Midtown Tribune

Midtown Tribune News Header

Author: Midtown Tribune news ffrom New York

  • New York. Adams, Aviles-Ramos, Kaufman Kick Off 2026 ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ Esports; Students to Redesign Sunset Park’s Pier 6

    New York. Adams, Aviles-Ramos, Kaufman Kick Off 2026 ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ Esports; Students to Redesign Sunset Park’s Pier 6

    Battle of the Boroughs NYC news 2025

    Oct. 21, 2025—Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and MOME Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman launched the sixth annual “Battle of the Boroughs,” a Minecraft Education esports contest inviting K–12 students to reimagine Pier 6 at the MADE Bush Terminal Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The city will baseline $60,000 to support technology needs for participants and educators; team submissions are open now through Jan. 16, 2026, via the New York City Public Schools website. Top entries will advance to in-person borough qualifiers and a Mayor’s Cup Final at the 2026 New York City Video Game Festival. The program aligns with City Hall’s digital-games push as the local industry grows to roughly 380 studios, 7,900 jobs and an estimated $2.6 billion in economic impact.

    Mayor Adams, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos, Commissioner Kaufman Kick Off 2026 “Battle of the Boroughs” E-Sports Competition

     – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman today launched the first round of the sixth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition (BOTB). Through BOTB, K-12 students compete to build a more inclusive, sustainable, future-ready New York City in Minecraft while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, for the first time, the Adams administration will baseline $60,000 for the annual competition to support critical technology needs for participants and educators. Submissions for student teams are open now and close on January 16, 2026. Information on how to join the challenge, as well as entry-level training courses for educators to bring digital gaming into their classrooms, is available on the New York City Public Schools website.

    “We’re not just making sure our students are prepared to join the digital gaming industry but training them to lead it — that is what this competition is all about,” said Mayor Adams. “By encouraging students to learn computer science, build critical thinking skills, and explore sustainable design, we are both engaging our young people today and laying the foundation for good-paying careers after they graduate. Congratulations to last year’s winners and good luck to this year’s teams!”

    “The annual Battle of the Boroughs competition showcases the incredible potential of our students when they’re given the tools and the platform to thrive,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “The new funding set aside by New York City Public Schools to support this initiative will help us to celebrate and lift the creativity and innovation of our young people even further. I’m proud of every student who participates, and I’m grateful to the educators and partners who continue to support them every step of the way.”

    “The annual Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition is back, with the earliest entry date yet, so that even more students across the five boroughs get an opportunity to enter and take a meaningful step towards an education and career in the city’s burgeoning digital games industry,” said MOME Commissioner Kaufman. “The Adams administration and our office are committed to supporting digital game development through the Battle of the Boroughs competition leading to the Mayor’s Cup Final and the second annual New York City Video Game Festival in the spring of 2026.”

    “The Battle of the Boroughs empowers the next generation of New Yorkers to use digital gaming technology to reimagine city spaces, inspiring NYCEDC and our continuous revitalization work,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “The competition is an outstanding opportunity to engage students across the five boroughs in city planning, digital innovation, and sustainability, and NYCEDC looks forward each year to seeing the visionary concepts from our city’s young minds.”

    BOTB — which was developed in partnership with Minecraft Education and builds on Mayor Adams’ Digital Gaming Initiative, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done (GSD) — is a scholastic digital gaming competition in which elementary, middle, and high school students compete to design future-ready city spaces. Through the competition, students explore the five boroughs, learn more about New York City’s sustainability plans, and develop valuable computer science and critical thinking skills.

    Mayor Adams today also announced the prompt for the first round of this year’s competition: to reimagine Pier 6 at the MADE Bush Terminal Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. In August 2025, the Adams administration broke ground on a transformation of the actual Pier 6, which will create an engaging new open space for community residents and tenants of the MADE Bush Terminal Campus. The campus offers modern facilities and gathering space to promote manufacturing and business activity along the Sunset Park waterfront. In the first round of the competition, students are encouraged to create alternative designs for the project. Top submissions will compete at an in-person qualifying round in each borough. The BOTB Mayor’s Cup Final will take place during the 2nd Annual New York City Video Game Festival in the spring of 2026, presented by MOME.

    As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Adams also celebrated last year’s winning student teams:

    Since coming into office, the Adams administration has made historic investments to establish New York City as a leading hub for digital games, including investing over $2 million in CUNY’s first-ever Game Design Bachelor’s Degree; launching the NYC Summer of Games initiative to shine a light on all digital events in the city throughout the summer; creating the first-ever Game Development Industry Council to advise the city’s policies and programs in the games development sector; and supporting game and workforce development though the “Made in NY” Developer Grant, the “Made in NY” Animation Training Program, and the NYU Game Design Future Lab. Collectively, this work is helping to spur the digital games industry and create good-paying jobs for New Yorkers.

    The city’s digital gaming industry has continued to grow under the Adams administration. Since 2019, the number of game development studios in New York City has increased by 90 percent, to 380 studios today; the number of industry jobs has increased by four percent, to 7,900 jobs; and the economic impact of the industry has increased by 30 percent, to $2.6 billion.

    “Battle of the Boroughs has proven that, when you give students a platform like Minecraft to show their creativity and critical thinking skills, they come together in amazing ways to solve complex challenges,” said Allison Matthews, head, Minecraft Education at Mojang Studios. “In this new AI era, these skills have never been more important. We are thrilled to be part of this year’s kickoff with Microsoft and can’t wait to see what’s crafted during the competition.”

    Office of the Mayor

    October 21, 2025 NEW YORK

    Sources:  NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  •  U.S. Department of Justice: Government Employee Arrested for Unlawful Retention of National Defense Information

     U.S. Department of Justice: Government Employee Arrested for Unlawful Retention of National Defense Information

    U.S. Department of Justice Government Employee Arrested USA News

    Ashley Tellis, 64, a U.S. citizen residing in Vienna, Virginia, was arrested on Oct. 11 in connection with his alleged unlawful retention of classified national defense information. Tellis appeared today in the Eastern District of Virginia for a detention hearing.

    “Safeguarding our country’s national defense information is a top priority,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sue J. Bai of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “For those entrusted with our country’s most sensitive information, protecting it is a privilege and solemn responsibility. With the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors and agents, we will hold this defendant accountable for breaching that trust and exploiting his security clearance to unlawfully retain classified information detailing our military capabilities.”

    “The FBI arrested Ashley Tellis, a senior advisor at the Department of State and a contractor within the Department of Defense, for allegedly removing over a thousand pages of classified national defense information from government facilities and storing them in his home,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “This arrest should serve as a stark warning to anyone thinking about undermining national security. The FBI and our partners will do everything within our power to find you and hold you accountable.”

    “We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

    “U.S. government security clearance holders are entrusted to keep our nation’s most sensitive secrets safe,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “By allegedly removing classified documents from government facilities and storing them in his basement, Mr. Tellis betrayed that trust. The FBI and our federal partners acted quickly to execute a court-authorized search warrant and arrest Tellis to protect our national security and prevent highly classified defense information from falling into the wrong hands.”

    According to court documents, Tellis held a Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. He has worked for the U.S. Department of State since 2001 and currently serves in addition as a contractor for the Department of Defense’s Office of Net Assessment. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    As alleged, Tellis accessed classified documents on multiple occasions from secured facilities, including a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at the Department of Defense and a secure computer system at the Department of State. In one instance, Tellis altered the filename of a classified document, printed portions of it under the altered title, and then deleted the re-named file. In another incident, he was observed placing classified materials into a notepad and concealing them within his personal briefcase before leaving a secured government facility.

    During a court-authorized search of Tellis’s residence, investigators recovered over 1,000 pages of documents with classification markings, including materials labeled SECRET and/or TOP SECRET. These documents were found in locked filing cabinets, in a basement home office, and in trash bags stored in a basement utility area.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Schlessinger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Updated October 21, 2025

    Sources:  U.S. Department of Justice . Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York. AG Letitia James Sues to Turn the Lights Back On

    New York. AG Letitia James Sues to Turn the Lights Back On

    New York News laticha James Solar Panel

    In a plot twist no solar installer asked for, New York Attorney General Letitia James and a multi-state crew filed twin lawsuits on October 16, 2025 to revive EPA’s now-canceled $7B “Solar for All” program—money meant to bring rooftop savings to nearly a million low-income households, including ~$250M for NYSERDA. They argue the EPA’s August shutdown (after funds were already obligated) flunks the Administrative Procedure Act, tramples Congress’s power of the purse, and breaches grant agreements—so they’re asking one court to restart the program and another to pay damages. Governors, AGs, and agencies from around the map joined in, essentially telling EPA: you can’t just unplug the sun and walk away.

    Attorney General James Takes Action
    to Protect Clean Energy for Vulnerable Communities

    AG James Joins Coalition Suing to Protect Billions of Dollars Intended to Provide Affordable Home Solar Power to Communities Nationwide
    EPA Illegally Revoked Nearly $250 Million for New York 

    – New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a coalition of plaintiffs in filing two lawsuits to protect billions of dollars in grant funding that would connect nearly one million households nationwide in low-income and vulnerable communities with affordable solar power. In August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally ended the Solar for All (SFA) program and rescinded billions of dollars already issued to states to fund programs that would bring low-cost home solar power to communities nationwide. Attorney General James and the coalition have filed lawsuits in the Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington seeking court orders ruling the administration’s termination of SFA unlawful and damages for the termination of individual grants worth billions of dollars.

    “Providing more communities with affordable clean energy will help lower energy bills and tackle the climate crisis,” said Attorney General James. “The Solar for All program delivers critical resources to help install solar power on homes across the country. The EPA’s cancellation of Solar for All is illegal and unconstitutional, and I will keep fighting to ensure our communities have access to these funds.”

    “The Trump administration’s continued assault on clean energy programs, including the attempt to cancel the Solar for All Program, is in direct contrast to the President’s claims of wanting U.S. energy independence,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “The Statewide Solar for All program is part of a true all-of-the-above energy strategy in New York that is designed to generate significant benefits for our health, environment, economy, and for the thousands of New Yorkers who would benefit from lower electric bills.”

    “At a time when affordability is top of mind for every New Yorker, especially for those with low to moderate incomes, the federal government should be partnering with states to advance an abundance of locally produced, clean energy that can help provide cost savings on monthly electric bills,” said Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. “The Environmental Protection Agency’s unlawful termination of the federal Solar for All program is creating a crippling ripple effect on the clean energy industry while forcing hard-working Americans to choose between household essentials as they try to budget for the increasing costs of electricity, heat and groceries.”

    As part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, Congress created and funded an EPA program that would provide states with funding to help low-income and vulnerable communities access clean energy technologies, including rooftop solar power. The EPA program, later named SFA, selected 60 grant recipients, including states, tribal governments, local governments, and nonprofit groups, to receive this funding. In August 2024, EPA announced that it had obligated $7 billion through SFA to deliver residential solar power to more than 900,000 low-income households nationwide. In New York, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was awarded $249,800,000 in SFA funding. Leaders in states across the country began developing SFA programs, meeting with community members and utility companies, and negotiating agreements with contractors to help install new solar infrastructure.

    In July 2025, the administration enacted legislation that rescinded any remaining funds that had not been obligated as part of SFA. However, in August 2025, EPA began illegally targeting SFA and its funding that had already been obligated to states – funding that should not have been impacted by the new legislation. On August 7, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced, “the Trump EPA is…ending Solar for All for good.” Shortly after, EPA shut down the SFA program and removed up to 90 percent of states’ SFA funds with no explanation.

    In the District Court, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that EPA’s termination of the SFA program is illegal and unconstitutional. Stripping this program away entirely from states violates the Administrative Procedure Act and overrides Congress’s constitutional power of the purse. Attorney General James and the coalition also argue in the Court of Federal Claims that revoking the already obligated SFA grants is an illegal breach of contract and taking of property.

    Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order from the District Court ruling EPA’s elimination of SFA unlawful and ordering the resumption of the program. In addition, they are seeking damages from the Court of Federal Claims for the unlawful termination of individual grants, including the nearly $250 million grant to NYSERDA.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing the lawsuit in the District Court are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Also joining the lawsuit are the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, as well as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing the lawsuit in the Court of Federal Claims are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Also joining the lawsuit are the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, as well as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

    Letitia James

    New York State Attorney General

    October 16, 2025

    NEW YORK

    #CleanEnergy #SolarForAll #LetitiaJames #EPA #NYSERDA #LowIncomeCommunities #Climate #Renewables #NewYork #Lawsuit

    Sources: AG.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Adams Talks Albania, Business Ties—and a Nonstop to Tirana

    Adams Talks Albania, Business Ties—and a Nonstop to Tirana

    NY ALBA LIFE ADAMS 17 October 2025

    In an Alba Life TV interview, New York Mayor Eric Adams praised the Albanian diaspora, touted his first mayoral trip to Tirana and floated “green-smoothie diplomacy”: more tech and business exchanges, possibly a delegation visit, and a push for a nonstop NYC–Tirana flight for the layover-averse. He cited gains in jobs, housing and crime reduction, saying a successor should keep the trend line, while leaving ambassador chatter politely unanswered. Off-duty notes were pure Adams: meditation, workouts, a daily green smoothie, nightlife boosterism as economic policy, shout-outs to Sylvia’s and La Baia (plus a cigar or two), and a coda on his proudest moment—holding up his late mother’s photo at his Jan. 1, 2022 swearing-in in Times Square.

    Mayor Adams Appears on “Alba Life”

    Klodiana Zylo: Mayor Adams, it is a great honor and pleasure to get this interview for Alba Life TV based in New York with Albanian diaspora viewers across the United States and across the globe. I had the opportunity to listen to your speech last month at the Albanian-American Relations Council Gala and I was absolutely blown away by your warmth and support for the Albanian community. At the end of the event, I also had the luck to take a picture with you, which has been the highlight of my social media accounts. 

    And so to have the opportunity to interview you today is an absolute privilege. So thank you. For our viewers today, we are here with the Honorable Mayor Eric Adams, who is the 110th mayor of New York City and has served in this role since 2022. Prior to that, Mayor Adams had a very distinguished career in the New York City Police Department and as a New York state senator and Brooklyn borough president. 

    Mayor Adams, you have been a big supporter of the Albanian community here in New York throughout your mayoral mandate. You just came back from a very historic visit to Albania as the first mayor ever of New York City to visit Albania. We understand that you were invited by Prime Minister Rama, whom you met together with other government officials in Tirana. What was the purpose of this visit and can you share with us some of the impressions during this visit?

    Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much. And I want to first just talk about the contributions that the Albanian community has made to the City of New York. The community believes in family, they believe in faith, they believe in small business, and most importantly, they believe in public safety. The numbers of Albanian officers have grown in the Police Department, they’re on the front line of ensuring that our city lives up to the belief that public safety is the prerequisite to our prosperity. And they have added so much to the quality of life of our city. 

    Zylo: Thank you. 

    Mayor Adams: Several years ago, I met the prime minister and we developed a good friendship throughout the years. Oftentimes, when he’s here in the city, we get an opportunity to sit down and socialize. And during that time, I promised him I would come and visit him. He was extremely excited about the developments that we have witnessed in Albania. Many people don’t know Albania [went] through a very turbulent period under communism. 

    As he was sharing with me 20 years ago, you only had roughly 70 streetlights in Albania. Now you’re looking at a thriving city, you’re seeing a level of excitement, a level of businesses that are growing. There were little or no skyscrapers in Albania, and now you’re seeing skyscrapers, not only residential but commercial towers. I wanted to look at what they’re doing around technology and what they’re doing around business, particularly women-owned businesses.

    Zylo: That’s wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing that, and especially the context and the background. One of your posts on the X platform about the trip in Albania was around your discussions about the Albanian community in New York and how it can develop a strong business relationship with their home country. 

    What are some of the projects you hope to accomplish with the Albanian government that you may have discussed during this visit? And more specifically, are there plans to ensure that they are seen to completion after you leave office at the end of this year?

    Mayor Adams: My job is to leave the city in good hands and good platforms that we can grow on, something that Mayor Bloomberg did when he was mayor. It is up to the incoming mayor to continue the successes. We’re showing great success in business, more jobs in New York, in the city’s history. In housing, we build more housing than any other mayor. We brought down crime to record levels, including homicides and shootings. Our subway system is safe. 

    And so the role is to have the next mayor built on those successes. And that’s the same with the relationships we’re making in the international community. Commissioner Camara, who’s in charge of my international affairs, has made many of those developments. And I’m hoping specifically the relationship we’re building with the Albanian community, we can grow on. The prime minister has moved the country forward on things like artificial intelligence. 

    What he’s doing there is amazing. How he is allowing every city resident to have a unique identifiable number that allows them to navigate government services without having to reintroduce yourself to government all the time, each time you need those services. Those are the things we can learn on our business operations as well. And so we want to exchange ideas. I’m even looking at a government to bring a group of businessmen from the Albanian community and outside the Albanian community to Albania to see how we can continue to develop business relationships. 

    But we also want to change cultural changes. You know, as you know, the prime minister is an artist, and he’s very much engaged in cultural opportunities in sports [and] tourism. I want to assist and use my political pulpit to get a direct flight to Albania. There’s [inaudible] we don’t have one. We have one to Azerbaijan and Baku. We should do the same when it comes down to Albania.

    Zylo: That’s wonderful. Thank you for sharing that. One thing that our New York and Tri-State area audience would love to confirm is the status of the direct flights between New York City and Tirana that was supposed to start in the summer of 2026. From your meeting in Albania, I understand you advocated for this initiative. So do you think it will go through as planned? Do you have further insight as to this major milestone for our community?

    Mayor Adams: Yes, it is an important milestone. You know, we have one of the largest populations from the country here in New York. And so we would like to see that direct flight. I immediately tasked my team to see if we could help to make that actualized. I think it would be a huge benefit for exchange and tourism and also to allow the members of the community to visit their family members and loved ones back home.

    Zylo: That’s great. I’m truly looking forward to that. Looking back as mayor of New York City, can you talk to us about some of the projects that have been rolled out during this time, specifically with the Albanian diaspora in New York?

    Mayor Adams: Well, again, when you look at the things that are important for the community, small businesses. We have [had] more small businesses operating in New York City in the city’s history. The community is known for their small business in the food industry, the construction industry, and other delivery of services. We’ve made it easier to do business in this city with our Small Business Opportunity Fund, as well as looking at some of the unnecessary fines that the community small businesses were receiving from our city agencies. 

    We revamped many of our fines to make sure that it is something that needs to be given and not just being harmful to small businesses and our small businesses on the go. How we move to the various communities. We’ve been up in the Bronx, on Arthur Avenue, we’ve been on Staten Island, some of the areas where we have a large Albanian population. 

    What I’ve learned from the community is that they would like for business not to be in it, for the government not to be harmful to their business, and that’s what we have been continuing to do. But just as in all residents, the community wants safety. We have made the city a safe place to raise children and families, and that is crucial to the community and we want to continue to do that.

    Zylo: Thank you. We read in the papers of the possibility that you may be appointed as the next ambassador of the United States in Albania. Without entertaining the rumors, is that something that you would welcome?

    Mayor Adams: Well, you know, I am swirled up in all sorts of rumors, you know, people speculating, no matter what. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I think I did an excellent job as the mayor, and I’m leaving the city in good hands for whomever is the mayor in the future. And I’m looking forward to several different offers that I have received. 

    Many people have been extremely pleased by what we’ve done around safety, around business, around education, around health care, around cleanliness. And they’re asking me to go into either business or further governmental services, continuing the success we’ve shown. So I’m not leaving any doors closed. I’m going to look at every open door and make a final determination.

    Zylo: Fantastic. I would personally love it and book an annual trip to come and meet you at the July 4th party in the U.S. Embassy throws in Tirana for the U.S. citizens. So I hope I can see you there and get an invite for it. Lastly, a couple of short personal questions for people to get to know you better as a lifetime New Yorker. Okay. So what’s the one thing about New York City that makes you the proudest to be mayor of?

    Mayor Adams: The people, you know, how diverse we are. We say often that we are the largest of a group, largest Albanian, largest Caribbean diaspora, largest Spanish-speaking, Dominican, Puerto Rican. I think that the diversity of our population allows us to cross-pollinate ideas and to interact and learn from each other. So it’s definitely the people.

    Zylo: So very true. Thank you. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up and how do you unwind after a long day in this sleepless city?

    Mayor Adams: That’s a good question because almost the same [thing] I do when I wake up is what I do before I go to bed. I meditate, pray, do breathing exercises, and do some form of exercise to get my body ready for the day. And then in the morning, I take a nice green smoothie to start the day.

    Zylo: Wow. That’s very inspiring. Thank you for sharing that. Can you share with us some of your favorite local spots or, you know, one of your favorite local spots in New York City?

    Mayor Adams: Yeah, I love the water. Many people call me the nightlife mayor because I knew how important it was to bring our nightlife [to] the city. You know, 100,000 employees are in the nightlife industry, it’s a $30 billion industry. And it basically was on its last breath when I took office. But by going out at night, speaking with the waiters, the dishwashers, the busboys and girls, the bartenders, the cooks, I was able to show them that they matter. 

    And that energy came back to the city. So there’s several nightlife spots that I like, I like to enjoy. Sylvia’s up in Harlem is a favorite of mine. Down in Manhattan is a restaurant called La Baia. I enjoy [going] there and socializing. And I like– I’m a cigar smoker. So I like a few of the cigar locations, you know, up in Washington Heights. They have a few in Harlem. And so I enjoy after a long day [being] able to have a good meal and interact with New Yorkers.

    Zylo: Socialize. Very good. And then what’s the one dish that if, you know, if a tourist comes to New York, they must try?

    Mayor Adams: Oh, wow. There’s so many good dishes. I would tell them to go into the various communities and each community find your favorite dish based on the community. I try to have a plant-based lifestyle. There’s some good plant-based dishes that you could find. So I don’t want to get any trouble talking about one, but there are many.

    Zylo: I’m finding out so much about you. And then lastly, what is the proudest moment as mayor of the most beautiful and most vibrant city in the world?

    Mayor Adams: Well, it was probably on January 1st, 2022. I got sworn in at Times Square and I had a picture of my mother. She was not able to be there with us as I became the mayor. She died in ‘21 while I was on the campaign trail. But it was really right in the center of the greatest city on the globe. I was able to hold up a picture for the entire globe to see her. And that meant a lot to me. And that was probably the proudest moment I had as mayor. And I was extremely pleased by that moment.

    Zylo: That’s very touching. And I’m sure she’s looking down and very proud of you. Well, thank you, sir, so much for your time at the interview. We wish you success in your next chapter. And we hope you continue to maintain your friendship and brotherhood with the Albanians in New York City. I’m going to say thank you the Albanian way. Thank you so much, sir. It’s really, truly an honor. Have a good one.

    Mayor Adams: Take care.

    October 17, 2025

    #Tags: #MayorAdams #AlbanianCommunity #NYC #Tirana #DirectFlight #BusinessTies #TechAndAI #NightlifeEconomy #GreenSmoothie #TimesSquare

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • U.S. Department of Justice. Man Arrested for Alleged Involvement in October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

    U.S. Department of Justice. Man Arrested for Alleged Involvement in October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

    Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi, 33, a Gazan native currently residing in Lafayette, Louisiana, was arrested yesterday for his alleged involvement in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

    “After hiding out in the United States, this monster has been found and charged with participating in the atrocities of October 7 — the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “While nothing can fully heal the scars left by Hamas’s brutal attack, this Department’s Joint Task Force October 7 is dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens. We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and Jewish people around the world against anti-Semitism and terrorism in all its forms.”

    “As set forth in documents filed yesterday, on October 7, when Al-Muhtadi learned of the unfolding barbaric attack on Israel and civilians from multiple nations, including the United States, he sprang into action. He armed himself, recruited additional marauders, and then entered Israel, where there is evidence placing him near one of the worst-hit Israeli communities,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Subsequently, Al-Muhtadi fraudulently obtained a visa to enter the United States where he hoped to remain undetected. This arrest is the first public step in bringing to justice those responsible for harming Americans on that day.” 

    “October 7 is a day that lives in infamy for so many, Gentile and Jew alike, because of the terrorist attack on Israel that began a wave of antisemitic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Let this arrest serve as a reminder both that those who perpetrate acts of terrorism cannot evade justice by hiding in our communities and that state, local, and federal law enforcement — here, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office — are working tirelessly to bring these people to justice.”

    According to court documents, Al-Muhtadi is an operative for the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s (DFLP) military wing, the National Resistance Brigades (NRB, also known as the Martyr Umar al-Qasim Forces), a Gaza-based paramilitary group that participated in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

    As alleged, on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others, and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas’s terrorist attack. According to the complaint, Al-Muhtadi’s phone utilized a cell tower located near Kibbutz Kfar Aza in Israel – the location of a horrifying massacre by Hamas and its supporters resulting in the deaths of many civilians, including at least four American citizens.

    In addition, Al-Muhtadi allegedly provided false information in his U.S. visa application relating to his involvement with a paramilitary organization, connection to Hamas, participation in a terrorist attack, and military training. Al-Muhtadi swore to the accuracy of numerous materially false statements in his visa application with respect to at least his affiliation with DFLP, the NRB, and Hamas, his training, and his involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection records, Al-Muhtadi entered the United States on Sept. 12, 2024.

    Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7) and the FBI New Orleans Field Office are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from Israeli authorities, including the State Attorney’s Office of Israel, the Israeli Security Agency, Lahav 433 and the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Israel National Police, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Israeli National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing, as well as the FBI Law Enforcement Attache Office in Israel. The Louisiana State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided significant assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney John Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana; Trial Attorneys A.J. Dixon, Andrew Sigler and JTF 10-7 Lead Attorney Alicia Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was also provided by Trial Attorney Mark Aziz with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Al-Muhtadi’s presence in the U.S. was discovered by JTF 10-7. Established in February 2025 by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, JTF 10-7 was created to spearhead the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of the heinous October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas, including 49 U.S. citizens, and approximately 250 additional people were abducted by Hamas, including 8 U.S. citizens. The task force reinforces the Department’s commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.

    Updated October 17, 2025

    Source: https://www.justice.gov

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Manhattan. City of New York Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Department of Education Seeking to Protect $47 Million in Federal Education Grants for New York City Public Schools

    Manhattan. City of New York Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Department of Education Seeking to Protect $47 Million in Federal Education Grants for New York City Public Schools

    What you should know

    • State and Local Law Mandates Public Schools Give Access to Bathrooms
      for Public School Students Based on Their Gender Identity 
    • Federal Government is Unlawfully Reneging on Its Obligation to Disperse Funds 
    • New York City Will Continue to Follow All Federal, State, and City Laws
    City of New York Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Department of Education .

    The City of New York today announced a new lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE), U.S. DOE Secretary Linda McMahon, and two other members of the U.S. DOE to protect grant funding that New York City Public Schools is owed by the federal agency after it, last month, sought to block the nation’s largest school system from obtaining $47 million in funds already awarded to the local system. Under a federal program called the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, the city has received five 5-year grants to support 19 New York City magnet schools. In September, U.S. DOE directed New York City Public Schools to violate both state and local law by overhauling its position on bathroom and locker room policies for transgender students in response to an apparent reinterpretation of Title IX under the Trump administration. In the lawsuit, the city argues that U.S. DOE’s decision to discontinue the funding is not only unlawful because they failed to follow the mandatory process required before taking action based on an alleged Title IX violation, but that they are wrong on what Title IX requires, as New York City policy continues to follow local, state, and federal laws, despite U.S. DOE’s attempts to say otherwise.

    “The effort by the U.S. Department of Education to strip our school system of this grant funding violates statutorily-required process and conflicts with longstanding legal precedent regarding the interpretation of Title IX,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “By trying to unlawfully coerce New York City Public Schools into changing its policies and violating local laws, the federal government is showing that it does not have the best interest of students and New Yorkers at heart.”

    “With this lawsuit, New York City Public Schools is fighting back against the U.S. Department of Education’s attack on our magnet program and transgender and gender expansive students,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “U.S. DOE’s threat to cut off tens of millions of dollars in magnet funding unless we cancelled our protections for transgender and gender expansive students is contrary to federal, state, and local law, and, just as importantly, our values as New York City Public Schools. My deepest commitment is to provide our magnet students, our transgender and gender expansive students, and every single student at New York City Public Schools with the ability to thrive academically and socially; to achieve that, my team and I work tirelessly to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and safe. We use every possible tool to do that, as today’s legal action demonstrates.”

    The discontinued Magnet School Assistance Program grants were funding 19 different magnet schools in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, which have historically served isolated, and overwhelmingly low-income Hispanic and Black students, providing curricula in topics such as cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, architecture, and math; multimedia and the arts; performing arts; engineering; journalism; civic activism; and leadership.

    In the complaint — filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York — the city argues that the U.S. DOE’s purported discontinuation of the grants is being carried out unlawfully, without observing procedures required by Title IX and the federal regulations governing the operation of the grants. These laws and regulations collectively require the U.S. DOE to provide notice, an opportunity for a hearing, express findings on the record, and an opportunity to request reconsideration, among other procedural safeguards — none of which were afforded here. Instead, as outlined in the complaint, the U.S. DOE demanded policy changes within three days to comport with “a novel interpretation of Title IX that is not supported by any law, is contrary to the determinations of multiple federal circuit courts, and is contrary to the New York state Constitution and statute.” The city seeks to restore the schools to the status that they held a month ago by requesting that the grant discontinuation be vacated and set aside as arbitrary and capricious, contrary to law, an abuse of discretion, and as having been undertaken without observance of procedures required by law.

    Today’s lawsuit follows a series of letters between the U.S. DOE and New York City Public Schools.

    • In the first letter, on September 16, 2025, U.S. DOE listed six steps the federal government expected New York City Public Schools to take in order to comply with its new and inaccurate interpretation of Title IX and therefore be eligible to maintain its Magnet School Assistance Program grant funding. The letter gave New York City Public Schools three business days to comply with the requests or lose funding.
    • New York City Public Schools responded on September 19, 2025, requesting additional time to consider how to respond to the demand.
    • In an email dated September 20, 2025, the U.S. DOE rejected that request and reiterated its demand that New York City Public Schools revoke its guidelines to support transgender and gender expansive students. DOE extended the deadline to comply with the requested demands to Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM, without any willingness to recognize the directives contradict both local regulations and state law. New York City Public Schools has continued to stand by the legality of its guidelines.
    • Then, as outlined in the complaint, on September 26, 2025, U.S. DOE “compounded their chaotic and unlawful actions by resetting the end of the grants’ performance periods to the next day. The U.S. DOE took all of these actions without warning, well after school budgets had been set, and two weeks after the 2025-2026 school year had already begun.”

    New York City is fully compliant with Title IX, which prevents discrimination on the basis of sex. Additionally, New York State Education Law § 12, New York Executive Law § 296, and New York City Human Rights Law § 8-107 all prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, which is defined to include gender identity or gender expression. Both the Office of the New York Attorney General and the New York State Board of Regents have made clear that state laws require that “transgender and gender expansive students have the right to use facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, or participate on school athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.”

    Today’s lawsuit is accompanied by a motion seeking an immediate preliminary injunction against the federal government to prevent it from cutting off this crucial funding to New York City Public Schools pending the resolution of the lawsuit.

    October 16, 2025

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul Awards Nearly $80M to Speed Up Zero-Emission Transit

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul Awards Nearly $80M to Speed Up Zero-Emission Transit

    NY News Funding Fuels Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets for Non-MTA Transit Providers and Supports Reduction of Greenhouse Gases

    New York State is investing nearly $80 million to help seven non-MTA transit systems switch to cleaner buses and build the charging and hydrogen infrastructure they need. Through the Zero-Emission Transit Transition (ZETT) Program—first launched with $100 million in December 2024 and boosted by $20 million in the FY26 budget—funding goes to CDTA, Centro, NFTA, RTS, Suffolk County Transit, Broome County Transit, and Ulster County Area Transit. Projects include new maintenance and training facilities, utility and safety upgrades, two hydrogen-electric buses for CDTA, up to 18 battery-electric buses for NFTA, 10 hydrogen-electric buses for RTS, 12 battery-electric buses for Suffolk County, three for Broome County, and planning for UCAT’s new EV-ready depot. The goal is simple: cut greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and modernize transit across New York.

    Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nearly $80 million in state funding has been awarded to help seven transit providers expand their use of zero-emission vehicles under the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT). The program supports the Governor’s nation-leading agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve New York’s energy goals.

    “New York’s push to transition public transit agencies to zero-emission fleets is a crucial step in achieving our clean energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Increasing the number of zero-emission transit vehicles in every corner of our state will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities across New York.”

    New York State State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make targeted, smart investments in zero emission transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and NYSDOT’s ZETT program is focused on providing clean transportation alternatives for areas across the Empire State. The Zero-Emission Transit Transition (ZETT) program offers local New York transit agencies a unique opportunity to invest in climate-friendly vehicles for their respective fleets, which will help improve the health of local communities while reducing the state’s carbon footprint.”

    Non-MTA transit authorities were encouraged to apply for funding to support the acquisition of zero-emission transit vehicles, construction of facilities and utility infrastructure for charging and fueling, and necessary planning and design phases for zero-emission capital projects.

    Award recipients and their projects:

    • Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) – $17.5 million: This project will involve the planning, design, and construction of a new training and maintenance facility to support a zero-emission fleet that will cover service in Schenectady and Montgomery Counties, and parts of Saratoga County. The project also includes the purchase of two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
    • Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) – $17.5 million: This project will consolidate facilities and operations in Oneida County to support the transition to a zero-emission fleet, allowing for potential expansion to Madison and Herkimer Counties. The project also includes the purchase of battery-electric and/or hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell vehicles.
    • Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) – $17.5 million: This project will install two lanes of charging infrastructure at the Cold Spring Bus Garage and fund the purchase of 18 battery-electric buses. Additionally, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the infrastructure requirements and costs of expanding the zero-emission fleet to the Frontier and Babcock Bus Garages.
    • Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) – $17.5 million: This facility infrastructure project will update the operations building with utility and safety improvements to accommodate hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. It will also fund the purchase of 10 hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
    • Suffolk County Transit – $5 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of 12 battery-electric buses.
    • Broome County Transit – $3.34 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of three battery-electric buses.
    • Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) – $1.35 million: This project will fund a site selection and design of a new bus facility equipped with electric vehicle charging capabilities.

    First announced in December 2024, the ZETT Program provides $100 million in funding to transit providers across New York State to support the transition of transit fleets to zero-emission propulsion (battery-electric and hydrogen-electric). The FY26 Enacted Budget added $20 million to the fund. Eligible applicants included transit authorities, counties, municipalities, and other entities receiving or eligible to receive New York Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA). The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and intercity bus operators were not eligible.

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “I’ve always believed that our state’s ambitious climate goals go hand-in-hand with our transportation and infrastructure goals. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is establishing itself at the forefront of clean transportation options that will create a greener future for our state while meeting the transit needs of New Yorkers.”

    Assembly Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli said, “It is encouraging to see funding going out to transit authorities to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The proper infrastructure is needed for this transition and these awards will help in this effort, especially Central New York.”

    About the State Department of Transportation
    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers! For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit the DOT website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    October 14, 2025

    Albany, NY


    Data Table for US Climate Spending and Fossil Fuel Production in China, India, and Russia (2000–2024, Every 3 Years)

    This table presents data points for 2000 and every 3 years thereafter (2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024). Metrics follow prior definitions:

    • US Climate Spending: Approximate federal annual outlays ($ billions, nominal USD) on mitigation, adaptation, research, and clean energy programs (sources: OMB, GAO, CBO, RMI analyses).
    • Production: Coal in million metric tons (Mt); oil in thousand barrels per day (kb/d) (sources: BP Statistical Review, EIA, CEIC, national stats).
    • Trends: US spending surged post-2009 (ARRA) and post-2021 (IRA/IIJA); target countries’ production grew due to domestic energy demands, not US policy.
    YearUS Climate Spending ($B)China Coal (Mt)China Oil (kb/d)India Coal (Mt)India Oil (kb/d)Russia Coal (Mt)Russia Oil (kb/d)
    20002.01,3003,4003107002706,200
    20032.31,8003,5003407302859,000
    20062.62,3003,8004607303259,800
    200928.93,1004,0005107603209,900
    20123.73,6004,10055077034010,300
    20154.03,8004,10070075039011,000
    201813.33,7004,00074072044011,200
    202120.04,0004,00075069043010,000
    202450.04,8004,3001,0505904309,200

    Key Observations from These Intervals

    • US Spending Growth: From ~$2B (2000) to $50B (2024), a ~2,400% increase, driven by legislative spikes (e.g., 2009 stimulus to $28.9B; 2021+ laws averaging $50B/year).
    • Production Growth:
      • China: Coal +269% (industrial boom); oil +26% (peaking mid-2010s).
      • India: Coal +238% (energy security); oil -16% (declining domestic fields).
      • Russia: Coal +59%; oil +48% (export focus, with post-2022 sanctions dip).

    YearNew York State Spending on Climate ($ billion)New York City Spending on Climate ($ billion)Total Spending ($ billion)Total Coal Production (Mt) China+India+RussiaTotal Oil Production (kb/d) China+multiple+RussiaState Governor (Party)NYC Mayor (Party)
    20000.050.100.15188010300George Pataki (R)Rudy Giuliani (R)
    20020.060.120.18215311765George Pataki (R)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20040.070.150.22275513780George Pataki (R)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20260.080.200.28308514330George Pataki (R)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20080.090.250.34350814995David Paterson (D)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20100.100.300.40421015415David Paterson (D)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20120.150.400.55449015170Andrew Cuomo (D)Michael Bloomberg (R)
    20140.180.500.68469015510Andrew Cuomo (D)Bill de Blasio (D)
    20160.200.600.80488515985Andrew Cuomo (D)Bill de Blasio (D)
    20180.300.801.10488016120Andrew Cuomo (D)Bill de Blasio (D)
    20200.401.001.40503015405Andrew Cuomo (D)Bill de Blasio (D)
    20220.501.502.00554714490Kathy Hochul (D)Eric Adams (D)
    20241.501.803.30628014090Kathy Hochul (D)Eric Adams (D)

    Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Nidtown Tribune news , https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMg%3D%3D_949ac8ee-24ad-48eb-8bb8-2c775017c253

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • US Seizes $15 Billion in Bitcoin

    US Seizes $15 Billion in Bitcoin

    Department of Justice Files Largest Ever Forfeiture Action Against Approximately $15B in Bitcoin Currently in U.S. Custody

    An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging UK and Cambodian national Chen Zhi, also known as Vincent, 37, the founder and chairman of Prince Holding Group (Prince Group), a multinational business conglomerate based in Cambodia, with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy for directing Prince Group’s operation of forced-labor scam compounds across Cambodia. Individuals held against their will in the compounds engaged in cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, known as “pig butchering” scams, that stole billions of dollars from victims in the United States and around the world. The defendant is at large.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Justice Department’s National Security Division also filed today a civil forfeiture complaint against approximately 127,271 Bitcoin, currently worth approximately $15 billion, that are proceeds and instrumentalities of the defendant’s fraud and money laundering schemes, and were previously stored in unhosted cryptocurrency wallets whose private keys the defendant had in his possession. Those funds (the Defendant Cryptocurrency) are presently in the custody of the U.S. government. The complaint is the largest forfeiture action in the history of the Department of Justice.

    “Today’s action represents one of the most significant strikes ever against the global scourge of human trafficking and cyber-enabled financial fraud,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “By dismantling a criminal empire built on forced labor and deception, we are sending a clear message that the United States will use every tool at its disposal to defend victims, recover stolen assets, and bring to justice those who exploit the vulnerable for profit. We are grateful for the hard work of Director Patel and the men and women of the FBI.”

    “Today the FBI and partners executed one of the largest financial fraud takedowns in history,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is an individual who allegedly operated a vast criminal network across multiple continents involving forced labor, money laundering, investment schemes, and stolen assets — targeting millions of innocent victims in the process. Justice will be done and I’m proud of the men and women of the FBI who executed the mission faithfully.”

    “As alleged, the defendant was the mastermind behind a sprawling cyber-fraud empire operating under the Prince Group umbrella, a criminal enterprise built on human suffering. Trafficked workers were confined in prison-like compounds and forced to carry out online scams on an industrial scale, preying on thousands worldwide, including many here in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “This indictment and historic forfeiture, the largest in Department history, reflect our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to ensure such crimes do not pay.”

    “As alleged, the defendant directed one of the largest investment fraud operations in history, fueling an illicit industry that is reaching epidemic proportions,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Prince Group’s investment scams have caused billions of dollars in losses and untold misery to victims around the world, including here in New York, on the backs of individuals who have been trafficked and forced to work against their will. This historic indictment and forfeiture complaint send a strong message to fraudsters everywhere that we will pursue you no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and no matter your insidious methods, and we will never stop fighting for victims.”

    As alleged in the indictment and forfeiture complaint, since approximately 2015, the defendant has been the founder and chairman of Prince Group, a Cambodian corporate conglomerate that operates dozens of business entities in more than 30 countries. Prince Group is ostensibly focused on real estate development, financial services, and consumer services. However, in secret, the defendant and his top executives grew Prince Group into one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations. Under the defendant’s direction, Prince Group made enormous profits operating scam compounds across Cambodia that perpetrated fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes.

    To perpetrate these schemes, malicious actors contacted unwitting victims through messaging or social media applications and convinced them to transfer cryptocurrency to specified accounts based on false promises that the funds would be invested and generate profits. In reality, the funds were stolen from the victims and laundered for the benefit of the perpetrators. The scam perpetrators often built relationships with their victims over time, earning their trust before stealing their funds.

    US Seizes 15 Billion in Bitcoin

    Prince Group’s schemes targeted victims around the world, including in the United States, with assistance from local networks working on Prince Group’s behalf. One such network operated in Brooklyn, New York, and facilitated the fraudulent transfer and laundering of millions of dollars on behalf of Prince Group from over 250 victims in New York and across the country.

    Prince Group carried out these schemes by trafficking hundreds of workers and forcing them to work in compounds in Cambodia and execute the scams, often under the threat of violence. The compounds housed vast dormitories surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, and functioned as violent forced labor camps. The defendant was directly involved in managing the scam compounds and maintained records associated with each one, including ledgers tracking profits and which fraudulent schemes were run out of which rooms. The defendant also maintained documents describing and depicting “phone farms” at the compounds: automated call centers that used thousands of phones and millions of mobile telephone numbers to facilitate the various fraudulent schemes. The defendant was directly involved in using violence against the individuals within the forced labor camps and possessed images of Prince Group’s violent methods, including photographs depicting beatings and other methods of torture. The defendant communicated directly with his subordinates about beating individuals who “caused trouble,” in one case specifying that the victims should not be “beaten to death.”

    In furtherance of these schemes, the defendant and a close network of Prince Group’s top executives used their political influence in multiple foreign countries to protect their criminal enterprise and paid bribes to public officials to avoid disruption by law enforcement. They subsequently laundered the proceeds of the fraudulent schemes through professional money laundering operations and through Prince Group’s own network of ostensibly legal business enterprises, including its online gambling and cryptocurrency mining operations.

    At the defendant’s direction, Prince Group associates used sophisticated cryptocurrency laundering techniques to obscure the source of fraudulent Prince Group profits, including “spraying” and “funneling” techniques in which large volumes of cryptocurrency were repeatedly disaggregated across scores of virtual currency addresses and then re-consolidated into fewer addresses to obscure the source of the funds. Some of these criminal proceeds were ultimately held in wallets at cryptocurrency exchanges or exchanged for traditional currency and stored in traditional bank accounts. Other criminal proceeds included the Defendant Cryptocurrency, which was stored in unhosted cryptocurrency wallets whose private keys the defendant personally held. The defendant maintained diagrams recording the process by which some of the Defendant Cryptocurrency was laundered. The defendant boasted to others of Prince Group’s mining businesses that “the profit is considerable because there is no cost” — that is, unlike legitimate enterprises, the operating capital for the cryptocurrency mining businesses comprised money stolen from Prince Group’s many victims.

    The defendant and his co-conspirators subsequently used some of the criminal proceeds for luxury travel and entertainment and to make extravagant purchases such as watches, yachts, private jets, vacation homes, high-end collectables, and rare artwork, including a Picasso painting purchased through an auction house in New York City.

    If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

    In parallel with today’s actions by the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury today designated Prince Group as a transnational criminal organization and announced sanctions against the defendant and multiple associated individuals and entities, for their roles in illicit activity. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also announced sanctions.

    The FBI New York Joint Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit.

    If you have information about Chen Zhi or Prince Group, please contact the FBI at PrinceGroupTips@fbi.gov. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. You can learn more about cryptocurrency investment fraud here. Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Mindlin, Andrew D. Reich, Benjamin Weintraub and Rebecca M. Schuman for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case in partnership with Deputy Chief Christopher B. Brown of the National Security Division’s NatSec Cyber Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha Payne for the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.

    The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance duringthe investigation. The Government also thanks the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the Isle of Man Constabulary’s Proactive International Money-Laundering Investigations Team and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which also announced sanctions today against entities related to Prince Group.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Updated October 14, 2025

    Sources: justice.gov . Mmidtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York. AG James Secures $14.2M From Auto Insurers After Data Breaches

    New York. AG James Secures $14.2M From Auto Insurers After Data Breaches

    New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on October 14, 2025 that eight car insurance companies will pay $14.2 million and strengthen their cybersecurity after hackers exploited “pre-fill” quote tools and exposed driver’s license numbers and other data for more than 825,000 New Yorkers—information later used in some fraudulent unemployment claims. The settlements—with American Family/Midvale, Farmers, Hagerty, The Hartford, Infinity, Liberty Mutual, Metromile, and State Auto—require better authentication, monitoring, logging, data inventories, and incident response; affected New Yorkers were offered one year of free credit monitoring. Combined with earlier actions against four other insurers, AG James has now secured $20.79 million from 10 auto insurance companies for data security failures.

    New York. Attorney General Letitia James Secures

    – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $14.2 million from eight car insurance companies for failing to protect the private information of more than 825,000 New Yorkers. The data breaches were part of a hacking campaign that targeted car insurance companies’ quoting tools and stole people’s personal information, including driver’s license numbers and dates of birth. The hackers later used some of the stolen driver’s license information to file fraudulent unemployment claims at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) concluded that the car insurance companies did not implement reasonable data security controls to protect consumers’ private information. Today’s settlements require all eight companies to pay penalties and significantly improve their data security. Affected New Yorkers were offered free credit report monitoring for one year. Attorney General James previously secured $6.5 million from four other car insurance companies for also failing to protect New Yorkers’ data. To date, Attorney General James has secured a total of $20.79 million from 10 auto insurance companies. Attorney General James encourages companies to follow guidance provided by her office to protect consumers’ personal data.

    “New Yorkers pay hundreds of dollars in car insurance each month. When they go searching for a cheaper option, they should not have to worry that their private information could be stolen,” said Attorney General James. “These eight car insurance companies had poor cybersecurity that allowed hackers to easily steal New Yorkers’ personal information and use some of the information for fraud. I thank the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Labor for their partnership and continued work to hold companies accountable when they fail to protect consumers.” 

    The car insurance companies involved in today’s settlements are: American Family Mutual Insurance Company/Midvale Indemnity Company, Farmers Insurance, Hagerty Insurance Agency, The Hartford Insurance Group, Infinity Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Metromile, and State Auto Mutual Insurance Company.

    These companies allowed people to obtain a car insurance price quote using an online tool. Some of the companies also provided password protected tools to insurance agents to generate quotes for customers. 

    The OAG’s investigation found that data thieves were able to exploit a “pre-fill” function in the companies’ online quoting tools. After limited private information about an individual was entered through an online quoting tool, the company would “pre-fill” the form with private information purchased from data brokers. The purpose of “pre-fill” was to insert information the user might not have on hand and make filling out the form easier. For example, by entering limited information into the tool, such as a person’s full name and date of birth, the other fields on the tool were pre-populated, such as an individual’s driver’s license numbers and similar information about other drivers in their household. The OAG found that the car insurance companies did not take reasonable steps to protect pre-fill private information. The attacks on these eight companies exposed the private information of over 825,000 New Yorkers. Some of the exposed data was later used to file unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The OAG’s investigation revealed that several companies suffered more than one attack, did not have common security tools in place to prevent and detect attacks, and/or did not use multifactor authentication to protect agent account credentials. Key findings from the investigations include: 

    • Farmers Insurance experienced three different attacks, exposing the private information of approximately 45,000 New Yorkers. After the first attack, Farmers did not identify similar vulnerabilities in additional tools that were also exploited.
    • American Family Mutual Insurance Company / Midvale Indemnity Company each exposed the private information of approximately 100,000 New Yorkers.  The companies mistakenly exposed the majority of these records after a transition between two security systems. The companies did not create a comprehensive protected data inventory before that transition and did not reasonably test the attacked tools after that transition.
    • State Auto Mutual Insurance Company exposed the private information of over 100,000 New Yorkers. State Auto’s quote tools were not protected by common security tools that monitor and detect suspicious patterns, such as excessive requests from the same user or multiple requests by the same user from different IP addresses.
    • Metromile exposed the private information of approximately 90,000 New Yorkers in a single attack that was not detected for two months. Metromile did not use common security tools to prevent and detect attacks.
    • Liberty Mutual Insurance experienced attacks on three different consumer quote tools, exposing the data of approximately 50,000 New Yorkers. The attacked tools had not been subject to a privacy assessment and they were not protected by common security tools.
    • The Hartford Insurance Group experienced two attacks that impacted approximately 30,000 New York consumers. While The Hartford maintained information security policies to protect consumer data, these policies were not implemented effectively.
    • The Hagerty Insurance Agency experienced two attacks that exposed the private information of approximately 66,000 New Yorkers. While Hagerty detected unusual activity on its consumer quote tool website, Hagerty did not immediately identify it as an attack on exposed private information.
    • The Infinity Insurance Company experienced three attacks. Data thieves accessed approximately 65,000 New Yorkers’ private information through a consumer quote tool and the information of approximately 180,000 New Yorkers through two password protected agent quoting tools. Infinity did not use multifactor authentication to protect its agent tool credentials at the time of the attacks. 

    Today’s settlements require these companies to significantly enhance their data security and pay penalties, in the following amounts:

    • American Family Mutual Insurance Company/Midvale Indemnity Company will pay $2.8 million;
    • Farmers Insurance will pay $1.3 million;
    • Hagerty Insurance Agency will pay $1.3 million;
    • Infinity Insurance Company will pay $2 million;
    • The Hartford Insurance Group will pay $815,000;
    • Liberty Mutual Insurance will pay $2 million;
    • Metromile will pay $2 million; and
    • State Auto Insurance will pay $2 million.

    In addition to the penalties, the companies are required to adopt a series of measures to strengthen their cybersecurity practices, including:

    • Maintaining a comprehensive information security program designed to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of private information;
    • Developing and maintaining a data inventory of private information and ensuring the information is protected;
    • Maintaining reasonable authentication procedures for access to private information;
    • Maintaining a logging and monitoring system as well as reasonable policies and procedures designed to properly configure systems to alert on suspicious activity; and
    • Enhancing their threat response procedures.  

    Today’s settlements are the latest effort by Attorney General James to hold companies accountable for having poor cybersecurity. In March 2025, Attorney General James sued Allstate Insurance for failing to protect New Yorkers’ information, causing more than 165,000 New Yorkers’ information to be exposed. In November 2024, Attorney General James and Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris secured $11.3 million from GEICO and Travelers for having poor data security. In October 2024, Attorney General James secured $2.25 million from a Capital Region health care provider for failing to protect the private information and medical data of New Yorkers. In July 2024, Attorney General James launched two privacy guides, a Business Guide to Website Privacy Controls and a Consumer Guide to Tracking on the Web to help businesses with and consumers protect their data online. 

    This matter was led by Assistant Attorneys General Gena Feist and Laura Mumm, and former Assistant Attorneys General Hanna Baek and Ezra Sternstein, Data Security Analyst Nishaant Goswamy, and former Internet and Technology Analyst Joe Graham, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Clark Russell and Bureau Chief Kim Berger of the Bureau of Internet and Technology. Data analysis was provided by Data Analyst Casey Marescot and Data Scientist Blythe Davis, under the supervision of Deputy Director Gautam Sisodia, Director Victoria Khan, former Deputy Director Megan Thorsfeldt, and former Director Jonathan Werberg of the Research and Analytics Department. The Bureau of Internet and Technology is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    Letitia James

    New York State Attorney General

    October 14, 2025

    NEW YORK

    Sources: AG.ny.gov/ , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order 57 creating the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain

    Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order 57 creating the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain

    Mayor Eric Adams on Oct. 14 signed Executive Order 57 creating the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, the first municipal office of its kind in the U.S., and appointed policy veteran Moises Rendon as executive director. The office will promote responsible use of crypto and blockchain, coordinate with the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation and other agencies, and engage state and federal partners. Early priorities include assembling an industry advisory commission, attracting talent and investment, expanding access for unbanked residents, and bolstering public education on risks such as scams—all aimed at reinforcing New York’s position as a global finance-and-tech hub.

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order 57 to launch the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain

    Mayor Adams Takes Action to Position New York City as Global Capital of Digital Assets

    – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 57 and established the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain. The first-ever mayoral office of its kind in the nation positions New York as the global capital of digital assets, including cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The office will promote the responsible use of digital assets and blockchain technologies, grow economic opportunities for New Yorkers, attract world-class talent, and reinforce the city’s standing as the world’s hub for financial and technological innovation. Mayor Adams also today appointed Moises Rendon to lead the office as executive director. As its first action, Executive Director Rendon will form a commission of leaders in the digital assets space to advise on the office’s work.

    “From day one, our administration has kept New York City ahead of the curve because when we embrace technology, we deliver a safer, more affordable city,” said Mayor Adams. “In 2022, I became the first American mayor to convert my first three paychecks into crypto and this past May, our administration hosted the first-ever crypto summit at Gracie Mansion. Today, with the nation’s first mayoral agency focused solely on digital assets and blockchain technology, we continue to signal the opportunities this new form of technology can bring to New York City. Our city has always been the center of innovation, and we’re embracing the technologies of tomorrow today. The age of digital assets is here, and with it comes the chance to grow our economy, attract world-class talent, expand opportunities for underbanked communities, and make government more user-friendly. I’m looking forward to working closer with Moises Rendon as we help make New York City the tech capital of the world.”

    “New York City has remained the global center of innovation for decades due to our willingness to embrace new, emerging technologies,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. “With the launch of the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, New York City is reaffirming its role as a leader in the financial and technology sectors to ensure that working-class New Yorkers are first in line for game-changing economic opportunities of the future and efficient delivery of government services. And Moises Rendon is uniquely qualified to guide New York City through this new frontier of technology, which will, once again, result in New York City growing its economy, delivering real economic benefits to underserved communities, and attracting the world-class talent that makes us the envy of the world.”

    “New York City’s future as a global finance center and municipal governance leader depends on our ability to capitalize on the enormous opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as digital assets and blockchain,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser. “Today’s announcement affirms our place at the forefront of this technological revolution and showcases the mayor’s bold, forward-looking vision to make New York City the crypto capital of the globe. This office ensures that we’re partnering with the brightest minds across the fintech sphere and empowering city agencies to harness the transformative potential of digital assets and blockchain for the benefit of 8.5 million New Yorkers.”

    “Mayor Adams’ creation of this new office proves that the future is now for digital assets and blockchain in New York City,” said Mayor’s Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Executive Director Moises Rendon. “I am honored to lead the nation’s first municipal office dedicated to successfully and responsibly deploying these technologies. I look forward to collaborating with CTO Fraser, city agency partners, and private-industry leaders to develop policies and programs that make our government more accessible, transparent, and innovative for New Yorkers in the years ahead.”

    The Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain will promote long-term economic growth, ensuring that digital assets strengthen the city’s economy, including by:

    Fostering innovation and development while guiding the responsible development of cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystems in New York City.

    Coordinating efforts between the digital asset industry and government, serving as a bridge to encourage responsible innovation and alignment across stakeholders.

    Working in close collaboration with the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) while also coordinating citywide efforts across agencies, ensuring alignment of policies, services, and digital asset initiatives.

    Engaging with state and federal partners to promote policies that make New York City more welcoming to blockchain and crypto initiatives that add value and comply with laws and regulations.

    Promoting inclusion and access, particularly for unbanked and underbanked communities, by supporting safer ways to save money, access resources, and build resilience against inflation.

    Educating and protecting the public through initiatives that help New Yorkers understand the risks of digital assets, including campaigns to raise awareness of scams, fraud, and consumer protections.

    Attracting world-class talent and investment, ensuring New York remains globally competitive in financial innovation and technological development.

    Supporting nonpartisan, policy-driven legislation, ensuring the office remains focused on sound policy and the delivery of tangible benefits to New Yorkers across all communities.

    Through these efforts, the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain will help secure New York City’s leadership in the digital economy, expand opportunities for its residents, and build a foundation of responsible innovation, trust, inclusion, and growth. The office will allow New York City to demonstrate its leadership in embracing innovation while safeguarding the interests of its residents.

    About Moises Rendon

    Moises Rendon is a digital assets and blockchain policy expert with extensive experience advising federal, local, and international stakeholders. He currently serves as policy advisor for digital assets and blockchain at OTI, where he leads citywide research and strategic initiatives to explore blockchain’s potential for improving government operations.

    Previously, Rendon served as a director for the Washington, D.C. office of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and was a policy consultant for the U.S. Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, and private-sector clients on fintech and economic trends. Rendon holds a Master of Laws degree in International Business and Economic Law from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Andrés Bello Catholic University in Venezuela.

    Executive Director Rendon will report directly to Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser.

    October 14, 2025

    NEW YORK

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York