Attorney General James Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Uphold Protections for Native American Children and Families

 

Joins Bipartisan Coalition of 24 Attorneys General to Prevent Displacement of Native American Children from their Tribal Communities

 New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a bipartisan coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Haaland v. Brackeen urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a challenge to longstanding protections guaranteed to Native American children, their families, and communities under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). ICWA is a critical framework for managing state-tribal relations, protecting the rights of Native American children, and preventing the displacement of Native American children from their families and communities. In the amicus brief, the coalition highlights the United States’ long history of inequitable removals of Native American children and reiterates the states’ fundamental interest in standing up for the well-being of children in state child-custody proceedings. The coalition of attorneys general previously submitted an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

“Children are the future. Removing native children from their families and communities denies them the opportunity to be immersed in their heritage and denies these nations an integral part of their future,” said Attorney General James. “The Indian Child Welfare Act was passed to help ensure that Native American children would have access to their communities and awareness about their history and cultural identity. I am proud to stand with a bipartisan group of my fellow attorneys general to defend this settled law and speak out against efforts to weaken or destroy it. We owe it to future generations to keep up this important fight.”

“The Onondaga Nation appreciates Attorney General Letitia James’ joining the amicus brief in defense of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is a critically important federal law that protects Indigenous families and children,” said Onondaga Nation General Counsel Joe Heath. “Prior to the passage of ICWA, Indigenous children were removed from their homes 20 times more often than White children. It is also important to remember that this destructive epidemic of unnecessary removals followed the boarding school system which also removed Indigenous children from their homes and resulted in 1000s of deaths and horrific abuse. These governmental policies of assimilation and genocide were designed to tear apart families and communities and to terminate Indigenous cultures and Nations. The Onondaga Nation vigorously opposes all attempts to weaken ICWA and its protections for Indigenous children and families, and welcomes the support of those defending ICWA.”

In 1978, Congress enacted ICWA to combat states and private parties that were initiating child-custody proceedings which removed Native American children from their parents and placed them in non-tribal adoptive and foster homes. That practice only harmed children, their families, and their communities, and it also posed an existential threat to the continuity and vitality of Indian nations. To address this, Congress established minimum federal standards governing the removal of Native American children who are members of federally recognized tribes, or eligible for such membership, from their families.

ICWA’s provisions safeguard the rights of Native American children, parents, and nations in state child-custody proceedings, and seek to promote the placement of Native American children with members of their extended families or with other tribal homes. The law’s approach is tailored to the unique status of Native Americans as a separate people with their own political institutions. In the more than four decades since Congress enacted ICWA, the statute has become the foundation of state-tribal relations in the realm of child custody and family services.

In the amicus brief, Attorney General James and her fellow attorneys general note that ICWA is a critical tool for protecting Native American children and fostering state-tribal collaboration. The coalition also highlights that ICWA is a valid exercise of Congress’s powers over tribal affairs in response to unwarranted removals that imperiled relations with Native American tribes and threatened their existence and that the law’s provisions do not violate the “anti-commandeering” doctrine, which prohibits Congress from issuing direct commands to state governments. The brief also states that ICWA’s preferences for the adoptive and foster-care placement of the Native American children to whom it applies do not violate equal protection.

AOC and The Unions Against the Bronx Democratic Machine - Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

 You should know that this Tuesday, August 23rd, the Democratic Primaries will be held in New York State.  In Bronx County the Democrats will choose between the Puerto Rican Senator, Gustavo Rivera or his Dominican challenger, Miguelina Camilo.

This battle between Rivera and Camilo, which I have called "The War of the Titans” is due to the different Institutions, political organizations and elected Leaders who have publicly entered the ring in support of one or the other candidate.

Senator Gustavo Rivera has in his corner the support, not only of Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio Cortes (AOC) but has the majority of all the major Labor Unions in the City. Among those in Gustavo Rivera's corner for his re-election are:

1.  The Working Families Party

2.  1199 SEIU

3.  United Federation of Teachers (UFT)

4.  Tenants PAC

5.  NYS Nurses Association

6.  NYS AFL-CIO

7.  The Metropolitan Council of Housing

8.  Trades Council Union Hotel

9.  Transport Worker Union

10. Jim Owles Liberal Club

11. Make the Road

12. Stonewall Democratic Club of New York

 

All these unions and political groups have declared war on the Establishment, the Bronx Democratic Machine, when they joined the Battle between Rivera vs Camilo.

 

You should Know that in Camilo’s corner are the most important political figures and elected officials in the Bronx. Among them are:

 

1.  The Bronx Democratic Organization

(the Establishment)

2.  Congressman Adriano Espaillat

3.  Congressman Richie Torres

4.  Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson

5.  Speaker of the State Assembly Carl Heastie

6.  Senator Jamaal Bailey–Chairman of the Party in the Bx

7.  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

8.  Assemblyman Kenny Burgos

9.  Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia

10. Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo

11. Assemblyman Manny de Los Santos

 

It is important for you to know that some elected officials, including Councilman Rafael Salamanca, chose not to get involved in this battle of the Titans and have decided to remain neutral.

 

Anyway, this Tuesday, August 23rd at 9:00 PM when the polls close, we will know if Alexandra Ocasio Cortes, Gustavo Rivera, and the unions have defeated the Democratic Establishment along with Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Richie Torres, and most of the elected officials in the Bronx.  Unions against politicians? This development is quite interesting.

 

I am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

MAYOR ADAMS, DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES ANNOUNCE NEW INITIATIVE TO EQUITABLY GROW CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN NYC

 

First-of-Its-Kind Initiative Provides Business Assistance to Justice-Involved New Yorkers Ahead of State Opening Cannabis Retail License Applications

 

Applicants Encouraged to Call 888-SBS-4NYC or Visit Cannabis NYC Online for Assistance

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim today announced the launch of Cannabis NYC, a first-of-its-kind initiative and suite of services to support the equitable growth of the cannabis industry in New York City — a key pillar of Mayor Adams’ Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery. Housed at SBS, Cannabis NYC will support cannabis entrepreneurs and their workers as the industry develops. The initiative will work with industry stakeholders to create good jobs, successful small businesses, and sustainable economic opportunities, while also addressing the harms of cannabis prohibition. Cannabis NYC services will also include the city’s first-ever technical assistance for cannabis license applicants, as well as other business services to take entrepreneurs beyond licensing to a thriving operation.

 

“Today, we light up our economy and launch Cannabis NYC — a first-of-its-kind initiative to support equitable growth of the cannabis industry in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “The regulated adult-use cannabis industry is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our underserved communities that have, for too long, faced disproportionate rates of drug-related incarceration to get in on the industry on the ground floor. Cannabis NYC will plant the seeds for the economy of tomorrow by helping New Yorkers apply for licenses and understand how to open and successfully run a business, while simultaneously rolling equity into our economy by giving those who have been justice-involved and those with a cannabis conviction a chance to succeed. This is about creating good jobs, successful small businesses, and finally delivering equity to communities harmed by the ‘War on Drugs.’”

 

“Whether you’re interested in opening up a cannabis dispensary or in the many other business and employment opportunities that will soon be available, Cannabis NYC is ready to help you get to work,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “With a meaningful focus on equity, Cannabis NYC will help push our city toward a robust economic recovery with new and high-paying jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue to be reinvested in those communities most harmed by the ‘War on Drugs’ and the current pandemic.” 

 

“Cannabis NYC is ready to help New Yorkers succeed in this budding industry,” said SBS Commissioner Kim. “New York City and state will work hand-in-hand to deliver on our shared social equity goals, support the transition of legacy operators to the legal market, and turn the page on the ‘War on Drugs.’”

 

“For generations, communities of color across our city have experienced the compounding social and economic impacts of the ‘War on Drugs.’ The end of prohibition and the emerging New York cannabis industry opens avenues for change and prosperity,” said Mayor's Office of Equity Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “Getting started is the first step. With Cannabis NYC, New Yorkers now have a one-stop shop for navigating the licensing process, access to no-cost services, and ongoing support as the industry continues to evolve. We're excited for this new chapter and what it means for those individuals and communities most harmed.”

 

“New York City Economic Development Corporation is proud to work with our city and state partners to create an equitable adult-use cannabis industry in New York,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Cannabis NYC will help businesses and our local economies through job creation, while prioritizing investment in communities of color and supporting those who have been most adversely impacted by cannabis enforcement.”

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the opening of the state’s first-ever cannabis retail dispensary license application later this week and advances a key plank of Mayor Adams’ economic recovery plan, which calls for a partnership with state and local leaders to build the nation’s most equitable cannabis industry.”

 

“This administration is committed to putting equity at the center of the new legal cannabis market, which is why the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice is committed to working with our partners at SBS to educate New Yorkers along the public safety continuum on participating in the industry,” said Deanna Logan, director, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. “We look forward to working in partnership with our sister agencies to remedy some of the negative impact of past cannabis policy.”

 

“The introduction of legal cannabis sales and consumption in New York brings in a new era of fairness and equity with welcomed economic and social opportunity for all,” said Ariel Palitz, executive director, Office of Nightlife at the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

 

The first phase of Cannabis NYC will focus on ensuring that justice involved New Yorkers are able to apply for and secure retail licenses from the state. As legal cannabis businesses open their doors in the coming years, the initiative will expand to include a broad suite of business and technical support services tailored to the industry, as well as networking opportunities and efforts to establish Cannabis NYC as a global brand. The city is also exploring how to best connect cannabis entrepreneurs who may struggle to access traditional business capital with financial support.

 

Not only will Cannabis NYC boost the city’s economy and provide New Yorkers with new job opportunities, but it will also do so while addressing the harm done to Black and Brown communities during cannabis prohibition. The expected size of New York City’s emerging regulated adult-use cannabis will be historic, with estimates of up to $1.3 billion in sales by 2023, and between 19,000-24,000 jobs created over the next three years.

 

Over the next month, New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management will accept applications for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses to be distributed to qualifying businesses owned by justice-involved individuals or their parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, or dependent. CAURD licensees will be positioned to be the first legal cannabis retailers open in the state, setting an equitable foundation for the adult-use cannabis market from the outset.

 

To advance the state’s ambitious equity goals and help New Yorkers interested in applying for CAURD licenses, Cannabis NYC will provide:

 

• Application Support: Answer questions about CAURD application requirements, hold educational webinars, and work with license applicants to complete the application during the month-long application period from August 25, 2022 – September 26, 2022.

• Support Beyond the License: Connect aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs to no-cost services, along with technical assistance, to support successful businesses.

• Long-Term Industry Support: Expand programming as the industry grows to connect New Yorkers to good jobs and build strong businesses in the cannabis industry, as well as ancillary industries that do not “touch the plant.”

 

New Yorkers can learn more about Cannabis NYC online or by calling 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

 

“Once underground, the cannabis industry is coming into the light, and it is important that our borough take full advantage of the social and economic benefits to our communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The legalization of cannabis is an opportunity for us to undo the damage caused by years of disproportionate mass incarceration and prosecution of Black and Hispanic New Yorkers who have suffered under unfair drug laws and policies for years. I want to thank Mayor Adams, New York City Small Business Services Commissioner Kim, and all of the advocates for prioritizing equity and justice with the creation of Cannabis NYC and I look forward to working with them in ensuring the Bronx is a part of this important initiative.”

 

“The state’s legalization of cannabis is a tremendous opportunity for New Yorkers,” said New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez. “As such, we must ensure our business owners are well equipped with the necessary tools to operate their businesses legally and that our community’s concerns are addressed in the process. The Cannabis NYC initiative will also allow more equitable and attainable opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners who have been impacted by the Justice system, closing the gap on the disparities faced. I commend the mayor and his administration on this initiative and look forward to working together.”

 

“The Bronx Cannabis Hub was created to provide New Yorkers most impacted by cannabis prohibition with vetted and reliable cannabis services and education, said Cristina Buccola, co-founder, The Bronx Cannabis Hub. “We look forward to working with Mayor Adams, SBS, and Cannabis NYC across our incredible city to deliver on the equity goals of New York’s cannabis program.”

 

“Building an equitable industry in New York City is no small feat and we are proud to stand in support of Mayor Adams and the Cannabis NYC initiative as it provides tangible resources for those seeking to enter the cannabis industry but have been historically turned away due to lack of access,” said Kaliko Castille, board president, Minority Cannabis Business Association.

 

“As New York’s adult-use cannabis industry kicks into gear, it is crucial we have partners on the local level who share our goal of ensuring that this industry is one that is equitable in opportunities for both ownership and good, union jobs,” said John R. Durso, president, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW. “Mayor Adams’ Cannabis NYC initiative is just that — by supporting workers and entrepreneurs alike, we are making sure that this new and emerging industry is one that will help everyone succeed.”

  

Early Voting Check-In - Day 9 August 21, 2022 Final totals of Early Voting

 

These are the Bronx races 

Representative in Congress - 

13th Congressional District - Democrat

Manhattan and part of the Bronx

14th Congressional District - Republican

Bronx and Queens

16th Congressional District - Democrat

Westchester County part of and the Bronx

State Senator - 

31st Senatorial District - Democrat

Manhattan and part of the Bronx

33rd Senatorial District - Democrat

Entirely in the Bronx

34th Senatorial District - Democrat

The Bronx and part of Westchester County

The final number of votes for the nine days of Early voting are in from the Board of Elections. 

August 21, 2022 - Day 9

 

• New York - 36,852
• Bronx - 4,558
• Brooklyn - 23,602
• Queens - 4,900
• Staten Island - 6,423

 

Total Number of Early Voting Check-Ins 76,335

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative

Almost half of the votes cast in the Bronx came from two of the eleven Early Voting polling sites. In Tech H.S. and Dress Barn in Parkchester. 

BRONX RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER ........  1619 EAST 174TH ST

DRESS BARN STOREFRONT ......  1451 METROPOLITAN AVENUE

IN TECH HIGH SCHOOL (MS/HS 368) .......2975 TIBBETT AVENUE

JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR COMM CTR...1000 ROSEDALE AVE

MONROE COLLEGE ................................      2501 JEROME AVENUE

MORRIS PARK COMM ASSOCIATION.....  1824 BRONXDALE AVE

MS 390 (PS 26).........................     1930 ANDREWS AVENUE SOUTH

MOSHOLU MONTEFIORE COMM CTR ...........  3450 DEKALB AVE

OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL.......3975 BRONXWOOD AVENUE

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHL ..... 2465 BATHGATE AVE

VILLA MARIA ACADEMY ...............   3335 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 

Tuesday August 23, 2022 is Primary Day 

your regular poll sites will be open.

California Executive Compensation Consultant Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud For Committing Insider Trading

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRANK GLASSNER, a principal of an executive compensation consulting firm based in Novato, California (the “Consulting Firm”), pled guilty to one count of securities fraud in connection with his scheme to commit insider trading based on material, nonpublic information regarding the upcoming public announcement that Kadmon Holdings, Inc. (“Kadmon”) – which GLASSNER and the Consulting Firm were advising – would be acquired by Sanofi, S.A. (“Sanofi”).  GLASSNER was arrested in May of this year and pled guilty on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As he admitted in court, Frank Glassner misappropriated his client’s material, non-public information about an upcoming acquisition to make personal trades and line his own pockets.  Glassner now awaits sentencing for his crime, and must also forfeit his illicit profits”

According to the Information to which GLASSNER pled guilty, the complaint that was filed in this case, and statements made during court proceedings:

Between July 2021 and September 2021, Kadmon, which, prior to its acquisition by Sanofi, was a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company traded under the ticker symbol “KDMN” on the NASDAQ, engaged GLASSNER and the Consulting Firm to provide executive compensation consulting services related to a potential acquisition.  In connection with this engagement, GLASSNER had access to material, non-public information, which he misappropriated and, in violation of the duties that he owed to Kadmon, used to trade Kadmon stock and call options between on or about August 3, 2021, and on or about August 23, 2021.  On September 8, 2021, Kadmon publicly announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Sanofi for a per-share price significantly above the share price at which Kadmon was trading.  That day, Kadmon’s share price increased by approximately 71% and GLASSNER ultimately profited $368,000 on the Kadmon stock and call options he had previously purchased. 

As part of his plea agreement, GLASSNER has agreed to forfeit $368,000. 

GLASSNER is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Liman on December 6, 2022.

GLASSNER, 68, of Novato, California, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which brought a related civil action against GLASSNER. 

161st Street Business Improvement District - Anita Webb Performs Tomorrow At Our Lunchtime Concert Series

 

U.S. SENATOR ELIZABETH WARREN ENDORSES STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA FOR RE-ELECTION

 

The endorsement from Sen. Warren, a national progressive icon and longtime champion of cracking down on corporate political power, comes as Sen. Rivera faces almost half a million dollars in corporate spending against him.

 Today, U.S. Senator, progressive icon, and longtime champion of corporate accountability Elizabeth Warren endorsed State Sen. Gustavo Rivera for re-election. The endorsement is the latest sign of Sen. Rivera’s progressive momentum, and presents a stark contrast to the $1+ million dollars being spent to unseat him. 

“State Senator Gustavo Rivera has been a tireless advocate for healthcare for all, affordable housing, and justice, and I am proud to endorse him for re-election,” said Sen. Warren. “He takes on righteous fights and is the Democrat we need in this seat. At a time when corporations and dark money interests are spending more money than ever to unseat working-class progressives like him, we need to show them that our democracy is not for sale—and we need to rally for him the way he’s rallied for New Yorkers. I encourage all Democratic voters in his district to vote for him on Tuesday, August 23.”

"Senator Warren has been a strong progressive voice for decades and I am grateful for her endorsement and her confidence in me to continue to work hard for the people of the Bronx,” said Sen. Rivera. “She is one of my role models and a guiding light in everything I do for my constituents; she takes on the righteous fights no matter what, and I am honored to have her support.”

For over 12 years, Senator Gustavo Rivera has fought for labor rights, housing justice, healthcare, and delivering for the working people of the Bronx. He has been endorsed by 1199SEIU, RWDSU, CSA, PSC, HTC, NYSNA, UFT, NYSUT, CWA, the Working Families Party, and progressive organizations across the state. 

Attorney General James Announces Indictment of New York City Correction Officer on Murder and Manslaughter Charges

 

Dion Middleton Was Off-Duty When He Allegedly Fatally Shot 18-Year-Old Raymond Chaluisant in the Bronx 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of Dion Middleton, 45, of the Bronx, on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees. The indictment alleges Middleton, an off-duty Correction Officer, shot and killed 18-year-old Raymond Chaluisant in the Bronx in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 21, 2022.  

Middleton was arraigned today before State Supreme Court Justice Dennis Boyle. Bail remained at $1 million bond or partially secured bond, with $500,000 cash or credit card alternatives, with the added condition of an ankle monitor in the event Middleton makes bail. Middleton is due back in court on November 16, 2022. Murder in the Second Degree carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.   

On Thursday, July 21, shortly after 1 a.m. during an encounter in the vicinity of the Cross Bronx Expressway and Morris Avenue in the Bronx, Middleton is alleged to have shot at a car in which Raymond Chaluisant was a passenger, killing Chaluisant. Middleton then left the scene and reported to work later that morning, where he was apprehended by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).  

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.  

The OAG would like to thank NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s office for their partnership.  

Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea.