Journalists honored for courageous reporting

Awardees Pravit Rojanaphruk, Patricia Mayorga, Afrah Nasser with Joel Simon and Christiane Amanpour. photo: CPJ/barbara nitke 

International Press Freedom Awards go to imprisoned Cameroonian journalist, Mexican correspondent, Thai reporter, and Yemeni blogger

(BMLTV) New York, November 20, 2017 - Journalists from Cameroon, Mexico, Thailand, and Yemen were honored November 15^th  at the Committee to Protect Journalists' 27th annual International Press Freedom Awards for courageous work amid risks such as imprisonment, threats, and exile. 

 

The families of two recently murdered former International Press Freedom Awardees -- Pavel Sheremet of Ukraine, and Javier Valdez Cárdenas of Mexico -- also attended the event. The crowd of nearly 1,000 stood to honor the two journalists and their loved ones following a video tribute to their work and to CPJ’s efforts to combat impunity.

AAA and Keolis launch nation's first public self-driving shuttle in downtown Las Vegas

The AAA free self-driving shuttle seen in downtown Las Vagas.
photo: PRN

The AAA free self-driving shuttle, operated by Keolis, is the largest self-driving pilot project in the United States to operate in live traffic; AAA will study consumer responses to advance technology that could dramatically reduce traffic fatalities

(PRNEWS) LAS VEGAS, Nov. 8, 2017 - AAA, in partnership with Keolis, just brought the future of transportation to America and now the century-old auto club wants to hear from you.

AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah (AAA) is sponsoring the nation's first self-driving shuttle pilot project geared specifically for the public. Over the course of a year, the self-driving shuttle aims to provide a quarter-million residents and visitors of Las Vegas with first-hand experience using autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, exposing most riders to the technology for the first time. This pilot builds on Keolis' limited shuttle launch in downtown Las Vegas in early 2017; today's launch will be the first self-driving vehicle to be fully integrated with a city's traffic infrastructure.

Gunmen, suicide bombers attack Kabul TV station

Security personnel evacuate employees of the Shamshad TV building after an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. photo massoud hossaini/AP
 
(BMLTV) NEW YORK, November 7, 2017 The Committee to Protect Journalists strongly condemns the attack on a television station today in Kabul, Afghanistan. Gunmen and suicide bombers this morning attacked Shamshad TV, a leading Pashto-language station, killing one security guard and injuring at least 20 people including television staffers, Shamshad TV’s CEO and broadcast director, Nasim Pakhtoon, told CPJ.

Norfolk gains title as America’s favorite place in 2017 by Travel & Leisure

The City of Norfolk skyline viewed from the Hague waterway in Ghent Historical Landmark community. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

Mermaid city leaps from #4 to top spot in annual poll

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, November 2, 2017 - Travel & Leisure readers love the mermaid city! Norfolk claimed the #1 spot in the annual America’s Favorite Place poll for 2017 beating out cities such as Portland, Scottsdale and Nashville.

The Environmental Justice Health Alliance commends Senator Cory Booker's new bill to address environmental injustices

  
Senator Cory Booker/ photo: U.S. Senate Public Affairs

(PRN-USN) NEWARK, N.J., October 31 , 2017 - Senator Cory Booker was joined by Michele Roberts, National Co-Coordinator of the Environmental Justice Health Alliance (EJHA), to introduce new legislation seeking to address some environmental injustices communities across the nation face.  'Environmental justice communities', often composed predominantly of people of color and the poor, suffer disproportionate levels of environmental pollution and its resulting health impacts.

It’s still April and this month is recognized as “Child Abuse Prevention Month”

On April 03, 2017, Norfolk’s Mayor Kenneth Alexander joined child advocates and Department of Human Services staff for the ceremonial planting of 100 blue and silver pinwheels in front of Norfolk City Hall. photo: City of Norfolk

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, April 24, 2017 - As good citizens in our communities locally, nationally and globally, we should always keep a watchful eye out for child neglect and abuse at every turn in our lives.

Child maltreatment fatalities and near fatalities have consistently drawn the attention of state lawmakers.

Former L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca found guilty of orchestrating scheme to obstruct federal investigation into jails

Lee Baca appears with his attorneys outside the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles after a mistrial was declared in his obstruction of justice trial on Dec. 22, 2016. photo: KTLA©

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2017 - Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca was found guilty today of leading a conspiracy to obstruct justice by overseeing a scheme designed to impede a federal investigation into corruption and civil rights abuses at county jail facilities. Baca was also convicted of lying to federal investigators when he denied knowledge of key aspects of the obstruction plot.

The U.S. Arab Chamber supports Fifth Annual Arab American Day with the focus on the role of Arab women

H.E. Salah Sarhan, Arab League Ambassador to the United States.
photo: NUSACC©
 
300 business leaders and Diplomats attend event that celebrates Americans of Arab descent

(BMLTV) December 18, 2016, WASHINGTON , D.C. - For the fifth year in a row, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) supported Arab American Day, held under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Washington, DC.

Michael Goldsmith begins his new job as Deputy City Manager

Deputy City Manager Michael Goldsmith, Norfolk VA.
photo: abhi ahmadaeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA - This past November City Manager Marcus Jones announced that Police Chief Michael Goldsmith had been promoted to the role of Deputy City Manager. Effective December 1, 2016, Chief Goldsmith will oversee the departments of Police, Fire, Emergency Operations and Neighborhood Development.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks at World Aids Day event

video: CCTV/AFRICA

(UNITED NATIONS) December 1, 2016-Speaking at a special event ahead of World AIDS Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon November 30 underscored the need to stop stigma and abuse against those living with the disease and to ensure that they receive the care, treatment and protection they are entitled to.

Ban said “hatred and bigotry spread disease and – as the founders of this movement taught – silence equals death.”

African Wildlife Foundation partners with Emmy-Award Winning Series to shed light on climate change crisis

The African Wildlife Foundation is leading a global effort to put a stop to the slaughter of
African elephants and other species. photo: billy dodson/AWF  

Years of living dangerously episode highlights the consequences of climate change to Africa’s wildlife 

(BUSINESS WIRE) WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, November 30, “Priceless” will be broadcast on the National Geographic Channel at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT . In the newest episode of the Emmy-Award winning program, actor and Years of Living Dangerously correspondent Aasif Mandvi sets off on a quest to understand just how much of a threat climate change poses to wildlife.

Virginia Space welcomes new board member appointments and leadership

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne. Norfolk VA.
photo:  abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA, November 29, 2016 -The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority announced Aubrey Layne, Transportation Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, was elected as the new Chair of the organization’s board of directors.

Junior Olympian Track Star Sheppard sisters are the Sports Illustrated Kids 2016 SportsKids of the Year

The Sheppard sisters 2016 SportsKids of the Year.
photo: BUSINESS WIRE

(BUSINESS WIRE) November 24, 2016 - NEW YORK Time Inc. Sports Illustrated Kids has named Tai, Rainn and Brooke Sheppard, of Brooklyn, New York, the 2016 SportsKids of the Year.

The Sheppard sisters—aged 11, 10 and 9, respectively—were selected from among thousands of entries for overcoming substantial obstacles to qualify for this year’s AAU Junior Olympic Games and for each individually medaling in track and field events.

The Elizabeth Riverfest boast a significant turn out as participants take it to the bridge and back to paradise

Participants in the “live art event walk to the top of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge during RIVERFEST 2016. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©.

(BMLTV) PORTSMOUTH VA., November 23, 2016 - Elizabeth RIVERFest, the area’s premiere environmental festival,reached new heights this year – literally. For the first time, participants walked to the top of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. Even more special, the walk turned into a live art event as participants carried 1,000 silhouettes of blue herons in honor of an internationally accomplished sculptor, debuting his “One Flock” installation of heron and human sculptures at the festival.

After completing outdoor environmental sculptures around the world, from Russia to France, Germany and Korea, Rob Mulholland of Scotland unveiled his first major installation in the US during Elizabeth River Project’s annual RIVERFEST.

Virginia Governor speaks at 3rd Annual Community Collaborations Reentry Summit

Gov. Terry McAuliffe speaking at 3rd Annual Community Collaborations Reentry Summit October 17, 2016,  at Old Dominion University’s Constant Convocation Center.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK, VA November 21, 2016 - More than 300 professionals, reentry advocates and former offenders from Norfolk and/or their family members came together for the 3rd Annual Community Collaborations Reentry Summit mid October at Old Dominion University’s Constant Convocation Center.

Empire State Building goes purple for “World Prematurity Day”

photo: The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and is used with permission.
 
(PRN-USN) NEW YORK, November 16, 2016 - The Empire State Building towers lit up with  purple light yesterday in honor of the 6th annual World Prematurity Day (WPD) tomorrow. Parent groups and organizations worldwide join together on WPD to raise awareness of the serious problem of premature birth.

DHL Couriers gear up for icy weather with a penguin’s help

photo: marketing/ DHL
 
Company’s “Safety First – Safety Feet” program enlists the expertise of a sure-footed creature

(BUSINESS WIRE) PLANTATION , FLORIDA, November 12, 2016 - A bird that doesn’t fly is helping a Big Yellow Machine that does.

DHL - sometimes nicknamed the Big Yellow Machine for its boldly colored aircraft and delivery vehicles—found a novel way to remind couriers of the care they must take when delivering packages in icy conditions. The company, the world’s leading international express services provider, enlisted the help of a penguin.

Takeda donates 1 billion yen as an exclusive partner to the United Nations Foundation for "Global Measles Vaccination for Children" program

photo: World Health Organization South-East Asia Region

Aiming at vaccinating 5.4 million children in approximately 40 developing countries

(BUSINESS WIRE) November 5, 2016 - OSAKA, Japan -Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited today announced that Takeda will exclusively support “Global Measles Vaccination for Children” by the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign. The initiative aims to provide measles vaccination to at least 5.4 million children in approximately 40 developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America over 10 years. We have donated one billion yen (9698860.0000 US dollar) to the United Nations Foundation to implement the program.

United Front Justice Coalition files complaint with Whitehouse against FBI Director James Comey

Official White House photo: by Pete Souza

October 28, 2015

President Barack Hussein Obama
Vice-President Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President and Vice-President:

This is an official request upon your office to remove the FBI Director James Comey from office. There are no statutory conditions on the President’s authority to remove the FBI Director. He has exhibited irresponsible and reckless behavior in his deliberate actions and shown that he does not have the good judgment needed to fulfill the responsibilities of this office. Under his leadership the Citizens of America have been subjected to undo election stress and confusion due to his lack of regard for the laws of our country.

Netizen Report: As protests rage in Ethiopia, Zone9 bloggers return to court

Zone9 bloggers left to right: Abel Wabela, Zelalem Kiberet, Mahlet Fantahun, Atnaf Berahane, Befeqadu Hailu, Natnael Feleke. photo: via Martin Ennals Awards

The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world

(GLOBAL VOICES) ETHIOPIA, October 26, 2016 - As protests rage over land rights and ethnic discrimination, bloggers and independent journalists in Ethiopia appear to be losing ground in their struggle to exercise free expression. Alongside other recent arrests, four members of the Zone9 bloggers collective, who spent 18 months in prison on terrorism-related charges from 2014-2015, returned to court on October 21 following an appeal by the public prosecutor. Their case was adjourned yet again, with a new court date scheduled for November 15.

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