Maloney Requests Investigation of Parler
Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) called on the FBI to investigate the role that the social media site Parler played in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6.
In the days leading up to the attack, several news outlets published reports of Parler users threatening violence against lawmakers for their role in certifying the election results. Since the attack, several Parler users have been arrested for either inciting or participating in the incident.
“I am writing to request that as part of its comprehensive investigation of the January 6 assault on the Capitol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conduct a robust examination of the role that the social media site Parler played in the assault, including as a potential facilitator of planning and incitement related to the violence, as a repository of key evidence posted by users on its site, and as a potential conduit for foreign governments who may be financing civil unrest in the United States,” Maloney wrote.
Read the full letter here.
Cuomo Announces Extension of Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the State is extending the Open Enrollment Period for health insurance through March 31, 2021.
Uninsured New Yorkers will be able to apply for coverage via NY State of Health, the State’s Official Health Plan Marketplace, or directly through insurers. The extension comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) public health emergency renewal, which extends the period until April 20, 2021.
“Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to health insurance is essential, not only as we continue to fight the war against COVID, but to foster healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities as we rebuild post-pandemic,” Cuomo said. “By extending this deadline until March, New Yorkers who need health coverage will have additional time to enroll and find the plan that works best for themselves and their families.”
Rivera Responds to Avenue C Shooting
Last Wednesday, Councilmember Carlina Rivera (D-East Village, Gramercy Park) released a statement regarding a deadly shooting that took place in her district earlier this week.
On Monday, Jan. 18, a 36-year-old man was shot and killed on the corner of Avenue C and East 3rd Street. As of this writing, the police have yet to identify the shooters.
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic fatal shooting that occurred this week at East 3rd Street and Avenue C in my district, and I hope that the person(s) responsible for the crime is held accountable,” said Rivera. “While we continue to learn more about the motivations behind this shooting, this is just the latest in a series of incidents at this intersection, an intersection that feels forgotten, and one that is certainly neglected by City and State agencies. While my office has been pushing agencies to address public health and safety issues at this site for years, unfortunately, it took an event as tragic as this week’s murder to provoke action there, just like so many corners bordered with low-income housing before it.”
Electeds to Rally to Protect Upper Manhattan House Linked to Underground Railroad
Today, a group of Manhattan electeds will join the Upper Riverside Residents Alliance to call on the City to reverse their decision to reject landmark status for 857 Riverside Dr.
857 Riverside Drive is the last surviving link to Dennis Harris, an Underground Railroad conductor and abolitionist minister – and it could be gone soon. The owner of the building has filed for a permit to demolish the structure and construct a 13-story residential building in its place.
Among the electeds slated to appear at today’s rally are Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D), State Senator Robert Jackson (D-Washington Heights, Inwood), Councilmember Mark Levine (D-Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville) and Assemblymember Al Taylor (D-Harlem, Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights).
The event will take place today at 10 a.m. at 857 Riverside Dr.
