Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres Surprise Southeast DC Elementary School with $100K

This report was published on YouTube on December 11. 

WUSA9: First Lady Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres took notice in the school and how administrators care for their students, and decided to do something about it. They donated $100,000 to the school to help build a computer lab and offset school expenses.

A Holiday Gift: The Nicholas Brothers Dance to 'Uptown Funk'

This video was published on YouTube on February 7, 2018. 

Source: C'est Chic

Happy Holidays from WWE (A Special Video)

This video was published on YouTube on December 17. 

WWE: Happy Holidays from WWE. We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year.

'Signing Santa' Uses American Sign Language to Share Christmas Message

This video was published on YouTube on December 18. 

Source: Local 24 Memphis

Military Personnel from Michigan Send Holiday Greetings to Friends and Family at Home

MLive: Military servicemen and women who won't be home for the holidays send their love home to Michigan.

Source: Department of Defense

Perry Police Department Holiday Video

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from all of us at Perry PD!

From the Mouth of Babes: 100 Kids Tell a Joke

This video was published on YouTube on December 9. 

Source: HiHo Kids

Stop the Hate: Students from Cleveland Heights High Sing 'We Can Change the World'

This video was published on YouTube on December 12. 

Kim Yanoshik: Students from Cleveland Heights High perform their original song at the annual Stop the Hate Songwriting competition held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a collaborative project with The Roots of American Music and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Advancements in Spinal Cord Research Give the Severely Injured Hope

This report was published on YouTube on December 18.

Best-Selling Children's Author Mo Willems on Sparking Creativity and Joy

This report was published on YouTube on December 17.

Harrowing 911 Call from Brave 4-Year-Old Saved Mom’s Life

This report was published on YouTube on December 19.

Man Who Plays Santa Gets Life-Changing Cochlear Implant

This report was published on YouTube on December 19.

Incarcerated Men Create Art for N.C. Governor's Christmas Tree

This report was published on YouTube on December 18.

Zozibini Tunzi Makes History as One of Five Black Women Concurrently Crowned in Top Beauty Pageants

This report was published on YouTube on December 16.

The New Miss America is a Scientist from Virginia

 
Click here for the report. 

Source: PIX 11 News

Eight-Year-Old Tops YouTube List of High Earners with $26 Million

Ryan Kaji

Click here for the report. 

Source: PIX 11 News

Judge Greenlights Suit Challenging ICE Arrests at NY Courts

 
Click here for the report.

Source: The Washington Post

Nation's Largest Progressive Training Organization Welcomes 2020 Fellows Class

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New Leaders Council (NLC), the nation’s largest organization that recruits, trains, and promotes a rising generation progressive leaders, announced today the selection of 930 Fellows to the 2020 NLC Institute. 

The 2020 NLC Fellows will attend skills-based trainings over six months in one of 50 NLC Chapters across the country. The 2020 NLC Fellows class represents one of our nation’s most diverse generations with 66% of Fellows self-identifying as People of Color. Additionally, 64% of Fellows are female and 22% report identifying as LGBTQIA.

“As the first alumna and former Chapter Director to serve as President and CEO, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the next incoming class of progressive leaders,” said Clare Bresnahan English, President and CEO, New Leaders Council. “Our program is provided at no cost to the Fellows, opening doors to those often shut out of leadership opportunities. NLC Fellows go on to run for public office, start non-profits, and launch businesses. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the 2020 Fellows.”

The NLC Institute is a six-month training program focused on skills building for each cohort on issues such as goal setting, strategic communications and digital outreach, economics, finance and fundraising, management and coalition building, progressive policy, and diversity and inclusion.

“NLC is the gold standard of progressive training programs throughout the country,” said Courtney Madden, Executive Director, NLC Institute. “Not only does NLC provide each Fellow with a strong curriculum on these important changemaking skills, but also provides a community and national network for support, mentorship and assistance to guide the important work towards a more progressive and prosperous future.”

NLC Fellows go through a rigorous, locally-driven selections process including an application with an essay component and an in-person interview. Roughly 28 percent of those who applied to the NLC Institute were accepted nationally.

NLC Fellows are civic, political, social, and business entrepreneurs who lead the charge on the ground to solve the most critical challenges facing our communities. NLC’s Capstone Project, a cornerstone of the Institute, challenges Fellows to identify a project that captures their passion, fills a need in the community, and leverages the skills NLC provides through the Fellowship in order to come up with a plan to address it head on. This is where NLC’s training effectively comes to life.

Once this class of NLC Fellows completes the NLC Institute in June 2020, they will join NLC’s robust alumni network of nearly 8,000 trained progressive leaders nationwide. 

Source: NLC

Pete Buttigieg Stood by Police Officer Who Mocked and Profited from Eric Garner’s Final Plea of 'I Can’t Breathe'

 
Click here for the report. 

Source: The Intercept_

FBI Surveillance of Trump Aide Reflects Flaws in Secretive FISA System That Mostly Targets Muslims

Pelosi Says House Will Wait to Send Impeachment Articles to Senate

Schumer Rebukes McConnell for Stance on Senate Impeachment Trial

McConnell Denounces House Democrats for 'Purely Partisan Impeachment'

Bonus Report: Minority Leader McCarthy Holds First Weekly Briefing Following House Impeachment Vote

2020 Challengers Set to Face Off in Final Debate of the Year

Herman Boone, Coach Who Inspired ‘Remember the Titans’ Dies at 84

Cuomo Calls on New York Delegation and Congress to Vote to Restore Salt Deductibility

 

The following statement was issued today by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. 

Today the House of Representatives will vote to restore the state and local tax - or SALT - deduction that President Trump and his Republican allies eliminated in 2017, a provision that costs New Yorkers up to $15 billion per year and penalizes our state for investing in education, health care, infrastructure and more.

"As the number one donor state, New York already sends back tens of billions of dollars more than we receive from the Federal government, and the cap on SALT deductibility took this imbalance and dramatically exacerbated it.

"This policy is an economic civil war that helps red states and big corporations at the expense of blue states, and it needs to end immediately.

"I am calling on the New York delegation and Congress to come together and support the restoration of the SALT deduction so we can reverse this economic assault on New York and our model of progressive state government. Enough is enough." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Update: 4:57 PM (EDT) Cuomo Applauds Speaker Pelosi, New York Delegation and House Members for Voting to Restore SALT Deductibility

"The Trump administration's SALT policy was a politically motivated economic assault on New York. As the number one donor state, New Yorkers are sick and tired of being used as ATMs, footing an additional $15 billion each year that will be redistributed to red states and big corporations. I applaud Speaker Pelosi, the New York delegation and other members of Congress who voted today to restore fairness back to our tax code. It's time for Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate to follow suit - stop this double taxation scheme once and for all." 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Deadly Shooting Near Main Security Service in Moscow

Iraq Protests: Increase in Number of Disappearances

Lebanon President Michel Aoun Designates Hassam Diab as Prime Minister

Four Centuries Later, Wounds of Slavery Yet to Heal in America

How the French Government Plans to Help Strike-Hit Small Firms

Australia Declares State of Emergency for New South Wales Amid Bushfires and Record Temps

Women Form Human Shield to Fend Off Police Beating During India Citizenship Law Protests

Global News: A viral video captures four women forming a human shield around an unarmed man who was getting beaten by New Delhi police during protests at Jamia Millia Islamia university against India's new citizenship law. 

In the video filmed on Sunday, the women could be seen pushing away riot gear-clad police, yelling 'go back, go back' and stepping in after several officers grabbed the man, threw him to the ground and beat him with batons.

Click here for additional information. 

Bonus Report: Defying Bans, Shutdowns, Indians Protest en Masse Against Citizenship Law

Queen's Speech Outlines Boris Johnson's 'Radical' Agenda with Brexit Target

Global News: Queen Elizabeth II formally reopened the UK Parliament by delivering a speech from the throne in the House of Lords, outlining the new government's legislative agenda heading into 2020. This will be the second Queen's Speech the monarch has delivered in 10 weeks. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled what he called a radical government agenda on Thursday, setting his sights on a quick Brexit, future trade deals and on transforming Britain to repay the trust of voters who handed him landslide election victory. 

Click here for additional information. 

Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at the 32BJ Commercial Contract Rally

This video was published on YouTube on December 18.

Addressing Hate in NY: $10 Million Awarded for Security Enhancements at Non-Public Schools and Cultural Centers

 

Amid a rash of hate crimes in New York and across the country, Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced more than $10 million has been awarded to make security enhancements at non-public schools and cultural centers, including religious-based institutions, to protect against the threat of hate crimes. This is the second round of funding distributed through New York's Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program and will support 207 projects. Round one included $14.8 million in grants that funded more than 300 projects. Projects will help strengthen security measures to prevent hate crimes or attacks against facilities on the basis of their culture, religion or beliefs. Governor Cuomo secured an additional $25 million in the 2019 state budget to extend this program another year.

"The cancer of hate and division spreading across this country is repugnant to the values of diversity and inclusion we hold dear in New York," Governor Cuomo said. "We are continuing to do everything we can to stamp out threats and acts of violence targeting religious and cultural institutions, and this new grant funding will allow many of these organizations to enhance their security measures and help keep people safe."

Hate crime statistics indicate a surge of anti-Semitism and hate crimes against the Jewish community, nationally and in New York. Nearly half of all hate crimes in New York over the last several years have been against the Jewish community. The October 27, 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and the recent terror attack at a kosher market in Jersey City, New Jersey, in which a local Yeshiva and Catholic school faced gunfire, underscore the need to protect Jewish institutions from violent extremism and anti-Semitism.

The grant, which is administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, will provide up to $50,000 in funding for additional security training, cameras, door-hardening, improved lighting, state-of-the-art technology and other related security upgrades at each eligible facility. Organizations that operate more than one facility have the opportunity to submit up to three applications for a total request of up to $150,000. First round awards were made in 2018.

The program was announced in October 2017 by Governor Cuomo and is part of an extensive effort launched by the Governor to combat hate crimes in New York. The Hate Crimes Task Force was created last year to mitigate recent incidents of bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence in New York. As part of the Task Force, New York State Police, the Division of Human Rights and the Division of Criminal Justice Services engage local stakeholders and law enforcement agencies, and work to identify and investigate hate-motivated crimes and bias-related trends, community vulnerabilities and discriminatory practices.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy said, "Diversity is at the core of what makes New York, New York, and we must do everything possible to ensure our communities are protected against those who seek to divide us and spread hate. I applaud Governor Cuomo's leadership for not only launching this critical program to protect vulnerable institutions, but for ensuring its continued health in this year's State Budget."

Governor Cuomo has also established a telephone hotline and text line through the Division of Human Rights to report incidents of bias and discrimination, as well as a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit within State Police. Texts are monitored by the State Police, who handle all criminal matters. Cases of discrimination that are covered by the New York State Human Rights Law may be further investigated by the Division of Human Rights. A $5,000 reward is also being made available for any information leading to arrests and convictions for hate crimes.

All New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call DHR's toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday or text "HATE" to 81336. If you seek to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Murphy Signs Bill to Restore Voting Rights to Some Convicts in NJ

 
Click here for the report.

Source: PIX 11 News

Jewish Parents at Elite Fieldston School Allege Growing Culture of anti-Semitism: Report

 
Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Daily News

New York Teachers Union Presses Cuomo to Sign School Monitor Bill

 
Click here for the article. 

Source: Daily Kos

Majority of House Votes to Impeach President Trump

Major Jewish Denomination Votes To Support Reparations For Slavery

 

The Union for Reform Judaism is calling for a study on reparations to redress the continuing effects of slavery and systemic racism against Black Americans.

Click here for the report. 

Source: The Huffington Post

Pete Buttigieg Pledged to Make Diversity a Priority, but His Mayoral Leadership Is Mostly White

Click here for the report. 

Source: The Intercept_

House Passes $1.4 Trillion Federal Spending Bill

 
Click here for the report.

Source: Associated Press

Clinic Waiting Room in Harlem Becomes Experiment in Humanizing Medicine

 
Click here for the report. 

Source: Reuters

Cenk Uygur Deserves Media Coverage. From The G-Man Has Obliged.

Founder of "The Young Turks" Network Explains
Bernie’s Un-Endorsement & Smear Campaign 

Warning: Some segments of the interview contain swearing.

Source: The Jimmy Dore Show

Democratic Candidates Focus on Public Education at Historic Forum with Civil Rights & Labor Groups

House Committee Debates Rules for Impeachment Vote

PBS NewHour: The House Rules Committee is scheduled on Tuesday to debate the rules that will govern the House of Representatives' vote on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The full House plans to vote Wednesday on two articles of impeachment--abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The articles are expected to pass along party lines. The Senate will then hold a trial to decide whether to convict or acquit Trump on the charges in the articles of impeachment.

Deadly Storms on the Move Across the Country

France Strikes: Clashes Reportedly Erupt in Paris During Protests

Hong Kong: Underground Medic Network Treats Injured Demonstrators

Lebanon Protests: President Delays Talks on New PM After Violent Clashes

Pope Abolishes 'Pontifical Secrecy' in Clergy Sexual Abuse Investigations

UK Lawmakers Return to Parliament to Elect New Speaker, Swear-In New MPs (Full Coverage)

Global News: Members of Britain's Parliament return to the House of Commons for the first time since the UK election to elect the new Speaker and allow Members of Parliament to swear-in. 

Boris Johnson’s Conservatives won an 80-strong majority in Parliament in last week’s general election -- the most decisive Tory victory since the 1980s -- as voters in formerly Labour-backing areas rallied to Johnson’s promise to “get Brexit done.”

Governor Cuomo Announces New Regulations for Real Estate Professionals to Combat Housing Discrimination

Click here for the announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Mayor de Blasio Holds Public Hearings and Signs Legislation

This video was published on YouTube on December 16.

Bonus Reports

Mayor de Blasio Makes Announcement About Homelessness

Mayor de Blasio Holds Media Availability

Long Lines as Undocumented Immigrants in N.Y. Rush to Get Licenses

 
Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times

NYC to Spend as Much as $41 Million to Buy More Run-Down Buildings to House Homeless

 
Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Daily News

Coverage of the Funeral for Jersey City Detective Joseph Seals

Amber Alert Issued for 16-Year-Old Girl Snatched Off Street by Group of Men in Bronx: Police

Karol Sanchez

 
Click here for the report. 

Source: PIX 11 News

Happening in Harlem: A Special Presentation on the 2020 Census

Click on the flier to increase its size. 

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

Senator Schumer News Conference

 
Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN

Larry Kudlow Comments to Reporters at the White House

 

C-SPAN: White House National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow speaks with reporters about the USMCA, China, and U.K. trade deals.

Click here for video. 

Alan Dershowitz Discusses Efforts to Impeach President Trump

C-SPAN: Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz discusses his opposition to efforts to impeach President Trump.

Growing Local News Deserts Endanger Democracy, Study Finds

This report was published on YouTube on December 15.

Impact of New Allegations on Michael Bloomberg’s Past Sexist Remarks

Schumer Calls for Mulvaney, Bolton to Testify in Likely Senate Impeachment Trial

How Internet Blackouts Are Going Global: The Listening Post

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell: 'The UK Will Be Considered as a Third Country'

China's Xi Gives Hong Kong Leader 'Unwavering Support'

G5 Sahel Leaders Hold Crisis Summit in Response to Deadly Hihadist Attack in Niger

Tensions High as France Enters 12th Day of Pension-Reform Strikes

Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks and Presents Bronze Medallion

New York City Mayor's Office: Mayor de Blasio delivers remarks at a ceremony to honor advocates who secured permanent funding for the  9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and present New York City’s Bronze Medallion to honorees.

N.Y. Lawmakers Passed 935 Bills by June. Many Remain Unsigned.

 
Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Times

NYPD Union Prez Claims Tessa Majors Sought Weed Night of Murder

Her Family and Community Leaders Respond to the Allegation

Click here for the report. 

Source: PIX 11 News

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Unveils 2019 'Worst' Landlords Watchlist

 

Click here for the report.

Source: PIX 11 News

New York State Office for the Aging Launches New Website

 

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) today announced the launch of its new website, aging.ny.gov, featuring improved design, navigation, search functions, and accessibility from virtually any device.
 
“Older adults are increasingly using technology to connect to news and information, health and wellness resources, and social supports,” said Acting Director Greg Olsen. “The newly redesigned website puts vital information about aging programs and services into the hands of older New Yorkers, families, and caregivers, and is yet another way that New York, as the first age friendly state, is helping older adults remain independent, healthy, and engaged in their communities.”
 
According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of adults over the age of 65 use the Internet and 88 percent of people between the ages of 50 and 64 use the Internet. And while smartphone ownership was uncommon at all ages 20 years ago, about half (53%) of people age 65 and older now own smartphones. These numbers will only continue to increase as the aging population grows.
 
There has been a dramatic shift in the way 21^st century citizens of all ages look for and obtain information. With much of today’s interactions happening over the Internet, the newly redesigned NYSOFA website offers a convenient way for older New Yorkers and their loved ones to easily connect to information and services.
 
The new site follows the format of the ny.gov official state website and features streamlined information about programs and services, improved search functions, intuitive navigation, and a modern, visually appealing design. In addition, the website links to the state’s powerful navigation tool, which enables visitors to conveniently bookmark relevant services and return to them later using the My Services feature, enhancing the customer service experience for users.
 
The site also provides valuable information and guidance for the aging services provider network on forms, issuances, reporting, and training opportunities to help ensure that aging services professionals have the tools they need to best respond to the current and emerging needs of older New Yorkers and caregivers.
 
Site visitors can also interact with aging.ny.gov on any device and digital screen, reflecting the large number of users who access information from a mobile device. Social media features allow visitors to easily share and discover information through various social media platforms.
 
In response to evolving technology and the overall increase in the use of smartphones, in 2017, under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State launched the first in the nation statewide Aging Services mobile app, which provides New York's more than 4.3 million older adults with easily accessible material about benefits, programs, and services, including information regarding health and wellness, housing, and transportation options. The Aging Services app also links users with live information and assistance through NY Connects, the state’s “no wrong door” system for community-based long-term services and supports, which is designed to help older adults and those with disabilities remain healthy and independent. The free app is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. 

Source: NYSOFA