Thursday, October 10, 2019
New York’s Nita Lowey, Who Leads House Spending Panel, to Retire
Click here for the report.
Source: Bloomberg
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"Congresswoman Lowey has faithfully been serving New York's 17th congressional district with strength, determination and grace for 31 years - and I speak for countless New Yorkers when I say we are eternally grateful for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
"As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey is a true trailblazer who worked tirelessly to secure funding for critical projects in her district, improve public safety and advocate for women, children and families.
"Like my father before me, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Congresswoman Lowey and consider her to be a true partner in making New York a better place. I was extremely proud to work with her on the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and other projects that have made real and lasting impacts on the daily lives of New Yorkers. I look forward to continuing our work together over the next year as we fight to build a better New York for all.
"On behalf of the New York family, I thank the Congresswoman for her continued service and dedication to the state and to the nation and wish her the best in this next chapter. She will always be a dear friend to me - just as she was to my father - and to my entire family, and I look forward to our continued friendship in our years to come."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
"As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey is a true trailblazer who worked tirelessly to secure funding for critical projects in her district, improve public safety and advocate for women, children and families.
"Like my father before me, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Congresswoman Lowey and consider her to be a true partner in making New York a better place. I was extremely proud to work with her on the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and other projects that have made real and lasting impacts on the daily lives of New Yorkers. I look forward to continuing our work together over the next year as we fight to build a better New York for all.
"On behalf of the New York family, I thank the Congresswoman for her continued service and dedication to the state and to the nation and wish her the best in this next chapter. She will always be a dear friend to me - just as she was to my father - and to my entire family, and I look forward to our continued friendship in our years to come."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
NYSDOT Investigator Pleads Guilty to Illegally Accessing Gov't Databases
Ran a Private Trucking Company While Collecting Workers' Comp Benefits
HAUPPAUGE – New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro today announced the guilty plea of a State Department of Transportation vehicle safety employee who defrauded the workers’ compensation system by claiming injury and then secretly operating his own trucking company – with a vehicle that had multiple safety violations – and using his State government position to illegally access sensitive driver identification and violation information to get an unfair competitive advantage.
Niccolo Mormile, 39, of Shirley, pled guilty today before Suffolk County District Court Judge Richard T. Dunn to Attempted False Filing of an Instrument (A Misdemeanor). As part of his plea, Mormile must pay full restitution of $28,580 and resign from state service. His next court appearance is December 18.
“This investigator, who we trusted to ensure vehicles are safe for New Yorkers’ daily use, instead engaged in multiple levels of fraud and deceit,” said Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro. “He claimed injury and began collecting workers’ compensation benefits, and then abused the system by operating his own unsafe trucking company and accessing sensitive information to gain a competitive edge. New Yorkers have no tolerance for such illegal conduct and now he will pay the consequences for his repeated wrongs.”
“This is a just result that ensures full restitution to the State,” Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini said. “I would like to thank the office of Inspector General Tagliafierro as well as the Department of Transportation for partnering with my office on this investigation and prosecution.”
Mormile worked as a Motor Carrier Investigator for the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT). He was responsible for conducting roadside inspections of commercial vehicles and ensuring that carriers were operating in compliance with State Transportation Law.
An investigation by the Inspector General found that Mormile became involved in a series of illegal and improper practices starting in July 2016, when he claimed he fell at work and suffered an injury.
Mormile falsely claimed twice to an independent medical examiner that he could not and was not able to work. Between July 2016 and 2017, he collected $28,580 in workers’ compensation wage replacement benefits.
While collecting benefits, Mormile was secretly running a private trucking company, CNC Trucking, with a vehicle that repeatedly had violations during DOT inspections. He earned more than $125,000 from this clandestine business during the year he claimed he could not work.
During this time and through March 2018, Mormile illegally accessed Driver/Vehicle Examination Reports with sensitive information from state and federal databases and provided it to a private trucking consultant who used the information to gain a competitive advantage over other trucking companies. Mormile and the consultant later married.
Mormile was suspended from DOT in December 2018.
Inspector General Tagliafierro thanked Suffolk County District Attorney Sini and his office for their assistance with the investigation and for prosecuting this matter. She also thanked the State Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the State Department of Motor Vehicles Division of Field Investigation for their assistance with the investigation.
Source: Office of the New York State Inspector General
Over a Hundred Leading Black Clergy and Allies Call For Boycott of 'The Word Network'
Bishop George Bloomer
National Protests Planned Amid Allegations
of Racial Insensitivity by Owner Kevin Adell
of Racial Insensitivity by Owner Kevin Adell
New York, NY - A group of over a hundred Black clergy members have come together to protest the racially insensitive environment perpetuated by The Word Network, a Christian television network that bills itself as the world’s largest African-American Religious Network and reaches 93 million homes in the U.S. The Word Network is owned by Kevin Adell, who is white.
On September 19, 2019, Mr. Adell denigrated and humiliated the very community of which he profits when he sent a text message containing a photo of himself dressed as a pimp surrounded by Black clergymen he referred to as his “hoes.” This racist incident catalyzed the present petition to boycott the Word Network on Change.org that has garnered almost three thousand signatures.
Preachers throughout the country, including, Bishop George Bloomer, one of the prominent clergy members pictured in Adell’s photo, are planning protests in Michigan and in targeted locations across the country. Over a hundred other preachers are joining in the Word Network boycott including: Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan, Zoe Ministries, Pastor Debra Jordan, Zoe Ministries, Pastor Larry Reid, Larry Reid Live, Vickie Yohe, Christian Recording Artist, Paul Crouch, Jr. Impact Network, Lisa Sharon Harper, Freedom Roads, Rev. Anita Faye-Wilson, Apostle Travis Wright, Rev. Yolanda Brown, Center of Destiny Ministries, Rev. Dr. Peter Heltzel, Micah Clergy Table and many others.
On September 19, 2019, Mr. Adell denigrated and humiliated the very community of which he profits when he sent a text message containing a photo of himself dressed as a pimp surrounded by Black clergymen he referred to as his “hoes.” This racist incident catalyzed the present petition to boycott the Word Network on Change.org that has garnered almost three thousand signatures.
Preachers throughout the country, including, Bishop George Bloomer, one of the prominent clergy members pictured in Adell’s photo, are planning protests in Michigan and in targeted locations across the country. Over a hundred other preachers are joining in the Word Network boycott including: Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan, Zoe Ministries, Pastor Debra Jordan, Zoe Ministries, Pastor Larry Reid, Larry Reid Live, Vickie Yohe, Christian Recording Artist, Paul Crouch, Jr. Impact Network, Lisa Sharon Harper, Freedom Roads, Rev. Anita Faye-Wilson, Apostle Travis Wright, Rev. Yolanda Brown, Center of Destiny Ministries, Rev. Dr. Peter Heltzel, Micah Clergy Table and many others.
Although Mr. Adell claims he did not create the image, he wasn’t offended by it and texted it to various staff (many of whom are African-American) including Bishop George Bloomer. The result was a highly hostile work environment for Bishop Bloomer and for others. Bishop Bloomer recently testified to additional incidents of Kevin Adell’s flagrant racism, all of which are are outlined in the Change.org petition.
Source: Mercury
Coastal Storm System to Impact New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo today urged caution as a low pressure system off the coast of Long Island is forecasted to create potentially difficult storm conditions throughout downstate New York until Friday. As a result, residents in New York City and on Long Island should prepare for wind gusts up to 45 mph, as well as potential beach erosion and coastal flooding in low lying areas. The National Weather Service has already issued multiple coastal flooding advisories, watches and warnings for points east of New York City which will remain in effect until Friday Morning. New Yorkers along the coast line are being urged to travel with extreme caution and prepare for the possibility of difficult road conditions.
"The Empire State is no stranger to difficult weather, and I am urging New Yorkers to be prepared for potentially dangerous high winds and coastal flooding throughout the course of this storm," Governor Cuomo said. "Our state agencies and emergency management teams are prepared with personnel and equipment to assist communities as quickly and effectively as possible if they are needed."
Throughout the event, New York City and points east should expect between one-quarter and one-half inch of rainfall generally, with portions of Suffolk County to receive up to two inches. As the low pressure offshore builds Thursday morning, New York could potentially experience wind gusts up to 45 mph at times. Wind will gradually decrease during the late afternoon into the evening. Rain will continue into Friday and will decrease through the day.
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood warning, which will be in effect beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday until 12 a.m. on Friday morning. A coastal flood watch will also be in effect from late Thursday night until Friday morning. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.
Agency Preparations
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has placed the State Watch Center into Enhanced Monitoring Mode and continues to be in constant communication with all state and local partners. The State Stockpile in Brentwood will also be staffed outside of normal business hours to ensure resources can be deployed as appropriate and staff from the State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control will also be on standby to deploy high-axle vehicles as needed.
Click here and scroll down for the full announcement. If not posted, check the site a little later.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Campaign Finance Reform: Westchester Public Hearing Meeting
October 14, 2019
10:00 AM
Westchester Community College – Gateway Center
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
United States
Event Details
These hearings will be open to the public and the press.
Details regarding public comment presentation
will be announced in advance of each hearing.
will be announced in advance of each hearing.
Live streaming will be available here.
In Memoriam: Sgt. Francis S. Currey
Last Living New Yorker to Have Earned the Medal of Honor During World War II
Governor Andrew Cuomo today directed flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, October 11, in honor of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Francis S. Currey, a Selkirk resident. Currey died on October 8, 2019 at age 94. Currey was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 when he knocked out an enemy tank, drove back enemy troops and rescued five American Soldiers who had been pinned down under enemy fire. After the war, Currey, who was born in Loch Sheldrake and raised in Hurleyville, returned to New York and worked at the Albany VA Medical Center from 1950 until 1980. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society he was the last living New Yorker to have earned the Medal during World War II and one of only three living World War II Medal of Honor recipients.
"Francis S. Currey was a true American hero who made great personal sacrifices to serve his country during World War II," Governor Cuomo said. "His significant contributions during the Battle of the Bugle and beyond helped to defeat fascism during the war, and he continued to serve his country after returning home to New York through his work with veterans. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our sympathy to his friends and family and express our sincerest gratitude for his service, bravery and accomplishments."
Currey was serving as a Private 1st Class in the Army's 30th Infantry Division when the massive German offensive against American troops in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium kicked off in December of 1944.
On Dec. 21, 1944 Currey's unit, 3rd Platoon of Company K of the 120th Infantry Regiment, was defending a bridge over the Warche River in the Belgian town of Malmedy. A German attack overran the position that Currey and five other Soldiers were defending. Currey and the other Americans retreated to a nearby factory under heavy German fire. Currey located a bazooka—an anti-tank weapon—and then ran across the street in full view of the enemy to secure rockets for the weapon. With assistance from another soldier he knocked out the German tank with one shot.
Currey then moved to another position and killed or wounded three German Soldiers emerging from an enemy-held building with his automatic rifle. He took the bazooka and moved to a position 50 yards from the enemy-held building, stood erect, and then fired at the building, collapsing a wall.
From this position, Currey observed five American Soldiers trapped by fire from the enemy held building and three German tanks. He moved to an abandoned vehicle, retrieved an armful of anti-tank grenades and launched them at the German tanks using an M-1 rifle. This forced the enemy soldiers to flee. Currey then climbed into an abandoned half-track and fired its .50 caliber machine gun at the German occupied position. He moved again to an abandoned .30 caliber machine gun position and opened fire on the enemy, allowing the trapped Americans to escape.
His actions forced the enemy to withdraw, securing the flank of his battalion's position and slowing the German advance for 12 hours. After night fell Currey and the other Americans withdrew.
Along with the Medal of Honor, Currey was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Belgium awarded him the Order of Leopold, their nation's highest honor. Currey was memorialized with a special G.I. Joe military figure in 1998 and appeared on the cover sheet of a series of Medal of Honor stamps in 2013.
Since 2003 Hurleyville, the town where Currey grew up, has marked Francis S. Currey Day with him as a guest, and former New York Governor Paterson declared July 12, 2009 as Francis Currey Day throughout the state. He will be interred Saturday in South Bethlehem, NY.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Sgt. Francis S. Currey, his love of country, and his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace."Francis S. Currey was a true American hero who made great personal sacrifices to serve his country during World War II," Governor Cuomo said. "His significant contributions during the Battle of the Bugle and beyond helped to defeat fascism during the war, and he continued to serve his country after returning home to New York through his work with veterans. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our sympathy to his friends and family and express our sincerest gratitude for his service, bravery and accomplishments."
Currey was serving as a Private 1st Class in the Army's 30th Infantry Division when the massive German offensive against American troops in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium kicked off in December of 1944.
On Dec. 21, 1944 Currey's unit, 3rd Platoon of Company K of the 120th Infantry Regiment, was defending a bridge over the Warche River in the Belgian town of Malmedy. A German attack overran the position that Currey and five other Soldiers were defending. Currey and the other Americans retreated to a nearby factory under heavy German fire. Currey located a bazooka—an anti-tank weapon—and then ran across the street in full view of the enemy to secure rockets for the weapon. With assistance from another soldier he knocked out the German tank with one shot.
Currey then moved to another position and killed or wounded three German Soldiers emerging from an enemy-held building with his automatic rifle. He took the bazooka and moved to a position 50 yards from the enemy-held building, stood erect, and then fired at the building, collapsing a wall.
From this position, Currey observed five American Soldiers trapped by fire from the enemy held building and three German tanks. He moved to an abandoned vehicle, retrieved an armful of anti-tank grenades and launched them at the German tanks using an M-1 rifle. This forced the enemy soldiers to flee. Currey then climbed into an abandoned half-track and fired its .50 caliber machine gun at the German occupied position. He moved again to an abandoned .30 caliber machine gun position and opened fire on the enemy, allowing the trapped Americans to escape.
His actions forced the enemy to withdraw, securing the flank of his battalion's position and slowing the German advance for 12 hours. After night fell Currey and the other Americans withdrew.
Along with the Medal of Honor, Currey was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Belgium awarded him the Order of Leopold, their nation's highest honor. Currey was memorialized with a special G.I. Joe military figure in 1998 and appeared on the cover sheet of a series of Medal of Honor stamps in 2013.
Since 2003 Hurleyville, the town where Currey grew up, has marked Francis S. Currey Day with him as a guest, and former New York Governor Paterson declared July 12, 2009 as Francis Currey Day throughout the state. He will be interred Saturday in South Bethlehem, NY.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Edwin Meese
C-SPAN: President Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former
Attorney General Edwin Meese, who served under President Reagan from
1985-1988. The ceremony was conducted on October 8, 2019.
First Lady Melania Trump Announces Groundbreaking for New Tennis Pavilion on the South Lawn
First Lady Melania Trump turns soil with a ceremonial shovel at the
groundbreaking ceremony for the White House Tennis Pavilion on Tuesday,
Oct. 8, 2019, on the south grounds of the White House. (Official White
House Photo by Andrea Hanks)
The First Lady has announced the construction of a new tennis pavilion on the White House grounds.
The new pavilion, which is being funded by private donations, is fueled by Mrs. Trump’s respect for classical architecture, along with her passion to provide a functional recreational area for all First Families to enjoy. This project will utilize the historic Children’s Garden and reinforce the entire area as a private gathering place for First Families to relax and unwind.
The structure will be a testament to American craftsmanship and skill. At the First Lady’s direction, the design was carefully conceived in order to compliment the architecture of the Executive Mansion, drawing inspiration from both the East and the West wings.
“As we break ground on the new tennis pavilion, it is a great honor to share this moment alongside the many talented individuals and craftsmen involved in bringing it to fruition,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “Architectural inspiration for the pavilion is drawn from the White House, with the end goal of the new structure on the south lawn complementing and contributing to the People’s house. It is my hope that this private space will function as a place to gather and spend leisure time for First Families.”
The new pavilion, which is being funded by private donations, is fueled by Mrs. Trump’s respect for classical architecture, along with her passion to provide a functional recreational area for all First Families to enjoy. This project will utilize the historic Children’s Garden and reinforce the entire area as a private gathering place for First Families to relax and unwind.
The structure will be a testament to American craftsmanship and skill. At the First Lady’s direction, the design was carefully conceived in order to compliment the architecture of the Executive Mansion, drawing inspiration from both the East and the West wings.
“As we break ground on the new tennis pavilion, it is a great honor to share this moment alongside the many talented individuals and craftsmen involved in bringing it to fruition,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “Architectural inspiration for the pavilion is drawn from the White House, with the end goal of the new structure on the south lawn complementing and contributing to the People’s house. It is my hope that this private space will function as a place to gather and spend leisure time for First Families.”
Source: The Office of the First Lady
Jews for Hitler; Yes, There Were Some
By Steven
Jonas
"Jews for Hitler?
You must be kidding." That's a
question that I have come across on a number of occasions as I have studied the
history of Nazi Germany over a period of many years. And yes, indeed, there were Jews for
Hitler. There were not too many of them. And certainly many Jews who were living in
Germany when Hitler was appointed as Chancellor by President Paul von
Hindenburg on Jan. 30, 1933 and then was given dictatorial
powers via the "Enabling Act" by the German Reichstag on March 23, 1933 were
from those moments on afraid for their employment, their property, and civil
rights they may have had under the predecessor Weimar Republic and eventually
their lives. But "Jews for Hitler" there
were, and organized too, primarily in an organization called "The Association
of German National Jews."
As described by the relevant
entry in Wikipedia:
"The Association
of German National Jews (German: Verband nationaldeutscher Juden) was a German Jewish organization during
the Weimar Republic and the early years of Nazi Germany that eventually came out in
support of Hitler.
"It
was founded in 1921 by Max Naumann who
was chairman until 1926 and again from
1933 to 1935 when the association was dissolved. Politically, the
association was close to the national conservative and monarchist German
National People's Party which, however, refused affiliation
with the association.
Click here for the full article.
Source: OpEdNews
For DACA Students, It's Hard to Focus on a Bright Future When Faced with Deportation Fears
This report was published on YouTube on October 8.
Hillary Clinton: Trump’s Actions ‘Direct Threat’ to National Security
This report was published on YouTube on October 8.
South Africa: Zuma's Son Says 'Not Corrupt' and Victim of 'Political Storm'
This report was published on YouTube on October 8.
Canadian Wins Nobel Prize in Physics for Work in Cosmology
This report was published on YouTube on October 8.
Newark No Longer Distributing Bottled Water, Says Filters Work
This report was published on the PIX11 news site on October 8.
NYPD Update: The Latest Crime Stats and Other Information
This video was published on YouTube on October 8.
Alec Baldwin Gripes About Tour Boat ‘Scam,’ and N.Y.C. Cracks Down
The New York Times: Mr. Baldwin complained that he had been victimized by a company that offered tickets to see the Statue of Liberty.
Click here for the report.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Fed's Powell: Outlook 'Favorable,' Steps to Address Money Market Volatility Coming 'Soon'
Reuters: Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell on Tuesday flagged openness to
further rate cuts amid global economic risks, and said the time to
allow the Fed's asset holdings to begin to expand again "is now upon us"
in order to ensure money markets function smoothly.
Click here for the report.
First Lady Melania Trump to Host a Listening Session with Youth from the Truth Initiative
On October 9, the First Lady will meet with both representatives and
teenagers from the Truth Initiative – a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to eliminate tobacco use among our youth.
Mrs. Trump will hear from the students about their personal experiences living with e-cigarettes and youth vaping within their communities and schools.
Secretary Azar of Health and Human Services and Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway will join Mrs. Trump for the listening session.
“I will continue using BE BEST to drive important changes that better protect and support our children,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “I am looking forward to hearing from teenagers tomorrow on this very important issue.”
Mrs. Trump will hear from the students about their personal experiences living with e-cigarettes and youth vaping within their communities and schools.
Secretary Azar of Health and Human Services and Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway will join Mrs. Trump for the listening session.
“I will continue using BE BEST to drive important changes that better protect and support our children,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “I am looking forward to hearing from teenagers tomorrow on this very important issue.”
Source: The Office of the First Lady
Schiff: Sondland's No-Show Indicates 'Obstruction' by Trump Administration
CBS News: House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff admonished the Trump administration for preventing Ambassador Gordon Sondland, a key witness in the Ukraine dealings, from testifying behind closed doors before Congress. Watch Schiff's remarks.
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