MAMDANI AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY TO KNICKS:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani awarded Keys to the City of New York to the New York Knicks and honored them at both a ticker-tape parade along the “Canyon of Heroes” and a City Hall ceremony. The parade, which started near Battery Park and traveled to City Hall, marked the first ticker-tape parade in Knicks’ history.
“The Knicks did not just win for New York City — they won like New York City. What is New York if not your back up against the wall, a dream that feels just out of reach, a rent payment you don’t know how you will ever make? What is New York if not 99.6 percent of the world stacked against you? And who are New Yorkers if not people who hear those odds and smile? Who look at a 0.4 percent chance of success and ask: ‘why’re you giving me a head start?’ said Mayor Mamdani. “This is our city. This is our team. For 53 years, we watched. For 53 years, we waited. Now, we’ve won.”
Mayor Mamdani also invited several guests to join the City Hall ceremony who embody the city’s deep love for basketball and the spirit that carried the Knicks to this historic victory. These New Yorkers reflected the many communities that have waited 53 years for this moment: Parks Department “blacksmiths” who repair the basketball hoops at NYC Parks; 32 year-old “Good Samaritan” Balladoli Mieses who made headlines for intervening and preventing destruction during the Knicks celebrations last week; Four avid young basketball players who grew up in NYCHA, including one young player who lives in the same housing complex – Pomonok Houses – that Jose Alvarado spent part of his childhood; Four members and the coach of The City University of New York (CUNY) wheelchair basketball team; A city worker at the Office of Technology and Innovation who was hired in 1973, the last time the Knicks won the NBA Championship – and has been working for 53 years; Five older adults who have been lifelong Knicks fans.
SUNNYSIDE SHINES BID ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 25:
The Annual Meeting of Sunnyside Shines BID will take place on Thursday, June 25, 5:00 – 6:30 pm at 43-31 39th Avenue. Learn about Sunnyside Shines BID’s accomplishments this past fiscal year and plans for the year ahead. Keynote Speaker will be Comptroller Mark Levine. Scheduled guest speakers are Commissioner Greg Anderson (DSNY); Commissioner Sam Levine (Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection), and Commissioner Ahmed Tigani (Dept. of Buildings). Award for Excellence and Dedication to Sunnyside will be awarded to NYS Senator & Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris.
SUMMER MEALS FOR STUDENTS:
Council Member Julie Won: “New York City Public Schools’ commitment to the health and well-being of young people continues throughout the summer, and we want to ensure that all New Yorkers are aware of the free meals available to children across the City. Starting Monday, June 29 through Friday, September 4 (no service on Friday, July 3), all children and teens ages 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch at sites across New York City—including schools, parks, libraries, and pools—in all five boroughs. Program Highlights: No registration, ID, or documentation required; Meals available Monday through Friday; Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM; Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM; Open to all children and teens ages 18 and under. We encourage you to share this information with families in your district to help ensure that young New Yorkers have access to nutritious meals all summer long.”
ADDABBO HOSTS PET FOOD COLLECTION:
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. partnered with The Lovely Beans and Puppy Kitty NYCity, two non-profit animal rescue groups, to host a pet food drive, collecting new cans and bags of cat food and dog food, at each of his district office locations from April 13th to May 29th.
“During challenging times, our communities come together to help vulnerable animals,” Addabbo said. “I’m proud to stand with Puppy Kitty NYCity and The Lovely Beans to ensure every hungry cat and dog in our district has access to the food and care they deserve. I would like to thank everyone who donated for their generosity and to these organizations for their continued efforts to help animals in need.”
Puppy Kitty NYCity is an organization focused on pets and their people in New York City. Their work typically centers on animal welfare, pet care education, and community outreach to help dogs and cats find loving homes. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Senator on this crucial food drive,” said Meagan Licari Executive Director of Puppy Kitty NYCity. “Our mission to never say no to an animal in need, aligns perfectly with the Senator’s commitment to our community, and together, we can make a significant impact in ensuring that no animals in our district are going hungry.”
The Lovely Beans is a New York City foster-based rescue active in Queens and Long Island. Their mission centers on rescuing stray animals, advancing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to safeguard community cats, and delivering education on ethical animal care. “As a small rescue, the generosity shown by your office and the community means more than I can adequately express,” said Felicia Bownoth, President and Founder of The Lovely Beans. “Every bag of food and every donation received directly helps us continue caring for community cats, supporting foster families, and assisting vulnerable animals throughout our neighborhoods.”
Those struggling to feed or care for a pet, can send an email to info@puppykittynyc.org
QBP RICHARDS TO HOST SOUTH JAMAICA TOWN HALL JUNE 25:
With the school year ending and summer fast approaching, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. will host a South Jamaica Town Hall on Thursday, June 25 at 5:30pm to update residents on the myriad investments his office has made across the community, discuss summer safety plans with the NYPD, address local quality-of-life concerns, and take questions from the public.
The town hall will be held at the Edward Byrne Police Athletic League Center, located at 116-25 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in South Jamaica. Joining Borough President Richards will be representatives from various city agencies, as well as area NYPD officials. Co-sponsors of the town hall include the Police Athletic League, LIFE Camp, Inc. and Fathers Alive in the Hood.
Members of the public who wish to attend the Borough President’s South Jamaica Town Hall are asked to RSVP by visiting www.queensbp.nyc.gov/rsvp.
GONZÁLEZ-ROJAS ANNOUNCES FUNDING AWARDS:
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas announced a new round of discretionary funding awards to community-based organizations serving residents of Assembly District 34. The funding will support a wide range of programs, including youth development, housing assistance, immigrant services, public health initiatives, educational opportunities, senior services, cultural programming, and legal assistance. “These organizations are on the front lines every day, providing essential services, creating opportunities, and strengthening our communities,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. “This funding will help ensure that families, seniors, students, immigrants, and working New Yorkers have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Funding awards include: City Year New York; Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc.; HANAC; Queens Community House; Communities Resist (CoRe); New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG); Arab American Family Support Center; Apicha Community Health Center; Ali Forney Center; Sharing and Caring; Make the Road New York; La Victoria Foundation; Ecuadorian Civic Committee; Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE); Tifereth Israel of Jackson Heights; Queens Public Library.
MENG AND UNG CALL OUT NYCHA:
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), joined by Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Queens), local seniors and area residents, today called out the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for failing to repair severe leaks in the roof at the agency’s Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center, which is part of the Latimer Gardens complex in Flushing, Queens.
As a result of not making the needed fixes, the New York City Department for the Aging ordered the site to temporarily close due to safety concerns. Now, some 700 seniors who use the facility are no longer taking part in daily activities or receiving services and free lunches at their older adult center. While some seniors have been able to relocate to other older adult centers, many have not.
Meng visited the Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center with Ung yesterday afternoon where they discussed the situation with seniors who used the facility and Latimer Gardens residents. This included the President of the Latimer Gardens Residents Association.
Last year, Meng saw the leaks firsthand during a routine visit to the older adult center. Since then, she has urged NYCHA to immediately address the problem. However, the agency did not adequately do so. Last month, Meng secured $800,000 in federal funding that is being finalized in Congress to help renovate and replace the leaking roof, and she continues to call on NYCHA to make the necessary repairs at once.
“Allowing conditions at the Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center to get so bad that it had to be shut down is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Local seniors in and around Latimer Gardens rely on this facility for activities and services that enable them to stay active and receive the support they need. This includes access to meals, socialization, case and benefit assistance and more. I again renew my call for NYCHA to expeditiously complete the necessary repairs and reopen this facility as soon as possible so that it could once again become a safe and functional space for Queens seniors.”
“When the senior center at Latimer Gardens was forced to close because of the extensive roof leaks and the damage they caused, my office was inundated with calls from older adults who suddenly lost access to the programs, services and social connections they depend on every day,” said Councilmember Ung. “At the same time, the summer youth program that serves local families has been left searching for alternative space, creating uncertainty for children and parents alike. I am deeply grateful to Congresswoman Grace Meng for securing $800,000 in federal funding to address this long-standing problem, but now we need swift action. I urge NYCHA to expedite the repair process so these critical community spaces are back up and running as quickly as possible.”
ADDABBO ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF SENIOR CENTERS:
New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. announced the passage of S.7160A before the end of the 2026 legislative session, a bill he co-sponsored, to establish a Senior Center Council within the New York State Office for the Aging. The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly and now awaits consideration by the Governor.
The legislation seeks to ensure that senior centers are equipped to meet the needs of the fast-growing senior population throughout the state. The Senior Center Council will serve as an advisory panel focused on identifying challenges, recommending solutions, and promoting the long-term sustainability of senior centers.
“Senior centers are more than gathering places. They provide social engagement, nutritional support, educational opportunities, wellness programs, and critical services that help older adults remain healthy, active, and connected,” said Addabbo. “As New York’s senior population continues to expand, we must proactively ensure these centers have the resources and support necessary to serve future generations. Establishing the Senior Center Council will provide an important forum to address emerging challenges and strengthen these critical institutions in our communities.”
Under the legislation, the ten-member Senior Center Council will be established within the New York State Office for the Aging and charged with examining issues affecting senior centers throughout the state. The council will meet within 180 days of the law’s enactment and annually thereafter, to provide recommendations and strategies to address funding, programming, infrastructure, resource needs, and other concerns impacting senior centers.
“Advocating for older New Yorkers remains one of my priorities,” Addabbo added. “I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation and look forward to seeing the positive impact the Senior Center Council will have on communities in my Senate district, and throughout New York.”
New York’s older adult population is among the fastest-growing demographics in the state, with projections showing significant growth over the coming decades. Advocates have emphasized the importance of planning now to ensure that senior centers can keep up with the changing needs of older adults while continuing to provide the services that help thousands of New Yorkers age with dignity and independence.
CITY COUNCIL HEARINGS ON DYNAMIC AND SURVEILLANCE PRICING:
The New York City Council held a hearing on two consumer protection bills aimed at restricting practices driven by emerging technology and data collection known as dynamic and surveillance pricing. The legislation, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would establish guardrails around dynamic pricing in grocery stores and a prohibition on businesses using consumer personal data to set individual prices, making New York the first city in the nation with such protections.
As digital price tags and algorithmic pricing systems become more common, consumers and industry experts have raised concerns around dynamic pricing, the practice of frequent price changes based on demand or market conditions, and surveillance pricing, a practice of using personal data collected about consumers to tailor prices to individuals.
The Council’s legislation takes a proactive approach to establishing consumer protections before these practices become widespread, while still allowing businesses flexibility to respond to legitimate market forces and operational costs. Importantly, the bills do not prohibit discounts or promotions, preserving common-sense pricing practices such as loyalty rewards, membership programs, senior and military discounts, coupons, and other benefits available through uniform eligibility criteria.
“New Yorkers deserve transparency and fairness when purchasing essential goods, and the Council will make New York the first city in the country to take a strong stand against predatory surveillance and exploitative dynamic pricing practices,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “As a regulatory attorney and the former Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs, I take consumer protection extremely seriously. These bills establish clear, commonsense guardrails to ensure companies cannot use personal data to manipulate prices or undermine public trust. At a time of rising costs and deep affordability challenges, we need to pursue every solution to protect consumers and keep prices fair. These protections will be backed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s robust enforcement authority, ensuring New Yorkers have a local watchdog dedicated to holding bad actors accountable and protecting consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace.”
“My office led a broad coalition of unions, advocates, community leaders, and families in the fight to pass legislation in Albany to ban surveillance pricing and keep costs down,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “New Yorkers facing a rising cost of living should not have to deal with companies using their personal data to charge them the highest possible price, and I applaud Speaker Menin and the New York City Council for taking action to protect New York City from surveillance pricing.”
The first bill, sponsored by Speaker Menin, would prohibit businesses from engaging in surveillance pricing by banning the use of personal data — collected through technology like device tracking, internet browsing history, biometric monitoring, or purchase history — to set individual fee, prices, and discounts for consumers. The legislation excludes loyalty and rewards programs, publicly disclosed discounts, and pricing differences tied to the cost of providing goods or services. The second bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Abreu, would prohibit grocery stores from increasing the price of an item more than once within a 24-hour period. This would allow businesses to make daily adjustments based on market forces, without making more frequent price adjustments that artificially inflate the cost of essential goods.
COMPTROLLER LEVINE AND MAYOR MAMDANI STATEMENT ON RAINY DAY FUND:
“The Rainy Day Fund exists because New Yorkers voted to give our City a tool to protect essential services during economic downturns and emergencies. It helps safeguard our schools, public safety, sanitation, housing, health care and social services when times get tough. Years after its creation, the fund still lacks formal rules governing it – and that needs to change.
“We need a stronger, more predictable approach to saving for our future. New Yorkers deserve confidence that their government is prepared not only for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s as well.
“That is why we support the serious consideration by the Charter Revision Commission on Government Efficiency to amend the Charter to give the Rainy Day Fund a formal funding structure, including considering a clear target, and responsible rules for when reserves can be used. Building reserves is one of the most responsible steps government can take. It allows us to weather economic shocks without forcing working people to bear the cost through cuts to the services they depend on.”
GILLIBRAND URGES GAS MILEAGE DEDUCTION BOOST:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), and U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) urged the Trump administration to raise the federal standard mileage rates for certain business, medical, and moving uses to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling amidst sky-high gas prices. This would allow small business owners and workers who rely on vehicles for their livelihoods—like rideshare drivers—to deduct or be reimbursed for an increased amount per mile driven, helping offset the higher costs they are paying for gas. It would also benefit individuals who must regularly commute to get lifesaving medical care and service members who must move because of their work.
“New Yorkers are paying the price for … war with Iran every time they fill up their car with gas,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Raising the standard mileage rate is a commonsense way to provide relief. I encourage the administration to implement this change immediately.”
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) adjusts the amount Americans can deduct for vehicle miles traveled for business, charitable, and medical purposes, as well as certain job-related moving expenses. Currently, this rate is set at 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use, 20.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. However, these amounts do not account for the drastic increase in fuel prices since the beginning of the war with Iran.
Gas prices rose by 50% nationwide after President Trump launched his war with Iran on February 28. In New York, gas prices increased from an average of about $3.00 per gallon to over $4.60 per gallon at their peak, costing New York consumers a combined $2 billion more for gas since the war began.
In 2022, the Biden administration raised the standard mileage rate by 4.0 cents per mile to help offset the rising gas prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Gillibrand and Suozzi are demanding similar relief for Americans now.
*** CRIME BLOTTER ***
FAKE SURGEON PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER:
Defendant Wasn’t Licensed to Practice Medicine
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Felipe Hoyos Foronda pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of 31-year-old Maria Penaloza who suffered cardiac arrest in a makeshift surgical clinic set up in the defendant’s Astoria apartment in March 2025. Hoyos Foronda, who was not licensed to practice medicine in the United States, attempted to flee the country after the botched surgical procedure. Penaloza died two weeks after the incident.
District Attorney Katz said: “The defendant, who lacked a medical license, performed a surgical procedure on the victim in his home. During the procedure, he injected a deadly dose of anesthesia into the young mother, and it led to her death. He then went to JFK Airport to flee responsibility. He has now pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will face a prison sentence of up to 15 years.”
Hoyos Foronda, 40, of Astoria, pleaded guilty today to manslaughter in the second degree in satisfaction of the indictment. Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant ordered him to return to court July 30 when she indicated she would sentence the defendant to five to 15 years in prison.
DA Katz said that according to the charges and investigation, on March 28, 2025, Maria Penaloza arrived at Hoyos Foronda’s Astoria apartment at approximately 1 p.m. for the removal of buttock implants. She was accompanied by a friend who waited in the apartment’s living room while Penaloza went into an adjacent room for the procedure. Hoyos Foronda gave the victim lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, and saline through a syringe. Penaloza became lightheaded and went into cardiac arrest. When an ambulance crew arrived, Penaloza was unconscious on a medical chair. She was taken to a local hospital where she showed no sign of brain activity. She was removed from life support on April 11, 2025.
Hoyos Foronda, who did not have a license to practice medicine in the United States, was apprehended on March 28, 2025, at John F. Kennedy International Airport by a Port Authority Police officer as he attempted to board a flight to Florida with an ultimate destination of Colombia. A court-authorized search warrant of the defendant’s home found medical equipment including a metal IV stand, multiple injectables on the shelves, syringes, a bin to discard needles and various other medical supplies. An autopsy found that Penaloza died of lidocaine toxicity following the injection of lidocaine for anesthesia during a cosmetic procedure.
SPEEDING DRIVER INDICTED ON MANSLAUGHTER:
Motorist Allegedly Sped Through Red Light Causing a Three-Car Collision that Ultimately Struck Two Married Pedestrians, Killing One; Defendant Faces more than 15 Years in Prison, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Dawood Faisal has been indicted and arraigned in Supreme Court on charges of manslaughter, assault and other crimes for the three-car collision that killed a woman and injured her husband while the defendant was speeding on Francis Lewis Boulevard last month.
DA Katz said: “Traffic laws exist to protect every motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist who travels on our shared roadways. As alleged, the defendant chose to flout those laws by speeding, running at least two red lights and slamming into two vehicles, causing a three-car crash that struck two pedestrians in the crosswalk. He then audaciously tried to flee the scene before good Samaritans stopped and detained him. Tragically, the defendant’s alleged disregard for the safety of others resulted in the death of one of the pedestrians, 71-year-old Cara Trager — a beloved wife and mother and valued member of her community. A grand jury has now indicted the defendant for manslaughter, and we will seek justice on behalf of Mrs. Trager and her loved ones.”
Faisal, 22, of Fresh Meadows, was arraigned today on a 10-count indictment charging him with manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the second degree, assault in the third degree, two counts of leaving the scene without reporting, reckless driving, menacing in the second degree, failing to stop at a steady red signal, driving in excess of the maximum speed limit and operating a vehicle at unreasonable speed. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered the defendant to return to court July 16. If convicted, the defendant faces more than fifteen years in prison.
DA Katz said that, according to the charges, at approximately 7:48 p.m. on May 25, the defendant was driving a 2013 Toyota Prius recklessly on Francis Lewis Boulevard when he accelerated to a high rate of speed heading southbound. The posted speed limit is 35 mph and the defendant was driving in excess of 75 mph. Faisal allegedly ignored two red-light traffic signals and entered the intersection of Union Turnpike striking a 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. That vehicle was traveling westbound on Union Turnpike with a steady green light and had the right of way. The defendant continued through the intersection and struck the rear driver’s side of a 2023 Nissan Rogue, propelling the Rogue into the crosswalk where it hit the two pedestrians.
The victims – a married couple – were immediately transported to a local Queens hospital. Cara Trager, 71, sustained severe head trauma and subsequently succumbed to her injuries. Her husband suffered a shoulder injury, lacerations to his hands, and bruising to his face.
Immediately after the collision the defendant exited his vehicle and fled on foot on Francis Lewis Boulevard. Good Samaritans who observed the collision chased after the defendant and ultimately detained him until police arrived.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.