In Memoriam: Rep. Elijah Cummings

THIS REALLY HURTS. I'm still in shock. Unlike many in Congress, this man really gave a damn about his constituents, his country, and the Black community as a whole. He was the voice of reason in Washington and a beacon of hope for those who believe bipartisanship is essential in creating a government by, for and of the people.

From The G-Man will be dark over the next three days in honor of Congressman Cummings and his legacy. May his family, friends, colleagues and supporters find some measure of comfort in the days and weeks to come.....and may he forever rest in peace.  G-Man

Sen. Chuck Schumer: Rep. Elijah Cummings Was A Great Man

Sen. Ben Cardin Reacts to Death of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Joe Scarborough: Rep. Elijah Cummings 'Was A Man Of His Word'

Nancy Pelosi Speaks on Capitol Hill After Death of Elijah Cummings

Governor Andrew Cuomo Comments on the Death of Elijah Cummings

Governor Cuomo today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Congressman Elijah Cummings from October 18 until interment. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The Power of the Pen: S.3171/A.264B Signed in New York

Legislation Protects Patients from Excessive Hospital Emergency Room Charges

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation (S.3171/A.264B) protecting patients from excessive out-of-network hospital emergency charges, including hospital inpatient services that follow an emergency room visit. The new law requires health insurance companies to ensure that when enrollees receive care from a non-participating provider, the patient will not incur greater out-of-pocket costs than they would have incurred from a participating provider.

"In an emergency, every second counts and its ridiculous to expect someone facing a potential life or death situation to first check and see if a hospital is part of their health insurance network," Governor Cuomo said. "With this new law, insurers will need to do the right thing and make sure patients aren't strapped with excessive and potentially debilitating out-of-pocket costs tomorrow simply because they needed emergency room care today."

The bill also requires that hospital charges for emergency services are subject to an independent dispute resolution process that was established by New York's Surprise Medical Bill law, originally enacted in 2014, which was the first of its kind in the nation to comprehensively protect consumers from surprise bills for out-of-network costs.

The law goes into effect immediately.

Senator Liz Krueger said, "When New Yorkers go to the hospital in an emergency, they can't be expected to make sure every procedure is delivered by an in-network provider. This new law will protect New York families from outrageous surprise medical bills and help keep overall medical costs down. I thank Assembly Member Cahill for carrying this bill in the Assembly, and Governor Cuomo for signing it today."

Assembly Member Kevin Cahill said, "Relieving consumers of the aggravation associated with billing disputes between health care providers and insurance companies is one step closer to completion. With Governor Cuomo's signature on our legislation today, New York reasserts its national leadership in protecting patients from surprise bills and providing a responsible means of holding down health care costs."

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

U.S. House Approves Resolution Opposing U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria, 354-60

C-SPAN: The House has voted 354-60 to approve a resolution expressing its opposition to President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria. Three Republicans and Michigan Independent Representative Justin Amash voted present.

House Democrats Hold News Conference

C-SPAN: House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and other Democrats spoke to reporters about legislative agenda items they are trying to accomplish other than the impeachment inquiry.

Click here for video. 

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Gives Weekly News Briefing

Trump on Turkey-Syria Conflict: ‘That Has Nothing to Do with Us’

Bonus Report: Senator Schumer Calls on President Trump to Reverse Course on Syria Troop Withdrawal 

Bonus Report: Senator McConnell Praises the Kurds, Calls Syria Withdrawal a "Mistake"

Pence Travels to Turkey in Hopes of Cease-Fire

Giuliani, Pence Defy Congressional Subpoenas

Can Hong Kong's Chief Executive Hold onto Her Job?

Erdogan: No World Power Can Stop Turkey's Military Offensive in Syria

Brexit Breakthrough? Talks Intensify on Eve of Last-Chance EU Summit

Catalonia Protests: Spain's Main Party Says Independence Not an Option

Dutch Family of Seven Waiting for 'the End of Time' Discovered in Basement

Nigeria: Police Frees Scores of Beaten and Starved Boys from a 'Torture School'

Reminder Issued to Older New Yorkers About Medicare Open Enrollment

The New York State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers that this year’s Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2019. Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. The open enrollment period is when all people with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Plan changes take effect January 1, 2020.

“People’s health and financial status can change over the course of a year. At the same time, plans can change what they will cover and also adjust the cost to the beneficiary. This is an important time of year for older adults to review their plans—what they cover and what they cost—to ensure they are getting the best deal for themselves,” said Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) counselors at each local office for the aging can provide older New Yorkers with the information needed to make an informed choice about a plan that is a good value and meets their health care and prescription drug coverage needs.”

Several resources are available to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families review and compare current plan coverage with new plan offerings:

Medicare.gov has comprehensive information for people interested in signing up or changing their plans. The Medicare Plan Finder tool provides a personalized comparison of plan choices.

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) offers around-the-clock assistance for those who want to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Multilingual counseling is available.

The Medicare & You handbook includes a summary of Medicare benefits, rights, and protections; lists of available health and drug plans; and answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare.

One-on-one counseling assistance is available from HIICAP counselors at each local office for the aging or through the HIICAP toll free line: 1-800-701-0501.
 
Medicare recipients who have limited incomes and resources may qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Older adults may apply online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778 to find out more.)

During the open enrollment period, NYSOFA and Medicare also remind older adults to treat their Medicare number as they do their social security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. If someone calls and asks for a recipient’s Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare. More information is available at Help fight Medicare fraud.

Source: The New York State Office for the Aging

Muslim Families Denied NYC Ferry Rides For 'Security': Complaint

 
Click here for the report.

Source: Patch.com

Final Student Loan Servicer Regulation Takes Effect Today

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the Department of Financial Services has issued a final regulation that will protect student loan borrowers from unscrupulous practices in the student loan servicing industry. The regulation, which goes into effect today, requires companies that service student loans held by New Yorkers to meet new standards addressing problems that have plagued the student loan servicing industry. DFS issued the final regulation after taking into consideration comments submitted during a 60-day comment period. This is the latest step in Governor Cuomo's historic commitment to protecting the approximately 2.8 million student loan borrowers in New York.

"New York is taking aggressive action to protect students who invest in their education and to hold unscrupulous lenders accountable for deceptive practices," Governor Cuomo said. "This new regulation will force student loan servicers to be more transparent when it comes to how they do business and in the process help ensure students and their families aren't misled when trying to pay for their higher education."

Under the final regulation, student loan servicers are required to: provide clear and complete information concerning fees, payments due and terms and conditions of loans; apply payments in borrowers' best interest, rather than in ways that maximize servicer fees; inform borrowers of income-based repayment and loan forgiveness options; maintain and provide to consumers a detailed history of their account; when a borrower's loan is transferred to a new servicer, ensure all necessary servicing information is transferred with the loan so the borrower's repayment is not disrupted; provide accurate information to credit reporting agencies; and provide timely and substantive responses to consumer complaints.

Department of Financial Services Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell said, "While the federal government strips away consumer protections, New York continues to step up for students. Our new and final regulation will protect New York's nearly 3 million student loan borrowers from predatory practices and demand clear information from student loan servicers to help borrowers make the best financial choices towards their future."

 The final regulation announced today also prohibits servicers from defrauding or misleading borrowers, engaging in any unfair, deceptive, abusive or predatory act or practice or misapplying borrowers' payments.

A copy of the final regulation is available on the DFS website.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Mothers of Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin Submit Letter to NYC Council Speaker

  Click on the document to increase its size.

New York, NY – Gwendolyn Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, and Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, co-authored a letter to New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson about the unintended effects of a ban on menthol cigarettes. 

While stating clearly that they in no way encourage, support or promote smoking, the bill, as it stands, will create a whole new market for "loosies" and reintroduce another version of stop-and-frisk policing in Black and financially-challenged communities. They voiced concern that a ban will re-introduce many hard to employ, young Black New Yorkers to the criminal justice system. 

The letter was shared with Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. 

Source: Mercury  

National Weather Service: Coastal Storm Warning for New York

Click here for the full report and updates.

Committee for Advancement of Women in Financial Services Industry Formed in New York

Click here for details. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The Power of the Pen: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Closing Double Jeopardy Loophole

Click here for details. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Coverage of the 2019 New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony

This video was published on YouTube on October 15. 

On October 8, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that 23 names will be added to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Empire State Plaza to honor the memory and heroism of the brave men and women who have lost their lives battling fires in the past year. With the addition of those added to the Memorial today, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial now honors 2,575 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty. 

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated in 1998, honors the memory and valor of New York's fallen firefighters at the memorial each year. 

The memorial also pays tribute to more than 100,000 New York State active firefighters who put their lives on the line every day in the name of public safety.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul attended the event. 

Source: NYGovCuomo

Mayor de Blasio Hosts Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Reception

This video was published on YouTube on October 15.

In Memoriam: NYPD Sgt. Linhong Li

Off-Duty Queens Cop Commits Suicide, 10th This Year  

Click here for the report. 

Source: The New York Daily News  

Note: Sgt. Li was also a U.S. Marine who served  in Iraq. From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace.

Dana Fradon, Prolific New Yorker Cartoonist, Is Dead at 97

The New York Times: In the nearly 1,400 cartoons he published between 1948 and 2003, he cast a wide and whimsical net on American society and skewered pomposity. 

Click here for the report.

Documents Reveal Hospital Industry is Leading Fight Against Medicare for All

 

The Intercept_: Tenet Healthcare, the nation’s third-largest investor-owned operator of hospitals, has donated nearly $630,000 to the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future.

Click here for the report. 

Let’s Be Serious — Trump Doesn’t Mind These Incitements to Kill Journalists

 
Click here for the article. 

Source: The Intercept_

Congressman Jim Jordan Says Whistleblower Entitled to Protection, Not Anonymity

C-SPAN: Before attending the House Intelligence Committee's deposition of State Department official George Kent as part of it's ongoing impeachment inquiry, Representative Jim Jordan calls for the disclosure of the identity of the whistleblower who filed a complaint against President Trump over his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky. "He has the right to protection, it doesn't say anonymity," Jordan says of the whistleblower law. "When you're talking about the president of the United States, for God's sake, the American people, who we all represent--they have a right to know." Representative Jordan also confirms that George Kent, who oversees Ukraine policy at the State Department, was subpoenaed to appear before the committee to give his deposition, and he says that if former National Security Adviser John Bolton is called to appear, Republicans will have questions for him about what led up to the July 25 phone call.

Representative McCaul Calls for Impeachment Inquiry Vote on House Floor

C-SPAN: Texas Republican Representative Michael McCaul calls for a vote on an impeachment inquiry resolution on the floor of the House, say it's a matter of fairness for the president and would give the minority subpoena power in the impeachment process. He says he also believes that the president and the White House would cooperate with the impeachment investigation if there were such a vote.

Homewreckers: How Wall Street, Banks and Trump’s Inner Circle Used the 2008 Housing Crash to Get Rich

Fourth Democratic Debate Takes Place in Ohio Tonight

Courts Block 'Public Charge' Rule on Low-Income Immigrants

Officer Who Fatally Shot Woman at Home Arrested

Delay in ex-South African Leader's Case as Appeal Planned

Seoul Showcases New Weapons to World

Populists Hold on to Power in Poland

Bangladesh Imposes More Restrictions on Rohingya Refugees

Turkish Offensive in Syria: Will the Fighting Undo the Gains Made Against the Islamic State Group?

Violence Against Women: South African Police Take to Streets

Brexit: EU, UK Scramble to Reach Deal Before Summit

Egypt: Jailed Activist Ramy Shaath 'is a Prisoner of Conscience', Wife Tells FRANCE 24

Violent Clashes Break Out as Spain Jails Catalan Separatist Leaders

Hong Kong Faces First Recession in Decades After Months of Protests

Growing Concerns About Possible Flu Vaccine Shortage in Canada

This report was published on YouTube on October 14.

Nail Salon Employees March for Better Working Conditions

This report was broadcast on PIX 11 News on October 14.

Mayor de Blasio Holds Criminal Justice-Related Roundtable

Cuba Gooding Jr. Pleads Not Guilty in Two Manhattan Gropings

DA Says Aware of a Dozen Other Accusers

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Daily News 

Stacey Abrams to Headline the Brooklyn Community Foundation's Invest in Brooklyn Dinner

 

BROOKLYN, NY - Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will headline Brooklyn Community Foundation’s annual Invest In Brooklyn Dinner—a benefit for the organization’s racial and social justice work taking place at the Weylin on Friday, October 18 at 6:30pm. 

In addition to celebrating local nonprofit changemakers, the dinner will spotlight national and local efforts leading up to the 2020 Census, in a conversation between Abrams and NY Times best selling author Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist, thought leader, and the former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. 

Since her groundbreaking 2018 campaign, Abrams has focused on electoral justice and Census 2020 issues through the launch of her Fair Fight and Fair Count organizations. Abrams will examine the challenges and impact of a fair and accurate Census count nationally. Brooklyn has historically been the “hardest to count” county in New York State, with over 80% of Brooklynites living in hard-to-count neighborhoods. Through both advocacy and grantmaking, Brooklyn Community Foundation has led the charge to #MakeBrooklynCount in 2020. 

Brooklyn Community Foundation is the first and only public foundation dedicated to New York City’s largest borough. In 2018, Brooklyn Community Foundation distributed over $7 million to nonprofits, a record-breaking total in the Foundation’s 10-year history. 

Source: ABPartners

What New Yorkers Need to Know About Real ID

This video was published on YouTube on October 11. 

Source: Staten Island Advance

Family of Woman Killed Inside Home by Fort Worth, Texas, Police Holds News Conference

Update: 2:19 PM EDT
Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Atatiana Jefferson Resigns

Cop Seen Shooting, Killing Woman in Her Own Home

Former White House Adviser Fiona Hill to Testify in Impeachment Inquiry

Trump Orders Troop Withdrawal from Northeast Syria

Japan: Rescuers Seek Survivors After Deadly Typhoon Hagibis, At Least 56 Killed

What Exactly is Russia's Role in the Middle-East?

Gulf Tensions: 'If the Iranian Oil Tanker Was Attacked, Saudi Arabia Was Probably Not Involved'

Turkish Offensive in Syria: 'Damascus Was the Only Way the Kurds Could Turn'

Queen Elizabeth's Speech 2019 to Open Parliamentary Year

Global News: Queen Elizabeth II delivers the Queen's Speech setting out the UK government's agenda at the State Opening of Parliament. The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year.

Governor Cuomo Announces Support for New Memorial Honoring Mother Cabrini

$200 Million, Jailed Immigrants and a Democratic Bastion Under Fire

 

The New York Times: A New Jersey county in one of the bluest regions of the country faces mounting pressure to stop housing detained immigrants in its jail.

Click here for the report.

Higher Subway Speeds Worry NYC Train Operators — and New Report Explains Why

Click here for the report. 

Source: The New York Daily News

Suicide Attempts Rising Among Black Youths, Especially Girls: Study

The New York Daily News: Data suggests that the suicide attempts among black youths are more impulsive, reflecting a level of desperation that requires immediate attention, according to a new survey.

Click here for the report. 

NYPD PBA Prez Urges Members to Vote No on 'CCRB Power Grab'

 

 

Dear PBA Member:

I am writing to alert you to a critical issue appearing on your ballot this Election Day. On Tuesday, November 5^th, New York City voters will decide whether to amend the New York City Charter – the City’s Constitution – to give the Civilian Complaint Review Board more power, more money and more staff. 
 

If approved, Ballot Question #2 would:

1. Allow CCRB to investigate & recommend discipline for “false statement” allegations, rather than referring those cases to IAB;
2. Increase CCRB’s budget and link it to NYPD headcount;
3. Give the City Council and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams more control over the appointment of CCRB board members;
4. Expand CCRB’s subpoena power; and,
5. Require the Police Commissioner to provide detailed explanations for any departure from CCRB’s disciplinary recommendations.
   

Every cop knows that CCRB is already infected with anti-police bias. Including a radical expansion of CCRB’s power, budget and jurisdiction in the City Charter, where it cannot be easily changed, will hurt the careers of every cop on our job for years to come.

Turnout for this year’s election is expected to be very low, and we have more than 19,000 active and retired PBA members residing in New York City. That’s why we need you, your family and your friends to HEAD TO THE POLLS & VOTE NO ON QUESTON 2.

Election Day is November 5^th, but be advised that New York City has implemented early voting starting on October 26^th. Visit vote.nyc.ny.us to find early voting times and locations in your district.

If you care about your fellow police officers and the future of our job, you cannot afford to miss this vote.

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Lynch President

 

Source: NYPD Representative

Happening in Harlem: 32nd Precinct Community Council Meeting

Click on the flier to increase its size.

Source: A. Smith, President/NYPD Civilian Volunteer, 32nd Precinct Community Council

Columbia University Professor Fired for Plagiarizing Book on North Korea

Click here for the report.

Source: All World Report

Note: Dr. Charles Armstrong has served as a contributing writer for this news and information site for several years. He has also made numerous appearances on From The G-Man's sister site, "The G-Man Interviews", to discuss a range of issues concerning North Korea.

Given the extremely serious nature of the allegations presented in the aforementioned news report and the action taken by Columbia University, all episodes of the YouTube-based series that featured Dr. Armstrong have been removed.  

From The G-Man and The G-Man Interviews apologize for any role played in misrepresenting the facts. Moreover, the independent news platforms apologize to scholars and teachers from across the country who praised the interviews with Dr. Armstrong and indicated they were being used as teaching tools.   

G-Man

Governor Cuomo Pledges Full Support for Mother Cabrini Memorial in New York City

Yesterday evening, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivered remarks at the Columbus Citizens Foundation Gala, where he pledged his full support for a memorial for Mother Cabrini in New York City. 

Source: NYGovCuomo