Early Turnout Means DOOM for Republicans

DIGITAL Version 2020

Vol: 2 No: 23

OCTOBER 30, 2020

EDITORIAL Page 45

Published by The Village Press, Inc.

Pelosi slams Trump for telling women he is getting their husbands back to work Page 2

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10/30/2020

Pelosi slams Trump for telling women he is getting their husbands back to work: "What century is he living in?"

Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized President Trump for telling women voters he is "getting your husbands back to work." She said Thursday that the thinking was outdated and "removed from the realities of life."

"What decade is he living in? What century is he living in? So completely removed from the realties of life. And that has caused death," Pelosi said during her weekly press conference.

During a rally in Michigan on Tuesday, Mr. Trump tried to appeal to women in the audience, saying he was "saving suburbia." He said he was the best candidate for women because he was "getting your kids back to school" and "getting your Published by The Village Press, Inc.

husbands back to work."

Mr. Trump's comments come as job losses due to the pandemic have disproportionately affected women. In September, 865,000 women over 20 dropped out of the workforce compared to 216,000 men, according to data from the Labor Department. Women are overrepresented in some of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, such as leisure, hospitality and health care.

Moreover, the burden of child care generally falls to women, meaning some women may choose to leave the workforce so they can take care of children unable to go to school in person. A September analysis by Stateline, an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts, found that mothers of small children have lost work at three times the rate of fathers during the pandemic.

Mr. Trump has sought to broaden his appeal to women, and tweeted over the summer he believed he would get support from the "suburban housewife." In a rally in Ohio earlier this month, he openly asked for support from this demographic, saying, "Suburban women, will you please like me?"

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Mr. Trump's pleas to suburban women also have racial undertones, as he has argued Joe Biden would bring low income housing to the suburbs under a plan by Senator Cory Booker.

TRUMPS REPORT CARD https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/ news/politics/elections/2020/10/27/ trump-campaign-promises-judges-wallhealth-care-did-he-deliver/5927100002/

10/30/2020

Unrest in D.C. after death of Black moped driver Karon Hylton in police chase The nation's capital was hit with unrest Tuesday night in the wake of the death of a 20-year-old Black father who crashed a moped that was being chased by police. CBS Washington affiliate WUSA-TV reports protesters are demanding answers.

Hylton's girlfriend, Amaala Jones-Bey, said he was riding to a friend's house to collect his car keys so he could return home.

Get Breaking News Delivered to Your Inbox "Over a moped and some car keys, he lost his whole life," Jones-Bey said.

A crowd gathered outside the 4th District police station Tuesday night, demanding accountability from the officers involved in the incident as well as the release of body camera footage and a full police report from the incident.

WUSA-TV In an email, a D.C. police spokesperson said the incident report includes personal information about the driver of the passenger vehicle that collided with Hylton. She said D.C. law prohibits police from releasing that material.

Emotions ran high, as the crowd rushed the doors of the station attempting to get in and threw a trash can through the window.

A police line was formed, and WUSA reporter Jess Arnold saw fireworks being set off, police car windows being smashed and glass bottles and rocks being thrown at the police line.

Police expanded the perimeter, pushing protesters into the street. washington-dc-unrest-night-of102720-karon-hylton-death-policemoped-chase.jpg Police lines are seen outside a Washingotn, D.C. precinct house on night of October 27, 2020 as tensions rise over death days before of moped rider Karon Hylton during a police chase.

WUSA-TV In a video tweeted by Black Lives Published by The Village Press, Inc.

Matter DC, officers can be seen spraying an irritant at protesters who are then seen asking for water to wash out their eyes.

Police said rocks and bricks were thrown at officers and windows. One arrest was made and four police officers were reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

"We are engaged directly with the next of kin about their ability to view the body-worn camera footage," Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice Roger Mitchell said. "We are coordinating with the Department of Behavioral Health to provide the family with the space and trauma-informed support they need to view the body-worn camera footage."

Police said officers saw Hylton riding on a sidewalk on an electric moped with no helmet on. The officers said they activated their lights and sirens, and Hylton ducked into an alley. Police said that when he rode out of the alley about a block down, he collided with a passenger vehicle on the street. Officers said they rendered first aid before Hylton was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

Some of Hylton's friends say they're just not buying the police story.

"They hit him in the back of his scooter and pushed him into the oncoming car," one friend said.

"I heard a car coming really fast down the alley, and by the time I opened 3

the gate, I heard it hit," said neighbor Debbie Thurman, whose house backs up on the alley. "I don't know if it was the car coming down the alley, or somebody from Kennedy hit him," she said.

"Tell them to release the body camera footage," another friend said.

Hylton's girlfriend is now left alone to care for their new daughter, who she says turned 3-months-old the day her father was hit.

"I don't have... words for this," she said. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, because it really is like leave you stuck, lost confused on how it's happening.‌I had a whole family plan, not today, not tomorrow, but I was going to get my family, and Karon was working towards that."

She said Hylton was working to build a better life for their family and had dreams of being a business owner.

Jones-Bey said it wasn't easy, though - he grew up in tough circumstances.

"For one, you're a Black male," she said. "You've got your personal family problems. Then you got your own problems in your head. ‌I just know he was trying to make it work."

Now that he's gone, she is determined to make sure their daughter knows her father loved her, and knows her father.

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Philadelphia police shot and killed a Black man wielding a knife, sparking overnight protests and violence

shootings, the agency said. Authorities said the officers were wearing body cameras. Footage has been reviewed by the mayor and police commissioner but has not been made public because it is part of an ongoing investigation, officials said.

Why police shoot so many times to bring down a suspect Why police shoot so many times to bring down a suspect Outrage over the shootings set off protests and looting, leading to the officers' injuries, most the result of thrown objects. One officer was (CNN)Police in Philadelphia shot struck by a pickup truck and taken and killed a Black man waving a to the hospital with a broken leg knife on the street, plunging the and other injuries, police said. city into protests that resulted in injuries to 30 officers as the police Businesses were looted, and five police vehicles and one fire vehicle commissioner quickly acknowledged the encounter "raises many were vandalized, police said. Over 30 people were arrested for variquestions."

The incident, caught on cell phone ous acts and could face charges for rioting, assault on police and video, draws fresh attention nationally to fatal use of force by po- looting, they said.

Philadelphia Police commissioner lice following months of protests over how officers treat Black peo- Danielle Outlaw acknowledged that the video "raises many questions." ple.

The man killed in West Philadelphia She said she is fully committed to a complete investigation and that was identified as Walter Wallace, Mayor Jim Kenney said in a state- she "felt the anger of the community" when she visited the scene ment. Kenney said video of the after the shooting. shooting "presents difficult questions that must be answered." The "I have directed the OfficerInvolved Shooting Investigation shooting and violent protests sharpen focus on the swing state of Unit to begin its investigation," Outlaw said in a statement. "I recPennsylvania a week before the ognize that the video of the incipresidential election.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's dent raises many questions. ResiOffice is investigating the shooting dents have my assurance that jointly with the police unit tasked those questions will be fully adwith investigating officer-involved dressed by the investigation."

Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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The union that represents the officers defended them as "doing their job" and asked the "public for its patience" as investigators gather details of what happened.

What police say led up to the shooting Police said the incident started with a call about a man with a knife, CNN affiliate KYW reported.

"Responding officers witnessed a male on the block. Immediately they noticed he had a knife in his possession and he was brandishing it, and waiving it erratically," Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp told KYW. Cell phone video recorded from inside a nearby vehicle captured the final moments of the confrontation. Wallace first can be seen walking around parked cars, crossing into the street from one side across to the other.

A woman appears to be trying to intervene to help him as two male police officers in the street point their guns at him, the video shows.

As Wallace comes around a parked car into the street, the two officers can be seen backing up as he walks towards them.

Multiple shots ring out as police fire, striking him.

This video still shows a fatal policeinvolved shooting Monday in West Philadelphia.

This video still shows a fatal policeinvolved shooting Monday in West Philadelphia.

Gripp told KYW that an officer took (Continued on page 6)

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DIGITAL Version 2020

ERASE RACISM In response to a lawsuit filed by housing advocates across the nation against the national real estate firm Redfin Corporation, which has its Long Island office in Jericho, Elaine Gross, President of ERASE Racism, issued the following statement: A coalition of fair housing organizations announced today that they had filed a lawsuit against the national real estate firm Redfin Corporation for policies that discriminate against buyers and sellers of homes in communities of color. The suit charges, “Redfin Redlines.” Redlining was a longstanding federal policy that continues to have profound implications today. For decades, it prevented bank loans in predominantly Black neighborhoods, shown on maps by a red line, kept Blacks out of the white neighborhoods, and deemed Blacks un-creditworthy no matter their income level. Most redlined neighborhoods nationally (74%) are still low-to-moderate income communities, and many are majority minority.

that Redfin illegally redlines by disproportionately providing little or no service or economic benefits in areas based on race and national origin. The full complaint can be read here.

sition of the neighborhood.

The real estate community is actively perpetuating racial segregation in housing by maintaining its own version of redlining. The pattern is clear. This is not a case of On Long Island, Redfin’s minimum a few bad actors. It is real estate price policy discriminates against industry practice, and it must end. communities of color, the lawsuit To speak with Elaine Gross, concharges. For instance, in areas that tact Henry Miller at hmilare 70% or more white (nonler@highimpactpartnering.com or Hispanic), buyers and sellers of 917-921-8034. homes are over 55 times more likeERASE Racism is a New York-based ly to reap the benefits (including regional civil rights organization economic benefits) of Redfin’s best that exposes and addresses the available service than homebuyers devastating impact of historical and sellers of homes in areas that and ongoing structural racism, parare less than 30% white (nonticularly in public school education Hispanic). and housing. It does so through research, policy advocacy, legal acThis ongoing private-sector redlintion, and educating and mobilizing The lawsuit alleges that the Redfin ing reinforces a key finding in the public – driving policy change Corporation has a minimum home Newsday’s 2019 landmark report at local, regional and statewide levprice policy that makes it far less “Long Island Divided,” which made els and through national coalitions. likely that buyers and sellers of unavoidable the reality of housing It has been recognized locally and homes in communities of color will discrimination by realtors against nationally for its cutting-edge work. receive Redfin’s services and finan- people of color seeking to buy cial discounts than buyers and homes on Long Island and discrimisellers of homes in other communi- nation based on the racial compoties. The complaint further alleges Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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(Continued from page 4)

Wallace in his police cruiser to Presbyterian Hospital, "where unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries."

Witness Maurice Holoway told KYW that he and others in the neighborhood had pleaded with Wallace to drop the knife and that he wishes the call to police didn't lead to the man's death.

"Shoot him in his leg, or not shoot him at all," Holoway said.

JaHiem Simpson, who took the video of the police shooting, told CNN there was some commotion and arguing before police were called.

These mental health crises ended in fatal police encounters. Now, some communities are trying a new approach These mental health crises ended in fatal police encounters. Now, some communities are trying a new approach When police arrived to the man's house, Simpson said he heard someone -- he was later told that it was Wallace's mother -- tell the police that Wallace had mental issues.

Simpson said Wallace exited the house about 15 seconds later with a knife. Everybody around him, according to Simpson, was telling him to put the knife down.

THESE TWIN SISTERS GRADUATED AT THE TOP OF THEIR DOCTORAL PROGRAM Obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university is no easy feat.

Two twin sisters were always able to excel in their education together, now they are celebrating another milestone together—graduating at the top of their class in their doctoral program.

LaTonya and LaToya Harris made news back in 2010 when they graduated from high school as the top two students in their graduating class as reported by the Dallas Morning News. After high school, the Texas-born twins went on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from UT Austin before continuing on to obtain their second master’s degree in clinical nutrition and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine at Parker University in Dallas.

The sisters recall naturally wanting to accomplish their goals together growing up as they both cheered on the other to excel Published by The Village Press, Inc.

As soon as officers saw the knife, Simpson says he saw them pull out their guns -- not tasers.

"All I'm thinking in my head is where the tasers at," Simpson told CNN. After the shooting, Simpson said everyone started yelling at the police officers, and more officers then came to the scene.

Simpson is upset at the officers for not even trying to use a taser, but he is most bothered that Wallace was shot right in front of his mom, he told CNN. "How would you feel?" he asked.

30 officers injured, including 1 hit by a truck Police have not released any information on the status of the police officers.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 President John McNesby defended the officers involved.

"Our police officers are being vilified for doing their job and keeping the community safe, after being confronted by a man with a knife.

We support and defend these officers, as they too are traumatized by being involved in a fatal shooting," he said in a statement.

Police officers secure the scene of a police-involved shooting that left a man dead on Monday in Philadelphia.

Police officers secure the scene of a

police-involved shooting that left a man dead on Monday in Philadelphia.

"We ask the public for its patience as investigators work to gather all the facts of this tragic incident in West Philadelphia. Our thoughts and prayers are with these police officers who had to use lethal force to keep themselves and the community safe."

Top city leaders vowed to stay in touch with Wallace's family as the investigation proceeds.

"I ... will continue to reach out to hear their concerns first-hand, and to answer their questions to the extent that I am able," Kenney, the mayor, said. "I look forward to a speedy and transparent resolution for the sake of Mr. Wallace, his family, the officers, and for Philadelphia."

"Everyone involved will forever be impacted," said Outlaw, the police commissioner, "I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist. I also plan to join the Mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace's family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled."

in their academic pursuits. “We don’t recall a time when we haven’t liked the same things. Our parents always left the decision up to us. They always wanted us to do what we wanted, and they never

Them We Can. “Your best friend gets to come to work with you every day. We are more efficient because we already know what each other is thinking,” the Harris sisters said to Because Of Them We Can. “We can just look at each other and know what needs to be said or done next. We make one another so much better.”

The sisters went on to say that their ultimate goal is to open their own clinic and create a scholarship for people of color pursuing careers in the medical field. “We feel we work much better together than apart,” the sisters added to Because Of Them We Can. “We would love to have established our own practice in addition to a scholarship fund and mentorship program for minority doctors…We desperately want to help change the narrative of healthcare.”

forced us to do anything the same. We both agree that we wouldn’t change anything about our journey because we understand that God planned it to happen exactly as it has, even if we didn’t,” the twins said in an interview with Because Of 6

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DIGITAL Version 2020

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE sortment of a broad line of Personal Protection Equipment, in line with FEMA. Kushner, commissioned a testing plan, met with Business leaders to gain sources DON DURANT SAYS ROLL YOUR SLEEVES of supplies, and he enlisted a former UP TO WORK AND TO VOTE. roommate to negotiate with Government Trump has a way of converting reality to entities, winding up with an Eastman Kosuit his profit center. He did that when he dak detrimental failure, and a mysterious purchased the Commodore Hotel in Mandeal to send newly built ventilators to hattan, after calling the zone two blocks Russia. Kushner had worked on securing from the UN Building and a block from the General Motors to be governed by the home at that time of Johnny Carson; a Presidents Federal Law - The Defense ProGhetto, and "sweet talked" the city politiduction Act, which would unleash the govcians to take possession of the site, and ernment's procurement powers. allow him full operation with no Tax liabilThe meeting at the White House had ity. This is his modus operandi in doin formed a "shadow Task Force" running business both in the U.S. and across the parallel to the official one monitored by world. It only recently came out that he VP Pence. His confrontational tone was to had a Secret Bank account in China. The fees paid were much higher than his U.S. shut down any and all requests for COVID taxes paid three and four years ago. Now Equipment. He pointed out, his view that the Federal Government would not lead currently as President of the nation, he the charge to give equipment and recalls upon many to secure his image and spond to the state requests, pointing out favors. Even as the Coronavirus`19 ran his view that it is up to the states to figure rampant across our nation, Trump asout what they wanted to do. One signed his son-in-law Jared Kushner to handle the purchase, assignment and as- attendee at the meeting explained to

DON DURANT

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Don Durant

Kushner that due to the minimal supply of PPE, and Ventilators, Americans were bidding against each other and driving prices up. he stated that Free Markets will solve this and it is not the role of the Federal Government. It was pointed out how Gov. Cuomo and other state Governors were calling on the Federal Government to support them, with leadership and direction.

He stated loudly that is CNN Bullshit, "They Lie." He went on to point out his view that "Cuomo didn't pound the phones hard enough to get PPE for his state. His people are going to suffer and that is his problem."

These are typical examples of the Trump operation and the suffering of the people can take a back seat., he is determined to do what suits and pleases him, even at a time of crisis.

We are in the midst of a voting period and actions are hidden behind modes, schemes and scams to hide many of our actions, and purposes. We must keep our eyes open to protect others as well as ourselves.

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DIGITAL Version 2020

Second night of clashes and looting in Philadelphia after police kill Black man Walter Wallace Jr.

"total loss," CBS Philly said.

Police warned on Twitter that "a large crowd" of around 1,000 people was looting businesses in the area of Castor and Aramingo and advised people to "avoid the area."

A Foot Locker and a Walmart store were among many looted. There was Looting and demonstrations continued for a second consecutive night in a large police presence at a Target store, CBS Philly said.

Philadelphia Tuesday following the An Agence France-Presse reporter at a fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. on Monday. At about the same different location, in West Philadelphtime the unrest was breaking out, the ia, where another crowd of an estimated 1,000 people had gathered, Wallace family was calling for calm.

In a news conference on the steps in saw police armed with batons clashing violently with several dozen protestfront of their home, Walter Wallace ers.

Sr. pleaded for people to "have reThere were reports of several arrests. spect for my family and my son and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's stop this violence and chaos that's office announced the deployment of going on in the city," CBS Philly reseveral hundred National Guard ports. troops to the city "to protect the The family said they'd called for an right to peacefully assemble and ambulance to get him help with a mental health crisis, not for police in- protest while keeping people safe." tervention, according to The Associat- The White House said early Wednesday it "stands ready, upon ed Press. Wallace Jr.'s parents said request, to deploy any and all Fedofficers knew their son was having eral resources to end these riots." mental health issues because police The statement claimed the unrest had been to the house three times Monday. His mother, Cathy Wallace, was another consequence of said "they stood there and laughed at "Liberal Democrats' war against the police." us" during one of the visits.

The was also trouble in New York City On Monday night, hundreds of deon Tuesday night stemming from the monstrators took to the streets, with riot police pushing them back Wallace shooting, CBS New York rewith shields and batons. ported.

Philadelphia police said looting along More than 90 arrests were made and 30 officers were injured, includAramingo Avenue in the city's Port Richmond neighborhood had "rapidly ing one whose leg was broken when she was hit by a pickup truck. Augone downhill" and the area was a thorities said several police vehicles Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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and dumpsters were set on fire.

Wallace Jr., 27, was shot to death Monday afternoon by two officers after he walked toward them and, police say, refused to drop a knife he was waving. It was caught on video. CBS Philly cites officials as saying he was shot 14 times and neither officer was carrying a Taser.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw launched an investigation, saying video of the shooting "raises many questions."

The Wallace shooting came a week after an officer in Waukegan, north of Chicago, fatally shot 19-year-old Black man Marcellis Stinnette. His 20-yearold partner, Tafara Williams, was also wounded.

"When does it end America?" asked civil rights lawyer Ben Crump at a press conference Tuesday. "How many more Black people have to be killed because of police brutality, excessive force, bias, systematic racism, deliberate indifference?"

The U.S. has seen a wave of protests and rioting since the police killing of George Floyd in May in Minnesota, when an officer was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyd's neck until he went limp.

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Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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DIGITAL Version 2020

DiNAPOLI: SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET VOTER PARTICIPATION MORE THAN TRIPLED DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN Voter participation for school district budgets statewide more than tripled to 1.6 million votes cast amid the COVID-19 lockdown for the 2020-21 school budget year, after in-person voting was temporarily suspended and replaced with absentee ballots.

The results were similar to 2019 when only 1.6 percent of the budgets failed to pass on the first vote, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The pandemic has upended every aspect of our lives and our schools are no exception,” DiNapoli said. “Using the absentee ballot process put into place this year, voters participated in greater numbers to approve the vast majority of school district budgets.

We need to embrace smart actions like this to help New Yorkers engage on issues critical in their communities.”

DiNapoli’s report found that of the 675 district budgets that were voted on, only 11 failed on the first vote, compared to the 12 defeats from last year. Seven of the 11 defeats in 2020 passed on revote, three (Rensselaer City School District, Riverhead Central School District and Fort Edward Union Free School District) were defeated again, requiring a “zero-growth” contingency budget, and one district (East Ramapo Central School District) opted to go directly to a contingency budget rather than hold a revote.

Thirteen budgets for school districts seeking to override the property tax cap required 60 percent voter approval (a “supermajority”) to pass, which was only slightly fewer than the 18 needing a supermajority in 2019-20.

Of these, four were defeated on the first vote, highlighting the risk that Published by The Village Press, Inc.

school districts take on when advancing a budget to the voters that exceeds the tax cap. On revote, two (Rensselaer and Fort Edward, mentioned above) were defeated again, while the other two (Dolgeville Central School District and Johnstown City School District) passed.

While the number of budget defeats 2021 School District Budget Vote did not increase from 2019-20 to 2020 https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?

-21, the overall percentage of votes in url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl% 2FeyJhbGciOisupport of the budget did decrease JIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy modestly — with 73.1 percent of aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDE wMjkuMjk2MDcxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3 those casting a ballot voting in support of the 2019-20 budget and 69.0 dy5vc2Muc3RhdGUubnkudXMvZmlsZXMvbG9jYWwt Z292ZXJubWVudC9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbnMvMjAyMC9 percent voting in support of the 2020- wZGYvc3VtbWFyeS1vZi0yMDIwLTIxLXNjaG9vbC1kaX N0cmljdC1idWRnZXQtdm90ZS5wZGY_dXRtX21lZGl1 21 budget — a 4 percentage point bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In drop in the overall level of support.

0.IriopuFA_I4EQzrdGO7ynqWbMXhY27I1Qj0bUo8Il5 DiNapoli’s report also found that the c%2Fs%2F902056843%2Fbr%2F87615891035l&data=04%7C01%7C% number of votes cast for Western 7Ce998b504a28a4274d7c908d87c2e703e% New York’s budgets grew fastest, 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0% quadrupling between the two years. 7C637395886175354296%7CUnknown% While the number of votes cast grew, 7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% support of the budgets decreased by 7C1000&sdata=4o3T24nelzqavSR4I5kqxHnlHpNT4N 8.5 percentage points – the greatest HmU4EBN3yZwSw%3D&reserved=0 decrease among the regions. In the Mohawk Valley districts, which had Data the smallest increase in the number of Individual District Data https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? votes, support for the budgets saw only a slight 0.9 percentage point re- url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl% 2FeyJhbGciOiduction. Overall, support for budgets JIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInV yaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMD was greatest in the Southern Tier, EwMjkuMjk2MDcxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d where 73.5 percent of ballots were 3ZTEub3NjLnN0YXRlLm55LnVzL2xvY2FsZ292L3Jlc2V cast in favor of the schools’ budgets. hcmNoLWJ1ZGdldC12b3Rlcy9idWRnZXQtdm90ZXM uY2ZtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3Nvd Historically, participation in school XJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.RenhyHQSDtsVlfAqDIT district budget votes has been relaUUMQPkV5w8-78ox-zL36APzo%2Fs% 2F902056843%2Fbr%2F87615891035-l&data=04% tively low and, statewide, declined steadily since the implementation of 7C01%7C% 7Ce998b504a28a4274d7c908d87c2e703e% the property tax cap. The tax cap was 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0% 7C637395886175354296%7CUnknown% first effective in the 2012-13 school 7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIyear, generally limiting levy increases joiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% to two percent or the rate of inflation, 7C1000&sdata=aeHj% 2B2FBYf3kKdLAw4oxw9YNwqZp8mBII56ALMfJOE8% whichever is less, with some excep3D&reserved=0 tions. This general trend was reversed for the pandemic-disrupted 2020-21 school budget vote.

Report Voting From Home: Summary of the 11

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DIGITAL Version 2020

Legislator Abrahams Hosts CDC COVID Safe ‘Trunk or Treat’ Halloween Event at Baldwin LIRR Station Parking Lot WHAT: Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) invites families to attend & participate in this year’s “Trunk or Treat” with their children at the Baldwin LIRR station on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Pre-registered participants will park at the Baldwin train station parking lot, where they will decorate the trunks of their vehicles with Halloween decorations and create an area where trick-or -treaters can receive candy and other goodies in a safe, supervised and fun environment.

Children and adults must wear masks, and costumes are recommended. Food items must be individually wrapped and sealed; fruit or loose foods/ candies, such as loose jellybeans and candy corn, are not permitted. Please only bring allergy-friendly snacks that do not contain peanuts or tree nuts.

For your safety, all participants will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines recommended by the CDC and Legislator Abrahams while participating in this event.

All vehicles must pre-register with Legislator Abrahams’ office at www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD1. For more information call 516-571-2455.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31 TIME: 12 noon – 3 p.m.

WHERE: LIRR Baldwin Train Station Parking Lot, Baldwin (Between Milburn and Brookside Avenues) Next to the Cedarmore Farmers’ Market Across from Freeport High School

Legislator Kevan Abrahams Hosts Ninth Annual ‘Bridge to Employment’ Online Job Fair Through January 2021

(MINEOLA, NY) –Nassau County and the region is continuing to grapple with a sharp increase in unemployPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

ment and economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help residents navigate this daunting economic landscape, Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D - Freeport) has built a more direct bridge between job seekers and employers than ever before to assist with employment opportunities through his ninth annual Job Fair.

Through January 2021, Legislator Abrahams’ online job fair will provide applicants the opportunity to contact employers directly and explore employment and career opportunities and available jobs from their computer, smartphone or tablet. The job fair was reinvented as a remote, online event in accordance with public health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Job seekers can visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD1, scroll down to “Click Here to Search for a Job” and open the link to peruse a user -friendly digital list of employers, available jobs, resources and support services. Through this portal, job seekers can connect directly with employers and inquire about employment opportunities and interviews by clicking on individual web links.

“At a time when so many of our neighbors are facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and searching for jobs during this period of turmoil, efforts to connect residents with job training, employment opportunities and other important resources are more essential than ever,” Legislator Abrahams said. “I hope that job seekers and businesses alike will take full advantage of this innovative, COVIDsafe approach to accelerating our region’s recovery and stimulating local economic activity.”

To register for the job fair, interested employers and prospective employees can visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/ LD1. For additional information, contact Legislator Abrahams’ office at 516571-2455 or LD1events@nassaucountyny.gov.

Minority Leader Abrahams: Analysis Reveals that Refi12

nancing County Debt Would Shield Residents from Tax Spike, Service Cuts (MINEOLA, N.Y.) - Empowering the Nassau Interim Finance Agency (NIFA) to re-finance Nassau County’s debt would shield Nassau residents from the threat of a sharp, sudden tax increase and staggering service cuts amidst a recession caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, recentlycompleted analysis by a top municipal finance expert reveals.

The report by Joah Sapphire, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and President of Global Dynamic Group LLC, concludes that NIFA-led refinancing would yield $435.59 million in reliable, secure operating budget relief through 2022.

Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) commissioned the reports, which Sapphire completed at no cost to Nassau taxpayers.

However, Majority Republicans have thus far refused to support County Executive Laura Curran’s refinancing plan and the budget relief it secures.

Instead, they are poised later today to embrace a strategy that places funding for critical County services, first responders, and public health initiatives in jeopardy by relying upon risky sales tax revenue projections amidst an ongoing pandemic and recession.

“Mr. Sapphire’s findings clearly illustrate why re-structuring Nassau County’s debt is a no-brainer,” Minority (Continued on page 14)

10/30/2020

DIGITAL Version 2020

Hit With An Unexpectedly High Medical Bill, Here's How A Savvy Patient Fought Back When Tiffany Qiu found herself on the hook for her usual 30% Blue Shield of California coinsurance after the hospital quoted 20%, she pushed back.

When Tiffany Qiu heard how much her surgery was going to cost her, she was sure the hospital's financial department had made a mistake. Qiu already knew from a breast cancer scare earlier that year that her plan required a 30% coinsurance payment on operations, so she pressed the person on the phone several times to make sure she had heard correctly: Her coinsurance payment would be only 20% if she had the procedure at Palomar Medical Center in Poway, Calif., about 38 miles south of where Qiu lives.

"I was kind of in doubt, so I called them a second time," said Qiu. "They gave me the exact same amount."

Qiu had been diagnosed with uterine polyps, a benign condition that was making her periods heavier and more unpredictable. Her OB-GYN proposed removing them but said it was safe to wait. Qiu said that she asked about the possibility of doing it in the doctor's office under local anesthesia to make the procedure cheaper, but that her doctor rebuffed her suggestion.

Because Qiu thought she was getting a deal on her usual 30% share of the bill, she decided to go ahead with the polyp removal on Nov. 5, 2019. As she sat in the waiting room filling out forms, staffers let her know she needed to pay in full before the surgery.

Unease set in. The hospital asked for the 20% coinsurance — $1,656.10 — that she had been quoted over the phone, but Qiu hadn't been told she needed to pay on the day of the procedure. As she handed over her credit card, she confirmed one more time that this would be her total patient responsibility, barring complications.

The surgery was over in less than 30 minutes, and she walked out of the hospital with her husband feeling perfectly fine.

Then the bill came.

Patient: Tiffany Qiu is a 49-year-old real estate agent and mother of two who lives in Temecula, Calif. Her family of four is covered by a Blue Shield of California policy that she and her husband purchased on the marketplace. Last year, they paid a $1,455 monthly premium, with an individual annual $1,850 deductible and an individual out-of-pocket maximum of Published by The Village Press, Inc.

$7,550.

Total bill: Palomar Health billed Blue Shield $22,219.64 for the polyp removal, which the insurer negotiated down to $8,576.79. Blue Shield paid $5,769.72 and stated in an explanation of benefits document that Qiu was responsible for a $334.32 deductible and $2,472.75 coinsurance.

Because Qiu had already paid $1,873.20 on the day of surgery, the hospital billed her an additional $933.87, which meant Qiu was on the hook for the remainder of her 30% coinsurance.

These figures don't include the fees Qiu paid for anesthesia or her doctor's services.

Care provider: Palomar Medical Center in Poway is one of three hospitals in the Palomar Health system.

Palomar Health is a San Diego County public health care district, which means the health care facilities are nonprofit and receive property taxes as a portion of their revenue stream. The system is governed by a board of directors elected from within the district's boundaries.

What gives: Hospitals and surgery centers sometimes offer discounts if patients are uninsured and able to pay with cash or a credit card. Physicians may even offer discounts on a patient's share of the costs if they know the patient is unemployed or has fallen on hard times. But regularly offering discounts to attract patients is not common and could even be fraudulent

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Leader Abrahams said. “The $435 million in savings generated by this approach would address the devastating fiscal fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in a responsible manner that equips the County to continue delivering the essential services residents rely upon. However, the Majority has thus far rejected a sure thing in favor of rolling the dice on sales tax revenues during an unprecedented pandemic. The Majority’s wildly reckless approach would expose Nassau residents to the threat of brutal tax increases next year - and it’s a wager the Minority Caucus is simply unwilling to make.”

In his Oct. 20 report related to debt restructuring, Sapphire writes that NIFA’s excellent credit rating, historically low interest rates and aggressive recent actions by the Federal Reserve to sustain the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, will create opportunities for additional refinancing that can ameliorate increases in debt service expenditures through 2035 and also better position the County to address budget risks identified through 2024.

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“Therefore, it seems prudent to approve the plan detailed in the ‘Restructuring of NIFA and County Debt’ and to continue the heroic efforts to battle, contain and solve the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve the health and safety of all residents of Nassau County,” Sapphire writes.

However, Minority Leader Abrahams argues that the Majority’s counterproposal, which relies primarily upon inflated sales tax projections for its revenue sources, is an illegal and an irresponsible gamble that puts Nassau residents at risk of sharp tax increases and devastating service cuts if their optimistic projections are incorrect.

County Executive Curran announced on Wednesday, Oct. 28 that she would veto the Majority’s speculative budget amendments if they reach her desk, and Minority Leader Abrahams said that the caucus would vote unanimously to uphold her veto if any override attempt is made.

“Despite the potential for additional sales tax revenue, we caution against prematurely making any materially different policy decisions based on this recent data,” a Oct. 15, 2020 NIFA report cited by Sapphire states. “We emphasize the importance of arming the County with as many robust fiscal 14

weapons as possible to mitigate the economic fallout because, unfortunately, we cannot look to modern history for any meaningful guidance on where sales tax revenue will trend in the coming months - let alone years.”

“It is clear that due to the unprecedented impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic it is extremely difficult to predict how much sales tax revenue Nassau County will collect for the remainder of FY 2020 and during FY 2021,” Sapphire writes in an Oct. 25 report on the Majority’s proposed budget amendments.

10/30/2020

Vista completes $4.2B IPO, announces two deals amid executive turmoil

$139 million settlement with the US government last week over a tax fraud investigation.

Datto, a Vista-backed developer of cloud-based software for managed service providers, began trading on Vista Equity Partners completed a the NYSE on Wednesday after rais$4.2 billion IPO for one of its ing $594 million in its IPO, offering portfolio companies and anshares for $27 apiece, the top end nounced two other deals Wednes- of its expected range. Datto's day, a sign that the high-profile shares closed the day at $27.10, software investor doesn't plan to resulting in a market cap of some slow down its pace despite reports $4.2 billion. The deal marks a relaof executive tensions after firm tively quick and profitable turnafounder Robert Smith reached a round for Vista, which reportedly

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paid more than $1.5 billion for Datto in 2017.

That deal was led in part by Vista president Brian Sheth, who cofounded the firm alongside Smith in 2000. Sheth was listed as a director on Datto's board when the firm first filed for its IPO in September, but his name was absent from subsequent S-1 updates. Sheth is likely on his way out at Vista, according to an Axios report, with Smith's settlement with the Department of Justice after a four-year investigation serving as a "contributing factor" to a possible departure. Sheth reportedly informed other firm leaders late last year that he was already thinking about leaving Vista.

In another move announced Wednesday, Vista has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in SmartBear, a Massachusetts-based provider of software development and testing services, from Francisco Partners, with Axios reporting a purchase price of roughly $1.7 billion. Francisco Partners will retain a 50% stake in the company, which it acquired for $410 million in 2017.

And finally, Naviga, a provider of content engagement software for the newspaper industry that Vista has backed since 2013, has sold a financial services platform called Acquired Media to Moody's, the credit ratings and advisory giant.

10/30/2020

The pandemic has brought unprecedented hardship for small businesses, and it has disproportionately impacted the Black small business community. That’s why we are working with American Express to launch the Coalition to Back Black Businesses—a multi-year initiative to support Black small business owners in their recovery.

Coalition to Back Black Businesses and we hope these grants can help the Black business community begin to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.

APPLY BY 9/21/2020.

Learn more at webackblackbusinesses.com.

Over the next four years, the initiative will provide $10 million in grants, leadership development and business mentoring and other development opportunities to empower Black-owned small businesses in U.S. communities that have long been struggling with economic growth. We’re proud to be a part of the Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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10/30/2020

Sotomayor Tears into 5-3 Supreme Court Decision Allowing Alabama to Ban Curbside Voting for People with Disabilities The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with Alabama state officials seeking to prevent curbside voting, overturning two lower court decisions accommodating individuals with disabilities and underlying conditions that them particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The justices voted 5-3 to lift an injunction of the curbside voting ban, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining court’s conservative bloc and the liberal justices dissenting. While the majority did not include the legal reasoning underlying the decision, Justice Sonia Sotomayor penned a brief yet biting dissent to the “shadow docket” ruling.

After Alabama prohibited counties from allowing curbside voting, a coalition of at-risk voters filed a lawsuit challenging the ban as a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal district court agreed, halting the ban and implementing a policy that permitted, but did not require, counties to collect curbside ballots.

A federal appeals court upheld the Published by The Village Press, Inc.

ruling, and the state filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court.

In her dissent, which was joined by Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan, Sotomayor pointed out that the U.S. Department of Justice had previously come out in favor of curbside voting as a reasonable accommodation to remedy violations of the ADA, asserting that Alabama has no valid reason for prohibiting the process to those most vulnerable to the pandemic from being forced to vote indoors in a state with no mask requirement.

“If those vulnerable voters wish to vote in person, they must wait inside, for as long as it takes, in a crowd of fellow voters whom Alabama does not require to wear face coverings,” she wrote. “The District Court for good reason found that the secretary’s ban deprives disabled voters of the equally effective ‘opportunity to participate in’ the ‘benefit’ of in-person voting. The secretary does not meaningfully dispute that the plaintiffs have disabilities, that COVID–19 is disproportionately likely to be fatal to these plaintiffs, and that traditional in-person voting will meaningfully increase their risk of exposure. He argues only that the relevant ‘benefit’ under the ADA is voting generally, not in-person voting specifically, and that absentee voting ensures access to that benefit.”

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After explaining how the lower courts’ decisions was a compromise that lifted “burdensome requirements” rather than imposing them, she concluded by quoting from one of the plaintiffs in the case, Howard Porter Jr., a Black septuagenarian with both asthma and Parkinson’s Disease. “[S]o many of my [ancestors] even died to vote,” he testified during the district court trial. “And while I don’t mind dying to vote, I think we’re past that – we’re past that time.”

Sotomayor said election officials agreed with Porter and were trying to help, but the court stopped that from happening.

“They are ready and willing to help vulnerable voters like Mr. Porter cast their ballots without unnecessarily risking infection from a deadly virus. This Court should not stand in their way,” the justice wrote.

10/30/2020

Diversity and inclusion training suspended at State Department All training programs related to diversity and inclusion have been halted at the State Department, a month after President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting the teaching of so-called “divisive concepts” at federal agencies.

In statement to The Hill on Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the department said it began "pausing all training programs related to diversity and inclusion" on Friday in accordance with the White House's executive order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping "to allow time for review of content and materials."

The spokesperson said the order, signed by Trump last month, requires the Office of Personnel Management "to review diversity and inclusion trainings to ensure compliance, and the Department to ensure trainings, workshops, and forums do not contain 'divisive concepts.'"

"As an Executive Branch Agency, the Department of State complies with all Executive Orders. The Department’s commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace is long-standing and steadfast. Department leadership continues to encourage the workforce to engage in inclusive conversations and other efforts to promote diversity and inclusion consistent with the [Executive Order]," the spokesperson added.

Reuters was first to break the news over the weekend.

The move comes a month after Trump signed an executive order banning the teaching of so-called “divisive concepts” at federal agencies.

Concepts outlined in the order that fall under the category include the notion that United States is fundamentally racist or sexist, that any individual should feel "discomfort, guilt, anguish" or physiological distress on account of his or her race or sex and Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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that “meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.”

Lincoln Project warns of third Trump term in new ad Biden's polling lead over Trump looks more comfortable than Clinton's Executive departments and agencies, the U.S. military, federal contractors and federal grant recipients are covered by the order.

It was issued several weeks after the Trump administration also directed federal agencies to cancel programs for employees discussing "white privilege" or "critical race theory.”

The president has criticized anti-racism teachings in recent weeks and announced plans for a commission that would promote "patriotic education" as he seeks to bolster support among his base and white voters in the final stretch of the presidential race.

10/30/2020

Casting of The New Cleopatra Film With Israeli Actress Draws Massive Backlash in Egypt When Gal Gadot announced that she would be reuniting with Wonder Woman director, Petty Jenkins in a historical film covering the story of Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, Egyptians weren’t excited as one would expect. Instead, there’s been a massive backlash against the casting of Gadot as the Egyptian monarch.

In 2017, Jenkins directed Gadot’s Wonder Woman film based on the American comic superhero named like its sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, which will be screened in the coming months.

The new film has been scripted by Laeta Kalogritis, who wrote the screenplay for Leonardo Di Caprio’s, Shutter Island.

and will make their voices heard by and for other women,” said Gadot in a tweet.

While you’d think there would be a celebration around a group of women teaming up to tell the story of a legendary female ruler, online users reacted in rage.

“Hollywood has always cast white American actresses as the Queen of the Nile,” said one user in a tweet. “For once, can’t they find an African actress?”

Many Egyptians aren’t as enthusiastic as Gadot regarding the upcoming film. According to Mahmoud Kassem, a film critic, while quite a lot of money is being spent on Egyptian TV and cinematic productions, only a few of them give viewers insight into the country’s rich history.

“For Egyptian filmmakers and producers, our history begins with the Islamic Conquest. They have ignored the Pharaonic and Coptic eras as if those never existed,” Kassem said.

Mostafa El Fekki, the director of Alexandria Li“Cleopatra is a story I’ve wanted to tell for a very brary, and an Egyptian politician, termed Gadot’s long time,” Gadot said in an Instagram post. casting “brainwashing and deceit.”

“Can’t be more excited and grateful.” https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/ Gadot also said that the story would be narrated originals/2020/10/egypt-react-gal-gadot-castingfrom a woman’s point of view. cleopatra-backlash.amp.html?

“And we are especially thrilled to be announcing skipthis on the International Day of the Girl. We hope Wem=1&fbclid=IwAR28RT7kHm0n5VuZd_PKIBZB women and girls all around the world who aspire 1IBHWSH_16oDHBMPQyslspRe2fo9P3CYltg to tell stories, will never give up on their dreams Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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10/30/2020

Sisters charged for allegedly stabbing store security guard 27 times after he told them to wear a mask

charges in Illinois for allegedly stabbing a store security guard after being told they needed to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

The sisters entered a retail store and got into a verbal altercation with the victim, a 32-year-old man who was working as a security guard, Chicago Police said.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said the man had told the sisters they had to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

Their argument became physical when Jessica Hill, 21, pulled out a knife and stabbed him in his back, (CNN)Two sisters are being held on neck, and arms 27 times, according to the criminal complaint. attempted first-degree murder

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Her sister, 18-year-old Jayla Hill, held the victim down by his hair while the attack occurred, according to the complaint.

Police said the victim is in stable condition.

Both women were taken to the hospital immediately after the incident for minor lacerations and charged with attempted firstdegree murder, according to police.

Jail records show they are currently being held without bond.

Their next court hearing is scheduled for November 4, according to jail records. It is unclear who is representing them at this time.

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if the patients are insured through Medicare, said Paul Ginsburg, director of the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy.

In Qiu's case, the hospital seemed to be offering a discount on the insurer's normally required coinsurance.

"The hospital would be in breach of their contract with the insurance if they did not bill her for that amount," said Martine Brousse, a California-based patient advocate and medical billing consultant for AdvimedPRO. "She owes what the insurance has calculated, and the facility has every right to demand payment."

Heart Disease Bankrupted Him Once. Now He Faces Another $10,000 Medical Bill Copayments and coinsurance exist, in theory, so patients have "skin in the game." They have to pay a clearly defined portion of the cost of their care, according to their policy, so they will shop around and use medical care judiciously (though many health experts say coinsurance amounts have gotten so high that many cannot afford them).

Another thing to note is how much the hospital billed Qiu for a simple outpatient procedure: $22,219.64.

That amount is "totally laughable," said Dr. Merrit Quarum, founder of WellRithms, a company that works with self-funded employers and other clients to make sense of complex medical claims.

Not only is the charge far out of line with what that procedure typically costs in that region (about $5,500), but Qiu is now stuck paying a larger amount as her share under the terms of her insurance. This is how those "sticker prices" that few people pay still drive up costs for individuals.

Resolution: If she hadn't been quoted 20%, Qiu said, she would have shopped for a better deal. She flies to China often to visit her mother and was open to getting the surgery done there.

Qiu called the hospital to ask why she was being billed a second time, despite the lack of complications during the surgery. She remembers the back-andforth over the remaining bill was exhausting, especially because it happened over the holidays.

"I got tired and said, 'I don't want to play this game anymore,'" Qiu recalled. "'If you want to send it to collections, you can do it, but I'm not going to pay for it.'"

The bill landed at a collection agency called IC System. In a May 23 phone call, Qiu said, a representative offered to slash the remaining bill by 25% if she would just pay that day.

But Qiu refused, though she could afford to pay. She's undaunted by the risk the unpaid bill poses to her credit score, preferring instead to fight the hospital on behalf of other patients who may not have the time or luxury to persist.

The experience left her feeling as if the hospital offered her a fake discount to reel in her business. "I double-checked and tripled-checked with them," Qiu said. "They have financial departments that should be verifying this with my insurance company."

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After a reporter's call, Palomar Health looked back at phone records, confirmed Qiu's version of events and said a hospital staffer had made a mistake by quoting her a 20% cost-sharing obligation. That percentage then got automatically put into her patient notes and was on the bill of estimated costs she signed and paid on the day of surgery, even though it was incorrect.

They apologized for giving the mistaken impression that Qiu was getting a discount. Staff members are not authorized to offer discounts when providing estimates, said Derryl Acosta, a spokesman for Palomar Health.

Acosta also pointed out other communication breakdowns, like dropping the complaint Qiu phoned in after she received the second bill in late November.

Her issue did not get put into the standard customer complaint process, which would have elevated the problem and triggered an investigation into the phone records. That's why Qiu's bill was sent to the collection agency.

"We definitely admit that the call should have been handled differently," Acosta said. "We now have a new call center that we believe will handle this type of call better."

Because Palomar Health was able to see in its phone records that a staffer had confirmed the erroneous 20% coinsurance amount to Qiu, the health system will change her bill to reflect what she was promised.

Qiu will get a statement in the mail saying she has a zero balance, Acosta said.

The takeaway: Multiple medical billing advocates who reviewed Qiu's case praised her for her tenacity in calling the hospital financial department twice before the procedure. But as she acknowledged, most people don't have the time or spine to fight.

To avoid such situations, experts advised, patients should check in with their insurer about the discounts offered, as hospital staffers may be poorly trained or ill informed.

If a patient hears conflicting information about charges before a procedure, they need to approach their insurer to confirm the details of their own policy, said Brousse, the patient advocate.

The simple fact that a hospital staffer misinformed a patient isn't a legal reason to force a hospital to lower a bill, Brousse said.

Also, get promises in writing — before the day of surgery. Make sure the offer is explicit about which services are included and what might count as a complication. Ask whether you'll have to pay upfront.

Initial estimated bills can be full of asterisks and "weasel words," said Akshay Gupta, co-founder of CoPatient, a medical bill review and patient advocacy company.

"Even though she tried to be diligent, obviously she still didn't know that she would need to get something that was legally enforceable," said Gupta.

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10/30/2020

Andrew Weissmann, Ex-Mueller Deputy, On Pardons, Barr And Investigating Trump Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann talked with reporters outside the federal courthouse in Houston in 2002. His new book reflects on the past and potential future of the Justice Department.

In 1991, then-Attorney General William Barr signed the official commissioning papers of an eager young prosecutor preparing to launch his career in Brooklyn.

That lawyer went on to take down mob kingpins and corrupt corporate executives before becoming perhaps the most widely known member of the special counsel team investigating Russia's attack on the 2016 election.

Andrew Weissmann, now 62, recalled a sense of relief after President Trump announced Barr would return to lead the Justice Department nearly two years ago.

A Lead Prosecutor On Mueller's Team Weighs In On Where The Investigation Fell Short POLITICS A Lead Prosecutor On Mueller's Team Weighs In On Where The Investigation Fell Short But Barr's public summary of the special counsel findings, and the administration's treatment of defendants close to the White House, have prompted Weissmann to level a blistering critique at Justice leaders and his onetime top boss.

"Seeing the rule of law be really trashed by the attorney general is soul-crushing," Weissmann told NPR. "[Trump friend] Roger Stone received disparate treatment. The Department of Justice took positions that it rejects in any other case. [Former Trump campaign chairman] Paul Manafort was released when other people who didn't fit the criteria for a [coronavirus pandemic] release were not released.

And that, to me, is antithetical to the rule of law."

In a new book, Where Law Ends, Weissmann is one of many lawyers with government experience who has been thinking about what he calls the need to rebuild guard rails to protect the Justice Department from White House interference — and how to help the public better understand the next investigation of alleged presidential misconduct.

The perils of pardons One key area is the president's pardon power, which Weissmann said prevented the special counsel team from getting to the bottom of whether campaign advisers four years ago conspired with people in Russia to help elect Trump.

No one in Trump's camp was ever charged with such a conspiracy, leading the president and allies to declare victory and vindication. Critics observe that special counsel Robert Mueller's report explicitly did not clear Trump of wrongdoing and have speculated Published by The Village Press, Inc.

that he and aides might have done more than authorities could prove definitively.

Specifically, Trump's ability to promise to extricate people in his orbit from criminal penalties meant authorities couldn't put sufficient pressure on them to compel them to truly reveal all they knew, Weissmann argues.

Greg Craig, Onetime White House Counsel, Charged In Ukraine Case NATIONAL SECURITY Greg Craig, Onetime White House Counsel, Charged In Ukraine Case For example, investigators have established that Manafort met with a Russian contact linked with its military intelligence agency and gave him internal information from Trump's campaign. But prosecutors' sometime-cooperation agreement with Manafort broke down because of what government officials called false statements he began making — possibly because he knew he wouldn't face repercussions for them or anything else thanks to his powerful friend.

Now, in the middle of another election season, Weissmann said, the prospect of pardons is looming once again.

"I suspect strongly that if the president does not win reelection, that he is going to pardon a lot more people related to the Trump Organization, his family, people who work there, and even himself," Weissmann said. "That's obviously never been done.

A president has never pardoned himself and that could be challenged by the Department of Justice if it decided it was going to go ahead with a criminal prosecution."

Trump has asserted he has the power to pardon himself, but because he says he didn't do anything wrong in the Russia investigation, he never sought to use it.

What isn't clear, however, is whether Trump also may be connected with alleged lawbreaking in his business or financial practices — or whether a Justice Department under President Joe Biden might try to prosecute him for what critics have called Trump's alleged obstruction of Mueller's work.

The coordination question Long-standing Justice Department legal interpreta(Continued on page 27)

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10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

Mark Lassiter October 17, 2018 ¡ Shared with:Public From 1959-1970s, Black voters in Tennessee were blacklisted and evicted from their homes by White landlords for voting. This led to the creation of Black tent cities, filled with Black people who dared to vote.

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tions, followed by the special counsel team, say that a sitting president cannot be charged with a federal crime. But those interpretations no longer apply once a president leaves the White House.

What's more, presidential pardons only cover charges brought by federal prosecutors, leaving some leeway for state and local authorities. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance is conducting a bank and tax fraud investigation of the Trump Organization, but lawyers for Trump have slowed the probe, twice turning to the Supreme Court to block subpoenas from a grand jury.

Weissmann said that as he was considering a plea deal with Manafort, Trump's onetime campaign chairman, over Manafort's personal finances, he consulted with Mueller and officials in New York. Then, Weissmann said, a deputy on the special counsel team told him not to coordinate with state law enforcement "because we shouldn't undermine any pardons."

To Weissmann, who built a national reputation — and faced bitter criticism from defense lawyers — by pressuring lower-level people into cooperating against higher-ups, that sounded exactly wrong.

"Having a state investigation would be really useful for the goal of our investigation, which was getting at the truth," Weissmann said. "So I didn't think that that should have been asked for. And I don't think it should have been accepted, even if the risk was that we would get fired."

For all the complaints then and now by Trump about persecution, Weissmann wonders whether the special counsel team actually was too deferential.

Fukushima water release could change human DNA, Greenpeace warns To cool fuel cores at the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, operator TEPCO has pumped in tens of thousands of tons of water over the years, but now, the water needs disposing of.

To cool fuel cores at the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, operator TEPCO has pumped in tens of thousands of tons of water over the years, but now, the water needs disposing of.

(CNN)Contaminated water that could soon be released into the sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant contains radioactive carbon with the potential to damage human DNA, environmental rights organization Greenpeace has Published by The Village Press, Inc.

"Because at some point, and this is sort of a mantra or or leitmotif in the book, I thought as we progressed: 'What if we pull our punches so much?' It's really: We're not doing what I thought was our job.

Other people can disagree. And I thought it was better to just get fired than to not do what we were assigned to do."

For his part, Mueller himself issued a rare public statement in response to the Weissmann book.

"It is not surprising that members of the special counsel's office did not always agree, but it is disappointing to hear criticism of our team based on incomplete information," Mueller said.

Investigating a president and his inner circle is always a fraught enterprise, but Weissmann offers a few suggestions for the future.

First, give Congress and the director of national intelligence the ability to name a special counsel, not just the attorney general, he argued. Lawmakers could give that counsel the ability to refer matters to federal prosecutors or to state authorities, to avoid some pardon problems down the road.

Second, make it clear that the investigators will prepare a report for release to the public, not just to the leaders of the Justice Department — that would remove the prospect that an attorney general could filter the findings in his public comments.

And, third, create a dedicated unit of agents to investigate and prevent election interference, the way the FBI has squads focused on counterintelligence, financial fraud or other specialized tasks.

Interference by foreign adversaries persists to this day, Weissmann's book warns — a message underscored by the FBI and intelligence officials this week who warned about fresh attacks by Russia and Iran.

warned.

The environmental group claims that the 1.23 million metric tons of water stored at the plant -- scene of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster -- contains "dangerous" levels of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 and other "hazardous" radionuclides, which it says will have "serious long-term consequences for communities and the environment" if the water is released into the Pacific Ocean.

To cool fuel cores at the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has pumped in tens of thousands of tons of water over the years. Once used, the water is put into storage.

Wildlife flourishing in uninhabited areas around Fukushima Wildlife flourishing in uninhabited areas around Fukushima But nine years on from Japan's worst nuclear disaster, storage space is running out, and the gov27

ernment is still deciding what to do with the water.

Authorities, including the country's environment minister, have indicated the only solution is to release it into the ocean -- a plan facing opposition from environmental campaigners and fishing industry representatives.

On Friday, the Japanese government postponed a decision on what to do with the water. In a task force meeting, Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said: "In order to avoid the delay in decommission process of Fukushima Daiichi, we need to make a decision how to deal with the processed water that increases every day," but acknowledged that authorities needed to address "voices of concern."

In a report released Friday, Greenpeace said the water, in addition to radioactive isotope tritium, contains radioactive isotope carbon14, which is "major contributor to (Continued on page 28)

10/30/2020

(Continued from page 27)

collective human radiation dose and has the potential to damage human DNA." Shaun Burnie, author of the report and senior nuclear specialist with Greenpeace Germany, told CNN there could be as much as 63.6GBq (gigabecquerels) of carbon-14 in total in the tanks.

Germany is closing all its nuclear power plants. Now it must find a place to bury the deadly waste for 1 million years Germany is closing all its nuclear power plants. Now it must find a place to bury the deadly waste for 1 million years "These, together with other radionuclides in the water will remain hazardous for thousands of years with the potential to cause genetic damage. It's one more reason why these plans have to be abandoned," Burnie said in a statement.

Ryounosuke Takanori, a spokesperson for TEPCO told CNN in a statement that the concentration of carbon-14 contained in the treated water is about 2 to 220 becquerels per liter, as measured in the water tanks.

Takanori said "even if the water is continuously drunk by 2 liters every day, the annual exposure is about 0.001 to 0.11 millisieverts, which is not a level that affects health."

It is considered that the safety of the health, environment and fishPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

ery products in the surrounding area will be ensured by taking measures to firmly comply with legal requirements.

Takanori said TEPCO will carry out a secondary treatment to satisfy regulatory standards "to satisfy the regulatory standards for discharge other than tritium," and radioactive materials including carbon-14 will be reduced as much as possible.

Claire Corkhill, reader in nuclear materials at the UK's University of Sheffield, who was not associated with the study, told CNN that tritium has been released into the sea in countries around the world and on numerous occasions, and the procedure has a "low impact on organisms."

She told CNN that recent TEPCO analysis of the water had shown that the radioactivity in the tanks was "more than was expected," and indicated the presence of carbon-14 or a beta-emitting radioisotope, technetium-99 -- but results have not yet shown how much carbon-14 is in the water.

"Any radioactive discharge carries some environmental and health risk," Francis Livens, a professor of radiochemistry at the University of Manchester told CNN, adding that the risk would be relative to how much carbon 14 would be released into the ocean. "An awful lot really does depend on how much is going to be discharged."

"If it's (carbon-14) there and it's there in quantity, yes, there proba28

bly is a risk associated with it," Livens, who is not associated with the Greenpeace study, said. "People have discharged carbon-14 into the sea over many years. It all comes down to how much is there, how much is dispersed, does it enter marine food chains and find its way back to people?"

Corkhill said while the Japanese government should be sure of how much carbon-14 is in the tanks before releasing the water into the sea, scientific modeling indicates that the levels of the isotope are within the limits of what the government deems safe.

"The most conservative estimates of how much carbon-14 they have still puts them below the Japanese legal limit for radioactive discharge to sea," she said.

Disposing of the contaminated water will not be an easy task -though the water could in theory be transported to a different site in the prefecture, or transformed into cement, both alternatives come with their own environmental concerns, Corkhill added. "There's not really any good solution for this type of material," she said.

Nonetheless, Corkhill told CNN the contaminated water is becoming a pressing concern: If the Japanese government does not deal with the contaminated water, it will have "several millions of cubic meters of water that's radioactive all sat on the Fukushima site," she said.

10/30/2020

Author of 2018 'Anonymous' op-ed critical of Trump revealed

A year later, Taylor released the anonymously authored book titled, "A Warning," which included new details critical of the President from inside the Trump administration. He wrote that members of Trump's team considered sabotaging him to prompt Trump to resign, and that many administration officials kept their own Washington (CNN)The anonymous senior letters of resignation in their desks or on Trump administration official who wrote a their laptops.

2018 New York Times op-ed and a subseTaylor was Nielsen's deputy chief of staff quent book critical of President Donald when the anonymous op-ed was pubTrump is Miles Taylor, he revealed in a lished, and he was promoted to chief of statement to CNN on Wednesday. staff several months later. Since leaving Taylor, who was chief of staff to Departthe Trump administration in 2019, Tayment of Homeland Security Secretary lor endorsed Democrat Joe Biden in AuKirstjen Nielsen, wrote a gust and co-founded a Republican group lengthy statement explaining why he that is opposed to Trump. penned the 2018 op-ed declaring he was part of the "resistance" inside the Trump "I am a Republican, and I wanted this administration working to thwart Trump's president to succeed," Taylor said in his statement Wednesday. "But too often in worst inclinations. Taylor said that he wanted to force Trump to respond to the times of crisis, Donald Trump has proven charges he was leveling without the ability he is a man without character, and his personal defects have resulted in leaderto attack the messenger specifically. ship failures so significant that they can be Trump called the op-ed treasonous. measured in lost American lives."

"Much has been made of the fact that Speaking with CNN's Chris Cuomo on these writings were published anonymously. The decision wasn't easy, I wres- "Prime Time" Wednesday evening, Taylor further assailed Trump for creating "a cultled with it, and I understand why some ture of intimidation where people that people consider it questionable to levy such serious charges against a sitting Pres- speak out against him -- he threatens to use the powers of his office to punish ident under the cover of anonymity. But them." my reasoning was straightforward, and I stand by it," Taylor wrote.

"To the President of the United States, criticism of him is treacherous and subver"Issuing my critiques without attribution sive," he said. "That's not what our foundforced the President to answer them diing fathers said about criticizing the Presirectly on their merits or not at all, rather dent of the United States." than creating distractions through petty insults and name-calling," Taylor added. "I The White House has criticized Taylor wanted the attention to be on the argusince his endorsement of Biden, ments themselves." and Trump called him a "disgruntled emTaylor joined CNN as a contributor in Sep- ployee." tember 2020.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement Wednesday He had previously denied that he was after Taylor's identity was revealed that "Anonymous." Asked in August by CNN's Anderson Cooper if he had written the op- "this low-level, disgruntled former staffer is a liar and a coward who chose anonymied and book, Taylor said, "I wear a mask for two things, Anderson: Halloweens and ty over action and leaking over leading." pandemics. So no."

"It is appalling a low-ranking official would be granted anonymity and it is clear the Taylor's statement answers one of the New York Times is doing the bidding of biggest mysteries of Trump's presidency.

Never-Trumpers and Democrats," Trump responded furiously to the op-ed McEnany said. when it was written in 2018, and urged then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Taylor said he was hopeful that more peoinvestigate the matter. There was ple inside the government would speak an internal hunt at the White House to out against Trump, noting that several uncover the identity of the author, and it senior officials have done so in different spawned months of parlor games in ways since leaving the administration.

Washington guessing at who was behind "I witnessed Trump's inability to do his job the op-ed through the speech patterns over the course of two-and-a-half years and phrases used.

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29

inside the administration. Everyone saw it, though most were hesitant to speak up for fear of reprisals," Taylor wrote.

In the 2018 op-ed, which was titled, "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration," Taylor anonymously wrote that "many of the senior officials in his own administration are working diligently from within to frustrate parts of his agenda and his worst inclinations."

But Taylor said that original assertion was incorrect.

"The country cannot rely on wellintentioned, unelected bureaucrats around the President to steer him toward what's right," Taylor said Wednesday. "He has purged most of them anyway."

Recalling those efforts later Wednesday, Taylor told Cuomo there were moments he shared with other officials "where you have to ask the tough question: 'Wow, do we resign now or do we stay and say, Mr. President, that's illegal and we refuse to do it.'"

"And we chose the latter. And that wasn't always the easiest or right choice. But we got to a point where saying no to those things stopped working, Chris, because he would just go around us and do them anyway."

10/30/2020

DIGITAL Version 2020

FACEBOOK OP-ED Arthur Gianelli October 24 at 1:29 AM · Shared with: Public This is the President's plan for healthcare in the US nearly 4 years after he was first elected.

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10/30/2020

Senior US delegation meets with Nigeria's vice president, after killing of #EndSARS protesters

Nigerian forces allegedly killed at least 12 peaceful protesters Tuesday night.

LONDON -- U.S. Department of State counselor T. Ulrich Brechbuhl met with Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the capital of Abuja on Thursday to raise concerns about the ongoing violence, as widespread protests against police brutality grip Africa's most populous country.

The meeting was part of a previously scheduled delegation, which included top U.S. diplomats for human rights, Robert Destro, and for conflict stabilization, Denise Natali, according to State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.

"The Counselor expressed the U.S. condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos," Ortagus said in a statement Thursday night. "He expressed condolences to the victims of these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.

The Vice President and the CounsePublished by The Village Press, Inc.

lor noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles."

An aerial view shows protesters gathering at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria, on Oct. 15, 2020, during a demonstration against police brutality and the nowdisbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Amnesty International said in a report that at least 12 people were killed and hundreds more were severely injured on Tuesday night when Nigerian security forces opened fire without warning on two large gatherings of peaceful protesters in parts of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. The Londonbased human rights organization cited "evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, video footage and hospital reports."

"Soldiers clearly had one intention -- to kill without consequences," Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, said in a statement Wednesday night, alongside the release of the report.

Amnesty International said it also received reports that surveillance cameras at the toll gate in Lekki, a wealthy suburb of Lagos where protesters have been camped for two weeks, were removed by government officials and the electricity was cut off shortly before the 31

shootings in what appeared to be an attempt to hide evidence. Some of those killed and injured at the protest sites in both Lekki and Alausa, another suburb of Lagos, were allegedly taken away by the military, according to Amnesty International.

"These shootings clearly amount to extrajudicial executions," Ojigho said. "There must be an immediate investigation and suspected perpetrators must be held accountable through fair trials. Authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families."

Nigerian police fire teargas at people during clashes in the Apo district of Abuja, Nigeria, on Oct. 20, 2020, amid ongoing protests against police brutality and the now-disbanded Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS).

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement Thursday, condemning "the use of excessive force by military forces" and urging Nigeria's "security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful." It was the first comment to come from the White House on the situation in Nigeria, following outcry from American celebrities, lawmakers and even Democratic presidential (Continued on page 34)

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10/30/2020

African American Gun Manufacturer “Civilian Force Arms” Yonas Hagos of Civilian Force Arms National African American Gun Association

USA –-(Ammoland.com)- I ran across a Company called “Civilian Force Arms” they are an African American owned “Gun Manufacturer” in the United States.

Yes right here in the USA and they are thriving. The company was founded by Yonas Hagos who is a USA Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

The company is delivering a World Class AR-15 platform that is dependable and performs at a quite a high level.

Yonas Hagos, a child refugee from Sudan, has always dedicated his life to serving his country and others.

After being wounded by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq during the height of the war in 2004, Yonas became an avid community volunteer and entrepreneur.

Volunteering as a Mission Continues Fellow, he along with other post 9/11 Veterans dedicated their time and energy to rebuilding communities across the nation.

Soon he turned his drive to serve into business, launching three successful businesses helping to employ fellow Americans.

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Now he is focusing on what he does best, designing and building custom AR-15s. Yonas prides himself on producing weapons that are American Made, Built To Survive.™ This is a solid Veteran owned organization that the NAAG community needs to support “Nationwide” and buy products from.

They are based in Illinois.

Company Website: https://www.civilianforcearms.com/about Location: Civilian Force Arms 1208B Badger St. Yorkville, IL. 60560 Telephone: 630-882-3498 / Phone: 815-341-9165 Email; levon@civilianforcearms.com About National African American Gun Association (NAAGA): The goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every african american introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities. We are a civil rights organization focused on self preservation of our community through armed protection and community building. The National African American Gun Association provides a network for all african american firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome people of all religious, social, and racial perspectives. We especially welcome african american members of law enforcement and active/ retired military.

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10/30/2020

(Continued from page 31)

candidate Joe Biden.

While the shootings in Lagos have prompted global outrage and have been widely condemned, the Nigerian military has denied responsibility. On its official Twitter account, the Nigerian Army has labeled numerous reports about the shootings as "fake news."

Lagos, a sprawling financial hub of the West African nation, has been the center of weeks-long, nationwide demonstrations over a nowdisbanded, widely-criticized police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The youth-led protest movement, which uses the social media hashtag #EndSARS, has been largely peaceful, but tensions have boiled over in recent days and fires have been set to cars, government buildings and

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television stations. Authorities have imposed an indefinite, roundthe-clock curfew in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Protesters chant and sing solidarity songs as they barricade barricade the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to protest against police brutality and the killing of protesters by the military, at Magboro, Ogun State, on Oct. 21, 2020.

Last week, as protesters showed no signs of backing down, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announced he would dissolve SARS, which operated across the country -- often in plainclothes -- and has been accused of assault, extortion, extrajudicial killings, kidnapping, torture, unlawful detentions and robbery.

Buhari, who is a retired general of the Nigerian Army, addressed the nation Thursday night, urging de-

34

monstrators "to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions." He made no mention of the shootings of peaceful protesters in Lagos.

"This government will not allow anybody or (any) groups to disrupt the peace of the nation," Buhari warned in his televised address.

"For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and law and order."

"Under no circumstances would this be tolerated," he added.

In response to criticism from fellow African heads of state and other world leaders, Buhari called on them "to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position, or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements."

10/30/2020

DIGITAL Version 20I9

MARKET ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS OUR African-Americans represent a substantial growth In the Bible it is said, “...My people perish for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 KJV. This statement is not only true for the Saints but for the African American community’s of Nassau County. Over the years I have personally seen the deterioration of the fabric of the Black community first hand and it began in the schools. Now this is not a bad thing but it is an important thing that needs to be addressed before it is too late.

While living on Long Island places a lot of pressure on many residents. Long Island is among the top 25 markets in the country. Anything and everything is available to the residents living on Long Island except a professional, stable and strong community news source. If we are not informed how can we make informed decisions?

This is why the VILLAGE PRESS was birth and will launch this coming September. An informed community is the worlds best customer as well as best neighbor. We are committed to making that happen.

The marketing and sales teams here at the VILLAGE PRESS have a very simple customer marketing strategy.

We believe that it is our obligation to meet the client where they are most comfortable, like at Home on a Saturday morning with our Home Delivery Workforce. Or as with this digital publications. Or at their quiet get-a-away; Like their personal SPA, the Gym, or HAIR SALON or even their BARBER SHOP with our Live Streaming Internet Radio Network.

Or even at WORK during a break with our Internet Television Podcast.

There is no magic to this marketing thing we just want to comfortably meet our clients where it is convenient for them.

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segment of the American consumer market for companies and organizations. As a young population with growing economic power and influence it is an important market for those organizations looking for future domestic growth.

When looking toward the future prospects of the African-American demographic some key factors indicate a fertile economic opportunity for corporations.

The buying power of African-Americans is $I trillion and expected to grow to $I.3 trillion in the next few years. A younger, growing population and higher educational achievement are the engines behind gains in economic power and show no signs of slowing down or plateauing.

Overall growth in the number of households with incomes higher than $50,000, $75,000, and $I00,000 indicates the overall buying power increases are broad-based and not concentrated at the top, allowing for increased branding and sales opportunities for companies. Along with exercising more purchase power, African-Americans have started adopting behavioral changes in their lifestyles. These lifestyle changes and consumer behaviors are concentrated in a majority that is in a prime age demographic, have more durable household income levels, and are driven by cultural and ethnic awareness. Cultural identity and ethnicity are key drivers for consumption for African-Americans.

African-Americans are very receptive to advertising and programming that include positive cultural themes and include people of color. Black consumers are more likely to support or purchase products and services that are represented or owned by people of the same ethnicity. Not only are African-American consumers culturally aware they are early adopters of new technology and are heavy users of digital media. Blacks are more likely to positively receive advertising and content via mobile phones and use applications to recommend products to others or rate their experiences.

African-Americans consume television and video at higher rates than the general population.

Black adults are adopting healthier habits including greater participation in exercise and athletics, eating healthier organic foods, cutting back on riskier habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.

Healthier living also includes financial awareness, literacy, and preparedness activities like managing debt, saving, investing, and retirement planning.

10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

Trump's 'least racist' claim falls flat for many. Yet his campaign still holds appeal for some Black men.

sponse to Democratic nominee Joe Biden's tax plan.

At the Republican National Convention in August, speakers including the former NFL star Herschel Walker and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott lacquered Trump with praise.

With the 2020 presidential election coming down to the wire, it's clear that Team Trump is hoping to maxFormer RNC chairman reacts to imize its appeal with Black voters.

Trump's 'least racist person' claim During the final debate on ThursWashington (CNN)It's one of those day, NBC's Kristen Welker asked seemingly hard-to-explain things: Trump and Biden if they underPresident Donald Trump holds an stand why Black parents have to allure for some Black men, despite give their children "the talk" about his history of denigrating Black how to handle encounters with the Americans and his refusal to explic- police. The President said yes -- beitly acknowledge systemic racism. fore he quickly moved on and This relationship was on display on claimed to be "the least racist perMonday, when the rapper 50 Cent son in the room," a response that said to "vote for Trump" in rewas at odds with his track record

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38

and failed to reflect if he truly understands anything about the Black experience.

Just last month, the Trump campaign announced a thinly detailed "Platinum Plan," which extends a promise of Black economic development.

At first glance, such maneuvering is puzzling. The President is decidedly unpopular with the Black electorate: In September, Gallup reported that Trump's job approval rating among Black Americans hovers at 11%. According to a January Washington Post/Ipsos poll, more than 8-in-10 black Americans believe that Trump is a racist.

On Friday, California Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presi(Continued on page 44)

10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

ANDREAUS GUILTY

AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDIA NETWORK ANDREAUS GULITY Why black people don’t trust police This is a video shot of Nassau County police with Freeport police October 26 2020 Monday nite at around 930 pm Nassau rd in Roosevelt New York Most had no mask and it could be a super spreader event and so they don’t care about the public safety if the people they are supposed to protect .they gonna give black people covid then so they not gonna enforce they own law cause they are agents if the state of oppressors USA New York Commissioner Patrick Ryder is in violation of ny state order 203 now we see why Fix it and fix it now https://youtu.be/mvDsnk560Y4 https://youtu.be/prKzEb-XSNg

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10/30/2020

MEET THE ALL-BLACK ARMED MILITIA READY TO MAKE CHANGE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY

they are: Meet the NFAC.

The heavily-armed NFAC, or Not F*cking Around Coalition, is led by John Fitzgerald Johnson, also known as Grand Master Jay, who Previously, BLACK ENTERPRISE re- started the group in 2017 in Atlanta. Johnson has said that the group ported that an all-Black armed group was marching through Stone marches for racial equality and ending police brutality in response Mountain Park in Georiga in July to white-armed militias that have for the removal of a Confederate monument honoring Jefferson Da- come out in light of the heightened vis. Since then, a video of the large racial tension. group marching with their guns in “We’re not ‘effing’ around anyhand has gone viral on social memore with the continued abuses dia. within our community and the lack

selves.

“It ain’t never been grateful Black people in this country,” said Johnson at one of the group marches in a video he posted on his Twitter account. “You can’t fix 400 years of f*cking people over in 150 years!”

The group has also been able to avoid any conflicts with law enforcement usually coordinating with local officers on the scene to peacefully march. While many have compared the group to the Black Panther Party who formed a similar militia to protect Black neighborhoods, the group sets itThe group has become more active of respect for our men, women, and children,” Johnson said in an self apart by avoiding violence and within the last couple of months interview with CNN. Johnson has working with police officers. Johnleading up to the election, along son says it is important for the with recent police shootings of un- posted more about the trauma Black community to exercise their armed Black civilians, and they are Black people have endured and ready to let the country know who how important it is for those in the Second Amendment right, touching Black community to arm themon the double standard between Black and white gun ownership within the United States.

“Nobody says anything when other demographics pick up weapons, decide to arm themselves and confront the government over anything from wearing a mask to being cooped up in the house,” Johnson said to CNN. “But when certain demographics arm themselves all of a sudden people tend to act as if the Constitution doesn’t matter.”

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10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

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10/30/2020

(Continued from page 38)

dential nominee, knocked the President for his efforts.

"Donald Trump has this goal to turn 20% of Black men out in favor of him. Donald Trump who pushed, as part of his popularity, the theme that the first Black man to be President of the United States was illegitimately there," she said.

But the Trump campaign isn't without a strategy.

According to Theodore Johnson, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, where he studies the role of race in electoral politics, figures such as Walker and 50 Cent share a few meaningful characteristics.

"If you're a Republican presidential candidate, you recognize that most Black people aren't going to vote for you. But the most likely segment of Black people to vote for you is Black men, and a particular sort of Black man," Johnson told CNN. "It wasn't surprising that after Trump became the President-elect, a parade of Black men -- celebrities and athletes including Steve Harvey, Ray Lewis and Kanye West -went into Trump Tower. If you're a Black man and a celebrity or an athlete, that usually means that the money you have is new and that you grew up either poor or working class."

How Trump speaks to Black Americans says a lot about his vision for the country Johnson believes that there's something about this brew of economic security, hypermasculinity and bootstrap self-determination -- "he has accomplished so much almost all by himself," Walker says of the President in a spot airing on Black radio stations -- that can make Trump resonate with some Black men.

In 2016, 13% of Black men who voted cast their ballots for Trump. For Black women, this figure was a meager 4%. (Notably, men of every race supported Trump more than the women of that race did.)

Consider Trump's complicated presence in hip-hop, stretching back to the 1980s. While in recent years the President has become a target on tracks, previously, he was something of an avatar of wealth, a Published by The Village Press, Inc.

name that Black male rappers dropped to boast about their fortunes.

"From broke to having brokers, my price range is Rover / Now I'm knocking like Jehovah, let me in now, let me in now," Nelly says on

his 2000 song "Country Grammar."

"Bill Gates, Donald Trump, let me in now."

Far from being a scrub, Nelly on the track is a pioneer, barging into the White boys' club of the ultra-rich and famous.

It's important to underscore that, in all likelihood, Trump will win no more than about 15% of votes from Black men, because most will back Biden. Indeed, when it comes to loyalty to the Democratic Party, Black men are second only to Black women.

Still, as the political scientist Melanye Price wrote last week over at The Grio, that the Trump campaign is attempting to capture Black male support at all speaks to how "close victories are never about majorities, but the potential of small groups in important states to 44

shape national results."

Price added that "the power of this siphoning strategy is surgical. In the wake of grave concerns about voter suppression, fears about mail-in ballots and the continued impact of the pandemic, close political races are increasingly less predictable."

This unsettling reality, made worse by a wider push for voter depression aimed at Black Americans, is partly why the Biden campaign has beefed up its outreach efforts. Earlier this year, the former vice president's team launched its "Shop Talk" series, roundtables that focus on mining the issues affecting Black communities, especially Black men.

While seemingly small, the series might be just the kind of venue the Biden campaign needs to animate a crucial constituency and blunt its opponent's reelection efforts.

"If you know that man who likes Trump's machismo and supposed business acumen, ask him: Do you know anyone who's died from Covid-19? If he's in an urban area, he's probably going to answer yes," Johnson told CNN. "Ask him: Do you know anyone who's lost their job because of Covid-19? He's probably going to answer yes.

What you do is contrast the perception of Trump with the reality of his governance and say that the best thing you can do for your life is to put new leadership in place."

10/30/2020

DIGITAL Version 2020

EDITORIAL Larry Montgomery, Sr. Publisher and Chairman

As the President stated several months ago in an interview, “If people show up to the polls we (Republicans) lose.”

Now with the advent of his appointing Post Master General Dejoy and the entire country’s lack now of confidence in its ability to accomplish its mission.

The daunting task of letting Washington and every other candidate running for public office hear the public’s voice on

how well they have or have not performed is left up to us.

So in a resounding and coordinated effort, damn near every registered voter with breath in their body, not only decided to show up to the polls but they decided to show up early.

So I want to take this opportunity to personally thank President Trump for his enlightened words of encouragement, in these dark and trying times.

Not since the Civil War or even the decision to go into War with the world (I and II), or the support of the New Deal era, has the American voter been so motivated to not only participate in the democratic process but to show up early to participate in it.

Thanks President Trump for reminding all of us that we do have a choice and that we do still live in a democracy however floored it is.

And don’t worry I have personally pre-paid the losers Uber fair for their ride back home after the election is over. All the way back to New York City; Oops I mean Florida, right?

COLUMNIST

Phil Andrews

Joysetta Pearse Published by The Village Press, Inc.

Sr. Pastor Arthur L. Mackey , Jr.

Chef Arrette Harvey

LISA-ANNE BYERS

Don Durant

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STATE CONTRACT AND PAYMENT ACTIONS IN SEPTEMBER In September, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,185 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $48.9 billion and approved more than 27.1 million payments worth more than $25.9 billion. The Office rejected 109 contracts and related transactions valued at $580 million and more than 9,900 payments valued at nearly $39.8 million primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at www.openbooknewyork.com.

The Governor’s Executive Order 202 suspended the Office of the State Comptroller’s review and approval of contracts related to the COVID-19 crisis until November 3, 2020. At the administration's request, OSC has been expediting payments for purchases. These payments are reported on Open Book.

Major Contracts Approved Office of Children & Family Services $2.8 million with Libera Inc. for implementation of vocational rehabilitation case management system. $1.6 million with Snehal R. Sheth for psychiatric services at Brookwood Secure Center.

Department of Correctional Services $4.4 million with Wyoming County Community Hospital for inmate hospital care at Wende Correctional Facility.

State Education Department $24.4 million with Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services to manage statewide student and educator data repository. $18.4 million with University of Kansas Center for Research for delivery of the New York State Alternate Assessment.

Department of Environmental Conservation $15.8 million for water quality improvement projects including $5 million to the Albany Water Board, $5 million to the Belgrave Water Pollution Control District, $1.7 million to the City of Tonawanda, $1.6 million to the City of Kingston, $1 million to the City of Canandaigua, $900,000 to the Village of Lancaster, and $600,000 to the Village of Corfu. $13.5 million to Nassau County for the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Office of General Services - Design & Construction $10.2 million with Con-Tech Building Systems Inc. for classroom and office space at Upstate Correctional Facility in Franklin County. $3.9 million with Marfi Contracting Corp. for roof replacement at David Axelrod Institute in Albany County. $2.3 million with Burgio & Campofelice Inc. for classroom and office space at Orleans Correctional Facility in Orleans County. $1.2 million with Hewitt Young Electric LLC for a natural gas standby generator at National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Albany County.

State University Construction Fund $95.3 million with FAHS Construction Group Inc. to construct a new Health and Wellness Center at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. $30.9 million with The Pike Co. to renovate Marshall Hall at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. $10.4 million with Scott Lawn Yard Inc. for residential building infrastructure improvements at SUNY Brockport.

State University of New York $5.5 million with Plymouth Rock Energy LLC for supply of Published by The Village Press, Inc.

natural gas at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. $4.4 million with Philips North America LLC for maintenance and repair services for imaging equipment at Upstate Medical University. $1.9 million with Automated Building Management Systems for service and maintenance of the Building Management System at Stony Brook University.

Department of Transportation $16 million with H&L Contracting LLC for rehabilitation of 6.6 miles of asphalt on Southern State Parkway in Nassau County. $9 million with National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for reimbursement of costs associated with the rehabilitation of bridge decks on the Hudson service line in Columbia and Dutchess counties. $6.6 million with Oakgrove Construction Inc. for asphalt concrete pavement rehabilitation on various routes in Cattaraugus County. $5 million with Gannett Fleming Management Services LLC for operation of the Statewide Transportation Information and Coordination Center. $4.8 million with United Fence and Guard Rail Corp. for replacement of overhead sign structures at 26 locations in Suffolk County. $2.8 million with D&H Excavating Inc. for milling and resurfacing and drainage and sidewalk upgrades in Erie County. $2.1 million with Howard L. Boswell Engineering & Landscape Surveyor PC for construction inspection services for I -84 bridge rehabilitation in Orange County. $1 million to the Village of Croton-on-Hudson for the Croton-Harmon parking facility.

Major Payments Approved Tax Refunds $290.8 million for 128,000 personal income tax refunds. $253.5 million for 309,000 property tax credits. $74.9 million for 11,000 corporate and other refunds.

City University of New York $1.1 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Department of Civil Service $267 million to CVS Caremark to provide pharmacy benefit services for the Empire, Excelsior and Student Employee Health plans. $30.6 million to Beacon Health Options Inc. for benefit services for the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Program for the NYS Empire Plan.

State Education Department· $5.4 billion in general aid payments to 678 school districts. $16.2 million in BOCES aid payments to three organizations.

Empire State Development Corporation $1.5 million to 43North LLC for planning, renovation and construction costs to expand incubator space at the Seneca One Tower in Buffalo.

Office of General Services $13 million for hourly-based IT services, including $2.2 million to PSI International Inc., $2 million to MVP Consulting Plus Inc., $1.6 million to Knowledge Builders Inc., $1 million to IIT Inc., and $6.2 million to 28 other vendors.

Department of Health $32.1 million to Maximus, Inc. for assistance with the Health Benefit Exchange, including insurance enrollment and call center operations. $21.7 million to New York eHealth Collaborative Inc. for the Statewide Health Information Network for New York. $2.2 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

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nearly $39.8 million, including tax refunds and credits valued at more than $2.9 million. The Comptroller’s auditors $8.4 million to New York City for the Urban Area Security also recovered more than $84,000 from vendors owing Initiative Program. debts to the state, and held payments of more than $5.3 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pan- $93,000 pending resolution of disputes between subcondemic response. tractors and prime contractors.

Office of Information Technology Services Cumulatively through September, for calendar year 2020, $3.3 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pan- the Comptroller’s office has approved 10,787 contracts demic response. valued at $148.9 billion and has approved more than Department of Labor 144.7 million payments worth nearly $170.5 billion, in$7.7 billion for payments under the Unemployment Insur- cluding nearly 127.7 million unemployment insurance ance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pan- payments valued at more than $50.4 billion. The office demic Unemployment Compensation and Lost Wages As- has rejected 982 contracts and related transactions valsistance programs. ued at $4.2 billion and more than 114,800 payments valOffice of Mental Health ued at nearly $352.2 million primarily for mistakes, insuffi$4.1 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pan- cient support for charges, and improper payments. demic response. ### State University of New York Find out how your government money is spent at Open $3.7 million for purchases to support the COVID-19 pan- Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state's demic response.

180,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public Department of Transportation authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL $1.5 million to National Railroad Passenger Corporation requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested (Amtrak) for design and construction of the Hudson Line data, including Legislative travel and per diem expenses.

Positive Train Control System.

PAYMENT REJECTIONS AND OTHER COST RECOVERIES The office rejected more than 9,900 payments valued at (Continued from page 46)

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NOW ON YOUTUBE AFRICAN AMERICAN SHOPPING NETWORK

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Legislator Kevan Abrahams, United Health Care and the Village of Hempstead Host Breast Cancer Screenings at No Out-of-Pocket Cost to Residents

CDC. Attendees with health insurance must provide a prescription from their physician and film from past exams. Women with WHAT: Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D – Free- health insurance may be required to make a co-payment. For more information or to make an appointment, please call United port) is partnering with the United Health Care and Village of Health Care at (516) 247-6352.

Hempstead to bring its mammography van to the Village of Hempstead parking lot, located on Front Street between Franklin WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 TIME: 8:45 a.m. - noon (by appointment only) Avenue and Main St., on Thursday, Nov. 5. Free mammograms WHERE: Village of Hempstead Parking Lot will be made available to women over the age of 40 and who (Front St. between Franklin Ave & Main St) have not had a mammography within a year or longer.

Hempstead, N.Y. 11550 Appointments are required. All participants will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines recommended by the Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM NOTE: A face mask must be worn, and non-contact thermometers will be used to measure temperature. A reading of 99.5 = Entry Denied.

Joysetta Pearse

Social distancing will be observed so seats are limited. Reservations are required. Call the museum Wed-Sat 10 am – 5 pm to make reservations

516-572-0730 or email: taags.aam@gmail.com *Some of Ms. Baker’s costumes are for mature audiences.

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DIGITAL Version 2019

EDUCATION ASK LISA-ANNE

hemp plant. Some users smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes calledjoints; Is Marijuana Really Dangerous? many use pipes, waQ. I have two teenage sons that I am raising alone since their father passed away. I have frequent talks with them ter pipes (sometimes and recently, we were talking about drugs and addiction and they told me that smoking marijuana isn’t really using calledbongs), or marijuana cigars called drugs. They thought that because it’s a growing herb/ blunts (often made plant that is was safer than other drugs and safer than smoking tobacco as long as you didn’t overdo it. Can you by slicing open ciplease inform your readers to educate their children and gars and replacing some or all of the tobacco with marijuana). Marijuana can also be used to brew tea and, particustudents about marijuana use? larly when it is sold or consumed for medicinal purposes, A. Yes, unfortunately a lot of pre-teens, teens and adults feel that way and they are misinformed. First let’s discuss is frequently mixed into foods ("edibles") such as brown-

LISA-ANNE BYERS

what marijuana is. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana—also called weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, and a vast number of other slang terms—is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves and flowers of Cannabis sativa—the Published by The Village Press, Inc.

ies, cookies, or candies.

Incidence of Smoking Marijuana by Youths Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States by teens as well as adults. The growing be(Continued on page 54)

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attaches to cells, or neurons, with specific kinds of receptors called canlief by young people that marijuana is nabinoid receptors. Normally, these a safe drug may be the result of rereceptors are activated by chemicals cent public discussions about medical that occur naturally in the body. They marijuana and the public debate over are part of a communication network the drug’s legal status. In addition, in the brain called the endocanna-

Marijuana smoke contains a similar range of harmful chemicals to that of tobacco smoke (including bronchial irritants, tumor promoters and carcinogens). As inhaled smoke comes into contact with airway and lungs before being absorbed into the bloodstream,

some teens believe marijuana cannot be harmful because it is “natural.” But not all natural plants are good for you—take tobacco, for example. According to the teens.drugabuse.gov website, in 2015, 15.5% of 8th graders, 31.10% of 10th graders and 44.70% of 12th graders smoke marijuana regularly. That is a big concern to educators and parents alike!

What Happens When You Smoke Marijuana?

The main chemical in marijuana that affects the brain is delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When marijuana is smoked, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries it to organs throughout the body, including the brain. As it enters the brain, THC

it is likely to affect the respiratory system. Risk of respiratory effects from inhaling marijuana smoke are heightened by the more intensive way in which marijuana is smoked -- when smoking marijuana compared to tobacco, there is a prolonged and deeper inhalation and it is smoked to a shorter butt length and at a higher combustion temperature. This results in approximately 5 times the carbon monoxide concentration, 3 times the tar, and the retention of one-third more tar in the respiratory tract.

Higher levels of ammonia and hydrogen cyanide have also been found in marijuana smoke, compared to tobacco. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute Effects on the Brain

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binoid system. This system is important in normal brain development and function.

Most of the cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.

Marijuana triggers an increase in the activity of the endocannabinoid system, which causes the release of dopamine in the brain's reward centers, creating the pleasurable feelings or “high.”

Other effects include changes in perceptions and mood, lack of coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and disrupted learning and memory.

Marijuana and Respiration

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Trump Executive Order Could Make HBCUs Ineligible for Nearly All Federal Funding Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal funds from being awarded to agencies or contractors promoting racial or sexual stereotyping. The objective is to reverse what the White House calls a growing culture of blaming white people for much of America's social tension and systemic racism in industry and governance.

The order outlines many items and guidelines for how it proposes to engage contractors and agencies on ending race blaming.

From Executive Order 13950: Sec. 5. Requirements for Federal Grants. The heads of all agencies shall review their respective grant programs and identify programs for which the agency may, as a condition of receiving such a grant, require the recipient to certify that it will not use Federal funds to promote the concepts that (a) one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; (b) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; (c) an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex; (d) members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex; (e) an individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex; (f) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex; (g) any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; or (h) meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.

Within 60 days of the date of this Published by The Village Press, Inc.

order, the heads of agencies shall each submit a report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that lists all grant programs so identified.

The definition is dangerously broad and clears the way for the government to hold businesses back from federal funding if they venture too far into reverse sociopolitical engineering of systems and cultures built by historical racism.

It could also allow for a nearly instant and horrific reversal of programs created to support historically Black colleges and universities. Compare the definition in this order to the federal definition of an HBCU: The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: "‌any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation."

The disconnect between the two definitions allows for a straightforward interpretation of HBCUs, federally-designated colleges designed to reverse vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow policy, to now themselves be vestiges of discrimination against white students and professionals in higher education.

But let's assume that the Trump Administration says, "well, we weren't talking about HBCUs with this; we were trying to get rid of all of these diversity initiatives." Remember that in 2017 that Trump had to quickly walk back statements he made about the HBCU Capital Financing Program being "unconstitutional."

It seems that this was the foundation for the executive order signed just over three years later, which doesn't namecheck HBCUs but puts the funding programs, academic infrastructure, and culture in the crosshairs for political retribution.

Suppose Education Secretary Betsy DeVos decides or is forced to overhaul these programs based on the 55

executive order's guidance. In that case, dozens of funding programs supporting education and workforce development programs targeting African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and other underrepresented racial groups are at risk.

Student federal aid for HBCU students, funding for Howard University, HBCU graduate program development, construction projects, high school-to-college bridge programming, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professional development, and agricultural extension would be in jeopardy; simply because HBCU faculty and students teach and learn curriculum on the ties between racism, capitalism, and governance.

If we think the threat isn't legitimate, consider that three predominantly white institutions have paused diversity programs on their campuses. If they are concerned that diversity programming could jeopardize their funding, what should historically Black and diverse institutions with matching culture and curricula have to fear?

The only thing more significant than a racism-pandering executive order with a direct impact on HBCUs is the lack of response from HBCU leaders about its threat level.

We've not heard a word of analysis or protest from HBCU presidents or chancellors, and no formal comment from the HBCU advocacy organizations, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund or the United Negro College Fund.

Trump is doubling down on equaling the playing field for white supremacists, their empathizers, and those who make money off their value systems. His game now forces federal agency heads into the unenviable position of auditing organizations for how well they can avoid telling and addressing truths about the prevalence of racism in all areas of American life.

If the HBCU community missed the memo, it is time to get caught up and get loud on just how much damage could be done to HBCUs between now and January 20, 2021.

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If you have spent any time around people who smoked marijuana for a long period of time, you know the effects on the brain. They always say that they can stop anytime and that it is not affecting them. However, their appearance and speech tells another story. Marijuana users often speak of grand plans that never come to fruition. They never seem to be able to meet their goals and seemingly sit around all day talking about it. Often youths who try marijuana don’t see any effects for a long time and believe that it is harmless. The kids who smoke it around them come to school every day and appear to be functioning well. However, over time marijuana can cause much damage. Certain parts of the brain have a lot of cannabinoid receptors. These areas are the hippocampus, the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and the cerebral cortex.

Learning and memory. The hippocampus plays a critical role in certain types of learning. Disrupting its normal functioning can lead to problems studying, learning new things, and recalling recent events. A recent study followed people from age 13 to 38 and found that those who used marijuana a lot in their teens had up to an 8 point drop in IQ, even if they quit in adulthood.

Coordination. THC affects the cerebellum, the area of our brain that controls balance and coordination, and the basal ganglia, another part of the brain that helps control movement.

These effects can influence performance in such activities as sports, driving, and video games.

Judgment. Since THC affects areas of the frontal cortex involved in decision Published by The Village Press, Inc.

making, using it can cause you to do things you might not do when you are not under the influence of drugs— such as engaging in risky sexual behavior, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV, the virus that causes AIDS—or getting in a car with someone who’s been drinking or is high on marijuana.

When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin almost immediately and can last from 1 to 3 hours. Decision making, concentration, and memory can suffer for days after use, especially in regular users. Teens.drugabuse.gov How Can I Tell If My Child is Using Marijuana?

Besides smelling it in his/her room or on his/her clothes, here are some signs: · red bloodshot eyes, squinting or half closed eyes · constant, mucus-filled cough · rapid heartbeat · dry mouth (cotton mouth) · poor coordination · slow reaction time · Difficulty problem solving or keeping thoughts together · Poor memory, particularly short term or things recently occurring · Extreme or unusual hunger or increased eating (especially snacks and sweets), usually called the munchies · Acting silly or in a giggly manner · Acting slow, lethargic, dazed or confused · Lack of motivation, enthusiasm · Loses train of thought, rambling, disjointed in a conversation · Paranoia · Sudden change in friends · Talking in code or odd communication with their friends · Interest in taking short walks, going outside for short periods of time 56

· Sudden drop in education or job performance · Loss of interest in once enjoyed activities, pursuits, hobbies · Absences from school or work · Frequent requests for money with nothing tangible to show · Lost valuables or semi-valuable items from the house · Finding pipes or rolling paper in their room, air freshener · Use of gum and mints If you suspect your child may be using marijuana, have a talk with them, take them to their pediatrician for a consult and check-up, seek the help of a drug professional, cut off their money supply, know where they are at all times, get help from the school counselor/ psychologist/social worker and do whatever you can to intervene so that your child understands the dangers and that you are serious!

Lisa-Anne Byers is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over three decades with children of all ages. She holds graduate degrees in speechlanguage pathology and multicultural education. She also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the books, They Say I Have ADHD, But I Say Life Sucks!

Thoughts From Nicholas, They S S Say I’m a St St Stutterer, But I S S Say Nothing! Meet Kelly and The Tail of a Black Panther available at Amazon.com. She is also co-author of the books 365 Ways to Succeed With ADHD and 365+! Ways to Succeed With ADHD. You may contact her at speechlrb@gmail.com.

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DIGITAL Version 2019

BOOK SHELF

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DIGITAL Version 2020

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Coke cola chicken wings

Chef Arrette Harvey

Ingredients 10 Chicken wing pieces separated from the joints makes 20 Chicken pieces 3/4 cup of Coke 1/4 cups Soy sauce 2 tablespoons Brown sugar 1 tablespoon Mustard Instructions First you will need mix all your ingredients to make your delicious sauce. Whisk this well.

Put the 20 chicken pieces in a pan on high heat along with the sauce. Stir to ensure you coat all wings or legs well. Bring it to a boil on high heat chicken one last time before serving onto and lower heat to medium heat. Cook for plate to coat all the chicken perfectly. around 40 minutes on medium heat or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the sauce appears thicker. ***Blessings*** At 40 minutes the sauce should be sticky and https://m.facebook.com/arretteskitchen/ clinging to the Chicken. Most of the liquid should have boiled down and reduced.

This is what you want to see.

If for any reason at around the 40 minute mark the sauce is having a hard time of thickening, simply raise the temperature and eventually the sauce will thicken up and reduce. Stir the sauce over the Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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Grandma's Homemade Potato Soup

An old fashioned, simple, chunky potato soup like Grandma made, with russet potatoes, onion and celery, butter, evaporated milk, a little flour, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Homemade Potato Soup

less at your own discretion as your diet will allow you. Unless you're not feeling good - then just throw caution to the wind.

Here's how to make this wonderful soup. As always, the full recipe text with measurements, instructions and a printable document are located past the step by step pictures, along with some variations if you like ham, bacon, cheese and such.

Just keep scrolling past the pictures below!

Peel and cut 2 pounds of russet potatoes into large chunks, about 1-1/2 inch in size. Chop 1/2 cup of onion and 1/2 cup celery (about 1 rib), toss potatoes and onions with 3 tablespoons of flour. Season with salt and pepper and set aside for about 10 minutes.

Stir in one large can (about 12 ounces) of evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk!), bring up to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Some of the potatoes will break down and thicken the soup. Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and continue cooking on simmer, uncovered, until the soup reach desired consistency and thickness. Serve immediately.

This soup rocks! Sometimes it's just all about getting back to the basics y'all.

Back before there were things like Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon and Loaded Baked Potato Soup, there was Grandma's Potato Soup. Simple, unassuming, not much more than potatoes, onion, water, butter and milk, really, but so very good and comforting. I had about a half dozen potatoes to use up and The Cajun was still having a tender stomach from a bout with the flu, so I peeled those babies and threw them in a pot. The amount of butter here is just a suggestion. You can use more or Published by The Village Press, Inc.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a soup pot. I use about 3 to 4 tablespoons, but you can adjust that as needed for your dietary needs. Add the potato mixture to the pot; stir to coat with the butter and stir in enough water to cover the potatoes. You can also use chicken broth, or water with bouillon added. Bring mixture to a boil.

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THE INTERNATIONAL GRAPEVINE

INTERNATIONAL GRAPEVINE

Excellence in Teaching than facWe want thank our special guest ulty members at any other commuDr. Jermaine F. Williams the new nity college in President of Nas- New York. sau Community A special thanks College, who comes about with to both my guests Nestor Diaz and the Honorable Michelle a great background in educa- Johnson. Both are tion and he will running candibe a great asset to Nassau Community Col- dates to be Judges in this current eleclege.

He articulated clearly how is well prepared tion. More imfor the challenges that are ahead and how portantly, both are he expects to bring new ideas that will be very well qualified helpful to the College. We are sure he will and they have great background do a great job over there.

Nassau's Community faculty has been de- and experience.

We wish them well scribed as "Perhaps without rival across in the up coming election. Let us all get the community colleges of the nation." out and VOTE now.

More Nassau faculty members have received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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Don Durant

KRISTEN WELKER MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO MODERATE A PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE SOLO SINCE 1992

ministration, heavily documenting Biden’s time as vice president. She also covered Hilary Clinton’s presidential campaign and has investigated the curKristen Welker just made history as the first Black woman to moderate a presidential debate solo since rent administration.

Walking into an onslaught 1992, Newsweek reports. of publicity and unnecesIn September, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced that Welker would moderate sarily harsh criticism from the second and final debate between the two candi- the sitting president, dates. This selection made her the first Black women Welker had her work cut out for, especially given the to moderate a presidential debate alone since ABC heated nature of the last News’ Carole Simpson in 1992. She follows in the footsteps of her mentor, the late Gwen Ifill who han- debate. However, the 44dled the vice presidential debates in 2004 and 2008. year-old journalist held her However, this isn't her first time up at the moderator own, guiding the conversation in a way that was firm but graceful with The New podium. In November 2019, Welker co-moderated York Times calling her moderation a “poised and crisp the fifth Democratic debate in Atlanta with Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, and Ashley Parker. At the performance.”

Welker’s six debate topics touched on several pertitime they were asking the Democratic candidate hopefuls — Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Yang, Kamala nent issues, including; fighting COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national Harris, Bernie Sanders, and Cory Booker — about security, and leadership, Vox reports. While this was their views on the major issues. her first time moderating a presidential debate, based Welker is a Philadelphia native, Harvard graduate, and co-anchor of NBC’s Weekend Today. Since 2011, on the rave reviews and ability to bring order in a way she has served as a White House correspondent, pre- that resonated with viewers, it doesn’t look like it will be her last! viously working as an NBC correspondent in California. Welker has an impressive resume when it comes You gave the people the debate we've deserved! Conto political coverage. She reported on the Obama ad- gratulations, Kristen!

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Connie Knox October 24 at 7:17 AM · Shared with: Public This Is Harold Martin Jr. The CEO Of Atlanta Famous Eatery TACO MAC He Just Purchased The Renowned Atlanta Eatery ... Mary Mac's Tea Room On Ponce De Leon In Midtown Atlanta Which Will Soon Be Reopening!!!!

This Is A Morehouse/HBCU Graduate!!

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Rev. Joseph Jenkins Since 1985 the Eta Theta Lambda Education Foundation (ETL) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has championed the cause of higher education opportunities and access for traditionally underserved and underperforming student populations.

Today the foundation accomplishes its goals primarily through its College Readiness Program which includes the Success Workshop series, the Virtual University Initiative, and our flagship program; the College Tour.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 College Tour is a VIRTUAL EVENT. The virtual College Tour will visit the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Alabama A&M, Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Howard, Morehouse, Morgan State, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Spelman, Tennessee State, Tuskegee, Virginia State and Xavier.

The Virtual College Tour will also visit the United States Naval Academy.

Attached is the 2020 Virtual College Tour announcement and the 2020 Virtual College Tour calendar Please share the announcement with family and friends. High School students and parents/guardians interested in participating in the Virtual College Tour should go to www.etleducationfoundation.or g and complete the online application.

The cost for the 2020 Virtual College Tour is $50 and includes souvenir College Tour Polo, ETL College Tour commemorative pin, and Certificate of Completion. ETL provides an invoice when the application is completed.

The 2020 College Tour experience begins on Tuesday, September 29 as ETL conducts its Parent/Student Orientation workshop. Students and parents are encouraged to participate.

Thank you in advance for your support of the 2020 College Tour. Please contact William Mills at (631) 835-2743 willmills06@hotmail.com or Dr. Steven Skinner (917) 862-4008/ professorsteve@prodigy.net if you have questions.

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NYPD officer suspended after saying "Trump 2020" through patrol car speaker A New York City police officer was caught on video saying "Trump 2020" over a speaker while patrolling a Brooklyn neighborhood on Saturday night. Now, that officer has been suspended, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

Witness Eric Jenkins-Sahlin captured video of the incident and spoke to CBS New York about what he saw. "I heard somebody say 'Trump 2020,' and there was kind of some maybe low-key shouting back and forth," Jenkins-Sahlin said. He said he hit record when he heard the officer and someone else get into a confrontation around 10 p.m.

Jenkins-Sahlin filmed a 30-second video from his apartment window, CBS New York reports. A voice is heard saying "Trump 2020," then chiding a bystander, telling him, through the speaker, to "take a picture, take a video, put it on your Facebook, put it on your YouTube, have fun." He also calls the bystander a "tough guy."

On Sunday, the NYPD announced the officer was suspended without pay and is under investigation. On-duty or inuniform officers are prohibited from "endorsing political candidates or publicly expressing personal views and opinions," according to the NYPD's patrol guide, CBS New York reports.

"Police officers must remain apolitical," NYPD News posted on Twitter. Commissioner Shea replied to that tweet, writing, "One hundred percent unacceptable. Period."

"Law Enforcement must remain apolitical, it is essential in our role to serve ALL New Yorkers regardless of any politiPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

cal beliefs. It is essential for New Yorkers to trust their Police," Shea's tweet continued.

Chief of Department Terence Monahan tweeted that "behavior like this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with."

The Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) disagreed with the suspension, referencing a photo of Monahan, who kneeled with Black Lives Matter protesters earlier this year.

"The NYPD has a history of officers making political & outside the norm statements & ignoring it. Suspending this officer is unnecessary & way over the top," SBA tweeted.

"Chief of Departrnent [sic] took a knee with protestors no disciplinary action was issued. What if the officer supported Biden?"

Mayor Bill de Blasio supported the NYPD's decision to suspend the officer, tweeting: "ANY NYPD Officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences."

CBS New York reports that it is unclear how long the officer will be suspended without pay, or if further disciplinary action will be taken. CBS News has reached out to the NYPD for more information and is awaiting response.

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DIGITAL Version 2020

SPORTS Dodgers Bring Another Sports Championship to Los Angeles

accustom to; the L.A. Dodgers found a way to win after years of falling short in the post-season.

The word from the cheap seats says that the Dodgers Hello sports fans, the Los Anare a 2-Billion-dollar salary geles Dodgers win the 2020 team that was built to win, World Series Championship but the thrill of success beover the Tampa Bay Rays to longs to the city of Los Angain the franchises 7th World geles for 2 Championships Series Championship, their in the NBA and MLB. After sixth since leaving Brooklyn. the Dodgers won seven In an unpredictable MLB seastraight Division Titles, son that survived the threat

of a virus that continues to terrorize and forfeit the economic standard the world is Published by The Village Press, Inc.

SHURAY BETHEA AT LARGE

which resulted in zero World Series championships, perHouston Astros in 2017. The haps the franchises worst de- Astros were found guilty of (Continued on page 66) feat came in losing to the 65

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cheating during their campaign for the title, which they won under unlimited scrutiny by fans of the baseball world, along with MLB stars such as the N.Y. Yankees Aaron Judge.

The Yankees power hitter spoke publicly regarding the missed opportunity to participate in the fall classic, saying that the Astros were irresponsible in their actions, which deprived his team the chance to compete.

However, in the post-season interview the Dodgers were reluctant to comment on any subject that didn’t focus on their current success when asked about pass controversial matters. The Dodgers most certainly wouldn’t have achieved success this year without World Series MVP Cory Seager, along with overcoming Tommy John surgery in May 2018, this was the talented shortstops first full season since his recovery. Seager was the unanimous choice for MVP, as MLB records show he batted .400/.538/.700 across the series, hit 4 doubles, with 14 hits, with homeruns in game 2 and 4 with a stolen base and also to add to his phenomenal season he was named NLCS MVP. The Dodgers Justin Turner provided suspense for the team as results from COVID 19 tested positive and blocked his participation in game 6, which was significant because his performance has been stellar with .364 batting average along with a pair of homeruns in the series. The 35year-old Turner has been with the Dodgers through 7 of the consecutive appearances in the post-season and currently leads the L.A. Published by The Village Press, Inc.

post-season with 12 homeruns. Mookie Betts has shown the baseball world that he is the complete package of talent along with competing on a level that’s recognized as “winning time” which Dodgers KiKe Hernandez describes Mookie as “the real deal.” Another long time Dodger star Clayton Kershaw comments on the presence of Mookie is to provide the winning piece to a team that has been close to a championship for many years but lacked the part that closes the deal in “winning time.” Mookie’s accomplishments in MLB are extremely impressive, he’s earned a batting title, 4X All-Star, 4X Gold Glove Winner, 3X Silver Slugger winner, and MVP in his Boston Red Sox World Series Championship win. Congrats to the great city of Angeles for their team’s success in an NBA and MLB Championships while repeating this sensational 2 sport win occurrence achieved in 1988.

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MICHAEL JORDAN OPENS ANOTHER MEDICAL CLINIC IN CHARLOTTE Over a year after Michael Jordan opened a medical clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, he has opened a second location according to Novant Health.

The first Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic had opened its doors in West Charlotte last year as a healthcare clinic to serve lowincome communities in the city.

A second location has opened its doors to individuals in the North End community. The clinic will provide vital access to primary and preventative care, including individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. This new clinic, as well as the first one opened last year, was made possible by a $7 million grant by NBA Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets owner Jordan.

“We are thrilled the North End community of Charlotte will have access to the same comprehensive care that is transforming lives at the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in west Charlotte,” said Carl Armato, CEO and president of Novant Health, in a written statement.

“The impact of the first clinic has been measurable and if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is the imPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

portance of having accessible, safe, and quality care in communities that need it most. Michael Jordan’s commitment to improving the health of our communities, and society, is deep-rooted. We’re so grateful to be his partner in bringing care and resources to those who would otherwise be without.”

“When we came together to mark the first clinic’s opening last fall, no one could have predicted we would be facing a global pandemic just five months

later,” said Jordan. “I’m so proud of the positive impact our clinic has had on the community so far, especially during COVID-19. Our second clinic will provide critical services to improve the health and lives of more Charlotteans, which is so important to me and to Novant Health.”

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Deion Sanders' Jackson State program put on probation by the NCAA, hit with recruiting restrictions

limit of 11.7 equivalencies during the 2021-22 academic year and a 2.5% reduction in football scholarship equivalencies from the annual limit of 63 equivalencies during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.

The football program must serve a one-week ban on unofficial visits in each of January, February, March and April 2021.

Who knew the NCAA came after FCS programs for recruiting viola- A reduction of four football official paid visits during the 2021-22 acations?

While jokes about the future of the demic year.

The football program must serve a Jackson State program were easy one-week ban of all recruiting comto make after Deion Sanders was munication contacts and offhired at the school, turns out the campus recruiting by the entire program has just been hit by the football staff with any prospects, NCAA for several violations. including transfers, in each of May Week 6: Florida Gators vs. Texas and June 2021.

A&M Aggies A vacation of records of contests in Keep in mind, however, all the iswhich student-athletes participated sues the NCAA found occurred at Jackson State before Sanders was while ineligible. The university must provide a written report conhired by the school. taining the contests impacted to According to the NCAA, Jackson State had 34 student-athletes prac- the NCAA media coordination and tice and compete before receiving statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision. final certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center. This is regarded as a failure to monitor the program.

The program also is charged for paying $300 to the godmother of a football prospect and arranging impermissible tutoring for a studentathlete. These are both Level II violations according to the NCAA. Here is an outline of all the punish- Former 49ers defensive ments the NCAA announced for lineman Dana StubJackson State on Friday: blefield sentenced to 15 Two years of probation. years to life for rape A fine of $5,000.

A 2% reduction in baseball scholar- Stubblefield was found guilty of a ship equivalencies from the annual 2015 rape back in July Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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Former San Francisco 49ers star defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield is headed to prison, as a sentence of 15 years to life was handed to the 49-year-old on Thursday, according to The Mercury News. Back in July, Stubblefield was found guilty of raping a prospective babysitter in 2015 in his home. The jury found Stubblefield guilty of rape by force, oral copulation by force and false imprisonment and acquitted him of raping a person incapable of giving consent.

Jurors also determined that Stubblefield used a gun during the 2015 assault, prosecutors said. " 'No' meant nothing to this defendant. Based on his status, I think he was never held accountable for prior criminal behavior," Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerney said in a statement Thursday.

"Today, he was properly held accountable."

During the course of the trial, McInerney called on the testimony of two women who testified to being assaulted by Stubblefield, according to The Mercury News. The former athlete has also had a couple of other run-ins with the law, such as being sent to jail for 90 days after pleading guilty to stealing his former girlfriend's mail in 2010. A year earlier, in 2009, Stubblefield was sentenced to probation after he plead guilty to lying to federal officials investigating a performance-enhancing drugs ring catering to professional athletes.

Stubblefield was originally drafted by the 49ers with the No. 26 overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after tallying 10.5 sacks and made three Pro Bowls during his time in San Francisco. Stubblefield was also a part of the team that won Super Bowl XXIX, and earned All-Pro honors in 1997 after recording a career-high 15 sacks.

The Kansas product then signed with the Washington Redskins in 1998, before returning to San Francisco a few seasons later. Stubblefield also had a one-year stint with the Oakland Raiders in 2003, and signed with the New England Patriots in 2004 before he was injured and released.

10/30/2020

50 Cent retracts Donald Trump endorsement “F—k Donald Trump, I never liked him,” the rapper wrote on Instagram.

50 Cent faced plenty of criticism earlier this week after he endorsed President Donald Trump for reelection. The mogul is now backtracking on his previous stance and saying he “never liked” the politician.

The rapper shared a video of his ex-girlfriend Chelsea Handler’s appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Saturday (Oct. 24), in which she spoke about her ex’s support for the president. The comedian has chimed in on 50 supporting Trump after he said he wouldn’t want to pay more taxes if Joe Biden were to be elected president, and even volunteered to pay her ex’s taxes.

“You heard about my ex-boyfriend, right? And his support of Donald Trump? He says he doesn’t want to pay 62% of taxes, which by the way isn’t a plan of Biden’s. That’s a lie,” she said during the Fallon interview. “He shouldn’t be influencing an entire swath of people who may listen to him because he’s worried about his own personal pocketbook. So I haven’t heard back from him yet, but I am willing to, you know, seal the deal in more ways than one if he changes his mind and publicly denounces Donald Trump. I might be willing to go for another spin, if you know what I’m talking about.

Central Park Five trends on Twitter after Joe Biden attacks Trump’s newspaper ad during debate Donald Trump, Joe Biden The “Power” producer shared the clip on his social media and wrote: “A what, another spin Fu*k Donald Published by The Village Press, Inc.

Trump, I never liked him. for all I know he had me set up and had my friend Angel Fernandez killed but that’s history. LOL.” The emcee has been under fire since he shared a post on Instagram earlier this week of Biden’s alleged tax plan once he is elected. He shared a screenshot of the presidential hopeful’s proposed tax rates for the states of California, New Jersey and New York. The list also included tax rates for New York City. CNBC reported that under Biden’s new plan, he will tax “federal and state tax rates of 62%” to people who earn over $400,000 or more per year in New York and California. People who make under that yearly, however, would receive tax cuts under the plan.

50 Cent doubles down on Trump endorsement: “I don’t want to be 20 Cent” 50 Cent “ WHAT THE F-CK! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT, ♂️ F—K NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. ♂️I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya f-cking mind. ,” 50 wrote at the time. He later doubled down on his comments on Instagram and said he would leave if Biden wins, writing: “I’m packing my bags everybody that has money is gonna move.”

50’s initial post was flagged by Instagram with a note saying that it was missing context since the graphic only shows what the tax rates for highincome earners, not for all taxpayers.

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PLAY NEXT WEEK

RULES: Honesty is the best policy. Play weekly and win gifts. Write as many questions as you can for the answers displayed above. Then click on the answer to visit our website where the correct question is displayed. If you are correct then you can enter to win a special prize. Four winning entry’s and you win.

Merely send us your answers and we will grade them either Correct, Close Enough, Nice Try or Try again next week. If you are correct four (4) weeks in a row then we will be announced as a Bible Jeopardy Scholar and be notified of your gift. You must be a active subscriber to win.

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Scripture Matthew 5:8, 1 John 1:9

Time To Clean House Reverend Joseph D. Jenkins, Jr., M.Div. Retired Minister African Methodist Episcopal Church Perhaps when you were growing up there were certain jobs or chores as some call them that you had to do, If the yard needed to be mowed-that was you.

If it was time for the dishes to be washed or dried-it was your turn. Maybe it was making the beds or dusting or vacuuming.

time to do it again. You don’t hear people say I cleaned my house 4 weeks ago—I’m not doing that again. Unless you live in a college dorm you know that house cleaning has to be done on a regular basis.

house shall be a house of prayer but you are making it into a den

Housecleaning is painfully thin but it is a necessity if we are going to live a life of purity. That word blessed means happy so what Jesus is saying here is this…

Jesus knew what it meant to clean the Happy are the pure in heart for they will house. On the first day of Holy Week, see God. So what does a heart that is Jesus came into the temple and saw that pure look like? Well, it might be best to I have a feeling that whatever your job the temple was being misused. A census consider first what a heart looks like may have been that we all share one was being taken and people all over the that is filthy, dirty, impure. An impure thing in common---we didn’t like it— area had come to the temple and were heart is of thieves. cause it just wasn’t fun. When it comes bringing sacrifices with them—by the Full of junk/trash that weighs us down. to housecleaning there is nothing fun time they got there the sacrifices were Full of hurts, habits, and hangups. Foabout it. And not only was it not fun, not acceptable—they had to be without cused on the past rather than the future. about the time you finish, it’s time to do a blemish of any kind so the priests in Carrying around deep pain that keep the it again. You don’t hear people say I the temple would gladly sell them one to heart from functioning properly. cleaned my house 4 weeks ago—I’m not use for the sacrifice. But they were doing that again. Unless you live in a Often blocked and cannot receive the greatly overcharging them. college dorm you know that house abundant life that God has planned for Jesus came in and turned the tables over cleaning has to be done on a regular us. So what do we do when we find ourthat the moneychangers were using; he basis. selves in this situation? The answer is took some strips of leather and fashsimple. We have to come clean. Come I have a feeling that whatever your job ioned a whip and then he began to clean with ourselves. Come clean with may have been that we all share one clean house. The Bible says that he God. Come clean with those we are close thing in common---we didn’t like it— drove out all those who were buying or to. Now let me show you cause it just wasn’t fun. When it comes selling; he turned the benches over and how this works in CR. to housecleaning there is nothing fun then turned the tables of the money Realize we are not God. about it. And not only was it not fun, changers over as well. And he said my (Continued on page 74) about the time you finish, but it’s also Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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We do not have the power to manage our lives by ourselves.

Earnestly believe that God exists. Believe that He has the power & the desire to help us. Commit our lives to God’s care and control. Openly examine and confess our faults to me, to God, and to someone I trust. Listen to what the scripture has to say.

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven.

What joy when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sin and God has cleared their record.” Psalm 32: 1-2.

Let me remind you what guilt can do to us. Guilt destroys our confidence. There are certain things that cannot coexist. 2 trains on the same track. War and peace one will always drive the other one away.

Clutter and focus. One more. Guilt and confidence.

Guilt is a “state of having done something wrong.” Most people define guilt as a feeling. They say that they feel guilty.

Others say it is like a dark cloud that follows them wherever they go. Like a weight that we carry around.

Guilt can be like a dark cloud hanging over us and it seems to follow us wherever we go. And it will rob us of our confidence. Guilt damages our relationships.

Here is how. Guilt can cause us to not allow people to get close to us. If they get close to us they may find out we are hiding something. So we only allow people to get just so close to us. Guilt can cause us to overreact. It can cause us to be angry. Guilt can cause us to become stuck in the past. Guilt is like a broken record that just keeps playing the past. It’s a bit like driving a car and only looking for it in the rearview mirror. Now a rearview mirror is helpful because it gives us perspective. We can spot that guy that’s driving right on our bumper –we can see when someone is trying to pass us. Looking at our past can bring perspective to our lives but here are the things that are dangerous---for some of us it’s the only place we look. We always have our head stuck in the rearview mirror and we never look to the future.

How long do you think you could last on the highway if you only looked in the rearview mirror? If we live like that there will be a crash in the near future. This 4th choice we are looking at today is a bit scary because some of us have really never opened up to anyone and the thought of doing so is troubling. But here’s the deal. If you want to change your life, if you want to grow up and let go of your guilt once and for all then you have to come clean. There are 5 steps you need to take. Let me warn you. These are not baby steps. Every one of these is a big step.

what you must do. Make some time to be alone. No interruptions. Don’t rush it.

Open your heart to God. The psalmist said, “search me on God and know my heart, test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.” Look at everything in your life –good and bad---write it down.

Accept responsibility for your faults. It’s not easy to do this. A few things to remember here.

Be honest. This is the truth. Hard to accept but true. The greatest barrier in the healing of your hurts, habits, and hang -ups can be you. We cause a lot of the problems we deal with.

Don’t rationalize. This is how this works. We do something wrong but we try to convince ourselves otherwise by saying things like…it happened a long time ago…everybody does it….it’s not a big deal. Take a personal inventory. Accept responsibility. Ask God for forgiveness. There is no sin so bad that God cannot or will not forgive.

Admit your faults to another person. The Bible says “admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

There’s a funny thing about house cleaning. You really never finish. You may finish one room but then there is another one.

Take a personal inventory. If you have ever owned a business Or the same one gets messed up again. You have to surrender or were involved at all then you know that taking inventory is it all to Him. Let Him make the changes in an annual event. Working as a teenager in a grocery store, I your life. remember we had to count every single item we had in the store. Many of us don’t enjoy taking inventory. But here is Published by The Village Press, Inc.

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"What are the five solas?"

time emphasized the use of indulgences (donating money) to buy status with God. Good works, including baptism, were seen as required for salvation. Sola fide stated that salvation is a free gift to Answer: The five solas are five Latin all who accept it by faith (John 3:16). phrases popularized during the Salvation is not based on human effort Protestant Reformation that emphasized or good deeds (Ephesians 2:9). the distinctions between the early Reformers and the Roman Catholic Church. Sola gratia emphasizes grace as the reaThe word sola is the Latin word for son for our salvation. In other words, “only” and was used in relation to five salvation comes from what God has done key teachings that defined the biblical rather than what we do. Ephesians 2:8-9 pleas of Protestants. They are: teaches, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your 1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone” own doing; it is the gift of God, not a 2. Sola fide: “faith alone” result of works, so that no one may 3. Sola gratia: “grace alone” boast.”

4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone” 5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God Solo Christo (sometimes listed as Solus alone” Christus, “through Christ alone”) emphasizes the role of Jesus in salvation. The Each of these solas can be seen both as a Roman Catholic tradition had placed corrective to the excesses of the Roman church leaders such as priests in the role Catholic Church at the start of the Refor- of intercessor between the laity and God. mation and as a positive biblical decla- Reformers emphasized Jesus’ role as our ration. “high priest” who intercedes on our behalf before the Father. Hebrews 4:15 Sola scriptura emphasizes the Bible teaches, “For we do not have a high alone as the source of authority for priest who is unable to sympathize with Christians. By saying, “Scripture alone,” our weaknesses, but one who in every the Reformers rejected both the divine respect has been tempted as we are, yet authority of the Roman Catholic Pope without sin.” Jesus is the One who offers and confidence in sacred tradition. Only access to God, not a human spiritual the Bible was “inspired by God” (2 Peter leader.

1:20-21) and “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Anything taught by the Pope or Soli Deo gloria emphasizes the glory of in tradition that contradicted the Bible God as the goal of life. Rather than strivwas to be rejected. Sola scriptura also ing to please church leaders, keep a list fueled the translation of the Bible into of rules, or guard our own interests, our German, French, English, and other lan- goal is to glorify the Lord. The idea guages, and prompted Bible teaching in of soli Deo gloria is found in 1 Corinthithe common languages of the day, raans 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, ther than in Latin. or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Sola fide emphasizes salvation as a free gift. The Roman Catholic Church of the The five solas of the Protestant ReforPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

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mation offered a strong corrective to the faulty practices and beliefs of the time, and they remain relevant today. We are called to focus on Scripture, accept salvation by grace through faith, magnify Christ, and live for God’s glory.

Recommended Resource: Sola: How the Five Solas Are Still Reforming the Church

by Jason Allen More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What’s new on GotQuestions.org?

What does it mean to set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)?

Who was Maimonides?

What did God create on the fourth day of creation?

Why did God sometimes order the Israelites to hamstring horses?

What does it mean to take communion unworthily (1 Corinthians 11:27)?

What did God create on the third day of creation?

What did God create on the second day of creation?

What are the Five Articles of Remonstrance?

What did God create on the first day of creation?

10/30/2020

FEDIE REDD

Bishop Charles Edward Blake Sr. was born August 5, 1940 in North Little Rock Arkansas. He is the youngest of two sons born to Bishop Junious A. Blake and Mrs. Lula Blake (nee Champion). His father was a native of Camden Arkansas (Ouachita County) who pastored various churches throughout Arkansas before moving to California. In 1947, at the request of Bishop S.M. Crouch, then Pastor J. A. Blake moved his family to California where he was appointed pastor of Jackson Memorial Church of God in Christ Inc, San Diego, California. Bishop J. A. Blake Sr. was ordained Bishop within the COGIC in 1959. He would serve four terms as a member of the General Board of the Church of God in Christ Inc. In his last term Bishop J.A. Blake was appointed Second Administrative Assistant to the International Presiding Bishop of COGIC. His son Charles E. Blake would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps.

Bishop Charles Blake preached his first sermon in 1957. In 1959 he received his minister’s license, and in 1962 he was ordained a pastor within COGIC. Between his school terms he traveled across the nation leading revivals and attending COGIC conventions.

While receiving his education he worked as a publicschool janitor, and as a recreational leader for the city of Atlanta. Bishop Blake received his B.A. from California Western University (now known as United States International University), and his Master of Divinity Degree from Interdenominational Theological Center in 1965. In 1982 he received his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the California Graduate School of Theology.

He is also a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Oral Roberts University.

Upon Bishop Blake obtaining his master’s degree his father hired him at his San Diego CA, church. He worked for his father for three years. In 1969 after completing his third year, Bishop S.M. Crouch, Jurisdictional Prelate of Southern California for COGIC assigned him to the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Inc. The Church had 50 active members and had been without a pastor for over two years. Nowadays, the West Angeles COGIC has grown to one of the largest churches in the Western United States with a membership of over 25,000.

From 1985 until 2009, Bishop Blake was the Jurisdictional Prelate of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southern California. The jurisdiction was composed of more than 250 churches. In 1988 he was elected and became a member of the General Board of COGIC. On March 21, 2007, Bishop Charles E. Blake became the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ Inc. He is the fifth Presiding Bishop (and seventh leader) of COGIC. Bishop Blake became presiding Bishop upon the death of Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson. In November 2007, a special election was held, he was elected to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor as Presiding Bishop. In November 2008, 2012, and 2016 (Continued on page 78)

In 1968 he married Lady Mae Blake. They have three children from their union.

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Bishop Blake was re-elected to serve additional fouryear terms as Presiding Bishop.

Bishop Blake is an advocate of education and academic excellence. In response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, he founded and is president of the Pan African Children's Fund (PACF). He currently provides support to over 220 orphanages throughout subSaharan Africa, under a PACF program, Save Africa's Children.

He was the founding Chair of the Board of Directors for the Interdenominational Theological Seminary.

Blake has also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and as a Board Member of the Board of Directors for the Interdenominational Theological Seminary. He has served as Chair of the Executive Committee, and member of the Board of Directors of Oral Roberts University, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Charismatic Bible Ministries.

leadership council of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America.

On October 23, 2020, Bishop Blake announced that he will not seek re-election as Presiding Bishop nor as a member of the General Board.

However, he will remain Pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ Inc, West Angeles California.

Its cathedral is a Sixty-Five Million Dollar ($65,000,000.00) architectural masterpiece with a 5,000-seat sanctuary. Which is at times referred to as “the church to the stars” because members Denzel and Pauletta Washington, Samuel and LaTanya Jackson, Magic Erving and Cookie Johnson, Courtney Vance & wife, Angela Bassett and Stevie Wonder, are just a few of the famous faces that regularly fill the pews. On Sundays, a Grammy Award winning choir, consisting of over 100 voices, uplifts the congregation with hymns, old popular Gospel songs, and new contemporary spiritual hits.

Bishop Blake has also formerly served as an Advisory Committee Member of the Pentecostal World Conference, and founder and Co-chair of the Los Angeles Ecumenical Congress (LAEC), an interdenominational coalition of religious leaders, and pastors. He has also been awarded the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award, the Greenlining Institute’s Big Heart Award, and was the designated recipient of the L.A. Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Award for the year 2000. Congratulations Bishop Blake on your retirement.

In 2009 he was appointed as a member of Barack Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Blake_Sr., Obama’s Inaugural Advisory Council of the Office of http://www.cogic.org/pdf/General-Media-Packet.pdf, https:// thechurchofgodinchrist.wikia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Blake, https:// Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships where klmartin.wordpress.com/2007/08/01/biography-of-bishop-charles-e, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bishop-charles-blakehe served for one year on the council. In 2016, Bish- blake/, shar_b_1852150, https://westa.org/how-bishop-blake-became-ourop Blake was appointed as the Co-Chairperson to the pastor/, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/charles-e-blakePublished by The Village Press, Inc.

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TO ORDER A COPY Pastor Arthur L. Mackey Jr. Senior Pastor Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral 243 Rev. Dr. A. L. Mackey Sr. Avenue, Roosevelt, New York, 11575 artbren12@aol.com

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ken,

MACK REPORT

DEFUND, DEFUSE, & DE-ESCALATE: The tragedic murder of mental health patient, Walter Wallace Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, clearly establishes the drastic need to immediately defund Police departments that lack the necessary will, skill, and knowledge to defuse and deescalate highly intense drama in the Black community without the lethal use of force. Clearly, there have been white men with mental health issues holding a knife and coming towards Police at various locations throughout the landscape of America. Yet these white men in many cases are still alive today due to Police defusing and de-escalating the dramatic confrontation. Black mentally ill people like Walter Wallace Jr. of Philadelphia, and Daniel Prude of Rochester, New York, are victims of systematic racism that misdirects the limited will, skill, and knowledge of these untrained Police Officers in the wrong direction of unnecessary lethal force.

This matter in Philadelphia is a microcosm of Black mental health matters and Black mental health murders that show up on the news nationwide. Due to mental health hospitals being shut down all over town, throughout the landscape of America. When Police officers murder Black mental health patients on mental disorder medication that could have been spared lethal force. Like White many mental health patients with weapons are. The clarion call must be defund, defuse, and de-escalate!!!

Black Lives Matter!!!

1.) DEFUND Police departments by five, ten, fifteen, twenty percent, and reinvest the funds in the Black community by immediately bringing on professional rock-solid community-minded social Workers or Crisis Counselors. Who are well trained, and will train Police officers to defuse and de-escalate dramatically intense matters in the Black community to save Black lives. BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

2.) DEFUSE - Teach Police officers through live role-play presentations, video, audio, and highly intense training sessions by independent experts who are fully respected by the Black community. How to convert the human soul mind, will, and intellect, to, first of all, care, share, and bear the respect the burden for Black lives in the Black community. To defuse highly heated and intensely dramatic issues of life or death. POLICE MUST BE TRAINED TO DEFUSE POTENTIALLY DEADLY DRAMA IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY, AND CHOOSE LIFE OVER DEATH!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

3.) DEESCALATE - Bring in professional people to train the Police in how to understand the necessary process of bringing high anxiety drama down. De-escalation can only occur if you care, share, and bear the burdens of the broPublished by The Village Press, Inc.

battered, and bruised members of hurting humanity in the Black community. Bring in professional independent people fully respected by the Black community to train the Police. Highly noted people who have been successful at de-escalating highly heated matters and have saved lives.

Bring in professional people like the awesome Black woman, Antoinette M Tuff, the bookkeeper of the DeKalb County school district who successfully talked an armed 20 -year-old, Michael Brandon Hill, who was off his mental disorder medication, from murdering a school full of precious children. De-escalation can also occur throughout the landscape of America by not hiring any Police Officers to work in the Black community that don’t like, or hate, Black people in the first place.

Not hiring racist trigger-happy systematically racist corrupt cops to work in the Black community in the first place. Is first and foremost in the process of prevention and proactive Police brutality de-escalation. But this current right now deadly Police brutality mess must be dealt with right away throughout the entire landscape of America!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

Walter Wallace Jr. should be alive right now. Daniel Prude should be alive right now. BEING BLACK AND MENTALLY ILL IS NOT JUSTIFICATION FOR MURDER BY POLICE!!! America develop the necessary will, skill, and knowledge to defund, defuse, and deescalate deadly racism, classism, and sexism by Police, or the next step is to dismantle all racist, classify, and sexist Police in America, and begin afresh and anew. BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

THE VERY SAME PEOPLE THAT GO ABSOLUTELY STIR CRAZY IN THE NECESSARY DISCUSSION OF DEFUNDING THE POLICE THAT MURDER BLACK LIVES!!! HAD NO PROBLEM DEFUNDING YOUTH PROGRAMS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY BY 100%. IT WAS THOSE RACIST BAD BUDGET CUTS OF YOUTH PROGRAMS BY 100% IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY THAT CAUSED THE VERY PROBLEMS THAT WE FACE RIGHT NOW!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!! https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/walterwallace-jr-struggled-with-mental-health-issues-familysays/2575493/ Pastor Arthur L. Mackey Jr. Senior Pastor Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral 243 Rev. Dr. A. L. Mackey Sr. Avenue Roosevelt, New York, 11575 artbren12@aol.com

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First Black American cardinal is outspoken civil rights advocate (Reuters) - Wilton Gregory, the first African American to be named as cardinal and known as a refined diplomat, made headlines when he blasted President Donald Trump’s photo opportunity hoisting a Bible at a Washington church after police

used tear gas to clear demonstrators in June.

Gregory, who was among 13 new cardinals named by Pope Francis on Sunday, was installed as the first Black archbishop of Washington, D.C. in 2019. He turns 73 just days after the naming ceremony for new cardinals next month.

Pope Francis on Sunday said Gregory was picked with others from Rwanda, the Philippines and elsewhere to wear the revered red cap.

might disagree,” Gregory said in a

dent Trump using the St. John Paul II

An outspoken civil rights advocate,

statement before Trump and first la-

Shrine for a photo op when the presi-

Gregory has addressed the death of

dy Melania Trump arrived at the

dent’s policies are so radically con-

George Floyd, an unarmed Black

Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

trary to our faith and the teachings

Gregory also has been a leader in

of the church,” Zokovitch said in a

aggressively addressing the Roman

statement.

Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scan-

The move was also praised by the

man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in May.

In June, he blasted Trump’s visit to a dals and shoring up the church’s zero head of the nation’s largest Catholic Washington shrine honoring Pope -tolerance policy. community, Archbishop Jose Gomez John Paul II, a day after police and of Los Angeles, who is president of Leading Catholic organizations armed soldiers used tear gas and cheered the choice and noted Pope the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishrubber bullets to clear protesters so Francis was sending a clear message ops, a position once held by Gregory.

Trump could be photographed in “in the midst of our nation’s reckon- “Pope Francis is sending a powerful front of a historic Washington church ing in systemic racism, as millions message of hope and inclusion to the holding up a Bible. assert that Black Lives Matter,” said Church in the United States. The nam“I find it baffling and reprehensible Johnny Zokovitch, executive director ing of the first African American carthat any Catholic facility would allow of Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic dinal from the United States gives us itself to be so egregiously misused peace and justice organization based an opportunity to pause and offer and manipulated in a fashion that in Washington, D.C. thanks for the many gifts African violates our religious principles,

which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we Published by The Village Press, Inc.

“It’s validation of the archbishop’s opposition this past summer of Presi83

American Catholics have given the

Church,” Gomez said.

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The Incorporated Village of Hempstead is located in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, United States. The population was 53,891 at the 2010 census,[5] but by 2019 had reached 55,113 according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimate.[6] It is the most densely populated village in New York.

Hempstead Village is the site of the seventeenth-century "town spot" from which English and Dutch settlers developed the Town of Hempstead, the Town of North Hempstead, and ultimately Nassau County.

Several of Nassau County's most historically valuable buildings are in the Village of Hempstead, including Town of Hempstead Town Hall (built in 1918), Carman-Irish Hall at 160 Marvin Avenue (built about 1700), St. George's Episcopal Church (319 Front Street, erected 1822), St. George's Rectory (217 Peninsula Boulevard, built 1793), and the United Methodist Church at 40 Washington Street (erected 1855).[7] The Carman-Irish Hall is occupied by American Legion Post 390. The church structures have been in continuous use by their congregations since they were built.

Christ's First Presbyterian Church at 353 Fulton Avenue is Nassau County's oldest Presbyterian congregation, and one of the earliest in the United States, having been founded in 1644 by Richard Denton.

Jackson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, housed at 60 Peninsula Boulevard since the mid-1950s, was established between 1825 and 1840.[7] It is one of the county's oldest African American congregations.

Diversity has long been a characteristic of Hempstead. While it was majority white until the mid-twentieth century, Hempstead had a significant black population from about 1651 onward, in addition to the native peoples still living on Long Island. Starting in the nineteenth century, Hempstead's diversity increased.

Irish, Polish, and German immigrants arrived during the second half of the nineteenth century to join the descendants of the original English and Dutch settlers. Military personnel were trained at Camp Mills during 1918 and at Mitchel Field during World War II, and some stayed to raise families, adding other European-descent groups and African Americans. During the first half of the twentieth century, African Americans from the South who sought opportunities in the North established homes and businesses in Hempstead. Nassau County's first chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in Hempstead in 1932. A major case against de facto segregation in Hempstead was taken to the New York State Supreme Court in 1949 by Thurgood Marshall.

From the 1950s forward, the village's African American population has increased, and so have Mexican, Central American, and South American groups, as well as Caribbean immigrants, Middle Easterners, and Asians, especially Indians and South Asians

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CLICK HERE SOLUTION #8

The Village of Hempstead is a great place to live and raise a family except for these 15 fixable issues. For each of the next 17 week’s we will offer fixes for each of the below quality of life issues listed below. Follow us and join the diaolog by emailing us at: thevillagepress7@gmail.com.

ISSUES of concern: 1. High Residential Property Taxes 2. Pockets of High Crime 3. Lack Affordable Housing 4. Village Gas and Electric Plant 5. Disproportionate number of Non-taxable properties 6. Under performing School District 7. Poorly designed business district 8. No brand or reason to stop and shop in the Village 9. Poor traffic management 10. Lack of quality medical services-Emergency Triage 11. High Unemployment 12. Failed redevelopment plan 13. Pointless fiscal management plan 14. To many residential properties in disrepair 15. Inability to keep residents informed 16. No plan for the future-No Vision-expansion ideas 17. Poor Voter turn outs 10/30/2020

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