Justice Department Sues Virginia for Failure to Produce Voter Rolls

 

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced it has filed a federal lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia for failure to produce their full voter registration lists upon request. This brings the Justice Department’s nationwide total to 24 states and the District of Columbia.

“This Department of Justice has now sued 24 states for failing to provide voter roll data and will continue filing lawsuits to protect American elections,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Accurate voter rolls are the foundation of election integrity, and any state that fails to meet this basic obligation of transparency can expect to see us in court.”

“Accurate voter rolls are essential to ensuring that American citizens’ votes count only once, and only with other eligible voters,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to safeguarding fair and free elections, and will hold states accountable when they refuse to respect our federal elections laws.”

“When states attempt to hide information they are required to disclose, they undermine public trust and violate the law,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This office will enforce the law to ensure the public and federal authorities receive the information they are entitled to.”

According to the lawsuits, the Attorney General is uniquely charged by Congress with the enforcement of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which were designed by Congress to ensure that states have proper and effective voter registration and voter list maintenance programs. The Attorney General also has the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA) at her disposal to demand the production, inspection, and analysis of the statewide voter registration lists.

New York Man Charged With Robbery Spree That Targeted Six Manhattan Banks

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Vanessa Tibbits, announced an Indictment charging CORNELL NEILLY in connection with a pattern of bank robberies and attempted bank robberies of six Manhattan banks between August and October of 2025.  NEILLY is currently in federal custody on allegations that he violated the conditions of supervised release imposed in a prior federal case and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.  

"As alleged, Cornell Neilly robbed or attempted to rob six banks in multiple neighborhoods across Manhattan,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Hardworking New Yorkers, including the tellers and customers at these six banks, deserve to go to work without worrying that they will become victim to this type of brazen conduct.  And New York families should not have to fear for their safety on New York streets.  The women and men of this Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

“Cornell Neilly is charged with attempting to rob six banks across Manhattan by demanding cash from their tellers,” said FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits.  “This alleged spree is a bank employee’s worst nightmare.  Preying on fear to satiate one’s own greed will not be tolerated.  Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains steadfast in disrupting any serial criminal targeting our city’s financial institutions.” 

As alleged in the Indictment and in public statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

Between August and October of 2025, NEILLY robbed or attempted to rob six banks across Manhattan, including in Chelsea, the West Village, and just north of Madison Square Park.  At each bank, NEILLY handed a teller a note demanding specific amounts of United States currency.  NEILLY took thousands of dollars from three banks whose tellers complied with his demands.   

NEILLY, 34, of New York, New York, is charged with three counts of bank robbery and three counts of attempted bank robbery, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the New York City Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations & Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper is in charge of the prosecution.   

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

NYCEM ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY, WARNS OF WEEKEND SNOW AND POTENTIAL TRAVEL IMPACTS

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Sunday  

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Travel Advisory for Sunday, January 18. In coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), NYCEM is tracking a fast-moving system expected to bring the year’s first accumulating snow to the city. NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Today, some parts of the city could see between 1 to 2 inches of snow. Snow is expected to move out by mid to late afternoon. Relatively warm temperatures will limit accumulation on roads and other warm surfaces, with snow mainly sticking to grass and shaded areas. 

  

On Sunday, snow is expected to begin as early as 5 a.m. and will continue through the day, tapering off by the evening. The heaviest accumulation is expected to occur between 8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Current forecasts call for 1 to 3 inches across the city, with a low chance of 2 to 4 inches in eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn. Snow accumulation on Sunday is expected to stick as temperatures continue to drop. These conditions may cause significant travel disruptions. 

   

A Code Blue is in effect. Outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to connect our most vulnerable New Yorkers to shelters. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. 

   

“As the first accumulating snow of the year falls, New York City is ready. Sanitation workers are already out across all five boroughs, coordinated across agencies and showing up in tough conditions to keep everyone safe. I’m deeply grateful to the public servants putting in long, cold hours—please plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and check in on neighbors who may need help,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 

  

“As the long holiday weekend continues, New Yorkers commuting or traveling this week should exercise caution, be aware and prepared for potential travel delays, and other impacts due to the incoming snow,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We're closely coordinating with city agencies and utilities to mitigate any disruptions, and to respond swiftly to any incidents. I want to send a special thank you to all the city employees working diligently over the long weekend to keep everyone safe. If you can, plan ahead, don’t travel if you don’t have to, and check on neighbors who may need help and support. Also, keep abreast with the latest information on this storm and future emergencies by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692 for real-time updates.” 

  

Have a Plan

 

Before Winter Weather  

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. NYC law requires them.  

• Wear warm layered clothing, hats, and sturdy boots.  

• Check your snow equipment. Keep rock salt and shovels.  

• Winterize your car. Prepare a kit with blankets, food, water, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors, and first aid kit.  

• Register with your utility provider if you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment. Keep backup power ready.  

• Keep essential supplies at home so you can stay safely indoors during and after a storm.  

• Know how to get help with heat through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 311.  

 

During Winter Weather  

• Stay indoors if possible.  

• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.  

• Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see symptoms.  

• Use heating equipment safely. Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home.  

• Run generators only outdoors and away from windows.  

• Report heat or hot water outages to your landlord, then call 311 if not resolved. NYC law requires minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 through May 31:  

• Daytime (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.): At least 68°F inside when it's below 55°F outside  

• Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): At least 62°F inside, regardless of outside temperature  

• Hot water: At least 120°F year-round 

• Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

• Ask neighbors or community groups for snow removal help if needed.  

  

 After Winter Weather  

• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with access needs.  

• Clear snow safely. Shovel slowly. Take breaks. Keep hydrants clear  

• Prevent carbon monoxide risks by clearing car tailpipes and using detectors. 

  

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents. 

• Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost. 

• Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation. 

• To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately. 

• For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Tricia Shimamura as NYC Parks Commissioner

 

Shimamura is an experienced public servant who helped guide the city through the Inwood Hill Park fires and various waterfront resiliency projects 

 

Previously, Shimamura worked with FEMA and local partners to help Manhattan’s East Side recover from Superstorm Sandy 

 

As Commissioner, she will ensure New York City’s public spaces reflect a commitment to working New Yorkers

 

TODAY Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Tricia Shimamura as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Shimamura currently serves as Manhattan Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks Department and brings more than a decade of experience advancing major infrastructure projects and working closely with communities across New York City to deliver for working people.  

 

As Manhattan Borough Commissioner, Shimamura expanded community outreach, led the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024, and oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park. Her career reflects a commitment to listening to New Yorkers and delivering results for working people.  

 

As Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, she spearheaded an ambitious vote-by-mail initiative for more than 20,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, where she helped advance critical infrastructure projects including the East River Esplanade and Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway. 

 

The NYC Parks Department oversees more than 30,000 acres of land — nearly 14 percent of New York City — providing essential public spaces that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day. Shimamura brings extensive experience managing large-scale public operations and navigating crises. 

 

“Our city’s parks embody the promise of public spaces — they’re where childhood memories are formed, where leisure can be found, where I got to hone my soccer skills (or lack thereof) throughout school, and most importantly where the greatness of our city is within so many New Yorker’s reach,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “I’m excited to be announcing the appointment of a Parks Commissioner who has spent her career showing up, and listening to, communities across our city. Under the leadership of Tricia Shimamura, our Parks Department will strive to make this a city that every New Yorker can afford to not just live in but enjoy.” 

 

“It is an honor to join Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. Early in my career as a social worker, I saw firsthand how government fell short for working families and students — and how our public infrastructure too often mirrored those failures,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “I have dedicated my career to building a city that truly serves working people and investing in infrastructure that reflects that commitment. As Parks Commissioner, I will ensure our parks are not only free, but welcoming, vibrant spaces that every New Yorker can be proud of.” 

  

Tricia Shimamura will be the next NYC Parks Commissioner. Previously, she was Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, working on critical infrastructure projects like investing in the East River Esplanade and completing Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway. Tricia worked as Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, strengthening relationships with the surrounding community boards and other local organizations, as well as spearheading civic engagement initiatives including an ambitious vote-by-mail program for over 20,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tricia later joined the Office of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, overseeing the office’s Community Affairs Unit and managing relationships with 12 Manhattan Community Boards. She spearheaded various initiatives such as the Borough President’s Volunteer Corps and the Leadership Training Series and connected with Manhattanites on issues impacting their daily lives.  

  

Tricia has proudly served as the Manhattan Borough Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) since March 2024. Under her leadership, the borough expanded community outreach and strategic partnerships, identified creative solutions to longstanding, complex problems, and successfully advocated for millions of dollars of funding for both critical capital projects as well as essential public programs serving tens of thousands of New Yorkers. Tricia also led the borough in adopting more comprehensive data-driven practices and policies related to bloodborne pathogen safety, and she helped lead the agency's on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024. She oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park, and has continued to guide strategic planning for several resiliency and other major waterfront development projects around the borough.   

  

Outside of work, Tricia and her family have dedicated their time towards supporting women in leadership and running for public office. Tricia continues to serve on the Board of the Vote Mama Foundation, which conducts research on the effectiveness of family policies meeting the needs of working families. Tricia also served on her own community board for several years.  

  

She received her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College. Tricia lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Dov, and their two sons, Teddy and Ollie. 

Permits Filed for 840 Freeman Street in Foxhurst, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 840 Freeman Street in Foxhurst, The Bronx. Located between Elmo Hope Way and Chisholm Street, the lot is within walking distance of the Freeman Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. M. Wieder is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 22,208 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 39 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 569 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 35-foot-long rear yard.

Ariel Golshan of AG Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

DEC Announces Fifth Round of Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grants

 

$5 Million Available for Private Forest Landowners to Expand, Improve, and Restore Forests

Projects Support Governor Hochul’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 Initiative and New York State Climate Goals 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced that more than $5 million is now available through the fifth round of the Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. This grant program provides financial assistance to private landowners establishing new forests, improving the health of existing forests, and restoring forests that are heavily impacted by factors such as deer browse, invasive pests, or fragmentation. The funding for this round is made possible by the State Environmental Protection Fund’s (EPF) Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Program, the Forest Landowners Support grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and the Arbor Day Foundation. New trees planted as a result of funded projects will contribute to Governor Hochul’s 25 Million Trees Initiative. 

“Regenerate NY reflects commitments by Governor Kathy Hochul and DEC to protecting and strengthening New York’s forests for future generations,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Private landowners own approximately 75% of our state’s forestland, so it is essential that we support and invest in their ability to manage their forests sustainably. This round of funding will empower landowners to expand and restore their forests, support green jobs and local economies, and ensure these lands continue to provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and resilient landscapes.”   

Private landowners may apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $1 million to conduct one or more of the following practices on their property:  

• Planting trees to restore or create new forests, 
• Creating young forest habitat to initiate natural regeneration and improve wildlife habitat, 
• Thinning to remove unhealthy or close-growing trees and to promote forest health or regrowth, 
• Removing competing or invasive vegetation, and  
• Installing tree protection to prevent deer browse of young tree seedlings.  

Eligible applicants include any individual, trust, corporate entity or other for-profit organization that owns between 5 and 2,500 acres of undeveloped land that is forested or can become forested through tree planting or associated practices to encourage forest regeneration. Not-for-profit organizations and Indian Nations or Tribes with 5 or more acres of undeveloped land are also eligible and are not subject to the 2,500-acre maximum requirement. Projects must be at least 5 acres and must be guided by a private forester or natural resource professional. There is no limit to the number of applications/bids that a landowner or organization may submit; however, they cannot be for the same land area. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2029.   

DEC Director of Lands and Forests and New York State Forester Fiona Watt said, “This grant opportunity offers a flexible toolkit for landowners to create new forest habitat on open land, and to nurture young and struggling forests to greater health and resilience. Regenerating New York’s private forests is a key pathway to supporting working lands, nature’s benefits, and addressing climate change.”  

Portions of the grant funds will be reserved until March 11, 2026, for priority applicants, including new forest landowners, active military service members and veterans, and State or federally recognized Tribes and Indian Nations. Funds will also be reserved for priority projects, including planting trees on a large scale or restoring forests significantly impacted by invasive pests or diseases. Any funds not awarded by that date will then be available to all eligible applicants.   

DEC will host a webinar on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to provide information and answer questions about this funding opportunity. Register for the webinar here.  

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, August 27, 2026, and must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Applicants must register for an SFS account before they can apply, and not-for-profits must also prequalify by the deadline or their application will not be evaluated. For more details about the grant opportunity, visit DEC’s website or email RegenNY@dec.ny.gov.  

Regenerate NY supports New York State’s 25 Million Trees Initiative, launched by Governor Hochul in 2024 to drive reforestation efforts and forest stewardship across the state. Trees planted through funded projects will be entered into the Initiative’s Tree Tracker to count toward the State’s goal. For more information about the 25 Million Trees Initiative, visit DEC’s website.  

Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address reaffirmed New York State’s commitment to environmental leadership with a record proposal of $425 million in funding for the EPF. This historic investment reinforces the State’s role as a national leader in conservation and environmental protection, helping preserve New York’s environment for generations to come.  

A $100,000 grant from the Arbor Day Foundation to the Natural Heritage Trust, the charitable partner for New York’s public lands and waters, for plant material associated with these projects will fund up to 20,000 tree seedlings. For more information about the Trust and donations, visit https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NYSNA NURSES ON STRIKE AT PICKET LINES

This week, Senator Rivera stood in solidarity with nurses from the New York State Nurses Association at Montefiore Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Allen Hospital, who have been on strike since Monday.

When addressing the crowd, Senator Rivera expressed his admiration for the crucial work that nurses play in our healthcare system. Senator Rivera strongly agrees that our nurses deserve a dignified and fair contract and full implementation of the historic safe staffing laws of 2021, which NYSNA was instrumental in helping to pass.

Senator Rivera urges hospital management and our nurses to return to the negotiating table and deliver a fair contract for the sake of our patients.

Watch his remarks to the nurses on strike at Montefiore here.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS SENATE HEARING ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This week, Senator Rivera joined Chair of the Senate Committee on Internet and Technology Kristen Gonzalez and other State Senate colleagues at a legislative hearing on regulating the high-risk uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in the private sector. During this hearing, lawmakers discussed potential risk factors, solutions, and best practices concerning AI use, including improving transparency.

Senator Rivera is currently a co-sponsor of Senator Gonzalez's bill S1169A, which will regulate the development and use of certain artificial intelligence systems by requiring audits of high-risk AI systems, granting enforcement authority to the state attorney general, and establishing the private right to action.

This week, Senator Rivera visited the Bronx School for Music (BSM) in his district. BSM is a nonprofit community-based music education program that educates a diverse group of students, the majority of whom come from low income and minority communities.

Thank you to BSM's President and Founder Philip Kwoka for the invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL'S STATE OF THE STATE

This week, Senator Rivera joined colleagues and New Yorkers from across the state in Albany to urge the passage of the New York For All Act (S.2235A), which would prohibit New York state and local agencies from cooperating with federal entities, such as ICE.

We cannot allow our State to be complicit in the trump administration’s lawless deportation squad that is kidnapping and murdering people. It's time to stand up and protect our neighbors!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS 1199SEIU RALLY TO TO PROTECT NEW YORK'S HEALTHCARE

This week, Senator Rivera also joined members of 1199SEIU at a rally in Albany advocating for the state to protect New Yorkers' healthcare. Washington has stripped millions of Americans of healthcare so our State must step up and pass the New York Health Act to fix what’s completely broken.

Watch my remarks here.

This week, Senator Rivera sat with Katelyn Cordero from Politico to discuss Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State Address as well as his priorities for this year's legislative session in Albany, which includes the New York Health Act, his bill to create a single payer healthcare in New York State.

“I don’t believe that, in this moment, we need to be conservative. I think the opposite is true,” Rivera said. “We need to be bold, and I think that relying on federal action as a sign of what the federal government will do going forward is not the best approach. I don’t trust that the federal government is going to do anything positive for us,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera.

ATTENTION PARENTS! APPLICATIONS TO 3-K AND PRE-K ARE NOW OPEN! 

Fall 2026 Admissions Timeline:    Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 3-K and Pre-K Applications Open  Friday, February 27, 2026: 3-K and Pre-K Applications Close  Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Pre-K Offer Release  Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 3-K Offer Release

NYS SENATE MAJORITY CONFERENCE: GRANTS UPDATE

NYC DYCD LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE FREE PASSPORTS AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES