Schumer Fights For Consumer Rights As Toys R Us Set To Shutter Doors
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) announced yesterday that he is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to step in amidst consumer concerns over the future of retailer Toys R Us.
Schumer is asking the FTC to take an immediate look into the company to ensure no laws are being violated as a rumored liquidation process ensues, and most importantly, to ensure consumers have time to get cash back for unused gift cards. Schumer also urged the FTC to publish consumer education around the difficulties surrounding gift card redemption once a retailer enters bankruptcy.
Schumer noted public reports that showed prior to the holiday season, Toys R Us acquired Debtor In Possession (DIP) financing that carried the company through the holiday season, allowing them to remain open and sell toys and gift cards. However, that financing soon ran out and required another influx of cash the company has not been able to secure. These latest developments could spell trouble for consumers who may have just purchased gift cards and are now faced with the prospects of losing out on the value of their investment.
“With the entire Toys R Us operation at risk of shutting its doors for good, I am urging the company to redeem outstanding gift cards for cash so they are not as worthless and unwanted as a lump of coal in a stocking,” said Schumer.
“While many are fond of and share great memories inside these stores, you don’t need to have the neck of a giraffe to see that Toys R Us is having issues that could translate into money losses for innocent consumers. That’s what we want to head off at the pass by urging forthright planning,” Schumer added.
BP Adams Hosts Annual Heritage Celebration of BK Irish-Americans
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will commemorate the rich contributions and history of Irish-Americans in the borough at his annual heritage celebration today.
The event is being held in partnership with the Irish-American Heritage Committee, an organization whose mission is to educate the public on Irish culture, literacy, and history across New York City.
The festive occasion will feature Irish cuisine and libations, traditional dancing from the O’Malley Irish Dance Academy in Marine Park, as well as musical entertainment from the Brooklyn Bards, a traditional Irish band, and Chris Byrne, founding member of New York City-based Celtic rock band Black 47. Adams also take the time to thank members of Brooklyn’s Gaelic community for their service to improving the lives of people across the borough.
The event is slated for 6 p.m., today, March 15, at Brooklyn Borough Hall -Courtroom, at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Treyger Intros Bills Aimed At Easing Students Into Civil Service Jobs
City Council member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend), Education Committee Chairman, introduced two bills earlier this week aimed at improving access to civil-service jobs for thousands of graduating seniors across the city.
The bills, Intro.0671 and Intro.0672, would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to potentially scrap exam fees for first-time test-takers and advertise jobs directly to recent grads, respectively.
“One of my two new bills would require graduating high school students to be informed about the city’s civil service process so students have a deeper understanding of every option available to them and what they’re working towards as they graduate high school. Increasing awareness about the civil service exam process and the careers associated with those exams can motivate our students to continue their academic careers, knowing that more opportunities will be available to them should they pursue additional degrees,” said Treyger.
“We are cultivating many bright and talented young minds in our city, and we want to encourage that talent to remain here and help us move forward. By raising awareness and creating opportunities for civil service exams and employment, this package of legislation can help us accomplish that goal,” added Treyger.
AM Williams Honors Achievements Of Women
Assembly member Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) alongside Strong Nonprofits for a Better New York celebrated the achievements of several distinguished women yesterday in Albany.
This year’s honorees included Valerie Woodfard from Williams’ 59th Assembly District and a Board Member of Community Board 18, as well as, Janet Weinberg, the Executive Vice President of the Educational Alliance, Sharmaine Williams, Sr. VP of Workforce Development Services, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern NJ Inc, Sasha Young, Child Care Worker and Educator of the Five Towns Community Center.
Valerie Woodfard is a Community Emergency Response Team member proudly serving her neighborhood and community, a distinguished retired Corrections Officer, an active member of her block association, a member of Holy Family Church and a devoted participant and activist for the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council and Parents Advocate for People with Disabilities.
“Valerie is a cornerstone of the 59th Assembly District. Valerie’s devotion, crusade, activism and most importantly kind hearted and loving devotion to not only her family but her community is readily evident in all of her inspiring achievements,” said Williams.
“I have full faith that Valerie will assuredly continue to achieve wonderful endeavors for all of the noble causes she takes up. With the purest of intentions and devotion Valerie is a leader that stands out in the 59th Assembly District and I am not only proud to call her a constituent but also a true go getter”, proudly remarked Williams.
South Brooklyn Lawmakers Outraged By Release of Cop Killer
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), State Senator Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach) and Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) denounced the New York State Parole Board’s decision to release cop-killer Herman Bell yesterday.
Herman Bell is one of the three men convicted in the 1971 murder of two New York City police officers.Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones were lured to a Harlem housing project by a bogus 911 call on May 21, 1971 where they were ambushed, shot and killed. Officer Jones died instantly from a gunshot to the head. Officer Piagentini, who begged for his life, was shot 22 times by the suspects and died on his way to the hospital.
Bell, Anthony Bottom and Albert Washington were convicted of the two murders and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 1979. Bottom has a parole hearing set for June, while Washington died in prison. This was the seventh time since 2004 that Bell had pleaded for parole.
“This announcement not only dishonors the sacrifice of Officers Waverly Jones, Joseph Piagentini, and Sgt. John Young and their families, but it also betrays the trust of the brave men and women in blue who protect and serve our communities each day. This decision is a failure of justice and contrary to the ideals of fairness and liberty that our nation was founded on,” said Donovan.
“Sadly, the Governor’s appointed members of the New York State Parole Board have proven to be out of touch by giving the green light to release unrepentant cop killer Herman Bell from prison. The parole board has greatly failed the State of New York by ignoring the pleas of the distraught family, elected officials, law enforcement and concerned citizens. The parole board has blatantly disregarded the heinous actions perpetrated by this violent felon who took the lives of two innocent police officers,” said Golden, a former NYPD Officer.
“Our state’s justice system reached an all-time low with the decision by the New York State Parole Board to release cop killer Herman Bell who, along with two others, murdered two NYPD officers in 1971. Herman Bell’s heinous crime which was both premeditated and without provocation, would earn him life in prison without parole today. It is unconscionable that this murderer will be able to walk our streets again,” said Malliotakis.
DA Gonzalez’s Office Accepting Summer Internship Applications
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Monday the launch of the application process for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in participating in the summer internship program.
The five-week paid internship is open to students who live and /or attend high school in Brooklyn, and are interested in learning about the different careers and responsibilities within the criminal justice system. The internship runs from July 9 to August 10, 2018.
Selected students will be assigned to one of the many specialized units within the DA’s office, while also getting an overview of the criminal justice system. They can expect to assist with legal research and analysis; assist prosecutors preparing for trial; work on discovery; file maintenance and organizing court documents; participate in trial zone workshops; participate in judicial, legal and law enforcement-related field trips; and observe criminal proceedings including trials, guilty pleas and sentencings.
“We are thrilled to once again open our doors to high school students eager to learn about the criminal justice system. This type of exposure can help a student shape their goals, and imagine themselves pursuing a career in law. This internship is a great opportunity to observe how all the parts of our criminal justice system work together,” said Gonzalez.
To apply, please visit: http://apply.brooklynda.org beginning March 13, 2018, to upload transcript, essay and resume. Only the recommendation letter should be emailed as an attachment to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office at hsinternships@brooklynda.org, with the subject line: Recommendation Letter (Applicant’s First and Last Name).
All application materials must be received no later than Friday, April 27, 2018. For questions or assistance, please contact the High School Internship and Youth Initiatives Program Coordinator at (718) 250-4873.
