Homeless,trump — Photo by Timur Weber, via PEXELS

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 26, 2024

Employees Of Brooklyn Nonprofit Indicted In Alleged $500K Kickback Scheme

This should never happen....

Three men, including two ex-employees of an unidentified nonprofit organization serving New York City’s homeless population, have been indicted in a scheme that allegedly misappropriated over $500,000 in public funds, Brooklyn Paper reports.

Jonathan Velazquez, Luis A. Camarena, and Gary DSilva, also known as “Pankaj DSilva,” were listed as defendants in an unsealed indictment on Nov. 21. U.S. Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon arraigned all three men on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering charges. Prosecutor Breon Peace says money schemes only hurt the people of New York. “These defendants misappropriated public funds through a brazen kickback scheme. When corrupt employees siphon public funds to line their own pockets, the neediest New Yorkers bear the brunt,” the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said.

“My office will relentlessly pursue those who try to compromise the integrity of our community organizations.”

Prosecutors allege the scheme started when DSilva and Velazquez started working for the management information systems department of a nonprofit based in Brooklyn that operated several homeless shelters. Between 2017 and 2021, both men allegedly conspired with Camarena, who held the title of principal of a vendor contracted to install security cameras at the shelters. The vendor allegedly received $1.6 million in payments from the nonprofit for the installation projects, totaling more than $500,000 of those funds being sent back to DSilva and Velazquez.

The payments were reportedly made to credit cards in the names of both men and their spouses and to shell companies registered with DSilva’s spouse.

According to the Brooklyn Eagle, an investigation revealed hidden emails between defendants scheming on how to allegedly divide the profits. Prosecutors highlighted the emails as “clear evidence” of DSilva, Velazquez, and Camarena’s intentions to use their positions within the nonprofit to benefit themselves at the expense of public funds. “These employees of a City-funded nonprofit participated in an illegal kickback scheme, enriching themselves by stealing from their employer, an entity providing critical services to New Yorkers in need, as alleged in the indictment,” Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, Jocelyn E. Strauber said.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy shared similar thoughts: “The FBI will never tolerate corrupt individuals who selfishly steal public funds intended to support our city’s vulnerable populations.” “This alleged quid pro quo agreement only enriched the involved parties and deprived the city of vital infrastructural improvements,” Dennehy said.

All three defendants entered not-guilty pleas.

Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase — (Photo: Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Daniel Johnson

November 26, 2024

Could Artificial Intelligence Help People Work Less, Live Longer

Marc Morial, president of The National Urban League, warned in a 2019 op-ed that automation presents a clear threat to the prospects of Black Americans in the workforce.

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon is bullish on the prospect of artificial intelligence improving the life-work balance of American employees in the future, according to comments he made during an appearance on Bloomberg TV.

As reported by Fortune, Dimon seems to have embraced the inevitability of AI replacing the jobs of some Americans and made an ambitious claim that, due to advances, people may soon live beyond 100 years of age.

“People have to take a deep breath. Technology has always replaced jobs. Your children are going to live to 100 and not have cancer because of technology, and literally, they’ll probably be working three and a half days a week,” Dimon said.

Dimon’s prediction is ambitious, as American work, on average, approximately 37 hours a week, which is essentially still the standard 40-hour five-day workweek pioneered in America during the 1920s by Henry Ford’s Ford Motor Co.

Although JPMorgan Chase did create a five-year, $350 million reskilling initiative in 2019 to help prepare its employees for a work economy that is more reliant on artificial intelligence and technology, the company’s workforce, per Statista, is 44% white, 21% Latinx, 19% Asian, and 14% Black.

According to a 2022 analysis by the CDC, it is not easy to forecast how sweeping changes to the workforce created by technological advances will be because there are too many variables to say with complete certainty which jobs and sectors will be impacted and in which ways.

In April, MIT economist David Autor was the lead author of research that indicated that since at least 1980, technological advancements have not created more jobs than they have eliminated, but with the caveat that some forms of work were merely transformed and not completely eliminated.

As Autor told MIT News, “AI is really different. It may substitute some high-skill expertise but may complement decision-making tasks. I think we’re in an era where we have this new tool, and we don’t know what’s good for. New technologies have strengths and weaknesses, and it takes a while to figure them out. GPS was invented for military purposes, and it took decades for it to be in smartphones.”

Autor continued, “The missing link was documenting and quantifying how much technology augments people’s jobs. All the prior measures just showed automation and its effects on displacing workers. We were amazed we could identify, classify, and quantify augmentation. So that itself, to me, is pretty foundational.”

According to Autor, augmentation is a fundamental restructuring of how a job is performed, while automation essentially replaces a worker.

“You can think of automation as a machine that takes a job’s inputs and does it for the worker,” Autor explained. “We think of augmentation as a technology that increases the variety of things that people can do, the quality of things people can do, or their productivity.”

Marc Morial, president of The National Urban League, warned in a 2019 op-ed that automation presents a clear threat to the prospects of Black Americans in the workforce.

Morial referenced a report from McKinsey and Company, titled “The Future of Work in Black America,” which painted a grim picture for Black men in particular. “African-American men are overrepresented in the jobs most likely to be lost, such as food services, retail, office support, and factory work,” Morial wrote.

Morial continued, “African-American men also are underrepresented in the jobs least likely to be lost to artificial intelligence. These include educators, health professionals, legal professionals, and agricultural workers.”

According to the McKinsey report, in addition to improving the prospects of areas where Black people work and live, “The public and private sectors will need to implement targeted programs to increase the awareness of automation risk among African American workers. Additionally, both sectors will need to provide African Americans with opportunities for higher education and the ability to transition into higher-paying roles and occupations.”

williamson, loan, Zion Williamson — Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on March 21, 2023. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 26, 2024

Zion Williamson Splits From CAA, Reveals Desire To Play With The New York Knicks

The New Orleans Pelicans center recently split from the Creative Artists Agency after reportedly not being able to play for the team of his choice.

NBA player Zion Williamson was supposed to be the next superstar of the NBA, with an expected career that was supposed to rival that of a young LeBron James, when the New Orleans Pelicans drafted him. Yet, another injury has sidelined his promising career once again. Outside of his latest injury, word has come out that the center has also split with the sports agency he has been with since debuting in the NBA, and it’s being speculated that part of it is because of Williamson’s desire to play with the New York Knicks before being drafted by the Pelicans.

According to Clutch Sports, sources have revealed that the recent split from the Creative Artists Agency was partly because they were unable to get him on the team he allegedly wanted to play on, the Knicks. He reportedly made this known to the agency before the Pelicans selected him, and he anticipated it could happen. Although that didn’t take place, he felt that the agency could make a trade to the New York team, and several years later, as he is still playing for the Pelicans, his wish to play his home games at Madison Square Garden has not happened.

That is one of the two reasons Williamson has decided to leave CAA.

Zion Williamson reportedly wanted to end up in New York, per @krispursiainen

“Even before the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery sealed Williamson’s fate as the Pelicans’ No. 1 overall pick, he had long made it clear to the agency that he wanted to play in New York. After beginning his… pic.twitter.com/eLOuAv6kis

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 23, 2024

Williamson also had an issue with the structure of his contract with the team. There are weight-related clauses incorporated in the agreement that the center has more recently gotten a better understanding of, which became part of his contention with CAA. Williamson signed a five-year, $197 million extension with the team in January 2022. The contract calls for certain weight benchmarks that he has to be under, so his contract will be guaranteed for the year. That pushed the center to want to be represented by another party.

Issa Rae, Prosecco, jewelry, fine, Somerville — (Photo: Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 26, 2024

Issa Rae Opens ‘Somerville’ Restaurant Inspired By South Central’s 1940s Jazz Scene

A new Black-owned restaurant in South Central LA honors the vibrant Black jazz scene of the 1940s.

A new Black-owned restaurant in South Central Los Angeles is honoring the vibrant, Harlem Renaissance-inspired culture that defined the area in the 1940s.

Somerville, a full-service restaurant, officially opened on Nov. 22. It offers American cuisine, craft cocktails, fine wines, and live music. Actress and media mogul Issa Rae took to Instagram on Nov. 25 to celebrate the restaurant’s launch and how it serves as an “ode to the classic, artistic past of Black South Central L.A.”

“Always wanted a neighborhood lounge to complement the special community that is View Park-Windsor Hills. The genius GVO Gentlemen said, how about a restaurant?” Rae shared in her caption.

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A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae)

Founded by Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen owners Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, the loungey restaurant is located in the same View Park-Windsor Hills retail complex as their original cafe. With Issa Rae being a partner in Hilltop, she was happy to be among the first to experience Somerville.

The location holds special significance for Hagos and Relan, two South LA natives who initially passed on the opportunity to acquire the 5,000-square-foot space in 2015. At the time, they chose to focus on launching their Black-owned coffee company to compete in the area’s coffee-centric market.

“We’re from here but didn’t know if we would ever open anything here,” Relan told Eater Los Angeles.

Now after opening Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen locations throughout the Southland and Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar in Downtown LA, Ralen and Hagos have opened their first-ever full-service restaurant right in their hometown.

“We could have been anywhere in the city, but we’re here with you…. on Slauson,” they captioned an Instagram announcement.

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A post shared by Somerville (@somerville.slauson)

When designing the space, the business partners drew inspiration from Los Angeles history, focusing on Historic South-Central’s vibrant culture from 1921 to 1956. This era thrived thanks to traveling Black musicians who were barred from performing in white-owned bars and clubs. The scene revolved around the iconic Dunbar Hotel (originally named Hotel Somerville, which inspired the restaurant’s name) and the bustling jazz venues along Central Avenue.

“We became obsessed with these spaces and ideas,” Relan said. “Hilltop was a step in that direction for us. We wanted to create a 2020s version of that era, but not [necessarily do] a jazz club. We wanted to look forward while celebrating the progress in between.”

Crafted by chef Geter Atienza, known for his work at New York’s Bouchon Bakery and Broken Spanish, the menu features dishes like scallop crudo, duck confit, soup du jour, halibut, lamb shank, and collard green lasagna. Guests can pair these offerings with a selection of sparkling, white, and red wines, along with beer and specialty cocktails.

Somerville is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Alicia Keys, music industry — Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 26, 2024

Alicia Keys’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Launching North American Tour In Fall 2025

Alicia Keys' "Hell's Kitchen" musical is coming to a theater near you.

Alicia Keys’ Tony Award-winning musical Hell’s Kitchen continues to captivate audiences on Broadway and is set to hit theaters nationwide in fall 2025.

The show’s producers announced a multi-year North American tour starting next fall at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, Deadline reports. Running alongside the Broadway production at the Shubert Theatre, the tour will visit over 30 cities in its first year.

“Seeing Hell’s Kitchen on a Broadway marquee has fulfilled one of my earliest and most influential dreams as an artist and a New Yorker,” Keys said in a statement.

“I’m overjoyed by the impact it has already had with audiences that truly mirror the world around us in New York, and I am ecstatic that we can bring the show to so many incredible cities across the country. Let’s gooooo!!!!!”

The hit musical is inspired by Keys’ life growing up in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. It tells the story of Ali, a 17-year-old girl yearning for freedom, passion, and her sense of purpose through music.

“Struggling with a rebellious spirit and feeling confined by her overprotective single mother, Ali finds her way when she meets a neighbor who becomes her mentor, introducing her to the transformative power of the piano,” a synopsis reads.

The musical—featuring music and lyrics by Alicia Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz—had limited runs before its official opening on April 20, 2024. It went on to sweep the Tony Awards with 13 wins, including Best Lead Actress, Best Choreography, Best Design, and Best Musical.

AKW Productions heads the producing team for Hell’s Kitchen. The full Broadway creative team, led by director Michael Greif, will return for the national tour. The music team features orchestrators Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, with arrangements by Alicia Keys and Blackstone.

The creative team includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Gareth Owen, projection designer Peter Nigrini, hair and wig designer Mia Neal, and makeup designer Michael Clifton. Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray handle casting, and Foresight Theatrical serves as the general manager.

Marjorie Greene, Democrats, George Floyd, — (Photo: Benjamin Hendren/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

November 26, 2024

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Americans ‘Spoiled,’ Threatens To Defund NPR

Greene, who will lead the subcommittee connected to the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, said she’s coming for NPR, organizations that fund 'toilets in Africa,' 'sex apps in Malaysia,' sanctuary cities, and the Pentagon.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is already detailing who will likely be her first targets for investigation and defunding. Greene, who will lead the subcommittee connected to the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, said she’s coming for NPR, organizations that fund “toilets in Africa,” “sex apps in Malaysia,” sanctuary cities, and the Pentagon.

“I want to talk to the people at the Pentagon and ask them why they can’t find billions of dollars every single year and why they fail their audit,” she said.

DOGE was created to find and eradicate wasteful spending. Greene promises a “deep dive” into every government department and program.

“We’ll be looking at everything from government-funded media programs like NPR that spread nothing but Democrat propaganda. We’ll be going into grant programs that fund things like sex apps in Malaysia, toilets in Africa,” she told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo.

During the interview, Greene said America has been “really spoiled for a long time,” claiming that the federal government is one of the worst abusers of wasting America’s tax dollars.

Greene Promises To Look Into Sanctuary Cities and the Pentagon

One of Greene’s priorities will be investigating “sanctuary cities,” or places with policies that protect immigrants.

“I’d like to talk to the governors of sanctuary states and the mayors of sanctuary cities and have them come before our committee and explain why they deserve federal dollars if they’re going to harbor illegal criminal aliens in their states and their cities,” Greene said.

She made it clear that these places would lose federal funding if the committee found out that cities or states were allocating resources or even police officers to “protect illegal criminal aliens.”

As she discussed ways to cut the federal budget, Greene said the way to do it is by cutting “programs, contracts, employees, grant programs, you name it, that are failing the American people and not serving the American people’s interests.”

Congressional Black Caucus — photo credit: picric/ The U.S. National Archives

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 26, 2024

Congressional Black Caucus Aims To Counter Trump’s Project 2025 With Record Number Of New Members

The fight lives on!

With 62 Black members in Congress and the highest number of Black federal lawmakers in history, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) plans to fight back against President-elect Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, NBC News reports.

Instead of upholding policies for Black and marginalized people under a Harris-Walz administration, the CBC has pivoted to hold Trump and his GOP-led allies accountable for what’s to come. Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), says the group has no problem working with all legislative colleagues, but that doesn’t mean some won’t be called out on issues that are triggering. “We’ve always been the conscience of the Congress, and that’s no matter who’s in charge,” Meeks said.

“We always try to work with folks where we can. But we call them out also. And now we have more of these leaders to call truth to power, to make sure that the voices of the voiceless are heard.”

There will be 67 Black lawmakers serving in Congress. The five Black Republicans are not members of the CBC.

With a 53-year history, the group’s goal is clear for the 119th session of Congress — “loudly” challenge the Trump administration on policies affecting Black people with a specific hold on access to healthcare, prescription drug costs, the call to eliminate Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, education, and more. Such issues have come under scrutiny as Trump has nominated controversial cabinet picks, including wrestling executive Linda McMahon for secretary of education and Dr. Mehmet Oz to oversee Medicaid and Medicare.

Meeks has expressed concerns over the selections and says the pushback from the Caucus will not be silenced. “Instead of just having a quartet, now you’ve got a whole choir,” Meeks said. “And we will be loud, we will be clear, and we’re going to be constant and consistent because this administration is a danger.”

While the House and Senate will be under Republican control, the presence of Black Democratic lawmakers hasn’t gone unnoticed. Executive Director of the Rolling Sea Action Fund, Niccara Campbell Wallace, calls the group’s growth “noteworthy.” “Despite the Republicans having the House and the Senate next session, you feel good about what these historic number of Black Congress members can do in terms of helping influence what comes down the pipe,” she said.

In a statement, the CBC says their new members are ready to fight for American voters of all creeds and protect them from Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. “The CBC will hold the line to protect Americans from the danger of extremist Republicans and their hate-filled Project 2025 agenda,” the statement read, according to The Hill.

“In the streets, the courtroom, and in Congress, the CBC will build coalitions with Americans of goodwill to fight for a fair economy and defend freedom. House and Senate Republicans should be on alert. We will expose and define their dangerous, reckless agenda out the gate — Americans will have a clear-eyed-view of the stakes next November.”

The caucus’s leadership will see the return of its chair, Rep. Steven Horsford, who just won Democratic re-election in Nevada, and ranking committee members, including Virginia’s Rep. Bobby Scott on Education and the Workforce, Rep. David Scott of Georgia on Agriculture, Mississippi’s Rep. Bennie Thompson for Homeland Security, and Rep. Maxine Waters on Financial Services.

New faces will include historymakers Rep.-elect Janelle Bynum, the first Black woman to represent Oregon, and Sens.-elect Angela Alsobrooks (MD) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE).

Culture Beach Jam — photo credit: Afro Future

by Stacy Jackson

November 26, 2024

‘Detty December’ Pops Off With AfroFuture And Culture Beach Jam 2024

It's going to be nonstop vibes as Culture Beach Jam gathers artists, emerging talent and community members for a celebration of Africa.

Get ready for the ultimate celebration of Africa as Culture Management Group (CMG) hosts Culture Beach Jam 2024. The event will feature a lineup of musical icons and a special glimpse into the continent’s emerging talent.

On Dec. 28-29, attendees will convene in Accra, Ghana, for the two-day experience. According to a press release, musical icons like Omah Lay, King Promise, DJ Tunez, Kidi, Shallipopi, Joey B, Sabrina, Olive the Boy, and Ara the Jay will take the stage at this year’s Culture Beach Jam. As guests enjoy electrifying performances from their favorite artists, the AfroFuture’s Rising Star Challenge winner will join the vibes with a performance.

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“Launching our new concert series is an incredible milestone, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life,” said AfroFuture CEO and Co-Founder Abdul Karim Abdullah. There’s truly no time like Detty December—it’s an electric season that unites people from all walks of life to celebrate our music, our art, and our shared heritage.”

CMG has arranged several community initiatives and programs to support emerging talent leading up to this year’s Culture Beach Jam concert series. CMG will kick things off with its one-week Continent Live Music Program from Dec. 15-21. Participants include emerging artists from the AfroFuture Rising Star Challenge and established creatives. The artists will work with musical professionals as they embark on a week of songwriting, collaborative projects, networking, press training, and more. A Music Day in partnership with the British Council will include masterclasses where participants will dive into contracting, management, finance, and a music showcase.

On Dec. 27, CMG, Black Health Connect, and Distant Relatives will set up in Zurak Park, Madina, to provide free screenings, mental health consultations, and other health services to the community at the Annual Community Health Fair starting at 10 AM. Free meals will be provided through AfroFuture Feed until the conclusion of the health fair at 2 PM. Beginning at 1 PM, attendees can head to the Bukom Boxing Arena for the BAL Celebrity Basketball Game, curated by AfroFuture. The event, organized by the Basketball Africa League and presented by Hennessy, will offer an afternoon dedicated to sports and entertainment as BAL players face off with artists and celebrities.

Following the Culture Beach Jam concert series, leaders across sectors will convene for The African Dream Focus Group in partnership with Gensler. The focus group will cover strategies and actionable solutions for achieving the “African Dream” with insights from students, industry professionals, government officials, and investors.

Visit the AfroFuture website to grab your tickets for Culture Beach Jam 2024, and don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of Africa.

student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans — (Photo: designer491/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 26, 2024

Connecticut Launching Student Loans Reimbursement Program For Eligible Borrowers

The program will launch on Jan 1, 2025, with up to 100,000 borrowers eligible to enroll.

Connecticut is launching a new Student Loan Reimbursement Program to help alleviate some borrowers’ stress and payment woes.

While student loans nationwide remain in limbo, Connecticut lawmakers aim to relieve some of its nearly 500,000 residents with significant debt. The program will allocate $6 billion to help up to 100,000 borrowers in its first year of operation. The initiative will launch on Jan. 1, 2025, starting a five-year plan to reduce student loan debt in the state.

STUDENT LOAN REIMBURSEMENT: Connecticut will launch a five-year $6 billion program to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt. #news12ct #connecticut #StudentLoan #Reimbursement #StudentLoanDebt https://t.co/0mNL9TDgKk
— News12CT (@News12CT) November 21, 2024

“We today, may not seem like a lot, but we’re putting Connecticut back on the right track and closing the cap on disparities,” said Rep. Corey Paris, Stamford’s 145th District representative, as reported by News12.

Eligibility is based on multiple criteria, including being a resident of the northern state for at least five years. Other requirements include graduating from a Connecticut state college or university, whether public or private. However, those who did not obtain their degrees from these institutions can also apply. This includes students who left in good standing and were granted a hardship waiver by the state’s Office of Higher Education.

According to Marca, these requirements could help eliminate around $147 million in debt, a number reportedly held by just a few thousand borrowers who attended these schools. Furthermore, students who received an occupational or professional license, including certifications, can also enroll.

The reimbursement program seeks to help Connecticut residents from lower-economic backgrounds. Single borrowers with an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less can participate. Despite this, married couples making up to $175,000 will remain eligible. All applicants must also have made payments toward their loans in 2024, with balances still remaining.

Lastly, the program wants to ensure enrolled borrowers have contributed to their communities. They require at least 50 hours of volunteer work at a Connecticut nonprofit organization. However, those who have served in municipal governments or the military during the past year can use this work as an alternative.

As a Trump presidency and less emphasis on student loan forgiveness draw near, states such as Connecticut are taking matters into their own hands to provide relief to their residents. Those who meet all the requirements can prepare for enrollment by creating an account on the CT SCHOLARS portal.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 26, 2024

New York Officially Decriminalizes Cheating On One’s Spouse

Hochul found her repeal of the adultery law "somewhat ironic" given her own marital status.

New York has decriminalized infidelity in one’s marriage. The ruling makes cheating on your spouse no longer punishable by law.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Nov. 22 that officially repealed a 117-year-old law on adultery. Until this point, the “crime” was considered a class B misdemeanor, for which one could serve up to 90 days in jail.

Hochul deemed the law as “silly” and “outdated.” She called adultery a personal matter that should not be handled by the state.

“These matters should clearly be handled by these individuals and not our criminal justice system,” explained the governor, as reported by Gothamist. “Let’s take this silly, outdated statute off the books, once and for all.”

The law specifically targeted those who “engage(d) in sexual intercourse with another person at a time when he has a living spouse, or the other person has a living spouse.” Therefore, even those who were unmarried yet had an intimate affair with someone who was could face consequences.

Hochul also found her repeal of the law “somewhat ironic,” given her own marital status. The elected official married her husband, Bill Hochul Jr., 40 years ago in 1984. Now, under her leadership, New York no longer reigns among the 16 states that still have laws against adultery.

Most of those states have marital infidelity listed as a misdemeanor, like New York. However, states such as Oklahoma, Michigan, and Wisconsin consider it a felony, with the latter having fines of as much as $10,000 with three and a half years of potential prison time.

Despite this, adultery laws are rarely enforced. In the Empire State specifically, the law was last used in 2014 against a married woman caught having sexual intercourse with a man in a public park. Authorities later dropped the adultery charge.

State lawmakers, such as Assemblymember Charles Lavine of Long Island, sponsored the bill that passed earlier this year. While deemed insignificant on the surface level, those sponsoring the bill called it a greater call to ensure reproductive rights. The issue was also a major focal point for the Presidential election.

“We are all in danger of losing our rights,” explained Lavine, as reported by Newsweek. “Those most likely to be prosecuted for this crime, not only in New York but throughout the United States and even worldwide, are women. I think it’s time for our state legislatures throughout the United States to stand up for human rights. And women’s rights are human rights.”