By Danielle Young

Three white male teenagers are considered suspects after a homeless man, 58-year-old John Frazier was set on fire while he slept in a sleeping bag at Ventura Beach. Luckily, a local citizen with a good heart spotted the flames and managed to get the fire out with sand before calling 911. Once officers arrived, Frazier’s items were still smoldering.
The suspects allegedly poured lighter fluid on Frazier and his belongings and set him on fire before running off. While we’re glad Frazier survived the attack, sadly, he suffered second- and third-degree burns on his upper torso and face.
Local residents have created a makeshift almost-memorial for Frazier, placing flowers and candles on the ground where he was burned by the hoodlums. “It’s just really sad. It’s sad that a man is sleeping on the beach and then three knuckleheads just put him on fire for whatever reason,” said Charon Shirk of Ventura. “It’s just sick. It’s really sick.”
So far, the only information that police have is that the 20-something-year-old white suspects all had shaved heads and were wearing dark clothing. Police and residents are hoping the public will be able to provide vital clues in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call Ventura police detectives at (805) 339-4309.
All we can say is #AllLivesMatter. We’re praying for a healthy recovery for John Frazier. Here’s hoping not only those criminals are found, but are also charged with attempted murder.

WASHINGTON — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain near the top of the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2015 filing season, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.
The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams in recent months as scam artists threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation and other things. The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season.
“If someone calls unexpectedly claiming to be from the IRS with aggressive threats if you don’t pay immediately, it’s a scam artist calling,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The first IRS contact with taxpayers is usually through the mail. Taxpayers have rights, and this is not how we do business.”
The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Many of these con games peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or hire someone to do so. This year for the first time, the IRS will issue the individual Dirty Dozen scams one at a time during the next 12 business days to raise consumer awareness.
Phone scams top the list this year because it has been a persistent and pervasive problem for many taxpayers for many months. Scammers are able to alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS badge numbers. They often leave “urgent” callback requests. They prey on the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly, newly arrived immigrants and those whose first language is not English. Scammers have been known to impersonate agents from IRS Criminal Investigation as well.
“These criminals try to scare and shock you into providing personal financial information on the spot while you are off guard,” Koskinen said. “Don’t be taken in and don’t engage these people over the phone.”
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has received reports of roughly 290,000 contacts since October 2013 and has become aware of nearly 3,000 victims who have collectively paid over $14 million as a result of the scam, in which individuals make unsolicited calls to taxpayers fraudulently claiming to be IRS officials and demanding that they send them cash via prepaid debit cards.

Protect Yourself
As telephone scams continue across the country, the IRS recently put out a new YouTube video with a renewed warning to taxpayers not to be fooled by imposters posing as tax agency representatives. The new Tax Scams video describes some basic tips to help protect taxpayers from tax scams.
These callers may demand money or may say you have a refund due and try to trick you into sharing private information. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about you.
The IRS reminds people that they can know pretty easily when a supposed IRS caller is a fake. Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.

The IRS will never:

·         Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
·         Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
·         Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
·         Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
·         Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do:

·         If you know you owe taxes or think you might owe, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS workers can help you with a payment issue.
·         If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
·         If you’ve been targeted by this scam, also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.

Remember, too, the IRS does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue involving bills or refunds. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.

Additional information about tax scams is available on IRS social media sites, including YouTube http://www.youtube.com/irsvideos and Tumblr http://internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com, where people can search “scam” to find all the scam-related posts.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has announced that it has filed a proposed consent order in Hereford v. Huntsville Board of Education, a longstanding school desegregation case, to resolve issues related to school attendance zones, Black students’ access to quality academic offerings and student discipline, among other areas.  The department and counsel for the Huntsville City Schools in Alabama jointly filed the proposed consent order in district court in Birmingham, and are now seeking public comment prior to presentation of the proposed consent order to the Huntsville Board of Education and to the court for final approval.
The proposed agreement, if approved, would resolve the parties’ dispute over the district’s 2014 plan to reconfigure student attendance zones. The Justice Department had objected that the plan did not further desegregation or address racial inequalities in students’ access to quality academic offerings. If approved by the court, the proposed consent order would require the district to provide equal educational opportunities to Black students by taking steps including:

·       revising attendance zones and growing and strengthening magnet programs to improve diversity at many of its schools;
·       expanding access for Black students to pre-kindergarten, gifted programs, advanced course offerings such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, academic after-school programs, and college counseling;
·       implementing measures to promote faculty and administrator diversity;
·       ensuring that all students are aware of and can equally participate in extracurricular activities;
·       creating positive, inclusive school climates, and ensuring that student discipline is fair, non-discriminatory, and does not unnecessarily remove students from classrooms;
·       establishing a desegregation advisory committee consisting of students and parents to advise the district and inform the court about implementation of the consent order;
·       providing professional development for teachers on such topics as strategies for teaching students from diverse backgrounds, understanding implicit bias, and supporting positive student behavior; and
·       continuously monitoring racial disparities to ensure meaningful and sustained improvement in areas including student performance, students’ access to courses, and rates of student discipline.

“A quality education is the key that opens the door to a better future,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta for the Civil Rights Division. “This agreement aims to ensure that African American students in Huntsville schools can access that quality education on an equal basis. We look forward to working with the district to implement the measures required by this proposed order, if approved, and eventually bring this case to successful resolution after so many years.”
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that Alabama schools provide African American students, and all students, with the equal educational opportunities guaranteed under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance for the Northern District of Alabama.
If the proposed consent order is approved, the Justice Department will monitor and enforce the district’s compliance. The district may seek a declaration of unitary status and dismissal of the case when it can demonstrate sustained compliance with the terms of the consent order.
The proposed consent order can be found at www.proposedconsentorder.com, which also provides information regarding opportunities for public comment, including a series of community forums.
The enforcement of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and other factors in public schools, is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its web site at www.justice.gov/crt.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A San Diego police sergeant has filed a racial-discrimination lawsuit against the city claiming he was punished for complaining about a racist cartoon that was used in a training class, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
Ten-year department veteran Arthur Scott — who is Black — says in the Superior Court lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was the victim of a hostile work environment and on-the-job retaliation after objecting, the UT San Diego reported (http://bit.ly/1JaH1IM ).
San Diego police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said in a statement that the department will take the allegations “very seriously.”
“We will fully cooperate and support any and all investigations into this matter,” Zimmerman said.
At issue is a century-old newspaper cartoon mocking a Black police officer in the city. It shows Chinese men in pigtails running in fear from an ape-like caricature.
The lawsuit said the cartoon was passed around in a training class without historical context on race relations.
Scott, 43, said he complained to a supervisor. He claims he was later passed over for a promotion, pressured into taking an undesirable transfer and threatened with disciplinary action “based upon frivolous allegations of misconduct.”

Jeremy G. Preston launches an initiative called the “E.I. Money Savings Challenge”

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (BlackNews.com) — In 2014, teenagers from different countries took financial literacy exams. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development administered a two-hour written test through their Programme for International Student Assessment to 29,000 15-year-olds in 18 countries or partner economies. American teens fell below half of their peers in several other developed economies regarding financial literacy. Interestingly, Shanghai, China’s 15-year-olds obtained the highest scores on this international financial literacy exam.
Furthermore, finance coach and author, Jeremy G. Preston, is on a mission to strengthen American youth’s financial literacy. Mr. Preston conducts lectures and seminars on financial literacy at elementary, junior high, and high schools across the United States. In an effort to further strengthen financial literacy, Mr. Preston has launched a nationwide financial literacy initiative that is called “The E.I. Money Savings Challenge.”
The E.I. Money Savings Challenge is an initiative that strengthens financial literacy in a fun and creative manner. It (E.I. Money Savings Challenge) is essentially a contest with the objective of savings money by being economically intelligent and creative. It’’s really easy for teenagers to participate. Simply follow the following steps:
1. Think of a creative idea for saving money.
2. Apply that creative idea and save money. Note: Participants have to prove that their idea was applied.
3. Share your success. Enter your creative money savings idea / story on the E.I. Money Savings Challenge webpage. Enter your story at the following web address: www.theeisolution.com/the-e-i-money-savings-challenge/.
Teenagers [ages 13-18] can enter the E.I. Money Savings Challenge now! This contest is currently open and will remain open till February 28, 2015.
Mr. Preston’s goal in launching E.I. Money Savings Challenge is to stimulate American youth’s’ minds to comprehend and be more conscience of financial literacy. In the past few years, financial literacy exam scores for American teens are slightly below average. There is most definitely room for improvement in this area of American education. The E.I. Money Savings Challenge is a step in the right direction when it comes to strengthening financial literacy among American teens. This money savings challenge will help spur American teens to increase their financial literacy knowledge so that the U.S. can once again regain superior financial literacy exam scores.
Preston comments, “Let’s work together to encourage as many American teenagers as possible to enter the E.I. Money Savings Challenge. Oh and did I mention that the top three (3) entries will be awarded cash prizes! That’s right, the top three (3) money savings entries will be awarded cash prizes and national recognition. The Grand Prize winner (1st place winner) will receive a cash prize and a free copy of Mr. Preston’s book titled, “E.I. = $: 10 Steps To Become Economically Intelligent (E.I.) and Live A Financially Successful Life”. Please share this opportunity to enter E.I. Money Savings Challenge with as many teenagers as possible. Let’s help our youth get back on track in this area of financial literacy.”
For more details, visit www.theeisolution.com

January 22, 2015

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Gary Palmer released the following statement in relation to his appointment to represent the states of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina on the Republican Policy Committee:

“I am honored and appreciate the opportunity to serve in the Republican Policy Committee.”

The mission of the House Republican Policy Committee is to serve the nation by working with House leadership, Committee leadership, Members, staff and results-focused outside groups to equip leaders with sound conservative policy research for the purpose of developing solutions to the issues our nation faces.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to help develop policy solutions for the people of Alabama’s 6th Congressional District and the nation.”

Local Dreamers selected from nearly 10,000 applicants at eighth-annual career and mentoring event in March
 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.  – Walt Disney World Resort has announced the 100 high school students selected for the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, March 5-8. The teens, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort, where they will take part in a once-in-lifetime educational and mentoring program designed to inspire them to dream big, discover a world of possibilities and prepare for their future.
In the magical setting of Walt Disney World Resort, participants – also identified as “Dreamers” – learn important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies, build confidence and create fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.
During Disney Dreamers Academy, the Walt Disney World theme parks become vibrant “classrooms,” where Dreamers participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops led by industry experts. Covering a bevy of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology, the workshops do more than expose students to a career choice; they bring to life an opportunity that otherwise might seem distant or impossible.
Each year, motivational speakers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, executives and Disney Cast Members gather at Disney Dreamers Academy to share their stories and provide insight on charting a positive course and achievement.
“Year after year, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to help students dream big and achieve those dreams,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President of Deluxe Resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell. “Entering our eighth year, it is rewarding to hear the success stories of past Dreamers and how the program has inspired them. From starting their own businesses to travelling the world helping others, to serving as inspirational speakers, our Dreamers have already had tremendous success in impacting the world. Once again, we look forward to welcoming yet another group of amazing teens.”
Walt Disney World Resort, along with Steve Harvey, syndicated television and radio personality, and  ESSENCE Magazine, will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration.
Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration, and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.”
ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the eighth Disney Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year, we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey represents our commitment to the leaders of tomorrow.”
This year’s 100 students were selected from nearly 10,000 applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future.
The 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy judging panel included: Powell, Ebanks, Yolanda Adams, gospel music legend; Mikki Taylor, ESSENCE Magazine editor-at-large; Dr. Steve Perry, education advocate; Sonia Jackson Myles, founder and author of The Sister Accord; Jonathan Sprinkles, award-winning motivational speaker; Dr. Alex O. Ellis, Simply Ellis Custom Clothier CEO; Brandi Harvey, corporate and community relations director for the Steve Harvey World Group; Karli Harvey, hair artesian at U Salon in Atlanta and Princeton Parker, Disney Dreamers Academy alumnus.
This accomplished group, along with Terrence J, actor and host of E! News; Stephen A. Smith, broadcaster and sports analyst and Chef Jeff Henderson, celebrity chef and motivational speaker, remains involved in Disney Dreamers Academy throughout the year, serving members of the Speaker Resource Group, Disney Dreamers Academy’s advisory panel and ambassadors.

For more information, visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com. Regular updates about Disney Dreamers Academy are also available on social media at www.facebook.com/disneydreamersacademy or www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy.

The following students from Alabama have been selected to participate in the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine*:
Shanesia Abrams of  Birmingham, Ala. and Ta’Shara Martinestz of Geneva, Ala