Saturday, June 29, 2019

Friday, June 28, 2019

It's 'Feel Good Friday' on FTG: Teacher Helps Hungry Students in Need



This report was published on YouTube on May 1, 2019.

Pickler & Ben: In addition to teaching science, Ms. Barbara Talley at Donelson Middle School in Nashville, TN also helps fill the school's food pantry, stocked with food items for students who wouldn't otherwise have food to eat outside of school. 

Inspired by her story, Sprouts donated $1,000 to Ms. Talley’s food pantry program at Donelson Middle School. If you'd also like to donate food items to the school's food pantry, head to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DonelsonMidd... 

Pickler & Ben is an hour-long, multi-segmented lifestyle talk show filmed in Nashville and hosted by country star Kellie Pickler — known for her quick-wit and bubbly personality — and journalist Ben Aaron, a funny, curious, and good-natured New Yorker. 

Note: From The G-Man invites you to escape the relentless and vicious coverage of all things Trump, and the non-stop barrage of negative news reports, by scrolling down and reviewing heartwarming stories like this. 

You and your family have a good and safe weekend. 

"G-Man"  

Brandi Chastain, Michelle Akers Launch Landmark CTE Study for Women's Soccer


This report was published on YouTube on June 27. 

CBS This Morning: First on "CBS This Morning," two former soccer stars share how they're recruiting others to protect future athletes. Michelle Akers scored both goals in Team USA's first championship in 1991. And in 1999, Brandi Chastain helped lead the team to another title. Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to them about why they're trying to raise awareness of debilitating brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

At This D.C. Jail, a Book Club Offers a Safe Space


This report was published on YouTube on June 26. 

PBS NewsHour: Reading and writing can provide a profession, a passion or an escape from reality. In Washington, D.C., the Free Minds Book Club positions the activities as mechanisms through which incarcerated people can express themselves in healthy and constructive ways. As Jeffrey Brown reports, inmates who participate in the organization have a much lower recidivism rate than the national average.

Former Marine Uses Ocean Conservation to Cope with PTSD and Bond with Son


This report was published on YouTube on June 27. 

ABC News: ABC News dives in alongside Force Blue as its military veterans turned ocean conservationists assist scientific research of green sea turtles off the coast of Florida.

Teen Hailed as Hero After Catching Toddler Falling from Window


This report was published on YouTube on June 27. 

CBS News: A quick-thinking teenager from Algeria rescued a 2-year-old who fell from her two-story apartment's window in Istanbul.

Mother and Queer Son Reunite for Pride Month


This report was published on YouTube on June 26. 

CBS News: When Levi Narine came out as queer at age 19, his relationship with his mother went downhill. However, all that changed this Pride Month, when the family reunited as part of a Verizon campaign, called "Love Calls Back," with a message of acceptance and love.

Governor Cuomo Tours Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall and Yad Vashem


Governor at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Click on the photos to increase their size.


During his solidarity and trade mission to Israel, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo toured the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old Jerusalem and the Western Wall, as well as Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to victims of the Holocaust.

 Cuomo at the Western Wall.

"The religious and historical significance of Jerusalem is indescribable, and these marvelous pieces of history are a testament to how Israel, a country that was constantly under attack, has overcome so many challenges," Governor Cuomo. "Sharing this extremely powerful experience with my daughters has made it all the more impactful. They are personally disturbed about this rash of anti-Semitism, and they wanted to travel with me to Israel to make a statement as a sign of their love for Israel and for the Jewish community. We visited Yad Vashem, an extremely moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust that serves as a living lesson of what the Jewish people have endured. We must continue to tell their story to ensure it is never repeated, and we will stand strong and united and fight hatred in all its forms."

The Governor visits Yad Vashem.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Mumia Abu-Jamal Losing His Sight

Photo courtesy of Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.

The following report was provided by The Action Network

Mumia’s vision has rapidly deteriorated. It has been confirmed that Mumia currently suffers conditions that seriously threaten his eyesight. These include glaucoma, a vitreous detachment and cataracts in both eyes. This threat seriously jeopardizes his life and well-being, as well as his journalistic profession.

An outside eye doctor is recommending surgical procedures to remove the cataracts on both eyes, but SCI-Mahanoy Doctor Courtney Rodgers is delaying scheduling the needed examinations and surgeries with Mumia's outside ophthalmologist. Rodgers works for Correct Care Solutions, a notorious for-profit prison and immigration detention medical company that, according to the Project on Government Oversight, has been sued at least 1,395 times with complaints alleging a range of charges, including wrongful death, malpractice and inadequate healthcare.

Meanwhile Mumia faces increasing nerve damage to his eyes. He is unable to read or do other things requiring normal vision. This delay echoes the years of delays Mumia experienced getting treatment for hepatitis C. By the time the DOC was finally forced by Federal Court to treat Mumia with the Hep C cure, it was too late to prevent cirrhosis of the liver.

Click here for the full report. 

Bonus Report: Listen to Mumia Abu-Jamal's commentary Passing of a Healer on the death in early June of  Dr. Patricia Bath. Bath was  a world-renowned ophthalmologist who patented the technique for laser surgery for cataracts. Her motivation was to prevent blindness in the African American community.  She was the first African American woman to get a medical patent.  

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

'From The G-Man' Ranks the Top Performers of the 1st Democratic Debate


 
Top Performers


By Gary Glennell Toms

1. Elizabeth Warren - She confidently and effectively answered all questions.

2. John Delaney - He provided direct and logical answers, and he reminds me of Michael Bloomberg.

3. Julian Castro - He came across as extremely knowledgeable about the issues and authentic.

4. Cory Booker - He's informed and "kept it real" when talking about the issues impacting communities of color. However, I suspect many white voters will consider him...."too Black".

The other candidates came across as deflective, lost, inauthentic, pandering or "begging".

The "Biggest Disappointment" Candidate - Beto O'Rourke - He looked completed flustered and lost after the testy exchange with Castro. He also appeared to have difficulty focusing.

The Upside - Great questions posed by the moderators, a spirited and controlled debate

The Downside - Way too much focus was placed on Warren during the questioning. It would've been nice to have heard from the candidates who didn't get as much time.

Conclusion: Warren looked strong, but Castro and Delaney are going to pose significant challenges going forward, especially if they're given more time to respond to questions. 

Democratic Presidential Debate - June 26


NBC News: NBC News, MSNBC and Telemundo host 2020 presidential candidates in two primary face-offs, Wednesday June 26th and Thursday June 27th, live from Miami. Savannah Guthrie, Lester Holt, Chuck Todd, Rachel Maddow and José Diaz-Balart moderate.

The Killing of Leroy Phinazee: Harlem Activists, Elected Officials Hold Press Conference

  Phinazee and his son Landen.

Groups Call for Unity and an End to Violence in the Community


By Gary Glennell Toms


Street Corner Resources
and members of the Harlem community recently gathered at
the corner of the site where the killing of Leroy Phinazee occurred. Community activists and residents urged calm and restraint in the wake of the tragedy and denounced other acts of violence that have taken place. 

According to a report published in the New York Daily News, "Phinazee was ambushed from behind as he walked into the Funfair Deli on Lenox Ave. at W. 137th St. by a hooded gunman just past 7 p.m. on Monday, cops said."

Iesha Sekou, Founder and CEO of Street Corner Resources, urged Harlem residents, elected officials and community groups to come together and develop a plan to actively engage community youth and deter gang violence. "I was at the hospital with the family of the young man that was killed. I saw the pain in the mother's eyes, so I feel some kind of way about it! I feel some kind of way," said Sekou. "No mother should have to go through this! It's time for us to stand up and fight back as a community now.... and long after this press conference!" 

New York State Senator Brian Benjamin and a representative from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer were also in attendance.   

If you have any information on the killing, contact Detective Vasquez of the 32nd Precinct at (212) 690-6315.

Click here to watch From The G-Man's coverage of the press conference.  

At WorldPride in N.Y., Millions Are Expected to Celebrate and, for Some, Come Out


The celebration is expected to be one of the largest L.G.B.T.Q. gatherings in the world, according to organizers and officials.

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times 

How Subway Delays and the Homeless Crisis Are Intertwined


A New York City program aims to move homeless people out of the subway by giving them shelter and support services instead of tickets.

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times 

House Democrats Call on Congress to Back Migrant Aid Bill


PBS NewsHour: House Democrats called on fellow lawmakers to support a bill that would provide $4.5 billion in additional funding to care for migrants who are detained near the U.S.-Mexico border. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Katherine Clark and Rep. Veronica Escobar urged Republicans to vote with them to approve the measure on June 25. The White House has threatened to veto the bill, which it says includes too many restrictions on border enforcement.

House GOP Leaders Say Democrats Are 'Playing Politics' with Border Funding


PBS NewsHour: House Republicans criticized Democrats on Tuesday, June 25, for a bill that would provide $4.5 billion in additional aid for migrants being detained near the U.S.-Mexico border. GOP leaders said Democrats have filled the bill with "poison pills" that place unreasonable restrictions on immigration enforcement. Democrats "would rather launch political attacks than actually do something to help those children at the border," said Rep. Liz Cheney, the Republican Conference chair, who was joined by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and Rep. Mike Rogers, the ranking member on the House Homeland Security committee.

Former ICE Director: Border Facilities Weren't Designed to House Children Long-Term


Global News: Former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), John Sandweg, shared his thoughts with Global News on the current state of the U.S. border and immigration. According to Sandweg, families and children are detained for longer than the centres were intended.

Canadian Government to Invest in Energy Efficiency Retrofits to Schools Nationwide


Global News: A portion of the revenue collected as a result of carbon pollution pricing will go toward updating schools across Canada with energy efficient retrofits, announced Environment Minister Catherine McKenna on June 25 in Ottawa.

New York City Center Encores! Off-Center Presents, 'Working: A Musical'

 
Based on the best seller by Studs Terkel, and adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, the show features music by an illustrious list of songwriters such as Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, and James Taylor. 

In 2012, two new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda were added to the original composition. Cherished songs such as "Just a Housewife," "Millwork," and "Fathers and Sons" comprise the musical, which is enriched by new monologues based on interviews with City Center's own staff in honor of our celebratory 75th Anniversary Season.

Call (212) 581-1212 for performance dates and additional information.  

Source: Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group 

Happening in Harlem: 'The Rebirth' Art Exhibit and Gala


The Rebirth: A Solo Exhibition and Gala" is an extension of "A Woman's Perspective" painting collection by Artist Briana L. Hill, M. Ed. This solo exhibition, which will run from June 25 to June 28, will feature nude-figurative portraits; Acrylic on canvas, as well as watercolor on paper. 

This will also be a fundraising exhibition, celebrating the commencement of B. Hill Artistry's Official Incorporation and non-for-profit organization: "Art Education with B. Hill

Email mpk@imagenation.us or call 646-882-0124 for more information. 

Source: ImageNation

Monday, June 24, 2019

Trump Keeps Talking About the Last Military Standoff With Iran — Here’s What Really Happened

 
In 2016, 10 sailors were captured by Iran. Trump is making it a political issue. Our investigation shows that it was a Navy failure, and the problems run deep. 

Click here for the report.

Source: ProPublica

First Lady Melania Trump Expands List of BE BEST Ambassadors

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – First Lady Melania Trump’s BE BEST campaign reaches new heights. Today, the Office of the First Lady is announcing 21 BE BEST Ambassadors from key agencies across the Administration to help further the First Lady’s goal of educating children and parents about the issues they face, and promoting programs and services available to help them with today’s challenges.

At her one-year anniversary celebration in May, Mrs. Trump acknowledged and thanked BE BEST’s first Ambassador, a representative with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The First Lady also called upon other agencies across the Administration to appoint a BE BEST Ambassador and today, the office is proud to be working alongside 22 BE BEST Ambassadors, who will focus on resources and opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of children.

Since the announcement of BE BEST, the First Lady has collaborated with numerous departments and agencies to advance each of the three BE BEST pillars – the well-being of children, online safety, and combating opioid abuse. Over the past two years Mrs. Trump has carried her BE BEST message—one of hope and empowerment—to children and families in the United States and around the world, including her first solo trip to Africa with USAID to visit the beautiful countries of Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt. She has emphasized the urgency and severity of our Nation’s opioid crisis with visits to multiple newborn intensive care units, conducting listening sessions, and hosting roundtables to shine a light on successful programs across the country.  

As part of the broader effort to reduce addiction, she has spoken to thousands of children of all ages about the dangers of drug abuse. She has met with major technology companies to understand the challenges that each faces in the effort to address negative behavior online, and has encouraged children to practice digital civility and responsible behavior. She has met with more than 30 foreign diplomats, heads of state, or spouses to exchange ideas on the challenges children are facing all over the world.  Mrs. Trump also reconvened the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs in order to build upon the good work being done across the government.

“I am thrilled that we have identified and partnered with so many organizations both inside and outside of government to help promote and expand the three pillars of BE BEST,” stated First Lady Melania Trump. “As we move into the next phase of my initiative, I look forward to the work ahead.  There is no greater opportunity than that of helping children reach their fullest potential as they grow up.”

The new Ambassadors will serve as a point of contact for moving BE BEST forward within their respective agencies.
  
Source: The Office of the First Lady

Paul Ryan Speaks to Judy Woofruff at the Aspen Ideas Festival


The interview begins at the 2:00 mark.

PBS NewsHour: Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan talks with Judy Woodruff about his life after Congress. How have the policies he helped implement fared under the current administration? What are Ryan’s views on current economic policies? He'll address what is going well, what we can do better, and the issues he'll prioritize in his post-Washington world.

Flying Wallendas Cross Times Square on High Wire 25 Stories High



Global News: Stunt and circus siblings Nik and Lijana Wallenda crossed Times Square on a high wire 25 floors high above the New York landmark on Sunday night. 

It was Lijana's first high-wire performance since a 2017 accident in which she and four other walkers fell 30 feet and were seriously injured. The fall broke every bone in her face. 

"I was worried that I was going to be more nervous, but what I said is real. The fear really is gone," she told reporters afterwards.

Congrats (or Condolences) on Your New Job: Running the Housing Authority



Recent leaders have resigned in the wake of scandals over safety and management.

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times

The ‘World Is Watching’: Police Chief to Decide Officer’s Fate in Eric Garner’s Death


Commissioner James P. O’Neill must strike a balance between supporting his rank-and-file officers and sending the message that a needless death in police custody will not go unpunished.

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times 

E. Coli Contamination Cleared from Long Beach Water Supply

 
The E. coli contamination has been cleared from Long Beach's water supply and the boil water notice has been lifted. On June 21, Nassau County officials informed the State Office of Emergency Management that E. coli was found in Long Beach's drinking water supply. In response, the Governor has directed State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and team to investigate the source of contamination and work with Nassau County and the City of Long Beach to ensure a similar incident doesn't happen again.

Dr. Zucker and New York State Department of Health professional engineers are on site at the Long Beach water treatment plant today to work with city officials to help investigate the source of the contamination. Over the weekend, the Governor deployed 115,000 bottles of water to Long Beach residents to ensure access to clean water for residents and visitors.

"The health and safety of New Yorkers is paramount, and during difficult situations we will always do everything in our power to ensure communities get the resources they need. This situation on Long Beach was no different," Governor Cuomo said. "I am pleased to report state and local health officials were able to take immediate action to resolve the situation and the Boil Water Order has been lifted. I have also directed the State Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, and his team to investigate the source of contamination and to identify ways to ensure this doesn't happen again."

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo