18-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR UNPROVOKED STABBING OF 30-YEAR-OLD MOTHER OF THREE IN EAST ELMHURST

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Luis Emmanuel Valencia Ponce was arraigned on charges of attempted murder, assault and weapon possession for the unprovoked stabbing of a 30-year-old woman on her way to the bus in East Elmhurst Monday morning. Ponce allegedly followed the victim and stabbed her repeatedly with a knife just as the victim was about to cross the street at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 94th Street. The defendant then fled without saying a word or taking any of the victim’s belongings.

District Attorney Katz said: “The random and senseless nature of this attack is deeply unsettling to every New Yorker. As alleged, this defendant followed a 30-year-old woman before stabbing her multiple times without any prior interaction. This was a calculated act of violence, and my prosecutors will aggressively seek justice for the victim of this unprovoked stabbing.”

Ponce, 18, of East Elmhurst, was arraigned last night on a criminal complaint charging him with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Criminal Court Judge Maria T. Gonzalez remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on March 24. If convicted, Ponce faces up to 25 years in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on March 16, at approximately 6:17 a.m., the victim was crossing the street at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 94th Street to get to a bus stop when she was approached from behind by the defendant.

Ponce allegedly had a knife in his hand and stabbed the victim repeatedly, paused, and stabbed her repeatedly again.

The attack was completely unprovoked. Ponce did not say a word before, during or after the stabbing and immediately left the scene.

The victim was taken to a local hospital with a punctured lung and four stab wounds requiring 11 stitches.

Detectives recovered a bloody knife from the ground approximately 15 feet away from the intersection.

Ponce surrendered at the 115th Precinct.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“After my meeting with Dr. Mehmet Oz, the federal government approved our plan to move New York back to the Basic Health Plan, protecting care for 1.3 million people.

“Because Republicans used their majority to pass the largest health care cuts in history, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are still facing painful decisions about whether they can afford coverage, and no state can fully backfill these draconian cuts.

“Even when Washington falls short, I’m going to keep doing everything I can to protect families, strengthen our health care system and make sure every New Yorker gets the care they need.”

 

Office of the New York State Comptroller Dinapoli - This Week: Small Business Owners are the Backbone of New York's Economy

Small Business Owners are the Backbone of New York's Economy

A new report by Comptroller DiNapoli details how vital small businesses are to New York’s economy, generating nearly $1 trillion in sales and revenues with more than 3.7 million employees at over 422,000 establishments in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. New York ranked fourth among states in the number of small businesses and third behind California and Florida for its share of small businesses, but trailed the rest of the country in some key metrics, including small business creation and employment.

“Small businesses are the foundation of New York’s economy, stimulating economic activity in our cities and towns, spurring innovation across industries, providing a variety of employment opportunities, and enriching our communities,” DiNapoli said. “However, growth in small business jobs and new startups lags the rest of the nation. New challenges, like tariffs, have forced owners to make sacrifices and difficult choices. The state and local governments should continue to look for ways to support small businesses by easing their entry into markets and helping them thrive in New York.”

Learn More

Service-Providing Industry Sectors Dominate State's 21st Century Economy

Since 2000, health care, social assistance and other service-providing industry sectors, such as accommodation and food services and educational services, have increased their share of total employment in New York (including New York City), while the number of jobs in goods-producing sectors continued a long-term decline, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“Service-providing industry sectors have powered job growth across New York and have helped shape the 21^st century economic landscape,” said DiNapoli. “The strengthening of these service industries has been widespread, although there are still notable regional differences in the mixture of sectors. This report provides industry-level job and wage data and workforce trends to help policymakers as they continue their work to ensure quality employment opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

Learn More

New York State Sunshine Week

Comptroller DiNapoli works hard for New Yorkers to ensure accountability and transparency at all levels of government. Sunshine week celebrates this commitment to effective governance and prevention of waste, fraud and abuse. Open Book New York allows the public to search millions of state and local financial records and includes interactive data trackers to monitor revenue and spending trends, federal funding in New York, contracts, NYC agency services and industry sectors and more.

View Dashboards on Open Book New York

Watch Message from Comptroller DiNapoli

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases 2025 Fiscal Stress Scores for Villages and Some Cities

Comptroller DiNapoli announced that seven villages were designated in fiscal stress under his office’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for their fiscal year ending in 2025. All non-calendar fiscal year local governments that filed their annual financial reports in time to be scored were evaluated. One village was designated in “significant fiscal stress,” four in “moderate fiscal stress,” and two as “susceptible to fiscal stress.”

The Village of Island Park (Nassau County) was classified in “significant fiscal stress.” The four villages designated in “moderate fiscal stress” were: Alexander (Genesee County), Coxsackie (Greene), Liberty (Sullivan) and Tivoli (Dutchess). The two villages classified as “susceptible to fiscal stress” were: Homer (Cortland) and Huntington Bay (Suffolk).

Learn More

Former Executive Director of the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber Of Commerce Arrested for Embezzling Over $440k

Comptroller DiNapoli, Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of the former Executive Director of the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for allegedly stealing $440,351 from the Chamber.

Learn More

Weekly Recap: Celebrating Tradition, Advocacy and New Leaders

M U N I C I P A L  &  S C H O O L   A U D I T S

Village of Asharoken – Claims Audit and Treasurer's Duties

Town of Gorham – Distribution of Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Proceeds

Fairview Fire District – Procurement and Claims Audit

Preston Fire District – Board Oversight

Town of Ridgeway – Health Insurance Benefits

Middlesex Fire District – Procurement

Middlesex Fire District – Fiscal Transparency

Town of Marathon – Transparency of Fiscal Activities

Town of Coventry – Transparency of Fiscal Activities

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S 

Hochul, DiNapoli want more information on AI’s threat and benefits to the workforce 

Can New York State transfer a balance for smaller Black-owned banks? 

2026 small business report shows importance to New York economy 

Service industry jobs dominate New York's economy while goods-producing jobs decline, comptroller's report says 

DiNapoli: 7 New York villages designated in fiscal stress 

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

 

Housing Lottery Launches for 1985 Jerome Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1985 Jerome Avenue, a seven-story mixed-use building in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Designed by ARC Architecture + Design Studio and developed by Moris Yeroshalmi under the Yed LLC, the structure yields 56 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 28 units for residents at 40 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $35,692 to $116,640.

Amenities include an outdoor terrace, backyard, rooftop terrace, bike storage lockers, shared laundry room, virtual doorman, and gated access. Residences are equipped with split-unit heating and cooling, charging outlets with USB ports, and are ready for high-speed internet and cable or satellite TV. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove, hot water, and heat.

1985 Jerome Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $761 for incomes ranging from $35,692 to $58,320; two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $941 for incomes ranging from $41,863 to $58,320; and four two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $833 for incomes ranging from $42,583 to $70,000.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,261 for incomes ranging from $52,835 to $87,480; three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,548 for incomes ranging from $62,675 to $87,480; and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,433 for incomes ranging from $63,155 to $105,000.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,762 for incomes ranging from $70,012 to $116,640.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than May 18, 2026.

Weekly News from Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

EID MUBARAK!

Senator Rivera wishes everyone celebrating Eid in the Bronx and across New York a peaceful and harmonious holiday. Eid al Fitr Mubarak to all who are celebrating!

This week, Senator Rivera held his third blood drive at Fordham University in collaboration with the American Red Cross.

Senator Rivera wants to thank the American Red Cross and Fordham University for their partnership in organizing a successful event with his office. He also wants to thank Fordham's President Tania Tetlow, Vice President for External Affairs Travis Proulx, and Dr. Keisha Shay, Co-Director of the Bronx Research Institute for Community Solutions, for helping make the event possible.

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. Become a blood donor today.

SENATOR RIVERA HOLDS NEW HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING

This week, the Senate Health Committee passed all 13 bills including Senator Rivera’s:

S.9275 or The "Gender-Affirming Care Protection Act," which will require Medicaid to cover gender-affirming care regardless of federal funding.

S.9388 or The Local Input for Community Healthcare Act (LICH) Act, which a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.

S.7460, which will establish at least 4 maternal-infant care centers in areas of need to provide care to mothers and babies suffering from drug withdrawal.

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) and Assemlymember Amy Paulin to urge his colleagues in the Senate and Assembly, as well as the Executive, to support his Primary Care Investment Act (S.1634). 

Senator Rivera strongly believes that primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system and is key to prevention and early detection. He proudly sponsors this bill so our state can increase investment in primary care spending by insurance companies, especially in the face of significant federal healthcare funding cuts. 

This week, Senator Rivera stood alongside hundreds of New Yorkers and advocacy organizations as they traveled to Albany to show their support for the New York Health Act (S.3425).

During the rally, Senator Rivera reiterated that passing the New York Health Act is essential to ensure that every New Yorker can get the healthcare they need and deserve.

In addition, Senator Rivera stated that it is necessary that we bring more New Yorkers, including more of his colleagues, into this coalition so our State can finally prioritize people’s health over profit while saving New Yorkers money.

Watch Senator Rivera's remarks during the rally here.

SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES HIS OVERSIGHT OF HEALTH PROGRAMS ACT

This week, Senator Rivera spoke with Katelyn Cordero from Politico about a new bill he recently introduced called the "Oversight of Health Programs Act" (S.9512).

This bill would establish a routine process for the Legislature to request and receive records from private contractors that help operate publicly subsidized health programs. 

What will the bill do? This bill will codify enumerated powers that the Legislature already has under the state constitution and in doing so, it will:

• Establish a definition of “trade secret,” modeled after current federal law.
• Create a process for record requests from vendors providing services in conjunction with the operation and delivery of a public health program. 
• Authorize designated members of the Legislature to request and receive records from either the Commissioner of Health (COH) or a vendor. 
• Establish clear deadlines for vendors to submit records asked by the requesting party. 

Learn more about this new bill here.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS THE 'LA VOZ WITH MARIEL FIORI' SHOW

This week, Senator Rivera spoke with Mariel Fiori on La Voz Radio to discuss the New York Health Act (S.3425).

During the show, Senator Rivera and Ms. Fiori spoke at length about the bill and its necessity as we face severe federal Medicaid cuts. He also discussed why it is important for New Yorkers to join this fight to guarantee affordable and comprehensive care to all New Yorkers.

They also briefly spoke about the Senator's Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, which will allow New York State to enter partnerships to produce and distribute generic drugs such as insulin. This measure was included in the Senate One House proposal released last week.

Listen to the interview in Spanish here.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

WEDNESDAY 04/08: SATELLITE OFFICE HOURS AT THE MOSHOLU MONTEFIORE COMMUNITY CENTER!

SATURDAY 4/4: FREE ANNUAL SPRING EGG HUNT EVENT AT THE WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL

NYC JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Working for the City of New York offers rewarding career opportunities serving our communities. With over 80 city agencies and thousands of job types, there is something for everyone in city government. This newsletter by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), provides updates about job opportunities, upcoming civil service exams, available internships and fellowships, and career events.

DCAS helps support the recruiting and hiring needs for city government. Our Office of Citywide Recruitment partners with educational institutions and community-based organizations across the five boroughs to share information about city government jobs and the civil service examination process. Our NYC Jobs Newsletter will provide you with the news and information you need to take the next step in your career.

Upcoming Events

Please join us for our DCAS upcoming events. Select events based on your career interests, education, and experience.

NYC DCAS Summer Internship Hiring Expo 

Thursday, March 26, 2026. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 1 Centre Street, North Mezzanine, New York, NY 10007

Ready to land that dream internship? Join us at the NYC DCAS Summer Internship Hiring Expo, where representatives from various city agencies will be recruiting and interviewing for summer internships. Serve New Yorkers at one of 80+ city agencies. Build a fulfilling career and go to work with purpose every day. Let DCAS help you find your calling. Please register for only the morning or afternoon session. 

Register here.

Women’s History Month CityTalk: Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future  

Tuesday, March 31, 2026. 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Virtual event, online via Microsoft Teams 

Join the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and partner agencies for a Women’s History Month CityTalk panel discussion highlighting the initiatives, impact, and contributions of women in NYC civil service. Inspired by this year’s national theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, this event explores how women are advancing equity, strengthening communities, and building systems that support long-term success across New York City.   

Register here.

NYC Government Careers: Civil Service 101 Information Session   

Wednesday, April 8, 2026. 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Virtual event, online via Microsoft Teams. 

Learn how you can work for the City of New York, build a fulfilling career, and go to work with purpose every day. This information session will tell you everything you need to know to find the opportunities aligned with your career goals - whether you are entry-level or an experienced professional. We'll cover the civil service system, civil service exams, and the applications process. 

Register here.

NYC Government Careers: Civil Service 101 Information Session 

Thursday, April 9, 2026. 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hybrid event, 1 Centre Street, North Mezzanine, New York, NY 10007 and online via Microsoft Teams. 

Learn how you can work for the City of New York, build a fulfilling career, and go to work with purpose every day. This information session will tell you everything you need to know to find the opportunities aligned with your career goals - whether you are entry-level or an experienced professional. We'll cover the civil service system, civil service exams, and the applications process. 

Register 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