|
|
|
|
Monday, November 8, 2021
Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Chanukah 2021 Cancelled
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 8, 2021
58,145 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours
30 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
New State Website Providing Helpful Info About Child Vaccination
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"I'm proud of New Yorkers for all of the progress we've made in fighting this pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Each day we get closer to beating COVID-19, but we cannot get complacent. This vaccine is our best weapon, and now children can begin getting vaccinated as well. We must all be an ambassador of this vaccine and tell our loved ones to get vaccinated as soon as possible."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 111,451
- Total Positive - 3,480
- Percent Positive - 3.12%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.59%
- Patient Hospitalization - 1,794 (-11)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 221
- Patients in ICU - 376 (-16)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 219 (-10)
- Total Discharges - 210,060 (+183)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 30
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 45,821
The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
- Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 58,306
This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
- Total vaccine doses administered - 27,801,093
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 58,145
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 547,664
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 84.8%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.1%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.4%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.3%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 71.9%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.3%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 75.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.2%
OcasioCortez.com - Let’s Talk About What Happened
We had an absolutely wild infrastructure vote Friday night.
Here’s what happened:
For months, Congress has been negotiating two bills that together make up the President’s agenda: the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act. Together, they would make major investments in our country’s physical and human infrastructure — the former to our roads and bridges, and the latter to childcare, eldercare, climate action, paid family leave, lowering prescription drug prices, and much more.
The agreement from the start was that the bills would pass together. Progressives felt strongly that the President’s entire agenda needed to pass in order for Democrats to deliver on long-held promises, most notably acting on climate change. Working with movement leaders, we made clear months ago, ‘no climate, no deal.’ That means if conservative Democrats wouldn't step up to support the Build Back Better Act, they couldn't count on our vote for their infrastructure bill.
But on Friday, a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill was scheduled without the Build Back Better Act. So in order to hold the line and stand our ground for the climate, Alexandria and the Squad voted ‘no’ on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, just as they said they would from day one.
The pressure around this vote was unreal. Lobbyists and corporations have been fighting with everything they have for months to decouple the Build Back Better Act from the infrastructure bill. Alexandria even got the CEO at Exxon to admit in a public hearing he’s been in direct conversations with legislators around the climate provisions in this bill. But Alexandria doesn’t take a dime from lobbyists or CEOs. She answers to you. That’s why she stood up for us, and that’s why we need your help now.
As you likely heard, the infrastructure bill still passed into law. House leadership got several Republicans to support the bill and countered the Squad’s ‘no’ votes. So, what now?
The President says he’s still committed to passing the Build Back Better Act. And it’s absolutely critical that he and everyone else who made that promise keeps their word.
The Build Back Better Act contains the majority of the president's agenda — including not just climate action but also paid leave, expanded Medicare, universal pre-k and lower costs for insulin and other prescription drugs. We must keep going and ensure these promises are delivered.
In solidarity,
Team AOC
DEC HONORS VETERANS WITH ANNIAL FREE FISHING DAY, THURSDAY, NOV. 11
Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that New York State will honor veterans with the sixth and final free fishing day of 2021, on Thursday, Nov. 11. New York’s Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors each season to enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities.
“We thank all of New York’s veterans for their service to our county and hope that the upcoming free fishing day provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends or even the chance to introduce someone new to the sport,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This year, anglers can expect expanded fishing opportunities throughout the State thanks to our recently implemented Trout Stream Management Plan and take advantage of a catch-and-release trout season on inland trout streams.”
New this year, DEC is increasing fishing opportunities for anglers with the State’s new catch-and-release trout stream season. The new season, which began on Oct. 16 and runs through March 31, expands opportunities for anglers so they can enjoy New York’s trout stream fishing resources year-round. Anglers are required to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they catch. The catch-and-release season applies to trout streams only. Anglers should consult DEC’s regulations guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds that harbor trout before fishing.
Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age or older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a?fishing license?can be found on DEC's website.
DEC’s Free Fishing Days?program?began in 1991 to give people who might not fish the opportunity to try the sport at no cost, as well as to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license.
To find out about angling opportunities near you, visit the?Places to Fish?pages on DEC's website. For more information on expanded trout fishing opportunities on inland streams consult the Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator. The map provides trout stream anglers with one-stop shopping for information about stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations.
Governor Hochul Announces Major $450 Million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" Inclusive Recovery Package
Announcement Coincides with Reopening of International Borders
$100 Million in One-Time Payments to Support Hardest-Hit Tourism Workers
$100 Million in Grants to Encourage Tourism Employers to Rehire Staff
$25 Million to Attract Convention Center and Hotel Events; Additional $25 Million for Global and Domestic Marketing Efforts
Commitment to Advance Legislation Expanding Successful Small Business Recovery Program for Businesses Started Just Prior to or During the Pandemic with $200 Million Relief Program
Governor Kathy Hochul today, coinciding with the reopening of international borders, announced a comprehensive $450 million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" inclusive recovery package to support New York State's hardest-hit tourism sector workers, revitalize the state's tourism industry, and support businesses started just prior to or during the pandemic.
Governor Hochul made the announcement at the Museum of Natural History, joined by representatives from I LOVE NY, NY Forever, tourism and business groups, as well as labor groups representing workers in the tourism industry. This package of programs represents a multi-faceted approach to revitalizing the industry through assistance for workers, investments in small businesses, and consumer-focused marketing around the nation and the world.
"Our tourism industry represents the essence of what sets New York apart from the rest. New York can't come back from this pandemic unless our tourism industry and its workers come back," Governor Hochul said. "Our nation-leading $450 million recovery package not only helps tourism industry workers get back on their feet, but will also help small businesses and venues reopen their doors. Our message to the world is clear: New York is coming back and we welcome you with open arms."
The economic impact of COVID-19 on New York State's tourism economy has been severe; in 2019, this industry supported one out of 10 jobs and generated more than $100 billion in economic impact. Last year, international visitation was down 86% from 2019, and domestic visitation fell by 37%, generating a nearly 55% loss in direct spending and an almost 50% drop in economic impact.
In response, Governor Hochul today announced a comprehensive strategy to support unemployed workers and struggling businesses in the critically important tourism and hospitality sector, which was New York's third-largest industry prior to the pandemic; to incentivize the rehiring of these critical workers; and to jumpstart demand for the State's tourism and hospitality attractions.
$100 Million Tourism Worker Recovery Fund
The first part of this package supports New Yorkers in the most impacted tourism and hospitality industry sectors who were on extended federal unemployment insurance the last week before those benefits ended and have yet to see their earnings fully recover. The New York State Department of Labor will issue one-time payments of $2,750 to as many as 36,000 qualified workers in tourism sector industries. New Yorkers who are eligible will be contacted directly via text or email.
United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York is a model for getting much-needed relief money out the door into the hands of working Americans. New York's forward-looking approach will bring back good paying, middle-class jobs, and it will bring back an industry that is critical to reopening our economy."
$100 Million Tourism Return-to-Work Grant Program
The second piece of this package is designed to encourage tourism businesses that suffered job and revenue losses to rehire workers, while providing financial relief. Qualifying tourism businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000 per net new full-time employee, or $2,500 per net new part-time employee, hired to offset their labor costs. To receive full benefit, employers will have to maintain employment increases over six months. Employment increases will be based on total employment rather than specific individual employees, and businesses that can demonstrate the greatest workforce losses resulting from COVID-19 will be a priority. More information, including a sign-up for program-related email alerts, is available here.
$25 Million Meet in New York Grant Program
This program focuses on venues and events to generate and support new business-focused travel. This holistic approach to visitation recognizes the spending habits of business and convention travelers for overnight stays, food and activities. The Meet in New York program will provide grants to help convention centers and conference spaces bring more events, traveler spending and jobs back to New York State. Qualifying venues and their partnering event hotels can offer meeting organizers discounts on booking fees or room blocks to entice business, with grants reimbursing a portion of such discounts. More information on qualifying businesses and events can be found here.
$25 Million I LOVE NY Global Marketing Campaign
This consumer-facing global tourism promotion campaign extends a new invitation to domestic and international visitors, allowing I LOVE NY to expand its current marketing efforts into additional domestic and international markets. The campaign will include broadcast and digital elements that promote New York State as the world's premier travel destination, where visitors are encouraged to come be a part of it and find what they love.
$200 Million Program for Businesses Started Just Prior to or During the Pandemic
To further New York State's commitment to small businesses, Governor Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation in January 2022 at the start of New York State's legislative session to create a $200 million program designed to support businesses started just prior to or during the pandemic. This forward-looking initiative would utilize existing funding in the state's $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program to support younger businesses that were otherwise ineligible for relief through existing state and federal programs to ensure greater inclusivity among small and micro-businesses.
The Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program has been extremely successful thus far, with over $325 million awarded to support nearly 20,000 small and micro-businesses across New York State. More than 19,000 awardees were businesses with ten or fewer employees, 83% of grantees were minority and women-owned business enterprises, and the average grant funded has been nearly $17,000. This legislation will represent an expansion of the program to include small and micro-businesses that were previously ineligible for pandemic relief through the state and federal programs
New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 16th Annual Hispanic Business Award Banquet & Scholarship Ceremony - Wednesday, December 15th 2021
|
|
|
Looted Cambodian Antiquities In Denver Museum Are Subject Of Forfeiture Action Filed In Manhattan Federal Court
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the filing of a civil complaint today seeking forfeiture of four looted Cambodian antiquities at a museum in Denver, Colorado, for the purpose of returning the antiquities to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The antiquities, which include a 12th to 13th century Khmer sandstone sculpture depicting Prajnaparamita, and a 7th to 8th century Khmer sandstone sculpture depicting Surya, were sold to the museum by antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford through the use of false provenance documents. The museum has voluntarily relinquished possession of the antiquities.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Douglas Latchford papered over the problematic provenance of Cambodian antiquities with falsehoods, in the process successfully placing stolen goods in the permanent collection of an American museum. Eradicating the illegal trade in stolen antiquities requires the vigilance of all parties in the art market, especially cultural institutions.”
According to the civil complaint filed in Manhattan federal court today:
The United States of America seeks the forfeiture of the following antiquities, currently in the possession of a museum located in Denver, Colorado (the “Museum”): (1) a 12th to 13th century Khmer sandstone sculpture depicting standing Prajnaparamita (“Prajnaparamita”), (2) a 7th to 8th century Khmer sandstone sculpture depicting standing Surya (“Surya”), (3) an Iron Age Dong Son bronze bell (the “Bell”), and (4) a 17th to 18th century sandstone lintel depicting the sleep of Vishnu and birth of Brahma (the “Lintel”). Together, the Prajnaparamita, Surya, Bell, and Lintel are the “Defendants in Rem.”
Investigators working for the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the United States Government have interviewed a Cambodian national who was previously engaged in the theft and looting of antiquities from Cambodian temples and archeological sites (“Looter-1”). Looter-1, a former member of the Khmer Rouge, led a group of approximately 450 people working in multiple teams to loot temples and archeological sites in Cambodia. Looter-1 has reviewed photographs of the Prajnaparamita, Surya, Bell, and Lintel, and recognized them as antiquities that Looter-1 and his team had stolen from archeological and religious sites in Cambodia.
The Museum acquired the Prajnaparamita, Surya, Bell, and Lintel from Douglas Latchford, a prominent collector and dealer in Southeast Asian art and antiquities who was previously indicted in this District with crimes related to a many-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international art market. As alleged in the indictment, United States v. Latchford, 19 Cr. 748 (AT), as part of the scheme, Latchford created false provenance documents and false invoices and shipping documents for the antiquities he was selling. In September 2020, the indictment against Latchford was dismissed due to his death. Latchford was closely associated with a particular scholar of Khmer art (the “Scholar”). Over the years, the Scholar, who was a volunteer research consultant for the Museum, assisted Latchford on many occasions by verifying or vouching for the proffered provenance of Khmer antiquities that Latchford was trying to sell.
Latchford lied repeatedly to the Museum, in particular with regard to the provenance of the Prajnaparamita and Surya. Latchford provided false provenance for the Prajnaparamita and Surya, and made multiple misrepresentations and contradictory statements regarding when certain of the Defendants in Rem were shipped and imported into the United States. For example, Latchford told the Museum that he had purchased the Prajnaparamita from a particular art collector (the “False Collector”) in June 1999, who had in turn acquired the Prajnaparamita in Vietnam between 1964 and 1966. Other documents indicate that Latchford shipped the Prajnaparamita from Thailand to London in 1994, well before the June 1999 date, and that it entered the United States in May 2000, after the enactment of an embargo on the importation of Khmer stone antiquities.
The Museum has voluntarily agreed to relinquish possession of the Defendants in Rem to the United States in order for them to be repatriated to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and waived all claims of right, title, and interest in the Defendants in Rem.
Mr. Williams thanked Homeland Security Investigations for its outstanding work on this investigation, which he noted is ongoing, and praised its ongoing efforts to find and repatriate stolen and looted cultural property. Mr. Williams also thanked the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for its assistance with this investigation.
Governor Hochul Signs Package of Bills Prohibiting Use of 'Grade 6' Fuel Oil and Use of Pavement Products Containing Coal Tar
Legislation (S.2936a/A.5029a) Prohibits Use of Grade 6 Heating Oil Fuel in Buildings and Facilities in New York State
Legislation (S.4095b/A.518a) Prohibits the Use and Sale of Pavement Products That Contain Coal Tar
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a package of legislation to protect public health and the environment and address harmful pollutants in New York State. Legislation S.2936a/A.5029a prohibits the burning of grade 6 fuel oil in buildings. Legislation S.4095b/A.518a bans the use and sale of pavement products that contain coal tar.
"The harmful effects of climate change and pollution have only heightened the importance of protecting the well-being of New Yorkers and the preservation of our state's environment," Governor Hochul said. "This legislation takes important steps to ensure that New Yorkers have access to clean water and a breathable environment free of harmful pollutants."
Legislation S.2936a/A.5029a will reduce the level of toxic air pollutants that are a result of burning grade 6 fuel oil in buildings. Grade 6 fuel oil contains high concentrations of contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, nickel, and black carbon that are released into the air when it is used to heat buildings. PAHs are proven human carcinogens, and sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide are known respiratory irritants. Studies show combustion of grade 6 fuel oil forms soot that when conveyed into the atmosphere create a source of air pollution and contribute to respiratory illness. Cost-effective alternatives for building heating are available in the market today to both reduce emissions and lower energy costs for building owners. The prohibition on the use of grade 6 fuel oil in buildings for heating goes into effect on July 1, 2023.