Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) released the following warning to constituents against individuals soliciting funds in exchange for the re-opening of USDA farmer discrimination cases:
“Growing reports of fraud in the 7th Congressional District involving USDA farmer discrimination cases have been brought to my attention over the past several days. According to multiple sources, certain individuals are illegally soliciting funds from people with the promise of reopening several USDA farmer discrimination cases. Local law enforcement officials have reported that some of these individuals are fraudulently claiming to be collecting funds on behalf of my office in exchange for the re-opening of these cases. It is critical that the public is warned against these scams.
The fact is that the Black, Native American, Hispanic and Women Farmer Lawsuits have been adjudicated. No more claims in these lawsuits can be filed and there are currently no plans to provide additional settlement. The claims period for the Second Settlement Phase of the Black Farmer Lawsuit (Pigford II) ended on May 11, 2012. The Hispanic (Garcia v. Vilsack) and Women (Love v Vilsack) Farmer claims period ended on May 1, 2013. The Native American Farmer claims period (Keepseagle v. Vilsack) closed on December 27, 2011. In no instance will a member of my staff or a representative from my office approach an individual to request funds in exchange for assistance with these settlements. My constituents are advised to refrain from providing any funds to individuals or groups offering such assistance. If solicited, constituents should notify local law enforcement and report such instances to my Birmingham district office at 205-254-1960 so that perpetrators can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
My office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that minority farmers are protected from these fraudulent scams.”
WASHINGTON — The Secret Service is dealing with another case of sexual misconduct involving agents assigned to protect the president, a little more than 18 months after a South American prostitution scandal tarnished the agency’s reputation.
This time, two agents assigned to President Barack Obama‘s protective detail are the subject of an investigation amid allegations of misconduct involving sexually suggestive emails sent to a female subordinate. The alleged misconduct does not appear to involve a breach of Obama’s security.
The Washington Post first reported the investigation. Ignacio Zamora Jr., a supervisor on the presidential detail, was initially investigated after a bullet from his gun was found in a local hotel room. A subsequent investigation uncovered the emails between Zamora, supervisor Timothy Barraclough and an unnamed female subordinate.
(Photo: AP)
Dayna Morales, a former Marine and a server at Gallop Asian Bistro in Bridgewater, New Jersey, didn’t receive a tip on a $93 order because the patrons didn’t agree with her gay “lifestyle,” reports NBC Southern California.
The customer’s homophobia was evident from the moment Morales first approached the table, saying “Oh, I thought you were gonna say your name is Dan. You sure surprised us!”
And in place of a tip, the mother of two crossed through the line and wrote, “I’m sorry but I cannot tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle.”
Morales sent the receipt to “Have a Gay Day” Facebook, writing:
I am THOROUGHLY offended mad pissed off and hurt that THIS is what her kids will grow up learning and that I served in the Marines to keep ignorant people like them free. Sorry lady but I don’t agree with YOUR lifestyle and the way you’re raising your kids but you didn’t see me throwing that in your face and giving you shi**y service. Keep your d**n mouth shut and pray we never cross paths again.
So far, the post has been shared over 3,000 times and liked close to 8,000 times.
The manager at Gallop Asian Bistro told NBC 4 New York that they do not tolerate discrimination in their restaurant and the patrons are no longer welcome.
“We support Dayna 100 percent. She’s a wonderful person and a wonderful server, and we are extremely proud of her and the way she handled this situation.”
Brandon Bell’s attorney Jamon R. Hicks of the Cochran Firm
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Brandon Bell was cleared of assaulting a police officer and other charges during last summer’s protests over the George Zimmerman verdict that cleared a white man in the shooting of an unarmed 17-year-old Black boy.
“We are extremely pleased with the City Attorney’s decision to drop the charges against Brandon who was merely exercising his right to protest when he was wrongfully accused,” said Jamon R. Hicks, an attorney with the Cochran Firm, founded by the late Johnnie Cochran.
At a Nov. 1 hearing, Deputy City Attorney Brad Rothenberg dropped all charges against Bell, who is a Princeton University graduate and a Los Angeles resident. The charges were dropped in furtherance of justice.
Bell, 24, was arrested on July 16 for allegedly punching a Los Angeles Police Officer during a protest in Mid-City over the not guilty verdict of Zimmerman who had stood accused in the 2012 fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.
Bell, who pled not guilty to all charges, had faced one count of battery on a police officer, disobeying orders from a police officer and resisting arrest, according to court documents. He was facing up to two years in jail if convicted.
Police claimed Bell was among a group of demonstrators who refused to leave when ordered to do so, then allegedly punched an officer when protesters reached the police skirmish line. Bell was later taken into custody after allegedly resisting arrest.
Jamon R. Hicks is a senior trial attorney at the Cochran Firm’s Los Angeles office. Hicks has a unique experience of practicing in the areas of civil litigation and criminal defense, representing plaintiffs in state and federal courts. His civil litigation experience involves wrongful death, serious personal injury and police misconduct cases. He also has litigated numerous felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, such as attempted murder, assault and battery on peace officers, criminal threats, drug and gun possession, driving under the influence and juvenile adjudications.
Survey highlights public’s hesitation to cook with spirits at home
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Cooking with alcohol intimidates one in four Americans, according to a new survey by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, America’s favorite neighborhood grill and bar.
In fact, if it came down to it, men would be more comfortable cutting down their own Christmas trees and women would rather risk making a basket-weave pie crust from scratch before adding spirited flair to their at-home creations. It’s why Applebee’s restaurants are bringing back the popular Spirited Cuisine menu, a collection of dishes infused with the complex flavors of wine, bourbon, beer and now tequila.
“Cooking with alcohol can be a little intimidating for the average foodie,” said Peter Czizek, Applebee’s Vice President of Culinary and Menu Strategy. “That’s why, as the world’s largest casual dining restaurant, Applebee’s is the perfect place to introduce our Guests to this classic way of cooking uniquely deep and balanced flavors.”
Highlighting the menu are two new Spirited options: the Marsala Mushroom Sirloin and Chicken & Shrimp Tequila Tango, along with three other dishes savored by Guests: Double Barrel Whisky Sirloins, Napa Chicken & Portobellos and Brew Pub Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip. When cooking down the alcohol, all five entrees are left with the sort of cool or savory complex flavors that tantalize taste buds.
The survey found further comedic confusion and hesitation on the part of the public when it comes to cooking with alcohol.
• A majority of those surveyed were most scared by a dinner-hosting scenario in which the main dish erupts in flames – almost three times as many as another scenario of serving up a carnivore’s feast to a vegetarian guest.
• Half of respondents didn’t know the correct definition of “deglaze,” with 10 percent thinking it meant licking a glazed doughnut’s icing clean off.
• One in 10 people surveyed thought “flambé” meant either the most flamboyant lamb in a herd or Bambi’s French cousin.
The Spirited Cuisine Menu Items:
• NEW! Chicken & Shrimp Tequila Tango: Juicy chicken breast and plump shrimp are perfectly seasoned, then topped with tequila avocado sauce and chopped cilantro. Served on a bed of Mexican-style rice and sautéed peppers & onions for a truly sensational blend of flavors.
• NEW! Marsala Mushroom Sirloin: A juicy grilled 7 oz. sirloin is topped with tender mushrooms sautéed in a rich Marsala wine sauce. It’s all placed over a creamy rice blend with caramelized onions and our Parmesan cheese blend, then sprinkled with lemon-zest and fresh parsley.
• Napa Chicken & Portobellos: A rich cabernet demi-glace smothers a grilled chicken breast topped with onions, Portobello mushrooms and Parmesan cheese blend over a bed of sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, red onions and crispy red potatoes – all Unbelievably Great Tasting & Under 550 Calories.
• Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip: A contemporary spin on a classic British dish, craft beer and white cheddar cheese are cooked slowly to allow the beer’s flavors to permeate the cheese completely. Fluffy on the inside and crispy outside, the pretzels are finished with sesame seeds, coarse salt and crushed red pepper.
• Double Barrel Whisky Sirloins: Deglazing the pan with smooth bourbon adds an oak flavor and light, smoky notes into two blackened 4 oz. sirloins. Served with a delicious mountain of garlic mashed potatoes and topped with red peppers, mushrooms and caramelized onions.
Also returning is Christian Delpech, the world’s premier flair bartender and face of last year’s Spirited Cuisine campaign. Delpech will once again perform expert aerial flips with bottles, utensils and ingredients in a series of television ads for Applebee’s.
Guests can savor the Spirited Cuisine flavors for a limited time at their local neighborhood Applebee’s restaurant.
Residents of a predominantly Black neighborhood in Florida say they were shocked when they woke up to find Ku Klux Klan fliers scattered across their yards on Monday.
“I am absolutely and totally offended that someone at a time like this would come into this community and distribute this type of literature,” a local pastor told WOFL of the disturbing discovery.
According to ABC-affiliate WFTV.com, the fliers had been part of a recruiting campaign by a KKK group from North Carolina. The group has reportedly distributed hundreds of these recruiting fliers – emblazoned with the words “Our Race Is Our Nation” – in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., this past week.
KKK leader Robert Jones told WFTV.com that the group had delivered the fliers at night and had no idea the neighborhood they visited was mostly Black.
But resident Timothy Washington, who found a flier in front of his house this week, said he believes the historically Black neighborhood was singled out.
“The west side is where the Black neighborhood is and I guess they targeted it,” he told WOFL.
New Smyrna police say they received several complaints from outraged residents regarding the fliers. Authorities told CBS-affiliate WKMG-TV, however, that the pamphlets are protected under free speech.
The Birmingham Police Department reports that a suspect was arrested and charged in connection with a robbery and attempted murder investigation. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at approximately 1:45 a.m., in the 800 block of 24th Street South.
Officers from the South Precinct responded to the incident location to investigate a call of a person shot. Officers arrived to find the victim suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment of his injury. Officers learned that the suspect had forced his way into the victim’s apartment at gunpoint. The suspect shot the victim and took valuables from the apartment before fleeing.
Upon further investigation, BPD Robbery detectives were able to identify the suspect as the person responsible for the robbery and injury of the victim. Warrants were obtained for the suspect’s arrest and area law enforcement agencies were notified.
On Saturday, November 16, 2013, South Precinct officers developed information on a possible location of the suspect. The officers proceeded to the 4100 Block of Messer-Airport Highway and located the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim is recovering from his injuries.
The suspect has been identified as: Mario Covington, B/M, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama. An Attempted Murder warrant and a Robbery warrant have been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
Homicide Investigation Update
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The victim was discovered on Friday, November 15, 2013 at approximately 8:35 p.m., at 2740 23rd Street Ensley.
Officers from the West Precinct responded to the incident location to investigate a report of a deceased person. Upon arrival, officers located the victim inside the residence unresponsive. Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived and pronounced the victim deceased. The victim appeared to have suffered an assault which prompted investigators to classify the case as a homicide.
The victim has been identified as:
Moray Morris, B/M, 37, of Birmingham, Alabama.
There have been no arrests made in the case.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the BPD at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
Burglary Investigation Arrests
The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have arrested and charged four suspects in connection with a burglary investigation. The incident occurred on Friday, November 15, 2013 at approximately 10 a.m., in the 1400 block of Carson Road.
Officers responded to the incident location to investigate a call of a possible burglary in progress. Officers received information that the suspects were in the process of entering the victim’s apartment when they were surprised by the victim. Officers arrived and received information on the suspects and their vehicle. Officers were able to locate the suspects’ vehicle a short distance away. While investigating the incident, officers observed the four suspects described in the incident pull into the parking lot in another vehicle. After further investigation, officers were able to identify the suspects as the offenders and recover a stolen handgun from the suspect’s vehicle.
The first suspect has been identified as:
Michael Gaines
Michael Gaines, B/M, 34, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Burglary warrant has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
Octavious Allison
The second suspect has been identified as: Octavious Allison, B/M, 19, of Trussville, Alabama. A Burglary warrant has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
Nicholas Miranda
The third suspect has been identified as: Nicholas Miranda, B/M, 20, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Burglary warrant has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
The fourth suspect has been identified as: JUVENILE, B/M, 17, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Burglary petition has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of Jefferson County Juvenile Detention.
Cash For Crooks Div., of Refuge In (RITT) Trouble Times Community Development, Inc.
From January to November 17, 2013, Birmingham has had more than 61 homicides, putting the city at 69 for the year; that’s 5.8 per month or every 5.3 days, with our highest month being June with 14. Of the 61, 33 have been apprehended, 3 ruled justifiable by procecutors and 1 accidental. Forty-five of these were caused by shootings.
On July 21, 2013, Christopher Johnson, age 44, was driving his white Chevrolet pick-up truck when he crashed into a fence in the 1100 block of John J. Eagan Dr. Police later learned that he was shot.
If you or anyone you know has information concerning Mr. Johnson’s death, please call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 or text CRIMES 7777. No one needs to know your name. You will be given a number. If an arrest/conviction takes place you can receive a reward. NO NICK NAMES PLEASE!
RITT’s founder and other community heads are seeking and working with local police to stop and/or help solve these types of crimes. Will you help? Don’t allow this mishap to happen at your door before you get involved. If you desire an unsolved or cold case relived here, please contact Minister Ward at 205-240-9910 or e-mail: odussasplace@yahoo.
Remember, Reality is when it happens to you. Thank you for making the call. Help Refuge In Trouble Times take this bite out of crime where we live.
On the last Tuesday morning in October the kitchen of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood was crowded with cooks and chatter as members of the church’s Altar Sodality created dozens of delicious dishes for a good cause. “All the guild women get together on this day and we cook food for our shut-ins,” explained Fran Ross Robertson, who has been helping to organize the meals ministry for years. Members of the six guilds cook for shut-ins twice a year, once in October and once in February.
Robertson said that during the big cooking day of October 29th they made a variety of main dishes, salads, desserts, and some side dishes. She said that this year, caterer Sela Bischoff donated the food. The food is packaged in large gift bags decorated for the season. The ministry serves about 50 shut-ins. She said that those who live in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities receive small bags of desserts. Thanks to teamwork, all of the gift bags were delivered that day.
As many as 50 ladies worked in harmony on October 29th decorating the bags, gathering the treats, cooking, and determining logistics for deliveries.
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—DeMarcus Robinson led four Alabama State Hornets in double-digits with 17 points as ASU defeated Mobile 88-58 in ASU’s first home game of the season.
The Hornets had put a lot of time in since their last game at Bradley on defense and rebounding. ASU had given up a lot of points and a lot of rebounds in the first two games and this was a game they wanted to see a marked improvement in those areas.
“Team defense was one thing we wanted to make a point of emphasis going into this game,” Head Coach Lewis Jackson said. “I didn’t think we did a good job of rebounding the ball while we were on the road and we wanted to come back and try to work on communicating on defense, and making sure we did a good job of rebounding and then sharing the ball and tonight we were able to do some of those things.”
All of Robinson’s points came in the first half as ASU was looking for the junior sharp shooter to get untracked in tonight’s contest.
“We really wanted to get DeMarcus going,” Jackson said. “He has not been shooting the ball well in our previous two ball games so we wanted to try and get him off early. He hit some shots and got some curls going and was able to find his shot a little bit. That was big for us to see some shots going in. Hopefully it was big for him as well because we need him to score some for us to have some success.”
Robinson had plenty of help in scoring as Bobby Brown came off the bench to score 14 points and Terrance LeFlore added 11 points coming off the bench. Maurice Strong had his best offensive effort of the young season with 10 points.
Jamel Waters came into tonight’s game averaging 20.5 points per game, but only took five shots in the contest. He scored seven points off those shots, but he did tie his career-high in assists with eight.
“We try and let him (Jamel) play and let him grow at that position by calling plays in certain situations,” Jackson said. “He has the ball 90 percent of the time so he can get his shot anytime he would like and tonight we wanted him to get the other players involved and to get D-Rob (DeMarcus Robinson) going along with the other guys. He didn’t shoot the ball as much tonight but he did a good job passing.”
ASU (1-2) finished the game shooting 57 percent from the field and hit seven of their 16 three point attempts for 44 percent. ASU struggled some at the free throw line hitting 13 of their 21 attempts for 62 percent.
ASU did a better job of rebounding in tonight’s game out rebounding the visitors 35-26. Luther Page and Brandon Graham added game-high seven rebounds each to lead ASU.
Cody Scott scored 13 points, all in the first half, to lead Mobile and Julien Sargent scored 12, including eight straight points to open the second half. With ASU leading 55-44 they went on a 14-0 run over the next five minutes to blow the game open. The Hornets went on to lead by as much as 34 points at 84-50 with 5:57 left in the game.
Robinson’s 17 first half points came on eight-of-nine shooting from the field. As a team the Hornets shot 67 percent in the opening half in building their 48-36 lead. The 12-point lead matched their largest lead of the half.
Mobile (1-2) came out and led 4-0 early and led 9-8 before Robinson scored four consecutive baskets to put ASU up 14-9 and the Hornets never trailed again.
Mobile shot 48 percent from the field, and even better from beyond the three point line knocking down four of their six attempts. Scott came into the game averaging 15 points per game and led the Rams with 13 first-half points.
“This was a game we were able to work on a lot of things we needed to improve on,” Jackson said. “We are still trying to learn each other with 13 new guys and three guys that played a minimal amount of time last year. We are trying to grow and as a team build some continuity offensively and defensively. Tonight we were able to put some things together that allowed us to do that.”
ASU will be back in action Saturday Nov. 16, when they travel to Jacksonville State to play the Gamecocks in a 7 p.m. scheduled game.
