New York

Largest-Ever Single Corporate Contribution to to Advance Student Achievement New York City Public Schools

NEW YORK, NY, June 30, 2008 -- Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt today announced that the GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of General Electric Company, has awarded the New York City Department of Education (DOE) a five-year grant of $17.9 million, the largest-ever single corporate contribution to New York City public school system. The grant will support initiatives to better prepare middle school students for college and career opportunities, with a particular focus on improving achievement in math and science.    » read more »

Comprehensive Plan Delineates Action Items within Three Separate Areas Designed to Leverage and Enhance the Revitalization Underway in the South Bronx

June 17, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the South Bronx Initiative, a comprehensive plan to sustain and strengthen the ongoing revitalization of the South Bronx.

A South Bronx meat market: Photo by mpb (CC)    » read more »

16 June 2008 -- Thousands of same-sex couples are expected to wed in California following the state's Supreme Court ruling that overturned a ban on gay marriage.

State officials will issue the first marriage licenses at 5pm local time.

In a four to three decision in May, the California Supreme Court ruled against a voter-approved law that restricted marriage to a man and woman.

The court said the state constitution's guarantee of equal rights gives same-sex couples the right to marry.

California voters will have a chance to overturn the court ruling in November when they vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to limit marriage to a man and a woman.

Twenty-seven U.S. states have amended their constitutions to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman.    » read more »

For Three Saturdays in August, Route from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park Will Open

June 16, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced Summer Streets, a new City program that will temporarily open a 6.9 mile car-free route from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street.    » read more »

Introduction of Solar Power System to Ray Brook Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters will Provide 30 Percent of the Agency’s Annual Energy Needs, Cutting Cost and Pollution

June 16, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today praised the work of State agencies that are cutting their energy needs and announced the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will install photovoltaic solar equipment at its Ray Brook Headquarters. The solar panels will provide one third of the agency’s energy needs, a major reduction of its outside power consumption.    » read more »

June 15, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Roger Kelley has submitted his resignation as president of the New York Power Authority.

“Roger Kelley has served the state commendably, leading the Power Authority toward significant accomplishments that will positively impact energy policy into the future,” said Governor Paterson. “His record demonstrates both his vision for reducing our dependence on oil with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and his commitment to protecting the environment with clean energy and conservation efforts.”    » read more »

1,500 OTB Workers Will Report To Work Monday Morning; Legislative Action to be Taken up By Legislature Tomorrow

June 15, 2008 -- Today New York Governor David A. Paterson announced the details of the City and State agreement on an immediate State takeover of New York City Off-Track Betting (OTB).

OTB window, New York City: Photo by Adam Kuban (CC)    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- "I was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Tim Russert. I knew him as most Americans did - as a political commentator, an accomplished author, and without a doubt, one of the most influential journalists of our time. I also knew him on a more personal level as a man of incredible character, substance, and wit.

"I can only imagine the pain that his family must be feeling right now - and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen, and his son, Luke, who interned here at City Hall last year. Tim didn't just report on American politics - he played an active role in protecting the freedoms we hold so dear: free press, fair elections, and vigorous debate. He was a champion for honesty and truth, and he'll be dearly missed."    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- "Today I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Russert, a beloved native son of Buffalo, New York. A distinguished and dedicated public servant, he worked for New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and in the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo. He then transitioned from government to become a fair, tough and outstanding journalist, quickly ascending to one of the most respected in his field.

Tim never forgot his roots in Western New York, and his hometown has always celebrated his great accomplishments. A graduate of Canisius High School, he is still known as a legendary Buffalo Bills fan. My heart and prayers go out to his family and colleagues, as New York mourns the death of this great American."

Source: New York Governor

June 13, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on June 16, 2008, in honor of a 10th Mountain Division Soldier who was killed in action in Kirkuk Province, Iraq on June 8.

Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, who resided in Antwerp, Jefferson County, was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. He was killed when his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device. His hometown is Saratoga, Wyoming.    » read more »

Expired Milk, Eggs, Medicines, and Baby Formula Found in Scores of CVS and Rite Aid Stores Statewide

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- June 12, 2008 – New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced his office is taking legal action against CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies after a statewide investigation into retail drug stores found the companies sold expired products - including milk, eggs, medicines and baby formula - at stores across New York.    » read more »

Mayor Bloomberg And Police Commissioner Kelly Announce New York City Remains The Safest Big City In America According To FBI Uniform Crime Report; New York City's Drop in Violent Crime Was Twice as Large as the Nation's

June 9, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced that New York City remains the safest big city in America, according to the FBI's preliminary Uniform Crime Report for 2007. The report shows that, compared to 2006, the City experienced a 2.7 percent drop in overall crime last year.    » read more »

Mayor Bloomberg Announces Creation Of Office Of Environmental Remediation And Outlines Necessary Reform Measures To Overhaul New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program

June 9, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the creation of the Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) to expedite the cleanup of contaminated brownfield sites throughout New York City as outlined in PlaNYC .    » read more »

June 7, 2008 -- New York Governor David Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on June 11, 2008 in honor of three members of the 10th Mountain Division who were killed in action in Iraq on June 4, 2008.

Army Sgt. Shane P. Duffy, of Tauton, Massachusetts; Army Specialist Jonathan D. Emard, of Mesquite, Texas; and Amy Sgt. Cody R. Legg, of Escondido, California, died when their unit came under attack in Sharqat, Iraq.

The soldiers were conducting search operations. All three were members of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum., N.Y.    » read more »

New York -- 3 June 2008 -- New York's Hudson River Park is about to undergo a surge of construction to mark its 10th anniversary. The 222-hectare park is second in size to Manhattan's Central Park. But unlike Central Park, Hudson River Park celebrates New York's waterfront.

The new construction plans include boathouses, cafés, miniature golf, playgrounds, recreational fields and facilities, and an esplanade offering native grasses, trees, and gardens along with landscaped seating areas.

The Hudson River Park Trust, a partnership between New York City and State charged with the design and maintenance of the open space, was created in 1998. Today, the Park is 40 percent complete. Connie Fishman, the trust's president, outlines some building plans.    » read more »