'Flashback Friday': The Destruction of Black Wall Street

This video was published on YouTube on February 4, 2015. 

Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (aka "Black Wall Street"), home to many prominent black businessmen and location of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot of Whites against Blacks, "one of the most devastating massacres in the history of US race relations" 

Source: Roland Junior

Justice Ginsburg Discusses Law, Media and Jewish Life

Click here for video.

Source: C-SPAN 

Washington Journal: Wiretapping of U.S. Citizens and FISA

Professor Joshua Geltzer talked about how the federal government can wiretap an American citizen and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)

Source: C-SPAN 

Republican National Committee Holds Winter Meeting

Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN

Trump Weighs Barring U.S. Military in South Korea from Bringing Families

 

by Courtney Kube

WASHINGTON — Soon U.S. service members deploying to South Korea may not be allowed to bring their families with them.

Top Pentagon officials are considering changing the policy that allows service men and women to deploy on accompanied tours to the Korean Peninsula, according to three U.S. defense officials. An accompanied tour is when a service member's family can accompany them, traveling at the military's expense.

In a statement, the Pentagon said that no change in policy is imminent. “The U.S. Department of Defense currently has no plans in place to modify the policy authorizing U.S. military dependents to to accompany service members on orders to, or currently stationed in, the Republic of Korea,” said a Pentagon spokesman, Col. Rob Manning. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

House Releases Controversial GOP Intel Memo After Trump Approval

Trump Bashes Intel Leaders, Saying They Politicize Investigations

Source: CBS News

Dreamer Detained in Traffic Court, Jailed for 3 Nearly Days

Source: CBS News

Could Saudi Arabia Be Suspended from UN Human Rights Council?

Source: Al Jazeera English

Syria: US Talks Tough on Use of Chemical Weapons

How Does Botswana Fight Corruption in Africa?

DR Congo: Mourners Want Opposition Leader's Body Returned

South Sudan: War Deprives Children of Education

Mahmoud Abbas to Deliver a Rare Address at UNSC Meeting

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña Visits 3-K for All Class & Delivers Remarks

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Mayor de Blasio Presents Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget

This video was published on YouTube on February 1.

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

The Best Cryptocurrency Meetups in New York City

By Michelle McCormack

One rainy night last November, hundreds of professionals gathered at a bar in Chelsea that hadn’t seen much action in years. The prestigious Consensus Conference was the following day, and every square inch of the place was filled with people drinking, laughing, swapping cards and networking. These were men and women of every age and ethnic group imaginable, and if it hadn’t been for the heavy drinking (and flirting) one might think it was a church group meeting for all the diversity present. And in a way, it was, because they were all there to congregate passionately on one subject and one subject only: Bitcoin.

Those who don’t think Bitcoin is a religion should attend one of the hundreds of meetups that happen seven days a week all over New York City. Here you’ll find evangelists and doubters discourse passionately about the merits of Bitcoin, Ethereum, the Blockchain and altcoins.

Meetup.com has over 4,300 crypto groups and over 1 million members worldwide. In New York City alone there are over 30 cryptocurrency groups, and some have as many as 7,000 active members. Groups vary in interest from general cryptocurrency to more focused subjects like FinTech, Ethereum, women-only groups, and groups for N00Bs (newbies), BitDev groups, and groups for investing. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: Observer (via Empire Report New York) 

17 Asbestos Inspectors Arrested In NYC, Accused Of Not Doing Jobs

Source: WCBS News Radio 880 (via Empire Report New York)

Cuomo: New Yorkers Should Get Vaccinated as Flu Cases Continue to Rise at ‘Alarming Rates’

 

By Kenneth Lovett

ALBANY — The flu epidemic in New York has gotten even worse over the past week, Gov. Cuomo said Thursday.

Over the past week, 11,683 confirmed influenza cases were reported to the state Department of Health, with 2,221 New Yorkers hospitalized with the illness.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News (via Empire Report New York) 

NY Obamacare Draws Record 4M Signups for 2018

ALBANY - New York’s Obamacare program reached a new high, with more than 4.3 million people signing up for healthcare coverage, state officials announced Thursday.

The 2018 totals marked an increase of about 700,000 people from a year ago, officials said. The 2018 enrollment period ended on Jan. 31.

"Covering 4.3 million New Yorkers is truly a historic milestone," said Donna Frescatore, executive director of the NY State of Health marketplace.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Daily News (via Empire Report New York) 

Follow Proper Recordkeeping Requirements to Ensure a Smooth Tax Filing Process

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced the addition of new checklists to help taxpayers ensure they have acceptable proof for credits, income, deductions, and expenses claimed. The checklists, found on the Tax Department’s website www.tax.ny.gov (search: recordkeeping), cover: business loss; child and dependent care expenses; child and dependent relationship; college tuition expenses; itemized deductions; rental loss; self-employment income; taxi, limousine, or self-employed driver income and expenses; and wages and withholding. 

“The checklists serve a dual purpose,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “They describe records taxpayers should keep to prove eligibility for the credits they’re claiming, and also what they must send to us if we request information to support their claims.”

Maintain accurate records

Good recordkeeping cuts errors and supports credits and deductions claimed. Tips below:

Keep bank statements, deposit slips, canceled checks, and invoices.

Business owners—including the self-employed—must compile records of each sale, including the sales price, the sales tax collected, cash register receipts, and credit card sales slip.

Records for the self-employed should contain enough information to accurately show the tax year’s gross receipts, business expenses, and the purchase price of assets and inventory.

The records should be kept for at least three years because the Tax Department may seek to verify the accuracy of records supporting credits, income, deductions, and expenses claimed on tax filings.

Click the following for additional information.
 
Recordkeeping for individuals

Recordkeeping for businesses

EITC recordkeeping tips for the self-employed

Source: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges (Advance Screening!)

 Click on the flier to increase its size.

Source: ImageNation

White Supremacists Are Targeting U.S. Colleges ‘Like Never Before’

By Christopher Mathias

The amount of white supremacist propaganda on college campuses in the U.S. increased 258 percent between fall 2016 and fall 2017, according to a report the Anti-Defamation League released Thursday. 

There were 147 incidents of white supremacist flyers, banners, posters or stickers found on college campuses during the 2017 fall semester, the report states, compared to 41 such incidents in the fall semester of 2016.

The ADL counted a total of 346 incidents of hate propaganda that had been spread on 216 college campuses in 44 states and Washington, D.C., since September 2016. 

“White supremacists are targeting college campuses like never before,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the organization, said in a statement. “They see campuses as a fertile recruiting ground, as evident by the unprecedented volume of propagandist activity designed to recruit young people to support their vile ideology.”

The propaganda delivered “a range of messages,” according to the report. 

Click here for the full article.

Source: The Huffington Post

Top Editors Out At NY Daily News Following Harassment Investigations

The newspaper’s managing editor fostered a culture of fear and silence, current and former staffers said.

By Maxwell Strachan and Andy Campbell

The New York Daily News’ parent company has let go of the top editors at the newspaper following investigations last month into harassment allegations made against them by current and former employees, Tronc confirmed to HuffPost on Thursday.

“I can confirm that both are no longer with the company,” said a spokesperson for the company. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Huffington Post

Congressman’s Bill Would Force Trump Administration to Fulfill Pledge to Study Racial Disparities in Auto Insurance Pricing

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., cited our report that minority neighborhoods pay higher car insurance premiums than white areas with the same risk.

by Julia Angwin

This story was co-published with Consumer Reports.

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., introduced legislation last week requiring federal authorities to examine racial disparities in auto insurance premiums, citing a story co-published by ProPublica and Consumer Reports last April.

The legislation, which has six Democratic co-sponsors, is in part a rebuke to the Trump administration for seeking to shift the mission of the Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office from being a watchdog agency tasked with studying auto insurance pricing into an industry booster. 

The bill calls for the office to collect ZIP-code level claims data from insurers across the nation, and use the information to study whether higher prices in minority neighborhoods are justified by the risk of bigger payouts in those areas.

“The lack of transparency in the auto insurance market makes it impossible to understand and address potential racial disparities,” Takano said in a press release announcing the bill. “This legislation is an important step to determining whether minority drivers are being unjustly overcharged for insurance premiums because of reasons unrelated to risk. Given that auto insurance is a requirement for drivers, and that driving is a necessity for many Americans, there is a strong public interest in studying and addressing discrimination in the auto insurance market.”

The insurance industry responded that there is no need for a federal study. “This [legislation] is a solution in search of a problem,” said David Snyder, a vice president at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “There is no need for this duplicative and costly layer of federal involvement. For more than 150 years, the states have been effective in regulating insurers to protect consumers, foster competitive insurance markets and prevent unfair discrimination.”

Click here for the full article.

Source: ProPublica

Made in the USA: The Real History of the MS-13 Gang Trump Talked About in State of the Union

This report was published on YouTube on January 31.

Source: Democracy Now!

Saving Our Youth: An Anti-Gang Violence Message

This video was published on YouTube on February 2, 2011. 

Source: BuryViolence

$37.7 Million Awarded to Improve Access to Breast Cancer Screening Across New York State

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced $37.7 million in funding as part of the "Get Screened, No Excuses" initiative to improve access to breast cancer screening for New Yorkers. Funds are being used to support peer educators in community settings, make patient navigators available to help women as they undergo screening and other necessary follow-up care, and operate mobile mammography vans in underserved neighborhoods to bring health services to New Yorkers.  

"This administration continues the most aggressive action in the nation to break down any barriers to breast cancer screening because early detection is the best possible treatment," Governor Cuomo said. "By providing information on the importance of mammograms and expanding access to cutting-edge screening options, these programs will address the needs of thousands of New Yorkers and help establish healthier, stronger communities in every corner of this great state."

"Building off of New York State's successful Get Screened, No Excuses campaign to promote breast cancer screenings statewide, we are continuing to double down on our efforts and invest in healthcare and education programs that increasingly expand access to these potentially life-saving services," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "We know mammograms and cancer screenings must be available for all New Yorkers. That's how we'll continue to save lives."

Launched in October 2016, 10 peer education programs work within community settings to educate women about the importance of regular breast cancer screening, offer referrals to screening, and provide information to men about prostate cancer. Thirty-three patient navigation programs, which also launched in 2016 and are located within many of New York's nationally accredited breast centers, help women navigate the healthcare system to complete screening and provide any needed follow-up. Funding is also supporting the purchase of six new mobile mammography vans that will begin offering breast cancer screenings in 2018 to make it easier for women to get to these services. The funding will enable contractors to form community partnerships across several counties to promote and conduct local breast cancer screening events.  

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Cuomo Launches Campaign to Restore Fairness in New York's Criminal Justice System

Governor Andrew Cuomo today launched the Campaign to Restore Fairness in New York's Criminal Justice System. The campaign advances the Governor's five-pronged reform package to overhaul the State's criminal justice system. This comprehensive package—the most progressive set of reforms in the nation—will guarantee fairness for the accused by reshaping New York's antiquated bail system, ensuring access to a speedy trial, improving the disclosure of evidence in the discovery process, transforming asset forfeiture procedures and implementing new initiatives to help individuals transition from incarceration to their communities.

"For too long, our antiquated criminal justice system has created a two-tiered system where outcomes depend purely on economic status - undermining the bedrock principle that one is innocent until proven guilty," Governor Cuomo said. "This sweeping overhaul will transform our criminal justice system by removing critical barriers, reaffirming our beliefs in fairness, opportunity and dignity, and continue our historic progress toward a more equal society for all."

The Governor's legislation will: eliminate monetary bail for people facing misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges; expand the discovery process to include disclosure of information in a timely manner including evidence and information favorable to the defense; intended exhibits; expert opinion evidence; witnesses' criminal history information; and search warrant information; reduce unnecessary delays and adjournments in court proceedings, requiring that people held in custody - not just their attorneys - consent to a speedy trial waiver that must be approved by a judge and ensure that defendants are not being held unnecessarily when the prosecution fails to meet deadlines; limit asset forfeiture proceedings to cases in which a conviction is obtained and enhance reporting requirements for local law enforcement and District Attorneys; and improve the re-entry process for individuals transitioning from incarceration to their communities and reduce unnecessary barriers to financial stability after release. 

Learn more and support Governor Cuomo's criminal justice package here.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Trailblazers in Black History: Oscar Gamble

Oscar Gamble follows Reggie Jackson's home run with a solo shot to give the Yankees their first lead of the night in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. 

Former New York Yankees Slugger Dead at 68

 Thank you for your contribution to the City of New York, Mr. Gamble.
May you forever rest in peace.

Meet the 2018 Women’s Leadership Accelerator

Click on the image to increase its size. 

The following statement was issued today by the Online News Association.

We’re thrilled to announce the participants in the 2018 Women’s Leadership Accelerator, a yearlong intensive program for women innovating in digital journalism. This year, we welcome 25 women representing a range of backgrounds, expertise and newsrooms around the globe that are leading digital innovation.

The 2018 class includes:

    Jeanette Ageson, Chief Revenue Officer, The Tyee

    Liz Bloom, Pittsburgh Pirates Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

    Federica Cherubini, Head of Knowledge Sharing, Condé Nast International

    Nisha Chittal, Engagement Editor, Racked, Vox Media

    Bianca Consunji, Executive Producer, BuzzFeed News

    Joni Deutsch, On-demand Content & Audience Engagement Producer, WFAE 90.7 FM

    Rhonda Elnaggar, News Video Producer, Mic

    Brittany Grant, General Editor, Strategic Analytics, The Undefeated

    Alejandra Gutiérrez Valdizán, Freelance Journalist and Agencia Ocote Coordinator

    Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, Founder and CEO, Lantigua Williams & Co.

    Laura Lee, Content Director and Manager Editor, EducationNC

    Kate Lesniak, Publisher, Bitch Media

    Brooke Minters, Executive Producer, Gizmodo Media Group

    Eulimar Núñez, Health Editor, Univision

    Angela Pacienza, Head of Experience, The Globe and Mail

    Brittany Peterson, Video Journalist, McClatchy

    Julie Shapiro, Deputy Editor, TIME

    Sarah Shenker, Head of Audience Engagement, BBC

    Noelle Swan, Science, Technology and Environment Editor, The Christian Science Monitor

    Jessica Terrell, Podcast and Multimedia Editor, Honolulu Civil Beat

    Neeti Upadhye, Video Journalist, The New York Times

    Elizabeth Whitmire, Director of Social Media, Alabama Media Group

    Emily Withrow, Editor, Quartz Bot Studio, Quartz

    Angela Wong, Product Manager, The Washington Post

    Karen Workman, Deputy Editor, News Desk, The New York Times

The Women’s Leadership Accelerator kicks off with a week of tailored, intensive training, Feb. 25–March 2, at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. In addition to exploring strategies for navigating their leadership path, women in the Accelerator will also work closely with mentors on challenges unique to their careers. The program culminates in a workshop at ONA’s annual conference (ONA18) in Austin, Texas.

Industry leaders who will speak this year include Jennifer Ferro, President, KCRW; Cory Haik, Publisher, Mic.com; Charo Henríquez-Scaia, Senior Editor of Digital Storytelling and Training, The New York Times; Amanda Hess, Critic, The New York Times; and Shazna Nessa, Global Head of Visuals and Deputy Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal. More speakers and mentors will be announced in the coming weeks.

In 2018, we’re expanding what we offer through the Women’s Leadership Accelerator to reach women outside the intensive program. We’ll bring lessons from the Accelerator to ONA Local meetups, ONA’s annual conference and partnering with other organizations to reach even more women.

The Women’s Leadership Accelerator training is tuition-free thanks to the generous support of our lead funder, the Dow Jones Foundation, and supporting funders Fusion Media Group, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, WordPress.com VIP and the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. ONA also is grateful to the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, our host for the Accelerator program.

If you’re interested in partnerships to support the program, please contact Jessica Strelitz at jessica@journalists.org.

Additional information on the 2018 class is available here.

Family Raises Concerns About Tamiflu Side Effects

Source: CBS News

Schiff: Memo Was Altered Before Reaching White House

Source: CBS News 

NBC NEWS:  Top Dems Want Nunes Removed
as House Intelligence Chair Over Memo Saga

Colin Kapernick Completes $1M Pledge to Charities

Source: CBS News

'Troubling' Video Shows Deputies Dropping Homeless Man Off on Street

Source: CBS News

Poland Passes Controversial Holocaust Bill

AP Releases Video Showing 'Rohingya Massacre Site, Mass Graves'

China's Prison Orphans: A '101 East' Special Report

Source: Al Jazeera English

Lebanese TV Host Charged with Defaming Saudi Crown Prince

Volkswagen Dieselgate: Outrage Over Monkey and Human Tests

Togo Public Workers Join Strike as Protests Mount

US Puts Hamas Top Leader Ismail Haniya on 'Terror List'

Carles Puigdemont Texts: 'It's Over. Our Own Followers Have Given Us Up'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Eye on Africa: Kenyan TV Blackout Continues After Odinga's 'Inauguration'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

National Action Network Issues Response to State of the Union Address

President Trump’s speech last night was a hollow, anti-immigrant appeal to his base that did nothing to unify the country after his first year in office.  Instead of taking the opportunity to denounce increases in hate crimes and acts of white supremacy across the country, President Trump remained silent. Instead of encouraging the countless qualified DREAMers and DACA recipients looking to participate in the American dream that they too have a future, President Trump referenced gang violence, chain migration and anti-immigrant language, saying “Americans are dreamers too.”

This speech simply followed Trumps model—one he used frequently as a real estate mogul -- of exaggerating and overselling to hoodwink the public, without any evidence or any ounce of fact. As I said before, Trump is not promoting a “dream,” but pitching a “scheme.”

 

Try as he might, the President cannot hide the reality that his administration has breathed new life into the war on drugs, encouraged voter suppression, and turned back the clock on criminal justice reform, pursuing an anti-civil rights agenda that only divides our country more.  The National Action Network will continue its mission to ensure equal justice for all Americans regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender, with or without the support of the President. We will resist this administration at every turn.  

Source: Mercury

FBI: 'Grave Concerns' About House GOP Memo Release

(Bonus Report from The Daily Beast)
FBI Launches Preemptive Strike on Nunes Memo

Governor Cuomo Comments on President Trump's Polarizing State of the Union Address

Source: NYGovCuomo

Train Taking GOP Lawmakers to Retreat Hits Truck

Kaptur, Fitzpatrick Issue Bipartisan Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision Not to Impose Sanctions on Russia

Washington, D.C. – On January 30, 2018, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following joint statement regarding news that the Trump Administration would not implement strong sanctions called for by Congress’ strong bipartisan passage of sanctions legislation last year.
 

“We are deeply disappointed with the Administration’s decision to forgo sanctions on more Russian oligarchs and Putin courtiers, particularly those who threaten liberty’s most cherished freedoms, democratic institutions and security, both public and private. The Administration claims that the mere threat of sanctions acts as a deterrent. We disagree.
 

“It is clear that Russian aggression continues across Europe, and senior members of the U.S. intelligence and defense community have stated repeatedly there has been no significant diminishing of Russian attempts to sow division around the world, and use cyber weapons to damage our nation’s institutions.
 

“Words alone are not enough. We urge our colleagues in Congress to recommit in holding Russia accountable and call on the Administration to sanction the Russian oligarchs.”
 

Source: Joshua Stewart (via The Ukrainian Weekly)

The 'I Am Woman' Series: Stevie Nicks

This video was published on YouTube on April 5, 2017. 

Source: Music Documentaries & Concerts

Trailblazers in Black History: Ice Cube

This video, which contains strong language, was published on YouTube on February 11, 2016. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Source: Michael McCrudder

'She Spoke Up': Lawmakers Wear 'Recy' Pins in Honor of Recy Taylor

by Chandelis R. Duster

Many lawmakers wore black in solidarity with the #MeToo movement to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night and some congressional members also adorned their clothes with pins in honor of Recy Taylor.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Democratic Caucus wore red "Recy" pins, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., who organized the tribute, told NBCBLK in an email Tuesday evening that Taylor’s story “represents that of many marginalized women who have spoken up, spoken out and have long been ignored.”

“The transformative movement that’s happening in this country around sexual misconduct must include amplifying the voices of victims that we, in some cases, chose not to hear,” Watson Coleman said. “Beyond her terrifying experience, Ms. Taylor, herself, is a representation of the many communities this Administration has chosen to leave behind.”

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz Blasts FEMA Decision to End Food, Water Aid to Puerto Rico

 

by Suzanne Gamboa

WASHINGTON — The mayor of San Juan on Tuesday denounced the U.S. government’s plan to end emergency food and water aid to Puerto Rico, saying she had just sent powdered milk to a school that was still without power and struggling to find the necessary supplies for its students.

“Yesterday, I had to help — because it is a moral imperative to help — a school about 45 minutes from San Juan that still has no water, no electricity and no milk for their children,” the mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz, said at the Latino Victory Summit, a gathering of Latino leaders and activists that seeks to boost the number of Hispanics in elected office. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News  

UPDATE: FEMA Says It Won’t Cut Off Food and Water Aid to Puerto Rico

Growing Number of LGBTQ Candidates Seek Political Office in 2018

 

by Julie Moreau

Chelsea Manning made national headlines this month when she announced she would run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. But attracting far less attention is a growing cohort of LGBTQ candidates who are seeking local, state and national office this year.

“The 2018 election cycle is shaping up to be a historic one for our community — with more openly LGBTQ people running for office in more places,” Annise Parker, CEO of the Victory Fund, an LGBTQ political action committee, told NBC News. “We have the opportunity to dramatically increase LGBTQ representation in local governments, state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.”

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News

Breaking Down Trump's 1st State of the Union

Trump Signs Order to Keep Guantanamo Bay Prison Open

Source: CBS News

Democrats Less Than Thrilled by Trump Speech

Kenya's Raila Odinga Self-Sworn in as 'People's President'

Syria Opposition Rejects Sochi Constitution Plan

UK Seeks to Boost Trade with China

Can Moscow Be a Fair Broker in Syrian Conflict?

Source: Al Jazeera English

Yemen: UAE-Backed Separatists 'Take Control' of Aden

Ukraine Tests Locally Made Cruise Missile

Source: euronews.

Austria's Social Democrats Under Fire Over 'Nazi' Fraternity Songbook

Source: euronews.

'A One-Night Wonder?' Papers React to Trump's State of the Union Speech

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Russian Sanctions Interrupted: The UCCA Responds

The following statement was submitted by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), a non-profit, non-partisan community-based organization that has represented the interests of Ukrainians in the United States since 1940. 

New York (UCCA) – Following the United States’ second missed deadline for enacting additional sanctions against Putin’s Russia as stipulated by the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a State Department spokesperson explained that the United States has decided that additional sanctions on specific entities or individuals, in the view of this administration, do “not need to be imposed because the legislation is, in fact, serving as a deterrent." In the view of the current administration, this legislation, in and of itself and without further action, exists “to press Russia to address our concerns related to its aggression in Ukraine, interference in other nations’ domestic affairs and abuses of human rights."

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest grassroots representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, is outraged by the weak actions of yet another presidential administration unwilling to act upon the tools given to them by Congress. CAATSA was passed by both Houses of Congress by an overwhelming and veto-proof majority – 98-2 in the Senate and 419-3 in the House – conveying the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States. UCCA welcomed the news of this law’s signing, having repeatedly called upon supporters of Ukraine in this country to contact their elected Representatives to pass this critical legislation necessary to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

When President Trump signed CAATSA into law, his signing statement signaled that he was not necessarily bound by the letter of the law. With respect, refusing to punish Putin’s Russia is not an example of a “strong America” policy, nor a deterrent the Kremlin's most-recent illegal actions and subversive methods.  UCCA calls upon President Trump to openly denounce Russia's attacks on American democracy, our NATO partners, as well as Russia’s invasion and illegal occupation of America’s strategic ally, Ukraine. Ukraine and other countries bordering Russia do not have the liberty of standing by while America remains indecisive. Additional sanctions, as authorized initially in 2014, and all other means of punishment against Putin’s criminal regime must be aggressively implemented, before a contentious 2018 election season renders our government paralyzed again.

Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner O’Neill Makes Announcement Regarding Body Cameras

The announcement begins at the 20-minute mark. 

 Source: NYC Mayor's Office

A Reminder to America......from 'The G-Man'

Sanders Joins Senate Democrats to Fight For Honesty And Integrity In New York Politics

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) today joined members of the Democratic Conference for a press conference in Albany to announce a legislative package that aims to combat corruption and restore faith in government.

Senator Sanders' bill (S.4111) will require corporations to have a majority of their shareholders authorize any political spending.

“Far too much money flows freely into our electoral process, much of which is due to unchecked, and often unaccountable, corporate giving. Under those conditions, I have authored a bill that may shine a light on this activity," Sanders said. "It would require corporate donations to be approved by shareholders. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I want to clean up state government and restore the voters’ confidence, and my legislation will help achieve that goal. This should not be a controversial or partisan issue, and I hope my legislation is passed immediately.”

Bills introduced by other Democratic legislators as part of the package are:

S.124 - Prohibit and Punish Undisclosed ‘Self-Dealing’:
S.7149 - Close the LLC Loophole
S.1085 - Require the Disclosure of Bundlers
S.4164 - Cap “Soft Money” Contributions
S.3301 - Lower Campaign Contribution Limits
S.7129 - Require the Disclosure of Employer & Occupation for Large Donors
S.7593 - Establish a Public Financing System for State Campaigns 

Sources: NYSenate and the Office of State Senator James Sanders, Jr.