This report was published on YouTube on September 11.
Friday, September 13, 2019
These Toddlers' Heartwarming Reaction to Spotting Each Other on the Street Will Make Your Day
This report was published on YouTube on September 12.
Boy's 'Up'-Inspired Photoshoot Featuring His Great-Grandparents Goes Viral
This report was published on YouTube on September 12.
Freshman Bullied for Wearing Same Clothes Every Day Gets Gift from Classmates
This report was published on YouTube on September 12.
Meghan Markle Returns to Work to Launch New Charity Fashion Range
This report was published on YouTube on September 12.
Happening in Harlem: African American Day Parade
Click on the flier to increase its size.
Source: Street Corner Resources
Thursday, September 12, 2019
The Mumia Abu-Jamal Case: Game-Changing Evidence Found!
Freedom is now in sight. New evidence, recently found and surpressed for decades, could be the key to exoneration for Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Briefs filed in court allege that Joe McGill and Ed Rendell, trial prosecutor and DA, respectively, manipulated evidence and framed Mumia Abu-Jamal for first degree murder in 1982.
Six boxes of undisclosed case files labeled “Mumia Abu-Jamal” were found in a furniture closet last December by new DA Larry Krasner. Here is the exculpatory “Brady” evidence that was inside: a letter from a witness demanding his money; memo after memo to and from Joe McGill tracking the open cases of another key witness; and handwritten notes on original files, closely tracking the race of jurors.
Now we know that for 37 years the District Attorney’s office actively lied. They scrubbed clean every single document production, during multiple appeals, for years. It is cliché and almost predictable: evidence "lost" in a storage closet for 37 years by evil absent-minded hoarders.
Make no mistake- this evidence would have directly challenged the only “witnesses” at trial who identified Mumia Abu-Jamal as the shooter of officer Daniel Faulkner on Dec. 9, 1981.
The testimony of these two witnesses was compromised, something the jury was kept from knowing. One witness had as many as 35 prior convictions and 4-5 open cases. Now we know the DA was monitoring those cases very closely asking to be advised when they were in court. The other witness to the shooting was driving a cab on a suspended license and was on probation for throwing a Molotov cocktail into a school for pay. The jury never heard this. This information certainly would have challenged prosecutor Joe McGill's statement to the jury that they had nothing to gain from lying. Remember this is a jury who asked for re-instruction on the charges and were wavering on a finding of 1st Degree Murder. Remember Albert “I am going to help them they fry the nigger” Sabo, was the judge. And Alfonso “I retired with full pay and was indicted” Giordano, a commander, was the highest ranking officer on the scene that night.
On July 3rd, 1982, this was not an open and shut case. The petition to the Superior Court also raises the reinstated appeal issues from the Castille decision handed down by Judge Tucker. These include claims of improper jury selection (Batson Claims), Ineffective assistance of counsel, and errors of law made by the court in previous appeals.
Every time you see Joe McGill in the courtroom or at an FOP event, or you see Ed Rendell at a party or a campaign event, remember this- they may have been stepping on the scales of justice from the beginning.
Mumia came within 10 days of being executed because of this misconduct. I was there. I got that call from the strip cell. Mumia had nothing but an orange jump suit, a half a sheet of paper and the cartridge of a pen (so he could send another prisoner as a proxy to the law library). Before and after his two death warrants, he was held in solitary confinement on death row for decades!
Fast forward to 2017: Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker admonishes the District Attorney to produce all of the requested material from their files. Finally, having no faith in their review, he demands that they deliver all of their files to his chambers. Once there, he found documents revealing the bias of PA Supreme Court Judge Castille that the DA had somehow “missed” - or willfully suppressed. After all of that, in 2018, newly elected DA Larry Krasner comes across six boxes of original trial material labeled “Mumia Abu-Jamal” in a storage closet. A week later they find hundreds of more boxes in that “storage cavern.”
Please know that the road ahead may still be rough. But there is hope.
Freedom is more possible than it has ever been before.
Briefs filed in court allege that Joe McGill and Ed Rendell, trial prosecutor and DA, respectively, manipulated evidence and framed Mumia Abu-Jamal for first degree murder in 1982.
Six boxes of undisclosed case files labeled “Mumia Abu-Jamal” were found in a furniture closet last December by new DA Larry Krasner. Here is the exculpatory “Brady” evidence that was inside: a letter from a witness demanding his money; memo after memo to and from Joe McGill tracking the open cases of another key witness; and handwritten notes on original files, closely tracking the race of jurors.
Now we know that for 37 years the District Attorney’s office actively lied. They scrubbed clean every single document production, during multiple appeals, for years. It is cliché and almost predictable: evidence "lost" in a storage closet for 37 years by evil absent-minded hoarders.
Make no mistake- this evidence would have directly challenged the only “witnesses” at trial who identified Mumia Abu-Jamal as the shooter of officer Daniel Faulkner on Dec. 9, 1981.
The testimony of these two witnesses was compromised, something the jury was kept from knowing. One witness had as many as 35 prior convictions and 4-5 open cases. Now we know the DA was monitoring those cases very closely asking to be advised when they were in court. The other witness to the shooting was driving a cab on a suspended license and was on probation for throwing a Molotov cocktail into a school for pay. The jury never heard this. This information certainly would have challenged prosecutor Joe McGill's statement to the jury that they had nothing to gain from lying. Remember this is a jury who asked for re-instruction on the charges and were wavering on a finding of 1st Degree Murder. Remember Albert “I am going to help them they fry the nigger” Sabo, was the judge. And Alfonso “I retired with full pay and was indicted” Giordano, a commander, was the highest ranking officer on the scene that night.
On July 3rd, 1982, this was not an open and shut case. The petition to the Superior Court also raises the reinstated appeal issues from the Castille decision handed down by Judge Tucker. These include claims of improper jury selection (Batson Claims), Ineffective assistance of counsel, and errors of law made by the court in previous appeals.
Every time you see Joe McGill in the courtroom or at an FOP event, or you see Ed Rendell at a party or a campaign event, remember this- they may have been stepping on the scales of justice from the beginning.
Mumia came within 10 days of being executed because of this misconduct. I was there. I got that call from the strip cell. Mumia had nothing but an orange jump suit, a half a sheet of paper and the cartridge of a pen (so he could send another prisoner as a proxy to the law library). Before and after his two death warrants, he was held in solitary confinement on death row for decades!
Fast forward to 2017: Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker admonishes the District Attorney to produce all of the requested material from their files. Finally, having no faith in their review, he demands that they deliver all of their files to his chambers. Once there, he found documents revealing the bias of PA Supreme Court Judge Castille that the DA had somehow “missed” - or willfully suppressed. After all of that, in 2018, newly elected DA Larry Krasner comes across six boxes of original trial material labeled “Mumia Abu-Jamal” in a storage closet. A week later they find hundreds of more boxes in that “storage cavern.”
Please know that the road ahead may still be rough. But there is hope.
Freedom is more possible than it has ever been before.
New York State Office of Mental Health to Host Fourth Annual Suicide Prevention Conference
September Conference Will Bring Together Clinicians,
Advocates and Policy Makers from Across New York
Advocates and Policy Makers from Across New York
The
New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) will be holding its fourth
annual New York State Suicide Prevention Conference: “STRONGER
TOGETHER: Embracing Diversity and State/Local Partnerships in Suicide
Prevention” on September 18 and 19 at the Desmond Hotel and
Conference Center in Albany.
The
two-day conference will focus on best practices in the field of suicide
prevention and will feature presentations highlighting recent
developments in suicide prevention, including working with diverse
minority populations, community coalitions, schools and college
campuses, health systems, and advancements in surveillance data.
OMH
Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “This year’s Suicide Prevention
Conference will feature many notable speakers and will focus on suicide
prevention efforts among our most vulnerable populations, including
veterans, African American and Latina youth, residents of rural areas
and members of the LGBTQ community. Our annual conference helps diverse
groups forge relationships and coordinate efforts, which are critical
components to effective suicide prevention.”
Experts
will moderate 30 break-out sessions on a wide variety of topics
including: Examining Factors Related to Suicide Risk Among Racial
and Ethnic Minorities; The Intersection of Substance Abuse and Suicide;
Creating Suicide-Safer Schools; The Relationship Between Child Sexual
Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide in Youth; Engaging Veterans and
their Families in Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment;
Integrating Suicide Prevention into Clinical Settings in Rural Areas of
New York State; Preventing Suicide Among LGBTQ and Minority LGBTQ
Communities; and Suicide Prevention Training for Behavioral Health Care
Providers.
Advocates Recognized for Their Extraordinary Efforts
During
the Conference, OMH and its Suicide Prevention Office will recognize
the extraordinary achievements and efforts of four suicide prevention
champions from across New York State.
Awards
will be presented for: Creating and Strengthening Suicide Safer Schools
in New York; Creating and Strengthening Suicide Safer Communities;
Journey of Healing: Advocacy Work by a Suicide Attempt Survivor or Loss
Survivor; and The Frederick Meservey Life and Leadership Award (named
for the founding Director of the Suicide Prevention Center of New York,
bestowed on a New Yorker who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership
in the field of suicide prevention.
Conference Builds on Suicide Prevention Task Force Recommendations
OMH
has been the lead agency for Governor Cuomo’s Suicide Prevention Task
Force, which includes leaders from state agencies, local governments,
not-for-profit groups, and other recognized experts in suicide
prevention. The Task Force recently released its first report, which
focuses on bridging gaps in current state suicide prevention efforts,
and on building coalitions and supporting the efforts of local
governments and advocates.
Established
by the Governor in November 2017, the Task Force serves to increase
awareness of and access to supportive services with a special focus on
high-risk groups including veterans, Latina adolescents, and members of
the LGBTQ community. Recommendations from the report include
strengthening public health prevention efforts, integrating suicide
prevention in healthcare, timely sharing of data for surveillance and
planning, and infusing cultural competence throughout suicide prevention
activities.
OMH Supporting Local Governments’ Prevention Efforts
In
order to support local governments and help build suicide prevention
coalitions across the State, OMH in partnership with the NYS Health
Foundation recently awarded more than $630,000 to support four counties
greatly impacted by suicide: Erie, Onondaga, Suffolk, and Westchester.
The purpose of the grant – “Learning from Loss: Using Suicide Fatality
Reviews for Effective Prevention Activities” – is twofold: first, to
ensure accurate and complete data collection by coroner/medical examiner
office investigations of suicide deaths; and second, to conduct
in-depth community reviews of suicide deaths, looking for systemic
patterns.
The
innovative model being piloted in New York is based on a program
successfully implemented in Washington County, Oregon, where a
multidisciplinary team with representatives from the medical examiner’s
office, healthcare providers, law enforcement, crisis workers, clergy,
and other community partners share information during in-depth reviews
of suicides after obtaining permission from next of kin.
Looking
for patterns, the Oregon review team discovered that several
individuals had dropped off their pets at animal shelters just before
killing themselves. Armed with that data, they moved quickly to train
animal shelter staff; many have already intervened in several instances.
At a time when the nation’s suicide rate keeps rising, Washington
county, Oregon, has seen the number of suicides drop over each of the
last three years.
Source: The
New York State Office of Mental Health
Lawmakers Consider Resolution for Impeachment Procedures
C-SPAN: The House Judiciary Committee considered a resolution on procedures for
impeachment hearings. One of the changes considered, offered by Rep.
Matt Gaetz, would eliminate a provision allowing staff attorneys to ask
questions in impeachment inquiry hearings.
Click here for video.
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy News Conference
C-SPAN: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) holds a news conference during House Republicans' annual retreat in Baltimore.
Coverage is scheduled to begin at 3:20 p.m.
Click here for video.
Kellyanne Conway Comments to Reporters at the White House
C-SPAN: Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway speaks to reporters about a
range of issues, including the Supreme Court’s ruling Wednesday allowing
the Trump administration’s new asylum policy to continue amid an
ongoing legal battle.
Click here for video.
'We Are Striking to Disrupt the System': An Hour with 16-Year-Old Climate Activist Greta Thunberg
This report was published on YouTube on September 11.
Mark Sanford on Why He's Fighting to Define the Republican Party
This report was published on YouTube on September 11.
Impact of Republican Victory in North Carolina Special Election
This report was published on YouTube on September 11.
Thousands Sing 'Glory to Hong Kong' as Protests Take Over Shopping Mall
Global News: Thousands of people belted out a new protest song at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Thursday in an act of resistance that highlighted the creativity of demonstrators in their campaign for democracy.
Activists and citizens sang "Glory to Hong Kong" at several malls in a respite from recent violent clashes.
The lyrics reflect protesters' vow not to surrender despite a government concession to axe a proposed extradition law that sparked the summer of unrest.
NY Law In Effect to Extend the Background Check Waiting Period
Source: The New York Post
Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
"While the federal government turns a blind eye to the scourge of gun violence ripping our nation apart and continues to allow this bloodshed to take parents and children away from their families, in New York we have taken action.
"This year we built on our strongest in the nation gun laws, including extending the background check waiting period to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. This long overdue law goes into effect today and make no mistake: it will save lives. This year we also enacted a Red Flag law and closed a loophole so law enforcement has more tools to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerously mentally ill people.
"This is the progress we could make on the national level if President Trump and Senate Republicans stop kowtowing to the NRA. We know we can do it, we have already done it in New York. It is time for the federal government to act and pass universal background checks now. Until we do, these senseless tragedies will only continue."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
"This year we built on our strongest in the nation gun laws, including extending the background check waiting period to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. This long overdue law goes into effect today and make no mistake: it will save lives. This year we also enacted a Red Flag law and closed a loophole so law enforcement has more tools to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerously mentally ill people.
"This is the progress we could make on the national level if President Trump and Senate Republicans stop kowtowing to the NRA. We know we can do it, we have already done it in New York. It is time for the federal government to act and pass universal background checks now. Until we do, these senseless tragedies will only continue."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York Takes Action to Ensure Prompt Attention to Legal Claims Filed Under the Child Victims Act
Governor Andrew Cuomo is taking action to ensure victims of child sexual abuse receive justice by asking the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to issue guidance urging New York State insurers with potential exposure to legal claims stemming from the Child Victims Act to act promptly and in good faith.
The Governor signed the Child Victims Act, a key part of his 2019 Justice Agenda, into law earlier this year and the one-year look-back window began last month.
"We enacted the Child Victims Act so that survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a path to justice," Governor Cuomo said. "With this action we are helping ensure the claims process works efficiently and effectively by reminding insurers they have an obligation to move quickly so that these survivors finally get some measure of peace."
In today's guidance, DFS also encourages all insurers and other regulated entities and persons with relevant records to act in utmost good faith to preserve and provide any relevant records to policyholders and other entitled persons, whether in connection with any lawful discovery process or otherwise. In cases of lost insurance policies, DFS requests that insurers consider other evidence that they, policyholders, or victims are able to produce to determine the relevant policy details.
Today's guidance comes as we begin to see the effects of the CVA, a priority of Governor Cuomo, realized. Part of the Governor's 2019 Justice Agenda, the CVA provides relief to those persons who were child victims of sexual abuse by creating exceptions to New York's statutes of limitations to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, regardless of when the crime occurred. The CVA expands the ability for New York State to prosecute those who have committed such crimes and extended the time for those who were victims of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits and opened a one-year window (beginning August 14, 2019) for previously time-barred legal claims.
Victims may sue or employ alternative dispute resolution methods to pursue legal claims against alleged perpetrators, organizations that employed the alleged perpetrators at the time of the abuse, and other persons or organizations that might be held responsible for the alleged abusive acts and the harm the acts caused.
Certain legal claims now arising are based on acts that occurred years or even decades - ago. Some of the defendants in such cases may have had insurance policies in force at the time of such occurrences that may provide coverage for part or all of the damages awarded to victims, and insurers may have a duty to defend under certain policies. If a policy relevant to a CVA-related claim cannot be located, other records may provide evidence of insurance coverage (such as letters or other correspondence, certificates of insurance, or any other documents describing the relevant coverage).
Click here to review the letter.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Officers Said They Smelled Pot. The Judge Called Them Liars.
The New York Times: Courts in New York have long ruled that if a car smells like pot, the police can search it. But now, a backlash is mounting.
Click here for the report.
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Pushes for Tenant-Led NYCHA Task Force
The New York Daily News: The bill, which Williams plans to submit Thursday to the City Council,
would enable the creation of a task force to recommend changes to NYCHA
policies on tenant engagement, a draft of the bill obtained by the Daily
News revealed.
Click here for the report.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
9/11 Memorial and Museum Ceremony 2019
CBS News: It's been 18 years since the September 11 attacks left nearly 3,000
people dead in the worst act of terrorism the nation has ever
experienced. On Wednesday, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will commemorate
the lives lost with a ceremony honoring those killed at the World Trade
Center, Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 — as well as the 1993 World Trade
Center bombing.
In Memoriam: The Victims of the September 11 Attacks
From The G-Man will provide live stream coverage of the annual ceremony, but it will be dark during the remainder of the day in honor of those who perished. May they forever rest in peace.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum: These are the nearly 3,000 names as they appear inscribed in bronze on the Memorial. Every name can be located by the panel on which it is inscribed. A panel address is comprised of the letter N or S (N for north pool, S for south pool) followed by a number 1 through 76.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum: These are the nearly 3,000 names as they appear inscribed in bronze on the Memorial. Every name can be located by the panel on which it is inscribed. A panel address is comprised of the letter N or S (N for north pool, S for south pool) followed by a number 1 through 76.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Governor Cuomo Takes Action Against Opioid Industry
Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the Department of Financial Services is taking action against the opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy benefit managers to secure $2 billion for New York consumers who have shouldered the cost of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the form of higher insurance premiums.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Why Margaret Atwood Saw This as the Moment for 'The Handmaid's Tale' Sequel
This report was published on YouTube on September 9.
African American Democrats Back Biden and Sanders in Primary Field
This report was published on YouTube on September 9.
Hurricane Dorian: Canadian Ministers Visit Areas Impacted by Hurricane
Global News: Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph
Goodale, joined by Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, visited
areas in Halifax impacted by hurricane Dorian, followed by attending a
press conference.
During the press conference, it was reported that there were no serious
injuries or fatalities in Atlantic Canada due to hurricane Dorian.
World Suicide Prevention Day: A Message from the NYSOMH Commissioner
The following statement was issued today by Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.
“Today,
on World Suicide Prevention Day, we reflect on the extraordinary toll
suicide takes on individuals, families and communities, and we recommit
ourselves to expanding suicide prevention efforts across New York State.
It is critical that every New Yorker has access to the resources and
mental health services they need to lead productive healthy lives.
"Suicide is a complex issue, and effective prevention requires cooperation and coordination among all segments of society. The New York State Office of Mental Health, our Suicide Prevention Office and our statewide Suicide Task Force are all working to foster partnerships and provide support and education to local governments, schools, healthcare providers, advocates and other stakeholders. We are also working to enhance programs and outreach methods to better serve high-risk groups, including African American youth, rural New Yorkers, Latina adolescents, veterans and members of the LGBTQ community.
"Together, we are implementing policies and programs that can make a difference and help us save lives. We will continue to work to ensure that every New Yorker, and especially those most vulnerable to suicide, has access to the mental health services they need and to strengthen the safety net for anyone who needs help.”
"Suicide is a complex issue, and effective prevention requires cooperation and coordination among all segments of society. The New York State Office of Mental Health, our Suicide Prevention Office and our statewide Suicide Task Force are all working to foster partnerships and provide support and education to local governments, schools, healthcare providers, advocates and other stakeholders. We are also working to enhance programs and outreach methods to better serve high-risk groups, including African American youth, rural New Yorkers, Latina adolescents, veterans and members of the LGBTQ community.
"Together, we are implementing policies and programs that can make a difference and help us save lives. We will continue to work to ensure that every New Yorker, and especially those most vulnerable to suicide, has access to the mental health services they need and to strengthen the safety net for anyone who needs help.”
Governors Submit Letter Calling for Federal Government to Act on Sensible Gun Safety Measures
Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Governors of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington today issued a letter calling on President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take action on sensible gun safety measures.
The Governors demanded the federal government pass common sense legislation, including Red Flag laws to prevent individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm; universal background checks, including closure of the private gun sales loophole; a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; and stricter reporting requirements to prevent those deemed by a mental health professional to be a danger to themselves or others from purchasing a firearm.
Click here to read the letter.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
A Novel Gun Control Strategy: Pressure Banks and Retailers
New Jersey also plans to wield its buying power to force gun makers to adopt policies like background checks.
Source: The New York Times
A $1.7 Million Loan, $30,000 in Income. Prosecutors Are Now Investigating.
“I hope they help us,” said Mohammed Hoque, a cabdriver who spoke with
agents as part of a new federal inquiry into lending practices in the
taxi industry.
Click here for the report.
Source: The New York Times
Monday, September 9, 2019
Governor Cuomo Takes Action to Protect New Yorkers from Vaping Products
Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to take a series of measures to address two emerging public health crises: the increasing number of cases of vaping-associated respiratory illnesses and the increasing number of youth that are using vape products and developing lifelong nicotine addictions.
The Governor directed the State Department of Health to issue subpoenas to companies marketing and selling "thickening agents" used in black market vaping products and to issue emergency regulations mandating that warning signs must be posted in all vape and smoke shops in New York State.
Additionally, the Governor announced that he will advance new legislation to ban flavored e-cigarettes.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Former DHS Secretaries Testify on Homeland Security Threats
C-SPAN: Former Homeland Security secretaries testified before a Senate Homeland
Security Committee field hearing in New York City. Topics discussed
included progress over intelligence sharing among the federal agencies
and with allies since September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, other
potential terror threats such as chemical and biological warfare, and
the need to address cybersecurity immediately. The hearing took place at
the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum just ahead of the 18th
anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
This video may not play on certain browsers. Click here if you experience problems.
Secretary Mnuchin Says the U.S. Economy is in 'Very Good Shape'
C-SPAN: Speaking with reporters outside the White House, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says the U.S. economy is in “very good shape.” He also responded to questions on trade with China, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and other trade and economy issues.
This video may not play on certain browsers. Click here if you experience problems.
UK Queen Approves Law Blocking No-Deal Brexit
Al Jazeera English: Britain's Queen Elizabeth has approved a law blocking a no-deal exit from the European Union at the end of October.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson must now ask for an extension or get a deal.
Earlier he visited Ireland, and made a rare admission that a no-deal exit would be a failure of diplomacy.
Al Jazeera's Charlie Angela reports from London.
Cargo Ship Carrying 4,000 Hyundai Cars Capsizes Off Georgia Coast
Global News: A South Korean cargo vessel carrying about 4,000 cars bound for the Middle East was listing heavily on Sept. 8 off the coast of the southern U.S. state of Georgia, an official of operator Hyundai Glovis said.
The U.S. Coast Guard said a pilot and 23 crew were aboard the Golden Ray
when it overturned in St. Simons Sound and 20 people had been rescued.
Click here and scroll down for additional information.
What Happens to Those Heartbreaking Tributes at the 9/11 Memorial
The expressions of mourning left behind at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are cleared nightly and preserved.
Click here for the report.
Source: The New York Times
Governor Cuomo Issues Letter to the MTA Board Outlining Priorities for Upcoming Capital Plan.
To: MTA Board of Directors,
The MTA has made quantifiable and undeniable progress over the past three years.
The path forward for the MTA has two tracks. Short-term progress will be achieved by institutionalizing the means and methods of the Subway Action Plan through expeditiously implementing the MTA's Reorganization Plan and completing the commenced special initiatives. Longer-term improvements will be achieved when the Capital Plan is approved. The Capital Plan offers unprecedented opportunities as we have new dedicated revenues including those from the Congestion Pricing Plan legislation.
The short-term agenda requires an energized management capacity to complete the ambitious MTA Reorganization Plan's new hirings, realignment, consolidation and special initiatives. The Train Speed and Safety Task Force, the Help for the Homeless Initiative, Fare Evasion and Worker Safety Task Force and the station and train intensive cleaning initiative, are top short-term management priorities to advance the New York City Transit Authority and Andy Byford's progress. They must be fully completed on time.
Major capital construction projects under MTA Capital Construction and Janno Lieber must be supported and rigorously executed. The L Train Tunnel redesign shows the potential for new approaches.
The new business integrity laws including "bad contractor" debarment, time and attendance systems and forensic audits must be in place.
As the Capital Plan requires approval by the legislative leaders and the Mayor of the City of New York, these legislative mandates must be completed for the benefit of the taxpayer and riders and so the MTA's noncompliance does not become an issue in the approval of the Capital Plan.
The Capital Plan provides an historic opportunity in that new funding has been secured to support $25 billion in Capital Plan projects including from the State's passage of Congestion Pricing in the Central Business District. The State Legislature and the Mayor of New York City have made their priorities clear in the bills they have passed and in public statements.
I want to advise you of my priorities for the Capital Plan before it is prepared and presented.
I believe it is essential that the Capital Plan achieve the following goals:
The progress on making stations accessible for people with disabilities has not been acceptable. It is a legal and moral mandate that the MTA accelerate the number of stations made accessible and the timeframe in which accessibility is achieved.
"Quality of Life" issues in the subway have deteriorated. The number of homeless, dangerously mentally ill, fare evaders, aggressive "pan handlers" and worker attacks has skyrocketed. Station redesign securing access to the tracks and worker safety is essential. Riders must be provided a safe environment and additional MTA police with proper equipment, training and facilities is essential.
State of the art signal systems must be installed to speed up the trains and long-delayed construction projects such as East Side Access, Grand Central improvements, the Moynihan Farley Station, Long Island Rail Road improvements and Second Avenue Subway must be prioritized.
The New York City outer boroughs and Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad must receive an equitable distribution of resources.
New buses should be hybrid or electric and distributed throughout the City, and you must work with New York City to find ways to improve speed and service. New train cars must be procured without the multi-year delays in past contracts.
There is no doubt that the rigor and activism of the Subway Action Plan has achieved quantifiable progress. Performance is demonstrably improved. The management discipline and capacity must now be institutionalized through the Reorganization Plan and accompanying Task Forces and Special Initiatives.
An intelligent Capital Plan that can be approved by the Legislature and New York City Mayor in an expeditious fashion will secure and advance progress.
Sincerely,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
