Governor Kathy Hochul has recently unveiled a significant investment of $5.4 million to support the LGBTQ+ community in New York. The investment comprises a $4.4 million allocation to the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center aimed at creating safe and culturally affirmative programs, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ people of color. In addition, $1 million will be directed towards workforce development programs catering to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals, expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund. The state has also issued new policy guidelines to help state agencies better cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and create a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ state employees.
In a statement, Governor Hochul emphasized that Pride Month is a time of celebration and a call to action to persist in our endeavors to promote the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in New York State. She added that individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions deserve to feel secure, heard, and respected. The State of New York stands in solidarity with and backs the LGBTQ+ community.
The $4.4 million investment received by the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center will be utilized to provide a diverse range of resources, programs, and services to the community within a culturally affirming environment. The center will offer medical treatment, mental health and social support services, legal referrals, career training, cultural programming, and internet access, all within a stigma-free setting.
The President and CEO of the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, Carmen Neely, conveyed her appreciation for the assistance provided. She stated, “We have been working towards the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center project since 2016 and we are delighted and thankful that we will soon have a place to call home. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Hochul, her team, and our elected officials in NYC for their unwavering support. This marks the start of a new chapter, and we are eager and geared up to embark on this journey!”
During Pride Month, State Senator Cordell Cleare praised Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to invest $4.4 million in the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, which will serve as a one-stop hub for social, educational, and culturally sensitive programs and services for the LGBTQ+ community of all ages. Senator Cleare emphasized the significance of the center to the local community, stating that it will provide vital resources to LGBTQ+ youth and seniors. Additionally, the Governor announced a $1 million investment in workforce development programs to provide support and resources to the LGBTQ+ community. This funding will help achieve the goals of the Harlem community and will create a culturally affirming environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
TRENTON, NJ— Governor Phil Murphy’s recent announcement to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 has ignited a firestorm of criticism from various sectors. While the governor asserts that the move is essential for combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, opponents argue that the plan is overly ambitious, economically burdensome, and logistically flawed.
Critics first point to the economic implications of such a ban. Transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones will require substantial investments in new infrastructure, such as charging stations, which could be costly for taxpayers and businesses. Additionally, electric vehicles (EVs) are currently more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, potentially placing a financial strain on middle- and lower-income families who may not be able to afford the higher upfront costs despite long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
Automakers and industry experts have also raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the 2035 deadline. The shift to electric vehicles requires significant advancements in battery technology, supply chain adjustments, and increased production capacity. Critics argue that the state’s infrastructure and market readiness for such a rapid transition are questionable, potentially leading to supply shortages and increased costs. Furthermore, the automotive industry, a significant employer in New Jersey, might face job losses or upheaval as the market shifts away from gasoline-powered vehicles.
Environmentalists and energy experts have voiced skepticism about the environmental benefits of the proposed ban.
While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, the electricity required to charge them often comes from non-renewable sources. Without a concurrent and substantial investment in clean energy, the environmental gains from switching to EVs may be less significant than projected. The production and disposal of EV batteries pose their own environmental challenges, including resource extraction and hazardous waste management.
Rural communities and those without easy access to charging infrastructure are particularly concerned about the practical implications of the ban. For residents in these areas, long distances between charging stations and extended charging times could pose significant inconveniences, making EVs less practical than gasoline-powered cars. This could exacerbate existing disparities between urban and rural areas, where infrastructure investments are already lagging.
There is the issue of public readiness and acceptance. Many New Jersey residents remain skeptical of EVs due to concerns about range, charging times, and overall convenience compared to gasoline-powered cars. Critics of the ban argue that more needs to be done to educate the public and incentivize the transition to EVs rather than imposing an outright ban.
Governor Murphy’s 2035 gasoline car ban is rooted in noble intentions of addressing climate change, the plan faces significant opposition due to its economic, logistical, and practical challenges.
A more gradual and well-supported transition, coupled with investments in clean energy and infrastructure, may be necessary to achieve the desired environmental benefits without imposing undue burdens on New Jersey’s residents and economy.
BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to assault upon a federal employee. This charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who is handling the case, stated that on September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) Crisis Line and made repeated threats to blow up the Buffalo VA facility. Later that same day, Coston called the VA Crisis Line again and said, “I should go blow… I should go burn the building down.” On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the Crisis Line, saying, “The VA haven’t done (expletive) for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of it, by any means necessary.” Coston also mentioned, “Taking out all V.A. facilities, but I have 1 n mind first” and “I’m in DC, near the main VA ha ha ha good, I know where to hit them.”
The plea is the result of an investigation conducted by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King, and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Roemer.
Brooklyn, NY — The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person from the 63 Precinct.
The missing individual is identified as David Taveras, a 23-year-old male residing at 5706 Farragut Road. He was last seen leaving his residence on Monday, June 17, at approximately 1:00 p.m.
David is described as approximately 5’8″ tall, weighing 170 pounds, with a light complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. He was last seen wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers, and was carrying a black book bag.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the NYPD.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently announced plans to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by the year 2035. This announcement has sparked a lot of controversy from various groups. While the governor claims that this decision is crucial for fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, critics argue that the plan is too ambitious, will cause economic hardships, and has logistical flaws.
Some argue that prohibiting the sale of gasoline-powered cars has significant economic consequences. They argue that switching to electric vehicles would necessitate a significant investment in new infrastructure, such as charging stations, which could be expensive for businesses and taxpayers. Furthermore, electric vehicles are currently more expensive than gasoline cars, which could put a financial burden on middle- and lower-income families who may not be able to afford the higher upfront costs, despite the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
Meeting the 2035 deadline has raised concerns among automakers and industry experts alike. The transition to electric vehicles necessitates significant advancements in battery technology, supply chain adjustments, and increased production capacity. Critics contend that the state’s infrastructure and market readiness for such a rapid transformation are dubious, which could result in supply shortages and higher costs. Moreover, as the market shifts away from gasoline-powered vehicles, the automotive industry, a significant employer in New Jersey, may face job losses or upheaval.
The proposed ban’s environmental benefits have been met with skepticism by environmentalists and energy experts.
Although electric vehicles (EVs) have the advantage of producing zero emissions, the electricity used to charge them is often derived from non-renewable sources. Hence, the transition to EVs may not have the expected environmental benefits without a corresponding investment in clean energy. Additionally, the production and disposal of EV batteries present unique environmental concerns, such as the management of hazardous waste and resource extraction.
Residents of rural communities and those without easy access to charging infrastructure have expressed heightened concerns regarding the practical implications of the ban. The long distances between charging stations and extended charging times could pose significant inconveniences, making EVs less practical than gasoline-powered cars. This situation could further exacerbate the existing disparities between urban and rural areas, where infrastructure investments are already lagging behind.
As we move towards a future that heavily relies on electric vehicles, concerns about energy grid capacity and reliability have arisen. The surge in demand for electricity to charge millions of EVs could strain the current grid, resulting in possible blackouts and the need for costly upgrades. Some critics have pointed out the lack of a comprehensive plan from the state to ensure that the energy grid can handle this additional load without sacrificing reliability.
Public readiness and acceptance are significant hurdles to overcome in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in New Jersey. Many residents are still skeptical of EVs due to concerns about range, charging times, and convenience compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Opponents of the proposed ban argue that more efforts should be focused on educating the public and incentivizing the adoption of EVs, rather than imposing a ban outright.
While Governor Murphy’s proposal to ban gasoline cars by 2035 is a noble attempt to tackle climate change, it is not without its challenges. The plan has faced significant opposition primarily due to its economic, logistical, and practical implications.
Achieving the desired environmental benefits in New Jersey without placing undue burdens on the state’s residents and economy may require a gradual and well-supported transition, along with investments in clean energy and infrastructure.
Demont Coston, a 56-year-old resident of Buffalo, NY, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal employee. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who stated that the charge has a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The guilty plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
Chief Richard King led an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, along with the VA Office of Inspector General’s Criminal Investigations Division, directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri. This resulted in the plea.
Judge Roemer has set the sentencing for July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
The 63 Precinct of New York City Police Department has reached out to the public for their help in finding a missing person in Brooklyn, NY.
David Taveras, a 23-year-old man living at 5706 Farragut Road, has been reported missing. He left his residence on Monday, June 17, at around 1:00 p.m. and has not been seen since.
David stands at around 5’8″ and weighs 170 pounds. He has a light complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. During his last sighting, he was dressed in a pink hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers, while carrying a black book bag.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, please get in touch with the NYPD.
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