MAYOR MAMDANI SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQIA+ AFFAIRS; APPOINTS TAYLOR BROWN AS DIRECTOR

 

Brown, a nationally-recognized civil rights attorney, is the first transgender person to lead a New York City office or agency

  

Office will oversee and implement LGBTQIA+ initiatives, including developing legal resources to uphold sanctuary protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani signed an executive order establishing the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs and appointed Taylor Brown, currently an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General, as its director.

With this appointment, Brown becomes the first transgender person to lead a City office or agency and the highest-ranking transgender person in the history of New York City government.

“New York City is proud of its LGBTQIA+ community and will refuse to deny healthcare, safety or dignity to anyone on the basis of their identity,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “With Taylor Brown as Director of the new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, the city’s queer community will not only be celebrated, but protected at every turn.”

"New York has given me everything -- life-saving health care, education, a home, a career, my chosen family, and a life of purpose. I am so proud to serve this city as the inaugural Director of the Mayor's Office for LGBTQIA+ Affairs. I will work every day to ensure that the doors of New York City remain open to all and to continue New York City's legacy as a beacon of opportunity and hope for those who have been ignored, discriminated against, and intentionally excluded," said Director Taylor Brown. "I look forward to working across agencies to ensure that we are protecting the LGBTQIA+ community from hostile actors that do not share New York City's values. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Su, and Commissioner Attah-Mensah, whom I look forward to working alongside, for this extraordinary opportunity to serve the people of New York."

“From housing insecurity to workplace discrimination to a lack of access to healthcare, the problems that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers face are not unique to their community, but they are felt disproportionately. Through an economic justice framework, we can ensure that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers can afford to stay in our city and enjoy all that it has to offer without having to hide any part of themselves. Taylor is an exceptional leader to take on this charge and I look forward to working closely with her to advance policies that support and defend the diverse queer communities in our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.

About the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs

The Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs will oversee and coordinate implementation of initiatives across city agencies that serve LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. These initiatives include: 

• Assisting agencies in developing and supporting liaisons to the LGBTQIA+ community 

• Advancing measures to ensure agencies do not engage in discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation 

• Developing legal resources to ensure the City’s sanctuary protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals are upheld 

• Providing support for LGBTQIA+ people and their families fleeing anti-LGBTQIA+ oppression

The Office will absorb and expand upon the NYC Unity Project, which launched in September 2017 as the City’s first initiative focused on delivering and coordinating affirming services for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.

About Director Taylor Brown

Taylor Brown serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Bureau at the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Brown’s work includes cases addressing unlawful discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations and housing, disparities in race- and disability-based discipline in public schools, and challenges to federal actions undermining civil rights protections.

Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Brown spent nearly seven years at Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund and the national office of the American Civil Liberties Union’s LGBTQ+ & HIV Project. There, Brown led impact litigation across the country advancing constitutional and statutory protections for transgender people, focusing on health care access, education and employment.

Brown is a first-generation graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. 

Adobe Agrees to $150 Million Settlement and Injunction to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act

 

The Justice Department announced that it has filed a proposed stipulated order that, if entered by the court, will resolve a case against software company Adobe Inc. and two of its employees, Maninder Sawhney and David Wadhwani. The proposed order requires Adobe to pay $75 million in civil penalties and offer customers $75 million in free services to resolve allegations that the company’s subscription practices violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA).

ROSCA generally requires companies offering online subscriptions to clearly disclose important subscription information and to provide subscribers with simple ways to cancel. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the government alleged that Adobe violated ROSCA by using fine print and inconspicuous hyperlinks to hide important information about Adobe’s subscription plans, including information about a hefty Early Termination Fee that customers may be charged when they cancel their subscriptions. The government also alleged that Adobe thwarted subscribers’ attempts to cancel, subjecting them to convoluted and inefficient cancellation processes filled with unnecessary steps, delays, unsolicited offers, and warnings.

“American consumers deserve the right to make informed choices when deciding where to spend their hard-earned money,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will strongly oppose any attempt to harm Americans with deceptive and unfair business practices.”

In addition to civil penalties and free services, the stipulated order provides strong protections for American consumers going forward. Adobe will be required to clearly disclose any Early Termination Fee and how the fee is calculated before enrolling customers in subscriptions. For any free trial lasting longer than seven days, Adobe must also remind customers before converting them into a paid subscription with an Early Termination Fee. Furthermore, Adobe will be required to provide its subscribers with easy ways to cancel their subscriptions.

The United States is represented in this action by Trial Attorneys Francisco L. Unger and Zachary L. Cowan and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert, from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith S. Iyengar for the Northern District of California, in coordination with staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

For more information about the Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.

Prolific Fentanyl Dealer with Alleged Cartel Ties Faces Federal Charges

Kevin Martinez appeared in federal court on charges related to his alleged distribution of significant quantities of fentanyl in the metro-Atlanta area. Martinez allegedly operated under the direction of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel.

“Martinez allegedly worked on behalf of a terrorist drug cartel, flooding our communities with massive quantities of lethal fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of the tireless and courageous work of law enforcement, Martinez is in federal custody, and the cartel’s deadly drugs are off the street.”

“This arrest demonstrates DEA’s unwavering commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The distribution of fentanyl poses an extreme danger to our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle those responsible. Through the Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA is intensifying efforts nationwide to keep this deadly drug off our streets and protect the American public.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court:  A DEA investigation revealed that Martinez was allegedly distributing large quantities of fentanyl in metro-Atlanta. The fentanyl was uniquely stamped with a “Pacman” symbol eating an “LV” symbol. Agents seized six pounds of this stamped fentanyl during traffic stops in Fulton County, Georgia and Henry County, Georgia on February 4, 2026, and February 18, 2026.  

On March 6, 2026, agents executed a federal search warrant at Martinez’s apartment in Doraville, Georgia. During the search, agents located approximately 44 pounds of fentanyl concealed in car batteries, as well as six firearms and a money counter.  The DEA investigation revealed that Martinez allegedly has ties to the Mexico-based La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel.

Kevin Martinez, 20, of Doraville, Georgia, appeared before a federal magistrate judge earlier today on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.  

Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, the Fulton County Police Department, and the Henry County Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric White and Sandy Strippoli are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS FIRST ANNUAL YEMENI AMERICAN IFTAR

This past weekend, Senator Rivera joined the First Annual Yemeni American Iftar hosted by The Alliance of Yemeni Americans, Yemunity, and the Yemeni American Platform. He was honored to receive the Friend of the Community Award. Thank you to Mr. Zaid Nagi for the invitation to such a wonderful celebration! 

On this day a year ago, a devastating fire destroyed six stores in the Burnside Avenue corridor including the Bronx Optical Center. Today, Senator Rivera had the honor to join store owner Jessica Betancourt at the grand reopening of her new location.

Congratulations to Ms. Betancourt for her resilience through such a difficult process, and thank you to Council Member Pierina Sanchez for securing $96,000 for each business affected by the fire through The Bronx Economic Development Corporation!

Senator Rivera joined State Senator Kristen Gonzalez for a tour of Bellevue Hospital to learn more about the facility and its mental health services. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the important work being done to deliver quality mental health care in public hospitals.

Thank you Senator Gonzalez for the invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS POLITICO'S THE "NEW YORK AGENDA: ALBANY SUMMIT"

This week, Senator Rivera joined an affordability panel at Politico Live's New York Agenda: The Albany Summit. From health care to housing to public transportation, it was a meaningful conversation about the work ahead and how we can keep pushing for a more affordable New York for all.

Thank you to moderator Jason Beeferman and to my colleagues Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal and Senator Jeremy Cooney for a great conversation!

SENATOR RIVERA PARTICIPATES IN BRONX DAY IN ALBANY!

This week, Senator Rivera joined the celebration of Bronx Day in Albany! Bronx Day is an opportunity to join Bronx business leaders and colleagues in recognizing the energy, talent, and strong sense of community that define the Bronx.

For the event's evening cultural and business showcase, Senator Rivera proudly nominated Anthony and Paul Ramirez Co-owners of The Bronx Beer Hall to receive one of Bronx Day's Change Maker awards.

For over 10 years, the Bronx Beer Hall has contributed to the success of the Belmont Business Improvement District by being a place that celebrates and showcases local artists, while also providing excellent products and service while creating economic opportunity in the district.

Thank you to the Ramirez brothers for their dedication and contributions to the district!

This week, Senator Rivera joined 1199 SEIU for a press conference on the Home Care Savings and Reinvestment Act.

Senator Rivera strongly believes that privatizing home care has allowed managed care companies to enrich themselves while leaving some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers without the quality care they deserve.

Senator Rivera's Home Care Savings and Reinvestment Act, S.2332, would help New York State save billions annually, and these savings could then be reinvested directly into strengthening the home care system for both consumers and home care workers. Watch his remarks here.

This week, Senator Rivera proudly stood with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) as they called for a just healthcare system that serves both medical professionals and patients, not corporate profits.

New York is ready to protect the most vulnerable and defend access to care by creating a single-payer system for New York State through the New York Health Act. This bill (S.3425), which Senator Rivera proudly sponsors, would guarantee affordable and comprehensive care to all New Yorkers.

Thank you to NYSNA for being such a fearless New York Health Act champion! Watch his remarks here.

At this week's Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY)’s Physician Advocacy Day, Senator Rivera spoke about one of the biggest problems in our healthcare system: insurance companies continue to stand between doctors and the care patients need. Physicians should be able to focus on treating their patients, not wasting hours fighting with insurance companies over what will or will not be covered.

Senator Rivera will continue making the case for the New York Health Act, which would guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker and take power away from the insurance companies that keep failing both patients and providers.

If we want a healthcare system that truly works, we need to stop protecting a broken status quo and start building one that puts people first. Thank you MSSNY for your invitation!

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Environmental Advocates NY and colleagues where he urged the Executive and the Legislature to pass his Lead Pipe Replacement Act, S.6892/A.7878. This bill addresses the urgent public health threat posed by lead service lines and affirms the state’s responsibility to remove them with urgency.

Senator Rivera hopes that his colleagues join the effort to eliminate toxic pipe infrastructure, protect New Yorkers from lead contamination, and ensure access to clean water. Thank you EANY for your invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA DESIGNATES MARCH AS RED CROSS MONTH IN NEW YORK STATE

Senator Rivera had the honor of designating March as Red Cross Month and recognized three distinguished volunteers on the Senate floor. Thank you to Bobbie Krukowski, John Hatch, and Mary Davis for the outstanding humanitarian work they do with the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York's commitment to serve makes a critical difference in the lives of New Yorkers facing desperate situations. To learn more about the Red Cross and ways that you can volunteer, visit the Red Cross website.

Join the Physicians for a National Health Program - NY Metro (PNHP), the Montefiore Social Medicine program, unions, and other partner organizations at their 2026 New York Health Act Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 17th!  Senator Rivera is the proud sponsor of the New York Health Act (S.3425), which would establish a universal, single-payer healthcare system in New York State.  With 33 Senate co-sponsors and 73 Assembly co-sponsors, New Yorkers need to make clear to legislators that the New York Health Act is necessary now because it will make healthcare a guarantee for everyone. Sharing your personal stories, as patients and caregivers, is a powerful way to show how this transformational policy will be.

RSVP HERE

About Literacy in Community: Since 1996, LINC has worked to harness the power that exists in every community to make literacy a value and right of all children and promote educational equity. Early literacy is critical for children’s lifelong social and health benefits. Our two-generational Community Literacy Model connects families with each other and with resources that already exist in the community to surround children with literacy-rich environments inside and outside of home. When a child reads, a community succeeds!   

UPCOMING SERVICE CHANGES AFFECTING THE 4 TRAIN THROUGH SEPTEMBER

For the latest updates, customers are encouraged to:

• Visit https://www.mta.info
• Use the MyMTA app
• Call 511
• Sign up for MTA real-time alerts and the Weekender Newsletter

DEC REMINDS NEW YORKERS: STATEWIDE RESIDENTIAL BRUSH BURNING PROHIBITION STARTS MARCH 16

 

Annual Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.

“Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” Commissioner Lefton said. “That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.”

Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. 

Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. 

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to view local conditions.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. 

For more information about fire safety and prevention in homes and communities, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Attorney General James Announces Conviction of Former New York State Trooper on Manslaughter Charge

Former Trooper Baldner Rammed the Goods Family’s Car with State Police Vehicle, Causing Death of 11-Year-Old Monica Goods

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction of former New York State Police Trooper Christopher Baldner, 47, of Catskill, on the charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. After conducting a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Ulster County in December 2020, Baldner used his police vehicle to ram a car occupied by four members of the Goods family, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods.

Baldner was found guilty by a jury in Ulster County Court. Manslaughter in the Second Degree carries a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. Judge Bryan Rounds continued bail at $100,000. Baldner will return to court for sentencing on June 2, 2026.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Monica Goods,” said Attorney General James. “While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones.”

On December 22, 2020 at 11:40 p.m., Tristin Goods was driving northbound on the New York State Thruway with his wife and two daughters, aged 11 and 12, on the way to his home for the Christmas holiday. Near mile marker 92 in Ulster County, Trooper Baldner was on patrol in his marked New York State Police vehicle and stopped the Goods family car for speeding. During the stop, Baldner deployed pepper spray into the interior of the car and Mr. Goods sped away. During the pursuit, Baldner rammed his police vehicle into the rear of the Goods car twice. Upon the second strike, the Goods car skidded into the center guard rail, flipped over, and came to rest upside down. The impact ejected Monica Goods from the car, causing her death.  

A previous trial ended in a mistrial in November 2025.

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

MAYOR MAMDANI VISITS NYC311 CALL CENTER TO THANK STAFF, TAKE CALLS FROM NYC RESIDENTS

 

To mark the 23rd Anniversary of NYC311, Mayor Mamdani worked the 311 line, fielding calls from New Yorkers across the city  

  

On Wednesday, to mark the 23rd anniversary of NYC311, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visited the NYC311 Call Center to thank staff for their dedicated service during the recent snowstorms and take live calls from New Yorkers across the city. 

 

Mayor Mamdani was paired with a 311 agent to experience firsthand the conversations between agents and callers and to highlight the many ways New Yorkers can access 311 services.

   

While working the phones, Mayor Mamdani helped connect residents with city resources — from submitting a service request related to an abandoned vehicle to helping another resident navigate the City’s recycling rules.    

  

“Tens of millions of New Yorkers have relied on NYC311 over the past 23 years to navigate City services and connect with critical resources,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every single day, 100,000 New Yorkers reach dedicated staff at 311, many of whom braved the winter weather to ensure New Yorkers nonemergency needs were being met 24/7. We are deeply grateful for the 311 agents who continue to show up for their city day in and day out.” 

  

“Happy 311 Day, New York City!” said NYC Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Thank you to Mayor Mamdani for taking time today to celebrate with our remarkable NYC311 team and take calls from New Yorkers. Since its launch in 2003, 311 has served as an indispensable lifeline for millions of New Yorkers to access trusted information and engage with their government. Today, we are proud to make useful information from across all of City government just one call, text, or online click away. We look forward to continuing to be a vital resource for New Yorkers when they need us most.”  

   

“After 23 years and 650 million contacts from New Yorkers, Team 311 continuously brings the magic to our mission,” said Joe Morrisroe, Deputy Commissioner, NYC311. “Our people maintain an extraordinary level of dedication with the recent blizzard serving as a perfect example. Team members walked through snowdrifts to get here and be available to help. Serving our customers is inherent to what we do, and I could not be prouder to celebrate 311 Day!”  

  

About NYC311:  

Since its launch in March 2003, NYC311 has been the nation's largest nonemergency government information hotline. The service has grown from taking 4 million calls in its first year to receiving 36 million customer contacts in 2025.  

  

NYC311 connects New Yorkers to nonemergency services from more than 200 City agencies and nonprofits, serving 8 million people, 24/7 every day of the year. Today, the service handles roughly 100,000 contacts daily across calls, texts, web, the 311 app and social media channels.  

  

In 2025, NYC311 received 36,510,581 contacts, including 17 million calls, 16.4 million online visits, 2.6 million app interactions, 278,000 texts and 11,000 social messages. So far in 2026, New Yorkers have contacted NYC311 more than 9 million times, including more than 800,000 contacts during the recent blizzard, from Feb. 21-24.  

  

To ensure access for all New Yorkers, NYC311 provides interpretation services in more than 175 languages. Residents can also text 311 at 311-692 to access translation services.  

 

In 2025, 311 call center representatives received a customer satisfaction score of 93 from New Yorkers.   

  

For more information on NYC311, New Yorkers can visit the NYC311 website.