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The same day it voted to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee from a park — a move that white supremacists descended on the city to protest — the City Council did something that got much less publicity. It unanimously approved a $ 4 million spending plan to address racial disparities . Over the next five years, about $2.5 million is to be used to redevelop public housing ; $250,000 will go to expanding a park in a black neighborhood; and $20,000 a year will pay for G.E.D. classes for public housing residents . Photo K. Ian Grandison, a University of Virginia professor, with a map of what the rapidly gentrifying city looked like in the 1920s. Credit Matt Eich for The New York Times Activists call it reparations for the destruction of Vinegar Hill and other black neighborhoods here. “I’m hoping that other elected officials and policy makers from across the country can see it’s not enough to just move a damn statue,” said Wes Bellamy, the vice mayor, who proposed the plan. “I think symbol...

John Altschul with his dog, Ethanol. (Photo by James Mills) EDITOR’S NOTE: The is another in a series of occasional stories titled “The Grownups” about West Hollywood residents 75 years old or older who are active in civic life. He’s been called the elder statesman of West Hollywood . He possesses the leadership, diplomacy, patience, charm and institutional memory necessary to hold that honorary title. More importantly, he has the ear of city leaders, community activists , business leaders and developers that is required of an effective statesman. Although he was not involved with the formation of the city, he became a guiding force in shaping West Hollywood . And this week, John Altschul celebrates his 81st birthday. He reluctantly accepts the idea of being the city’s elder statesman, but would prefer he wasn’t quite so much on the elder side of it (wouldn’t we all!). “ West Hollywood has always been a place where everyone has been so friendly,” says Altschul. “I’ve always felt ...

'); } else { $(".fotorama-caption").addClass("remove_caption"); } }) .fotorama(); Today is the 237th day of 2017. There are 128 days left in the year. TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT 2000: The Zimbabwe Government names another 509 white-owned farms it plans to confiscate for redistribution to landless blacks, bringing to 1,542 the number it has targeted under a hastened land seizure programme . OTHER EVENTS 1580: Spain invades Portugal and, in a matter of weeks, conquers it and keeps it for more than 80 years. 1718: Hundreds of French colonists arrive in Louisiana with some settling in present-day New Orleans. 1825: Uruguay declares independence from Brazil. 1860: British and French troops take Tianjin in war with China. 1875: Matthew Webb, British professional swimmer , becomes the first person to swim across the English Channel, travelling from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in 22 hours. 1883: France obtains protectorate over Annam and Tonkin in Indochina. 19...

In a few short hours Netflix will launch the much anticipated Defenders series uniting the street-level heroes of Hell’s Kitchen. A Brief History of The Defenders in the Marvel Universe : The Defenders first appeared in the comic book Marvel Feature #1  (December 1971) and were created by Roy Thomas and Ross Andru What set the Defenders apart from other the super teams that came before was that they had no charter or by-laws, no permanent headquarters, no fixed roster, and little affection for each other. The first Defenders team was formed by Doctor Strange when Yardoth, a Yannian (an alien humanoid race ) scientist, threatened Earth with the Omegatron doomsday device . Dr. Strange persuaded a reluctant Hulk and Namor, who had both helped him defeat the extra-dimensional, demonic beings called the Undying Ones, to help him thwart Yandroth’s scheme.    After the defeat of Yandroth, Hulk and Namor vowed never to work together again, but Strange managed to hold this informal allianc...