Sky Lease I Inc. Agrees to Pay $1,030,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations for Falsely Reporting Delivery Times of U.S. Mail Carried Internationally

 

The Justice Department announced that Sky Lease I Inc. (Sky Lease) has paid $1,030,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it falsely reported information about the transfer of U.S. mail to foreign posts or other intended recipients under contracts with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Sky Lease is an air cargo delivery company with headquarters in Miami, Florida.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that government contractors provide the services they have contracted to provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When contractors knowingly fail to provide services for which they have been paid, the Department of Justice will pursue appropriate remedies to redress the violations and deter future ones.”

“The USPS contracts with commercial airlines for the safeguarding and timely delivery of U.S. mail to foreign posts,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Ken Cleevely of the USPS, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “The OIG supports the Postal Service by aggressively investigating allegations of contractual non-compliance within the mail delivery process, including the falsification of delivery information. Our special agents worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice to help ensure a reasonable resolution and we applaud the exceptional work done by the investigative and legal teams.”

USPS contracted with Sky Lease to take possession of receptacles of U.S. mail at locations in the United States or at various Department of Defense and State Department locations abroad and then deliver that mail to numerous international and domestic destinations. To obtain payment under the contracts, Sky Lease was required to submit electronic scans of the mail receptacles to USPS reporting the time the mail was delivered at the identified destinations. The settlement resolves allegations that scans submitted by Sky Lease falsely reported the time that it transferred possession of the mail.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with substantial assistance from the USPS Office of the Inspector General and the USPS Office of General Counsel.

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

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at BRAC

 

Dear Friends of BRAC, 


As we head into the holiday season, we just wanted to pause and say thank you. Whether you’ve taken a class, attended a performance, visited our gallery, brought your kids to a workshop, or simply cheered us on from afar—you are part of what makes BRAC such a vibrant, creative home in the Bronx.



This year has been full of growth, new partnerships, and inspiring moments in our classrooms, studios, and performance spaces. None of it happens without the people who walk through our doors and believe in the power of art to build community, connection, and possibility.



We look forward to sharing more programs, performances, and opportunities with you in the weeks ahead. Until then, we hope you find space for rest, joy, and creativity.



With gratitude,

Akia, Stephany, Jennifer, Priscilla, Ukari, Jhanique, Richard & Debbie

The Bronx River Art Center Team

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THANKSGIVING

 

"Happy Thanksgiving to New York City, the homeland of the Lenape people. I hope it is a day of bounty and blessings for all, with hearts and tables full, as we spend time with those dearest to us.I thank G-d for my family, my friends, my team, my city, and the opportunity New Yorkers have given me to serve that city. I’m also thankful for the New York Knicks, most days.”

"I’ve often noted that the myth of Thanksgiving is at odds with the reality of the horrors that occurred during that time, particularly for Indigenous Americans. Even the myth itself, held up as quintessentially American, is at odds with America today. We celebrate the Pilgrims as immigrants fleeing persecution and welcomed with bounty, yet today, so many turn their backs on the same immigrant populations, and so many cheer policies that would cut families off from food."

"The best way to celebrate gratitude and grace is by living it – by showing our appreciation and love for the loved ones we have and for the strangers who have less. President Lincoln, in establishing a day of thanks, called on the nation to pursue ‘inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land.’ I echo that call today, and unlike that time, echo it for all."

Housing Lottery Launches for 1353 Castle Hill Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1353 Castle Hill Avenue, a six-story mixed-use building in Parkchester, The Bronx. Designed by Gino Longo and developed by Anthony DeRosa, the structure yields 32 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 15 units for residents at 80 to 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $72,995 to $227,500. Individuals or households must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older. 

1353 Castle Hill Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Residences feature large open layouts, spacious living rooms, name-brand countertops and finishes, air conditioning, and energy-efficient appliances. Amenities include fitness center, recreation room, storage, and a shared laundry room. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove, heat, and hot water.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are three studios with a monthly rent of $1,945 for incomes ranging from $72,995 to $103,680; five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,051 for incomes ranging from $78,823 to $116,640; and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,392 for incomes ranging from $95,349 to $140,000.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there is one studio with a monthly rent of $2,705 for incomes ranging from $99,052 to $168,480; two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,800 for incomes ranging from $104,503 to $189,540; and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,065 for incomes ranging from $118,423 to $227,500.00.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than December 18, 2025.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! On this special day, it is my hope that we can reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and as a community despite the many challenges we are facing. In my case, I'm thankful to represent you and I'm committed to continue working to address the issues that matter the most to you and your family. Have a joyful holiday!

Senator Gustavo Rivera

New York State Senate

33rd District

SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING WITH TURKEY DISTRIBUTIONs ACROSS HIS DISTRICT!

As Thanksgiving approaches, Senator Rivera and his team distributed turkeys and produce at different events across his district including at Pelham Parkway Houses, Bean Morris Community Garden, Bronx Community Board 8, and at the Riverdale Neighborhood House. 

With generous donations from local businesses, corporate partners, and community organizations, Senator Rivera and his team worked hard to ensure that many families in Senate District 33 received what they needed to spend a joyful holiday, especially during these challenging times.

This week, Senator Rivera joined Governor Kathy Hochul as she visited The Bronx to make a series of announcements highlighting new affordability measures that will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families across New York.

Here are the highlights:

• Starting in January, 1.6 million families can start claiming New York’s expanded child tax credit for up to $1,000 per child, which will benefit more than 1.6 million families.

• New York just launched the BABY Benefit initiative, a one-time $1,800 allowance for low-income parents upon the birth of a new baby.

Governor Hochul also announced significant investments into The Bronx's healthcare system to improve maternal care and youth mental health services. The state is allocating $5 million to build a new birthing center, where soon-to-be moms will be able to receive affordable care before, during and after birth, including the opportunity of giving birth in a safe, home-like setting.

In addition, the Governor is partnering with Montefiore Medical Center to open a brand new youth-focused inpatient psychiatric facility in The Bronx. This unit will help countless young Bronxites with complex behavioral health needs by providing them with treatment and other mental health services.

Finally, Senator Rivera joined the Governor, Montefiore Health System, Greater New York Hospital Association, the Afya Foundation, and 1199SEIU to recognize their efforts to send aid to Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Read more about these announcements here and here.

Senator Rivera's bill (S.1804-A) to require insurance coverage for certain inhalers (one rescue and one maintenance) at no cost has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The cost of asthma inhalers can be cost prohibitive for many, with the price of each life-saving device being as high as $640 a month. Even with health insurance, individuals are subjected to significant expenses to access this life-saving medication, and without consistent access to inhalers, people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to get sick, be hospitalized, and die.

According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 1.4 million adults in New York live with asthma. New York City has one of the country’s highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths due to asthma among children and young adults, and it is especially prevalent in The Bronx. This is due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, tobacco use, and barriers to quality and affordable healthcare coverage.

"With the Governor signing this bill into law, New York is one step closer to eliminating the financial barriers that keep our residents from accessing life-saving asthma medications. I want to thank my partner in the Assembly, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, for working closely with me to get this important law on the books, which will improve access to care,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. 

This week, Senator Rivera attended the Bronx 48th Precinct Council monthly meeting. During the meeting, Senator Rivera shared updates on his work in the community including his office's most recent immigration related outreach efforts, as well as his walkthroughs of auto shops in Bronx Community Board 6 to directly engage with local auto shop owners to discuss his proposed legislation, S2329/A3629. He also responded to questions from board members, neighbors, and representatives from the precinct council.

Thank you to the Council's President Carmen Rivera, and all other members for their warm welcome!

This week, Senator Rivera joined Bronx groups to urge New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to extend the environmental review process for the Cross Bronx 5 Bridge Project to 90 days from the current 52 days.

Bronx residents who will be impacted by this $900 million dollar project deserve to spend the holiday season spending time with their families, not reviewing a 6,000 page document.

The Cross Bronx Expressway has caused too much damage in our borough for almost seven decades so it is only fair that we get this project right and ensure future generations in the South Bronx grow up in a safer and healthier environment.

In the meantime, the NYSDOT will hold the following public hearings on the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment (DDR/EA):

• Wednesday, December 3, at Mott V, 1551 East 172nd Street, Bronx, NY 10472, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.

• Saturday, December 6, at P.S. 214, 1970 West Farms Road, Bronx, NY 10460, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a formal presentation at 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, December 10, virtually via Zoom, (Zoom ID: 834 3999 6917; Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83439996917). The virtual hearing will consist of formal presentations at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. followed by public testimony sessions.

 

Written comments on the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment can also be submitted via email to Rehab5CBEBridges@dot.ny.gov until January 9, 2026. You can review the DDR/EA here.

 Passionate about public service and are you social media savvy? Apply to our Social Media Internship and help our Communications Team shape the message behind the mission!

 Deadline: ASAP



 Send your resume + cover letter to grivera@nysenate.gov.

THE 2026 NYC PARKS LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!

Lifeguard qualifying tests began October 25, 2025 at Truman High School!

Lifeguard Qualiry Test are taking place between now through later February 2026. All potential lifeguards must first pass this test before beginning training. Please use the following link for Lifeguard Qualiry Testing locations in the Bronx Lifeguard Qualifying Test Registration : NYC Parks

 

Upcoming dates:

• Monday, 11/24
• Wednesday, 1/28/26
• Saturday, 2/7/26

 

These qualifying tests are taking place at Truman High School.

FROM 11/1 TO 2/28/2026: APPLY TO THEDREAM.US SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DREAMERS!

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Wishing Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Comptroller DiNapoli

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the people and places that make our lives special, and express thanks for them. With gratitude, Comptroller DiNapoli extends to you the warmest wishes for good health and happy times as you celebrate this holiday season.

NYC's Public Hospitals Need to Do More to Provide Interpretation Services

A new audit from Comptroller DiNapoli found that the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (H+H) is not fully meeting patients’ right to interpretation services for those in need of language assistance. H+H is the nation’s largest municipal health care system, overseeing 11 acute care hospitals, five post-acute/long-term care centers, and 30 community health centers. New York regulations require hospitals to have language assistance to ensure meaningful access to services.

“The Health and Hospitals Corporation has a tall order given the diversity of languages spoken in New York City, but it needs to do better,” DiNapoli said. “It is critical that those in need of medical care can communicate with health care providers. This audit found a number of shortcomings and offers recommendations that H+H can use to improve critical language services to its patients.”

Read More

Native American Heritage Month Celebration

Comptroller DiNapoli recognized and celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a special event featuring keynote speaker Heather A. La Forme-Maldonado, MPA (Onondaga Nation; Beaver Clan), Director of the Bureau of Native American Services at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, along with an engaging cultural performance by Chris Thomas and His Smoke Dancers.

New York is home to nine State recognized Nations: Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Saint Regis Mohawk, Seneca, Shinnecock, Tonawanda Seneca, Tuscarora, and Unkechaug.

Former Durhamville Fire Department Treasurer Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Over $92K

Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven James announced that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department was sentenced to serve 1-3 years in state prison and pay $92,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from the fire department.

Read More

South Carolina Woman Arrested for Stealing $147,455 in Pension Payments

A South Carolina woman was arrested for allegedly stealing $147,455 in pension payments meant for her deceased mother, Comptroller DiNapoli, South Carolina Seventh Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette and Spartanburg County, South Carolina Sheriff Bill Rhyne announced.

Read More

Future Forward Internship Academy Applications Open

Applications for Comptroller DiNapoli's Summer 2026 Future Forward Internship Academy are now open!

This 12-week paid summer program is designed to immerse students in the challenges and rewards of public service, offering a unique blend of academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in one of five career tracks:

• Auditing
• Governmental Accounting & Management
• Human Resources & Administration
• Project Management
• Business Analysis
  
  

Students from all majors are considered and must be completing their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college at the time of application to be eligible.

Learn More & Apply

M U N I C I P A L  &  S C H O O L   A U D I T S

• City of Dunkirk – Budget Review
• Seaford Union Free School District – Capital Assets
• Town of Kingsbury – Multiyear Planning for Fund Balance and Reserves
• Town of Hornellsville – Financial Management
• City of Little Falls – Budget Review
• Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency – Payments in Lieu of Taxes
• Town of Danby – Audit Follow-Up

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• Former CNY fire department treasurer who stole $92K sentenced to state prison
• Woman charged in $147K pension theft after hiding mother’s death
• Rockland schools redefine lunch, one from-scratch meal at a time
• State funds to aid in building supportive housing for homeless

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