Coverage begins at the 22:24 mark.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
South Carolina Democratic Primary Coverage and Candidate Speeches
C-SPAN: Our network will provide LIVE coverage of the results from the 2020 South
Carolina Democratic primary along with speeches from the presidential
candidates.
Click here for video.
55 Years After ‘Bloody Sunday,’ Voting Rights Are Still Under Attack
By the Editors of the Southern Poverty Law Center
When they looked over the steel-arched crest of the Edmund Pettus
Bridge in 1965, the voting rights activists knew there would be trouble.
There, at the foot of the bridge in Selma, Alabama, stood a line of
state troopers in riot gear, ready to meet a peaceful protest with
brutal violence.
Days earlier in nearby Marion, troopers had fatally beaten and shot Jimmie Lee Jackson when he tried to protect his mother at a voting rights demonstration.
Inspired by Jackson’s sacrifice, the activists marched in a thin
column down the sidewalk of the bridge to the line of troopers, who
warned them to turn back or face the consequences.
As the marchers stood firm, troopers advanced on them, knocked them
to the ground and beat them with clubs, whips and rubber tubing wrapped
in barbed wire. Though they were forced back and bloodied, the activists
did not fight back.
Television footage of the attack sparked national outrage, galvanized
public opinion in favor of Black suffrage, and mobilized Congress to
pass the Voting Rights Act, outlawing discrimination in voting.
Fifty-five years after “Bloody Sunday”
on March 7, 1965, this pivotal moment in the battle for voting rights
in this country is being remembered. This weekend, a delegation
including members of Congress, veterans of the civil rights movement,
clergy and others will commemorate the historic voting rights march by
walking across the Selma bridge during the voting rights jubilee that runs through Sunday.
Next weekend, the delegation will travel to Montgomery for more commemorative events, including a performance of Ruby: The Story of Ruby Bridges,
a play about the first Black girl to integrate an all-white elementary
school in the South. The delegation also plans to visit the Equal
Justice Initiative and meet its director, Bryan Stevenson.
The fight for voting rights
These events, however, shouldn’t be seen as a sign that the fight for
voting rights is over. The fight continues and – just as it did in 1965
– Alabama remains at the epicenter.
“Although many people marched, bled, cried, suffered and died for the
right to vote, Jim Crow is still alive and well, and continues to cast a
long shadow on elections across the country,” said Nancy Abudu, SPLC
deputy legal director for voting rights. “Elections continue to be
confusing and filled with barriers to historically disenfranchised
communities. We are deeply engaged in the fight to ensure that everyone
can cast a ballot.”
The SPLC’s voting rights team is fighting the battle of the ballot on
multiple fronts, in the courts and state legislatures. It recently
investigated the many ways voter suppression is alive and well in Alabama.
Our team’s report
outlines how voter suppression in Alabama takes many forms, including
strict voter ID laws, the closure of polling places in predominantly
Black counties, the purging of thousands of people from the voter rolls,
and limited access to the ballot due to the lack of early voting,
same-day registration and no-excuse absentee voting.
It also occurs in not-so-obvious ways: The state’s convoluted felony
voter re-enfranchisement process keeps the ballot out of reach for many
people. Also, Alabama’s opaque election administration spreads
responsibilities among many state and local governments, making it
difficult to ensure accountability.
Of course, this isn’t just an Alabama issue.
Many of the voter suppression tactics found across the country can be
traced to 2013, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Shelby County v. Holder case, which originated in Alabama, weakened
the Voting Rights Act. The ruling gutted a key provision that required
places with a history of voter discrimination to get federal approval
for any changes they make to voting rules.
In the years since that decision, lawmakers in numerous states have
enacted laws that make it harder for citizens to vote. Since the
ruling, about 1,600 polling places have been closed, and states have purged voter lists.
Several Southern states have also implemented voter ID laws that
require voters to show a state-approved form of photo identification to
vote – a law that discriminates against minority voters who are less
likely to have such identification. And, of course, congressional and
legislative districts have long been heavily gerrymandered to dilute the
voting power of communities of color.
‘March on ballot boxes’
Despite the attack on voting rights across the country, there have
been victories that are placing the ballot within reach of people who
would otherwise be disenfranchised.
In Florida, the SPLC recently won a decisive federal appeals court ruling
that found Floridians’ right to vote can’t be denied on the basis of
wealth. The ruling came after Florida lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis
effectively instituted a modern-day poll tax following the overwhelming
passage of a ballot initiative to restore the vote to 1.4 million of
their fellow residents with previous felony convictions – the largest
single expansion of voting rights since the Voting Rights Act.
The new law meant that hundreds of thousands of newly enfranchised
people still couldn’t vote because of the legal debt they owed – such as
fines, fees and court costs – but couldn’t afford to pay. But, due to
the court’s ruling, the SPLC’s clients will be able to cast ballots in
Florida’s March 17 primary elections. And in April, the SPLC is going to
trial in an attempt to have the law declared unconstitutional and
re-enfranchise hundreds of thousands more.
In Louisiana last year, thousands of returning citizens became eligible to vote for the first time under a law
the SPLC helped pass in the state Legislature. The law restored the
right to vote to people who have been out of prison for at least five
years but who remain on probation and parole.
In Mississippi, the SPLC is fighting in court to end that state’s lifetime voting ban for people with disqualifying offenses.
And, over the next several months leading up to the November election,
the SPLC will conduct grassroots initiatives to encourage people to
register, restore their right to vote, and cast their ballots.
“The right to vote should not be the fight to vote, but states across
America are doing just that – making it hard for people to cast a
ballot,” Abudu said. “As Martin Luther King Jr. said at the end of the
successful march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, ‘let us march on
ballot boxes’ until everyone can vote.”
Netflix Series 'Dirty Money' to Expose Guardianship Fraud in America
The critically-acclaimed investigative series returns with six untold stories of scandal, financial malfeasance, and corruption in the world of business. Banking scandals, real estate schemes, toxic plastics and more reveal how a corporate thirst for profit puts citizens in danger. Dirty Money returns March 11.
"Guardians, Inc." director Kyoko Miyake, whose film will be showcased in one of the stories, said, "The state guardianship system is a heart-wrenching, little-known and perfectly legal way to exploit vulnerable senior citizens. Those who, against their will, fall under guardianship can find their assets seized, bank accounts frozen, and even their homes taken away —often removing them from loving families who are trying to help. Dirty Money explores the brutal business of court-enforced guardianship, a practice that often devolves into lawful corruption and exploitation in desperate need of oversight and accountability".
Sources: CEAR and The A.V. Club
From The G-Man and The G-Man Interviews conducted special investigations and published alerts on fraudulent guardianships and probate courts in the U.S., which included the following:
"Guardians, Inc." director Kyoko Miyake, whose film will be showcased in one of the stories, said, "The state guardianship system is a heart-wrenching, little-known and perfectly legal way to exploit vulnerable senior citizens. Those who, against their will, fall under guardianship can find their assets seized, bank accounts frozen, and even their homes taken away —often removing them from loving families who are trying to help. Dirty Money explores the brutal business of court-enforced guardianship, a practice that often devolves into lawful corruption and exploitation in desperate need of oversight and accountability".
Sources: CEAR and The A.V. Club
From The G-Man and The G-Man Interviews conducted special investigations and published alerts on fraudulent guardianships and probate courts in the U.S., which included the following:
Hotline Established to Help Victims of Guardianship Fraud, Predatory Lawyers
New York State Alert: 'The Guardians' Exposes Probate, Trust and Adult Guardianship Fraud
Fraudulent Guardianships & Probate Courts (A Special Report)
Senate Aging Committee Hearing on Guardianship Process
Governor Cuomo Delivers Update on Novel Coronavirus
The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: Earlier today, Governor Cuomo delivered an update on the Coronavirus. New York State's Coronavirus test has been approved by the FDA, and New York State will begin testing immediately at Wadsworth Lab.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Bernie Sanders, Presidential Campaign Denounced by New York-Based Jewish Organization
Americans Against Antisemitism was established by former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind to bring together a broad cross-section of Americans who are prepared to combat growing antisemitism when and where it's needed most. Through engaging educational content and social media communications AAA is building its partnership network and volunteer base so that we can continue to mobilize activists on the ground to hotspots of antisemitism throughout the country. It's only through public pressure that change can be effected, and it's only through unity that we can generate effective pressure.
Hikind today released a video and the following statement denouncing 2020 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
"While I and others were arrested by the KGB for helping our fellow brothers and sisters suffering under communism, BernieSanders honeymooned in the USSR ignoring the plight of the Jews, just as he ignores Israel today. A MAN WHO SELLS OUT HIS OWN PEOPLE, WILL SELL OUT AMERICA!"
Overview and video source: AAA
Overview and video source: AAA
Whistleblower Shares Concerns Over US Workers' Potential Exposure to Coronavirus
This report was published on YouTube on February 27.
What History of Big Market Losses Can Tell Investors About Coronavirus Sell-Off
CNBC Televison: CNBC's "Squawk Box" crew discuss what the history of the biggest market sell-offs can tell investors about the coronavirus fears rocking the markets.
Korey Wise of 'Exonerated 5' Gives Lesson on Criminal Justice to Local Kids
This report was published on YouTube on February 27.
NYCHA Residents File Class-Action Suit Against the City
Real Estate Weekly: A class action lawsuit has
been filed against the New York City Housing Authority over the
agency’s inability to alleviate widespread substandard living conditions
across its properties, which house more than 400,000 New York City
residents.
Click here for the report.
New Text Message Program Aims to Help Young People Quit Vaping
The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State is now
offering a free text message program to help kids quit e-cigarettes as
the state moves to reverse the alarming rise in youth vaping. Health
Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker unveiled this initiative yesterday at a
#NoVapeNY rally along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence, New York State PTA and Parents Against Vaping
E-cigarettes at the Wheatley School, a public high
school in Old Westbury, Long Island. It is the latest action in the
Governor's statewide campaign to end vaping among high school students.
Click here for the full announcement.
Gov. Cuomo: Tackling the Climate Crisis is My Number One Priority
Of the dozens of proposals in my 2020
agenda, one issue in particular rises to the top in its urgency and
scale: tackling the climate crisis.
The threat posed by climate change to our state, and the entire planet, is all important. We only have one planet — and we only have one chance to fix it before reaching a point of no return.
That's why I'm proposing a $3 billion
"Restore Mother Nature" Bond Act to fund critical environmental
restoration projects in every corner of the state — to ensure that New York is able to use nature's own tools to withstand the threats posed by climate change.
Bond acts are special pieces of
legislation that are put to a vote on the ballot by New Yorkers. In
order to be enacted, they must be approved by voters in the November
general election.
Why pass the "Restore Mother Nature" Bond Act?
For hundreds of years, our environment had
its own systems to correct imbalances. Shellfish filtered pollution and
toxins in the water. Forests improved air quality. Marshes and wetlands
helped prevent floods.
But over the decades, we degraded our environment — destroying these natural systems. Now we're suffering the consequences.
Any
comprehensive plan to combat climate change requires that we restore
the environment by restoring habitats to reduce flood risk, improving
water quality, sequestering carbon, and more.
The
"Restore Mother Nature" Bond Act would be the largest environmental
bond act in New York State history, and it is part of our unprecedented
$33 billion commitment to fight climate change over the next five years.
The scale of this bond act is big, but so is the problem we face.
If we don't save the planet, everything else is irrelevant. We owe it to our children and our grandchildren to act now.
Let's get it done.
Coronavirus in N.Y.: Growing Anxiety as Doctors Prepare for an Epidemic
The New York Times: No confirmed cases have appeared in the city or state, but officials
have begun to brace for the possibility of a widespread outbreak.
Click here for the report.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Italy Becomes Centre of European Outbreak as Trump Downplays Virus Spread in U.S.
This report was published on YouTube on February 26.
Dr. Peter Lin: A Detailed Explanation of the Coronavirus
This report was published on YouTube on February 26.
Source: Pastor John J. Tatum
Governor Cuomo Announces $40 Million Emergency Appropriation to Potential Coronavirus Pandemic
This report was published on YouTube on February 26.
Source: NYGovCuomo
Mayor de Blasio Holds Media Availability on Coronavirus Preparedness
This report was published on YouTube on February 26.
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Lin-Manuel Miranda Teach on the 2020 Census
AOC y Lin-Manuel MirandaEnseñan Sobre El Censo 2020
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
New ExpressCare Clinic Opens at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
The clinic will provide patients with fast access to walk-in, urgent care seven days a week.
Click here for details.
Source: NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
CDC Provides Frequent Updates on COVID-19
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Click here for details.
House Passes Anti-Lynching Bill, 410-4
C-SPAN: The House has passed, 410-4, the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, a bill which would make lynching a federal crime. Independent Justin Amash and Republicans Thomas Massie, Louie Gohmert, and Ted Yoho voted against the measure. A similar bill was passed in the Senate by unanimous consent. The House bill is named for Emmett Till, a 14-year-old black teenager who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Here's the debate on the bill prior to the House vote.
Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
The National Council on Aging: Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.
Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.
It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others.
Review our list below, so you can identify a potential scam.
Click here for the listing
Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.
It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others.
Review our list below, so you can identify a potential scam.
Click here for the listing
Happening in Harlem: Free Tax Preparation
The not-for-profit Harlem Children's Zone will help prepare your tax forms for free! Find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. For information or an appointment, call one of the following sites:
Promise Academy I
(646) 582-1200
245 West 129th Street
(646) 582-1200
245 West 129th Street
New York, NY 10027
Countee Cullen Community Center
(212) 234-4500
271 West 144th Street
New York, NY 10030
Family Development Program
(212) 234-6714
34 West 139th Street
New York, NY 10037
Promise Academy II
(212) 360-3255
35 East 125th Street
New York, NY 10035
Community Pride
(212) 932-1920
2037 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10027
In addition, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem is providing free tax preparation and filing on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service is available until April 11. The site is located at 506 Lenox Avenue, Room 3101, Martin Luther King Junior Pavilion.
Sources: Harlem Children's Zone and NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
List of NY Healthcare Networks That Will Be Impacted by the Trump Administration's $8 Billion Cuts
The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: Governor Cuomo today released a list of healthcare networks that will be impacted by the federal government's $8 billion cut to New York's healthcare system. Yesterday, the Governor delivered remarks addressing these planned cuts for New York State - the Trump Administration's latest assault on the state.
"This past Friday we learned of the Trump administration's latest assault on the state of New York - $8 billion in cuts to our healthcare system. Healthcare should be beyond politics and it is unconscionable that the federal administration is politicizing the lives of New Yorkers - primarily senior citizens," Governor Cuomo said. "The healthcare networks on this list will bear the brunt of these short-sighted cuts, and as a result some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers will suffer. Make no mistake: New York will marshal all our allies, including our congressional delegation, to fight these cuts tooth and nail until New York receives the full funding we deserve."
Below is a list of healthcare networks, known as Performing Provider Systems, that will be impacted by the federal cuts in healthcare:
PPS Common Name
|
Distribution of Funds by Net Project Valuation
|
|
NYC PPS
|
|
|
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center
|
$ 8,545,132
|
|
St. Barnabas PPS, St. Barnabas Hospital dba SBH Health System, Bronx Partners for Healthy Communities
|
$ 19,990,806
|
|
New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens PPS (Presbyterian)
|
$ 1,364,033
|
|
Richmond University Medical Center & Staten Island University, Staten Island PPS
|
$ 24,561,822
|
|
Maimonides Medical Center
|
$ 25,767,912
|
|
Mount Sinai PPS
|
$ 16,314,209
|
|
NYU Lutheran PPS, Lutheran Medical Center; Brooklyn Bridges PPS
|
$ 8,127,391
|
|
New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation, NYC HHC, NYC Health + Hospitals
|
$ 137,493,647
|
|
Advocate Community Providers, Inc., ACP (SOMOS)
|
$ 39,953,315
|
|
The New York and Presbyterian Hospital
|
$ 5,731,324
|
|
Nassau University Medical Center, NUMC, Nassau-Queens PPS, LLC.
|
$ 52,577,847
|
|
NYC Total
|
$ 340,427,439
|
| |
|
|
Rest of State PPS
|
|
|
AHI
|
$ 20,930,831
|
|
iHANY, Ellis Hospital, AFBHC
|
$ 27,865,422
|
|
Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH) PPS
|
$ 15,748,286
|
|
Southern Tier Rural Integrated Performing Provider System, Inc. (STRIPPS), United Health Services Hospitals, Inc. (UHS)
|
$ 25,110,123
|
|
SUNY Upstate; CNY DSRIP Performing Provider System, Inc.
|
$ 18,619,630
|
|
Sisters of Charity Hospital of Buffalo, New York, Catholic Medical Partners, Community Partners of WNY
|
$ 5,100,833
|
|
Finger Lakes PPS, FLPPS
|
$ 62,754,287
|
|
Mohawk Valley PPS; Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital; Bassett Medical Center
|
$ 7,921,320
|
|
Erie County Medical Center, ECMC
|
$ 22,505,689
|
|
NCI, Samaritan Medical Center
|
$ 8,677,143
|
|
Refuah Health Center, Inc.,
|
$ 2,525,538
|
|
State University of New York at Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital
|
$ 21,289,481
|
|
Montefiore Medical Center; Hudson Valley Collaborative PPS
|
$ 14,469,921
|
|
Westchester Medical Center, WCMC
|
$ 31,054,057
|
|
ROS Total
|
$ 284,572,561
|
| |
|
|
NYS Total
|
$ 625,000,000
|