Source: euronews.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
G7 Agenda Includes Steel, the Yen, Russia and Brexit
By James Franey
Fixing the world economy, tackling the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, and boosting global trade.
It would be a pretty ambitious programme for any government over a number of years.
But the leaders of the G7 club of nations will be taking on all of them in Japan over the next two days.
The host country will be joined by the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, Germany.
Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker, the two most senior EU officials will be there.
Expect some more of those awkward three-way handshakes, which have become a feature of official gatherings of this kind.
Neither China nor Russia are on the guest list. But both will be on the agenda.
Russia was suspended from the then G8 in March 2014 over the annexation of Crimea.
Click here for the full article.
Source: euronews.
Monday, May 23, 2016
SCOTUS Clears Way for New Trial, Finds Racial Bias in Jury Selection
The U.S. Supreme Court Monday cleared the way
for a new trial for a Georgia man convicted of murder and sentenced to
death by an all-white jury, finding that prosecutors intentionally kept
blacks off the jury.
"Prosecutors were motivated in substantial part
by race," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts, who was joined in the
opinion by all but one of the justices. In his dissent, Clarence Thomas,
the court's only African-American member, said the court did not have
jurisdiction to take up the case.
The jury was chosen for the death penalty trial of Timothy Tyrone
Foster, who was 18 when he was charged with sexually molesting and
killing a 79-year-old widow in Rome, Georgia in 1986. She was white.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
NAN Statement on Edward Nero Decision in Freddie Gray's Death
(WASHINGTON, DC) –
The following is a statement from Ebonie Riley, Washington DC Bureau Chief of the National Action Network:
“We are disappointed in
the decision of the court but unfortunately not surprised. As we have
seen throughout the years, when officers opt for a trial by judge rather
than by a jury, acquittal is the result. We
have been through this with Sean Bell and far too many other cases in
the past. This is exactly the reason we are calling for lowering the bar
for federal prosecution, and greater involvement of the federal
government in cases like this. In federal court,
a jury trial cannot be waived without the consent of the prosecution –
and we believe that is a fairer, more just process. We continue to stand
with the Gray family as they fight for justice for their son.”
Source: Mercury
Note: Details on the decision are available here.
Assembly Bill Will Codify Cuomo’s Climate & Clean Energy Goals
Albany –
The New York State Assembly, led by Speaker Carl Heastie and Chairs
Steve Englebright (Environmental Conservation), Crystal Peoples-Stokes
(Governmental Operations), Michelle Titus
(Labor), Amy Paulin (Energy), as well as members of the
Climate Change Work Group, introduced
groundbreaking legislation today to make Governor Cuomo’s climate and clean energy goals a reality.
Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York, issued the following statement regarding the legislation.
“This
is, quite simply, one of the strongest, smartest, and most thoughtful
pieces of climate legislation the public has ever seen. It may be the
best in the country, and we roundly applaud
Speaker Heastie, Assemblyman Englebright, and their colleagues for
taking the aspirational goals outlined in Governor Cuomo’s State Energy
Plan and providing the blueprint for achieving them.
"There
is a reason that Governor Cuomo’s climate and clean energy goals have
been attracting global attention; they are a game-changer. And placing
them into law will make New York a true global
climate action leader.
"At the root of this legislation is the recognition that climate action and growing a 21st
century economy go hand-in-hand. The bill establishes that 100% of New
York’s energy will
come from clean, renewable sources by 2050, and it provides annualized
benchmarks to ensure we don’t just hope to meet them, but must meet
them. Environmental Advocates is, of course, excited about cleaner air,
less pollution, and healthier communities. But
it goes much deeper than that.
"The
bill is a reality check driven by incorruptible economic and public
health data. In it, there’s a true commitment to disadvantaged
communities, job training, and workers’ rights, all of
which are crucial, for instance, to helping communities recover
economically who have often been left holding the bag when the fossil
fuel industry pulls up and departs – something happening increasingly
more often. It also ends the era of government making
bad decisions that harm people, particularly when it comes to
disadvantaged communities who bear the brunt of pollution, and instead
prioritizes resources and investment in those communities on the front
lines of climate change.
"The
fossil fuel industry has a predictable strategy of pitting good jobs
against a clean environment and healthy communities. Unfortunately,
they’ve often got their way. But the facts bear out
that clean air is inextricably linked to growing economies, and the
energy job growth we’re witnessing worldwide rests in the renewable
sector, not fossil fuels. Still, few states have created the programs to
capitalize on these opportunities, and with this
legislation, New York will be setting the standard.
The
introduction of A10342 is the official start of what we recognize will
be a lengthy and challenging process. But with Governor Cuomo’s
leadership in codifying his climate and clean energy
goals, and a public that is wholly in support of aggressive action,
this is a truly pivotal moment. We are grateful to Speaker Heastie,
Assemblyman Englebright, and many others for their tireless leadership
on this issue.”
Source: Environmental Advocates of New York
FPWA: Building the Next Generation of Advocates with Brooklyn Youth
Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, Transitions Coach and FPWA’s YEM Facilitator
welcomes students at first Youth Empowerment Movement workshop.
welcomes students at first Youth Empowerment Movement workshop.
(New York, NY) - The
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) launched its Youth
Empowerment Movement (YEM) Program on Saturday, May 21 with a diverse
group of nearly 20 Brooklyn teens and young adults at
Grace Reformed Church. Council Member Eugene provided $5,000 in funding
to support FPWA’s creation of this program.
YEM is designed to help
youth define their role(s) in helping to shape and transform their
communities. Everyone was excited to engage in their first of six weekly
workshops geared to equip them with the tools necessary
to advocate for themselves and others. They will have the opportunity
to examine and form a deeper understanding of issues and ways in which
FPWA works to reduce poverty, advance upward mobility and create shared
prosperity across New York City.
“As a society, we should
do everything possible to make sure that all young people have positive
opportunities, and I’m pleased to allocate funds for the Youth
Empowerment Movement (YEM) Program,”
said Council Member Mathieu Eugene, Chairman of the Youth Services Committee.
“We have so many talented youth who are ready to do great things and I
look forward to seeing the positive impact the Federation of Protestant
Welfare Agencies’ YEM Program
will have in our communities.”
YEM youth will be able to
connect the ways in which they are already advocates for themselves when
interacting with parents, peers and leadership at school and learn how
advocacy is effective beyond their personal
lives and used to effect change. FPWA will work with enrollees to
cultivate new skills, gain self-confidence and become empowered to
inform others about ways to get involved in advocacy in the public
arena, such as writing a letter to a New York City Council
Member, signing a petition, joining a campaign, attending a prayer
vigil or demonstration and other social actions. Youth will also focus
on personal areas of development such as the ability to identify issues
important to them and turn lessons focused on
advocacy into actionable, results-oriented approaches that benefit
themselves, their families and the needs of their community.
“It is imperative that we do everything we can to assist today’s youth in developing their own voices,”
said Rev. Joel A. Gibson, Director, Faith-Based Initiatives.
“The goal is to empower them to set the most productive course they can
for their own lives and encourage them to become effective leaders
within their communities. This Youth Empowerment
Movement is a great first step in the right direction. We are hopeful
that other NYC Council Members will follow CM Eugene’s leadership and
support similar initiatives in their districts.”
Source: Mercury
Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program will begin accepting applications on May 26.
The program provides a full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship to
high-achieving college undergraduates or professionals for their
master’s studies in education. Up to 500 new awards will be granted
annually for two academic years of full-time study.
“Expanding access to higher education today will help foster top notch talent to be the educators of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo said. “This program will help ensure that our future teachers have access to the resources necessary to become leaders in the classroom and continue to shape and inspire students across New York for years to come.”
Honorees must be New York State residents and have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher at a college or university located in the state. Recipients must agree to teach at a public elementary or secondary school in the state for five years after completing their degree. The application deadline is July 10, 2016, and awards will be announced in August.
“The launch of the Governor’s Masters-in-Education scholarship, coupled with the launch of TeachNY, offers our future teachers unprecedented financial and professional support to ensure their success,” said New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Acting President Elsa Magee. “This scholarship will help provide a pool of top teacher candidates at the time the State’s need for teachers is growing.”
“The need for teacher recruitment and retention is at an all-time high in New York State, as we face a significant – and growing teacher shortage,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Governor Cuomo’s Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program is an excellent complement to TeachNY, one that is certain bring more excellent teachers to New York’s classrooms and students. SUNY is proud to be a part of this important initiative and we look forward to welcoming the inaugural recipients to SUNY campuses throughout New York State.”
"I commend Governor Cuomo for this timely and important initiative to support New York’s future educators,” said CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken. “The City University of New York has long recognized the importance of teacher preparation and retention, and CUNY is the largest provider of public school teachers for New York City. The Masters-in-Education Program demonstrates the State’s commitment to supporting high quality preparation for the next generation of New York teachers.”
For more information, visit www.hesc.ny.gov/
“Expanding access to higher education today will help foster top notch talent to be the educators of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo said. “This program will help ensure that our future teachers have access to the resources necessary to become leaders in the classroom and continue to shape and inspire students across New York for years to come.”
Honorees must be New York State residents and have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher at a college or university located in the state. Recipients must agree to teach at a public elementary or secondary school in the state for five years after completing their degree. The application deadline is July 10, 2016, and awards will be announced in August.
“The launch of the Governor’s Masters-in-Education scholarship, coupled with the launch of TeachNY, offers our future teachers unprecedented financial and professional support to ensure their success,” said New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Acting President Elsa Magee. “This scholarship will help provide a pool of top teacher candidates at the time the State’s need for teachers is growing.”
“The need for teacher recruitment and retention is at an all-time high in New York State, as we face a significant – and growing teacher shortage,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Governor Cuomo’s Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program is an excellent complement to TeachNY, one that is certain bring more excellent teachers to New York’s classrooms and students. SUNY is proud to be a part of this important initiative and we look forward to welcoming the inaugural recipients to SUNY campuses throughout New York State.”
"I commend Governor Cuomo for this timely and important initiative to support New York’s future educators,” said CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken. “The City University of New York has long recognized the importance of teacher preparation and retention, and CUNY is the largest provider of public school teachers for New York City. The Masters-in-Education Program demonstrates the State’s commitment to supporting high quality preparation for the next generation of New York teachers.”
For more information, visit www.hesc.ny.gov/
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Statement by the President on the Death of Taliban Leader Mansur
Today
marks an important milestone in our longstanding effort to bring peace
and prosperity to Afghanistan. With the death of Taliban leader Akhtar
Mohammad Mansur, we have removed
the leader of an organization that has continued to plot against and
unleash attacks on American and Coalition forces, to wage war against
the Afghan people, and align itself with extremist groups like al
Qa'ida.
Mansur
rejected efforts by the Afghan government to seriously engage in peace
talks and end the violence that has taken the lives of countless
innocent Afghan men, women and children.
The Taliban should seize the opportunity to pursue the only real path
for ending this long conflict - joining the Afghan government in a
reconciliation process that leads to lasting peace and stability.
As
an enduring partner of the Afghan people, the United States will
continue to help strengthen Afghan security forces and support President
Ghani and the National Unity Government
in their efforts to forge the peace and progress that Afghans deserve.
We will continue taking action against extremist networks that target
the United States. We will work on shared objectives with Pakistan,
where terrorists that threaten all our nations
must be denied safe haven. After so many years of conflict, today gives
the people of Afghanistan and the region a chance at a different,
better future.
I
thank our dedicated military and intelligence personnel who have once
again sent a clear message to all those who target our people and our
partners - you will have no safe haven.
Today is a day for us to give thanks to all of the Americans who have
served in Afghanistan for so many years with a selfless commitment to
the security of our nation and a better future for the Afghan people.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Church Committee Hearing on FBI Informants
FBI informants Gary Thomas Rowe and Mary Jo Cook testified before the
Church Committee on December 2, 1975, about their infiltration of the Ku
Klux Klan and anti-Vietnam War groups. Mr. Rowe, wearing a hood to
conceal his identity, described how he infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and
with the knowledge of the FBI participated in violence against civil
rights activists. Ms. Cook described how she informed against
anti-Vietnam War activists. The informants were followed by Deputy
Associate FBI Director James Adams who defended the practice. The
hearing was preceded by interviews with former committee staffers
Frederick Schwarz and Elliot Maxwell, and followed by an interview with
Associate U.S. Senate Historian Katherine Scott. Video provided by NBC
Universal Archives.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Major Foreign Holders of U.S. Debt
William Cline, with the Peterson Institute for International Economics,
discusses information released by the Treasury Department on the foreign
countries that hold the most debt to the U.S., which shows the U.S.
owes Saudi Arabia $117 billion.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
Ralph Nader Discusses Community Organizing
Author and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader discusses community
organizing at a conference hosted by the Center for Study of Responsive
Law.
Click here for video.
Source: C-SPAN
NY Dept. of State to Host State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council Public Meeting
The New York Department of State will host a public meeting of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department offices at
99 Washington Avenue in Albany, 123 William Street in New York City and
65 Court Street in Buffalo.
The Meeting will be held via video-conference at all locations. The public has the right to attend the
meeting at any of the locations.
The State Fire
Prevention and Building Code Council is convening to discuss updates of
the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the State Energy
Conservation Construction Code.
The meeting will be available for later viewing at
http://www.youtube.com/user/
Source: Department of State News
Trailblazers in Black History: Vernon Jordan
Published on YouTube on May 14, 2013.
TV
news report from February 16, 1995 as part of series of Black History
Month features. DePauw's Clifton Phillips, John Baughman and Bob Farber
recall the student days of civil rights leader Vernon Jordan, a 1957
DePauw graduate, and how he impacted the city of Greencastle.
Video courtesy of DePauw University Video - Ken Owen.
Staten Island Reels as Drug Overdose Deaths Spike, DA Pleads for Help
By Melissa Russo
Overdose deaths from heroin and other
opiates are on track to increase by more than 50 percent this year on
Staten Island, and the borough's new district attorney told NBC 4 New
York that there aren't enough resources to combat the frightening trend.
At
least 48 people have died from overdoses on the island so far in 2016,
according to Staten Island DA Michael McMahon. The prosecutor said that
the the increase has left his office strapped, and city administrators
haven't responded to his request for roughly $1 million in new funding.
Click here for video.
Source: NBC News
Sanders: We're Strongest Against Trump
Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, speaking at a
campaign rally in Vista, Calif, touts his campaign's viability against
Donald Trump.
Al Gore: Donald Trump's Position on Climate Change 'Should Concern Everyone'
By Scott Stump
Ten years after the Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth,"
Al Gore is concerned that a potential Donald Trump presidency could
roll back progress in the fight against climate change.
"He has said some things on the climate crisis that I think should
concern everyone,'' the former vice president told Anne Thompson in an
exclusive interview on TODAY Monday.
Click here for video.
Source: NBC News/TODAY
Bayer Reveals $62 Billion All-Cash Offer for Monsanto
Bayer has offered $122 per share for Monsanto in
an all-cash deal that values the U.S. company at $62 billion, according
to a statement released Monday.
The Bayer statement said the bid was at a 37
percent premium to Monsanto's May 9 closing share price of $89.03. Talks
between the German drugs company and the U.S. agri-chemicals-maker were
revealed on May 19.
Bayer said that it expected the deal to provide its shareholders with
mid-single-digit percentage accretion to core earnings per share in the
first full year after the deal closed. This would increase to a
double-digit percentage afterward, the company said.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Verdict Expected in Baltimore Trial of One Officer in Freddie Gray Death
A judge is expected Monday to hand down his
verdict in the case of a Baltimore police officer charged in the arrest
and subsequent death of Freddie Gray.
Officer Edward Nero, 30, faces assault,
misconduct in office and reckless endangerment charges.
Prosecutors say
Nero unlawfully arrested Gray without probable cause and was negligent
when he didn't buckle Gray into a seat belt.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Turkey Shifts to Presidential System, Even Without Constitutional Change
Reuters, 23/05 15:03 CET
By Orhan Coskun and Nick Tattersall
ANKARA (Reuters) – As Turkey’s
incoming prime minister prepares to name his new cabinet, there is
little doubt that its primary role will be to rubber-stamp what has
already become reality: a shift to a full presidential system with
Tayyip Erdogan firmly in charge.
Erdogan on Sunday confirmed Binali Yildirim, a close ally
for two decades and a co-founder of the ruling AK Party, as his new
prime minister, ensuring government loyalty as he pursues constitutional
change to replace Turkey’s parliamentary democracy with an executive
presidency.
Yildirim’s appointment will stamp out any vestiges of resistance in the AKP
to Erdogan’s plans, three senior party officials said, forecasting that
the new cabinet, expected to be announced on Tuesday, would contain
only loyalists.
“We have entered a period of a ‘de facto’ presidential
system, where Erdogan’s policies will be implemented very clearly,” one
of the officials said, predicting five or six ministerial changes from
the existing team.
“They will lead to complete harmony between Erdogan and
the cabinet … Erdogan’s decisions will be implemented without being
touched,” the official said, speaking anonymously because the final
decision on the appointments has not yet been made.
Click here for the full article.
Source: euronews.
Brexit – The Key Claims Analyzed
By Sarah Chappell
This article looks to separate fact from fiction – reality from
rhetoric – in some of the most polarizing arguments being put forward by
‘Brexiters’ and ‘Bremainers’ in the lead-up to the UK Referendum on EU membership on 23 June.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the UK “turning
its back” on the EU would increase the risk of war in Europe and has
warned that ISIL would be “happy” with a Brexit vote.
Former London mayor Boris Johnson, one of the leading Brexit, has
argued that the UK would be better able to safeguard its security if it
left the EU, calling Brussels’ “anti-democratic tendencies” a force for
“instability and alienation”.
So, is the UK safer in – or safer out?
Euronews put the question to Hans Pung, President of RAND Europe, an international, not-for-profit public policy research organisation that has taken an impartial position on the referendum.
Click here for the full article.
Source: euronews.
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