New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for the 15th Annual 'I Love My Park' Day

 

Participants Will Celebrate New York’s Public Lands by Volunteering in Cleanup and Stewardship Events Throughout the State 

Register for this Event Here 

Registration is now open for the 15th annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at state parks, historic sites and public lands all across New York State. The event, a partnership between Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is the largest statewide volunteer event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their needs. 

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Our volunteers play an essential role in keeping New York’s State Parks and public lands welcoming, accessible, and ready for all to enjoy. I Love My Park Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together through stewardship and service. We’re grateful to our partners at Parks & Trails New York and look forward to welcoming thousands of volunteers across the state this year.”  

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is proud to steward nearly five million acres of public lands that provide unending benefits from water quality to unmatched recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. I Love My Park Day events are perfect opportunities for public stewards, volunteers, and friends of the environment to get outside and give back to New York’s special places. Together, we can preserve and protect our incredible public lands to ensure they remain vibrant community spaces for generations to come.” 

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “Every great park has a story shaped by the people who care for it, and I Love My Park Day invites you to be part of that story. When you volunteer, you help keep these places vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Join thousands of New Yorkers and add your chapter to our state's growing tradition of public lands stewardship.” 

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in cleanup events at over 120 state parks, historic sites and public lands from Long Island to Western New York and covering all regions in between, including sites operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation and municipal parks. Registration for I Love My Park Day can be completed here. 

Volunteers will celebrate New York's public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species and working on various site improvement projects. 

I Love My Park Day compliments Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative which encourages New York kids and families to log off of their phones and put their mental and physical health first as they head outside to get fresh air, play sports, enjoy nature, and see everything else our state has to offer.  

About Parks & Trails New York 

Parks & Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks and trails. More information can be found here. 

About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. 

About New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with @NYSDEC on social media.

Mayor Mamdani, Cardi B Announce 2-K Applications Open June 2; Launch Citywide Jingle Competition

 

New Yorkers can apply to the jingle contest at nyc.gov/jingle and are share submissions using #NYC2KJingle 

 

*** WATCH HERE: Cardi B and the Mayor announce: 2-K is coming to New York! *** 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Bronx-born rapper, parent and former New York City Public School student Cardi B announced that applications for the City’s first 2-K program will open June 2 and run through June 26, 2026, marking a major step toward universal, free child care for two-year-olds.  

  

Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in school districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27, with offers released in August.  

  

To build momentum ahead of the application opening, the administration is launching a citywide 2-K application jingle competition, inviting New Yorkers to submit original 15 or 30-second jingles encouraging families to apply. A panel of special guest judges will review submissions before New Yorkers vote to select a winner. The winning entry will become the official 2-K theme for New York City and play on the radio.  

  

“As Cardi B says: “I can get ’em both. I don’t wanna choose.” With universal child care, New Yorkers won’t have to,” said Mayor Mamdani. “For too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both—free care in the greatest city in the world.”  

  

“Child care is very important. Sometimes us women can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,” said Cardi B in the video announcement.  

  

“The launch of 2-K marks an important milestone for early childhood education in New York City. Expanding access to early care and learning for two-year-olds helps children build strong foundations for language, social development, and learning, while supporting families during an important stage of their child’s development,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “This is an important step as we continue building a stronger, more connected birth-to-five early childhood system for New York City families.”  

  

Submissions to the 2-K jingle contest can be made at nyc.gov/jingle. Submissions must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026. Full entry rules and guidelines are available at nyc.gov/jingle.    

 

The 2-K program is New York City’s answer the urgent need for free, accessible child care for two-year-olds. Announced last month, the program will provide free child care to any family that needs it, regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status.   

 

The program will launch this fall with 2,000 free seats and expand to universal access within four years.   

  

NYC Public Schools will share additional details, including final provider locations, with families and community partners in the coming weeks.

 

Watch the video here: Cardi B and the Mayor announce: 2-K is coming to New York! 

Permits Filed for 2640 Morris Avenue in Fordham, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an 16-story residential building at 2640 Morris Avenue in Fordham, The Bronx. Located between East 193rd Street and East Kingsbridge Road, the interior lot is located between two Kingsbridge Road subway stations, served by the B, D, and 4 trains. Jack Poll is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 160-foot-tall development will yield 162,058 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 99 residences with a total 244 units on the site, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 664 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar but no accessory parking.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

FEMA’s 47th Anniversary Overshadowed by Democrats Shutdown as Disaster Relief Fund Nears Depletion

 

As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) observes the Federal Emergency Management Association’s (FEMA) 47th anniversary this week, the agency’s ability to carry out its mission is increasingly at risk due to a drastic depletion of the Disaster Relief Fund during the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Since the Democratic shutdown of DHS, FEMA has operated for 47 days without its annual funding, and the Disaster Relief Fund - the primary source of federal money for disaster response and recovery - is running dangerously low. 

“Unfortunately, the Democrats reckless DHS shutdown is playing political games with FEMA’s employees on the week of the anniversary of its founding,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Not only are the Democrats’ hurting our employees and their families, but they are also putting the ability of FEMA to help Americans in crisis at risk. The Disaster Relief Fund, the primary source for disaster response, is dangerously low.” 

Impacts of the Funding Lapse on FEMA and the American People 

The ongoing funding lapse is already having serious consequences for FEMA’s operations, workforce, and the communities we serve. Below are some of the most significant impacts currently being felt across the country: 

•  Reduced Disaster Readiness and Training: FEMA’s ability to prepare for hurricanes, wildfires, and major events like the FIFA World Cup is limited. Each week, approximately 45,000 students—including emergency managers, firefighters, and EMTs—are missing out on critical FEMA training. The Center for Domestic Preparedness and the National Fire Academy have postponed all classes, delayed essential leadership and incident management training and made it harder for communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
• Strained Workforce: More than 4,000 FEMA employees are not receiving pay—including over 1,600 working without pay and more than 2,400 furloughed. Many have missed three full paychecks, and this week marks the second time rent and mortgage payments are due during the shutdown.
• State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Impact: The funding lapse puts additional strain on state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, forcing difficult choices and limiting their ability to respond to and recover from disasters.
• Economic Consequences: Delays in disaster reimbursements and recovery projects ripple through local economies, affecting small businesses and jobs, especially in hard-hit areas.
• Long-Term Resilience at Risk: Paused mitigation and resilience programs mean communities are less prepared for future disasters, potentially increasing the cost and impact of future events.
• Limited Public Services: The National Flood Insurance Program is operating under significant limitations. Customer improvements and flood map updates are postponed, public awareness campaigns are on hold, and international coordination is delayed as key teams are furloughed.
• Operational Risks: FEMA is operating with limited system maintenance, software licensing, and contract-supported cybersecurity monitoring, increasing risk to disaster response, grants administration, and flood insurance services. 

Impacts on FEMA and the American People if the Disaster Relief Fund is Depleted 

If the Democrats in Congress do not act and the Disaster Relief Fund reaches full depletion, the consequences will become even more severe, including: 

• FEMA will stop funding non-lifesaving/life-sustaining disaster recovery efforts.
• Disaster reimbursements to states and local governments will stop.
• Non-life-saving mission assignments, field operations, and surge staffing will halt.
• FEMA will be unable to pay staff or cover operational costs, halting response to major disasters and security incidents.
• FEMA’s ability to coordinate federal consequence management after catastrophic incidents, including terrorist attacks, will not be available.
• Over 10,000 mission-essential FEMA employees and more than 1,000 deployed reservists will be ordered to stop working, with no pay or back pay for time missed due to funding interruptions. 

To continue accomplishing its mission and to ensure that communities are not left without critical federal support in the face of future disasters, FEMA urges Congress to take swift action to pass the necessary appropriations and restore the Disaster Relief Fund. Timely Congressional action is essential for FEMA to continue protecting and serving the American people. 

Trinity Hospital Agrees to Pay $1.7M to Resolve Alleged Stark Law Violations

 

Trinity Hospital Holding Company (Trinity) has agreed to pay the United States $1.7 million to resolve allegations relating to improper financial relationships between Trinity and two referring physicians. Trinity operates a hospital located in Steubenville, Ohio. Trinity disclosed the arrangements at issue to the government following an independent investigation.

The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits hospitals from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2014 through 2020 Trinity made improper financial contributions to two referring physicians in the form of rental arrangements for office space. The United States alleged that these arrangements violated the Stark Law because the rental arrangements exceeded fair market value.

“The Stark Law is designed to ensure that decisions about patient care are not influenced by physicians’ personal financial interest,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As this settlement reflects, we will hold accountable those who violate these important safeguards, but we will also give credit when resolving such misconduct to those who fully disclose their mistakes, take appropriate remedial actions, and meaningfully cooperate with the government’s investigation.”

In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Trinity took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government. Following an internal compliance review and independent investigation, Trinity promptly took remedial action, disclosed the relevant arrangements to the government, and cooperated with the government’s investigation.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was handled by Fraud Section Senior Trial Counsel David Finkelstein.

The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Attorney General James Announces Indictment of Unlicensed Funeral Director for Illegally Performing Funeral Services and Defrauding Mourning Families

 

Michael Naughton Charged with Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Vulnerable New Yorkers Who Lost Their Loved Ones

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment of Michael Naughton, 55, of Baldwin, New York, for allegedly operating as an unlicensed funeral director and defrauding mourning New Yorkers out of thousands of dollars. The 20-count indictment, unsealed today in Westchester County Court before Judge Melissa A. Loehr, charges Naughton with illegally providing funeral directing services for dozens of decedents at Camelot Funeral Home in Mount Vernon after his license had been revoked. A January 2026 inspection of Camelot by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) discovered 13 bodies in various states of decomposition and 17 boxes of cremated remains.

“Planning a loved one’s funeral can be among the most difficult and vulnerable times in a person’s life,” said Attorney General James. “Naughton heartlessly took advantage of New Yorkers while knowingly operating his funeral home without a license and failed to take proper care of the remains in his possession. I thank my partners in law enforcement for their partnership in holding Naughton accountable and providing some semblance of peace for the families of the deceased.”

“New Yorkers have the right to trust that they are receiving the funeral services they paid for and that the remains of their loved ones are being treated with the highest level of care during times of grief,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The violations and alleged crimes uncovered at Camelot Funeral Home demonstrate why only licensed funeral directors should be entrusted with the care of human remains. Through the hard work of the Department’s Bureau of Funeral Directing, the Attorney General’s Office and our local partners, we are sending a clear message that anyone who violates state laws and regulations will be held accountable.”

In New York, no person is authorized to engage in the business or practice of funeral directing, undertaking, or embalming without being duly licensed as a funeral director. Naughton’s funeral directing license was revoked by DOH’s Bureau of Funeral Directing in 2019. 

On January 30, 2026, personnel from the Bureau of Funeral Directing conducted an unannounced administrative inspection of Camelot Funeral Home.  The inspection discovered 13 bodies in various states of decomposition throughout the facility, including six bodies located in the chapels and three bodies in the detached garage – two of which were stacked on top of one another.  Additionally, 17 boxes of cremated remains were recovered from the basement of Camelot. Following this discovery, State Health Commissioner McDonald issued an emergency order directing Camelot to cease operations, turn over all documentation related to any human remains in their custody, and fully cooperate with state and local officials to ensure appropriate plans were made for the disposition of human remains.

A subsequent investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC) uncovered evidence that between at least May 2025 and January 2026, Naughton allegedly defrauded dozens of New Yorkers out of thousands of dollars by claiming to be a licensed funeral director at Camelot Funeral Home. Naughton allegedly negotiated prices and entered into contracts for funeral services, arranged for transport of decedents, presided over funeral services, and oversaw the disposition of bodily and cremated remains – all of which he was not permitted to do without a funeral directing license. Naughton is also charged with forging a Burial Transit Permit, the required document authorizing the transfer of the deceased to the place of burial or disposition.

The OAG’s 20-count indictment unsealed today charges Naughton with three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class D felony), five counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (a Class E felony), one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class E felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a Class D felony), one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (a Class E felony), and nine counts of Unlicensed Practice of Funeral Directing (an Unclassified Misdemeanor). If convicted of the top count, Naughton faces a prison sentence of up to seven years.  

The charges against Naughton are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Since January 30, 2026, the OAG has been working with the Medical Examiner’s Office at the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research to identify and return the remains recovered from Camelot Funeral Home to their relatives. Anyone who believes they were impacted by this scheme is encouraged to contact OAG at camelot.complaint@ag.ny.gov.

Attorney General James recommends that before New Yorkers make arrangements for the deceased, they verify that the funeral director is properly licensed by checking with DOH. New Yorkers are also encouraged to consult OAG’s Funeral Services: Know Your Rights page for more information.

Attorney General James thanks DOH’s Bureau of Funeral Directing, the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the City of Mount Vernon for their valuable assistance in this investigation.

“The people of Westchester have an absolute right to expect that the remains of their loved ones will be treated with dignity by those entrusted with their care,” said Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace. “The allegations in this indictment are appalling and reflect an alleged brazen scheme to defraud those in the deepest stages of grief. I applaud Attorney General James for taking swift, decisive action against the operator of the Camelot Funeral Home, and we will support her office during every stage of this prosecution.”

State Senator Julia Salazar - Free Tenant Support & Rally for Small Businesses

Upcoming Events: Free Tenant Support Services and Rally for Small Businesses

Just a reminder that my office will have free tenant support services available on April 7th.

 

In addition, join us on April 10th at Jimmy's Corner as we rally to stabilize the rent for small businesses. My Small Business Rent Stabilization bill would prohibit unaffordable rent hikes and guarantee lease renewals for NYC small businesses.

 

More information below!

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Bond Calendar for Second Quarter

 

Tentative Schedule Includes $4.47 Billion of New Money and Refunding Debt Sales

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule of planned bond sales for New York State, New York City and their major public authorities during the second quarter of 2026.

The planned sales of $4.47 billion include $3.66 billion of new money and $815 million of refundings as follows:

• $4.13 billion scheduled for April, $3.56 billion of which is for new money purposes and $567 million of which is for refunding purposes;
• $283 million scheduled for May, $35 million of which is for new money purposes and $248 million of which is for refunding purposes; and
• $60 million scheduled for June, all of which is for new money purposes.

These anticipated sales in this second quarter compare to past planned sales of $5.34 billion during the first quarter of 2026, and $7.43 billion during second quarter of 2025.

The prospective second quarter calendar includes anticipated bond sales by the following issuers: the City of New York, the Environmental Facilities Corporation, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, and the Trust for Cultural Resources of the City of New York.

The State Comptroller’s Office chairs the Securities Coordinating Committee, which was created by Gubernatorial Executive Order primarily to coordinate the borrowing activities of the state, New York City, and their respective public authorities.  All borrowings are scheduled at the request of the issuer and done pursuant to their borrowing programs.

A new schedule is released every quarter and updated as necessary. The schedule is released by the committee to assist participants in the municipal bond market. It is contingent upon execution of all project approvals required by law. The collection and release of this information by the Office of the State Comptroller is not intended as an endorsement of the proposed issuances it contains.

Calendar:

Securities Coordinating Committee (SCC) Forward Issuance Bond Calendar