Midtown Tribune

Midtown Tribune News Header

Category: MIDTOWN TRIBUNE 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 news 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 news 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 news 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 news 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 news 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 news 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
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York. Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Hiring of Largest Police Recruit Class in Almost 10 Years

    New York. Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Hiring of Largest Police Recruit Class in Almost 10 Years

    Midtown News NYC Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Hiring of Largest Police Recruit Class in Almost 10 Years

    What you should know

    • Nearly 1,100 Police Officers in August Recruit Class Marks Largest Hiring During Adams Administration
    • NYPD Recruit Applications During Most Recent Exam Skyrocketed 579 Percent Compared to Before Expanded Eligibility Requirements
    • Announcement Builds on Administration’s “End the Culture of Anything Goes” Campaign,  
    • Highlighting Mayor Adams’ Efforts to Change Culture, Laws, and Investments That Improve Quality of Life and Prevent Public Disorder on City Street

    NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced the hiring of nearly 1,100 police officer recruits, marking the largest class of officers sworn in by the NYPD since January 2016. The 1,093-person class also breaks the record for the largest NYPD class hired during the Adams administration, previously broken in January 2025, which consisted of 1,045 NYPD recruits. Including today’s class, already this year, the NYPD has hired 2,911 recruits — the highest number since 2006 — with another class still scheduled for this year. During the totality of the Adams administration, the NYPD has already hired nearly 10,000 NYPD police officers when including today’s recruit class, the 773 recruits sworn in the past April who are still in training at the Police Academy, and the more than 8,000 other police officers who have completed their training and already on the streets and subways keeping New York City safe.

    Today’s new class of recruits was sworn in this morning and will begin their training at the Police Academy tomorrow, joining a growing force of officers preparing to make the five boroughs safer once they graduate. The recruits reflect the diversity, talent, and experience that define New York City: they hail from 51 different countries, speak 34 languages, and include 80 individuals with previous or current military service.

    Today’s announcement also builds on the Adams administration’s “End Culture of Anything Goes” campaign, highlighting Mayor Adams’ ongoing efforts to change city culture, update laws and make strategic investments that improve quality of life and prevent public disorder on city streets. 

    “Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and today’s announcement shows we are investing in the future of both,” said Mayor Adams. “With nearly 1,100 new police recruits — the most in almost 10 years — beginning their training today thanks to expanded eligibility and modernized educational requirements we announced earlier this year, we are building a stronger and more modern NYPD that reflects the diversity, commitment, and determination of our city. These recruits will be part of the nearly 10,000 police officers who have stepped up to serve under our administration, helping us achieve historic reductions in crime and keeping our communities safe. Together, we are ending the culture of ‘anything goes,’ improving quality of life, and keeping New York City the safest big city in America and the best place to raise a family.”

    “Today is a defining moment for the NYPD and for New York City — 1,093 new recruits are entering the police academy, the largest class in nearly a decade,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The single most strategic thing the NYPD can do right now is hire more qualified officers. That’s why we were laser-focused on addressing our recruitment efforts and bringing in the next generation of officers. The momentum is changing, and thanks to Mayor Adams’ support, we will continue to attract the highest level of candidates to protect this city.”

    Today’s announcement underscores the administration’s signature investments to make New York City safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family, while maintaining record-high reserves and ensuring a strong fiscal future. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget — which builds on the “Best Budget Ever” — includes $3.4 billion for approximately 34,000 police officers, including four academy classes, and FY 2027 is funded to support a uniform force of 35,000.

    In February 2025, NYPD Commissioner Tisch announced a three-part plan to attract more candidates and modernize education requirements to address the hiring crisis the NYPD has faced in recent years. The NYPD was one of the only remaining big-city municipal police forces in the country with a college credit requirement — which limited its ability to compete for applicants with other local agencies and major cities nationwide. As a result of the changes announced in February, the department reduced barriers to employment by reforming the required college credit minimum to enter the Police Academy from 60 credits to 24 credits. The new plan also emphasizes physical fitness by reinstating the previous long-standing requirement of completing a timed 1.5-mile run. Additionally, a recent reassessment conducted by the National College Credit Recommendation Service determined that the completion of the six-month NYPD Police Academy recruit training program is equivalent to 45 college credits, an increase from the previous 36 credits. Graduates of the academy will now enter the NYPD with a minimum of 69 college credits.

    Following this expanded eligibility announcement, daily applications increased by almost 332 percent, from an average of 53.5 filings per day to 231.5 per day. During the most recent exam, that average skyrocketed 579 percent, with an average of 363 daily filers. There were more than 5,000 individuals registering to take the latest police exam in just 14 days. This massive increase reflects renewed interest in New Yorkers in serving the city.

    The Adams administration’s focus on public safety has already produced historic results. From January 2025 to July 2025, New York City experienced the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. These historic numbers helped drive down major crime categories into the seventh consecutive quarter, with a 5.6 percent drop in July 2025 compared to the same month last year. Overall index crime across New York City is down 5 percent year-to-date, with reductions in homicides, robberies, burglaries, felony assaults, grand larcenies, vehicle theft, shootings, transit crime, housing crime, retail theft, hate crimes, and more — resulting in 3,605 fewer victims of crime in New York City so far this year compared to the same period last year. These record-low crime statistics build on the Adams administration’s work to remove more than 23,200 illegal guns from New York City streets since coming into office, including more than 3,400 illegal firearms already removed year-to-date.

    Mayor Adams has also invested in broader public safety initiatives to keep communities safe. He has launched a $500 million blueprint to keep communities safe from gun violence, surged police officers into the subways to help reduce crime in the transit system, released plans to crack down on auto thefts and combat retail thefts, hired additional mental health clinicians to support people with untreated severe mental illness and announced plans to pilot new technology in the subways, and expanded the Saturday Night Lights youth program to keep young people safe and engaged.

    Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Tisch also expanded the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division — a strategic public safety initiative launched in April 2025 that brings together specially trained officers from existing NYPD community-oriented roles to address chronic quality-of-life issues and strengthen community trust — to all five boroughs earlier this week. The division, made up of Q-Teams, will expand to housing developments citywide next month.

    Through these combined efforts — recruitment, budget investments, and innovative programs — the Adams administration continues to prioritize safer streets, stronger communities, and a modernized police force prepared to meet the challenges of a 21st-century New York.

    Interested applicants can learn more and apply by visiting the NYPD recruitment website.

    August 20, 2025 MANHATTAN, NEW YORK

    Sources: NYC.gov/

  • New York. Mayor Adams Calls In for Interview on 94.7 the Block’s “Jonesy in the Morning”

    New York. Mayor Adams Calls In for Interview on 94.7 the Block’s “Jonesy in the Morning”

    Tarsha Jones: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the rat controller, the rat czar himself, Mayor Eric Adams. Good morning.

    Mayor Eric Adams: Hey, sister. Good to speak with you this morning.

    Jones: You did it. You did it.

    Mayor Adams: You know, when you start out doing something, you accomplish that task.

    Jones: You stayed the course. You did not let up. Now they’re complaining about the– they’re complaining about no parking spaces from the rat garbage cans that you put out there. They’re never, they’re never, they’re never satisfied.

    Mayor Adams: You know what? That’s why you have to just stay focused. You know what your mission is. And we heard back in ‘22, when we first came into office, rodents were everywhere. And a young lady stopped me the other day. She’s a small property owner. I was in Harlem. She said, “Where did the rats go?”

    Jones: We missed that. The []. Well, congratulations on that, because we’d be quick to attack you anytime something’s wrong. And finally, an issue that affected just about everybody in New York. We’re starting to see some progress. So kudos to you for that, mayor.

    Mayor Adams: You know, when you add the progress of, you know, dealing with our road issue, our trash issue, you add the progress of dealing with gun violence and removal of guns on the street, how we decreased the numbers. You know, some of the lowest records in history. And then you add the job progress. You know, dropping unemployment in the Black community by, you know, over 20 percent in the Black and brown community. And dropping it citywide.

    You start to really peel back and understand how much we have turned the city around, around public safety [and the] economy. And then add to that the scores that just recently came out with our children. And the reading and writing scores have increased because of what we’re doing in our schools.

    So it’s just, the record is a clear record of just real progress in our city. And that’s the message I got to get out to everyday New Yorkers [of] how much we have improved the city. And we should all be proud as New Yorkers, the city is moving in the right direction.

    Jones: It is. It absolutely is. And I also want to thank you for jumping in so quickly and putting together a mass shooting, an investigative team based on the mass shooting that took place in Crown Heights over the weekend.

    Mayor Adams: Really, really sad and it hurts us all.

    Jones: That’s horrible.

    Mayor Adams: Yeah, our heart goes out to the families. And when you look at it and see that, you know, two of the shooters have been identified.

    Jones: Good.

    Mayor Adams: And they were shooting at each other.

    Jones: But everybody else be []. Like everybody else be []. But you swooped right in and put together that squad to get to the bottom of the mass shootings. That was in record time.

    Mayor Adams: Yeah, no, because we wanted to really deal with the retaliatory action that comes after a shooting. You know, oftentimes people don’t realize the shooting spurs other shootings. And so hats off to the crisis management team of one group that covered that area. It’s called Elite Learners. And they’re doing an amazing job. Shooters in that area have dropped by 60 percent because of what they’re doing.

    And they were on the ground. And so this mass shooting should not tarnish the good work that they’re doing in the other crisis management teams. So the mass shooting response includes getting our crisis management team members on the ground, supporting each other, and really stopping further harm to the community and individual people.

    Jones: I agree. We are on the phone with Mayor Eric Adams, ladies and gentlemen. If you have a question, try and call 844-947-0947. No guarantees that I’ll be able to actually get through to you, but give it a try. And we’ll be back with more of him when we return.

    [Commercial Break.]

    [Audio Drop.]

    Mayor Adams: … And that’s been used as evidence to further investigate the case and make sure we finally got what happened there.

    Jones: Thank you for that. Also, thank you for shutting down the beaches. I know you’re probably getting backlash for that. Although, you know, with the weather and the riptides and the hurricane that’s approaching, that was very responsible and, again, quick thinking.

    Mayor Adams: Yeah, you know, and people don’t realize the riptides and the heavy waves. You may not realize it. You may not think that it’s going to impact you because you’re a good swimmer. But in reality, it is dangerous, extremely dangerous, even for good swimmers. And so the decision was to nearly close down for today and tomorrow. Now, the hurricane may not hit land here. That’s what the National Weather Service is telling us. But it still would impact the coastal areas.

    So low-lying areas, people should be prepared. They should have to go. They should have to go back. And they should be, you know, really locked into NotifyNYC. So they’d be prepared for it. But you’ve got to be very careful. Even when the hurricanes don’t hit our shores, it still could be extremely dangerous.

    Jones: Right. The riptide’s been ripping before this hurricane even got on the sphere. So thank you for saving people from themselves.

    Mayor Adams: Well done. Well said.

    Jones: Thank you. There’s a 6-year-old child and a mother and another 20-year-old high school student arrested because of these ICE arrests, and you have stepped up. Well, go ahead and tell everybody what you have done.

    Mayor Adams: You know, we’ve done a—when it comes down to those who are undocumented in the city, we’re a big believer that we should put people on the pathway to a green card of citizenship. And we’ve done a lot to do that. We’ve put money in our Best Budget Ever. We’ve put money into legal services. and we also put people on the pathway of getting a work authorization because people want to work, and we don’t want people depending on the government.

    And part of the process is showing up for your court cases. If your court case is up on a docket, you come in, you have to come in for your visit. And we believe when people go to court, they should not be arrested while going to court or held in custody, I should say held in custody, and then later deported while they go into court because that makes people fearful to carry out the process.

    Jones: Right, and that’s by design. That’s a setup.

    Mayor Adams: Right, right. And, you know, I always talk about when I was a rookie cop, a Chinese immigrant was being robbed while I was off duty and I took action, and he was afraid to come forward because he was an immigrant. And people were preying on immigrants back then. Because they knew they were afraid to go to the police.

    So we want to encourage people to go to the police, children to go to school, and all the other activities, and not feel as though that they’re going to be held, you know, in custody because they’re showing up. Now, if the person is wanted for a serious violent act, then we believe ICE should take action. You know, they should do what’s right and apprehend that person, but not innocent people who are going to court to follow the process.

    Jones: I hope that the court sides with you and the other reps that are filing the suit to stop this heinous activity. But is it too much, too little, too late?

    Mayor Adams: Well, number one, when you take these cases– number one, you want to set precedent. And number two, you want to give the opportunity for the person to be returned back to another city they were deported from. And so it’s like you saw. Some cases where people were returned back. And so it’s, no, it’s never too little, too late. Because precedent is very important in these cases.

    Jones: Are they allowed to go to the schools and snatch these kids out of school? Because school’s about to start, and the kids might be afraid to show up. Are the ICE agents allowed to go and sit outside the schools and snatch them up as we stand today?

    Mayor Adams: No, no, no, they’re not. You cannot go into the schools unless you have what’s called a federal judicial warrant that allows you to do so. So, no, they cannot go into the schools.

    Jones: Can they stand outside the school and wait for the kids to come out and say, oh, that looks like this person that we, or they look of dissent. So let’s snatch them up.

    Mayor Adams: Yes, technically they can. Technically they can. But we have had no actions at all where they stood out to schools and, you know, grabbed children. And in this case with the child, they took the family while they were showing up for court proceedings. They took the family, and this young child was included in the family. But technically they can stand outside the schools, but we have had no cases involved in that. And they cannot go inside the schools and take a child.

    Jones: Thank you, Mayor Eric Adams. I appreciate you always checking in here every other Wednesday, guys. And be safe out there. Keep up the good work. Don’t get distracted.

    Mayor Adams: Thank you. Stay focused, no distractions, and grind. That’s my message.

    August 20, 2025

    Sources: NYC.gov

  • President Trump’s Historic Peace Summit Marks Turning Point in Ukraine War

    President Trump’s Historic Peace Summit Marks Turning Point in Ukraine War

    Summary: President Donald J. Trump’s peace summit at the White House on August 19, 2025, is being hailed globally as a game-changing step toward ending the war in Ukraine. Bringing together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders, the summit is praised as a historic breakthrough that restored American leadership on the world stage and opened a credible path to lasting peace. From NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to lawmakers across the U.S., experts and officials alike credited Trump’s firm diplomacy and strategic vision for breaking years of deadlock, uniting allies, and pressuring Vladimir Putin into meaningful negotiations. Many now believe this bold move could soon lead to a definitive peace deal that stops the bloodshed and secures stability in Europe.

    President Trump’s Peace Summit Hailed as a Game-Changer

    President Donald J. Trump’s groundbreaking peace summit at the White House yesterday is being celebrated by world leaders, national security experts, lawmakers, and others as a monumental stride toward resolving the longstanding war in Ukraine. The summit, which brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European allies, marked another transformative moment in the pursuit of peace.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “Without President Trump, this deadlock with Putin would not have been broken. He is the only one who could do this.”

    Gen. Jack Keane (ret.): “You can’t overstate the significance of what we all witnessed and to describe it, as you have and others, as ‘historic’ certainly is factual… What we saw there is the undisputed global leader sitting down with the prominent leaders in Europe and President Zelensky to discuss a pathway forward for peace — and it is stunning.”

    Former Special Envoy Nathan Sales: “Peace is closer today than it was yesterday. President Trump didn’t capitulate; he stood firm. Even Zelenskyy says this was the best meeting he’s had with Trump. That’s the path to a durable peace.”

    Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul: “That was a very positive meeting and whoever had the idea to bring all these European leaders together in addition to President Zelenskyy — that was a brilliant, brilliant idea. And having it come so quickly after Alaska was very important… This is very positive progress.”

    Former U.S. Ambassador to Poland Daniel Fried: “A deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine could emerge.”

    Former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Jr.: “Let’s be clear — it’s Donald Trump who’s cleaning up the Biden mess.”

    Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe: “It’s going to be very difficult … but what’s different in the last two weeks is we now have an opening we didn’t have before to at least start working in that very, very difficult direction.”

    Lexington Institute VP for Defense Rebecca Grant: “This is the 100% restoration of American leadership, with NATO and our European allies now united with us in a way that we’ve never seen before… Trump has really done a great job… Masterful leadership.”

    Batya Ungar-Sargon: “It’s truly amazing to see the unity between Trump, Zelensky, and the European leaders. There is finally a consensus developing around how this horrific war ends. It’s clear now Putin agreeing to security guarantees in Alaska was a huge breakthrough, and territorial swaps are now on the table from the Ukrainian side. You won’t hear this in the mainstream legacy media who would rather lie than give Trump any credit, but make no mistake about it: This is Trump’s win. ‘The path is open. You opened it,’ as Germany’s Chancellor Merz put it.”

    Lex Fridman: “What a great day and meeting between Trump & Zelenskyy. I pray for peace soon”

    Larry Kudlow: “If anybody can get a peace deal and end the Russian war on Ukraine, as I’ve said before, it’s President Trump. And, right now, he’s moving at warp speed. Bypassing a cease-fire and moving straight to a peace deal, it appears that he has already got a NATO-like security guarantee agreement from President Vladimir Putin.”

    Harold Ford, Jr.: “I give President Trump tremendous credit for where we are.”

    Newsmax’s Ed Henry: “This President today actually did the work to move us closer to a peace deal… This is Diplomacy 101.”

    ACT for America Founder and Chairman Brigitte Gabriel: “President Trump’s pursuit of peace for two countries he does not live in is inspiring. This war was started by Putin and allowed by Joe Biden, but President Trump is the one who is taking all the arrows to end it. The most selfless leader our nation has ever had.”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The whole thing was a big moment — unprecedented… After three years of deadlock and no talks and no change in circumstances, this is the first time where there seems to be some movement.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “It was an incredible group to have in the White House, all led by President Trump. The culmination of that was a call with President Putin — and my strong belief is that there will be a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. That’s the only way to end this conflict is to get the two sides talking.”

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “What an honor it was to watch Our President forge the peace process today. No other leader on Planet Earth could do what he did in Alaska, today at the White House, or in the future. President Trump is a tough & relentless peacemaker — the world owes him a debt of gratitude.”

    U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker: “We have a World War I-style land war right now on the European continent. Nobody thought this would ever happen, but here it is — and President Trump, thankfully, was elected last November and has brought us to a position of getting a peace deal where we are possibly a couple meetings away from having the killing end.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “Don’t believe the Fake News – President Trump is the PEACE PRESIDENT. His leadership is making our enemies FEAR us, our allies TRUST us, and the world is SAFER and more stable because of it. This is the leadership Americans voted for!”

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune: “President Trump should be commended for his dogged determination to bring peace to Ukraine and for his courage to engage with all parties in a way his predecessor refused to do. As peace talks continue today in Washington, the U.S. Senate stands ready to provide President Trump any economic leverage needed to keep Russia at the table to negotiate a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “We’re seeing America’s strength and leadership under President Trump. The killing needs to stop. A longstanding, verifiable peace between Ukraine and Russia is going to be good for Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States.”

    Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton: “Unlike his predecessor, President Trump has demonstrated peace through strength on the world stage.”

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “President Trump has not wavered in his pursuit of peace through strength on the world stage. He is willing to do what Joe Biden never could.”

    Sen. Katie Britt: “President Trump is the President of Peace and the Dealmaker in Chief. History needs his strong leadership on the world stage in this pivotal moment.”

    Sen. Ted Cruz: “We’re seeing the prospect of peace because Donald Trump is a strong commander-in-chief. Putin and our enemies are afraid of him. That’s a good thing.”

    Sen. Deb Fischer: “I am encouraged that Russia remains at the negotiating table as President Trump continues peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, and I commend the president for convening European leaders in Washington to secure lasting peace in Europe. This is what’s possible when America leads with strength.”

    Sen. Lindsey Graham: “Well done, Mr. President. A significant step forward today. Thank you for meeting with President Zelensky and our European allies. You’re right to want to end this bloodbath honorably and justly. It is in America’s interest to make sure this war never restarts again. There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after all these years of fighting, brutality and heartache. President @realDonaldTrump is the right man at the right time to end this bloodbath.”

    Sen. James Lankford: “President Trump has made it clear that ending this three and a half year war is a top priority. After meeting directly with Russia, he is now bringing together European leaders and Ukraine to chart the path toward a meaningful and lasting peace.”

    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “President Trump delivering a master class in leadership, showcasing American strength in a way Joe Biden could never have imagined possible.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “Thank goodness we got President Trump that’s speaking for us. He’s a leader… Putin respects President Trump, and that’s the key card to play in this game… This is right up his [Trump’s] alley, Larry. He loves to negotiate. He’s a peacemaker. I mean, he’s already stopped, what, five, six, seven wars that have been fighting all over the world the last 10, 15 years.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “President Trump is the president of PEACE.”

    Rep. Michael Baumgartner: “Every American should appreciate President Trump’s determination to help bring an end to the fighting in Ukraine. President Trump certainly assembled an impressive group of western leaders for this meeting.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “President Trump is the President of Peace! Nations around the world see that real leadership is back in the Oval Office.”

    Rep. Tim Burchett: “Nothing President Trump does is by accident, it’s all a part of his plan. I trust @realDonaldTrump to achieve peace in Ukraine, just like he’s done all across the globe.”

    Rep. Buddy Carter: “No one could’ve gotten these two men to the point that they are now than Donald J. Trump. He is the chief negotiator. He has done more to negotiate peace in the last eight months than anyone in the history of the world.”

    Rep. Mike Carey: “@POTUS is committed to ending wars, and his record shows it. I was glad to see him assemble our allies in Washington to find a diplomatic plan for peace in Ukraine.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “President Trump is the PEACE President.”

    Rep. Pat Fallon: “Peace through strength!”

    Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick: “I commend and thank President Trump for today’s critical meeting with President Zelenskyy and our European allies. This is peace through strength: American resolve matched with allied unity, securing a safer and freer world for generations to come. There is more work ahead, but I am confident the United States, Ukraine, and our allies will rise to this moment—and together, deliver the triumph of a just and lasting peace.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “The mainstream media is more outraged by President Trump working to deliver peace in Ukraine than by Joe Biden allowing Russia to invade Ukraine in the first place.”

    Rep. Brett Guthrie: “@POTUS has proven that strong American leadership on the world stage is essential to obtaining peace and deterring conflict. Excited by the progress made yesterday at the White House to finally bring an end to the war in Ukraine.”

    Rep. Mike Haridopolos: “President Trump is the PEACE President. The Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans came to the table on OUR terms to bring a conclusive END to this destructive war. This is what happens when countries respect American leadership.”

    Rep. Mark Harris: “Obama and Biden did a terrible job handling Putin, which is why we are in the mess we are in today. We need peace – and President Trump is the man finally bringing everyone to the table!”

    Rep. Kevin Hern: “Let’s be clear: there’s only one leader in the world that has any chance of bringing Ukraine and Russia together to end this war, and that’s President Trump.”

    Rep. Richard Hudson: “Thank you President Trump. For the first time in four years, we are seeing real progress toward peace in Ukraine. You are demonstrating that peace through strength, coupled with the art of the deal, can halt the bloodshed and move the world closer to a lasting peace.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “President Trump is the peace President. He is determined to stop the killing and save lives. He is our negotiator-in-chief and will not stop until there is a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.”

    Rep. Brad Knott: “President Trump has consistently pursued peace. From a position of strength, he has placed immense pressure on Russia and has positioned us well to hopefully secure durable peace in Ukraine.”

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “I am praying for POTUS and the other leaders to come to an agreement on Peace. That is what the world needs.”

    Rep. Michael McCaul: “President Biden’s weakness on the global stage led to a world on fire, and President Trump is working tirelessly to extinguish the flames. I was proud to see him welcome so many European leaders and allies to the White House to chart a peaceful path forward that includes security guarantees for Ukraine. If anyone can secure lasting peace in Europe, it’s President Trump — as he’s already proven by brokering peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the DRC, and others. His strength and resolve have no doubt brought Putin to the table, and Congress stands ready to use economic tools at our disposal to continue putting leverage on Putin to negotiate in good faith. I will continue to support this administration’s historic commitment to peace through strength and look forward to seeing the progress that follows.”

    Rep. Barry Moore: “President Trump is doing more for peace across the globe in his first few months than prior administrations did throughout their whole term!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “Trump is not a warmonger—he’s a peacemaker. The world has fewer wars because of Donald Trump’s leadership.”

    Rep. Keith Self: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

    Rep. Claudia Tenney: “President Trump brought Zelensky and European leaders to the table to secure Ukraine. He knows Putin cannot be trusted, and by isolating him economically and rallying world leaders, Trump is forcing him into negotiations. This is historic leadership.”

    The White House

    August 19, 2025

    Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune USA News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York