Office of the New York State Comptroller Dinapoli - Audit Finds Fixes Needed in NYC High School Matching Process

Audit Finds Fixes Needed in NYC High School Matching Process

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) needs to do more to ensure students are matched to high schools in line with existing regulations, according to an audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit found that NYCPS did not always follow required placement policies, which set how certain groups of students should be prioritized. 

“Thousands of New York City students rely on a fair and transparent system to get into the high school programs that fit their needs and to give them the best opportunity for a bright future,” said DiNapoli. “My office’s audit found that the city’s process is overlooking some students who face economic hardship. The system needs to be more consistent and transparent to ensure every student is matched according to the placement rules.” 

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Comptroller DiNapoli Discusses Impact of Federal Cuts on New York

Comptroller DiNapoli joined Darcy Wells on the AFL-CIO’s Union Strong podcast to discuss how the recently passed federal legislation will impact New Yorkers in the areas of health care, education, food programs, and more. He also promoted the many ways New Yorkers can find their lost money through the Office of Unclaimed Funds.

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Former Essex County Fair Treasurer and Willsboro Town Clerk Ordered to Pay Full Restitution

Comptroller DiNapoli, Franklin County District Attorney Elizabeth Crawford, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that the former treasurer of the Essex County Agricultural Society and former Willsboro town clerk/tax collector, was sentenced to serve five years probation and ordered to pay full restitution of nearly $90,000 after her conviction by guilty plea.

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MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL AUDITS

• Remsenburg-Speonk Union Free School District – Financial Management
• Center Moriches Union Free School District – Payroll
• Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services – State Aid
• Hyde Park Fire and Water District – Procurement
• Town of Spencer – Disbursements
• Roosevelt Fire District – Length of Service Award Program
• Pine Plains Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• York Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Greenwood Lake Union Free School District – Audit Follow-Up
• Port Jervis City School District – Audit Follow-Up

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• NYS Comptroller, wine in grocery stores
• A perfect budget storm
• New York spent $1.3B on overtime in 2024: Which agencies spent the most?
• State’s adult care facility lacks oversight — state comptroller finding
• NYC school placement system fails to prioritize disadvantaged students, audit finds

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, UPPER HUDSON VALLEY, AND ADIRONDACKS REGIONS

 

In Effect for Saturday, July 26, 2025

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and Adirondacks regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. 

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter 

The advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties; Upper Hudson Valley, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties; and Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website.

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

DHS Statement on Arrest of Man Charged with Assaulting ICE Law Enforcement Officers

The second person charged, Danielle Nadine Davila, is still at large 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement regarding two medical staffers in southern California who are facing charges for assaulting and obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced federal charges against Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Nadine Davila. DHS law enforcement arrested Ortega today and is seeking the arrest of Davila following charges for assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties. 

“The media attempted to demonize ICE agents by saying that our agents were arresting individuals inside a medical center—but that is completely FALSE. On July 8, ICE officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation where one of the illegal aliens fled on foot to evade law enforcement and ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center in San Bernadino County. Surgical Center staff members Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Nadine Davila obstructed and assaulted ICE agents,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These individuals are being charged for their crime. Anyone who actively obstructs or assaults law enforcement, including U.S. citizens, will face consequences which include arrest.”

On July 8, 2025, ICE officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest two illegal aliens. Officers in clearly marked ICE bullet proof vests approached the illegal alien targets as they exited a vehicle. One of the illegal aliens, Denis Guillen-Solis who is from Honduras, fled on foot to evade law enforcement. He ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center where hospital staff assaulted law enforcement and dragged the officer and illegal alien into the facility.  

The two staff members attempted to obstruct law enforcement’s arrest by locking the door, blocking law enforcement vehicles from moving and calling police claiming there was a “kidnapping.”  

ICE encourages the public to report crimes or suspicious activity by contacting the ICE tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or visiting www.ice.gov.   

Attorney General James Releases Statement on Court Order Upholding Birthright Citizenship

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after a U.S. District Court judge ruled that birthright citizenship will remain protected across the nation:

“As we have repeatedly said, birthright citizenship is the law of the land. The Constitution is more than just mere words on parchment, it reflects our values. All children born on these shores are citizens bound to be respected under the law.”

Attorney General James and 18 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit on January 21, challenging the president’s unconstitutional executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. Today, Judge Leo Sorokin reaffirmed his preliminary injunction barring the president’s order from taking effect nationwide.

Oregon Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Swatting and Bomb Threats Scheme That Targeted Jewish Hospitals in New York City and Long Island

 

One Hospital Entered Lockdown and Partially Evacuated After Defendant’s Bomb Hoax

Domagoj Patkovic was sentenced by United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. to 60 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to make threats and conveying false information about explosives.  The defendant made hoax bomb threat phone calls to historically Jewish hospitals and care centers in New York City and on Long Island. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentencing.

“The defendant endangered patients and diverted precious law enforcement resources to advance his hateful agenda against people of the Jewish faith.  His actions fed a rising tide of antisemitism in America,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will continue to prosecute dangerous bomb threats and swatting schemes to the fullest extent of the law, especially those motivated by hate, and those targeting vulnerable communities in hospitals and care centers.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance on the case.

“Domagoj Patkovic will spend significant time in prison for his targeting of Jewish hospitals across the New York metro area with hoax bomb threats,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “These hoax threats, motivated by Patkovic’s insidious antisemitic views, wasted law enforcement resources and put innocent lives at risk.  The FBI will continue to bring to justice individuals who utilize swatting and false bomb threats to cause panic and unrest in our communities.”

As set forth in the indictment and in court filings, beginning at least as early as May 2021, the defendant and others made anonymous phone calls in which they made violent threats, including threats to detonate explosive devices, to Jewish hospitals and care centers within the Eastern District of New York, among other targets throughout the United States.

The defendant himself made threats in at least six separate calls to hospitals and also on a call with local law enforcement who had responded to a 911 call from one of the hospitals.  To amplify his hate-filled actions, the defendant livestreamed the calls to others on an online social media and electronic communications platform.  On several occasions, local police responded to the scene and conducted bomb sweeps.  On at least one occasion in September 2021, the hoax bomb threat resulted in a partial evacuation and lockdown of an entire hospital on Long Island.  No explosive devices were ultimately found in any of the locations.

Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million Awarded Toward Albany Capital Center Authority Expansion Project

Grant Complements Governor’s $400 Million FY26 Budget Investment in Albany’s Downtown, Launching the Championing Albany’s Potential Initiative

Governor Hochul announced a $10 million grant to the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) in support of the expansion of the Albany Capital Center (ACC) to continue its mission to be the premier event and meeting destination in the Capital Region. Since opening its doors in 2017, the ACC has hosted more than 1,100 events which attracted more than 630,000 visitors to the capital city, generating nearly $100 million in total new visitor spending and adding over 133,000 hotel room nights in the Capital Region. This grant complements Governor Hochul’s $400 million FY26 Budget investment to launch the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative, a comprehensive, State-led effort to revitalize Albany’s downtown core in partnership with local stakeholders.

“Albany isn’t just the State’s capital — it’s a place where residents should thrive and visitors should feel welcomed,” Governor Hochul said. “The Albany Capital Center is an iconic destination that bolsters tourism through exciting events. With this investment into its expansion, more residents and visitors will be able to experience what the Capital Region has to offer — from expositions to educational conferences — while uplifting the region’s local economy.”

The project, located at 126 State Street, expands the ACC meeting space and adds amenities that will position the center to better serve the growing demands of the events industry. This expansion will add five new meeting rooms, a large multi-purpose room, a large ballroom and pre-function area on the first floor, and a 4,000 square foot courtyard for outdoor events on State Street. This will increase the ACC’s rentable space to 84,000 square feet, making it more competitive and bringing more world-class events that serve as an economic anchor for Albany’s ongoing renaissance.

The $54.9 million project builds on prior State investments at and around the Albany Capital Center that create jobs and economic activity in Downtown Albany and across New York State. The project was recommended for funding by ESD’s Regional Office and Regional Council.

As part of Governor Hochul’s FY26 Enacted Budget, the State is investing $400 million in Albany’s downtown to launch the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative, a collaborative, State-led effort to revitalize Albany’s downtown core. This includes $200 million in funding to plan and implement projects that reinvigorate commercial corridors, strengthen small businesses, promote housing growth, and revitalize underutilized real estate and open spaces. The CAP initiative also includes up to $150 million to transform cultural experiences in and around Downtown Albany such as the State Museum, up to $40 million to advance plans to reconnect communities divided by Interstate 787, and $1.5 million for public safety enhancements. 

Patio Furniture Company Grosfillex Inc. to Pay $4.9 Million to Resolve Allegations it Evaded Duties on Extruded Aluminum from the PRC

 

The Justice Department announced that Grosfillex Inc. (Grosfillex), a patio furniture company located in Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $4.9 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and other statutes by evading antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on items made of extruded aluminum originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Department of Commerce assesses, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects, antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) to level the playing field for domestic producers. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. The settlement announced resolves allegations that Grosfillex knowingly submitted, and caused to be submitted, false customs forms to CBP claiming that certain furniture parts made of extruded aluminum were not subject to AD/CVD. For a subset of such parts, the United States alleged that Grosfillex attempted to camouflage the aluminum extrusions by packaging the parts as sham furniture “kits.” In addition, for a different subset of such parts, Grosfillex knowingly failed to correct customs forms it had submitted previously, even after learning that the forms falsely stated to CBP that certain extruded aluminum parts were not subject to AD/CVD.

“Antidumping and countervailing duties protect American companies from unfair subsidies and trade practices that harm domestic industries,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates that the Justice Department will continue to actively pursue those who knowingly fail to pay customs duties.”

“This settlement should serve as a warning that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will use every tool available to combat fraud in international trade,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “We will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by attempting to evade paying the customs, duties, or tariffs on foreign imports meant to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers.”

“The investigation into Grosfillex Inc. highlights our relentless dedication to enforcing our nation's trade laws and protecting the integrity of our economy. By uncovering and dismantling intricate schemes to defraud the government, we ensure that all businesses operate on a fair and level playing field,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Philadelphia office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “The successful settlement of this case is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between HSI, CBP and the U.S. Department of Justice. We remain vigilant in our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who attempt to exploit our trade system for their benefit.”

The allegations resolved by this settlement arose from a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act by Edward Wisner, a former employee of Grosfillex. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Wisner will receive a $962,662.74 share of today’s settlement.

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from CBP.

Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sherer for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handled the matter.

The pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating fraud, waste, and abuse. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential customs fraud can be reported to CBP at www.help.cbp.gov/s/tip.

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

Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox on Hochul's Comments on Redistricting

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement in response to Kathy Hochul's comments suggesting that Democrats might again attempt an illegal partisan gerrymander:

 

"New York's State Constitution could not be more clear: mid-decade redistricting is illegal. Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats are again ignoring the law as they telegraph their latest attempt to rig our elections. 

 

"If Democrats have forgotten what it feels like to be embarrassed in court, Republicans will happily remind them."

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE 'SANCTUARY CITY' SUIT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

"All the data shows that sanctuary cities are safer than those without protections, that immigrant communities commit fewer crimes than others, yet relentless bigotry from Donald Trump and equivocation from his allies has led us to this moment, when we are told to fear the victims of targeting, abuse, and abduction at the hands of ICE more than the perpetrators.  

 

"This is a consequence of Mayor Adams misleading people about our sanctuary laws and assuming that fealty to Donald Trump would insulate the city from attacks by the federal government. The mayor who opened the doors for ICE, and is only now beginning to notice their abuses, is now faced with another moment to step up, show he cares about the city, and clearly condemn this dangerous suit.  

 

"We will stand by our immigrant New Yorkers and alongside good faith governing partners to ensure that we not only maintain the protections in place for our neighbors but strengthen our resolve in fighting back against the immoral actions of an authoritarian federal government. I sincerely hope the mayor will stand with New Yorkers as well."