First Posted: 3/18/2015
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to form a presidential exploratory committee.
“I am the only one who can make America truly great again,” the Republican businessman and reality television star declared in a statement announcing the move.
While a step short of a formal campaign launch, the formation of an exploratory allows him to begin raising money and hire staff as he weighs a White House bid. Trump said he’s already hired political aides in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, which host the first three contests on the presidential nominating calendar.
“I have a great love for our country, but it is a country that is in serious trouble,” Trump said in a wide-ranging statement that called for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, improving border security, strengthening the military and improving the economy. “Americans deserve better than what they get from their politicians who are all talk and no action.”
The outspoken Republican has long hinted at presidential aspirations, but he appears more serious this time. He recently said he would not renew his contract with NBC for his reality show, “The Apprentice.”
Trump is scheduled to appear in New Hampshire later in the week.
Fellow Beatle McCartney ushering Ringo into rock hall
NEW YORK (AP) — Paul McCartney has agreed to induct his former Beatles mate, Ringo Starr, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.
Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith and John Mayer will also usher in new members, the hall announced on Wednesday. The 30th annual induction ceremony is scheduled for Cleveland’s Public Hall on April 18. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cleveland.
The Beatles are in the rock hall already, and so are McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison as solo artists. Drummer Starr is the last to be honored individually, and Eagle Joe Walsh will perform some of his friend’s music.
Wonder will induct Bill Withers, a fellow songwriter who had his biggest impact in the 1970s. John Legend will perform Withers’ music, and it’s still a mystery whether Withers, who quit the music business more than 30 years ago, will sing. Rock hall spokeswoman Shauna Wilson said it’s still to be determined which inductees will perform.
Smith will induct another artist indelibly tied to New York, the late Lou Reed, and Beck will perform his music.
Mayer is speaking in honor of another blues guitarist, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Vaughan’s brother Jimmie will perform with members of his brother’s old band, Double Trouble.
Dave Grohl has committed to performing inductee Joan Jett’s music, although the hall hasn’t announced who will give the speech for the “I Love Rock and Roll” singer.
Peter Wolf will induct the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, with Tom Morello performing the band’s music. Fall Out Boy will induct Green Day and guitarist Steve Cropper is scheduled to honor the “5” Royales.
HBO is taping the ceremony and concert for a May 30 television premiere.
The rock hall will open an exhibit on April 11 honoring this year’s new class, and also has a special exhibit on photographer Herb Ritts’ work with musicians.
Cleveland International Film Festival set to begin
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland’s International Film Festival is set to kick off with a sold-out opening night gala.
The 39th annual film festival starts Wednesday night with screenings of the film “I’ll See You in My Dreams” starring Blythe Danner. Organizers expect about 1,500 in attendance on opening night.
Throughout the course of the festival, more than 400 films and shorts from 60 countries will be screened at Cleveland’s Tower City and 11 satellite venues. The event runs through March 29.
Set to premiere Saturday is the documentary on the life of northeast Ohio Congressman James A. Traficant Jr.
The Plain Dealer reports (http://bit.ly/1AYmsIW ) this year’s festival will have more films and visiting filmmakers than any other year, and organizers expect overall attendance could be more than 100,000.
