Governor Hochul Announces Additional $14.3 Million to Protect Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism

Supports Safety Enhancements for 57 At-Risk Nonprofits Across New York State

$44.8 Million Previously Awarded to Strengthen Security for Organizations Facing an Increased Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Funding Secured Through Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State has secured $14.3 million through the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS), a program that supports organizations at-risk for terrorist attacks. This funding will be distributed between 57 nonprofits across the state to strengthen their physical and cyber security.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a critical part of that strategy, providing essential funding to help thwart domestic terrorism,” Governor Hochul said. “This grant program will enable nonprofit organizations in high-risk areas of New York to prepare for and mitigate potential threats before they happen – a program that is now more important than ever to ensure the safety and security of every New Yorker.”

In 2024, $274.5 million was disbursed to states through the annual Nonprofit Security Program, $44.8 million of which was secured for New York. Following that disbursement, additional funding was secured through the National Security Supplemental due to increased threats against nonprofit organizations and houses of worship. Nationwide, a total of $210 million is being provided through the supplemental program.

Allowable costs include planning such as security risk management, continuity of operations, and response plans; equipment, including physical security enhancement and inspection/screening systems equipment; active shooter training and security training for employees or congregation members: response exercises, and contracted security personnel.

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated high-risk urban areas in New York include the New York City Metro Area – New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. New York is among the top states in the nation to receive funding through NSGP-NSS. $11.7 million in funding is being awarded to 51 organizations in the Metro Area, with $2.6 million awarded to six nonprofit organizations throughout the rest of the state.

Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.

NYPD Does Not Comply with FOIL Obligations for Body Worn Camera Footage, NYC Comptroller Audit Finds

 

The Department takes over a year to produce body-worn camera footage in 20% of cases

When FOIL requesters appeal, NYPD responds to BWC footage request 97% of the time, revealing a dramatically over-restrictive policy

In a new review, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander uncovered substantially insufficient compliance by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) with Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests for Body-Worn Camera (BWC) footage.

In 2019, all NYPD patrol officers began to wear body cameras to improve officer interactions through transparency, provide additional evidence for cases, decrease unlawful stop and frisks, and curtail use-of-force by officers.

Auditors analyzed the data and found that NYPD was chronically delayed in responding to FOIL requests for body camera footage.

• NYPD did not respond to 4,591 out of 5,427 FOIL requests (85%) within 25-business days, the standard timeline for City agencies, with 26 requests taking over two-years to grant/deny.

• More than half the time, NYPD did not meet its own internally established goal of granting or denying FOIL requests within 95 business days. On average, NYPD took 133 business days to grant or deny FOIL requests during the review period.

• NYPD took more than 200 business days to grant or deny 1,137 FOIL requests (24.8% of requests granted/denied beyond 25 business days). Of these cases, 223 out of the 1,137 requests (19.6%) did not result in a decision to grant or deny the request for more than 275 business days—more than one year—after receipt.

• NYPD frequently does not grant BWC FOIL requests without appeals first being filed. Of the 355 appeals NYPD received between 2020 through 2024, 344 (97%) were granted, suggesting a dramatically over-restrictive policy.

“The whole purpose of body-worn cameras is transparency. Failing to provide the footage as required by law fundamentally undermines the whole purpose of program,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The review also unveiled that:

1. Officers are supposed to activate their body camera a minute before approaching to allow for buffering and can turn off video once an interaction is done; however of the 7,797 videos on file, officers either activated late or stopped recording early in 1,436 (18%) instances of reviewed camera footage. NYPD could not find 4,319 (36%) body camera footage files for 911 dispatches in its file system.

2. NYPD lacks independent reviews of BWC activation rates, and does not consistently conduct reviews of footage or collect related information and documentation that their policies and procedures indicate are required. NYPD’s BWC Self-Inspection Worksheet instructions require that each month, sergeants from all precincts randomly select five videos recorded by their assigned officers during the previous month, then review these videos, and complete a Self-Inspection Worksheet. NYPD was unable to provide Self-Inspections for 87 out of 165—more than half—of the requested months.

3. Auditors also reviewed 802 Worksheets containing the Integrity Control Officers’ (ICO) review of Stop Reports, a required report to be completed by the officer for every Level 3 Stop (which is any encounter between a civilian and a uniformed officer in which a reasonable person would not feel free to disregard the officer and walk away). According to NYPD’s policy, if a stop cannot be justified, then a search or frisk cannot be justified. Nonetheless, of the 29 instances in which ICOs concluded there was an insufficient basis to justify a stop, there were four (14%) instances in which the ICO also concluded that there was reasonable basis to frisk, and a further nine (31%) instances in which the ICO still determined there was reasonable suspicion for the search; in these instances, since the ICO determined the stop was not justified, the related frisks/searches should have automatically also been deemed unjustified.According to NYPD procedures, the frisk and search fields on the 802 Worksheets can only be completed with a “yes” or “no,” since the ICO is determining whether the supervisor properly performed their review of the Stop Reports. However, ICOs at seven (64%) of the 11 sampled precincts incorrectly recorded “N/A” for whether the supervisor appropriately performed their review of the Stop Reports.ICOs also did not always perform required reviews of 802 Worksheets. Auditors requested five months (June of each year from 2020 through 2024) of 802 Worksheets from 11 precincts in total (one worksheet per precinct per month). NYPD could not provide worksheets for 11 (20%) of the 55 requested months.
4. NYPD officers are required to complete a Threat, Resistance, or Injury Incident (TRI) report for every use-of-force incident. However, NYPD does not independently review BWC footage first in order to determine a TRI report. Auditors reviewed CCRB’s substantiated allegations of excessive use-of-force incidents and selected 25 incidents to determine whether there was a corresponding TRI Report. NYPD acknowledged that a TRI Report was required for 17 of the 25 selected incidents; however, for four (24%) of the 17 incidents, a TRI Report was not prepared.

Lander continued, “With proper oversight, body-worn cameras are a tool for gathering evidence, strengthening accountability, improving policing practices, and building trust. Without proper oversight, it’s just a hunk of metal.”

Following the review, the auditors shared recommendations for improving the body worn camera program with the NYPD. Some of those recommendations include:

Improve FOIL Response  (NYPD agreed with the below)

1. Increase Legal Bureau staffing levels and make additional efforts to address FOIL requests timely.

Improve Administrative Oversight (NYPD agreed with 2 and 3 and indicated that 4 reflects its current practice)

2. Take steps to ensure that all officers who perform patrol duties are immediately provided with cameras.
3. Investigate causes of lower activation rates in certain boroughs and precincts and take steps to ensure they continue to improve across the City.
4. Conduct an overall assessment of its BWC program to determine whether the program has improved compliance with policies, regulations, and laws, including respectful interaction with the public.

Improve Stop, Frisk, and Search Adherence (NYPD essentially agreed indicating this is its current practice)

5. Take additional steps to ensure compliance with its Stop/Frisk policy by identifying improper stops and instances when Stop Reports are not completed for Level 3 stops.

Improve Monitoring Use-of-Force (NYPD will consider 6 and essentially agreed to 7)

6. Review a sample BWC footage from Level 2 and Level 3 Investigative Encounters to determine whether force was used and whether a TRI Report was completed, as required.
7. Ensure that TRI reports are completed for all use-of-force incidents.

Read the full audit here.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Get Some Fresh Air By Volunteering

 

Woodlawn Wednesday

Wednesday, November 5 - Meet at 9am

Help restore the beautiful woodlands of Van Cortlandt Park’s east side! Join us one Woodlawn Wednesday this month, where volunteers like you play a vital role in preserving this important urban ecosystem.  We’ll be back for more in December!

RSVP Now

Woodlawn Playground

Trail Work Thursdays

Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20 - Meet at 9am

Blaze trails with us! Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact to ensure trail safety for runners and hikers.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Learning Garden 

 

Forest Fridays

Fridays, November 14, 21 - Meet at 9am

Help restore Van Cortlandt Park’s vital northwest forest by removing invasive plants like multiflora rose, bittersweet, and porcelain berry. Your efforts will create space for native plants to thrive and support long-term forest health.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Learning Garden

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

 

Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

Shop Now!

Become a Member

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

Join Now!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Early Voting Check-Ins all 9 days of Early Voting

 

General Election 2025

 

October 25, 2025 - Day 1

 

• Manhattan - 24,046
• Bronx - 7,793
• Brooklyn - 22,105
• Queens - 19,045
• Staten Island - 6,420

 

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls 79,409

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October 26, 2025 - Day 2

 

• Manhattan - 49,191
• Bronx - 14,225
• Brooklyn - 49,432
• Queens - 38,791
• Staten Island - 12,551

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 164,190

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October 27, 2025 - Day 3

 

• Manhattan - 67,110
• Bronx - 19,096
• Brooklyn - 67,729
• Queens - 52,272
• Staten Island - 17,061

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 223,268

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October 28, 2025 - Day 4

 

• Manhattan - 89,474
• Bronx - 24,919
• Brooklyn - 92,035
• Queens - 68,873
• Staten Island - 22,417

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 297,718

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October 29, 2025 - Day 5

 

• Manhattan - 111,068
• Bronx - 30,633
• Brooklyn - 117,297
• Queens - 85,548
• Staten Island - 27,565

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 372,111

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October 30, 2025 - Day 6

 

• Manhattan - 118,920
• Bronx - 32,655
• Brooklyn - 126,055
• Queens - 91,371
• Staten Island - 29,476

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 398,477

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October 31, 2025 - Day 7

 

• Manhattan - 144,269
• Bronx - 37,830
• Brooklyn - 156,390
• Queens - 107,743
• Staten Island - 34,106

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 480,338

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November 1, 2025 - Day 8

 

• Manhattan - 174,708
• Bronx - 46,259
• Brooklyn - 189,606
• Queens - 131,541
• Staten Island - 41,991

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 584,105

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November 2, 2025 - Day 9

 

• Manhattan - 212,679
• Bronx - 58,661
• Brooklyn - 243,737
• Queens - 166,519
• Staten Island - 53,721

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 735,317

Talking Politics - This Weeks show.

 

This week on Talking Politics,

President Trumps Asian trip, The Government shutdown, NYC mayoral race and my prediction, plus the hotly contested 13th City Council race and my prediction there, and lots more at the link below.

[http://youtube.com/watch?v=ANfABfQ1ytg]

NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES START OF CONSTRUCTION FOR REGENERATION CAMPUS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER IN CITY OF HUDSON

 

Two-Acre Campus to Support Programming Focused on Ecological Education, Youth Leadership, the Arts, and Environmental Justice

Project Awarded $7.1 Million in Grant Funding from New York State

New York State announced the start of construction on the ReGeneration Campus, a two-acre community and environmental education center in the city of Hudson, Columbia County. The project was awarded $7.1 million in grant funding from New York State to support construction of the facility. Operated by Kite’s Nest, a center for education serving youth in the city of Hudson and surrounding communities, the project will provide a permanent home for the organization and support programming focused on ecological education, youth leadership, the arts, and environmental justice. 

Located on the Hudson riverfront, the ReGeneration Campus will support programming focused on ecological education, youth leadership, the arts, and environmental justice. The property will feature an 8,500-square-foot education facility containing innovative learning spaces, including an arts workshop, digital media and recording studio, learning kitchen, performance and event space, an interior courtyard, offices, exhibition space, and classrooms. The education facility will add to the campus’ existing 1,400-square-foot learning greenhouse completed in 2022. The building and entire two-acre campus have centered accessibility in the design, ensuring people of all abilities can experience and enjoy the campus. 

New York State awarded $7.1 million in grant funding for the ReGeneration Campus project, including: $1.87 million from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Capital Projects Fund, $1.63 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) through the Builder Cleaner Communities Competition, formerly known as the Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development Program, $1.6 million from Empire State Development (ESD), $1.6 million from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Community Environmental Education Centers grant program, and $400,000 through the Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). 

Additionally, the ReGeneration Campus will provide space for community partner organizations to convene and collaborate. Local nonprofits, grassroots groups, and regional networks will be able to access the campus for gatherings, programs, trainings, and events to broaden the project’s reach and impact across the Hudson Valley and New York State. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Environmental education starts at the local level, and DEC is proud to support community-based organizations like Kite’s Nest in their efforts to connect local residents with opportunities to learn about the environment. Funding awarded through New York State agency partners and DEC’s Environmental Education Centers grant program will help Kite’s Nest and other grantees serving people in disadvantaged communities promote exploration, discovery, and learning about New York's diverse natural resources, complementing DEC’s ongoing commitment to support environmental justice statewide.” 

Founded in 2013, Kite’s Nest has engaged over 2,000 children and teens through more than 250 programs, and engaged thousands of community members through educational public events. Young leaders have organized for housing justice, environmental sustainability, and racial equity, while also creating innovative local food justice initiatives and providing mutual aid to hundreds of families. The organization has provided hundreds of young people with meaningful paid work opportunities through its youth employment initiatives—including ReGen Teens, the Social Justice Leadership Academy, and youth arts educator positions. The programs develop critical skills in agriculture, food systems, green infrastructure, education, media, and entrepreneurship, preparing the next generation of workers and leaders who will contribute to New York’s evolving economy. 

The $14 million capital campaign will provide a permanent home for Kite’s Nest and an anchor for youth-led learning, leadership, and community resilience in the region. Kite’s Nest ReGeneration Campus is not only a local project but a model with far-reaching impact. By investing in ecological design, renewable energy, and environmental justice, the campus will advance New York State’s ambitious climate goals and serve as a demonstration of sustainable development along the Hudson River. 

“This campus is not only a home for Kite’s Nest but a community anchor for generations to come,” said Board Chair Lisa Arrastía. “It models equitable and ecological development—spaces where young people can imagine and co-create a just future.” 

For more information about Kite’s Nest and the ReGeneration Campus, visit https://www.kitesnest.org/

NYS OASAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FIRST YOUNG ADULT RESIDENTIAL ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM ON LONG ISLAND

 

First of its Kind on Long Island and Second in New York State

Capacity to Serve 25 Young Adults Ages 18-25

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) announced the opening of a new young adult residential addiction treatment program in Brentwood, operated by Outreach Development Corporation. This is a 25-bed program with services focused on young adults ages 18-25. OASAS provided more than $5.2 million in capital funding for this project and is also providing $1 million in annual operational funding.

“Young people are facing significant changes in their lives, which can put them at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder and can also create barriers to finding help and support,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Specialized programs can provide the unique type of support that young adults need, and treatment services designed with this in mind have shown to be more successful in helping them reach their goals.”

This program offers services specifically geared towards young people, including those that emphasize family engagement, as well as life skills and employment skills development. Since young adults are a distinct development phase, staffing and treatment services are designed with this in mind to provide a balance of structure, autonomy, and connection.

New York State has 6 residential programs designed for those under 18, and more than 220 residential programs to serve adults of any age. Residential programs are designed for those in need of more support in their recovery, and who may need a 24-hour residential setting to be able to participate in treatment. These programs provide group support, skills development to support independent living, and other resources to promote recovery. 

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an 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, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

Law Enforcement Attacked as They Arrest Two Rioters Charged for Assaulting DHS Law Enforcement Officers at California Pot Facility

While executing the warrants another, violent rioter and four illegal aliens were also arrested  

On Wednesday, a violent crowd in Oxnard, California, attacked Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal law enforcement officers as they were conducting arrests of individuals who had previously assaulted federal officers and threw rocks at federal officers, which could have been deadly, during an operation at a California marijuana facility in July.

On July 10, siblings Isai Carrillo and Virginia Reyes attacked federal officers, threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles, and organized others to throw rocks at federal law enforcement during a targeted an enforcement operation in Camarillo, California, which rescued migrant children from potential human trafficking, exploitation, and forced labor at the marijuana facility.

HSI Los Angeles subsequently obtained arrest warrants for Carrillo and Reyes and executed the warrant on October 29. Both Reyes and Carrillo are American citizens and are facing prosecution.

Isai Carrillo

Virginia Reyes

As HSI was executing this arrest warrant, Reyes posted about ICE’s whereabouts on social media, drawing a violent mob that attacked federal law enforcement. Reyes initially fled from law enforcement, but turned herself in on October 30.

“Law enforcement officers are facing a 1,000% surge in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them. They are putting their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Violent rioter Isai Carrillo, arrested by HSI, was part of a violent group called VC Defensa – a network that regularly impedes and obstructs law enforcement. The operation, which these violent rioters tried to obstruct, resulted in law enforcement rescuing 10 migrant children from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.

Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

During Wednesday’s attack, HSI arrested a U.S. citizen named Jesus Posadas-Espinoza for assault on a federal officer after he was caught hurling rocks at ICE outside Reyes and Carrillo’s residence. He was turned over to the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

Jesus Posadas-Espinoza

HSI also encountered and arrested four Mexican illegal aliens at the residence: Lorenzo Toribo-Lopez, Talio Toribo-Lopez, Sergio Ortiz-Tenorio, and Victoria Ortiz-Tenorio.

These illegal aliens’ criminal histories include illegal entry and driving under the influence resulting in bodily injury. The four illegal aliens were turned over to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for removal.

Since June 6, 2025, ICE and CBP arrested more than 7,100 illegal aliens in the Los Angeles area.