NEW YORK (AP) — The family of a man who died after being placed in a police chokehold has filed a notice of claim to sue New York City, the Police Department and six individual police officers for $75 million.
Eric Garner’s family filed the notice — the first step toward suing over the 43-year-old Garner’s death — on Monday.
A spokesman for City Comptroller Scott Stringer said Tuesday that the claim is under review.
Representatives of the Police Department and the city Law Department did not immediately comment on the notice of claim.
Garner, who was unarmed, was stopped by police on Staten Island on July 17 on suspicion of selling loose cigarettes.
A video shot by an onlooker shows Garner telling the officers to leave him alone and refusing to be handcuffed.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo responded by apparently putting Garner in a chokehold, which is banned under police policy. Garner is heard gasping, “I can’t breathe.” He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The city medical examiner found that the chokehold contributed to Garner’s death. A grand jury will determine whether criminal charges are filed.
Garner’s death has sparked protests including an Aug. 23 march on Staten Island that drew thousands of people demanding justice.
The notice of claim was filed by the law firm of Sanford Rubenstein, who is being investigated by detectives after a woman accused him of rape.
The accuser said the attack happened when she went back to Rubenstein’s Manhattan apartment following a 60th birthday party last week for the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Sharpton, who has championed the Garner family’s pleas for justice, said Tuesday that the fact the Rubenstein’s name is on the notice of claim does not necessarily mean that Rubenstein will be the family’s attorney going forward.
Sharpton said in a statement that the notice of claim filing was planned to protect the family’s right to file a lawsuit before the deadline to file expires.
He said the family would make an announcement about its legal representation during Saturday’s weekly rally at Sharpton’s Harlem headquarters.

 The Workshop at Macy’s, the retailer’s minority and women-owned business development program has begun accepting applications from prospective participants via macysinc.com/workshop

MIAMI, Fla. – After four successful courses, The Workshop at Macy’s, the retailer’s innovative “business of fashion” program begins accepting applications today for the 5th Anniversary class of entrepreneurs, who are poised for bigger retail success. In the Spring of 2011, Macy’s created this one-of-a-kind business of retail development program with the aim of mentoring and fostering growth within up-and-coming minority and women-owned businesses. This industry-first initiative has resulted in a number of new vendor relationships with Macy’s and has created a pipeline of enterprises that the company can tap for future product opportunities.
“We are very excited to kick-off the application process for the next Workshop class,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s group vice-president of Leased Businesses, Vendor Collaboration and Multicultural Business Development. “This program was created to develop minority and women-owned businesses that make great products, but needed additional real-world knowledge and expertise to successfully manage and maintain a thriving business with a large-scale nationwide retailer such as Macy’s. Going into our fifth year, we are truly encouraged by the results so far with a number of graduates of the program now providing goods as Macy’s vendors and a host more in the pipeline for future opportunities. This program helps reinforce Macy’s long-standing commitment to vendor diversity and to providing customers with unique goods and services that meet their lifestyles. We can’t wait to see what the new applicants have to offer.”
The Workshop at Macy’s is a four and a half-day intensive training course developed by a consortium of experts from Macy’s Learning & Development, Macy’s Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development, Babson College, the nation’s leading business school for entrepreneurship, and with select Macy’s merchants and vendors. The specially designed business development curriculum is aimed at minority and women-owned retail businesses that make department store products and are poised to grow beyond self-distribution or low volume retailing. The goal of this annual program is to help create a pipeline of viable enterprises that will grow to become successful partners within Macy’s own vendor community often bringing unique goods and trend perspectives to stores across the country.
The Workshop at Macy’s allows selected participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring vendors, gain access to industry experts and solicit one-on-one business coaching. The course work includes classes on merchandising and assortment planning, marketing, EDI, financial management, and access to capital.
From intimate apparel to jewelry and cosmetics, the Workshop at Macy’s vendors all conclude that the program helped them identify opportunities and put into practice policies that have led to successful and long-term growth. Psychelia Terry, President and Founder of Urban Intimates, stated, “I found the Workshop at Macy’s to be more than just a ‘workshop,’ it was life changing. Every team that worked with us demonstrated unparalleled knowledge about retail and wholesale partnerships. They sincerely cared about our business and our future success as a brand and company. We will be forever grateful for the 700 percent revenue increase that we have seen companywide because of the training, hand-holding and detailed instructions we learned from the Workshop at Macy’s.” She added, “Our company now successfully partners with Macy’s and other retailers in the U.S. because of the information we learned and put into practice during our training.”
Alex Woo, President and Designer of “Alex Woo,” a fine jewelry vendor concurred, “The Workshop at Macy’s provided an amazing support network of industry experts and leaders in the field of fashion and retail like nowhere else. As a Made in New York brand, the chance to work with the world’s largest and most iconic store was an opportunity that no one should pass up!”
Built as a long-term program, the Workshop team is in constant communication with current vendors and past participants as they progress through the opportunities outlined during the coursework. Mateo Bijoux, a graduate and Macy’s men’s furnishings vendor under the “Mateo New York” brand, referred to this ongoing open dialogue and follow-through, when he stated, “The Workshop at Macy’s was and is the foster father of my business! It has made me a sharper entrepreneur!”
New applications will be accepted beginning on October 7, 2014. To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51% or more of equity) owner, co-owner or otherwise have operational control (per applicable status rules) of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision maker. Eligible applications will include a 250-word biographical statement, look book/line sheets or images of product including costs, resumes on all owners, financial statements for the business for two years, fall within the minority and women-owned definition of the program and provide verification of the business as a legal entity (i.e. Corporation, LLC, etc.), among other requirements. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 1, 2015 by 11:59p.m. EST. All information including full program requirements are available online at www.macysinc.com/workshop. All eligible applications will be reviewed and select applicants will be asked to attend an in-person interview. Final selections will be made after all prospective candidates are interviewed. The program will take place in New York City in late April/early May of 2015

50,000+ Attendees Joined Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, Mary Mary, Tamar Braxton, LaLa Anthony, Tyrese, Bobby Brown, Tank, Niecy Nash, Terry Crews, Tamela & David Mann, Faith Evans, Hill Harper, Michelle Williams, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Dr. Rachel Ross, Lance Gross, Rev. Al Sharpton, Taffi Dollar, Roland Martin, and more! Plus, casts members from Blood, Sweat and Heels, Hollywood Divas and Orange is the New Black
NEW YORK, N.Y.  – The 10th anniversary of Circle of Sisters, presented by AARP in association with AT&T and Della Russo, showcased some of the most talented Hollywood insiders, industry experts and celebrities in the business. The event, held at the Jacob Javits Center on 34th and 11th Avenue, is the largest EXPO in New York City uniting, motivating and celebrating women of color.
“The tenth anniversary of Circle of Sisters was phenomenal. The high turnout was incredible and a testament to the impact WBLS, WLIB and HOT 97 have on our community,” states Deon Levingston, Vice President/General Manager of Emmis New York. “The EXPO is unique in its approach as there are main stage panels that challenge our communities to push themselves and grow. While celebrities draw people in, we are allowed to teach and educate with our panels and we do that through a combination of industry experts and celebrities.”
Attendees were able to hear from their favorite stars as they shared their perspectives on life.  The weekend kicked off with Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Johnny Gill and Tyrese Gibson discussing what it takes to create a long standing career. Tyrese spoke on his love for real R & B music and how it affected his life. Attendees were also given a rare opportunity to have a one-on-one panel with music legend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.  For the Hip Hop generation HOT 97’s Miss Info dished on all things gossip with former VJ and Television Personality turned Actress and NY Times Best-Selling Author, LaLa Anthony.
During the weekend, reality TV star Yandy Smith announced that she and Mandeecees are expecting their second child to her fellow reality stars Elise Neal, Lisa Wu, Marlo Hampton and Mica Hughes on the Reality TV Panel. Celebrity couples Niecy Nash & Jay Tucker, Rebecca & Terry Crews and Tamela & David Mann shared their personal secrets for a lasting relationship. Tina Campbell, of the Grammy Award winning duo Mary Mary, spoke candidly about her troubled marriage, while the big screen heartthrob Actor Lance Gross jumped in the audience to field questions. Additionally, NY Times best-selling author Zane talked about her new novel, “The Other Side Of the Pillow.” And over at the health panel, Dr. Rachael Ross of The Doctors and her fellow panelists gave demonstrations and spoke frankly about having good sex and staying healthy.
“This year’s Circle of Sisters was a great success and I look forward to 2015,” said Cynthia Smith, Assistant Program Director of WBLS/WLIB. “The singers, entertainers, reality stars, celebrity chefs and experts in the fields of fitness, finance and health come because they want to connect with their fans, and our stations provides this connection because we are community-driven and care. We are consistently amazed at the growth and need for our EXPO. We come back each year because we know that the EXPO is a staple event for our audience. Every October, this is where they come to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and chat about the educating panels, as well as juicy gossip amongst the stars.”
Later, the fun continued at the main stage where Bravo TV’s Fashion Queens, Miss Lawrence and Bevy Smith, tried not to throw any shade on attendees; they had no problem with sharing why it’s wrong to do his and hers cleavage and their candidate for a fashion no-no was super couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. From We TV’s hit show LA Hair, Celebrity Stylist Kim Kimble gave the audience tips on how to re-create some of the Hollywood glam look at home. She advised, “it’s about accessories, play with hair clips and extensions to maximize and transform a look.” She demonstrated on music icon, Bunny Debarge, of the Debarge family royalty. Project Runway’s Korto Momolu presented her line of dresses along with other local designers in the annual fashion show on the main stage, while R & B artist Tank performed his hit songs and previewed his new album Stronger.
In the exhibit hall, guests were able to meet and greet with some of their favorite WBLS, HOT 97 and WLIB personalities at each sound stage area. The very popular HOT 97 Man Cave, presented by Dello Russo in association with SIG, drew actors Lance Gross, Lorenz Tate and Terry Crews, who stopped by to visit morning show host Ebro Darden and thousands of attendees. Nearby at the Cooking Pavilion a full day of local restaurateurs and celebrity Chefs shared recipes and great food with attendees. The cooking pavilion, presented by Healthfirst, offered aspiring chefs the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of the best chefs our country has produced. Chef Melba Wilson taught children the importance of cooking and preparing healthy dishes. We found out that Bobby Brown really knows his way around the kitchen and his new BBQ sauce, part of the cooking line “Bobby Brown BBQ,” was a big crowd favorite. Bravo’s Top Chef Lisa Fernandes, Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur Pat Neely, Food Network’s Chopped Danielle Saunders, and teen chef Alexandria Brooks of Food Network’s Chopped Teen Tournament gave those “want-to-be” chefs a taste and tips from their personal kitchens.
Saturday and Sunday did not end with just speakers and vendors! Attendees danced into the night at Saturday’s R&B concert that featured Faith Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Tyrese, Johnny Gill and Mary Mary, and an After Party with Doug E. Fresh at B.B. King’s. On Sunday morning a line formed around the convention center for the praise and worship service led by Bishop Hezekiah Walker. The spirits  of thousands were raised by Taffi Dollar as she shared uplifting inspiration to a standing room only convention hall.  Later that day, Circle of Sisters wrapped with the popular Gospel Explosion concert featuring over 10 acts including former Destiny Child’s singer Michelle Williams, Vashawn Mitchell, JJ Hairston, Kierra Sherd, Myron Butler and more. 
 Circle of Sisters is produced and sponsored by WBLS, WLIB and HOT 97. WBLS (107.5 FM) is New York City’s Urban Adult contemporary FM station, which boasts The Steve Harvey Morning Show. WLIB (1190 AM) is New York’s “Praise and Inspiration” station, which hosts The Yolanda Adams Morning Show and Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s Afternoon Praise. WQHT (HOT 97) is the #1 station for Hip Hop and R&B! The stations’ corporate ownership is Emmis Communications.

(Reuters) – A Delaware mother was arrested on Monday after her four-year-old daughter unknowingly brought roughly 250 packets of heroin to her daycare, and passed them out to classmates thinking they were candy, police said.
Ashley Tull, 30, of Selbyville was charged with drug possession and endangering the welfare of a child after her daughter brought the drugs to the Hickory Tree Child Care Center on Monday morning, Delaware State Police said in a statement.
Several of the children who received the small, unopened bags were taken to area hospitals as a precaution, and were later released, police said.
Police said the child unknowingly brought the heroin to the care center in a replacement backpack, after hers was ruined by a family pet the night before.
Tull was released from jail after posting $6,000 bond, police said. She has been barred from coming into contact with her 4-year-old, or her two other children, aged 9 and 11.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said.
(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Crispian Balmer)

NEW YORK — “If the NFL waits until after an assault occurs the organization cannot stop their players from beating their wives or bruising their children,“ says Barry Goldstein, author of The Quincy Solution, Stop Domestic Violence And Save $500 Billion, published October 1st.
“The Quincy Solution demonstrates that we have the ability to dramatically reduce domestic violence and child abuse,” according to Andrew Willis, founder and CEO of The Stop Abuse Campaign. “Mr. Goldstein’s book makes it clear that best practices proven successful in communities like Quincy, Massachusetts, San Diego and Nashville, can be adopted nationwide to end domestic abuse of women and children.”
While the NFL is attempting to engage in prevention by providing training, counseling and resources for players, Goldstein believes more can be done. “The problem not only for the NFL, but for all of society, is that many of us suffer from adverse childhood experiences and a lifetime of misinformation that often minimizes or even worse, encourages domestic violence and sexual assault.”
Former NFL player and child abuse survivor Al Chesley is encouraged by Goldstein’s Quincy Solution and calling for implementation of the book’s lessons. “Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson have probably destroyed their reputations and careers because they acted on wrongful beliefs that should have been corrected long before their abusive actions, said Al Chesley. “The best way the NFL can respond to its mistaken response to players’ criminal abuse is to support prevention as detailed in The Quincy Solution,” added Chesley.
One of the women hired by the NFL to create a social responsibility team is Rita Smith, former executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In the forward to The Quincy Solution Smith writes, “ I can’t help but think of all the courageous women who died and all the anguished faces of the children they left behind – who could have been saved by this book.”
“Because of its prominence and with the heightened scrutiny it now faces, the NFL is in a unique position to inform the public about the benefits of The Quincy Solution to help make our homes safe for women and children,” notes Goldstein. “The League has the resources, platform and attention to enhance public awareness to help end most domestic violence and child abuse,” he concludes.
The Stop Abuse Campaign calls on Commissioner Goodell to turn the negative from the mishandling of the Ray Rice case into a positive by working with us to end domestic violence and sexual abuse through implementation of the Quincy Solution.