ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR'S STATEMENT ON IRAN’S MISSILE STRIKE AGAINST ISRAEL

 

STATEMENT ON IRAN’S MISSILE STRIKE AGAINST ISRAEL

Today I stand with the people of Israel as they endure the Iranian regime’s horrific missile strike. New York City prays for the Israeli people’s safety during one of the most challenging times in the country’s history. I condemn this senseless attack by Iran, part of its campaign with terrorist proxies to destabilize the region. This act of aggression threatens Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, as well as their holy sites in Jerusalem. 

We stand in steadfast solidarity with New York’s Jewish community, the largest outside Israel. At a time when the community should be planning Rosh Hashanah celebrations, instead we are fearing for the safety of our loved ones in Israel. This adds to the pain we have endured since October 7th, during which time New York City has suffered more than 360 anti-Semitic hate crimes.  

I have spoken with Mayor Adams and the NYPD. Law enforcement has been deployed to ensure the safety of Jewish religious and cultural institutions in New York City. There is currently no specific threat in New York City.  

Team Jenifer will continue to build bridges of love and peace across New York City and the globe. Together, we will put an end to terror and close this dark chapter. 

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS ALLISON STODDART AS CITY HALL CHIEF COUNSEL

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Allison Stoddart as City Hall chief counsel, effective immediately. Stoddart has served as chief of staff in the Office of the Chief Counsel since the start of the Adams administration. During her tenure, Stoddart spearheaded the New York City Legal Fellows Program, a citywide initiative designed to enable junior attorneys at law firms across New York City to serve their fellow New Yorkers through a one-year appointment in the legal department of a city agency. Stoddart has worked alongside City Hall policymakers on a wide range of issues, including the expansion of paid parental leave and family leave and the removal of sidewalk construction sheds and scaffolding.

“It is my honor to announce Allison Stoddart as City Hall’s next chief counsel, where she will serve New Yorkers every day,” said Mayor Adams. “Allison has been part of our administration since day one, and during this time, has become an integral part of the legal team at City Hall. In her tenure, she’s helped bring private sector expertise to the public sector though the Legal Fellows Program, advocated for better benefits towards city employees by expanding paid parental and family leave, and helped the city get sheds down. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead this office at this time, and that her intelligence and drive to serve everyday New Yorkers will benefit our entire city.”

“I’ve always believed that the law and public service go hand-in-hand, and serving in the Office of the Chief Counsel to the mayor and City Hall has been a defining privilege of my career,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Allison Stoddart. “I’ve been proud to serve as a chief of staff, and now, as chief counsel, to serve New York City. In this role, I will continue to collaborate with the many committed public servants who work so hard every day to shape the future of our city. I look forward to continuing to work closely with newly-nominated Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant and the other members of the Law Department.”

“During her tenure as chief of staff, Allison Stoddart has consistently used the power of the law to advance the needs of everyday New Yorkers,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “With her proven experience and expertise, Allison is ready to serve New Yorkers as chief counsel. I look forward to her continued success in our administration and her using the full force of the legal system to move our city forward.”

“In her time at City Hall, Allison has continuously demonstrated to be a person of the utmost integrity and an exceptional attorney,” said City Hall Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “Bringing an impressive understanding of city government, Allison's appointment will ensure the seamless continuity and transition of the chief counsel team and I am grateful that she will continue to serve our city at the highest level.”

“Allison Stoddart has been an integral part our team for the past two years,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “City Hall has a deep roster of talent, and I am thrilled to elevate one of our best and brightest to lead the chief counsel's team and continue to deliver for New Yorkers.”

“I’ve been able to see firsthand the strong work ethic, respect for the law, and integrity that Allison Stoddart brings to her work in city government,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “A proven leader, Allison has stepped up time and time again to deliver for New Yorkers, utilizing the full power of the law to ‘Get Stuff Done.’ She is more than ready and qualified to continue her tenure in public service as the city’s new chief counsel.”

“Allison is a talented attorney who has served this administration well,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. “I am proud to see her elevated to this role and look forward to see how she continues in her impressive career of public service.”

“Through her time at City Hall, I have known Allison to be an impressive, thoughtful, and ethical colleague, who has continuously made the chief counsel team and City Hall better,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I am glad to see her receive this well-deserved promotion and continue to serve our city.” 

“Since day one of this administration, Allison has served our city tirelessly and devoted herself to implementing the law in a way that supports 8.3 million New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “Whether working to make our city safer and more livable, fighting on behalf of city employees, or helping train the next class of lawyers for our city, Allison has always put New York City first. She’s smart, dedicated, and has impeccable judgment — and there is no one we’d rather see serve as City Hall’s top lawyer. We are extremely lucky to have such an immensely talented person serve as our next chief counsel.”

“From day one, Allison Stoddart has shown a prowess for using the law for good and lifting up New Yorkers most in need,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “In this new role, Allison will only deepen her hard-earned reputation as a public servant, continuing her proven track record as a lawyer who leads with integrity. I’m thrilled for her to enter into the role and deliver for our city.”

“We are lucky to have Allison Stoddart appointed to chief counsel today. Since the beginning of the administration, Allison has been a trusted leader within the chief counsel’s team, and helped us navigate through complex, yet critical health and human services issues,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “New Yorkers are better for her promotion today.”

In addition to serving as both Mayor Adams’ and City Hall’s counsel, Stoddart will oversee 10 agencies: the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, the Office of Labor Relations, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance, the New York City Business Integrity Commission, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the New York City Department of Records and Information Services, the Office of the Administrative Justice Coordinator, and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

About Allison Stoddart

Allison Stoddart most recently served as chief of staff to City Hall’s chief counsel. Stoddart was appointed in January 2022, at the beginning of the Adams administration. Prior to that, she was counsel at WilmerHale, where her practice focused on representing individuals, corporations, and financial institutions in complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, regulatory enforcement proceedings, and internal investigations. 

Stoddart previously served as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. 

She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Boston College Law School.

Stoddart will report directly to Mayor Adams.

The NYC Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce in partnership with US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, & Avanzar for our Finance webinars

 

RSVP Here

Russian National Indicted for Series of Ransomware Attacks

 

Indictment Unsealed Charging Aleksandr Ryzhenkov with Attacks Against Multiple Victims in the United States

The Justice Department today unsealed an indictment charging Russian national Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov (Александр Викторович Рыженков) with using the BitPaymer ransomware variant to attack numerous victims in Texas and throughout the United States and hold their sensitive data for ransom.

According to the indictment, beginning in at least June 2017, Ryzhenkov allegedly gained unauthorized access to the information stored on victims’ computer networks. Ryzhenkov and his conspirators then allegedly deployed the strain of ransomware known as BitPaymer and used it to encrypt the files of the victim companies, rendering them inaccessible. An electronic note left on the victims’ systems contained a ransom demand and instructions on how to contact the attackers to begin ransom negotiations. Ryzhenkov and his conspirators allegedly demanded that victims pay a ransom to obtain a decryption key and prevent their sensitive information from being made public online.

The indictment further alleges that Ryzhenkov and others used a variety of methods to intrude into computer systems, including phishing campaigns, malware, and taking advantage of vulnerabilities in computer hardware and software. Ryzhenkov and coconspirators used this access to demand millions of dollars in ransom. Ryzhenkov is believed to be in Russia. View the FBI’s wanted poster for him here.

In coordination with the indictment’s unsealing, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control today announced that Ryzhenkov was added to its list of specially designated nationals. The designation blocks property and interests in any property the designee may have in the United States and prohibits U.S. financial institutions from engaging in certain transactions and activities with the designated individual. To learn more, view the Treasury announcement here.

“The Justice Department is using all the tools at its disposal to attack the ransomware threat from every angle,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today’s charges against Ryzhenkov detail how he and his conspirators stole the sensitive data of innocent Americans and then demanded ransom. With law enforcement partners here and around the world, we will continue to put victims first and show these criminals that, in the end, they will be the ones paying for their crimes.”

“The FBI, together with partners, continues to leverage all resources to impose cost on criminals engaging in ransomware attacks,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Today’s indictment delivers a clear message to those who engage in cyber-criminal activity – you will face severe consequences for your illicit activities and will be held accountable under the law.”

“Aleksandr Ryzhenkov extorted victim businesses throughout the United States by encrypting their confidential information and holding it for ransom,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Addressing the threat from ransomware groups is one of the Criminal Division’s highest priorities. The coordinated actions announced today demonstrate, yet again, that the Justice Department is committed to working with its partners to take an all-tools approach to protecting victims and holding cybercriminals accountable.”

“Ransomware attacks – particularly those deployed by bad actors with ties to Russia – can paralyze a company in the time it takes to open a laptop. Whether or not the ransom is paid, recovering from a ransomware attack is generally costly and time-consuming,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas is committed to pursuing cybercriminals who hold data hostage, no matter where in the world they may be hiding.”

The FBI Dallas Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent J. Mazzurco for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

Victims of ransomware attacks are encouraged to contact their local FBI field office. For additional information on ransomware, please visit StopRansomware.gov.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

 

“Moments ago, the first large-scale eastern dockworker strike in 47 years began at ports from Maine to Texas, including at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need. It’s critical for USMX and the ILA to reach a fair agreement soon that respects workers and ensures a flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.”

CONSUMER ALERT: NYDOS Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips to Help Create a Safe Sleep Environment for Babies

 

October is Infant Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

During Infant Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing guidelines to help parents create a safe sleep environment for babies with the Safe Sleep Product Guide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury death among infants in the United States, with 82% being attributable to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Additionally, there are more than 100 infant sleep-related deaths annually involving nursery products, and most of these deaths can be prevented. The guidelines included in the guide can help parents learn what to look for when they’re choosing products for their infants and which unsafe items to avoid.

“Infant unsafe sleep-related deaths are tragic and 100% preventable,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “It's important for not only parents, but anyone who takes care of infants, including family members, friends and babysitters, to learn and follow the ABCs of safe sleep. Remembering these simple but critical steps could save your child’s life.”

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “Every baby deserves safe and uncompromised sleep. Parents benefit emotionally and physically when there is confidence that their child is secure in a sleep setting. Yet, unsafe sleep is a factor in more than 120 deaths that come to the attention of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) every year, an abysmal reality that can be avoided. We thank the Governor for her investments and championing safe sleep initiatives and the NYS Division of Consumer Protection and our public and private partners for their commitment to minimizing preventable deaths across New York State.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “It is absolutely critical that everyone who cares for a baby knows the ABCs of safe sleep, which stand for Alone, Back and Crib. I urge parents, guardians, family members and friends to remember that babies should sleep ALONE, on their BACK and in a safe CRIB to avoid accidental suffocation or strangulation.”

Make sure you always shop for safe sleep products and put your baby to sleep on their back to prevent infant sleep-related deaths. Be sure to keep items such as toys and other objects out of baby sleep areas. 

Safe sleep is as easy as A, B, C: Alone, Back and Crib.

A – Alone. Baby should always sleep Alone.

B – Back. Put baby to sleep on their Back.

C – Crib. Put baby in a safe Crib.

Stay Updated with the Latest Product Recalls:

• Ensure that baby’s crib and all products meet current safety standards as specified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Staying updated on the latest product recalls is vital to protect babies from unsafe products.
• If you purchase used items online, on social media or in a garage sale, confirm that they’re safe to use. Check these websites for the latest product recalls regularly: gov, CPSC.gov, FDA.gov or sign up for the latest updates from our website. For more information about the importance of staying updated with marketplace safety, read our consumer alert on this topic.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES THE INTENTION TO NOMINATE MURIEL GOODE-TRUFANT TO SERVE AS NEW YORK CITY’S CORPORATION COUNSEL

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced his intention to nominate Muriel Goode-Trufant as the city’s next corporation counsel. Goode-Trufant is a longtime public servant, having spent more than 30 years in the New York City Department of Law, where she has served as acting corporation counsel since this summer. As corporation counsel, Goode-Trufant will lead the New York City Department of Law, which is primarily responsible for providing legal representation to the City of New York — for the Mayor’s Office, the Public Advocate’s Office, the Comptroller’s Office, city agencies, and the City Council — in all affirmative and defensive civil litigation. 

“I am excited to announce my intention to nominate of Muriel Goode-Trufant as New York City’s next corporation counsel,” said Mayor Adams. “Muriel’s record speaks for itself — a dedicated public servant with more than 30 years of experience at the Law Department, a recipient of the agency’s highest honor, and a lawyer who has fought for equity and justice. As our next corporation counsel, Muriel is prepared to serve our entire municipal government and use the full power of our legal system to lead our city forward.”

“I am humbled and honored by the intention to be nominated by Mayor Adams to serve as the city’s next corporation counsel,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Nominee Muriel Goode-Trufant. “Through my more than three decades as an attorney at the New York City Law Department, I am keenly aware of the vital role the corporation counsel plays in New York City government.”

Muriel Goode-Trufant will replace Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix, who stepped down from her post at the end of May. Judge Hinds-Radix led the Department of Law since January 2022.  

About Muriel Goode-Trufant

Muriel Goode-Trufant began her career at the New York City Department of Law in 1991 as an attorney in the General Litigation Division where she held numerous roles, including assistant chief of the division. She later became the agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity officer and rose to the position of chief in the Special Federal Litigation Division.

Goode-Trufant became the Law Department’s managing attorney in 2015 and first assistant corporation counsel in 2023.

Before working for the city, she was an associate at the Philadelphia law firm Cohen, Shapiro, Polisher, Shiekman and Cohen.

Goode-Trufant has won numerous legal awards, including the Law Department’s highest honor, the Corporation Counsel’s Award for Distinguished Legal Service, in 2011.

Goode-Trufant is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania.

Under the City Charter, the nominee for corporation counsel must be confirmed by the City Council.

Permits Filed for 869 East 175th Street in Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 869 East 175th Street in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between Mohegan Avenue and Waterloo Place, the lot is near the 174th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Ardit Gocaj under the Illyricum Realty LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 7,610 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 13 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 1,004 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 33-foot-long rear yard.

John Backos of GRID Drafting and Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.