Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that legislation he sponsored with Assemblyman Keith Wright which calls for the establishment of the Amistad Commission has been signed into law. The Alfano-Wright Law will provide greater public education of black history in America and the tortuous African slave trade in schools. Alfano called the new law "a real triumph in helping educate the greater public on racism, prejudice and discrimination." FULL STORY

At a press conference near the Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilmen James Darcy and Edward Ambrosino and Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby announced a step in the town's efforts to shut down the hotel. FULL STORY