HUSBAND AND WIFE SENTENCED FOR DEFRAUDING NYC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Defendants Submitted Fake Invoices; Fraud Exceeded $170,000

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a married Yonkers couple were sentenced for their roles in a fraudulent scheme that netted them and a co-conspirator more than $170,000 in illicit proceeds from the New York City Department of Education. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The female defendant, a longtime employee with the New York City Department of Education used her position to falsify purchase orders. She engaged her husband and a friend in this crime of greed that stole more than $170,000, money that should have been used for the education of our schoolchildren. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at SCI who worked with our Financial Frauds Bureau in this investigation.” 

District Attorney Clark said defendant Rusnelly Clase, 42, was sentenced to six months in prison with five years’ post-release supervision and defendant Justin Echevarria, 38, was sentenced to five years’ probation before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Horsntein. The pair pleaded guilty to fourth degree Corrupting the Government on April 9, 2026. To date Clase has paid $50,000 in restitution. She’s been ordered to pay an additional $36, 654.88. Echevarria was also ordered to pay $47,448.63. 

Special Commissioner Anastasia Anastasia Coleman said, “The New York City public school system is not a personal piggy bank. Every dollar stolen from our schools is a dollar taken away from New York City’s students. SCI will continue holding accountable anyone who exploits their public position and misuses resources that belong in our classrooms. We like to thank the DA's Financial Frauds Bureau for working closely with our investigators on this important matter.”

According to the investigation, from 2018 through February of 2022, Clase, a community coordinator with Middle School 302 in Longwood for over ten years, used her access to the school’s procurement and accounting systems to register her husband and another co-conspirator as non-contracted vendors with the New York City Department of Education.

Clase filed a substantial number of fraudulent vendor invoices, along with falsified purchase orders for clothing such as sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, and jackets. Clase then used unauthorized access to approve the invoices and trigger over $90,000 in fraudulent payments to her husband and $75,000 in fraudulent payments to the other co-conspirator, both of whom “kicked back” some of the illicit proceeds to Clase. No items were ever delivered.

District Attorney Clark thanked SCI Investigator Daniel Sullivan, SCI Chief Investigator Michael Bisogna, SCI Special Counsel Valerie Batista, Department of Education General Counsel Elizabeth Vladeck, and the New York City Financial Information Services Agency – Office of Payroll Administration for their work on the case.

Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Results in the Sentencing of a Memphis Man to Over 19 Years in Prison for Trafficking Narcotics While on Supervised Release for Trafficking Narcotics

 

Antonio Caldwell, aka “Joe”, 40, of Memphis, was sentenced to 235 months in prison for narcotics trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, “Caldwell is a recidivist drug dealer who was brazenly distributing deadly fentanyl into our communities while on supervised release. Every minute of his 19-year sentence is well-deserved and will ensure better public safety for the citizens of Memphis and West Tennessee.”

According to information presented in court, in 2023 a multi-agency investigation began into a suspected drug trafficking organization.  Investigators determined that Caldwell was obtaining and supplying large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, to other redistributors in West Tennessee.  Investigators further determined Caldwell was committing these acts while on supervised release for two prior federal narcotics convictions. 

While on supervised release, Caldwell traveled to California and mailed a parcel containing fentanyl hidden in rice. Investigators were able to intercept the parcel and seize approximately three kilograms of fentanyl. Investigators further determined Caldwell maintained a drug distribution house located in the area of Hollywood and Pershing.  Caldwell directed individuals to this location to obtain narcotics.  In November of 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the drug distribution house and recovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and three firearms. 

“Drug traffickers like Mr. Caldwell have no regard for the lives they destroy, and the broken families left in their wake,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “As a result of his own actions, Mr. Caldwell will spend nearly two decades in prison, giving him an opportunity to reflect on the harm he has caused and hopefully come out a better man upon his release.”

In April of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Caldwell and nine others: Michael Merritt, Darius Carter, Deandre Eubanks, Jimmy Gibson, Telly Hammond, Deandre Howard, Marc Pharr, Samuel Washington, and Rico Winston, for narcotics offenses.  Merritt, Eubanks, Gibson, Hammond, Howard, and Winston have all pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.  

In December of 2025, Caldwell pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and distribution of narcotics.  On July 9, 2026, Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. sentenced Caldwell to 235 months' incarceration to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Antonio Caldwell continued trafficking dangerous narcotics despite being on supervised release for a prior drug conviction, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “Working alongside our partners, HSI will continue to pursue those who profit from the distribution of dangerous drugs into our communities and hold them accountable.” 

“Fighting drug crimes is a crucial mission, and the Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard our communities,” said SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner. “Our cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners has reaped huge rewards in this case. Getting narcotics traffickers such as Caldwell off the streets is a win for all the citizens of Shelby County.”

“Our agency, alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who fuel this deadly epidemic by illegally distributing fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics,” said TBI Director David Rausch.

This operation was 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 United States 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. HSTF Memphis comprises agents and officers from ATF, Bartlett Police Department, Collierville Police Department, DEA, FBI, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Germantown Police Department, HSI, ICE/ERO, IRS, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Airport Police, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sherriff's Office, SMILE OIG, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, USMS, USPIS, USSS, West Tennessee 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, West Tennessee Drug Task Force, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. 

Redi-Bag USA and CEO Agree to Pay $7.3M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs Duties

 

New York Packaging II LLC doing business as Redi-Bag USA, a New York-based supplier of custom bags, liners, and packaging, along with the company’s CEO, Jeffrey Rabiea, have agreed to pay a total of $7.3 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting on customs entry forms the country of origin of polyethylene retail carrier bags (PRCBs), thereby evading antidumping duties owed to the United States.

“Companies that benefit from access to U.S. markets must follow U.S. law, including by paying import duties that protect American manufacturers and workers from unfair foreign competition,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who evade duties owed to the United States.”

“Antidumping duties help protect American taxpayers, workers, and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “This settlement agreement shows that our Office will continue to vigorously investigate and pursue allegations that businesses are evading those duties through unlawful conduct.”

“CBP ensures that all companies comply with U.S. customs and trade laws,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “With this settlement, we are protecting the integrity of our nation’s borders and holding those who attempt to evade customs duties accountable. We continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard fair trade and support lawful commerce.”

To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping duties assessed by the Department of Commerce. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost. During the relevant time period, PRCBs from the People’s Republic of China (China) were subject to antidumping duties.

The settlement resolves allegations that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea knew that PRCBs they imported and supplied to customers across the United States were manufactured in China and transshipped through Hong Kong. Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea nevertheless misrepresented on customs entry forms that the country of origin of the PRCBs was Hong Kong, thus evading antidumping duties assessed by the United States under Antidumping Duty Order No. A-570-886 (ADD Order). When applicable, the ADD Order imposed an antidumping duty of up to 77.57% on the value of PRCBs manufactured in China and imported into the United States. 

The United States alleged that Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea concealed the PRCBs’ true country of origin by hiding information from others, including the company’s customs broker and CBP, by directing employees to cover up “Made in China” markings, directing the manufacturer to remove “Made in China” markings, and directing the cancelation of orders after learning the orders would be inspected by customs authorities. 

The settlement with Redi-Bag USA and Mr. Rabiea resolves a civil lawsuit filed by relator John Maierhoffer, a former contracted sales representative for Redi-Bag USA, under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned United States ex rel. Maierhoffer v. New York Packaging II LLC, et al., Civil No. 21-20170 (D.N.J.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Maierhoffer will receive approximately $1,332,250 of the settlement proceeds.

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

In 2025, the Department of Justice launched a cross-agency Trade Fraud Task Force to enhance efforts to combat and prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force augments existing coordination mechanisms within the Department of Justice, leveraging expertise from both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against any parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Associate Chief Counsel, New York, Northeast Region; CBP’s Office of Trade, Trade Regulatory Audit; and CBP’s Industrial & Manufacturing Materials Center, Office of Field Operations.

Trial Attorney Gavin Thole of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Simunovich for the District of New Jersey handled the case.

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

Attorney General James and Mayor Owens Sue Syracuse Apartment Owners for Rampant Safety and Tenant Rights Violations

 

Owners of Nob Hill Apartments Refused to Remediate Hazardous Conditions That Led to Devastating Fire

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens sued the owners and managers of Nob Hill Apartments (Nob Hill) for years of persistent health and safety issues, tenants’ rights violations, and illegal business practices. Since 2019 to 2026, Nob Hill has been cited 413 times for city and state code violations, 69 of which are unresolved as of June 2026. As a result of Nob Hill’s negligence, a devastating fire broke out in one of the apartment complex’s buildings on February 28, 2026, claiming a life and displacing dozens of tenants. Even after this tragic fire and another that followed in May 2026, Nob Hill still has unresolved fire safety violations. Residents have also reported pest infestations, a lack of heating and air conditioning, and other dangerous conditions that have been left unaddressed. In the lawsuit, Attorney General James and Mayor Owens seek restitution for tenants, the return of withheld security deposits, rent abatement, and penalties paid to the City of Syracuse for code violations.  

“The deadly fire at Nob Hill Apartments was a shameful, preventable tragedy,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers should never pay the price for their landlord’s negligence, and residents of Nob Hill have suffered too long in unacceptable conditions. I am grateful to Mayor Owens for her partnership in our fight to get justice for every tenant.”

“The fire and tragic loss of life at the Nob Hill apartments is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Mayor Owens. “For decades, Nob Hill stood as a source of quality housing in our community, and that legacy has been severely damaged by its current ownership. These owners need to be held accountable for this neglect. I am grateful for the partnership of the Attorney General as we pursue every legal avenue available to hold the property owner and all responsible parties accountable for the condition of these properties.”

Attorney General James and Mayor Owens’ lawsuit details Nob Hill tenants’ reports of dangerous conditions, including pest infestations, sewage backups, broken elevators, and overflowing trash, among other issues. In addition, broken doors and locks have gone unfixed, leading to safety concerns including fights, stolen cars, and rampant theft. Broken heating and cooling systems have forced tenants to endure life-threatening cold in the winter and oppressive heat in the summer. Attorney General James and Mayor Owens allege that by allowing these conditions to persist and failing to provide tenants with the basic living standards promised in their rental agreements, Nob Hill’s owners have violated New York’s housing and tenant protection laws.

The lawsuit also alleges Nob Hill misled prospective tenants to believe they were renting safe and habitable homes. Nob Hill’s website touted the apartment complex as “comfortable and convenient,” but in reality, residents reported hazardous living conditions that threatened their health and safety. Nob Hill has also charged tenants monthly “technology” and “pest” fees that did not provide any clear benefit to tenants.   

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has also received approximately a dozen complaints from former Nob Hill tenants whose security deposits were not returned when they moved out of the complex without any explanation or accounting from Nob Hill, as required by law.

Attorney General James and Mayor Owens are asking the court to issue an order requiring the owners of Nob Hill to address all outstanding violations, reimburse tenants who had to spend their own money to make their homes safe and habitable, provide restitution to tenants impacted by dangerous living conditions, return security deposits, and reimburse all illegal fees. Attorney General James and Mayor Owens are also seeking the forfeiture of profits the owners of Nob Hill earned while failing to comply with city, county, and state codes. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - FY 2027 CAPITAL BUDGET PRIORITIES

 

Dear Neighbor,

This week, we announced our Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget Priorities, investing more than $56 million across 193 capital projects that will bridge the digital divide, expand opportunities for our youth, and enhance public safety efforts throughout the borough.

Some of this year's key investments include:

•   $1 million for athletic field renovations at the Christopher Columbus Educational Campus
•    $1 million for Fordham University's Green Job Center
•    $500,000 to renovate FDNY Engine 79, Ladder 37, Battalion 27
•    $500,000 to modernize the Soundview Library
•    $500,000 to renovate the Bronx Museum of the Arts' South Wing Atrium
•    $350,000 for mobile media technology at the (Soon to Open) Bronx School of Hip Hop

It has been an honor to invest in the people, places, and institutions that make our borough the best place to live, work, and raise your family. Since taking office, we have allocated more than $100 million in capital funding to education because I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education; over $23 million to our healthcare facilities; over $20 million to housing; and nearly $20 million to our borough's cultural institutions. Every investment we make is an investment in our future, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside you to support the over 1.4 million residents who call our borough their home. 

Warm Regards,

Vanessa L. Gibson

Bronx Borough President

For real-time updates and event highlights, remember to follow us on social media:

FACEBOOK: @BronxBp

INSTAGRAM: @Bronxbpgibson

TWITTER: @BronxBp

If you or someone you know needs help, please call our office at 718-590-3500 or email webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

Former Ship Captain Pleads Guilty to The Drugging and Sexual Assault at Sea of Merchant Marine Academy Student Cadet

 

Victim Was Drugged and Raped by the Defendant While She Was Incapacitated

John Merrone pleaded guilty to all five counts of an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual contact relating to the rape of a 21-year-old United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) student cadet (Jane Doe) working on a vessel under the command of the defendant. Merrone pleaded guilty after a jury was selected.  When sentenced, Merrone faces up to life in prison.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant admitted abusing his authority as a ship captain to carry out a heinous sexual assault on a young woman, who was under his supervision, as she embarked on a career as a mariner,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “It is my hope that this guilty plea will give the survivor of this attack some measure of closure knowing that the defendant has been held accountable for his despicable conduct.”

Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the United States Coast Guard for its investigative work on the case.

“Former Captain John Merrone grossly violated his authority by drugging and raping a U.S. Merchant Marine cadet training aboard his ship. The FBI is dedicated to holding accountable those in trusted roles from heinously abusing the brave servicemembers protecting this country,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

In September 2019, Jane Doe was aboard a commercial vessel as part of her participation in the USMMA Sea Year Program where cadets study to be midshipmen and are assigned to a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel to obtain experience being a merchant mariner.  The vessel was in the Atlantic Ocean bound for Corpus Christi, Texas.  Merrone, then 47 years-old, was the highest-ranking official on the vessel.  On September 9, 2019, Merrone summoned Jane Doe and another female cadet to his stateroom for a soda and poured each of them an alcoholic drink from an open bottle. Shortly after consuming the drinks, Jane Doe and the fellow student lost recollection of the remainder of the evening. Jane Doe awoke the next morning in her bed wearing only a shirt and bra, and no underwear or pants.  She felt nauseous, had a headache and felt like someone had had sex with her.  The next day, Merrone called Jane Doe to his stateroom and said that he had “fun last night” and asked her to do it again.  Jane Doe told him that she did not recall what had happened, and Merrone told her “one thing led to another.”  Jane Doe reported the sexual assault to her mother and a friend when she returned to the United States, and sought medical attention.  She reported the attack to law enforcement in 2021.  At his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he knowingly gave Jane Doe an intoxicant without her knowledge or consent, and she became incapacitated.  He then had sex with her without her consent.

D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Upper West Side Car Crash That Killed Two And Injured Three

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of ELVIN SUAREZ, 61, for allegedly driving while intoxicated and crashing into four pedestrians and an occupied vehicle on the Upper West Side in May 2026, killing 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint-Hilaire and injuring three others. SUAREZ is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with varying counts, including Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, among other charges. [1]

“As alleged, Elvin Suarez’s decision to drive while intoxicated had devastating and entirely preventable consequences,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Three men were significantly injured, and Jason Negron and Michael Saint-Hilaire—devoted fathers, loyal friends, and beloved members of their Upper West Side community—were killed. The tremendous outpouring of support in the aftermath of this tragedy reflects how deeply they were loved, and my thoughts remain with their families, loved ones, and the surviving victims, as we seek accountability in this case.” 

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, on May 15, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., SUAREZ was allegedly driving his vehicle, while intoxicated and at a high rate of speed, heading northbound on Amsterdam Avenue. Between West 107th and West 108th Streets, he allegedly struck an unoccupied parked vehicle. Continuing along Amsterdam Avenue, SUAREZ drove through the intersection at 109th Street and over a median separating the bike lane from the street. He allegedly struck four pedestrians who were standing nearby, including Mr. Negron and Mr. Saint-Hilaire, and an occupied parked vehicle.

The force of the collision sent three of the pedestrians several feet away and pushed the occupied parked vehicle into additional parked vehicles, causing a pile up. SUAREZ’s vehicle eventually came to a stop, and he exited before lying on the ground beside it at the direction of bystanders.

A few minutes later, police officers arrived at the scene, finding Mr. Negron unresponsive and trapped beneath SUAREZ’s vehicle, and Mr. Saint-Hilaire receiving CPR from a bystander. The remaining three victims – 36-, 44- and 51-year-old men – received treatment by first responders for their injuries.

SUAREZ was arrested and transported to the hospital. All five victims were also taken to the hospital for treatment. Among the injuries, the 44-year-old man suffered an open fracture to the right leg, the 36-year-old man suffered back fractures, and the 51-year-old man, who was the occupant of the hit parked vehicle, suffered pain to his head, neck and shoulder. Mr. Negron and Mr. Saint-Hilaire were pronounced dead.

D.A. Bragg thanked Detective Gregory Gianacopulos and Sergeant Randall McFarland of the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad, DA Investigator Brian Granshaw, and the numerous first responders, including members of the NYPD 24th Precinct.

Defendant Information:

ELVIN SUAREZ

New York, NY

Charged:

•    Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a class B felony, five counts
•    Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts
•    Aggravated Vehicular Assault, a class C felony, three counts
•    Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts
•    Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count
•    Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor, one count

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

Mayor Mamdani Expands City Response to Dangerous Heat, Worsening Air Quality

Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open Thursday  

  

Free KN95 masks available at hundreds of locations, including library branches, police precincts, firehouses and major transit hubs    

Outreach workers intensify canvassing efforts under both Code Red and Code Grey   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today expanded the City’s response as dangerous heat continues through Thursday and smoke from Canadian wildfires worsens air quality across New York City.  

  

Thursday’s heat index is forecast to reach the low 90s, while air quality is expected to fall into the “Unhealthy” category. New Yorkers are urged to stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, limit time outdoors, stay hydrated and check on neighbors. Older adults, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people, children and infants face the greatest risks.    

  

“The combination of dangerous heat and unhealthy air is a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health,” said Mayor Mamdani. “If you can, stay somewhere cool with air conditioning, limit your time outdoors, drink plenty of water and check on your neighbors — especially older New Yorkers and anyone with a health condition. Our administration is opening cooling centers, distributing free masks and expanding outreach across the five boroughs. We’ll get through this the same way we always do: together.”  

  

“Outreach workers, librarians, firefighters and police officers are handing out masks in every borough, and cooling center staff are opening doors to anyone who needs relief. That’s the City’s emergency management system at work,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Everyday New Yorkers are part of that system too. Limit your time outdoors, check on your neighbors, especially anyone having trouble breathing or managing a health condition, and text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 so you know the moment conditions change.”  

  

Preparing for Dangerous Heat  

  

Mayor Mamdani is extending the City’s Heat Emergency Plan through Thursday. Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open, and outreach teams will continue intensified efforts under Code Red to connect homeless New Yorkers with safe, air-conditioned spaces.  

  

New Yorkers can find cooling centers, including accessible and pet-friendly locations, at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/ or by calling 311. Service animals are always welcome.    

  

Protecting New Yorkers From Poor Air Quality  

  

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is bringing elevated levels of particulate matter into New York City. Air quality reached levels classified as “Unhealthy” in parts of the city Wednesday and is expected to remain poor Thursday.  

  

Free KN95 masks are available at more than 200 New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library locations, all NYPD precincts, nine FDNY firehouses, four major transit hubs and through partnerships with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) and local council members.   

  

The City’s mask distribution network will expand Thursday to every New York Public Library branch and additional outdoor summer events.  

  

New Yorkers can find pickup locations using the City’s Mask Distribution Site map.  

  

The Department of Social Services (DSS) will activate Code Grey on Thursday alongside Code Red. Outreach teams will increase canvassing to distribute masks and connect homeless New Yorkers with cool, air-conditioned spaces. COOL vans will be deployed to support homeless New Yorkers, check on older adults and distribute masks and other essential supplies. Shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, and walk-ins are welcome. Anyone concerned about someone who may need assistance should call 311.  

  

City agencies are adjusting operations to protect New Yorkers during the heat and poor air quality.  

  

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) has directed principals to significantly limit outdoor activities. Schools are rescheduling outdoor field trips and ensuring ventilation and air conditioning systems are operating effectively.  

  

NYC Parks is canceling many of its outdoor programs, including swim programs for children and infants, and moving camp activities indoors where possible. The agency will continue to monitor air quality and visibility and adjust programming, including beach and pool operations, as conditions warrant.  

  

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), NYCEM and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) are coordinating closely to protect outdoor workers. DCAS has also issued guidance to City agencies on remote work.  

  

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.  

  

More information on staying safe during extreme heat is available at nyc.gov/beattheheat, and guidance on wildfire smoke is available at on.nyc.gov/firesmoke.