Speaker Adrienne Adams Responds to New York State Supreme Court’s TRO Ruling to Block Mayor Adams’ Executive Order Inviting Trump’s ICE to Set Up Office on Rikers

 

Today, New York State Supreme Court Judge Mary Rosado extended the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking Mayor Eric Adams’ administration from implementing Executive Order 50 that would facilitate the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency reopening an office on Rikers Island. The decision comes after Judge Rosado previously issued an interim TRO on April 21 prohibiting the execution and negotiation of any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the executive order. In response to the court’s ruling, Speaker Adrienne Adams issued the following statement.

“Today’s court decision to grant our request and stop Mayor Eric Adams’ illegal order to allow ICE onto Rikers protects public safety and Constitutional rights in New York City from the Trump administration’s attempt to seize power over our city at the expense of New Yorkers. The Trump administration has shown its willingness to violate the U.S. Constitution by unlawfully disappearing people from our country without due process or justification. Mayor Adams’ attempt to fulfill his end of the corrupt bargain by handing the keys to Rikers over to Trump’s ICE would make our city and New Yorkers less safe. With today’s decision, the court has now ruled twice against Mayor Adams’ illegal executive order that conspires to sell out New Yorkers, and we look forward to the court’s consideration of our request for a preliminary injunction.”

Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on DOJ Memo Casting Serious Doubts on the Legality of Trump’s Effort to Kill Congestion Pricing

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to reports that the federal government is replacing their own lawyers after their previous lawyers misfiled an internal memo to the courts. The memo casts serious doubts on the strength of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s case against New York State and the MTA over congestion pricing.

“The misfiled memo written by U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District shows that even Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy’s lawyers know the truth: Trump and Duffy’s plan to kill congestion pricing in New York City has no legal basis.

“Yesterday’s revelation shows how important it was to get congestion pricing turned on before Trump entered office – and also how important it is to get your legal arguments in order! That’s why last year, when congestion pricing was put on pause, my office brought together a coalition of advocates and attorneys, including Michael Gerrard and Roderick Hills (who were both cited in yesterday’s New York Times story), to bring the two lawsuits that compelled its implementation.

“We knew that the cameras needed to be turned on before Trump entered office. Now, we have both the law and the facts on our side. Congestion pricing is working, traffic is down, travel is smoother, the air is cleaner, more people are on mass transit, and we’re able to invest in faster, safer, more accessible subways. Trump and Duffy are trying to destroy all of that. But even their lawyers know their arguments are bogus.

“Thanks to Governor Hochul and MTA President Janno Lieber for making clear the cameras are staying on, to the transportation advocates who have been working tirelessly for years, to the attorneys who brought the lawsuits to implement and defend congestion pricing. This is the formula for standing up to Trump and for making our city run better: design policies that actually make things run better, build broad coalitions, get your legal arguments in order, and don’t back down to bullies.”

DEC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SPRING TURKEY SEASON MAY 1

Youth Turkey Hunt Scheduled for April 26-27

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1 throughout upstate New York (north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary) and in Suffolk County on Long Island. DEC is also holding a Youth Turkey Hunting Season in advance of the regular season this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27.

“Engaging youth hunters and their adult mentors is an opportunity to instill safety, responsibility, ethics, and an appreciation for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters,” Acting Commissioner Lefton said. “Guided by experienced mentors, young hunters can gain hands-on skills while enjoying the challenge and excitement that turkey hunting offers.”

Eligible hunters for the Youth Turkey Hunt weekend are 12 to 15 years of age who hold a hunting license and a turkey permit. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult, as required by law for a junior hunter. Some conservation organizations host specific events during the Youth Hunt weekend. Each youth hunter can harvest one bearded bird during the two-day season. For more information, visit the DEC website.

Regular Season Opens May 1

New York is home to some of the best turkey hunting opportunities in the Northeast, with diverse landscapes and abundant turkey populations across the state. From hardwood forests and rolling hills in the Southern Tier, to agricultural fields and mixed woodlands in the Hudson Valley, hunters can find prime turkey habitat throughout New York.

Spring turkey harvests in New York average 16,000 to 18,000 birds, fluctuating based on participation and turkey productivity in previous breeding seasons. With improved summer poult production in recent years, DEC expects an increase in turkey harvest this spring. Since hunters primarily target toms (2+ year-old birds), turkey harvest often reflects productivity trends from two years prior.

Although New York turkey populations experienced declines from their peak in the early 2000s, populations are generally stable statewide. DEC continues to monitor population trends and implement conservation efforts to support sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters play an essential role in monitoring populations by reporting their harvest and participating in DEC hunter opinion surveys. These efforts help DEC assess population dynamics, hunter participation, hunter values, and help ensure sustainable turkey populations for the future.

Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2025:

Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Nassau County;

• Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license;
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day;
• Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day and no more than one bird per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County);
• Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 9, or with a bow or crossbow (except crossbows may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties);
• Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested;
• Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online at DEC's Game Harvest Reporting website; and
• For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the "Turkey Hunting" pages of DEC's website.

 

Tips for a Successful and Safe Turkey Hunting Season

• Turkey hunting is safe and it is important that hunters remain vigilant to keep it that way.
• Don't stalk. More than half of turkey hunting injuries happen when one hunter stalks another.
• Always assume any call or footsteps you hear are from another hunter. Don't shoot until you clearly see the whole turkey and know its sex.
• If you see another hunter, talk to him or her clearly, and don't move. Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.
• When calling, sit still with your back against a big tree, to hide you from turkeys and stalkers.
• Never wear turkey colors -- red, white, or blue. Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around. When sitting still waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a tree near you.
• If you take a turkey or carry a decoy, wrap it in hunter orange.
• Turkeys are tough. You need to be close (30 yards or less is best). You need to get a clear head and neck shot. Do not try to shoot them in the body or when they are flying.
• Smaller shot, no. 4, 5, and 6, work better than larger shot, due to denser shot patterns.  New shotshell technologies allow for shot sizes as small as 8 and 9 to be effective for turkeys.  Do research and pattern your shotgun to learn what works for your setup.

Buy Sporting Licenses Online

Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time and hunters, anglers, and trappers can immediately print a paper copy of their license at home. Licenses can also be displayed digitally using the HuntFishNY mobile app, available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores, however a physical valid turkey carcass tag must be carried when hunting turkeys.

If purchasing a hunting license, permit, or privilege online or by phone and you do not have a valid email address and printer, allow up to 14 business days to receive your back tag, carcass tags, and license by mail.

Sporting licenses are also available in person at more than 1,100 License Issuing Agents (LIAs) across New York State, where licenses and tags are printed immediately upon purchase. To locate a license vendor, use the LIA location search on DEC’s sporting license sales website.

For more information about sporting licenses, visit Hunting Licenses - NYSDEC.

Citizen Science Opportunity: DEC Seeks Turkey Hunters for Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey

Turkey hunters can record the number of ruffed grouse they hear drumming while afield to help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this game bird. To get a survey form, go to DEC's website or call (518) 402-8883. To participate in DEC's Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or other wildlife surveys, visit DEC’s "Citizen Science" page. 

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COMMISSIONER ROBERTA REARDON'S IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE SENTENCING OF GEORGE SANTOS

"I have great empathy for what all the victims in this room have experienced – no one should have to endure such pain, and the strength of the victims today is truly admirable. I am here as head of the Department of Labor and the fiduciary to the New York State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, both of which former Congressman George Santos repeatedly defrauded throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is a critical safety net for workers who find themselves without employment through no fault of their own. 

"During the pandemic, our Trust Fund was stretched to its limits, with over 1.6 million applications for benefits processed in just the first six weeks of what became the biggest economic crisis of a generation. Mr. Santos has admitted to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits at a time when millions of New Yorkers were truly struggling to make ends meet. His criminal actions demonstrate a callous disregard for his fellow New Yorkers and his constituents.

"It is within this context that Mr. Santos’ actions are particularly egregious. At a time when many New Yorkers were marooned at home, unable to earn income due to the pandemic, Mr. Santos wantonly filed for unemployment benefits. Week after week, he attested that he was unable to work through no fault of his own, all while earning a $120,000 salary. This wasn’t just a mistake or a misunderstanding, this was a conscious decision to defraud the system, made time and time again each time he re-certified for weekly benefits.

"While running for office, Mr. Santos deceived his constituents, telling them that he was trustworthy enough to handle their needs in Washington. He took an oath to protect and serve, knowing full well that he already exploited the unemployment insurance system for personal gain, essentially stealing directly from their pockets. Then, in a move that can only be described as the peak of hypocrisy, Mr. Santos audaciously co-sponsored the “Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act,” shortly after being indicted on charges of committing unemployment fraud. Essentially, Mr. Santos is saying to the American people that they should do as he says, not as he does.

"As a public servant myself, I know firsthand that his betrayal of the public trust has an impact that extends far beyond the immediate financial loss to the Trust Fund. His actions undermine public trust in our safety nets, in those elected to represent them, and in government’s ability to protect people when they need it the most.

"Your Honor, as a steward of the public trust and public funds, I implore you to consider the full weight of Mr. Santos' actions. His crimes against the Trust Fund were not victimless. They have real, tangible impacts on the hardworking people of New York State. Thus, I strongly urge the court to impose the maximum sentence allowable. This would send a clear message that exploitation of our social safety nets, especially by public servants, will not be tolerated." 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE COURT TEMPORARILY BLOCKING THE MAYOR FROM BRINGING ICE TO RIKERS

 

"I’m grateful the court stepped in to uphold the law when Mayor Adams would not. This order will keep ICE off Rikers—at least for now—and prevent the mayor from implementing his deal with Donald Trump.

"The Mayor and President have repeatedly looked for ways to chip away at our sanctuary laws and make it more acceptable to escalate deportations of immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of criminality or illegality.

"Our communities deserve leadership that defends them, not ones that quietly aid Trump’s deportation machine. While this ruling is a win, we must remain vigilant."

MAYOR ADAMS AND DOB COMMISSIONER ODDO RELEASE ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY REPORT, HIGHLIGHT SAFEST BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SITES IN 10 YEARS

 

Report Details Building Construction Safety Trends in 2024, Highlights 30 Percent Drop in Worker Injuries Compared to 2023 

  

Construction Site Injuries Reached Nine-Year Low, Incidents Reached 10-Year Low, Fatalities Remained at 10-Year Low 

  

DOB Performed Over 416,000 Inspections in 2024, Highest Number on Record,  Implemented New Construction Safety Initiatives 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Jimmy Oddo today released DOB’s annual New York City Construction Safety Report, providing an analysis of building construction trends, safety incidents on construction sites, and enforcement actions by DOB in 2024. The report highlights the Adams administration’s work to keep New Yorkers safe on building construction sites, specifically spotlighting that worker injuries dropped by 30 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, while construction-related incidents fell by 24 percent. With these positive trends towards safer construction sites, worker injuries reached a nine-year low and construction-related incidents reached a 10-year low; additionally, worker fatalities remained at a 10-year low. This historic progress follows multiple initiatives by DOB to protect New Yorkers working on construction sites, including new oversight mandates for construction superintendents, new licensing requirements for operators of smaller crane devices, new technology to help track work site safety compliance, and more. In 2024, DOB also conducted 416,290 total field inspections – the most inspections of building construction sites since the department began tracking the critical datapoint. Finally, the report underscores the ongoing strength of the building construction industry, with initial permits for new building projects increasing by over 24 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. The annual report is designed to provide greater transparency within both city government and the construction industry. 

  

“New Yorkers deserve safe workplaces, and that includes our city’s construction sites. Thanks to the hard work of DOB, we are making significant progress towards that goal, with inspections of construction sites at historic highs and incidents at a 10-year low,” said Mayor Adams. “Nevertheless, we know that even one death at our construction sites is unacceptable, which is why our administration will continue to implement historic safety initiatives and keep up the fight for safer construction sites across the city.” 

  

“The progress we’ve made in reducing injuries and keeping fatalities at their lowest in close to a decade is a testament to the effectiveness of our safety initiatives, the decidedness of our inspection teams, and the buy-in from our industry partners,” said DOB Commissioner Oddo. “We are not alone in believing that every fatality and injury that occurred in 2024 was preventable. We will keep pushing relentlessly for safer work sites because even one life lost is one too many.” 

  

The New York City Construction Safety Report draws upon a wealth of data collected by DOB throughout 2024. Data in the report show that over 98 percent of work sites did not report a single incident or injury in 2024. While incidents are exceedingly rare, the data shows that they can occur on work sites of any size and in every neighborhood across the city. 

  

Construction-related incidents fell from 841 in 2023 to 638 in 2024, a 24 percent decrease year-over-year, while construction-related injuries fell from 692 in 2023 to 482 in 2024, a 30 percent decrease year-over-year. The report also draws specific attention to seven fatal construction worker incidents that occurred on building construction sites in 2024. While deaths on building construction sites have trended down in recent years, DOB remains committed to implementing new safety measures and driving fatality numbers as close to zero as possible. 

  

10 Year Look Back at Construction-Related Incidents, Injuries, and Fatalities 

Year	Incidents	Injuries	Fatalities
2015	1,011	472	12
2016	1,162	603	12
2017	1,212	671	12
2018	1,193	759	13
2019	960	594	14
2020	796	502	8
2021	712	505	9
2022	752	554	11
2023	841	692	7
2024	638	482	7

  

DOB regularly interacts with construction and development industry professionals through field inspections, enforcement actions, and educational outreach efforts. The report shows that DOB conducted 416,290 total inspections in 2024, the highest number of inspections on record in a calendar year. DOB also spearheaded several new safety initiatives in 2024 to increase compliance with existing regulations and improve safety outcomes. These include new oversight mandates for construction superintendents, new licensing requirements for operators of smaller crane devices and hoisting machines, and technological advances to track work site safety compliance.    

 

To spread the word about these new initiatives, DOB stepped up communications with the construction and development industry, issuing construction advisories directly to work sites to alert them to recent safety failure trends and scheduling regular sit-down meetings between industry groups and construction contractors to address safety concerns. 

  

Finally, the report highlights increased construction activity in New York City throughout 2024, with total initial permits for new building projects increasing by over 24 percent compared to 2023. The 103,592 initial construction permits issued by DOB in 2024 is the highest in five years. 

  

Thanks to recent improvements in DOB’s digital infrastructure, the city can assemble granular data points from construction projects across the city, spot trends, and predict potential problems before they occur. DOB regularly utilizes this data to inform enforcement strategies and efficiently allocate resources across the city’s 1.1 million buildings. 

  

In 2025, DOB will establish a new enforcement unit to utilize this data and proactively inspect potentially dangerous buildings. The new unit, which was created with legislation from the New York City Council and $5 million from the Adams administration, will use predictive analytics to identify derelict buildings and unsafe contractors, prioritizing them for inspection to keep New Yorkers safe.