Student rocketeers from 28 states andD.C.will compete next month for more than $100,000 in prizes, scholarships and a chance to represent the U.S. at the global finals

Arlington, VA– The Team America Rocketry Challengetoday unveiled the names of the top 100 teams that will advance to thenational finalsnext month. These teams will compete at the National Finals Fly-Off on May 12th at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, outside of Washington, D.C.

The Team America Rocketry Challenge is the aerospace and defense industry’s flagship program designed to encourage students to pursue study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The competition challenges middle and high school students to design, build, and fly a rocket that meets rigorous altitude and flight duration parameters through a series of certified, qualifying launches. This year’s rules require a rocket carrying two raw eggs to reach 800 feet before returning the eggs to Earth—uncracked—all within 41 to 43 seconds.

Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the National Association of Rocketry, and more than 20 industry partners, the Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest rocket contest. This year, 800 teams representing 46 states and the District of Columbiadesigned and built model rockets in hopes of qualifying for the National Finals.

The 100 national finalists announced today hail from 28 states and the District of Columbia, and will compete for more than $100,000 in prizes and scholarships.They will also be competing for the opportunity to represent the United States at the International Rocketry Challenge taking place at the Farnborough Air Show outside of Londonthis July, facing off against teams from the United Kingdom, France and Japan.

The Rocketry Challenge promotes friendly competition among teams from a diverse set of socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and geographies – from rural America to major cities. This year, about one thirdof the students participating are female, including 13 all-girl teams. Numerous teams launched fundraising campaigns in their communities to make their participation this year possible.

AIA President and CEO Eric Fanningcongratulated the finalists: “What excites me about this incredible competition is how every year it inspires thousands of young women and men to consider careers in STEM fields and aerospace. Qualifying for the National Finals and ultimately representing the United States at the international competition involves teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.  I’m confident that these students will become the engineers and scientists that enable humans to land on Mars and beyond, and we look forward to hosting them in D.C. next month.”

Now in its sixteenth year, the Rocketry Challenge has inspired nearly 70,000 middle and high school students to explore education and careers in STEM fields.

Follow and support your local team on the road to National Finals using the official hashtag: #TARC2018.

Coalition formed to alert black leaders and community activists of the Golden State Warriors’ plans to relocate from Oakland to San Francisco

 
Coalition members are asking, “Why would elected officials of San Francisco covet the Golden State Warriors when San Francisco already has a $14 billion annual tourism industry, and Oakland has only a $800 million annual tourism industry?” 

San Francisco, CA (BlackNews.com) – The San Francisco Department of Elections has vetted the Good Neighbor Coalition, granting it permission to proceed with collecting the required number of signatures, for a local ballot measure for the June 2018 election that greatly affects one of the National Basketball Association’s best teams, the Golden State Warriors.

In support of the entire community of Oakland, California, the measure aims to set the record straight: San Franciscans overwhelming do not support the covetous manner its own elected officials employed in facilitating the Warriors plans to move from the team’s 45 years in Oakland, CA across the bay to The City.

Coalition members are embarrassed; pointing out, San Francisco has a $14 billion annual tourism industry and Oakland has a $800 million annual tourism industry. So why would elected officials of San Francisco covet the Golden State Warriors, one of the jewels of Oakland, CA? Allen Jones, initiatives proponent says, “A world-class city helps its neighbors. It does not help itself to its neighbor’s jewels.”

The coalition also rebukes NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, who has endorsed this move. Silver has shown great moral leadership against the racist remarks of a now former NBA franchise owner. He has shown moral leadership against the entire State of North Carolina for its discriminating against members of the LGBT community.

However, Adam Silver is the commissioner of a multibillion dollar sports league. Since he has been commissioner, the value of the Golden State Warriors went from $450 million to over $2 billion dollars. The billionaire owners of the Warriors refused to pay their debt of $60 million in upgrades to their current facility. They claim, after leaving their Oracle Arena when their new arena is built they should not have to pay any more of the bills for the old arena, even though the team demanded the upgrades under old ownership that the new ownership enjoys. Silver has showed no moral compulsion to help the community of Oakland who still must pay this bill. Therefore, the Good Neighbor coalition felt the need and moral obligation to, address that issue in its ballot measure statement for other municipalities to consider when opening their doors to billionaire owners.

The Declaration of Policy voters will decide on, reads:

Thou Shall Not Covet Policy of San Francisco shall be: We the People of the City and County of San Francisco California will not invite, entice, encourage, cajole or condone the relocation of any professional sports team that has previously established itself in another municipality and has demonstrated clear and convincing support from community and fans for at least twenty years and is profitable. And we stand against any sports team ownership group that attempts to avoid payment of an outstanding public debt. Instead of looking for an opportunity to take from our neighbors we wish to fully support each other and the entire Bay Area.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to defeat the owners of the Warriors and San Francisco City Hall at their own game.

You may follow progress of the ballot measure on the San Francisco Department of Elections website: Campaign services

About the Good Neighbor Coalition
The Good Neighbor Coalition was created by Allen Jones, a San Francisco resident since 1960 and a Golden State Warriors fan since 1975. The goals of the coalition are to promote team ownership integrity nationwide, greater appreciation for loyal fans and a good neighbor policy to guide municipalities on how best to deal with the loss of, or how to acquire a professional sports team through moral channels.

 Don’t drive if you will be drinking alcohol

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Football fans across the country will celebrate America’s most watched national sporting event this Sunday. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reminds you there is only one right play – pass your keys to a sober driver if you plan on drinking alcohol as part of your Super Bowl celebration.

“This Super Bowl Sunday, volunteer to be a designated driver to help get others home safely and help drive zero fatalities to a reality on Illinois roads,” said Priscilla Tobias, IDOT’s Director of Program Development. “Drunk and drugged driving lead to disaster. It is never worth the risk – if you plan to drink, make a plan to get home safely that doesn’t include driving.”

In addition to designating a sober driver, fans can secure a safe ride home by using public transportation or calling a taxi or rideshare program.

Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, making driving unsafe. The Illinois State Police (ISP) and more than 100 local police departments and sheriff’s offices will be stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts this weekend.

“Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most alcohol-infused celebrations of the year. If you drink and drive, expect to be pulled over,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “ISP troopers will use roving patrols and roadside safety checks to stop intoxicated motorists. Everybody wins when you plan ahead by designating a driver.”

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Super Bowl Crackdown is funded with federal highway safety dollars and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) – Atlantas own Orrin Checkmate Hudson is using the enthusiasm that is a part of his every day game plan to teach young people the game of chess and to make the right moves in their lives, to encourage the NFL to open the Georgia Dome for one last football celebration Sunday, February 5, when the Atlanta Falcons will battle the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Hudson is the founder of Be Someone, Inc., an organization that uses the game of chess to teach young people how to make the right moves in life.

What a wonderful opportunity we have to exhibit community spirit, said the one-time at-risk young person who turned his life around thanks to the game of chess, and the NFL, that advertises their community support across the country, can make a statement right here, right now. Hudson, who teaches at-risk youngsters they can be anything if they use their minds and make strategic moves in their lives, says there is a golden opportunity provided by the Super Bowl.

We have so many differences in our country and community – racial, political, class that constantly tear us apart, Hudson stressed. But sports is color blind! Did you see the Dome?, he asks. People of all colors and persuasions were one during that game. People were high fiving and hugging strangers. We werent black and white and brown…. We were all red and black. For a few hours and now a few days we are united by a team, a football team!

Hudson continued his plea. The NFL will generate more goodwill than they can ever imagine if they show some heart and allow our beloved Dome to open its doors one last time for football at its very best. The world will join us as we dance together in the city too busy to hate.

The 3-time world speed chess champion believes in making opportunity and then capitalizing on it. His message to young people is simple… Heads up, pants up, grades up, and now, Rise Up!

For more details about Orrin Hudson or his Be Someone organization, visit www.BeSomeone.org

Watch the YouTube video below:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN-EmaRiix4

 Locations under consideration:

Mississippi * Arkansas * Alabama * Texas

National Urban Professional Baseball League “NUPBL” (a Replica of Negro League Baseball).

Baseball in innercities is dying. There must be an avenue to give African American baseball players something to look forward to. African American baseball players have been denied the opportunity to play baseball in most cases on the high school, the collegiate and professional level. The NUPBL would afford African American baseball players the opportunity to play baseball on a professional level while at the same time being financially compensated.

“A few years ago a little league baseball team from the Southside of Chicago by the name of Jackie Robinson West captured the hearts and soul of the nation. Most importantly they captured the heart and soul of the African American community around the world. We want this league the NUPBL to capture the heart and soul of the nation and mostly importantly the hearts and the souls of the African American community. We are looking for excitement, enthusiasm and support from the African American Community for this league from the East, the West, the North and the South,” said Coach Mike Mayden.

Mayden said the league will be dedicated to the generations of baseball players who were denied the opportunity to play baseball because of factors other than their ability to play the game of baseball. The African American baseball players have been limited in their opportunity to participate in the game of baseball “America’s Pastime”.

“While this league in ‘NO WAY’ will be limited to only African America players, we will seek out the best baseball players from across the United State and the World regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.  We will form the teams by selecting players from across the United State and the World to make up these teams by way of open try-outs to be held at a number of sites,” said Mayden, urging those interested to refer to their website for dates & locations.

“The creation of this League is a business venture designed to provide family entertainment. FACTS: over 1.2 trillion dollar in black wealth flows through the African American community annually. African American churches spend over $300 billion dollars annually in this economy. The black dollar is an untapped dollar in the professional sports market. The creating of this professional baseball league would allow us tap into the flow of that 1.2 trillion dollars in untapped wealth that flows through the black community annually, while at the same time creating jobs, economic development and entrepreneurship,” Coach Mike Mayden added.

General League Information: 

The league initial conception will consist of 4 teams (with future plans for expansion)

90-game schedule

May thru August in addition to league play-offs

45 away games/45 home games

6 games per week

Targeted ages are 17 years old and older (players which have completed or will be completing their high school eligibility)

The players in this League will be paid

Tryouts will start in June 2017

Fall team in Arizona September-October 2017

The league officially starts in the spring of 2018

.

All players interested in trying out for a team should visit our website at www.urbanbaseball247.com or call (773) 517-2175 for additional information.

Michael E. Mayden (The Coach)

(773) 744-1040 cell * E-mail: coachmayden@aol.com

Web-site: www.nupbl.com 

WASHINGTON— Following the 108 year drought ending victory, U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced a resolution in the Senate to honor the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs.  Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Dan Coats (R-IN) joined the Illinois Senate delegation in cosponsoring the resolution.

“After 108 years it seems very fitting that our Chicago Cubs would overcome a three games to one deficit and finally Fly the W in November to bring home a World Series Championship. The resilience that Cubs fans have shown year after year exemplifies the can-do spirit of Illinois. No one deserves this championship more than the best fans in the country. Over 5 million Chicagoans came out to watch the championship parade and show their support for this one of a kind Cubs team. Congratulations to the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs, Chicago baseball fans, and to everyone involved in making this season an unforgettable one,” said Senator Kirk.

“In the early morning hours of November 3^rd—in the 10th inning of the final game against the resurgent Cleveland Indians—the Chicago Cubs made the final out and won the 2016 World Series. The city of Chicago and baseball fans around the world erupted in celebration as the longest championship drought in baseball history was broken,” said Senator Durbin. “Gone are the Curse of the Billy Goat and the Omen of the Black Cat. At long last, the Chicago Cubs are back on top. Congratulations once again to the players, coaches, management, and the best fans in baseball.”

“I am proud to recognize the Cubs, who brought tremendous pride to the City of Chicago, as well as many fans in Indiana and across the country,” Senator Donnelly said.

“Like so many Cubs fans, I have been waiting for this season my entire life,” said Senator Coats. “I’ll never forget being in the stands at Wrigley Field as the Cubs celebrated winning the National League pennant. This Cubs team riveted the nation with slick fielding, a powerful lineup and a talented pitching staff. It is only fitting that we honor the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs with the Senate’s version of Flying the W.”

A video recap of Senator Kirk attending the victory parade in Chicago

Video of Senator Kirk’s congratulatory speech on the Senate floor

Full text of the resolution is included below:

Commending and congratulating the Chicago Cubs on their 2016 World Series victory

Whereas, on November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series with an 8-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in Game 7 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs came back from a 3-1 World Series deficit to win 3 thrilling games in a row and became World Series Champions for the first time in 108 years;

Whereas all 25 players on the World Series roster of the Chicago Cubs should be congratulated, including Albert Almora Jr., Jake Arrieta, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Coghlan, Willson Contreras, Carl Edwards Jr., Dexter Fowler, Justin Grimm, Kyle Hendricks, Jason Heyward, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Miguel Montero, Mike Montgomery, Anthony Rizzo, Hector Rondon, David Ross, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Pedro Strop, Travis Wood, and Ben Zobrist;

Whereas, in addition to the World Series roster, all Chicago Cubs players who contributed to the 2016 regular season should be congratulated, including Jake Buchanan, Trevor Cahill, Jeimer Candelario, Gerardo Concepcion, Tim Federowicz, Jason Hammel, Ryan Kalish, Munenori Kawasaki, Tommy La Stella, Brian Matusz, Joe Nathan, Spencer Patton, Felix Pen6a, Joel Peralta, Neil Ramirez, Clayton Richard, Joe Smith, Matt Szczur, Adam Warren, and Rob Zastryzny;

Whereas the front office, the clubhouse, and all supporting staff and team members of the Chicago Cubs should be congratulated;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs won an incredible 103 games during the regular season, which earned the team the best record in Major League Baseball;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs overcame the American League winning the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which gave the Indians home field advantage for the World Series;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs had 7 players selected to the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, who should be congratulated, including Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Dexter Fowler, Jake Arrieta, and Jon Lester;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs infield of Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, and Addison Russell were the first foursome to start an All-Star Game since 1963 and the second one ever;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs bounced back from a disappointing loss in the 2015 playoffs to win the National League Championship pennant for the first time since 1945;

Whereas Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler became the first African-American Chicago Cubs player to play in a World Series and went on to hit a lead-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series;

Whereas Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero hit a grand slam in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series and drove in the final, winning Chicago Cubs run in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series;

Whereas Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell tied the single-game record for runs batted in (referred to in this preamble as “RBI”) for a World Series game after he batted in 6 runs in Game 6 of the World Series, including a grand slam in the third inning;

Whereas Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross, in the final game of his 15-year Major League Baseball career, hit a home run in Game 7 of the World Series;

Whereas Kyle Schwarber, after severely injuring his knee during the third game of the regular season, recovered through perseverance and determination and was added to the World Series roster, where, in one of the greatest sports comeback stories of all time, he—

(1) hit .412 and had a .500 on-base-percentage in the World Series; and

(2) following a 17-minute rain delay, ignited the 10th inning rally in Game 7 of the World Series with a lead-off single;

Whereas Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez and pitcher Jon Lester were corecipients of the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award, after:

(1) Javier Baez hit .318 in the 6-game National League Championship Series, stole 2 bases, including home plate, and made a number of incredible defensive plays; and

(2) Jon Lester had a 1.38 earned run average in 2 starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the National League Championship Series, allowing just 2 runs over 13 innings and striking out 9 batters;

Whereas Chicago Cubs utility man and Eureka, Illinois, native Ben Zobrist received unanimous support for and won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award, the first Chicago Cub ever to win the award, after—

(1) hitting .357 in the World Series;

(2) driving in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning of Game 7 with an RBI double; and

(3) leading the Chicago Cubs to an eventual World Series win;

Whereas Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Jason Heyward received Gold Glove Awards for their 2016 defensive accomplishments;

Whereas Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Jake Arrieta received Silver Slugger Awards for their 2016 offensive accomplishments;

Whereas Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant received the 2016 National League Hank Aaron Award for his offensive accomplishments and is a candidate for the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player Award after having been unanimously named the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year;

Whereas Chicago Cubs pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester are candidates for the 2016 National League Cy Young Award, following pitcher Jake Arrieta having received the 2015 National League Cy Young Award;

Whereas Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is a candidate for the 2016 National League Manager of the Year Award, after having received the 2015 National League Manager of the Year Award;

Whereas Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein joined the Chicago Cubs front office in 2011 and succeeded in building a World Series Champion team;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs fell short in the 2015 National League Championship Series, fueling a determination—

(1) to return to the playoffs; and

(2) to win a World Series in 2016;

Whereas Chicago Cubs fans followed the triumphs of the 2016 season by tuning into games called by Chicago Cubs television broadcasters Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies and Chicago Cubs radio broadcasters Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs played 3 excellent teams in the 2016 postseason that deserve congratulations for their achievements, including—

(1) the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series;

(2) the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series; and

(3) the Cleveland Indians in the World Series;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908, filling people in Chicago and Chicago Cubs fans everywhere with pride;

Whereas the Chicago Cubs showed extraordinary steadiness, teamwork, focus, and love of the game in proving again to be an organization of great character, determination, and heart, a reflection of the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois;

Whereas on November 4, 2016, an estimated 5,000,000 fans gathered in Chicago to fly the W flag and celebrate the Chicago Cubs victory in the largest parade and rally in United States history; and

Whereas the Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Series champions: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) commends the Chicago Cubs on their

(A) 2016 World Series championship title; and

(B) outstanding performance during the 2016 Major League Baseball season;

(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, management, and support staff of the Chicago Cubs and the operations staff of Wrigley Field, the dedication and persistence of whom made victory possible;

(3) congratulates—

(A) the city of Chicago;

(B) the entire Chicagoland area;

(C) Chicago Cubs fans everywhere;

(D) the mayor of the City of Chicago, the Honorable Rahm Emanuel;

(E) Chicago Cubs Chairman, Mr. Tom Ricketts, and the Ricketts family;

(F) Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Mr. Theo Epstein;

(G) Chicago Cubs Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Jed Hoyer;

(H) Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations, Mr. Crane Kenney; and

(I) Executive Vice President of Community and Government Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Michael Lufrano; and

(4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to—

(A) Chicago Cubs Chairman, Mr. Tom Ricketts;

(B) Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Mr. Theo Epstein; and

(C) Chicago Cubs Manager, Mr. Joe Maddon. 

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement on his friendly wager with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) on the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians:

“I look forward to enjoying a Great Lakes beer after the Cubs fly the W,” said Senator Kirk. 

“This has been an incredible year for the city of Cleveland,” Portman said. “The Cavs ended a long championship drought and now the Indians have the opportunity to do the same.  I’m looking forward to celebrating an Indians World Series victory with a Goose Island beer.”

Senator Kirk will be wagering a case of Goose Island 312 while Senator Portman will wager a case of Great Lakes Octoberfest beer from Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing Company.

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan urged fans to take caution and properly investigate a ticket seller before buying tickets to the Chicago Cubs World Series at Wrigley Field.

Madigan encouraged consumers to purchase tickets through reputable sellers, such as a registered ticket broker, and to take extreme caution before buying tickets that are advertised by sellers on websites like Craigslist or other online sellers and could be fraudulent tickets.

“Cubs fans have been waiting a lifetime to see their team play in the World Series, but don’t let the quest to ‘Fly the W’ let you fall victim to an expensive scam,” Madigan said.

Madigan offered consumers the following tips regarding special-event ticket sales:

• Don’t buy tickets from private parties. The tickets may be counterfeit. This includes avoiding any offers on online message boards (like Craigslist) or social media platforms.

• Don’t pay cash for tickets. Consumers should only deal with a seller who accepts credit card payments or other secure payment methods. Consumers are urged not to buy tickets from an unsecured website. Consumers should also be wary of online escrow sites, especially those recommended by a seller. If an escrow site is suggested, the consumer should independently investigate whether the site is legitimate.

• Never wire any payment to a seller for any reason. Buyers may be told that they will receive tickets after wiring money to an unknown seller. In many of these instances, the consumer becomes a victim of fraud. When buying online, consumers are urged to never wire money to anyone and should avoid using prepaid cards, debit cards or any other alternative method to purchase tickets. Purchasing tickets from a seller that accepts credit cards give consumers recourse to request a chargeback from their credit card company if the tickets are not delivered or are counterfeit. 

• Investigate a ticket broker. If dealing with a ticket broker, determine whether the broker is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (www.natb.org) and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). Both organizations have membership standards that promote ethical business conduct.

• Investigate online sellers. When purchasing a ticket online, consumers should familiarize themselves with the website and seller’s policies. Most legitimate sellers offer a guarantee as to the timely delivery and the authenticity of the ticket purchase.

• For ticket brokers in Illinois, consumers can contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s Index Department in Springfield to ensure that the broker is properly registered. Illinois law requires ticket brokers to meet certain requirements, including maintaining a toll-free telephone number and a consumer rebate fund.

• Read the fine print. When buying online, consumers should always note whether they are buying tickets at face value. Consumers also should familiarize themselves with the policies of the venue where the event is being held to determine whether the consumer must have actual ticket in hand, or whether the venue has a mechanism for accepting paperless tickets.

• For paperless tickets, consumers should examine the document carefully to make sure that there is a legitimate and legible barcode that can be scanned. The consumer should carefully examine the ticket to make sure that the dates and other relevant information are correct.

• Always keep in mind that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Madigan urged consumers affected by a ticket scam to file a complaint with her office by calling her Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-386-5438. Consumers also can file a complaint on Madigan’s website.