Get the Scoop On NYS Senator James Sanders' Bill to Protect Businesses from Predatory Lending and His views on the 2026-2027 Budget

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Senator James Sanders Jr. Announces Senate Passage of Bill S.3695 to Protect Small Businesses from Predatory Lending

Albany, NY — Senator James Sanders Jr. proudly announces the Senate passage of S.3695, a critical consumer‑protection bill that prohibits the use of confessions of judgment in contracts for financial products or services. This legislation represents a major step forward in safeguarding New York’s small businesses from predatory lenders who have long exploited this legal loophole.

A confession of judgment allows a lender to obtain a court judgment against a borrower without ever filing a lawsuit. For years, unscrupulous lenders have used this tactic to seize assets, drain bank accounts, and financially devastate tens of thousands of small businesses — including many that never missed a payment.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve protection from predatory practices that threaten their survival,” said Senator James Sanders Jr. “Confessions of judgment have been weaponized against hardworking entrepreneurs. With S.3695, we are closing the door on this abuse once and for all.”

Under S.3695, lenders will no longer be permitted to include confessions of judgment in any contract or agreement for a financial product or service. This ensures that disputes must go through proper legal channels, giving small businesses the due process they deserve.

The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration.

“Today’s vote is a victory for fairness, transparency, and economic justice,” Senator Sanders added. “We will continue fighting to ensure that every small business in New York has a fair chance to grow and thrive.”

For more information, please contact the Office of Senator James Sanders Jr.

Office of Senator James Sanders Jr.

Phone: (718) 523-3069

Get The Scoop On The 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

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ICYMI: LIAACC Nassau County Director Announces 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

Month-Long Initiative Will Celebrate Minority-Owned Businesses, Economic Empowerment, Innovation, Leadership, and Regional Opportunity

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — In case you missed it, Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), has announced the chamber’s 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month initiative for minority entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, corporations, government agencies, and business-support organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The 2026 celebration will recognize the accomplishments, resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of minority-owned businesses across Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and the surrounding region.

This year’s theme is: “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”

Minority Enterprise Development Month will feature business education, networking, recognition programs, access-to-capital discussions, procurement information, leadership development, technical assistance, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with corporate, government, nonprofit, and community partners.

Get The Scoop On Fun Events in Southeast Queens July 4th Weekend

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Fun Events in
Southeast Queens July 4th Weekend

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Get The Scoop On Fun Events in Southeast Queens This Weekend 6-27-2026

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Fun Events in Southeast Queens
This Weekend

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Residents Call Emergency Town Hall Following Concerns Over Barricades, Access Restrictions, and Lack of Community Input During Annual Ohel Pilgrimage

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Residents Call Emergency Town Hall Following Concerns Over Barricades, Access Restrictions, and Lack of Community Input During Annual Ohel Pilgrimage

CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY — Community Organizer James Johnson is hosting an Emergency Town Hall following growing concerns from residents regarding an NYPD operational plan associated with the annual Ohel pilgrimage that would restrict access to residential blocks in Cambria Heights from June 17 through June 21.

Residents say they were not fully informed about the scope of the plan and have expressed frustration over barricades being placed throughout residential streets and reports that homeowners may be required to show identification to access their own blocks.

The annual Ohel pilgrimage brings tens of thousands of visitors from around the world to Cambria Heights each year. Residents recognize the significance of the event and support efforts to maintain public safety. However, many believe there must be a better balance between managing a major event and respecting the rights of local homeowners.

Police Officer Putting Up Temporary Fence
Like Barriers in Cambria Heights

Get The Scoop On How The New York Knicks Championship Hit Different In Southeast Queens

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After 53 Years, The Knicks Are Champions — And Southeast Queens Has Something To Say

By Southeast Queens Scoop

For more than five decades, New York Knicks fans waited, hoped, argued, suffered, believed, gave up, came back, and believed again.

Now, after 53 long years, the wait is finally over.

The New York Knicks are NBA champions again, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and bringing basketball glory back to New York City for the first time since 1973.

Across the five boroughs, the reaction was electric. Fans poured into the streets, car horns blasted, fireworks lit up the night, and generations of New Yorkers celebrated a moment many thought they might never see. But in Southeast Queens — from Jamaica to St. Albans, Hollis, Laurelton, Cambria Heights, Springfield Gardens, and Far Rockaway — the Knicks’ championship hit differently.

For longtime fans, this was not just about basketball. It was about loyalty. It was about surviving decades of disappointment. It was about remembering family members who cheered for the Knicks long before this generation was born. It was about New York pride.

Jalen Brunson helped lead the Knicks to the mountaintop with a legendary 45-point performance in the championship-clinching game, securing Finals MVP honors and instantly placing himself among the most beloved sports figures in New York history.

But the real story may be what this championship means to the people.

Southeast Queens residents are already sounding off with pride, joy, humor, and disbelief.

Get The Scoop On How Southeast Queens Influencer Extraordinaire MSS. Francois Wins The Prestigious Wow! Factor Award!

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The Woman Audiences Can’t Forget: Why Mss Francois Just Won BRIC’s WOW! Factor Award

Some people host shows. Others create moments. And then there are the rare few who transform every appearance into an experience. That is exactly why Mss Francois has been named the recipient of the WOW! Factor Award at the 2026 B Free Awards presented by BRIC Arts & Media.

The WOW! Factor Award recognizes an on-air personality whose presence captivates audiences, commands attention, and leaves viewers wanting more. In a world overflowing with content, the award celebrates something increasingly rare: authentic connection.

For those who know Mss Francois, the honor feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. Whether she is making audiences laugh, helping people heal, or sharing stories that inspire action, she has built a career around one simple philosophy: people may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago and now based in New York, Mss Francois has become one of the most recognizable voices in community media. As the creator and host of The Mss Francois Show, she has entertained and empowered audiences with candid conversations, humor, and real-life lessons that resonate far beyond the television screen.

Her impact extends even further through Caribbean Brilliance: Conversations with Mss Francois, a platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements and contributions of Caribbean Americans. Through meaningful interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, authors, and community changemakers, she provides a platform where stories of perseverance, leadership, and excellence can inspire future generations.

The WOW! Factor Award is not simply about popularity. It recognizes authenticity, energy, connection, and impact. Mss Francois brings a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, wisdom, and Caribbean warmth that instantly makes guests comfortable and viewers feel included. Her interviews do not feel scripted; they feel personal. Her conversations do not feel transactional; they feel transformational.

Hosted by BRIC Arts & Media, the B Free Awards celebrate excellence in community-driven storytelling and honor creators who use media to educate, inform, inspire, and amplify underrepresented voices. Winning within this distinguished field is more than an individual achievement—it is recognition that meaningful storytelling still matters.