Team AOC - What’s going on with the Supreme Court?

 

What's going on with the Supreme Court?

There’s been so much news about the Supreme Court’s corruption lately, it’s been hard to keep up.

Just this week, it was revealed that Justice Samuel Alito went on an undisclosed fishing trip to Alaska paid for by billionaire, GOP megadonor Paul Singer — whose hedge fund then argued 10 cases in front of the Supreme Court, winning at least $2.4 billion in the process.

SCOTUS is in a legitimacy crisis.

As the Court’s term for the year draws to a close — and they soon issue pivotal decisions on affirmative action, gerrymandering, and student debt forgiveness — we wanted to take a minute to break down what we know:

• Justice Clarence Thomas has received luxury gifts nearly every year for decades without reporting them in financial disclosures.¹ These gifts, paid for by billionaire real estate developer Harlan Crow, include private jet trips around the world, vacations on Crow’s private superyacht, and at least two years of private school tuition for Justice Thomas’ grandnephew.² Crow also purchased the home of Justice Thomas’ mother. He allowed her to live there rent free, and has spent thousands of dollars on renovations to her home.

• Conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo made secret payments to Virginia ‘Ginni’ Thomas — wife of Justice Thomas — totalling over $80,000 from 2011 to 2012, specifically directing that her name be left off billing paperwork.

• Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch sold property in Colorado to the CEO of Greenberg Traurig, one of the country’s biggest law firms.³ Justice Gorsuch disclosed income from the purchase, but declined to identify that the CEO of Greenberg Traurig was the purchaser, leaving the box blank on the disclosure form. Since 2017, Greenberg Traurig has been involved in at least 22 cases before the Supreme Court.

• Jane Roberts — wife of Chief Justice John Roberts — solicited $10.3 million in commissions as a legal recruiter in the 8 years after her husband’s Court appointment.⁴ The fees were paid to Roberts by corporations and law firms, at least one of which argued a case before the Supreme Court.

And when asked to participate in a congressional inquiry into these potentially illegal ethical violations, Chief Justice Roberts and the Court refused to comply.

A court that rejects accountability for itself erodes its own ability to hold others accountable.

Alexandria called for the impeachment of Clarence Thomas for the most egregious of these violations — and she wants Justices to be held to the same ethical standards of other elected officials to stop this corruption in the future.

We will keep you posted as more on the Supreme Court develops.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

1 - ProPublica: Clarence Thomas and the Billionaire

2 - ProPublica: Clarence Thomas Had a Child in Private School. Harlan Crow Paid the Tuition.

3 - Politico: Law firm head bought Gorsuch-owned property

4 - Business Insider: Jane Roberts, who is married to Chief Justice John Roberts, made $10.3 million in commissions from elite law firms, whistleblower documents show

Older Adults Among Those at Highest Risk for Heat-Related Illness

 

Extreme Heat Kills More Than 600 People in the U.S. Every Year, Though Serious Health and Safety Effects Are Preventable

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) are urging older adults, their family members and caretakers to be prepared for high temperatures and excessive heat this summer. NYSOFA and NYSDOH also offer tips and resources for older adults and loved ones to stay safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and those with chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat-related illness. While serious health and safety effects are preventable in many cases, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

“As summertime weather starts, it is vital that older adults know the dangers and how to be prepared for extreme heat and humidity,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “Now is also an important time for family, neighbors, and friends to check in with older adults as a precaution, especially in advance of a forecasted heat wave. This is particularly important for older adults who are most at risk, such as individuals who are low-income, live alone, have chronic conditions or who take certain medications.”

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “High temperatures coupled with high humidity, particularly over an extended length of time, can be a dangerous combination, especially for older adults, the very young, those who work outside, and individuals with preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease. I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, take appropriate precautions such as staying hydrated, and know what to do if you or someone you encounter is experiencing health issues due to extreme heat."

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, “Older adults and their families may be unaware of the significant dangers of extreme heat, especially in individuals with chronic health conditions. It is paramount for the health and safety of the community to understand heat-related illness, and to be knowledgeable of programs and services to alleviate and diminish the impact of extreme heat.”

According to the CDC, factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include: 

• High levels of humidity
• Obesity
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Prescription drug use
• Heart disease
• Mental illness
• Poor circulation
• Sunburn
• Alcohol use 

What should I do before a heat wave?

• Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

• Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.

• Find out where to cool down – ask local officials about cooling centers in your area. If there are none, identify air-conditioned buildings where you can go (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends' homes). The New York State Department of Health has information about cooling centers here.

• Choose someone that you can call for help or who can check on you.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about medications that might make you sensitive to the sun or heat.

What can I do during a heat wave?

• Use air conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building.

• If you don't have air conditioning in your home, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down. 

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.

• Take regular breaks from physical activity.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.

• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.

• Never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.

• Check on your neighbors, family and friends, especially those who are older or have special needs.

Places to Get Cool

New York State pools and beaches across the New York State Park system are available for individuals to cool off during hot days this summer. View the full list of statewide swimming lakes, ocean beaches and pools. Call ahead to confirm hours.

Additionally, the New York State Department of Health collects information about seasonal cooling centers from local health departments and emergency management offices. For more information and to find a Cooling Center near you, go here.

For further information on how to stay safe during periods of excessive heat, please visit the New York State Department of Health website or the CDC website.

Lastly, for information on long term care services and supports for older adults and caregivers, please visit NY Connects or call 1-800-342-9871.

VCJC News & Notes 6/23/23

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminder Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/23/23 @ 8:13 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 6/24/23 @ 9:16 pm Kiddush by Dr. Ken Siva in commemoration of his mother, Gertrude Siva's yahrzeit.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Expected Rainfall

 

"Nearly every region across the State will experience thunderstorms or heavy rainfall over the coming days, putting many communities at risk of isolated flash floods. Localized flooding is possible in the New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier regions. Upstate regions including the Capital Region, North Country, Mohawk Valley and Central New York are also at risk for excessive rainfall and isolated flash floods. State personnel are constantly monitoring forecasts and I encourage all New Yorkers to take responsible precautions: be aware of local forecasts, sign up for emergency alerts, monitor any road closures and prepare a bag of supplies in the unlikely event that a rapid evacuation is needed."

DEC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH BEARWISE CAMPAIGN

 

Campaign Will Help New Yorkers Live Responsibly with Black Bears

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC is joining the BearWise campaign as a cooperative member state. BearWise was developed by biologists from state conservation agencies across the U.S. to ensure people, regardless of location, learn to live responsibly with bears. Using the “BearWise basics,” residents are encouraged to take simple steps at home or when recreating outdoors to avoid negative interactions with black bears.

“DEC biologists and technicians respond to hundreds of human-bear conflicts each year that are nearly all preventable,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As New Yorkers head into the summer months, which is a busy time for bears, DEC encourages the public to practice the BearWise basics by removing things bears find attractive like pet food and trash to help reduce the potential for negative interactions.”

Black bears are most active throughout the spring and summer months and can be attracted to human-created food sources, especially during dry weather periods when natural food sources are scarce. The BearWise campaign recommends people take six basic steps to avoid attracting bears to areas around homes or neighborhoods:

• Never feed or approach black bears;
• Secure food, garbage, and recycling;
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active;
• Never leave pet food outdoors;
• Clean and store grills and smokers; and
• Alert neighbors to bear activity.

BearWise also recommends six basics when recreating or vacationing in bear country:

• Stay alert and together;
• Leave no trash or food scraps behind;
• Keep dogs leashed;
• Camp away from dense cover;
• Secure food and cook as far away from tents/living quarters as possible; and
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and know how to respond if you see a bear.

For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears and how to be BearWise visit DEC's webpage or Bearwise.org.

WATCH DEC’s videos ‘Backyard Bears’ and ‘Camping with Bears’ here:

Camping with Bears: https://youtu.be/hZTJBB8O5BY

Backyard Bears: https://youtu.be/xM2Et5xAg14

If a bear is damaging property or is reluctant to leave the area, but the situation is not an emergency, call DEC’s regional wildlife office during business hours, or call the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).

MAYOR ADAMS HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING FOR INTRO. 844-A

 

 Today I hold a hearing on a bill that establishes an Office of Healthcare Accountability. Here in New York City, we believe that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, and we are committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status or income, can get the care they need. We know that many New Yorkers, working New Yorkers in particular, are struggling and living from paycheck to paycheck. They shouldn't have to break the bank to get the healthcare they need, and New Yorkers' credit cards shouldn't determine their healthcare access. We want to make sure that there is cost transparency in our healthcare system.

 

Intro. 844-A establishes an Office of Healthcare Accountability that provides recommendations relating to city healthcare and hospital cost. So I want to thank the Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Julie Menin, our friends in labor, this is something they fought for, they believed was important, and we share that belief. This includes 32BJ, DC 37, and others that help support this legislation. Now I invite the public to comment. Seeing no members of the public want to comment, we want to thank all for attending this important bill signing to sign Intro. 884-A. At a later date, we will do the actual signing. Thank you very much.

U.S. Attorney Announces $12 Million Settlement Of Civil Forfeiture Action Against Estate Of Antiquities Trafficker Douglas Latchford

 

Largest Ever Forfeiture of Proceeds from the Sale of Stolen Antiquities, Including Forfeiture of Important 7th Century Bronze Statue from Vietnam

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today that the United States had filed and settled a civil forfeiture action against $12 million derived from the sale of stolen Southeast Asian antiquities by indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford.  The Settlement with the daughter of the late Douglas Latchford, who died in 2020, resolves claims that Latchford transferred the proceeds from the sale of stolen antiquities to bank accounts in the Bailiwick of Jersey.  As part of the Settlement, Latchford’s daughter has also agreed to the forfeiture of a 7th Century bronze statue depicting the four-armed goddess Durga, which is alleged to have been stolen from Vietnam in 2008 and which Latchford allegedly purchased using tainted funds.  The proposed settlement is subject to review by a district judge in the Southern District of New York.

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “The late Douglas Latchford was a prolific dealer of stole antiquities.  His complicity in numerous illicit transactions over several decades garnered him millions of dollars in payments from buyers and dealers in the United States, of which as part of this agreement, $12 million will be rightfully forfeited by his estate.  HSI New York celebrates the pending repatriation of any outstanding artifacts from Latchford’s illegally obtained collection to their rightful owners and reaffirms our commitment to disrupting the illicit trafficking of cultural property, art, and antiquities.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint and the Stipulation filed in Manhattan federal court on June 22, 2023:[1]

In 2019, Latchford was indicted in the Southern District of New York with wire fraud conspiracy and other crimes related to a multi-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international art market, primarily by creating false provenance documents and falsifying invoices and shipping documents, including misrepresenting the country of origin of artworks.  See United States v. Latchford, 19 Cr. 748 (AT) (the “Indictment”).  In September 2020, the Indictment was dismissed due to the death of Latchford.

Between 2003 and 2020, Latchford maintained bank accounts in New York, the United Kingdom, and the Bailiwick of Jersey (“Jersey”).  During those years, Latchford received more than $12 million in his New York and U.K. accounts as payment for his sale of stolen and smuggled Southeast Asian antiquities to buyers and dealers in the United States.  As part of those sales, Latchford provided false provenance and/or made false statements on shipping records and importation records when those antiquities were imported into the United States.  Latchford then transferred at least $12 million in illegally derived proceeds (the “$12 Million”) to his bank accounts in Jersey.

In 2008 and 2009, Latchford used funds derived from the sale of stolen and smuggled antiquities to purchase a 7th Century bronze statue depicting the four-armed goddess Durga (the “Durga”).

 According to bank and email records, including correspondence with his bankers, Latchford traveled to Vietnam in November 2008 to purchase a piece of art and instructed his bankers to send around $2 million to the bank account of a person with a Vietnamese email address.  In January 2009, Latchford emailed a dealer a photograph, below, of the Durga lying on its back, covered in what appears to be dirt and minerals indicative of recent excavation.  Latchford identified My Son, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage site located in Vietnam, as the location where the Durga was recovered. 

Under the terms of the stipulation and order of settlement, Latchford’s daughter (the “Claimant”) consents to forfeiture of the $12 Million and the Durga.  The United States has agreed not to object to the lifting by Jersey of a freeze order on any remaining funds as defined in the settlement agreement.  The parties recognize that nothing in the Stipulation constitutes an admission of liability, fault, or guilt on the part of the Claimant, who expressly denies fault, liability, or wrongdoing. 

Mr. Williams thanked HSI 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 U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Law Officers’ Department of the Bailiwick of Jersey, and authorities in the United Kingdom for their cooperation and assistance.

This matter is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and International Criminal Enterprises Unit.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Jessica Feinstein is in charge of the case.

The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations.

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

Attorney General James Provides Tips to Protect New Yorkers from E-Bike Battery Fires

New York Attorney General Letitia James today warned New Yorkers of the dangers caused by electrical bike (e-bike) batteries and provided tips on how to safely handle them. Today’s alert comes in light of a deadly fire that killed four individuals at an e-bike repair shop in Manhattan’s Chinatown earlier this week. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) shared an informational flyer about e-bike safety tips in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole. Most e-bikes, as well as e-scooters and hoverboards, use powerful lithium-ion batteries that store more energy and are more likely to catch fire than a typical battery. In 2022, there were at least 220 fires and six deaths as a result of lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes and other devices in New York City. This year, these batteries have caused at least 108 fires and resulted in 13 deaths.

“E-Bikes can be great tools, but also can pose significant risks to New Yorkers and their families,” said Attorney General James. “The best way to protect our loved ones from the risks associated with e-bikes is to handle these devices and their batteries carefully and follow all safety precautions. As we continue to mourn the lives of those we lost in this week’s fire, I urge everyone to take all necessary steps to avoid future e-bike-related tragedies.”

In September 2022, Attorney General James issued a consumer alert about the dangers posed by e-bike batteries, and noted that when proper precautions are taken when buying, storing, charging, and disposing of these batteries, accidents can be avoided. In March, New York City enacted laws banning the sale or lease of e-bikes and e-scooters that fail to meet safety standards and prohibiting the refurbishment of used lithium-ion batteries. There are currently measures being considered in the New York City Council that would establish a program to buy back old batteries and equip workers with fireproof containers for charging batteries. Additionally, the New York City Fire Department also shut down illegal battery charging stations in bike shops and bodegas, where multiple batteries have been charging at once.

As part of her ongoing efforts to keep communities safe, Attorney General James recommends consumers take the following steps when using e-bikes:

• Buy your e-bike and battery from a trusted manufacturer.
• Maintain your battery by carefully checking it from time to time. If you notice any strange smells or changes in shape or color, stop using the battery immediately and contact your local fire station or call 911. 
• Store your battery in a safe place.
• Charge your battery using only the cord and power adapter provided by the manufacturer.
• Dispose your battery at a battery-recycling location. Do not reuse or refurbish used lithium-ion batteries or its parts.
  • Note: Putting batteries in the trash or recycling them is both dangerous and illegal, and can lead to fires on sanitation trucks and in recycling facilities. Visit the New York City Department of Sanitation’s batteries page to find places that can safely dispose of them.

For more information about e-bike safety tips, please visit the informational flyer provided in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole by OAG.