NYC SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICER CHARGED WITH ALLEGEDLY FILING A FRAUDULENT LOAN APPLICATION THROUGH THE SBA’S PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (“PPP”) TO ILLEGALLY OBTAIN A $592K GOVERNMENT LOAN

 

Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), issued the following statement on the arrest today of a Supervising Probation Officer with the City’s Department of Probation (“DOP”) on charges of submitting a fraudulent loan application on behalf of her business, through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), to gain a $592,000 government-guaranteed loan, which she was not entitled to receive. The loan was forgiven based on fraudulent representations made by the defendant and supported with the attachment of fraudulent bank records. DOI’s investigation was prompted by a report from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance regarding discrepancies regarding her business. DOI investigated this matter in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which is prosecuting the case.

NGINA COPELAND, 54, of New York, N.Y., was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. COPELAND was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron and released on $70,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for July 31, 2026. 

DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata said, “As charged, this Probation Officer allegedly schemed to exploit federal government relief funds intended to help struggling businesses survive an unprecedented public health crisis. Probation officers are entrusted to uphold the law and serve as an example to those they supervise, not to violate the law and abuse programs designed to provide a lifeline to business owners in need. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their partnership to hold accountable those who seek to defraud and compromise taxpayer-funded relief programs.” 

NGINA COPELAND, 54, of New York, N.Y., was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. COPELAND was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron and released on $70,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for July 31, 2026. DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata said, “As charged, this Probation Officer allegedly schemed to exploit federal government relief funds intended to help struggling businesses survive an unprecedented public health crisis. Probation officers are entrusted to uphold the law and serve as an example to those they supervise, not to violate the law and abuse programs designed to provide a lifeline to business owners in need. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their partnership to hold accountable those who seek to defraud and compromise taxpayer-funded relief programs.” that individual was purportedly employed by COPELAND. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance had no records under the name AHC or its registered employee identification number for fiscal years 2019 and 2020. Based on that fraudulent application, COPELAND was issued an SBA-guaranteed loan in the total amount of approximately $592,500. The loan was forgiven on June 23, 2021, based on alleged fraudulent representations made by COPELAND regarding AHC’s payroll and business expenses, which COPELAND supported by attaching fraudulent bank records.

COPELAND began employment at DOP in April 2018 and currently has an annual base salary of approximately $86,500.

Commissioner Shihata thanked Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for his office’s partnership on this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Stone of the Office’s General Crimes Unit.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Alleged Member of Criminal Cyber Hacking Group “Scattered Spider” Arrested in Finland and Extradited to the United States

 

An alleged member of the criminal cyber hacking group Scattered Spider has been arrested in Finland and extradited to the United States to face federal criminal conspiracy charges in the Northern District of Illinois.

A criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday charges Peter Stokes, 19, a dual citizen of the United States and Estonia, with conspiracy, computer intrusion, and fraud. Stokes was arrested by Finnish authorities in April pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice and extradited to the United States last week. He made an initial appearance on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago and was ordered to remain in law enforcement custody.

“The criminal complaint charges Peter Stokes with membership in Scattered Spider, a hacking group that has been involved in over 100 network intrusions, resulting in more than $100 million in ransom payments and millions more in damages to the victims,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The charges unsealed today are the result of years of work by the Criminal Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and the FBI. We will continue to partner to ensure that cybercriminals cannot evade the reach of the United States.”

“The malicious attacks from Scattered Spider caused widespread disruption to businesses and organizations throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “As Co-Chair of the White Collar, Cyber, and Crypto Subcommittee of Acting Attorney General Blanche’s Advisory Committee, I am acutely aware of the significant and growing threat posed by brazen cyber criminals. These charges underscore our unwavering commitment to keeping pace with technologically savvy criminal actors and holding accountable those who seek to profit from cyber intrusions, including those located in foreign jurisdictions who do harm to American businesses and victims.”

“Scattered Spider has repeatedly targeted U.S. companies, extorting employees, inflicting millions of dollars in losses, and disrupting essential operations,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Through strong domestic and international partnerships, the FBI will continue to identify, disrupt, and hold cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they are located.”

According to the complaint, Scattered Spider, also known as “Octo Tempest,” “UNC3944,” and “0ktapus,” is a group of criminal cyber actors that has targeted numerous corporate victims in the United States by gaining access to companies’ employee accounts through fraudulent pretenses, encrypting the companies’ data or exfiltrating it to remote servers, and then extorting cryptocurrency from the companies to regain control over their data or prevent the dissemination of the data.

Among other offenses, the complaint alleges that Stokes and other co-conspirators breached a luxury jewelry retailer’s computer system, exfiltrated data from the company, and made a ransom demand of approximately $8 million in cryptocurrency in May 2025. The retailer’s security personnel successfully evicted the threat actors from the company’s computer network and no ransom was paid. The retailer nonetheless suffered a loss of at least $2 million due to business disruption, investigation, and mitigation of the threat.

The FBI Chicago Field Office investigated the case. The FBI’s Copenhagen Law Enforcement Attaché Office assisted. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne L. Rose of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Ann Marie Ursini for the Northern District of Illinois. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Finnish authorities to secure the extradition of Stokes. The Department of Justice also acknowledges and appreciates the assistance of Finland's National Bureau of Investigation in this matter.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI’s sustained enforcement response to that threat.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Attorney General James Sues Brooklyn Pet Store for Illegally Selling Hundreds of Puppies

Puppy Boutique Sold Hundreds of Puppies to New York Customers in Violation of Puppy Mill Pipeline Act

Animals Sourced from Inhumane Conditions at Puppy Mills Pose Serious Health Concerns, Threaten New Yorkers with Sky-High Veterinary Bills

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has sued Quality Canines Inc., a pet store in Brooklyn operating as Puppy Boutique, for illegally advertising and selling hundreds of puppies, in violation of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act. The law, which went into effect in December 2024, permanently bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by New York pet stores. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that for more than a year and a half, Puppy Boutique has continued to source and sell puppies from puppy mills, in direct violation of the law that seeks to protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick pets and to curb animal abuse at puppy mills. Attorney General James is seeking to immediately stop Puppy Boutique from illegally selling dogs.

“Pets are valued members of our families, and anyone who brings a new pet into their home deserves a healthy animal,” said Attorney General James. “Puppy Boutique illegally sold puppies to New Yorkers, exposing them to heartbreak and exorbitant veterinary bills for animals raised in inhumane conditions. My office will continue to enforce the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act to ensure that animals across the state are protected, healthy, and free from mistreatment, and that abusive breeders are stopped.”

Puppy Boutique uses social media accounts, including Instagram and TikTok, and several websites including thepuppyboutique.com, puppypetite.com, and others to advertise puppies for sale. Instagram accounts associated with Puppy Boutique posted photos of puppies and included captions providing information on the sale of the puppies and contact information for the store, in violation of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act.

In February 2024, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) sent a letter to Puppy Boutique informing them that the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act would go into effect in December 2024. After the law took effect, Puppy Boutique continued to illegally advertise and sell dogs. In January 2025, OAG sent a cease-and-desist letter to Puppy Boutique and a few months later, in June 2025, the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) sent a cease-and-desist order. In response, Puppy Boutique claimed to be working with a newly formed non-profit organization to adopt dogs at its storefront. However, this non-profit organization was not registered with AGM and sourced dogs directly from breeders, including known puppy mills in violation of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act.

In March 2025, OAG conducted an undercover investigation and contacted Puppy Boutique using the phone number listed on an associated webpage advertisement. The investigator inquired about purchasing a Maltese puppy, and a representative from Puppy Boutique confirmed that puppies were available for purchase and provided pricing information. Following the phone call, the representative sent the undercover investigator a series of text messages, including several photographs of puppies available for purchase, a link to an Instagram page to view other dogs, pricing information, and store hours during which the investigator could visit the dogs for sale. The representative also told the investigator the puppy “can be taken home the same day as you come down.”

The OAG would like to thank the AGM and DOHMH for their assistance in this investigation. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Extreme Heat and Urges Caution to Safely Enjoy July 4th Activities

Hottest Temperatures of the Year Expected Today and Thursday with ‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures Reaching 100 Degrees

Some Places Could Experience ‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures More Than 110 Degrees

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Through Friday Bringing Damaging Winds and Power Outages

State Parks Extend Hours at More Than 40 Swimming and Cooling Locations; Find Local Cooling Centers

Employers and Outdoor Workers Should Utilize Extreme Heat Best Practices

Department of Public Service Monitoring Utility Preparedness; 5,500 Utility Workers Available To Assess, Respond, Repair and Restore Power

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Hochul today updated New Yorkers on extreme heat that is forecasted to impact the state through the July 4th holiday and urged continued caution as prolonged heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses. Today and Thursday could bring the hottest days of the year with ‘feels-like’ temperatures reaching 100 degrees statewide and some areas reaching up to 110 degrees. There is also a risk for severe thunderstorms for most of the state today through Friday with storms bringing damaging winds and the potential to cause power outages. Overnight temps will remain over 70 degrees in most places. Friday and Saturday are expected to be cooler but still extremely hot, particularly areas downstate where peak temperatures will be more than 100 degrees. The extreme heat is expected to break Sunday, but temperature will still be above average into early next week. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories remain in effect through Friday evening statewide.

“New York is no stranger to summer heat, but extreme temperatures require more preparedness and extra caution,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers: Stay hydrated, limit your time outdoors, check on your neighbors and know where your local cooling center is if you need one. This heat can be deadly and it is crucial that we take care of ourselves and others.”

Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat-related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

Extreme heat often coincides with increased ozone pollution. People with lung conditions (like asthma), young children, teenagers, older adults and anyone who exercises or works outside should try to limit outdoor activity when ozone levels are high (usually in the afternoon to early evening). If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing, you should talk to your doctor.

Tips to stay safe in extreme heat:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Seek air conditioning or shade
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
• Check in on older family members and neighbors
• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing any symptoms of heat-related illnesses

New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

New Yorkers can also stay cool by utilizing nearby cooling centers. Find a cooling center near you on the State Department of Health website. Residents of New York City can find cooling center information. Certain State Park swimming facilities will also extend their hours through Friday.

Safety Tips for Children

• Never leave a child in an unattended vehicle in warm weather or direct sunlight, not even with the windows slightly open or down, due to the risk of heatstroke (hyperthermia).
• If you see an unattended child in a car on a warm or sunny day, or an unattended child who seems distressed or unresponsive, call 911 right away and follow their instructions. Emergency personnel are trained to respond.
• Teach children not to play in or around vehicles and to alert an adult when a friend is playing in a vehicle without supervision. Make sure children understand the dangers of trunk entrapment (suffocation, heatstroke, etc.).
• Place something you need, like keys, a purse or bag, or your cell phone next to your child's car seat so you will remember to check the back seat before you lock the car. Alternatively, place a stuffed toy in your child’s car seat when not in use and move the toy to the front passenger seat when your child is in his/her car seat as a reminder that your child is in the vehicle.
• Use drive-through services whenever possible while driving with a child in a vehicle.

• It is vital to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke in children. Symptoms include absence of sweat, confusion, disorientation, flushed skin, loss of alertness, unconsciousness or rapid/shallow breathing.

Safety Tips for Pets

• Never leave a pet unattended in the car in warm weather or direct sunlight. Like children, dogs and other animals have a harder time staying cool, leaving them extremely vulnerable to heatstroke.
• A car can overheat even when the window has been left cracked an inch or two. Parking in the shade or leaving water in the vehicle won’t prevent your pet from overheating.
• According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), young, overweight or senior animals or those with short muzzles or thick or dark coats are most at risk for overheating.
• If you see a pet unattended in a car on a warm or sunny day, or that appears to be distressed, call 911 immediately.
• Recognize the symptoms of heatstroke in pets and take action if you see them. Symptoms include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination.

Extended Hours at State Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has extended hours at state swimming and cooling facilities and other state parks during the current heat wave to help New Yorkers beat the heat. Swimming availability may be affected by hazardous weather, changing water conditions or staffing. Please check State Parks’ website or call the park you wish to visit directly to confirm availability.

The following State Park swimming facilities will be open for extended hours:

Capital Region

• Grafton Lakes State Park: Monday, June 26 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saratoga Spa State Park: Peerless Pool & Victoria Pool: Tuesday, June 30 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thompsons Lake Campground: Monday, June 26 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Moreau Lake State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday July 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Lake Taghkanic State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Copake Falls: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Central New York

• Cayuga Lake State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Selkirk Shores State Park: Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Fair Haven Beach State Park: Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Green Lakes State Park: Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fillmore Glen State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Finger Lakes

• Seneca Lake State Park Spray Pad: Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Letchworth State Park (North Pool): Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Darien Lakes State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hamlin Beach State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hudson Valley

• High Tor State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Rockland Lake State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Lake Minnewaska State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• Lake Awosting/Minnewaska State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Lake Welch/Harriman State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Lake Tiorati/Harriman State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Pool: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fahnestock State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Long Island

• Jones Beach – Field 6, Central Mall, Field 2: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Jones Beach – West Bathhouse: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Robert Moses State Park – Fields 2, 3, and 5: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunken Meadow State Park – Main Beach: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hither Hills State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wildwood State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mohawk Valley

• Delta Lake State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Minekill State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

New York City

• Gantry Plaza State Park spraypad: Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. indoor and outdoor pool) (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. senior swim) (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. recreational swim all ages) (3 p.m. to 7 p.m. recreational swim all ages); Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3

North Country

• Southwick Beach State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Westcott Beach State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Robert Moses State Park (Massena, NY): Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Pointe Au Roche State Park: Monday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Southern Tier

• Chenango Valley State Park, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Splash Pad from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3
• Taughannock Falls State Park: Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Buttermilk Falls State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Robert H Treman State Park: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Western New York

• Allegany State Park - Red House Lake Beach and Quaker Lake Beach: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Fort Niagara State Park: Tuesday, June 30 through Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Long Point on Lake Chautauqua State Park: Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Woodlawn Beach State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Beaver Island State Park: Wednesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY EXTENDED FOR NEW YORK CITY METRO AND LONG ISLAND REGIONS

 

In Effect for July 02, 2026

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald extended an Air Quality Health Advisory to Thursday, July 2, 2026, for ozone for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions. This is in addition to the previously announced advisory for July 1. 

The pollutant of concern: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect: 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties and Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

People, especially those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, teenagers, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician. 

OZONE 

Increased heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

Ozone is not directly emitted, instead it is produced when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High AQI due to ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as feasible, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf.  

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. 

Mayor Mamdani, NYC Health Agencies Intensify Enrollment in Low- and No-Cost Healthcare as Federal Cuts to Essential Plan Coverage Take Effect

 

Beginning TODAY, federal cuts threaten to strip healthcare coverage for more than 200,000 New York City residents   

  

Low- and no-cost healthcare services available NOW at more than 50 DOH and H+H clinics, facilities, and community health centers across all five boroughs    

  

Impacted New Yorkers seeking assistance are encouraged to call 311 or text “CoveredNYC” to 55676 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the NYC Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals announced an expanded outreach effort to protect more than 200,000 New Yorkers from losing healthcare coverage as changes to the Essential Plan caused by federal disinvestment go into effect July 1.

New Yorkers who need assistance are encouraged to call 311 and ask for “help with health coverage” or text “CoveredNYC” to 55676 for multilingual guidance on finding alternative coverage options, including NYC Care. City services include comprehensive primary and preventative care.

“Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. No New Yorker should be skipping doctor’s appointments, ignoring concerning symptoms, or risking bankruptcy because they cannot afford to see a doctor. While the federal government chooses to take health care away from working people, New York is choosing a different path,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “We are making sure every New Yorker knows where they can turn for affordable care, enrollment assistance and the services they need. We want every New Yorker to know that city government has their back.”

"As the federal government attacks those most in need of health care, New York City is standing up to provide health services that are both affordable and accessible," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. "The NYC Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals do critical work by providing low- and no-cost health services, counseling, and other resources across the five boroughs, and with hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers at risk of losing coverage, we must get the word out that these lifelines are available to any person who needs help."

“As an ER doctor, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people lose their health coverage. They don’t stop getting sick — they stop getting care until it’s an emergency,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Access to affordable coverage is a lifeline. The NYC Health Department is ready to meet New Yorkers where they are and make sure no one loses coverage because they didn’t know help was available.”

"At NYC Health + Hospitals we are urging our patients to remain in care, keep taking their medications, and attend their scheduled appointments," said Mitchell Katz, MD, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals. "Our financial counselors are ready to help existing and new patients identify a new health insurance option or one of four dedicated financial assistance programs such as NYC Care. We take care of all New Yorkers without exception."

Federal funding cuts have caused loss of coverage for the more than 200,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan with incomes between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately $31,920 to $39,900 annually for an individual. Although these New Yorkers no longer qualify for Essential Plan coverage, they are eligible for a “special enrollment period” and can immediately enroll in a qualified health plan through the New York State of Health Marketplace without waiting for the open enrollment period beginning this November. The special enrollment period will last for 60 days, until September 1. Enrolling in a plan through the New York State of Health marketplace anytime during this 60-day window will provide retroactive coverage for care received dating back to July 1.

New Yorkers who lose coverage can access:  

• Low or no-cost health care services at the NYC Health Department’s sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis clinics, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage 
• Low- or no-cost health care services, including comprehensive primary and preventative care, through NYC Health + Hospitals’ facilities and community health centers, regardless of immigration status 
• Free enrollment counselors through the NYC Health Department to help individuals and families compare coverage options and complete enrollment 
• NYC Care, a NYC Health + Hospitals healthcare access program that guarantees low- and no-cost care services for New Yorkers who do not qualify or cannot afford insurance 
• A financial counselor to learn about transitioning to a new insurance option, available over the phone (1-844-692-4692) or in person at any NYC Health + Hospitals facility 

Impacted New Yorkers can learn more by: 

• Calling 311 to ask for “help with health coverage” or call direct at 347-665-0214 
• Texting “CoveredNYC” to 55676 
• Visiting nyc.gov/healthcoverage to submit a Health Insurance Inquiry Form 
• Visiting a nearby enrollment center, which can be found using the NYC Health Map 

In May, the Mamdani administration launched two citywide public awareness campaigns: a $500,000 campaign encouraging New Yorkers to sign up for free and low-cost health insurance through the NYC Health Department’s free enrollment services, and a NYC Health + Hospitals campaign encouraging enrollment and re-enrollment in NYC Care.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S STATEMENT ON THE FY27 NEW YORK CITY BUDGET

 

“I’m glad to see an on-time budget that successfully addresses the multibillion dollar deficit left behind by Mayor Adams’ gross mismanagement while strengthening essential services. The meaningful expansion of housing vouchers for those facing eviction and experiencing homelessness is a life-changing investment that will keep people in their homes and reduce shelter costs long term. Holding the NYPD headcount at 35,000 also demonstrates a shift in focus from treating public safety as something achieved through policing alone, to investing in the housing, community, and mental health support services that have long been overlooked in these conversations. Alongside key restorations for immigration legal services, these are critical investments that advance the safety and well-being of New Yorkers.

I commend the Council, mayoral administration, and advocates for creating a budget that reflects some of our city’s most pressing needs. No budget can do everything – especially in the face of a federal administration bent on creating harm by cutting funding for our safety nets – but this budget lays the foundation for lasting investments in programs that promote stability, reinforce protections for vulnerable populations, and make our city more affordable.

My office will monitor the implementation of these programs to ensure they are carried out effectively and that our city agencies are reaching the New Yorkers they are intended to serve. We will continue to advocate for the investments needed to protect vulnerable communities and confront the deep inequities that persist across our city while demanding that everyone – including the wealthiest New Yorkers – pays their fair share.”

Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Material Support to Terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

 

A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pleaded guilty to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). 

According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms. 

Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30. 

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division made the announcement.

The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.

Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.