a ruling late friday by a three-judge panel in san antonio said republicans gerrymandered some congressional districts. the judges' two-to-one decision could be appealed by texas to the u.s. supreme court.
republicans hold two of three congressional districts ruled newly invalid. they were found to have been partly drawn with discriminatory intent against black and brown people. the gop-controlled texas legislature approved the maps in 2011 - the same year then, governor rick perry signed voter id laws.
judges noted the "strong racial tension and heated debate about latinos, spanish-speaking people, undocumented immigrants and sanctuary cities" which served as the backdrop in the legislature of texas upon adopting the maps and voter id laws.
u.s. district judges orlando garcia and xavier rodriguez wrote in their opinion, "the record indicates not just a hostility toward democrat districts, but a hostility toward minority districts, and a willingness to use race for partisan advantage."
njna perales, vice president of litigation for the mexican american legal defense and educational fund, and legal counsel on the case, welcomed the ruling. perales said, "the court's decision exposes the texas legislature's illegal effort to dilute the vote of texas latinos. moving forward, the ruling will help protect latinos from manipulation of district lines in order to reduce their political clout."
hispanics fueled texas' dramatic growth in the 2010 census - the year before the maps were drawn - by accounting for 67% of its new residents. texas was forced ahead of the november election to weaken its voter id laws, which allow concealed handgun licenses, but not college student ids, after a federal appeals court found the requirements to be discriminatory.
i am
- mark j. tuggle
- harlem, usa
- same-gender-loving contemporary descendant of enslaved africans. community activist, feminist, health educator, independent filmmaker, mentor, playwright, poet & spiritual being. featured at, in & on africana.com, afrikan poetry theatre, angel herald, bejata dot com, bet tonight with tavis smiley, blacklight online, black noir, brooklyn moon cafe, gmhc's barbershop, klmo-fm, lgbt community services center, longmoor productions, nuyorican poets cafe, our corner, poz, pulse, rolling out new york, rush arts gallery, saint veronica's church, schomburg center for research in black culture, sexplorations, the citizen, the new york times, the soundz bar, the trenton times, the village voice, upn news, uzuri, venus, vibe, wbai-fm, wnyc-fm & wqht-fm. volunteered with adodi, bailey house, inc., black men's xchange-new york, colorofchange.org, drug policy alliance, east harlem tutorial program, imagenation film & music festival, presente.org, save darfur coalition, the enough project, the osborne association, the sledge group & your black world. worked on films with maurice jamal & heather murphy. writing student of phil bertelsen & ed bullins. mjt975@msn.com.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Thursday, March 02, 2017
Florida House Bill would restore voting rights automatically in three years
a new resolution in the joint house of florida would allow felons the right to vote three years after their sentence is up. sponsored by rep. al jacquet of west palm beach, the resolution, would, if passed on the next general election (or a special election specifically for this) ballot, amend the statutes on voting to extend the right to felons.
in 2016, a previous resolution failed to make it on the ballot due to not getting the required number of signatures. florida rights coalition president desmond meade spearheaded the movement. the statutes say no person convicted of a felony or deemed mentally incompetent shall be allowed to vote or hold office until those rights are restored.
the new, added portion says, "however, a person convicted of a felony shall be automatically qualified to vote three years after the person completes his or her sentence." florida is one of three states, along with iowa and kentucky, which don't allow felons voting rights. florida has 1.7 million felons - more than 25% of the nation's felony population - who can't vote.
a proposed amendment by the floridians for a fair democracy group expands the resolution by rep. jacquet. their group proposes felons, except for murderers and sex offenders, will have their voting rights immediately restored after they complete prison and probation. this month, the florida supreme court will hear arguments to legalize this initiative.
in 2016, a previous resolution failed to make it on the ballot due to not getting the required number of signatures. florida rights coalition president desmond meade spearheaded the movement. the statutes say no person convicted of a felony or deemed mentally incompetent shall be allowed to vote or hold office until those rights are restored.
the new, added portion says, "however, a person convicted of a felony shall be automatically qualified to vote three years after the person completes his or her sentence." florida is one of three states, along with iowa and kentucky, which don't allow felons voting rights. florida has 1.7 million felons - more than 25% of the nation's felony population - who can't vote.
a proposed amendment by the floridians for a fair democracy group expands the resolution by rep. jacquet. their group proposes felons, except for murderers and sex offenders, will have their voting rights immediately restored after they complete prison and probation. this month, the florida supreme court will hear arguments to legalize this initiative.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Trump's deportation plans will likely benefit private prison companies
president donald trump promised to deport upwards of two million immigrants upon taking office. last week, a series of high-profile crackdowns put the country on alert. but when trump issued two major executive orders regarding immigration, the pending arrests and deportations struck fear into brown families.
in the same executive order calling for construction of a southern border wall, trump instructed immigration and custom enforcement (ice) to build out its sprawling network of immigration detention centers.
trump's executive order said starting "immediately," ice should construct new facilities, lease space for immigrants alongside inmates in existing local jails, and sign new contracts. these contacts are most likely to go to private prison companies.
in late january, a memo to top homeland security officials called for raising the number of immigrants ice incarcerates daily to 80,000 people. the number of detainees held daily - between 31,000 and 34,000 - reached a historic high of 41,000 last fall. ice detained over 352,000 people last year.
carl takei, staff attorney for the aclu's national prison project, said doubling the daily capacity to 80,000 "would require ice to sprint to add more capacity than the agency has ever added in its entire history." and, takei warned, "we don't know if 80,00 if where he'll stop." detention experts have estimated it would take an extra $2 billion in government funding annually.
the private prison giant corecivic (formerly known as the corrections corporation of america) sees the expansion as a business opportunity. corcecivic president and ceo damon hininger said, "when coupled with the above average rate of crossings along the southwest border, these executive orders appear likely to significantly increase the need for safe, humane and appropriate detention bed capacity that we have available."
another private prison company, management & training corporation, reportedly wants a contract with ice to reopen the willacy county correctional institution. this facility, known as a 'troubled detention camp,' held up to 2,000 ice detainees in kevlar tents between 2006 and 2011.
margo schlanger, a former obama administration official who served as homeland security's top authority on civil rights, opposes trump's bigoted initiatives. schlanger is deeply concerned about the improper oversight and potential overuse of inadequate safety measures, insufficient medical care, poor nutrition and solitary confinement.
schlanger said, "there are a lot of bad things that happen if the number of beds is ramped up fast, without appropriate controls, monitoring, supervision and care...that means detainees could die... you're vulnerable to the government saying to you, look, we'll let you out from detention, but you have to give up your immigration case."
in the same executive order calling for construction of a southern border wall, trump instructed immigration and custom enforcement (ice) to build out its sprawling network of immigration detention centers.
trump's executive order said starting "immediately," ice should construct new facilities, lease space for immigrants alongside inmates in existing local jails, and sign new contracts. these contacts are most likely to go to private prison companies.
in late january, a memo to top homeland security officials called for raising the number of immigrants ice incarcerates daily to 80,000 people. the number of detainees held daily - between 31,000 and 34,000 - reached a historic high of 41,000 last fall. ice detained over 352,000 people last year.
carl takei, staff attorney for the aclu's national prison project, said doubling the daily capacity to 80,000 "would require ice to sprint to add more capacity than the agency has ever added in its entire history." and, takei warned, "we don't know if 80,00 if where he'll stop." detention experts have estimated it would take an extra $2 billion in government funding annually.
the private prison giant corecivic (formerly known as the corrections corporation of america) sees the expansion as a business opportunity. corcecivic president and ceo damon hininger said, "when coupled with the above average rate of crossings along the southwest border, these executive orders appear likely to significantly increase the need for safe, humane and appropriate detention bed capacity that we have available."
another private prison company, management & training corporation, reportedly wants a contract with ice to reopen the willacy county correctional institution. this facility, known as a 'troubled detention camp,' held up to 2,000 ice detainees in kevlar tents between 2006 and 2011.
margo schlanger, a former obama administration official who served as homeland security's top authority on civil rights, opposes trump's bigoted initiatives. schlanger is deeply concerned about the improper oversight and potential overuse of inadequate safety measures, insufficient medical care, poor nutrition and solitary confinement.
schlanger said, "there are a lot of bad things that happen if the number of beds is ramped up fast, without appropriate controls, monitoring, supervision and care...that means detainees could die... you're vulnerable to the government saying to you, look, we'll let you out from detention, but you have to give up your immigration case."
Sunday, February 05, 2017
Serena Williams and Roger Federer win 2017 Australian Open Singles Titles
serena williams defeated her older sister and fellow american venus 6-4, 6-4 to win the 2017 australian open singles championship in melbourne park. williams now has 23 major singles titles, one more than steffi graf of germany. the all-time leader is margaret court of australia with 24.
during the awards ceremony, williams said, "i really would like to take this moment to congratulate venus. there's no way i'd be at 23 titles, or i'd be at one. she's my inspiration. she's my world. thank you venus for inspiring me to be the best player i could be."
williams, 35, regained her number one ranking from angelique kerber of germany. kerber beat williams in the 2016 australian open, and became number one after winning the u.s. open last year. serena improved her career record against venus to 17-11, including 7-2 in major finals.
roger federer of switzerland defeated rafael nadal of spain 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to win the 2017 australian open singles championship in melbourne park. federer now has 18 major singles titles, which is the most all-time among men. federer improved his world ranking to #10 with his victory.
federer, 35, said afterwards, "against rafa it's always epic. this one means a lot to me because he's caused me problems over the years. federer beat four top 10 players - tomas berdych, kei nishikori, stan wawrinka and nadal - which is extraordinary; he missed six months last year due to injuries.
federer had not won a major since 2012 at wimbledon. his career record against nadal is now 23-12. federer said, "i'd like to congratulate rafa on an amazing comeback, too. i don't think either one of us thought we would be in the final at the australian open this year. i am happy for you. i would've been happy to lose to you tonight, too, really."
during the awards ceremony, williams said, "i really would like to take this moment to congratulate venus. there's no way i'd be at 23 titles, or i'd be at one. she's my inspiration. she's my world. thank you venus for inspiring me to be the best player i could be."
williams, 35, regained her number one ranking from angelique kerber of germany. kerber beat williams in the 2016 australian open, and became number one after winning the u.s. open last year. serena improved her career record against venus to 17-11, including 7-2 in major finals.
roger federer of switzerland defeated rafael nadal of spain 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to win the 2017 australian open singles championship in melbourne park. federer now has 18 major singles titles, which is the most all-time among men. federer improved his world ranking to #10 with his victory.
federer, 35, said afterwards, "against rafa it's always epic. this one means a lot to me because he's caused me problems over the years. federer beat four top 10 players - tomas berdych, kei nishikori, stan wawrinka and nadal - which is extraordinary; he missed six months last year due to injuries.
federer had not won a major since 2012 at wimbledon. his career record against nadal is now 23-12. federer said, "i'd like to congratulate rafa on an amazing comeback, too. i don't think either one of us thought we would be in the final at the australian open this year. i am happy for you. i would've been happy to lose to you tonight, too, really."
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Life Parolees are serving substantially longer prison terms
the sentencing project on tuesday released its latest report entitled, delaying a second chance: the declining prospects for parole on life sentences by nazgol ghandnoosh, phd. the report found tens of thousands of people serving life sentences eligible for release are now serving longer prison terms than their counterparts.
over the past three decades many governors, legislatures and parole boards have toughened lifer parole policies and practices - effectively increasing prison terms for over 110,000 individuals serving parole-eligible life sentences.
in eight jurisdictions for which data is available since the 1980s, average time served by paroled lifers with murder convictions doubled from 11.6 years for those paroled in the 1980s to 23.2 years for those paroled between 2000 and 2013. the report studied data in arkansas, california, florida, montana, nebraska, south carolina, washington and wisconsin.
the growth in time served among people with parole-eligible life sentences is prevalent at a time of increasing bipartisan support for criminal justice reform. furthermore, given the criminological evidence which shows as people in prison age, their risk of recidivism greatly diminishes.
the report's findings draw on a national survey in which 31 states and the federal government provided data for available years since 1980. a supplement document provides overviews of lifer parole policies and outcomes in each of these jurisdictions.
over the past three decades many governors, legislatures and parole boards have toughened lifer parole policies and practices - effectively increasing prison terms for over 110,000 individuals serving parole-eligible life sentences.
in eight jurisdictions for which data is available since the 1980s, average time served by paroled lifers with murder convictions doubled from 11.6 years for those paroled in the 1980s to 23.2 years for those paroled between 2000 and 2013. the report studied data in arkansas, california, florida, montana, nebraska, south carolina, washington and wisconsin.
the growth in time served among people with parole-eligible life sentences is prevalent at a time of increasing bipartisan support for criminal justice reform. furthermore, given the criminological evidence which shows as people in prison age, their risk of recidivism greatly diminishes.
the report's findings draw on a national survey in which 31 states and the federal government provided data for available years since 1980. a supplement document provides overviews of lifer parole policies and outcomes in each of these jurisdictions.
Friday, January 27, 2017
NBA All-Star Team 2017
listed below are the starters and reserves in each conference for the 2017 nba all-star game.
Eastern Conference Starters
Gianis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Eastern Conference Reserves
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Western Conference Starters
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Western Conference Reserves
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thuinder
Eastern Conference Starters
Gianis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Eastern Conference Reserves
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Western Conference Starters
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Western Conference Reserves
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thuinder
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Criminal Justice Policy Contributes to the Educational Racial Achievement Gap
leila morsay and richard rothstein of the economic policy institute recently published some provocative findings in their report, mass incarceration and children's outcomes: criminal justice policy is education policy.
the authors write, "the discriminatory incarceration of black parents is an important cause of their children's lowered performance." they conclude parental incarceration has cognitive and non-cognitive impacts known to affect children's school performance.
the report asserts children of incarceration parents are more likely to disengage from, and drop out of school, develop learning disabilities, and have physical and mental health problems. additionally, such children are more likely to experience poverty, which adds more stress in their lives.
consequently, morsay and rothstein both state in their progressive report, "criminal justice reform should be a policy priority for educators who are committed to improving the achievement of african-american children."
the authors write, "the discriminatory incarceration of black parents is an important cause of their children's lowered performance." they conclude parental incarceration has cognitive and non-cognitive impacts known to affect children's school performance.
the report asserts children of incarceration parents are more likely to disengage from, and drop out of school, develop learning disabilities, and have physical and mental health problems. additionally, such children are more likely to experience poverty, which adds more stress in their lives.
consequently, morsay and rothstein both state in their progressive report, "criminal justice reform should be a policy priority for educators who are committed to improving the achievement of african-american children."
Friday, January 20, 2017
U.S. Funding for the Green Climate Fund
the u.s. state department on thursday announced it made an additional $500 million grant to support the green climate fund (gcf). consistent with last year's grant, this funding is provided from the fiscal year 2016 economic support fund (esf) appropriation.
u.s. funding for the gcf continues u.s. government support by the obama administration, and prior administrations for climate change programs through multilateral funds. the gcf is the world's largest multilateral finance institution dedicated to advancing climate-resilient, low-emission development.
the gcf was created to help protect vulnerable populations and drive clean energy deployment, all with a special focus on engaging the private sector and mobilizing private capital. over 180 countries have set forth their plans to cut emissions; many of them are making important policy and regulatory reforms to promote private sector investment in energy efficient and low-emission technologies.
the gcf supports developing nations in their efforts to achieve those objectives and become more resilient to climate change. the gcf seeks to reduce the global and national security risks associated with inadequate adaptation to and preparedness for extreme weather events and other climate related impacts.
even with limited resources, the gcf also directly engages the private sector in new and innovative ways to mobilize greater private investment, sending an unmistakable signal to global markets the low-emission transition is moving forward.
u.s. funding for the gcf continues u.s. government support by the obama administration, and prior administrations for climate change programs through multilateral funds. the gcf is the world's largest multilateral finance institution dedicated to advancing climate-resilient, low-emission development.
the gcf was created to help protect vulnerable populations and drive clean energy deployment, all with a special focus on engaging the private sector and mobilizing private capital. over 180 countries have set forth their plans to cut emissions; many of them are making important policy and regulatory reforms to promote private sector investment in energy efficient and low-emission technologies.
the gcf supports developing nations in their efforts to achieve those objectives and become more resilient to climate change. the gcf seeks to reduce the global and national security risks associated with inadequate adaptation to and preparedness for extreme weather events and other climate related impacts.
even with limited resources, the gcf also directly engages the private sector in new and innovative ways to mobilize greater private investment, sending an unmistakable signal to global markets the low-emission transition is moving forward.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines and Ivan Rodriguez Elected into 2017 MLB Hall of Fame
jeff bagwell, tim raines and ivan rodriguez were elected to major league baseball's 2017 hall of fame on wednesday. both vladimir guerrero and trevor hoffman fell just short of the necessary 75% votes for induction.
bagwell played 2,150 games in 15 years for the houston astros. bagwell was a four-time all-star with a career .297 batting average, .408 on-base percentage, 401 homers and 1,401 runs batted in. among 220 hall of famers, he becomes the 50th player to finish his career with one club.
raines, the 1986 national league batting champion, compiled a .294 career average, .385 on-base percentage, was fifth in career stolen bases and a seven-time all-star. raines played 13 of his 23 seasons with the montreal expos, who left canada to become the washington nationals in 2005.
rodriguez, affectionally known as pudge, was a 14-time all-star in 21 seasons with six different teams. rodriguez hit .296 with a .334 on-base percentage, 311 home runs, 1,332 runs batted in and 2,844 hits. he was universally regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in history.
bagwell said about his induction, "anxiety was very, very high. it's a weird thing to be a hall of famer. i wrote it on a ball tonight. it was kind of crazy, so it was cool."
raines said, "i think social media played a big role. there are some things that i did that a lot of the guys that's already in the hall of famer didn't actually do. so i think it kind of made them look at me a lot closer and they looked a lot deeper, and i think the more they looked, i think the better it turned out for me."
rodriguez stated, "i've been having trouble sleeping for three days. johnny bench was my favorite player growing up. rodriguez, at age 45, is the youngest current hall member. he displaced pedro martinez as the youngest of the record 74 living hall of fame members.
bagwell played 2,150 games in 15 years for the houston astros. bagwell was a four-time all-star with a career .297 batting average, .408 on-base percentage, 401 homers and 1,401 runs batted in. among 220 hall of famers, he becomes the 50th player to finish his career with one club.
raines, the 1986 national league batting champion, compiled a .294 career average, .385 on-base percentage, was fifth in career stolen bases and a seven-time all-star. raines played 13 of his 23 seasons with the montreal expos, who left canada to become the washington nationals in 2005.
rodriguez, affectionally known as pudge, was a 14-time all-star in 21 seasons with six different teams. rodriguez hit .296 with a .334 on-base percentage, 311 home runs, 1,332 runs batted in and 2,844 hits. he was universally regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in history.
bagwell said about his induction, "anxiety was very, very high. it's a weird thing to be a hall of famer. i wrote it on a ball tonight. it was kind of crazy, so it was cool."
raines said, "i think social media played a big role. there are some things that i did that a lot of the guys that's already in the hall of famer didn't actually do. so i think it kind of made them look at me a lot closer and they looked a lot deeper, and i think the more they looked, i think the better it turned out for me."
rodriguez stated, "i've been having trouble sleeping for three days. johnny bench was my favorite player growing up. rodriguez, at age 45, is the youngest current hall member. he displaced pedro martinez as the youngest of the record 74 living hall of fame members.
President Obama pardons MLB Hall of Famer Willie McCovey for tax evasion
president obama issued a pardon to san francisco giants legend willie mccovey. mccovey was among the 273 commutations and pardons given by the outgoing commander-in-chief on tuesday. obama forgave the hall of famer's 1995 conviction on tax evasion charges.
mccovey, along with los angeles dodgers slugger duke snider, admitted to knowingly failing to report $70,000. the money was earned by signing autographs and participating in memorabilia shows between 1988 and 1990. he was sentenced in 1996 to two years of probation, and fined $5,000.
the personable left-hander's illustrious career began in 1959 - the second year the giants played in san francisco. he spent 18 years with the giants, and hit 521 home runs over a 22-year period. mccovey was selected into the hall of fame in 1986.
mccovey celebrated his 79th birthday on january 10. mccovey has endured a serious of health issues in recent years related to orthopedic procedures. in 2014, he was hospitalized in order to treat a serious infection.
mccovey, along with los angeles dodgers slugger duke snider, admitted to knowingly failing to report $70,000. the money was earned by signing autographs and participating in memorabilia shows between 1988 and 1990. he was sentenced in 1996 to two years of probation, and fined $5,000.
the personable left-hander's illustrious career began in 1959 - the second year the giants played in san francisco. he spent 18 years with the giants, and hit 521 home runs over a 22-year period. mccovey was selected into the hall of fame in 1986.
mccovey celebrated his 79th birthday on january 10. mccovey has endured a serious of health issues in recent years related to orthopedic procedures. in 2014, he was hospitalized in order to treat a serious infection.
Thursday, January 05, 2017
Vermont Governor Pardons 192 people convicted of minor drug offenses
virginia govenor peter shumlin on tuesday pardoned 192 people convicted of minor drug offenses on his final days in office. last month, shumlin invited people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana (before the state decriminalized it in 2013) to apply for pardons.
"a minor marijuana possession charge should be not an anchor that holds back an individual from getting a good job or going about their life. while attitudes and laws about marijuana use are rapidly changing, there is still a harmful stigma associated with it," shumlin remarked.
shumlin added, "my hope was to help as many individuals as i could overcome that stigma and the very real struggles that too often go along with it. vermont should follow the many states that are legalizing and regulating the use of marijuana and put to an end the incredible failure that is the war on drugs."
additionally, shumlin issued 10 pardons om saturday for people convicted of various felonies and misdemeanors, including the son of former vice presidential nominee geraldine ferraro, and the son of former u.s. representative richard mallary.
since the christmas day deadline to apply for marijuana pardons, shumlin's staff has been doing background checks on those who applied. but anyone with a violent criminal history will not be eligible to receive a pardon. during his six years in office, shumlin issued 208 pardons - more than any other governor in vermont history.
"a minor marijuana possession charge should be not an anchor that holds back an individual from getting a good job or going about their life. while attitudes and laws about marijuana use are rapidly changing, there is still a harmful stigma associated with it," shumlin remarked.
shumlin added, "my hope was to help as many individuals as i could overcome that stigma and the very real struggles that too often go along with it. vermont should follow the many states that are legalizing and regulating the use of marijuana and put to an end the incredible failure that is the war on drugs."
additionally, shumlin issued 10 pardons om saturday for people convicted of various felonies and misdemeanors, including the son of former vice presidential nominee geraldine ferraro, and the son of former u.s. representative richard mallary.
since the christmas day deadline to apply for marijuana pardons, shumlin's staff has been doing background checks on those who applied. but anyone with a violent criminal history will not be eligible to receive a pardon. during his six years in office, shumlin issued 208 pardons - more than any other governor in vermont history.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
2017 NFL Pro Bowl Roster
selections for the 2017 nfl pro bowl are listed below:
afc offense starters
quarterback tom brady, new england patriots
running back leveon bell, pittsburgh steelers
fullback kyle juszcyzyk, baltimore ravens
wide receiver antonio brown, pittsburgh steelers
amari cooper, oakland raiders
tight end travis kelce, kansas city chiefs
center rodney hudson, oakland raiders
guard marshall yanda, baltimore ravens
kelechi osemele, oakland raiders
tackle joe thomas, cleveland browns
donald penn, oakland raiders
afc offense reserves
quarterback derek carr, oakland raiders
ben roethlisberger, pittsburgh steelers
running back lesean mccoy, buffalo bills
demarco murray, tennessee titans
wide receiver a.j. green, cincinnati bengals
t.y. hilton, indianapolis colts
tight end delanie walker, tennessee titans
center maurice pouncey, pittsburgh steelers
guard david decastro, pittsburgh steelers
tackle taylor lewan, tennessee titans
afc defense reserves
defensive end khalil mack, oakland raiders
cameron wake, miami dolphins
interior lineman geno atkins, cincinnati bengals
ndamukong suh, miami dolphins
outside linebacker von miller, denver broncos
lorenzo alexander, buffalo bills
inside/middle linebacker donta hightower, new england patriots
cornerback marcus peters, kansas city chiefs
aqib talib, denver broncos
free safety devin mccourty, new england patriots
strong safety eric berry, kansas city chiefs
afc special teams
punter pat mcafee, indianapolis colts
kicker justin tucker, baltimore ravens
return specialist tyreek hill, kansas city chiefs
special teamer matthew slater, new england patriots
nfc offense starters
quarterback matt ryan, atlanta falcons
running back ezekiel elliott, dallas cowboys
fullback mike tolbert, carolina panthers
wide receiver odell beckham, jr., new york giants
julio jones, atlanta falcons
tight end greg olsen, carolina panthers
center travis frederick, dallas cowboys
guard zack martin, dallas cowboys
brandon scherff, washington redskins
tackle tyron smith, dallas cowboys
trent williams, washington redskins
nfc defense starters
defensive end cliff avril, seattle seahawks
everson griffen, minnesota vikings
interior lineman aaron donald, los angeles rams
gerald mccoy, tampa bay buccaneers
outside linebacker vic beasley, atlanta falcons
ryan kerrigan, washington redskins
inside/middle linebacker bobby wagner, seattle seahawks
cornerback janoris jenkins, new york giants
patrick petersen, arizona cardinals
free safety harrison smith, minnesota vikings
strong safety landon collins, new york giants
nfc offense reserves
quarterback dak prescott, dallas cowboys
aaron rogers, green bay packers
running back david johnson, arizona cardinals
devonta freeman, atlanta falcons
wide receiver mike evans, tampa bay buccaneers
larry fitzgerald, arizona cardinals
tight end jordan reed, washington redskins
center alex mack, atlanta falcons
guard t.j. lang, green bay packers
tackle jaosn peters, philadelphia eagles
nfc defense reserves
defensive end michael bennett, seattle seahawks
interior lineman fletcher cox, philadelphia eagles
outside linebacker thomas davis, carolina panthers
inside/middle linebacker luke kuechly, carolina panthers
cornerback xavier rhodes, minnesota vikings
richard sherman, seattle seahawks
free safety ha ha clinton-dix, green bay packers
nfc special teams
punter johnny hekker, los angeles rams
kicker matt bryant, atlanta falcons
return specialist cordarrelle patterson, minnesota vikings
special teamer dwayne harris, new york giants
afc offense starters
quarterback tom brady, new england patriots
running back leveon bell, pittsburgh steelers
fullback kyle juszcyzyk, baltimore ravens
wide receiver antonio brown, pittsburgh steelers
amari cooper, oakland raiders
tight end travis kelce, kansas city chiefs
center rodney hudson, oakland raiders
guard marshall yanda, baltimore ravens
kelechi osemele, oakland raiders
tackle joe thomas, cleveland browns
donald penn, oakland raiders
afc offense reserves
quarterback derek carr, oakland raiders
ben roethlisberger, pittsburgh steelers
running back lesean mccoy, buffalo bills
demarco murray, tennessee titans
wide receiver a.j. green, cincinnati bengals
t.y. hilton, indianapolis colts
tight end delanie walker, tennessee titans
center maurice pouncey, pittsburgh steelers
guard david decastro, pittsburgh steelers
tackle taylor lewan, tennessee titans
afc defense reserves
defensive end khalil mack, oakland raiders
cameron wake, miami dolphins
interior lineman geno atkins, cincinnati bengals
ndamukong suh, miami dolphins
outside linebacker von miller, denver broncos
lorenzo alexander, buffalo bills
inside/middle linebacker donta hightower, new england patriots
cornerback marcus peters, kansas city chiefs
aqib talib, denver broncos
free safety devin mccourty, new england patriots
strong safety eric berry, kansas city chiefs
afc special teams
punter pat mcafee, indianapolis colts
kicker justin tucker, baltimore ravens
return specialist tyreek hill, kansas city chiefs
special teamer matthew slater, new england patriots
nfc offense starters
quarterback matt ryan, atlanta falcons
running back ezekiel elliott, dallas cowboys
fullback mike tolbert, carolina panthers
wide receiver odell beckham, jr., new york giants
julio jones, atlanta falcons
tight end greg olsen, carolina panthers
center travis frederick, dallas cowboys
guard zack martin, dallas cowboys
brandon scherff, washington redskins
tackle tyron smith, dallas cowboys
trent williams, washington redskins
nfc defense starters
defensive end cliff avril, seattle seahawks
everson griffen, minnesota vikings
interior lineman aaron donald, los angeles rams
gerald mccoy, tampa bay buccaneers
outside linebacker vic beasley, atlanta falcons
ryan kerrigan, washington redskins
inside/middle linebacker bobby wagner, seattle seahawks
cornerback janoris jenkins, new york giants
patrick petersen, arizona cardinals
free safety harrison smith, minnesota vikings
strong safety landon collins, new york giants
nfc offense reserves
quarterback dak prescott, dallas cowboys
aaron rogers, green bay packers
running back david johnson, arizona cardinals
devonta freeman, atlanta falcons
wide receiver mike evans, tampa bay buccaneers
larry fitzgerald, arizona cardinals
tight end jordan reed, washington redskins
center alex mack, atlanta falcons
guard t.j. lang, green bay packers
tackle jaosn peters, philadelphia eagles
nfc defense reserves
defensive end michael bennett, seattle seahawks
interior lineman fletcher cox, philadelphia eagles
outside linebacker thomas davis, carolina panthers
inside/middle linebacker luke kuechly, carolina panthers
cornerback xavier rhodes, minnesota vikings
richard sherman, seattle seahawks
free safety ha ha clinton-dix, green bay packers
nfc special teams
punter johnny hekker, los angeles rams
kicker matt bryant, atlanta falcons
return specialist cordarrelle patterson, minnesota vikings
special teamer dwayne harris, new york giants
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017
the rock & roll hall of fame announced six artists from the ballot are included in the performer category and one individual is recognized with an award for musical excellence.
performance category:
joan baez
electric light orchestra
journey
pearl jam
tupac shakur
yes
musical excellence:
nile rodgers
artists are eligible for inclusion in the rock & roll hall of fame 25 years after the release of their first recording. the 2017 rock & roll hall of fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 900 voters, as well as the aggregate results of the rock & roll hall of fame's online fan vote.
the top five artists from the fan vote comprised the fans' ballot that was tallied alongside the other ballots to determine the 2017 inductees. four of the winners of the fans' ballot (electric light orchestra, journey, pearl jam and yes) will be inducted as performers in 2017.
performance category:
joan baez
electric light orchestra
journey
pearl jam
tupac shakur
yes
musical excellence:
nile rodgers
artists are eligible for inclusion in the rock & roll hall of fame 25 years after the release of their first recording. the 2017 rock & roll hall of fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 900 voters, as well as the aggregate results of the rock & roll hall of fame's online fan vote.
the top five artists from the fan vote comprised the fans' ballot that was tallied alongside the other ballots to determine the 2017 inductees. four of the winners of the fans' ballot (electric light orchestra, journey, pearl jam and yes) will be inducted as performers in 2017.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
94 State Prisons are projected to close
the sentencing project has released a new report, written by nicole d. porter, director of advocacy, entitled repurposing: new beginnings for closed prisons. porter found 22 states have eliminated or are on pace to eliminate about 48,000 prison beds in state prisons and juvenile facilities.
the opportunity to downsize prison bed space has been spurred by declines in state prison populations, as well as increasing challenges for managing older facilities. reduced capacity has created the opportunity to repurpose closed prisons for various reasons.
the report has tracked announced closures of prisons since 2011. porter learned states have reduced their corrections costs by an estimated $333 million and have developed a wide range of ways - some profitable and others community-centered - to repurpose prison buildings and facilities.
other prison conversions taking place, include:
a medium-security state prison in new york's staten island was sold to a company investing $20 million into the creation of a movie studio. this investment is projected to create about 1,500 jobs over a five-year period.
brushy mountain state penitentiary in tennessee is becoming a distillery, restaurant and tourist facility which offers camp grounds and horse trails. the maximum security prison once held james earl ray, who assassinated rev. dr. martin luther king, jr in 1968.
city commissioners in gainesville, florida converted a close prison into a nonprofit one-stop homeless center which offers job training.
the opportunity to downsize prison bed space has been spurred by declines in state prison populations, as well as increasing challenges for managing older facilities. reduced capacity has created the opportunity to repurpose closed prisons for various reasons.
the report has tracked announced closures of prisons since 2011. porter learned states have reduced their corrections costs by an estimated $333 million and have developed a wide range of ways - some profitable and others community-centered - to repurpose prison buildings and facilities.
other prison conversions taking place, include:
a medium-security state prison in new york's staten island was sold to a company investing $20 million into the creation of a movie studio. this investment is projected to create about 1,500 jobs over a five-year period.
brushy mountain state penitentiary in tennessee is becoming a distillery, restaurant and tourist facility which offers camp grounds and horse trails. the maximum security prison once held james earl ray, who assassinated rev. dr. martin luther king, jr in 1968.
city commissioners in gainesville, florida converted a close prison into a nonprofit one-stop homeless center which offers job training.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Marijuana Policy Reforms on Election Day
california, maine, massachusetts and nevada voted on election day to end marijuana prohibition. arkansas, florida and north dakota adopted medical marijuana laws.
montana approved an initiative to re-establish patients' access to medical marijuana providers and improve its existing medical marijuana law.
the only dim spot is arizona, where the legalization initiative is currently losing 48% to 52%, albeit\ with tens of thousands of additional ballots to be counted. the measure is likely to lose when the counting ends in nine days.
the number of states where marijuana is legal for adults doubled - from four to eight - and the first two states in the south made marijuana legal.
montana approved an initiative to re-establish patients' access to medical marijuana providers and improve its existing medical marijuana law.
the only dim spot is arizona, where the legalization initiative is currently losing 48% to 52%, albeit\ with tens of thousands of additional ballots to be counted. the measure is likely to lose when the counting ends in nine days.
the number of states where marijuana is legal for adults doubled - from four to eight - and the first two states in the south made marijuana legal.
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Virginia registers 70,000 people with felony convictions to vote
about 70,000 people with prior felony convictions have been registered to vote in virginia. the state supreme court previously ruled governor terry mcauliffe could only restore voting rights on a case-by-case basis.
tammie hagen, a formerly incarcerated person working for the new virginia majority, was one of many advocates trying to help people with felony convictions get their rights restored through gubernatorial clemency. they sought to register people before the october 17 deadline.
hagen estimates she (alone) registered 600-800 people in virginia, and submitted "several hundred requests" for voting rights registration to the governor's office. hagen, 51, said, "nothing can stand in the way of this mission. this is about democracy."
about 13,000 former offenders registered to vote when mcauliffe first attempted to automatically clear them. but the court disenfranchised them (again) when they ruled the governor's actions were unconstitutional.
groups such as new virginia majority are scrambling to find suitable candidates for gubernatorial clemency. their effort is as much about overcoming weary cynicism as getting paperwork to the governor's office in a timely fashion.
tammie hagen, a formerly incarcerated person working for the new virginia majority, was one of many advocates trying to help people with felony convictions get their rights restored through gubernatorial clemency. they sought to register people before the october 17 deadline.
hagen estimates she (alone) registered 600-800 people in virginia, and submitted "several hundred requests" for voting rights registration to the governor's office. hagen, 51, said, "nothing can stand in the way of this mission. this is about democracy."
about 13,000 former offenders registered to vote when mcauliffe first attempted to automatically clear them. but the court disenfranchised them (again) when they ruled the governor's actions were unconstitutional.
groups such as new virginia majority are scrambling to find suitable candidates for gubernatorial clemency. their effort is as much about overcoming weary cynicism as getting paperwork to the governor's office in a timely fashion.
Thursday, November 03, 2016
Chicago Cubs Win 2016 World Series
the chicago cubs defeated the cleveland indians 8-7 in ten innings on the road to win the 2016 world series. cubs outfielder ben zobrist was named most valuable player. zobrist is the first player in history to win back-to-back mvp's on two different teams in two different leagues.
1908 was the last year the cubs won a title, breaking the longest championship drought in team sports history. the game lasted four hours and 24 minutes, not including the 18-minute rain delay which preceded the extra inning thriller.
zobrist said, "it was just an epic battle. just blow for blow, everybody playing their heart out. the indians never gave up, either, and i can't believe we're finally standing, after 108 years, finally able to hoist the trophy." zobrist batted .357 with a series-high ten hits.
cubs first baseman anthony rizzo said, "it happened. it happened. chicago, it happened. we did it. we're world champions. i tell ya, we're world champions. i can't believe it." cubs owner tom ricketts said, "i think about so many millions of people giving so much love and support to this team for so many years."
the cubs are the first team since the 1985 kansas city royals to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. they also became the first team since the 1979 pittsburgh pirates to earn a title by winning games six and seven on the road. they finished the year with a season-high 103 victories.
cubs manager joe maddon, hired before the 2015 season, led a loose clubhouse which, at times, featured multi-colored suit and ties, simon the magician and warren the pink flamingo. maddon, who managed tampa bay to the world series in 2007, was also beloved among players for his motto: "try not to suck."
no more bartman. not more billy goat. no more black cat curses.
1908 was the last year the cubs won a title, breaking the longest championship drought in team sports history. the game lasted four hours and 24 minutes, not including the 18-minute rain delay which preceded the extra inning thriller.
zobrist said, "it was just an epic battle. just blow for blow, everybody playing their heart out. the indians never gave up, either, and i can't believe we're finally standing, after 108 years, finally able to hoist the trophy." zobrist batted .357 with a series-high ten hits.
cubs first baseman anthony rizzo said, "it happened. it happened. chicago, it happened. we did it. we're world champions. i tell ya, we're world champions. i can't believe it." cubs owner tom ricketts said, "i think about so many millions of people giving so much love and support to this team for so many years."
the cubs are the first team since the 1985 kansas city royals to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. they also became the first team since the 1979 pittsburgh pirates to earn a title by winning games six and seven on the road. they finished the year with a season-high 103 victories.
cubs manager joe maddon, hired before the 2015 season, led a loose clubhouse which, at times, featured multi-colored suit and ties, simon the magician and warren the pink flamingo. maddon, who managed tampa bay to the world series in 2007, was also beloved among players for his motto: "try not to suck."
no more bartman. not more billy goat. no more black cat curses.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Afrocentric facial features, Skin Tone and Incarceration
ryan d. king and brian d. johnson's, "a punishing look: skin tone and afrocentric features in the halls of justice," examines the relationship between afrocentric facial features, incarceration and skin tone. they extend the analysis of these variables to sentence type as well as length.
published in the american journal of sociology, the unique study matched detailed sentencing records from two minnesota counties with over 850 coded bookings of black and white males.
the researchers found afrocentricity, race and skin color were not associated with any significant disparities in lengths of imprisonment. but they influenced whether individuals were sentenced to prison - as opposed to being placed on probation or having their charge adjusted to a misdemeanor. afrocentric appearances also affected white defendants, even after accounting for hispanic surnames.
there is a disproportionate number of people of color who cycle in and out of the criminal justice system. more and more americans can no longer be easily defined by a single racial group. as such, king and johnson note the importance of continuing to further examine facial features and skin tone in the study of unequal punishment.
"if perceived race is becoming amorphous, then skin tone and afrocentric facial features are likely to become even more salient concepts in the future...even subtle differences in the racial appearance of offenders can tilt the scales of justice," researchers wrote.
published in the american journal of sociology, the unique study matched detailed sentencing records from two minnesota counties with over 850 coded bookings of black and white males.
the researchers found afrocentricity, race and skin color were not associated with any significant disparities in lengths of imprisonment. but they influenced whether individuals were sentenced to prison - as opposed to being placed on probation or having their charge adjusted to a misdemeanor. afrocentric appearances also affected white defendants, even after accounting for hispanic surnames.
there is a disproportionate number of people of color who cycle in and out of the criminal justice system. more and more americans can no longer be easily defined by a single racial group. as such, king and johnson note the importance of continuing to further examine facial features and skin tone in the study of unequal punishment.
"if perceived race is becoming amorphous, then skin tone and afrocentric facial features are likely to become even more salient concepts in the future...even subtle differences in the racial appearance of offenders can tilt the scales of justice," researchers wrote.
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
California Governor Brown signs bill to restore voting rights for jailed inmates
despite opposition from law enforcement officials, california governor jerry brown on wednesday signed a bill into law to restore voting rights for about 50,000 people serving felony sentences in county jails. many will vote from their cells.
california's constitution denies the right to vote to anyone in prison or on parole. in 2011, the state's "realignment plan," shifted many correction program responsibilities to local governments, spurring the transfer of many low-level offenders to county-run jails and programs. the intent was to reduce overcrowded state and federal prisons - and save money.
the bill, ab2466, also reaffirms the right for people with felony convictions on probation to vote. some republican lawmakers denounced the bill, saying it will compromise the integrity of elections, and reward people for bad behavior.
assemblywoman shirley weber (d-sd) said, "civic participation can be a critical component of re-entry and has been linked to to reduced recidivism. this bill will send a message to the nation that california will not stand for discrimination in 2016." state senator holly mitchell (d-culver city) co-authored the bill with weber.
the bill came came in response to a successful 2014 lawsuit on behalf of low-level felons. they argued people in county programs should not be classified the same way as other felons. the law goes into effect next year.
california's constitution denies the right to vote to anyone in prison or on parole. in 2011, the state's "realignment plan," shifted many correction program responsibilities to local governments, spurring the transfer of many low-level offenders to county-run jails and programs. the intent was to reduce overcrowded state and federal prisons - and save money.
the bill, ab2466, also reaffirms the right for people with felony convictions on probation to vote. some republican lawmakers denounced the bill, saying it will compromise the integrity of elections, and reward people for bad behavior.
assemblywoman shirley weber (d-sd) said, "civic participation can be a critical component of re-entry and has been linked to to reduced recidivism. this bill will send a message to the nation that california will not stand for discrimination in 2016." state senator holly mitchell (d-culver city) co-authored the bill with weber.
the bill came came in response to a successful 2014 lawsuit on behalf of low-level felons. they argued people in county programs should not be classified the same way as other felons. the law goes into effect next year.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
U.S. Government to pay $492 Million in Lawsuits with 17 Indigenous Tribes
the u.s. government announced on monday a settlement for lawsuits over the mismanagement of natural resources and other assets. the government will pay $492 million to 17 american indian tribes.
the u.s. says there are over 100 lawsuits - totaling $3.3 billion - which have been brought against the federal government by indigenous peoples and tribes; some date back more than a century.
during his 2008 presidential campaign, barack obama promised to institute an indian policy. obama said the (intended) policy "starts with honoring the unique government-to-government relationship, and ensuring treaty responsibilities are met."
"settling these long-standing disputes reflects the obama administration's continued commitment to reconciliation and empowerment for indian country," said u.s. secretary of the interior sally jewel.
as part of treaty agreements going back to the 1800s, the department of interior manages 56 million acres of land on behalf of more than 250 tribes. the department also handles about 100,000 leases on land on the same land for a variety of uses, including farming, housing, gas and oil extraction.
the u.s. government, as trustees of the land, must make sure the tribes receive "just compensation" for the use of their land. melody mccoy, a staff attorney with the native american rights fund, handled 13 of the 17 settlements.
mccoy said, "the u.s. government would say it held the assets in trusts benevolently, for the protection of indian land and money. the flip side of that is that in exchange, the government was supposed to be a good trustee, and it wasn't. land was not managed well. money and resources were not managed well."
allegedly, native americans lost decades of income as a result of governmental neglect. but mccoy noted since obama took office, there have been 95 total settlements with tribes; 11 more are in active negotiation. mccoy feels this is quite an accomplishment.
the u.s. says there are over 100 lawsuits - totaling $3.3 billion - which have been brought against the federal government by indigenous peoples and tribes; some date back more than a century.
during his 2008 presidential campaign, barack obama promised to institute an indian policy. obama said the (intended) policy "starts with honoring the unique government-to-government relationship, and ensuring treaty responsibilities are met."
"settling these long-standing disputes reflects the obama administration's continued commitment to reconciliation and empowerment for indian country," said u.s. secretary of the interior sally jewel.
as part of treaty agreements going back to the 1800s, the department of interior manages 56 million acres of land on behalf of more than 250 tribes. the department also handles about 100,000 leases on land on the same land for a variety of uses, including farming, housing, gas and oil extraction.
the u.s. government, as trustees of the land, must make sure the tribes receive "just compensation" for the use of their land. melody mccoy, a staff attorney with the native american rights fund, handled 13 of the 17 settlements.
mccoy said, "the u.s. government would say it held the assets in trusts benevolently, for the protection of indian land and money. the flip side of that is that in exchange, the government was supposed to be a good trustee, and it wasn't. land was not managed well. money and resources were not managed well."
allegedly, native americans lost decades of income as a result of governmental neglect. but mccoy noted since obama took office, there have been 95 total settlements with tribes; 11 more are in active negotiation. mccoy feels this is quite an accomplishment.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Associated Press (AP) announces 2016 WNBA Awards
the associated press (ap) announced their 2016 women's national basketball association (wnba) awards on tuesday:
ap player of the year - nneka ogwumike, los angeles sparks
rookie of the year - breanna stewart, seattle storm
defensive player of the year - sylvia fowles, minnesota lynx
sixth woman of the year - jantel lavender, los angeles sparks
most improved player of the year - elizabeth williams, atlanta dream
coach of the year - brian agler, los angeles sparks
comeback player of the year - chiney ogwumike, connecticut sun
first team wnba
tina charles, new york liberty
elena della donne, chicago sky
maya moore, minnesota lynx
nneka ogwumike, los angeles sparks
breanna stewart, seattle storm
second team wnba
sue bird, seattle storm
sylvia fowles, minnesota lynx
angel mccoughtry, atlanta dream
candace parker, los angeles sparks
diana taurasi, phoenix mercury
all-rookie team
imani moyette, chicago sky
moriah jefferson, san antonio stars
tiffany mitchell, indiana fever
aerial powers, dallas wings
breanna stewart, seattle storm
ap player of the year - nneka ogwumike, los angeles sparks
rookie of the year - breanna stewart, seattle storm
defensive player of the year - sylvia fowles, minnesota lynx
sixth woman of the year - jantel lavender, los angeles sparks
most improved player of the year - elizabeth williams, atlanta dream
coach of the year - brian agler, los angeles sparks
comeback player of the year - chiney ogwumike, connecticut sun
first team wnba
tina charles, new york liberty
elena della donne, chicago sky
maya moore, minnesota lynx
nneka ogwumike, los angeles sparks
breanna stewart, seattle storm
second team wnba
sue bird, seattle storm
sylvia fowles, minnesota lynx
angel mccoughtry, atlanta dream
candace parker, los angeles sparks
diana taurasi, phoenix mercury
all-rookie team
imani moyette, chicago sky
moriah jefferson, san antonio stars
tiffany mitchell, indiana fever
aerial powers, dallas wings
breanna stewart, seattle storm
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Virginia Supreme Court overturns Executive Order to restore voting rights
the virginia supreme court last month overturned governor terry mcauliffe's executive order to restore voting rights to about 200,000 people in the state who completed their sentences.
in a four-to-three ruling, the court agreed with state republicans: the governor exceeded his authority under the commonwealth's constitution when he restored the rights to all, not individually.
governor mcauliffe released a statement after the ruling saying he'll expeditiously sign the 13,000 individual voting rights orders for those who had their rights restored and registered to vote. the governor also said he'll signing until he has completed restoration for all virginians.
"my faith remains strong in all of our citizens to choose their leaders, and i am prepared to back up that faith with my executive pen. the struggle for civil rights has always been a long and difficult one, but the fight goes on," said the governor.
in a four-to-three ruling, the court agreed with state republicans: the governor exceeded his authority under the commonwealth's constitution when he restored the rights to all, not individually.
governor mcauliffe released a statement after the ruling saying he'll expeditiously sign the 13,000 individual voting rights orders for those who had their rights restored and registered to vote. the governor also said he'll signing until he has completed restoration for all virginians.
"my faith remains strong in all of our citizens to choose their leaders, and i am prepared to back up that faith with my executive pen. the struggle for civil rights has always been a long and difficult one, but the fight goes on," said the governor.
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
Obama Commutes Sentences of more than 200 Federal Inmates
president barack obama commuted the sentences of 214 federal inmates on wednesday, the largest single-day grant of commutations in american history. obama has used his clemency power to shorten the sentences of more federal inmates than any president since calvin coolidge.
most of the 214 individuals were convicted of low-level drug offenses. but the longest was given to richard l. reser of sedgwick, kansas. reser has a 40-year sentence for dealing methamphetamine and firearm possession. he'll be released december 1.
the commander-in-chief has publicly denounced the mandatory minimum sentences of previous administrations, and this latest initiative further demonstrates his efforts to humanize our criminal justice system.
"the more we understand the human stories behind this problem, the sooner we can start making real changes that keep our streets safe, break the cycle of incarceration in this country, and save taxpayers like you money," obama said in a facebook post.
the clemency process is, historically, a laborious undertaking. each applicant is reviewed by at least three levels of lawyers at the justice department - and the white house - before their case goes to the president.
white counsel neil eggleston said, "the individual nature of the clemency process underscores both its incredible power to change a person's life, but also its inherent shortcoming as a tool for broader sentencing reform. while we continue to work on as many clemency applications as possible, only legislation can bring about lasting change to the federal system."
most of the 214 individuals were convicted of low-level drug offenses. but the longest was given to richard l. reser of sedgwick, kansas. reser has a 40-year sentence for dealing methamphetamine and firearm possession. he'll be released december 1.
the commander-in-chief has publicly denounced the mandatory minimum sentences of previous administrations, and this latest initiative further demonstrates his efforts to humanize our criminal justice system.
"the more we understand the human stories behind this problem, the sooner we can start making real changes that keep our streets safe, break the cycle of incarceration in this country, and save taxpayers like you money," obama said in a facebook post.
the clemency process is, historically, a laborious undertaking. each applicant is reviewed by at least three levels of lawyers at the justice department - and the white house - before their case goes to the president.
white counsel neil eggleston said, "the individual nature of the clemency process underscores both its incredible power to change a person's life, but also its inherent shortcoming as a tool for broader sentencing reform. while we continue to work on as many clemency applications as possible, only legislation can bring about lasting change to the federal system."
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Ohio Judge sentences lawyer five days in jail for wearing Black Lives Matter pin in court
attorney andrea burton was ordered by municipal court judge robert milich on friday to remove the black lives matter pin she wore in the courtroom while representing a client at a pre-trial hearing in youngstown, ohio. burton was handcuffed by bailiffs when she refused to comply.
milich recessed the court and asked burton to join him in his chambers. when they stepped back out, he called the case she was working on and asked her to remove the pin. burton was sentenced to five days in jail, and has been released on a stay while an appeal is underway.
"there's a difference between a flag, a pin from your church or the eagles and have a pin that's on a political issue," milich told wkbn. burton argued her first amendment rights overrule the supreme case law - and milich's discretion - and refused his instructions: she didn't want to remain "neutral to injustice, to remain neutral becomes an accomplice to oppression."
burton said, "it's an act of civil disobedience, i understand that. i'm not anti-police, i work with law enforcement and i hold them in the highest regard, and just to say for the record, i do believe all lives matter. but at this point they don't all matter equally, and that's the problem in the justice system."
the local naacp chapter told wfmj they are monitoring burton's case. they also said the attorney's civil rights may have been violated. burton's sentence will be taken to an appeals court.
the judge is white. the lawyer is black.
milich recessed the court and asked burton to join him in his chambers. when they stepped back out, he called the case she was working on and asked her to remove the pin. burton was sentenced to five days in jail, and has been released on a stay while an appeal is underway.
"there's a difference between a flag, a pin from your church or the eagles and have a pin that's on a political issue," milich told wkbn. burton argued her first amendment rights overrule the supreme case law - and milich's discretion - and refused his instructions: she didn't want to remain "neutral to injustice, to remain neutral becomes an accomplice to oppression."
burton said, "it's an act of civil disobedience, i understand that. i'm not anti-police, i work with law enforcement and i hold them in the highest regard, and just to say for the record, i do believe all lives matter. but at this point they don't all matter equally, and that's the problem in the justice system."
the local naacp chapter told wfmj they are monitoring burton's case. they also said the attorney's civil rights may have been violated. burton's sentence will be taken to an appeals court.
the judge is white. the lawyer is black.
Friday, July 22, 2016
WNBA fines three teams and their players for violating the league's uniform guidelines
the women's national basketball association (wnba) on thursday fined the indiana fever, new york liberty and phoenix mercury and their players. the league penalized them for wearing black warm up shirts in response to recent shootings by and against police officers.
all three teams were fined $5,000 and each player was fined $500 because the shirts violated the league's uniform policy. although the shirts were made by adidas - the league's official brand - wnba rules state uniforms may not be altered in any way.
wnba president lisa borders on wednesday said, "we are proud of wnba players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines."
indiana fever player rep briann january said, "what's most upsetting is the way it was handled. you have a league that is 90 - if not above 90% african-american - and you have an issue that is directly affecting them and the people they know and you have a league that isn't willing to side with them. it's not a race issue, not an anti-police issue, not a black or white issue. it's a right or wrong issue."
mistie bass of the phoenix mercury tweeted, "don't say we have a voice and then fine us because we use it." tamika catchings, fever all-star and president of the players association, said, "instead of the league taking a stance with us, where they tell us they appreciate our expressing our concerns like they did for orlando, we're fighting against each other."
the league quickly gave every team shirts in support of the orlando tragedy in june, which the players wore. liberty guard tanisha wright said, "we were ok with that, we wanted to support that, but also they can't pick and choose what initiatives to support and what not to support just because it doesn't push their agenda. this is important to us."
new york all-star tina charles said, "after seeing the african-american male shot three times after helping an autistic person out this morning in florida, i knew i couldn't be silent. knowing the player i am representing this organization, if anybody was going to wear it, it had to be me. i have no problem wearing this shirt inside out for the rest of the season until we are able to have the wnba support us."
the player's union is preparing to file a grievance over the players' fines. in the spirit of unity, the liberty and fever chose only to speak after the game about social awareness, politely declining any questions about thursday's contest. the league undergoes a month long olympic hiatus beginning monday, but january said players will continue to actively engage in discussions about these issues.
all three teams were fined $5,000 and each player was fined $500 because the shirts violated the league's uniform policy. although the shirts were made by adidas - the league's official brand - wnba rules state uniforms may not be altered in any way.
wnba president lisa borders on wednesday said, "we are proud of wnba players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines."
indiana fever player rep briann january said, "what's most upsetting is the way it was handled. you have a league that is 90 - if not above 90% african-american - and you have an issue that is directly affecting them and the people they know and you have a league that isn't willing to side with them. it's not a race issue, not an anti-police issue, not a black or white issue. it's a right or wrong issue."
mistie bass of the phoenix mercury tweeted, "don't say we have a voice and then fine us because we use it." tamika catchings, fever all-star and president of the players association, said, "instead of the league taking a stance with us, where they tell us they appreciate our expressing our concerns like they did for orlando, we're fighting against each other."
the league quickly gave every team shirts in support of the orlando tragedy in june, which the players wore. liberty guard tanisha wright said, "we were ok with that, we wanted to support that, but also they can't pick and choose what initiatives to support and what not to support just because it doesn't push their agenda. this is important to us."
new york all-star tina charles said, "after seeing the african-american male shot three times after helping an autistic person out this morning in florida, i knew i couldn't be silent. knowing the player i am representing this organization, if anybody was going to wear it, it had to be me. i have no problem wearing this shirt inside out for the rest of the season until we are able to have the wnba support us."
the player's union is preparing to file a grievance over the players' fines. in the spirit of unity, the liberty and fever chose only to speak after the game about social awareness, politely declining any questions about thursday's contest. the league undergoes a month long olympic hiatus beginning monday, but january said players will continue to actively engage in discussions about these issues.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Medical Marijuana Advocate Retires from the NFL
former baltimore ravens offensive tackle eugene monroe announced his retirement from the national football league (nfl) on thursday. monroe affirmed his long term health concerns as the primary factor in ending his sports livelihood.
monroe is an outspoken advocate for medical marijuana. he was released by the ravens in june, and believes his public efforts to have medical marijuana removed from the nfl's banned substances list fueled their decision. ravens coach jim harbaugh has denied these assertions.
in a candid essay for the players' tribune written last week, monroe shared his profound concerns about concussions - and the imminent threat of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (cte), a degenerative brain disease linked to athletes who suffered repetitive trauma.
monroe said, "the last 18 years have been full of traumatic injuries both to my head and my body. i'm not complaining, just stating a fact. has the damage to my brain been already done? do i have cte? i hope i don't, but over 90% of the brains of former nfl players that have been examined showed signs of the disease. i am terrified."
monroe suffered a concussion in the ravens' season opener in 2015, and missed the next three games. he later underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and played just six games. in april, the ravens drafted notre dame's outstanding left tackle ronnie stanley, with the number six pick.
monroe is an outspoken advocate for medical marijuana. he was released by the ravens in june, and believes his public efforts to have medical marijuana removed from the nfl's banned substances list fueled their decision. ravens coach jim harbaugh has denied these assertions.
in a candid essay for the players' tribune written last week, monroe shared his profound concerns about concussions - and the imminent threat of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (cte), a degenerative brain disease linked to athletes who suffered repetitive trauma.
monroe said, "the last 18 years have been full of traumatic injuries both to my head and my body. i'm not complaining, just stating a fact. has the damage to my brain been already done? do i have cte? i hope i don't, but over 90% of the brains of former nfl players that have been examined showed signs of the disease. i am terrified."
monroe suffered a concussion in the ravens' season opener in 2015, and missed the next three games. he later underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and played just six games. in april, the ravens drafted notre dame's outstanding left tackle ronnie stanley, with the number six pick.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Thousands of Department of Justice Agents and U.S. Attorneys to receive implicit bias training
the department of justice announced 23,000 federal agents from agencies including the dea, fbi and u.s. marshals service will participate in implicit bias training over the next year. 5,800 u.s. attorneys will also be trained.
the goal of the training is to prevent employees' unconscious biases on characteristics including gender, race and sexual orientation from impacting their decisions. the department of homeland security employs 60,000 border patrol agents and officers; they are not required to be trained.
deputy attorney general sally q. yates described the training as "an important step in our ongoing efforts to promote fairness, eliminate bias and build the stronger, safer, more just society that all americans deserve."
the plan has attracted praise and criticism. law professor destiny peery cautioned, "in some ways, the discussion of implicit bias has come to the exclusion of discussion about systemic or institutional biases."
the goal of the training is to prevent employees' unconscious biases on characteristics including gender, race and sexual orientation from impacting their decisions. the department of homeland security employs 60,000 border patrol agents and officers; they are not required to be trained.
deputy attorney general sally q. yates described the training as "an important step in our ongoing efforts to promote fairness, eliminate bias and build the stronger, safer, more just society that all americans deserve."
the plan has attracted praise and criticism. law professor destiny peery cautioned, "in some ways, the discussion of implicit bias has come to the exclusion of discussion about systemic or institutional biases."
Monday, July 11, 2016
Serena Williams and Andy Murray Win 2016 Wimbledon Singles Titles
world #1 serena williams defeated world #4 angelique kerber 7-5, 6-3 on saturday to win the 2016 wimbledon singles championship. williams now has 22 major singles titles, tying steffi graf of germany for the second most in the open era. margaret court of australia holds the record with 24.
williams, 34, won her second consecutive all-england trophy - and seventh overall. hall of famer martina navratilova set a record with nine wimbledon singles titles. williams' 22 major singles wins include six australian open, six u.s. open and three french open titles.
"definitely had some sleepless nights, if i'm honest, with a lot of stuff. my goal is to win always at least a slam a year. it was getting down to the pressure. it's been incredibly difficult not to think about it. i had a couple of tries this year. but it makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard i worked for it," said williams afterwards.
williams avenged her australian open final loss to kerber earlier this year. the fourth seed and uber-competitive german lefty played solid tennis in the final, but williams' serve was unstoppable. she hit 13 aces, won 38 of 43 first serve points, and faced just one break point the whole match: at three-all in the second set, williams hit back-to-back aces of 117 and 124 mph to solidify the game.
despite her stunning loss at the french open this year to world #2 garbine muguruza of spain, williams has reached a major final in seven of the last eight tournaments. kerber said later, "i was trying everything, but she deserved it today. she really played an unbelievable match. i think we both played on a high level."
world # 2 andy murray of great britain defeated milos raonic 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 on sunday to win the 2016 wimbledon singles championship. murray captured his third career title, and has been in the finals of the last three majors. he lost the australian and french open this year to world #1 novak djokovic - whose third round loss to american sam querrey shocked the world and opened up the draw.
murray, 29, has played in 11 career major singles finals, but this was his first against someone other than world #3 roger federer, or djokovic. as such, he was heavily favored to win against the sixth seeded raonic of canada. in 2013, murray famously ended britain's 77-year drought with no major male singles champion. the quest ultimately proved burdensome.
"it is different. i feel happier this time. i feel more content this time. i feel like this was sort of more for myself more than anything, and my team as well. last time, it was just pure relief, and i didn't really enjoy the moment as much, whereas i'm going to make sure i enjoy this one," said murray.
judy murray, andy's mother and former british fed cup captain, referred to the old phenomenon of fred perry's all-england club victory in 1936. she called it, "the constant, 'when are you going to wimbledon? when are you going to wimbledon? when are you going to wimbledon?"
ivan lendl coached murray when he captured his first two major singles trophies, including at the 2012 u.s. open. despite their quick success, they split up, before reuniting last month. as he sat on the sideline wiping away tears, murray would conclude, "to do it twice here...an event where there is a lot of pressure on me to perform well, i'm very proud with how i've handled that over the years."
williams, 34, won her second consecutive all-england trophy - and seventh overall. hall of famer martina navratilova set a record with nine wimbledon singles titles. williams' 22 major singles wins include six australian open, six u.s. open and three french open titles.
"definitely had some sleepless nights, if i'm honest, with a lot of stuff. my goal is to win always at least a slam a year. it was getting down to the pressure. it's been incredibly difficult not to think about it. i had a couple of tries this year. but it makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard i worked for it," said williams afterwards.
williams avenged her australian open final loss to kerber earlier this year. the fourth seed and uber-competitive german lefty played solid tennis in the final, but williams' serve was unstoppable. she hit 13 aces, won 38 of 43 first serve points, and faced just one break point the whole match: at three-all in the second set, williams hit back-to-back aces of 117 and 124 mph to solidify the game.
despite her stunning loss at the french open this year to world #2 garbine muguruza of spain, williams has reached a major final in seven of the last eight tournaments. kerber said later, "i was trying everything, but she deserved it today. she really played an unbelievable match. i think we both played on a high level."
world # 2 andy murray of great britain defeated milos raonic 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 on sunday to win the 2016 wimbledon singles championship. murray captured his third career title, and has been in the finals of the last three majors. he lost the australian and french open this year to world #1 novak djokovic - whose third round loss to american sam querrey shocked the world and opened up the draw.
murray, 29, has played in 11 career major singles finals, but this was his first against someone other than world #3 roger federer, or djokovic. as such, he was heavily favored to win against the sixth seeded raonic of canada. in 2013, murray famously ended britain's 77-year drought with no major male singles champion. the quest ultimately proved burdensome.
"it is different. i feel happier this time. i feel more content this time. i feel like this was sort of more for myself more than anything, and my team as well. last time, it was just pure relief, and i didn't really enjoy the moment as much, whereas i'm going to make sure i enjoy this one," said murray.
judy murray, andy's mother and former british fed cup captain, referred to the old phenomenon of fred perry's all-england club victory in 1936. she called it, "the constant, 'when are you going to wimbledon? when are you going to wimbledon? when are you going to wimbledon?"
ivan lendl coached murray when he captured his first two major singles trophies, including at the 2012 u.s. open. despite their quick success, they split up, before reuniting last month. as he sat on the sideline wiping away tears, murray would conclude, "to do it twice here...an event where there is a lot of pressure on me to perform well, i'm very proud with how i've handled that over the years."
Wednesday, July 06, 2016
2016 AL & NL All-Star Teams
listed below are the 2016 major league baseball american league and national league all-star teams, and their reserves:
the chicago cubs are the first team since the st. louis cardinals in 1936 to have their entire infield voted into the all-star starting lineup...
american league
c - salvador perez, kansas city royals
1b - eric hosmer, kansas city royals
2b - jose altuve, houston astros
3b - manny machado, baltimore orioles
ss - xander bogaerts, boston red sox
of - mike trout, los angeles angels
of - jackie bradley, jr., boston red sox
of - mookie betts, boston red sox
dh - david ortiz, boston red sox
reserves:
c - matt wieters, baltimore orioles
c - stephen vogt, oakland athletics
1b - miguel cabrera, detroit tigers
2b - robinson cano, seattle mariners
3b - josh donaldson, toronto blue jays
ss - francisco lindor, cleveland indians
ss - eduardo nunez, minnesota twins
of - carlos beltran, new york yankees
of - ian desmond, texas rangers
of - mark trumbo, baltimore orioles
dh - edwin encarnacion, toronto blue jays
sp - marco estrada, toronto blue jays
sp - cole hamels, texas rangers
sp - danny salazar, cleveland indians
sp - chris sale, chicago white sox
sp - steven wright, boston red sox
rp - dellin betances, new york yankees
rp - brad brach, baltimore orioles
rp - zach britton, baltimore orioles
rp - alex colome, tampa bay rays
rp - wade davis, kansas city royals*
rp - will harris, houston astros
rp - kelvin herrera, kansas city royals
rp - craig kimbrel, boston red sox
rp - andrew miller, new york yankees
national league
c - buster posey, san francisco giants
1b - anthony rizzo, chicago cubs
2b - ben zobrist, chicago cubs
3b - kris bryant, chicago cubs
ss - addison russell, chicago cubs
of - dexter fowler - chicago cubs
of - bryce harper, washington nationals
of - yoenis cespedes, new york mets
reserves:
c - johnathan lucroy, milwaukee brewers
c - wilson ramos, washington nationals
1b - paul goldschmidt, arizona diamondbacks
1b - will myers, san diego padres
2b - daniel murphy, washington nationals
ss - corey seager, los angeles dodgers
3b - nolan arenado, colorado rockies
3b - matt carpenter, st. louis cardinals
of - adam duvall, cincinnati reds
of - carlos gonzalez, colorado rockies
of - odubel herrera, philadelphia phillies
of - marcell ozuna, miami marlins
sp - jake arrieta, chicago cubs
sp - madison bumgarner, san francisco giants
sp - johnny cueto, san francisco giants
sp - jose fernandez, miami marlins
sp - clayton kershaw, los angeles dodgers*
sp - jon lester, chicago cubs
sp - stephen strasburg, washington nationals
sp - noah syndergaard, new york mets
sp- julio teheran, atlants braves
rp - jeurys familia, new york mets
rp - kenley jansen, los angeles dodgers
rp - mark melancon, pittsburgh pirates
rp - a.j. ramos, miami marlins
rp - fernando rodney, miami marlins
* davis and kershaw are injured and will not pitch.
the chicago cubs are the first team since the st. louis cardinals in 1936 to have their entire infield voted into the all-star starting lineup...
american league
c - salvador perez, kansas city royals
1b - eric hosmer, kansas city royals
2b - jose altuve, houston astros
3b - manny machado, baltimore orioles
ss - xander bogaerts, boston red sox
of - mike trout, los angeles angels
of - jackie bradley, jr., boston red sox
of - mookie betts, boston red sox
dh - david ortiz, boston red sox
reserves:
c - matt wieters, baltimore orioles
c - stephen vogt, oakland athletics
1b - miguel cabrera, detroit tigers
2b - robinson cano, seattle mariners
3b - josh donaldson, toronto blue jays
ss - francisco lindor, cleveland indians
ss - eduardo nunez, minnesota twins
of - carlos beltran, new york yankees
of - ian desmond, texas rangers
of - mark trumbo, baltimore orioles
dh - edwin encarnacion, toronto blue jays
sp - marco estrada, toronto blue jays
sp - cole hamels, texas rangers
sp - danny salazar, cleveland indians
sp - chris sale, chicago white sox
sp - steven wright, boston red sox
rp - dellin betances, new york yankees
rp - brad brach, baltimore orioles
rp - zach britton, baltimore orioles
rp - alex colome, tampa bay rays
rp - wade davis, kansas city royals*
rp - will harris, houston astros
rp - kelvin herrera, kansas city royals
rp - craig kimbrel, boston red sox
rp - andrew miller, new york yankees
national league
c - buster posey, san francisco giants
1b - anthony rizzo, chicago cubs
2b - ben zobrist, chicago cubs
3b - kris bryant, chicago cubs
ss - addison russell, chicago cubs
of - dexter fowler - chicago cubs
of - bryce harper, washington nationals
of - yoenis cespedes, new york mets
reserves:
c - johnathan lucroy, milwaukee brewers
c - wilson ramos, washington nationals
1b - paul goldschmidt, arizona diamondbacks
1b - will myers, san diego padres
2b - daniel murphy, washington nationals
ss - corey seager, los angeles dodgers
3b - nolan arenado, colorado rockies
3b - matt carpenter, st. louis cardinals
of - adam duvall, cincinnati reds
of - carlos gonzalez, colorado rockies
of - odubel herrera, philadelphia phillies
of - marcell ozuna, miami marlins
sp - jake arrieta, chicago cubs
sp - madison bumgarner, san francisco giants
sp - johnny cueto, san francisco giants
sp - jose fernandez, miami marlins
sp - clayton kershaw, los angeles dodgers*
sp - jon lester, chicago cubs
sp - stephen strasburg, washington nationals
sp - noah syndergaard, new york mets
sp- julio teheran, atlants braves
rp - jeurys familia, new york mets
rp - kenley jansen, los angeles dodgers
rp - mark melancon, pittsburgh pirates
rp - a.j. ramos, miami marlins
rp - fernando rodney, miami marlins
* davis and kershaw are injured and will not pitch.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Rent Freeze in New York City
on sunday june 27, the new york city rent guidelines board voted for a zero percent increase on one-year lease renewals for rent-stabilized apartments. the board also approved an increase of two percent on two-year leases, providing more stability for long time renters.
these changes will go into effect for all rent-stabilized leases signed after october 1. last year's rent freeze was the first in 50 years. this year's rent freeze offers security for hundreds of thousands of working families.
the rent guidelines board bases its decisions on months of research into the costs and pressures facing owners and tenants alike. they also consider the voices of new yorkers who engage in the rent guidelines board's public process.
there are 1.6 million new yorkers who currently live in a rent stabilized apartment. each of their leases are coming up for renewal between october 1, 2016 and september 30, 2017. this rent freeze affects them all.
these changes will go into effect for all rent-stabilized leases signed after october 1. last year's rent freeze was the first in 50 years. this year's rent freeze offers security for hundreds of thousands of working families.
the rent guidelines board bases its decisions on months of research into the costs and pressures facing owners and tenants alike. they also consider the voices of new yorkers who engage in the rent guidelines board's public process.
there are 1.6 million new yorkers who currently live in a rent stabilized apartment. each of their leases are coming up for renewal between october 1, 2016 and september 30, 2017. this rent freeze affects them all.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Cavs make history, and beat Warriors for 2016 NBA Title, first in franchise history
the cleveland cavaliers beat the golden state warriors on sunday 93-89, in game seven on the road to win the 2016 nba championship. this is the cavs' first nba title in franchise history. they are the first team in nba history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit; the previous 32 teams down 3-1 all lost.
lebron james was named finals mvp for the third time in his stellar 13-year career. james played 47 minutes and finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks. james became the first nba player in finals history to lead both teams in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
"i don't know why the man above gave me the hardest road, but...the man above don't put you in situations that you can't handle...i just kept that same positive attitude. instead of saying, why me? i said, this what he wants me to do. and cleveland, this is for you," said james afterwards.
the cavs' improbable and miraculous championship ended a 52-year major title drought for the city. for over five decades, cleveland has collectively suffered 1) the fumble (browns); 2) the drive (browns); 3) the shot (cavaliers); 4) the single (indians); and 5) the decision (james).
in 1964, the cleveland browns defeated the baltimore colts to win the super bowl. and, they were the last major professional sports team in cleveland to win a title. the browns were led by hall-of-fame running back jim brown, who sent james a congratulatory tweet after the cavs' incredible win.
james was deemed the golden child after being drafted straight out of high school by the cavs in 2003 for their #1 pick. kyrie irving was also drafted #1 by the cavs in 2011 despite injuries limiting his freshman year at duke to 11 games. irving had 26 points and six assists in game seven - and outplayed unanimous regular season mvp stephen curry the entire series.
with just 53 seconds left in the fourth quarter of an 89-89 game, irving's three-pointer over curry's outstretched hands silenced a raucous crowd. james blocked andre iguodala's breakaway layup with about 90 seconds left to break the spirit of a team who set a regular season record with 73 wins. golden state opened the season 24-0, but finished the season 0-3.
early last year, cleveland' forward james jones developed an idea to unify their postseason run. the cavs would create a puzzle with 16 pieces - one for each win needed to win a title. when put together, it would form the larry o'brien championship trophy. jones said, "we needed something to bring us together. we assembled this team. so we had to assemble the puzzle."
the final piece of the puzzle was in the shape of the state of ohio. it was placed by rookie coach tyronn lue as the cavs poured champagne over each other in the visitors locker room at oracle arena in oakland, california. lue, their assistant head coach, became head coach after david blatt was unceremoniously fired halfway through the season, despite the cavs leading the eastern conference.
throughout the seven-game series, tristan thompson, richard jefferson and j.r. smith each played integral roles in the cavs' unlikely success. their collective defense, rebounding and scoring complimented the outstanding play of james and irving. also, the injured, maligned and under-achieving kevin love finished with a game-high 14 rebounds, four offensively.
lebron james was named finals mvp for the third time in his stellar 13-year career. james played 47 minutes and finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks. james became the first nba player in finals history to lead both teams in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
"i don't know why the man above gave me the hardest road, but...the man above don't put you in situations that you can't handle...i just kept that same positive attitude. instead of saying, why me? i said, this what he wants me to do. and cleveland, this is for you," said james afterwards.
the cavs' improbable and miraculous championship ended a 52-year major title drought for the city. for over five decades, cleveland has collectively suffered 1) the fumble (browns); 2) the drive (browns); 3) the shot (cavaliers); 4) the single (indians); and 5) the decision (james).
in 1964, the cleveland browns defeated the baltimore colts to win the super bowl. and, they were the last major professional sports team in cleveland to win a title. the browns were led by hall-of-fame running back jim brown, who sent james a congratulatory tweet after the cavs' incredible win.
james was deemed the golden child after being drafted straight out of high school by the cavs in 2003 for their #1 pick. kyrie irving was also drafted #1 by the cavs in 2011 despite injuries limiting his freshman year at duke to 11 games. irving had 26 points and six assists in game seven - and outplayed unanimous regular season mvp stephen curry the entire series.
with just 53 seconds left in the fourth quarter of an 89-89 game, irving's three-pointer over curry's outstretched hands silenced a raucous crowd. james blocked andre iguodala's breakaway layup with about 90 seconds left to break the spirit of a team who set a regular season record with 73 wins. golden state opened the season 24-0, but finished the season 0-3.
early last year, cleveland' forward james jones developed an idea to unify their postseason run. the cavs would create a puzzle with 16 pieces - one for each win needed to win a title. when put together, it would form the larry o'brien championship trophy. jones said, "we needed something to bring us together. we assembled this team. so we had to assemble the puzzle."
the final piece of the puzzle was in the shape of the state of ohio. it was placed by rookie coach tyronn lue as the cavs poured champagne over each other in the visitors locker room at oracle arena in oakland, california. lue, their assistant head coach, became head coach after david blatt was unceremoniously fired halfway through the season, despite the cavs leading the eastern conference.
throughout the seven-game series, tristan thompson, richard jefferson and j.r. smith each played integral roles in the cavs' unlikely success. their collective defense, rebounding and scoring complimented the outstanding play of james and irving. also, the injured, maligned and under-achieving kevin love finished with a game-high 14 rebounds, four offensively.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Washington, D.C. Board of Elections assists voters in jail
various staff from the washington, d.c. board of elections went to the d.c. jail and to the correctional treatment facility. their efforts helped allow eligible individuals cast absentee ballots during the june 14 primary there.
washington, d.c. is one of only a handful of jurisdictions to facilitate voting in jail. the program was started in 2004 primarily due to the efforts of charles sullivan of citizens united for rehabilitation of errants (cure), who advocated for onsite absentee voting programs.
the board of elections also distributes voter guides with information on the candidates prior to voting day. "the vast majority of the 700,000 people in local jails are eligible to vote since they are either awaiting trial or serving time on a misdemeanor conviction, but not a felony," said marc mauer, executive director of the sentencing project.
mauer also said, "but there are only a handful of jails in the country where there's any ongoing effort to make the voting process accessible to this group of people, so the district of columbia is a leader in this regard."
the sentencing project works for a fair and effective u.s. justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing policy, addressing unjust racial disparities and practices, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration.
washington, d.c. is one of only a handful of jurisdictions to facilitate voting in jail. the program was started in 2004 primarily due to the efforts of charles sullivan of citizens united for rehabilitation of errants (cure), who advocated for onsite absentee voting programs.
the board of elections also distributes voter guides with information on the candidates prior to voting day. "the vast majority of the 700,000 people in local jails are eligible to vote since they are either awaiting trial or serving time on a misdemeanor conviction, but not a felony," said marc mauer, executive director of the sentencing project.
mauer also said, "but there are only a handful of jails in the country where there's any ongoing effort to make the voting process accessible to this group of people, so the district of columbia is a leader in this regard."
the sentencing project works for a fair and effective u.s. justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing policy, addressing unjust racial disparities and practices, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Former Corrections Officer convicted of various assault charges on Rikers Island
a former new york corrections captain was convicted on friday of beating an inmate and attempting to cover up the incident at rikers island jail. two subordinate officers were convicted of lesser charges tied to the crime.
the 12-week trial was the latest in a string of prosecutions targeting rikers employees over the last four years. officials seek to end corruption and violence which continues to plague new york city's main jail complex.
department of corrections captain gerald vaughn was convicted at the bronx supreme court of first-degree attempted gang assault, second-degree assault and other charges in the beating of inmate jahmal lightfoot in 2012. vaughn faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence on the top count.
corrections officers harmon frierson and dwayne maynard were convicted of official misconduct, a misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail. vaughn, frierson and maynard are scheduled to be sentenced on september 6.
"these convictions close a chapter in rikers island's sad, brutal history...they send a clear message that a uniform and a badge do not absolve anyone from committing a crime, and that even an inmate deserves to be treated like a human being," said district attorney darcel clark.
prosecutors accused ten guards in the vicious assault. lightfoot was left by these officers to endure a broken nose and fractured eye sockets. five other correction officials were convicted on tuesday in the brutal incident.
rikers island is one of the country's largest jail complexes, housing about 10,000 people. nyc mayor bill de blasio's administration has instituted a comprehensive plan to reduce violence there - by inmates and officials - including better training, more cameras and updated use-of-force policies.
the 12-week trial was the latest in a string of prosecutions targeting rikers employees over the last four years. officials seek to end corruption and violence which continues to plague new york city's main jail complex.
department of corrections captain gerald vaughn was convicted at the bronx supreme court of first-degree attempted gang assault, second-degree assault and other charges in the beating of inmate jahmal lightfoot in 2012. vaughn faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence on the top count.
corrections officers harmon frierson and dwayne maynard were convicted of official misconduct, a misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail. vaughn, frierson and maynard are scheduled to be sentenced on september 6.
"these convictions close a chapter in rikers island's sad, brutal history...they send a clear message that a uniform and a badge do not absolve anyone from committing a crime, and that even an inmate deserves to be treated like a human being," said district attorney darcel clark.
prosecutors accused ten guards in the vicious assault. lightfoot was left by these officers to endure a broken nose and fractured eye sockets. five other correction officials were convicted on tuesday in the brutal incident.
rikers island is one of the country's largest jail complexes, housing about 10,000 people. nyc mayor bill de blasio's administration has instituted a comprehensive plan to reduce violence there - by inmates and officials - including better training, more cameras and updated use-of-force policies.
Monday, June 06, 2016
Garbine Muguruza and Novak Djokovic win 2016 French Open Singles Titles
garbine muguruza of spain defeated serena williams of the u.s. 7-5, 6-4 on saturday to capture the french open singles championship. muguruza, 22, won her first major singles title and will become the #2 player on tour when the new rankings come out monday.
the fourth-seeded muguruza used her powerful groundstrokes to keep williams off balance for most of the highly-competitive match. muguruza broke williams' serve four times - including three in a row. this was her second major final; she lost to williams last year at wimbledon.
muguruza overcame early jitters, serving nine double faults. but she was aggressive from the baseline and had just 21 unforced errors. afterwards, muguruza said, "i can't explain with words what this day means to me. i have grown up playing on clay, so for spain, and for me, this is amazing."
williams, the #1 player and defending champion, was seeking her 22nd major singles title, remarkably, at age 34. steffi graf of germany holds the open era record with 22. margaret court of australia has the all-time record of 24. williams said, "she has a bright future, obviously...she knows how to play on the big stage...and i think she played the big points really well."
novak djokovic of serbia defeated andy murray of great britain 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on sunday to capture the french open singles championship. world #1 djokovic has won 28 major singles matches in a row, beginning with his victory last year at wimbledon.
djokovic, 29, now has 12 major singles titles. only roger federer (17), rafael nadal (14) and pete sampras (14) have more. this was his first victory (in four finals) at paris. he joins don budge and rod laver as the only men to hold the australian, french, wimbldeon and u.s. open simultaneously.
after the match, djokovic said, "it's really a very special moment...perhaps the greatest moment of my career. i felt today something that i never felt before at roland garros. i felt the love of the crowd, i drew the heart on the court, like guga (gustavo kuerten), which he gave me permission to do. my heart will always be with you on this court."
murray, now 2-8 in major singles finals, said, "it's so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match, but i'm proud to have been part of today. it's going to take a long time for it to happen again." murray was trying to become england's first male champion in paris since 1935.
the fourth-seeded muguruza used her powerful groundstrokes to keep williams off balance for most of the highly-competitive match. muguruza broke williams' serve four times - including three in a row. this was her second major final; she lost to williams last year at wimbledon.
muguruza overcame early jitters, serving nine double faults. but she was aggressive from the baseline and had just 21 unforced errors. afterwards, muguruza said, "i can't explain with words what this day means to me. i have grown up playing on clay, so for spain, and for me, this is amazing."
williams, the #1 player and defending champion, was seeking her 22nd major singles title, remarkably, at age 34. steffi graf of germany holds the open era record with 22. margaret court of australia has the all-time record of 24. williams said, "she has a bright future, obviously...she knows how to play on the big stage...and i think she played the big points really well."
novak djokovic of serbia defeated andy murray of great britain 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on sunday to capture the french open singles championship. world #1 djokovic has won 28 major singles matches in a row, beginning with his victory last year at wimbledon.
djokovic, 29, now has 12 major singles titles. only roger federer (17), rafael nadal (14) and pete sampras (14) have more. this was his first victory (in four finals) at paris. he joins don budge and rod laver as the only men to hold the australian, french, wimbldeon and u.s. open simultaneously.
after the match, djokovic said, "it's really a very special moment...perhaps the greatest moment of my career. i felt today something that i never felt before at roland garros. i felt the love of the crowd, i drew the heart on the court, like guga (gustavo kuerten), which he gave me permission to do. my heart will always be with you on this court."
murray, now 2-8 in major singles finals, said, "it's so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match, but i'm proud to have been part of today. it's going to take a long time for it to happen again." murray was trying to become england's first male champion in paris since 1935.
Thursday, June 02, 2016
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation reaches settlement with Chinese laborers from WWII
mitsubishi materials corp., one of dozens of japanese companies to use chinese forced laborers during world war two, reached a settlement on wednesday covering thousands of people. the landmark agreement includes compensation, and an apology.
the historic deal was signed in beijing, tokyo with three former workers representing over 3,000 oppressed laborers. nearly 40,000 chinese were brought to japan in the early 1940's to make up for a domestic labor shortage. many were treated harshly by the japanese and died of malnutrition and violence.
under the settlement, mitsubishi materials will pay100,000 yuan ($15,000) to each of the workers and their families. laborers were forced to work at 10 coal mines operated by mitsubishi mining corporation, as it was formerly known. the corporation said it would try and locate all workers. payments would total 370 million yuan ($56 million) if everyone came forward.
one of the workers, yan yucheng, 87, said, "world war two ended 70 years ago. our forced labor case today has finally come to a resolution. we have won this case. this is a big victory that merits celebration."
"the company did it not for reconciliation, but to try to relieve the pressure on the japanese government," said kang jian, a lawyer representing 60 former workers who filed a case against mitsubishi materials in a chinese court. last year, the corporation apologized for its harsh treatment of u.s. prisoners of war, also used as forced laborers.
chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman hua chunying remarked beijing would pay close attention to how japan deals with such matters. chunying said, "china urges japan to adopt a responsible attitude and properly handle the relevant issue of history."
in a statement at the signing ceremony, the corporation "expressed its sincere apologies regarding its historical responsibility to the former laborers and the apologies were accepted by the three former laborers...we promise to continue to seek a comprehensive and permanent solution with all of its former laborers and their families."
mitsubishi materials also said it would construct memorials at the sites where the company's mines were located, and organize memorial ceremonies. several groups - representing workers and their families - sued the corporation two years ago. but one of the groups, representing 37 plaintiffs, rejected the settlement.
the historic deal was signed in beijing, tokyo with three former workers representing over 3,000 oppressed laborers. nearly 40,000 chinese were brought to japan in the early 1940's to make up for a domestic labor shortage. many were treated harshly by the japanese and died of malnutrition and violence.
under the settlement, mitsubishi materials will pay100,000 yuan ($15,000) to each of the workers and their families. laborers were forced to work at 10 coal mines operated by mitsubishi mining corporation, as it was formerly known. the corporation said it would try and locate all workers. payments would total 370 million yuan ($56 million) if everyone came forward.
one of the workers, yan yucheng, 87, said, "world war two ended 70 years ago. our forced labor case today has finally come to a resolution. we have won this case. this is a big victory that merits celebration."
"the company did it not for reconciliation, but to try to relieve the pressure on the japanese government," said kang jian, a lawyer representing 60 former workers who filed a case against mitsubishi materials in a chinese court. last year, the corporation apologized for its harsh treatment of u.s. prisoners of war, also used as forced laborers.
chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman hua chunying remarked beijing would pay close attention to how japan deals with such matters. chunying said, "china urges japan to adopt a responsible attitude and properly handle the relevant issue of history."
in a statement at the signing ceremony, the corporation "expressed its sincere apologies regarding its historical responsibility to the former laborers and the apologies were accepted by the three former laborers...we promise to continue to seek a comprehensive and permanent solution with all of its former laborers and their families."
mitsubishi materials also said it would construct memorials at the sites where the company's mines were located, and organize memorial ceremonies. several groups - representing workers and their families - sued the corporation two years ago. but one of the groups, representing 37 plaintiffs, rejected the settlement.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
2016 All-NBA Teams
the following players were selected to the all-nba teams for 2015-16:
first team
forward: lebron james, cleveland cavaliers
forward: kawhi leonard, san antonio spurs
center: deandre jordan. los angeles clippers
guard: stephen curry, golden state warriors
guard: russell westbrook, oklahoma city thunder
second team
forward: kevin durant, oklahoma city thunder
forward: draymond green, golden state warriors
center: demarcus cousins, sacramento kings
guard: chris paul, los angeles clippers
guard: damian lillard, portland trailblazers
third team
forward: paul george, indiana pacers
forward: lamarcus aldridge, san antonio spurs
center: andre drummond, detroit pistons
guard: klay thompson, golden state warriors
guard: kyle lowry, toronto raptors
first team
forward: lebron james, cleveland cavaliers
forward: kawhi leonard, san antonio spurs
center: deandre jordan. los angeles clippers
guard: stephen curry, golden state warriors
guard: russell westbrook, oklahoma city thunder
second team
forward: kevin durant, oklahoma city thunder
forward: draymond green, golden state warriors
center: demarcus cousins, sacramento kings
guard: chris paul, los angeles clippers
guard: damian lillard, portland trailblazers
third team
forward: paul george, indiana pacers
forward: lamarcus aldridge, san antonio spurs
center: andre drummond, detroit pistons
guard: klay thompson, golden state warriors
guard: kyle lowry, toronto raptors
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Baltimore Police Officer Acquitted in Freddie Gray Case
baltimore police officer edward nero on monday was found not guilty of all four misdemeanor charges he faced in connection with the arrest of freddie gray. on april 19, 2015, gray died shockingly and tragically after suffering injuries while in police custody.
after the ruling, baltimore mayor stephanie rawlings-blake said, "this is our american system of justice and police officers must be afforded the same justice system as every other citizen in the city, state and country."
reverend westley west, a prominent activist in baltimore, said, "baltimore should be upset. they should also let their voice be heard. take to the streets. how much longer are we gonna lay down and let the same thing to keep happening?"
nero, 30, was not charged directly with the gray's death. nero faced charges of misconduct in office, reckless endangerment and second-degree assault. the high-profile case drew national attention and polarized folks around the country along racial lines: nero is white. gray is black.
multiple police officers face charges in connection with gray's death, including charges of manslaughter and murder. nero is the second of the officers to be brought to court; the first trial, of officer william porter, ended in a hung jury.
nero was accused of negligence - he failed to buckle gray into a seat in the police van. gray's neck was broken during transport while handcuffed and shackled, yet not safely buckled in. nero was also accused of assaulting gray, 25, by arresting him without probable cause.
as nero entered a parking garage with other police officers surrounding him, one of the protesters outside the courthouse was overcome with emotion. tina thompson, 29, doubled over near the sidewalk and cried. later, thompson screamed, "he's just walking around, looking like he's ok. you killed somebody! you killed somebody's child!
after the ruling, baltimore mayor stephanie rawlings-blake said, "this is our american system of justice and police officers must be afforded the same justice system as every other citizen in the city, state and country."
reverend westley west, a prominent activist in baltimore, said, "baltimore should be upset. they should also let their voice be heard. take to the streets. how much longer are we gonna lay down and let the same thing to keep happening?"
nero, 30, was not charged directly with the gray's death. nero faced charges of misconduct in office, reckless endangerment and second-degree assault. the high-profile case drew national attention and polarized folks around the country along racial lines: nero is white. gray is black.
multiple police officers face charges in connection with gray's death, including charges of manslaughter and murder. nero is the second of the officers to be brought to court; the first trial, of officer william porter, ended in a hung jury.
nero was accused of negligence - he failed to buckle gray into a seat in the police van. gray's neck was broken during transport while handcuffed and shackled, yet not safely buckled in. nero was also accused of assaulting gray, 25, by arresting him without probable cause.
as nero entered a parking garage with other police officers surrounding him, one of the protesters outside the courthouse was overcome with emotion. tina thompson, 29, doubled over near the sidewalk and cried. later, thompson screamed, "he's just walking around, looking like he's ok. you killed somebody! you killed somebody's child!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Former NBA Player handles racial incident on public transportation with dignity
former nba player etan thomas endured a typically racialized encounter while looking for a seat on a crowded train. thomas, a 6'10, 260 pound black male, asked a white female if he could sit next to her, and later posted her response (and the unfolding incident) on facebook:
"i ask this lady if i could sit next to her (very politely and i soften my voice as to not frighten her) and she says someone is sitting here. so i go to the next seat. now, less than 2 mins later a man (who happens to be white) asks if he can sit there and she says why sure let me move my stuff."
"i ask ummmmm did you just not want me to sit next to you? were you scared? not comfortable with a black man sitting next to you? and she says lol smh don't pull the race card stuff with me i dated a black guy in college."
at that point, the white man she obliged the empty seat to offered to get up, but thomas was unwilling to accept his gesture. in fact, thomas decided to take a picture of her, despite the obvious discomfort on the faces of both of the white folks.
thomas said, "i said no need i'mma just take this pic and make a facebook post about it. so then she says did you just take a pic of me? well i'm going to tell the conductor that you're over here illegally taking pics of ppl without their consent."
"so the conductor came up and said hey etan thomas love what you're doing in the community loved you with the wizards big 'cuse fan man the knicks sure could use you...and i said was there something you wanted to tell my man? and she rolled her eyes smh some people i tell ya."
thomas retired after the 2011 nba season. he spent most of his career with the washington wizards, and played at syracuse university. thomas is married with three children. he's an activist, author and poet whose outspoken about issues of manhood, race and the environment.
"i ask this lady if i could sit next to her (very politely and i soften my voice as to not frighten her) and she says someone is sitting here. so i go to the next seat. now, less than 2 mins later a man (who happens to be white) asks if he can sit there and she says why sure let me move my stuff."
"i ask ummmmm did you just not want me to sit next to you? were you scared? not comfortable with a black man sitting next to you? and she says lol smh don't pull the race card stuff with me i dated a black guy in college."
at that point, the white man she obliged the empty seat to offered to get up, but thomas was unwilling to accept his gesture. in fact, thomas decided to take a picture of her, despite the obvious discomfort on the faces of both of the white folks.
thomas said, "i said no need i'mma just take this pic and make a facebook post about it. so then she says did you just take a pic of me? well i'm going to tell the conductor that you're over here illegally taking pics of ppl without their consent."
"so the conductor came up and said hey etan thomas love what you're doing in the community loved you with the wizards big 'cuse fan man the knicks sure could use you...and i said was there something you wanted to tell my man? and she rolled her eyes smh some people i tell ya."
thomas retired after the 2011 nba season. he spent most of his career with the washington wizards, and played at syracuse university. thomas is married with three children. he's an activist, author and poet whose outspoken about issues of manhood, race and the environment.
Monday, May 16, 2016
NBA 2016 KIA Awards
listed below are the nba 2016 kia award winners:
mvp - stephen curry, golden state warriors
coach of the year - steve kerr, golden state warriors
defensive player of the year - kawhi leonard, san antonio spurs
sixth man of the year - jamal crawford, los angeles clippers
rookie of the year - karl-anthony towns, minnesota timberwolves
most improved player - c.j. mccollum, portland trailblazers
executive of the year - r.c. buford, san antonio spurs
mvp - stephen curry, golden state warriors
coach of the year - steve kerr, golden state warriors
defensive player of the year - kawhi leonard, san antonio spurs
sixth man of the year - jamal crawford, los angeles clippers
rookie of the year - karl-anthony towns, minnesota timberwolves
most improved player - c.j. mccollum, portland trailblazers
executive of the year - r.c. buford, san antonio spurs
Monday, May 09, 2016
Pennsylvania becomes 24th State to Legalize Medical Marijuana
today, pennsylvania governor tom wolf signed the medical marijuana act (sb3) into law. pennsylvania is now the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana. this victory was made possible by the tireless devotion of advocates, families and lawmakers.
sb3 allows patients with qualifying conditions to use and safely access medical marijuana. once applications are available from the department of health, eligible patients whose doctors recommend cannabis can obtain identification cards. the law allows for up to 150 dispensaries in the state.
when dispensaries open, medical marijuana will be available as creams, gels, liquids, oils, ointments, pills and tinctures. vaporization is allowed but smoking is initially prohibited. dispensaries cannot sell edibles, but medical cannabis products can be mixed into drinks or food.
dry leaf/flower will not be allowed immediately, however the department of health can change those conditions following an advisory board report two years after its enactment.
sb3 allows patients with qualifying conditions to use and safely access medical marijuana. once applications are available from the department of health, eligible patients whose doctors recommend cannabis can obtain identification cards. the law allows for up to 150 dispensaries in the state.
when dispensaries open, medical marijuana will be available as creams, gels, liquids, oils, ointments, pills and tinctures. vaporization is allowed but smoking is initially prohibited. dispensaries cannot sell edibles, but medical cannabis products can be mixed into drinks or food.
dry leaf/flower will not be allowed immediately, however the department of health can change those conditions following an advisory board report two years after its enactment.
Sunday, May 08, 2016
Challenging Racially Homogenous Juries in Kentucky and Tennessee
louisville, kentucky circuit judge olu stevens was suspended last month for misconduct charges after dismissing a nearly all-white panel of prospective jurors. days later, the west louisville urban coalition held a rally to support the judge and highlight the lack of cultural diversity on state juries.
the courier-journal reported information on race is collected voluntarily, and at only some steps of the jury selection process. judge stevens, a black male, agreed to dismiss the panel of 41 - of which 38 are white - after a black defendant's lawyers argued they don't represent the cultural demographics of the community.
prosecutors objected and brought the case to the state court of appeals. the court ruled kentucky's lack of racial data from which jury pools are drawn "while unfortunate, does not amount to a deliberate attempt to exclude any particular group," and ordered judge stevens to stop dismissing juries. a related case is pending in the kentucky supreme court.
in nashville, tennessee, a trial in early april was delayed after a black juror stood up and told the judge he "did not think it was right to for two black men to face a jury with no black members on it." the jury panel included non-whites, but no blacks.
judge cheryl blackburn dismissed the jury because their lunchtime dialogue about the absence of blacks violated her instructions. the assistant district attorney said the judge told the jury not to discuss the case before hearing all the proof and arguments. judge blackburn earlier rejected the defense's claim of the prosecutors illegally striking jurors based on their race.
in 1986, the u.s. supreme court case of batson v. kentucky deemed excusing jurors based on race is unconstitutional. the court ruled: 1) lawyers cannot strike - or remove - a person from a jury based on race; 2) defendants aren't entitled to a jury completely or partially composed of people of their own race; 3) if any lawyer seems prejudiced during jury selection, they must provide reasons why a person was removed.
the courier-journal reported information on race is collected voluntarily, and at only some steps of the jury selection process. judge stevens, a black male, agreed to dismiss the panel of 41 - of which 38 are white - after a black defendant's lawyers argued they don't represent the cultural demographics of the community.
prosecutors objected and brought the case to the state court of appeals. the court ruled kentucky's lack of racial data from which jury pools are drawn "while unfortunate, does not amount to a deliberate attempt to exclude any particular group," and ordered judge stevens to stop dismissing juries. a related case is pending in the kentucky supreme court.
in nashville, tennessee, a trial in early april was delayed after a black juror stood up and told the judge he "did not think it was right to for two black men to face a jury with no black members on it." the jury panel included non-whites, but no blacks.
judge cheryl blackburn dismissed the jury because their lunchtime dialogue about the absence of blacks violated her instructions. the assistant district attorney said the judge told the jury not to discuss the case before hearing all the proof and arguments. judge blackburn earlier rejected the defense's claim of the prosecutors illegally striking jurors based on their race.
in 1986, the u.s. supreme court case of batson v. kentucky deemed excusing jurors based on race is unconstitutional. the court ruled: 1) lawyers cannot strike - or remove - a person from a jury based on race; 2) defendants aren't entitled to a jury completely or partially composed of people of their own race; 3) if any lawyer seems prejudiced during jury selection, they must provide reasons why a person was removed.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Virginia Governor restores voting rights to about 200,000 people
democratic governor of virginia terry mcauliffe issued an unprecedented executive order to immediately restore voting rights to an estimated 200,000 people. each of these individuals have completed their felony prison, probation and parole sentences.
virginia is one of four u.s. states, along with florida, iowa and kentucky, to disenfranchise all people with felony convictions for life, unless they can secure a pardon from their governor. mcauliffe's decision will remain in effect until at least the end of his term in 2018.
this order does not cover people who are released in the future. according to his aides, mcauliffe intends to issue similar executive orders each month to continue to restore voting rights to people as they complete their sentences.
mcauliffe said, "there's no question that we've had a horrible history in voting rights as relates to african-americans; we should remedy it." virginia previously had the fourth highest rate of felony disenfranchisement in the nation - and the third highest for black people.
marc mauer, executive director of the sentencing project said, "this will be the single most significant action on disenfranchisement that we've ever seen from a governor. it's noteworthy that it's coming in the middle of the term, not the day before he leaves office. so there may be some political heat but clearly he's willing to take that on, which is quite admirable."
virginia is one of four u.s. states, along with florida, iowa and kentucky, to disenfranchise all people with felony convictions for life, unless they can secure a pardon from their governor. mcauliffe's decision will remain in effect until at least the end of his term in 2018.
this order does not cover people who are released in the future. according to his aides, mcauliffe intends to issue similar executive orders each month to continue to restore voting rights to people as they complete their sentences.
mcauliffe said, "there's no question that we've had a horrible history in voting rights as relates to african-americans; we should remedy it." virginia previously had the fourth highest rate of felony disenfranchisement in the nation - and the third highest for black people.
marc mauer, executive director of the sentencing project said, "this will be the single most significant action on disenfranchisement that we've ever seen from a governor. it's noteworthy that it's coming in the middle of the term, not the day before he leaves office. so there may be some political heat but clearly he's willing to take that on, which is quite admirable."
Friday, April 15, 2016
NBA 2016 Regular Season Leaders
listed below are the nba regular season leaders for 2016:
individuals
points - stephen curry, golden state warriors: 30.1
individuals
points - stephen curry, golden state warriors: 30.1
assists - rajon rondo, sacramento kings: 11.7
rebounds - andre drummond, detroit pistons: 14.8
steals - stephen curry, golden state warriors: 2.14
blocks - hassan whiteside, miami heat: 3.68
field goal % - deandre jordan, los angeles clippers: .703
free throw % - stephen curry, golden state warriors: .908
three-point % - j.j. reddick, los angeles clippers: .475
teams
points - golden state warriors: 114.9
assists - golden state warriors: 28.9
rebounds - oklahoma city thunder: 48.6
steals - houston rockets: 10.0
blocks - miami heat: 6.5
field goal % - golden state warriors: 48.7
free throw % - new york knicks: .805
three-point % - golden state warriors: .416
turnovers - charlotte hornets: 11.9
blocks - hassan whiteside, miami heat: 3.68
field goal % - deandre jordan, los angeles clippers: .703
free throw % - stephen curry, golden state warriors: .908
three-point % - j.j. reddick, los angeles clippers: .475
teams
points - golden state warriors: 114.9
assists - golden state warriors: 28.9
rebounds - oklahoma city thunder: 48.6
steals - houston rockets: 10.0
blocks - miami heat: 6.5
field goal % - golden state warriors: 48.7
free throw % - new york knicks: .805
three-point % - golden state warriors: .416
turnovers - charlotte hornets: 11.9
Golden State Warriors' 73rd Win Sets All-Time NBA Record
On a Wednesday night in raucous Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, the inspired Golden State Warriors beat the wounded Memphis Grizzlies 125-104, to win their 73rd game of the year. Their magnanimous victory came on the final regular season contest, and the defending world champions surpassed the Chicago Bulls' all-time record of 72-10 in 1996.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a key role player for the Bulls championship team in '96 said, "I thought (72 wins) was like (Joe) DiMaggio's hit streak, and I was wrong. I will say the same thing now that I said 20 years ago. I don't think this one will ever be broken. Somebody's got to go 74-8 and I don't see it. I hope our fans aren't expecting that next year."
GS All-Star guard and 2015 MVP Stephen Curry had 46 points, including 10 three-pointers (six in the first quarter). Curry finished 2016 with 402 threes, breaking his own record of 286 last year. He won the scoring title for the second consecutive year - increasing his average by 6.3 points, another record, surpassing Larry Bird, who upped his previous year's scoring title by 3.8 points per game.
When asked to compare the '96 Bulls and his current team. Curry said, "The game has evolved a lot and we have our certain identity of how we play. Shooting at a high level, moving the ball, everybody has a role. We have fun doing it. I don't know specifically any differences, but one similarity is we love winning, we love to compete and we love to push ourselves. That's what pushed us to the opportunity we had tonight."
After the history-making triumph, Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green snatched the game ball at center court. Green said, "73 wins means I'm a part of the best team ever. Not many people can say that. 15 guys can say that, and that's amazing." But he also said, "relief doesn't happen until you win a championship."
In a congratulatory statement Wednesday night, Bulls legend Michael Jordan said, "The game of basketball is always evolving and records are made to be broken. The Warriors have been a lot of fun to watch and I look forward to seeing what they do in the playoffs." Earlier in the month, Green said Jordan told him he hopes Golden State breaks the Bulls record.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a key role player for the Bulls championship team in '96 said, "I thought (72 wins) was like (Joe) DiMaggio's hit streak, and I was wrong. I will say the same thing now that I said 20 years ago. I don't think this one will ever be broken. Somebody's got to go 74-8 and I don't see it. I hope our fans aren't expecting that next year."
GS All-Star guard and 2015 MVP Stephen Curry had 46 points, including 10 three-pointers (six in the first quarter). Curry finished 2016 with 402 threes, breaking his own record of 286 last year. He won the scoring title for the second consecutive year - increasing his average by 6.3 points, another record, surpassing Larry Bird, who upped his previous year's scoring title by 3.8 points per game.
When asked to compare the '96 Bulls and his current team. Curry said, "The game has evolved a lot and we have our certain identity of how we play. Shooting at a high level, moving the ball, everybody has a role. We have fun doing it. I don't know specifically any differences, but one similarity is we love winning, we love to compete and we love to push ourselves. That's what pushed us to the opportunity we had tonight."
After the history-making triumph, Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green snatched the game ball at center court. Green said, "73 wins means I'm a part of the best team ever. Not many people can say that. 15 guys can say that, and that's amazing." But he also said, "relief doesn't happen until you win a championship."
In a congratulatory statement Wednesday night, Bulls legend Michael Jordan said, "The game of basketball is always evolving and records are made to be broken. The Warriors have been a lot of fun to watch and I look forward to seeing what they do in the playoffs." Earlier in the month, Green said Jordan told him he hopes Golden State breaks the Bulls record.
Thursday, April 07, 2016
U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Affirms One Person, One Vote Doctrine
the u.s. supreme court on monday decided, unanimously, in evenwel v. abbott, a case out of texas which challenges the court's interpretation of the 'one person, one vote' doctrine. the court disagreed with the plaintiffs charge to only count 'eligible' voters.
congressional districts are created for each district to have an equal number of people. officials use population numbers drawn from the u.s. census bureau, which attempts to count all of the people residing in the u.s. every 10 years.
the case questioned the fairness of non-eligible voters - including children, incarcerated people and non-citizens - to be counted in the population numbers shaping each district. texas state republican executive committee member sue evenwel and her co-plaintiffs argued the spirit of the doctrine is to count only eligible voters.
justice ruth bader ginsburg wrote, "as the framers of the constitution and the 14th amendment comprehended, representatives serve all residents, not just those eligible to vote. nonvoters have an important stake in many policy debates and in receiving constituent services."
ginsburg said, "by ensuring that each representative is subject to requests and suggestions from the same number of constituents, total-population apportionment promotes equitable and effective representation."
the surprisingly unanimous decision sparks debates around demographics and power. some groups are more likely to be eligible to vote than others. nearly 80% of white people in america are citizens over the age of 18. but fewer than half of hispanics in america fit the same description.
carving up congressional districts based on eligible voters would result in fewer representatives for heavily asian and hispanic parts of the country. moreover, the seats they would have replaced are mostly democratic.
the court hasn't issued a ruling on the other 'one person, one vote' case it heard last december. in harris v. arizona independent redistricting commission, a group of arizona voters argued the commission created legislative maps to bolster the population and violate the principle in the state's republican-leaning districts.
congressional districts are created for each district to have an equal number of people. officials use population numbers drawn from the u.s. census bureau, which attempts to count all of the people residing in the u.s. every 10 years.
the case questioned the fairness of non-eligible voters - including children, incarcerated people and non-citizens - to be counted in the population numbers shaping each district. texas state republican executive committee member sue evenwel and her co-plaintiffs argued the spirit of the doctrine is to count only eligible voters.
justice ruth bader ginsburg wrote, "as the framers of the constitution and the 14th amendment comprehended, representatives serve all residents, not just those eligible to vote. nonvoters have an important stake in many policy debates and in receiving constituent services."
ginsburg said, "by ensuring that each representative is subject to requests and suggestions from the same number of constituents, total-population apportionment promotes equitable and effective representation."
the surprisingly unanimous decision sparks debates around demographics and power. some groups are more likely to be eligible to vote than others. nearly 80% of white people in america are citizens over the age of 18. but fewer than half of hispanics in america fit the same description.
carving up congressional districts based on eligible voters would result in fewer representatives for heavily asian and hispanic parts of the country. moreover, the seats they would have replaced are mostly democratic.
the court hasn't issued a ruling on the other 'one person, one vote' case it heard last december. in harris v. arizona independent redistricting commission, a group of arizona voters argued the commission created legislative maps to bolster the population and violate the principle in the state's republican-leaning districts.
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class
in houston, texas on monday, before the ncaa men's championship game between north carolina and villanova, the following people were inducted into the 2016 naismith basketball hall of fame:
* allen iverson - played 14 seasons; 11 all-star games; four scoring titles; averaged 26.7 points and 6.2 assists; 2001 mvp.
* tom izzo - current head coach (since 1985) at michigan state; 2000 ncaa title; seven final four appearances.
* yao ming - played eight seasons; houston rockets #1 pick in the 2002 draft; eight-time all-star.
* shaquille o'neal - played 19 seasons; 15 all-star games; 1993 rookie of the year; 2000 mvp; four-time champion; three-time finals mvp; two scoring titles; averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds.
* jerry reinsdorf - chicago bulls owner since 1985; led bulls to six titles, 1991-93 and 1996-98.
* sheryl swoopes - first player signed by the wnba in 1996; four-time champion; six all-star games; three-time defensive player of the year; three-time mvp; three olympic gold medals.
additionally, listed below are people who were inducted posthumously:
* zelmo beatty - two-time nba all-star; three-time aba all-star; 1971 aba champion; 1971 aba finals mvp; averaged 17.1 points and 10.9 rebounds.
* darell garretson - nba referee for 27 years; nba supervisor of officials for 17 years; officiated more than 2,000 games.
* john mclendon - high school and college coach from 1941-1968; three-time naia coach of the year; three consecutive titles at tennessee state, 1957-59; first black head coach in professional sports, cleveland pipers, 1962; pioneered four corners offense and full court press.
* cumberland posey - played basketball from the early 1900s through the mid-1920s; four-time colored basketball world champiomship titles; baseball player, manager and owner in the negro leagues.
* allen iverson - played 14 seasons; 11 all-star games; four scoring titles; averaged 26.7 points and 6.2 assists; 2001 mvp.
* tom izzo - current head coach (since 1985) at michigan state; 2000 ncaa title; seven final four appearances.
* yao ming - played eight seasons; houston rockets #1 pick in the 2002 draft; eight-time all-star.
* shaquille o'neal - played 19 seasons; 15 all-star games; 1993 rookie of the year; 2000 mvp; four-time champion; three-time finals mvp; two scoring titles; averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds.
* jerry reinsdorf - chicago bulls owner since 1985; led bulls to six titles, 1991-93 and 1996-98.
* sheryl swoopes - first player signed by the wnba in 1996; four-time champion; six all-star games; three-time defensive player of the year; three-time mvp; three olympic gold medals.
additionally, listed below are people who were inducted posthumously:
* zelmo beatty - two-time nba all-star; three-time aba all-star; 1971 aba champion; 1971 aba finals mvp; averaged 17.1 points and 10.9 rebounds.
* darell garretson - nba referee for 27 years; nba supervisor of officials for 17 years; officiated more than 2,000 games.
* john mclendon - high school and college coach from 1941-1968; three-time naia coach of the year; three consecutive titles at tennessee state, 1957-59; first black head coach in professional sports, cleveland pipers, 1962; pioneered four corners offense and full court press.
* cumberland posey - played basketball from the early 1900s through the mid-1920s; four-time colored basketball world champiomship titles; baseball player, manager and owner in the negro leagues.
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