Midtown Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York State’s Climate Agenda

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

August 21, 2025

Albany, NY

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York
August 21, 2025
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 new from New York
August 21, 2025
New York. 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/
August 20, 2025
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

August 20, 2025
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 new from New York

August 19, 2025
White House.Congressional Bill H.R. 1316 Signed into Law

On August 19, 2025, the President signed into law H.R. 1316, known as the “Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act.” This law amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Secretary of Commerce to provide annual reports to Congress on applications for dual-use export licenses.

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is now mandated to report annually to Congress on license applications, enforcement actions, and authorizations related to the export, reexport, release, and in-country transfer of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These items include dual-use goods, which have both civilian and military applications.

The law specifically requires the report to cover entities operating in countries under U.S. arms embargoes (Country Group D:5) that are listed on BIS’s Entity List or Military End-User List. The reports must include details such as the name of the applying entity, export destinations, decisions on license applications, and information on related enforcement activities. Except for aggregate statistics, this information is exempt from public disclosure to protect sensitive details.

This legislation aims to increase transparency and congressional oversight regarding export controls on sensitive technologies to maintain American technological and strategic superiority.

Congressional Bill H.R. 1316 Signed into Law

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the President signed into law:

H.R. 1316, the “Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act”, which amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on applications for dual-use export licenses.

The White House

August 19, 2025

SOURCES: WHITE HOUSE , Midtown Tribune USA News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA new from New York

August 19, 2025