WI Web Staff
ORLANDO, FL — George Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder in the February death of Trayvon Martin, recently filed a lawsuit against NBC and three affiliated reporters, claiming he was defamed when the network edited his 911 call to police to make it sound like he was racist.
The former neighborhood watch volunteer, who has pleaded not guilty in the youth's shooting death, filed the lawsuit in Seminole County, Fla., near Orlando, seeking an undisclosed amount of money.
Zimmerman's complaint reportedly states that the edited call has caused him emotional distress and that he fears for his life. He also claims to have suffered from nausea, insomnia and anxiety.
According to a report, "NBC saw the death of Trayvon Martin not as a tragedy but as an opportunity to increase ratings, and so set about to create a myth that George Zimmerman was a racist and predatory villain," the lawsuit claims.
NBC has said through a spokeswoman, that the network strongly disagreed with Zimmerman's accusations.
The unemployment rate for black men 20 years old and older dramatically dropped in November as the nation's private businesses added a 146,000 new jobs. As a result, the overall jobless rate to fall to 7.7 percent, according the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report.
The BLS findings added that the unemployment rate for black men was 13 percent in November compared with 16.4 for the same month last year.
November's jobless rate for black women 20 years old and older was 11.4 percent compared with 13 percent in November 2011, and the overall jobless rate for blacks was 13.2 percent in November compared with 15.5 percent in November 2011.
Although the black-jobless rate improved, unemployment among African-Americans still remains twice as high when compared with other major working groups, which includes whites, Hispanics and Asians. The overall unemployment rate for whites in November was 6.8 percent compared with 7.6 percent in November 2011.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A new exhibit on display through Jan. 7, 2013 at the Verizon Center in downtown D.C. offers four proposed color schemes for the District's taxicab fleet.
According to Dec. 10 statement issued jointly by Mayor Vincent C. Gray and D.C. Taxicab Commission (DCTC) chairman Ron M. Linton, the exhibit is the next step in moving towards a standardized uniform color scheme for the local taxicab industry – a critical aspect in the implementation of upgrades to the industry mandated by the Taxicab Modernization Act.
"I'm delighted to open these proposed color schemes for public feedback, because it represents another step forward in modernizing our taxicab industry," said Gray. "We intend for D.C. to establish an identity and image that will set a new standard for public vehicles for hire and will help improve enforcement to prevent illegal vehicle service by creating a more recognizable D.C. taxicab."
Linton added that while "this is an exciting moment for the D.C. taxicab industry," implementation of the color scheme along with other taxi upgrades and driver training will make a significant difference to local service operations and enforcement capability.
Other proposed color schemes will be posted on the DCTC website to gather additional public feedback. The responses along with comments from an upcoming public hearing and meetings will become part of the decision-making process when final recommendations are presented in early 2013.
Interested parties can follow the reaction to the proposed color schemes on Twitter by using the hashtag #votedctaxi.
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSC) has released its first-ever web-based application, "PSC on the Go," which makes information more easily accessible to District consumers, while making PSC a more open and transparent agency.
The free app, which is currently available to Android and Apple mobile device users, provides direct access to information that includes PSC operations, customer choice of utilities, low income discount programs, and Pepco outage maps.
"The PSC is proud to be one of the first public utility commissions in the country to provide a mobile app to consumers," said Chairman, Betty Ann Kane. "With a single tap of the finger, District residents will have faster and easier access to information that impacts their daily lives."
The new app fulfills Mayor Vincent Gray's key goal of connecting District residents with the District government through social networking sites.
"PSC on the Go" mobile app will provide smartphone and tablet users the ability to:
• Contact the PSC about an issue or concern
• Listen to audio recordings of hearings and public meetings
• Access documents and orders from formal cases
• Share documents through social media, text and email
For more information, please contact the Commission at 202-626-5100 or visit the Commission's website at www.dcpsc.org.
The number of people who use Metro train for their commutes decreased nearly 5 percent below the agency's expectations in the first quarter of the fiscal year, according to reports.
Although Metro announced a fare hike in July, listed among reasons for the switch in modes of transportation were service changes and track work. A reduction in federal transit benefits has also reportedly resulted in fewer riders.
Reports state that average weekday ridership dropped 2.5 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, and that weekend ridership dipped by 6.4 percent on Saturdays and 5.7 percent on Sundays.
Meanwhile, Metro has earned high marks in a customer survey where riders on both metro buses and rails indicated they feel safe during their commutes. They also said they like Metro's public information tools for travel planning, according to Metro's new "Voice of the Customer" report.
"Hearing from our customers is one of the best and most important tools we have as we make decisions about Metrobus, Metrorail and MetroAccess service," said Tom Downs, chairman of the agency's Customer Service and Operations Committee. "Assembling feedback from a variety of sources gives us a more comprehensive view of service and helps us focus on constantly improving our customers' experience."
Sources: Wire Reports, Metro
Joshua Morgan (15) battles opponents as he tries to get over the goal line during NFL battle of the Beltway action on Sunday, Dec. 9 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Baltimore Ravens 31-28. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard brings down Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon just short of the goal line early in the first quarter during NFL action on Sunday, Dec. 9 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (88) makes a spectacular catch in front of Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall during NFL action on Sunday, Dec. 9 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Ravens 31-28. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Baltimore Ravens Anquan Boldin (81) outruns Madieu Williams (41) and scores a touchdown for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 9 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Redskins defeated the Ravens 31-28. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Apronti Jones (4) evades opponent Desmond Brown (12) of Patterson High School (Baltimore) during high school basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Coolidge High School in Northwest. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Woodrow Wilson senior guard heads to the basket during senior high school basketball on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Coolidge High School in Northwest. Wilson defeated Patterson High School (Baltimore) 80-54. /Photo By John E. De Freitas
Spingarn senior guard Garrett Washington (10) out jumps Forest Park (Baltimore) senior forward Tyree Benton (42) during the 15th Annual D.C.-Baltimore 2012 Basketball Challenge held at Coolidge High School in Northwest, on Saturday, Dec. 8. Forest Park (Baltimore) defeated Spingarn 82-61. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
Mayor Vincent C. Gray extends the following message to District residents as they celebrate the season's holidays and festivals:
"As we begin Hanukkah and approach Christmas and Kwanzaa, I want to wish a safe, joyous and happy holiday season to all District residents. For those of all faiths as well as those of no particular faith, this season is one of peace, goodwill, and family and community celebrations.
These holidays celebrate values universal to all people and shared across our city. Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of freedom over oppression and light over darkness; Christmas celebrates the advent of a prophet who preached about justice and challenged ruling authorities; and Kwanzaa promotes values like unity, self-determination, community and responsibility.
One of the joys of living in the District of Columbia is the broad diversity of faiths, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and ideological perspectives our residents embody while still sharing core beliefs in democracy, self-determination, civic responsibility and community service. I pray that we will live up to our highest ideals as a city in this season of celebration and charity as well as in the coming year."
Gabriella Lemus, Alejandra Castillo Join UDC Board
Friday, 07 December 2012 20:27 Published in Local
University of the District of Columbia (UDC) President Allen L. Sessoms announced on Friday, the the confirmation of two new members to the school's 15-member Board of Trustees.
Gabriella D. Lemus, Ph.D. and Alejandra Y. Castillo, J.D., who were nominated earlier this year by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, were confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 4 by the D.C. Council -- which provides oversight and direction to the District's only public university. A swearing-in ceremony will be announced later.
"I am delighted at the quality of these individuals, and I'm excited about what they will bring to our already well-engaged board," said Sessoms. "I want to thank Mayor Gray and the Council for continuing to populate our board with the finest leaders available to us in the District."
Lemus is the senior advisor to the secretary and director of the Office of Public Engagement at the Department of Labor. Prior to this position, she was the first woman to be appointed executive director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and the first woman to chair the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda. Under both the Clinton and Bush administrations, Lemus lectured extensively in Latin America on democracy and civil society participation. She was adjunct professor of international relations and border policy at the University of Memphis, San Diego State University and the University of San Diego.
Castillo is an attorney who currently serves as the national deputy director of the Minority Business Development Agency for the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is the key official responsible for executing her agency's national business development strategy through public-private partnerships. Castillo has a long and successful federal resume, including special advisor to the undersecretary for Policy and Outreach in DOC's International Trade Administration and senior policy advisor to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Castillo has also served as executive director of the Hispanic National Bar Association.
President Barack Obama and his family flipped the switch that lit the National Christmas Tree on Thursday evening, bringing cheers from the huge crowd that gathered for a tradition that has been ongoing for nearly a century.
During the ceremony, which took place on the Ellipse near the White House, the president expressed hope that this year's tree -- a 28-feet blue spruce -- lasts longer than its predecessor, which died after just a year.
"Our tree has been having a hard time recently," said Obama, who was surrounded by his wife, two daughters and mother-in law. "This is our third one in as many years," he added, noting that a tree which stood near the White House for more than 30 years, was destroyed during a storm in early 2011. Its replacement didn't take hold.
"It just goes to show, nobody's job is safe here in Washington," Obama joked.
The ceremony was hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother. Performances that included a variety of holiday song favorites, was provided by recording artists Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Ledisi, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat and James Taylor, along with the band The Fray.
The ceremony, which took place amid good weather, attracted crowd of about 17,000 people.
Source: Huffington Post
The D.C. Chamber of Commerce hosted its Holiday Reception on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Hay Adams Hotel in Northwest. While guests enjoyed light dining desserts and drinks, Barbara Lang, president and CEO, introduced board members and staff and made brief remarks on the Chamber's position on bills currently before the D.C. Council.
DC Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception Photos by Shevry Lassiter
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