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Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSE LEMA, a/k/a “Jose Lema Mizhirumbay,” the founder and principal of ALJ Home Improvement, Inc., a New York roofing company, was sentenced today to four months in prison by U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy for willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations, resulting in the death of an employee (“Victim-1”) in New Square, New York, on February 8, 2022.  LEMA previously pled guilty to one count of willfully violating OSHA regulations, resulting in the death of an employee on February 26, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jose Lema endangered the safety of his workers by disregarding regulations and failing to ensure his employees used fall protection systems.  This conduct led to the death of a roof worker on a construction site.  Today’s sentence should send a message to small businesses that failure to comply with safety regulations endangers workers and can lead to unnecessary and preventable tragedy, and this Office will hold you accountable.” According to the allegations contained in the Information, court filings, and statements made during court proceedings: On the morning of February 8, 2022, LEMA sent Victim-1 and three other ALJ employees to install a roof on a three-story multi-family apartment building under construction in New Square, New York.  LEMA failed to protect his employees from fall hazards by having them work on the roof of the building without fall protection.  After ascending a ladder to the roof, Victim-1 fell to the ground and died from his injuries. Victim-1’s deadly fall was not the first time an employee of LEMA and ALJ fell to his death at one of ALJ’s worksites or that ALJ employees were exposed to fall hazards.  The first fatal fall, on February 27, 2019, involved an ALJ employee who slipped off the roof of a newly constructed three-story home in Kiamesha Lake, New York.  During the time between the two employees’ deaths, OSHA investigated and issued numerous citations to ALJ relating to six other ALJ worksites for failure to ensure employees were using fall protection systems.  Even after Victim-1’s death, OSHA investigated yet another ALJ worksite and issued citations to ALJ for failing to ensure employees were using fall protection. In imposing LEMA’s sentence, Judge McCarthy observed that Victim-1’s death was “avoidable” and noted LEMA’s repeated failures to comply with fall protection regulations after the first ALJ employee’s death from falling from a roof. * In addition to the prison term, LEMA, 41, of Nanuet, New York, was sentenced to one year of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of OSHA; the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Margery Feinzig is in charge of the prosecution. Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 SOURCES: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/roofing-company-principal-sentenced-four-months-prison-failing-protect-employee-who

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MUKHIDDIN KADIROV was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to launder millions of dollars from a health care fraud scheme that primarily targeted the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  KADIROV controlled three shell company bank accounts, opened in the name of another person, that he used to launder over $6 million in health care fraud proceeds, including over $4 million for his co-defendant NERIK ILYAYEV.  KADIROV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Mukhiddin Kadirov participated in a complex international money laundering network to launder millions of dollars fraudulently obtained from Medicare and Medicaid, as well as from other insurers.  Kadirov abused our financial system by providing false information to banks to use shell company bank accounts to launder millions in fraud proceeds.  This prosecution and today’s sentence are part of my Office’s ongoing work to take down complex money laundering networks and safeguard the integrity of our financial systems.” According to the Complaint, the Information, court filings, and public court proceedings: From approximately March 2021 through the spring of 2022, KADIROV participated in a sophisticated money laundering network that primarily launders health care fraud proceeds (the “Money Laundering Network”).  Members of the Money Laundering Network typically deposit checks from health care companies that represent health care fraud proceeds into New York-based bank accounts held by shell companies.  The conspirators controlling the shell companies collect cash typically from U.S.-based individuals who want to remit funds, often to Uzbekistan, through unlicensed channels.  The conspirators controlling the shell companies then provide that cash, minus a fee, to the conspirators providing the health care checks.  The conspirators controlling the shell companies next typically wire the check deposit proceeds from the shell companies to foreign companies to purchase goods from those foreign companies.  The foreign companies ship the goods to importers in Uzbekistan.  The importers pay the Uzbekistan-based partners of the conspirators operating the shell companies in U.S. currency for the goods.  Those Uzbekistan-based partners would then give the U.S. currency to the families and friends of the individuals who had provided the cash to the conspirators controlling the shell companies in New York. As part of his participation in the Money Laundering Network, KADIROV controlled three business bank accounts held in the names of three different shell companies that were purportedly wholesale companies (the “Shell Company Accounts”).  KADIROV used the Shell Company Accounts to launder approximately $4.2 million from a pharmacy in Manhattan (“Pharmacy-1”) controlled by ILYAYEV that was engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid by submitting fraudulent billing for expensive HIV medications.  Between March 2021 and April 2022, approximately $6.9 million flowed through KADIROV’s Shell Company Accounts, which included not only the fraud proceeds from Pharmacy-1 but also deposits from other pharmacies and health care companies. KADIROV took significant steps to conceal his role in the money laundering scheme.  KADIROV used the identity of another person who was no longer in the United States to control the Shell Company Accounts.  When using ATM machines to access the Shell Company Accounts, KADIROV covered his face to obscure his face on bank surveillance video and wore latex gloves to prevent leaving fingerprints.  KADIROV also used a burner phone subscribed using a fake name and email address to access the Shell Company Accounts and to call the banks regarding the Shell Company Accounts. KADIROV conducted his money laundering scheme consistent with the typical practices of the Money Laundering Network, using the Shell Company Accounts to engage in check cashing and unlicensed money transmitting.  The three Shell Companies KADIROV used to conduct the money laundering all had either “Wholesale” or “Supply” in their names to give the false impression to banks and law enforcement that the Shell Companies were medical supply companies to disguise the true nature of the transactions between Pharmacy-1 and the Shell Companies.  KADIROV’s Shell Company Accounts were funded virtually entirely by check deposits from Pharmacy-1 and other pharmacies.  Moreover, consistent with the practices of the Money Laundering Network, KADIROV wired virtually all the funds that flowed through the Shell Company Accounts abroad to companies in China, Ukraine, and Russia. KADIROV stopped operating the Shell Company Accounts by the spring of 2022, soon after Pharmacy-1 closed in March 2022 after another member of the Money Laundering Network who attempted to launder fraud proceeds from Pharmacy-1 was arrested.  KADIROV nevertheless continued to facilitate ILYAYEV’s money laundering.  After closing Pharmacy-1, ILYAYEV, using the identity of another person, continued to operate another pharmacy, which he used to defraud No Fault insurance providers of over $1.2 million and to unlawfully sell medications obtained from illegitimate sources, for which the pharmacy received over $900,000 in proceeds.  ILYAYEV also used that stolen identity to open multiple corporate bank accounts for the pharmacy to receive and spend the fraud proceeds generated by the pharmacy.  KADIROV, who is also a construction contractor, used a debit card in the name of that stolen identity to buy materials for a construction project for ILYAYEV. * In addition to the prison term, KADIROV, 46, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit more than $6 million. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.  Mr. Williams also thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cecilia E. Vogel and Thane Rehn are in charge of the prosecution. Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Updated June 13, 2024 Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/money-launderer-sentenced-30-months-prison-laundering-millions-dollars-health-care

UTICA, NEW YORK – Dianna Nolan, 48, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Utica to a 3-year term of probation after previously pleading guilty to filing false federal income tax returns. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. In pleading guilty previously, Nolan admitted that she worked as a professional tax return preparer in Oneida County, New York, between at least 2014 through 2018. On her personal income tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018, Nolan intentionally did not report all the income she received as a tax return preparer. Nolan also filed income tax returns on behalf of clients that falsely claimed losses from rental properties, thereby reducing the total taxes owed by these clients and causing losses to the IRS. As part of her sentence, Nolan was also ordered to pay restitution to the IRS totaling $101,636.00 for tax years 2014 through 2018. This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Melissa O. Rothbart. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-utica-tax-preparer-sentenced-filing-false-tax-returns

Governor Hochul: “We also have to continue tackling affordability for New Yorkers… Supply and demand, are basic economics, right? Shortage of supply, the prices go up… So as a result, it's just more expensive here than it should be. So that's one of the reasons that we want to stop that burden on hardworking families. So, at the state level, higher level, we have incentives to build more multifamily homes.” Hochul: “We want to make sure that people can live in the communities they serve. It comes down to affordability, making sure that neighborhoods are vibrant places for people and commerce. And places like Syracuse, we need to continue making real investments in cities like Syracuse.” Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced progress toward the $100 million transformation of the former Syracuse Developmental Center into a vibrant, mixed-use development in the city of Syracuse. Demolition work has commenced at 800-2 S. Wilbur Avenue, making way for more than 250 new homes, 7.5 acres of green space, and 3,600 square feet of retail commercial space as part of the first phase of construction to redevelop the site. The project, which is receiving up to $29 million in state funding, will help to support the statewide goals of increasing New York’s housing supply with new market-rate and affordable options and establishing a regional job hub to help drive the local economy. B-ROLL of the event is available on YouTube and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here. VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format. AUDIO of the Governor's remarks is available. PHOTOS of the event will be available on the Governor's Flickr page. A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below: Good morning. Thank you so much. Thank you for the warm welcome. Once again, back here. You know this place has a special place in my heart. Hail Orange. I've been a couple years, actually four years, I actually completed it. But I still think back to the days as I walked into a Bronx pizzeria the other day. I said, “I know how to do this. I worked at the Varsity. I'm a pro.” So, they taught me how to make pizzas, but I somehow got booted out of the kitchen, and the main response that they gave me was to call out the numbers when the pizzas were ready. I think that's all they thought I could handle, which is probably the right thing. With that, let me just introduce some of the incredible people who are here today. And first of all, starting with our mayor. Mayor, I want to thank you for having the vision to say, “Not just why, but why not?” Why not have an incredible transformation— we're talking about here today. So, ladies and gentlemen, let's give another round of applause to our Mayor, Ben Walsh. Common Councilmember  Patrona Jones-Rowser, thank you for your leadership of this great community. And many the local officials here today. But I'm going to give a special bit of love to my State Representatives. We just came through another great session – tremendous accomplishments for the people of the State of New York, and a governor does not do it alone. It is in partnership with the individuals that represent this great community in particular. I want to thank Senator John Mannion. Thank you for all you've done for us. Incredible ally, great partner in delivering for Central New York. Senator Rachel May has joined us as well. Senator, thank you. Thank you for your support of this great community. Assemblymember Al Stirpe has joined us. Assemblymember – a great voice for the neighborhoods and this community as well. And also, Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, we've walked your district many times. You're going to hear from Janice McKenna – probably the most patient person in the world – the President of the Tipperary Hill Association. Let's give her a round of applause. Central New York RADC Co-chair, LeMoyne College President, Linda LeMura. Thank you very much for everything you do for the RADC. And I get a special chance to say hi to Van Robinson. Where are you sitting there, Van? Van Robinson. Van Robinson. Former Council President Linda Brown Robinson. The last time Van and I were together, where were we, Van? Sitting at the President's State of the Union Address together. Okay, we were right there cheering on our President, right? We were the loudest cheering section. So great to be with so many friends. And I also know that Greg Lancette has joined us. Greg, where are you? The President of the New York State Pipe Trades. We got some important work done over the last couple years. And more and more work to come. Also, let's talk about something that I'm not afraid to talk about at all, and that's housing. This year's Budget, we reached an historic agreement on housing in the State of New York, driving new constructions, more jobs, protecting tenants, unlike anything we've done in 50 years because nobody had the guts to take it on. It was not easy. We had to work through a lot of hurdles but working with your representatives, we got it done and delivered for the people of this great State. I want to thank them for all their work and we're not afraid of a good fight. We also have to continue tackling affordability for New Yorkers. Everything. What happens is the shortage of housing – supply and demand – they're teaching that over at Le Moyne College, I know that for sure. Supply and demand, basic economics, right? Shortage of supply, the prices go up. And places that were once known as affordable – Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, all those national trends – everybody's said, “This is the place to go” – started sliding as we didn't build enough to meet the demand. So as a result, it's just more expensive here than it should be. So that's one of the reasons that we want to stop that burden on hardworking families. So, at the state level, higher level, we have incentives to build more multifamily homes. We have $500 million in state money to build more on state land. I decided that the easiest thing I can do is say “That's under the jurisdiction of the State. We can do more here.” And that's so exciting to me, whether it's former prisons, whether it's places that had been psychiatric centers and places that just had lost their luster, still under the control of the State. Why not let them be homes for people? So that's what we're focusing on as well. We have $600 million more in capital funding for housing overall. Thank you to our friends in the Legislature as well. And over $650 million set aside for communities that have stood up and said, “We are pro housing community. We are inclusive. We don't put up barriers. We want people to come into our communities, not put-up roadblocks to having them come in, putting up walls.” And pro housing communities, and one of them is Syracuse, and I thank them for stepping up as well. So, it’s all on top of a $25 billion commitment to add more supply on top of what we have already. So, here's what we have to do. We want to make sure that people can live in the communities they serve. It comes down to affordability, making sure that neighborhoods are vibrant places for people and commerce. And places like Syracuse, we need to continue making real investments in cities like Syracuse. Look what we just did last week, we cut the ribbon on the redeveloped Moyer Carriage and Car Factory. That took a little while to get done as well. People gave up on it, but we say, no, we can get that done. Again, vision from the city, supplemented with support from the State of 128-unit mixed-use, affordable and supportive housing. That's what I'm talking about – more and more projects like that. In the last five years, our housing community renewal agency has created or preserved more than 2,500 affordable homes here in Onondaga County. So, that's the past. Let's talk about where we're going in the future. Today, I'm here to cheer on some of the most exciting news we've had in a long time, other than perhaps one that's up in Clay – the demolition and redevelopment of the Syracuse Developmental Center after 25 years of being shut down, shuttered, blighted. We’re getting it done. And Mayor Walsh, you never know what happens over a cup of coffee at the Little Gem Diner. Because we sat together. I was a brand-new Governor. “Mayor, what do you have on your mind?” “Oh, just a small project. Won't take much.” And I was so committed after hearing his vision for how we need to save communities from having eyesores and blights and a sense that they don't matter, our community would let this go on for so many years, without standing up and saying, why haven't we done something about this? We're going to leave it like this for the next 50 years, 100 years? Who's going to stop the decay that's going in our own communities and holding us back? Visitors to this vibrant community have to witness this, the people who live there. Going to the zoo, this is what you see? Come on, we're better than that, right? After that visit, I said, yes, we're going to do what we can, and we said we can transform this derelict project. Forty-seven acres to high quality, mixed-use, mixed-income housing to revitalize this critically important part, this vital part of Syracuse. That's exactly what we're doing. When this place closed in 1998, it became a magnet for vandalism – 600,000 square feet sitting there, attracting all kinds of things. I went up there and we saw the graffiti on the walls. I'm not sure there would be any escaped animals from the zoo that have just been living there for 25 years and nobody noticed – just putting that out there. But it just weighed down this community. Just weighed it down, it went on too long. And finally, something is being done with it. So, the State of New York committed $29 million to start the demolition because you can have all the plans you want in the world. Here, look at these great plans, and the Mayor showed me, the plans are amazing. But the cost of taking down the buildings, and remediating, and putting in the sewers and the road – everything you need to do, that's usually pretty expensive. And that's why so much does not get done. That's what we need to do. We said we will make that happen. The State is so vested in this part of our State. We will get this done. Phase 1 – we're committing $100 million to build 230 new units of affordable workforce housing. Workforce is my favorite word. Get people here, give them a home and get them a job. And by the time we're done with this three-phase project, we'll have over 400 units between beautiful townhomes and apartments and people of different incomes living together and people who are working. It's going to be an incredibly vibrant community, and we knit them together. We also need some green space set aside, right? Need to be able to just play a little bit, walk around barefoot on the grass, recharges the soul. 7.5 acres of green space, how about some nice retail, get a cup of coffee when you wake up in the morning, get your newspaper. 3,600 worth of square feet as well as a technology space, and we're working on what that's going to look like. Look what we're going from. This is going to be one of the legacies of this community. A community that never gave up on itself, who said, yes, the years have passed, yes, those who came before us didn't have the ambition to do something, but that's not who we are. That's not who we are in 2024 in Central New York and in the city of Syracuse, in the State of New York. That's not who we are. We're moving forward. We're lifting communities up. We're making a difference in people's lives. And we have to build more housing for another reason, because I promised Micron I'd find a house for all their workers. So, you have to help me. You have to help me, communities, all around. Some people come from parts of our country, they don't think twice about an hour commute in the morning, hour and a half some places. So, think big. Other communities can step up and be homes for people that are doing very well, some of them, and some are just starting off, but those are our kids. That's where our kids will be able to live. I am sad to say that when I graduated from Syracuse University, I wanted to stay in this State, and I stuck around for a little while. Ended up in Washington. All my siblings, Irish-Catholic big family, not one of them could stay in Upstate New York. Not because they didn't love it, but they couldn't find jobs. What a transformation in one generation. Where we have jobs, we need to get the people to come back or stay here. That's everything. With Micron coming, 50,000 new jobs, we need more housing, we need more educational opportunities. we need more infrastructure, we need child care – we're building something brand new here. This is like the Erie Canal. I spent a lot of time on the Erie Canal. You don't know that's me out on the water. I love the Erie Canal. This is a significant change in the character of a community in a region that we’ve never seen the likes of in the last 200 years. And you'll remember I was there. You'll say I was there when it all happened. When we finish this project, when we finish Micron, get Micron started — that's 20 years down the road. When we get that started, all the other supply chain industries that want to come and be here, all the young people of all ages who say, “This is the place to be for the semiconductor revolution.” We literally had the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Governor's Residence just a couple days ago in Albany. Why'd they come to Albany? Yes, we know it was founded by the Dutch 400 years ago — that's a good reason right there, okay, we got it. They came to talk about semiconductors. Because the synergy between what they do with their major companies, ASML is a big provider to what we're doing here, all across the State of New York. They knew when they heard about Micron as well, they knew that we were just more than talk. This is real. This is tangible. We are going to be the epicenter of innovation when it comes to semiconductors, and we'll partner with these other global countries who know we are the ones. So that is what I'm talking about. This spreads beyond our own neighborhoods, beyond our own community. We are now being nationally recognized because of our commitment at the federal level, the state level, the county level. The city levels, the community levels — and the community that believes in itself to be able to recruit the largest private sector investment in American history. You got it done. And Rob Simpson, thank you. Thank you for believing in this community the way you do. So, we’ll get more done. We'll get more child care. We've invested $7 billion dollars in child care. Micron is building a child care facility as we speak, as we ask them to do. We doubled the level of tuition assistance as well and make it available for part time students, so more people, more young people, can get their education — afford to be part of that pipeline of new jobs that are being created. And we're investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the next tech revolution. Artificial intelligence with Empire AI. We're going to put the power of supercomputers that right now are only in the hands of the biggest companies, privately held companies. We are bringing that to students and researchers all over the State of New York. No other State has that ambition, but we do. We announced that in our State of the State. The legislature supported it. Thank you again. And we're getting it done. This is what puts us on the map. So, we're done talking about the Rust Belt. I don't want to hear that anymore. Getting tired of that. It's the I-90 Tech Corridor. And the key to all this? Tearing down buildings like this. Building up new housing. Tearing down the I-81 via duct, with $180 million dollars from the State of New York. You tear down the old buildings, the old structures and you build new. That's what it is. Tear down and build. Tear down and build. And build up neighborhoods where people can thrive. And tearing down, once and for all — that feeling that the world has passed us by, that Upstate didn't matter. No, while they can say that out there, what we're doing is we're building the economies and the communities of the future. So, watch out world. We are back. We are back. And I am so excited to be here today. And I want to thank everybody who's been an incredible part of us. We are the place people want to live, work, and recreate. It's right here going on in Central New York. So, thank you everybody. Thank you. And with that, one of the most persuasive people I've ever met. Our great mayor, Mayor Ben Walsh.

Once in Operation in 2026, Offshore Wind Projects Will Be the Largest Power Generation Projects in New York State in Over 35 Years Supports Progress Towards Achievement of the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal for 9,000 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2035 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the finalization of new contracts for Empire Wind 1, a planned 810-megawatt project (developed by Equinor), and Sunrise Wind, a planned 924-megawatt project (developed by Ørsted and Eversource) as the result of New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation. The two offshore wind projects, totaling over 1,700 megawatts, will produce enough clean energy to power over one million New York homes and will be the largest power generation projects in New York State in over 35 years once they enter operation in 2026. Today’s announcement is part of New York’s 10-Point Action Plan to support the growing large-scale renewable energy industry, and represents progress toward the achievement of the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. “New York is leading the nation to build the clean energy industry, create good-paying jobs, and advance our climate goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Offshore wind is a critical piece of our clean energy blueprint to address the climate crisis, and our investments are building a healthy, sustainable New York so that future generations can thrive.” The competitively selected projects will create more than 800 near-term family-sustaining construction jobs, and invest $2 billion in enhanced economic development statewide, including developer-committed investments to support disadvantaged communities. Beyond the projects’ contractual obligations, Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind are expected to deliver more than $6 billion in economic benefits statewide over the 25-year life of the projects. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “As the largest power generation projects in the State in over thirty-five years, these landmark projects, when built, will be a historic milepost in New York’s transition to a clean energy economy. Achieving a zero-emissions electric grid will deliver significant economic and public health benefits as well as reliability to all New Yorkers.” As mature projects, Empire Wind I, located 15 miles off New York’s shore, and Sunrise Wind, located more than 30 miles east of the eastern point of Long Island, have already completed most federal and state permitting milestones. To support the wind farm’s connection to New York’s electric grid, onshore construction relating to the Sunrise Wind project is well underway, having received approval of its proposed onshore cable route on Long Island in November 2022. Empire Wind 1 achieved a critical milestone last month when the New York State Public Service Commission approved the project’s plan to connect to New York’s electric grid. Work is underway to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a state-of-the-art staging and assembly port and long-term operations and maintenance hub for project developer Equinor. Equinor Renewables Americas President Molly Morris said, “We commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their long-term leadership and commitment to offshore wind. Today’s announcement signals exciting developments ahead for Empire Wind 1. The transformation of South Brooklyn Marine Terminal is already underway, creating new union jobs and placing New York at the center of an industry that will deliver a critical source of renewable power for decades to come.” Ørsted EVP and CEO David Hardy said, “Sunrise Wind, providing clean reliable power to the State of New York, will be a centerpiece of America’s clean energy transformation, and we’re incredibly proud to be advancing what will become the nation’s largest offshore wind project upon its completion. New York already made history as host to the country’s first utility-scale wind farm with our South Fork Wind project. Now, thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, NYSERDA, and the entire administration, we’re ready to build on that legacy to deliver even more jobs, economic benefits, and clean energy with Sunrise Wind.” Eversource Energy Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Joe Nolan said, “Today's announcement begins the next chapter for Sunrise Wind, bringing America's largest offshore wind farm one step closer to fruition. Sunrise Wind will have a transformational impact on New York's economy, with the onshore construction scope alone representing a more than $200 million investment and creating 400 new local union jobs. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and all the federal, state, and local leaders supporting this landmark project. As Sunrise Wind moves forward, it will continue to spur hundreds more jobs and millions more in local investment, cementing New York's national leadership in the clean energy economy.” Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind were previously awarded by NYSERDA in 2019 as part of NYSERDA’s first offshore wind solicitation, and re-awarded in 2023. As part of the new contracts, the projects will be held to new provisions that bring additional benefits to the State, including: New economic benefit commitments above what was originally contracted, including $32 million committed to community-focused investments in New York’s disadvantaged communities and $16.5 million towards wildlife and fisheries monitoring. Commitments to purchasing a minimum of $188 million of U.S. iron and steel, supporting U.S. manufacturing and the New York Buy American Act. Requirements for Labor Peace Agreements for operations and maintenance services. With today’s announcement, the projects are now on a path to near term project completion, driving local investments and enhanced economic benefits to New York State at cost-competitive rates. The average bill impact for residential customers over the life of these projects under these awards will be approximately two percent, or about $2.09 per month. The weighted average all-in development cost of the contracted offshore wind projects over the life of the contracts is $150.15 per megawatt-hour which is on-par with the latest market prices. NYSERDA’s new contracts with Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind are available on NYSERDA’s website. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “Offshore wind is crucial in our fight against climate change. Today’s announcement brings our state closer to achieving the State’s renewable and clean energy goals while ensuring the work is done by a highly skilled union workforce. We thank Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their commitment to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs with the benefits and protections of union contracts.” New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “As New York continues to pursue the State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals, it is critical that we advance offshore wind projects like Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind that boost our clean energy infrastructure and create thousands of good-paying union careers for hardworking New Yorkers. We applaud Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for pushing forward these initiatives off the shores of Long Island and Brooklyn that will propel us to our climate objectives, help usher in a new green economy, and uplift our underserved communities. Our tradesmen and tradeswomen look forward to playing a role in pushing these crucial projects forward and pursuing the family-sustaining careers and paths to the middle class they create.” Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO President John Durso said, “The advancement of these projects is proof positive that we can address the climate crisis and create good union jobs in the process. We continue to make progress on both fronts and remain committed to working with New York State, the offshore wind industry, and all other stakeholders who are interested in a brighter future with good family-sustaining wages.” Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, “I am tremendously proud of Governor Hochul and excited as she takes the next step to advance these industry-defining projects. These two marque projects will not only serve to make our region more environmentally sound, but they will also create 800 family-sustaining Building Trades careers in construction. The opportunity provided by the offshore wind industry is another signal for the Building Trades to open our pathways to apprenticeship opportunities for years to come; this pipeline leads the local residents to an express route who become part of the middle class. The lasting impact of these projects cannot be understated, in addition to the economic benefits, they represent a step forward in environmental stewardship for generations to come.” New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Fred Zalcman said, “The signing of contracts supporting these advanced stage offshore wind projects is an important reaffirmation of New York's commitment to combatting climate change, fostering a clean energy economy, and providing family-sustaining jobs. Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind I are pioneering projects that will bring tangible benefits to the local communities in which they operate and to the state's economy as a whole, and the Hochul Administration deserves tremendous credit in persevering to bring these critical clean energy resources to market.” Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, “The completion of these two contracts ensures that New York is a shining national leader in offshore wind. With every sunrise, New York is advancing clean, renewable energy and fighting climate change. Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind are changing the course of our future and will provide local jobs, cleaner air and healthier communities. We are excited and thankful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and the team at NYSERDA for their strong commitment to keep New York moving forward on our clean energy goals.” New York State's Nation-Leading Climate PlanNew York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors, and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

On June 5, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Town of Niagara Police Department arrested Joshua M. McClelland, 42 of Niagara Falls, NY for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th (ghost gun), Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (silencer), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (large capacity ammunition feeding device) and Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor. On June 5, 2024, the Town of Niagara Police Department was at a suspicious property complaint at the Expressway Village in the town of Niagara. During that initial investigation, multiple weapons were located. The Town of Niagara Police Department requested assistance. The investigation determined that McClelland had four rifles (no serial), two handguns (no serial), body armor, one high-capacity ammunition magazine, and a firearm silencer. McClelland was arrested and transported to SP Niagara for processing. McClelland was transported to the Niagara County Jail for CAP arraignment.

Andrew and Melanie Catello owners of  My Upstate NY Marketing purchased the old Tomb Stone Saloon on Route 5 in Vernon, NY, next to the Utica Rome Speedway. The new owners plan to breathe new life into the property by renovating the outside of the building and putting up new fencing. They intend to host events at the venue and utilize the facility for their business clients to hold monthly meetings and events, fostering collaboration and generating new ideas for continued growth. Additionally, they plan to organize fundraisers for local non-profit organizations to contribute and raise funds within the community. Mr. Catello from My Upstate NY Marketing said, "When we work with businesses and get them to come together, we cultivate growth, innovation, and a thriving community."

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SCAM ALERT The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public of The “Publisher’s Clearing House” Scam. In this scam, the victim receives a phone call, text, email, or postal mail telling them that they have won an exorbitant amount of money in the Publisher’s Clearing House lottery. Most of the victims have never even entered the lottery but fail to recall that fact. The scammer tells the victim that they have won millions of dollars, but that they have to send money to pay “taxes” or “processing fees.” They typically ask for thousands of dollars to be sent by wire, cashier’s check, gift cards, Venmo, or PayPal. They tell the victim not to tell friends or relatives because it is intended to be a “surprise.” Remember, if you have to pay money to get money it is a scam. If it is too good to be true reach out to a trusted source before acting. You always have time to verify, do not let them take that away from you. If they insist that you need to pay now, it is a scam, end the conversation. It is ok to hang up. If you would like to file a report or speak to a please call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 315-736-0141. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=843180794511256&set=a.233092632186745

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline on Monday, June 3, is $3.53, which is down six cents from last Monday. A year ago, the price was $3.56. The New York State average is $3.65, which is down two cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.70. According to AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY), the following are the current averages: - Batavia: $3.61 (down 1 cent from last Monday) - Buffalo: $3.64 (no change from last Monday) - Elmira: $3.47 (down 4 cents from last Monday) - Ithaca: $3.68 (no change from last Monday) - Rochester: $3.66 (down 1 cent from last Monday) - Rome: $3.69 (down 1 cent from last Monday) - Syracuse: $3.62 (down 3 cents from last Monday) - Watertown: $3.71 (down 1 cent from last Monday) The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped six cents from last week to $3.53, marking the largest one-week drop so far in 2024.

Last year, Kia and Hyundai emerged as the top choice for car thieves in Syracuse and nationwide. Teenagers have been able to take advantage of the lack of basic anti-theft technology in these cars. Law enforcement has found that the solutions offered by these brands may not be effective, as stolen Kia and Hyundai cars continue to be the most frequently reported stolen vehicles in Syracuse.

Ingredients olive oil cooking spray 1 cup water ¾ cup gluten-free baking flour (such as Premium Gold® Flax and Ancient Grains All-Purpose Flour) ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 heads cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®) 1 teaspoon honey Preparation Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Whisk together water, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the batter is smooth and somewhat runny. Add cauliflower pieces to batter and mix until evenly coated; spread onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in hot pepper sauce and honey until smooth. Brush the hot sauce mixture over each cauliflower piece, repeating until all is used. Return to the oven and bake until cauliflower is browned about 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.