UPDATE: Missing juvenile has been located.  She returned to Mercy First Group Home on her own accord on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Below is the original release.

(Long Island, NY) The Missing Person Squad reports the details of a missing juvenile on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. in Syosset.

According to detectives, Sonia Landaverde, 15 years old was last seen leaving Mercy First Group Home located at 525 Convent Road on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. on foot in an unknown direction.

Nassau County Police are seeking Sonia Landaverde, 15, a missing juvenile from a Syosset group home. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above juvenile to contact Missing Persons at 516-573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) The Art League of Long Island’s juried exhibition “Motion in Art and Art in Motion” challenged artists to submit their artistic interpretations of motion in 2-D or 3-D mediums. Exhibition Juror Marina Press selected 60 works out of 400 submissions from artists residing in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens who responded to the challenge.

The exhibit will be on view in the Art League’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery March 28 through April 24, 2016.  The artists’ reception takes place Sunday, April 3 from 1pm to 3pm.

Silkowitz Susan – Flying High. Photo Credit: Art League of Long Island.

Marina Press is Associate Director of the Bernarducci Meisel Gallery, NYC.  Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Ms. Press received her BA in Art History from Pace University and is currently an MA Candidate in Art History and Museum Studies at CUNY. Recently she curated a critically acclaimed exhibition at the Brooklyn Arts Council Gallery entitled “3 Points Define a Surface.”

The Art League of Long Island is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge, Monday through Thursday 9am – 9pm, Fridays 9am – 4pm, and on weekends 11am – 4pm.  For more information about the Art League visit www.artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400.

(Long Island, NY) The First Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 12:25 a.m. in Freeport.

According to detectives, a male victim, 21 was entering the rear of his Casino Street home when two male black subjects, wearing masks and armed with black handguns pushed him into the home. Once inside the subjects demanded cash from the victim and a second female victim, age 49, who was on the couch. One subject struck the male in the head causing a laceration.

Nassau County Police investigating a Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, March 15 in Freeport. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Two additional victims, a male, 25 and female, 20 came downstairs when they heard yelling and were confronted by the suspects. The female was returned to the second floor with one suspect as he searched for money. The suspect returned to the first floor at which time the 25 year old victim attempted to run out the front door and was shot in the left leg as he exited the home.

A passerby drove the victim to an area hospital. The subjects fled on foot in an unknown direction without any proceeds. A Nassau County Ambulance transported the 21 year old male victim to a local hospital for treatment of a head laceration.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) Gun violence is a problem in America that can’t be ignored. National grassroots gun violence prevention organizations States United to Prevent Gun Violence Action Fund, Inc. (SUPGVAF) and the Newtown Action Alliance (NAA) want to encourage voters to give victims of gun violence a voice and declare that they’ll be casting a vote in their honor. They’re calling the campaign the #GhostVote. The aim of the campaign is to put Common-Sense Gun Laws at the top of the agenda leading up to the elections.

On March 15th, ahead of the third Super Tuesday of the 2016 Campaign, body outlines featuring a #GhostVote ballot appeared ovenight in the nation’s capital as a symbolic gesture to give a voice to those silenced by gun violence.

The movement includes GhostVote.com where supporters are encouraged to declare that they are “Ghost Voters” in honor of those affected by gun violence. After pledging to use their voice on behalf of those who no longer can, visitors to the site will be able to update their social media profile pictures with a specially designed image, becoming a demographic that can’t be overlooked. The website also features a video, stories and images submitted by families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, with new stories being added each day to help build awareness and give others the opportunity to lend a voice to advance legislation. The #GhostVote video, narrated by actress Kathryn Erbe, known for her role as Det. Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, informs supporters how to lend their voice to the cause and can be viewed here.

“With over 30,000 lives lost to gun violence each year and 70,000 more shot and injured, we believe it’s time to give those people a voice and encourage Capitol Hill to pass the necessary bills to increase Common-Sense Gun Laws to save lives, ” says Julia Wyman, Executive Director of States United to Prevent Gun Violence Action Fund, Inc. “Our goal with #GhostVote is to showcase the need for laws that support gun violence prevention and give a voice to those who cannot speak on their own behalf.”

Leah Gunn Barrett, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, a member of SUPGVAF, said “I am casting my #GhostVote for my brother, Greg Gunn, a husband and father, who was shot and killed at his business on a March morning nineteen years ago. Since then, over 600,000 Americans have died from gun violence while Congress has stood idly by. In this crucial election year, American voters must demand more of our elected officials and vote only for candidates who pledge to end this preventable slaughter.”

Using the platform of #GhostVote, visitors will be given the opportunity to contact their local legislators whose voices count on Capitol Hill. The website will also allow visitors to sign the Move-On Common-Sense Gun Law petition that will put additional pressure on legislators.

“We need more voters to honor victims of gun violence with action to end this national epidemic,” states Po Murray, Chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance. “We know firsthand that gun violence is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored.”

As President Barack Obama said, “All of us need to demand leaders brave enough to stand up to the gun lobby’s lies. All of us need to stand up and protect our fellow citizens. All of us need to demand that governors, mayors and our representatives in Congress do their part.”

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide organization working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.

• Web:  www.nyagv.org   
• Twitter: @NYAGV1       
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nyagv

States United to Prevent Gun Violence Action Fund, Inc., is a grassroots organization formed to promote Common-Sense Gun Laws to keep Americans safe. Find out more about States United at:www.supgv.org.

The Newtown Action Alliance is a grassroots organization formed after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It works to make America’s children, families, and all citizens safer through legislative and cultural change that will reduce gun violence. Find out more about the Newtown Action Alliance at: www.newtownaction.org.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) recently outlined his budget priorities as the Legislature delves deeper into negotiations. He said his main focus will be on restoring infrastructure parity between New York City and the rest of the state and providing funding that will act as a gateway to economic development and job creation on Long Island.

“Long Island’s infrastructure needs are paramount,” McDonough said. “We have dealt with serious natural disasters, two of the worst in history over the last couple of years, and our local roads and highways handle some of the highest volume of traffic in the state. While New York City receives billions to close budget deficits we are left fighting for scraps and that is an abomination. We need more than simple ‘maintenance’ projects. We deserve our fair share.”

Over 120 legislators gathered in Albany last week for a rally calling on Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), which is the primary funding mechanism for local infrastructure maintenance. McDonough has joined their call and is fighting the governor on his proposal to include no increase in CHIPS funding in this year’s budget.

“One of the examples of our infrastructure deficiencies are Long Island routes littered with potholes,” McDonough said. “These routes ensure the safety of our families and businesses each day and provide jobs for groups like the Long Island Contractors’ Association (LICA) and local construction crews across the area. There are movements like Rebuild Upstate and supporting the NYC mass transit system, but where is the funding for Long Island? I am co-sponsor on multiple bills, A.8242 and A.3522 that would address the lack of parity between NYC and the rest of the state and allow for more infrastructure repair and maintenance.”

“I am joining the fight on behalf of our local contractors, highway departments and infrastructure repair crews and calling on the governor to increase CHIPS funding and give Long Island its fair share,” McDonough concluded.

The 2016-17 Enacted State Budget is due on April 1, 2016.

(Long Island, NY) The First, Second and Seventh Squads are investigating a series of Criminal Mischiefs that occurred in Nassau County between Sunday, March 13 and Monday March 14.

According to detectives, several parked vehicles in Levittown, Wantagh, East Meadow and North Merrick were vandalized. Windows in the vehicles were shot out with what is believed to be a BB gun.

A white SUV, possibly a Chevrolet was seen on video at the scene of one of the incidents. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives report three additional vehicles were damaged on N. Jerusalem Avenue in East Meadow by what appears to be a BB gun during the same time frame as the earlier incidents.

Detectives ask anyone who believes they are a victim or with information regarding these crimes to contact their local precinct.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle released highlights of the local education portion of the Senate Budget, whichmakes another strong commitment to our schools, providing a $1.6 billion or 7.15 percent increase in year-to-year spending.

Senator Ken LaValle said, “In January, I pledged to fight for additional aid for our schools and to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), which forced many schools to cut educational programs and reduce services.  The budget we passed in the Senate today provides the level of funding necessary for our schools to maintain a quality education for our children and keep school taxes under control.”

Senator LaValle continued, “Less than two months ago, my legislation was approved to completely eliminate the GEA this year.  I’m happy to report that now, under our budget, the GEA would be completely eliminated this year.  We also have proposed making the STAR tax rebate permanent.  The Senate education budget will provide for a quality education for all Long Island students. ”

• The Senate budget makes another strong commitment to our schools, providing a $1.6 billion or 7.15 percent increase in year-to-year spending.
• It does away with every dollar that remains of the Gap Elimination Adjustment ($436 million) this year.
• Makes the STAR rebate program (School Tax Relief Program) permanent
• Adds $10 million to the library construction program and $5 million in library aid funding to the Governor’s budget proposal
• Requires school districts to hold public votes for capital projects on the same day as the annual budget vote in May

Senate Budget includes $167 Million For Opioid Abuse Prevention, Treatment, Recovery And Education

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle announced the Senate budget includes a total of $167 million in funding to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and education services as part of its 2016-17 proposal. In addition to this significant funding commitment, the budget proposal also includes legislation to prevent the abuse of opioid prescription drugs.

Senator LaValle said, “Fighting Heroin and Opioid addiction remains a top priority of mine. The heroin crisis is affecting many communities throughout our region.  Today, it touches individuals in every social and economic group. It’s critically important that we pull out all the stops to halt the spread of heroin.  The Senate budget proposal includes important  and necessary tools towards halting this epidemic.”

The Senate plan increases the Governor’s budget proposal of $141 million by more than 18 percent. The $26 million in additional funds proposed includes:

• $10 million for transitional housing for individuals in recovery, with 25 percent of these funds to be used for individuals ages 15-24;
• $6.5 million for additional recovery services;
• $3.85 million for 11 additional Recovery Community Centers.  The Executive Budget proposed to expand the number of Recovery Community Centers in the state by six, from the current number of three to a total of nine. The Senate proposal would bring the total to 20, and would require that all centers be distributed on a geographically even basis;
• $2 million for school prevention efforts;
• $2 million for Recovery Coaches;
• $1 million for an additional 10 Family Support Navigators, who will assist New Yorkers and their families with navigating insurance and treatment systems. The Executive Budget proposes 10 Navigators to be regionally distributed statewide and the Senate proposal doubles that commitment to 20, helping to ensure their services would be distributed on a geographically even basis;
• $450,000 for opioid drug addiction, prevention and treatment programs; and
• $200,000 for Family Support Navigator training.

The Senate budget also includes legislation (S6962) to prevent the abuse of opioid prescription drugs. This bill helps prevent the abuse of opioid prescription drugs by ensuring that FDA-approved abuse-deterrent drugs are dispensed whenever prescribed and are not interchanged or substituted for an opioid prescription drug lacking abuse-deterrent technology. The bill also requires insurance plans to cover abuse-deterrent opioid prescription drugs at the same level as non-abuse deterrent opioid prescription drugs, prevents insurance plans from requiring a patient take a non-abuse deterrent opioid drug before a drug containing abuse-deterrent technology and ensures that prior authorization requirements are applied equally to both abuse-deterrent and non-abuse-deterrent opioid prescription drugs.

Today’s funding recommendation is the latest in the Senate Republicans’ legislative efforts to combat the opioid and heroin crisis – first concentrating on the abuse of prescription painkillers, and then following the opioid addiction trend as it turned to heroin. Deaths from heroin overdoses across the nation escalated 175 percent between 2010 and 2014, and these numbers continue to climb.

Since 2014, the Senate’s Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction has held forums that solicit input from stakeholders and experts, and use the information collected to develop recommendations for legislative action. Senator LaValle, a member of the Task Force, noted that significant legislation has already been enacted as a result of the Task Force’s efforts, and more continues to be developed to address the ongoing crisis.

The evening will celebrate global young entrepreneurs and enterprising educators

(Long Island, NY) The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) – the 27 year-old international non-profit that teaches the entrepreneurial mindset to youth in under-resourced communities – announced today that Chelsea Clinton, Author and Vice-Chair of the Clinton Foundation and Troy Carter, Founder and CEO of Atom Factory will speak at the 2016 NFTE Global Showcase, presented by MasterCard, on March 30^th in New York City.

“We’re beyond delighted to have Chelsea Clinton and Troy Carter – two leaders who have helped inspire and create change– share their stories and insights with our entrepreneurship alumni,” said Shawn Osborne, President and CEO of NFTE. “I am confident they will motivate the young people in NFTE to follow their great examples and continue to think like entrepreneurs, seize control of their futures and invest in helping others.”

Clinton serves as Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, which convenes businesses, governments, NGOs, and individuals to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change. .

Clinton is also the recent author of It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going – a book for young readers which explores some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and inspires young people to make a difference in their own communities and around the globe.

“Empowering young people to be entrepreneurs empowers them to have a positive impact in their own lives and their communities. Entrepreneurial skills are at the core of the work NFTE has been engaged in for decades,” notes Chelsea Clinton. “I’m excited to celebrate NFTE’s most innovative young entrepreneurs and extraordinary teachers from across the globe and to learn from them about how they are making the world a better place.”

Joining Clinton at the NFTE Global Showcase will be entrepreneur, investor, and talent manager Troy Carter, the founder and CEO of Atom Factory, a diversified entertainment company with roots in music, media and technology. Troy feeds his passion for culture and technology through his Cross Culture fund, with 80+ investments in early stage startups – including Spotify, DropBox, Uber, Warby Parker, and Lyft. In 2015, he launched Smashd.co, a digital platform to inspire Millennials, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiast by amplifying the art of hustle.

“Success can be achieved through opportunity and hustle. When we offer opportunities and teach the entrepreneurial mindset to young people, we are helping them build better futures for themselves and for society,” said Troy Carter. “And that’s why I’m thrilled to join NFTE in helping these students develop their entrepreneurial skill set.”

The 2016 NFTE Global Showcase will bring the most promising young NFTE alumni (Global Young Entrepreneurs of 2016) and inspirational teachers (Global Enterprising Educators of 2016) to New York. The global leaders include teachers and students from 7 nations including Singapore, Mexico, and Israel. In total, 25 students with 20 businesses as well as 20 teachers will be honored.

“If anyone wondered where tomorrow’s visionaries and business leaders will come from, this event helps answer the question,” said Ron Garrow, chief human resources officer for MasterCard and vice chair of the NFTE board of directors. “This celebration of students, teachers and mentors demonstrates the potential of what entrepreneurial thinking brings in developing more powerful, inclusive communities.”

The 2015 Showcase featured Sara Blakely, the entrepreneur founder of Spanx, the billion dollar apparel company.

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is an international nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and builds their knowledge about business startup. Students acquire the entrepreneurial mindset (e.g., innovation, self-reliance, comfort with smart risk), alongside business, STEM and presentation skills – equipping them to drive their best futures in the 21st Century. NFTE’s work focuses in under-resourced communities, providing students the skills to recognize and act on opportunities in the world. NFTE has taught 600,000 young people with programs in 23 locations in 10 countries. To learn more, visit: http://www.nfte.com, like NFTE on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/NFTE, or follow us on Twitter at @NFTE

MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry.  We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  MasterCard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

Workers Delivered Food To Customers That Ordered Through Websites Delivery.Com, Grubhub.Com, And Seamless.Com

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a $15,000 settlement with the owner of two Manhattan restaurants for wage underpayments. The owner, Wallace Lai, admitted to a number of labor law violations, including keeping tips intended for delivery workers after customers ordered through online delivery services.

Lai formerly owned two Chinese food restaurants, both called Hong Kong Station. From May 2014 until January 2015, the restaurants delivered food to customers through the food delivery websitesDelivery.com, GrubHub.com, and Seamless.com. Through those websites, customers paid with credit cards, typically including a tip for delivery workers. Lai unlawfully kept the tips charged through the sites – never paying them to the delivery workers as customers intended.

“Delivery workers travel at all hours of the day and through all kinds of weather to provide food to customers who can order from their homes with the click of a button,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “It is outrageous that a business would cheat its workers and hoodwink customers, by keeping tips that are meant for these hardworking employees.”

The settlement agreement requires Wallace Lai to pay $15,000 for the full amount of tips that he kept from customer orders on the food delivery websites and for minimum wage and overtime violations. The restitution will be distributed to approximately ten workers who formerly worked at Lai’s restaurants.

New York Labor Law prohibits employers from keeping any part of the tips that are intended for service employees, including delivery workers. Under the law, Lai and his restaurants were required to distribute tips to the workers who provided the service that customers are tipping for. The law both protects the earnings of low-wage service employees, and ensures that consumers are not defrauded by a business that keeps gratuities meant for workers.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Haeya Yim under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief ReNika Moore. Terri Gerstein is the Labor Bureau Chief, and Alvin Bragg is the Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice.