Saturday, June 16, 2018
Governor Cuomo Delivers Remarks at 1199 Organizing Meeting
This video was published on YouTube on June 15.
Source: NYGovCuomo
Street Naming Ceremony Honoring FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo
This video was published on YouTube on June 15.
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
City Scoop: Half-Priced Metrocard, Budget Agreement, HOME-STAT Program
This video was published on YouTube on June 14.
Source: NYC Mayor's Office
Raid of N.Y. Public Housing Office Points to Separate Inquiry
Two days after Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a sweeping civil settlement
with the federal government over New York City’s public housing system,
federal and local investigators seized documents and other items
Wednesday from a Queens office of the city’s housing authority.
The
investigators questioned housing officials, cloned computer hard drives
and took the city-issued cellphone of a senior manager overseeing lead
abatement, according to two people briefed on the matter.
Then they returned on Thursday.
The
surprise visit rattled officials and pierced the veneer of common
purpose presented by Mayor de Blasio on Monday when he announced that
the city would commit at least $1.2 billion in extra funding for needed
repairs in New York City Housing Authority buildings.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The New York Times (via Empire Report New York)
New Yorkers Are Ditching the Subway for Uber, Study Shows
By Noah Manskar
NEW YORK, NY — Some straphangers have ditched the subway for Uber as
for-hire vehicles have flooded the New York City's streets, a new
Department of Transportation report shows. Half of the people who use
ride-hailing services say they replace public transit trips with rides
ordered from an app, according to the city's annual "Mobility Report" published Friday.
"New
York City is now moving more people than ever, but several new trends —
including declines in mass transit ridership and slower travel times,
combined with more car ownership and for-hire vehicle trips — are
together causes for concern," city Transportation Commissioner Polly
Trottenberg said in a statement.
Click here for the full article.
Source: New York City Patch (via Empire Report New York)
Sixth Cab Driver Commits Suicide Amid Financial Struggles
By Dan Rivoli
A
city cab driver was found dead in his Brooklyn home Friday — the sixth
cabbie to commit suicide this year, according to the New York Taxi
Workers Alliance.
Abdul
Saleh, 59, a Yemeni immigrant who regularly put in 12 hours a day
behind the wheel — was found hanged in his Flatlands apartment on King’s
Highway at 9 a.m., said Bhairavi Desai, director of the NYTWA.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The New York Daily News (via Empire Report New York)
Friday, June 15, 2018
Facebook’s Screening for Political Ads Nabs News Sites Instead of Politicians
The social network is letting some political ads slip through without the required verification, while blocking promotional posts by news organizations, which are pushing back.
by Jeremy B. Merrill and Ariana Tobin
One ad
couldn’t have been more obviously political. Targeted to people aged 18
and older, it urged them to “vote YES” on June 5 on a ballot
proposition to issue bonds for schools in a district near San Francisco.
Yet it showed up in users’ news feeds without the “paid for by”
disclaimer required for political ads under Facebook’s new policy
designed to prevent a repeat of Russian meddling in the 2016
presidential election. Nor does it appear, as it should, in Facebook’s
new archive of political ads.
The other ad was from The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news outlet, promoting one of its articles
about financial aid for college students. Yet Facebook’s screening
system flagged it as political. For the ad to run, The Hechinger Report
would have to undergo the multi-step authorization and authentication
process of submitting Social Security numbers and identification that
Facebook now requires for anyone running “electoral ads” or “issue ads.”
Click here for the full article.
Source: ProPublica
House Committee Holds Hearing on Pandemic Preparedness
A House oversight
subcommittee held a hearing on U.S. preparedness for potential
biological attacks, pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks. Among
the witnesses was Dr. Anthony Fauci,
the director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases. They discussed some of the potential health security threats,
along with vaccine development and the management of the Strategic
National Stockpile of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies that could be
used during a public health emergency. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) chairs
the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations.
Click here for video.
Paul Manafort Headed to Jail After Witness Tampering Allegation
by Charlie Gile and Tracy Connor
WASHINGTON — Paul Manafort is going to jail.
Special counsel Robert Mueller's office convinced a federal judge on
Friday to revoke the bail of President Donald Trump's former campaign
chief after he was accused of witness tampering.
"I
cannot turn a blind eye to this," Judge Amy Berman Jackson said in a
Washington courtroom, explaining that she could not just release
Manafort with more restrictions.
"This isn’t middle school, I can’t take your phone," Jackson said.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Trump Says He Won't Sign GOP Immigration Bill That Would Stop Separating Families at Border
The remarks could threaten a compromise in the House to end a policy that has been criticized by members of both parties and Christian conservatives.
By Adam Edelman
President Donald Trump said Friday he would refuse to sign a new compromise Republican immigration bill that would bar his administration from implementing its policy of separating children from their parents or legal guardian at the border.
In
an interview Friday morning with "Fox and Friends," Trump said he was
"looking at both" immigration proposals put forth by GOP members of the
House — the compromise bill, as well as a more conservative measure.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Capitol Hill Reaction to Immigration Policies That Separate Children and Parents
This report was published on YouTube on June 14.
Source: CBS News
NIcaragua Protests: Thousands Call for Ortega to Resign as Violence Continues
Source: FRANCE 24 English
Thursday, June 14, 2018
SPLC Update: Mother of Five Faces Deportation After Driving Without a License
Teresa, second from the left, poses with family at a graduation ceremony.
Teresa Olea Agaton, a mother of five with no criminal history, has been
detained for 10 months in a Louisiana facility after being ticketed for
driving without a license. She came to the United States from Mexico and
has been a devoted member of the Newnan, Georgia, community for almost
two decades. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has applied for a stay of removal that will temporarily
postpone her deportation.
Click here for the full report.
Source: SPLC
SUNY Board of Trustees to Extend in-State Tuition for Students Displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that the State University of New York Board of Trustees has extended the authorization for its state-operated colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition for the 2018-19 academic year to students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma. SUNY's Board of Trustees also encouraged the boards of trustees of its 30 community colleges and the boards of trustees of the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred Ceramics to take similar action.
"The promise of quality, affordable higher education can lay the foundation for a lasting difference in the many lives upended during last year's catastrophic hurricane season," Governor Cuomo said.
"With this extension, New York continues to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters whose suffering is being neglected and ignored by Washington to this day."
Approximately 35 students applied to SUNY under the in-state tuition policy in the fall 2017 academic term and fifty students did so in spring 2018. A copy of the resolution adopted by the SUNY Board is available online.
SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall said, "Governor Cuomo's focus on the people of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands is significant on many levels, and at SUNY we are proud to continue his directive to provide in-state tuition rates as a way to help so many students still displaced by the devastation left by Hurricanes Maria and Irma. It is important that these students know they can continue their education and we will help support them to that end."
SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "The outpouring of support within SUNY for our fellow American citizens is heartfelt and unwavering. Today, our board of trustees honors our commitment to educate students displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma. In just a few days, 100 of our students and faculty will join the people of Puerto Rico in their rebuilding efforts at home. It is truly our pleasure to provide this necessary public service and remind our students of the value of supporting each other in times of need."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President: 'Sarah Jessica Parker Could Not Be More Wrong'
NAN, Community Leaders Say Actress's Support for Ending
Tipped Wage Credit Threatens Employees, Restaurant Owners
Tipped Wage Credit Threatens Employees, Restaurant Owners
New York, NY – Minister Kirsten John Foy, the Northeast Regional Director for the National Action Network (NAN), today joined with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Walker, and local restaurant owners to urge Sarah Jessica Parker to abandon her campaign to end New York State’s tipped-wage credit.
The State Department of Labor is currently holding a series of hearings on eliminating the tip credit, which a majority of industry-experts agree would close restaurants and put servers out of work.
New York State allows tipped workers to be paid a lower minimum wage, but they must earn at least the full minimum wage when you include tips. (The difference between the tipped wage and the full minimum wage is called the tip credit.) The tip credit allows restaurant owners to keep labor costs down, while keeping it affordable for people to dine out.
Eliminating the tip credit will force employers to pay the full minimum wage, significantly increasing business costs, while actually reducing the pay that workers receive. Experts believe the elimination of the credit will result in restaurant closures, job losses, lower wages, and higher prices for customers.
“Sarah Jessica Parker could not be more wrong. She may have eaten at some of New York’s best restaurants, but that doesn’t make her an expert in this industry,” Chamber President Walker said. “Eliminating the tipped-wage credit will cost jobs, restaurants will close, and unemployment will rise. We’re here today to stop ‘SJP’ from making a terrible error in the name of working men and women who don’t need it, don’t want it, and never asked for it!”
Late last month, Parker chose to relocate an exclusive $50,000 per table fundraiser to end the credit when the location was publicly revealed. Rather than meet with restaurant employees and take input from the people who work in the field every day, Parker chose to hide her event and only listen to the most radical voices on the subject. Ending the tipped-wage credit failed miserably in other states (Maine), and the legislature quickly had to pass a new law to stop the bleeding.
“Rather than hold secret fundraisers, Ms. Parker should take some time to listen to these restaurant workers and owners,” Minister Foy said. “I have been a champion for the ‘Fight for 15,’ but I took the time to listen to the owners and workers in this industry. They don’t want their pay capped by the minimum wage and they certainly don’t want to lose their jobs because restaurants will close. They opened my eyes and that’s why I am here today, standing for and with them.”
Alfredo Angueria owner of Bronx Drafthouse and Beatstro said, “Running a restaurant is tough enough, and eliminating the tip credit will push a lot of small business owners to either cut jobs or close all together. The only restaurants left standing will be those few that survive will make enormous.”
Ruben Rodriguez President of GRC Restaurant Partners, parent company of Havana Café, said, “This isn’t about denying employees who ward hard every day access to a fair, living wage. We have men and women who have worked for us for years. We know them and their families. We’re here fighting to save jobs and businesses that help make up the character of your neighborhood.”
“This is about fighting to save business we’ve worked tirelessly to build in New York City. Slowly developing concepts, hiring the right people, finding the right space, and at the end of the day bringing it all together and hoping we got it right,” said Petrushka Bazin Larsen co-owner of Sugar Hill Creamery. “This is about stopping policy-makers from making a terrible error in the name of working men and women who don’t want it. It’s a misguided effort that will only result in unbearable costs, empty commercial real estate, and longer unemployment lines.”
The Department of Labor has previously held five hearings across New York (Long Island, Watertown, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Albany). The response has been overwhelming. Thousands of servers have attended the hearings, submitted testimony, and called their legislators to tell them to keep the credit.
There are two more scheduled hearings regarding the tipped wage credit: June 19 at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, and June 27 at Hunter College in Manhattan.
Source: Mercury
The State Department of Labor is currently holding a series of hearings on eliminating the tip credit, which a majority of industry-experts agree would close restaurants and put servers out of work.
New York State allows tipped workers to be paid a lower minimum wage, but they must earn at least the full minimum wage when you include tips. (The difference between the tipped wage and the full minimum wage is called the tip credit.) The tip credit allows restaurant owners to keep labor costs down, while keeping it affordable for people to dine out.
Eliminating the tip credit will force employers to pay the full minimum wage, significantly increasing business costs, while actually reducing the pay that workers receive. Experts believe the elimination of the credit will result in restaurant closures, job losses, lower wages, and higher prices for customers.
“Sarah Jessica Parker could not be more wrong. She may have eaten at some of New York’s best restaurants, but that doesn’t make her an expert in this industry,” Chamber President Walker said. “Eliminating the tipped-wage credit will cost jobs, restaurants will close, and unemployment will rise. We’re here today to stop ‘SJP’ from making a terrible error in the name of working men and women who don’t need it, don’t want it, and never asked for it!”
Late last month, Parker chose to relocate an exclusive $50,000 per table fundraiser to end the credit when the location was publicly revealed. Rather than meet with restaurant employees and take input from the people who work in the field every day, Parker chose to hide her event and only listen to the most radical voices on the subject. Ending the tipped-wage credit failed miserably in other states (Maine), and the legislature quickly had to pass a new law to stop the bleeding.
“Rather than hold secret fundraisers, Ms. Parker should take some time to listen to these restaurant workers and owners,” Minister Foy said. “I have been a champion for the ‘Fight for 15,’ but I took the time to listen to the owners and workers in this industry. They don’t want their pay capped by the minimum wage and they certainly don’t want to lose their jobs because restaurants will close. They opened my eyes and that’s why I am here today, standing for and with them.”
Alfredo Angueria owner of Bronx Drafthouse and Beatstro said, “Running a restaurant is tough enough, and eliminating the tip credit will push a lot of small business owners to either cut jobs or close all together. The only restaurants left standing will be those few that survive will make enormous.”
Ruben Rodriguez President of GRC Restaurant Partners, parent company of Havana Café, said, “This isn’t about denying employees who ward hard every day access to a fair, living wage. We have men and women who have worked for us for years. We know them and their families. We’re here fighting to save jobs and businesses that help make up the character of your neighborhood.”
“This is about fighting to save business we’ve worked tirelessly to build in New York City. Slowly developing concepts, hiring the right people, finding the right space, and at the end of the day bringing it all together and hoping we got it right,” said Petrushka Bazin Larsen co-owner of Sugar Hill Creamery. “This is about stopping policy-makers from making a terrible error in the name of working men and women who don’t want it. It’s a misguided effort that will only result in unbearable costs, empty commercial real estate, and longer unemployment lines.”
The Department of Labor has previously held five hearings across New York (Long Island, Watertown, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Albany). The response has been overwhelming. Thousands of servers have attended the hearings, submitted testimony, and called their legislators to tell them to keep the credit.
There are two more scheduled hearings regarding the tipped wage credit: June 19 at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, and June 27 at Hunter College in Manhattan.
Source: Mercury
The Rising Suicide Rate in America: A Closer Look
John Madigan of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention talked about the rise in suicides in the U.S.
Click here for video.
Pennsylvania State Police Adding Oversight to Troopers’ Interactions With ICE
Officers must now file a report when they call federal agencies. Meanwhile, Trooper Luke C. Macke continues to detain immigrants for ICE.
by Kavitha Surana
This story was co-published with the Philadelphia Inquirer.
By the end of this month, Pennsylvania State Police officers
will be required to file a report any time they call immigration
authorities to the scene of a traffic stop, detailing the circumstances
behind the call, the agency said Wednesday.
This change comes two months after ProPublica and the Philadelphia Inquirer published an investigation about state and local police officers in Pennsylvania helping ICE round up immigrants for deportation, using tactics that raise questions about racial profiling and unlawful arrest.
The story focused on Pennsylvania state Trooper Luke C. Macke as an
extreme example. In 2017, Macke turned over at least 19 undocumented
immigrants to ICE after interrogating them about their legal status and
detaining them for up to four hours without a warrant.
In response to the April investigation, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf
released a statement calling for “a need for stronger uniform procedures
addressing state police requests for assistance from outside agencies,
including ICE, especially given the new pressure on state and local
agencies from the federal government.”
Click here for the full article.
Fact Check: Corey Stewart, Republicans and the Fringe Right
By Maggie Astor
Corey Stewart, the provocative conservative who won Tuesday’s Republican primary
to challenge Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in Virginia in November, has
spent years courting voters on the rightward fringes of his party, often
by playing to anti-immigration sentiment.
He
has also been accused of supporting white nationalists, an allegation
that he has denied yet may cost him support this fall even among other
Republicans. One of his primary opponents, Nick Freitas, urged voters in an email
last week to “reject Corey Stewart’s dog-whistling of white
supremacists, anti-Semites and racists.” This argument is likely to play
a major role in the general election, as signaled by the first
statement from Mr. Kaine’s campaign after Mr. Stewart secured the
nomination on Tuesday night.
“A
cruder imitation of Donald Trump who stokes white supremacy and brags
about being ‘ruthless and vicious,’ Corey Stewart would be an
embarrassment for Virginia in the U.S. Senate,” the statement said.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The New York Times
New York's Crime Analysis Center Network Expanded to Hudson County Region
Governor Cuomo announced the expansion of the state's Crime Analysis Center network to Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties.
Click here for details.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Saving Our Youth: Inside a Gang Initiation with the Silent Murder Crips
This video was published on YouTube on November 16, 2017.
For JT, a young prospect making his way into a local branch of the Crips
in Brooklyn, joining the gang is about family: Getting close to a group
of men that care about him, and are willing to back him up if he ever
finds himself in trouble.
But getting initiated isn't easy. VICE followed JT through the process of
getting made to see what drew him to the gang, and to hear why he's
willing to be "squared in"—suffering a brutal beating at the hands of
his best friends.
Warning: The report contains strong language and footage of a physical assault. From The G-Man has opted to post this video in effort to "keep it real" and show kids and teens that choices have consequences.
Source: VICE
Trailblazers in Black History: London Breed
Elected as San Francisco's First Black Woman Mayor
by Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Supervisor London Breed emerged victorious
Wednesday to become the city’s first black woman mayor after narrowly defeating a rival who was seeking to become the first openly gay man in the position.
It took eight days of counting after Election Day for Breed to build a
large enough lead to claim the city’s top job. With about 250,000
ballots tallied, she led former state Sen. Mark Leno by 2,177 votes with
only about 6,700 left to count.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Kim Kardashian West Pushes White House for More Drug Sentence Commutations
"OK, we did this," Kardashian West tells "Today" after Alice Johnson was freed. "Let's open up this conversation."
By Alex Johnson
Kim Kardashian West has given the White House reports on several other
nonviolent criminal offenders for possible commutation after she
persuaded President Donald Trump to commute the sentence of Alice Marie
Johnson, she told "Today" in an exclusive joint interview with Johnson.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Top Democrats Rally at 'We the People' Summit
This report was published on YouTube on June 13.
Source: CBS News
Measure to Split California Into 3 States Heads to November Ballot
This report was published on YouTube on June 13.
Source: CBS News
Apple to Close iPhone Security Hole Used by Police, Criminals
This report was published on YouTube on June 13.
Apple will make a method -- often used by police -- for getting data off iPhones much less powerful with a software update announced Wednesday.
Source: CBS News
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