptic seizure while working at the facility. Returning to work following her seizure, Sones requested an accommodation to help her perform certain job-related computer tasks–tasks she was having difficulty completing because of the temporary side effects of her seizure medication. The lawsuit alleges that Mississippi HomeCare ignored Sones’ request, failed to engage in an interactive process to discuss reasonable accommodations, and provided no accommodation. Mississippi HomeCare then terminated Sones less than a month after her request for an accommodation.

The Commission alleged that this conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee’s disability, unless the employer would suffer an undue hardship as a result. EEOC originally filed its lawsuit (Civil Action No. 1:11-cv-00355-LG -JMR) against previously identified LHC Group, Inc, d/b/a Gulf Coast Homecare in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Southern Division on September 26, 2011, after first attempting to reach a pre- litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

That lawsuit was initially dismissed by the District Court on a motion for summary judgment. EEOC appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (Case No.13- 60703), which reversed the District Court’s decision and returned the case for further proceedings. After the remand, the parties negotiated a settlement and resolution which has now been approved by the District Court.

In addition to $100,000 in monetary relief, the two-year consent decree requires Mississippi HomeCare to provide training to its employees on its obligations under the ADA, and enjoins the company from engaging in any discrimination or retaliation on the basis of disability. The consent decree also requires the company to allow the EEOC to monitor compliance during the decree’s two-year term. Finally, Mississippi HomeCare will appoint an internal consent decree monitor to ensure compliance.

“The ADA prohibits the termination of a disabled employee based on stereotypes of whether they can or cannot perform their job duties,” said Harriett Johnson, senior trial attorney for the EEOC’s Birmingham District Office. “The final disposition of the case means that Mississippi HomeCare can quickly begin implementing the terms of the consent decree and thereby improve working conditions for other disabled employees.”

Delner Franklin-Thomas, the EEOC Birmingham District Director, said “We hope this resolution will be a lesson to companies of the importance of engaging in an individualized interactive process to determine whether a disabled employee must be accommodated under the ADA.”

The EEOC’s Birmingham District has jurisdiction in Alabama, Mississippi (except 17 northern counties) and the Florida Panhandle.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

Regions Job Fair

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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Saturday August 22, 2015 from 10am – 1pm

Regions Operations Center

2090 Parkway Office Circle

Birmingham, Al 35244

“Regions Technology Career Fair”

Birmingham District 1 – Report Card #1

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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Birmingham District 1 – Report Card #1

We have received so many positive responses to our District 1 report card, and we wanted to share our achievements with YOU.

Please click on the video link below to see what the buzz is all about…
MUST SEE VIDEO!

Social Security Turns 80, Loved by Americans of All Ages Remains Key to Retirement, Living Independently, Important for Future Generations, According to AARP Survey

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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Washington, DC – AARP released results of a survey on August 14 as we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Social Security. Americans of all ages continue to have strong feelings of support for Social Security, and the survey found several key themes. According to the national survey of adults, Social Security remains a core part of retirement security, and remains popular across generations and political ideologies. Americans want to live independently, but face challenges around saving for retirement that underscore the importance of Social Security for future generations of beneficiaries.

“As we celebrate Social Security on its 80th anniversary, our survey found that it remains as important as ever to American families,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “We also found that although most want to continue living independently as we age, obstacles to saving often continue to occur in our lives. However, Social Security continues to help generation after generation to diminish these obstacles.”

In addition to the survey, the AARP Bulletin has stories this month about Social Security’s history, its future, and what it’s doing for Americans today.

Details on some of the Social Security survey key findings are below:

As a core part of retirement that remains popular, Americans say that they:

 Rely on Social Security: 80% plan to rely on Social Security in a substantial way or rely on it somewhat. 33% say it is the source of income that they rely on or plan to rely on most during their retirement.

 Believe in the importance of Social Security across political ideologies, generations: 66% say Social Security is one of the very most important government programs. This view has remained consistent over time in similar AARP surveys taken in 1995, 2005, and 2010.

* Younger Americans also value the program. Specifically, 90% of adults under age 30 believe Social Security is an important government program, and 85% want to know it will be there when they retire.

Americans have a desire not to depend on others because they:

 Want to live independently: 83% consider it extremely important to have the ability to live independently in their home for as long as they want, although 64% have concerns they won’t be able to do so as they age. Additionally, while 68% feel it extremely important to have family around, 80% want to ensure self-sufficiency so their children and other relatives won’t have to support them financially.

However, many people face challenges preparing for retirement including that they:

 Have difficulty saving: Obstacles to saving include

* 69% have to focus on their current financial needs.

* 47% don’t have enough money left over after paying their bills.

* 39% faced a major health need or problem in their family.

 Worry about living in retirement:

* 68% express at least some concern that they won’t have enough savings to last their lifetime.

* 69% express at least some concern about having a major health care expense that could wipe them out financially.

* 65% express at least some concern Social Security won’t be enough for them to get by on.

For the Social Security 80th Anniversary survey, AARP commissioned GfK Roper, a national survey research firm, to conduct a national random telephone survey of 1,200 adults aged 18 or older on mobile and landline telephones. A total of 717 respondents were not retired and 483 were retired. Interviews were conducted from June 4 to June 28, 2015. The margin of sampling error for the random sample of 1,200 is +/- 3.6 points.

Note to reporters: Fact sheets from the AARP Public Policy Institute provide national and state data on Social Security as a key source of retirement income.

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

AG ANNOUNCES THAT COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS UPHOLDS ST. CLAIR COUNTY CAPITAL MURDER CONVICTION

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Birmingham Times

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August 18, 2015

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(MONTGOMERY)— Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday upheld the capital murder conviction of Taurus Jermaine Carroll. Carroll, 38, of Birmingham, was convicted in St. Clair County Circuit Court in September of 2012 for the murder of Michael Turner.

When Carroll murdered Turner—on September 14, 2009—Carroll was already serving a sentence of life without parole at St. Clair Correctional Facility due to his conviction for a previous capital murder.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Carroll accused Turner of taking his cell phone. Despite Turner’s repeated denials, Carroll stabbed him multiple times with a knife fashioned from part of an air conditioner vent. Turner was taken to the prison infirmary, where he died as a result of the wounds. An autopsy indicated that Turner sustained 16 stab wounds to his head, neck, and body. Carroll admitted to a correctional officer that day that he had intended to kill Turner. Early the next morning, investigators with the Investigation and Intelligence Division of the Alabama Department of Corrections read Carroll his Miranda rights, which he waived, and he gave a full confession, which was recorded.

The case was prosecuted at trial by St. Clair County District Attorney Richard Minor. Carroll was sentenced to death and subsequently sought to have his conviction reversed on appeal.

The Attorney General’s Capital Litigation Division handled the case during the appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm the conviction. The Court did so in a decision issued on Friday, August 14.

Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Beth Jackson Hughes of the Attorney General’s Capital Litigation Division for her successful work in this case.

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Birmingham Airport Authority Welcomes New Board of Directors

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Birmingham Times

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August 17, 2015

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Airport Authority welcomed its new seven- member Board of Directors to its first official Board meeting on Monday. The new Board, recommended by Mayor William Bell and confirmed by Birmingham City Council on July 28th, includes new members Robert Earl Kelly of Kelly Road Builders, and Edgar B. Marx, Jr. of Marx Brothers, Inc., each appointed to serve a four-year term in addition to John James McMahon, III of Jorden Industries, and Aaisha Muhammad, President of the East Lake Neighborhood Association, serving a two-year term.

Michael Bell of BCIA and Ruffner Page of McWane Industries were reappointed for a two-year term. Councilor Steven A. Hoyt, Birmingham City Councilor is still serving under his current appointment slated to expire July 29, 2016. New Board officers were to be chosen at Monday’s meeting.

The Birmingham Airport Authority Board of Directors oversees the Airport Authority and the operation and growth of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport under the leadership of President/CEO, Alfonso Denson.

“We appreciate the support of our past board members, in particular as we completed our recent terminal modernization. As we continue to forge ahead, this accomplished and talented group of leaders will serve the airport as we continue to focus on the business of easy, convenient, and world-class travel and being an economic engine for the Birmingham community,” said Alfonso Denson, President/CEO, Birmingham Airport Authority.