Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, Gotham FC, New York City FC Announce Gotham FC Will Make Etihad Park in Queens its New Home Beginning in 2028

 

Reigning NWSL champions will play at New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, bringing world-class women’s soccer to Queens

 

Renderings for new stadium can be found here

 

Builds on Mamdani administration’s efforts to make soccer, including Gotham FC and World Cup matches, accessible for all New Yorkers   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, Gotham FC and New York City FC announced today that Gotham FC — the two-time, reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion — will make Etihad Park in Queens its permanent home beginning in 2028.

The move will bring one of the world’s premier women’s soccer clubs to New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium — creating a permanent home for professional women’s soccer in the five boroughs, giving supporters a world-class matchday experience, and putting three million people within a 75-minute bus, subway, or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) ride of Gotham FC.

Today’s announcement builds on the Mamdani administration’s commitment to making the world’s game accessible to every New Yorker. Over the last year, the administration has expanded affordable access to Gotham FC and 2026 FIFA World Cup™ matches, created new opportunities for young people to play soccer in every borough and invested in public spaces where New Yorkers can gather to enjoy the game together.

“From Sam Kerr’s legendary four-goal comeback to Midge Purce’s championship-clinching heroics, Gotham FC has given us some of the greatest moments in women’s soccer. Now the next electrifying chapter of that story will be written in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Bringing Gotham FC to Queens means that the young girl kicking a ball around Jackson Heights, Jamaica or the South Bronx will be able to take the train and watch some of the best players in the world in her own city. It means more customers for neighborhood restaurants, more visitors filling our hotels and, most importantly, a permanent home for world-class women’s soccer in the greatest city in the world.”

“New York State is home to some of the world's greatest sports teams, and we couldn't be more excited to officially add the reigning NWSL Champions, Gotham FC, to our ranks,” said Governor Hochul. “Now residents and visitors alike will be able to experience our premier women’s soccer team right here in New York City at our first-ever soccer specific stadium — giving players and fans the world-class experience they deserve.”

“From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships,” said Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Gotham FC Governor. “We are building one of the world’s most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women’s sports. Our move to Etihad Park reflects that ambition, and we are deeply grateful to New York City FC for their vision and commitment to helping make this historic moment possible. World-class athletes deserve world-class environments, and this move allows us to keep raising the standard for our players, supporters and the game itself. Gotham FC is showing what is possible when you invest boldly in women’s soccer, and we are committed to building an experience worthy of the fans who have believed in this club from the beginning.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Gotham FC to Etihad Park as both of our clubs enter an exciting new chapter. New York City FC and Gotham FC share a belief in what soccer can mean to this city, and with Gotham FC making their home alongside us in what will be a truly world-class soccer stadium in Queens, we have an extraordinary platform to help shape the future of the game in New York City together,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “Etihad Park will be a place where the world’s game comes to life in the world’s city for our players, our supporters, our communities, and the next generation of fans. We are proud to call Gotham FC our partner and excited for the future we will build together.”

“The Queens Classic is exactly the kind of world-class sporting event that showcases New York City's unmatched energy and brings visitors and New Yorkers together,” said NYC Tourism + Conventions President & CEO Julie Coker. “As the global spotlight remains on our region during an extraordinary summer of soccer, opportunities like this help introduce new fans to the excitement of women's sports while reinforcing New York City as one of the world's premier destinations for major sporting events.”

The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Gotham FC, New York City FC and the Mamdani administration to establish New York as a global capital for professional soccer. For Gotham FC, the move follows the club’s first continental title and a second NWSL championship in three seasons; for New York City, it comes amidst the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and the Mamdani administration’s efforts to expand access to soccer to every New Yorker. Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani and Gotham FC released 1,000 tickets priced at $5 each to the club’s May 9th match against the Boston Legacy, offering the public affordable opportunities to watch professional women’s soccer.

Opening in spring 2027, Etihad Park will be New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium as well as the country’s first all-electric outdoor sports venue. Privately funded by City Football Group and being built entirely with union labor, New York City FC will begin playing at Etihad Park during the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with Gotham FC joining in 2028. In addition to MLS and NWSL matches, the stadium is expected to host international soccer matches, Olympic soccer matches in 2028, concerts and other major events, further elevating New York City’s status a global soccer capital.

Gotham FC supporters can place season ticket deposits beginning at $28 today at gothamfc.com/nyc for Gotham FC’s inaugural season at Etihad Park in 2028. Existing season ticket members who renew for the 2027 season will retain priority access, while new supporters can join the list beginning today. Additional information on seat selection, premium hospitality and season ticket member benefits will be announced in the coming months.

The 25,000-seat stadium will feature dedicated spaces for Gotham FC, including a permanent locker room and club merchandise throughout the venue. Fans will also enjoy the Five Boroughs Food Hall, featuring gathering spaces and local small businesses representing each borough.

Gotham FC supporters will get their first look at the team’s future borough next Wednesday during The Queens Classic at Citi Field, when Gotham FC faces the Washington Spirit in a rematch of the NWSL Championship before an expected crowd of more than 40,000.

This summer marks the club’s largest infrastructure advancement to date, delivering on its ambition to become one of the world’s leading women’s soccer clubs and bolster New York City’s future.

Fast Buses, Faster Commutes: Mayor Mamdani Completes Madison and Lexington Avenue Bus Lane Projects Serving More Than 150,000 Daily Riders

 

 Double bus lanes on Madison Avenue will speed up commutes for 92,000 daily riders from all five boroughs  

  

Upgraded offset bus lanes on Lexington Avenue will improve service for 71,000 daily riders  

Double bus lanes on Madison Avenue allow buses to stop for riders without disrupting the flow service. Credit: NYC DOT  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the completion of two major bus priority projects in Manhattan that will deliver faster, more reliable commutes for more than 150,000 daily riders from across the five boroughs.   

  

On Madison Avenue, new double bus lanes now extend from East 23rd Street to East 42nd Street, improving service for 92,000 daily riders across 34 local and express bus routes. On Lexington Avenue, offset bus lanes between East 52nd and East 60th Street replace curbside bus lanes, helping keep lanes clear of illegally parked vehicles and speeding up service for 71,000 daily riders traveling between the Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan on eight routes.  

  

“Since the cold days of January, our administration has unstuck and advanced bus lane projects that will shorten daily commutes for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Now, as summer enters full swing, we’re completing them — and returning more time to New Yorkers’ already busy schedules,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These projects will deliver on our promise of fast buses and build a reliable, efficient transit network for the working New Yorkers who power our city.”  

  

“Our bus priority work on Madison and Lexington Avenues will speed up buses and keep New Yorkers safer as they travel from all corners of the five boroughs,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “These improvements are just the beginning of our commitment to support the next generation of bus service. We look forward to continued partnership with the MTA to deliver faster, more reliable service across the city.”  

Rendering of the completed Madison Avenue redesign between East 23rd Street and East 42nd Street.

Faster Buses on Madison Avenue

Buses along Madison Avenue’s 34 local and express routes often crawl through traffic south of East 42nd Street; speeds have fallen as low as 4.5 mph — nearly half the citywide average bus speed of 8.1 mph. Along this stretch, 55% of people traveling on the corridor ride the bus, despite the absence of a dedicated bus lane before to this project.  

  

MTA data shows double bus lanes can significantly speed up service. After similar lanes were installed on neighboring Fifth Avenue, local bus speeds increased by as much as 12% and express bus speeds increased by as much as 20%.   

  

During Mayor Mamdani’s first month in office, the administration announced it would move forward with the stalled Madison Avenue project, extending double bus lanes from East 42nd Street south to East 23rd Street. In addition to the two new bus lanes, the redesign includes one general travel lane, a parking lane with left-turn pockets between East 23rd and East 34th Street and a parking lane that converts to a travel lane during rush hours between East 34th and East 42nd Street. The project also updates curb regulations on Madison Avenue and nearby side streets to improve parking availability.  

Rendering of the redesigned Lexington Avenue with an offset bus lane.

Better Bus Service on Lexington Avenue

Buses on Lexington Avenue average just 5 mph during daytime hours because vehicles frequently block curbside lanes while making deliveries or picking up and dropping off passengers.   

  

In May, Mayor Mamdani announced work to convert eight blocks of Lexington Avenue between East 52nd Street and East 60th Street from curbside to offset bus lanes, helping keep bus lanes clear and buses moving.  

  

The redesign builds on a similar project completed in 2019 between East 96th Street and East 60th Street. After NYC DOT converted that corridor to offset bus lanes, bus speeds increased by 26% and pedestrian injuries declined by 35%.  

Alabama Man Admits Aiding Missouri Pharmacy Burglary that Netted 16,800 Pills

 

An Alabama man has admitted involvement in the burglary of a Kennett, Missouri pharmacy last year and the theft of 16,800 pills.

Cornelius Cardez Bray, 31, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of intent to steal a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone. He admitted acting as the driver for David Jerome Evans, who broke into a pharmacy on March 13, 2025. A police officer responding to an alarm spotted a car with Tennessee license plates heading out of town and recalled that a few days earlier someone in a passenger car with Tennessee plates had been seen taking pictures of another pharmacy in town. The officer attempted to stop Bray, but he sped away, eventually crashing the vehicle. Evans was arrested. Bray fled but was arrested later. 

Officers found numerous pill bottles in the wreckage, as well as a large blue crowbar, a black face mask and Bray’s wallet and cell phone. The men stole 16,800 pills, including 7,500 hydrocodone pills and 7,500 pills containing benzodiazepine drugs.

Evans, now 31, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 78 months in prison.

Bray is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Kennett Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.

ICE Lodges Detainers for Illegal Alien Brothers Arrested After Fatal Shooting at Construction Site in Florida

 

These illegal aliens are accused of being involved in a shooting that killed one and injured two others

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged detainers for two illegal alien brothers after they were arrested for a fatal shooting at a construction site in Florida.

According to local reporting, the incident took place on March 4 in St. Johns County, Florida. Yovany Diego Lopez Cobo, an illegal alien from Guatemala, insulted the wife of construction worker Joseph Manfredi, which led to an argument that ultimately resulted in Cobo pulling out a firearm and fatally shooting Manfredi and injuring two others. Cobo was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm.

Cobo’s brother, Armando Manuel Lopez Cobo, was later arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder with a firearm.

Yovany Diego Lopez Cobo

Armando Manuel Lopez Cobo

The victim: Joseph Manfredi

“These criminal illegal aliens from Guatemala both came to the United States illegally as minors and were released by the Obama Administration,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Now Joseph Manfredi – a husband and a father – is dead because of these monsters who NEVER should have been in our country. ICE has lodged detainers for both of them with our Florida partners to ensure these illegal aliens are never again loose on American streets.”

Both brothers entered the United States illegally as minors in California in 2016, on separate dates. They were both RELEASED by the Obama Administration. A Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judge issued Yovany a final order of removal on August 13, 2025, while another Immigration Judge issued Armando a final order on October 18, 2018.

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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - VCPA Youth Run Farmstand Opens on Wednesday

 

We are very excited to bring our Youth Run Farmstand featuring fresh local produce at affordable prices back!

Wednesdays 2-7pm
from July 8 to October 28
Corner of Gale Place and Orloff Avenue
Bronx, NY 10463

We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Fresh Connect Checks, Cash and Credit/Debit.

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Attorney General James Urges Student Loan Borrowers on SAVE Plan to Choose New Repayment Options

 

Borrowers on SAVE Plan Will Receive Notices About Finding a New Federal Payment Plan Within 90 Days

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert urging New Yorkers with federal student loans to prepare for the upcoming termination of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. On July 1, 2026, borrowers who are enrolled in the SAVE plan began receiving notifications from their student loan servicer about choosing a different repayment plan. All those currently enrolled in the SAVE plan who do not choose a new repayment plan within 90 days of receiving a notification will likely be automatically moved to the Standard Plan, which does not consider income and often requires higher monthly payments than other plans. Attorney General James encourages all New Yorkers on the SAVE plan to consider their options and choose the repayment plan that makes the most financial sense for them.

“As federal cuts change student loan programs across the country, my office is here to ensure New Yorkers have all the facts about their loan options,” said Attorney General James. “Student loans are already a heavy burden, and no New Yorker should find themselves in an expensive repayment plan they didn’t choose. New Yorkers enrolled in SAVE plans should start searching for an alternative repayment plan to get ahead of this transition.”

The SAVE plan is an income-driven repayment plan implemented in 2023 that was designed to be one of the most affordable options available. In 2024, a federal court ordered the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to place all borrowers enrolled in SAVE into a mandatory forbearance and eventually terminate the SAVE Plan. The Trump administration announced its measures to end the SAVE plan in December 2025. Starting July 1, 2026, loan servicers began notifying each borrower of the date their SAVE forbearance will end. After a borrower receives this notice, they will have 90 days to select a new repayment plan before being automatically enrolled in another plan, most likely the Standard Plan. The Standard Plan does not take the borrower’s income level into account, meaning that monthly payments under the Standard Plan are often higher than under other loan repayment plans.

Borrowers whose most recent loan was disbursed or consolidated before July 1, 2026 might have the following options depending on their circumstances:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR);
• Pay as You Earn (PAYE);
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR);
• The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which became available on July 1, 2026; or
• Traditional repayment plans, including Standard, Graduated, and Extended plans.

While returning borrowers have access to PAYE and ICR plans for now, all borrowers on these plans will have to pick new plans by July 1, 2028.

Borrowers whose most recent loan will be disbursed or consolidated on or after July 1, 2026, will have to choose between the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which became available on July 1, 2026, and the Standard Plan.

For free, personalized advice and guidance about student loan options, New Yorkers can contact the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) by phone at 888-614-5004 or by email at edcap@cssny.org. More information about transitioning away from the SAVE is available online from EDCAP. More information on student lending is available in The Office of the Attorney General’s Student Lending guide.   

Governor Hochul Provides an Update to New Yorkers on Heavy Rains and Potential Flash Flooding

Governor Hochul: “Blink and it's there, that is basically how you can describe what a flash flood is. There is no time to prepare for it, it is something that comes up unexpectedly and can be very, very dangerous. And so that's what we're up against here today on Long Island…And so what we've already done at the State level is coordinating with local emergency management teams, preparing for the worst. I've already sent my swiftwater rescue teams to Long Island just in case they're needed.”

Hochul: “Long Island has been battered by Mother Nature incessantly this year. You think about the brutal winter storms, the blizzard, the incredible heat wave we've just endured and now flash flooding. And I just want to say it was enormously disappointing for us to learn from Washington that they denied our disaster declaration to get reimbursement for the communities from the snowstorm here on Long Island that we applied for…. And so that's why I just want to say we're here to help. We also need our federal partners…to fight hard for that money and see if they can get the federal government to reverse that decision that is going to hurt the people they represent.”

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on heavy rains impacting the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island and urged New Yorkers to exercise caution due to the potential for flash flooding.

I'd like to address the unfolding weather conditions here on Long Island since it's very much top of mind. Blink and it's there, that is basically how you can describe what a flash flood is. There is no time to prepare for it, it is something that comes up unexpectedly and can be very, very dangerous. And so that's what we're up against here today on Long Island and I just want to talk about the warning of multiple rounds of thunderstorms to bring enough rain for this region for flash flooding and it is not even known where it hits. And so what we've already done at the State level is coordinating with local emergency management teams, preparing for the worst. I've already sent my swiftwater rescue teams to Long Island just in case they're needed. It doesn't help if they're in another part of the state if there is a family vehicle that is swirling around in the rain. I also have to put out a warning, even one foot of water on the street that you think your own vehicle, particularly even an SUV, can barely get through that can turn you into a boat basically. You can start losing control of the vehicle and it can be washed away very, very easily. So encouraging everyone to stay away from water on the streets. If you cannot see the bottom of it, it is probably something you should stay away from.

And as we saw all these storms from Saturday and Sunday, the crews are out cleaning up, the state helping. The downed trees, the downed power lines over, you know, thousands of people without power, most of it being restored at this time. But that does not mean that there will not be another event. We're not expecting as high winds as we had, so if it's just the rain event that we can manage that without the power lines coming down, that may be the silver lining — except we're going to have very, very, very high volumes of water and it's going to impact the fact that the soil is already drenched from the previous rain. So that's when you can start getting serious conditions and flooding in basements and deterioration on cliffs.

So we have upwards of five inches of snow — you had that already and I'll get to that topic in a minute. Five inches of rain fall through Thursday and we'll be seeing Long Island and New York City are in the bullseye with a 70 percent chance of flash flooding. That is real, that is real. And so, as I've said, we've mobilized the rescue teams. All of our offices are here, and we're going to make sure that we're safe. Now let me just step back and I did mention snow. Long Island has been battered by Mother Nature incessantly this year. You think about the brutal winter storms, the blizzard, the incredible heat wave we've just endured and now flash flooding. And I just want to say it was enormously disappointing for us to learn from Washington that they denied our disaster declaration to get reimbursement for the communities from the snowstorm here on Long Island that we applied for.

That was rather shocking, it is very normal for it to be approved routinely, and for some reason it was denied by the administration in Washington. That's when we saw over three feet of snow in one day in parts of Nassau and Suffolk. And so that's why I just want to say we're here to help. We also need our federal partners that used to be there for us to step up and continue calling on our elected officials from Washington, here on Long Island — our Congressmembers, to fight hard for that money and see if they can get the federal government to reverse that decision that is going to hurt the people they represent. So that's the snowstorm, we're dealing with rain, we're dealing with flash floods and so just be vigilant.

 

Mayor Mamdani Kicks Off Summer Youth Employment Program, Providing More Than 100,000 Young New Yorkers With Jobs and Paid Work Experiences

 

Participation in SYEP tied to improved school attendance, reduced incarceration rates, and lower chances of arrest

 

Program offers professional experience to thousands of young New Yorkers who are homeless, at high risk of gun violence, live with disabilities, justice involved, reside in foster care 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani kicked off the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), as 100,000 young New Yorkers prepare to step into workplaces across the five boroughs. From community organizations and small businesses to hospitals, cultural institutions, and government agencies, SYEP offers work experience at thousands of workplaces across the city, allowing young New Yorkers to hone professional skills while earning a paycheck.

“For so many young New Yorkers, a summer job is more than just a way to pass the time, it’s a step towards their future. For years, SYEP has helped thousands of New Yorkers start their careers, hone their professional skills, and give back to the neighborhoods they call home – all while allowing them to earn money,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Congratulations to the newest members of the SYEP cohort. We hope you not only learn new skills at work, but new things about yourself this summer.”

"The road to professional and personal success is paved by programs like SYEP that provide young New Yorkers the experience they will need in the future,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “SYEP does not just develop skills in the workplace, it also provides education in key areas, like financial literacy, and to high-risk communities, so those young New Yorkers are afforded the opportunity to achieve long-term economic success and stability.”

“Celebrating its 63rd year as the nation’s largest youth employment program, SYEP continues to create career pathways and expand opportunities for young people to explore their interests, gain meaningful work experience, build professional skills and earn a paycheck. By connecting participants to employers, mentors and real-world experiences, SYEP helps prepare the next generation of New York City’s workforce while investing in communities across the five boroughs,” said NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “Alongside Summer Rising, Saturday Night Lights, Summer Night Lights, and other free DYCD programs, SYEP provides young people with safe, engaging opportunities to build lasting relationships, develop skills, discover new possibilities and create experiences that will shape their futures long after the summer ends.”

Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani released a video encouraging young New Yorkers to apply for SYEP, leading to a record number of applications.

SYEP is a six-week program, running from July to August, that allows participants to jumpstart their careers at thousands of worksites across the city. SYEP advances the City’s vision of making New York City more affordable by helping young people earn income, gain valuable and transferable skills, and build pathways to long-term economic opportunities.

The program offers tailored experiences to thousands of young New Yorkers who often face barriers to summer jobs, including young people at the highest risk of gun violence, NYCHA residents, homeless youth, youth with disabilities, and those who are justice-involved, or in foster care.

SYEP participation outcomes cited in studies include improved school attendance, connections to new skills, reduced incarceration rates, and keeping teens and young adults safe—including youth who would not otherwise have access to paying jobs. Additional research indicates summer jobs save lives, reduce crime and strengthen communities. A 2021 study found that SYEP participation lowered participants’ chances of being arrested by 17 percent, and by 23 percent for felony arrests. SYEP youth are also significantly less likely to be incarcerated in New York State more than five years after their participation in the program.

Every year, Lyft provides 1,200 free two-month Citi Bike memberships for SYEP participants, enabling young people to get to their jobs, explore their city and have fun. The company also hosts SYEP interns on their Social Impact team; participants gain exposure to careers in the private sector while building their leadership and communications skills as Citi Bike community ambassadors.

“We’re proud to continue partnering with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development because we believe access to transportation is access to possibility. Since 2022, Lyft has provided free Citi Bike memberships and hands-on experience to help young New Yorkers build real skills — and real confidence. Because when young people move, cities move with them,” said Inbar Kishoni, senior manager, Community & Equity Programs, Lyft Urban Solutions.