NYPD ANNOUNCES FEWEST MURDERS IN RECORDED HISTORY FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR AND IN APRIL

 

Shooting Incidents and Shooting Victims Declined Double Digits Compared to Last April

Major Crime Declined 9.5% Citywide

Safest Start to the Year in Public Housing in Recorded History with Fewest Murders, Shooting Incidents, Shooting Victims, and Robberies

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that the NYPD delivered the fewest murders in recorded history for the first four months of the year and the month of April. During the four-month stretch, there were 76 murders, shattering the previous record of 86 set in 2018. April also saw the fewest murders in recorded city history with 19, beating the previous record of 21 set in 2014 and 2017.

Shooting incidents and shooting victims are down double digits compared to last April with an 18.6% and 19.3% decline, respectively.

Major crime continued to fall in April, down 9.5% citywide. These historic reductions extended to the city’s public housing developments, where the NYPD delivered the safest start to any year in recorded history with the fewest murders, shooting incidents, shooting victims, and robberies.

“Once again, the crime reductions across the five boroughs are a direct result of our precision policing strategy: focusing on illegal guns, putting officers where they’re needed most, and taking down violent gangs,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “These results are made possible by the women and men of the NYPD carrying out that work with focus and discipline. That approach is producing real, measurable crime reductions across the city, and it will continue to guide our work in the months ahead.”

Citywide, overall major crime fell 9.5% (9,157 vs. 10,114) with 957 fewer reported crimes compared to last April. Year to date, major crime is down in all five boroughs, transit, and housing.

Compared to last April, shooting incidents declined 18.6% (57 vs. 70) and shooting victims dropped 19.3% (67 vs. 83). The NYPD’s ongoing work to target and take down the most dangerous gangs also played a role in driving down shootings and removing guns from the streets. So far this year, NYPD detectives have carried out ten gang-related takedowns, and the department has seized 1,600 guns.

Murders fell by a staggering 40.6% (19 vs. 32) citywide, marking the fewest murders for any April on record. Staten Island has had zero murders so far in 2026.

Additionally, for the month of April:

• Burglary declined 21.5% (827 vs. 1,053), marking the fewest ever for any April in recorded history.
• Auto theft fell 20.2% (962 vs. 1,205).
• Robbery decreased 13.8% (1,053 vs. 1,222).
• Felony assault declined 6% (2,426 vs. 2,580).
• Grand larceny fell 4.4% (3,684 vs. 3,853).

Retail theft continued to plunge, falling 17.7% (3,680 vs. 4,471) in April compared to the same period last year. The decline reflects the department’s focused approach: identifying crime patterns, deploying resources at high-propensity locations during peak hours, and shifting from pass-through enforcement to sustained investigations.

The rise in reported rape incidents can be partially attributed to legislative changes enacted in September 2024 through the Rape is Rape Act, which rightfully broadened the legal definition of rape in New York State to include additional forms of sexual assault. The number of reported rapes increased by 10.1% (186 vs. 169) compared to April 2025 with 23% (43) of all reported rapes resulting from the expanded legal definition while 45.7% (85) occurred outside of April 2026. Year to date, rapes have increased 10.4% (711 vs. 644) with 21% (149) resulting from Rape is Rape and 33.5% (238) from outside 2026. Additionally, the NYPD has enhanced its work with advocates to encourage all survivors of sexual assault to come forward and report these incidents.

The NYPD is delivering historic crime reductions in public housing across the city. Year to date, overall crime in public housing is down 8.7% (1,721 vs. 1,886). So far this year, murders are down 41.7% (7 vs. 12), shooting victims are down 30.4% (32 vs. 46), shooting incidents are down 26.8% (30 vs. 41), and robberies are down 23.7% (225 vs. 295). In April, overall crime declined 16.7% (435 vs. 522).

Below ground, transit crime is down year-to-date by 0.6% (711 vs. 715). In April, overall transit crime increased by 1.2% (173 vs. 171) with only two more incidents.

The Bronx is the leading the city with the largest decline in major crime for the month of April and year-to-date with a 15.5% (2,218 vs. 2,626) and 10.7% (8,556 vs. 9,576) decrease, respectively. The Bronx had its fewest murders in recorded history for the month of April with four. Shooting incidents are down 58.1% (13 vs. 31), the second fewest in recorded history for the borough and only two behind the record set in April 2018. Shooting victims declined 64.9% (13 vs. 37). Robbery fell 23.5% (316 vs. 413) with nearly 100 fewer incidents. Finally, the Bronx saw the greatest reduction in auto theft, falling 43.8% (222 vs. 395) with 173 fewer incidents. Last month, NYPD detectives successfully dismantled and took down a major Bronx auto theft ring responsible for victimizing 252 vehicle owners with stolen property totaling $1.2 million.

To address youth violence, the department implemented its Youth Violence Safety Zones, modeled after the Violence Reduction Plan. These zones focus on the areas where young people are most at risk — commuter corridors, bus stops, and routes to and from school. Since its inception in September 2025, overall youth-related crime is down 52.4% (159 vs. 334), shooting incidents are down 64.7% (6 vs. 17), and shooting victims are down 63.2% (7 vs. 19) in the zones during deployment hours. In Bronx youth zones, there have been zero shootings.

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force (HCTF) investigates allegations of hate crimes and bias motivated incidents. After an incident is flagged as a possible hate crime, the HCTF investigates and determines, in consultation with the NYPD Legal Bureau, whether it constitutes a hate crime under New York State law. If an incident is deemed a hate crime under the law, it will be categorized as a confirmed hate crime. The NYPD is providing data on confirmed hate crimes along with the universe of reported hate crimes — whether or not they are ultimately confirmed as hate crimes by the HCTF. The disclosure of both sets of numbers enhances transparency and reflects best practices in connection with hate crime reporting.

In April 2026, the HCTF confirmed 50 incidents as hate crimes out of 65 incidents that were reported as hate crimes. Confirmed hate crimes are down 35.1% (50 vs. 77), compared to the previous April.

The NYPD continues to combat violent crime and shootings through its data-driven zone strategy. Since launching the Winter Violence Reduction Plan in January, major crime is down 22.7% (899 vs. 1,163), shooting victims are down 66% (16 vs. 47), and shooting incidents are down 62.5% (15 vs. 40) in the zones during deployment hours. Starting today, the NYPD will begin its Summer Violence Reduction Plan, the department’s largest summer deployment in recorded history. The zones will deploy up to 3,800 officers on nightly foot posts across 72 zones in 40 precincts, public housing and the subway system.

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change. *

Index Crime Statistics: April 2026

	April 2026	April 2025	+/-	% Change
Murder	19	32	-13	-40.6%
Rape	186	169	17	10.1%
Robbery	1,053	1,222	-169	-13.8%
Felony Assault	2,462	2,580	-154	-6.0%
Burglary	827	1,053	-226	-21.5%
Grand Larceny	3,684	3,853	-169	-4.4%
Grand Larceny Auto	962	1,205	-243	-20.2%
TOTAL	9,157	10,114	-957	-9.5%

Additional Statistics: April 2026

	April 2026	April 2025	+/-	% Change
Transit	173	171	2	1.2%
Housing	435	522	-87	-16.7%
Shooting Incidents	57	70	-13	-18.6%

AS WESTERN NY SEES RECORD HIGH GROCERY COSTS, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BREAK UP THE MEATPACKING MONOPOLIES, HELP FARMERS, AND DRIVE DOWN COST OF MEAT FOR FAMILIES

 

Schumer Says Four Corporate Giants Dominate Meat Market, Squeezing Farmers And Ranchers Who Keep Just 16 Cents Of Every Dollar Spent On Food, And Rigging The System Against WNY Families

New Schumer Bill Will Break Up Big Monopolies In Meat Packing That Lead To Higher Prices And Restore Real Competition To Lowering Costs

Schumer: New Bill Will Bring Down Costs For Families At The Grocery Store

As Western New Yorkers face some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Western New York farmers and families at the beloved Niagara Sausage Company to introduce the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. The Senator’s new landmark legislation would break up the big meat monopolies, boost farmers Upstate, and lower grocery costs for families.

“The meatpacking monopoly is driving up costs for Western New Yorkers at the grocery store and rigging the game against local farmers. Corporate giants dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing legislation – the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act – to break up the monopoly and lower costs. This bill is centered around making groceries more affordable, making farmers more profitable, and putting the needs of working middle-class people ahead of the interests of powerful corporations. Local businesses like Niagara Sausage Company are the backbone of communities; they love their customers and want prices to be affordable, and they get hurt by big corporations and suppliers rigging the game against consumers. America’s economy and our Main Streets are stronger when costs are lower and we have true competition, and this bill will do exactly that.”

Recent reporting shows that families in the Buffalo area are spending some of the most on groceries in the country. Families in Buffalo spend the eighth largest percentage of their income on groceries in an analysis of 100 of the largest American cities. According to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 26th Congressional District, which covers parts of Erie and Niagara Counties, has experienced some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country in the past ten years. Grocery prices have increased from $758.95 to $1,149.02 each month, a whopping more than 50% increase.

Schumer explained that a major driver of high meat prices is a food system rigged in favor of corporate monopolies. Four companies, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market.

Schumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is a competition-driven, pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-worker, pro-consumer, cost-of-living bill that breaks up dominant meatpackers and uses all available tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families. The bill would force the biggest meatpackers to choose a line of business instead of dominating beef, pork, and chicken all at once, and aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small businesses that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities, helping make more local supply chains to lower costs. In addition, to directing the FTC to go after foreign-controlled conglomerates that squeeze American producers and distort U.S. markets.

Justice Department Files Complaint Against Minnesota Over Its Attempt to Override Federal Law

 

The Justice Department today filed a complaint against the State of Minnesota over its attempt to regulate global greenhouse gas emissions, which are subject to exclusive federal authority, and override the policy choices of the United States and other states to make energy affordable and reliable. The filing advances President Donald J. Trump’s executive order directing the Justice Department to protect American energy from state overreach. Specifically, the complaint seeks to stop the enforcement of Minnesota’s state court lawsuit that usurps exclusive federal authority and unreasonably burdens domestic energy development. 

“President Trump promised to unleash American energy dominance, and Minnesota officials cannot undermine his directive by mandating that their woke climate preferences become the uniform policy of our Nation,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Minnesota’s attempt to impose a national regulation on global greenhouse gas emissions not only is preempted by federal law, but also undermines affordable and reliable American energy, weakening the national and economic security of the United States.” 

“The case we filed against Minnesota today is an attempt to rein in another unconstitutional state effort to invade an area of exclusive federal control,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “It is in America’s interest to have independent and secure sources of energy. Minnesota’s attempted overreach would undermine our economic and national security to advance the climate agenda of politicians and activists.” 

According to the complaint filed today in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, the state of Minnesota is attempting to regulate global greenhouse gas emissions by suing energy companies in state court to enjoin global energy production and compel them to disgorge their profits. As Judge Stras of the Eighth Circuit has recognized, such efforts to “set national energy policy” and “change the companies’ behavior on a global scale” are “beyond the limits of state law.” 

These efforts are also preempted by the Constitution and the Clean Air Act. Last year, ENRD filed complaints against Hawaii, Michigan, New York, and Vermont to stop those states’ unconstitutional climate actions. 

Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel John Adams of ENRD filed the complaint. 

Mamdani Administration, Rep. Ritchie Torres Announce $2 Million to Expand Free Broadband Internet Access

Funding will expand the Neighborhood Internet program to give low-income New Yorkers access to high-speed internet   

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, The New York Public Library (NYPL) President Anthony W. Marx and Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy celebrated a $2 million expansion of the Neighborhood Internet program at an affordable housing development in the Bronx. 

 

Neighborhood Internet is a groundbreaking partnership between the City and NYPL that extends free, high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers. The initial pilot of the program, funded by HPD, will serve over 700 low-income households in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan by this summer, with the federally-funded expansion supporting thousands more across the Bronx over the next two years.  

  

“Internet access allows New Yorkers to access jobs, find no-cost child care and explore the city they love. But for too many, broadband connection is either unreliable or unattainable. With this $2 million investment in the Neighborhood Internet program for New Yorkers in affordable housing, this administration is taking a major step towards closing the digital gap and building a city that is connected in more ways than one,” said Mayor Mamdani.  

  

“The digital divide is not abstract, it is a daily barrier for so many families in the South Bronx,” said Rep. Torres. “In 2026, being offline means being locked out of opportunity. This $2 million investment will bring high-speed internet into thousands of apartments, because in today’s economy, you cannot fully participate without being connected. I’m grateful to the Mayor, HPD and The New York Public Library for partnering with us to deliver this critical investment to the Bronx.”  

  

“The New York Public Library is laser focused on promoting reading and free access to digital information,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “From applying for jobs, to staying connected to loved ones, finding a family doctor, and so much more, the internet is essential to fully participating in society. The Library is committed to closing the digital divide and we are proud to help the City of New York deliver free wifi into the homes of New Yorkers in need.”  

  

“When affordable housing gets built in the city, residents should be connected to the internet,” said Dina Levy, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. “Forty percent of households in the Bronx do not have home internet access. The Neighborhood Internet initiative will help bridge the digital divide, providing low-income tenants in the Bronx with free access to the internet. Thank you to Congressman Torres for securing the federal funding that makes this possible, and to NYPL for their partnership in expanding internet access across the city. Under Mayor Mamdani, we’re making sure affordable housing tenants are first to get connected.”  

  

“New Yorkers across the five boroughs deserve the same access to affordable internet regardless of their zip code,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Today’s announcement is about more than free internet — it’s about connecting thousands of historically underserved Bronx residents to greater economic, educational and social opportunities. We’re proud to join Rep. Torres, HPD, and The New York Public Library to celebrate the expansion of the Neighborhood Internet program, a key initiative of the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap, and look forward to working closely with the public and our various stakeholders as we develop the ‘Citywide Broadband Adoption Plan’ in the coming months.”  

  

Neighborhood Internet, which is the first program of its kind in the country, serves low-income New Yorkers in the South Bronx and Upper Manhattan, which have among the lowest rates of broadband access in the five boroughs. Eligible households receive free, high-speed Internet access managed by The Library as part of its mission to provide free access to knowledge and information to all.  

  

The expansion is funded by $2 million secured by Rep. Torres in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding. The funding will cover microtrenching, rooftop network equipment installation, dedicated internet access infrastructure and in-unit connectivity for thousands of homes across 50 buildings. The New York Public Library is a key implementation partner in installing and managing the high-speed internet.  

  

Mayor Mamdani, Rep. Torres, NYPL, and HPD celebrated the additional funding at St. John’s House II, an affordable housing development near Melrose Library, where Neighborhood Internet was recently installed.  

Attorney General James Leads Coalition Urging Supreme Court to Protect Access to Mifepristone

 

AG James and 21 Other AGs Ask Supreme Court to Stay Fifth Circuit Ruling Reinstating Medically Unnecessary Restrictions on Abortion Medication

Fifth Circuit Ruling Would Force Patients to Obtain Mifepristone In Person, Limiting Access to Telehealth Medication Abortion

New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 21 other states and the District of Columbia in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to stay a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that would restrict access to mifepristone, a safe and effective abortion medication. The Fifth Circuit ruling would reinstate a medically unnecessary in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which can be safely provided through telehealth, limiting access to the critical medication nationwide. In an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling is not supported by science, would create regulatory and administrative chaos nationwide, and would interfere with states’ ability to protect access to reproductive health care within their borders. They are calling on the Court to stay the lower court’s order and prevent these restrictions from taking effect. 

“Forcing patients to obtain mifepristone in person will not make anyone safer, and it will not stop people from needing abortions,” said Attorney General James. “Every unnecessary restriction on abortion care has a human cost. It is paid by the patient who now must drive hundreds of miles, the mother who cannot find child care, the worker who cannot lose a day’s pay, and every person whose health is put at risk by delayed care. The Supreme Court must follow the science and stop this dangerous rollback of reproductive freedom.” 

Mifepristone, when used in combination with misoprostol, is the standard medication used to terminate a pregnancy through 10 weeks. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone in 2000, an estimated 7.5 million people in the United States have used the medication safely. Medication abortion now accounts for 63 percent of all abortions in the formal U.S. health care system, with approximately one in four abortions provided via telehealth. Studies have consistently found mifepristone to be safe and effective. 

In 2023, after extensive review, the FDA eliminated the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone as medically unnecessary. That decision followed years of evidence, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that mifepristone could be safely provided without requiring patients to appear in person. The FDA’s action allowed providers to offer mifepristone through telehealth and enabled patients to obtain the medication through certified mail-order pharmacies and other approved channels, expanding access for patients who face significant barriers to in-person care.  

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that reinstating the in-person dispensing requirement would vastly curtail telehealth access to mifepristone, forcing patients to rely on more difficult alternatives or travel for in-person care. Telehealth has become an increasingly important way for patients to access abortion care, with the share of abortions provided through telemedicine growing from five percent in 2022 to 27 percent in 2025. The coalition warns that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling would hit hardest in rural and underserved communities, and for patients who cannot afford to miss work, arrange child care, pay for travel, or navigate long distances to reach a clinic. 

The brief also argues that the ruling would disrupt care in states like New York, where abortion remains legal and protected. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, clinics in states that protect abortion access have faced increased demand from both in-state and out-of-state patients. By forcing more patients to seek in-person care, the Fifth Circuit’s ruling would place new strain on clinics and health care systems that are already stretched, potentially delaying access not only to abortion care but also to other essential health services, including prenatal care, family planning, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. 

Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling undermines states’ sovereign authority to protect and expand access to reproductive health care. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion and returned regulation of abortion to the states, New York and other states took swift executive and legislative action to safeguard reproductive rights and expand access to medication abortion. The coalition argues that courts cannot leverage medically unnecessary federal drug regulations to override those state policy choices or impose unnecessary barriers to care in states where abortion is legal. As they write in the brief, the Fifth Circuit “has placed a federal thumb on the scale in favor of states that have made contrary policy choices, but that is the exact opposite of what [the Supreme] Court directed in Dobbs.” 

Attorney General James and the coalition are urging the Supreme Court to act swiftly to stay the Fifth Circuit’s decision and protect patients’ access to mifepristone. 

Joining Attorney General James in filing today’s brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Governor of Pennsylvania. 

Mobile PET Scan Provider to Pay $8.33 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act Violations Based on Unlawful Kickbacks to Medical Practices

 

Modern Nuclear Inc. (MNI), a provider of mobile positron emission tomography (PET) scans headquartered in La Habra, California, has agreed to pay a total of $8,334,350.71, plus additional amounts based on future revenues, to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it paid referring cardiologists excessive fees to supervise PET scans in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). This settlement is based on MNI’s ability to pay.

The United States alleged that between Sept. 1, 2016, and Jan. 14, 2025, MNI knowingly submitted false or fraudulent claims to federal health care programs arising from violations of the AKS. Specifically, MNI allegedly paid kickbacks to referring cardiologists in the form of above-fair market value fees, ostensibly for cardiologists to supervise PET scans for the patients they referred to MNI. The United States alleged these fees substantially exceeded fair market value for the cardiologists’ services because MNI paid the referring cardiologists for time they spent in their offices caring for other patients or while they were not on site at all, or for additional services beyond supervision that were never or rarely actually provided. MNI purported to rely on an attorney-opinion letter regarding fair market value that the United States alleged was premised on fundamental inaccuracies and that the consultant ultimately withdrew.

“We will diligently pursue and hold accountable healthcare providers that seek patient referrals through illegal kickbacks and other unlawful financial inducements,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “By rooting out financial relationships between healthcare providers and referring physicians that corrupt the medical decision-making process, we will continue to protect and safeguard taxpayer dollars.” 

“Paying illegal kickbacks to cardiologists so they refer patients undermines the integrity of federal healthcare programs and needlessly increases costs,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Patients deserve care based on their medical need and not on a doctor or company’s financial interest. Our office will continue to bring such cases to hold wrongdoers accountable.”

“Paying kickbacks to physicians — as alleged in this case — can undermine the integrity of the Medicare program by interfering with impartial medical decision-making,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “This resolution demonstrates our agency’s continued commitment to holding Medicare providers accountable and ensuring that medical decisions are driven by patient needs, not illegal incentives.”

“Modern Nuclear Inc.’s civil settlement acknowledges its role in compromising the Federal health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge John Helsing of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “DCIS remains committed to combating health care fraud by holding providers accountable and protecting TRICARE, the Department’s primary health care program, from abuse. The work done by DCIS, our investigative partners, and the Department of Justice ensures that resources are preserved for the legitimate care of our service members, their families, and retirees.”

In connection with the settlement, MNI entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the HHS-OIG. The CIA requires, among other compliance provisions, that MNI implement measures designed to ensure that arrangements with referring physicians are compliant with the AKS. The CIA also requires that MNI implement a compliance program to identify and address the AKS risks associated with other financial arrangements and retain an Independent Compliance Expert to perform a review of the effectiveness of the compliance program.

The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators Matt Lieberman and James Whitney. Under those provisions, a private party or relator can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned  United States ex rel. Lieberman v. Modern Nuclear, Inc., et al.,case number 8:23-cv-01646-DOC-KES in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The relators will receive 16% of the total recovery in this matter.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the HHS-OIG and the Defense Health Agency Office of Inspector General.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Sanjay M. Bhambhani of the Justice Department's Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul B. La Scala for the Central District of California.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Governor Hochul Announces Record Visitation at New York’s Olympic Authority Venues, Surpassing 1.2 Million Visits

Growth Driven by Global Events, Tourism Partnerships, and New York’s Leadership in Winter Sports and Athlete Development

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that visitation to New York State’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) venues has surpassed 1.2 million visits during the 2025-26 fiscal year, setting a new record and underscoring the State’s continued leadership in tourism, recreation and international sport.

“New York’s premiere Olympic venues are not only a cornerstone of our tourism economy, but they are also a center of sport excellence right here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The state’s Olympic venues draw visitors and athletes from across the globe, and we remain committed to growing regional economies while supporting the next generation of top tier athletes.”

The milestone reflects sustained growth across the Olympic Authority’s venues, driven by strong winter visitation, expanded year-round offerings, and a robust calendar of national and international events.

Visitation surpassed previous records, with particularly strong winter demand:

Total Visits: More than 1.2 million

• Note: Conference Center events, custom groups, non-ticket events, and functions are not included in these totals, meaning overall visitation impact is even greater.

Total Skier Visits: 764,453, a 9 percent increase over the prior season (696,342) and an all-time high, with record-setting visitation at Whiteface Mountain (250,225), Gore Mountain (261,053), and Belleayre Mountain (253,175), along with approximately 9,000 Nordic visits at Mt Van Hoevenberg

The majority of visits occurred during peak winter months, supported by favorable conditions, expanded snowmaking capabilities, and a full calendar of events and competitions.

International Events and Olympic Momentum

A series of high-profile events helped drive visitation and international visibility, including:

• WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series which drew more than 17,400 attendees, featured 381 athletes from over 30 countries, and delivered global broadcast exposure as the only U.S. stop on the World Cup circuit
• FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals at Mt Van Hoevenberg, which attracted more than 35,600 attendees over three days and brought together 203 athletes from 22 nations for the season-ending global competition
• ECAC Hockey Championships, where the women’s championship recorded its highest attendance on record, and the men’s championship remained on par with last year’s record-setting performance

These events, combined with Lake Placid’s legacy as a two-time Olympic host, continue to generate strong interest during an Olympic cycle, reinforcing the region’s global reputation as a premier winter sports destination.

A Global Hub for Athlete Training and Development

In addition to reinforcing New York’s position as a premier winter sports destination, the State’s Olympic venues serve as a critical hub for elite athlete training and international competition. Each year, the Olympic Authority hosts thousands of athletes in partnership with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and national governing bodies. This impact is reflected on the global stage, with 14 members of Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics listed as New York State hometown athletes, alongside a broader group who live and train at Olympic Authority venues.

Building on its Olympic legacy, the Olympic Authority has evolved into a year-round high-performance training center supporting elite competition, athlete development pathways, and major international events. This dual role — driving tourism while advancing sport at the highest level — positions the Olympic Authority as a unique and strategic asset for New York State.

Olympic Authority President and CEO Ashley Walden said, “This record-setting year reflects the strength of our venues, the impact of world-class events, and the dedication of our team and partners. We are proud to support New York State’s tourism economy while continuing to serve as a year-round destination for athletes training and competing at the highest levels.”

Statewide Tourism Partnerships

The Olympic Authority continues to work in close collaboration with ROOST and I LOVE NY to promote visitation and align regional and statewide tourism strategies, ensuring New York remains a leading destination for year-round travel and recreation.

Economic Impact and Regional Trends

Record visitation continues to generate meaningful economic benefits across the Adirondack and Catskill regions, supporting local businesses, workforce opportunities, and extended visitor stays. According to data provided by the Regional Offices of Sustainable Tourism, overnight visitor spending in Essex County increased by approximately $6.4 million between FY2026 and FY2025

While visitation remains strong, the Olympic Authority is monitoring evolving travel patterns, including shifts in international visitation such as softer Canadian travel, and is working closely with partners to respond to changing market conditions.

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism President and CEO Dan Kelleher said, “We are grateful for Governor Hochul's continued investments in and support for the Olympic venues in the Adirondack Region. Over the past year, our region has seen record visitation levels supporting our small businesses and local communities."

Year-Round Growth and Investment

Ongoing investments in venue modernization and expanded programming continue to enhance the guest experience and support year-round visitation. These improvements enable the Olympic Authority to host world-class events while also expanding recreational access for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Building on this record-setting year, the Olympic Authority is well-positioned for continued success, supported by a strong pipeline of national and international events, sustained collaboration with state and regional tourism partners, and ongoing demand driven by its Olympic legacy and year-round offerings. 

Permits Filed for 3022 Bronx Park East in Olinville, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 3022 Bronx Park East in Olinville, The Bronx. Located between Adee Avenue and Burke Avenue, the interior lot is near the Burke Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Oltjon Abdyli is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 54-foot-tall development will yield 5,831 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 11 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 530 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 10-foot-long rear yard.

Chad Firmstone of C2B Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed last month for the two-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.