Attorney General James Secures $500,000 from Bloomberg News for Deceiving Consumers about Subscriptions

 

Bloomberg News Must Pay Penalties, Improve Policies, and Provide Refunds for Eligible Customers 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $500,000 from Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg News) for failing to inform customers of subscription terms, including automatic renewals that came with drastic price increases. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that subscribers faced increasing fees without warning and that Bloomberg News made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions to its news website, Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg News failed to clearly disclose the Bloomberg.com subscription terms, provide consumers with the subscription acknowledgment required by New York law, or notify subscribers before automatic renewal. As a result, some consumers found themselves paying significantly increased amounts for subscriptions that they weren’t aware they still had. Under the settlement with OAG, Bloomberg News must pay $500,000 in penalties, change its subscription practices, and offer restitution to subscribers who complained or who canceled their subscriptions after they were automatically renewed.

“Tricking consumers into costly subscriptions with misleading terms is illegal in New York,” said Attorney General James. “Bloomberg News failed to inform consumers that the price of their subscription would increase significantly during an automatic renewal and made people jump through hoops to cancel. My office took action to get New Yorkers their money back and ensure consumers will be fully informed of their subscription terms.”

New York law requires subscription terms to be clearly disclosed to customers, including the minimum term, the fact that the subscription renews, and the cancellation policy. Businesses must also obtain consent for automatic renewals, provide a post-purchase acknowledgment, and offer an easy cancellation mechanism.  

Subscriptions to Bloomberg.com vary widely in price and can increase dramatically after an initial promotional period. A first-time subscription can cost $1.99 for the first three months but then increase automatically to $39.99 per month. Similarly, a student annual subscription cost $99 but automatically increased to $415 after graduation, with no warning.

The OAG’s investigation found that Bloomberg News did not clearly disclose the Bloomberg.com subscription terms to its consumers. Bloomberg News failed to clearly notify consumers that Bloomberg.com subscriptions dramatically increased in price after the initial trial period and automatically renewed. Bloomberg News also did not provide consumers with an adequate post-purchase acknowledgment and did not give them sufficient notice prior to renewal. Bloomberg News failed to adequately inform customers about how to cancel their Bloomberg.com subscriptions, made it difficult to find cancellation information, and did not refund annual subscriptions despite promising customers during sign up that they could “cancel any time.” 

Since 2021, Bloomberg News’ website and chatbot presented consumers with a maze of questions and options, forcing some consumers to click through multiple pages before reaching an option to cancel their Bloomberg.com subscriptions. Customers could also cancel by email or phone, but Bloomberg News did not inform subscribers they could do so until 2023.

The high price of subscriptions meant that customers who were misled by Bloomberg.com’s terms were charged significant amounts of money. In some cases, annual student plans jumped over $300 after graduation, with no warning. Other annual subscribers saw increases of over $100 when their subscriptions automatically renewed. Customers also complained that they were unaware the $1.99 monthly Bloomberg.com subscription they signed up for would turn into a $34.99 monthly subscription after an initial introductory period.

Under the settlement with OAG, Bloomberg News must pay $500,000 in penalties and provide refunds to eligible subscribers in New York and nationwide. Eligible subscribers include those who filed complaints with Bloomberg News, the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, or OAG. Bloomberg News will also provide restitution to eligible consumers who canceled their subscriptions after they automatically renewed at a higher price. 

In addition to paying penalties to the state and providing refunds to consumers, Bloomberg News must improve its disclosures, obtain informed affirmative consent from subscribers, provide customers with acknowledgments that comply with the law and include cancellation and other information, and sufficiently notify consumers before their subscription renews.

HERNANDEZ JOINS INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST TO CONFRONT BRONX MEDICAID FRAUD

 

Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez joined investigative journalist Frank Scales in the Bronx to look into allegations of Medicaid fraud, from cash for medical rides that never happen to prescription drugs sold back to pharmacies.

 

The investigation found a dense cluster of healthcare facilities packed into a small part of the Bronx, and residents described what they had seen firsthand. One man said he knows about 50 people who are each paid roughly $150 to enroll in medical transportation without ever taking a ride. Getting paid to sign up was easy, he said. Getting an actual ride was nearly impossible.

 

A Bronx woman said doctors kept prescribing her promethazine even though she didn’t need or take it, and admitted to reselling it to pharmacies at a discount. Another resident said he was offered money to let others use his Medicaid card.

Hernandez confronted pharmacies directly about the allegations. None offered assurances that the activity wasn’t happening. The residents’ allegations have not been independently established as criminal violations.

 

“In one investigation, we uncovered serious allegations of Medicaid fraud that demand immediate attention,” said Hernandez. “Tom DiNapoli has had nearly 19 years as Comptroller to root out fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. New Yorkers deserve to know why these schemes are allegedly happening and what his office has done to stop them.”

 

Hernandez has proposed a dedicated Fraud Strike Team, expanded real-time audits, and advanced data analytics to catch suspicious Medicaid billing patterns.

 

“When people are getting paid for medical rides they never take, prescription drugs are allegedly being sold back to pharmacies, and Medicaid cards are being treated like cash, taxpayers deserve answers,” Hernandez continued. “As Comptroller, I will follow the money, audit the payments, and refer evidence of criminal wrongdoing to law enforcement. Medicaid is supposed to help vulnerable New Yorkers, not enrich people exploiting the system.”

 

Watch the full investigation here.

Governor Hochul Announces New Yorkers Can Now Apply for Home Heating Assistance

Home Energy Assistance Program Helps New Yorkers Cover the Cost of Keeping Heat on Amid Rising Energy Prices

Eligible Households Could Receive Up To $1,086 To Help Keep Their Homes Warm This Winter

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State is now accepting applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helping eligible New Yorkers save on the cost of heating their homes this winter amid rising energy costs. The program could provide up to $1,086 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and older adults, depending on how they heat their home.

“No New Yorker should have to choose between heating their homes this winter and keeping food on the table,” Governor Hochul said. “As President Trump’s war in Iran drives up energy prices across the country, programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program will deliver relief to New Yorkers who need it most.”

Households that do not automatically receive assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can begin applying today, Monday, November 2.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/HEAP to learn more and apply. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

The benefit amounts vary based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household includes a vulnerable member. A family of four can have a gross monthly income up to $6,852, or an annual gross income of up to $82,230, and still qualify for assistance.

In response to the rising cost of heating oil and kerosene stemming from President Trump’s war in Iran, New York State has increased base HEAP benefit amounts for recipients who have their heating fuel delivered to enable them to purchase a minimum delivery of fuel. The benefit amount for those who heat with oil, kerosene, or propane has been increased by $90, to $990, and the amount for those who heat with wood, pellets, and coal increased by $65 to $700.

Eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility services shut off. Applications for the additional emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 4, 2027.

HEAP benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible low- and middle-income households in need of assistance are encouraged to apply for HEAP benefits as soon as possible.

Beyond helping to defray energy costs, HEAP will also support New Yorkers whose equipment is in need of cleaning and/or repairs. Eligible homeowners can also now apply to have their primary heating equipment inspected and cleaned through the HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit. Homeowners with inoperable heating equipment can also apply to have their heating equipment repaired or replaced through HEAP’s Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information. 

DHS Highlights Worst Illegal Aliens Arrested in Iowa

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement highlighting recent examples of the worst illegal aliens arrested in the state of Iowa, including those convicted for such crimes as domestic violence, drug trafficking, and driving under the influence.

“During those four long years of disastrous open borders and sanctuary policies under Biden, every state became a border state. That includes the great state of Iowa," said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “In recent weeks, ICE has arrested violent assailants, drug traffickers, and drunk drivers. President Trump has promised to make America safe again, and that is what we’re doing by arresting and deporting illegal aliens. DHS will never stop until we have removed as many illegal aliens as possible in order to make everyone’s communities safer.”

Among the worst illegal aliens arrested in Iowa recently are: 

Manuel Avalos Banderas, an illegal alien from Mexico, arrested by ICE in Pottawattamie County on October 19. His criminal history includes convictions for TWO counts of first-degree burglary, dangerous drugs, and illegal re-entry.

Josue Ponce-Ulloa, an illegal alien from Honduras, arrested by ICE in Polk County on October 21. His criminal history includes a conviction for domestic abuse assault.

Axel Sanchez Torres, an illegal alien from Mexico, arrested by ICE in Muscatine on October 1. His criminal history includes domestic violence, drug trafficking, and driving under the influence of liquor.

Gerzon Martinez-Aleman, an illegal alien from El Salvador, arrested by ICE in Hardin County on October 22. Her criminal history includes convictions for intent to deliver cocaine, intent to manufacture/deliver methamphetamine, and carrying weapons – transport in vehicle.

Jefri Hanwar Abel Cap Villagran, an illegal alien from Guatemala, arrested by ICE in Hardin County on October 15. His criminal history includes convictions for assault, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, eluding while exceeding speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more, and an arrest for driving under the influence of liquor.

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Mayor Mamdani Demands ICE Stop Unauthorized Use of City Lots, Threatens Legal Action

 

After ICE agents were reportedly seen staging in City-owned lots, Mayor warns DHS the City will take legal action if ICE continues its unauthorized use of City property 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immediately stop its unauthorized and therefore illegal use of New York City-owned property to stage immigration enforcement operations, warning that the City will take legal action if agents continue.

In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella, and ICE New York Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo, the Mayor made clear that the City has not authorized ICE to use its property for immigration-related operations. He called on ICE to issue guidance explicitly prohibiting agents from using City-owned lots to stage or conduct those operations.

ICE agents have reportedly parked vehicles and held meetings in several unstaffed City-owned lots, including a lot at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and lots along 111th Street on the west side of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. Those Queens lots sit next to a City-run preschool and several cultural institutions that welcome hundreds of children and families every day.

To further safeguard against ICE’s unauthorized use of City property and lots, as part of Executive Order 13, the Mamdani administration has been working with City agencies to update their policies and protocols related to non-local law enforcement attempts to gain access to City property and lots. Alongside issuing the letter to ICE, the administration is also announcing a new NYC Parks policy today for frontline workers, which strengthens the procedures that Parks employees must follow when responding to attempts by non-local law enforcement, including ICE, to access non-public and public areas of Parks property. This new policy and ongoing training will ensure Parks employees are equipped to enforce our local laws and protect Parks spaces for the safe use and enjoyment of all New Yorkers.

“ICE has no right to use our property as a base for tearing families apart. That goes for every park and every lot this City owns. This unauthorized use of City property must end now,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Today, I’m telling DHS to order its agents off our lots. If they keep coming back, we will see them in court.”

“No family in New York should fear that going to the park or walking through their neighborhood could mean being torn away from their loved ones,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am deeply disturbed by reports that ICE is using public property to carry out aggressive immigration enforcement operations. I was proud to sign the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act to prevent local resources from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement, and I stand with Mayor Mamdani in demanding an end to the unauthorized use of City property for these operations.”

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul signed the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act in law, which prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement, ensuring local law enforcement resources remain focused on protecting New Yorkers rather than carrying out federal immigration operations.

"Every person who calls New York City home is a New Yorker, and every one of them deserves to feel safe here," said New York Attorney General Letitia James. "We have a collective responsibility to stand up for our neighbors, and we cannot sit idly by while their rights are ignored. Immigrants built this city, and as long as the Statue of Liberty stands proudly in our harbor, we will continue to protect our friends and neighbors in New York’s immigrant communities.”

“When we say ICE out of New York, we mean it — and we’re not going to let this rogue agency use city property to terrorize our city’s residents,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “While private entities like Target are revealing themselves by failing to condemn ICE’s use of private spaces for staging, the city is sending a strong message about our public spaces, reinforcing our commitment to immigrant New Yorkers and their neighbors.”

 "Now that the Department of Homeland Security is clearly on notice regarding its unauthorized use of city lots, there is no excuse for continuing to commandeer city property and we are prepared to go to court if it does not stop,” said NYC Corporation Counsel Steven Banks.

Today’s action follows the Mayor’s October 16th letter, joined by more than 100 elected officials, urging private parking garage and lot owners to deny ICE the use of their property. The letter came after ICE agents recklessly shot Oscar Belgal in Marble Hill while his 5-year-old son sat in the car. Agents had reportedly been staging operations from a private lot a few blocks away.

"Our city parks are our backyard, and both NYC residents and visitors deserve to feel safe when enjoying them," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "We commend this administration for creating this first-of-its-kind policy to guide and support our frontline Parks staff, while ensuring that our public spaces remain a resource for people of all backgrounds to use without fear."

The full letter is available here. The Parks policy is available here.

2026 VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA)–WEDNESDAY NOV. 4 –MONTHLY MEETING—7PM

 

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Former BizJet Sales Manager Pleads Guilty to Foreign Bribery

 

Jald Jensen, 73, of Panama City, and previously of Van Nuys, California, a former sales manager of BizJet International Sales and Support Inc. (BizJet), pleaded guilty for his role in connection with a scheme to pay bribes to government officials in Latin America to secure business for BizJet. 

“This defendant and his co-conspirators put profits above ethics and fair competition,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Mr. Jensen’s arrest, extradition, and guilty plea marks the final conviction in this long-running case. We will continue to enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by aggressively pursuing those who use bribery and corruption to gain an unfair advantage in international business.”

“This conviction underscores our commitment to accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “The defendant was returned to the United States to face charges stemming from a 2012 indictment, which alleged his role in a scheme to pay bribes to government officials in Latin America while serving as a sales manager for BizJet. We thank our law enforcement partners whose coordinated efforts made this extradition possible.”

“Jensen finally faces justice for his yearslong scheme to bribe foreign government officials to win business for BizJet,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “His plea reflects the FBI's long memory and global reach. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding corporations and individuals accountable for international corruption.”

According to court documents, between 2004 and 2010, Jensen was a regional sales manager for BizJet, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG, which provides aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. During that time, BizJet provided services to customers in Latin America, Mexico, and Panama, including services to the air fleet for the Mexican President, the Mexico Federal Police, the Governor of the Mexican State of Sinaloa, and the Panama Aviation Authority. Jensen’s responsibilities as a BizJet regional sales manager included obtaining business from new customers and maintaining and increasing business with existing customers.

In his role as a sales manager, Jensen bribed foreign officials with authority and influence over contract awards and conspired with others to unlawfully direct business to BizJet. Jensen then conspired with others to conceal and funnel money to the foreign officials from various bank accounts throughout the United States, including through Jensen’s shell company, Avionica International & Associates Inc. 

In 2012, BizJet entered a deferred prosecution agreement and paid a criminal penalty of $11.8 million. Between 2012 and 2013, three of Jensen’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty to their roles in their schemes: Bernd Kowalewski, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Dubois, former Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Neal Uhl, former Vice President of Finance.

Jensen was extradited from Panama to the United States in September 2026. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The Court will schedule sentencing for a date in 2027, and Jensen and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office, International Corruption Unit, is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Jensen’s arrest and extradition from Panama. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Assistant Chief William Schurmann and Trial Attorney Joel Crespo of the Criminal Division’s White Collar and Corporate Enforcement Section are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s White Collar and Corporate Enforcement Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found here.

Early Voting Check-Ins General Election 2026

 

November 1, 2026 - Day 9

 

• Manhattan - 188,434
• Bronx - 67,630
• Brooklyn - 219,536
• Queens - 162,914
• Staten Island - 52,012

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 690,526