Governor Hochul Announces Statewide St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

Statewide Mobilization To Run March 9 Through March 17

Law Enforcement To Increase Road Patrols and Underage Drinking Enforcement

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be increased through St. Patrick’s Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period will begin on Monday, March 9, and run through Tuesday, March 17. 

"As Governor, there is no greater commitment than my promise to make our state safer for all, and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Impaired driving is completely preventable, especially in the age of ride share services, taxis and technology such as the ‘Have a Plan’ app. We have zero tolerance for drunk, drugged or reckless driving — all of which make our streets less safe — and we will be relentless in the pursuit of removing irresponsible and dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Impaired driving can destroy your life. Not only are you putting yourself and others on the roadways in danger, you are also risking a felony arrest, the loss of your driver’s license and costly legal fees. Having a plan for a safe ride saves lives. It’s simple, designate a sober driver to get home.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “State Police and local law enforcement will be vigilant as always, intercepting drunk drivers throughout the state this St. Patrick's Day. Driving is a privilege, not a right. The goal is to ensure that people think twice before drinking and getting behind the wheel.  We will continue to work with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to keep New York’s roads the safest in the nation by educating and reminding people to plan ahead.”

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) funds the annual mobilization. In addition to DWI checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase roving patrols during the enforcement period to watch for speeding and distracted drivers and those violating the state’s ‘Move Over Law.’ New York State Police also will conduct checks at retail establishments to target underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign. 

During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement operation, officers statewide arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 tickets for speeding and issued 55,661 tickets in total. 

Impaired driving can result in jail time, the loss of a license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses. Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000. 

The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) asks you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road. 

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. 
• Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home. 
• If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. 
• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life. The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation's "Have a Plan" mobile app, is available for Apple and Android smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report a suspected impaired driver. 

New Yorkers struggling with addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).    

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI ON PROTESTS OUTSIDE OF GRACIE MANSION

 

Today, in response to yesterday’s protests outside of Gracie Mansion, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:  

Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are. 

What followed was even more disturbing. Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are. 

I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day. 

My administration is closely monitoring the situation and I remain in close contact with our Police Commissioner.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Job Fair is BACK!

 

Friends,

There is still time to sign up for our Job Fair Expo on March 21st, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at MS 80. Whether you are a recent graduate, looking for a career change, or seeking a new opportunity, this is the place to speak with experts and connect with organizations looking for talented, qualified individuals in our community.

To register, please use the QR code in the flyer below or click here.

Job Fair Details:

When: March 21, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: MS 80 - (149 E. Mosholu Parkway)

Please bring copies of your résumé and be ready to step into your future career.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 718-409-0109 or email district80@nyassembly.gov.

Looking forward to seeing you at our March Job Fair Expo!

Yours truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: Women`s History Month Celebration

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Tuesday March 10th Meeting

 

Our confirmed special guest for Tuesday March 10 Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association meeting at Bronx House located at 990 Pelham Parkway South Bx NY 10461 will be NeighborHood Shopp with a presentation and also advise us the many services they provide. We start promptly at 7:00 pm.

This meeting they will focus on the signs of Elder Abuse/ Violence Intervention & Prevention Program.Please join us for this important meeting

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Mar 12 – Mar 19) | Your Desert Survival Guide: Cacti & Succulent 101

Spring is hinting towards its nearness with a warm weekend breeze. The gardens Conservatory rises to the occasion in setting the scene and giving us a preview of the season to come. Stop by during Conservatory Day and chat with our garden experts, learn about greenhouses, and even adopt your very own plant!   

 

Nature & Wellness 

 

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Mar 15, 1:00PM – 1:30PM    

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.  

 

Art 

 

Winter Workspace 2026 

January 5  –  April 12 | All Day    

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

This year, the Winter Workspace program consists of two back-to-back, seven-week sessions, in which New York area artists research, develop, and make work informed by the site, ecology and history of Wave Hill. Artists are encouraged to engage with the site’s history, architecture, and visitors while expanding their practices using resources from the garden  

 

Family 

 

Family Art Project: Desert Dwellers 

Sat, Mar 14, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Mar 15, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

Inspired by Wave Hill's Cactus and Succulent House, explore the plants that grow in warmer places. Learn how life survives harsh conditions by painting prints of these resilient cacti.  

 

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  

Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

JOINT STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER JESSICA S. TISCH

 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch released a joint statement on the passing of Police Officer Sorffly Davius. 

 

“Today, our city mourns the loss of Police Officer Sorffly Davius, who passed away on Friday following a medical episode while deployed to Kuwait with the 42nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army National Guard.  

  

“Officer Davius devoted his life to public service — rising to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army National Guard and joining the NYPD in 2014, when he was assigned to the 79th Precinct.  

  

“His career was defined by service — to his country and to New York City.  

  

“Our thoughts are with Officer Davius and his entire family as they mourn his loss. May his memory be a blessing.” 

Office of the New York State Comptroller Dinapoli - This Week: Legislation Aims to Expand Bank Lending to Underserved Communities

 

Legislation Aims to Expand Bank Lending to Underserved Communities

Comptroller DiNapoli, State Senator James Sanders Jr. and State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson held a press conference in support of legislation that would expand lending in underserved communities and help stimulate economic development.

The two bills, developed by Comptroller DiNapoli with the assistance of Senator Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, will make it easier for community and minority-owned banks to access state deposits that help provide essential banking services and increase financing for small businesses and homeowners.

“Supporting community and minority-owned banks and credit unions puts state funds to work in neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked,” said DiNapoli. “These funds will help expand financial services, increase access to capital and build wealth through homeownership, entrepreneurship and job growth. It is a win-win for the state and our local communities.”

Learn More

Flushing Businesses Reunited with Their Lost Money

Lunar New Year brings hope for good fortune, and Comptroller DiNapoli visited local, small businesses in Flushing Queens to present owners with unclaimed funds checks. Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York City Council Member Sandra Ung and Flushing Chinese Business Association’s Peter Tu joined him to return the lost money and visit the newly remodeled Flushing Library Auditorium.

Learn More

Comptroller DiNapoli Highlights State Pension Fund’s Economic Impact

At the Upstate Capital Impact Exchange hosted by Upstate Capital Association, Comptroller DiNapoli highlighted the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s role in driving New York’s economic development. As one of the nation's best-funded plans, the Fund utilizes a diversified, long-term strategy to invest in New York businesses that spur growth and job retention through the country’s most comprehensive state-focused investment program. The event also honored former OSC Deputy Director of Private Equity, Frank McEvoy, with a lifetime achievement award for his pivotal role in expanding the Fund’s private equity and venture capital support for New York businesses.

Weekly Recap: Celebrating Community, Labor, and Culture

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• The Capitol Connection - New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
• New York bills would increase low-income lending
• State Comptroller DiNapoli sends letter to Big Tech on data centers

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

This week on Talking Politics

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8duUS6Laus 

This week  on Talking Politics, Anthony needs to get checked out, so my guest is Irene Guanill candidate for the 82nd Assembly District. In the second half World politics, the latest on the Iran War, NYPD stats, which tax raise will we get, live at 12 PM Friday or anytime at the link above.  

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul held a briefing in the Red Room to update New Yorkers on her meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan.

I met with Tom Homan to make a straightforward appeal: Help us keep New Yorkers safe by ending aggressive and unlawful ICE operations in this state. No more militarized raids, no more plans for large-scale detention centers and no more attacks on law-abiding people who call New York home.

“President Trump promised he would not engage in a federal immigration enforcement surge in New York unless we ask for it — and I made clear to Homan today that the request would never come.

“New York will always work with federal immigration enforcement to take dangerous criminals off our streets, but every law enforcement agency operating in this state, federal or otherwise, must follow the same constitutional standards. That's why I’ve proposed legislation that would keep ICE out of sensitive locations like schools, health care facilities and houses of worship, and protects the constitutional rights afforded to everyone in our state.

“ICE and federal law enforcement should focus on what they were created to do: Protecting the homeland from real threats, not creating new ones.”

DEA Search Warrants in Tri-Cities Result in Largest Drug Seizure in Eastern District of Washington History

 

Over 164 Pounds of Fentanyl Powder and Over 200 Pounds of Methamphetamine

DEA Search Warrants in Tri-Cities Result in Largest Drug Seizure in EDWA History

On March 3, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in the Tri-Cities, Washington area that resulted in the largest seizure of controlled substances in EDWA history.

The federal search warrants were based on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation into Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. The investigation revealed Sanchez utilized multiple residences, including at least one residence in each of the Tri-Cities, to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities. Notably, Sanchez was on federal supervised release stemming from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction. The investigation is ongoing and Indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.

In total, approximately over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and over 5 pounds of cocaine were seized along with approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. Currency and 16 firearms were seized. Please note these are preliminary estimates.

“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities. Through strong enforcement, strategic partnerships, and increased public awareness, DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”

“Removing this historic quantity of poison from our community is a true testament to the dedication, partnerships and tireless efforts of our team and our law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Removing this quantity of drugs, guns, and money from our communities will save lives – protecting the public will always be the top priority of my office and our state and federal partners. This is another example of excellent law enforcement collaboration and commitment to public safety.”

The charges contained in any Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tri-Cities Resident Office, which includes state law enforcement partners as well as federal agents from the United States Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government Officials

 

A federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted at trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.

“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”

“Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was not the first attempt by Iran to harm our citizens on U.S. soil; the other efforts also failed. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting such threats and preventing acts of violence, and we will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with our democratic system.”

“Merchant, a trained Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative, entered the United States intending to commit acts of terror, and ultimately, to facilitate the assassination of U.S. government officials, including President Trump,” said Assistant Attorney General for National security John A. Eisenberg.  “Merchant’s plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our Nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism.”

“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella for the Eastern District of New York.  “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure.  Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete.  This Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries. ”

As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in tradecraft, including countersurveillance.  Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits who could stay behind in the United States.  Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization.  Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.

Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission:  to recruit “Mafia” members to steal documents, stage a protest, and arrange  the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians.  To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme.  That person, Nadeem Ali, instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.

In early June, Merchant met Ali in New York and explained his assassination plot.  Merchant told Ali that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing.  Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed Ali to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.  Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1) stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.

At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed Ali on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios.  Specifically, Merchant asked Ali to explain how the target would die in different scenarios.  Merchant told Ali that there would be “security [] all around” the person.

Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with Ali from overseas using code words.  Ali asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.  Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States.

Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent reports back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.

Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas.  On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance.  After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”  The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”

Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.  

The FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for partnered in the investigation of this case.  The New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.

The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section for the Eastern District of New York.