Latest news with #Way
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stand With Crypto Removes Soulja Boy From NJ Governor Rally After Discovering Sexual Assault Fine
Rapper Soulja Boy will no longer perform at Stand With Crypto's "get out the vote" event in Jersey City next week due to a court finding him liable for sexual battery and assault, a spokesperson told CoinDesk on Thursday. Soulja Boy, otherwise known as DeAndre Cortez Way, and 070 Shake, otherwise known as Danielle Balbuena, were slated to headline the event on June 5, which was intended to bring out crypto fans a few weeks before New Jersey residents go to the polls to choose their nominees for the Garden State's governor race, Stand With Crypto announced on Wednesday. Stand With Crypto New Jersey chapter president Carlos Merino said in a statement that "This GOTV rally is one more example of Stand With Crypto's commitment to mobilizing the crypto community ahead of New Jersey's critical gubernatorial primary election." However, Way will no longer perform after Politico reported Thursday morning that he was recently ordered to pay a former assistant $4 million after being found liable for sexual battery and assault. An external spokesperson for Stand With Crypto said in a statement that the organization was "not aware of the recent legal developments involving Soulja Boy." "Given this information, we have removed him from our event lineup. 070 Shake will still perform at our June 5th rally and we look forward to bringing together New Jersey's crypto community to demonstrate the political power of crypto voters ahead of the gubernatorial primary," according to the statement. "Our focus remains on mobilizing crypto supporters and ensuring candidates understand that clear, sensible crypto policy is a priority for New Jersey voters." The lawsuit against Way dates back to 2021, though the jury ruling only came last month. Way said he would appeal the ruling, according to Courthouse News Service. Way also performed at the "Crypto Ball," an inauguration event sponsored by MAGA Inc. and Bitcoin Inc., as well as Exodus, Anchorage Digital and Kraken back in January.
Winnipeg Free Press
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg mayor troubled by outreach workers' role in setting up homeless camp
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham reacted forcefully Friday to residents' concerns about Main Street Project's role in setting up a homeless encampment this week. Gillingham, who was among the recipients of a letter from the Point Douglas Residents Committee detailing the incident involving the non-profit social-services agency, said he opposes any agency involvement in supporting encampments in the city. 'I don't want to see people in tents. I don't want to see people living along the riverbank. I don't want to see people living in parks. I don't want agencies in any way helping people to do that,' he said. 'I want to get everybody moved out of there, into housing, with wraparound supports. Right now, we don't have enough housing. We're working on that.' While stopping short of commenting on behalf of the province, Gillingham said he doesn't believe assisting in encampment setups aligns with the spirit of the NDP government's $20-million Your Way Home strategy to combat chronic homelessness, which Premier Wab Kinew announced in January. 'We do a disservice to the people who are struggling unsheltered if we allow that to happen,' he said. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES 'I don't want to see people in tents. I don't want to see people living along the riverbank. I don't want to see people living in parks. I don't want agencies in any way helping people to do that,' Mayor Scott Gillingham said. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES 'I don't want to see people in tents. I don't want to see people living along the riverbank. I don't want to see people living in parks. I don't want agencies in any way helping people to do that,' Mayor Scott Gillingham said. In a statement issued late Friday, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said the province's strategy is clear. 'We expect community partners to transition people out of tents into safe, stable homes,' she said. 'We've been in contact with Main Street Project to ensure that all outreach efforts serve to move people into homes.' The Point Douglas group's letter, addressed to MSP, was also sent to Kinew, Progressive Conservative MLA Carrie Hiebert — the Opposition critic for housing, addictions and homelessness — the United Way, the Winnipeg Foundation and End Homelessness Winnipeg. It described the incident, witnessed by at least one resident, in which a Main Street Project van dropped off individuals with a tent, tarp, suitcases and other supplies, and then helped drag the equipment to the riverbank, where they helped to set up a camp where a previous one had recently been cleaned up. Main Street Project has repeatedly refused Free Press requests for comment. End Homelessness Winnipeg is an Indigenous-led organization responsible for distributing federal funds allotted locally from the national Reaching Home strategy. An EHW community advisory board takes calls for proposals based on Reaching Home directives and community priorities. EHW directed $726,000 to Main Street Project in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, according to that agency's latest financial report. Nearly all of it — $713,541 — went to the mobile outreach van's operations. EHW president and CEO Jason Whitford said Friday the workers' decision to assist in the camp setup was driven by safety concerns and a need to maintain trust with vulnerable community members. 'People are in survival mode, and we have to be sensitive of that,' he said. 'Outreach resources have the important job of building trust and building relationships… and getting people supported.' Later Friday, EHW issued a statement saying that while the Main Street Project has reaffirmed it does not support encampment setups and operates within a human rights-based framework, the incident has raised valid concerns about optics, public trust and community engagement. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES 'Outreach resources have the important job of building trust and building relationships… and getting people supported,' said Jason Whitford, president and CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg, MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES 'Outreach resources have the important job of building trust and building relationships… and getting people supported,' said Jason Whitford, president and CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg, 'We hear the Point Douglas residents clearly,' Whitford said. 'No one wants encampments. But when no safe shelter is available, outreach workers face ethically complex choices. This is not a failure of compassion, but a failure of systems — and that must urgently change.' Whitford declined to comment on the specifics of Tuesday's incident but confirmed he had discussed the matter with MSP executive director Jamil Mahmood. 'We can't speculate that they were in a shelter and moved to an encampment,' Whitford said. 'They could have been in a location where they might have needed to be relocated, there might have been some personal issues that might have arisen there.' He said relocation should be the last resort. The vast majority of MSP's funding comes from taxpayer dollars, including more than a third of its $11.4 million in total grant money — $3.65 million — from Manitoba's Families Department. Combined, the province, via several departments, directed more than $7.5 million to the agency last year. The city contributed nearly $400,000, and the Winnipeg Police Service added $772,000 for MSP's Intoxicated Persons Detention Area. 'I have not heard of a situation of (MSP) misusing our funds,' Whitford said. 'They've used the funds as intended.' To address the issues raised in the Point Douglas Residents Committee's letter, EHW said it will convene a 'sector meeting' with MSP, provincial officials, Indigenous housing partners and Point Douglas residents representatives to review protocols and improve co-ordination. It also plans to support better communication with residents. 'It is unacceptable that in a city as resourceful as Winnipeg, the only option some people have is a tent by the river,' he said. 'This must be a call to action — for more supportive housing, clearer protocols and a shared commitment to dignity, safety and accountability.' Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, the premier's senior adviser on ending chronic homelessness, was not made available for an interview by the province Friday. Whitecloud, the former CEO of Siloam Mission, is leading the co-ordination of the province's Your Way Home strategy, a two-year plan to relocate people living in outdoor encampments — one site at a time — and move them into appropriate housing with needed supports. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. City grants: • City of Winnipeg – $394,067 • WPS – $772,001 Provincial grants: • Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – $2,452,569 • Department of Families – $3,555,527 (up about $600,000 from the year before) • Manitoba Health and Community Wellness – $396,000 • Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living – $919,001 • Manitoba Department of Housing Operating subsidy – $199,412 • Province of Manitoba – $10,000 Community agency grants: • End Homelessness Winnipeg – $726,000 • United Way – $220,074 Scott BilleckReporter Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade's worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott. Every piece of reporting Scott produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
No mobile signal on underground Mumbai Metro; telecom firms cry foul at ‘monopoly' of operator
As complaints pour in from commuters regarding the non-availability of mobile network connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called Aqua Line, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has put the blame on what it describes as the 'monopolistic setup' developed by the Metro authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the COAI made it clear that mobile network operators are quite keen on providing seamless connectivity along the underground section through an in-building solution (IBS) shared by all. However, they accuse Mumbai Metro of refusing them direct access and instead involving a third-party vendor at 'exorbitant' prices for deploying networks. Metro passengers on the recently opened BKC-Worli segment of Metro Line 3 have raised concerns about not being able to use their phones, surf, or access apps while on their underground ride, the most basic of needs for a technologically advanced city like Mumbai. 'Telecom service providers had offered to install the infrastructure free of cost and provide connectivity to commuters, while commercial terms could be worked out subsequently. This consumer-first proposal was ignored,' said Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, Director General of COAI. The association also stated that the current setup goes against the Right of Way (RoW) provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, which requires that public utilities cannot refuse access to service providers. COAI added that similar infrastructure deployments in public properties like the Central Vista and PWD tunnel in Delhi have been given permission for free, only for the sake of commuter convenience. According to Kochhar, the telecom service providers had even agreed to create a shared infrastructure to prevent duplication and accelerate rollout, but their bid was rejected. Instead, the Metro operator allegedly demanded provisioning connectivity via a single vendor at high fees for access — a model COAI described as 'extortionate and monopolistic.' Even as the services were being tested on a trial basis by the telecom operators awaiting final agreement, commuters are still experiencing poor or no connectivity inside underground stations and tunnels. Experts have cautioned that similar delays in offering mobile coverage would affect ridership as well as safety in the event of an emergency, in which case passengers might not be able to communicate. Responding to the allegations, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) stated that, because of the underground location of the Metro and space constraints, a common infrastructure model was essential and in sync with international and national practices. MMRC explained that the chosen vendor was appointed under an open tendering process and that all the key telecom players had tendered their agreement to participate through this shared infrastructure. 'The shortlisted contractor had invested a lot of money, and two telecom operators had even begun operations on Phase 1, which were later shut down abruptly. One has resumed later. It is neither advisable nor feasible to let each operator create its own infrastructure in tight tunnels,' a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) spokesperson said, refuting allegations that it was not providing access. 'This is the same system applied to Indian metros and airports as well. Hence, it is absolutely denied that MMRC is not providing them access,' the spokesperson said. As Mumbai's underground Metro expands further, from BKC to Worli now, and is expected to extend till Cuffe Parade by August, commuters hope the dispute will be resolved soon to bring seamless digital access throughout the line.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Adventurely Launches 'Work & Play the LIC Way' Campaign Showcasing Long Island City as NYC's Favorite Remote‑Work Escape
Created in collaboration with Long Island City Partnership, the initiative positions the neighborhood as a go‑to hub for blending productivity with leisure LONG ISLAND CITY (QUEENS), NY, May 20, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Adventurely —a Techstars-backed platform for booking inspiring drop-in workspaces—has launched its first collection of NYC-based spaces, starting in Long Island City (LIC), NYC's fastest-growing neighborhood. The launch features eight new locations on the platform from Long Island City, each hosted by local businesses offering unique perks and amenities designed to help remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business travelers cowork with ease while blending productivity and play. All eight LIC spaces are live now at 'Long Island City was the perfect spot to launch our NYC community. As a New Yorker who often travels in and out of the city, I appreciate how LIC is rooted in Queens—the most diverse county in the U.S., with local businesses that reflect the neighborhood's cultural depth,' said Mita Carriman, founder of Adventurely. 'It's a refreshing break from the hustle of Manhattan, while still offering the energy, creativity, and convenience remote workers and travelers are looking for. LIC is a community in motion, and I believe it's one of the most exciting places to explore in New York right now.' Adventurely selected Long Island City for its mix of affordable hotels, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to Manhattan via excellent transportation. Working alongside Long Island City Partnership (LICP), Adventurely connected with local businesses to launch 'Work & Play the L.I.C. Way,' a campaign that positions LIC as the ideal remote-work escape for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business travelers seeking a refreshing change of pace just one subway stop from Midtown Manhattan. 'Long Island City has everything today's remote workers are looking for—quick access to Manhattan, incredible cultural assets, and a growing roster of welcoming spots to plug in,' said Laura Rothrock, president, Long Island City Partnership. 'By collaborating with Adventurely on the 'Work & Play the L.I.C. Way' campaign, we're giving freelancers and business travelers a curated path to experience the neighborhood like locals, while driving new foot traffic to our small businesses and hospitality partners.' Through the campaign, Adventurely is featuring a mix of traditional and unconventional workspaces—hotels, restaurants, cafés, and third places—across Long Island City, all bookable for day use and curated to help visitors balance work and play. The featured locations include: With more than 1.2 million remote workers and freelancers based in NYC, and over 12 million business travelers visiting each year, the campaign invites locals and travelers to explore Long Island City as a neighborhood where they can log on, be productive, grab a great meal, and experience a change of scenery, all in a single day. Long Island City offers a quick workday getaway that still feels refreshingly different—combining laptop-friendly spaces with waterfront parks, restaurants, and cultural institutions. About Adventurely Adventurely is a Techstars-backed platform to discover and book inspiring drop-in workspaces—cowork studios, hotels, cafes, and third spaces—for day use with perks and local discounts included. The platform helps freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business travelers seamlessly blend work and play while getting to know the neighborhoods they work from. For more information, visit About Long Island City Partnership (LICP) LICP is the local economic development organization for Long Island City. The organization champions efforts that strengthen LIC's industrial, commercial, retail, residential, and cultural community. LICP also manages the LIC Business Improvement District (LIC BID) and LIC Industrial Business Zone (LIC IBZ). To learn more, visit About Long Island City This former manufacturing hub is now one of NYC's most exciting neighborhoods—home to a thriving nightlife scene, must-visit restaurants, and contemporary art museums. Waterfront green spaces like Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park offer scenic views and peaceful breaks between meetings. Media Contact Mita Carriman [email protected] ### SOURCE: Adventurely Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
CBC
01-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Sudbury cyclist pushing for more secure bike parking downtown to increase accessibility, reduce theft
Andrew Way wouldn't be able to get around Greater Sudbury without his bicycle. Way has epilepsy and relies on biking as his main form of transportation because driving can be dangerous with his medical condition. While he says getting around the city isn't too difficult, finding a secure spot to park his bike when going into businesses can be challenging. "I'm hoping to see more accessible bike parking where theft is not an issue," said Way. "I want to be able to walk up to a bike rack, lock my bike and know it's safe there." Way says there are not many bike racks in downtown Sudbury to park a bicycle when needing to access a business, and no publicly-accessible locked bike cages. He adds that theft in downtown remains a concern and he doesn't feel comfortable leaving his expensive bike unattended or locked to a structure. "Downtown... it's the biggest, worst place for theft," said Way. When there is no spot available to leave his bike, Way explains he often has to take it with him into a business, which can be met with hostility. Way has been in contact with City of Greater Sudbury officials, asking them to install more bike racks or more locked bike cages so cyclists can park their bicycles securely. He says there are only two publicly available secured bike cages in Sudbury, located at Health Sciences North. The steel boxes are shielded from the weather and items in them are not visible from the outside, deterring theft. Way says city employees have access to a secured bike locker in the underground parking garage at Tom Davies Square. He was told by a city councillor that opening it to the public could be an option. "That'd be a good start from the city," said Way, adding he would park his bike there and walk to the downtown mall if he had to. "It's better than nothing." Way says he has reached out to the Downtown BIA and other businesses about installing bike racks, but hasn't been met with much co-operation. He says the New Sudbury Mall has told him it is installing year-round bike racks at all of its secured entrances with cameras available, which Way says is a step forward. He's hoping the Elm Place mall in downtown Sudbury can also install more bike infrastructure either outside entrances or in its parking garage. Ultimately, Way says bike parking is an accessibility issue and should be available for people who rely on it for transportation. "There is a clause in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) that a bike is a mobility aid if you need it," Way explained. "If you're someone like me who can't drive, can't walk, it's just as recognized as a wheelchair or a scooter or a little hand cart and comes with all these same accommodations." In a statement to CBC News, the City of Greater Sudbury said it is "committed to supporting active transportation, including the development of accessible and secure bike infrastructure. The statement said the city recognizes that "convenient bicycle parking plays a vital role in encouraging cycling as a safe, sustainable mode of transportation, and we continue to assess opportunities to improve cycling amenities across the community. We remain open to constructive feedback from all members of the public and are committed to working toward a more inclusive and accessible transportation network for everyone in Greater Sudbury."
