Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:
“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away.
“Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately.
“All of New York City is mourning this tragedy.”
DEA moves forward with hundreds of registrations under Attorney General’s order establishing federal oversight of qualifying medical marijuana activities
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is moving forward with the initial issuance of hundreds of federal registrations to qualifying state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries under the Attorney General’s order implementing Schedule III controls for certain medical marijuana activities.
The registrations mark the first phase of implementing the Attorney General’s April 23, order under 21 U.S.C. § 811(d), which established a federal regulatory framework for qualifying medical marijuana businesses while maintaining federal controls under the Controlled Substances Act. These initial registrations include more than 900 dispensaries across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each dispensary was required to satisfy applicable federal requirements, including successful completion of DEA’s pre-registration investigation, before receiving federal registration.
“The American people deserve access to the best medical treatments in the world,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The regulated distribution of medical marijuana by the applicants that have been granted registration by the Drug Enforcement Administration will help ensure broader access to chronic pain treatment and the safety of the American people. The Department of Justice will continue prosecuting illegal marijuana trafficking and related criminal activity in accordance with federal law.”
DEA is beginning with dispensaries that submitted applications within the initial 60-day period established by the order and meet applicable federal requirements. To qualify, applicants must operate under a state medical marijuana regulatory framework consistent with federal law and the United States’ international treaty obligations. Each dispensary must also successfully complete DEA’s established pre-registration investigation before receiving federal registration.
State licensure alone does not automatically grant federal registration. Registered dispensaries will be subject to applicable federal requirements, including security, recordkeeping, inventory controls, and other safeguards governing the handling of controlled substances.
DEA will continue processing dispensary applications and issuing registrations to qualifying dispensaries through a phased registration process while maintaining its regulatory and enforcement responsibilities under federal law. DEA is also reviewing registration applications from medical marijuana manufacturers and distributors, which supply medical marijuana to dispensaries. Those applications require additional review, including facility inspections, production controls, and quota determinations.
Under the Attorney General’s order, qualifying manufacturers, distributors, and dispensaries, that applied within the initial 60-day period and whose applications remain pending may continue to engage in medical marijuana transactions with other qualified applicants and with newly registered entities as their applications remain pending, subject to the order’s requirements. Information for applicants and newly registered entities can be found here.
The Attorney General’s order applies to defined qualifying medical marijuana activities and does not authorize recreational marijuana or other marijuana activities outside its scope. Marijuana not covered by the order remains subject to Schedule I controls. The broader proposed rescheduling of marijuana is being considered through a separate administrative proceeding under the Controlled Substances Act.
SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY
SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS ANNUAL STATE FUNDING WORKSHOP FOR THE 33RD DISTRICT
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SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEADERS FOR NYC-EJA'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY
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Senator Rivera joined environmental justice advocates and community leaders, including Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, at the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance's (NYC-EJA) 35th Anniversary Gala.
Senator Rivera was recognized for his leadership in advancing New York State's first extreme heat legislation (S5056), a step toward protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers as climate change causes dangerous temperatures more frequently. Thank you Executive Director Eddie Bautista for this amazing honor!
SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NIÑO DE LA CARIDAD FOUNDATION AND FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FOR THE LATINOS DESTINADOS A TRIUNFAR SUMMIT
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Recently, Senator Rivera joined the Niño de la Caridad Foundation and Fordham University for the Latinos Destinados a Triunfar Summit, a day focused on career exploration, networking, mentorship, workshops, and professional development.
Thank you to Dr. Ana Nuñez, Executive Director of the Niño de la Caridad Foundation; Fordham University President Tania Tetlow; Henry R. Muñoz III; Dr. Denise Nuñez; and Dr. Michael D. Cabana for the invitation.
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Senator Rivera commends all the students who attended for taking the initiative to expand their knowledge and explore their futures. He believes opportunities like this can transform students’ lives and create lasting, positive change in their communities.
SENATOR RIVERA JOINS RIVERDALE NEIGHBORS FOR A NY HEALTH ACT RALLY
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GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL SIGNS SENATOR FERNANDEZ'S BILL TO DESIGNATE LITTLE YEMEN AS A CULTURAL DISTRICT INTO LAW
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“I am so proud that Governor Hochul signed Senator Fernandez’s bill into law designating Little Yemen as a cultural district. This designation honors the incredible contributions of our Yemeni neighbors to our beautiful borough. What makes our State great is the vibrant diversity of New Yorkers and our rich immigrant history, so I am grateful to welcome this honor and support to our Little Yemen community.”
-State Senator Gustavo Rivera-
SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS COMMUNITY EVENTS ACROSS HIS DISTRICT
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Earlier this month, Senator Rivera attended at the Williamsbridge Fall Fiesta with NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte and Parks staff!
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Senator Rivera addressed the crowd at the Jerome Gun Hill Road BID 25th Anniversary Fall Festival!
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Senator Rivera joins Laura Levine-Pinedo and the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation for their Annual BOO! On Mosholu event!
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COLLEGE APPLICATION AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES FOR NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS!🎓📚
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS & ADVISING:
You don’t have to go out of state to receive a world-class education! NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) students can apply to CUNY, SUNY, and many NYS Colleges for Free.
If students and families require support to complete their applications or explore their options, they can obtain support from a trained professional. Click here to get support through our Free College and Career Virtual Advising Program. Program hours are 5:00pm-8:00pm on these weekdays: Tuesday-Friday.
Seniors should be encouraged to sign up for text messages to gain access to important reminders and resources.
New York Public Library offers College and Career Pathways support in over 40 hubs in Manhattan and the Bronx.
FINANCIAL AID:
Students can get support through the College and Career Virtual Advising Program (link above). Parents can also schedule appointments for financial aid support through Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program EDCAP. Also, Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is also hosting many events to supports students and families in this important process.
The State University of New York (SUNY) is also hosting financial aid overview sessions and SUNY Admissions sessions.
Families can also access the Understanding Financial Aid and FAFSA Guides website and download the guide in their home languages.
DEADLINE MONDAY 11/16: ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:APPLY TO CUNY FOR FREE!
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The City University of New York (CUNY) will waive its $65 freshman application fee for New York City public high school seniors Sept. 15 through Nov. 16, a month longer than last year. Take advantage of this amazing opporutnity and apply to the nation’s largest urban public university!
UPDATES FROM NYC PARKS BRONX BOROUGH COMMISSIONER JESSENIA APONTE REGARDING THE PERMITS PORTAL
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THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WILL UPGRADE THEIR UNEMPLOYEMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
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On November 2, 2026, the Department will begin transitioning to an upgraded unemployment insurance system called Unemployment Services. This upgraded system will include many enhancements for users, including fewer delays, real-time updates, and greater accessibility. While the Department of Labor implements this upgraded system, individuals will be unable to file for unemployment insurance, certify for benefits, or reach their call centers. Specific dates regarding this upgrade are below: • November 2: The upgrade begins. Online and phone services for unemployment insurance are unavailable beginning at 5 pm. The Department expects the upgrade to take 9 – 12 days • Upgraded system available 9-12 days after the upgrade begins: Customers with active claims must use the upgraded system to certify benefit payments. New customers can begin to file claims in the upgraded unemployment system. During the 9-to-12-day upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. Individuals will not be able to file unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information. As a result, payments will be delayed. Customers will need to file or certify in the upgraded system when it’s available to receive all benefits due to them. The Department will notify all customers when the upgraded system is available. Also during the upgrade period, Career Centers will be available by virtual appointments only. During those appointments, Career Center staff will not be able to assist with unemployment insurance, but they can help customers with their job search. If this will affect you, we encourage you to stay up to date by following the Department’s website and official social media accounts. |
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New SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know
New federal rules are changing SNAP work requirements for some New Yorkers. Starting this year, certain adults may need to work, attend job training, or volunteer to keep their benefits.
You may be affected if you are:
● Between ages 18–64
● Not living with a child under 14
● Not exempt due to a health condition or other reason
If these rules apply to you, you may need to take action each month to avoid losing your SNAP benefits.
Check your status and learn what to do: on.nyc.gov/snap.
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The changes from the feds that go into effect on July 1st will have serious implications for over 450,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan that are losing health insurance coverage. Thankfully, Community Health Advocates (CHA) have made themselves available to assist you.
Call the toll-free Helpline (888-614-5400, option 3) Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. With your consent, Senator Rivera's team can also email your information over to CHA for assistance.
CHA can counsel consumers losing Essential Plan coverage about:
This illegal alien was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking authorities in Maryland to not release an illegal alien accused of kidnapping and stabbing a 15-year-old girl.
According to local reporting, the incident occurred in Baltimore on October 22. The suspect, Abubakarr Barrie, an illegal alien from Sierra Leone, picked up the victim and brought her to a basement property that he was renting at the time. Once inside, he allegedly stabbed her several times before she managed to escape and was eventually encountered by police officers.
Abubakarr Barrie
Baltimore Police arrested Barrie and charged him with attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping. ICE lodged a detainer for Barrie on October 24.
Barrie had previously been arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in July 2026 on charges of third-degree possession of a forged instrument. Although ICE lodged a detainer, New York sanctuary politicians refused to honor it and released Barrie back onto the streets, just three months before he went on to allegedly commit this latest heinous crime in Maryland.
“This illegal alien is charged with attempted murder and kidnapping after he allegedly stabbed a 15-year-old girl,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “This tragedy would never have happened were it not for the multiple failures of sanctuary policies. First, Biden’s open borders let this monster into our country, then sanctuary politicians in New York refused to hand him over to ICE and released him after a previous arrest three months before this horrific crime. DHS is urging Baltimore County authorities to learn from sanctuary New York’s mistakes, honor ICE’s detainer against this illegal alien, and prevent him from harming any more Americans.”
Barrie illegally entered the United States through Arizona in December 2023, and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration.
The Richmond Hill and Ozone Park neighborhoods in Southeast Queens near JFK Airport saw strong growth in jobs and private sector businesses in the decade ending 2024, according to a new economic report released by Comptroller DiNapoli at the Queens Public Library in South Ozone Park. These neighborhoods are home to a diverse population experiencing progress from rising household income, job and business growth, improving student performance and declining poverty rates—all bright spots, along with the development of a new world class cancer center and major improvements to local transportation and entertainment hubs. But there are still challenges and work to be done to keep these neighborhoods moving forward.
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Local government sales tax collections totaled $19.6 billion from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.6% ($1.4 billion) compared to the same period last year, according to the quarterly sales tax report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. All regions of the state had year-over-year sales tax collection increases, but higher costs are forcing many families to stretch their household budgets, which could in turn reduce consumer spending. Given this risk, local governments should temper their expectations for sales tax revenue growth.
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Comptroller DiNapoli and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that a New Windsor man was sentenced to six to eighteen years in prison in connection with his guilty plea to Grand Larceny in the First Degree. His wife was sentenced to six months incarceration and five years’ probation in connection with her earlier guilty plea to the felony charge of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree.
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The owner of an Ulster County medical transportation service company today pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree for stealing $227,000 by unlawfully billing the Medicaid program by inflating charges and billing for services that were never provided, Comptroller DiNapoli and Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji announced.
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The tax collector for the Town of Taylor was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $18,000 from the town over a six-year period, Comptroller DiNapoli, Cortland County District Attorney Patrick A. Perfetti, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced. The defendant appeared before Judge Randolph Krumanin in Cortland County Superior Court.
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