.png)
Mayor Changes Course on Inmate Deportations
The Bloomberg administration reversed its course on a policy that allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants detained on Rikers Island.
The city’s Department of Correction routinely cooperates with the ICE to deport 3,000 to 4,000 immigrants on an annual basis, despite a citywide “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on immigration. A bill proposed by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn would limit the city’s cooperation with the federal authority to cases where an inmate has been charged by the prosecutor’s office or has outstanding warrants, prior convictions, or deportation orders.
Over 50 percent of those deported through cooperation with ICE have no prior criminal record, while 20 percent were charged with minor crimes, according to Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito.
“Our goal is always to protect public safety and maintain national security, while ensuring New York remains the most immigrant-friendly city in the nation,” John Feinblatt, the mayor’s chief policy adviser told The New York Times. “This strikes the right balance.”
Cuomo Not Budging Union Layoffs
Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke tough on 3,500 layoff notices his administration sent out on Sept. 29.
“The members of the union didn’t think I was serious. They thought the administration was bluffing, that there wouldn’t be layoffs. And if that’s what they thought, they were mistaken,” said Cuomo on Friday.
The governor’s administration threatened layoffs in contract negotiations with the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF). A contract deal was reached with PEF on July 16, which was dependent on a vote of approval by the union’s rank and file members. The majority voted against the contract, thus triggering the issue of layoff notices by Cuomo’s administration.
“The New York State Public Employees Federation is prepared to meet with the state to discuss how we can alter the tentative contract agreement that our members rejected,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.
Man Looking for Lost Engagement Ring Owner
A real estate mortgage broker found what appears to be a diamond-studded ring on the streets of Midtown last week and is looking for the owner.
The broker, who prefers to remain anonymous, found the ring in a puddle at the corner of 38th Street and Madison Avenue on Friday, Sept. 23, on his way home from work. He estimates the value at around $10,000, though the ring has not been officially appraised.
He said he was moved by the thought of the devastating loss someone may have suffered and decided he would proactively look for the owner, rather than cash in on the lost treasure. He added that he is skeptical of turning the ring over to the police, thinking that they may not actually make any real attempt to find the rightful owner.If you think the ring belongs to you, email evan.mantyk@epochtimes.com and include a description of the ring and your contact information.
