Cenk Uygur Predicts Midterm Elections

This video was published on YouTube on November 1.

The Pentagon Has Prepared a Cyberattack Against Russia

U.S. military hackers have been given the go-ahead to gain access to Russian cybersystems as part of potential retaliation for any meddling in America’s elections.

By Zachary Fryer-Biggs, Center for Public Integrity

The U.S. intelligence community and the Pentagon have quietly agreed on the outlines of an offensive cyberattack that the United States would unleash if Russia electronically interferes with the 2018 midterm election on Nov. 6, according to current and former senior U.S. officials who are familiar with the plan.

In preparation for its potential use, U.S. military hackers have been given the go-ahead to gain access to Russian cybersystems that they feel is needed to let the plan unfold quickly, the officials said.

The effort constitutes one of the first major cyberbattle plans organized under a new government policy enabling potential offensive operations to proceed more quickly once the parameters have been worked out in advance and agreed among key agencies.

While U.S. national-security officials have so far reported only intermittent efforts by Russian sources to compromise political organizations and campaigns, they have been worried—in the aftermath of Russia’s digital contact with U.S. election systems in 2016—that Moscow might unleash more aggressive interference in the hours before voting begins, while the polls are open, or when the votes are being tabulated.

The existence of such a plan means that America is more fully integrating offensive cyberattacks into its overall military planning systems, a move likely to make cybercombat more likely and eventually more commonplace, sometimes without first gaining specific presidential approval. Cyberattacks are now on a more obvious path, in short, to becoming a regular currency of warfare.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Daily Beast

CENTCOM Apologizes for Training Manual with Phrase ‘Negro Blood’

By John Vandiver

U.S. Central Command issued an apology Thursday after it was discovered that offensive language including the phrase “Negro blood” had found its way into a welcome guide for military personnel deployed to Saudi Arabia.

“We regret that inappropriate material was posted to our website without a more fulsome review and apologize to anyone who took offense,” CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Bill Urban said in a statement. 

“We removed the document as soon as we were notified of the content, and it was returned to the originating office for revision.”

The 69-page “Welcome Booklet,” which includes information ranging from base services to religious and cultural life in Saudi Arabia, delved into the country’s history with arcane language now regarded as offensive.

“The population of the (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) is mainly composed of descendants of indigenous tribes that have inhabited the peninsula since prehistoric times with some later mixture of Negro blood from slaves imported from Africa,” said the manual dated June 2018.

Click here for the full article.

Source: Stars and Stripes

Roland Martin Unfiltered: Ferguson Activist Melissa McKinnies Speaks Out About Her Son, Danye Jones' Suspicious Death

Noam Chomsky on Pittsburgh Attack: Revival of Hate Is Encouraged by Trump’s Rhetoric

Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative to NYPD, Local Shomrim Societies: 'Thank You!'

Statement on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Congregation Tragedy

The Brooklyn Jewish Historical Jewish Initiative (BJHI) represents the history of America’s largest Jewish population center which also has been the victim of heartbreaking anti-Semitic acts and incidents.

The BJHI joins in condemning the brutal act of an individual who invaded Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation, and took the lives of 11 innocent Pittsburgh residents, Jewish members of the Congregation and injured six people including four uniformed officers bravely there to defend our Jewish brothers and sisters. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends.

At the same time, we have seen the joining together of Americans of all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds to stand with our Jewish community, and at a time of great divisions in America, this is a welcome sign that we can find harmony even at a time of great adversity.  It has been Brooklyn’s history that people of varied ethnicities and religions live side by side, with common understanding, and so we welcome all comments of peace between people.  It is our firm belief that all our communities are in this together, to protect each other, for that is our religion’s teaching, and our humanity.

The Pittsburgh attack is an extreme case of anti-Semitism by an individual, making us all aware of the fragility of life, and our need to safeguard and remain vigilant even at places that we would consider safe spaces, such as our synagogues and schools. 

And so, we take this opportunity to thank the NYPD and the local Shomrim Societies for watching over us and protecting us. We as individuals need also remain aware, as we, each of us, have a responsibility for each other. We will always remember those whose lives were taken and offer our heartfelt condolences to their families. In memory A'H 

In memory A'H 

Joyce Feinberg        Richard Gottfried

Rose Mallinger        Jerry Rabinowitz

Cecil Rosenthal        David Rosenthal

Sylvan Simon            Bernice Simon

Daniel Stein                Melvin Wax

Irving Younger

Source: BJHI

'Shark Tank' Star: 'Education Isn't Only Important - It's Everything!'

By Daymond John

To the people of America, 

Education…

It’s a word I wasn’t necessarily fond of as a kid because (let’s be honest) who wanted to go to school as a kid other than to see your friends?

I struggled in every subject other than math and science, so those difficulties accumulated over time and effected my overall view on education.

But then, my mindset shifted.

I started to realize that educating myself was the key to being successful and the key to escaping the negative cycle that so many of the people in my neighborhood in Queens got stuck in. Maybe the shift happened when I was sitting at the kitchen table with my mother as she asked me to read her articles from the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times. Maybe it came after reading my favorite book, Think and Grow Rich.

Bottom line: education isn’t only important – it’s everything!

I think one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do is continue to educate themselves. You should never stop seeking out great resources and mentors that you can learn from. It’s exactly why I am constantly throwing information your way.

And that doesn’t stop today. I want you to check out the amazing Facebook Live I hosted last week at the JP Morgan Chase office.

We discussed numerous topics around entrepreneurship and the challenges that all business owners will face.

Keep Grinding, 

Republicans, Democrats Make Closing Arguments to Voters Ahead of Midterm Elections

AP Investigation Reveals Hospitals Hold Patients Hostage for Payment

Prince Charles Salutes Gambia's Return to Commonwealth

Prince Charles congratulated Gambia on November 1 for turning its back on "autocratic" rule at home and returning to the Commonwealth fold as he began a nine-day Africa tour. 

The West African former British colony rejoined the Commonwealth in February, five years after its now exiled authoritarian former leader Yahya Jammeh pulled Gambia out, dubbing the 54-member group a "neo-colonial institution".

B.C.'s Plans for Rising Sea Levels 'May Not Be Enough'

Canada Reviewing Relationship with Saudi Arabia

Weed Shortages Across Canada

Saudi-UAE Troops in Yemen Preparing for Major Offensive

Migrant Caravan: Many Migrants Are Becoming Sick

Khashoggi Murder: US Colleges Rethink Saudi Funding

City Scoop: New York City in Solidarity with Pittsburgh, November 6 Elections

This video was published on YouTube on November 1. 

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Union Temple of Brooklyn Vandalized with Anti-Semitic Graffiti

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo

"I am disgusted by the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti at a house of worship in Brooklyn. At a time when the nation is still reeling from the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, New Yorkers stand united with the Jewish community and against hate in all its forms. 

"In New York, we have zero tolerance for discrimination in our laws or in our spirit. I have directed the State's Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate this hideous act and hold those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law. 

"As Governor, I am also doing everything in my power to ensure our religious institutions are free from violence and intolerance. This week, we announced the launch of an additional $10 million grant program to help protect New York's non-public schools and cultural centers, including religious-based institutions. 

"The disgusting rhetoric and heinous violence in this nation has reached a fever pitch and is ripping at the fabric of America, and it must stop. In New York, we have forged community through chords of commonality and we will always stand together against hate and discrimination." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

TLC Drivers Protection Unit to Investigate Organizations That Fail to Pay Drivers

 

The NYSFTD will distribute flyers supplied by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission’s (TLC) Drivers Protection Unit to let drivers know that the TLC will investigate and mediate with any organization that does not pay them for their services.

After last week's public demonstration by the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD), the Kuwaiti Mission & Crossland Limo paid an estimated $500,000 owed to drivers for services provided to the Kuwaiti delegation during the United Nations General Assembly conference. 

“After waiting eight weeks, I thought I would never get paid. A big weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I was going crazy. Now I can pay my bills,” said Mohammad Belhadi.

“Too many drivers have committed suicide because of debt. We need to stop this crisis and support the drivers who are working and not getting paid. Drivers who were successful in collecting their share of the $500,000 will be handing out flyers to other drivers that might be in crisis”, said Fernando Mateo, spokesman for the NYSFTD. 

Source: New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers

New York State Senator Offering 'Business Boot Camp'

Click on the flier to increase its size. 

Source: The Office of State Senator James Sanders, Jr. 

Nightmare Week Continues for NYC Commuters, LIRR, NJ Transit Impacted

NEW YORK - It's been a week of hell for New York City commuters, and Friday showed no end in sight.

There are major LIRR and NJ Transit delays in and out of New York Penn Station due to disabled Amtrak track equipment in the North Tube of the Hudson River Tunnel.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: 1010WINS (via Empire Report New York)

Most Millennials Not Planning on Voting in Midterms

By Wesley Parnell , Esha Ray and Denis Slattery

Democrats can’t count on millennials to be the deciding factor in the midterms.

Only a third of 18-to-34-year-old voters plan on heading to the polls next Tuesday, according to an NBC News/GenForward survey released this week.

The demographic, projected to surpass Baby Boomers next year as the largest living adult generation in the U.S., could easily have an outsized influence on the midterms — if they actually pulled the lever.

Click here for the full article. 

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

The Largest Donors to New York Candidates

A bunch of white businessman, they almost all gave generously to Gov. Cuomo.

By Jordan Laird

Any politician would say they’re not beholden to large donors, but large donors certainly get their foot in the door and the chance to bend the recipients’ ear. According to analysis of data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics, the top 10 largest individual donors to New York candidates in this election cycle were – despite all being residents of New York – not representative of the average New Yorker: nine of them are men and all of them white. Most are corporate executives, including three in the financial and investment industry, two in the health industry and two who work primarily in real estate, while others have significant real estate investments.

This list includes donations to candidates for Congress or the U.S. Senate from New York, candidates for statewide office and the state Legislature, or their campaign committees. It does not count local elections.

Click here for the full article and list.

Source: City & State - New York (via Empire Report New York) 

Larry Krasner’s Campaign to End Mass Incarceration

Philadelphia’s District Attorney reinvents the role of the modern prosecutor.

By  Jennifer Gonnerman

Until Larry Krasner entered the race for District Attorney of Philadelphia last year, he had never prosecuted a case. He began his career as a public defender, and spent three decades as a defense attorney. In the legal world, there is an image, however cartoonish, of prosecutors as conservative and unsparing, and of defense attorneys as righteous and perpetually outraged. Krasner, who had a long ponytail until he was forty, seemed to fit the mold. As he and his colleagues engaged in daily combat with the D.A.’s office, they routinely complained about prosecutors who, they believed, withheld evidence that they were legally required to give to the defense; about police who lied under oath on the witness stand; and about the D.A. Lynne Abraham, a Democrat whose successful prosecutions, over nearly twenty years, sent more people to death row than those of any other D.A. in modern Philadelphia history.

In 1993, Krasner opened his own law firm, and went on to file more than seventy-five lawsuits against the police, alleging brutality and misconduct. In 2013, he represented Askia Sabur, who had been charged with robbing and assaulting a police officer. A cell-phone video of the incident, which had gone viral, showed that it was the police who had beaten Sabur, on a West Philadelphia sidewalk. Daniel Denvir, a former criminal-justice reporter at the Philadelphia City Paper and a friend of Krasner’s, recalled that, at the trial, Krasner revealed the unreliability of the officers’ testimony, “methodically unspooling their lies in front of the jury.” In dealing with such cases, Denvir said, Krasner sought to illustrate “prosecutors’ and judges’ typical credulity with regard to anything that a police officer said, no matter how improbable.” (Krasner later filed a civil lawsuit on Sabur’s behalf, which was settled for eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The police officers were never charged with lying on the witness stand.)

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New Yorker

Poll Predicting '16 President Donald Trump Wave Sees Democrats Up In '18

This report was published on YouTube on October 31. 

In 2016, the USC Dornsife/LA Times poll saw a wave of support for Donald Trump when other polls didn't. Now the poll sees a 17-point lead for Democrats headed into the midterms. The Morning Joe panel discusses.

Trump Plans Eight-State Campaign Blitz Ahead of Midterms 

This report was published on YouTube on October 29. 

Fox News contributor Karl Rove discusses the midterm elections.

Birthright Citizenship Expert: This is Not a Diversion, Trump Has Pushed Radical Plan For Years

Personalized Relationship Between Kushner and Crown Prince Will Have Consequences, Warns General Hayden

 

Former NSA and CIA Director Retired General Michael Hayden criticizes the Trump administration's handling of relations with Saudi Arabia, calling it "structurally and procedurally wrong." Hayden says that instead of relying on the traditional structures of government, which would have allowed for a tougher U.S. response to the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2, the U.S. has personalized the relationship between Jared Kushner, who he calls "the young minister of just about everything in the White House," and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, "If you keep doing stuff wrong over time...there are going to be consequences for that, Hayden warns. He also says he believes the Crown Prince knew about the plan to kill Khashoggi, saying of the Saudis, "They did it, they intended it, and he had to know it."  

This report was broadcast on October 31.

Click here for video.

Dr. Patricia Frye: 'The Medical Marijuna Guide'

 

After decades of misinformation about cannabis largely due to the well-funded propaganda campaign in the 1930s, public attitudes toward the drug have finally begun to evolve. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana and since then, 28 other states, 2 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have followed suit. Now countless patients are reaping the benefits of this amazing resource which has been used to effectively treat everything from chronic pain to debilitating illnesses.
 

In The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health, Dr. Patricia Frye takes a direct, no-nonsense approach to educating readers about cannabis and its medicinal qualities. After having retired from medicine, Dr. Frye was offered an opportunity to practice cannabis treatment. Intrigued, she educated herself on this emerging alternative and is now ready to share with others what she has learned.

Click here for additional information. 

Source: Nine Speakers, Inc.  

Trumpite Governance, 2018-21, If There Is No 'Blue Wave' in 2018

 

By Steven Jonas

After I originally posted this column, on October 28, 2018, Trump made his statement about ending birthright citizenship, which happens to be guaranteed, it would seem by the 14th Amendment (and Supreme Court decision after Supreme Court decision since the Amendment was adopted holds to that position (click here). He claims that it doesn't (click here). He also claims that he has "legal scholars" to back him up. (The Times article, above, cites one retired law professor.) But, using the "original intent" argument that the Right likes so much (except when they don't, as in gun control, see Scalia's "Heller," which completely ignores the "well-regulated militia" clause and every other previous Supreme Court decision, which held that the 2nd does not grant unlimited, unregulated gun rights), one could argue that since the original intent of the amendment was to apply to slaves, it is inappropriate to expand its coverage to the children of immigrants. And remember, since the "Know-Nothings" were one of the founding parties for the Repubs. in the 1850s, xenophobia is in the genes of the Party.

This is a superb example of just the kind of fascist power Trump wants to arrogate to himself. One of the primary characteristics of fascism is that there is no higher-law, constitutional authority, to which a chief executive is subject.

And now to the original column:

In my previous column, on the concept of the "Popular Front" and (briefly) its history, I noted an excellent column by David Leonhardt in The New York Times on what the Republican legislative agenda for 2018-21 would be if indeed the "Blue Wave" does not materialize and the Repubs. retain control of both the House and the Senate. One way or another, the Mueller investigation would be shut down, "through firing some combination of Mueller, Rod Rosenstein . . . and Jeff Sessions" and installing Trump protectors in their place. This would be accompanied by an expansion of the Trumpian rhetoric on "witch hunts" and "hoaxes" which would make his current attacks seem mild by comparison. And of course, TrumpTV would be Trumpeting that message 24-7. 

Some observers, including myself, have speculated that Mueller has already set up a raft of "send" buttons for the report and supporting evidence at whatever stage it might be shut down. But that effort would be overwhelmed by the Trumpian propaganda effort of discreditation (is that a word? Well it is in the MS Word dictionary.) As for hoping for State action, see below on my speculation about how the Trumpites would deal with that threat to them. As for making stuff up, for an example, in a speech on Oct. 24, 2018 Trump said that the Democrats stand for open borders, "inviting in MS-13." If the Repubs. do hold the Congress, that will seem mild by comparison to what will then come from his mouth.  

Click here for the full article.

Source: OpEdNews.com

JCPA: Next Steps in Fighting White Nationalism and Anti-Semitism

The following statement was submitted by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA). 

It is with great sorrow, outrage, and resolve that we write this note to the field. We are so grateful to see you all respond with such compassion, thoughtfulness, and energy to the horrific shooting in Pittsburgh. More than 65 communities organized vigils and prayer services with more than 68,000 people in attendance (click here for details). The number of non-Jewish leaders, politicians, clergy, and ethnic leaders who have come to offer their words of support and solace is a testament to all the work that our network has done over many years.

Our gratitude goes out to Josh Sayles, JCRC Director in Pittsburgh, for all that he has done in recent days and will continue to do on the ground.

Over the past two years, we have seen an increase in hate-based violence, including anti-Semitic acts both here in the United State and abroad. Click here for ADL’s Report on "New Hate and Old: The Changing Face of American White Supremacy."

JCPA believes that the Pittsburgh massacre should galvanize an enhanced and sustained effort to create unity and fight against hate. The community relations model of building and maintaining bilateral relations and multilateral coalitions on issues of common concern has never been more important.

As follow-up to the Pittsburgh massacre, we have compiled some initial resources and recommendations. They are.....

Educate

Throughout the last year, JCPA has raised concerns about rising white nationalism by passing a Resolution on White Supremacy at JCPA's April 2018 Conference, as well as by organizing informational webinars:

 

"What is the Alt-Right (and What Should we do About Them)?" with Marilyn Mayo of the ADL, July 5, 2017. 

 

"Understanding and Responding to the White Supremacist Threat" with Joseph Levin of the Southern Poverty Law Center, September 27, 2017. 

 

"Special Briefing on Pittsburgh: White Nationalism and Anti-Semitism" with Eric Ward of the Western States Center, October 28, 2018.

Take Action

 

Attend Shabbat services this weekend and invite friends and colleagues from other faith and diverse communities to participate.
 

Ensure that public officials, racial/ethnic and religious leaders, and businesses denounce hate in all its forms. The more that mainstream voices on both sides of the aisle express their opposition, the more likely that such hate will return to the margins. Work with faith leaders and partners to educate and engage their grassroots communities, as well.
 

Support federal legislation to combat white supremacy and all forms of hate, including investing in countering violent extremism. We will have materials prepared soon.
 

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2148) is designed to enhance and expand the federal government’s counterterrorism efforts to prevent acts of domestic terrorism, particularly by white supremacists . Last year the US government halted funding for countering white supremacy. 

 

The NO HATE Act (S. 662) would improve hate crime reporting and strengthen victims’ rights.  

 

Advocate for state and local legislation that condemns hate and counters white supremacy.   
 

Remain active leaders in interfaith and intergroup coalitions. Now, more than ever, we must be fully engaged in our relationships with diverse partners, putting our principles of acceptance into action and showing that our vision for America can prevail.
 

Push for policies that promote inclusivity and justice, drowning out hatred in the process. By supporting comprehensive immigration reform, criminal justice reform, and hate crimes legislation, our positive aspirations for America can supplant the type of society that hate groups seek to bring about.

Pittsburgh Synagogue Gunman Robert Bowers Pleads Not Guilty

Kids' Lawsuit Over Climate Change Hits Supreme Court Roadblock

Mother Demands Answers for Son's Death by Hanging

Saudi Sisters Found Dead, Bound Together with Duct Tape in Hudson River

Sources: Heather Nauert is Trump's Top Choice for UN Ambassador

Dalai Lama Talks Quantum Physics with World's Top Scientists

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama began his three day discourse with Chinese scientists on the effects of Quantum Physics on October 31.

DNA Tests: How Your Data Can Be Used for Deportation and Imprisonment

India Responds on US Sanctions to Be Slapped on Iran

Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Against Asia Bibi Verdict

Google Workers Walk Out to Protest Office Harassment, Inequality

Divers Recover Crashed Lion Air's 'Black Box' from Indonesian Sea

Khashoggi Case: Trump Pressed to Take Action Against Saudi Arabia

New Electronic Implant Helping Paraplegics Walk Again

This report was published on YouTube on October 31.

48 Children Are Missing in Upstate New York Right Now: Have You Seen Them?

By Ben Axelson

Police agencies across Upstate New York regularly publish information about missing and vulnerable children and teens in an effort to bring them home safely.

The number of missing children on the list fell to 48 from 51 between September and November in the Upstate NY region. Below, you can find information about each missing child made public by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

If you believe you have seen one of these individuals, you can contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543, or submit a lead on their website.

Click here to view the list of those missing. 

Source: NYup.com (via Empire Report New York)

Rudy Giuliani’s Mystery Trips to Russia, Armenia and Ukraine — 'Trump, Inc.' Podcast

We spent weeks investigating his work and clients in the former Soviet Union. We have so many questions.

by Andrea Bernstein and Ilya Marritz, WNYC

Rudy Giuliani has had many identities in his time on the public stage. A crusading federal prosecutor who struck terror in mobsters and Wall Street titans alike. A sometimes-cantankerous New York City mayor who became a national hero for his stirring leadership after the 9/11 attacks. And, currently, President Donald Trump’s unpaid attorney in the Russia collusion investigation being led by Robert Mueller.

In this week’s episode of “Trump, Inc.,” we’re digging into a part of Giuliani’s work that has occurred largely outside of the spotlight: He has often traveled to Russia or other former Soviet states as guests of powerful players there. And since Trump was elected, he appears to have stepped up the frequency of those trips.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: ProPublica

Suspicious Package Found at Offices of Miami-Dade Democrat Party

Click here for details. 

Source: The Independent

Law Enforcement Faces Dilemma in Assessing Online Threats

Click here for details. 

Source: Associated Press

U.S. Supreme Court Divided Over Google Privacy Settlement

 
Click here for details. 

Source: Reuters

American Psychological Association: Political Climate Really Stressing Americans

American Psychological Association CEO Arthur Evans discusses the results of APA’s latest Stress in America survey.

Click here for video.

Source: C-SPAN

Action Taken to Thwart 'Meal Shaming' in All New York Schools

All schools in New York State have adopted plans to end "meal shaming" of students who do not have money for lunch. This is the latest component of the Governor's "No Student Goes Hungry" program, which addresses food insecurity by expanding access to free breakfast and farm-fresh foods as well as ensuring all students have access to school meals without fear of shame.

The program also includes $1.5 million to expand the Farm-to-School program. To date, all required schools have adopted and submitted a plan to the New York State Education Department that will address how they prohibit meal shaming and how meal debt will be communicated to parents while ensuring every student is still provided a meal without humiliation or shame. All school plans have been posted on the schools' websites.

"No child should ever go hungry - especially at school - and students should never be humiliated or denied a well-rounded meal just because they can't pay," Governor Cuomo said. "This significant milestone in our No Student Goes Hungry Program will ensure all children get a healthy meal in school even if they don't have lunch money and provide a supportive learning environment so every student can succeed."

Meal shaming is a practice in some schools where children are publicly humiliated in front of their peers by adults for not having money for lunch. In many cases, these students are forced to wear a sticker or bracelet, or have their name called over the loud speaker.

In other cases, these students are given alternative, lesser quality lunches, such as a cold cheese sandwich, when other students get hot lunches. In examples from other states, some children are simply being denied food if they cannot pay.

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Beyond Extreme Energy Publishes No New InFRACKstructure Action Calendar

Beyond Extreme Energy (BXE) is publishing a calendar of actions being planned, in the works or on-going. The organization publishes the calendar every one-two weeks. 

It is also distributed via email and social media and highlights actions aimed at stopping the building of any new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

Click on the aforementioned link for additional information.

Source: BXE

NYS Trooper Joel R. Davis Posthumously Honored with 2017 Lifesaving Award

Trooper Joel R. Davis of the New York State Police was posthumously honored with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services' Lifesaving Award for his role in responding to a violent domestic dispute in Jefferson County on July 9, 2017. When Trooper Davis arrived at the scene in the town of Theresa, he engaged a gunman as a woman and two children sought refuge in a nearby shed. During the incident, Trooper Davis was fatally shot. The award was presented to Trooper Davis' family this morning at a ceremony at the State Police's Watertown station, where fellow Troopers also unveiled a marker in his memory.

"Trooper Davis epitomizes the courage and bravery that characterizes the New York State Police and first responders," Governor Cuomo said. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am proud to honor Trooper Davis for his service, heroic actions and selfless sacrifice to protect the public."

Michael C. Green, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, presented the 2017 Lifesaving Award to Trooper Davis' three children, who accepted the award on behalf of other family members in attendance: Trooper Davis' wife, his parents and brother. Following that presentation, members of the State Police who worked with Trooper Davis remembered their colleague and unveiled the memorial marker, which states, in part, "Our Friend and Co-Worker. Always Remembered. Never Forgotten." Trooper Davis, 36, spent his entire law enforcement career serving in Jefferson County. A four-year veteran of the State Police who also served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Davis was the first trooper killed in the line of duty in the North Country.

The Governor's Police Officer of the Year Award Selection Committee established the Lifesaving Award in 2016 to recognize officers who perform courageous and unselfish acts that result in the saving of a human life or lives. The Committee selects the recipient or recipients from nominations submitted for the Police Officer of the Year Award, which recognizes a single police officer or team of officers for an exceptional act of valor; that award has been presented since 1984.

Executive Deputy Commissioner Green, who also chairs the Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee, said, "Without question, Trooper Davis' selfless actions in response to this chaotic, violent incident saved the lives of a woman who had been wounded and two children as they were fired upon by the gunman. His actions in the face of imminent danger epitomize the spirit of this award."

New York State Police Superintendent George Beach II said, "Trooper Davis recognized a lethal threat and, without pause or concern for his personal safety, sprang into action to protect the lives of the innocent. His selfless actions shielded the lives of three individuals, who may have been killed without his intervention. This is the type of bravery we have come to expect and depend on in our troopers - the courage and self-sacrifice that should set the standard for all who carry our shield."

At 8:24 p.m. on July 9, 2017, Trooper Davis was the first officer to respond to a violent domestic dispute. Upon arriving, he observed a gunman firing an assault weapon into a shed. Despite the threat to his safety, he emerged from a hedgerow that had been concealing his location and engaged the shooter. Trooper Davis was struck by a .223-calliber round that penetrated an area of his chest not covered by his protective vest, fatally wounding him. The gunman surrendered to Troopers who had subsequently arrived on the scene.

During a search of the scene, the gunman's wife was found deceased from gunshot wounds. A friend of hers - who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her back - and two children were found hiding in the shed. The gunman is awaiting trial on murder and other charges in connection with the incident.

The Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee also named eight members of the Port Authority Police Department as 2017 Lifesaving Award recipients. Lt. Miriam Rubio, Sgts. Hector Martinez and Victor Talamini and Officers Jack Collins, Anthony Estevez, Sean Gallagher, Anthony Manfredini and Drew Preston were recognized for their actions following the detonation of a bomb at a New York City Subway station near the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan on Dec. 11, 2017. That award ceremony is scheduled for later this year.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services has a variety of responsibilities, including law enforcement training; collection and analysis of statewide crime data; maintenance of criminal history information and fingerprint files; administrative oversight of the state's DNA databank, in partnership with the New York State Police; funding and oversight of probation and community correction programs; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state's Sex Offender Registry.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  

Video source: Ken Martin

Day Care Workers Accused of Encouraging 'Toddler Fight Club'