DETROIT (WWJ) - Students enrolled in 15 new Education Achievement Authority schools will have to get used to a longer school year.

Class began September 4 and will end in early August at the Detroit schools selected by the state as part of a pilot program.

"We're in school the majority of the year because there's no point in taking time off," said Dr. Donnie Davis, principal of the new Mumford High.

"Our kids are in a race. It's a competition. When they graduate from high school, they're competing with everybody else in the world to get into college. When they get into college they're competing  with everybody else in the world to get a job," he said.

Davis also believes it's important for parents not to give their children the impression that an education doesn't have to be a high priority.

Davis said kids will notice other changes as well.  The EAA schools use a student-centered approach, meaning students progress at different levels in subjects including basic math and algebra.

"I think it's criminal for us to push you forward when you actually don't know the content. And it (student-focused learning) makes your diploma, once you graduate from high school, actually mean something; you have mastered the content," said Davis. "This diploma means you know everything we said you're supposed to know by the state of Michigan and you are ready for college."

The EEA was created by Governor Rick Snyder last year to identify the lowest-performing schools in Detroit and across the state, and then work to improve them.

Along with Mumford, the other 14 schools selected for the pilot program include Central Collegiate Academy, Denby High School, Ford High School, Pershing High School, Southeastern High School, Brenda Scott Elementary, Burns Elementary, Law Academy, Mary M. Bethune Elementary, Murphy Elementary, Nolan Elementary, Phoenix Elementary, Stewart Elementary and Trix Elementary.

The state plans, in the future, the expand the program statewide.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/04/shorter-summer-break-for-kids-at-15-detroit-schools/

DETROIT (WWJ) - A longtime Detroit City Councilman wants Mayor Dave Bing removed from office.

Councilman Kwame Kenyatta is urging his colleagues to look at removing Bing from office over actions taken in the Health and Workforce Development departments, and the administration's failure to respond to the alleged violation.

"I think the mayor truly is in violation of the charter and may be forfeiting his office based upon that," Kenyatta told WWJ's Vickie Thomas. "I think that we seriously need to look at the procedures going forward to address the violations in the charter."

One of the specific charter violations Kenyatta cites is taking $30,000 from the Health Department and putting that money into a bank account for a private non-profit institute charged with running the department.

Through spokeswoman Naomi Patton, the mayor's office said they acknowledged the mistake and returned the money the next day. But Kenyatta says that's not good enough.

"That's like someone comes in and robs a bank and then when they say 'Oh, I saw your picture on TV, you robbed a bank,' and you go back the next day and you put the money back. Well, the crime has already been committed," said Kenyatta.

Patton said Bing does not believe he has violated the charter in any way.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/05/councilman-calls-for-detroit-mayors-removal-from-office-after-violation/

HARPER WOODS, Mich. (WWJ) – Police in Harper Woods are investigating a shooting outside of a Harper Woods bar.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots ring out just after 1 a.m. Tuesday near Charlie's Woods Saloon on Kelly Road, north of Moross. Police believe only one man was shot despite several rounds striking an area business and at least one home. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital by bar patrons before police arrived. The victim's identity, nor his condition, have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harper Woods Police or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-SPEAKUP.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/04/man-shot-outside-harper-woods-bar/

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WWJ) – Many parents are dragging their kids out of bed this morning and packing their lunches. It's back to school time.

WWJ's City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas spoke with Cameron Calhoun, a Highland Park student who's ready to hit the books.

Calhoun is entering the 10th grade at Highland Park Renaissance High School. He lives in Detroit near a new high school, but his mother believes he'll get a better education in Highland Park, especially now that it's a charter school district being run by the Leona Group. Calhoun says he's seen positive signs of progress.

"Named a new board for the school, they painted, they cleaning the yards up, they made a greenhouse; cleaning the school up," Calhoun said.

He says the school looks a lot better, but unfortunately, many of his friends are not returning to Highland Park.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/09/04/back-to-school/

Great American Artists: Roots, Branches and Seeds – Part III featuring the paintings of acclaimed artist, Sydney G. James. Final installation of the Yearlong Exhibition Featuring a Consortium of Detroit Visual Artists on view September 6, 2012 through December 29, 2012, at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Opening Reception September 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The first museum exhibition of the acclaimed painter, Sydney G. James, whose extensive collection of portraits demonstrates her signature complex layering portraying familiar, friendly and familial faces will be presented in the Great American Artists: Roots, Branches and Seeds-Part III. Detroit native, Sydney G. James, is a Cass Technical High School graduate who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Center for Creative Studies (now College for Creative Studies). She is one of nine artists featured in Great American Artists, an exhibition of new figurative works created through a series of studio visits, collaborative meetings and documentation.

These artists developed a consortium with two major goals in mind: to increase collaboration among artists in Detroit and to strengthen the network of artists who employ similar themes in their work. Sydney began her career as an Art Director for Global Hue Advertising Agency in Detroit primarily creating print and television advertising for major international brands. She moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to expand her career. Securing a staff position as resident artist for the ABC Family show, Lincoln Heights, Sydney created all of the artwork for the set, lead character, Cassie, a prodigal artist in addition to other artist characters, utilizing various styles to define each personality her works represented. She has worked as an artist for several other network television shows as well as films.

Sydney has exhibited her paintings through shows in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston,Washington D.C., New Orleans and New York. She has a host of private collectors. Industry insiders anticipate significant interest in this artist as her star rises. Sydney shares, “My work is always personal and, I want my viewers to experience a personal connection as well." To view Sydney G. James’ work, please visit www.sydneygjames.com.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 www.thewright.org

DETROIT (WXYZ) - After the Obama team struggled over the weekend to answer the question "are you better off today than you were four years ago?", today the Vice President had a clear response.
"You want to know whether we’re better off," asked Biden. "Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive.”
Vice President Biden addressed a supportive crowd after today’s annual Labor Day rally in Detroit.
"This country faces the starkest choice in my memory," Biden told the crowd.
Biden took jabs at Governor Mitt Romney and touted Democrats as the protectors of Medicare.
"It's simple folks we're for Medicare, they're for Vouchercare," said Biden. "And if they win people are in trouble."
Biden touched on protecting collective bargaining and keeping jobs at home.
Gwen Thomas of West Bloomfield, who attended the speech and recently had to close up her small business, says she still supports President Obama despite her personal loss.
"Well I think he’s still the man because it can’t be done in four years," said Thomas.

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/political/Copy_of_vice-president-joe-biden-to-speak-in-detroit-on-labor-day#ixzz25TXaLRzT

The Democratic National Convention starts this week in Charlotte, North Carolina, with key speeches by President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and others.

Festivities kick off on Tuesday, following Labor Day. Here's a look at events to watch this week, which will be streamed live on CBSNews.com.

Tuesday, starting at 10 p.m. ET:

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will deliver the keynote address.

First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver remarks.

Tuesday's program begins at 5 p.m. ET and also includes speeches by former President Jimmy Carter (who will address the convention via video) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a video tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (a former Republican who is now an independent), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, actor Kal Penn, President Obama's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and Michelle Obama's brother Craig Robinson.

Wednesday, starting at approximately 10 p.m. ET:

Massachusetts Senate candidate and progressive champion Elizabeth Warren will deliver remarks

Former President Bill Clinton will nominate President Obama for re-election

Wednesday's program begins at 5 p.m. ET and also includes speeches by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the governors of Illinois, Connecticut and Colorado, Rep. Barney Frank, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Thursday, starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET:

President Obama and Vice President Biden will accept the Democratic nominations for President and Vice President at Bank of America Stadium

Thursday's program begins at 4 p.m. and includes performances by James Taylor, Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige and Earth, Wind and Fire, as well as speeches by Caroline Kennedy, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sen. John Kerry, former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida and actress Eva Longoria.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57505099-503544/what-to-watch-for-at-the-democratic-convention-this-week/

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- First Lady Michelle Obama will speak at the Democratic National Convention during the opening night at the Time Warner Cable Area, according to the DNC Committee.

San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will be the keynote speaker at the DNC’s opening night, Tuesday, September 4th, the DNCC announced on Tuesday.

Castro, 37, will be the first Latino keynote speaker at a DNC.

“Having both the First Lady and Mayor Castro speak on the opening night of our convention will bring together two incredible leaders whose life stories both embody the promise of America, that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can make it,” said 2012 Democratic Convention Chair, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “The First Lady is an inspiration to millions of Americans, and has been a tireless advocate for military families and our nation’s children. As the person who knows him best, she will offer unique insights into the President as a husband, father and a leader over the last four years.”

The DNCC will unveil additional convention program details and speakers in the coming weeks. The first two days of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Tuesday, September 4 and Wednesday, September 5, will be held at Time Warner Cable Arena.

President Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for President on Thursday, September 6 at Bank of America Stadium.

http://www.wcnc.com/news/dnc-charlotte-2012/Michelle-Obama---164410966.html

Michael Clarke Duncan, Academy Award nominee for 'Green Mile,' dead at 54

(CNN) -- Michael Clarke Duncan, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1999 film "The Green Mile," died Monday morning at age 54, according to a representative for his family.
Duncan "suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered," a written statement from Joy Fehily said.
Clarke died at a Los Angeles hospital where he had been since having the heart attack more than seven weeks ago.
According to TMZ, it was Duncan's girlfriend Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, a reality star and former contestant on "The Apprentice," who had acted quickly and provided lifesaving efforts when he had the heart attack.
2006: Michael Clark Duncan on health 2000: Michael Clarke Duncan talks fame
Most recently he was on the TV series, "The Finder," on the Fox network.
His co-star Mercedes Masohn tweeted: "Today is a sad day. Michael Clark Duncan passed away this morning. Known for his moving performance in The Green Mile. RIP MCD. You'll b missed."
Read other tributes to the late actor
According to Entertainment Weekly, the TV series was canceled in May.
A towering and hulking figure, the 6-foot-5-inch Duncan also was known for his deep voice.
A Chicago native, Duncan went to college at Alcorn State University in Mississippi with plans to major in communications, but he dropped out and moved home.
In his 20s, he worked digging ditches for Peoples Gas during the day and as a bouncer at night. He told CNN in 1999 that his coworkers at the gas company called him "Hollywood" because he'd often talk about becoming a movie star.
"I'd be digging a ditch and they'd say, 'Hey, man, Bruce Willis wants to talk to you about a movie.' And they'd just crack up laughing," he said while doing press for 'The Green Mile.'
"Those coworkers had no way of knowing how that joke would turn on them."
In 1990, he decided to measure up his nickname and he moved to Los Angeles. He worked as a bodyguard then got a part in a commercial as a drill sergeant.
More roles followed -- often ones that depended more on his 315-pound frame than his acting ability. He was a guard in "Back in Business," a bouncer in "A Night at the Roxbury," a bouncer for 2 Live Crew in "The Players Club," and a bouncer at a bar in the Warren Beatty film "Bulworth."
In 1998, he landed his first significant movie part, playing Bear in the film "Armageddon," where a crew of drillers from an oil rig save the Earth from an asteroid.
"Armageddon" was the beginning of his friendship with Bruce Willis. They appeared in four films together. And it was Willis who called 'The Green Mile' director Frank Darabont to put in a good word for Duncan.
In the Oscar-nominated film, Duncan played John Coffey, the huge black man wrongly convicted in a Louisiana town for the rapes and murders of two white girls. Coffey has supernatural powers, though; his hands can heal, even bring back the dead.
A microcosm of faith, Coffey is a messenger of hope and lost hope who develops a relationship with Tom Hanks' character, a guard named Paul Edgecomb.
Film critic Roger Ebert wrote that Duncan's performance "is both acting and being." Ebert tweeted Monday that Duncan was "A striking screen presence."
Duncan was nominated for an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, which was won that year by Michael Caine for "The Cider House Rules."
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who starred with Duncan in the movie "The Scorpion King" said on Twitter: "When something happens, we always say it happens for a reason ... Michael Clarke Duncan 12/10/57 - 9/3/12 I'll miss you my brother."
According to the Internet Movie Database, Duncan had two completed projects that have yet to be released on a nationwide basis. He is slated to appear in "The Challenger," a boxing movie written and directed by Kent Moran. He will also appear in the Robert Townsend film, "In the Hive," about an alternative school for boys who have been kicked out of other schools.
One of his co-stars in that film was Vivica A. Fox.
"My heart is shocked and saddened!! RIP Micheal Clark Duncan. U were the most gentle giant and the most gracious of a man! U wont b 4gotten! " she tweeted.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/showbiz/michael-clarke-duncan/index.html