President Obama, World Leaders Discuss Keeping Nuclear Weapons from ISIS

President Obama Says Focus on Curbing North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions

NBC Story Link: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/obama-world-leaders-discuss-keeping-nuclear-weapons-isis-n548636

All-News Leader WTOP is 2015’s Radio Station Revenue King.

Story by Inside Radio

Hubbard Radio’s all-news powerhouse WTOP-FM Washington, DC (103.5) reclaimed its position as the nation’s top revenue-producing radio station in 2015, raking in $65 million in billings, according to figures released today by BIA/Kelsey. The top-rated station edged iHeartMedia CHR dynasty KIIS-FM Los Angeles (102.7), which retuned to No. 2 on the 2015 tally with $64.7 million.

WTOP-FM ranked as the nation’s top billing station for four consecutive years (2010-13) until 2014 when KIIS-FM stole its crown.

Apart from WTOP-FM, the rest of the top 10 is split between stations owned by iHeartMedia, which captured half of that list, and CBS Radio, which bagged four positions. News and news/talk wrestled half of the top 10 slots, followed by CHR with two. The remainder were sports, hot AC and AC.

In addition to KIIS-FM at No. 2, iHeart CHR sister “Z100” WHTZ New York ranked third with $48.8 million in revenue. It was followed by CBS Radio sports “The Fan” WFAN-FM New York (101.9) in fourth place with $47 million and New York sister station “NewsRadio 880” WCBS in fifth with $45 million.

Rounding out the top 10 are CBS Radio’s “News Radio 780” WBBM Chicago (sixth, with $43.8 million), iHeart hot AC “104.3 My FM” KBIG Los Angeles (seventh, with $43.6 million), sister AC “106.7 Lite FM” WLTW New York (eighth, $40 million), CBS Radio news WINS New York (ninth, $39.5 million) and iHeart news/talk KFI Los Angeles (tenth, $37.8 million).

WFAN posted the year’s biggest gain, jumping from $41 million in 2014 (when it ranked eighth) to $47 million in 2015 to finish fourth. News WBBM registered the second largest move, from $39.2 million in 2014 (tenth) to $43.8 million in 2015 (sixth). WTOP billed $1.5 million more in 2015 while KBIG added $700,000 in top-line growth.

CBS Radio alternative icon KROQ-FM Los Angeles fell off the list, while KFI was new to the 2015 tally.

Following is the official list, as reported in the first quarter edition of BIA/Kelsey’s 2016 Investing In Radio® Market Report.

1. WTOP-FM (News), Washington, DC, Hubbard Radio, LLC: $65 million

2. KIIS-FM (CHR), Los Angeles, CA, iHeartMedia: $64.7 million

3. WHTZ-FM (CHR), New York, NY, iHeartMedia: $48.8 million

4. WFAN-FM (Sports/Talk), New York, NY, CBS Radio: $47 million

5. WCBS-AM (News), New York, NY, CBS Radio: $45 million

6. WBBM-AM (News), Chicago, IL, CBS Radio: $43.8 million

7. KBIG-FM (Hot AC), Los Angeles, CA, iHeartMedia: $43.6 million

8. WLTW-FM (Lite AC), New York, NY, iHeartMedia: $40 million

9. WINS-AM (News), New York, NY, CBS Radio: $39.5 million

10. KFI-AM (News/Talk), Los Angeles, CA, iHeartMedia, $37.8 million

Hubbard is TOP of the heap in DC Radio Revenues

Source: BIA/Kelsey
Written by Suzanne Ackley

Broadcast radio advertising revenues in Washington, DC reached $325.7 million in 2015, according to BIA/Kelsey’s new Local Competition Report on the Washington, DC market. This $325.7 million revenue estimate, which only includes over-the-air revenue, is broken down by owner in the pie chart above.

Hubbard's radio stations, including WTOP and WFED, were responsible for nearly a quarter of the radio revenue in the market - 24.6%. iHeartMedia's stations, including WIHT, WWDC, WASH, WMZQ, and WBIG, trailed in second place with 19.7%. CBS, with WJFK-FM/AM, WPGC, WLZL, WIAD, and WNEW, was third with 16.4%. Radio One. including WKYS, WMMJ, WPRS, WOL and WYCB, placed fourth with 10.1%. Cumulus, with WMAL and WRQX, was fifth with 5.5%. Red Zebra, including WTEM and WSPZ, was sixth with 4.8%. "This year's list of top 10 highest revenue radio stations in the US for 2015 hasn't been released yet, but I can say that Hubbard's WTOP is once again somewhere in the top 10 despite Washington DC being the 7th ranked market nationwide," writes Suzanne Ackley of the Chantilly-based financial firm.....


This year’s list of top 10 highest revenue radio stations in the U.S. for 2015 hasn’t been released yet, but I can say that Hubbard’s WTOP is once again somewhere in the Top 10 despite Washington, DC being the 7th ranked market nationwide.

Oscar-Winning Former Child TV Star Patty Duke Dies, Age 69

Story by USA Today
Written by Maria Puente

Patty Duke, the teen who won an Oscar for The Miracle Worker and later played "identical cousins" in her own TV sitcom, has died. She was 69.
The news was confirmed Tuesday by one of her representatives, Mitchell Stubbs.

"Anna 'Patty Duke' Pearce passed away this morning March 29, 2016 at 1:20 am," his statement read. "Her cause of death was sepsis from a ruptured intestine. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a mental health advocate and a cultural icon. She will be missed."

Scramble at Capitol after shots are fired, suspect in custody

Story by The Hill
Written by Jordain Carney

A suspect is in custody after a shooting incident on Monday at the Capitol complex that resulted in a lockdown of the area.

"Capitol Police have confirmed that a suspect is in custody in connection with a shooting incident at the Capitol Visitors Center. Capitol Police are continuing to investigate," the House Press Gallery said in an email.

A shelter-in-place order for the Capitol has been lifted, though the Capitol Visitors Center remains closed, according to the Senate Periodical Press Gallery.

A Capitol Police officer told The Hill that the shooter is down and the situation is contained. He said one woman had been shot, but it is unclear if she is a Capitol Police officer.

Washington Metropolitan Police declared on Twitter that the incident was “isolated” and did not present an “active threat to the public.”

U.S. Capitol Police issued a lockdown alert on Monday afternoon and warned all staffers to stay in place and seek cover if outside. The White House also went into lockdown.

“No one will be allowed to enter or exit any buildings,” an alert to House staffers said.

Police could be heard telling tourists to run away from the Capitol. Other staffers said they left the complex and ran outside when they couldn't get back into their offices due to the shelter-in-place warning.

One family visiting Washington was outside the Supreme Court and told The Hill they heard someone shooting at the Capitol.

"We heard screams," said a woman who declined to give her name.

One other woman claimed on Twitter that she was going through security in the Capitol Visitor’s Center when shots went off, creating a “scramble” for safety.

The White House also went into lockdown, though it remained unclear whether the move was merely precautionary. The frenzy of panic occurred as thousands of children and guests were welcomed on to the White House’s South Lawn for the annual Easter egg roll.

Congress is in recess this week, but thousands of staffers are working in the Capitol. It is also a busy season for tourism, with the city's famous cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Nielsen Tells Winning Tale About Radio and 35-64 Demo

Story by Inside Radio

The 35-64 population segment continues to be radio’s demographic sweet spot, according to new data from Nielsen’s Total Audience Report. During fourth-quarter 2015, this 30-year age span included the two cells with the highest time spent listening.

Adults 35-49 spent 13 hours, 23 minutes per week tuned to AM/FM, exceeding the total population average of 12 hours, 8 minutes. Adults 50-64 spent the most time with radio, clocking in at nearly 15 hours per week (14:54). Apart from live+DVR/time-shifted TV (42:59) no other media comes close to radio’s TSL with this demo, which comprises a big chunk of the raised-on-radio Baby Boomer generation.

Generally speaking, the younger the demo, the less time spent with TV and radio and the more spent online. That said, radio usage remains strong with both 25-34-year-olds (11 hours, 11 minutes a week, down from 11:30 one year earlier) and with 18-24-year-olds (9:53, down from 10:25). Teen-agers 12-17 continue to spend the least time with radio at 6 hours, 53 minutes per week.

Among 25-34’s, nearly as much time was spent with app/Web on a smartphone (10:49) as with radio. And 18-24’s spend over an hour more with app/Web on a smartphone (11:15) than with radio. Those online numbers have grown significantly in the past year. Weekly app/Web use on a smartphone among 18-24’s is up by nearly 2.5 hours per week during the past year, from 8 hours, 42 minutes in Q4 2015 to 11:15 one year later. And 25-34’s have added nearly an hour and a half per week online via their smartphones from 9:24 in 2014 to 10:49 in 2015.

Hip Hop legend Phife Dawg (born Malik Taylor) co-founder of group "A Tribe Called Quest'" has died at age 45

"Check the Rhime" A Tribe Called Quest

Posted by Q-Tip on Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Song: A Tribe Called Quest - Check the Rhime

Story by Rolling Stone Magazine
Written by Jason Newman

Malik Taylor, the rapper known as Phife Dawg whose nimble, clever rhymes helped launch A Tribe Called Quest to both commercial and critical success, died Tuesday at the age of 45 from complications resulting from diabetes.

Taylor has had health issues for years, undergoing a kidney transplant in 2008 to deal with diabetes. "It's really a sickness," Taylor said in Beats, Rhymes & Life, Michael Rapaport's candid 2011 documentary on the group. "Like straight-up drugs. I'm just addicted to sugar."

"Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend," his family said in a statement. "We love him dearly. How he impacted all our lives will never be forgotten. His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family."


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - Jazz (We've Got) Buggin' Out

Taylor appeared on all five of the group's studio albums, most notably 1991's "The Low End Theory" and 1993's "Midnight Marauders," acting as the high-pitched, gruff vocal counterpoint to Q-Tip's smooth, mellow flow. The group broke up and reunited multiple times since the release of their last album, 1998's "The Love Movement". As documented in Beats, Rhymes & Life, the group would sporadically reunite for live shows, but stopped short at recording new material.

Health problems deterred Taylor from recording much solo material, though the rapper released his only solo album "Ventilation: Da LP" in 2000. Taylor was tentatively optimistic about both his health and future recording plans:

"I am in a good spot, but I have my good days and I have my bad days," he said at the time. "But I'm more or less in a good spot, so I can't really complain." In the same interview, Taylor revealed plans to release the J Dilla-produced "Nutshell," the first single off a planned EP titled Give Thanks. The rapper released a video preview of the song, though a full version has yet to be released. Prior to his death, Taylor had also been at work on "Muttymorphosis", his new LP that would have functioned as "basically my life story" that he hoped to have released later this year.


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - "Electric Relaxation"

Taylor was born November 20th, 1970 in the Jamaica area of Queens, NY. Living in the same area as Q-Tip, he would meet his future groupmate at the age of 2, with the duo attending the same school and playing little league baseball together. "We were best friends," Q-Tip said in Beats, Rhymes & Life.

As recounted in the film, the rapper would visit his Grandmother, a strict Seventh-day Adventist, on weekends and sneak in episodes of Soul Train for his early musical education. "When it came to block parties and hip-hop, once I saw them grab the mics and getting busy, I risked my livelihood getting kicked out of the house and everything just to be a part of it," Taylor said in the film.

At the age of 19, Taylor contributed verses to four songs on A Tribe Called Quest's 1990 debut album "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm", including an iconic verse on the group's third single, "Can I Kick It?" Despite the song's enduring appeal, Taylor himself was not happy with his contribution. "It's hard for me to get into 'Can I Kick It?' ... for the simple fact that I hated my voice back then. It was high-pitched and [speaks in high-pitched voice] 'Mr. Dinkins' and I couldn't stand it. It's hard to listen to that album because of my voice. It's almost like, thank God I was only on four records."


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - "Award Tour"

Taylor and fellow Tribe member Jarobi had planned to start their own group, but the two would join Q-Tip and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad officially on 1991's "Low End Theory". Buoyed by exuberant songs like "Buggin' Out," "Check the Rhime" and "Scenario," Low End Theory's landmark fusion of hip-hop and jazz remains a benchmark for the genre, influencing countless rappers and producers and providing the blueprint for a strain of rap as indebted to Grover Washington, Jr. and Ron Carter as James Brown. "He brought the street to A Tribe Called Quest," said the group's former manager Chris Lighty in Beats, Rhymes & Life. "If Q-Tip was esoteric and on Pluto, Phife would bring them back to the moon so that it was in the realm of human understanding."

The album would eventually earn a spot on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, with hip-hop fans flocking to the vocal interplay between Tip and Phife. "I like the fact that we bounce off of each other like yin and yang, nice and smooth, you know?" Phife told Rolling Stone last year.


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - "Oh My God"

Midnight Marauders would appear two years later, equalling its predecessor in lyrical dexterity and organic, layered production. The album would spawn hits like "Award Tour" and "Electric Relaxation" and is often ranked as one of the best hip-hop albums of all-time.

Taylor moved to Atlanta from New York following the release of Marauders, a shift he claimed exacerbated the infighting that had been increasing in the group. Two more albums would follow — 1996's Dilla-co-produced Beats, Rhymes & Life and 1998's The Love Movement — though neither achieved the same success as previous efforts.


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo"

Following the group's dissolution, Taylor continued to battle diabetes, reuniting with the group for live shows, in part, to help defray medical costs. "Even though I knew I had [diabetes], I was in denial," Taylor said in the documentary. "I had to have my sugar. You have to accept it. If you don't accept it, it's going to kick your ass."


Song: A Tribe Called Quest - "Can I Kick It"

Last November, the group reissued People's Instinctive as the first of a massive reissue campaign. A Tribe Called Quest's Tonight Show performance of "Can I Kick It?" — their first televised performance in 15 years — would end up being the group's last.

President Obama and the First Family Take a Walk in Old Havana

President Obama is the first American President to visit Cuba in 90 years.

Must-See TV: Cubans Marvel at Rare Questioning of Castro

Story by AP
Written by Andrea Rodriguez and Peter Orsi

HAVANA — Cubans were glued to their televisions on Monday, many watching in a state of shock as President Raul Castro faced tough questions from American Journalists who challenged him to defend Cuba's record on human rights and political prisoners.

In a country where publicly questioning the authority of Castro and his brother and predecessor Fidel is unthinkable for most, and where the docile State-Run media almost always toe the party line, the live broadcast was must-see TV. Some also marveled at tough questioning of President Barack Obama, simply unaccustomed to seeing any leader challenged in such a way.

"This is pure history and I never thought I'd see something like this," said Marlene Pino, a 47-year-old engineer. "It's difficult to quickly assimilate what's happening here. For me it's extraordinary to see this."

"It's like a movie, but based on real life," said Ricardo Herrera a 45-year-old street food vendor.

In one eye-catching moment, Castro's response suggested that perhaps Havana is not always perfect on human rights. He argued that no country is, said it is incumbent on all to try to do better and defended his Government's support of what it considers important human rights issues: providing universal, free education and health care.

At an outdoor cafe in the Vedado neighborhood, about a dozen Cubans and tourists watched in awed silence as both Castro and Obama spoke. One stunned Woman held a hand to her mouth.

"It's very significant to hear this from our President, for him to recognize that not all human rights are respected in Cuba," said Raul Rios, a 47-year-old driver who also expressed agreement with the President's more nuanced explanation about rights and his argument that no country is perfect.

"We are living in historic times, the United States and Cuba," Rios added. "Nobody could have imagined this in the past. I think this marks a before and after."

It's extremely rare for Castro to hold a news conference, though he sometimes takes questions from reporters spontaneously when the mood strikes. He's known as a much more cautious and reluctant public speaker than his loquacious older brother Fidel, who was given to talking for hours at a time and often directly with journalists.

The Cuban Government and the Communist Party control nearly all media in Cuba, including TV and Radio Channels and Print Newspapers. There are a handful of independent online outlets, though more critical ones like dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez's 14ymedio are blocked on the island — and certainly never get access to the President or other top officials.

Monday's news conference also included an exchange between Castro and CNN Reporter Jim Acosta, a second-generation Cuban-American, who asked about Political Prisoners in Cuba.

Castro testily addressed Acosta directly, saying "After this meeting is over, you can give me a list of Political Prisoners, and if we have those Political Prisoners, they will be released before tonight ends."

Cuba is criticized for briefly detaining demonstrators thousands of times a year but has drastically reduced its practice of handing down long prison sentences for crimes human rights groups consider to be political. Amnesty International said in its 2015-2016 report that it knew of no prisoners of conscience in Cuba, although a non-governmental group in Cuba that monitors human rights says it has a list of 80 behind bars and 11 more under house arrest. Cuban officials say many of those are common criminals.

Many islanders have a laundry list of complaints about daily life: corruption, scarcity, low salaries and so on. But few express sympathy for the outspoken political opponents of the Communist system.

"The journalist asked him about some Political Prisoners who aren't Political Prisoners. So the response from the President was very good, very appropriate: 'Show me the list,'" said Oscar Rodriguez, 81. "The questions shouldn't be so aggressive."

Alexander Galvez, a 43-year-old artist, was not impressed by Castro, who fidgeted with the headphones that piped in translations and then abruptly ended the news conference, saying, "I think this is enough."

"I think his answers left a lot to be desired. Raul seemed really nervous to me," Galvez said. "I also thought he was a bit jammed up. I would have liked for him to let them ask more questions and be open to all kinds of questions."

Brussels terror: 34 killed in explosions at Airport and Subway Station

Story by CNN
Written by Greg Botelho

Three explosions that ripped through the Belgian capital of Brussels on Tuesday killed at least 34 people and wounded about 170 more, according to Belgian media, and raised the reality of terror once again in the heart of Europe.

"We were fearing terrorist attacks, and that has now happened," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told reporters.

Belgian federal Prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw said late Tuesday morning that it was too soon to know exactly how many people died in the bombings. Yet Belgian state broadcaster RTBF, citing emergency services, reported 20 dead at the Maelbeek metro station and 14 more killed at Brussels' international airport.

After the blasts, Belgian authorities hit the streets looking for those tied to Tuesday's carnage and who might launch more attacks.

Citing judicial sources, RTBF reported that raids were underway midday Tuesday around Brussels, targeting people linked to the attacks. And at the international airport, a controlled explosion could be heard after troops zeroed in on a suspicious package, according to the Belgian crisis center.

Read More: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/22/europe/brussels-explosions/index.html

Is it too late to fix the AM band?

Story by Tom Taylor Now

Some engineers privately think so, because of the rampant (and rising) noise level. It’s created by everything from cellphones and tablets to fluorescent lights and power lines. Also car engines (That’s why BMW says it isn’t equipping its electric BMW i3 with AM).

The FCC may be years late hopping on this issue, but it does have a rulemaking in progress and yesterday’s deadline for comments produced a flood.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers focuses on the ambient noise that plagues AM reception. It states the facts of life – the FCC can’t do anything about unlicensed Part 15 and Part 18 devices “past the point of sale,” and the agency’s reducing its already-thin field staff.

The SBE solution is basic – the only “meaningful chance” to do something is at the manufacturer level. It urges the Commission to “create obligations on manufacturers, importers and dealers.” Otherwise, the group says “AM listeners have media options, and RF noise will make them exercise those options...they will simply utilize different media.”

When interim Chair Mignon Clyburn announced the FCC’s AM proceeding at the Orlando Radio Show (building on strong work by Commissioner Ajit Pai), the one idea most AM folks agreed on was giving them greater access to FM translators. The FCC’s doing that. That provides daytimers with a nighttime signal and everybody a second place on the radio dial.

But is the FCC – and the industry – up for more basic fixes? You may have noticed some radios have superior AM sound, while many don’t – the quality of design and manufacturing really matters.

Serena Williams Slams Sexist Comments From Tennis Tournament Director & Proves Strong Is Beautiful

Serena Williams had quite the weekend at Indian Wells.

Story by NewsOne

The tennis champion managed to both soak up the sun this weekend and call out the BNP Paribas Open tournament director for his comments about female tennis players. CNN reports that Raymond Moore, the tournament director of one of the most decorated events in the game, suggested women professionals should get “down” on their “knees” every night to thank the male players who paved the way before them.

Moore made the comments during the recent Paribas Open, known widely as the Indian Wells.

Via CNN:

“In my next life when I come back I want to be someone in the WTA because they ride on the coattails of the men,” he told reporters, referring to the organization that runs the women’s game. “They don’t make any decisions and they are lucky.

“They are very, very lucky. If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have.”

Williams was asked about Moore’s comments during the women’s final on Sunday. While Moore apologized for his remarks, the damage was already done. Williams went on to list facts about female professionals, including the strides herself, her sister Venus, and many others have made in the sport:

“I don’t think any woman should be down on their knees thanking anybody like that,” Williams told reporters.

I think Venus, myself, a number of players — if I could tell you every day how many people say they don’t watch tennis unless they’re watching myself or my sister — I couldn’t even bring up that number,” added the 21-time grand slam winner, referring to her older sibling, who has claimed seven majors.

“So I don’t think that is a very accurate statement. I think there are a lot of women out there who are very exciting to watch. I think there are a lot of men out there who are exciting to watch. I think it definitely goes both ways.”

Billie Jean King: "Disappointed in #RaymondMoore comments. He is wrong on so many levels. Every player, especially the top players, contribute to our success."

"We've reached Havana, Cuba" - President Obama

Statement by President Obama:

¡Hola desde Cuba! Michelle, the girls, and I are here in Havana on our first full day in Cuba. Cubans have lined the streets to welcome us, and it’s humbling to be the first U.S. president in nearly 90 years to visit a country and a people just 90 miles from our shores.


Like so many Americans, I've only known the isolation that has existed between our two governments. I was born in 1961, the year of the Bay of Pigs invasion. A year later, a Cold War confrontation over Cuba pushed the world as close as it’s ever been to nuclear war. As the decades passed, the mistrust between our governments resulted in heartache for our two peoples, including Cuban Americans, many of whom have endured decades of separation from their homeland and relatives.

I’ve come to Havana to extend the hand of friendship to the Cuban people. I'm here to bury the last vestige of the Cold War in the Americas and to forge a new era of understanding to help improve the daily lives of the Cuban people.

There continue to be real and important differences between our governments, including profound differences on the way to promote safety, security, opportunity, and human rights. But there’s so much Americans and Cubans share -- our cultures and passions, our hopes for the future, not to mention a love of baseball.

I know one visit, and one president, cannot erase the decades of history that have left so many Cubans in poverty or exile. But sometimes the most important changes begin with the smallest step. I believe in the Cuban people and their desire to build a future of their own choosing. And I believe that changing the way we do things between our countries will, over time, help make that possible.

So I’m looking forward to meeting and hearing directly from Cubans from all walks of life. And I’m confident that, working together with the Cuban people, our two countries can begin a new journey together that delivers progress for both our peoples.

Thank you,


President Barack Obama

Nielsen Set To Roll Out Digital Audio Ratings.

Story by Inside Radio

After years of planning, testing and pointed discussions with clients, Nielsen will finally roll out its digital audio measurement service this month. Branded as Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings, the service will initially report the listening of digital streams of FM/AM stations and broadcaster-owned digital-only stations in the 48 PPM markets.

BREAKING: Congressman Elijah Cummings (Md.) Calls on Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to Resign

Story by Oversight Committee Democrats Press Office

“Absentee Governor” Can No Longer Be Trusted to Lead

Washington, D.C. (Mar. 17, 2016)—At the conclusion of a lengthy hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate the Flint water crisis, the Committee’s Ranking Member, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, called for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to resign.

Cummings made the decision after listening to a series of grave revelations about the Governor’s failure to act despite numerous warning signs, as well as Snyder’s disregard for the lives of the people of Flint. Cummings’ action today adds to a rapidly growing chorus of officials calling for the Governor to step down, including Rep. Matthew Cartwright and others.

Ranking Member Congressman Elijah Cummings's Statement: Flint Water Crisis Part III

Opening Statement
Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings

Hearing on “Examining Federal Administration of the
Safe Drinking Water Act in Flint, Michigan, Part III”

March 17, 2016

Governor Snyder has been described as running the State of Michigan like a business. Well, what if this was a business? What if a CEO ran a company that sold toys laced with lead that children put in their mouths? What if those kids were poisoned as a result? And what if that CEO ignored warnings for more than a year as those kids got sicker and sicker?

There is no doubt in my mind that if a corporate CEO did what Governor Snyder’s administration has done, he would be hauled up on criminal charges. The board of directors would throw him out. And the shareholders would revolt.

That is similar to what is happening now to Governor Snyder. The Special Counsel for the state Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation, and he says state officials could face charges including breach of duty, gross negligence, or even manslaughter—charges he says are “not far-fetched” in this case.

On our Committee, we have obtained documents showing that people all around the Governor were sounding the alarms, but he either ignored them or didn’t hear them.

In October 2014, the Governor’s top legal advisor warned that Flint should “get back on the Detroit system as a stopgap ASAP before this thing gets too far out of control.”

In March 2015, the Governor’s own chief of staff warned: “If we procrastinate any longer in doing something direct, we’ll have real trouble.”

And in July, his chief of staff warned that Flint residents “are concerned and rightfully so about the lead level studies they are receiving … they are basically getting blown off by us.”

The documents reveal failures at every level, led by Governor Snyder’s hand-picked appointees, and the Governor’s fingerprints are all over this. His Department of Environmental Quality. His Department of Health and Human Services. His inner circle of top aides. His press staff. And of course the Emergency Managers the Governor put in charge of Flint.

There will now be an entire generation of children who suffer from brain damage, learning disabilities, and many other horrible effects of lead poisoning that were inflicted on them by Governor Snyder’s administration.

Now, Republicans are desperately trying to blame everything on the EPA. So let me say this. I agree that the EPA should have done more. They should have rushed in sooner to rescue the people of Michigan from Governor Snyder’s vindictive administration and its utter incompetence at every level.

• Governor Snyder’s administration had primary responsibility for enforcement under the Safe Drinking Water Act—not the EPA.

• Governor Snyder’s administration chose to switch to the Flint River—not the EPA.

• Governor Snyder’s administration ignored warnings from the Flint water treatment plant supervisor not to go forward with this switch—not the EPA.

• Governor Snyder’s administration falsely told the City of Flint that corrosion control was unnecessary—not the EPA.

• Governor Snyder’s administration delayed corrosion control for months and harmed thousands of additional people in the process—not the EPA.

• Governor Snyder’s administration overruled the Flint City Council’s vote to return to clean Detroit water—not the EPA.

So yes, I agree. The EPA should have snatched control out of Governor Snyder’s hands even sooner than it did. But Governor Snyder’s administration caused this horrific disaster and poisoned the children of Flint.
On the Governor’s website, his motto is: “Reinventing Michigan. Getting it Right. Getting it Done.” It’s hard to imagine a more misleading slogan.

It also says this: “we will learn from this experience.” Do you know what the children of Flint learned? They will never trust this Governor again.

Meet President Obama's Supreme Court Nominee

Story by the White House

As one of the best appellate judges in the country, Chief Judge Merrick Garland is the most qualified person to immediately serve on the Supreme Court.

He currently serves as Chief Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C., a court to which he was confirmed with majority support from both parties in the U.S. Senate in 1997. Now presiding as Chief Judge, Judge Garland has more federal judicial experience than any Supreme Court nominee in history.

Born and raised in Illinois and a devoted family man, Judge Garland has dedicated his life to serving the American people, taking on some of the most difficult anti-terrorism cases in our nation’s history. In the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, he led the investigation and prosecution that ultimately brought Timothy McVeigh to justice. As a mentor to his law clerks and a tutor to elementary school children, he is a dedicated and compassionate public servant who conservatives and progressives praise for his rigorous intellect, his respect for the role of the judiciary, and his mastery of the law.

Here are some brief facts that give an overview of Chief Judge Garland’s record and credentials:

* Oversaw some of the most important federal criminal cases in recent history, including the prosecutions of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols for the Oklahoma City bombing as well as the government’s responses to the Unabomber and the Montana Freemen

* Took steps as a government attorney to ensure proper respect for the rights of criminal defendants, helping develop policies that require prosecutors to conduct an individual assessment of each case when making charging decisions, rather than just charging with the most serious offense possible

* Was confirmed to the D.C. Circuit in 1997 with strong bipartisan support from a majority of both parties in the U.S. Senate

* Distinguished himself as a jurist who decides every case based on what the law requires, stating, “The role of the court is to apply the law to the facts of the case before it”

* Known as a meticulous jurist with a skill for building consensus, an approach that has earned him bipartisan support throughout his career

President Obama nominates Merrick Garland to Supreme Court

Story by CNN
Written by Stephen Collinson, Kevin Liptak, Ariane de Vogue and Manu Raju

President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland, who is respected across political lines, to the Supreme Court Wednesday, in an epic power play targeting the resolve of Republicans who have vowed to block any replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia until a new president takes office.

GOP leaders, caught in the undertow of an election in which the conservative grass-roots are already in revolt, immediately renewed their refusal to consider Garland, 63, saying their reservations were not personal but motivated by a desire for the American people to weigh in on Scalia's replacement. The showdown is even more fraught than most Supreme Court fights, since Obama's choice could tilt the ideological balance of the court away from conservatives -- possibly for years.

Who is Merrick Garland?

In a speech in the evocative ceremonial surroundings of the White House Rose Garden, the President praised Garland as "one of America's sharpest legal minds," making a case that he was so eminently qualified for the job in terms of legal learning, experience and temperament that any attempt to ignore his appointment could only be the result of base political motivations.

"I have selected a nominee who is widely recognized not only as one of America's sharpest legal minds, but someone who brings to his work a spirit of decency modesty, integrity, evenhandedness and excellence," President Obama said. These qualities and his long commitment to public service have earned him the respect and admiration from leaders from both sides of the aisle."

Senate Republicans do not plan to vet or have hearings on Garland, let alone a vote on his nomination. Obama and Democrats argue that with 10 months left in his term, there is plenty of time for the Senate to take up and confirm a new justice. The gravity of the President's announcement on Wednesday was part of an attempt to pressure Republicans, especially senators with an eye on their own legacies or those who face tough re-election fights, to peel away from their leadership.

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, have both expressed little leeway in their determination to forgo hearings for Obama's nominee.

"The American people may well elect a president who decides to nominate Judge Garland for Senate consideration," McConnell said Wednesday. "The next President may also nominate someone very different. Either way, our view is this: Give the people a voice in the filling of this vacancy."

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/16/politics/obama-supreme-court-announcement/index.html

Sony Buys Michael Jackson's Stake in Music Catalog for $750 Million

Story by AP
Photo by Getty

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's estate has agreed to sell its remaining stake in a lucrative music catalog to Sony Corp. for $750 million, the entities announced Monday.

The agreement for Jackson's half-share of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog will give the company sole ownership of works by The Beatles, Bob Dylan and other hit making musicians, including Eminem and Taylor Swift.

The deal is another posthumous blockbuster deal for Jackson, whose estate has erased the singer's massive debts through a mixture of new music and movie ventures and re-releases of the singer's most popular music. Jackson's estate benefits his mother and three children, known as Prince, Paris and Blanket.

"This agreement further demonstrates Sony's commitment to the entertainment businesses and our firm belief that these businesses will continue to contribute to our success for years to come," Sony Corp. president and CEO Kazuo Hirai wrote in a statement.

The sale does not include rights to Jackson's master recordings or songs that he wrote, and the singer's estate will continue to have a stake in EMI Publishing, Inc.

"This transaction further allows us to continue our efforts of maximizing the value of Michael's Estate for the benefit of his children," the co-executors of Jackson's estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, wrote in a statement. "It also further validates Michael's foresight and genius in investing in music publishing."

Jackson purchased the ATV portion of the catalog in 1985 for $41.5 million, and he later merged it with Sony. It remained his most lucrative asset at the time of his death in June 2009 at age 50, though by that point Jackson was hundreds of millions of dollars in debt.

The deal for Jackson's half of the Sony/ATV catalog is expected to close by the end of March.

Story by Cleveland.com
Written by Ida Lieszkovszky, Northeast Ohio Media Group

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Police Officer Michael Brelo jumped on top of a 1979 Chevy Malibu with Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams inside. The car was wedged between two police cars. Thirteen police officers had already shot the pair more than 100 times. And then Brelo fired 15 more shots straight down at them through the Malibu's windshield.


The bullet-riddled windshield of Timothy Russell's car shows where some of the 137 bullets fired at the car police fired at the car landed. (Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer)

Given all that, many Clevelanders were hoping for, if not expecting, guilty verdicts on two counts of voluntary manslaughter for Brelo.

But Cuyahoga Common Pleas Judge John P. O'Donnell ruled that Brelo is not guilty of either count of voluntary manslaughter, nor is he guilty of the lesser included offense of felonious assault. http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2015/05/brelo_verdict.html#incart_maj-story-1 While some protesters took to the streets of Cleveland, Brelo cried tears of relief in the courtroom.

So how, exactly, did O'Donnell arrive at his conclusion?

It took him nearly an hour to meticulously explain his reasoning before a courtroom packed with the supporters of Brelo on one side, and the friends and family of Russell and Williams on the other.

He also released his 34-page verdict, which you can read for yourself below.

Here are the main points O'Donnell made when announcing his decision. Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2015/05/why_the_judge_found_cleveland.html

On Tuesday, November 8th. 2016, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John P. O'Donnell is running for a seat on the "Ohio State Supreme Court" against today's opposition winner: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/03/12/a-look-who-is-running-in-the-contested-ohio-supreme-court-primary.html

Cumulus Reports 4Q Loss. More Layoffs coming??

Cumulus Media Inc. yesterday reported a fourth-quarter loss of $4.6 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. The Atlanta-based company said it had a loss of 2 cents per share. Losses, adjusted to extinguish debt, came to 6 cents per share.

The radio station owner posted revenue of $308.8 million in the period. For the year, the company reported a loss of $546.5 million, or $2.34 per share, swinging to a loss in the period. Revenue was reported as $1.17 billion.

In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, the company’s shares hit 41 cents. A year ago, they were trading at $2.96.

Jazz Legend Ernestine Anderson dies

The celebrated singer, once described by Quincy Jones as having the sound of “honey at dusk,” died Thursday, March 10, in the Seattle area. She was 87.

Trump Supporter Who Punched Protester: 'Next Time, We Might Have To Kill Him'

Another POC Assaulted, Removed from Trump Rally

It's becoming a pattern.POC show up to a Trump rally, get escorted out – and all too often get assaulted.

Posted by AJ+ on Thursday, March 10, 2016

Story by Inside Edition
Video by AJ+

The Trump supporter who was filmed sucker punching a protester during Wednesday’s rally in North Carolina said: "Next time, we might have to kill him."

Multiple videos show the protester, 26-year-old Rakeem Jones, raising a middle finger to the crowd as security escorted him from the rally - before the unnamed supporter punched him to the ground.

INSIDE EDITION tracked down the supporter, 78-year-old John McGraw, who was unrepentant.

When asked if he liked the rally, he said: “You bet I liked it. Knocking the hell out of that big mouth.”

And when asked why he punched the protester, he said: "Number one, we don’t know if he’s ISIS. We don’t know who he is, but we know he’s not acting like an American, cussing me... If he wants it laid out, I laid it out."

He added: “Yes, he deserved it. The next time we see him, we might have to kill him. We don’t know who he is. He might be with a terrorist organization.”
http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/15177-trump-supporter-who-punched-protester-next-time-we-might-have-to-kill-him

On Thursday, officials arrested and charged McGraw with assault and battery and disorderly conduct, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones told INSIDE EDITION on Thursday morning that his left eye still hurts from the punch and he remains confused about why he was being taken out by security in the first place.

He added that he doesn't regret going to the rally for the GOP frontrunner.

"Donald Trump probably doesn't care about what happened. He is already onto the next thing," he said. "If I can go to another [Trump] rally, I would go if I can."

When IE told Jones about his alleged attacker's comments, he said he did not have a response.

Jones attended the rally with friends.

"The people that are going to his rallies are hateful people," Jones' friend Ronnie Rouse told IE. "Not in general, because you cannot put a label on all of the people – but there is hatred."

Trump protester sucker-punched at rally in North Carolina

Read more...Yahoo News Story Link: https://www.yahoo.com/politics/trump-protester-sucker-punched-at-rally-172427733.html

Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders to face off after Michigan upset

Story by CNN
Written by Stephen Collinson

Hillary Clinton goes one-on-one with a resurgent Bernie Sanders Wednesday night in a debate clash that comes at a pivotal moment in the Democratic battle for the White House.

Sanders' upset win over the Democratic front-runner in Michigan on Tuesday put a swift end to expectations that Clinton could quickly wrap up their duel for the party's nomination and turn her attention to Republicans.

The rivals will meet in a Univision/Washington Post debate in Miami simulcast by CNN at a time when new vigor is lifting the Sanders campaign, and as familiar nagging doubts surround the former secretary of state.

Their showdown comes less than a week before crucial Democratic primaries in big, delegate-heavy states including Florida, Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina. Before Tuesday, Clinton was expected to cruise through those races and put decisive distance between herself and the Vermont senator in the delegate race.

But Sanders' narrow win in Michigan, while it did not cut his overall delegate deficit to Clinton on a night when she won Mississippi, raised the question of whether she is struggling to connect with blue collar voters attracted by his populist economic message. That question could be a pertinent one in Ohio, Illinois and other Midwestern industrial states voting in the weeks to come.

At the very least, Sanders likely extended the Democratic contest for weeks with his show of strength in the Midwest in a way that will force Clinton to confront his critique over her ties to Wall Street, her past support for free trade deals opposed by the Democratic base and what he says is a corrupt economy and political system weighted against the middle and working classes.

The debate in Miami follows a testy face off between the rivals in Flint, Michigan, at a CNN debate on Sunday night. That showdown was punctuated by impatient complaints by Sanders that Clinton was talking over him, so the tone of Wednesday's debate will be closely watched.

Since the debate will be broadcast by Univision, the candidates can expecting questions on issues that are particularly important to the Latino community, including immigration reform.

Clinton had a 2-1 lead over Sanders in a Washington Post/Univision Poll last month among Latino voters. And in the Texas primary last week, 71% of Latino voters voted for Clinton, who has vowed to aggressively push immigration reform in her first term as President and to extend President Barack Obama's executive orders shielding some undocumented migrants from deportation.

Sanders has said he would take a similar stance on the executive orders and backs comprehensive immigration reform and a path towards citizenship.

At a Democratic debate in February on MSNBC however, Clinton hammered Sanders for opposing a bipartisan comprehensive effort to reform the immigration system during the George W. Bush administration.

"I don't think it was progressive to vote against Ted Kennedy's immigration reform," she said.

Sanders said he voted against the bill because it included big increases in a guest worker program that he says undercuts American workers by importing cheap labor and leaves those who come into the country at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.

The Power of the Vote

Link: http://kirktanter.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-power-of-vote.html

Emotional Peyton Manning says goodbye, as he retires from the NFL

Story by NFL
Written by Dan Hanzus

Peyton Manning put together a nearly perfect NFL career. On Monday, he ended his career with the perfect goodbye press conference.

The legendary quarterback retired from professional football on Monday with an emotional press conference at Broncos headquarters. Manning was joined on the dais by Broncos president Joe Ellis, general manager John Elway and head coach Gary Kubiak, each man speaking of the record-breaking QB with respect and reverence.

When it was Manning's time to speak, he held nothing back in an emotional address. This was clearly not an easy task for the longtime star.

"There's something about 18 years, 18 is a good number, and today I retire from professional football."

Elway heaped praise on Manning as being the key to the Broncos' success in his four years in Denver. Elway said Manning made his job easy and said the team would have never won a Super Bowl without the quarterback.

"Peyton Manning revolutionized the game," Elway said. "We always used to think that a no-huddle was a fast paced, get to the line of scrimmage and keep people off balance. Peyton revolutionized it in that, 'You know, we're going to get to the line of scrimmage, we're going to take our time, I'm going to find out what you're doing, and then I'm going to pick you apart.'"

Manning thanked each of his five head coaches in the NFL, his hundreds of teammates and longtime agent Tom Condon. Manning jokingly thanked Broncos linebacker Von Miller for coming in from his "celebrity tour to be here today."

"I fought a good fight," Manning said in his closing remarks. "I finished my football race, and after 18 years, it's time. God bless all of you, and God bless football."

Kubiak was very emotional during his address, telling a long story about the behind-the-scenes happenings during Manning's injury-plagued final season. Manning conducted private workouts for weeks leading up to his return in an effort not to cause a distraction, something that clearly resonated with the coach. "It was only nine months for me, but I'll remember it for a lifetime."

A reporter asked Manning about the University of Tennessee allegations that have been in the news in recent weeks: "I think it's sad that some people don't understand the truth or the facts. I did not do what has been alleged." Manning ended his remarks on that issue with: "Like Forest Gump said, 'That's all I have to say about that.'"

Manning was asked if he seriously considered returning for a 19th season in 2016. After the season ended, Manning vacationed with family and went on a hunting trip with former Colts teammate Jeff Saturday, before making his final decision. "I thought about it a lot, I prayed about it a lot, but it was just the right time."

There's been plenty of speculation about Manning following an Elway route into the business side of football, or perhaps following the Phil Simms model into the broadcast booth. He didn't offer any hints Monday: "I haven't ruled anything out."

Manning's sense of humor was on display at moments throughout the proceedings. When he shared a story about his daughter asking him whether Super Bowl 50 would be his last game, he joked, "I was thinking Mort and Adam Schefter had gotten to my 5-year-old daughter and cultivated a source." Later, after taking the final question from reporters, he uttered the word "Omaha" before stepping off the podium for the last time as a player. Well played.

Watching this and considering the timing of it all, you really got the sense Manning didn't want to retire, but he just couldn't convince himself it was a good idea to keep going. Another way to look at it: His body gave out before his mind and heart did. It created a bittersweet undercurrent than ran through the proceedings.

"You don't have to wonder if I'll miss it," he said. "Absolutely I will."

Washington Pro Football Team Release RGlll

Story by ESPN
Written by John Keim

Washington's Pro Football Team have released Robert Griffin III, the 2012 NFL offensive rookie of the year and onetime face of the franchise, the quarterback confirmed via an Instagram post. The move, first reported by ESPN's Dianna Russini, was long expected, but still represents quite a change from four years ago when Griffin was one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and the hope of a starved fan base.

Griffin had lost the starting job in August and served as Washington's No. 3 quarterback all season. He was active for one game.

Had Washington kept him on the roster after 4 p.m. on March 9, his $16.15 million for 2016 would have taken effect and counted against the team's salary cap. By releasing him now, the team avoids having any of that money count toward the cap. Washington had been holding on to Griffin in the hopes that another team might trade for him.

Also Monday, Washington released defensive end Jason Hatcher, potentially saving the team $6.8 million in salary cap space if they use a post-June 1 designation. Hatcher was scheduled to count $8.7 million vs. the cap.

The defensive end had contemplated retirement, but coach Jay Gruden said at the combine that, based on a conversation the two had earlier, Gruden thought Hatcher would continue playing. Washington had said they wanted him back, but he would need to take a pay cut. Hatcher played for Washington the past two seasons, starting at right end. Hatcher, who turns 34 in July, spent his first eight seasons with Dallas.

Griffin's release ends one of the more dramatic and emotional periods in Washington's history. Washington traded up in the 2012 draft, giving up two first-round and one second-round pick and swapping first-rounders with St. Louis. With the No. 2 overall pick, the Redskins selected a player who quickly became a fan favorite. He was dynamic -- able to both throw and run -- and a household name because he had won the Heisman Trophy four months before the draft. He even had national endorsements and a catchy nickname: RG III.

Early on, Griffin certainly looked as if he would fulfill expectations. In his first NFL game, Washington unveiled their zone-read option game and Griffin starred, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns and running for an additional 42 yards. Griffin struggled in some games as a rookie and coaches would say he had a ways to go as a passer, mostly because he came from a spread offense at Baylor that was unlike anything he had to learn in the NFL.

But there was no hint of future discord that season.

At one point, then-coach Mike Shanahan told reporters, "I don't think anybody in the history of the league has played at his level. At least over the last 40 years, when I take a look at the numbers and what he has done, I don't think anybody has played at his level. As we've talked about before, he's got a unique skill set -- his ability to throw, drop back, play action, put a threat on a defense with his running ability -- and he will just get better and better. He's just scratching the surface. And the reason I say that is because he works at it."

Griffin set an NFL record for rookies with a 102.4 passer rating en route to winning the league's offensive rookie of the year award. He threw for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions and ran for another 815 yards. He was a key factor in Washington's winning seven straight games to close the regular season en route to an NFC East title.

But he began having problems late in the 2012 season, stemming from his first knee injury. Griffin partially tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while scrambling in a Dec. 9 game against Baltimore. Griffin sat out one game, but returned for the final two of the regular season. After that game, distrust started to build, mostly related to Griffin's displeasure at continuing to run the zone read. However, the coaches always felt this strategy protected him more than just having him sit in the pocket and throw.

Griffin's knee issues weren't over. In the first round of the playoffs against Seattle, Griffin helped Washington to a 14-0 lead, but he tweaked his knee on one scramble around the end. Shanahan debated taking him out and later said that after consulting with Dr. James Andrews and Griffin himself, he left the quarterback in the game.



But in the fourth quarter, Griffin tore the ACL in his right knee. That led to an offseason in which the friction between Griffin and the Shanahans, including Mike's son, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, started to become public.

Still, Griffin was the future of the franchise and vowed to return for the season opener -- "All-In for Week One" was the slogan. During camp, Washington were taking it slow -- and Griffin wasn't cleared to play in preseason games -- so Griffin dubbed that stretch "Operation Patience." He made it back in time to start the opener; however, his game never returned to 2012 levels.

In 2013, Griffin started and played the first 13 games. In that time, he threw 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and finished with an 82.2 passer rating. He was sacked 24 times in his last five starts and Mike Shanahan shut him down, wanting him to reach the postseason healthy.

But in the offseason, Shanahan was replaced by Gruden, who was ostensibly hired to fix Griffin. It didn't help Griffin's game. He struggled in training camp and in the 2014 season, with four touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games. Griffin missed six games because of a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 2. He was later benched for three games, only to return midway through the third when Colt McCoy injured his neck. Griffin then started the final two games of the season.

At the scouting combine last year, Gruden announced that Griffin was the starter entering the 2015 season. Although coaches spoke positively about him throughout the offseason and even in camp, Griffin did not show the progress they wanted. He suffered a concussion in the second preseason game, which enabled them to turn to Kirk Cousins, bumping Griffin to the No. 3 role. That's where he stayed all season.

Griffin declined all interviews this season -- the team didn't want him talking to the media. The day after the 2015 season ended, Griffin cleaned out his locker, taking with him his action figures and some printouts of sayings he had taped to his locker. But he left one behind, an inspirational text that, in essence, said to ignore the critics and closed with, "In the final analysis, its [sic] between you and God. IT WAS NEVER BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY."

By all accounts, Griffin handled this past season well, staying out of the spotlight.

"Obviously, he wasn't happy," Gruden said late in the season. "He's a great competitor. He accomplished some great things in 2012, he really did, but he handled it like a pro. In the long run, hopefully it'll make him a better quarterback. I know he grew a lot being a third-string quarterback here -- different system, different terminology, things that were new to him. I think the skill set that he has and he learned from [Mike] Shanahan, the new stuff that he learned from us, I think will make him a better quarterback wherever he goes -- however it works out for him."

Breaking News: Former First Lady Nancy Reagan dies

Nancy Reagan dead at 94 of Congestive Heart Failure.

2016 Presidential Primary Schedule

Link to Primary Schedule: http://www.uspresidentialelectionnews.com/2016-presidential-primary-schedule-calendar/

Redd Foxx addresses "Stop and Frisk" Policing 40 years ago

Fred G. Sanford Questions Police Officer in Court

Fred G. Sanford questioning a police officer in court asking the questions WE ALL would LOVE to ask.

Posted by Urban Intellectuals on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Former "Today Show" Host Bryant Gumble on Police Conduct

BRYANT GUMBLE GETS IT! DO YOU?

Posted by Agyei Tyehimba on Saturday, August 15, 2015

Dr. Cornel West - Author of highly acclaimed book "Race Matters" - on Hillary Clinton: "Clinton is the Milli Vanilli of American Politics"

CLINTONS = THE SHAMEFUL AND HORRIBLE LIFE OF HILLARY CLINTON = CORNEL WEST + CLINTON HISTORY!

Posted by Philip E Taylor on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Melissa Harris-Perry is Out at MSNBC

Statement from National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on MSNBC's firing of Melissa Harris-Perry:

Melissa Harris-Perry will not be back on MSNBC. On Sunday morning, two days after the host’s private fight with management went public, an MSNBC spokesman confirmed that the channel is “parting ways” with her.

Earlier in the morning, Harris-Perry posted a photo on Twitter and said “Farewell #Nerdland,” a nickname for her weekend show, “Melissa Harris-Perry.” “Inviting diverse new voices to table was a privilege,” she tweeted. “Grateful for years of support and criticism.” Harris-Perry confirmed to CNN Money that her representatives are in talks with MSNBC about an exit deal. Harris-Perry had felt for months like MSNBC was trying to squeeze her off the air and take away her editorial point of view.

On Friday, she spoke out about the treatment, saying she had been “silenced” by MSNBC and placed in a form of cable news purgatory, having been pre-empted for two weekends in a row.

“Our show was taken — without comment or discussion or notice — in the midst of an election season,” she wrote in a letter to staff that was shared with her fans. MSNBC and its rivals are all trying to squeeze higher ratings out of the chaotic primary season. The channel pre-empted her for campaign coverage with a “Place for Politics” title. The same thing has happened to other shows, too, MSNBC said in a statement responding to her letter on Friday. The channel called her reaction “surprising, confusing and disappointing.” But Harris-Perry said the February pre-emptions were merely the most visible manifestation of the channel’s marginalization of her show. In the letter, she said “no one on the third floor,” where MSNBC’s executives work at 30 Rockefeller Center, “has even returned an email, called me, or initiated or responded to any communication of any kind from me for nearly a month.”

She also pointedly noted a “dramatic change” in the “editorial tone and racial composition of MSNBC’s on-air coverage.” Harris-Perry’s MSNBC contract expires in October.”All negotiations are occurring with third parties,” Harris-Perry said in a statement to CNNMoney on Sunday morning. “I am not personally in direct communication with anyone employed with MSNBC.” She added, “The goal of the negotiation at this point is to determine the terms of severance, not reconciliation.”

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) expresses disappointment in the demise of the Melissa Harris-Perry Show. It is truly unfortunate because a significant void now exists for all audiences. There are so few black journalists and voices that serve as hosts, reporters and pundits on network news programs.

“I want to thank NABJ for the years of support. I am not a journalist and I did not come to the show from a traditional background but NABJ – both as individual journalists and as an organization – was consistently supportive of my work over the years,” Harris-Perry told NABJ by phone on Monday.

“Of course I am very sad to lose this platform. I loved this show! But in truth, any number of excellent journalists could host a valuable two-hour show on weekend mornings. I hope that someone will get a chance to do so in my absence. What I think was most valuable about the MHP Show was not me as a host, it was the diversity of our guests. We were careful and conscious and purposeful about who we invited to the table. No other political talk show could match us in that category. That is what is lost here. Not me. The show. The absence of these voices will be a tremendous loss.”

MSNBC announced on Sunday that it had officially severed ties with Harris-Perry after she walked away from the show last week. In an email that surfaced on Friday, Harris-Perry detailed her complaints about pre-emptions of her weekend program over the past few weeks. The New York Times reported Harris-Perry and the network had a dispute over editorial freedom and airtime.

Her MSNBC program was devoted to thought-provoking and critical discussion and analysis of politics, society, and culture aired on the weekends. For four years, Harris-Perry and the program’s team of producers provided a critical space for underrepresented voices to discuss issues of national and international importance.

“We are proud of the diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of our journalists, opinion hosts and analysts. We will gladly put that up against everyone else in the news business,” said Mark Kornblau, senior vice president of communications for NBC News.

Harris-Perry told NABJ that she does not believe she was targeted by her race, however she does not dismiss the ‘race’ factor.

The NABJ advocates for more women and people of color across all media companies. NABJ wishes Harris-Perry all the best and believes that whatever she does next will be great.

We call for all network news outlets to populate their shows with talented and diverse individuals, such as Joy-Ann Reid and Roland Martin, to bring unique perspectives that further advance its coverage.


Sincerely,


The NABJ Board of Directors

Young Black Teenager repeatedly assaulted at a Donald Trump Rally in Louisville

Young Black woman repeatedly assaulted at a Donald Trump rally

UPDATE (5am): We have now determined that many of the men assaulting this young girl, a teenager, are open white supremacists who have been clearly idenfitied members of hate groups and Neo-Nazi organizations. I have an article coming out on them shortly. Full story @: http://nydn.us/1T7vFgh-----Excuse my language, but I am f*#king furious. Blood boiling. This is in Louisville at an official Donald Trump rally. This young peaceful Black woman, reportedly a teenager, is shoved and pushed and repeatedly assaulted by grown white men at a Donald J. Trump rally. Police looked on as this happened. White women, like they did with Little Rock 9 and others, screamed in her face with hate in their eyes. Men cussed her out and yelled right in her face as they pushed her to and fro and repeatedly put their hands on her.

Posted by Shaun King on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Super Tuesday: How much each vote cost

Story by CNN
Written by Richard Allen Greene

Super Tuesday is wrapped, and the votes are tallied. Here's a look at what each vote cost each candidate.

Cost estimates come from CMAG/Kantar Media and represent spending on TV advertising in Super Tuesday states from January 1, 2015 to March 2, 2016.

Republicans

You can't buy much for 15 cents these days -- unless you're Ben Carson.

As the race for the Republican nomination went national on Super Tuesday, the former neurosurgeon turned out to be the best bargain hunter in the race. He spent a mere $75,000 on TV advertising in the states holding caucuses and primaries on Tuesday, but still managed to garner 489,588 votes, for an average cost of 15 cents per vote.

Of course, Carson is barely figuring in the actual nomination battle.

The night's big winner was Donald Trump, and he continues to rake in victories on the cheap -- boosted by jaw-dropping amounts of free media. He spent about $2.1 million across the Super Tuesday states and racked up 2,923,184 votes, for a budget-conscious 72 cents per vote.

The two men fighting to be the alternative to Trump poured a lot more cash into the race, with less to show for it. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and his PAC allies spent $9.9 million to win 1,867,264 votes, for a generous $5.30 per vote. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and supporters shelled out $9.8 million and got 2,483,553 votes. That works out to $3.95 per vote.

And finally, Ohio Gov. John Kasich continues to be hoping for a landscape shift that will help make him the nominee. If he does manage it, he'll have done it on the cheap. He and his allies spent $320,000 on Super Tuesday advertising and took 538,996 votes, for an average cost of 59 cents per vote.

Democrats

On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the winner, not only in the number of states and votes she won, but in cost per vote. She and her allies spent about $7.83 million across the Super Tuesday states, and she captured 3,534,665 votes. That's $2.16 per vote.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders spent slightly less -- $6.1 million -- and took 2,264,165 votes, for a cost of $2.69 per vote.
_____________________________________________

Super Tuesday Results: http://www.cnn.com/specials/politics/super-tuesday-2016

The Motown Sound in studio with the Temptations

The Temptations in studio recording their big hit "My Girl".


Temptations sing "My Girl" on a Dance TV show.