Governor Cuomo Announces 2021 Reimagined New York International Auto Show

 

North America's First and Largest-Attended Auto Show Returns August 20-29, 2021 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Tickets Go on Sale Starting June 30 and Will Be Made Available at Pre-Pandemic Attendance Levels 

Nearly One Full Floor Dedicated to Electric Vehicles at This Year's Show

Auto Show Will Follow State's Health Guidance 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the 2021 Reimagined New York International Auto Show will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 29, 2021.  Beginning June 30, tickets to North America's first and largest auto show - which will dedicate nearly a full floor to electric vehicles this year - will be made available at pre-pandemic attendance levels. This announcement builds upon the continued reopening of New York's economy and event venues and reflects New Yorkers' significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reductions in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

"The annual New York International Auto Show is not just one our most beloved summer traditions, it is a great economic engine for our state," Governor Cuomo said. "Last year this widely popular event was cancelled due to the pandemic, but thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers in beating back COVID the show will return this year. We are excited to welcome back auto enthusiasts and industry professionals for this year's show with full, pre-pandemic attendance levels and a new exhibit focused on electric vehicles with five indoor tracks where attendees can go for a test drive. This is a sure sign that New York is coming back stronger and better than ever."

Alan Steel, President and CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation which operates the Javits Center, said, "We are excited to welcome the New York International Auto Show back to the Javits Center and demonstrate all of the remarkable progress New York has made. After hosting the largest vaccination center in the United States, the Javits Center has reinforced its role in New York's recovery, and this one-of-a-kind event signifies that our industry is ready to gather together, share ideas and move our world forward. Get ready to start your engines in August!"

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 New York International Auto Show, which dates back to 1900.  This year, the show returns and is being planned and prepared in accordance with the State's COVID-19 health guidance.  As public health conditions and the guidance is improving dramatically, the Auto Show and Javits Center will adapt and adhere to applicable policies and protocols, as necessary (such as using touchless advance ticketing, social distancing, and extensive cleaning protocols during the entire run of the show). The State will continue to work closely with show management in preparation for the safe and successful return of the 121st New York International Auto Show in August.  

The New York International Auto Show ushers in the latest automotive trends, showcasing an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation.  The Auto Show occupies a 1 million square feet of exhibit space at the Javits Center, with multiple floors of displays from the world's automakers featuring the newest vehicles with the latest advanced technology available on the market.  Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display.

New York International Auto Show EV Exhibition

The 2021 New York International Auto Show will play an important role in supporting one of New York State's top green energy priorities by focusing on electric vehicles. At this year's show, nearly an entire floor of the Javits Center will be dedicated to electric vehicles.  The exhibition will feature a total of five indoor test tracks, giving show attendees the opportunity to experience first-hand the feeling of an all-electric vehicle.  Nine manufacturers will be participating in this multi-brand demonstration, which is expected to introduce EVs to thousands of attendees. This special exhibition will host more than two dozen companies including the nine automakers, New York Power Authority, Charge NY, NYSERDA, and a number of home, mobile and curbside charging partners committed to consumer education and EV adoption. The Show will also present ten personal electric mobility companies to the public by featuring a wide range of two-wheeled electric vehicles for attendees to experience on controlled test tracks.

The return of the New York International Auto Show means significant benefits for New York's economy, generating over $300 million to the local and State economies.  In addition, 72 percent of consumers who attend the show identify themselves as 12-month intenders and 85 percent of those intenders say attending this event helps them in their purchasing decision, making the Show one of the most influential marketing events for the industry. The event also supports 72,000 jobs at local retail new car & truck dealerships whose economic imprint exceeds $53 billion a year.

Pride Flag raising Ceremony at Bronx Borough Courthouse, Begins Pride Month in the Bronx

 

 Tuesday June first was a beautiful sunny afternoon for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to be with friends and members of the LGTBQ+ community to raise the Pride flag this year at Bronx Borough Hall to kick off Pride Month. Borough President Diaz Jr. said this would be the last year as BP that he would be hosting this event, and that he could say whatever he wanted now that he was no longer running for office. It seemed by our conversation later however that Ruben Diaz Jr. wants to continue to contribute to Bronx or New York City perhaps as a member of the Eric Adams administration as First Deputy Mayor should Mayoral candidate Eric Adams, who Ruben Diaz Jr, has endorsed for mayor wins. 

 Before raising the pride flag, Borough President Diaz Jr. gave a citation to Sage Rivera of Destination Tomorrow for the organization's fine work in helping the LGBTQ+ community. He also called on Judge Max Rosen and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark to say a few words. In closing BP Diaz Jr. said that is LGBTQ heavy, and that we are all in this together. The Pride flag was then set up on the flagpole, and all posed for a group photo. Also on hand were Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Sammy Ravelo, all three are a few of the candidates to replace Ruben Diaz Jr. as the next Bronx Borough President. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was very open with his words saying that he will be retiring shortly as Bronx Borough President at the end of the year.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was called up to say a few words. She said her office fights for the LGBTQ community as it does for every person living in the Bronx. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. presents a citation to Sage Rivera (behind Justin Sanchez of the BP's office who is clapping) for the work Destination Tomorrow does in the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Flag is raised up the flagpole outside the Bronx County Courthouse to everyone's delight.

Everyone gathered behind the Borough President Diaz Jr.'s pride flag for a group photo.

 

Nigerian National Arrested For Scheme To Conduct Cyber Intrusions To Steal Payroll Deposits

 

Hacking Campaign Resulted in the Compromise of At Least Approximately 5,500 Individual User Accounts and the Theft of Approximately $800,000

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today the arrest of CHARLES ONUS for charges in connection with a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions of multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States, in order to steal payroll deposits.  ONUS was previously arrested on April 14, 2021, in San Francisco and detained, and he will be presented later today in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:   “Charles Onus allegedly participated in a scheme that stole nearly $1 million by hacking into a payroll processing company’s system to access user accounts and divert payroll to prepaid debit cards he controlled.  As alleged, Onus did this as effectively as someone who commits bank burglary, but with no need for a blowtorch or bolt-cutters.  Thanks to the FBI and IRS-CI, Onus is in custody and facing serious federal charges.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Cyber intrusions ripple through everything our society relies upon – this one impacted people’s paychecks.  The FBI’s goal is to prevent cyber criminals from causing harm and holding them accountable, but we can’t do it alone.  Companies need to continuously improve their cyber hygiene and awareness.  Taking steps like training the workforce to protect and frequently change passwords, and to use different login credentials across platforms, can have an impact.  Each one of us, from the individual citizen to the biggest corporation, plays a critical role in defending the nation from cyberattacks.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said:  “IRS Criminal Investigation will always work with our law enforcement partners to track down those who try to breach our country’s tax and financial infrastructure.  We will continually endeavor to bring to justice criminals who think they can comfortably steal from victims in America while hiding behind their computer screens.”

According to allegations in the Indictment filed in federal court[1]: 

From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, ONUS participated in a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions of multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States (the “Company”), in order to steal payroll deposits processed by the Company.

During the course of the scheme, unauthorized access was obtained to over 5,500 Company user accounts through a cyber intrusion technique referred to as “credential stuffing.”  During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies.  The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers, to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password.

After ONUS successfully gained unauthorized access to a Company user account, he changed the bank account information designated by the user of the account so that ONUS would receive the user’s payroll to a prepaid debit card that was under ONUS’s control. 

From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, at least approximately 5,500 Company user accounts were compromised and more than approximately $800,000 in payroll funds were fraudulently diverted to prepaid debit cards, including those under the control of ONUS.  The compromised Company user accounts were associated with employers whose payroll was processed by the Company, including employers located in the Southern District of New York.

ONUS, 34, a resident and national of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was charged with one count of  computer fraud for causing damage to a protected computer, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of computer fraud for unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, and one count of receipt of stolen money, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.    

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the New York City Police Department, the FBI New York Cyber Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Field Office in San Francisco for their assistance in the investigation of this case.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

214 Days and Counting

 

Do you like my new background. It is more child friendly so the young children of the city will want to get vaccinated. What's that you say, what will the vaccine do to them, we will find out in about ten to fifteen years when they try to reproduce. 

I have Councilman Eric Dinowitz of Riverdale to help me, since he was a teacher for fourteen years, and is the dad of twin boys now going to school. Eric's father Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz taught Eric well, and really pulled all the strings he could to get Eric elected to the city council. We thought about me endorsing Eric, but that might of had a negative effort on Eric since I am hated in the Bronx for dumping all those homeless people from other boroughs there, and the many other things I have done that hurt the Bronx. 

Van Nest Memorial Day Ceremony 2021

 

The annual Van Nest Memorial Day Ceremony began with a small parade from White Plains Road and Van Nest Avenue to the recently renovated Memorial Plaza and Flag Pole which were replaced and fixed by former Councilman Ritchie Torres. He is now Congressman Torres in Washington, and the winner of the special election to replace him in the City Council Oswald Feliz did not attend the community event. However Councilman Fernando Cabrera who is a candidate for Bronx Borough President was on hand along with Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who is also a candidate for Borough President. 

 Richard Vitacco gave a brief history of the Van Nest War Memorial Monument which honors veterans of World Wars One and Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 

 This year the remembrance was for Anthony Tartaglia who lived at 1953 Wallace Avenue, and was killed in World War two while serving in the navy. Two plaques remembering him were given to his niece Janet. 

Richard Vitacco speaks as Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance President Bernadette Ferrara holds a flag, Earl Manard Jr. and Ricardo Garcia hold the two plaques to be given to Anthony Tartaglia's niece Janet who spoke. There was also the tossing of twenty-nine small wreaths by the monument with the twenty-nine names on it. 

A view if the crowd for the Van Nest Memorial Day ceremony.

The ceremony ended with a modern day Taps being played on Mr. Garcia's cell phone. 

(L - R) Ricardo Garcia, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, VNNA President Bernadette Ferrara, and Earl Manard Jr. 

Peace Plaza Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony

 

Peace Plaza Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony

By Robert Press

It was the first time the Peace Plaza Memorial Day Ceremony did not have Veteran Silvio Mazzella emcee the event. Silvio was in a hospital bed, and unable to make the event, but as you see above in front are Silvio's wife, son, and grandchildren, with longtime friend Al D'Angelo, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and Veteran's Joseph Rondo and Gene de Francis. Almost one-hundred people were in attendance.

Grace Lovac sang a beautiful National Anthem, and Father Knapp gave the blessing. Joseph Rondo opened the event with an explanation as to why he and Gene de Francis were doing the ceremony instead of Silvio Mazzella. He introduced the elected officials Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilman Fernando Cabrera who all spoke about what Memorial Day means to them. Councilman Gjonaj said that while the ceremony was going fine, that he missed the way Silvio would run the show. Assemblywoman Fernandez spoke of her brother who had returned from a year's deployment overseas. Councilman Cabrera said that Freedom is not free, because lives must be lost to get that freedom. 

Gene de Francis the Commander of the Korney Post in Throggs Neck then read a letter from Silvio Mazzella which asked the people in attendance to keep this ceremony going with its new hosts Joseph Ronda and Gene de Francis. He then said the next event at Peace Plaza would be on Veteran's Day November 11th.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj tells what it is to have a Memorial Day ceremony without the man who began the Peace Plaza Veteran remembrances, Silvio Mazzella who was in a hospital bed. 

Councilman Fernando Cabrera wishes every soldier would come back as they left to go fight overseas with veterans Joseph Ronda and Gene de Francis standing next to him.

Wreaths are laid for the fallen soldiers of the various wars.

The bugler plays Taps as the wreaths are put on the ceremonial headstones.

Gene de Francis reads the letter from Silvio Mazzella, and then reminds everyone that the next event at peace plaza will be the Veteran's Day remembrance on November 11th.

 

BRONX WIDE PLATFORM: Bronx Borough President Candidate Forum: June 2nd at 6:30pm

PLATAFORMA ANCHA DE BRONX: Foro de candidatos a presidente del condado del Bronx: 2 de junio a las 6:30 pm

TOMORROW. Register for the Bronx Borough President candidate forum taking place on Wednesday, June 2nd at 6:30pm. Will they commit to partnering with local residents and organizations to fight for racial justice and economic democracy? Tune in to find out. Register using the link below. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Wednesday, June 2nd 6:30pm

ZOOM REGISTRATION LINK HERE

Or, click on this link -- https://bit.ly/3vIOX1W

For more information, contact Carmen DeJesús at: 844-531-9991 or cdejesus@nosquedamos.org

MAÑANA. Registrarte para el foro de candidatos para el presidente del condado del Bronx el miércoles 2 de junio a las 6:30pm! ¿Se comprometeran a colaborar con residentes y organizaciones comunitarias para luchar por la justicia racial y la democracia económica? Mire para enterarse. Regístrese usando el enlace debajo. Se proveerá interpretación al español.

Miércoles 2 de junio 6:30pm

ENLACE DE REGISTRO DE ZOOM Y ACCESO: HAGA CLIC AQUÍ

O presiona en este enlace -- https://bit.ly/3vIOX1W

Attorney General James Asks Court to Force Kodak CEO to Publicly Testify on Insider Trading During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Kodak CEO Unlawfully Traded Company Stock While Negotiating Confidential, Game-Changing $655 Million Loan with Trump White House Early in Pandemic

Kodak Doubled Down on Fraud and Misled Investors

 New York Attorney General Letitia James, today, announced a new action taken in her investigation of insider trading by the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak). Attorney General James filed a petition with the New York County State Supreme Court to have Kodak CEO Jim Continenza publicly testify about his purchase of more than 46,000 shares of Kodak stock early last summer and Kodak’s subsequent false statements about that trading to investors last month. Continenza’s stock purchase occurred in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health crisis last June, as the pandemic exposed domestic shortages in the chemical building blocks used to make medicines. Continenza made the purchase while he was leading secret discussions with the Trump White House and the federal government for a $655 million loan to enable Kodak to repurpose legacy assets in Rochester to produce chemicals to address this need. Attorney General James’ petition also asks the court to order public testimony from Kodak’s general counsel, as well as for the company to produce related documents. 

“Corporate greed will never go unchecked in New York,” said Attorney General James. “As millions of New Yorkers and Americans across this nation lost their jobs and were waiting for unemployment checks, Kodak’s CEO was using insider information to illegally trade company stock. Kodak even double downed on this fraud by relaying false information to investors before the company’s annual meeting that took place last month. Corporate executives don’t get to play by their own rules, which is why today’s action seeks to shine a light on Kodak and Mr. Continenza’s unlawful behavior and level the playing field. We are asking the court to order Mr. Continenza to testify in open court, so the facts can be exposed before the American people. My office will use every tool at its disposal to hold those who violated the law accountable.”

Attorney General James’ petition shows that, on June 23, 2020, Continenza bought 46,737 shares of Kodak stock at a weighted average price of $2.22 per share. Continenza bought the stock just a week after Kodak had filed a confidential application for a $655 million loan from the federal government to develop a new business to produce chemicals to manufacture supplies for medicines for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The new pharmaceutical project, alone, was expected to increase revenue at the company by more than $300 million annually by 2025.

Kodak’s loan application followed extensive confidential dealings — led by Continenza personally — held directly with the White House and other federal officials. 

Just over a month after Continenza’s stock purchase, Kodak signed a public letter of interest with the federal government for the loan — which by then had grown to $765 million — causing Kodak stock to soar. The day after the news was announced, Kodak’s stock price reached a high of $60 per share — more than 27 times what Continenza had paid for the stock mere weeks earlier.  

Attorney General James’ petition also informs the court about false statements Kodak made to investors about the circumstances of Continenza’s insider trading. Specifically, on May 17, 2021 — in two separate public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission — Kodak disclosed that it anticipated being sued by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) because of Continenza’s illegal trading. Kodak falsely stated, in the disclosures, that Continenza’s June 23, 2020 trading was “in compliance with the Company’s insider trading policy, including pre-approval by its general counsel.” But, in truth, Kodak’s insider trading policy requires pre-clearance to be sought by email at least one day prior to the trading and for the requester to “receive” a “response” approving the trading — neither of which occurred. 

These false and misleading disclosures occurred just two days before Kodak’s annual meeting during which shareholders voted on retaining Continenza as executive chairman of the company and on endorsing his compensation package

Attorney General James filed today’s petition under Section 354 of the Martin Act — New York’s powerful securities law. Section 354 specifically authorizes Attorney General James to take public, judicially-supervised testimony in conducting investigations into fraudulent securities practices when, as here, it has determined to commence an action.  

In the past, Attorney General James has used Section 354 of the Martin Act to shine a light on and halt the illegal behavior of other companies; most notably iFinex Inc. and Tether Limited. In April 2019, Attorney General James obtained a court order enjoining iFinex — operator of the Bitfinex virtual asset trading platform — and Tether Limited — issuer of the “tether” virtual currency — and their related entities from further violations of New York law in connection with activities that defrauded New York investors that trade in virtual or “crypto” currency. Earlier this year, Attorney General James was able to get Bitfinex and Tether to end all trading activity with New Yorkers, pay $18.5 million in penalties, and take a number of steps to increase transparency — all as a result of the original 354 action she brought in 2019.