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New York City Hispanic Chamber
159 E 116th St Second Floor
New York, NY 10029
Monday, October 6, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Governor Hochul Extends Executive Order Ensuring All New Yorkers Can Receive the Updated 2025–26 COVID Shot
Calls on Federal Government To Open Ordering of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Through Vaccines for Children Program
Governor Continues Working With Legislature on Long-Term Solution To Protect Immunization Access in New York
As the Trump administration continues to attack access to health care, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an extension of Executive Order 52, which allows pharmacists to continue administering COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order will be in place for at least another 30 days while work continues on a long-term legislative solution to protect the immunization and health care rights of New Yorkers.
Additionally, Governor Hochul is calling on the federal government to make the COVID-19 vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. As of now, the Trump administration has yet to make COVID-19 vaccines available for states to order through its VFC program. This inaction is causing unnecessary disorder while putting the health of millions of children at risk. In the interim, out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul has directed the Department of Health to explore additional solutions to make sure all children, including uninsured kids, have access to the vaccines they need to stay safe and healthy.
“I’ve been clear with New Yorkers that even as Washington continues its misguided campaign against science, I will always do what I can to ensure New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and information families need to make decisions about their health care — with no exceptions,” Governor Hochul said. “I will sign as many extensions of this executive order as I need to. We will always let science lead the way — not politics.”
The Executive Order is part of Governor Hochul's long-term strategy to protect access to vaccinations in New York. The Governor will begin working with the Legislature on a legislative solution to ensure permanent and continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals and insurance coverage of vaccines.
New York is also working in coordination with — and helping to lead — a regional multi-state public health collaboration among Northeast states, which brings together public health leaders across the region to develop evidence-based recommendations and approaches on vaccination, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. The collaborative also supports state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.
Last month, Commissioner McDonald issued a standing order for the COVID vaccine that is still in effect, ensuring that pharmacists statewide can continue to provide timely and convenient access. Commissioner McDonald and the Department of Health will continue to issue detailed guidance to support pharmacies, clinicians and other vaccine administrators.
Team Selected To Dismantle Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center Barge In Hunts Point, The Bronx
The New York City Economic Development Corporation has selected Louisiana Scrap Metal Recycling to remove and dismantle the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a decommissioned five-story jail barge moored off Hunts Point in The Bronx. The company will transport the vessel to its facility in Gibson, Louisiana, where it will be recycled into raw materials for future U.S.-built projects. In addition to handling removal and transport, the company will pay the city $1.5 million.
The removal of the Correctional Center will make way for the development of a new Hunts Point Marine Terminal, a project aligned with Mayor Eric Adams’ Hunts Point Forward vision. Before construction begins, the site will undergo a two-year remediation process to address historic manufactured gas contamination from Con Edison, scheduled to conclude in 2027. The New York City Economic Development Corporation will also invest $28.3 million in shoreline repairs and greenway expansions during this period. The new terminal is projected to generate 400 construction jobs, 100 permanent jobs, and $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years.
Designed to improve freight efficiency and sustainability, the Hunts Point Marine Terminal will serve as a shipping hub connecting East Coast ports and other maritime facilities within New York City. Officials expect the project to eliminate up to 9,000 monthly truck trips, reducing congestion and pollution in the South Bronx.
“Removing the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center barge is a powerful symbol of transformation for Hunts Point and the South Bronx and I am pleased to see the barge being responsibly recycled with the City receiving compensation,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I look forward to the future Hunts Point Marine Terminal, which will help The Bronx by reclaiming our waterfront, creating good paying jobs, reducing truck traffic, and delivering environmental justice for a community that has carried an unfair burden for far too long.”
UPDATE: DHS Deploys Special Operations After Multiple Violent Attacks on Federal Law Enforcement by Domestic Terrorists in Chicago
Three vehicles used as weapons against our brave law enforcement as they work without pay to make America safe again
This morning, Border Patrol law enforcement officers were ambushed by domestic terrorists that rammed federal agents with their vehicles. The woman, Marimar Martinez, driving one of the vehicles, was armed with a semi-automatic weapon and has a history of doxxing federal agents. She took defensive fire from CBP agents and has been discharged from the hospital and is currently in the custody of the FBI. The driver of another vehicle, Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, involved in the ramming has been apprehended by law enforcement.
The scene became increasingly violent as more domestic terrorists gathered and began throwing smoke, gas, rocks, and bottles at DHS law enforcement. Another domestic terrorist was arrested for assaulting CBP at the scene. Following JB Prtizker’s refusal to allow local police to help secure the scene, Secretary Noem has deployed special operations teams to restore law and order.
As our ICE law enforcement was responding to the shooting, a domestic terrorist followed them and rammed their vehicle in an attempt to run them off the road. This individual has also been arrested and is in HSI custody.
An ICE vehicle popped a tire and was subsequently mobbed by domestic terrorists, forcing law enforcement to abandon the vehicle for their own safety. The vehicle was significantly damaged.
Several CBP law enforcement officers were sent to the hospital with various injuries.
Statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:
“These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END. Secretary Noem has taken action to deploy additional resources to restore law and order. We will not allow domestic terrorists to attack our law enforcement. If you law a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - This Week with Comptroller DiNapoli
Beyond the Skyline: A Look at Northwest Queens' Thriving Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods of Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside in northwest Queens have their own distinct personalities, but together they are contributing to the borough’s business growth, share of the population employed, median household income and new housing, according to a report from Comptroller DiNapoli. The report on the local economies in this section of northwest Queens, which is based on data from within the boundaries of Community District 2, is the latest in DiNapoli’s series of New York City neighborhood profiles.
“These diverse neighborhoods have grown economically over the past decade and experienced relatively strong household incomes, moderate poverty levels and increased business activity and housing supply,” DiNapoli said. “There is a strong immigrant population in this section of Queens and it is helping lead the borough’s revitalization. While there is a lot of positive progress to cheer for, challenging issues like the high cost of housing persist. It’s my hope that this report will be an asset that local leaders and community stakeholders can use as they continue their efforts to ensure these are great neighborhoods to live, work and go to school in.”
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Comptroller DiNapoli: Shutdown Hurts New York Economy, Families, and Businesses
Comptroller DiNapoli Opposes Musk's "Excessive" Pay
Comptroller DiNapoli, trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, announced that the Fund will vote against Elon Musk’s proposed 2025 pay package and all directors standing for reelection at Tesla Inc.’s Nov. 6, 2025, Annual Meeting, and will encourage other investers to do the same.
“Elon Musk’s latest trillion-dollar pay proposal is excessive, waters down the holdings of other shareholders, and gives a captive board unwarranted discretion. Musk’s significant stake in Tesla has failed to focus his attention on the company. Now, despite these distractions, Tesla proposes to reward Musk, currently one of the richest men in the world, with another unprecedented pay package. We have long opposed Musk’s excessive compensation proposals, and this package continues the troubling pattern of prioritizing him over the interests of every other Tesla shareholder."
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A L S O I N T H E N E W S
- State Comptroller DiNapoli report highlights growth, affordability challenges in western Queens
- New York State Thruway Authority hosts E-ZPass outreach event
- The state rolls out a new program that relies on manufactured homes to tackle housing affordability
- Report: More New York municipalities faced fiscal stress in 2024
- Long Island experts urge seniors to plan for care crisis
Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription
P O S T O F T H E W E E K
Governor Hochul Announces $3.1 Million Settlement with Lefrak Organization for Unwarranted Water Surcharges
State Tenant Protection Unit Secures Its Largest-Ever Settlement After Investigation Ends Illegal Water Usage Charges
Obtains Full Refunds With Interest for Thousands of Rent-Regulated Tenants
Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas announced a $3.1 million settlement with Lefrak Organization following a Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) investigation that uncovered improper water use surcharges at 59 rent-regulated buildings across New York City. The settlement terminates these unlawful charges, ensures full refunds with nine percent interest for nearly two thousand affected tenants, and requires ongoing independent monitoring to safeguard compliance. The settlement includes all of Lefrak Organizations’ rent regulated portfolio and current tenants will receive a credit that refunds all money paid for water consumption from the beginning of their tenancy.
“We are committed to making the State more affordable and livable for all New Yorkers and will not allow illegal fees to drive up costs for millions of rent regulated tenants,” Governor Hochul said. “Today’s settlement will refund these prohibited charges back into the pockets of tenants and send a powerful message that our Tenant Protection Unit is working tirelessly to defend millions of New Yorkers by upholding our rent laws and preserving our rent regulated housing stock.”
TPU’s investigation began in 2024 when they engaged Lefrak who immediately agreed to cease charging tenants for water until a legal appeal was decided by the Office of Rent Administration (ORA). The settlement agreement was executed shortly after the ORA affirmed on appeal that Lefrak was improperly charging tenants for water. In its settlement, the Lefrak Organization agreed to relinquish their right to related appeals, agreed to discontinue all pending Article 78 proceedings before the State Supreme Court, and to promptly provide relief to all affected rent regulated tenants throughout its portfolio.
The terms of the settlement include:
- Cessation of charges: Lefrak has represented that all collection of water usage charges beyond monthly rent stopped as of Oct. 31, 2024, and will permanently cease billing or collecting such charges in the future.
- Tenant relief: Current tenants will receive rent credits covering every dollar they paid in water charges since moving into their apartments.
- Refunds with interest: Lefrak will pay a nine percent interest rate on all refunds owed.
- Independent oversight: Lefrak will retain, at its own expense, an independent auditor to monitor ongoing compliance with the settlement terms.
About the Tenant Protection Unit
TPU preserves renters’ rights by detecting and curtailing patterns and practices of landlord fraud and harassment through proactive audits, investigations, and legal actions. The TPU also encourages compliance with the law by informing tenants and owners of their rights and responsibilities under rent regulation.
Last March, the TPU imposed a $400,000 settlement on Bottem Realty for fraudulent and late apartment registrations, rent overcharges, and tenant harassment. In February 2024, the TPU announced a $514,000 settlement against Steve Croman for overcharging tenants and violating the rent laws.
If a tenant believes they are being overcharged and/or harassed, they should contact the Tenant Protection Unit at: 212-872-0788 or via email: TPUinfo@hcr.ny.gov.
SOUTH OZONE PARK MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CAR THEFT THAT LED TO VICTIM’S DEATH
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Mahindra Hansraj was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a February 2023 collision that severely injured and eventually killed Tauree Thompson of Richmond Hill. Thompson jumped onto the roof of his car as Hansraj stole the vehicle, sped off on Lefferts Boulevard then crashed into a fire hydrant in South Ozone Park. After 11 months in a coma, Thompson died in January 2024.
District Attorney Katz said: “The defendant thought he could get away with a brazen car theft and was undeterred even with the vehicle’s owner clinging to the automobile’s roof. His reckless actions led to the death of 29-year-old Tauree Thompson. We hope today’s sentence brings a measure of comfort to Thompon’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his senseless loss.”
Hansraj, 19, of 135th Avenue in South Ozone Park, pleaded guilty on September 4 to manslaughter in the first degree in satisfaction of the charges against him. Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder sentenced the defendant yesterday to 18 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
According to the charges, on February 20, 2023, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Hansraj and two others were in the vicinity of 104-21 Lefferts Boulevard in South Ozone Park at the same time as Thompson was standing near his 2006 Lexus RX, with its doors unlocked and engine running. Hansraj entered the driver’s seat of the vehicle and his two companions also went into the car.
Thompson jumped onto the roof of his car to stop the theft. Hansraj sped away with Thompson still on the roof. The defendant drove through a red light and swerved back and forth until he crashed into a fire hydrant. The impact caused Thompson to be thrown from the vehicle onto the pavement.
The victim sustained a traumatic brain injury and remained in a coma until his death in January 2024. The medical examiner determined his death was caused by remote blunt force injuries suffered during the collision.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Vehicles Again Used as Weapon in Attack against DHS Law Enforcement, Officers Forced to Fire Weapon on Armed Woman in Chicago
Pritzker’s Chicago Police is refusing to assist DHS in securing the area and a crowd is growing
This morning, Border Patrol agents were conducting a routine patrol, near the intersection of 39th Place and S. Kedzie Avenue, when they were attacked and rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars. The officers exited their trapped vehicle, when a suspect tried to run them over, forcing the officers to fire defensively. This is an evolving situation. FBI is on the scene.
Statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:
“While conducting routine patrolling in the greater Broadview area, near the same area of Chicago that law enforcement was assaulted yesterday, our brave law enforcement officers were rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars this morning. Agents were unable to move their vehicle and exited the car. One of the drivers who rammed the law enforcement vehicle was armed with a semi-automatic weapon. Law enforcement was forced to deploy their weapons and fired defensive shots at an armed US citizen who drove herself to the hospital to get care for wounds.
“The armed woman was named in a CBP intelligence bulletin last week for doxing agents online.
"Thankfully, no law enforcement officers were seriously injured in this attack.
"Unfortunately, JB Pritzker’s Chicago Police Department is leaving the shooting scene and refuses to assist us in securing the area. There is a crowd growing and we are deploying special operations to control a growing crowd.
"Comparing ICE day-in and day-out to the Nazi Gestapo, the Secret Police, and slave patrols has consequences. The men and women of ICE and CBP are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. They get up every morning to try and make our communities safer. Like everyone else, they just want to go home to their families at night. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women who are simply enforcing the law must stop. We are praying for our law enforcement and their families. This is an evolving situation, and we will give the public more information as soon as it becomes available.”
Just last week, an internal threat intelligence bulleting was circulated about the armed woman for doxing law enforcement officers online.
Earlier this week, the Department condemned the use of vehicles against law enforcement in the Chicago area, as this has become a growing trend.