Latest news with #Harlem-based
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gun violence has declined, but groups fighting it say more needs to be done
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — It's an issue so serious that it merits a month of focused attention. Gun Violence Awareness Month is underway, and while the city has positive developments to report in the struggle to reduce and prevent shooting incidents and deaths, crime numbers show that there's more work to do. More Local News A program that supports anti-violence groups through unconventionally raised funds is set up to do the additional work, according to the Manhattan district attorney and leaders of the groups receiving the support. One of those groups is Street Corner Resources, a Harlem-based violence interruptor organization. On Tuesday morning, it was one of 11 groups to receive grants from the district attorney totaling $295,000. Iesha Sekou is Street Corner Resources' founder. Its slogan, 'I Am Peace,' she said, infuses the group's work, which is consistent with the overall mission of gun violence awareness. 'That's our movement with young people,' Dr. Sekou said in an interview. 'You read [the phrase] long enough, you think about who you are in that.' She was at an event at Goddard Riverside Community Center in which she and leaders of the other 10 organizations were recognized by District Attorney Alvin Bragg and other elected officials for their work in countering youth violence. The grants they received were funded through the D.A.'s Criminal Justice Investment initiative, which is made up of monies seized in investigations against major banking institutions. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Also on the receiving end of the program was the organization Getting Out and Staying Out, or GOSO. James Dunham is one of its participants. He's completed an internship and is now in a GOSO-related security guard training program funded in part by grants from the district attorney's anti-violence fund. 'They paid for it,' Dunham said in an interview. 'I didn't have to worry about paying for it myself.' Andrew Blacks is the executive director of one of the other recipient groups, called Positive Influence. Its participants have grown fifteenfold in its 20-year history, affecting thousands of young people. Blacks said that every one of its many programs — from basketball tournaments, to self-defense courses, to dozens of other activities — lowers the risks teens face, because they have productive things to take part in. 'I'm not saying we can stop gun violence,' Blacks said, 'but we can kind of find ways to give these kids different things and different options.' He was referring to the latest NYPD statistics. They show that in Manhattan overall, shooting incidents in Manhattan are down. More specifically, in the northern part of the borough, they're down more than 28 percent this year. In the southern section, shooting incidents are down 40 percent for the year. However, in that same part of the borough in the last 28 days, there's been a jump of 100 percent. District Attorney Bragg said that it shows that while there's been improvement overall, there's still more to do. 'This is day in, day out work,' he said. 'We're looking at all the cycles,' he said, referring to the various periods of time in which the NYPD compiles crime statistics. 'Seven-day cycle, 28-day cycle, and we pan out and look at the last three years.' Over that time, Bragg said, gun crimes have declined by about 45 percent in Manhattan. Still, he said, more work is needed. Part of that effort, said Bragg, is to consider increasing funding to community groups that provide alternatives. The $295,000 amount is a record that he said he sees going up next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Politico
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Letitia James sings Adrienne Adams' praises
Presented by Solving Hunger NOT-SO-SECRET WEAPON: New York City mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams lacks money, time and name recognition with just five-and-a-half weeks until the Democratic primary. So she's hoping to make up for those deficits with a top attribute: the support of Attorney General Letitia James, one of the state's most popular Democrats, POLITICO reports. 'My candidate, the woman that I am supporting, a woman of faith, a woman of conviction, a woman without drama, someone who understands (how) we are struggling in the City of New York, and who can deliver, and who has consistently delivered,' James said on Mother's Day at a Brooklyn church, gesturing from the pulpit to her preferred mayoral candidate in the front row. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I am supporting that sister: Adrienne Adams.' James catapulted to national fame for winning lawsuits against President Donald Trump, and remains very popular among the city's Democratic primary voters. Short of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has yet to get involved in the race, James' endorsement is among the most sought after from a Democratic politician in New York. Adams, the City Council speaker, is scrambling to build support ahead of the June 24 primary that's dominated by Andrew Cuomo's universal name recognition, polling lead and multimillion-dollar super PAC. And since the attorney general went from Cuomo's political ally to one of his most hated foes — having issued a report that led him to resign — Adams is leaning on her to help her with the arduous task of defeating him. And Adams needs help to stay competitive. She's risen in the polls, up to the third spot of nine candidates in the Marist College survey out this week. But she has not yet reported enough donors to unlock the city's 8-to-1 public matching funds program, leaving her with significantly less money than her opponents. Adams is continuing to attend fundraisers as she races to catch up. But her campaign declined to share how much she has raised in the two months since the last public report, and declined to say whether she anticipates unlocking matching funds. Adams launched her campaign in March for a race that she had planned to stay out of. And since then, James has been Adams' fundraiser, adviser and cheerleader. After Adams finished a campaign speech at Al Sharpton's Harlem-based National Action Network earlier this month, James took the mic and urged her back up. 'One thing that my candidate, Adrienne Adams did not tell you, is she can sing. She can sing,' James emphasized. 'And I've told her time and time again, if we're going to break through this, you've got to sing. So I'm going to take my seat. … She's going to blow you away.' The experienced gospel singer did step up — 'To God be the glory, for the things He has done' — showing off that James' friendship isn't her only secret weapon on the campaign trail. Then James then finished a rousing speech, praising Adams as 'a mayor who can go toe-to-toe with Donald Trump' and 'someone without all of the drama.' 'I'm with Adrienne,' James concluded. 'But I can't do this alone. I need you. Don't have my back, have hers.' — Jeff Coltin FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL 'I WANT TO KNOW IF WE HAVE A DATE?": Mayoral front-runner Andrew Cuomo flirted with a female radio host this morning, asking her if she would dance one-on-one with him and go on a date with him. The on-air interaction comes as Cuomo is mid-stride into an epic, but unfulfilled political comeback, which was precipitated by resigning as governor after accusations he sexually harassed 13 women, allegations he denies. 'Eric Adams, he has been actively engaging with the Latin American community; he's out there all the time, even dancing merengue,' 97.9 FM radio host Excarlet Molina said to Cuomo. 'I want to know if Andrew Cuomo will be willing to dance merengue with the Dominicans?' 'Are you asking me to go dancing with you?' Cuomo responded, laughing. 'If that's a personal offer, yes. I'm interested.' The host doubled down on her question in Spanish and explained that she was only asking because she wanted to know how Cuomo would connect with Latinos. As Cuomo surrogate Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia intercepted that question, the station began playing merengue, to which Cuomo swung his arms as other hosts laughed. When the music stopped, the former governor said, 'Thank you for having me,' adding, 'I want to know if we have a date?' 'Uh, yeah,' Molina responded, awkwardly. The Cuomo campaign told Playbook the whole thing was a joke and encouraged us to speak with the radio host herself. Less than an hour later, Molina called Playbook and said the same: it was a joke, the show was all in good fun and Cuomo was 'very respectful.' 'He didn't even want to touch her,' added Carlos Molina, her producer who was also on the call. 'He didn't want to get into it. The question was a little awkward. That was the problem.' — Jason Beeferman KRUEGER FOR LANDER: State Sen. Liz Krueger endorsed City Comptroller Brad Lander for New York City mayor today. 'I am a New Yorker. I need a city government that works. I need responsible stewardship by principled, intelligent people who understand the job,' Krueger said outside an Upper East Side grocery store. 'I'm confident that we can have that if we all get out there and vote for Brad Lander on primary day.' Krueger is the chair of the New York State Senate Finance Committee and has considerable influence over the state budget. She had originally endorsed both Lander and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, but Lander is now her sole endorsement, bucking the trend of some politicians backing a slate of candidates to take advantage of ranked-choice voting. In her remarks today, she also called for people to not vote for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. — Cris Seda Chabrier FROM THE DELEGATION READY OR NOT: Amid speculation the now six-person Democratic primary for NY-17 could get even more crowded, leaders of the Westchester Democratic Party sent out an email last night that lists at least five other names as candidates for the NY-17 seat. According to two people who saw the email, which was sent to party members, the Westchester Democratic Party is planning to host three candidate forums on May 28, June 5 and June 12. In addition to the six Democrats already registered to run for Rep. Mike Lawler's Hudson Valley seat, the forums will feature Briarcliffe Manor Deputy Mayor Peter Chatzky, New Castle Deputy Town Supervisor Jeremy Saland, MTA board member Neal Zuckerman and two others — Nick Porfilio and Brandon Del Pozo — as 'candidates' in the NY-17 race. 'We invited individuals, whether or not they were registered candidates, who had indicated to me as the county party chair that they were seriously considering becoming candidates,' said Suzanne Berger, the county party chair. Already in the race is Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson, anti-poverty nonprofit executive Jessica Reinmann, Tarrytown trustee Effie Phillips-Staley, former Biden national security staffer Cait Conley, former TV reporter Mike Sacks and former FBI analyst John Sullivan. Each will appear at one of the forums. The county committee will begin its discussion and evaluation of the candidates this summer. — Jason Beeferman IN OTHER NEWS — CUOMO FRIENDS' DARK MONEY HELP: A group funded by political operatives with ties to Cuomo is sending out mailers echoing his campaign's messages, but it isn't registered as a PAC. (The New York Times) — WILL THEY OR WON'T THEY: The New York Times' editorial board 'reserve(s) the right to endorse' in the mayoral race this year and is planning how to weigh in on the contest. (New York mag) — HIGHER SODIUM CONTENT: A $40,000 SALT offer was discussed with New York Republicans and other holdouts on the House GOP's megabill. (POLITICO) — AFTER 109,000 APPLICATIONS: The imminent closing of New York City's Asylum Application Help Center marks another turning point in the city's response to the migrant crisis. (The New York Times) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
Time Out
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Two new mini-format Whole Foods markets are opening in NYC this summer
Whole Foods Market is doubling down on downtown with two new Daily Shop locations set to open soon in Manhattan. Designed for fast-paced urbanites who still crave their organic greens and artisanal cheese, these scaled-down versions of the grocery giant are packed with local finds, cult-favorite products and convenience-driven perks. The first to open is in the East Village's StuyTown development on May 14 at 409 East 14th Street, with a second location arriving in Hell's Kitchen on June 4 at 301 West 50th Street. At just 10,000 and 8,500 square feet respectively, these stores are a fraction of the size of typical Whole Foods—but promise a full-flavored shopping experience. Both locations will host their grand openings at 8 am, offering free coffee, breakfast bites and limited-edition tote bags to the first 300 customers. New Yorkers can expect a curated mix of more than 400 local products from beloved brands like Mimi Cheng's, The White Moustache and Mill Hollow Maple Syrup. There'll be picnic-ready prepared foods, new summer bakery items like strawberry cherry pistachio crumble pie and a drool-worthy cheese selection spanning everything from Cowgirl Creamery to imported Italian wedges. The StuyTown shop also features a Juice & Java café, slinging smoothies, sandwiches and sweets. And on opening day, Whole Foods Market will award Harlem-based Uncle Waithley's a low-interest Local Producer Loan to help the small-batch ginger beer company scale. Both stores mark the continued rollout of the Daily Shop concept, which launched on the Upper East Side last fall. Alongside their sleek aisles and grab-and-go meals, the new shops underscore the grocer's local commitment, supporting nonprofits like The Bowery Mission and donating to Hell's Kitchen Farm Project. And with both addresses set in neighborhoods known for vibrant weekend foot traffic and bustling local street fairs, these mini markets are well-positioned to become essential pit stops for your next picnic, park day or stoop party. Prime members will get to enjoy their usual perks, including extra discounts, palm payment via Amazon Oneself and app-based checkout, making it even easier to pop in, stock up and keep moving.
FACT
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
A$AP Rocky and Ray-Ban launch the Blacked-Out Collection
This marks the brand's first appointment of a Creative Director. Fashion and music come together with a cool collaboration. American rapper A$AP Rocky and the sunglasses brand Ray-Ban have launched the Blacked-Out Collection, which is available now. Ray-Ban has appointed A$AP Rocky as its first-ever Creative Director. He is famous for his influence in the music and fashion industries. Now, he is bringing his vision to Ray-Ban with the Blacked-Out Collection. Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, A$AP Rocky is a rapper, record producer and fashion icon. He rose to fame as part of the Harlem-based collective A$AP Mob. His critically acclaimed 2011 mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP, propelled him to mainstream recognition. His debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP was released in 2013. Now, Rihanna's beau is gearing up to release his fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb. A$AP Rocky explained: 'I've always admired Ray-Ban's ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving. I'm excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.' Ray-Ban President, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, added: 'Ray-Ban transcends the eyewear industry; it's not just a brand, it's a lifestyle. For nearly 80 years the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors and heroes – shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural revolutions of all the times. 'Today, we are welcoming A$AP Rocky into our family; he's a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores, aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand's values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage. Let the future begin!' Check in with FACT for the latest fashion news. GO: Visit for more information.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jury reaches verdict in A$AP Rocky assault trial
A Los Angeles jury reached a verdict on Tuesday in the assault trial of A$AP Rocky. The hip-hop star faces decades in prison for allegedly shooting at a former friend during a confrontation in Hollywood on Nov. 6, 2021. The jury panel, which is made up of seven women and five men, began deliberations on Tuesday morning and verdict is expected to be read at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The Grammy-nominated rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, was charged on Aug. 15, 2022 with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly firing a handgun in the direction of Terrell Ephron, whose professional name is A$AP Relli, during a confrontation between the two men. MORE: A$AP Rocky's defense team rests in alleged 2021 shooting case He pleaded not guilty. If convicted, the New York rapper could face up to 24 years in prison. Mayers and Ephron were childhood friends and both part of the Harlem-based rap collective A$AP Mob. The trial began with jury selection on Jan. 21. It included testimony from Ephron, who served as a star witness for prosecutors and accused Mayers of shooting at him during his testimony, claiming that his hand was grazed by a bullet. Mayers -- who is the partner of pop star Rihanna -- declined to take the witness stand during the trial. The gun, which was never recovered by authorities, was a focal point in this trial. Prosecutors argued that the gun was real, while Mayers' defense team argued that the gun that the rapper was holding at the time of the confrontation was merely a "prop gun" that he carried for his own security. MORE: A$AP Rocky's former friend testifies about alleged shooting as rapper faces decades in prison Ahead of jury selection in this case, Mayers turned down a plea deal that was offered to him by prosecutors, the rapper's lead attorney Joe Tacopina confirmed to ABC News. It included a 180-day jail term. "Yes, he was offered a plea deal but is not interested because he is actually innocent," Tacopia said. Jury reaches verdict in A$AP Rocky assault trial originally appeared on
