Tornadoes rip across US states

Suprise Endings to UK Elections

 

Sad and defeated Ed Miliband steps down as Leader of the Labor Party

The thing about having your entire country in one time zone is it  doesn't take long for election celebrations to begin and hopes to be dashed.

In the US, the agonizingly slow drip-drip of states closing their polls across the country offers a glimmer of hope for several hours to the soon-to-be defeated. It gives partisan audiences a chance to cheer and pat each other on the back.
On Thursday night in the UK, however the drama faded almost instantly as the electoral verdict was issued seconds after voting ended.  The Conservatives  would easily be the majority party.  It was not even a close race, by any means.

The up and downs of US election night 2012 for Mitt Romney supporters

The ensuing hours were filled with  admonitions from shocked Labor and Liberal Democrat officials that everyone should wait for the votes to be counted before celebrating or weeping. But as constituency after constituency reported, with all candidates standing together on a stage to hear the vote totals read aloud, the numbers told the same story.
In a way Thursday was a mirror image of the 2012 US presidential election. At the start of the vote tally, conservatives insisted that weeks of polls were not reflective of the late surge in support for Republican Mitt Romney, who they said had what President Richard Nixon called a "silent majority" behind him.
Democrats, on the other hand, placed their faith in the science of surveys, personified by the bespectacled visage of self-professed statistics nerd Nate Silver. That vote ended with President Obama breezing back in for a second term and shocked Republicans left scratching their heads.

 

Labour Party aftermath:  downhearted supporters listen to leader Ed Miliband resign 

The official British election exit poll has not been badly wrong for a long time. Thursday, as on previous general election days, a consortium of pollsters spoke to over 20,000 voters outside polling stations around the country and asked them how they had voted. What they discovered defies all the opinion polling that took place leading up to today’s general election. No recent, mainstream projection had put the governing Conservative Party on much above 290 seats. But the exit poll says David Cameron's party will hit 316, up by 10 from 2010. It puts the Labor Party, which had looked on track to take some 270 seats, at a mere 239. By the time all was said and done, Conservatives had outperformed even the exit polls, securing an outright majority in Parliament.

MEANWHILE IN SCOTLAND

Mhairi Black

All across Scotland the Scottish National Party candidates emerged victorious, beating Scottish Labor Party Leader Jim Murphy and former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy. Liberal Democrat, Danny Alexander of Glasgow, was unseated by a 20-year-old university student, Mhairi Black, the youngest member of parliament in Scottish history
The separatist Scottish National Party (SNP) have taken all but one seat north of the border. And Liberal Democrats have crumpled more dramatically than anyone ever expected, seeing their seat-count fall from 57 in 2010 to ten.

 The SNP supports separating from the United Kingdom. So while the SNP swept the north, support for the Liberal Democrats and Labor party collapsed across the UK.  I think there are going to be some pretty radical changes in the old UK, for the first time in many, many years. The old establishment is going to be shaken up.

Prime Minister David Cameron on his way to Buckingham Palace

And so the 2015 general election ends with Mr Cameron whisked from 10 Downing Street to Buckingham Palace for a triumphant audience with the queen.
Just over a month ago, the future was filled with uncertainty. Parliament had been dissolved, and the outcome of the general election was in serious doubt. Could the Tories keep their tenuous hold on power? Now Mr Cameron can enjoy his victory.  No coalitions, no fractured government. Just Conservative Party rule for the next five years.

Captain Kidd's Treasure Found

                   

Underwater explorers in Madagascar say they have discovered treasure belonging to the notorious 17th-Century Scottish pirate William Kidd.  A 50kg (over 110 pounds) silver bar was brought to shore on Thursday on the island of Sainte Marie, from what is thought to be the wreck of the Adventure Galley. The bar was presented to Madagascar's president at a special ceremony.

US explorer Barry Clifford says he believes there are many more such bars still in the wreck. There is much excitement in Madagascar about the discovery and Mr Clifford's team has no doubt that the discovery is genuine.

.

Capt Kidd was first appointed by the British authorities to tackle piracy but later became a ruthless

criminal and was executed in 1701.

Barry Clifford led a team which discovered the suspected treasure
                    

Soldiers watched over the silver at a ceremony attended by the president and diplomats

The team believes the bar, marked with what appears to be a letter S and a letter T, has its origins in 17th-Century Bolivia.

They believe the ship they have found was built in England, however there is bound to be scepticism and calls for more proof that the bar was linked to Capt Kidd. One option would be to take samples of wood from the ship to analyze, Clifford says.

The location of the ship, thought to have sunk in 1698, has been known about for many years but the silver bar was only discovered earlier this week.

Mr Clifford said that while diving in the wreck, his metal detector picked up signals but it was too muddy for him to see anything. The detector pin-pointed the location of the silver bar. He believes it is one of many.
UK ambassador to Madagascar Timothy Smart, who attended the ceremony, said he hoped that Mr Clifford's latest discovery would raise Madagascar's profile as a tourist destination. The plan is to exhibit the all the bars, brought up from the wreck, in a museum.

Who was Captain Kidd?

He is thought to have been born in Scotland's Greenock or the Dundee area in about 1645.  He was appointed by the Crown to tackle piracy and capture enemy French ships, but turned to piracy himself. In 1698, he looted the Armenian ship the Quedagh Merchant, which was apparently sailing under a French pass.

There have been numerous searches for William Kidd's loot 

He appeared before the bar of the House of Commons before his execution

The Quedagh Merchant had been carrying satins, muslins, gold and silver. Unfortunately for Kidd, the captain of the ship was an Englishman, and it is thought that a large amount of the cargo belonged to the British East India Company.

Capt Kidd was captured and brought back to London. He was found guilty of piracy and the murder of one of his crewmen during a row in 1697, and sentenced to death.

During his execution in Wapping in 1701, the first rope put around his neck broke, so he was strung up a second time. That rope also snapped, but the third one held. Afterwards, his body was dipped in tar and hung by chains along the River Thames to serve as a warning to would-be pirates.

Legend had it that Capt Kidd hid much of his loot, which has prompted numerous treasure hunts around the world and inspired author Robert Louis Stevenson when writing Treasure Island.

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,
One of my church members lost her son when he was killed tragically in a car crash . I feel so sorry for her . She has decided to take up the cause against drunk drivers because of this and she has asked all of the members of the church to support her . I understand how upset she is , and I do want to help . What I don't want to do is join the committee and march and all the other stuff she has planned . It's not because I don't care , I really do . But I have my own life and responsibilities and I feel like I can't take on anything else . I have offered to make a donation , but so far , she has not agreed to take it . She wants me to be boots on the ground with her . How can I support her and draw the line on what I do ? 
Striking a balance 
Dear Striking  a Balance ,
I am so sorry  to hear of  your  church member's  loss . Losing a child, is the most heart breaking thing that can happen to anyone. And if it was caused by a drunk driver, it is not only tragic, but senseless and very difficult to accept.  The lady has chosen to channel her anger and grief  in a most positive and healthy way   by bringing awareness to an important issue.
You must make it clear to her, that although you love her, respect and support her cause, you can't possibly bring the same passion to it that she does. She is driven by something very personal. You have your own responsibilities to take care of and can't give her the time she wishes from you.
She may not realize it at this point, but all causes cost a great deal of money for drives, rallies, walks and advertising. If you can offer financial support and perhaps even coax a few of your friends into contributing, you will doing her and her cause a great service.
Compassion and support come in many forms and this is the way you feel comfortable expressing them.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
Twelve years ago , my son moved his girlfriend into our home . "Lena" lived with us for four years and we treated her like family . They broke up and Lena moved out . She then married someone else and now has an adorable 6-year-old daughter . We have remained such good friends with her that my husband walked her down the aisle at her wedding .
My son is now 30-years-old and has never married .
Unfortunately , his current girlfriend is demanding that we sever all ties with Lena and she is causing problems for us with our son . We have tried to reassure them both that the old flame is no threat to their new romance, but it hasn't helped .
We live in a small town, where everyone knows each other . Is it fair for us to be treated this way ? 
Mom
Dear Mom ,
There are different sets of dynamics at work here. Maintaining a relationship with  your son's ex runs the risk of becoming very awkward, if the new girlfriend waltzes into the sanctity of her boyfriend's home, only to find his old flame having tea with his parents. Although it shows some insecurity on her part, she has a point. Most people would be uncomfortable.
Conversely, you spent years getting to know Lena and getting close to her. You and she bonded and she became immersed in your family life, much like a daughter. I don't think it's a fair expectation to abruptly sever a friendship like that,  just because a couple parts ways.
 Well, the path of least resistance ( not necessarily the best path) is to maintain friendships with both ladies but keep them apart as much as possible. Less contact....less friction.  It would be quite a juggling act. I think Lena would understand your dilemma, sympathize, and even help, if you talked  to her about it. 
What is your son's view on this issue?  Does he accept or object to your relationship with Lena ? Is he seriously committed to the new girlfriend ? Would he sever ties with you over this, in support of her?
If there is a marriage on the horizon, this will become a more serious issue and in the future, you may have to limit your contact with Lena to preserve peace in the family. If the relationship  between your son and the new lady is casual or not committed at the present time, she really has no right to demand anything from you and certainly no right to decide who your friends are.
Maxy

Dear Maxy,
My 15-year-old son just told me that he is gay . I kind of suspected it , but that's completely different than actually dealing with it .
I totally support my son to become whatever he is to be , but I have no idea on how to help him through what will surely be some rough times .
For starters , I know my husband is going to freak out . He is West Indian and stereotypically homophobic . My son will need his father to have his back . And then there are the extended family members I need help in order to help him .
Standing by His Side 
Dear Standing  By His Side 
Gay adolescents are 'coming out' younger and younger to their parents these days. This is a good thing—a sign of progress—and it should be applauded.  Research findings suggest that for openly gay kids, having a good relationship with parents is good for their mental health and self-esteem, and may inoculate them from suicidal feelings, substance abuse, and risky sex. 
 However, if your husband is homophobic and you feel he may be abusive to your son, perhaps, now is not the time to tell him.
Remind yourself that homophobia is typically based on lack of knowledge on the topic, and that your husband is only repeating stereotypes and opinions he was exposed to in his own upbringing. This is especially true if he was raised in a conservative or religious family. Your son's dad may feel shame, guilt, or even blame himself or you for your son's orientation. If he reacts badly to the news,  your son may not be not be able to handle it emotionally, at this time.
He has taken the first step by coming out to you and, honestly, that took courage. Both of you need time to process this new situation now. And you need to assure him that you are there for him 100% ....also, be a good listener. You will learn a whole facet of your son you did not know existed.
 You should do some research on how families adjust to these revelations. Websites :
  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/gay-and-lesbian-well-being/201104/what-do-when-your-child-says-im-gay -- 
http://www.posimages.org/resources/for-parents-questions-and-answers/
When you are both comfortable enough to talk about your family situation with someone, get a councilor involved. He can invite your husband to a family discussion in a neutral environment, where he can field your husband's questions and keep the discussion objective.  If you would prefer a family member, teacher or a member of the clergy to handle the meeting, that  could work. Having a third party there will definitely help keep the emotions under control.
 I wish you well,
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I am so sad watching the devastating effect that parental alienation is having on my grandchildren and I feel powerless to help them .
My daughter is the target of an ex-husband who is determined to turn their children against their mother . My 13-year-old granddaughter attempted suicide last week and went to a facility for several days . She is now getting therapy , but I don't know whether the truth will come out about what is going on in this messed up family relationship .
I feel like asking my ex-son-in-law whether he loves his children more than he hates his ex-wife so he will realize who is being hurt most by his actions . My daughter went to counseling for a year before leaving her husband and the counselor said her husband is very insidious with a narcissistic personality . She left him because he was controlling and emotionally abusive . She was supposed to have custody of the children but they did not want to leave their neighborhood , school and friends . My daughter did not fight it because it was what the children were encouraged to choose .
She also knows her ex-husband would use the children to hurt her . When she recently went to sign the final divorce papers , he said if she tries to change the custody arrangement she will never see her children again .
Is there any recourse for this kind of behavior ? My daughter cannot fight this in court and we do not have the resources to help either .

Sad Grandmother 
Dear Sad Grandmother ,
Parental Alienation is the act of a parent, coaching/convincing the children to "break away" from the other parent by way of brainwashing the children into thinking badly of the targeted  parent, often to the point of them refusing to have anything to do with that parent. In most cases the children believe the words of the alienator unconditionally and are also coached in such a way as to believe that it is themselves who have made the decision to not love or want to see the other parent. The alienator can be mother or father.
 It  can cause  the  children  tremendous  psychological  harm  that can last a lifetime  if  not  addressed . Your  daughter  needs  to document  every instance  where her  ex has:  kept  the children from her, encouraged  the  children to think ill of  her, spoken negatively  about  her  in front  of  the  children or  threatened to deny her access  to the  children . At the same  time, she  should  not  become  angry  around  her  ex , because  he  will use  it  against her .
I know  it  can be  expensive  to keep  fighting  in court, but  this  is  a form  of  emotional  abuse  and  she  needs  to protect  her  kids  as  best she  can before  the  damage  is  permanent . At the  very least , suggest  that she consult  with an attorney who specializes  in parental  alienation cases . Perhaps she can get some pro bono legal assistance.  Helpful website:
 http://probonolawyers.org/?gclid=CjwKEAjw1KGqBRC55bru-sa7zCcSJAAxsBf50zyO308ZkxbCik7bDV3TwjRG8SL-gAC4Trb9tGpzghoCNh_w_wcB
Maxy 

Canada's Lawmakers Vote to Expand Powers Of it's Spy Agencies



The House of Commons on Wednesday approved the Anti-Terror Act, which was spurred by last year's attack on the parliament buildings. Legislation that would dramatically expand the powers of Canada's spy agency has cleared a key hurdle.  The act would give the CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) the ability to operate overseas and make preventative arrests. Dominated by the Conservative party, the Senate is expected to approve the act before June.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been a staunch supporter of the bill, which criminalizes the promotion, or organization of  terrorist groups and the propagandizing of terrorism concepts, including via the internet.
"There is a high probability of jihadist attacks from within our country," Canadian Defence Minister Jason Kenney said. "The threat of terrorism has never been greater."
The bill also makes it easier for police to arrest and detain individuals of interest to authorities  without charges. Critics who say the bill is overly broad and lacks oversight have sought to make changes but all attempts failed.  Many parliamentarians agree that there are vague areas in the act and areas that are not sufficiently addressed, leaving  it open to interpretation by the CSIS and Canadian government.


Four former Canadian prime ministers and five justices of the Canadian Supreme Court have written public letters questioning the bill. One concern is the threat to freedom of speech of all Canadians.
"This bill will almost certainly lead to a chill on freedom of speech," said Allan Weiss, professor of humanities at York University. "It is filled with vague wording that would make it possible for the government to label virtually anything it disagreed with as harmful to Canada's national interests."
"It allows police to arrest and hold anyone without charges," which is another infringement on constitutional rights.

Mr Harper who has always been sadly lacking as a diplomat, also blunders like a bull in a china shop when it comes to careful consideration before legislation. He will bully this act through and let it stand with all it's flaws and holes.





In October 2014, a gunman shot and killed a soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and then attacked Canada's parliament buildings nearby.Two days before, a man, said to be inspired by the Islamic State group, ran over two soldiers  in Quebec, killing one and injuring the other before being shot dead. There is no doubt that measures had to be taken to protect the security of our country, but not with disregard  to the constitutional rights of it's citizens.

What's in a Name ??





The daughter of Kate Middleton and Prince William is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, according to an announcement by Kensington Palace.

"This name is fitting for the princess because it's historically significant but it's also personal to the duke and duchess of Cambridge," Linda Rosenkrantz, co-founder of Nameberry, said. "Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles, the father of Prince William and is a version of Carole, the name of Kate's mother. Charlotte is also the middle name of Pippa Middleton, Kate's sister."What's more, Elizabeth is the name of the current Queen of England and Prince William's grandmother. And Diana — an unexpected choice given Prince William's late mother's rocky history with the royal family — is a beautiful tribute.

For months leading up to the birth, the Internet was abuzz with baby name predictions. British bookmakers William Hill were seeing pink and placing odds that the child would be named Alice at 4/1. “As it stands, over 70 percent of  William Hill customers believe the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will have a baby girl, with Alice the current favorite name ahead of Elizabeth which is 9/2,” spokesman Rupert Adams told People in March. A fitting choice, as Alice was also the name of Queen Victoria’s second daughter (who breastfed her baby — a shocking act at the time) and the name of Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester who died in 2014 at age 102, according to Nameberry.

If the baby were a boy, Paddy Power, an Irish bookmaker, had placed the odds for the names Charles and Arthur both at 12-1, Philip 10-1, and Joffrey (a jokey Game of Thrones reference) at 250-1.
“As the name of William’s father, Charles was a prime contender either as a first or middle name,” says Rosenkrantz.  “The name has also been bestowed upon kings of France, Spain, England, Portugal, and Hungary. Its distinguished royal history goes back to the emperor Charlemagne—the original Charles the Great.” And the obvious nickname, says Rosenkrantz, is Charlie. Cute!
Arthur also made sense — it’s the middle name of both Prince Charles and Prince William but according to Rosenkrantz it also has “The romantic association with the legendary King Arthur of Camelot.” The Celtic moniker is also rising in popularity in England where it’s the 43rd most popular name and means “bear.”
“And of course, Philip is the name of the baby’s great-grandfather and husband of the reigning Queen,” says Rosenkrantz. “It’s also the middle name of both Charles and William.“


There was similar fanfare in 2013 before Middleton gave birth to Prince George with people placing bets in the 24 million dollar range on what the royal couple would name their firstborn, according to Today. George was among the top picks. “George, a Greek name meaning ‘farmer,’ has been the name of more English kings over the past three centuries than any other,” says Rosenkrantz. “That includes George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth. Saint George is also the patron saint of England, known for his legendary defeat of a dragon.”
 It was always a given that the royal couple would choose a name more family-friendly. “Dynastic names provide a sense of continuity and are a mark of respect to those who have gone before,”
Welcome to the world Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.



The Roving Reporter : The latest: Baltimore police officers face hearing May 27

This photo provided by the Baltimore Police Department on Friday, May 1, 2015 shows, top row from left, Caesar R. Goodson Jr., Garrett E. Miller and Edward M. Nero, and bottom row from left, William G. Porter, Brian W. Rice and Alicia D. White, the six police officers charged with felonies ranging from assault to murder in the death of Freddie Gray. (Baltimore Police Department via AP)

1:03 p.m. 
The six Baltimore police officers charged in Freddie Gray's death are scheduled to appear in court at the end of the month.
Lt. Brian Rice, Sgt. Alicia White, and officers Caesar Goodson, Garrett Miller, Edward Nero and William Porter have a preliminary hearing together on May 27 in Baltimore District Court, according to online court records.
If the judge finds there is probable cause to support the charges, the case will move to circuit court to begin preparations for trial.

Defendants can, and often do, waive preliminary hearings and the case is transferred to circuit court. Also, a prosecutor can seek an indictment from a grand jury, which would make a preliminary hearing unnecessary.
---
12:30 p.m.
Demonstrators hold a moment of silence at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues in Baltimore for Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died after being seriously injured while in police custody last month.
The moment of silence comes as Baltimore braces for a mass demonstration and rally in memory of Gray.
Six police officers were charged Friday with felonies ranging from assault to murder in Gray's death. In announcing the charges, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said police had no reason to stop or chase Gray in the first place when they confronted him on April 12. He died of injuries on April 19.
---
11:45 a.m.
Heavily armed police and National Guard troops are making a show of force at key intersections and government buildings in Baltimore in preparation for Saturday's mass protest marches.
Barricades have been erected to block vehicle traffic from the blocks around City Hall, the destination of the largest planned march. Armored military vehicles were parked at the checkpoints, and there were large numbers of police and troops donning body armor, many carrying assault rifles.
The marches were called earlier this week to protest the death of Freddie Gray, a black man injured while in police custody April 12. But after the arrest of six Baltimore police officers in the case on Friday, the mood of Saturday's marches are expected to be more celebratory than tense.
---
Midnight
Police spokesman Sgt. Jarron Jackson says there were 38 protest-related arrests and 15 curfew-violation arrests Friday night. Demonstrators took to the streets Friday to celebrate the announcement that six police officers were being charged in the death of Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal injury received while in police custody earlier this month.
---
11:30 p.m.
A group of about 15 protesters marched through the downtown streets chanting "No justice, no peace" - to nobody in particular.
Police vans and armored National Guard vehicles drove by the group, but took no action, despite the protesters' clear defiance of a 10 p.m. curfew.
Just after 11:30 p.m., the group was debating what to do next, and then four or five ran to catch a bus as soon as they saw one.
---
10:45 p.m.
A line of National Guard troops and tanks is at Baltimore City Hall, along with a large crowd of members of the media and a line of police wearing helmets and carrying body shields.
Mounted police are also guarding the area and police vans are on the scene.
There did not appear to be any protesters left, other than a handful being interviewed by reporters about what they saw when officers moved in after 10 p.m. Friday and arrested a few people while others scattered and dispersed.
---
10:30 p.m.
Live television coverage of the remains of a protest at City Hall just after the 10 p.m. curfew went into effect showed a line of police, carrying shields, move in and take several people away.
In a series of tweets, Baltimore police said the protesters remained at War Memorial Plaza "in violation of the curfew," had been warned and that officers were arresting protesters who refused to leave.
---
10:10 p.m.
A more jubilant crowd was gathered at the Pennsylvania and North avenues intersection in West Baltimore as the 10 p.m. curfew approached.
More than 100 people were dancing in the streets Friday night and chanting "Freddie" to celebrate charges against six officers in connection with Freddie Gray's death.
Meanwhile, a helicopter was hovering overhead and warning people that they were subject to arrest while people danced atop a truck in the middle of the intersection.
Pleas from police to reporters to confine themselves to a special media pen were largely ignored.
---
9:20 p.m.
Court records indicate that the six Baltimore police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray have been released on bonds of between $250,000 and $350,000.
The six had turned themselves in at the city jail Friday afternoon after the city's chief prosecutor announced the charges against them.
State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby says Gray's death was a homicide, his arrest was illegal and his treatment amounted to murder and manslaughter.
An attorney speaking on behalf of the officers says the charges are a rush to judgment.
---
8:45 p.m.
Court records indicate that all six Baltimore police officers charged in Freddie Gray's death have posted bond, and five have been released. The sixth officer, Sgt. Alicia White, had not yet been released.
One officer faces a second-degree murder charge. The other officers face manslaughter or assault charges, among others.
Gray died one week after suffering a spinal cord injury in police custody.
---
8 p.m.
A rally weaving its way through Baltimore may eclipse all the other protest marches this week.
More than 1,000 people began at the Inner Harbor tourist district and made their way to the city jail to seek amnesty for protesters previously arrested.
From there, the marchers wound through city streets to the site of Monday's rioting, then through the neighborhood where Freddie Gray was arrested and at last count was making its way to western district police headquarters.
The group seemed to make its mind as it went, sometimes switching direction and backing up when a majority took a new turn.
Protesters marched at least two hours nonstop and more than 7 miles, stretching multiple blocks.
Nearly universally, people stuck in traffic beeped horns and waved support to marchers, celebrating charges against six officers in connection with Gray's death.
---
7:40 p.m.
Online court records list the race of three of the officers charged in the Freddie Gray case as black and list the three others in the broad category of "white, Caucasian, Asiatic Indian, Arab" without specifying.
Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., Officer William G. Porter and Sgt. Alicia D. White are listed as black. Lt. Brian W. Rice, Officer Garrett E. Miller and Officer Edward M. Nero are listed in the other category.
Goodson is the driver of the vehicle that transported Gray and faces the most serious charges. He allegedly repeatedly failed to secure Gray using a seat belt as required by police, Baltimore's top prosecutor said Friday, adding that Gray suffered a severe neck injury while handcuffed, shackled and unsecured in the van.
---
7:30 p.m.
On the day that six police officers were charged in the death of Freddie Gray after his arrest, one east Baltimore police sergeant has warned superiors that "it is about to get ugly."
Sgt. Lennardo Bailey wrote in a letter to command staff in the city's eastern district that officers are being challenged on the street. In the letter obtained by The Associated Press, Bailey says he was challenged to a fight on three of five calls he responded to Friday. The letter was first reported by the website Buzzfeed.
"Some of them I blew off, but one of them almost got ugly," he said.
Police officials declined to comment and Bailey could not be reached for comment.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 President Gene Ryan declined to comment on the report but says the decision to charge the officers will make their job harder. Ryan promised officers that the organization would continue working diligently to ensure they have support to complete their missions safely.
---
6:10 p.m.
Baltimore court records show the six police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray have had their initial bail review.
Bail was set at $350,000 for three officers and $250,000 for the other three. One of the officers faces a second-degree murder charge and four face involuntary manslaughter charges. The most severe charge for the other two is assault.
The bail proceedings are not open to the public under Maryland law.
The records do not indicate that the officers have yet posted bail.
---
5:10 p.m.
The stepfather of Freddie Gray says the family is satisfied with prosecutors charging six police officers involved in Gray's arrest.
Richard Shipley said at a news conference Friday that the charges were the first step in getting justice for Gray, who prosecutors say died after suffering a critical spine injury in the back of a police wagon.
An attorney for the Gray family says people must be mindful that the charges are a first step, not the last.
State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby says Gray's death was a homicide, his arrest was illegal and his treatment amounted to murder and manslaughter.
An attorney speaking on behalf of the officers says the charges are a rush to judgment.
---
4:30 p.m.
The head of a group that is holding a march Saturday says it will now be a "victory rally" after a prosecutor charged six officers in the death of Freddie Gray.
Malik Shabazz, president of Black Lawyers for Justice, said he was pleasantly surprised by the charges and commended State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby "for standing up for justice and setting a standard for prosecutors all over the nation."
"We usually face injustice," he said.
Shabazz has helped organize rallies after Gray suffered a critical injury while in police custody. He hopes thousands show up for his rally Saturday.
---
4 p.m.
The Baltimore police officers' union says the state's attorney has made a rush to judgment by bringing charges against six officers in the death of Freddie Gray.
Attorney Michael Davey, whose firm was hired by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, says he is representing one of the officers, but is speaking on behalf of all of them.
Davey says he has never seen such a hurried rush to file charges and the officers did nothing wrong.
Earlier Friday, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby declared that Gray's arrest was illegal and his treatment amounted to murder and manslaughter.
---
3:50 p.m.
Demonstrators with the Baltimore United Coalition have arrived at City Hall after a peaceful march.
Marcher Dennis Farley says he's in Baltimore from Washington for the demonstration today.
"We're here to show our love and respect for justice in the world," he says.
---
3:30 p.m.
A public safety department spokesman says all six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray have turned themselves in and are inside the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center.
One officer faces a second-degree murder charge while the other officers face manslaughter or assault charges, among others.
Gray, a 25-year-old black man, died one week after suffering a spinal cord injury in police custody.
---
1:30 p.m.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says five of six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray are in custody.
Rawlings-Blake made the announcement Friday afternoon, hours after the city's chief prosecutor said they were charged.
"No one is above the law in our city," Rawlings-Blake said. "Justice must apply to all of us equally."
She also says she was sickened and heartbroken about the situation.
"There will be justice for Mr. Gray," she said.
Gray died one week after suffering a spinal cord injury in police custody. His death sparked outrage and protests in Baltimore and elsewhere
---
12:45 p.m.
The sheriff's office says it expects the six police officers charged in Freddie Gray's death to turn themselves in at the Baltimore jail hours after charges were announced.
Maj. Samuel Cogen with the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office said Friday that his agency was processing arrest warrants for the six police officers. The city's chief prosecutor announced the charges earlier Friday.
Gray died one week after suffering a spinal cord injury in police custody. His death sparked outrage and protests in Baltimore and elsewhere.
Cogen says the officers are expected to surrender themselves later Friday at the city's jail.
---
12:30 p.m.
President Barack Obama says it's "absolutely vital" that the truth about what happened to Freddie Gray comes out.
Obama commented Friday shortly after Baltimore's top prosecutor announced criminal charges against the six police officers who were suspected after the 25-year-old Baltimore man suffered a fatal spinal injury in police custody. His death angered the community and led to violent protests, including looting and fires, after his funeral earlier this week.
Obama says justice needs to be served and all the evidence needs to be presented. He says the individuals facing charges are entitled to due process.
"It is my practice not to comment on the legal process that's involved ... but I can tell you that justice needs to be served," Obama said. "All the evidence needs to be presented. Those individuals who are charged obviously are also entitled to due process and rule of law. So I want to make sure that our legal system runs the way it should."
He says that what the people of Baltimore want most is the truth.
---
11:20 a.m.
Across Baltimore, people are reacting to the charges against six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray and praising the decision to prosecute.
When State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby made the announcement at a news conference Friday, the crowd cheered.
Shortly after, in front of a fire station where Gov. Larry Hogan is scheduled to visit Friday, a man leaning out of a passing truck window pumped both arms in the air and yelled, "Justice! Justice! Justice!"
At the corner of North and Pennsylvania avenues, where the worst of the rioting took place Monday after Gray's funeral, the mood was far different than it had been the rest of the week.
Drivers honked their horns. As buses stopped in front of the subway station, whoops and hollers came from inside the vehicle as the doors opened.
But there was no large gathering at the intersection immediately after the announcement. Still, nearly 100 police in riot gear were deployed to the intersection.
Ciara Ford of Baltimore expressed surprise at the decision to prosecute.
"I'm ecstatic," she said. "I hope this can restore some peace."
"It makes you cry," said her friend, Stephanie Owens of Columbia.
They both expressed hopes that the officers would be convicted. Both believed that the protests in the city made a difference in ensuring that authorities took the case seriously.
"If we had kept quiet, I don't think they would have prosecuted," Ford said.
Gray, a 25-year-old black man, died one week after suffering a spinal cord injury in police custody.
---
11:10 a.m.
The Baltimore police officers union says the six officers charged in the Freddie Gray case aren't responsible for his death.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 President Gene Ryan made the comment Friday in a letter to Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby before she announced the charges. It was the union's strongest statement to date in the officers' defense.
"As tragic as this situation is, none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray," Ryan wrote. "To the contrary, at all times, each of the officers diligently balanced their obligations to protect Mr. Gray and discharge their duties to protect the public."
Ryan asked Mosby in the letter to appoint a special independent prosecutor. But after announcing charges Friday, Mosby said she would not turn the case over to a special prosecutor.
The union contracts with an attorney, Michael Davey, who has said that five of the six officers gave voluntary statements on the day of Gray's arrest.
---
11 a.m.
State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby says six officers in the police-custody death of Freddie Gray have been charged.
One officer faces a second-degree murder charge while the other officers face manslaughter or assault charges, among others.
Mosby says the officers failed to get Gray medical help even though he requested it repeatedly after he was arrested April 12. She called his arrest illegal.
At some point while he was in custody, he suffered a mysterious spinal injury and died a week later.
---
10:35 a.m.
The Baltimore police officers union is asking State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to appoint a special independent prosecutor for the Freddie Gray death investigation.
Fraternal Order of Police local president Gene Ryan told Mosby in a letter Friday that the union is concerned about her ties to Gray family attorney Billy Murphy.
Murphy was among Mosby's biggest campaign contributors last year, donating the maximum individual amount allowed, $4,000, in June. He was also on Mosby's transition team after the election.
The union says none of the six officers suspended in the investigation is responsible for Gray's death. The 25-year-old black man died one week after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in police custody.
---
10:15 a.m.
The state medical examiner's office says it has sent the autopsy report on Freddie Gray to prosecutors.
Officials made the announcement Friday morning. The report is now in the hands of State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
Spokesman Bruce Goldfarb says the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner will not release the report publicly while the case is under investigation.
Freddie Gray who died April 19 of spinal injuries he suffered while in police custody.
---
11:30 p.m.
Baltimore police say they are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was found in a tractor-trailer cab parked less than a block from the scene of nightly protests over Freddie Gray's death.
Spokesman Sgt. Jarron Jackson said late Thursday that police do not believe the death is connected to the protests.
Jackson said a man's body was found Thursday night inside the truck's cab
There was no trailer with the cab, which has the name Earl L. Henderson Trucking Co. Salem, Illinois. The truck is parked in front of a Baltimore social services building, less than a block from where many of the protests have taken place.

The Roving Reporter