Source: Apostrophe Productions / Getty
Kim’s Monday News & Sports Headlines to Keep You in the Know
Good morning to you on this post-IBE Summer Celebration Monday.
Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty
Source: Indiana Governors office / Gov Office
Indiana’s National Guard armories and recruiting stations are now armed thanks to Indiana’s governor. In response to the recent attack on military personnel in Chattanooga, Governor Mike Pence signed an executive order on Saturday that allows soldiers to carry a gun. In a statement, Pence said “Hoosiers may be assured that those who have stepped forward to defend our state and nation will have the ability to defend themselves.”
A clerical error in the race for Indiana Governor? That’s what Glenda Ritz says is at the center of campaign contribution refunds she’s making. A recent financial report showed her campaign received 28 donations totaling $8,100 while the Legislature was in session. The fact is, accepting contributions during a session is not allowed by state law. Ritz says only $900 of that total was actually received in unsolicited contributions to her campaign for governor during the blackout period, so that’s what they’re refunding.
Another Indiana county is looking for state approval for a needle exchange program. The Clark County health officer is asking county commissioners to declare a health epidemic there. Doctor Kevin Burke say the county now has infection rates about 25-percent higher than the state average.
No charges are being filed against a Kokomo police officer in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl. Prosecutors last week concluded Officer Roy Smith acted reasonably and in self-defense when he shot Shelly Haendiges last month. Smith was responding to report of an armed robbery in the store. It was later revealed she was holding a pellet gun.
In national news…
The U.S. embassy in Havana and the Cuban embassy in Washington are opening today, for the first time in more than 50 years. The embassies had been closed since 1962 when President John Kennedy ordered an embargo against Cuba, although both countries have maintained diplomatic outposts. Cuba is planning a large ceremony at its Washington mission today, but American authorities in Havana say the change will be low-key. A raising of the American flag will be held when Secretary of State Kerry visits Cuba next month.
Source: John Moore / Getty
Police officials say five arrests were made during opposing rallies over the Confederate flag at the South Carolina State Capitol Saturday. About 50 flag-waving members of the Ku Klux Klan descended on the Capitol steps and began shouting racial slurs at a group supporting the removal of the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds. That anti-Confederate flag group rallying earlier in the day included members of a group affiliated with the New Black Panther Party. Police kept the opposing sides apart and after an hour officers began moving the KKK, the Panthers and others out of the area. Official reports say 2,000 people were at the Capitol at the peak of the two rallies.
Donald Trump isn’t backing away from his controversial comments about Arizona Senator John McCain’s military service. Trump said over the weekend that McCain was a war hero only because he was captured during the Vietnam War, adding, “I like people who weren’t captured.”He said the former POW Senator “has done nothing for veterans.” Now, Trump’s written an op-ed for USA Today, accusing McCain of abandoning veterans here at home. On Monday morning’s episode of “Morning Joe” on MSNBC, McCain said Trump doesn’t owe him an apology, but might owe one to military families across the country. Other Republican Presidential candidates have taken to Twitter to speak out denouncing Trump and have defended McCain. They include Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
Source: IBE / IBE
Back here at home…Yes, the 45th Annual Summer Celebration of Indiana Black Expo (IBE) is now over, but there’s still a bit of business to attend to due to the weather. Did you know that since the beginning of this month, nearly 12 inches of rain has fallen in Indy, making it the third wettest July? It’s true. It’s also the fifth wettest of any month on record. Those figures have put Indy in the record books for wet and soggy weather but ferocious and damaging storms may be what we all remember most. Those storms brought pouring rain, high winds and hail–enough to change your IBE plans Friday night, if you were attending Music Heritage Festival-I, otherwise known as Expo’s free concert outdoors on the American Legion Mall. Those storms drowned out the event, damaged the stage, sound equipment and caused a cancellation. It was bad enough to keep Blackstreet indoors–no diggity, no doubt. IBE says if you purchased the $40 VIP seating for the show and would like a refund, you can stop by their office today at 3145 North Meridian Street to get it.
In Sports…
The Indiana Pacers will move forward with their plans to sign former Mavericks guard Monta Ellis to a four-year deal. The Pacers offered Ellis a $44 million deal but the NBA disallowed the contract over the weekend. The Pacers ran out of cap room and will have to re-order transactions according to Grantland.com. Grantland.com also noted that this is a common situation in the NBA but this particular deal just happened to be made public.
Tiger Woods will miss the rest of the British Open Championship after not making the cut on Saturday. It’s the first time in Woods’ career that he’s missed the cut at two consecutive majors after falling short at the U.S. Open last month. He finished seven-over-par after shooting a plus-four in the first round and a plus-three in the second. Woods has missed the cut in three of the past four majors he has played in, including last year’s PGA Championship. Woods won the British Open in 2000, 2005 and 2006, but hasn’t captured a major championship since the 2008 U.S. Open. He may not be numero uno on the links, but he’s still raking in the cash in the number one slot over his fellow golfers. Check out a story on Woods and where he’s coming up at the top spot still, HERE.
Indianapolis Weather…
The storms may not be over…. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible as you head back to work on this Monday. Otherwise expect nice intervals of clouds and bright sunshine. It’s expected to be muggy with a high of 89 degrees.
Finally…
Source: Rommel Demano / Getty
Happy Birthday shout outs today go to Actor, Omar Epps. Known for stellar performances in TV series dramas Resurrection and House M.D. and films such as Love & Basketball, The Wood and Higher Learning, this versatile thespian turns 42 today. You can Tweet him some love HERE.
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kimwellsmedia 072015
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