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Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Mayor Mamdani Announces La Marqueta as First Site Identified for City’s Public Grocery Stores
All five sites to open before end of mayoral term; first location to open in 2027 and La Marqueta to open in 2029
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Julie Su and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced La Marqueta as the first site identified for the City’s municipal grocery store program.
The 9,000-square-foot store in East Harlem will be constructed from the ground up and is expected to open by 2029. The first City-owned grocery store is expected to open in late 2027. The Mamdani administration plans to open one store in each borough by the end of the Mayor’s first term.
Grocery prices in New York City have risen nearly 66% over the past decade — significantly outpacing the national average. The city-owned grocery initiative is designed to lower costs on everyday staples by using public ownership to eliminate costs that are currently passed on to consumers.
The initiative aims to deliver affordable, high-quality groceries that provide meaningful savings to New Yorkers and strengthen neighborhood food access citywide. Mayor Mamdani has allocated $70 million in capital funds for the development of the five sites.
“When corporations control every part of the food supply chain, prices go up, basic necessities become luxuries and workers and customers both lose,” said Mayor Mamdani. “A public option allows us to intervene where the market has failed. We cannot accept a status quo where even the most fundamental needs — putting food on the table — feel out of reach. This is about ensuring that every New Yorker, regardless of income or ZIP code, has access to fresh, healthy food at a price they can afford.”
Under the model, the City will own the land and cover overhead costs like rent and construction. A private operator, selected through a request for proposals, will manage daily operations and be contractually required to pass savings directly to customers on a core basket of everyday staples.
“Economic justice means making sure the basic necessities of life — starting with food — are affordable and accessible in every borough,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “The city-owned grocery stores initiative is a centerpiece of our economic justice agenda because it addresses affordability, worker dignity, and neighborhood vitality all at once.”
“The health and well-being of New Yorkers are dependent on their ability to access affordable, nutritious foods,” said NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “The opening of a city-owned grocery store — the first of five — is a monumental step toward addressing the cost-of-living crisis, improving public health, and creating a more dignified and equitable city for all New Yorkers.”
The administration also announced the creation of an NYC Groceries Task Force led by Deputy Mayor Su and Deputy Mayor Arteaga. The task force will convene City agencies, industry experts and local small business owners to guide implementation.
Located in the heart of East Harlem, La Marqueta is one of six public markets operated by NYCEDC. The site supports more than 20 small businesses and 120 workers, including restaurants, art vendors and community organizations.
Opened in 1936 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia as the Park Avenue Retail Market, La Marqueta was created to bring East Harlem's pushcart vendors — predominantly Jewish and Italian — under one roof and expand and affordable access to fresh food for working-class New Yorkers. As waves of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, and Mexican immigrants transformed the neighborhood into Spanish Harlem in the decades that followed, the market evolved, becoming “La Marqueta.”
Mayor Mamdani's decision to site New York City's first public grocery store at La Marqueta continues that legacy: using public infrastructure to deliver affordable food to working class New Yorkers.
Permits Filed for 3374 Boston Road in Laconia, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for a 13-story mixed-use building at 3374 Boston Road in Laconia, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Bouck Avenue and Boston Road, the lot is closest to the Gun Hill Road subway station, served by the 5 train. Mordcha Walter is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 124-foot-tall development will yield 69,179 square feet, with 48,375 square feet designated for residential space, 20,636 square feet for commercial space, and 168 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 97 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 498 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard, 32 open parking spaces, and 23 enclosed parking spaces.
Boris Balkhiyev is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
Justice Department Announces Compensation Process for OneCoin Fraud Victims With Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture
The Department of Justice announced the beginning of the remission compensation process to provide recovery for victims of the international investment scheme involving OneCoin Ltd.
Between 2014 and 2019, Ruja Ignatova and Karl Sebastian Greenwood, co-founders of OneCoin Ltd. (OneCoin), and others orchestrated a large, international cryptocurrency investment scheme defrauding investors from around the globe. OneCoin, which began operations in 2014 and was based in Sofia, Bulgaria, marketed and sold a fraudulent cryptocurrency by the same name through a global multi-level-marketing (MLM) network. As a result of misrepresentations made about OneCoin, victims invested over $4 billion worldwide in the fraudulent cryptocurrency. The Department of Justice filed a number of OneCoin-related prosecutions in the Southern District of New York. Several key figures involved in the scheme have been sentenced, and the Department pursued criminal forfeiture of property derived from the proceeds of the fraud scheme. More than $40 million in forfeited assets are currently available for victim compensation.
Through the remission process, victims who purchased the fraudulent OneCoin cryptocurrency between 2014 and 2019 may be eligible for compensation. Individuals who believe they may be victims may obtain a petition form online at www.onecoinremission.com. Victims may also call, email, or write to the Remission Administrator to request that a Petition Form be sent to them. The deadline for filing a petition is June 30. The Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section manages the remission compensation process.
“Victims are at the core of everything we do at the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. “As we did in this complex investment fraud case, the Department pursues forfeiture to take the profit out of crime and then use that money to compensate victims wherever possible. I commend the efforts of our colleagues in the Southern District of New York, our law enforcement partners, and our Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, which manages the Asset Forfeiture Program, for all of their work on behalf of the victims in this important case.”
“Between 2014 and 2019, OneCoin’s founders sold a lie disguised as cryptocurrency, costing victims more than $4 billion worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s announcement marks an important step toward returning funds to those harmed. While no recovery can fully undo the damage, our Office will continue working to seize criminal proceeds and prioritize getting money back into the hands of victims. If you believe you may be a victim of OneCoin, you may obtain a petition form online at www.onecoinremission.com.”
“The victim losses accrued in this case are monumental,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr of the FBI New York Field Office. “Misled by falsified statements and empty promises, many unknowingly depleted their savings for a fraudulent investment scheme in an emerging financial ecosystem that would never pay out. With the unwavering support from the Department of Justice, the FBI maintains its commitment to returning these stolen funds to their rightful owners. Our office will continue its investigative pursuit of these criminal fraudsters — especially locating Ruja Ignatova, an FBI Top Ten Fugitive — alongside our partners at the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Southern District of New York. Any information concerning this fugitive can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or via our tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
“The victims of the OneCoin scheme were misled and financially devastated by promises that were never real,” said Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of IRS-CI. “Alongside our law enforcement partners, we worked tirelessly to trace illicit funds and recover them for victims. This compensation process represents a critical step toward returning stolen assets to those who were deceived. IRS-CI remains steadfast in its mission to follow the money and dismantle complex financial fraud schemes like OneCoin.”
More information regarding the remission process, including eligibility criteria, updates, and frequently asked questions are available at www.onecoinremission.com or by calling 1-833-421-9748. Kroll Settlement Administration LLC is serving as the remission administrator in this matter.
The FBI and IRS-CI conducted the criminal fraud investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance.
The Department of Justice, through the Asset Forfeiture Program, works diligently to compensate victims of crime. Since 2000, the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF), which oversees the Asset Forfeiture Program’s victim compensation program, has returned more than $12.5 billion in forfeited assets to victims of crime. MNF Attorney Advisor Drew Halter with the section’s Program Management and Training Unit is leading the remission process.
Neither the Remission Administrator nor the Department of Justice will ask for any payment to participate in this remission process. Please be cautious of any individual or organization claiming to represent the Remission Administrator or the federal government in this matter. If you are a victim, any communications will come directly from the Remission Administrator or from government representatives with whom you have already had contact.
PSA: FBI Warns of the Impersonation of Law Enforcement and Government Officials https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250418
PSA: Fictitious Law Firms Targeting Cryptocurrency Scam Victims Combine Multiple Exploitation Tactics While Offering to Recover Funds https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250813
How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam
Two Sentenced to Over 46 Years for Drug Murder
A Florida woman and California man have been sentenced to 230 months and 330 months in prison, respectively, for the 2022 killing of a man in relation to a drug trafficking conspiracy. Both defendants had pleaded guilty to using a firearm to cause death and conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Tsvia Kol, 37, of Hallandale, Florida, and Jimmy Sanchez, 38, of Spring Valley, California, murdered a Miami man (the victim) in connection with a missing package containing about 11 pounds of methamphetamine, the street value of which totaled approximately $90,000. Kol and Sanchez believed that the victim stole the package of drugs, but in fact the drugs had been seized by law enforcement.
Kol and Sanchez confronted the victim in a hotel room that they had rented, and Kol provided Sanchez with a firearm. While inside the room, the victim called 911 and attempted to provide his location. The recorded 911 call captured the sounds of a physical altercation and gunshots.
Hotel security footage revealed Kol and Sanchez fleeing the property after the shooting, and the victim’s body was not discovered in the hotel room until the day after. Sanchez admitted that he shot and murdered the victim and Kol admitted that she had been an accomplice.
“Suspecting that the victim had stolen drugs from them, these defendants committed a callous murder,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The drug business is a dangerous game that results in death, ruined lives, and torn families. The Criminal Division prioritizes prosecuting drug crimes, especially those involving violence.”
“This started as a drug deal gone wrong and ended in an execution,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendants armed themselves, set up the victim, and carried out a killing over a missing drug package that had already been seized by law enforcement. The prison sentences, over 19 years and over 27 years, reflect the seriousness of that violence. As a career prosecutor and former trial judge, I’ve seen how often drug trafficking turns deadly. In South Florida, we pursue long federal sentences that keep violent criminals off the streets and protect our community.”
“These defendants ruthlessly murdered someone whom they thought had stolen from their own illegal drug trafficking network. Today their sentence ends this cycle of violence,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI, with our federal, state and local partners work around the clock to ensure these destructive criminals with no regard for a human life are found and held accountable with the goal of making our communities safer and free from drug-related crimes like this.”
“Drug trafficking and violence unfortunately go hand-in-hand,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Field Division. “DEA Miami Agents are working tirelessly to bring justice and safety to our community.”
“In this case the defendants decided the contents of a package were worth more than the victim’s life. It’s a decision they will pay for,” said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “The Postal Inspection Service works tirelessly to eliminate narcotics from our postal system, working with our federal, state, and local partners to make sure those who profit from violence, drug sales, and the abuse of the postal system feel the full weight of the law.”
In January 2026, Kol and Sanchez each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using a firearm to cause death during a drug trafficking offense.
The DEA, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Miami Dade Sherriff’s Office, the Hialeah Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera - RSVP: Join My Office and The Bronx Health Link 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower!
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Dear Neighbor,
On Thursday, April 23rd, my office and The Bronx Health Link will host our third annual community baby shower. There are only a few spots left so register today or share with a family member or friend!
Families will access healthcare resources, essentials such as diapers, education, and a reliable community network to make a difference during pregnancy and beyond.
We’re excited to continue supporting Bronx parents and parents-to-be as they navigate a life-changing chapter in their lives with our partners at the Bronx Health Link, who offer support to new families year round.
WHEN: Thursday, April 23rd, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Doors Open at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Monroe University, King Hall Gym, 2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10468
RSVP IS REQUIRED: Call Senator Gustavo Rivera’s Office at 718-933-2034 to reserve your spot, Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM.
Sincerely,
State Senator Gustavo Rivera
New York State Senate
33rd District
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Partnerships for Parks - Get Involved with Your Park this Spring!
Get Involved with Your Park
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and get your hands dirty in a local park. Want to contribute but don’t know where to start? Already a volunteer, but need a refresher? Join this virtual workshop to learn about our resources and how you can get involved in caring for local green spaces.
With dedicated time for you to connect with Partnerships for Parks’ staff in breakout rooms, you’ll walk away empowered to plug into our programs, including leading an It’s My Park project, caring and advocating for NYC’s urban forest, and applying for an NYC Green Fund grant.
Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. Questions? Reach out to academy@cityparksfoundation.
Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m. On Zoom
Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to ensure these spaces are dynamic community assets.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Arson and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization
White Supremacist Destroyed Nonprofit with a Napalm-Based Device and Attempted to Provide Support to Hezbollah
Today, Regan Darby Prater, 28, currently of Tullahoma, Tennessee, entered a guilty plea to one count of arson and one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Prater pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan for Sept. 9, in Knoxville.
Prater faces up to 20 years in federal prison, along with related fines, restitution, and a term of supervised release to be served after he is released from custody. As part of his agreement, Prater waived indictment by a Federal Grand Jury and agreed to plead guilty to the aforementioned charges.
Court documents establish that Prater used a so-called “sparkler bomb,” i.e., a napalm-based incendiary device ignited by a common sparkler, to destroy facilities maintained by the Highlander Center, a school for grassroots leaders and social movements in New Market, Tennessee. As part of his guilty plea, Prater admitted that he drove from his home in Tullahoma to the Highlander Center, ignited the sparkler bomb, and destroyed a building, ultimately causing over $1.2 million in damage.
Before he detonated the bomb, Prater spray-painted the symbol of the Iron Guard, a 1930s-era paramilitary arm of the Romanian Nazi Party, in the Highlander Center parking lot. This same symbol was engraved on the rifle used in the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, just two weeks prior to the arson. Prater acknowledged that he committed the arson at the Highland Center due to his white-supremacist ideology and as a response to the Highlander Center’s faith-based educational priorities and its association with the Civil Rights Movement.
Separately, Prater also admitted that, in 2019, he attempted to provide material support to Hizballah, also known as “Hezbollah,” which the United States has recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997. Specifically, Prater obtained a document purporting to contain personally identifiable information of over 35,000 individuals purportedly affiliated with the government of Israel. He then provided that document to an individual he believed to be associated with Hizballah, stating, among other things: “Start the hunt.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee; and Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office made the announcement.
This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.