Monday, June 1, 2026

MINNESOTA MADNESS: Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Sanctuary Politicians Pardon Illegal Alien Convicted for Armed Robbery

His final order of removal was issued nearly 30 years ago

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons granted a pardon for a criminal illegal alien who had been convicted for felony robbery with a gun.

On May 27, 2026, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons announced a pardon for Jai Vang, a criminal illegal alien from Laos. His criminal record includes felony convictions for robbery and robbery of a business with a gun, as well as a conviction for driving under the influence of liquor.

Minnesota1

Following his first felony conviction, a Department of Justice Immigration Judge issued Vang a final order of removal on May 23, 1996. Vang appealed the order, with his appeal being dismissed by the Board of Immigration Appeals on May 7, 1997. He was then released by the Clinton Administration. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Vang on May 14, 2026.

“It’s absolutely insane that Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota sanctuary politicians would pardon this violent criminal illegal alien, whose criminal history includes convictions for armed robbery and driving under the influence,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “DHS is calling on Governor Walz to stop these dangerous political games and to stop prioritizing criminal illegal aliens over American citizens.”

Vang entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location.

Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Clarke Launch “Trans Rights are Human Rights” Campaign to Protect Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming New Yorkers

Reported gender discrimination complaints reached a five-year high, accounting for nearly 20% of claims filed with the New York City Commission on Human Rights

New citywide campaign will raise awareness of New Yorkers rights through print ads, public transit and LinkNYC kiosks

Pride month

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, launched “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” a citywide public awareness campaign highlighting protections for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) New Yorkers under the New York City Human Rights Law.

The campaign comes as gender discrimination complaints remain at persistently high levels across New York City. From fiscal years 2020 through fiscal year 2025, complaints based on gender identity increased from 5% of all complaints to nearly 20%—the highest level in five years.

“At a time when the federal government is fueling attacks on trans people across this country, New York City is making something clear: We will protect your rights, defend your humanity and stand beside you without hesitation,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every trans and gender nonconforming New Yorker needs to know that the law is on their side—whether in their workplace, their housing, or in public spaces.”

“Attacks on transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers coming from the federal government do not stop at the federal level—they can shape how people are treated in housing, work, and public spaces across our city,” said Christine Clarke, Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “When New Yorkers are directly targeted, we have a responsibility to step in, and the Commission is responding by making protections clear and visible across all five boroughs.”

Throughout Pride Month, New Yorkers will see the “Trans Rights are Human Rights” campaign placements across print advertisements, public transit, and LinkNYC kiosks citywide, reaching millions of residents as reports of gender discrimination continue to rise.

“LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are and have always been apart of the very fabric of our City—and on the first day of Pride Month we are reminding New Yorkers that our city will protect transgender and gender non-conforming people without hesitation,” said the Director of Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs Taylor Brown. “This campaign is a reminder that our City stands with you, that your rights under law are undeniable and nonnegotiable, and that every New Yorker inherently deserves a life free from discrimination.”

Under the New York City Human Rights Law, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression is illegal in housing, employment, and public spaces.

The law also prohibits retaliation, discriminatory harassment, and bias-based profiling by law enforcement.

“All New Yorkers have a right to fair and unbiased treatment, no matter their gender identity.” said Dr. Alister Martin, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “The NYC Health Department is proud to support access to inclusive healthcare for our transgender and gender nonconforming neighbors and ensure patients know their rights in healthcare settings.”

The NYC Commission on Human Rights partnered with transgender artist, Dez Stavracos, ensuring the materials reflect the experiences of TGNC New Yorkers.

Nurse Practitioner in Jacksonville Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances

Kenyatta Dacres (45, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of controlled substances. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Dacres was an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), commonly known as a nurse practitioner, licensed in Florida. Dacres prescribed an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration controlled substances on three separate occasions. Specifically, Dacres prescribed Lortab pills containing hydrocodone, in increasing dosages, despite the agent indicating that he was not in any pain. Dacres also prescribed Adderall pills containing amphetamine despite him denying any history or diagnoses that would support that and despite the agent’s indication that he’s recently been arrested for possession of methamphetamine. A medical doctor reviewed the materials related to the investigation and determined that Dacres’s prescriptions for Lortab and Adderall were issued without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional practice.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Brooklyn Man Charged with Threatening to Assault and Murder ICE Officer and His Family

A Brooklyn man was charged today with threatening to assault and murder a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) officer outside an ICE detention facility.

Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal officer by threat. Scelfo is scheduled to appear today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Newark federal court.

“Federal law enforcement officers face danger with great courage, and they should be able to do their jobs without being threatened and fearing for their families’ lives,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We take such threats very seriously and will prosecute those who make them to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This individual allegedly threatened violence toward one of our federal law enforcement officers and their family — and by using facial recognition technology, within 24 hours this FBI got him,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In particular, I want to thank Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche who moved extremely quickly to locate, pursue, and bring the subject to justice — as well as our FBI Newark and New York teams who executed brilliantly. Let this be a message to any criminal actor who may try something similar: you touch a cop, and this FBI will put you down.”

“This violent rioter who allegedly threatened to murder an ICE law enforcement officer and his family is being brought to justice,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Our ICE officers are facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists. Our officers have been assaulted, doxxed, their families threatened. This violence against law enforcement must end. President Trump and I will always stand with our law enforcement officers.”

“As alleged, the defendant threatened a federal law enforcement officer and members of that officer’s family with violence and death,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “Threats against federal officers and their families are serious crimes and will not be tolerated. Federal officers serve our communities every day, often in difficult circumstances, and this office is committed to holding accountable those who, as alleged here, threaten violence against them or their loved ones.”

“There is no place for the violent threats Scelfo allegedly screamed at law enforcement. Instead of protesting peacefully, there are groups and individuals targeting federal law enforcement agents who are carrying out their duties,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy for the Newark Field Office. “We will follow the law and hold anyone who chooses to break the law accountable.”

“Calling for the murder of a federal law enforcement officer and his family is not speech safeguarded by the Constitution; it is a grave criminal offense that will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark. “Homeland Security Investigations remains resolute in ensuring that individuals who threaten or attack law enforcement face the full force of the law. We are grateful to our partners at the FBI for their outstanding work in helping us identify and locate this defendant so he can face justice.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on or about May 27, during a demonstration outside an ICE detention facility in Newark, Scelfo threatened to assault and murder an ICE officer. According to a video posted to social media and other evidence obtained by law enforcement, Scelfo screamed toward the ICE officer: “I’ll kill your whole f------ family! Your whole f------ family is dead! Your children, your wife, all dead! I have your face, motherf-----! You’re dead! Dead!” During an interview with law enforcement after his arrest on or about May 29, Scelfo admitted to threatening to kill an officer and his family at the demonstration and that he later saw in the media a video of him making statements to law enforcement at the demonstration.

If convicted, the threat charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, HSI Newark, and the New York Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camila A. Garces and Casey S. Smith for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Second Rikers Island Correction Officer Pleads Guilty To Making False Statements To Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that JOVANNY CONCEPCION pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman to making false statements relating to healthcare matters in connection with use of force incidents that took place within Rikers Island.

“As he has now admitted, Jovanny Concepcion fraudulently received hundreds of thousands of dollars from New York City taxpayers by falsely claiming injuries following incidents where force was used against an incarcerated person,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New Yorkers pay way too much for government services. Our Office will continue to hold accountable those who violate that public trust, especially when at the expense of personal liberties and taxpayer dollars.”

According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (the “Board”) administers New York State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, which guarantees medical care and cash benefits to people who are injured at work, including employees of the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”). Payments by the Board made to DOC employees are paid from the New York City Treasury. For years, CONCEPCION was employed by the DOC as a correction officer and was assigned to work at Rikers Island. During that time, CONCEPCION falsely claimed that he was injured while on duty at Rikers Island during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force. In total, CONCEPCION received at least $232,427.97 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

CONCEPCION, 34, of New York, pled guilty to one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. CONCEPCION is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2026.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Office of Inspector General, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Governor Hochul Announces Significant Steps in Development of at Least 1 GW of Nuclear Energy in Upstate New York

NYPA Issues RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and RFA for

Statewide Nuclear Workforce Training

$40 Million Workforce Initiative Advances NextGen Nuclear New York Program, Will Expand Training and Job Pathways in the Nuclear Energy Sector

Governor Hochul today announced the release of two solicitations that will advance the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) initiative to develop at least 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. NYPA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for experienced nuclear developers and delivery partners, along with a Request for Applications (RFA) inviting New York State-based training providers to apply for $40 million in NYPA nuclear workforce development funding. Together, the actions support Governor Hochul’s 5GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone announced by Governor Hochul in her 2026 State of the State. In addition to the 3.4GW of existing nuclear power in the State, this will result in an 8.4-GW backbone of zero‑emission nuclear power that strengthens grid reliability, affordability, and New York’s clean energy transition.

“Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy,” Governor Hochul said. “The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”

RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and Delivery Partners

The Power Authority’s RFQ builds on robust interest received from responses to NYPA’s 2025 Requests for Information and seeks to qualify firms with demonstrated experience developing, constructing, operating, or servicing nuclear power projects. More than 30 entities responded to the RFIs, including 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities.

Respondents to this NYPA RFQ should present credible pathways to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York, including technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structures, and partnership models.

RFA for Nuclear Energy Workforce Training

The latest NYPA RFA is tied to the Power Authority’s commitment to invest up to $40 million over four years in workforce initiatives that build New York’s nuclear talent pipeline—supporting training, hands‑on experience, paid internships, and job placement in critical construction and operations roles. Eligible New York State-based training providers include technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, unions, manufacturers, community‑based organizations, and state or federally recognized Native American nations and tribal organizations.

The $40 million in NYPA workforce development funding is part of Governor Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York program, which will help ensure New York’s nuclear power future is built by and for New Yorkers.

NYPA will host an informational webinar for groups interested in responding to the workforce RFA on Thursday, June 18. The registration link can be found on the NYPA Workforce Development webpage.

RFQ for Advanced Nuclear Developers and Delivery Partners

RFA for Nuclear Energy Workforce Training

NYPA will host an informational webinar for groups interested in responding to the workforce RFA on Thursday, June 18. The registration link can be found on the NYPA Workforce Development webpage.

Mayor Mamdani Marks National Homeownership Month with Free Home Inspection Initiative

Program will help homeowners and small property owners identify needed repairs, avoid costly violations and keep buildings safe at no cost

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Ahmed Tigani kicked off the City’s No-Penalty Inspection Program, giving homeowners and small property owners access to free visual inspections of their buildings and expert guidance from June 1 through July 10.

As New York City marks National Homeownership Month, the initiative is part of the Mamdani administration’s broader effort to reduce costs for homeowners, prevent small maintenance issues from becoming expensive emergencies and help New Yorkers preserve one of the most important sources of stability and wealth available to working families.

By calling 311, property owners can schedule a free inspection and receive guidance on repairs, safety requirements, permits and maintenance needs. When issues are identified, DOB inspectors will provide recommendations and resources to help property owners address them before penalties are incurred.

The program builds on the Mamdani administration’s efforts to support homeowners and strengthen pathways to homeownership. Through Block by Block, the administration’s housing plan, New York City is expanding programs that help residents stay in their homes, make needed repairs and protect themselves from predatory practices, including the City’s first Mayor’s Office to Prevent Deed Theft, an enhanced HomeFix program and a new Mortgage Assistance Program.

“Too often, homeowners only hear from government when something has gone wrong and a fine is already on the way,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re working to elevate programs that have long existed, and this one is about making city government a partner, not a punisher. By providing free inspections and expert guidance, we’re helping New Yorkers keep their homes safe, avoid unnecessary costs, and protect one of the most important investments they will ever make.”

“Whether you’re a first-time or a longtime homeowner, it can be hard to keep up with required maintenance and make improvements. Our administration is here to help, thanks to DOB staff across the city who will provide expert guidance to property owners without risk of penalty,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

“At the Department of Buildings we know that dealing with building repairs and regulations can sometimes feel stressful or complicated, which is why initiatives like our No Penalty Inspection Program are designed to give New Yorkers straightforward, expert guidance in a respectful and transparent way,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “DOB is working every day to make it easier for owners to properly maintain their properties and navigate the building process with confidence. Before hiring a construction professional, give us a call first and let our team provide you free expert guidance on your next home repair project.”

“For property owners already struggling with high insurance and utility costs, these free inspections offer a unique opportunity to assess the state of their properties without the fear of large fines or penalties,” said Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy. “As we work with owners to reduce barriers to needed repairs, we hope they will take advantage of this program. Not only do free, no-penalty inspections reduce stress and costs for owners, they also help keep New Yorkers safe in their homes.”

The No-Penalty Inspection Program provides expert advice for New Yorkers to determine whether their properties are in good condition and plan repairs, if necessary. During the scheduled inspections, DOB staff can discuss any additional building concerns property owners have and direct them to additional assistance from DOB or other City agencies. If inspectors do find violations, they will give homeowners guidance on how to correct them before any penalties are incurred.

Through this program, DOB inspectors can examine:

Decks and patios
Retaining walls
Facades for buildings under six stories
Boilers
Gas piping systems
Unregistered private elevator devices
Sidewalk vaults
Business signs

In an effort to expand the program to benefit even more people, this year marks the first time that inspections of sidewalk vaults and gas piping systems have been included.

New Yorkers can schedule an inspection by calling 311, which will connect them with the appropriate DOB unit to arrange a field visit.

The Department of Buildings has operated the No-Penalty Inspection Program since 2005. Over the past two decades, the Department has conducted thousands of free inspections across the five boroughs, helping homeowners and small business owners identify maintenance issues, improve safety and avoid unnecessary costs.

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Bronx River Sounds Music Festival Returns!

Bronx River Sounds Festival is back — please join us for a celebration of the rich multicultural heritage of The Bronx and New York City through music, art, and community!

During the first two weekends of June, the Bronx River Art Center will showcase an exciting lineup of musical guests from The Bronx and beyond, reimagining cultural traditions with contemporary flair to reflect the vibrant social fabric of our city.

In addition, we're be offering a number of interactive, family-friendly workshops, ranging from an arts and crafts workshop, to a salsa dance and movement session, and an Afro-Caribbean rhythm circle with live drummers.