Interim NYPD commissioner expected to resign amid Adams administration issues
New York City’s new interim police commissioner is reportedly leaving the job, just weeks after he stepped up to the position. Mayor Eric Adams appointed Thomas Donlon as interim commissioner on Friday, Sept. 13, after former commissioner Edward Caban resigned.
Caban was one of several Adams administration officials who had their phones taken by federal agents amid investigations into the mayor and his team.
Federal agents searched Donlon’s homes 10 days after he started.
Sources say he could step down as soon as Friday, Oct. 11. Adams is expected to fill the position as soon as Monday, Oct. 14.
This is the latest shakeup in the Adams administration, as nearly a dozen of his staffers have either resigned or been arrested.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright resigned. A few hours later, police arrested senior community affairs liaison, Mohamed Bahi, for witness tampering and obstruction of justice.
Federal prosecutors indicted Adams in September. He was charged with five counts of bribery, corruption, wire fraud and soliciting and accepting donations from foreign nationals.
He pleaded not guilty and has said he’s done nothing wrong.
Eric Adams indictment: History with Turkish Cultural Center revealed
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption indictment revealed the missing piece as to why he cut ties with Brooklyn’s Turkish Cultural Center several years ago. Adams regularly attended events hosted by the center as far back as 2012.
Adams co-hosted a meat drive in 2015 when he was Brooklyn Borough president. He also went to the center’s annual “friendship dinner” in 2016. However, he didn’t go to that same event in 2017.
The indictment states a Turkish official allegedly told Adams he should separate himself from the center if he wanted to keep getting support from the Turkish government. The center is part of an opposition movement working against Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Adams is accused of taking travel benefits arranged by a Turkish official and granting political favors in exchange.
An anonymous member of the Turkish Cultural Center told The City he attempted to warn Adams that people associated with the Turkish regime were trying to influence him. The person also said it was disappointing when Adams stopped meeting with them.
According to the report by The City, Adams neglected Armenians because of his close relationship with the Turkish government.
In Adams’ indictment, it states a Turkish official told one of Adams’ staffers not to acknowledge the Armenian genocide for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Sabrina Carpenter had potential role in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment
Sabrina Carpenter recently stirred controversy when she acknowledged theories of her involvement in the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The “Espresso” singer was performing at a Madison Square Garden concert when the comments were shared with fans.
She said to a crowd, “Damn. What now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”
While it appears the pop music superstar was joking when asking that question to fans on Sunday, Sept. 29, reports are circulating on the potential link.
Last year, Carpenter shot the music video to her song “Feather” inside Brooklyn’s Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, a video filled with scenes of blood and violence.
After it was released, Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello was demoted by the Diocese of Brooklyn, and the church was reconsecrated by a bishop. Gigantiello gave the OK for Carpenter to film at the location for a fee of $5,000.
He later issued an apology letter to parishioners, saying he had agreed to the filming “to further strengthen the bonds between the young creative artists” in the community and the parish. That was after a “general search of the artist did not reveal anything questionable.”
When questioned about the video by Variety, Carpenter said “we got approval in advance.” In a separate statement of its own, the diocese said Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan was “appalled” over the matter, and would “be looking into it further” with a “broader administrative review into the church.”
After those earlier statements, in the week of Sept. 15, NBC News New York reported federal investigators were looking at the business dealings between Gigantiello and Frank Carone, the former chief of staff for Mayor Eric Adams.
The New York Post asked for a comment from the diocese, and if Carptenter’s music video played a role at all.
The diocese responded, saying, “It would be inappropriate to comment further on that review, which is still ongoing. The diocese is fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement in all investigations, including conduct at individual parishes or involving any priest.”
Some took the last line of the comment to mean that indeed the closer look into Carpenter’s video deal led to a review of Gigantiello’s business dealings, and later that of the mayor.
Just days after the first report, Adams was indicted by a grand jury, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal bribery and receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Adams has pled not guilty to all charges and he has not resigned from his post.
According to the National Catholic Reporter last week, Gigantiello, an FDNY chaplain, appeared to briefly comment about the reports during mass, saying “I need your prayers.”
Carpenter’s comments have further stirred the pot as the situation in the Big Apple continues to unfold.
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern US
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida overnight as a major Category 4 storm, leaving at least 3 people dead and leading to massive power outages. And the Oakland A’s have played their final home game after 57 years. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern U.S.
The storm brought the anticipated life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rains. Meteorologists say just because the storm has weakened significantly, does not make it less dangerous.
Authorities in Pasco County, Florida rescued people trapped by heavy flooding. One person was killed on Interstate 4 near Tampa when a sign fell on their car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities in Wheeler County, Georgia said two people were killed when an apparent tornado overturned a mobile home. Two others died in Laurens County, according to emergency officials.
As of early Friday morning, more than one million people in Florida were without power, as were hundreds of thousands more in Georgia. Power outages linked to Helene have also been reported in South Carolina and North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center said tropical storm conditions will be felt throughout the southeast throughout Friday, with strong, damaging winds likely to “penetrate as far inland as the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.”
Trump says he will meet with Zelenskyy to hear ‘victory plan’
The decision comes after there was some doubt whether the meeting between the two would occur — after both Trump and Zelenskyy have been critical of each other.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian president met with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris separately to discuss his plan to defeat Russia. Biden pledged to send billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, weapons, and supplies.
Meanwhile, Harris told Zelenskyy recent calls for Ukraine to give over some of its land to Russia are “dangerous and unacceptable,” referring to recent suggestions by Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Both have suggested Ukraine should cut a deal quickly to end the war that’s been going on for almost three years now.
Trump has stated that if he wins the November election, he will end the Russia-Ukraine war even before he takes office.
Zelenskyy also met with members of Congress Thursday in an effort to shore up American support for the ongoing war.
DOJ expected to announce charges in alleged Iranian hack of Trump campaign
Investigators said Iran gained access to Trump campaign emails and sent files to various media outlets and the Biden-Harris campaign this summer, before President Biden dropped out of the race and Vice President Harris took over as the Democratic nominee.
Reports said multiple Iranian hackers will be charged. Sources told ABC News the Trump campaign has been informed of the charges.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams to appear in federal court
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to make an appearance in federal court Friday. He will be arraigned on charges including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.
It marked the second time this year the state has employed this controversial method.
Miller was sentenced to death in 2000 for a 1999 shooting that killed three men he had worked with, after he accused them of spreading rumors about him.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said the procedure involved Miller being fitted with a mask and nitrogen gas flowing into his system for about 15 minutes.
According to the Associated Press, Miller’s final words were, “I didn’t do anything to be here.”
The game had plenty of emotion as well as some interruptions. Somebody threw a smoke bomb onto the field at one point, and a fan ran onto the field and made a dash for it, as well.
In the end, A’s fans soaked up all the memories, staying well past the final out.
The team will now relocate to Sacramento for the next three seasons before moving to their new permanent home in Las Vegas in 2028.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes, wire fraud and more
A newly released and historic indictment sees charges come against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Documents reveal that he was indicted on five charges, following a federal corruption investigation. He’s the first sitting mayor in the city to face criminal prosecution.
The 57-page indictment detailed a decadeslong trail of alleged crimes. Adams was indicted with one charge each of bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two charges relating to receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. He’s also charged with wire fraud.
The indictment happened after months of Adams being under federal investigation over his alleged connection to Turkish officials and businessmen.
The indictment revealed Adams allegedly “solicited and demanded” bribes that totaled over $100,000. Those included luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official as early as 2016. The Turkish official was allegedly seeking Adams’ help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
The indictment alleged wealthy donors used other people called “straw” donors who claimed they were contributing their own money to get around the cap placed on how much money one person can donate.
Adams took the podium Thursday, Sept. 26, following the unsealing of the indictment and was met with protesters calling for him to resign.
Adams said, “We are not surprised. We expected this. This is not surprising to us at all, the actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing.”
He said his attorneys will take care of the case so he can continue to take care of New York City.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, D, can force him out, which would lead to a special election. She is reportedly monitoring the situation.
New York City’s current public advocate Jumaane Williams would assume the position of acting mayor if Adams were to be suspended by Gov. Hochul or if he were to end up stepping down.
Williams is a former city council member and he ran for governor against Hochul in 2022.
However, we do not yet know the exact charges Adams will be facing.
Once the indictment is unsealed, Adams will become the first mayor of New York City to face a federal charge while in office. Previously, Adams has denied any wrongdoing saying it’s political payback for his complaining about the migrant crisis in New York City.
On Wednesday night, he vowed to stay in office and fight the charges.
“Enough, I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit,” Adams said. “If I’m charged — I know I’m innocent — I will request an immediate trial so the New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life. That fight has continued as your mayor.”
Once charged, it’s not clear when he would surrender to authorities.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accused of witness tampering, intimidation; bail denied
A U.S. district judge upheld a decision on Wednesday, Sept. 18, to deny hip-hop superstar Sean “Diddy” Combs bail after accusations of witness tampering. Combs’ legal team claimed that the rapper could post a $50 million bond, but Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied the request on Tuesday, Sept. 17. She said, even if bond were posted, she couldn’t “reasonably assure his return to court or the safety of the community, or a lack of witness tampering.”
Authorities believe that Combs tried to silence people who might speak out against him. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr. upheld the decision to deny bail after an appeal from Combs’ legal team.
Prosecutors said since being sued in November by his ex-girlfriend, who accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse, Combs has tried to get in touch with her and other witnesses who have received grand jury subpoenas, as well as a person he allegedly harmed. He reportedly called or texted one of the potential witnesses 58 times over a period of four days.
Prosecutors argue that Combs’ power and influence give him the ability to “intimidate” witnesses and victims. Prosecutors said that witnesses they interviewed expressed a fear of Combs.
Combs’ defense contends that he did not know he was under a criminal investigation when he contacted the witnesses and victims, and do not see it as an “obstruction of justice,” adding, that he is not a threat to flee and has “earned” the court’s trust.
Combs is indicted on accusations that he ran a “criminal enterprise” through his businesses, which involved sex trafficking, kidnapping, arson and forced labor. The indictment alleges Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Suspect in Trump apparent assassination attempt went undetected for 12 hours
New details emerge on the suspect in the second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, including how long he went undetected near the former president’s golf club. And Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been arrested on federal charges. We have the latest on what’s ahead for the hip hop mogul. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.
Suspect in apparent assassination attempt went undetected for 12 hours
Authorities said the suspect in this past weekend’s apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump went undetected near Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida for 12 hours before being noticed by a Secret Service agent. The suspect was caught pointing a rifle through the bushes.
The agent fired at the suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, who fled the scene only to be taken into custody a short time later. A local sheriff’s office released body camera video showing his arrest.
Routh was charged Monday, Sept. 16, with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He did not enter a plea during an appearance in a federal courtroom.
In a Monday afternoon press conference, Secret Service Acting Director Ron Rowe, Jr. said Routh did not fire any shots at the agent and never had Trump in his line of sight.
Rowe and the FBI agent in charge, Jeffrey Veltri, said so far, there is no evidence showing the suspect knew Trump would be golfing that day. Veltri went into detail about the suspect’s criminal past.
“In 2002, as the United States attorney mentioned, the subject was charged and convicted in North Carolina for possession of a weapon of mass destruction,” Veltri said. “Law enforcement checks also revealed that from 1997 to 2010, the subject had numerous felony charges for stolen goods. I can also share with you that he was the subject of a previously closed 2019 tip to the FBI where it was alleged he was a felon in possession of a firearm.”
Veltri said the FBI passed along that information to authorities in Hawaii, where Routh lived. Rowe told reporters Trump’s plans to play golf on Sunday were “off-the-record” – meaning it was not part of the former president’s official schedule.
As new questions emerge about the Secret Service’s effectiveness following the second assassination attempt in just over two months, Rowe defended his agents, saying they were “rising for this moment.”
“Yesterday afternoon, this country was reminded of the heightened and dynamic threat environment that the United States Secret Service and its protectees face on a daily basis,” Rowe said. “Immediately following the assassination attempt of former President Donald J. Trump on July 13th, the Secret Service moved to increase assets to an already enhanced security posture for the former president.”
Rowe said the “highest levels of protection” were in place for the former president – as directed by President Joe Biden – including “counter-sniper team elements.”
Speaking to reporters on his way to an event in Philadelphia Monday, Biden said the Secret Service “needs more help.” A White House official said President Biden spoke to Trump on the phone Monday, conveying his relief that the former president was safe.
During an appearance on the social media site X Monday night, Trump spoke about hearing the gunshots fired by the Secret Service. He said the agent did a “fantastic job” and joked that he “would have liked to have sank that last putt.”
Routh’s next court appearance is set for Sept. 23 for a pre-detention hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 30. Routh remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs arrested on federal charges in New York
Hip hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested on federal charges on Monday night. Sources close to the matter tell media outlets Diddy was not expecting the arrest.
Homeland Security took him into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel on 57th Street in Manhattan.
It’s not yet clear what federal charges he’s facing. The indictment is expected to be unsealed Tuesday, Sept. 17, at his arraignment.
Combs is facing multiple sexual assault lawsuits and has been the subject of a federal human trafficking probe in the last year, which is why Homeland Security is involved. His lawyers said he has been cooperating with investigators.
Former lead engineer felt pressure to get ‘Titan’ ready
Tuesday is day two of the Coast Guard’s hearing into the Titan submersible implosion that killed all five people on board.
Monday, we learned one of the last messages sent from the doomed vessel, indicated there were no concerns. It read “all good here.” That text message was shown during a recreation of the submersible’s trip to the Titanic wreckage at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023.
It came not long before the watercraft imploded, leaving all five people on board dead, including Stockton Rush — the co-founder of OceanGate, the company that owned the Titan.
The lead engineer for the vessel testified at Monday’s hearing saying he felt pressured by Rush to get it ready for the trip.
Former OceanGate Engineering Director Tony Nissen testified he stopped the submersible from going to the Titanic in 2019, telling Rush it was “not working like we thought it would.” Nissen was fired that year.
OceanGate’s co-founder, former operations director, and former scientific director are also supposed to testify in the hearing, which is expected to last about two weeks.
Meta bans Russian state media over ‘foreign interference activity’
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta has banned Russian state media broadcaster RT, along with several other Kremlin-controlled outlets. Meta accuses them of using deceptive tactics to covertly influence operations online.
Before it was banned on Monday, RT had 7.2 followers on Facebook and one million on Instagram.
Meta’s move comes days after the Justice Department announced charges against two RT employees for funneling nearly $10 million into a U.S. company to create and promote content aligning with Russian interests.
Amazon ending remote work starting next year
Almost five years after the COVID-19 pandemic swept and ravaged the nation, as well as the world, and led to many people working from their homes, Amazon is ending remote work. Starting next year, corporate employees will be required to be back in the office five days a week.
This is the latest update to Amazon’s rules regarding remote work. Last year, the company changed its policy to mandate employees come back to the office at least three days a week.
Amazon has supposedly been marred by an inability to get things done with lots of meetings and layers of approval. CEO Andy Jassy called out that culture in a note to workers saying there are “pre-meetings for the pre-meetings for the decision meetings, a longer line of managers feeling like they need to review a topic before it moves forward.”
Jordan Chiles files appeal after being stripped of bronze medal
Chiles’ first individual Olympic medal was rescinded after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that her coach filed an inquiry during the floor exercises, which propelled Chiles to third place. But it was a few seconds too late.
Chiles has now appealed her case to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee supports Chiles and said they are determined to see she gets the recognition she deserves.
Conservative podcasters react to Russian influence campaign allegations
Several high-profile conservative influencers, including Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson, say they are victims of a purported Russian disinformation campaign. The Department of Justice has indicted two employees from RT, a Russian state media outlet.
It accuses the employees of covertly funneling nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based media company to promote pro-Russian narratives. The indictment describes the company as a network of conservative commentators, which closely matches Tenet Media, a platform hosting Pool, Johnson and others.
According to the indictment, the media company, which has featured notable conservative figures such as Lara Trump and Kari Lake, received substantial payments from RT but did not disclose these connections.
This funding was allegedly used to create content that aligned with Russian interests, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The Justice Department’s indictment is one of its most extensive actions against foreign disinformation efforts. It includes the seizure of Kremlin-run websites and sanctions against RT’s top officials.
The indictment details how RT employees allegedly used shell companies to conceal the true origin of their funding and influence conservative media in the U.S.
The indictment alleges that Tenet Media produced nearly 2,000 videos, garnering over 16 million views on YouTube, with payments to its commentators totaling at least $8.7 million. RT, which had its operations curtailed in the U.S. following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has dismissed the accusations.
Some of the conservative commentators involved have reacted on X, asserting they are victims and emphasizing their lack of control over external financial dealings.
Benny Johnson, host of “The Benny Show,” said, “A year ago, a media startup pitched my company to provide content as an independent contractor. Our lawyers negotiated a standard, arms-length deal, which was later terminated. We are disturbed by the allegations in today’s indictment, which make clearer that myself and other influencers were victims in this alleged scheme. My lawyers will handle anyone who states or suggests otherwise.”
Dave Rubin, host of “The Rubin Report,” stated, “I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period. The DOJ has never contacted me regarding this matter, and I have no intention to comment further.”
Tim Pool, host of “The Culture War Podcast,” said, “Never at any point did anyone other than I have full editorial control of the show, and the contents of the show are often apolitical. The show is produced in its entirety by our local team without input from anyone external to the company. That being said, we still do not know what is true as these are only allegations.”
Five people charged in connection to death of actor Matthew Perry
New developments are coming to light about the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. The Offices of the United States Attorneys announced on Thursday, Aug. 15, that five individuals have been charged in connection to the actor’s death.
Perry died in October 2023 after he lost consciousness and drowned in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles, California. An autopsy revealed that his death was due in part to the acute effects of ketamine — a powerful sedative with psychedelic properties. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner declared his death was due to an accidental drug overdose and drowning, with no foul play suspected.
Now, authorities are saying the investigation is not over. Officials said the defendants took advantage of Perry’s struggle with addiction, which he outlined in a 2022 memoir.
Los Angeles homicide detectives and federal agents have been looking into how Perry obtained the drugs. The indictment calls out two doctors as the initial suppliers. The two suspects identified are Jasveen Sangha and Salvador Plasencia.
Sangha, 41, is known as the “ketamine queen of LA.” Plasenia, 42, is a licensed medical doctor known as “Dr. P.” The two were both arrested on Thursday in southern California with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha was also charged with multiple other drug related offenses.
The other defendants include Perry’s former assistant, a San Diego-based physician and an acquaintance who had previously helped the actor obtain ketamine.
“We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously,” Perry’s family said in a statement. “We look forward to justice taking its course.”