New York’s governor signed an executive order Wednesday recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will propose legislation next year making June 19 a permanent state holiday. Such a bill is already before the legislature. “It is a day we should all reflect upon. It is a day that is especially relevant in this moment in history,” Cuomo said. Several states already observe Juneteenth, which has its historical roots in Texas, the first state to make it a state holiday in 1980. President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was effective Jan. 1, 1863, but the news took time to travel.

Tuesday June 23rd is Primary Day across New York State. There will be primaries for Congressional, State Senate and Assembly seats as well as delegates to the presidential nominating conventions. Early voting period is from June 13th to June 21st. This year there will be a major change in how New Yorkers vote. Under an executive order, to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19, all registered, eligible voters may apply to vote by Absentee Ballot. With the coronavirus pandemic and absentee balloting, it is unclear how turnout will be this year. It is thus of crucial importance that our community vote in large numbers to ensure our votes have an impact. Now, more than ever, as we begin emerging from the pandemic, it is crucial that our voices be heard in big numbers.

A Lubavitcher Bochur was nearly a victim of a drive-by shooting in Brooklyn. According to CHI, the incident happened on Wednesday evening at around 7:30PM on Atlantic Avenue near Pennsylvania Avenue. The Bochur states he was driving when suddenly shots rang out, and two bullets struck his vehicle. One smashed the passenger-side window and a second stuck his tire. One person on the sidwalak was struck. His exact condition was unknown, and it is unknown if that man was in fact the target. The NYPD was investigating the incident. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In 36 years of hosting “Jewish Moments in the Morning” (JM in the AM) I’ve had a general policy of not providing guests with questions in advance of our conversations. This policy safeguards the spontaneity, curiosity and enthusiasm of on-air discussions. In response to Governor Cuomo’s recent announcement regarding the closure of summer camps, I have extended an invitation to have him join me on the air, to no avail. As a result, in order to establish the respectful and straight forward intent of my invitation, I am providing Governor Cuomo with my questions in advance, in good faith and in hopes of him accepting my offer: 1. Throughout the pandemic, you have left many decisions and enforcement to local governments. Why did you decide to make this one on your own? 2.

Forging ahead on police reforms, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday that the city is launching an online database that will let New Yorkers track disciplinary cases against police officers accused of excessive force and other violations and view their administrative records. The New York Police Department will also adopt tighter deadlines to speed up the disciplinary process, the mayor said. The latest reforms are meant to bring more transparency to a system long criticized for being too secretive and plagued by lengthy delays in holding police officers accountable for misconduct. “We have to know that if something’s done right, it will be recognized and when something’s done wrong, it will be acted on,” de Blasio said.

NYC Mayor DeBlasio blasted the NYC Police Unions on Tuesday – even going so far as calling one of them “racist”. DeBlasio made the explosive comment in response one of New York City’s police unions said officers were “intentionally poisoned” and another warned cops couldn’t even have a meal without “coming under attack” after officers were sickened by a toxic substance in milkshakes from a Shake Shack – which later turned out to be no criminality involved. Mayor Bill de Blasio slammed the unions over what they’d said. “I would think the unions would trust the NYPD to find the truth, and I thank Chief Harrison for so rapidly getting the truth out. These union leaders don’t want the truth.

Apple will reopen 10 stores in New York City this week, the company said on Tuesday. It’s the first time Apple stores in the city have been open since they closed in March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ten stores in New York City will be open “by appointment,” meaning that customers can schedule a time to pick up previously purchased products or get service for their iPhone. The stores reopening this week in New York include locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. They include Apple’s glass cube on Fifth Avenue, which is one of the company’s most visible retail locations and a tourist attraction. Apple didn’t say which day this week the stores will open but specific hours and dates will be posted to the company’s website. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

El Al has extended its cancelation on all scheduled flights to and from Israel until July 31. The previous date announced by El Al earlier this month was June 30. The only flights that will be operating are cargo flights and one-off services. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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To the YWN staff, I would like to start off by expressing my appreciation to for your kosher coverage of daily news. It is to my astonishment though that such positive press is being given to Jewish “ParkBusters” and frum elected officials involved in illegally reopening public parks through New York City. It would be one thing for an overly zealous individual to break the law and destroy public property in an act to champion the cause and plight of the Jewish Community. However, it is quite disturbing to see how our elected officials and representatives are joining him in his acts of vandalism.

The question on many people’s minds this morning is how can a violent maniac that assaulted an innocent 92-year-old woman was walking the streets — when he had a stunning 101 prior arrests? Police sources say Rashid Brimmage, 31, has 101 prior arrests and is a registered sex offender. His prior arrests include: assault, possession of a controlled substance, public lewdness, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, various forms of abuse, obstruction of governmental authority, criminal trespass, forcible touching, harassment and persistent sexual abuse. According to police, he’s also the man caught on camera assaulting an elderly woman in Gramercy Park.