By: Tom Ozimek

A judge struck down an executive order issued by New York’s Nassau County that barred male players from competing at county-run facilities in any league that doesn’t correspond to their biological sex or that isn’t a coed or mixed league.

Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Francis Ricigliano said in a May 10 order that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman did not have the authority to issue the order imposing the transgender athlete ban without corresponding action by the Nassau County Legislature.

“Precedent has repeatedly established that an executive cannot enact his/her own view of what persons should be protected from discrimination without regard to laws enacted by the legislature,” the judge wrote.

Mr. Blakeman issued the executive order on Feb. 22, prohibiting the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums from issuing permits for the use of county facilities for competitions or sports events in which males participate in female-designated teams and leagues. The ban only applied to female-identifying males while allowing the department to issue permits for events in which women compete in men’s leagues or events.

“There is a movement for biological males to bully their way into competing in sports or leagues or teams that identify themselves or advertise themselves as girls’ or female or women’s teams or leagues,” Mr. Blakeman said at a Feb. 22 press conference, explaining the rationale for the ban.

“We find that unacceptable. It’s a form of bullying,” he said at the time.

Mr. Blakeman also argued that allowing female-identifying males to compete in women’s sports poses a safety risk to female competitors due to men’s generally superior strength and size, while also depriving women of opportunities.

The move drew backlash, with New York Attorney General Letitia James threatening to sue if the ban wasn’t overturned, prompting Mr. Blakeman to sue Ms. James, accusing her of unconstitutional discrimination.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) sued Mr. Blakeman over the order on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a recreational women’s flat track roller derby league that welcomes female-identifying males to participate in its activities.

The plaintiffs argued that the executive order violated numerous laws and, according to Curly Fry, a member of Roller Rebels, was “transphobic and unjust.”

Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the NYCLU, said in a statement that the group is “gratified that the court has struck down a harmful policy that belongs in the dustbin of history.”

Mr. Blakeman told media outlets in a statement that he disagrees with the decision.

“Lack of courage from a Judge who didn’t want to decide the case on its merits. Unfortunately, girls and women are hurt by the Court,” he said. remove

Mr. Blakeman did not respond to inquiry from The Epoch Times as to whether he intends to appeal.

The overturned Nassau County executive order mandated that sports organizations applying for permits in Nassau County facilities must designate teams according to a team member’s biological sex.

Teams were to be designated into one of three categories: males, men, or boys; females, women, or girls; or coed or mixed, including males and females.

The order barred the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums from issuing permits for the use of county facilities for competitions or sports events in which boys or men participate in female-designated teams and leagues.

          (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: AP

Once Donald Trump’s loyal attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen pointed the finger at his former boss Monday in pivotal testimony about hush money payments at the center of the first criminal trial of a former American president.

Cohen provided jurors with an insider’s account of payments to silence women’s claims of sexual encounters with Trump, saying the payments were directed by Trump to fend off damage to his 2016 White House bid.

Cohen is expected to be on the witness stand for several days, and face intense grilling by Trump’s attorneys, who have painted him as a liar who’s trying to take down the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

While prosecutors’ most important witness, he’s also their most vulnerable to attack — having served time in federal prison and built his persona in recent years around being a thorn in Trump’s side.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing in the case.

Here are some takeaways from Cohen’s testimony so far:

Cohen tied Trump directly to the hush money scheme, recounting meetings and conversations with his then-boss about stifling negative stories in the waning weeks of the 2016 campaign.

“He expressed to me: Just do it,” Cohen said of the $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, who was threatening to go public with claims of a sexual encounter with Trump decade earlier. Trump denies they ever had sex.

Less than two weeks before the election, Cohen finalized the payments to buy Daniels’ silence. Immediately, he went to Trump to inform him the deal was done, he testified.

“The task he gave to me was finished, accomplished and done,” Cohen testified, before pointing to a second reason for updating his boss: “to take credit for myself so that he knew I had done it and finished it, because this was important.”

About another story of an alleged affair with former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Cohen said Trump told him, “Make sure it doesn’t get released.” Cohen testified that he personally had no interest in acquiring the rights to McDougal’s story, telling jurors, “What I was doing was at the direction of and benefit of Mr. Trump.” Trump also denies having an affair with McDougal.

Cohen also recounted going to Trump after learning about a Trump Tower doorman who claimed, falsely, that Trump had a child out of wedlock.

In reply, Trump told him, “You handle it,” according to Cohen.

Cohen described being angry when he wasn’t initially reimbursed for the Daniels hush money payment. Eventually he met with Trump and then Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg in Trump Tower to discuss the debt owed to him, Cohen told jurors. There, Weisselberg informed Cohen the reimbursements would be paid as “legal services” in monthly installments, he testified.

That’s important because the 34 counts of false business records Trump is charged with stem from paperwork such as invoices and checks that were deemed legal expenses in company records. Prosecutors say those payments largely were reimbursements to Cohen for Daniels’ hush money payment.

Cohen testified that Trump feared Daniels’ story would be a “disaster” for his presidential campaign, which was already reeling at the time from the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump boasted about grabbing women sexually without their permission.

That testimony could be key for prosecutors, who are trying prove that Trump schemed to illegally influence the 2016 race by burying unflattering stories that could damage his campaign.

(AP)

By: Juliette Fairley

Taiwanese immigrant Joseph J. Chou, 60, knows the American dream is true because he’s living it.

After immigrating to the United States with his parents, he started a successful auto-mechanic business in the migrant community of Flushing, Queens.

He was campaigning to unseat Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) in the 6th District as a Republican. But, the political newcomer is facing obstacles he didn’t foresee.

“I’m realizing they get you on the signatures,” Mr. Chou alleged. “The GOP does not want anybody to challenge their candidate [Thomas Zmich] and the GOP nominated the same candidate in 2020 and 2022.”

In 2022, Ms. Meng defeated Mr. Zmich with 63.9 percent of the vote.

Because Mr. Zmich is the Republican nominee, Mr. Chou had to collect 1,250 signed voter petitions before he could be placed on the upcoming June 25 primary ballot.

“All the district leaders of the Queen GOP nominated [Zmich] as a candidate,” Queens Republican Chairman Anthony Nunziato told The Epoch Times.

“That’s how that works. Zmich ran before so I guess they decided to run him again.”

Mr. Chou thought he had successfully gathered 1,903 proper signatures until on April 15, the Queens County GOP challenged 1,363 as invalid.

Vincent Ignizio, deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, said after Mr. Chou presented an exceptions list, he still did not have enough valid signatures.

“Mr. Chou appeared personally on the second date saying he had fired his lawyer and that the list submitted was somehow defective and he now wanted to submit another list—which the commissioners declined because it had not been presented at the original hearing and he had already been given an opportunity to present an exception report,” Mr. Ignizio told The Epoch Times.

The commissioners then adopted the clerk’s report resulting in Mr. Chou being removed from the ballot.

“Mr. Chou represented himself in court in a validated proceeding and Judge Catapano-Fox ultimately decided against Mr. Chou,” Mr. Ignizio added.

Mr. Chou isn’t the only candidate whose ballot-qualifying signatures were challenged by either the New York GOP or the Democrat party.

Overall, in New York County, 62 objections were filed. In Bronx County, 25 objections were filed. Kings County has 129 objections on file.

In Queens County, 73 objections were filed, and in Staten Island, two were filed.

Mike Zumbluskas, a former GOP candidate for New York’s 12th Congressional District, thinks the signature petitioning requirement is problematic.

“The party nominee has a super advantage because you have the establishment helping you,” Mr. Zumbluskas told The Epoch Times.

“My whole thing is to get rid of petitioning altogether and just pay a fee to get on the ballot.

“A number of states do that. The city and state would save millions of dollars a year and the courts would have more time to hear other cases.”

Although he is disappointed, Mr. Chou hasn’t given up. He is gathering the 3,500 signatures necessary to be listed on the ballot as an independent candidate.

Like Mr. Chou, Helen Qiu is gathering signatures in New York County as an independent after being disqualified as a Republican.

She is campaigning against Democrat state assembly incumbent Grace Lee who objected to Ms. Qiu’s ballot-qualifying signatures.

“I have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer to prove my signatures and I don’t have that kind of resources.”

          (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: Meghan Blonder

The head of the New York City public school system testified to Congress that he recognizes the “urgency of addressing” and “rooting out” anti-Semitism. Just weeks prior, he held an event alongside an anti-Semitic Democratic fundraiser who has promoted Holocaust denial and runs a pro-Hamas Facebook group.

Chancellor David Banks testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee on Wednesday to address the New York City public school system’s response to rising anti-Semitism. He told the committee that his schools are “focused” on being a “candle in the darkness” in the fight against Jew hatred.

“At New York City Public Schools, we are focused on our charge to fight hate and foster inclusion through safety, engagement, and education,” Banks said. “We’re working hard and we have a long way to go. There’s always more to do. I hope in New York we can be a candle in the darkness.”

Less than a month before, on April 11, Banks and New York elected officials held an Arab American Heritage celebration which featured anti-Semitic Democratic fundraiser Maher Abdel-qader, who has promoted Holocaust denial and online content that describes Jews as “Satanic.” Banks posed for a photo with Abdel-qader, who also is the founder and administrator of a Facebook group called “Palestinian American Congress” where members have posted anti-Semitic content and cheered Hamas terrorists.

In 2018, Abdel-qader shared a video that said Ashkenazi Jews are “not true Jews,” accused Israeli Jews of “identity theft,” and cast doubt on the validity of the Holocaust. “The Jews in Israel are not true Jews, they are Khazars Ashkenazi Jews, identity theft,” the video said alongside a photo of a Jewish man wearing a ski mask to cover his face. “Research the truth about the Holocaust, and you’ll definitely start to question what you thought you knew,” the video’s narrator says. In another post, Abdel-qader compared Israel to ISIS and accused the Jewish state of running “concentration camps.”

In a 2017 post that echoed an anti-Semitic trope of Jews controlling the government, Abdel-qader claimed Sen. Ben Cardin (D., Md.) was a “foreign agent.”

“Our US Congress is full of ass-kissing Israeli defenders. A few of them are actually unregistered foreign agents. Ben Cardin is one of them. He is convincing the rest of the lowlifes in Congress to throw away our rights to free speech, and kowtow to the illegal so-called ‘state’ of ‘Israel,'” Abdel-qader said.

In the days after Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, members of Abdel-qader’s Facebook group cheered the terrorist group’s fighters.

An Oct. 12, 2024, post in Abdel-qader’s Facebook group read, “We don’t want to throw you in the sea … we want you to ride it back from where you came,” accompanied by a photo of a Hamas terrorist with an elderly Israeli hostage. Another post commended the “achievements” of “resistance” fighters after they killed Israeli soldiers.

NYC Public Schools posted a photo online of Banks speaking at the event, with the caption: “Today we hosted our inaugural Arab American Heritage Month celebration!”

The revelation comes as other Democratic members of Congress also embraced Abdel-qader around the same time. “Squad” members Jamaal Bowman (D., N.Y.), Cori Bush (D., Mo.), Summer Lee (D., Pa.), Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.), and Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.)—many of whom face a pro-Israel primary challenger—embraced Abdel-qader at an April 18 Washington, D.C., event.

          (FreeBeacon.com)

Edited by: Fern Sidman

At Columbia University, a controversial manifesto linking the institution’s protests to global anti-colonial movements has surfaced, raising concerns about external influence on student activism and the potential for escalating tensions on campus, according to report on Sunday in the New York Post. The document, titled “National Liberation Struggles,” was reportedly discovered in a lab class and has quickly become a focal point in the ongoing debate over campus protests and their implications.

The six-page manifesto claims to connect the dots between Columbia University’s recent protests, which have been characterized as pro-terror, and broader anti-colonial movements historically recognized for their revolutionary stance against oppression. The Post report indicated that according to a Jewish student who came across the document, it has been distributed among students, possibly by outside agitators aiming to intensify the university’s protest activities against the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Rory Lancman, senior counsel at the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and a Columbia Law School graduate, has criticized the manifesto’s contents, suggesting that it dangerously frames Jewish people as scapegoats and fuels virulent anti-Semitism aimed at the destruction of the Jewish state, as per the information in the Post report. Lancman’s remarks shine a proverbial spotlight on the serious implications of such rhetoric, highlighting fears that it could incite violence and deepen societal divides.

The emergence of this manifesto supports claims by figures such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has suggested that the protests at Columbia are being exacerbated by external forces, the report in the Post affirmed. This idea of outside agitators infiltrating campus movements is not new but gains significant weight in light of the document’s radical content and its apparent circulation among the student body.

Earlier this month tensions at Columbia escalated dramatically when an anti-Israel group took over an academic building, leading to a police intervention in riot gear to arrest the protestors. The Post also reported that this incident reflects the increasing militancy of campus protests and the potential for these movements to disrupt academic and daily life at the university.

The manifesto articulates a clear call for Columbia University to sever all ties with Israeli institutions and companies profiting from the occupation of “Palestine,” positioning the university’s protest movement within a larger, global anti-imperialist framework. Notably, the Post reported that it challenges students to consider their role in wider struggles against oppression, suggesting that the fight against what it describes as the Zionist project is part of a broader battle for international liberation.

The document, which critics argue inflames anti-Semitism, paints the United States, Israel, and Western nations as oppressors and contrasts them with what it describes as the revolutionary models of Cuba and Vietnam, the Post report said. Notably, it overlooks the oppressive regimes of China and North Korea, barely critiquing these while presenting an unbalanced view of global politics. Also noted in the Post report was that rhe document does not address other significant global issues, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is conspicuously absent from discussions of liberation and freedom.

Further, the manifesto connects various global and local grievances, citing the US’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd, and rising anti-Black violence as examples of Western countries prioritizing their interests over justice and human rights, the Post report indicated..

By: AP

Harvey Weinstein will remain locked up in New York as a court works out whether he should stay in a city jail while awaiting retrial or be sent to California to serve his prison sentence for rape there.

The fallen movie mogul, who showed up for the hearing in a wheelchair and wearing a dark suit, did not consent to California’s extradition request during a brief court hearing Thursday. The 72-year-old will remain behind bars at the Rikers Island jail, where he was returned to from a city hospital just days ago.

California now needs to produce a warrant signed by the governor within 90 days, Judge Joanne Watters said.

“They are not in a position to extradite Mr. Weinstein because they have not done what they need to do,” Diana Fabi Samson, Mr. Weinstein’s lawyer, said outside court following the appearance.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted Mr. Weinstein, referred extradition questions to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Judge Watters scheduled Mr. Weinstein’s next appearance on the extradition question for Aug. 7—just weeks before New York prosecutors said they could be ready to try him again.

The 16-year sentence Mr. Weinstein received in California in 2023 for raping a woman at a 2013 Los Angeles film festival had been on ice while he served a 23-year rape sentence in New York.

After the Empire State conviction was overturned late last month, Manhattan prosecutors said they are working to retry him, and at least one of two accusers was willing to testify again.

The once-powerful former movie executive has denied the New York charges, which accused him of raping an aspiring actor in 2013 and sexually assaulting a TV and film production assistant in 2006.

In vacating the convictions, New York’s highest court found that the trial judge prejudiced Mr. Weinstein with improper rulings, including by letting other women testify about allegations he wasn’t charged with.

Representatives for Mr. Weinstein said Thursday their main concern is making sure he gets the medical care he needs while in custody in New York.

“He is holding up as well as expected under the circumstances of being incarcerated with the health issues,” Ms. Samson said.

Mr. Weinstein was doing his time in an upstate New York prison until he was transferred to city custody following the appeals court decision. Then he was sent to Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital, where his publicist says he was treated for pneumonia and other medical issues. He was moved back to Rikers on May 6.

Craig Rothfeld, a jail consultant working with Mr. Weinstein’s attorneys, stressed that the decision where to house Mr. Weinstein was made solely by city officials without input from his legal team.

“There’s been a lot of rumors about him having a cushy room. There have been false narratives about what that room is like,” he said. “He has very serious health issues. Since the day he has been incarcerated, he has been in a hospital setting, so the narrative that he should not be in Bellevue is really not a narrative that makes sense.”

  (AP)

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Last weekend, Ronn Torossian, a public relations executive from New York City and an associate of Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested during a confrontation at a pro-Hamas encampment on the campus of Syracuse University in upstate New York, as was reported on Friday in the New York Times. The incident, which escalated into Torossian being taken into custody by campus security, has spotlighted ongoing issues of student safety, violence, and anti-Semitism that concern parents and university administrators alike.

Torossian, who is Jewish and the father of a Syracuse student, was participating in a protest with other parents against the university’s inadequate response to safety concerns in light of burgeoning campus Jew hatred. The tensions reached a peak when Torossian engaged with a student protester holding a sign that read, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free,” according to the information provided in the NYT report. Described by university officials as “especially aggressive,” his refusal to leave the scene led to his arrest. Syracuse University later issued a statement saying that “harassing behavior or conduct from anyone that creates a safety concern will not be tolerated.”

The events at Syracuse are part of a broader pattern of incidents at universities across the country, where protests and counter-protests have led to complex challenges for university administrations.The NYT report observed that the presence of non-students at these protests adds an additional layer of complexity, often blurring the lines between campus and community issues.

Torossian, known for his role in organizing fundraising events for Mayor Eric Adams, expressed frustration over the university chancellor’s refusal to meet with a group of concerned Jewish parents. According to the NYT report, these parents have been particularly vocal since the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, seeking more decisive action from university leadership to address the growing threat to Jewish students.

The catalyst for the demonstration was a distressing occurrence involving a confrontation between pro-Hamas protesters and Jewish students. According to multiple accounts, including those from witnesses, parents of an involved Jewish student, and official reports from the Syracuse Police Department, the incident unfolded over the course of a day starting at Walnut Park, the NYT report said. This location, adjacent to the university, is near several fraternity houses, including one identified as a Jewish fraternity.

The protesters, a mix of Syracuse University students and non-affiliated individuals, initially gathered at Walnut Park before marching to a campus encampment and then returning to the park. The information provided in the NYT report said that during the disbandment of the rally, a particularly hostile act occurred: a protester issued a Nazi salute directly across from the Jewish fraternity, which at that time was playing the Israeli and American national anthems at high volume. The situation escalated when a few Jewish students approached the protester to confront him, resulting in one of these students being punched in the face. The assailant then fled the scene.

In the aftermath, Torossian criticized Syracuse University for its lack of action, labeling the event as clear anti-Semitism that needed addressing, as per the NYT report. However, the university’s response, as articulated by Jeff Stoecker, the chief communications officer, highlighted a jurisdictional limitation, stating that the university does not have the authority to intervene in incidents that occur off-campus.

This stance has done little to quell the concerns of students and parents.

By: Chase Smith

A New York State appellate court on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of the state’s universal Early Mail Voter Act, cementing the state’s move toward expanded universal mail-in voting.

The court’s ruling comes after a contentious legal battle led by appellants including Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Nicholas Langworthy (R-N.Y.), and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) against Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state’s Board of Elections.

The lawmakers joined several other GOP elected officials, voters, and the party’s state and national committees in the original suit seeking to overturn the law on the day it was signed into law by Ms. Hochul last year. A lower court ruled the law was constitutional in February, and Ms. Stefanik appealed the decision.

The appellants argued that the universal mail-in voting provisions of the act violated the New York Constitution, specifically targeting what they claimed was an improper expansion of absentee voting without a constitutional amendment.

The appellate court found that the state’s Legislature had the authority to expand voting methods, including mail-in voting, without needing a constitutional amendment.

“We conclude that universal mail-in voting does not violate article II of the NY Constitution and was properly implemented through legislative enactment,” the Court order stated. “We recognize that a proposed constitutional amendment to authorize no-excuse absentee voting was not ratified by the electorate at the November 2, 2021 election. Even so, that the Legislature, in first proposing the amendment in 2019, may have assumed that a constitutional amendment was necessary to implement universal mail-in voting does not make it so.”

The New York Early Mail Voter Act, enacted in 2023 and effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, allows all registered voters to apply for early mail-in voting for any election in which they are eligible.

This law was introduced to enhance voter participation and streamline the voting process across the state, according to Democrats.

Key features of the act include a requirement for applications to be received by local Boards of Elections at least ten days before the election, confirmation of voter eligibility, and the provision of postage-paid return envelopes for ballots.

Under New York state’s constitution, absentee voting is accepted only in the event of illness, being out of the state for a definable reason, or military service overseas.

Republicans argued that the people of New York voted against expanding absentee voting when the proposed amendment “Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting” was presented as a ballot initiative in 2021. It was rejected by 55 percent of voters.

RNC lawyers argued in briefs that allowing unrestricted early voting forces the GOP to spend additional time, money, and manpower to adjust to a new electoral scheme that greatly differs from the past in-person voting model.

“For the national organizations, that means fewer resources to fulfill their missions in other states,” wrote attorney Michael Hawrylchak a Jan. 26 brief on behalf of Ms. Stefanik. “Moreover, the Mail-Voting Law will impose substantial new financial burdens on the county election boards the commissioner plaintiffs oversee, because it requires them to provide postage-paid return envelopes along with mail-in ballot applications.”

The court’s analysis focused on the interpretation of Article II of the New York Constitution, which outlines voter qualifications and the manner of voting.

The court’s opinion, written by Justice Michael Lynch, emphasized the historical evolution of absentee voting laws and the legislative authority granted by Article II, Section 7.

          (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: A7 Staff

A Christian seminary in New York, affiliated with Columbia University, recently announced plans to divest from Israel and other companies involved in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Newsweek reported on Monday.

On May 9, the Union Theological Seminary in New York announced that its board of trustees had endorsed a divestment plan from “companies profiting from war in Palestine/Israel”, according to the report.

“Over the decades, we have developed what are called ‘socially responsible investment (SRI) screens’ to express our values and not financially support damaging and immoral investments,” the seminary said in a statement. “With respect to companies that are profiting from the present war in Palestine, we continue to hold these standards high and have taken steps to identify all investments, both domestic and global, that support and profit from the present killing of innocent civilians in Palestine, whose numbers are now over 34,000—and a humanitarian crisis of ever-growing magnitude.”

The seminary said it remained “unequivocal” in its denouncement of the civilian deaths caused by Hamas terrorist on October 7. It added, “Our investment policies will continue to adapt, guided by our values, to strengthen the resolve that undergirds our decision today.”

In a statement to Newsweek, Serene Jones, the president of Union Theological Seminary, said, “Union has a 187-year tradition of advancing peace and justice. The Board of Trustees was driven to undertake this months-long process to ensure that we have a proactively just investment policy in accordance with our deep religious, spiritual, and core values. We’re constantly evolving to better embody our core values. This was an act of conscience and the vote was an extension of Union’s policies to ensure our investment portfolio reflects those core values.”

Tensions have been on the rise at Columbia University in recent weeks amid growing anti-Israel demonstrations on the campus.

Two weeks ago, New York City police officers entered Columbia University to clear a pro-Palestinian Arab encampment, arresting hundreds.

Previously, more than 100 people were arrested by New York Police Department officers on a preliminary charge of criminal trespass, as police entered Columbia University to disperse a the pro-Palestinian Arab protest, but it has since continued and grown more explicitly anti-Semitic.

Days earlier, the Chabad rabbi of Columbia University and a group of Jewish students were forced to leave the university campus for their own safety during a pro-Hamas demonstration.

          (IsraelNationalNews.com)

By: Ilana Siyance

Billionaire Mets Owner, Steve Cohen, is working to garner support for his bid to build a casino at Willets Point adjacent Citi Field.

As reported by the NY Post, on Monday hundreds of civic leaders, small business owners and residents rallied in Queens to support the $8 billion “Metropolitan Park” plan.

The 66-year-old founder of Point72 Asset Management has been eager to submit a casino bid, having teamed up with gaming giant Hard Rock International. Cohen owns the land and would like to turn the vacant lot at Willets Point into a year-round, all-weather entertainment haven. Cohen’s $8 billion casino plan, however, needs to be approved for land-use changes, allowing commercial development there, before it can be considered. Before he can even submit his bid, he needs state Senators and Gov. Kathy Hochul to move legislation in Albany to re-designate the parking lots and other property around the Mets ballpark from parkland to commercial use.

For over a year now, he has been working to woo support for the project. Queens officials including Councilman Francisco Moya and Assemblyman Jeffry Aubry, who represents the neighborhoods around Citi Field, have pledged their support, as well as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. There are now only a few weeks left in the 2024 legislative session, however, and state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who also represents the area, is still resistant to support the project. “Why would you want to lose $8 billion inside your backyard? It’s ridiculous,” one Queens political insider told the Post, requesting anonymity.

Ramos commented in a text statement saying, “Steve Cohen is doing his job trying to win support for his casino bid, and I’m doing mine in Albany representing my constituents.”

Per the Post, Monday’s rally supporting the Queens casino was organized by the Coalition for Queens Advancement, and was held in Diversity Park in Jackson Heights near Ramos’ district office. Supporters at the rally included parishioners of First Baptist Church of Corona, who said the project would generate job opportunities and provide entertainment for local Queens residents. Cohen has said the project would generate some 15,000 permanent and construction jobs in the coming years.

The plans for “Metropolitan Park”, unveiled last November, include a sprawling gaming center, hotel, and music venue near the Mets ball park. The proposed entertainment complex, which will be operated with Cohen by Hard Rock International, has promised community perks such as 20 acres of green space and access to Flushing Bay. The green space includes new park space and 5 acres of community athletic fields, bike paths, playgrounds, and climate-ready infrastructure including solar, green roofs, and flood mitigation. “It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” said Cohen. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.” Cohen also has plans to build a soccer stadium for New York City FC on the Willets Point property.

The Willets Point Casino bid faces stiff competition, including other bids from Related Companies and Wynn Resorts for a casino in Hudson Yards, Bally’s at Ferry Point in The Bronx, Silverstein Properties in Hell’s Kitchen, Thor Equity on the Coney Island boardwalk and the Sands casino at the Nassau Coliseum hub in Uniondale.

By: Hal C Clarke

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, a new trend is emerging among its residents, one that transcends socioeconomic boundaries and speaks to a collective unease gripping the populace. Across the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the affluent enclaves of Manhattan to the more modest boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, homeowners are fortifying their residences like never before, driven by concerns over escalating crime rates, political unrest, and anxieties surrounding immigration.

The NY Post reported extensively on this phenomenon.

At the forefront of this phenomenon are individuals like Steve Humble, founder of Creative Home Engineering, a home-defense contractor specializing in covert security solutions. Humble notes a surge in demand for his services, attributing much of it to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing fears and heightened the urgency to secure one’s home. Contrary to popular belief, Humble emphasizes that his clientele isn’t solely composed of the ultra-wealthy elite but includes middle-class families seeking peace of mind in uncertain times.

Similarly, David Vranicar, CEO of Fortified and Ballistic Security, has witnessed a significant uptick in business, particularly from residents in Queens and Brooklyn, who recognize the importance of fortifying their homes against potential threats. Vranicar underscores the psychological impact of recent events, such as the pandemic-induced societal breakdown, which has prompted individuals to contemplate worst-case scenarios and take proactive measures to protect their loved ones.

The driving force behind this surge in demand is a palpable decline in New Yorkers’ sense of safety, underscored by a record-high number of assaults in the city. This pervasive feeling of vulnerability is compounded by a broader perception of societal instability, fueled by political divisiveness and a sense of economic disparity. As Humble observes, whether real or perceived, the prevailing sentiment is that crime is on the rise, prompting residents to invest in comprehensive security solutions for their homes.

Vranicar’s approach to home defense focuses on fortifying entry points such as doors and windows, rendering them impenetrable to potential intruders. By bolstering these vulnerable areas, homeowners can deter would-be assailants and buy precious time to alert authorities or seek refuge in secure locations within their homes. Moreover, Vranicar underscores the importance of securing bedrooms, where occupants are most vulnerable, particularly during periods of rest or sleep.

While custom security projects can command hefty price tags, both Humble and Vranicar offer a range of products tailored to diverse budgets. From concealed safe rooms to bulletproof doors, these solutions cater to the varying needs and financial constraints of New York’s residents. Despite the luxury associated with some of these offerings, average homeowners are increasingly prioritizing safety and security, making New York City one of the most lucrative markets for home-defense contractors.

However, for a select few, like Bill Rigdon of Panic Room Builders, the stakes are even higher. Rigdon caters to affluent clients with homes valued at millions of dollars, offering bespoke panic rooms equipped with state-of-the-art security features. These fortified sanctuaries serve as a last line of defense against external threats, providing occupants with essential provisions and communication systems to weather prolonged periods of turmoil.

The prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty, exacerbated by recent headlines and geopolitical tensions, has driven many New Yorkers to reassess their vulnerability and take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and loved ones.

By: Mario Manici

In a high-stakes debate on Monday night, Rep. Jamaal Bowman found himself entangled in a contentious discussion over the phrase “From the river to the sea.” This slogan, often associated with anti-Israel sentiment, has faced condemnation as anti-Semitic for its implied call for the eradication of Israel. Despite mounting criticism, Bowman stood firm in his defense of the phrase, aligning with anti-Israel protesters who employ it, while diverging from the Anti-Defamation League’s characterization of it as hate speech.

During the News 12 debate against Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Bowman faced a direct question from an audience member regarding the phrase’s implications. In response, Bowman stated, “I know some do, others don’t, I do not,” suggesting his personal interpretation differs from those who perceive it as hateful. However, Latimer vehemently contested this assertion, unequivocally labeling the phrase as hate speech and referencing its historical association with calls for the destruction of Israel’s Jewish population.

The phrase “From the river to the sea” has long been a subject of contention, with critics often interpreting it as a rallying cry for the elimination of Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian state spanning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. This interpretation stems from its frequent usage by anti-Israel groups advocating for the expulsion or subjugation of the Jewish population in the region.

Historically, the phrase traces back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, gaining prominence during the Arab-Israeli conflict. It was employed by Palestinian nationalists and their supporters to express their aspiration for a Palestinian state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing all of historic Palestine, including modern-day Israel. Over time, it has become synonymous with the rejection of Israel’s legitimacy and sovereignty, fueling tensions and controversy in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Furthermore, the Anti-Defamation League has highlighted the phrase’s inherent anti-Semitic connotations, noting its frequent appearance in chants and slogans at anti-Israel demonstrations. The organization has emphasized the imperative to confront and denounce such rhetoric, citing its role in fostering a hostile environment for Jewish communities and perpetuating anti-Semitic attitudes.

Despite mounting criticisms and concerns, Bowman has remained steadfast in his support for anti-Israel activists who employ the phrase, aligning himself with their cause while reaffirming his belief in Israel’s right to exist and his advocacy for a two-state solution, underneath this veneer lies a clearly anti-Semitic, radical politician, on the wrong side of every issue and overflowing with woke insanity and Marxism.

His stance has drawn sharp rebuke from opponents like Latimer, who perceive the phrase as emblematic of a broader campaign to delegitimize Israel and undermine its sovereignty.

As the debate unfolded, tensions escalated between the candidates, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and its implications for domestic politics. The divergent viewpoints of Bowman and Latimer on this issue have emerged as a focal point in the upcoming primary election, highlighting the complex interplay between foreign policy debates and domestic political dynamics.

Additionally, New York’s 16th congressional district, where Bowman serves as the representative, covers a diverse area including parts of the Bronx and Westchester County. It includes a mix of urban and suburban communities, with a population representing various socio-economic backgrounds and cultural identities. The district has historically been a Democratic stronghold, with a focus on issues such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare access for all residents.

By: Jared Evan

The public spat between Rudy Giuliani and WABC owner John Catsimatidis has evolved into a multi-day saga, showcasing a clash of personalities, principles, and power dynamics. From diva-like demands to accusations of partisan bias, each revelation adds fuel to the fiery exchange, offering a glimpse into the complexities of media ownership and free speech.

The former mayor was suspended from the air by the grocery store and real estate tycoon, turned media mogul, Catsimatidis, after refusing to stop talking about the 2020 election results. Catsimatidis is presumably concerned with lawsuits which voting machine technology companies Dominion and Smartmatic have levied against news entities reporting the common belief that the 2020 election was “stolen”.

Catsimatidis wasted no time in unveiling Giuliani’s demands, painting a picture of the former mayor’s unwavering stance on increased airtime and compensation. Giuliani’s insistence, conveyed through text messages, set the stage for a battle of wills between two formidable figures accustomed to getting their way.

However, this conflict transcended mere contractual negotiations. It became a battleground for ideological supremacy, with Giuliani lambasting Catsimatidis for perceived bias while Catsimatidis retaliated, accusing Giuliani of disregarding station policies and jeopardizing WABC’s reputation. The tension reached a crescendo as Giuliani hinted at revisiting contentious topics on air, prompting Catsimatidis to take preemptive measures to protect the station against these lawsuits, which many consider legal warfare against free speech.

The climax occurred when Giuliani defied station directives on air, and ranted about the election being stolen from Trump in 2020, prompting WABC to abruptly end his show, escalating the conflict to new heights. Despite Catsimatidis extending olive branches in attempts to reconcile, Giuliani remained steadfast in his defiance, intensifying the standoff.

In response, WABC suspended Giuliani, plunging the saga into deeper turmoil. Giuliani’s counteroffensive, aired through alternative media channels, portrayed him as a victim of censorship and betrayal, amplifying the discord.

Catsimatidis, however, stood firm, invoking his duties as an FCC licensee and emphasizing his commitment to truth and integrity in broadcasting. His measured responses underscored the complexity of the rift, contrasting sharply with Giuliani’s bombastic rhetoric.

As the controversy unfolded, it became evident that this clash transcended individual egos. It symbolized broader debates about media responsibility, free speech, and the intersection of personal and professional allegiances. Giuliani’s journey, from revered figure to embattled pundit, epitomized the challenges of navigating post-political life in an era of heightened scrutiny.

In the court of public opinion, both Giuliani and Catsimatidis emerged as emblematic figures, each representing divergent visions of truth and accountability. Their saga serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the fragility of reputations and the high costs of unchecked ambition in the realm of media influence.

Ultimately, the Giuliani-Catsimatidis saga reminds us of the enduring complexities inherent in media ownership and the delicate balance between exercising free speech while protecting yourself from egregious lawsuits.

WABC 770AM holds a storied history as one of America’s oldest radio stations, dating back to its founding in 1921. Over the decades, it has been a bastion of news, talk, and entertainment, playing a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape of New York City and beyond. In 2019, billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis acquired the station, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Catsimatidis, known for his diverse business ventures including Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarkets, brought his vision and resources to WABC

By: Jared Evan

In defiance of recent outbreaks of anti-Semitic violence, organizers of New York City’s annual Salute to Israel Parade have steadfastly declared that the event will proceed as planned this year, reaffirming their commitment to celebrating the Jewish state, NY Post confirmed,

Scheduled to dominate Fifth Avenue on June 2, the parade is anticipated to draw thousands of supporters to Manhattan, accompanied by an augmented police presence amidst heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Salute to Israel Parade, a cherished tradition in the Big Apple since its inception in 1964, has long served as a vibrant expression of solidarity with Israel and its people. Over the years, it has evolved into a hallmark event within the Jewish community, symbolizing resilience, unity, and unwavering support for the Jewish state. Despite occasional challenges and controversies, the parade has endured as a testament to the enduring bonds between New York City and Israel.

Amidst a surge in anti-Semitic demonstrations across the city, the decision to proceed with the parade underscores the resilience and determination of its organizers. Mark Treyger, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Board, emphasized meticulous safety preparations, assuring participants of a secure environment for the event. “We are dotting every I and every T in terms of safety,” Treyger told local media, underscoring the paramount importance of ensuring the well-being of attendees.

The significance of the parade extends beyond mere festivities; it serves as a powerful reaffirmation of solidarity with Israel amidst challenging times. Relatives of Israeli hostages still held by Palestinian Hamas terrorists are expected to join the procession, adding poignancy to the event. In anticipation of potential disruptions from anti-Israeli demonstrators, the NYPD has announced plans to bolster its usual deployment of approximately 700 officers along the parade route, affirming its commitment to maintaining order and safety.

Mayor Eric Adams voiced unequivocal support for the parade, denouncing attempts to sow division and emphasizing the city’s unwavering stance against anti-Semitism, NY Post reported.

His reassurance echoed sentiments echoed by Treyger, himself a descendant of Holocaust survivors, who underscored the parade’s importance as a symbol of solidarity with Israel and its people.

Under the theme “One People, One Heart,” the parade serves as a poignant reminder of the shared values and aspirations uniting supporters of Israel. As calls for peace resonate amidst the conflict, the event takes on added significance, embodying hopes for a future of safety and security for all inhabitants of the region.

In the face of adversity, the Salute to Israel Parade emerges as a beacon of resilience, a testament to the unwavering spirit of its participants, and a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between New York City and the State of Israel. The parade’s steadfast continuation underscores the resilience of the Jewish community and its allies in the face of rising anti-Semitism.

Modern anti-Semitism, which is rising among the “progressive” political set, is mimicking long-established right-wing conspiracy theories about “Zionist plots” and “Zionists secretly controlling the world”. Anti-Zionism serves as a guise for anti-Semitism, targeting Jews as a collective under the guise of political opposition to the State of Israel. Anti-Zionism crosses the line into anti-Semitism when it denies the Jewish people’s right to self-determination or perpetuates harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Jews.

This year NYC Jews will march even as deranged leftists and right-wing Nazis antagonize them with their Anti-Zionist chants, making this year’s parade more important than ever.

By: Benyamin Davidsons

Bain & Co., a top management consulting firm, has signed an impressive new office lease at 22 Vanderbilt Ave., one of the rare Manhattan buildings to offer direct access to Grand Central Terminal.

As reported by Crain’s NY, the Boston-based giant in management consulting, is taking on roughly 235,000 square feet of space at the Midtown office tower, landlord and developer Milstein Properties announced on Monday. Bain & Co will move into the building in 2026, initially occupying four floors. The deal will effectively double Bain’s office footprint. Bain is currently leasing 126,000 square feet of space at the Grace Building at 1114 Sixth Ave., the 49-story Class A office building near Bryant Park owned by Brookfield Properties. The space Bain & Co is vacating at the 1.6 million square foot Grace Building will be taken over by advertising firm Trade Desk, which is expanding its footprint as well, per Brookfield.

Per the Post, Bain was repped in the deal by CBRE’s John Maher, Chris Corrinet and Paul Myers. TD was repped by CBRE’s Ryan Alexander, Matthew Saker and Nicole Marshall. Landlord Milstein was repped by CBRE’s Paul Amrich, Neil King, Jeffrey Fischer, Sacha Zarba and Meghan Allen, with Brookfield Properties’ Duncan McCuaig, David Caperna and PJ Massey.

The 29-story, Class A building, formerly known as 335 Madison Ave. and situated between East 43rd and 44th streets, boasts 1.1 million square feet of office and retail space. About a decade ago, 22 Vanderbilt had been in a difficult spot, when its largest tenant, Bank of America had left. The building, built in 1984, underwent a sprawling quarter-billion-dollar renovation, which also installed 275,000 square feet of new amenities. The upgrade was spearheaded by Michael Milstein, son of company founder Howard Milstein.

Per Crain’s, the building now boasts a redesigned lobby, a fitness center, a landscaped block-long outdoor terrace, a specialty coffee shop, a cocktail lounge, a 3-story dining hall, and of course direct access to Grand Central Terminal. The tenants-only conference rooms and wellness centers span 80,000 square feet. Asking rents for space at the top-notch building range from $105 to $120 per square foot, according to Brookfield, which works with leasing out the property.

Recently, 22 Vanderbilt also inked other new impressive leases totaling another 225,000 square feet. Per the Post, these deals include: law firm Duane Morris which took on 80,000 square feet; wealth manager AlTi Tiedemann Global for 40,000 sf; and global law firm Kennedys for 25,000 sf of space. The new lease by Bain, along with other new leases, brings the office building at 22 Vanderbilt Ave. to an impressive 91% occupancy, per family-run real estate developer Milstein.

Commercial office space in Manhattan is still trying to recover from Covid. Leasing activity was fairly strong in April, per Colliers. Overall, companies leased roughly 2.7 million square feet of space, including around 1.1 million square feet of space in Midtown Manhattan.

Milstein COO Damon Lopez-O’Dwyer said the firm’s success in leasing, even during these tough times for commercial real estate, is attributed to its “setting a new standard for the modern office” and the building being one of only six office building,