The following was submitted by "Shark Tank" star and business mogul Daymond John.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Daymond John: Six Habits of Successful People
The following was submitted by "Shark Tank" star and business mogul Daymond John.
Black Actors Who Won an Academy Award
Note: Black actors that have won Oscars over the last couple of years are not showcased because the video was published on YouTube on January 22, 2016.
Make-A-Wish America: Elliot Kappers Becomes Cincinnati Reds Manager for a Day
This report was published on YouTube on March 21.
MAWA: Wish kid Elliott grew up an avid Cincinnati Reds fan because of his love
of Ohio that he learned from his parents. After being diagnosed with
cancer, he had to stop playing in his local baseball league, yet still
went to his team’s games to cheer on his squad. It was that spirit and
positive attitude that helped Elliott successfully beat the critical
illness. To cap off his recovery, he had the opportunity to visit the
Cincinnati Reds for his wish to be their manager for the day.
Military Dad Brings Son to Tears with Surprise Homecoming During Martial Arts Practice
This report was published on YouTube on March 21.
9-Year-Old Who Helped Supermarket Cashier Bag Groceries Makes a Surprise Visit
This report was published on YouTube on March 21.
'Billions' Star Asia Kate Dillon on Using Platform as First Non-Binary TV Star
This report was published on YouTube on March 21.
Australia: People of Various Faiths Show Support to Muslims
This report was published on YouTube on March 21.
Prince Harry Plants Trees with School Children in London
This report was published on YouTube on March 20.
Global News: Britain's Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry joined pupils from St Vincent's Catholic Primary School in London on Wednesday to take part in a tree planting project in support of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) Initiative, together with the Woodland Trust.
Global News: Britain's Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry joined pupils from St Vincent's Catholic Primary School in London on Wednesday to take part in a tree planting project in support of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) Initiative, together with the Woodland Trust.
Prince Harry helped plant a cherry tree in the school's grounds as part
of the QCC Initiative, which aims to contribute new areas of indigenous
forest across all Commonwealth nations.
Harry also spent time chatting to the school children, and at one point
mimed that he had a large belly.
His wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is expecting the couple's first
child in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
2020 Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang on Why He's Pushing for a Universal Basic Income
This report was published on YouTube on March 12.
"From The G-Man" hopes Mr. Yang will not be pushed out of the upcoming
debates like so many other candidates have in the past. The days of
"stacking the deck" must end, and voters should be given the chance to
hear what every candidate has to say on important issues. Claims that Mr. Yang doesn't have a chance at winning the White House are irrelevant. He deserves an opportunity
to be on the debate stage.
How High School Students Feel About College Admissions Scandal
This report was published on YouTube on March 19.
Former Deputy Secretary of State on ‘a Deep Hole’ for American Diplomacy
This report was published on YouTube on March 19.
PBS NewsHour: William Burns, former deputy secretary of state and ambassador to
Russia, may have spent more time with Vladimir Putin than other American
diplomat. In his book, “The Back Channel,” Burns discusses how a “sense
of grievance” underlies Putin's interactions with the U.S. Judy
Woodruff talks to Burns about a "failure of imagination" on Syria and
the current state of American diplomacy.
HUD Secretary Carson on White Supremacists, Public Housing and That Dining Room Set
This report was published on YouTube on March 19.
PBS NewsHour: The Department of Housing and Urban Development assists more than five
million families with affording their rent, among other programs.
Yamiche Alcindor talks to HUD Secretary Ben Carson about his reaction to
President Trump's rhetoric on race, whether Carson plans to remain in
his position, HUD achievements during his tenure and criticism he's
received about his use of government resources.
Ted Koppel Calls Out Liberal Media Bias Against Trump
This report was published on YouTube on March 19.
Pope Francis Refuses to Accept Cardinal Barbarin's Resignation
This report was published on YouTube on March 19.
Governor Cuomo Holds Press Briefing on Letter Issued to Trump
This video was published on YouTube on March 19.
9 Fund-Raisers in 1 Night: Democrats Vow Reform in N.Y., but Money Still Flows
Albany has long been a magnet for back-room influence peddling through
lobbyist donations, and that tradition is being upheld with gusto.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The New York Times
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Supreme Court Gives Trump Victory on Immigration
The Supreme Court endorsed the government's authority to detain
immigrants awaiting deportation anytime - potentially even years - after
they have completed prison terms for criminal convictions.
Click here for details.
Source: Reuters
It's 'Not Possible' for Former Boeing Exec, Now Trump’s Defense Secretary, to Avoid Conflicts
Democracy Now!: Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan worked as a Boeing executive
for more than 30 years, entangling him in all kinds of conflicts of
interests in his role now, says William Hartung of the Center for
International Policy. Shanahan is supposed to recuse himself from
dealings with Boeing, but that's impossible, Hartung says — Boeing is
one of the country's largest defense contractors.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pay Respects to New Zealand Shooting Victims
Global News: Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan paid their respects on Tuesday to the
victims of last week's mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New
Zealand in which 50 people were killed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the High Commission of New
Zealand in London, where they signed a book of condolence on behalf of
the British royal family. They also laid small bouquets of flowers
outside the building, known as New Zealand House.
New Zealand Shooting: PM Ardern Vows to Deny Gunman Notoriety in Impassioned Speech to Parliament
Global News: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urged people not to give the
alleged gunman notoriety after the Christchurch mosque shootings during a
condolence speech to parliament on Tuesday.
Harlem Woman Escapes Death in Virginia Bus Crash
A Harlem woman is among the survivors of a charter bus crash that killed
two people in Virginia Tuesday. Shivon Dollar-Moore, 39, was on her way
back to New York from family wedding in South Carolina when the bus she
was in overturned on an exit on Interstate 95 in Prince George County
around 5 a.m., Virginia State Police said. Two of the 57 people on the
bus were killed and dozens more were injured, cops said.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The New York Daily News
The Power of the Pen: Mayor de Blasio Signs Legislation
This video was published on YouTube on March 18.
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of DOT Employee Dennis 'Matt' Howe
Governor Andrew Cuomo today directed flags to half-staff on all State government buildings in honor of New York Department of Transportation Maintenance Worker Dennis (Matt) Howe of Owego, Tioga County, who died from injuries sustained last Wednesday when a tractor trailer collided with a DOT truck in the work zone March 13 in Tioga County. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning today until interment.
"I am saddened by the loss of Matt Howe, a dedicated public servant and Department of Transportation employee, who passed away last night due to injuries from when a tractor trailer collided with a DOT truck in the work zone.
"Since 2006, Matt served DOT Region 9 and the people of the State of New York honorably. As a maintenance worker, he was a jack of all trades who was always eager to lend a hand to the team.
"His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers our workers face every day braving the elements and our roadways, all while looking out for the safety of one another. There is nothing routine about what our maintenance forces do to keep New York's highways safe, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who flagrantly puts the lives and safety of our workers in jeopardy. This year I called for stricter protections for transportation workers to send a clear message that New York stands with our workers.
"In honor of Matt Howe and his service to the people of New York, I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff across this great state. On behalf of the entire family of New York, I extend my deepest condolences to his friends, colleagues and the loved ones he leaves behind."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Don’t Be Victimized by Scam Tactics This Filing Season
The
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today urged taxpayers
to remain vigilant and guard against scams during the tax filing
season. Strategies used by scammers to steal private information can be
as simple as a phone call or as sophisticated as a phishing campaign to
install malware on victims’ home computers.
“It’s a nonstop battle to identify and prevent fraud by identity
thieves and scam artists,” said New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate
Margaret Neri. “The Tax Department is constantly updating its
award-winning analytics to keep pace with these criminals, but it’s also
critical for taxpayers to be alert to common scam tactics and protect
themselves.”
Telltale signs of a scam
Threatening calls: Scam artists who use this tactic
try to bully or trick victims into disclosing private information, or
convince them to wire money to pay a tax debt or fine. If a caller,
perhaps posing as a New York State Tax Department or IRS agent,
threatens arrest it’s a scam. Neither agency threatens taxpayers, and
they notify taxpayers by letter first before making any calls or sending
any emails.
Unusual emails: Phishing emails often contain links
that activate malware or lead to phony websites that request personal
information. Misspellings or unfamiliar logos in the email or subject
line are obvious clues that it’s a scam attempt, but some of the bogus
emails and websites are convincing. Hovering over the links may reveal
an unusual webpage address (URL) that confirms the sender’s true intent.
To be safe, simply delete these emails and any that are unsolicited,
and never click the links within them.
Remember, the Tax Department never requests personal or financial information by email.
Offers to collect a tax payment in person: If a
caller claiming to be from the Tax Department or IRS offers to meet you
at a specified location to collect a payment, it’s a scam. This is never
an option with the IRS or Tax Department. End the call immediately.
Requests for a specific type of payment: If you’re
being told to pay through a prepaid debit card or an iTunes gift card,
this is an obvious sign of a scam. The Tax Department and IRS provide
various payment options, but the use of gift cards isn’t one of them.
Report it
If you are a victim, or believe you may be a potential victim of
tax-related identity theft, alert us immediately. We will track your
information to help keep it private and protected. Visit the Tax
Department’s Report fraud, scams, and identity theft webpage.
Click here for more information.
Source: The
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Black Theater Spotlight: 'Surely Goodness and Mercy'
Set in an under-funded public school in Newark, Surely Goodness and Mercy tells the story of a bible-toting boy with a photographic memory who befriends a cantankerous old lunch lady. Against all odds, Tino and Bernadette help each other through the trials of growing up and growing old.
The play, which was written by Chisa Hutchinson, has spent the last year charming audiences across the country. Now, Keen is honored to bring this vibrant new play to New York for the first time.
Click here for additional information.
Source: ImageNation
Monday, March 18, 2019
Federal Authorities Raided Trump Fundraiser’s Office in Money Laundering Probe
A sealed search warrant obtained by ProPublica shows federal agents scoured Elliott Broidy’s office for documents related to China, Saudi Arabia and a Miami Beach club promoter.
Click here for details.
Source: ProPublica
George W. Bush Says Immigration is a 'Blessing and a Strength'
CBS News: Former President George W. Bush, a vocal Republican supporter of
comprehensive immigration reform, urged lawmakers in Washington to
support "just" and "fair" bipartisan policies to overhaul the nation's
immigration system and bolster border security, saying immigration is a
"blessing" and "strength" for the U.S.
First Lady Hosts Interagency Meeting on Youth Programs
C-SPAN: First lady Melania Trump hosts the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs at the White House as part of her “Be Best” initiative.
Homeland Security Secretary on 2019 Priorities
C-SPAN: Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen outlines 2019 priorities for her department at an event hosted by Auburn University in Washington, DC.
Kellyanne Conway Speaks with Reporters at the White House
C-SPAN: Kellyanne Conway speaks with reporters about President Trump’s reaction to the mosque shootings in New Zealand, North Korea’s nuclear program, and the president’s veto of a resolution overturning his southern border national emergency declaration.
A Crisis in Brooklyn: Victims of HPD's Third Party Transfer Program Speak Out!
In this explosive investigative report, Brooklyn residents and noted community activists provide details on how the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is forcing people out of their apartments through its Third Party Transfer program.
The report also reveals that the majority of those being impacted are people of color and seniors, who claim state and local elected officials in their districts have done nothing to address the issue.
The investigation, which was published on YouTube on March 14, was conducted and provided by Double R. Productions.
New Campaign Focuses on Addiction Services Available for Pregnant Women in New York State
The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the New York State Health Department (DOH) today announced the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness of the addiction services available in New York State for women who are pregnant. The campaign reminds women that it is OK to ask for help, and that they should talk to a healthcare professional about the services and medications that can help treat their addiction and support a healthy pregnancy.
“Mothers in recovery and their children need the resources to live normal lives, free from the oppressive bonds of addiction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “I have heard from families across the state who have felt the impact of addiction, and we’re taking aggressive actions to support the recovery of individuals and families in our communities. This new campaign will help to raise awareness of the services available for women in New York State, and ensure they receive the care and treatment they need to live healthy lives.”
Public service announcements, posters and palm cards were developed and will be distributed in community and medical settings, including OB/GYN facilities. The campaign will run in English and Spanish through April 15. Campaign materials, and more information regarding medication assisted treatment and services for pregnant women can be found here.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both recommend the use of medications when paired with counseling, as appropriate, to help pregnant women with opioid use disorder.
New York State offers a variety of programs dedicated to addressing the needs of women. Statewide, OASAS-certified providers oversee more than 40 residential addiction treatment programs specifically for women, including the first facility in the nation for women veterans which is located in Ellenville. In addition, New York State has worked to ensure access to treatment for pregnant women by establishing them as a priority population for admission, meaning they cannot be put on a wait list when seeking treatment.
“For women suffering from addiction during their pregnancy, it is vitally important that they seek treatment as soon as possible,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “These critical treatment services are available throughout New York State to support women facing challenges related to their addiction, while also helping to increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy.”
“We want women who are pregnant and struggling with addiction to know that there are safe and effective treatments available to help them,” Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said. “This campaign will raise awareness among providers and patients about Medication-Assisted Treatment options that promote a healthy pregnancy.”
“Every child deserves a healthy start in life and a safe living environment. When mothers are suffering from opioid addiction during pregnancy or after, both the mother and child are at extreme risk,” said Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “This campaign will help ensure that pregnant women and mothers are given the treatment and support necessary to help them recover and to best protect their children from the ravages of addiction.”
"As the overdose crisis continues to ravage every region of our State, it is vital that all New Yorkers are made aware of the support services available to them and their loved ones," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF- Manhattan). "Mothers and pregnant individuals, in particular, face unique challenges accessing treatment for substance use disorder. I continue to sponsor legislation to expand the OASAS directory of licensed service providers, and believe we must also target specific populations to ensure they are connected to the resources tailored to fit their needs."
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose
loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the
state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY
(1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.
Visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction.
For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the state’s Talk2Prevent website.
Source: OASAS
Reformed neo-Nazi: Under Trump, White House is a 'Command Post' of White Supremacy
Democracy Now!: "In the 80s and 90s, the white supremacist movement had a very concerted
strategy to mainstream. We recognized back then when I was involved
that we were too edgy," says Christian Picciolini, a former white
supremacist whose organization Life After Hate transitions neo-Nazis out
of hate groups. Thirty years later, he says that white nationalists are
seeing these efforts to mainstream "coming to fruition" through the
rise of Trump.
Why is Islamophobia Increasing in Western Countries?
This report was published on YouTube on March 17.
New Zealand Shooting: Survivor Who Lost His Wife Says He Forgives Suspected Shooter
Global News: New Zealand shooting survivor Farid Ahmed, who lost his wife in the
attack, said Monday that he forgives the shooter and expressed his
desire to meet the man's family.
Mayor de Blasio Vowed to Create 100,000 Jobs. The Truth? No One Really Knows.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would create 100,000 “good-paying
jobs” in 10 years, but the administration has no firm track of how it’s
doing.
Click here for details.
Source: The New York Times
He Spent 7 Years in Prison. Then a Court Changed the Rules.
Otis Boone, who was recently acquitted of robbery after a second trial, on his way home in Brooklyn.
Click here for details.
Source: The New York Times
Security at Critical New York Infrastructure Points Increased After Shooting in the Netherlands
(Netherlands Shooting)
Police Are Looking for a 37-Year-Old Turkish-Born Man
Police Are Looking for a 37-Year-Old Turkish-Born Man
The following statement was issued today by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
"The horrific shooting on a tram in Utrecht is another scar on the soul of the people of this planet and an affirmation of the fear and anxiety that people feel in the face of division and hate. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and New Yorkers stand with the people of the Netherlands and all our allies against hate, terror and violence of any kind.
"In New York, public safety is our number one priority. Out of an abundance of caution, I have directed state law enforcement officials to step up security at high-profile locations around the state, including our airports, train stations, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Busts for Weed Could Lead to Deportation
Drug convictions are usually grounds for deportation. One exception is
for only one conviction for simple possession of 30 grams or less of
marijuana -that’s not a grounds for removal.
Click here for details.
Source: The New York Daily News
NY General Assembly Urged to Tie Marijuana Legalization to Economic Equity Requirements
Washington, D.C. – Today, the
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the National Action Network issued a joint call to leaders
of the New York State General Assembly in support of the state’s
fight to ensure that the legalization of marijuana in New York State is
tied to an economic opportunity program with specific requirements to
address racial inequities.
Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, noted: “The
Controlled Substances Act of the 1970’s used racism and bias to
criminalize marijuana. Generations of African Americans have been on the
receiving end of a decades-long public relations campaign aimed at
pinning drug use on this particular group, jailing millions
and wreaking havoc on generations of African-American families. The
current decriminalization opens this old wound, and fails to provide
meaningful economic opportunities for communities ravaged by the 'War on
Drugs.' The leaders of the New York State Assembly
have shown great leadership in their effort to course-correct. The
legalization and resulting commercialization of marijuana in New York
must not leave African American communities behind. The Assembly must prioritize
the grants
of licenses for people from communities that have been ravaged by the
war on drugs, invest revenue from legalized cannabis into communities of
color, and eliminate the barriers to reentry faced by those with
criminal records tied to prior marijuana offenses.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network, said: “An
equitable legal marijuana industry in New York State and across America
must include pathways for communities who have traditionally been
afflicted by marijuana related crimes, namely low-income families,
formerly incarcerated individuals, and communities
of color. This is a unique opportunity for the state of New York to be
an leader in the marijuana industry in regards to economic and
restorative justice for all. I applaud the efforts of Black lawmakers in
New York who have stepped up to represent the interests
of so many communities that otherwise stand to be left out of the
conversation and face continued inequality in the burgeoning marijuana
industry.”
Read the letter
here.
Source: Mercury