10 people have been killed in a shootout in New York's Buffalo. The FBI is investigating the shooting as hate crime. Investigators believe gunman live-streamed the attack.

US: 10 people killed in a shootout in Buffalo, FBI investigating shooting as hate crime

US: 10 people killed in a shootout in Buffalo

The New York City in the United States hosted the first-ever Japan day parade with Music, Dance & Celebration. The parade marks strong ties between the US & Japan.

US: New York City hosts first-ever Japan day parade with Music, Dance & Celebration

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently holidaying in New York and taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted a picture from their visit to Priyanka Chopra`s restaurant Sona, smiling and posing together with a member from the restaurant.

Lovebirds Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently holidaying in New York. The power couple visited Priyanka Chopra`s New York restaurant called Sona on Thursday. Taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted a picture from their visit to Priyanka Chopra`s restaurant Sona, smiling and posing together with a member from the restaurant.

She captioned the picture, "Home away from home - @sonanewyork. Loved the vibe - @priyankachopra as always everything u do is just amazing."The 'Tiger 3'&nbsp;actor looked adorable in a printed dress. Vicky, on the hand, donned a grey t-shirt with black denim pants and complemented his look with a black cap. In response, PC soon reshared Katrina`s post on her Instagram story and wrote a sweet note that read, "Love u honey! So glad u guys could make it. @sonanewyork welcomes u anytime. #homeawayfromhome."

Meanwhile, on the work front, both Vicky and Katrina have an interesting movie lined up. Vicky Kaushal will star in 'Govinda Nam Mera'&nbsp;with Boomi Pedneker and Kiara Advani. He also owns an untitled movie of Laxman Utekar starring Sara Ali Khan. Vicky will appear in 'Sam Bahadur'&nbsp;of Meghna Gulzar. On the other hand, talking about Katrina Kaif, the actor has 'Tiger 3'&nbsp;in the pipeline, starring Salman Khan. She also has a horror-comedy `PhoneBhoot` starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter. The actor will also share screen space with Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt in Farhan Akhtar`s `Jee Le Zaraa’.

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Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently holidaying in New York and taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted a picture from their visit to Priyanka Chopra`s restaurant Sona, smiling and posing together with a member from the restaurant.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently holidaying in New York and taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted a picture from their visit to Priyanka Chopra`s restaurant Sona, smiling and posing together with a member from the restaurant. Lovebirds Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently holidaying in New York. The power couple visited Priyanka Chopra`s New York restaurant called Sona on Thursday. Taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted a picture from their visit to Priyanka Chopra`s restaurant Sona, smiling and posing together with a member from the restaurant. She captioned the picture, "Home away from home - @sonanewyork. Loved the vibe - @priyankachopra as always everything u do is just amazing."The 'Tiger 3' actor looked adorable in a printed dress. Vicky, on the hand, donned a grey t-shirt with black denim pants and complemented his look with a black cap. In response, PC soon reshared Katrina`s post on her Instagram story and wrote a sweet note that read, "Love u honey! So glad u guys could make it. @sonanewyork welcomes u anytime. #homeawayfromhome." Meanwhile, on the work front, both Vicky and Katrina have an interesting movie lined up. Vicky Kaushal will star in 'Govinda Nam Mera' with Boomi Pedneker and Kiara Advani. He also owns an untitled movie of Laxman Utekar starring Sara Ali Khan. Vicky will appear in 'Sam Bahadur' of Meghna Gulzar. On the other hand, talking about Katrina Kaif, the actor has 'Tiger 3' in the pipeline, starring Salman Khan. She also has a horror-comedy `PhoneBhoot` starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter. The actor will also share screen space with Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt in Farhan Akhtar`s `Jee Le Zaraa’.

Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal holidaying in New York, visit Priyanka Chopra's Sona restaurant

Jainil Mehta, became widely popular after sharing a video of himself dancing and twirling in the streets of New York City while wearing a skirt.

WION speaks to Jainil Mehta, a Dancer on how one man in skirt can shatter gender stereotypes

New York City is putting one of the nation's most far-reaching salary disclosure laws into practice. The 'pay transparency' law will require employers to disclose salaries in ads. Lawmakers will likely vote to postpone it for five months after employers waved red flags.

United States: US lawmakers vote to delay salary disclosure law

The automotive market companies around the world are betting big on electric vehicles. Some exciting electric cars are being showcased at the 2022 New York international auto show.

2022 New York International Auto Show: Electric vehicle revolution is underway

US lectures the world on human rights. But it has failed to check the rise in hate crimes at home. It has also failed to control guns. In New York, a man opened fire in a subway, on the same day 2 Sikhs were attacked with a rod. Palki Sharma raises important questions.

Gravitas: Human Rights: Time for America to look within?

A manhunt is on after a gunman set off two smoke bombs and opened fire on common people in a New York subway car on Tuesday (April 12). He injured at least 20 people in the morning rush hour in the city.&nbsp;

After the incident, the New York Police Department (NYPD) informed that they are looking for a person of interest, who is allegedly involved in the Brooklyn subway shooting. &nbsp;

NYPD believes that the man rented the U-Haul van whose keys were found at the scene and added that the gunman was believed to have acted alone and immediately fled the crime scene.&nbsp;

The attack unfolded as a Manhattan-bound subway train on the N line was pulling into an underground station in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighbourhood.&nbsp;

No fatalities have been reported so far. Authorities informed that ten people were hit directly by gunfire, including five hospitalised in critical.&nbsp;

They added that those with injuries are currently in stable condition. Police also said 13 more people suffered from smoke inhalation or were otherwise injured in the chaos, adding that all of the victims were expected to survive their injuries.&nbsp;

At an early evening news briefing, police named a "person of interest" in the investigation as Frank James, who investigators believed had rented the U-Haul vehicle.&nbsp;

Police said they recovered the key to the van at the crime scene and it had been rented in Philadelphia. James had addresses in Philadelphia and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

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This is Frank James who is a person of interest in this investigation. Any information can be directed to <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDTips?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDTips</a> at 800-577-TIPS. <a href="https://t.co/yBpenmsX67">pic.twitter.com/yBpenmsX67</a>
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1514029359769792517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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NYPD executives join City and State Officials to discuss the earlier shooting incident in Brooklyn. <a href="https://t.co/4l10kjm5OK">https://t.co/4l10kjm5OK</a>
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1514016329027620867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the aftermath, New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a media brief said, "We saw a quiet Tuesday morning turn an N train into a war zone as a smoke bomb was detonated and multiple shots rang out."&nbsp;

"Thanks to the quick thinking of the MTA crew and the bravery and cooperation of passengers, lives were saved," he added.&nbsp;

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Killers are using weapons of mass destruction to kill innocent people. 
 
Ending gun violence means changing gun laws. We cannot clean up a flood when water is still pouring into the basement. 
 
We cannot stop until the peace we deserve becomes the reality we experience. <a href="https://t.co/EhVXlFcHiQ">pic.twitter.com/EhVXlFcHiQ</a>
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1514029865594494983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Blaming the gun violence in New York City and across the country, he further said that he would "continue to dam the rivers that feed the sea of violence."

"It's going to take the entire nation to speak out and push back against the cult of death that has taken hold in this nation. A cult that allows innocence to be sacrificed on a daily basis," Adams said.&nbsp;

Watch this report:

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A manhunt is on after a gunman set off two smoke bombs and opened fire on common people in a New York subway car on Tuesday (April 12). He injured at least 20 people in the morning rush hour in the city.

A manhunt is on after a gunman set off two smoke bombs and opened fire on common people in a New York subway car on Tuesday (April 12). He injured at least 20 people in the morning rush hour in the city. After the incident, the New York Police Department (NYPD) informed that they are looking for a person of interest, who is allegedly involved in the Brooklyn subway shooting. NYPD believes that the man rented the U-Haul van whose keys were found at the scene and added that the gunman was believed to have acted alone and immediately fled the crime scene. The attack unfolded as a Manhattan-bound subway train on the N line was pulling into an underground station in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighbourhood. No fatalities have been reported so far. Authorities informed that ten people were hit directly by gunfire, including five hospitalised in critical. They added that those with injuries are currently in stable condition. Police also said 13 more people suffered from smoke inhalation or were otherwise injured in the chaos, adding that all of the victims were expected to survive their injuries. At an early evening news briefing, police named a "person of interest" in the investigation as Frank James, who investigators believed had rented the U-Haul vehicle. Police said they recovered the key to the van at the crime scene and it had been rented in Philadelphia. James had addresses in Philadelphia and Wisconsin. This is Frank James who is a person of interest in this investigation. Any information can be directed to @NYPDTips at 800-577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/yBpenmsX67 — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 12, 2022 × NYPD executives join City and State Officials to discuss the earlier shooting incident in Brooklyn. https://t.co/4l10kjm5OK — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 12, 2022 × In the aftermath, New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a media brief said, "We saw a quiet Tuesday morning turn an N train into a war zone as a smoke bomb was detonated and multiple shots rang out." "Thanks to the quick thinking of the MTA crew and the bravery and cooperation of passengers, lives were saved," he added. Killers are using weapons of mass destruction to kill innocent people. Ending gun violence means changing gun laws. We cannot clean up a flood when water is still pouring into the basement. We cannot stop until the peace we deserve becomes the reality we experience. pic.twitter.com/EhVXlFcHiQ — Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 12, 2022 × Blaming the gun violence in New York City and across the country, he further said that he would "continue to dam the rivers that feed the sea of violence." "It's going to take the entire nation to speak out and push back against the cult of death that has taken hold in this nation. A cult that allows innocence to be sacrificed on a daily basis," Adams said. Watch this report: ×

Brooklyn subway shooting: 'Person of interest' identified, manhunt underway for gunman

NYPD officials said at a news conference earlier Tuesday that there is no known motive for the shooting at this time. They also added that they are “not ruling out anything” in terms of the investigation.

New York Subway Shooting: Incident not being investigated as act of terror, says NYPD

At least 16 people were injured in a shooting at a subway station in New York. The incident occurred at the 36th Street Station in Sunset Park in Brooklyn.

New York Subway Shooting: 10 of the 16 people injured suffered from gunshots wounds

At least 13 persons were injured, including five from gunshots, at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York City on Tuesday. Preliminary information indicated that the suspect who fled was a man wearing a gas mask. WION brings you more updates in this report.

New York Subway Shooting: Manhunt launched to nab suspect

Multiple people were shot and at least 13 were injured on Tuesday in a New York subway station. The shootings occurred at the 36th Street subway station in Brooklyn. WION tells you more insights in this report.

New York Subway Shooting: Multiple people shot at inside Brooklyn Subway station

At least 13 people were injured in a shooting at a subway station in New York. The incident occurred at the 36th Street Station in Sunset Park in Brooklyn. According to reports, the suspect was wearing a construction vest and a gas mask. Molly Gambhir brings you more insights.

Gravitas: Subway shooting jolts New York City, 13 injured

2 Sikh men were attacked in an alleged hate crime incident in NY. Reports claimed that one suspect has been arrested and hunting for another suspect is going on.

New York sees 2nd attack on Sikhs in two weeks

Several people were shot when gunfire was opened during morning rush hour in a subway train&nbsp;in New York's Brooklyn area on Tuesday.

Officials said that 16&nbsp;people have been injured during the shooting incident in Sunset Park at 8.30 am.

According to reports, the&nbsp;gunman was wearing a gas mask and orange construction vest.&nbsp; One of the witnesses&nbsp;speaking to The New York Post described the accused as&nbsp;a "5-foot-5 black man, around 170 pounds."

She said that the accused fired several rounds that she “lost count.”

Shortly before 8.30 am, the gunman is believed to have thrown a smoke bomb into a southbound R train at the 25th Street Station in Brooklyn, and started shooting as the doors of the train closed.

"At 8h 27 police responded to a 911 call of a person shot in the subway" in Brooklyn, a New York police spokeswoman told AFP.

Social media reports said that a fire was lit on a train. While other reports claimed that some undetonated devices were spotted at the site.

Gruesome photos and videos emerged on social media, showing people writhing around on the blood-stained 36th Street platform waiting to be taken to the hospital.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Very dramatic video from the incident as the subway arrived at 36th St Sunset Park in Brooklyn. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brooklyn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#brooklyn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shooting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nyc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nyc</a> <a href="https://t.co/5cOdeYPIb1">pic.twitter.com/5cOdeYPIb1</a>
— Kristoffer Kumm (@Kristofferkumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kristofferkumm/status/1513883003453333513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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New York Police Department said in an advisory: "Due to an investigation, avoid the area of 36th Street and 4th Avenue area in Brooklyn. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area."

But the NYPD said there are "no active explosive devices".

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ADVISORY: Due to an investigation, avoid the area of 36th Street and 4th Avenue area in Brooklyn. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area. <a href="https://t.co/xPIAHbtSA7">pic.twitter.com/xPIAHbtSA7</a>
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1513862828242972672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A joint team of FBI and New York Police Department (NYPD) has been formed and rushed to the site to determine whether the incident was a terrorist attack.

New York City police commissioner Keechant Sewell told reporters that the incident will not be investigated as an "act of terrorism".

He added that the victims' injuries did not appear to be "life-threatening".

"I want to begin by assuring the public that there are currently no known explosive devices on our subway trains, and&nbsp; this is not being investigated as an act of terrorism at this time We can also report that although this was a violent incident, reportedly, we have no one with life-threatening injuries as a result of this case."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;President Joe Biden&nbsp;has been briefed on the latest developments regarding the New York City subway shooting, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted.&nbsp;

White House senior staff are in touch with Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Sewell to offer any assistance as needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several people were shot when gunfire was opened during morning rush hour in a subway train in New York's Brooklyn area on Tuesday. Officials said that 16 people have been injured during the shooting incident in Sunset Park at 8.

Several people were shot when gunfire was opened during morning rush hour in a subway train in New York's Brooklyn area on Tuesday. Officials said that 16 people have been injured during the shooting incident in Sunset Park at 8.30 am. According to reports, the gunman was wearing a gas mask and orange construction vest. One of the witnesses speaking to The New York Post described the accused as a "5-foot-5 black man, around 170 pounds." She said that the accused fired several rounds that she “lost count.” Shortly before 8.30 am, the gunman is believed to have thrown a smoke bomb into a southbound R train at the 25th Street Station in Brooklyn, and started shooting as the doors of the train closed. "At 8h 27 police responded to a 911 call of a person shot in the subway" in Brooklyn, a New York police spokeswoman told AFP. Social media reports said that a fire was lit on a train. While other reports claimed that some undetonated devices were spotted at the site. Gruesome photos and videos emerged on social media, showing people writhing around on the blood-stained 36th Street platform waiting to be taken to the hospital. Very dramatic video from the incident as the subway arrived at 36th St Sunset Park in Brooklyn. #brooklyn #shooting #nyc pic.twitter.com/5cOdeYPIb1 — Kristoffer Kumm (@Kristofferkumm) April 12, 2022 × New York Police Department said in an advisory: "Due to an investigation, avoid the area of 36th Street and 4th Avenue area in Brooklyn. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area." But the NYPD said there are "no active explosive devices". ADVISORY: Due to an investigation, avoid the area of 36th Street and 4th Avenue area in Brooklyn. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area. pic.twitter.com/xPIAHbtSA7 — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 12, 2022 × A joint team of FBI and New York Police Department (NYPD) has been formed and rushed to the site to determine whether the incident was a terrorist attack. New York City police commissioner Keechant Sewell told reporters that the incident will not be investigated as an "act of terrorism". He added that the victims' injuries did not appear to be "life-threatening". "I want to begin by assuring the public that there are currently no known explosive devices on our subway trains, and this is not being investigated as an act of terrorism at this time We can also report that although this was a violent incident, reportedly, we have no one with life-threatening injuries as a result of this case." Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the latest developments regarding the New York City subway shooting, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted. White House senior staff are in touch with Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Sewell to offer any assistance as needed. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunman in gas mask shoots 16 in New York subway, incident not treated as terrorism

Multiple people were shot in a Brooklyn subway station, New York City during rush hour on Tuesday. Several undetonated devices have also been found and a manhunt is underway the city for a suspect.

Breaking News: Multiple shots fired in Brooklyn subway, undetonated devices found

At a time when hypersonic missiles are being developed for potential war this Chinese company is leveraging this technology for faster travel. Space Transportation, aka Lingkong Tianxing in China, aims to make this a reality.

Shanghai to New York in two hours? This firm aims to make hypersonic passenger flights a reality

Shootings in New York City rose during the first quarter compared with the same period last year, even as homicides declined, police officials said Wednesday afternoon, the continuation of a drumbeat of violence that emerged early in the pandemic and has not ebbed with the virus.

Shooting incidents increased to 296 in the first quarter compared with 260 during the same period last year, according to the latest Police Department statistics, which include the first three days of April.

The trend reflects “continuing and completely unacceptable violence in our streets,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said Wednesday.

The briefing at One Police Plaza was the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic that city officials gathered collectively for what was once a ritual for police, reporters and the public. In the two years since the Police Department’s last full briefing on crime statistics, pockets of New York have seen upticks in shootings and murders, underscoring concern that America’s most populous city could be headed backward.

Mayor Eric Adams has made reversing that trend the central goal of his administration.

“The NYPD will use every resource and opportunity to secure this city,” Sewell said, but “reversing years will not take weeks.”

She credited the decrease in the homicide rates to a surge of arrests. In March, she said, officers made more than 4,000 felony arrests, more than double the number of those made at the same time last year.

But her remarks came as the city confronts a string of shootings that caught bystanders in crossfire. Last week, 12-year-old Kade Lewin died in Brooklyn when a barrage of bullets hit a parked car in which he was eating a meal with relatives. Days later, a 61-year-old woman died after she was struck by a stray bullet in the Bronx. And, last month, a 3-year-old toddler was shot in the shoulder outside a Brooklyn day care center.

As a weary city emerges from more than two years of pandemic limbo, a gap has opened between perceptions of crime and the realities of the city. This New York is more dangerous by some measures than the one many residents lived in at the start of the pandemic, in the spring of 2020. Yet it remains far safer than in previous years, and crime is lower than in many of the nation’s largest cities.

Gun violence hit historic lows in 2018 and 2019. Even with recent increases, rates of shootings, felony assaults and overall major crimes are similar to or below the levels of the late 2000s and early 2010s. There have been nine fewer murders this year compared with the same period last year.

This year’s first three months have also seen rises in crimes like burglaries, robberies and grand larcenies compared to the same periods in 2020 and 2021, although experts warn against short-term comparisons, particularly during the statistic-skewing pandemic.

New York isn’t the only city struggling to curb crime after the pandemic. In Houston, at least 473 homicides were recorded last year; New York saw only 15 more, with nearly four times the total population. And just 90 minutes south, Philadelphia saw 559 murders in 2021, in a city with just 1.5 million residents.

But fresh anxieties have driven warnings about a return to New York’s “bad old days,” when there were many years with more than 2,000 murders. To some, the resemblance between the periods lies not in the crime or the data, but in the coverage.

“It reminds me of the 1990s, in the sense that every incident of violence becomes a major news story,” said Jeffrey Butts, director of the research and evaluation center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “Some of these things are just shocking. But it’s also important to remember that these things have always happened, and still been fairly infrequent incidents. But they stay with you for so long and stick in your memory.”

Some types of crime have risen significantly since the pandemic began.

Shootings are twice as high as in the years preceding the pandemic, and the burden falls primarily on Black and Latino neighborhoods. More than 1,800 shootings were reported annually in the past two years after dropping under 900 in 2018. Attacks against Asian New Yorkers have spiked, with more than 130 hate-crime complaints reported to police last year, after just one in 2019.

The subway system has also grown more hazardous, with assaults and other major felonies significantly up during the pandemic, when adjusted for a weekday ridership below 60% of former levels. And not all types of frightening events like aggressive encounters on the street or harassment on a train are simple to track.

Still, Adams and Sewell have effected a host of changes at the Police Department, including the reincarnation of plainclothes anti-crime units disbanded in 2020 over allegations of brutality and excessive force. The new units have been reimagined to include training on constitutional rights and de-escalation, and officers now wear a modified uniform instead of street clothes, the Police Department said.

Since being redeployed in March, the units have made 121 arrests, 25 of which were for illegal gun possession, the Police Department said Wednesday.

Indeed, officials said Wednesday they had arrested a 21-year-old man driving a stolen car in Harlem, and were investigating whether he was involved in the drive-by shooting that left Lewin dead in East Flatbush. The suspect was driving a Mercedes-Benz that was one of two cars stolen in Queens on March 10, said James W. Essig, the chief of detectives. The other stolen car was used in the East Flatbush shooting, he said.

Shootings in New York City rose during the first quarter compared with the same period last year, even as homicides declined, police officials said Wednesday afternoon, the continuation of a drumbeat of violence that emerged early in the pandemic and has not ebbed with the virus.

Shootings in New York City rose during the first quarter compared with the same period last year, even as homicides declined, police officials said Wednesday afternoon, the continuation of a drumbeat of violence that emerged early in the pandemic and has not ebbed with the virus. Shooting incidents increased to 296 in the first quarter compared with 260 during the same period last year, according to the latest Police Department statistics, which include the first three days of April. The trend reflects “continuing and completely unacceptable violence in our streets,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said Wednesday. The briefing at One Police Plaza was the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic that city officials gathered collectively for what was once a ritual for police, reporters and the public. In the two years since the Police Department’s last full briefing on crime statistics, pockets of New York have seen upticks in shootings and murders, underscoring concern that America’s most populous city could be headed backward. Mayor Eric Adams has made reversing that trend the central goal of his administration. “The NYPD will use every resource and opportunity to secure this city,” Sewell said, but “reversing years will not take weeks.” She credited the decrease in the homicide rates to a surge of arrests. In March, she said, officers made more than 4,000 felony arrests, more than double the number of those made at the same time last year. But her remarks came as the city confronts a string of shootings that caught bystanders in crossfire. Last week, 12-year-old Kade Lewin died in Brooklyn when a barrage of bullets hit a parked car in which he was eating a meal with relatives. Days later, a 61-year-old woman died after she was struck by a stray bullet in the Bronx. And, last month, a 3-year-old toddler was shot in the shoulder outside a Brooklyn day care center. As a weary city emerges from more than two years of pandemic limbo, a gap has opened between perceptions of crime and the realities of the city. This New York is more dangerous by some measures than the one many residents lived in at the start of the pandemic, in the spring of 2020. Yet it remains far safer than in previous years, and crime is lower than in many of the nation’s largest cities. Gun violence hit historic lows in 2018 and 2019. Even with recent increases, rates of shootings, felony assaults and overall major crimes are similar to or below the levels of the late 2000s and early 2010s. There have been nine fewer murders this year compared with the same period last year. This year’s first three months have also seen rises in crimes like burglaries, robberies and grand larcenies compared to the same periods in 2020 and 2021, although experts warn against short-term comparisons, particularly during the statistic-skewing pandemic. New York isn’t the only city struggling to curb crime after the pandemic. In Houston, at least 473 homicides were recorded last year; New York saw only 15 more, with nearly four times the total population. And just 90 minutes south, Philadelphia saw 559 murders in 2021, in a city with just 1.5 million residents. But fresh anxieties have driven warnings about a return to New York’s “bad old days,” when there were many years with more than 2,000 murders. To some, the resemblance between the periods lies not in the crime or the data, but in the coverage. “It reminds me of the 1990s, in the sense that every incident of violence becomes a major news story,” said Jeffrey Butts, director of the research and evaluation center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “Some of these things are just shocking. But it’s also important to remember that these things have always happened, and still been fairly infrequent incidents. But they stay with you for so long and stick in your memory.” Some types of crime have risen significantly since the pandemic began. Shootings are twice as high as in the years preceding the pandemic, and the burden falls primarily on Black and Latino neighborhoods. More than 1,800 shootings were reported annually in the past two years after dropping under 900 in 2018. Attacks against Asian New Yorkers have spiked, with more than 130 hate-crime complaints reported to police last year, after just one in 2019. The subway system has also grown more hazardous, with assaults and other major felonies significantly up during the pandemic, when adjusted for a weekday ridership below 60% of former levels. And not all types of frightening events like aggressive encounters on the street or harassment on a train are simple to track. Still, Adams and Sewell have effected a host of changes at the Police Department, including the reincarnation of plainclothes anti-crime units disbanded in 2020 over allegations of brutality and excessive force. The new units have been reimagined to include training on constitutional rights and de-escalation, and officers now wear a modified uniform instead of street clothes, the Police Department said. Since being redeployed in March, the units have made 121 arrests, 25 of which were for illegal gun possession, the Police Department said Wednesday. Indeed, officials said Wednesday they had arrested a 21-year-old man driving a stolen car in Harlem, and were investigating whether he was involved in the drive-by shooting that left Lewin dead in East Flatbush. The suspect was driving a Mercedes-Benz that was one of two cars stolen in Queens on March 10, said James W. Essig, the chief of detectives. The other stolen car was used in the East Flatbush shooting, he said.

Shootings rise in New York, coloring perceptions of city’s safety

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under.

According to Adams, if COVID-19 trends continue, the face-covering mandate for New York's youngest children will be lifted on April 4.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/childrens-natural-immunity-against-covid-lasts-up-to-seven-months-but-vaccines-are-still-important-study-464653">Children's natural immunity against Covid lasts up to seven months, but vaccines are still important: Study</a>

“If the numbers continue to show a low level of risk, masks will be optional for 2- to 4-year-old students in schools and day care,” he told reporters at City Hall. “We want to see our babies’ faces.”

“Now it’s time to peel back another layer.”&nbsp;

Early in March, Adams removed the indoor face covering the requirement for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but maintained it for children ages 4 and under and those in daycare centres, since they are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Students age 5 and older in New York City public schools have not had to wear masks since March 7.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-continues-to-break-covid-case-record-officials-face-the-brunt-for-laxity-464579" hreflang="en">China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'</a>

A group of parents and students protested the masking mandate on Sunday in City Hall Park, urging mayor Adams to "unmask our toddlers." Weeks earlier, more than 20 top early education providers signed a letter urging Adams to end the masking mandate.

The protests followed Dr Ashwin Vasan, the city's new health commissioner's statement that he believes mask mandates for young children should continue indefinitely.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Vasan endorsed Adams' decision, while cautioning that the regulations might need to be revisited.

“Less risk means more choices for New Yorkers about which precautions are mandatory and which are optional,” he told reporters. “If we see the levels of risk rise, either before or after the mandate is lifted, we may be here having another conversation.”

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-could-happen-if-china-doesnt-control-its-worst-covid-19-outbreak-464622/embed" width="560"></iframe>

“However, right now, we feel comfortable saying that if the risk level holds, masks can become optional for our youngest New Yorkers,” he added.

Mary Bassett, the state's top doctor, told reporters Monday that despite the recent spread of a highly contagious Omicron subvariant, she does not predict an explosion in COVID-19 cases.

Governor Kathy Hochul reported that the coronavirus positivity rate in New York state on Monday was 2 per cent, compared to 23 per cent in January when the Omicron surge was underway. On Sunday, the average for the previous seven days was 1.87 per cent, according to state data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under.

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under. According to Adams, if COVID-19 trends continue, the face-covering mandate for New York's youngest children will be lifted on April 4. Also read | Children's natural immunity against Covid lasts up to seven months, but vaccines are still important: Study “If the numbers continue to show a low level of risk, masks will be optional for 2- to 4-year-old students in schools and day care,” he told reporters at City Hall. “We want to see our babies’ faces.” “Now it’s time to peel back another layer.” Early in March, Adams removed the indoor face covering the requirement for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but maintained it for children ages 4 and under and those in daycare centres, since they are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Students age 5 and older in New York City public schools have not had to wear masks since March 7. Also read | China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' A group of parents and students protested the masking mandate on Sunday in City Hall Park, urging mayor Adams to "unmask our toddlers." Weeks earlier, more than 20 top early education providers signed a letter urging Adams to end the masking mandate. The protests followed Dr Ashwin Vasan, the city's new health commissioner's statement that he believes mask mandates for young children should continue indefinitely. On Tuesday, Vasan endorsed Adams' decision, while cautioning that the regulations might need to be revisited. “Less risk means more choices for New Yorkers about which precautions are mandatory and which are optional,” he told reporters. “If we see the levels of risk rise, either before or after the mandate is lifted, we may be here having another conversation.” Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak “However, right now, we feel comfortable saying that if the risk level holds, masks can become optional for our youngest New Yorkers,” he added. Mary Bassett, the state's top doctor, told reporters Monday that despite the recent spread of a highly contagious Omicron subvariant, she does not predict an explosion in COVID-19 cases. Governor Kathy Hochul reported that the coronavirus positivity rate in New York state on Monday was 2 per cent, compared to 23 per cent in January when the Omicron surge was underway. On Sunday, the average for the previous seven days was 1.87 per cent, according to state data. (With inputs from agencies)

'We want to see our babies' faces': NYC drops mask mandates for children under 5 years

A man who was denied entry to the Museum of Modern Art because his membership had been revoked jumped over the reception desk and stabbed two employees Saturday afternoon, police said.

The attack was captured by surveillance video from the museum on West 53rd Street that police released Sunday along with photos of the suspect, Gary Cabana, 60, who was still being sought. The victims, a 24-year-old woman stabbed in the back and neck and a 24-year-old man stabbed in the left collar bone, were listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, police said.

The video shows the suspect barrel through a revolving door and climb across the wooden counter with a knife in his hand, cornering three people behind the desk. After stumbling into a wall, he begins jabbing and swinging the knife while the employees cower under the desk.

The video shows the suspect grabbing one worker as the worker tried to run past him, then swinging the knife into the worker’s torso. The suspect then releases the worker. Another worker managed to run past the suspect as a man in a suit threw items at him.

Cabana’s last-known address was a supportive housing residence on West 43rd Street, police said, and he had no prior arrests.

During a news conference after the incident, police officials said the letter revoking the suspect’s membership had gone out Friday, but he appeared at the museum Saturday, seeking to watch a film.

John Miller, deputy commissioner for the Police Department’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism bureaus, said Cabana’s membership had “expired as a result of two incidents involving disorderly conduct here at the museum on two separate dates in recent days,” Miller said at a news conference outside the museum.

When the suspect was denied entry, he became “upset” and then “proceeded to attack and stab two employees of the museum multiple times,” Miller said.

He added that the suspect was recorded on video leaving the museum after the attack. He was described as a white man wearing a colorful patterned shirt under a black jacket, and a blue surgical mask.

Miller said that the suspect was “known to the department” because of two earlier incidents in the same area and had been a regular at MoMA. But he did not have “an extensive record or any arrest records that we are aware of,” Miller said.

The museum said on Twitter that it would be closed Sunday.

Alessandro Pugliese, 24, who works in communications, said he had arrived at MoMA for a 4:30 p.m. showing of the 1938 film “Bringing Up Baby” when three attendants at the desk near the museum’s film entrance started screaming.

After turning around, he said he witnessed the attacker stab one person in the back and another in the neck. The security guard near the entrance proceeded to pick up what appeared to be a large binder and throw it at the attacker to distract him.

The attacker was still holding his knife when he asked where the security guard’s gun was. Then he ran outside the museum.

“I was absolutely shocked and just sort of froze,” Pugliese said.

Many visitors said shouts about gunshots stoked panic. Police said there was no indication that shots had been fired.

Julia Garcia Valles, 24, a tourist from Spain, was waiting in line on West 53rd Street to enter the museum when people shouting, “Shooting!” began to rush out the doors in a panic. Some fell to the floor in the confusion, she said.

“We were really scared,” she added.

Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, said the mayor had been briefed on the attack, which appeared to be “an isolated criminal incident.”

Alyssa Katz, deputy editor for local news site The City, was on her way to meet friends at the museum when she saw people running out. Katz, 53, said she spoke to two frightened French tourists who said they had seen someone stabbed in the underarm area.

Her friend Mike Rubin, 55, a writer who contributes to The New York Times and other publications, was waiting for Katz in the lobby when a security guard told his group to leave the building immediately.

“It was like a game of telephone” among people who rushed out, he said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Christian Desrosiers, 34, an entrepreneur, said his ticket was being scanned when the commotion began.

He added that he was one of the first people to run outside after he saw three women in front of him rush for the exit.

“They turned around on a dime and started sprinting out, so I figured that I would join them,” he said. “People were clearly hustling to get out, but nobody was screaming, at least at the time I was in there.”

Wendy Keffer, 42, was visiting from Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children. She was walking in line for a 4 p.m. slot when they were told to evacuate.

“We were entering the museum, and as we were about to walk inside, we saw hundreds of people running out, and everybody was yelling, 'Shooter, shooter,'” she said. “It was very scary.”

Jo Walker, 24, a graduate student at Yale University who uses the pronouns they and them, was in a second-floor cafe when the incident occurred. They left through an emergency exit because the escalator was so crowded.

“We had no idea what was going on,” they said.

A man who was denied entry to the Museum of Modern Art because his membership had been revoked jumped over the reception desk and stabbed two employees Saturday afternoon, police said.

A man who was denied entry to the Museum of Modern Art because his membership had been revoked jumped over the reception desk and stabbed two employees Saturday afternoon, police said. The attack was captured by surveillance video from the museum on West 53rd Street that police released Sunday along with photos of the suspect, Gary Cabana, 60, who was still being sought. The victims, a 24-year-old woman stabbed in the back and neck and a 24-year-old man stabbed in the left collar bone, were listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, police said. The video shows the suspect barrel through a revolving door and climb across the wooden counter with a knife in his hand, cornering three people behind the desk. After stumbling into a wall, he begins jabbing and swinging the knife while the employees cower under the desk. The video shows the suspect grabbing one worker as the worker tried to run past him, then swinging the knife into the worker’s torso. The suspect then releases the worker. Another worker managed to run past the suspect as a man in a suit threw items at him. Cabana’s last-known address was a supportive housing residence on West 43rd Street, police said, and he had no prior arrests. During a news conference after the incident, police officials said the letter revoking the suspect’s membership had gone out Friday, but he appeared at the museum Saturday, seeking to watch a film. John Miller, deputy commissioner for the Police Department’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism bureaus, said Cabana’s membership had “expired as a result of two incidents involving disorderly conduct here at the museum on two separate dates in recent days,” Miller said at a news conference outside the museum. When the suspect was denied entry, he became “upset” and then “proceeded to attack and stab two employees of the museum multiple times,” Miller said. He added that the suspect was recorded on video leaving the museum after the attack. He was described as a white man wearing a colorful patterned shirt under a black jacket, and a blue surgical mask. Miller said that the suspect was “known to the department” because of two earlier incidents in the same area and had been a regular at MoMA. But he did not have “an extensive record or any arrest records that we are aware of,” Miller said. The museum said on Twitter that it would be closed Sunday. Alessandro Pugliese, 24, who works in communications, said he had arrived at MoMA for a 4:30 p.m. showing of the 1938 film “Bringing Up Baby” when three attendants at the desk near the museum’s film entrance started screaming. After turning around, he said he witnessed the attacker stab one person in the back and another in the neck. The security guard near the entrance proceeded to pick up what appeared to be a large binder and throw it at the attacker to distract him. The attacker was still holding his knife when he asked where the security guard’s gun was. Then he ran outside the museum. “I was absolutely shocked and just sort of froze,” Pugliese said. Many visitors said shouts about gunshots stoked panic. Police said there was no indication that shots had been fired. Julia Garcia Valles, 24, a tourist from Spain, was waiting in line on West 53rd Street to enter the museum when people shouting, “Shooting!” began to rush out the doors in a panic. Some fell to the floor in the confusion, she said. “We were really scared,” she added. Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, said the mayor had been briefed on the attack, which appeared to be “an isolated criminal incident.” Alyssa Katz, deputy editor for local news site The City, was on her way to meet friends at the museum when she saw people running out. Katz, 53, said she spoke to two frightened French tourists who said they had seen someone stabbed in the underarm area. Her friend Mike Rubin, 55, a writer who contributes to The New York Times and other publications, was waiting for Katz in the lobby when a security guard told his group to leave the building immediately. “It was like a game of telephone” among people who rushed out, he said. “No one knew what was happening.” Christian Desrosiers, 34, an entrepreneur, said his ticket was being scanned when the commotion began. He added that he was one of the first people to run outside after he saw three women in front of him rush for the exit. “They turned around on a dime and started sprinting out, so I figured that I would join them,” he said. “People were clearly hustling to get out, but nobody was screaming, at least at the time I was in there.” Wendy Keffer, 42, was visiting from Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children. She was walking in line for a 4 p.m. slot when they were told to evacuate. “We were entering the museum, and as we were about to walk inside, we saw hundreds of people running out, and everybody was yelling, 'Shooter, shooter,'” she said. “It was very scary.” Jo Walker, 24, a graduate student at Yale University who uses the pronouns they and them, was in a second-floor cafe when the incident occurred. They left through an emergency exit because the escalator was so crowded. “We had no idea what was going on,” they said.

Police ID suspect in stabbing of Museum of Modern Art employees

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse.

Speaking at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, a Black congregation in Brooklyn, Cuomo defiantly told a sparse collection of about 100 congregants that he wanted to “tell my truth,” describing cancel culture as a “frightening” form of extremism and claiming he had been “vindicated” in the months since he resigned in August after a string of sexual harassment allegations.

The remarks, marked more heavily by the blame he placed on others for his downfall than by a display of contrition, were the most robust effort yet by Cuomo in his attempt to rehabilitate his reputation and salvage his legacy after his decadelong reign as governor ended abruptly in disgrace.

They came as Cuomo had been weighing how he might reenter public life. Last month, he began spending $369,000 from his campaign account — which had more than $16 million, according to the latest filings — on a barrage of television advertisements that portrayed him as a victim of politically motivated “attacks.”

There are no tangible signs yet that Cuomo is planning to run for elected office this year, but he appeared to leave the door open for a political comeback at some point, saying, “God isn’t done with me yet.”

He told the congregants, “I have many options in life and I’m open to all of them.”

Indeed, the speech had strong political overtones. He ticked off some of his accomplishments as governor and dedicated a significant portion of his remarks to offering advice to national Democrats before this year’s midterm elections. But the thrust of his speech appeared aimed at repairing his public image.

Echoing past remarks, he portrayed his resignation as a consequence of cancel culture — a phrase he repeated more than a dozen times — that he said had gripped the country and the Democratic Party, saying “Twitter and newspaper headlines have replaced judge and jury.”

Cuomo did not delve into the specifics of the allegations made against him by numerous women, including former government employees, which included instances of inappropriate comments, touching, kissing and, in one instance, groping the breast of a former aide.

Cuomo has denied the allegations.

As he has before, he portrayed his conduct toward women as a result of shifting generational norms, saying he may have been “old-fashioned and out of touch” and adding that, “I’ve learned a powerful lesson, and I paid a very high price for learning that lesson.”

The claims that the former governor engaged in inappropriate behavior were documented in a damning report in August after an investigation conducted by outside investigators and overseen by Letitia James, the state attorney general. Cuomo did not mention James by name Sunday — he referred to her as “they” — but his camp has repeatedly attacked her since he resigned. A second investigation led by the state Assembly largely corroborated the report’s conclusions.

He accused CNN of firing his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, one of the network’s top anchors, who came under fire for privately advising his older brother on how to respond to the allegations, because “they were in the middle of a merger and afraid of the cancel-culture mob.”

“I resigned as governor, the press roasted me, my colleagues were ridiculed, my brother was fired,” Cuomo said during the half-hour speech. “It was probably the toughest time of my life.”

Cuomo stepped down as the entirety of the New York political class clamored for his resignation and he faced the threat of impeachment. But on Sunday, he sought to blame politics for his resignation.

He repeatedly noted how five district attorneys had not pressed charges against him after investigating some of the claims. He did not mention that some prosecutors said they had found the women credible, but concluded there were insufficient legal grounds to bring criminal charges. He pointed to the dismissal of those cases to argue that the entirety of the attorney general’s 168-page report was a sham, an argument that critics have said is misleading.

“The political sharks in Albany smelled blood,” he said, charging that they exploited the situation “to overturn an election.”

Cuomo, wearing a dark mask and suit with a periwinkle tie, delivered the remarks during the morning service at the Crown Heights church. The Rev. Al Cockfield, the church’s pastor for more than 40 years, defended the former governor when the sexual allegations first surfaced last year.

The possibility of a rehabilitation-minded speech in a Black church — where he has turned before for political succor — had been privately raised in recent weeks, well before Cuomo actually took the pulpit.

Cuomo circulated several versions of the speech with a number of close advisers over the past few weeks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. During the drafting process, the person said, there were discussions about the tone, as well as the optics, with some advisers raising concerns that the speech might give the false impression that Cuomo intended to run for office this year.

There were also more pointed references to James and her office’s report that ultimately did not make the final speech, the person said.

On Sunday, James's campaign issued a statement saying that Cuomo “won’t even spare a house of worship from his lies,” adding that New Yorkers “are ready to move forward from this sick, pathetic man.”

“Even though multiple independent investigations found his victims to be credible, Cuomo continues to blame everyone but himself,” the statement said.

Mounting a political comeback could prove to be a daunting challenge for Cuomo.

A recent poll from the Siena College Research Institute found that 80% of New Yorkers believe he made the right decision to resign. And onetime allies have said they do not see a role for him in public life.

The former governor drew applause at several points during his remarks and concluded by saying he was not yet “at peace” because “we have too much work to do to be at peace.”

“Let’s make some trouble,” Cuomo said, invoking John Lewis, the Democratic congressman and civil rights leader, who died in 2020. “Let’s make some good trouble, and let’s make this state the greatest state in the nation.”

He shook hands and posed for pictures with a number of churchgoers on his way out. One woman asked him whether he was “going to run again.” Cuomo paused for a moment and lowered his voice, telling her only that he was “contemplating.”

He later brushed aside questions from reporters outside the church from inside his car. Asked if he was thinking of running for office, he said only, “I said what I said.”

Cuomo, a fan of American-made muscle cars, then drove off down Linden Boulevard in a white BMW.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse. Speaking at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, a Black congregation in Brooklyn, Cuomo defiantly told a sparse collection of about 100 congregants that he wanted to “tell my truth,” describing cancel culture as a “frightening” form of extremism and claiming he had been “vindicated” in the months since he resigned in August after a string of sexual harassment allegations. The remarks, marked more heavily by the blame he placed on others for his downfall than by a display of contrition, were the most robust effort yet by Cuomo in his attempt to rehabilitate his reputation and salvage his legacy after his decadelong reign as governor ended abruptly in disgrace. They came as Cuomo had been weighing how he might reenter public life. Last month, he began spending $369,000 from his campaign account — which had more than $16 million, according to the latest filings — on a barrage of television advertisements that portrayed him as a victim of politically motivated “attacks.” There are no tangible signs yet that Cuomo is planning to run for elected office this year, but he appeared to leave the door open for a political comeback at some point, saying, “God isn’t done with me yet.” He told the congregants, “I have many options in life and I’m open to all of them.” Indeed, the speech had strong political overtones. He ticked off some of his accomplishments as governor and dedicated a significant portion of his remarks to offering advice to national Democrats before this year’s midterm elections. But the thrust of his speech appeared aimed at repairing his public image. Echoing past remarks, he portrayed his resignation as a consequence of cancel culture — a phrase he repeated more than a dozen times — that he said had gripped the country and the Democratic Party, saying “Twitter and newspaper headlines have replaced judge and jury.” Cuomo did not delve into the specifics of the allegations made against him by numerous women, including former government employees, which included instances of inappropriate comments, touching, kissing and, in one instance, groping the breast of a former aide. Cuomo has denied the allegations. As he has before, he portrayed his conduct toward women as a result of shifting generational norms, saying he may have been “old-fashioned and out of touch” and adding that, “I’ve learned a powerful lesson, and I paid a very high price for learning that lesson.” The claims that the former governor engaged in inappropriate behavior were documented in a damning report in August after an investigation conducted by outside investigators and overseen by Letitia James, the state attorney general. Cuomo did not mention James by name Sunday — he referred to her as “they” — but his camp has repeatedly attacked her since he resigned. A second investigation led by the state Assembly largely corroborated the report’s conclusions. He accused CNN of firing his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, one of the network’s top anchors, who came under fire for privately advising his older brother on how to respond to the allegations, because “they were in the middle of a merger and afraid of the cancel-culture mob.” “I resigned as governor, the press roasted me, my colleagues were ridiculed, my brother was fired,” Cuomo said during the half-hour speech. “It was probably the toughest time of my life.” Cuomo stepped down as the entirety of the New York political class clamored for his resignation and he faced the threat of impeachment. But on Sunday, he sought to blame politics for his resignation. He repeatedly noted how five district attorneys had not pressed charges against him after investigating some of the claims. He did not mention that some prosecutors said they had found the women credible, but concluded there were insufficient legal grounds to bring criminal charges. He pointed to the dismissal of those cases to argue that the entirety of the attorney general’s 168-page report was a sham, an argument that critics have said is misleading. “The political sharks in Albany smelled blood,” he said, charging that they exploited the situation “to overturn an election.” Cuomo, wearing a dark mask and suit with a periwinkle tie, delivered the remarks during the morning service at the Crown Heights church. The Rev. Al Cockfield, the church’s pastor for more than 40 years, defended the former governor when the sexual allegations first surfaced last year. The possibility of a rehabilitation-minded speech in a Black church — where he has turned before for political succor — had been privately raised in recent weeks, well before Cuomo actually took the pulpit. Cuomo circulated several versions of the speech with a number of close advisers over the past few weeks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. During the drafting process, the person said, there were discussions about the tone, as well as the optics, with some advisers raising concerns that the speech might give the false impression that Cuomo intended to run for office this year. There were also more pointed references to James and her office’s report that ultimately did not make the final speech, the person said. On Sunday, James's campaign issued a statement saying that Cuomo “won’t even spare a house of worship from his lies,” adding that New Yorkers “are ready to move forward from this sick, pathetic man.” “Even though multiple independent investigations found his victims to be credible, Cuomo continues to blame everyone but himself,” the statement said. Mounting a political comeback could prove to be a daunting challenge for Cuomo. A recent poll from the Siena College Research Institute found that 80% of New Yorkers believe he made the right decision to resign. And onetime allies have said they do not see a role for him in public life. The former governor drew applause at several points during his remarks and concluded by saying he was not yet “at peace” because “we have too much work to do to be at peace.” “Let’s make some trouble,” Cuomo said, invoking John Lewis, the Democratic congressman and civil rights leader, who died in 2020. “Let’s make some good trouble, and let’s make this state the greatest state in the nation.” He shook hands and posed for pictures with a number of churchgoers on his way out. One woman asked him whether he was “going to run again.” Cuomo paused for a moment and lowered his voice, telling her only that he was “contemplating.” He later brushed aside questions from reporters outside the church from inside his car. Asked if he was thinking of running for office, he said only, “I said what I said.” Cuomo, a fan of American-made muscle cars, then drove off down Linden Boulevard in a white BMW.

Cuomo reemerges and blames 'cancel culture' for his fall

Digital art collecting platform Neon has created the world's first non-fungible token vending machine in New York City, aiming to make online art as accessible as soda or candy bars.

But there's a twist. When you buy this digital art, you don't know what you're going to get.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-winning-bid-for-melania-trumps-nft-was-placed-by-melania-trump-report-454111">The winning bid for Melania Trump's NFT was placed by Melania Trump: Report</a>

Located in a small storefront in Lower Manhattan's financial district with a sign outside reading "NFT ATM," the machine looks like a traditional vending machine but offers QR codes on slips placed in small paper boxes.&nbsp;Pricing ranges between $5.99 and $420.69.

After scanning the QR code, the new piece of art can be viewed on any smartphone, laptop, or tablet.

"It's the crypto curious, the people who tried to buy cryptocurrency or they were interested in buying an&nbsp;NFT, but they just hit too many barriers," Neon CEO Kyle Zappitell said in an interview with Reuters, of the vending machine's target customer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-in-seattle-a-nft-museum-opens-its-door-to-public-450047">In Pics: In Seattle, a NFT museum opens its door to public</a>

The QR codes at the Lower Manhattan site lead to two categories of digital art pieces. Either a picture of a pigeon or a colour.

Zappitell sees the element of mystery as a natural extension of the digital art space.

"As a&nbsp;NFT&nbsp;collector, over time, one of the things you love is the randomness of, 'Which one are you going to get?'" he said. "So that's one of the exciting aspects."

Watch |&nbsp;World’s first NFT museum opens in Seattle

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/worlds-first-nft-museum-opens-in-seattle-450366/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the vending machine, art pieces are sold using the Solana blockchain, which ensures carbon-neutral transactions.

While digital art is mostly sold via cryptocurrency, the Neon vending machine accepts fiat currency - you can pay with a credit card.

Beginning with $3 million in seed money, Neon plans to install vending machines at malls and other public places.

"That's one of the really powerful messages of this, is how it's using this old world technology to enable the adoption of new world technology," said Zappitell.

(With inputs from agencies)

Digital art collecting platform Neon has created the world's first non-fungible token vending machine in New York City, aiming to make online art as accessible as soda or candy bars.

Digital art collecting platform Neon has created the world's first non-fungible token vending machine in New York City, aiming to make online art as accessible as soda or candy bars. But there's a twist. When you buy this digital art, you don't know what you're going to get. Also read | The winning bid for Melania Trump's NFT was placed by Melania Trump: Report Located in a small storefront in Lower Manhattan's financial district with a sign outside reading "NFT ATM," the machine looks like a traditional vending machine but offers QR codes on slips placed in small paper boxes. Pricing ranges between $5.99 and $420.69. After scanning the QR code, the new piece of art can be viewed on any smartphone, laptop, or tablet. "It's the crypto curious, the people who tried to buy cryptocurrency or they were interested in buying an NFT, but they just hit too many barriers," Neon CEO Kyle Zappitell said in an interview with Reuters, of the vending machine's target customer. Also read | In Pics: In Seattle, a NFT museum opens its door to public The QR codes at the Lower Manhattan site lead to two categories of digital art pieces. Either a picture of a pigeon or a colour. Zappitell sees the element of mystery as a natural extension of the digital art space. "As a NFT collector, over time, one of the things you love is the randomness of, 'Which one are you going to get?'" he said. "So that's one of the exciting aspects." Watch | World’s first NFT museum opens in Seattle In the vending machine, art pieces are sold using the Solana blockchain, which ensures carbon-neutral transactions. While digital art is mostly sold via cryptocurrency, the Neon vending machine accepts fiat currency - you can pay with a credit card. Beginning with $3 million in seed money, Neon plans to install vending machines at malls and other public places. "That's one of the really powerful messages of this, is how it's using this old world technology to enable the adoption of new world technology," said Zappitell. (With inputs from agencies)

At New York's first 'NFT ATM', buying digital art is as easy as buying candy

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. &nbsp;

In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugs-or-onions-3-million-worth-methamphetamine-seized-in-us-456994" hreflang="en">Drugs or onions? $3 million worth methamphetamine seized in US</a>

The victim has been identified as Nina Rothschild by the woman's family. Rothschild is a scientist for the New York City Department of Health. She was attacked just 15 minutes after leaving from work, the police said. &nbsp;

On Thursday at 11 pm, the woman was attacked by a six-foot-tall male, who was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and holding a cane, Essig said. &nbsp;

"This is an unprovoked, brutal and appalling crime on a woman, who was just trying to get home after a day's work," Essig added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943">US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

After the attack, Rothschild was bleeding from brain and taken to Cornell Medical Center with a fractured skull and lacerations to her face, Essig said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to her brother Gerson Rothschild, she has had part of her skull replaced with wire mesh. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The woman also has a drop foot. It is a condition where the patient is unable to lift foot. It is unclear whether a nerve damage or a mental block has caused it, her brother said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse.

In a freaky incident, a 57-year-old woman was robbed after being hit in the head with a hammer several times at a New York subway station, the police said. In a news conference on Friday afternoon, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives James Essig said that police are searching for the suspect, who kicked the woman and struck her "numerous times" and fled on foot with her purse. Also Read: Drugs or onions? $3 million worth methamphetamine seized in US The victim has been identified as Nina Rothschild by the woman's family. Rothschild is a scientist for the New York City Department of Health. She was attacked just 15 minutes after leaving from work, the police said. On Thursday at 11 pm, the woman was attacked by a six-foot-tall male, who was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and holding a cane, Essig said. "This is an unprovoked, brutal and appalling crime on a woman, who was just trying to get home after a day's work," Essig added. Also Read: US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT After the attack, Rothschild was bleeding from brain and taken to Cornell Medical Center with a fractured skull and lacerations to her face, Essig said. According to her brother Gerson Rothschild, she has had part of her skull replaced with wire mesh. The woman also has a drop foot. It is a condition where the patient is unable to lift foot. It is unclear whether a nerve damage or a mental block has caused it, her brother said. (With inputs from agencies)

57-year-old woman gets hit in head with hammer several times at New York subway station

A girl in New York, who went missing two years ago, has been found alive under the staircase of a house.

Paislee Shultis was four-years-old when she was allegedly taken by her non-custodial parents Kimberly Cooper, 33, and Kirk Shultis Jr., 32.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cleo-smith-four-year-old-australian-girl-abducted-from-campsite-found-alive-426294">Also read |&nbsp;Cleo Smith: Four-year-old Australian girl abducted from campsite found alive</a>

Local police said was found in a "small, cold, and wet" room under a staircase in a Saugerties home about 130 miles (210 kilometers) east of Cayuga Heights, where she was reported missing in July 2019.

They caught a first glimpse of the girl’s feet after removing some wooden steps, according to police.

Cooper, who also had an outstanding warrant in Ulster County, was arraigned and remains in Ulster County Jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-responds-to-arunachal-boys-kidnap-says-will-crack-down-on-illegal-border-entry-exit-446429">Alo read |&nbsp;China responds to Arunachal boy’s kidnap, says will ‘crack down on illegal border entry &amp; exit’</a>

Meanwhile, Kirk Shultis Jr. allegedly told police he hadn't seen the girl since 2019 and that Cooper had fled to Pennsylvania with the girl.

Paramedics said Shultis is in good health and has been turned over to her legal guardian and reunited with her older sister.

The noncustodial parents and a third person were arraigned on charges of custodial interference and endangering the welfare of a child.

(With inputs from agencies)

A girl in New York, who went missing two years ago, has been found alive under the staircase of a house. Paislee Shultis was four-years-old when she was allegedly taken by her non-custodial parents Kimberly Cooper, 33, and Kirk Shultis Jr.

A girl in New York, who went missing two years ago, has been found alive under the staircase of a house. Paislee Shultis was four-years-old when she was allegedly taken by her non-custodial parents Kimberly Cooper, 33, and Kirk Shultis Jr., 32. Also read | Cleo Smith: Four-year-old Australian girl abducted from campsite found alive Local police said was found in a "small, cold, and wet" room under a staircase in a Saugerties home about 130 miles (210 kilometers) east of Cayuga Heights, where she was reported missing in July 2019. They caught a first glimpse of the girl’s feet after removing some wooden steps, according to police. Cooper, who also had an outstanding warrant in Ulster County, was arraigned and remains in Ulster County Jail. Alo read | China responds to Arunachal boy’s kidnap, says will ‘crack down on illegal border entry & exit’ Meanwhile, Kirk Shultis Jr. allegedly told police he hadn't seen the girl since 2019 and that Cooper had fled to Pennsylvania with the girl. Paramedics said Shultis is in good health and has been turned over to her legal guardian and reunited with her older sister. The noncustodial parents and a third person were arraigned on charges of custodial interference and endangering the welfare of a child. (With inputs from agencies)

New York: Girl who went missing two years ago found alive under staircase

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;City&nbsp;was poised to sack roughly&nbsp;3,000&nbsp;municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;requires all&nbsp;city&nbsp;employees, including police, firefighters and teachers, to receive at least one dose of a&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;under orders passed by former mayor Bill de Blasio last year.

"We're not firing them. People are quitting," his successor, Eric Adams, said on Thursday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/future-of-covid-vaccines-scientists-develop-a-vaccine-that-can-be-inhaled-wont-need-needles-452473">&nbsp;Future of Covid vaccines: Scientists develop a vaccine that can be inhaled, won't need needles</a>

"The responsibility is clear. We said it: if you're hired, if you get this job, you have to be vaccinated. If you are not following the rules, you are making that decision," he added.

Like mandatory mask-wearing, mandatory vaccinations have been a controversial political issue in America, with Republican-led Texas going as far as banning them.

Hundreds of workers who oppose&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;requirement were due to march on&nbsp;City&nbsp;Hall in Manhattan on Friday.&nbsp;

Approximately 95 percent of the&nbsp;city's municipal workforce has received at least one dose of a&nbsp;vaccine.

The&nbsp;3,000&nbsp;number represents less than one percent of the Big Apple's 370,000&nbsp;municipal workers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/efficacy-of-pfizer-and-moderna-vaccines-wane-after-third-dose-study-452589">Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study</a>

Several thousand others remain unvaccinated but have applied for either medical or religious exemptions to avoid losing their jobs.

Friday's deadline comes after&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;state let an indoor mask&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;expire on Thursday.

Several other states, including California,&nbsp;New&nbsp;Jersey and Massachusetts announced this week the lifting of mask mandates for either businesses or schools.

The moves come as the US government&nbsp;grows increasingly concerned about copycat trucker-led protests against coronavirus restrictions that have shut down the Canadian capital Ottawa and three US border crossings.

Watch | NYC's municipal workers face termination over covid-19 vaccine status

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nycs-municipal-workers-face-termination-over-covid-19-vaccine-status-452560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Supporters of the movement in the United States have called on a convoy of truckers to gather in California in early March for a two-day rally before possibly heading towards the capital Washington.

&nbsp;

New York City was poised to sack roughly 3,000 municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates.

New York City was poised to sack roughly 3,000 municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates. New York requires all city employees, including police, firefighters and teachers, to receive at least one dose of a vaccine under orders passed by former mayor Bill de Blasio last year. "We're not firing them. People are quitting," his successor, Eric Adams, said on Thursday. Also read | Future of Covid vaccines: Scientists develop a vaccine that can be inhaled, won't need needles "The responsibility is clear. We said it: if you're hired, if you get this job, you have to be vaccinated. If you are not following the rules, you are making that decision," he added. Like mandatory mask-wearing, mandatory vaccinations have been a controversial political issue in America, with Republican-led Texas going as far as banning them. Hundreds of workers who oppose New York's vaccine requirement were due to march on City Hall in Manhattan on Friday. Approximately 95 percent of the city's municipal workforce has received at least one dose of a vaccine. The 3,000 number represents less than one percent of the Big Apple's 370,000 municipal workers. Also read | Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study Several thousand others remain unvaccinated but have applied for either medical or religious exemptions to avoid losing their jobs. Friday's deadline comes after New York state let an indoor mask mandate expire on Thursday. Several other states, including California, New Jersey and Massachusetts announced this week the lifting of mask mandates for either businesses or schools. The moves come as the US government grows increasingly concerned about copycat trucker-led protests against coronavirus restrictions that have shut down the Canadian capital Ottawa and three US border crossings. Watch | NYC's municipal workers face termination over covid-19 vaccine status Supporters of the movement in the United States have called on a convoy of truckers to gather in California in early March for a two-day rally before possibly heading towards the capital Washington.

New York City set to fire 3,000 staff for defying vaccine mandate

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives.

As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States.

Democrats have led the enforcement of mask mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida have gone as far as banning the mandatory wearing of face coverings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-tragic-who-reports-130-million-cases-and-500000-deaths-linked-to-omicron-451604" hreflang="en">'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron</a>

Citing a 96 per cent decline in the number of reported infections since early January, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would not renew an indoor mask mandate for businesses when it expires on Thursday.

Rather, it will be up to each city and business to decide whether to require masks.&nbsp;Hochul however, added&nbsp;that face coverings in schools would remain compulsory until she reviews it next month.

Hochul said the state was "trending in a very, very good direction."

"That is why we are now approaching a new phase in this pandemic," she told reporters. Broadway said it would require masks inside all theatres until April 30.

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said masks would no longer be required indoors in most public places by February 28; schools will, however, remain subject to the rule.

As Coronavirus infections fall in the US, several states announced plans Monday to lift mask requirements in indoor places and schools.

This easing of restrictions is also a response to an increasingly pandemic-weary public, occurring at a time when northern neighbour, Canada, is battling trucker-led protests against Covid rules, which have paralysed its capital, Ottawa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-fda-poised-to-tap-brakes-on-china-made-cancer-drugs-451741" hreflang="en">United States: FDA poised to tap brakes on China-made cancer drugs</a>

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that vaccinated residents of California will no longer be required to wear masks indoors as of February 15. However, unvaccinated residents will be required to do so.

The mask requirement in Oregon will be lifted no later than March 31, and the mask requirement in Delaware will end on Friday, with mask usage in classrooms ending by March 31.

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey led the rollbacks, announcing that children and staff would no longer need to wear masks in schools starting March 7.

Connecticut followed suit, with Ned Lamont saying that he was recommending that schools stop wearing masks after February 28.

In addition, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that his state's mask requirement for schools will end on February 28.

Watch |&nbsp;Canada truckers' protest against COVID mandates enters the second week

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-truckers-protest-against-covid-mandates-enters-the-second-week-450819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

School boards still have the option of requiring masks if they so desire despite the lifting of the mandates.

With these changes, a shift is taking place towards learning to live with COVID-19 on an everyday basis.

CDC officials still mandate face masks at federal buildings, train stations, airports and airport terminals. However, its officials are upping their rhetoric about normalizing life.

"We're moving toward a time when Covid won't disrupt our daily lives. A time when Covid won't be a constant crisis, but rather will be something we can protect against and treat," White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives.

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives. As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States. Democrats have led the enforcement of mask mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida have gone as far as banning the mandatory wearing of face coverings. Also read | 'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron Citing a 96 per cent decline in the number of reported infections since early January, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would not renew an indoor mask mandate for businesses when it expires on Thursday. Rather, it will be up to each city and business to decide whether to require masks. Hochul however, added that face coverings in schools would remain compulsory until she reviews it next month. Hochul said the state was "trending in a very, very good direction." "That is why we are now approaching a new phase in this pandemic," she told reporters. Broadway said it would require masks inside all theatres until April 30. Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said masks would no longer be required indoors in most public places by February 28; schools will, however, remain subject to the rule. As Coronavirus infections fall in the US, several states announced plans Monday to lift mask requirements in indoor places and schools. This easing of restrictions is also a response to an increasingly pandemic-weary public, occurring at a time when northern neighbour, Canada, is battling trucker-led protests against Covid rules, which have paralysed its capital, Ottawa. Also read | United States: FDA poised to tap brakes on China-made cancer drugs Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that vaccinated residents of California will no longer be required to wear masks indoors as of February 15. However, unvaccinated residents will be required to do so. The mask requirement in Oregon will be lifted no later than March 31, and the mask requirement in Delaware will end on Friday, with mask usage in classrooms ending by March 31. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey led the rollbacks, announcing that children and staff would no longer need to wear masks in schools starting March 7. Connecticut followed suit, with Ned Lamont saying that he was recommending that schools stop wearing masks after February 28. In addition, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that his state's mask requirement for schools will end on February 28. Watch | Canada truckers' protest against COVID mandates enters the second week School boards still have the option of requiring masks if they so desire despite the lifting of the mandates. With these changes, a shift is taking place towards learning to live with COVID-19 on an everyday basis. CDC officials still mandate face masks at federal buildings, train stations, airports and airport terminals. However, its officials are upping their rhetoric about normalizing life. "We're moving toward a time when Covid won't disrupt our daily lives. A time when Covid won't be a constant crisis, but rather will be something we can protect against and treat," White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

New York, Illinois latest to announce an end to mask mandates. These US states are also ending mask mandates

New York's Governor on Wednesday announced to put an end to mandatory masking mandate in most of the indoor places in the city, but ruled out schools for now. The Governor added that the decline in infection rates and hospitalisations have led to rescind the order.

New York to lift mandatory masking law, rules out schools

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal.

The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association.

Opponents say outside dining has created unsanitary conditions, helped draw more rats to sidewalks, drawn noise complaints in some neighborhoods and reduced the number of available parking spaces.

The Uniformed Firefighters Association has complained the sheds have narrowed streets so much as to delay their response and prevent them from safely raising ladders to windows.

The Coalition United for Equitable Urban Policy, an alliance of local businesses and residents, held a "Chuck the Sheds" protest rally over the weekend.

The 51-member council body will vote on the bill at a later date if it makes it through a committee vote.

The outdoor cafes were first permitted on a temporary basis under an “Open Restaurants” initiative to help offset the closure of indoor dining because of the pandemic, and later when severe capacity restrictions were imposed.

Restaurants were quick to set up makeshift structures of plywood and plastic sheeting, and many later installed more elaborate structures, some with heaters, suggesting they hoped the program was here to stay.

City officials and the restaurant industry have lauded the initiative for saving thousands of restaurants from closing permanently and enabling tens of thousands of workers to keep their jobs.

More than 12,000 restaurants and bars across New York, once the pandemic epicenter, take part in the program and 360 streets have been shut down to cars to expand space for outdoor restaurant eating, according to an online tracker.

Council member Marjorie Velázquez, who sponsored the bill, said the temporary program saved more than 100,000 jobs citywide.

"Beyond its positive economic impact, outdoor dining reimagined what the city could do with our streets," said Velázquez, who chaired the committee holding the hearing.

Council members at Tuesday's hearing questioned whether the city transportation department had the capacity to oversee such a program.

Some, concerned about the thousands of complaints logged against some restaurants, questioned what standards and enforcement measures would be put in place to ensure safety and cleanliness.

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal.

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal. The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association. Opponents say outside dining has created unsanitary conditions, helped draw more rats to sidewalks, drawn noise complaints in some neighborhoods and reduced the number of available parking spaces. The Uniformed Firefighters Association has complained the sheds have narrowed streets so much as to delay their response and prevent them from safely raising ladders to windows. The Coalition United for Equitable Urban Policy, an alliance of local businesses and residents, held a "Chuck the Sheds" protest rally over the weekend. The 51-member council body will vote on the bill at a later date if it makes it through a committee vote. The outdoor cafes were first permitted on a temporary basis under an “Open Restaurants” initiative to help offset the closure of indoor dining because of the pandemic, and later when severe capacity restrictions were imposed. Restaurants were quick to set up makeshift structures of plywood and plastic sheeting, and many later installed more elaborate structures, some with heaters, suggesting they hoped the program was here to stay. City officials and the restaurant industry have lauded the initiative for saving thousands of restaurants from closing permanently and enabling tens of thousands of workers to keep their jobs. More than 12,000 restaurants and bars across New York, once the pandemic epicenter, take part in the program and 360 streets have been shut down to cars to expand space for outdoor restaurant eating, according to an online tracker. Council member Marjorie Velázquez, who sponsored the bill, said the temporary program saved more than 100,000 jobs citywide. "Beyond its positive economic impact, outdoor dining reimagined what the city could do with our streets," said Velázquez, who chaired the committee holding the hearing. Council members at Tuesday's hearing questioned whether the city transportation department had the capacity to oversee such a program. Some, concerned about the thousands of complaints logged against some restaurants, questioned what standards and enforcement measures would be put in place to ensure safety and cleanliness.

New York considers making outdoor dining a permanent fixture

A life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in a New York City neighbourhood on Saturday, an act strongly condemned as 'despicable' by the Consulate General of India here.

The 8-foot-high statue, located in Manhattan's Union Square, was defaced by some unknown persons, the Consulate General of India said.

"The Consulate condemns this act of vandalism in the strongest terms,"&nbsp;it said, adding that the matter has been taken up with local authorities.

"The matter has also been taken up with the US State Department for immediate investigation and urged appropriate action against those responsible for this despicable act,"&nbsp;it said.

The incident has shocked the Indian-American community here.

The statue was donated by the Gandhi Memorial International Foundation, and was dedicated on October 2, 1986 to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

American civil rights leader Bayard Rustin had delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.

Incidentally, the statue was removed in 2001, conserved and reinstalled in a landscape garden area in 2002.

This is not the first time a statue of Gandhi has been desecrated in the US.

In January last year, unknown miscreants had vandalised, broken and ripped from the base a statue of Gandhi in a park in the US state of California, evoking a strong response from India which sought a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for the "despicable act."

The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, in the Central Park of the City of Davis in Northern California, had been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing.

The vandalised statue of Gandhi was found by a park employee in the early hours of morning of January 27, 2021, the police had said.

In December 2020, Khalistani-supporters had desecrated a Gandhi statue in Washington, DC in front of the Indian Embassy.

The then White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, had termed the incident as "terrible".

"No statue or memorial should be desecrated and certainly not one like that of Gandhi, who really fought for the values that America represents of peace, justice, and freedom.&nbsp;It is appalling that it has happened more than once and we believe the reputation of Mahatma Gandhi should be respected, especially here in America's capital,"&nbsp;she had said.

Also in June 2020, some unknown miscreants vandalised the statue of Gandhi outside the Indian embassy in the US with graffiti and spray painting, prompting the mission to register a complaint with the local law enforcement agencies.

Vandalism of the statue of the apostle of peace happened during the week of nationwide protests against the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.&nbsp;

A life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in a New York City neighbourhood on Saturday, an act strongly condemned as 'despicable' by the Consulate General of India here.

A life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in a New York City neighbourhood on Saturday, an act strongly condemned as 'despicable' by the Consulate General of India here. The 8-foot-high statue, located in Manhattan's Union Square, was defaced by some unknown persons, the Consulate General of India said. "The Consulate condemns this act of vandalism in the strongest terms," it said, adding that the matter has been taken up with local authorities. "The matter has also been taken up with the US State Department for immediate investigation and urged appropriate action against those responsible for this despicable act," it said. The incident has shocked the Indian-American community here. The statue was donated by the Gandhi Memorial International Foundation, and was dedicated on October 2, 1986 to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Gandhi. American civil rights leader Bayard Rustin had delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony. Incidentally, the statue was removed in 2001, conserved and reinstalled in a landscape garden area in 2002. This is not the first time a statue of Gandhi has been desecrated in the US. In January last year, unknown miscreants had vandalised, broken and ripped from the base a statue of Gandhi in a park in the US state of California, evoking a strong response from India which sought a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for the "despicable act." The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, in the Central Park of the City of Davis in Northern California, had been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing. The vandalised statue of Gandhi was found by a park employee in the early hours of morning of January 27, 2021, the police had said. In December 2020, Khalistani-supporters had desecrated a Gandhi statue in Washington, DC in front of the Indian Embassy. The then White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, had termed the incident as "terrible". "No statue or memorial should be desecrated and certainly not one like that of Gandhi, who really fought for the values that America represents of peace, justice, and freedom. It is appalling that it has happened more than once and we believe the reputation of Mahatma Gandhi should be respected, especially here in America's capital," she had said. Also in June 2020, some unknown miscreants vandalised the statue of Gandhi outside the Indian embassy in the US with graffiti and spray painting, prompting the mission to register a complaint with the local law enforcement agencies. Vandalism of the statue of the apostle of peace happened during the week of nationwide protests against the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

Mahatma Gandhi's statue vandalised in New York

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.

But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue.

The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello.

“Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork.

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Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce.

But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’.

And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported.

According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork.

Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat.

Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast.&nbsp;

The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland.

(With inputs from agencies)

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube. But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue. The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello. “Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niclas Castello (@niclas.castello) × Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce. But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’. And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported. According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork. Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat. Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast. The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

Pure gold cube worth $11 mn appears in New York, and it has a crypto connection

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