Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Inspirational Art Arrives in the World Trade Center
When the new World Trade Center commissioned artists to come in and bring some life to the new facility, they instructed them to make the artwork “unifying.” While the art doesn’t specifically depict the history of the site, there was an understanding among all of the artists that it would always be in the background […]
Hero from September 11 Attacks Dies of Cancer
William Sheldon Jr., a hero at Ground Zero on the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, died of cancer recently, becoming the first member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to die from cancer related to the attack. He was only 47 years old. Sheldon was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and […]
Overseer of 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Shares Challenges of His Position
Kenneth Feinberg, the Special Master of the original September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, recently spoke at length to students of Franklin Pierce University about the challenges of his position as part of a course offered by the university called “America and 9/11.” The class runs a full semester and takes an in-depth look at how […]
NYPD Unions Endorse Candidate Who Supports Zadroga Act Extension
Current Richmond County District Attorney Daniel Donovan received some major backing when two New York Police Department unions offered their endorsement for him in the race for the 11th Congressional District. The special election to fill the vacant seat left by recently resigned Rep. Michael Grimm will take place May 5. Grimm previously plead guilty […]
Citizen Group Lobbies for Extension of Zadroga Act
A group of September 11 first responders and other concerned citizens recently took a trip to Washington, D.C. to try to convince lawmakers to continue funding the James Zadroga Act. The Zadroga Act covers medical expenses for anyone who worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. If […]
Autoimmune Study for Sick 9/11 First Responders
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program is reviewing a study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the American College of Rheumatology’s Journal, Arthritis & Rheumatology, and currently available online, regarding the risk of new-onset autoimmune disease in individuals with exposures related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade […]
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Kelly Ayotte Push for 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Extension
New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte will join Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in offering a measure urging extension of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The act, aiding former Ground Zero workers in honor of James Zadroga, expires next year. The senators’ proposal is a nonbinding budget amendment, but aims to put lawmakers on record. Ayotte […]
WTC Developer Says He is Owed Billions from Airlines After 9/11
A developer who is rebuilding at the World Trade Center recently told a federal appeals court that he believes he is entitled to billions of dollars from the airline companies involved in the attacks of September 11. The Twin Towers were destroyed on 9/11 and the developer recouped $4 billion in insurance money, but claims […]
World Trade Center Slowly Fills with Tech Occupants
A lot has changed in the years since the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. One of the many changes is a shift toward a technological force in the world of business. These companies are among the most prevalent new occupants of the rebuilt World Trade Center. When the Towers were struck, financial companies […]
