Michael Phelps Owns Midas Touch in Rio - The Austin Villager

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Vol. 44 No. 12

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August 12, 2016

`Final Five' Win Gymnastics Team Gold in Rio INSIDE

RAPPIN'

Tommy Wyatt

Thank You

Mr. Crayton!

Many of you have been

asking us about Grayson

Crayton who was our

distribution manager for

more than 30 years. He

has officially retired from

working. He has been

gone for more than a

month now and the man

that now handles our

distribution is my son,

Thomas Wyatt.

We waited for a while

before officially noting

Crayton's departure,

because we wanted to

make sure that he was

really gone for good.

After you have worked

with a person for such a

long time, it is hard to

accept that they have

handed in their keys. But,

at this time, I feel sure that

he has successfully made

the transition.

Crayton and I have been

friends for more than 50

years and we continue to

play golf together. I guess

that you can say that he is

the closest thing that I

have to a brother.

We want to thank him

for his service to the paper

and to the community by

making sure that our

newspapers

were

delivered on time each

week. He can never be

replaced. However,

Thomas is making every

effort to live up to his

reputation.

In a small business, it is

hard to give the people

who work with you the

kind of sendoff that they

deserve. We cannot afford

to give them a gold watch

or other expensive gift

that large company gives.

We can, however, give

some public recognition

for their service.

Crayton retired from the

State of Texas many years

ago, but continued to

work with us many years

after. He will be sorely

missed at the office, but I

look forward to his

friendship for many more

years. In the meantime, I

have to practice my golf

game. He is a tough man

to beat. So, on behalf of

our staff, our many

readers and our

distributors, thank you,

Mr. Crayton for your

service.

Republican-sponsored measures attempt to disenfranchise eligible voters.

See MEDIUM Page 3

TEAM USA TOOK GOLD IN THE WOMEN'S ALL-AROUND TUESDAY - Pictured left to right

are Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez; Back center is

Coach Mihai Brestyan. ion in Rio de Janeiro, Bra- and declared victory with McKayla Maroney in 2012,

RIO DE JANEIRO - zil.

multiple points.

from Raisman. Next up

With a doubt, the USA has

With two consecu-

Other teams in the fi- was uneven bars, where

the best women's gym- tive Olympic golds and nal put their best foot for- Kocian and Douglas

nastics team in the world, world championships ward to defeat the long- earned two of the highest

it was proven for the fifth titles in 2011, 2014 and reigning queens of the uneven bars scores of the

time, Tuesday, August 9, 2015, the U.S. ladies gym- sport, but nearly every day. Biles, Hernandez and

2016. The American team nastics team have made a team suffered a fall over Raisman all scored over 15

of Simone Biles, Gabby seemingly indestructible the course of four events. points on balance beam,

Douglas,

Lauren habit of winning. And not

Not the U.S., who looking a little less steady

Hernandez, Aly Raisman just edging out their com- clocked 12 hit routines. than usual but keeping in

and Madison Kocian, won petitors by a few tenths, They began with a nearly- control.

gold in the women's team but leading the competi- stuck Amanar vault, the

all-around in historic fash- tion from start to finish one made famous by See BILES, Page 2

M. Phelan strives to bring integrity back to the DA's office.

See TRAVIS Page 4

Police routinely violated the constitutional

rights of residents. See BALTIMORE

Page 5

Michael Phelps Owns Midas Touch in Rio

Is

Michael

Phelps

#1?

You can bet his

TWENTY-ONE Gold Medals he is!

RIO DE JANEIRO Phelps secured his 20th and 21st gold medals Tuesday night for the United States in Olympic pool events during the Rio Games. Phelps won the 200-meter butterfly for his first gold of the night and returned just over an hour later to anchor the US team to gold in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay.

Phelps has ruled the pool in Rio; imposing his will on all challengers and demanding the respect of a new generation of competitors, while banishing his demons of Olympic past. After losing his 200meter Olympic butterfly title four years ago, Phelps unleashed his vengeance and revenge upon bitter rival Chad le Clos.

Phelps, 31, is the oldest individual gold medalist in Olympic swimming

AQUAMAN IS IN THE HOUSE - Michael Phelps celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Screengrab from )

(L-R) US swimmers Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps celebrate winning the gold medal in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

history. Quitting competitive swimming after losing to South Africa's Le Clos in the London 2012 Olympic

Games, Phelps returned to the sport in 2014. Determined to regain the top podium spot of the 200-

meter butterfly, Phelps, the 2004 and 2008 games champion, displayed determination, desire, and focus unmatched by the suitors jousting for his place on the swimming hierarchy.

Furthermore, the showdown in Rio centered on Phelps and the 24-year old Le Clos, with Phelps blowing the younger contender away down the final stretch finishing in a time of 1 minute 53.36 seconds. Meanwhile, the former 200-meters butterfly champion Le Clos fell

out of medal contention finishing fourth with a time of 1:54.06.

The men's 4x200 meter freestyle relay saw Phelps return poolside for one last chance to secure his 21st gold and continue the US winning streak of four consecutive golds in the event.

Phelps and teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer and Townley Haas, won the event in 7:00.66, beating silver medal runnerup Great Britain (7:03.13) and bronze medal winner Japan (7:03.50).

Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 12, 2016

THE COMMUNIQU?



Jay Pharoah, Taran Killam

Biles nearly flipped to the rafters

Exiting `Saturday Night Live' in her routine from the movie Rio

SNL cast members Jay Pharoah (left) and Taran Killam (right). (AP Photos/Evan Agostini/Invision and Andy Kropa/Invision)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Longtime "Saturday Night Live" cast member Taran Killam says he "was never given a reason why" he was being let go after six seasons on the NBC program.

Killam and fellow cast member Jay Pharoah won't be back when "SNL" returns this fall for its 42nd season, the network said Monday.

Killam told Uproxx in an interview published Monday that he was planning on making the upcoming season of "SNL" his final one before being told that his contract wasn't being picked up.

"I was never given a reason why, really. I can assume until the cows

come home," he said. Killam speculated

that the production schedule of a film he's directing and starring in, "Why We're Killing Gunther," may have played a part because two months of post-production work on the movie would have coincided with "SNL's" production schedule. Whatever the reason for his departure, Killam said he has "no gripes" about his time as part of the comedy institution.

"I set out to be on `SNL' and I got to do that and I did very well. And I love and adore and will forever have close ties and tight bonds with the brilliant, smartest, funniest people I've ever met in my

life," he told Uproxx. Killam performed

several celebrity impressions on the show, including Brad Pitt and Donald Trump -- although the Trump role went to "SNL" announcer and former star Darrell Hammond during the past season.

Pharoah was also on the program for six seasons and had the coveted role of impersonating President Barack Obama. He was also known for his send-ups of Kanye West, Jay Z, Shaquille O'Neal and others.

"SNL" is famous for its revolving-door cast, with Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon and Eddie Murphy among its successful alumni.

Gymnast Simone Biles wowed the crowd with vault performance.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Raisman is the reigning Olympic champion on floor while Biles is the reigning world champion, and they showed why. Raisman stuck nearly every landing while Biles nearly flipped to the rafters in her routine that uses music from the movie Rio.

The U.S. finished with a team total of 8.209 points. It was the largest margin of victory since the

"Perfect 10" scoring system was replaced by the current open-ended scoring method was implemented in 2006. They effortlessly surpassed the previous record of 5.066 points, set by the Fierce Five in London.

Russia finished in second place, followed by China in third. This was Russia's second consecutive silver win, while China missed the podium in London but won team gold at

their home Olympics in Beijing.

After the score was announced, the USA women huddled together and cheered in harmony, "We are the Final Five!"

Rio will be the last Olympics to see fivemember gymnastics teams. In Tokyo, each team will have only four members. Thus, this will be the last U.S. team to win Olympic gold with a five-member team.

Mother: Young Black Raleigh Man was

Shot

Leaving House Party

Chad Cameron Copley, 39, is led out of a courtroom at the Wake County Judicial Center in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. Copley, who apparently called police to complain about "hoodlums" near his house, was charged with murder after he shot and killed a black man outside, authorities said. (Chuck Liddy/ The News & Observer via AP)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The mother of a young Black man who authorities say was killed by a White man firing a shotgun from his garage says her son was known as "Safety 101" because he always urged people to buckle their seat belts.

Simone Butler-Thomas spoke by phone Tuesday with The Associated Press about the killing of her 20-year-old son, Kouren-Rodney Bernard Thomas.

Police have charged Chad Cameron Copley with murder. They released 911 calls from Copley's house in which a man says he fired at a group of armed Black "hoodlums" outside.

Butler-Thomas says her son was leaving a house party down the street when he was fired on. She said her son was only weeks away from moving into his first apartment after working a series of restaurant jobs.



THE BULLETIN

THE VILLAGER/August 12, 2016 ~ Page 3

Medium: Celebrating 51 Years

of the Voting Rights Act

By Donna Brazile, Interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee

I grew up in the segregated South, where if you had the wrong skin color and tried to register to vote or cast a ballot, you might be forced to pass a literacy test, pay a poll tax or even face the threat of physical violence.

But 51 years ago today President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law.

Suddenly, our federal government began protecting the rights of all citizens to vote. Suddenly, millions of formerly disenfranchised voters had a voice. And slowly, the face of politics and power in the United States began to change. Southern office holders, state legislatures and congressional delegations became more representative, more responsive. With new leaders came new laws, moving us all toward that more perfect union the Constitution describes.

It was a profound victory for families like mine--for the working poor and for those living on the outskirts of hope. It meant new opportunities in education and in the workplace, and for upward economic mobility. That's why I celebrate the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act every year, but more importantly, it's why I continue to fight alongside the Democratic Party against efforts to erect new barriers, and to protect the right to vote.

Yet, in the wake of the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby v. Holder, which weakened the power of the Voting Rights Act, Republican-led state legislatures have passed a spate of restrictive election laws that make it harder to vote, ostensibly to combat the almost nonexistent "problem" of "voter fraud."

These laws are actually part of a strategy to make it more difficult for certain groups to vote. By rolling back early voting, eliminating same-day reg-

President Lyndon B. Johnson shakes hands with Dr. Martin Luther King after signing the Voting Rights Act. (Yoichi Okamoto/LBJ Library)

istration, implementing photo ID laws, limiting provisional ballots, and so forth, the GOP has systematically targeted women, communities of color, working families, students, first-generation Americans, and the elderly--all people who are less likely to support Republican candidates on Election Day.

But there's good news for champions of voting rights. With a recent string of rulings from across the nation, our courts are striking down these laws.

On July 29th, a federal appeals court in North Carolina struck down provisions of the state's voter ID law saying that Republican lawmakers targeted African-American voters "with almost surgical precision." That same day, a federal judge came to a similar conclusion about W isconsin's restrictive election laws. And on Tuesday, a federal judge in North Dakota barred the state from enforcing a strict photo ID law that put "substantial and disproportionate burdens" on Native American voters.

These decisions come after separate rulings in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and an earlier one in Wisconsin all concluded that Republican-sponsored "anti-voter fraud" measures were nothing more than partisan attempts to

disenfranchise eligible voters.

Limiting the vote hurts hardworking Americans. It silences the mother who must choose between waiting in line to vote or picking up her children at daycare; the widow who needs help casting an absentee ballot; and the worker juggling two jobs to make ends meet.

After polling locations in communities of color were inexplicably shuttered during the March primary in Arizona, the Democratic National Committee has joined a lawsuit to reverse that disenfranchisement. And we applaud the work of civic groups, voting activists, and legal advocates who helped restore the voices of Americans in Ohio and

other states. But we--all citizens

who care about our country--must do more.

And so, we will be endorsing and promoting: Restore the Voting Rights Act; Expand voter participation by making registration easier; Restore the rights of those who have served their time; End requirements for a photo ID and other attempts at voter suppression; and Make voter intimidation tactics illegal.

These, and similar measures, will enhance, not restrict, voter participation.

For our democracy to succeed, all of us must be given the chance to make our voices heard. We are at our best when we build bridges, not walls.

Friends, Colleagues,

and Community

The Music Ministry of Wesley United Methodist Church cordially invites the Greater Austin community to its 4th "An Afternoon of Classics and Jazz" event slated for Saturday, August 14, 2016 at 4 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary at Wesley UMC, 1164 San Bernard Street. Featured artists include friends and members of Wesley UMC. Monies raised will go to the Tim Curry Scholarship Fund benefitting students of HustonTillotson University. A reception will follow afterward.

Lead musician Ms. Pam Zeigler and Bro. John Daniels are the event coordinators. Ms. Lamonica Lewis is Director of the Wesley Music Ministry and Rev. Sylvester E. Chase, Jr. is Senior Pastor. For more information, contact the church office at (512) 478-7007, email thedeskofwesley@, or go to . The public is invited.

Villager Youth Brigade will be taking sponsorships starting summer of 2015.Your support has been much appreciated over the years. Please continue to invest in Austin's youth. We look forward to another successful year with some promising students. FMI Call 512-476-0082

La G?n?ration des Vainqueurs Ministry Church

Prophetess Stephanie N'Cho Associate Pastor

Tuesday - Friday: 3pm -10pm Walking and Appointment

Wednesday Bible Study | 7:45pm Friday Prayer |7:45pm

Sunday Service | 10:00am

469-226-4679 | 805 S. Sherman St. Richardson, TX 75081

Do you have church news? Would you like to purchase a monthly ad for your church? Inquire TODAY! Send your information to vil3202@ or call 512-476-0082

Olive Branch Fellowship of Austin / All Faith Chapel

4110 Guadalupe St Bldg #639 Austin, TX 78751

Sunday Morning

This life, therefore, is not righteous-

Worship @ 11: am

ness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest,

but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be,

but we are growing toward it. The process is

not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not

the end, but it is the road. All does not yet

gleam in glory, but all is being purified.

--- Martin Luther

Romans 5:1 Therefore,having been

Kenneth Hill, Pastor

justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

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Sunday Services

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8:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M.

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Child Development Center

Ages 0-5 years (Daily) 512-478-6709

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WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Church School - 9:45 a.m. Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noon Wednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m.

"Ministries For Mankind" Luke 4:18

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Agape Baptist Church

In "The Centre" Bldg. F-15 7801 N. Lamar Blvd. (SE Corner of N Lamar and 183)

AGAPE is a chuch for all people. "Where Jesus Christ is Magnified and the love He exhibited is Exemplified." Come, receive God's unconditional lovefor you. For there is no greater love!

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1179 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX 78702, 512-478-7023 Sunday Morning Bible Study, 9:00 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship, 10:15 A.M.

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CHURCH

DAVID CHAPEL Missionary Baptist Church

SUNDAY | Christian Education 9:15a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. (MLK) Nursery Available TUESDAY | TNT Bible Study (Pflugerville) 6:45p.m. WEDNESDAY | Prayer & Praise 7:00p.m. Bible Study 7:30p.m.

Dr.JosephC.Parker,Jr. 512-472-9748 SeniorPastor 2211 E.MLK @ Chestnut St. Austin, TX 78702

Imani Community Church

Davis Elementray Auditorium 5214 West Duval Road

Sunday School Worship Service ?Power Hour Bible Life Group

9:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.

Imani Complex & Office, 11800 Mustang at Duval Austin, Texas 78727

Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims

Visit: Office: 512-343-9300

GRACEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Felix Bamirin, Pastor

JOIN US This SUNDAY / THURSDAY @ 12424 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, TX 78758

(By Parmer Lane Baptist Church building, behind Wells Fargo)

SUNDAYS 10:30 A.M., THURSDAYS 7:30 P.M.

Experience Grace For Life

Call: 682.472.9073 l Email: gracewayaustin@ l Visit:

St. Peter's United Methodist Church

4509 Springdale Road Austin, Tx 78723

Rev. Jack C. Gause Pastor

Office 512- 926-1686 Fax 512-929-7281

Christian Web Site-

stpetersaustintx.

stpetersaustintx@

THE PLACE WHERE WE STEP OUT ON FAITH.

COME AND STEP OUT ON FAITH WITH US

Sunday School

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and Praise /Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(to include Children's Choir Rehersaland Bible Study with age appropiate Activities)

The Church of Pentecost

Leading People to Experience God's Love, Know Jesus Christ & Grow in His Image

Worship: Sunday-10:00 am - 12:30 pm Tuesday Bible Studies--

7:30pm - 9:00 pm Friday Prayers-7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The Church of Pentecost, USA Inc, Austin offers a wide variety of opportunities for children, youth, adults, and older adults to be involved in worship, spiritual growth, education, community outreach, and making a tangible difference to those

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Tel: 512 302-1270 your gifts, your service, and your witness.

Page 4 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 12, 2016

HEADLINES



Pflugerville City Council Election Underway

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist

On August 6, the Pflugerville City Council elections were held at the City Hall. Moreover, there was a very low turnout where less than 5% of Pflugerville went to the polls. According to the election tally, "less than 1000" people went to vote. In other words, the City Council race was decided by a few people living in Pflugerville, Texas. Consequently, the decision taken by the council reflects a small portion of the population.

Since none of the 4 candidates passed the 50% majority needed to win, then they are headed to a runoff. Moreover, the runoff will be between Jeff

Pictured left to right are Eric, Jim McDonald and Marylyn. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon

Marsh who received 360 votes and Jim McDonald who received 261 votes. Now it's time for both

campaigns to go back to the voters. Although it was a low turnout, there are numerous crucial issues

that are at stake in Pflugerville. In other words, Pflugerville is at a "crossroad."

One issue that is at stake is the growth of Pflugerville. Pflugerville does not want to become

like its neighbor Austin, which has a high traffic congestion rate. For instance, Jim McDonald asked a rhetorical question, "How do we grow and keep the Pflugerville we love?" Now that Pflugerville, Texas is a "minority-majority" city, it is important for the two candidates to embrace and to encourage flourishing multiculturalism in the city.

Now that the primary elections are over, there will be numerous general election votes in Travis County. Although Travis County is a "Democratic Party controlled city", there will be some Republicans on the ballots. Moreover, it will give Travis County residents an opportunity to choose between the different political parties.

African Diaspora Host All

White Party

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist

Over the years, the African Diaspora has seen its population grow in Central Texas. The robust growth of the African community is the result of numerous factors such as jobs, education and mili-

The "All White Party" is meant to bring the family and friends together to have fun and to hold a cultural event. It will be held at the ACF center which is located at 900 E Braker Lane. This event will allow friends and families to relax and to have a "good time" together. In addition,

they plan to listen to African themed music. In addition, they plan to showcase a variety of good African cuisines, in which, the attendee can also enjoy.

Furthermore, the "All White Party" will be held on September 4th. It will be hosted by two prominent "DJ's" of the African

tary. As the African Diaspora grows in the Austin metro areas, there are needs for entertainment and networking events. As a result, Mariama has seized the opportunity of organizing an "All White Party" which is meant to bring the community together.

community here in Central Texas. Moreover, these Djs' are some of the best in the Central Texas area. This event will highlight Austin as a destination for music among the growing African community. Finally, the organizers plan to hold another "All White Party" next year.

Maura Phelan for Travis County DA

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist

One of the candi-

dates running for the Travis County District Attorney office is Maura Phelan. In Travis County,

the District Attorney Office candidates for both the Democratic and Republican are not incumbent,

but are vying to replace the current DA. As a result, Maura Phelan the Republican candidate is hoping to win this seat.

Maura Phelan has a very long experience working as a lawyer. She has worked at the Travis County, Harris County and Williamson County District Attorney Office and also has a private practice. She has prosecuted various types of crimes such as murders, child abuse, and other types of criminal activities. Consequently, she would like to bring her experience to the District Attorney office.

Not only has Maura Phelan has been practicing law for a longtime but she has also been an active member of the Central Texas community. For instance, she has been an instructor with the Court Appointed Special Adviser

Maura Phelan

(CASA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In addition, she has served as president of her neighborhood association

and recently joined Diaspora Vote. Finally, she has been the founder and past president of the Golden Ribbon Rescue.

Black Literature Matters:

A Conversation on Writing and Race

Four writers discuss the role that black literature plays in shaping the conversation on race in America. Thu., Aug. 18, 7pm., BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, Austin, 512/472-5050. The poet Lucille Clifton wrote, "The literature of America should reflect the children of America." We couldn't agree more. In this panel conversation on the topic of "Black Literature Matters," four writers -- Michael Hurd, Varian Johnson, Doyin Oyeniyi, and Jennifer M. Wilks -- will discuss why it's important for readers to seek out diverse books; what can be done to support writers of color (published and just starting out); the ways that writers, publishers, and literary organizations can support diversity in our literature, our programs, and our communities; and the crucial role that black literature plays in shaping the important conversation on race in our country today.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 the City of Austin Small Business Development Office will be hosting a BizAid Business Orientation, from 3:00 ? 4:00 PM at the Yarborough Branch Public Library, 2200 Hancock Dr., Austin, Texas. For additional information call 512-974-7800



CLASSIFIEDS

THE VILLAGER/August 12, 2016 ~ Page 5

EMPLOYMENT | PROPOSALS | PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR SALE | FOR RENT | BIDS | MISCELLANEOUS

DOJ Releases Report on Baltimore Policing Methods

Baltimore, MD -

The Department of Justice

(DOJ) launched an investi-

gation into the Baltimore

Police Department, find-

ing the department has

engaged in unconstitu-

tional practices that led to

immoderate rates and un-

reasonable

stops,

searches and arrests of Af-

rican-Americans, and ex-

cessive use of force against

juveniles and people with

mental health disabilities.

After Gray's death,

Mayor

Stephanie

Rawlings-Blake asked the

Justice Department to

conduct a full-scale civil

rights investigation. In wel-

coming the federal probe,

Rawlings-Blake said she

was "willing to do what it

takes to reform my depart-

ment."

Report obtained

Tuesday connected the

widespread practices to

"systemic deficiencies" in

training, policies, supervi-

sion and accountability

structures.

The report dedicates

significant space to the

department's failure to

train, equip, supervise and

hold officers accountable,

or to build relationships

with the community. The

department fails to collect

and record important data

on a broad range of

activitiest and the depart-

ment lacks systems to deter and detect improper conduct, and it fails to collect and analyze data that might root out abuses or abusers.

Earlier Tuesday, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby anticipated that the report "will likely confirm what many in our city already know or have experienced firsthand."

"While the vast majority of Baltimore City Police officers are good officers, we also know that there are bad officers and that the department has routinely failed to oversee, train or hold bad actors accountable."

Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said Tuesday that he is looking forward to reviewing the federal findings and that the report will help him improve the force.

The practices overwhelmingly affected the city's black residents in low-income neighborhoods, according to the 163-page report. In often scathing language, the report identified systemic problems and cited detailed examples.

The investigators found that "supervisors have issued explicitly discriminatory orders, such

as directing a shift to arrest `all the black hoodies' in a neighborhood."

They also found that black residents were more likely to be stopped and searched as pedestrians and drivers even though police were more likely to find illegal guns, illicit drugs and other contraband on white residents.

Police practices in Baltimore "perpetuate and fuel a multitude of issues rooted in poverty and race, focusing law enforcement actions on low-income, minority communities" and encourage officers to have "unnecessary, adversarial interactions with community members," the report said.

The Justice Department has since worked closely with the Baltimore Police Department, which set up a team of officers and officials to deal directly with federal investigators. The report is expected to praise police and city leaders for their cooperation.

Anticipating what the Justice Department would discover, city officials have pushed forward on several fronts, revising the Police Department's policy on use of force and instituting new training.

The Police Depart-

Press conference of DOJ's investigation into Baltimore Policing Tactics. (Screengrab from )

ment redesigned and placed cameras in its transport vans and introduced a new software platform to better disseminate new training materials and policies for officers. Both issues arose in the Gray case.

Although Gray is not mention in the the report, his death still imminent with many unanswered questions, the city attempts to heal and rebuild. The federal civil rights report comes weeks after charges were dropped against the remaining officers facing trial in Gray's death.

From BPD officers, command staff and union representatives, to city leaders and advocacy groups, everyone who spoke to DOJ investigators acknowledged "significant problems" that undermined efforts to police "constitutionally and effectively," the report said. "Nevertheless, work remains, in part because of the profound lack of trust among these groups."

Here are some of the highlights on Unconstitutional stops, arrests and Discrimination against African-Americans:

The report blamed "zero tolerance" encouraged by BPD supervisors, remains present in certain neighborhoods, leading to unconstitutional aggressive actions with little to no suspicion, the report said. For example:

? African-Americans accounted for 95% of 410 individuals stopped at least 10 times from 2010 to 2016

? Use of overly aggressive tactics that escalate encounters and increase tensions and failure to de-escalate encounters when appropriate to do so

? Due to a lack of training and improper tactics, BPD officers end up in needlessly violent confrontations with people with mental health disabilities

? Interfering with people who record police activity, including a time in which officers seized the phone of a man who recorded his friend being arrested and deleted all the videos on his phone, even personal videos of his son

New Jobs for the Week of 08/07/2016 Specialist, Clinical Lab-Nursing

Eastview Campus Job# 1607058

Technician, Maintenance Location is as assigned

Job# 1607042 Apply at HR Middle Fiskville Rd. 6th Floor, Austin, TX 78752 Job Line (512 223-5621 hhtp:///austincc.ed EEOC/AA/M/F/D/V

Austin Travis County Integral

Care is currently soliciting

proposals through a Request for

Proposals (RFP) process for

Equity Investor/Syndicator and

Construction Lender Services.

RFPs may be sent

electronically, by contacting

Brody

Ballard

at

brody.ballard@ or (512)

440-4022 beginning August 15,

2016. The deadline to submit a

proposal under the RFP is 4 p.m.

CST on September 5, 2016.

Historically Underutilized

Businesses, including Minority-

Owned Businesses and Women-

Owned Businesses, are

encouraged to apply.

BRIDGE Energy Group, Inc. is soliciting Minority and

Women-Owned Business Enterprise participation for the

SCADA Consulting Services Austin Energy Project (Solicitation

# RFP GAL0025). Solicitation documents are available at our

office upon request or at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs

Road, 10th Floor, Suite 1045.

We are seeking subcontract services to fulfill the following

scope of work:

?

Cyber Security Penetration Testing ? provide external

and internal network and system penetration testing in support

of NERC CIP compliance regulations for the energy

management system upgrade for Austin Energy.

? Business & Systems Analysis ? support the current state

gap analysis, business, functional and technical requirements

definition, and system planning, design and implementation for

the energy management system upgrade for Austin Energy.

?

Technical Writing ? support the development of the

energy management system `request for proposal' and support

changes to utility transmission and energy management system

operations process and procedures.

Qualified subcontractors should contact Betty Kochergin, HR

Director, BRIDGE Energy Group, Inc.

O: 508.281.7104 | F: 508.597.8430 BK ochergin@ Bridge





After working with community members, trade associations, and chambers of commerce, AISD is pleased to propose its first formal HUB program.

August 29: Trustees are scheduled to take action on formal HUB Program.

November 15: AISD implements formal HUB Program.

To learn about the HUB Program or bidding opportunities, visit: construction-management or email us at: HUBprogram@

Are you interested in doing business with the City of Austin?

We are here for you!

City of Austin Purchasing Office Vendor Registration

512-974-2018

VendorReg@ department/purchasing

For information on the City of Austin's Minority/ Women-Owned Procurement Program please contact the Small & Minority Business Resources at 512-974-7600 or visit smbr.

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