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  • CLUBHOUSE CURE! Adams touts 13 new mental-health hubs on WBLS, blames NYCHA receivership for 5K empty apartments, vows fix for trash-pail blues

    CLUBHOUSE CURE! Adams touts 13 new mental-health hubs on WBLS, blames NYCHA receivership for 5K empty apartments, vows fix for trash-pail blues

    On Aug. 24, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams hit 107.5 WBLS’s “Hear From the Mayor” to hype the clubhouse model—free, open 365 days, and aimed at jobs, housing, and belonging—with 13 newly contracted sites citywide targeting 6,600 members by 2027. Joined by Venture House Bronx’s Faqueni Ravel, Adams praised recovery-through-work while callers torched City Hall over more than 5,000 vacant NYCHA units; he said control is limited under receivership and an ~$80B repair backlog. Another listener griped about disappearing DSNY pails, and Hizzoner vowed to crack down and get bins put back where they belong.

    Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts “Hear From the Mayor” Radio Show

    Gary Byrd: As you know, each and every second Sunday of the month, normally WBLS is proud to welcome the 110th mayor of New York City and second mayor of color, first hip-hop mayor in the city’s history. But we’re on an extended schedule this month and proud to bring back our mayor, Mayor Eric Adams on 107.5 WBLS. Mr. Mayor, good morning and welcome.

    Mayor Eric Adams: Hey, thank you, Gary. And yesterday was a really somber but powerful moment for a good brother, Brother Lloyd Williams. And he just meant so much to so many people in general, but specifically he meant a lot to me. And so I was happy just to celebrate a life well lived. So I want to say to the audience, welcome back. 

    This is Hear from the Mayor, your mayor, Eric Adams, and if this is your first time tuning in, the purpose of this show is just to have a dialogue and hear directly from you. So listeners should give me a call and hear directly from your mayor on what we are doing to build a better New York. And you can sign up to hear more from me by visiting nyc.gov/HearFromEric. You can sign up on our website to text with Eric and talk with me on WhatsApp. 

    For today, though, please feel free to call in 212-545-1075. I want to say happy Sunday to everyone. And really, this is such an important topic that we’re going to have today. I have an amazing sister here, Faqueni Ravel, director of Venture House Clubhouse in the Bronx. And many people say, what is a clubhouse? What does that mean? And I didn’t even know what it was until I got into the Mayor’s Office. 

    I was hearing about it when I was campaigning and just really impressed with clubhouses. And we’re going to let sister Ravel just share with us the foundation of it. But let me say this. Everyone is going through some form of mental concern, I would like to say. Some is more severe than others. All of us feel a level of sadness sometimes, a level of depression sometimes. Some is more severe. And we need to be there for our fellow New Yorkers as they experience a level of mental illness. 

    But it’s nothing to be ashamed about. And you should not feel as though you cannot communicate with those who understand how to cycle us out of those moments. And that is what we believe clubhouse, the model, is one method that should be used. So I want to really celebrate this administration and what we have done. 

    We opened the first time in nearly 30 years, we’ve opened up a process for new clubhouses to be opened. And as a result, our administration has opened 13 newly contracted clubhouses across the five boroughs to serve adults living with severe mental illness. And the numbers are impressive, 6,600 members by 2027 is our goal. And our guest today is going to really break this down for you. So Faqueni, can you just first tell us, what is a clubhouse? The ABCs of a clubhouse.

    Faqueni Ravel, Director, Venture House Bronx Clubhouse: ABCs. Well, good morning, everybody. I’m excited to be here. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for inviting us over and for your leadership in New York. We’re proud and we’re very excited to be here and to talk about the best kept secret, right? It’s been the best kept secret for such a long time until the Mayor Adams administration has put a spotlight on it. And the clubhouse model is good news for people with mental health issues. 

    It’s like the gospel of it. It’s a community-based model that helps individuals work side-by-side and gain access to employment, housing, civic engagement, the arts. They work and help us run the clubhouse side-by-side. We have units devoted with goals, a mission, and a vision. We have a commercial kitchen where members come and they work with us. 

    You have the administration unit, you have an education and employment unit, and the clubhouse model is to help focus on the strengths rather than the illness, right? So members are much more engaged and they’re able to apply their talents in the work that they like to do. So it is rooted in the concept that work is restorative. 

    So there’s conventional ways of treatment and therapy and that helps, right? We want to get our therapy, we want to take our prescribed medications, but then what happens later when a person leaves their psych office and doesn’t have a place to be? So they come to the clubhouse.

    Mayor Adams: And that’s what I enjoyed about the clubhouses that I have visited. And I think the best way, in my layman analysis, is that when you’re dealing with severe mental health illness, you go to your medical professional for your help. And then when you leave that medical professional’s office, who is there to support you as you find your way to continue being part of society. 

    So when you walk inside the door of a clubhouse, you’re not judged, you’re not afraid to state what you’re going through to help you get through what you’re facing. And that’s what I saw. When I was up in the Bronx, at Venture, I saw people who came in shy, afraid to talk about their mental health illness. But then the clubhouse, all of a sudden, said, you’re not alone. And you do it in a creative way, such as cooking. How does that help people reintegrate themselves?

    Ravel: Absolutely. So like I said before, when they walk in, and thank you, Mayor Adams, for saying that, they walk in sometimes highly medicated, right? Or sometimes they walk in and do not want to speak with anybody. And once they feel the energy, the clubhouse, each clubhouse has its own culture. And they’re introduced through a tour. And once they start working in a unit, first, in their minds, they’re stigmatized. They’re also marginalized. 

    They have been told that they’re unable. And once they start working in something that’s meaningful, and they start connecting with others that have, they might have the same diagnoses. So they’re working side by side with a member and a staff. They’re able to not just reintegrate into the clubhouse overall, and they start running and they start taking initiatives. They start taking leadership. They become stakeholders of every work that we do there. And they start to have that voice that was taken away from the mental health issue that they might be living, right? 

    So they speak on these things, and the recovery is seen throughout their attendance and their participation in the clubhouse community. And they just slowly but surely, organically, they integrate. And it shows, and it equals to recovery overall. When someone is out there, I mean, you could be completely sane and not have a job, and you feel like you’re coming down with something, right? So the minute that you feel that you have purpose and you have value, and you’re able to identify your own strength and be attached to a specific meaningful task, then that’s recovery, that’s reintegration.

    Mayor Adams: You know, it is as though when I visit the clubhouse, particularly up in the Bronx, it is as though people are invited and they’re saying, it’s okay not to be all right, because we’re going to help you be all right. You know, and finding ways to do that. 

    Now, I know I saw the cooking, they were preparing their own meals, and the food was excellent. What are some of the other things that they do to take a person from that shyness, that feeling as though that no one understands what they’re going through, to, okay, you’re fitting, you have a home here?

    Ravel: Absolutely. So we tried, this is a person-centered care approach. And the first thing we want to let the individual know is that we know that you’re here, we’re all in this together, let’s work together. So besides the commercial kitchen that we run, there are other units devoted into certain tasks, like education and employment. And we have members there that are seeking employment and helping other members to seek employment and seek education. 

    We have members helping other members, you know, seek housing and obtain housing as well through these units. We have members working in the newsletter, publishing the outcomes that are happening in the clubhouse, spreading the news, right, presenting the model also to other CBOs and other entities, spreading the good news of this psychosocial rehabilitation model. 

    So they’re getting engaged. They’re also building these meaningful relationships, which helps members find themselves, right? And they’re able to say and apply what they have learned and also apply their strength in making sure that the clubhouse is working in a sense that that brings recovery overall and rehabilitation.

    Mayor Adams: And you know, I think about that song, I never thought I’d be quoting Barry Manilow, but I think about that song, I made it through the rain. And basically, I got my respect from those who made it through the rain too. And so people who are in the clubhouse, the senior members or members who have been there and made that transformation, they made it through the rain. And now they’re helping others make it through the rain too. And it means a lot. Absolutely.

    Ravel: Absolutely. Because you have these people that it’s hard for them to sustain relationships. It’s hard for them to make friendships. It’s hard for them to keep a job. It’s hard for them to have a job. So when they come and they make it through the rain, right, and they see someone else that came out of that rain, they build that connection. And membership is for life. 

    So with membership being for life, it’s a clear indication that their relationship might be for life, right? And usually people that are living with mental health issues, right, because you hear voices or you’re depressed, statistics show that it’s really hard for them to sustain a relationship, right? 

    So some members just come in and they don’t want to do work. And they just, I just want a place to be. I just want to be here. And we make sure that we help them feel wanted, expected, and needed. And they are needed because we are unable to run the clubhouse without their help. And we’re understaffed on purpose. If we do the work, then we’re taking recovery from them. 

    So we promote the sense of urgency that, and then they say, okay, you know what? I’m good at cooking. I’m going to go cook. And you know what? I’m good at speaking. I’m going to go speak about this model. I’m good at doing administration things. You know what? I’m going to be a receptionist. And they welcome the other members. And we all, if the cloud rains on one member, it rains on all of us, right?

    Mayor Adams: I love that. And that energy. Now, let’s say if we were to remove our clubhouses, then a person is home, often home alone, or sitting in a dark place somewhere, not feeling as though they have a purpose. And so absence of the clubhouse, you are dealing with a lot of the issues of loneliness. Loneliness is a very important social determinant to help when people feel lonely. And so we’re going to be back. 

    We’re going to take a break now. But we’ll be back to field your calls. You can ask anything you want about the clubhouse or any other topic that we’re hearing. Faqueni is here to really share that experience. So you can call 212-545-1075, 212-545-1075. We’ll speak to you on the other side of the break.

    Byrd: The program is Hear From the Mayor. And as you hear, the mayor wants to hear from you. 212-545-1075 is the number to call. Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, Westchester, wherever you are, 212-545-1075. We’ll come back right after these messages from 107.5 WBLS.

    [Commercial Break.]

    Mayor Adams: And we’re back. We’re looking forward to hear from you and get your thoughts. 212-545-1075. So let’s go to the first caller. Caller, you are in the air. Caller, you’re in the air. Okay. So while we [wait] for our caller, why don’t we dig into the clubhouse model a little more. Tell me, Faqueni, what are the hours of operation?

    Ravel: Great question. So Venture House in particular, Venture House Inc. has been around for over 37 years and we have steps to schedule. We’re open 365 days of the year. And I don’t know if I mentioned that membership is free. And we’re open Monday through Friday for a work order day task. We’re open 9 to 4, 9 to 5 rather. And we have social programming and we’re open from 9 to 8 p.m. We’re open on Saturdays from 10 to 3. And on Sundays, we’re also open for the same time frame.

    Mayor Adams: You know what I learned in my policing days that the highest number or one of the highest periods of suicides occurs around holidays, you know, because people are not with family. There’s a great level of sadness. Are you open during the holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, all of those holidays?

    Ravel: Actually, Thanksgiving is actually the day that we serve the membership. We, it is a tradition for us to make the meal and serve the members. It brings joy. It brings– it actually helps us become more integrated as a family. 

    This is how you see those individuals that do not have anybody, they come to Venture House and they sit and have a meal with us. So we’re open 365 days a week. Yes, every Christmas, we’re there sending them letters. And for those who are not coming, we’re not able to see them. We are reaching in and reaching out so they can come in for Christmas, Thanksgiving. We celebrate every holiday. We have the members and staff working. But it’s amazing.

    Mayor Adams: I think we got a caller on. Caller, you’re in the air. I’m here with Faqueni. If you have a question for me or our clubhouse, please feel free.

    Question: Yes. Good morning, Mayor Adams. My name is [Joe Gonzalez.] I’m calling from Brooklyn, New York. You often speak about housing issues. And it was recently developed that there are in excess of 5,000 empty apartments in the New York City Housing Authority developments. And unfortunately, many people believe that that’s part and parcel of a plot to just wipe out public housing. And so can you speak to the pain of people who believe that? And second, can you with specificity reveal when those 5,000 apartments going to start getting filled with needy people? Thank you and have a good day.

    Mayor Adams: Yeah, thank you so much. One of the most disappointing aspects of our NYCHA situation is how little control the mayor has over NYCHA. When you look at the fact that it is in receivership and there’s a special monitor that’s in charge, hiring and firing is not within my scope because, trust me, when I looked at some of the things that happened over at Riis Houses when there was a water scare, I stepped up and said, listen, we need to take immediate actions. And they said, Eric, you don’t have the authorization to do that. 

    We need to give control back to the mayor and let the mayor be held fully responsible like we did with our school system. And so when you talk about those housing, all those housing units should be repaired. Some of them are taking longer than others. They have to be led abatement. Our NYCHA stock is a stock that has been ignored far too long. It has almost an $80 billion capital deficit. We need help on the federal and the state level. 

    They’ve walked away from NYCHA. We have done successful things. We included NYCHA in our housing plan, which has never been done before. We’ve also were able to go to Albany and get what’s called their housing land trust. Sheepshead Bay was one of the first areas where the tenants voted on the improvements in NYCHA. We must do something differently, get those units back online. But we have to repair NYCHA, not with a Band-Aid, but with real ideas that we have presented to rebuild our NYCHA stock. Thank you for that call. Caller, you’re in the air.

    Question: Good morning, Mr. Mayor.

    Mayor Adams: Good morning.

    Question: I just have one issue. Is there anything that you can possibly do when sanitation comes around after they take the garbage, if they can put the garbage pails back in front of the property? I’ve lost two brand new garbage pails, and they’re quite expensive. Every week, I have to stay up until two, three o’clock in the morning. I have to walk sometimes a block away. Your garbage pail cannot be found. They don’t put it back in front of the property. Is there anything you can possibly do? I’m begging.

    Mayor Adams: Yes, yes, yes. Those pails are expensive. I’m going to speak with the commissioner and just reinforce the policy of putting the pail right back in front. Just basic etiquette on how to do it correctly. Our DSNY members are doing an amazing job. But thanks for that feedback. And I will share it. I’ll share it.

    Question: But then I got to get up to walk. Sometimes they come at two in the morning. I have to stay up to go just bring it back inside. I’ve lost three. They’re like up to $54, $55. I’m a senior. I can’t afford that anymore.

    Mayor Adams: Yes, and we don’t want that to happen to you. So I’m on top of it. Callers, that music is telling us that the lady is singing, so the show is concluding. But I look forward to being back on with you in the next few weeks. And again, we want to thank our guest that’s here today. Thank you so much for your input.

    Ravel: Thank you, Mayor Adams, for your exemplary work. Thank you for taking the initiative and bringing clubhouses [out from] under the rug and making it not just the best kept secret anymore. Right now, there’s been a spotlight. And that’s thanks to your administration from bringing it from awareness to results. You’ve done it under your leadership and Venture House, and all the other clubhouses, want to thank you for bringing clubhouses to our local neighborhood communities.

    Mayor Adams: Thank you. Thank you. 

    August 24, 2025

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York News BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • Marco Rubio: U.S. Congratulates Ukraine on Its 34th Independence Day

    Marco Rubio: U.S. Congratulates Ukraine on Its 34th Independence Day

    USA news U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Ukraine

    Summary: On Ukraine’s National Day, August 24, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Ukraine and reaffirmed America’s commitment to Ukraine’s future as a free, independent nation. The statement supports a negotiated settlement that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and guarantees long-term security, aiming for durable peace. Rubio also emphasized strengthening the U.S.–Ukraine economic and security partnership to advance a peaceful, prosperous future for both countries.

    Ukraine National Day

    Press Statement

    Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Ukraine as you commemorate your 34th Independence Day.

    The United States is committed to Ukraine’s future as an independent nation. We believe in a negotiated settlement that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and guarantees its long-term security, leading to durable peace. On this Independence Day, as you pay tribute to your nation’s history, the United States looks forward to continuing to build on our economic and security partnership for a peaceful, prosperous future for both our nations.

    August 24, 2025 Washington DC

    Sources: State.gov , Midtown Tribune

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • Mayor Adams Approves Waymo’s First Autonomous Vehicle Testing in NYC Under Strict Safety Rules

    Mayor Adams Approves Waymo’s First Autonomous Vehicle Testing in NYC Under Strict Safety Rules

    Summary: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have approved Waymo’s first-ever permit to test autonomous vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn under the nation’s strictest safety guidelines. The pilot requires a trained safety specialist behind the wheel at all times, with up to eight vehicles permitted until September 2025. The program emphasizes roadway safety, cybersecurity, and collaboration with city agencies, marking a milestone in bringing innovative transportation technology to NYC while prioritizing public safety.

    Mayor Adams, DOT Announce Approval of First Application to Test Autonomous Vehicles in New York City With Trained Safety Specialist Behind Steering Wheel

    What you should know

    • Waymo Permitted to Begin Testing Autonomous Vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn with Trained Specialist Behind Wheel at All Times Under Nation’s Strictest Safety Rules

     – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that DOT has granted Waymo its first-ever permit to begin testing a limited number of autonomous vehicles (AV) in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn under the nation’s strictest AV safety rules, including a requirement to have a trained AV-specialist behind the wheel at all times. Launched by the Adams administration last year, the city’s robust safety requirements have been established for responsible and safe AV testing in New York City. The rigorous permitting program ensures all approved applicants are ready to safely and proficiently test their technology in the country’s most dynamic and complex urban environment.

    “We’re a tech-friendly administration and we’re always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City is proud to welcome Waymo to test this new technology in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as we know this testing is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century. As we continue to implement responsible innovation, we will always prioritize street safety.”

    “As autonomous vehicle technology expands across the country, DOT has put in place comprehensive safety guidelines to ensure safe, responsible testing on our city’s streets,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “These requirements will help ensure that the development of this technology is focused, first and foremost, on the safety of everyone who shares our busy city streets.”

    “With over 10 million rides completed in five major U.S. cities and a strong safety record, we’re proud to be working with leaders to lay the groundwork to bring this life saving technology to New Yorkers one day, beginning with receiving the first-ever permit issued in the city to drive autonomously,” said Annabel Chang, head of U.S. state and local public policy, Waymo. “We believe it is essential for companies to collaborate directly with cities on the rollout of autonomous technology and are pleased to have reached this next step in New York City.”

    “Roadway safety for all New Yorkers is quite simply one of the most important issues today,” said Paige Carbone, regional executive director, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) New York. “Autonomous vehicles hold the exciting promise of preventing deaths and injuries caused by behavioral factors, including impaired driving, if deployed responsibly and safely and in collaboration with the right community and city stakeholders. We welcome this next step for New Yorkers as Waymo receives the first permit of its kind.”

    Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said, “As sponsor of legislation on autonomous vehicles at the state level, I’m encouraged to see New York City moving forward with testing that will show us how this technology can improve safety, reduce congestion, and expand mobility. This is the type of measured innovation that allows us to prepare for the future while making sure progress works for New Yorkers. The lessons learned here will help guide how we integrate autonomous technology statewide, which will help ensure it delivers real benefits in transportation, equity, and economic opportunity.”

    As part of their permit to operate within New York City, Waymo is required to coordinate closely with DOT through regular meetings and data reporting and Waymo must certify that they are adhering to the industry’s best practices related to cybersecurity. In addition to receiving DOT approval, Waymo has also obtained necessary permits from the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles. Waymo will be permitted to test up to eight autonomous vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September 2025. After the pilot testing period, Waymo will have the opportunity to apply for an extension to their pilot testing period. Finally, DOT’s approval strictly relates to testing AV technology — the use of autonomous vehicles for for-hire service is currently prohibited by New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) rules, and any company providing for-hire service must comply with TLC rules, including by obtaining a TLC license.

    Source: NYC.gov , Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • NYPD detective shot in Queens carjacking; Mayor Adams blasts repeat offender laws

    NYPD detective shot in Queens carjacking; Mayor Adams blasts repeat offender laws

    New York news Mayor Adams Briefs Media With NYPD Commissioner Tisch and Visits Detective Shot in 109th Precinct

    Summary: A New York City detective was shot and wounded during a carjacking in Queens on Friday, in what police say was likely a friendly fire incident. Mayor Eric Adams criticized state laws that allow repeat offenders back on the streets, pointing out the suspect, 28-year-old Kevin Dubuisson, was arrested just a day earlier and released with a desk appearance ticket despite a long record of violent crimes. The 12-year NYPD veteran is expected to recover after surgery, while Dubuisson is in custody. Police unions and city officials are calling on Albany lawmakers to act quickly to close loopholes that they say endanger both officers and the public.

    Transcript: Mayor Adams Briefs Media With NYPD Commissioner Tisch and Visits Detective Shot in 109th Precinct

    Mayor Eric Adams: Today, we are reminded once more of the risk every man and woman that performs public safety in the city, specifically the members of the New York City Police Department, the faces they put on the uniform and that badge, especially with our current state laws that allow for a revolving door of criminal activity. And for dangerous people to be put back on our streets after they have committed crimes, and as recently as yesterday, and on parole, it just sends a terrible signal to our public and a terrible signal to the men and women who repeatedly attempt to apprehend and ensure our city is a safe place.

    Patrol officers from the 109th precinct responded to a carjacking of an Uber driver. While at the location, on-duty narcotics detectives from Queens South, who were headed back to their office after executing a search warrant, came across the incident and stopped to help the apprehension. During the apprehension, one detective from Queens South Narcotics was shot twice, wounded in the arm and the leg.

    At this time, it appears this was a friendly fire incident. [I’m] thankful these injuries are not life-threatening, and we expect him to make a full recovery. We just visited his mom and his wife, who is expecting a child at this time. And it was a relief to them that their loved one will be okay. And I wanna thank him for his bravery when I visited him. He’s now in surgery at his 12 years of service.

    Right now, one perpetrator is in custody and will face justice in the court of law. But I wanted to be clear, regardless of who shot our detective, there’s one person responsible for starting the chain of events that landed us in the hospital today. This is a man who should have been behind bars, not on our streets. He’s a 28-year-old recidivist with a lengthy rap sheet of robbery and assaulting officers who was on parole for a robbery that took place in March. And was literally arrested again and released yesterday with a desk appearance ticket.

    Before going out to attempt a carjacking in Queens, he walked out of one of our criminal justice locations. This is a definition, I believe, of insanity. Arresting the same people over and over again and expecting different results. NYPD is gathering more information about the crime, but it’s clear that this individual has no business walking free and endangering New Yorkers.

    From day one, this administration has been focused on driving down crime and have delivered results over and over again. But we need help from our lawmakers. We cannot allow repeated offenders to commit repeated violent acts in our city. We know the reality of what that means, and we know what it means to prepare our officers for this dangerous work.

    They’re training hard and taking risks. They run towards dangers while others run away. We call them New York Finest for a reason, and we saw that today. And we’re going to continue to support them as they do their job. I’m going to turn it over to the commissioner to give her full details of the events.

    Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch: Thank you, sir. The information that I am about to provide is preliminary and subject to change. At this point, here is what we know. Earlier this morning, as detectives assigned to Queen South Narcotics were returning to their command after performing a search warrant in the 113 precinct, they encountered officers from the 109 precinct along the side of the White Stone Expressway near 22nd Road engaging a suspect.

    That job began when an Uber driver in a black Toyota Highlander was parked just off the service road of the White Stone Expressway at approximately 8:52 AM. A male approaches the vehicle, announces a robbery, and displays what appears to be a firearm to the driver. The driver exits the vehicle and is assaulted by the perp. The driver calls 911 to report the carjacking a minute later at 8:53 AM. The perp attempts to drive away, but the victim still has the vehicle’s keys, forcing the perp to immediately return and collide with another car at the location.

    The perp then assaults the victim a second time in an effort to retrieve the keys, tackling the victim to the ground. Having retrieved the keys, the perp starts to slowly drive away and makes a right-hand turn onto 22nd Road. At this point, officers from the 109 are responding to the victim’s 911 call about the robbery in progress. They engage the car in an attempt to make an apprehension.

    Detectives assigned to Queen South Narcotics see the patrol officers attempting to make the apprehension and try to assist by blocking the car in. At 8:57 AM, officers discharge their firearms. The perp is not hit, but one of our officers assigned to Queen South Narcotics is struck one time in the right hand and one time in the left leg. He was removed here to Jamaica Hospital.

    This incident is recorded on [the] body-worn camera. Blessedly, as the mayor said, our officer is in stable condition and is both conscious and alert. I am pleased to report that I met with him and his family, and he is in good spirits. He is in surgery now. The perpetrator is uninjured and was taken into custody. At this time, this incident appears to be friendly fire as we did not recover a firearm from the perpetrator on scene.

    The perp in this incident is identified as 28-year-old Kevin Dubuisson. Mr. Dubuisson has a lengthy violent criminal history with ten career unsealed arrests, including multiple knife point robberies and multiple assaults on police officers. At just 28 years old, he is a four time convicted felon. Mr. Dubuisson is currently out on parole for robbery after being released from prison in March of this year. He was actually arrested just yesterday for theft of service in Manhattan and released with only a desk appearance ticket.

    Importantly, prior to the criminal justice reforms of 2020, an individual out on parole would not be eligible for a D.A.T. Mr. Dubuisson also has documented EDP history with the department. Prior to the incident with the Uber driver at approximately 8:40 AM this morning, Mr. Dubuisson attempted to steal a car from a mobile gas station on Parsons Boulevard and 20th Avenue, but was scared off by employees there. Then two minutes later, he attempts to carjack a female on Parsons Boulevard, just steps away from the gas station, but the victim’s husband runs outside and scares him off.

    It was then that he encountered the Uber driver on the service road along the Whitestone Expressway. This chain of events, which could have ended quite differently, began because a career criminal, a person who has terrorized victims for nearly a decade, was allowed to continue his violent spree. It is unconscionable that a violent predicate felon who pled guilty to two more robberies was out on the streets to commit his crimes today. That is criminal justice reform for you.

    I want to thank the entire staff of Jamaica Hospital. They are taking excellent care of our officer. This is just another reminder of the dangerous situations that our cops confront every single time they put that uniform on. We are praying for a speedy recovery and hope to see our officer home with his family soon. Thank you, and now I’m going to turn it over to Scott.

    Scott Munro, President, Detectives’ Endowment Association: Good morning. My name is Scott Munro, the Detective Endowment Association president. I have a message for Albany. Come off your vacation now, get up in Albany, and let’s start working to protect our police, our detectives that are out there working every day. In fact, this detective, thank God he’s okay today. He was out working protecting the people of the City of New York this morning executing a search warrant. And now he’s sitting upstairs in surgery.

    We need your help in Albany. It’s just not about retaining police officers. We want police officers to be safe. That’s what we hear. We want them to be safe. Just like the people of New York, we want to be safe. But we want our police officers safe. And it’s about time that the legislators– it’s about time Albany gets together, the assembly and the senate, with the governor, and start working on this.

    Get this fixed. It needs to be fixed right away. That should be your first thing on your agenda back in the next couple weeks. It actually should be started tomorrow, right now. Let’s get this done. I’d like to thank the hospital, everybody, the doctors, everybody that’s done a great job with our people here. We don’t want to plan funerals. That’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to protect the City of New York. Now we need your help, Albany. Thank you.

    Question: The firearm, was that a detail in the 911 call, the flash, the central firearm that wasn’t with the weapon?

    Chief Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives, New York City Police Department: Yeah, so the two different 911 calls that we looked at, the one female from the gas station, she describes what appeared to be a firearm, and the male, the Uber driver, describes that the male perpetrator was armed with a weapon.

    Mayor Adams: But he was never found with that gun?

    Chief Kenny: That’s correct.

    Question: Chief, is it yet clear if the officer who fired realized that the narcotics were at the door of that police, and can you describe the layout? Was this a ricochet or a vehicle that the officer was in, or was it a line of fire?

    Chief Kenny: Crime scene is going through that right now. We’ll get the trajectory of who fired what round. But what it appears is that there was a crossfire incident. The narcotics detectors were in the front of the perpetrator car. The 109 patrol was in the rear.

    Question: [Inuadible.]

    Chief Kenny: Right now it appears three officers from patrol fired.

    Question: Can you tell us anything about the officer you mentioned?… [inaudible].

    Chief Kenny: No, that’s it.

    Question: I have a question for the mayor and the commissioner. So regarding the release of the felon who was arrested yesterday, I mean, it’s all likely that even pre-report he would have been arraigned and released. But is there anything about his release in March that’s particularly troubling beyond the fact that he was—

    Police Commissioner Tisch: Yeah, this was a guy who was a violent predicate felon [who was] arrested two more times thereafter. He should not have been out on our streets this morning.

    August 22, 2025 Manhattan, New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News


    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • New York. Mayor Eric Adams Honors Haitian Community at Heritage Reception, Calls for Unity and Resilience (Video)

    New York. Mayor Eric Adams Honors Haitian Community at Heritage Reception, Calls for Unity and Resilience (Video)

    Summary: At a Haitian Heritage Reception on August 22, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams paid tribute to the Haitian community’s history, resilience, and contributions to New York City. He honored security officer Aland Paoli, who was killed while saving lives during a recent shooting, and urged continued action against gun violence. Adams praised Haiti’s legacy of freedom and resilience, highlighting its role in shaping global history and celebrating Haitian New Yorkers’ achievements in business, education, and public service—including NYC Budget Director Jacques Jiha. Stressing his commitment to immigrant support and equity, Adams said unity is key to overcoming challenges, declaring, “From Port-au-Prince to Brooklyn, we still rise.”

    Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Haitian Heritage Reception

    Mayor Eric Adams: Wow, look at this. Look at this crowd. You know, earlier this– a few weeks ago, I was working late and actually it was around six o’clock, we got the call that at 345 Park Avenue, there was a shooting. And in the shooting, when I responded, we learned that four New Yorkers were killed. Later that night, I walked through the building and looked at the tape. And [what] I saw, it was just so heart wrenching. And people talked about losing Officer Islam and other workers.

    But I want to talk about our Haitian brother, Aland. We call Aland. What that brother did was unbelievable. And how he tried to save the lives of the people that were in the building. He had that energy of Toussaint. He had that resiliency of this community. And as I watched the sick action of his assassin, and his desire to save the people who were there, it just tore me apart.

    And I just want to say as his wife is here, I’m gonna ask her to come on, Rachelle Paoli, if you will come on [stage]. And his beautiful children. I want us to just take a moment, a moment of silence of a life that is worth living because he gave his life to save the lives of others. More people would have been lost in that building if it wasn’t for the courageous actions of the security personnel and our first responding law enforcement.

    And when you see a family like this, this is why I am so committed to remove every illegal firearm off our street. And the 23,000 we have removed is just the start of what we need to do. So do something for me. Just raise your hand towards this stage to this family and say silently to yourselves, a word of prayer to lift them up, to give them the hope and the aspiration they need to forge ahead. And just a moment of silence. Thank you so much. Thank you for being here with us.

    And so to my Haitian people who are here, I remember going to Haiti a few years ago when I was borough president, you know, I like to believe that Brooklyn is the Port-au-Prince of America. And it was in the middle of a hurricane, and I watched how no matter what is thrown at you, you are so resilient. And America owes you a debt of gratitude because it was due to you whipping Napoleon’s butt that we were able to do the Louisiana Purchase.

    But not only that, I think that the councilwomen pointed it out. Because you beat Napoleon so bad, you’re still being held accountable for it. You know, people want to give the impression that this is all by accident. It’s not. Becoming the first Black republic, you pay a price. That’s like the price you pay when you become the second Black mayor.

    You know, you will rather live a lifetime in poverty than one day in slavery. And [with] your fighting spirit and fighting energy. And I remember just walking through Port-au-Prince and going up into the mountains and seeing folks just resilient and willing to fight and stand tall. And I remember as a child reading about Toussaint and how he inspired me. He was willing to fight for freedom. And people need to know that. That history has been lost in the conversation.

    Don’t be so Yankee-ized that you don’t realize how powerful you are as a country. And it’s significant. One of the highest levels of academic achievements. One of the highest levels in the medical profession. One of the highest levels in starting your own businesses. One of the highest levels of making sure of building institutions.

    You have a legacy that is so proud of and we allow people to beat us down so much that we don’t acknowledge how much we have accomplished. You have so much to be proud of. You grace us by being here on Gracie Mansion’s lawn right now. And so we have a lot to do and a lot to accomplish.

    And tonight we want to recognize your history, your culture, your contribution that our Haitian brothers and sisters have done from little Haiti and Brooklyn to proud homeowners in Queens. Every place you go, you bring about a level of prosperity and commitment and dedication. So I am proud to be the mayor of the second largest Haitian population in the country. And eventually we’re going to be the first because they’re going to leave Miami and come to New York.

    And let me tell you something. We have a $115 billion dollar budget. $115 billion dollars. The largest budget of any city. $115 billion dollars. And you know who controls it? Jacques [Jiha], a Haitian. I don’t spend a dime unless Jacques tells me it’s okay to spend it. And so we need to find our gems within not only city government but the city and that’s what this is all about. Lifting up how we manage crises.

    Look at what we manage under Jacques [Jiha]. We manage COVID under Jacques [Jiha]. We manage the migrants and asylum seekers under Jacques [Jiha]. We manage the sunsetting of COVID dollars that left gaping holes under Jacques [Jiha]. We lowered all income tax for low-income New Yorkers under Jacques [Jiha]. Free high-speed broadband under Jacques [Jiha].

    Breaking records of building housing in year one, two, and three more than anyone in the recorded history of the city of a mayor under Jacques [Jiha]. More jobs in New York City and the entire history under the city under Jacques [Jiha]. Jacques Jiha. Sorry, Jacques. I’m thinking of Maurice, my mentor. You know, he was another Haitian brother that was there for me.

    But Jacques handled his business in this city and he’s going to go down in history as one of the best budget directors the city has ever seen and he is Haitian. And so we’re doing more with our Haitian response initiative, a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and eight Haitian serving nonprofits and CUNY’s Brooklyn College Haitian Students Institute to give resources to provide information to Haitian New Yorkers in your language regardless of their immigration status.

    What we’ve done with free legal services, what we’ve done, we’re putting more money in legal services, what we’ve done and all of the issues of uplifting everyone who’s in the city. My obligation as the mayor is not to ask how you got here, but to make sure while you’re here you can provide for your family, provide for your children, receive police support if you need it and get medical attention when it’s required and I’m going to continue to do that.

    I didn’t start doing that when I was a mayor. I did it when I was back with 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement, state senator, borough president. I’m going to continue the legacy we started many years ago. And so we know these are uncertain and painful moments. We know that. We know what we’re going through right now and I hear all the time folks. I hear all the time people say these are the most difficult moments.

    I want to ask all of you something. When wasn’t it a difficult moment for Black folks? Can somebody tell me the year? Because it was a difficult moment for me when I grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, dyslexic, undiagnosed. It was a difficult moment for me when mommy was working three jobs. It was a difficult moment for me when my sister didn’t have her childhood because she had to raise the five of us.

    It was a difficult moment for me when we had to eat that hard [] cheese that came from welfare. It’s always been difficult folks, but you know what? We’ve always survived. Because if we are honest in what we say, God is still in charge. And that is what I believe and no matter what is thrown at me in this administration, we have been able to move this city forward and have been successful in the process.

    And in your flag states, unity creates strength. It is a measure that recalls your resiliency through struggles in the past and is a symbol for the future that together we are stronger. So from Port-au-Prince to Brooklyn through tragedy and triumph, we will continue to do as Maya Angelou stated. We will continue to rise. We still rise. Thank you so much.

    August 22, 2025

    Sources: NYC.gov , Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • New York. Mayor Adams Vows to Stay in Office, Pushes Back on Corruption Allegations

    New York. Mayor Adams Vows to Stay in Office, Pushes Back on Corruption Allegations

    Summary: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Friday he won’t resign despite growing political pressure and corruption probes involving close associates. Speaking after a police-involved shooting, Adams dismissed rumors he might step down, saying he will “never quit on New York City.” He defended his record on crime, jobs, and housing while insisting his allies deserve due process. Critics say the scandals raise questions about his judgment, but Adams argued his administration is delivering results and promised to stay focused as the city heads into a heated election season.

    Mayor Adams Makes Announcement

    Mayor Eric Adams: There was a shooting involving members of the department when they attempted to apprehend an extremely dangerous and violent offender on parole, released yesterday for committing a crime, attempted several crimes this morning. And men like him, dangerous offenders like him, are on the streets of our city because of the action of the reform that Andrew signed into law.  

    And so when you were calling around to my staff saying, there’s the announcement today that Eric is stepping down, [] no. That cannot happen. I’m not going to leave this city to a beret-wearing, carnival display. I’m not going to leave it to a person who put dangerous laws on the books that hurt us from cannabis to bail reform to 15,000 nursing homes death.  

    I’m not going to leave this city to someone that wants legalized prostitution on our streets. I’m not going to leave this city to someone that does not understand what it is to run a city that went from being a rapper to an assemblyman and now wants to be the mayor of the most complex city. We’ve come too far to go backwards. That is not going to happen.  

    I’m never going to quit on the City of New York. We’ve worked too hard to get here, and to those thousands of men and women who serve this city every day, I want to tell them thank you. One of them is that officer who fought to take a dangerous person off the streets. So I wanted to address you because there’s been a lot of questions over the last few days after the indictment of two former employees of City Hall, one DCAS and one here at City Hall.  

    And one of them is Ingrid. Ingrid is like a sister to me. I love Ingrid. She’s worked with me for over forty years. I served as a police officer with her husband. I know her son, and I know her, and I know her heart. And she and her attorney will deal with the case that’s in front of her. My prayers are with Ingrid, and I wish her the best.  

    And throughout the number of years that I have known her, I found her to be a hardworking, dedicated member of city government for over 40 years. And with Jesse Hamilton, former state senator, former employee here, I wish him the best as well. I wish them to go through this process and allow their attorneys to do their role. And I am not going to interfere in any way with the process. Our communications with the district attorney’s office indicated that in no way am I involved in any of the reviews that they’re conducting in this manner.  

    And I’m going to continue to do the job that I’ve done for 8.5 million people. And to New Yorkers, I’m sorry. Instead of us talking about what we have done in this city, instead of us talking about how we brought down crime, brought back jobs, put money back in the pockets of working-class people, revitalized our economy, and made our city safer, we have to deal with conversations like this. But on the campaign trail, I’m going to continue to tell my story and allow you to make the right choices.  

    I’ve committed my life to this city. As a police officer, as a state senator, as a borough president, and now as your mayor. We have not always gotten it right, but we have never stopped being dedicated to the people of this city. And I’m going to continue to do that as long as you allow me to do so. I’m going to turn it over to the opening for a few questions. 

    Question: Hi Mayor Adams, I just wanted to ask you specifically, about the case and about what the city is potentially paying for. Well actually, this is a specific question. So Ingrid’s lawyer says she was only trying to help her constituents navigate the city’s onerous bureaucracy. But I wanted to get your take on that since some of those constituents also allegedly bribed her with free food and home repairs and $50,000 wired to her son.  

    And the second question is, these are people who are very close to you, Ingrid in particular. How can you let New Yorkers know that people who are so close to you, including even your son, have a movie funded by the Argentos who were arrested yesterday. How can you truly believe that you had no knowledge, no information or no understanding or no involvement at all in any of this? These are people who are so close to you that it even involves your son.  

    Mayor Adams: First of all, it didn’t involve my son. My son wrote, he had a job at Broadway– 

    Question: [Inaudible.] 

    Mayor Adams: Are you going to let me answer the question? My son was employed at Broadway Stages. And anything involving the case, you said you spoke to the attorney. Speak to the attorney. I’m not talking about their case. The attorney will handle that. 

    Question: Is the city paying for the legal fees of anyone who was arrested and indicted yesterday? 

    Mayor Adams: Speak to corporation counsel. Not of my knowledge. 

    Question: I actually have a couple of questions. One, I wanted to ask Randy Mastro. You’re a former federal prosecutor. You’ve prosecuted racketeering cases. You’ve prosecuted all kinds of things. What’s your take on this case? Do you think that this goes to the heart of corruption in city government? 

    First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro: Thank you for asking. I’m not going to comment on the specifics of any case. But I’m not going to remain silent when ancient conduct of people who are no longer in government are being used to smear a government and a city hall and an administration producing every day for New Yorkers. I’ve stood by this mayor’s side for the past five months. We talk every day. We talk about how to resolve issues, how to address questions.  

    There’s not a single time when he’s given me a direction that wasn’t in the best interests of the city. And the people who work in this building, who are so dedicated, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be their colleague. They are doing the people’s work every day. And they’re doing it honestly. They’re doing it professionally. They’re doing it productively. That’s why crime is down to record lows. Jobs are up to record highs. Affordable housing being produced at unprecedented levels.  

    That’s why right across the street, [the] Department of Education and the chancellor [are] producing public school student test scores higher in math and reading in every grade, every category. That’s why quality of life is improving in our city. I’m not going to dwell on the past. I came here to help this mayor, this administration, [and] this city [to] focus on the present and the future. And the future is bright. I care about good government. I’ve been a federal prosecutor. I’ve done this job before.  

    And the work of this administration and the people in this administration, from the mayor on down, I could not be prouder of them. So I’m not going to sit silently by and accept a characterization of how these good public servants are serving this city, because we’re serving this city well and producing unprecedented results for New Yorkers. And I’m not going to let ancient history that will play out eventually in a courtroom one way or the other be the way the work of this administration is described, because we are doing great things for New Yorkers and we’re going to continue to do that every day. 

    Mayor Adams: Thank you. 

    Question: I have two questions. Number one, your opponents have obviously weighed in and they say it’s a city for sale. It’s Tammany Hall all over again. I wonder if you would respond to that. But also, if you could answer a question about the friendly fire situation with the police officers. Do you think that the police officers broke protocol in the way they handled the case? 

    Mayor Adams: It’s under investigation, and what we’re clear on, not one shot would have been fired if the perpetrator would have been behind bars where he should have been if we did not have these major changes in our laws. And when you respond to a call of service where the preliminary reports indicated that the person was armed with a weapon, those officers don’t know what they’re responding to.  

    And I thank God that they took this dangerous person off our streets. And the review will look at it. A shooting team will determine if there are any changes that should be done. But I thank God for those responding officers and how they responded. He was robbing an Uber driver who was just trying to do his job. And those officers didn’t run away. They ran towards the danger. 

    Question: And in terms of what your opponents have said, do you want to respond to that? 

    Mayor Adams: No, they’re in their political season. This is what happened in the political season. There are five people who are in the race. Three of them don’t have a record. One of them is running away from his record. I’m the only one that has a record. And when you have a record, people can pick it apart. And as the first deputy mayor stated, it’s a darn good record for this city.  

    Question: Your staff confirmed they put these down. I was just wondering, first, why? And then the second question is probably more pertinent and serious. What do you say to New Yorkers that see these recent allegations of corruption and bribery, look at the previous allegations and say this reflects poorly on your judgment, sir? 

    Mayor Adams: First, let me answer your first part about the whistle. Many of these women here are interviewing Andrew Cuomo, and they feel unsafe. They’re going to have a whistle to help them through it, okay? That’s one. Two, this is from previous investigations that is taking place. I said it then, and I’ll say it again. We’re going to deliver for this city as we have done and we will continue to do.  

    Question: When you were indicted, you suggested that this was politically motivated. Is there anything about these charges that you would like to also connect with that statement you made in the past? And the second question, you are running on the fact that you are tough on crime. So how do you reconcile that with these revelations when people hear about corruption, how [do] you react to allegations? 

    Mayor Adams: Let me answer both of them. First, the attorneys will determine what are their beliefs on these charges and how to respond. I’ve made it clear, when you’re dealing with cases, respect the attorney process. They all have attorneys. Communicate with the attorneys to get their thoughts. It is not up to me to decide what the thoughts are. I’ll speak with the attorneys.  

    Tough on crime? I’ve always been tough on crime. From my days as a police officer, state senator, borough president, and now the mayor. And the results of that toughness have proven successful. 23,000 illegal guns removed off our streets. Lowest numbers of shootings and homicides in the first six months of this year.  

    Our pursuit to do preventive measures with after-school programs for children, summer employment programs. We have been both proactive and reactive. And I’m always going to be tough on crime. And this is not an indicator of me not being tough on crime. 

    Question: Could you talk a little bit about your relationship with the Argentos? I know that they-  

    Mayor Adams: I’m sorry, who?  

    Question: The Argentos. You know, they’ve contributed to your campaigns over many years. You just said that your son Jordan worked for Broadway Stages. Could you elaborate a little bit? How did he get that job? Was that something that you helped him get through the Argentos? 

    Mayor Adams: I am very clear with my son. My son finds his way. I’m not going to raise a son that cannot find his way. My son has been working and has been finding jobs. He has been doing what he needs to do as he reaches his 30th birthday. He found his way. He went out. He interviewed from his degree in communication. And he found the job. And both Gina and her brother are wonderful people. They’re great New Yorkers. They contribute in the area of their community. They give back. They’re very dedicated to the people of this city.  

    And I’m not the first elected that they supported. They’ve supported many electeds that they felt understood how important it is to move the city in the right direction. And my heart goes out to both of them because they are, from my interactions with them, they are beautiful people. And they really care about the City of New York. And if you look at their volunteerisms, their contributions, what they’ve done with the 94 precinct in that area, they have continuously given back.  

    Question: There are those who look at this, your opponents in particular, and will say Eric Adams called the reporters here today to do damage control. Is that what this is, mayor? Is this damage control? 

    Mayor Adams: No. I want to move around the city, and I don’t want you following me around with the cameras in my faces and the phones in my faces, so I might as well get you all together and explain. And I owe New Yorkers an explanation of what we’re doing. So this is not damage control. It is about communicating with you so that I can do the business out there without you having to follow me around. You can speak to me right here.  

    Question: Mayor, the election is [getting] more complicated day by day. How do you see the future?  

    Mayor Adams: Well, first of all, if you would ask those who are regularly here, they would tell you a year ago, I said this is going to be the most interesting election in the history of the city. It turned out to be true. This is New York. New York is a complex place. New York is a place where any given day you can get a call. I got a call early this morning. I have an officer shot. We deal with hurricanes that hit our shores.  

    That’s why you have to be ready to do this job. In order to do this job as mayor, you can’t go from rapper to assemblyman and then mayor. It’s too complex. There’s too many layers. The first job, a real job, should not be leading the City of New York because you have to respond to these uncertainties. And I challenge all of you, go back. The first time I had to deal with the lawfare of the federal authorities, look at what we did after that. I never wore my personal crisis.  

    I delivered for the city. City of Yes. Universal after-school program. Paying off medical debt for New Yorkers. Removing the income tax for low-income New Yorkers. I never stopped. I’ve been able to deliver for the city no matter what came at me. And that’s what you need to do if you’re the mayor of the greatest city on the globe, New York. 

    Question: So, I understand you’re not going to comment on any of the specifics in the case or go over any of those things. But I think, you know, for your employees, the New Yorkers, what message does this send that you’re not condemning these actions? If true, of some of these things that happened, whether it’s your long-term friend Ingrid or anybody like that.  

    Because, you know, do you believe that it’s okay for somebody to cut through red tape and city government, as you’re saying, just to help people out? But then simultaneously, what– benefiting themselves? What message does that send New Yorkers? And then, is there anything you’d like to address with Winnie Greco this week? You know, whatever that situation is at this point, saying that she accidentally gave a bag full of cash to Katie Honan or she meant it as a gift. Did you want to comment on that at all? 

    Mayor Adams: Okay. First of all, the message that I’m sending. The message I’m sending is something called due process. Something we all believe in. What makes our country different than other places. And what makes us great. And so, if you condemn someone without their due process [it’s a] slap in the face of what our constitution stands for. Let the due process play out. And you can communicate with their attorneys if you have some questions. 

    Question: I’m not looking for you to say, Ingrid did this and she should be convicted. I’m just saying, like, to the people that are still working under you. Everybody that Randy Mastro just praised. They’re doing great work here. You know, if any of these allegations, not just Ingrid, not just Jesse, all these allegations, any of these are true. Would you want to condemn that, to say that you are looking to root out corruption in your administration. 

    Mayor Adams: First of all, you’re being hypothetical and I’m not going to do that with someone’s life. And we have very, very strict guidelines on rooting out and not allowing corruption to be in our administration. And we have [a] Conflict of Interest Board that tells us what we can do and what we can’t do. Do people make mistakes in those Conflict of Interest Board rulings? Yes. Fines are given out all the time often when people make a mistake in what they do. That is why we have a Conflict of Interest Board. We do training. We do all the things that we’re supposed to do. And we’re going to continue to do that. 

    Question: Would you like to say anything on Winnie Greco?  

    Mayor Adams: I’m sorry?  

    Question: Would you like to say anything? 

    Mayor Adams: I have no idea of the communication between Winnie and the reporter involved. I don’t know what conversation they had. We don’t give money to reporters. I don’t know anything about what took place there. We condemned that type of action. If it was done for the wrong reason, I have no idea. And she’s no longer able to volunteer on the campaign because that’s an action–  that is the perception of it, we don’t agree with and I don’t tolerate it. 

    [Crosstalk.]  

    Hold on. Don’t stop. Don’t start yelling. Don’t start doing that. All that yelling and screaming because then I am going to bounce. We’re going to take a few more questions, but I got a city to run. Okay? Go ahead.  

    Question: I’m wondering, do you agree with Ingrid’s lawyer’s characterization of the charges? He said this was politically motivated lawfare.  

    Mayor Adams: I just answered that. Her lawyer represents her. I don’t represent her in this case. Speak with her lawyer and her lawyer will give you his input. I don’t represent her in this case.  

    Question: Do you make of the timing? Obviously it’s coming– as you’re seeking re-election, and you had to deal with legal challenges in the past. Do you make anything of that timing?  

    Mayor Adams: Well, you know, I wake up every day and I deal with the plate that’s in front of me. I don’t say woe is me. I say why not me? I have to succeed no matter what because I’m fighting for New Yorkers. My mother didn’t wake up and say life is tough. She woke up and she delivered for our family and that’s what I’m going to do. So the timing or non-timing doesn’t matter. I got to communicate with voters and voters are going to make the decision what direction we want to go in.  

    Question: Mayor, you said you were very close to Ingrid, [inaudible]… close to Jesse Hamilton as well. So I’m wondering, were you aware of any allegations or corruption while they were working for your administration? Did anyone raise concerns to you on [inaudible]… favors being given.  

    And then secondly, the second question is, both of them were very close to you, winning records also very close to you. So I’m just wondering, how do you explain to people in New York the fact that these are, you know, people that you are close to, that you trust, and that they are now facing these sort of criminal charges? You say that doesn’t reflect on you, but I’m wondering how you explain that to New Yorkers who might think that your closeness to these individuals somehow reflects on you and your judgment. 

    Mayor Adams: Well, first of all, yes, you’re right. She is close to me and I love her like a sister. And she’s in my prayers and her attorney will handle her case.  

    Question: Were you aware of any allegations of corruption?  

    Mayor Adams: There were no complaints on her work ethics. In fact, to the contrary, people knew that she knew how to make sure that the people in the city got the services they needed. And she did that in the senate office, in the borough president office, and here as well.  

    Question: Mayor, I wanted to ask you, are you disappointed at all in Ingrid, Jesse Hamilton, or Winnie Greco’s actions? And I also wanted to ask you, why should New Yorkers trust you, because this is another case, more indictments, to make sure that this isn’t going to continue to happen at least in your first term and possibly in your second term? 

    Mayor Adams: Well, I think New Yorkers should trust me on how I deliver for the city. I mean, you’ve covered me for some time. You know that we brought down crime. You know that we’ve helped foster care children. You know that we improved grade scores in our schools. You know we build more housing in individual years than any other mayors. You know we took 23,000 guns off the streets. You know what we’re doing for foster care children, for NYCHA residents.  

    You know what I do. They would trust me if you write about the good things I do. They would trust me. I am fighting for New Yorkers every day, and I get up to do that. And there’s going to be distractions. And New Yorkers, there are things I would have loved to have done differently, but I’m going to live life in my rearview mirror. I learn from those bumps in the road and become a better, not only mayor every day, but a better human every day.  

    Question: Any disappointment in Ingrid, Jesse Hamilton, or Winnie Greco’s actions? 

    Mayor Adams: Due process. Due process. 

    Question: You know, just now you said there were things that you wish you could have done differently [inaudible]… is there anything certainly you could’ve done differently?  

    Mayor Adams: No.  

    Question: So what could you do differently then?  

    Mayor Adams: There’s a lot of things I could do differently in life. I think all of us, everyone that’s sitting here, could look at something they wish they would have done differently. I wish I would have spent more time with my son when he was growing up, instead of being the advocate for everything that I was doing.  

    There’s a lot of reflection I have on my life, what I could have done differently. And anyone who doesn’t reflect on their life and states that I wish I could have done differently, then shame on you. That means you stayed home every day in the bed. I got up every day and delivered for this city. In every role that I had, I delivered for the people of this city. I’m going to continue to do that.  

    Question: I have a question again about the [inaudible]. You know, the indictment says that the bribery led to the redesign of McGuinness to get a change. I was wondering, with all these allegations coming out, are you going to go back to McGuinness, the director of DOT, to go back to the original plan or make any changes in response? 

    Mayor Adams: No. McGuinness, it was a win to sit down and come to a resolution that both sides could agree on. And there will be continuous modifications of our streets. That’s part of what we do. We keep modifying to get it 100 percent right. And from my understanding, there were a lot of conversations. There were people on both sides of the issue. And you have to come to a middle. This is New York. In New York, you know, every one person that wants something, there’s another person that wants something differently.

    August 22, 2025 Manhattan, New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • White House. America by Design

    White House. America by Design

    On August 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order launching “America by Design,” a national initiative to modernize and improve the usability of federal digital and physical services. The order establishes the National Design Studio within the White House and introduces a Chief Design Officer to lead efforts in recruiting top creative talent, standardizing government design, and enhancing user experiences. Agencies are directed to prioritize updates to high-impact websites and services by July 4, 2026, ensuring compliance with modern digital standards while reducing costs from outdated systems. The initiative underscores the administration’s policy to deliver government services that are not only efficient but also visually engaging and accessible for all Americans.

    IMPROVING OUR NATION
    THROUGH BETTER DESIGN

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  America has long led the world in innovation, technological advancement, and design.  But with a sprawling ecosystem of digital services offered to Americans, the Government has lagged behind in usability and aesthetics.  There is a high financial cost to maintaining legacy systems, to say nothing of the cost in time lost by the American public trying to navigate them.  It is time to fill the digital potholes across our Nation.

    With this order, I am announcing “America by Design,” a national initiative to improve experiences for Americans, starting by breathing new life into the design of sites where people interface with their Government.  It is time to update the Government’s design language to be both usable and beautiful.  This effort will be facilitated by a new National Design Studio and by a new Chief Design Officer.  The Chief Design Officer will help recruit top creative talent, coordinate with executive departments and agencies (agencies), and devise innovative solutions.

    It is the policy of my Administration to deliver digital and physical experiences that are both beautiful and efficient, improving the quality of life for our Nation.  Towards that end, the National Design Studio will advise agencies on how to reduce duplicative design costs, use standardized design to enhance the public’s trust in high-impact service providers, and dramatically improve the quality of experiences offered to the American public.

    Sec. 2.  Establishing America by Design and the National Design Studio.  (a)  There is established a national initiative, America by Design, to improve comprehensively the visual presentation and usability of Federal services provided to the public in both digital and physical spaces, creating first-class online and offline experiences for Americans.

    (b)  To help facilitate the America by Design initiative, there is established within the White House Office of the Executive Office of the President the National Design Studio (NDS) and, within the NDS, a new position entitled the Chief Design Officer.  The NDS shall be led by an Administrator, who shall report to the Office of the White House Chief of Staff.  There is further established within the NDS, in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, a temporary organization headed by the NDS Administrator and dedicated to helping advance the America by Design initiative.  The temporary organization shall terminate 3 years from the date of this order, but that termination shall not be interpreted to imply the termination, attenuation, or amendment of any other authority or provision of this order.

    Sec. 3.  Implementing America by Design.  (a)  Heads of agencies shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the America by Design initiative at their respective agencies and shall produce initial results by July 4, 2026. 

    (i)    Heads of agencies shall prioritize improving websites and physical sites that have a major impact on Americans’ everyday lives. 

    (ii)   The Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to update the United States Web Design System consistent with the policies set forth in this order.

    (iii)  Heads of agencies shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to ensure Government-wide compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, Public Law 115-336.

    (b)  The Chief Design Officer shall consult with thought leaders and research and design firms on how best to implement the America by Design initiative.  In order to employ the most talented designers of our generation to serve their country, the Chief Design Officer shall help recruit designers and other experts from the private sector as well as other sources of expertise.  Heads of agencies shall use all relevant hiring authorities to facilitate this effort, including title IV of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970, Public Law 91-648, 5 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.

    (c)  The Chief Design Officer shall consult with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, as appropriate, in carrying out his or her obligations under this order.

    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        August 21, 2025.

    Executive Orders Presidential Actions

    Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune

    #DonaldTrumpNews #USANewsToday #FunUSAWhiteHouse #WhiteHousePictures

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • White House. U.S. and EU Announce Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

    White House. U.S. and EU Announce Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

    The United States and the European Union have unveiled a landmark Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade, designed to strengthen one of the world’s largest economic relationships and address longstanding trade imbalances. Under the deal, the EU will eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and expand market access for American agricultural and seafood products, while the U.S. will adjust tariffs on European goods, including cars, aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. The agreement also prioritizes cooperation on energy security, with the EU planning $750 billion in U.S. energy purchases and $40 billion in AI chip imports, alongside expanded European investments of $600 billion in U.S. industries. Key commitments cover defense procurement, mutual recognition of standards, technology and cybersecurity cooperation, agricultural trade, digital trade protections, labor rights, and supply chain resilience. Positioned as a first step, the Framework Agreement sets the stage for broader transatlantic economic cooperation and long-term industrial revitalization.

    Joint Statement on a United States-European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

    The United States and the European Union are pleased to announce that they have agreed on a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade (“Framework Agreement”). This Framework Agreement represents a concrete demonstration of our commitment to fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade and investment.  This Framework Agreement will put our trade and investment relationship – one of the largest in the world – on a solid footing and will reinvigorate our economies’ reindustrialization. It reflects acknowledgement by the European Union of the concerns of the United States and our joint determination to resolve our trade imbalances and unleash the full potential of our combined economic power. The United States and the European Union intend this Framework Agreement to be a first step in a process that can be further expanded over time to cover additional areas and continue to improve market access and increase their trade and investment relationship.

    The key terms include: 

    1.​ The European Union intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and to provide preferential market access for a wide range of U.S. seafood and agricultural goods, including tree nuts, dairy products, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed foods, planting seeds, soybean oil, and pork and bison meat. The European Union will immediately take the necessary steps to extend the Joint Statement of the United States and the European Union on a Tariff Agreement announced on August 21, 2020, with respect to lobster (that expired 31 July 2025), coupled with an expanded product scope to include processed lobster.

    2.​ The United States commits to apply the higher of either the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate or a tariff rate of 15 percent, comprised of the MFN tariff and a reciprocal tariff, on originating goods of the European Union. Additionally, effective as of 1 September 2025, the United States commits to apply only the MFN tariff to the following products of the European Union: unavailable natural resources (including cork), all aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors. The United States and the European Union agree to consider other sectors and products that are important for their economies and value chains for inclusion in the list of products for which only the MFN tariffs would apply.

    3. ​The United States intends to promptly ensure that the tariff rate, comprised of the MFN tariff and the tariff imposed pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, applied to originating goods of the European Union subject to Section 232 actions on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber does not exceed 15 percent. When the European Union formally introduces the necessary legislative proposal to enact the tariff reductions set forth in Section 1 of this Framework Agreement, the United States will reduce tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts originating from the European Union subject to Section 232 tariffs as follows: No Section 232 automobile or automobile parts tariffs will apply to covered European Union goods with an MFN tariff of 15 percent or higher; and for covered goods with an MFN rate lower than 15 percent, a combined rate of 15 percent, comprised of the MFN tariff and Section 232 automobile tariffs, will be applied. These tariff reductions are expected to be effective from the first day of the same month in which the European Union’s legislative proposal is introduced. The United States expects the European Union’s legislative proposals will be consistent with this Framework Agreement and enacted by the necessary legislatures. All modifications to U.S. Section 232 tariffs will be executed in a manner that reinforces and is consistent with U.S. national security interests. With respect to steel, aluminum, and their derivative products, the European Union and the United States intend to consider the possibility to cooperate on ring-fencing their respective domestic markets from overcapacity, while ensuring secure supply chains between each other, including through tariff-rate quota solutions.

    4. ​The United States and the European Union will negotiate rules of origin that ensure that the benefits of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade accrue predominately to the United States and the European Union.

    5. ​The United States and the European Union commit to cooperate on ensuring secure, reliable, and diversified energy supplies, including by addressing non-tariff barriers that might restrict bilateral energy trade.  As part of this effort, the European Union intends to procure U.S. liquified natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy products with an expected offtake valued at $750 billion through 2028. In addition, the European Union intends to purchase at least $40 billion worth of U.S. AI chips for its computing centers. The European Union further plans to work with the United States to adopt and maintain technology security requirements in line with those of the United States. in a concerted effort to avoid technology leakage to destinations of concern. The United States will endeavor to facilitate such exports once such requirements are in place.

    6. ​The United States and the European Union share one of the world’s largest economic relationships, supported by mutual investment stocks exceeding $5 trillion, and intend to promote and facilitate mutual investments on both sides of the Atlantic. In this context, European companies are expected to invest an additional $600 billion across strategic sectors in the United States through 2028. This investment reflects the European Union’s strong commitment to the transatlantic partnership and its recognition of the United States as the most secure and innovative destination for foreign investment.

    7. ​The European Union plans to substantially increase procurement of military and defense equipment from the United States, with the support and facilitation of the U.S. government.  This commitment reflects a shared strategic priority to deepen transatlantic defense industrial cooperation, strengthen NATO interoperability, and ensure that European allies are equipped with the most advanced and reliable defense technologies available.

    8. ​The United States and the European Union commit to work together to reduce or eliminate non-tariff barriers. With respect to automobiles, the United States and the European Union intend to accept and provide mutual recognition to each other’s standards. Cooperation on standards plays a crucial role in enhancing the transatlantic marketplace. The European Union and United States commit to enhance opportunities for technical cooperation between EU- and U.S.-domiciled standards development organizations with the objective of identifying and developing standards for the transatlantic marketplace in key sectors of mutual interest.  The United States and the European Union commit to facilitate conformity assessments to cover additional industrial sectors.

    9. ​Recognizing the importance of continued engagement to resolve longstanding concerns, the European Union and the United States commit to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products, including streamlining requirements for sanitary certificates for pork and dairy products.

    10. ​Recognizing that production of the relevant commodities within the territory of the United States poses negligible risk to global deforestation, the European Union commits to work to address the concerns of U.S. producers and exporters regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation, with a view to avoiding undue impact on U.S.-EU trade.

    11. ​Taking note of the U.S. concerns related to treatment of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the European Commission, in addition to the recently agreed increase of the de minimis exception, commits to work to provide additional flexibilities in the CBAM implementation.

    12. ​The European Union commits to undertake efforts to ensure that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) do not pose undue restrictions on transatlantic trade.  In the context of CSDDD, this includes undertaking efforts to reduce administrative burden on businesses, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, and to propose changes to the requirement for a harmonized civil liability regime for due diligence failures and to climate-transition-related obligations.  The European Union commits to work to address U.S. concerns regarding the imposition of CSDDD requirements on companies of non-EU countries with relevant high-quality regulations.

    13. ​The European Union reaffirms that U.S. conformity assessment bodies can be designated as Notified Bodies in accordance with the Sectoral Annex for Telecommunications Equipment to the Agreement on Mutual Recognition Between the European Community and the United States (1998) to carry out the tasks in relation to all essential requirements, including cybersecurity, in the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.  In addition, the United States and the European Union will commit to negotiate a mutual recognition agreement on cybersecurity.

    14.​ The European Union and the United States commit to strengthen cooperation and action related to the imposition of export restrictions on critical mineral and other similar resources by third countries.

    15. ​The United States and the European Union commit to discuss high-standard commitments related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement.

    16. ​The European Union and the United States commit to work together to ensure strong protection of internationally recognized labor rights, including with regard to the elimination of forced labor in supply chains.

    17.​ The United States and the European Union commit to address unjustified digital trade barriers. In that respect, The European Union confirms that it will not adopt or maintain network usage fees. The United States and the European Union will not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions. The United States and the European Union intend to continue to support the multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization and seek the adoption of a permanent multilateral commitment.

    18.​ The European Union intends to consult with the United States and U.S. traders on digitalization of trade procedures and implementation of the legislation currently proposed on EU Customs Reform.

    19. ​The United States and the European Union agree to strengthen economic security alignment to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation by taking complementary actions to address non-market policies of third parties as well as cooperating on inbound and outbound investment reviews and export controls, as well as duty evasion. This includes addressing non-market practices, unfair competition, and lack of reciprocity in public procurement with respect to third countries. The United States and the European Union will cooperate on further implementation measures. ​

    The United States and the European Union, in line with their relevant internal procedures, will promptly document the Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade to implement this Framework Agreement.

    The White House

    August 21, 2025

    Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • New York Invests $11 Million in Clean Hydrogen Projects to Cut Emissions and Expand Zero-Emission Transit

    New York Invests $11 Million in Clean Hydrogen Projects to Cut Emissions and Expand Zero-Emission Transit

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $11 million in funding for five clean hydrogen projects designed to reduce costs, expand storage and distribution, and power zero-emission transportation. The awards include hydrogen storage research, a first-of-its-kind hydrogen generator at National Grid’s Northport plant, new hydrogen distribution trailers by Plug Power and Verne, a hospital-based storage system at Staten Island University Hospital, and New York’s first hydrogen-powered ferry from SWITCH Maritime. State officials say the projects will help lower emissions, improve air quality, and support disadvantaged communities while driving New York’s clean energy transition.

    Governor Hochul Announces More Than $11 Million Awarded to Clean Hydrogen Research and Development Projects

    Technologies Make it More Affordable To Adopt Clean Hydrogen Infrastructure in Hard-to-Electrify Sectors Including Transportation

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $11 million has been awarded to five clean hydrogen research and development projects. The awarded projects will demonstrate new technology designs, cost reductions associated with clean hydrogen storage and distribution, evaluate large-scale clean hydrogen storage opportunities, and deploy zero-emission hydrogen-powered transportation. Today’s announcement helps to address key barriers to the wider adoption of clean hydrogen as a potential solution to decarbonize industrial processes, hard-to-electrify sectors, such as transportation, and for grid support in the State’s energy transition.

    “New York’s investments in clean hydrogen are helping to unlock this emerging resource as a potential contributor to the state’s affordable, abundant, and reliable energy system,” Governor Hochul said. “Advancing alternative fuels like clean hydrogen will grow our clean energy economy while reducing emissions statewide.”

    The projects were selected through the Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which provides funding for clean fuel innovation projects that help to decarbonize industrial processes, integrate clean fuel production with renewable energy, and demonstrate clean fuel power generation systems to support the grid reliability. Beyond grid support, the awarded projects will demonstrate how clean hydrogen can help to reduce various emissions, including carbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, from industrial processes and transportation in congested areas, helping to improve public health near transit hubs, industrial corridors, and hospitals — including in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group criteria.

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “We are proud to partner with these companies that have been awarded for their bold vision in advancing clean hydrogen as part of New York’s energy transition. These innovative projects are catalysts for development that will lower costs, grow the economy, and make this resource a viable solution as part of a diversified clean energy mix for all New Yorkers.

    The awarded projects include:

    • GTI Energy was awarded over $220,000 to evaluate New York’s geological hydrogen storage potential to support large-scale, long-duration energy storage through site-specific studies to inform statewide infrastructure planning.
    • National Grid Ventures was awarded $2 million to install the first commercially deployed, 100 percent hydrogen-fueled linear generator at National Grid’s Northport Power Plant in Fort Salonga. It will be tested for one year to demonstrate its benefits in improving air quality and grid reliability.
    • Plug Power Inc. was awarded $2 million to partner with Verne to co-develop new hydrogen distribution trailers with cryo-compressed storage technologies, which can reduce cost, improve efficiency, and enable clean hydrogen deployment for small to mid-sized warehouse and distribution center customers in New York.
    • Stony Brook University was awarded over $4.9 million for a low-pressure, ambient-temperature hydrogen storage system at Staten Island University Hospital – North Campus, which is operated by Northwell Health, to improve resilience and reliability of the healthcare systems operation.
    • SWITCH Maritime LLC was awarded $2 million to develop and demonstrate New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry to provide zero-emission transportation on New York City waterways.

    New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Congratulations to these award-winning companies that will be moving clean hydrogen ahead to help with New York’s energy transition. These cutting-edge projects will help hydrogen become a more viable, affordable solution to New York’s clean energy economy.”

    Long Island Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Carrie Meek Gallagher said, “LIPA is proud to support this groundbreaking hydrogen-fueled linear generator project that positions Long Island at the forefront of clean energy innovation. This pilot project reflects our commitment to advancing dispatchable, zero-emission technologies essential to meeting New York’s climate goals and enhancing reliability. This exciting partnership with National Grid Ventures is bringing together stakeholders across the state to shape a more resilient, reliable, and carbon-free electric grid.”

    State Senator Kevin Parker said, “Investing in clean hydrogen is a pivotal step toward forging a cleaner and more resilient future for all New Yorkers. By supporting these forward-looking projects from transportation across our waterways to resilient hospital systems we’re not just advancing innovation; we’re ensuring that the benefits flow to communities too often left behind. Clean hydrogen also has the potential to lower energy costs for ratepayers by improving efficiency and reducing reliance on more expensive fossil fuels, helping families save money while contributing to a healthier environment.”

    GTI Energy President and CEO Paula Gant said, “Realizing hydrogen’s full potential as a long-duration energy storage solution requires visionary planning rooted in science and collaboration. NYSERDA’s leadership in energy innovation makes them an ideal partner for advancing the strategic, forward-looking solutions we need to build resilient energy systems that drive long-term economic growth.”

    National Grid Ventures, US President Will Hazelip said, “The first-of-its-kind commercial deployment of a green hydrogen linear generator at our Northport power plant is a big step forward in advancing new energy resources. This innovative, flameless technology will minimize emissions and run on clean hydrogen, with the ability to use other more accessible or affordable fuel sources as needed. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a stronger, more resilient energy system — and this pilot is another leap forward in that work.”

    Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh said, “We look forward to partnering with Verne and NYSERDA on this project that will advance hydrogen distribution technology and make clean energy solutions more accessible to New York businesses.”

    Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said, “As a recognized leader in energy storage, Stony Brook University is shaping the future of clean energy through innovation and research, including in this pioneering hydrogen storage project. The investment by NYSERDA to support this project will enable significant advances in flexible energy storage that can meet dynamic industrial and consumer demand. Demonstrating this novel technology in a hospital system will ensure that patients and healthcare workers are not subject to power outages or shortages in their critical care systems. This project reflects a collaboration between Stony Brook and seven industrial partners representing the entire hydrogen value chain, further strengthening New York’s leadership role in clean energy innovation.”

    SWITCH Maritime Co-founder and CEO Pace Ralli said, “SWITCH aims to provide municipal ferry operators with viable zero-emission options to replace their aging, diesel-powered vessels. Funding from NYSERDA’s Clean Hydrogen Innovation Program accelerates SWITCH’s ability to demonstrate a hydrogen-powered 150-passenger ferry for NYC waterways, without sacrificing operational performance. New York State is a powerhouse of innovation and climate action; we can’t think of a better place to launch this groundbreaking vessel.”

    For more than fifty years, NYSERDA has been a trusted and objective resource for New Yorkers, taking on the critical role of energy planning and policy analysis, along with making investments that drive New York toward a more sustainable future. Today’s announcement builds on New York State’s ongoing investments in clean hydrogen and scaling it as a resource through a connected network of projects across the state. NYSERDA through its Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program has awarded more than $11 million in fifteen clean hydrogen projects which include hydrogen production, manufacturing facility and different end uses since 2023.

    NYSERDA’s Innovation and Research (I&R) program is deploying approximately $1.2 billion over 15 years as direct research investments and commercialization support. To date, more than $800 million in investments have supported more than 700 companies and made approximately 300 products commercially available to individuals, businesses, and utilities.

    The projects are funded through the State’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    August 21, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Sources: governor.ny.gov , Big New York News BigNY,com

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

  • NYC to Pay Nonprofits Faster Under New Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams Reform

    NYC to Pay Nonprofits Faster Under New Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams Reform

    New York City is rolling out a new pilot program to make sure nonprofits get their money faster. Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced the Discretionary Grant Pilot, which will launch in fall 2025 and slash the payment process for smaller nonprofits receiving $25,000 or less in City Council funds. The program removes 13 steps from the traditional contract system, cutting wait times for payments nearly in half. About 100 organizations will be included in the first year, with hundreds more expected to join in year two. The change comes during NYC Nonprofit Week and is part of a larger push by the Adams administration to reduce contract delays, boost nonprofit worker wages, and strengthen partnerships with community groups that provide critical services like housing, food, senior care, and immigrant support.

    Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams
    Announce Bold Contract Reform to Help Nonprofits Get Paid Faster

    What you should know

    • Discretionary Funding Grant Pilot Will Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Payments to Half the Time of Traditional Contract Process for Small-Dollar Awardees
    • New Program Eliminates 13 Steps from Contract Process to Help Nonprofits Receive Funding They Need Without Delay
    • Announcement Part of Mayor Adams’ “NYC Nonprofit Week,”
    • Highlighting City’s Investments and Support for Nonprofits 

    NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams today announced a new pilot initiative to accelerate payments for a selection of small-scale discretionary funding awards and streamline the city’s discretionary funding process. Launching in fall 2025, the Discretionary Grant Pilot will replace the traditional contract process with direct grant agreements for approximately 100 organizations receiving $25,000 or less in City Council discretionary dollars during its first year. The grant pilot will eliminate 13 steps, allowing eligible nonprofits to receive 100 percent of their City Council-allocated funds in nearly half the time of the current contracting process. In its second year, the pilot will be extended to hundreds of organizations that qualify. The pilot addresses long-standing inefficiencies that have required small-dollar discretionary awards to undergo the same complex registration process as multi-million-dollar, competitively bid contracts. As a result, many nonprofits have faced delays before being able to register their contract or submit their first invoices for small-dollar funding awards. This initiative comes as Mayor Adams recognizes “NYC Nonprofit Week” and builds on his administration’s progress in reducing the city’s backlog of unregistered contracts — achieving an 88 percent rate of on-time submissions for the registration of standard human service contracts for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

    “When nonprofits thrive, our city and our people thrive. New York City’s nonprofits do the work millions of our city’s residents rely on — delivering meals to seniors, providing legal services to immigrants, connecting people to housing, caring for our young people, and so much more. In order to ensure that these organizations succeed and continue to support New Yorkers, we need to remove the different barriers and obstacles that stand in the way of their crucial mission,” said Mayor Adams. “The new Discretionary Grant Pilot does just that — revamping the old process and replacing it with a new, streamlined approach to get the money nonprofits need and are owed to them within weeks instead of years. Nonprofits always deliver for New Yorkers, and today, we’re proud to continue delivering for nonprofits.”

    “Non-profits provide essential services to New Yorkers through city contracts and funding, but far too often are paid late for their work and forced to shoulder excessive administrative burdens,” said Speaker Adams. “This new Council discretionary grant pilot program, in partnership with Mayor Adams’ administration, will remove excessive barriers to get non-profits their funding faster and with less red tape. The Council is proud to continue our work to ensure that our non-profit sector can successfully deliver New Yorkers the lifesaving care and dignity they deserve.”

    Led by the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS), and the New York City Council, in collaboration with key partner agencies including the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), this pilot will significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up payments to the city’s nonprofits — delivering on Mayor Adams’ promise to empower organizations that serve on the frontlines of New York City’s neighborhoods.

    Under the pilot, eligible nonprofits will receive one-year grant agreements, bypassing the traditional months-long contract registration process. Once agreements are signed and returned, 100 percent of funds will be disbursed to the nonprofits, allowing organizations to serve their communities without delayed payments.

    Nonprofits may qualify for the pilot if they:

    ·         Were awarded a total of $25,000 or less in City Council discretionary dollars in FY 2026; and

    ·         Are being funded through one of the following agencies:

    ·         DYCD

    ·         NYC Aging

    ·         New York City Department of Veterans’ Services

    ·         New York City Department of Small Business Services

    The City Council, MOCS, and the contracting agency will determine participating organizations to be chosen as the pilot cohort for FY 2026 and notify them of their inclusion in the pilot. Final announcements are expected in October 2025, with grant agreements to be issued shortly thereafter. Participating organizations will have 30 days to return signed agreements and can expect to receive funding by January 2026.

    This initiative builds on the Adams administration’s 2023 multi-year discretionary contract reform and has already shown significant progress in getting City Council discretionary providers paid on time.

    In March 2024, the administration committed $741 million toward a cost-of-living adjustment for approximately 80,000 human services workers employed by nonprofits with city contracts. This workforce — 66 percent women and 46 percent women of color — plays a critical role in providing frontline services related to housing, health care, food access, and support for asylum seekers. In total, the administration has now directed over $1.4 billion toward wage enhancements in the sector.

    In January 2025, Mayor Adams issued Executive Order 47, formally establishing chief nonprofit officers within city agencies to enhance service delivery, respond to nonprofit partners more effectively, and speed up payment processing. To date, 18 chief nonprofit officers have been appointed and are actively collaborating with nonprofits to drive systemic improvements. Finally, Mayor Adams created the city’s first-ever Nonprofit Advisory Council, bringing together leaders from across the sector to collaborate with MONS and strengthen the connection between nonprofit organizations and city government.

    August 21, 2025 Manhattan, New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY
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