Cox: Dismissal proves Tish James unfit for office
"All Americans who believe in the rule of law should celebrate today's judgment.
"Attorney General Letitia James' pursuit of President Trump was vengeful and political from the start and a reckless abuse of prosecutorial discretion. This is further proof that she is unfit for office."
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is reviewing a proposal for revisions to the Orchard Beach Pavilion, an individual landmark located in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx. Designed by Marvel Architects, the project focuses on window replacement and is part of a broader reconstruction effort led by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the NYC Economic Development Corporation.
Rendering of impacted area for Orchard Beach Pavilion, via LPC proposal
Originally opened in 1936–1937 under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and designed by consulting architect Aymar Embury II, the Art Deco-style pavilion is a historic structure within the park and was designated a landmark in 2006. Proposed changes include new aluminum-framed, true divided-lite windows designed to match historic profiles. The proposal details a range of fixed and operable window types, insect screens for operable units, safety glazing at hazardous locations, and custom distraction markings to meet modern code requirements. Window visibility and replacement scope spans both the north and south wings of the pavilion.
Rendering of impacted area for Orchard Beach Pavilion, via LPC proposal
In addition to enhancing building envelope performance, the proposal prioritizes restoring original architectural elements and improving circulation and ADA accessibility between the land side, upper level, and lower level of the pavilion. Programmatic upgrades will include community spaces, concessions, and future rentable event areas, while construction methods aim to minimize vulnerabilities in flood-prone zones.
Transit nearby Orchard Beach Pavilion includes the Pelham Bay Park subway station, served by the 6 train.
The proposal was brought before the LPC on August 12.
Discretionary Funding Grant Pilot Will Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Payments to Half the Time of Traditional Contract Process for Small-Dollar Awardees
New Program Eliminates 13 Steps from Contract Process to Help Nonprofits Receive Funding They Need Without Delay
Announcement Part of Mayor Adams’ “NYC Nonprofit Week,” Highlighting City’s Investments and Support for Nonprofits
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams today announced a new pilot initiative to accelerate payments for a selection of small-scale discretionary funding awards and streamline the city’s discretionary funding process. Launching in fall 2025, the Discretionary Grant Pilot will replace the traditional contract process with direct grant agreements for approximately 100 organizations receiving $25,000 or less in City Council discretionary dollars during its first year. The grant pilot will eliminate 13 steps, allowing eligible nonprofits to receive 100 percent of their City Council-allocated funds in nearly half the time of the current contracting process. In its second year, the pilot will be extended to hundreds of organizations that qualify. The pilot addresses long-standing inefficiencies that have required small-dollar discretionary awards to undergo the same complex registration process as multi-million-dollar, competitively bid contracts. As a result, many nonprofits have faced delays before being able to register their contract or submit their first invoices for small-dollar funding awards. This initiative comes as Mayor Adams recognizes “NYC Nonprofit Week” and builds on his administration’s progress in reducing the city’s backlog of unregistered contracts — achieving an 88 percent rate of on-time submissions for the registration of standard human service contracts for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
“When nonprofits thrive, our city and our people thrive. New York City’s nonprofits do the work millions of our city’s residents rely on — delivering meals to seniors, providing legal services to immigrants, connecting people to housing, caring for our young people, and so much more. In order to ensure that these organizations succeed and continue to support New Yorkers, we need to remove the different barriers and obstacles that stand in the way of their crucial mission,” said Mayor Adams. “The new Discretionary Grant Pilot does just that — revamping the old process and replacing it with a new, streamlined approach to get the money nonprofits need and are owed to them within weeks instead of years. Nonprofits always deliver for New Yorkers, and today, we’re proud to continue delivering for nonprofits.”
"Non-profits provide essential services to New Yorkers through city contracts and funding, but far too often are paid late for their work and forced to shoulder excessive administrative burdens,” said Speaker Adams. “This new Council discretionary grant pilot program, in partnership with Mayor Adams' administration, will remove excessive barriers to get non-profits their funding faster and with less red tape. The Council is proud to continue our work to ensure that our non-profit sector can successfully deliver New Yorkers the lifesaving care and dignity they deserve.”
Led by the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS), and the New York City Council, in collaboration with key partner agencies including the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), this pilot will significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up payments to the city’s nonprofits — delivering on Mayor Adams’ promise to empower organizations that serve on the frontlines of New York City’s neighborhoods.
Under the pilot, eligible nonprofits will receive one-year grant agreements, bypassing the traditional months-long contract registration process. Once agreements are signed and returned, 100 percent of funds will be disbursed to the nonprofits, allowing organizations to serve their communities without delayed payments.
Nonprofits may qualify for the pilot if they:
The City Council, MOCS, and the contracting agency will determine participating organizations to be chosen as the pilot cohort for FY 2026 and notify them of their inclusion in the pilot. Final announcements are expected in October 2025, with grant agreements to be issued shortly thereafter. Participating organizations will have 30 days to return signed agreements and can expect to receive funding by January 2026.
This initiative builds on the Adams administration’s 2023 multi-year discretionary contract reform and has already shown significant progress in getting City Council discretionary providers paid on time.
In March 2024, the administration committed $741 million toward a cost-of-living adjustment for approximately 80,000 human services workers employed by nonprofits with city contracts. This workforce — 66 percent women and 46 percent women of color — plays a critical role in providing frontline services related to housing, health care, food access, and support for asylum seekers. In total, the administration has now directed over $1.4 billion toward wage enhancements in the sector.
In January 2025, Mayor Adams issued Executive Order 47, formally establishing chief nonprofit officers within city agencies to enhance service delivery, respond to nonprofit partners more effectively, and speed up payment processing. To date, 18 chief nonprofit officers have been appointed and are actively collaborating with nonprofits to drive systemic improvements. Finally, Mayor Adams created the city’s first-ever Nonprofit Advisory Council, bringing together leaders from across the sector to collaborate with MONS and strengthen the connection between nonprofit organizations and city government.
The affordable housing lottery has launched for 33 Bedford Park Boulevard, an 11-story residential building in Norwood, The Bronx. Designed by Angelo Ng & Anthony Ng Architects Studio and developed by New York Home Contractors, the structure yields 19 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are six units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $91,543 to $189,54.
33 Bedford Park Boulevard in Norwood, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect
Amenities include pet-friendly policies, elevator, package lockers, and bike storage lockers. Residences are equipped with air conditioning, smart controls for heating and cooling, washers and dryers, hardwood floors, intercoms, patios or balconies, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.
At 130 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,506 for incomes ranging from $91,543 to $189,540.
Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 2, 2025.
Unveils New Sheep and Wool Center, and Plans for Brand New Milk Bar
State Fair Continues To Be a Space for Families to ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Without Breaking the Bank
Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off The 2025 Great New York State Fair, highlighting a series of new enhancements to The Fair’s agricultural facilities and exhibits that will help fairgoers connect with this important industry in New York. The Governor unveiled a new Sheep and Wool Center, and horse stables, along with plans for a brand new Milk Bar. Under Governor Hochul’s direction, The New York State Fair continues to focus on its agricultural heritage and remains the most affordable state fair in the nation. This year’s Fair will run from August 20 through Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2025.
“The Great New York State Fair has long been a place where New Yorkers celebrate the best of New York and connect with our agricultural heritage,” Governor Hochul said. “As New York’s first mom Governor, I’ve worked hard to make sure that The Fair remains an affordable place for families to learn more about our great state and to make countless memories that will last a lifetime – without breaking the bank.”
The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget provided $35 million in capital projects investments at the Fairgrounds, including upgrading stages and the Expo Center for year-round festivals and music events, enhancements to the Milk Bar and more.
Milk Bar Enhancements
The Governor announced plans for an exciting renovation to The Fair’s famous Milk Bar, a beloved Fair tradition that serves $0.25 glasses of perfectly chilled New York milk. Planned enhancements include a new look and new location for the Milk Bar, increasing the square footage of the exhibit and allowing for the installation of new state-of-the-art equipment. Together, these will allow the longtime Fair staple to provide strawberry milk, along with white and chocolate milk, for all 13 days of future Fairs. The Milk Bar continues to be operated by the State’s partners at Cornell Cooperative Extension.
New Sheep and Wool Center and Horse Stables
The Governor also highlighted the completion of several capital projects on the Fairgrounds, including a brand new 15,000 square foot Sheep Barn, which replaces an old and damaged structure. Built to ensure the comfort and safety of sheep being exhibited at The Fair, the new barn includes a Wool Center, which is staffed by volunteers who educate the public about wool products and their uses, bringing these two locations under the same roof for the first time.
In addition, three new 9,000 square foot stables, built to supplement The Fair's existing, older stables, are open and operating this year. Beyond the annual 13-day Fair, the Fairgrounds host horse shows almost weekly in the spring, summer, and fall, with its stables in nearly constant use. The new state-of-the-art facility again focuses on safety and comfort for the animals and their caregivers while they visit The Fair.
Additional Enhancements
Further agricultural upgrades at this year’s Fair include an expansion of the Taste NY program space in the Horticulture Building, allowing it to offer even more locally made products to fairgoers. New this year, the New York State Tasting Yard has moved to the Horticulture Building to join forces with the Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Marketplace, creating a one-stop shop for fairgoers to discover their favorite New York product, from craft beverages to cheese, chocolates, sauces, dips, coffee and tea, crackers, and much more. Next to the Tasting Yard, fairgoers can enjoy a new mural called “Sip the State,” designed by Caroline Corrigan as a tribute to New York craft beverages. The space next to the Tasting Yard also features a small indoor green space with Adirondack chairs, providing a spot for fairgoers to relax and enjoy their beverages and snacks before seeking out their next Fair adventure.
The Voice of the Farmer Garden is additionally expanding for the 2025 Fair. This year, the garden will newly include grain crops like oats, barley, rye, and wheat, as well as two different varieties of sweet corn and delicata squash. The garden has also added cattle panels as support structures to the crops, helping to improve air circulation and reduce fungal infections. The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden opened at the Great New York State Fair in 2023, becoming the very first statewide garden of its kind to open at a state fair in the United States. The garden, which is located across from the Expo Center near the Goat Pavilion and kitty-corner from the Family Fun Zone, is a living, interactive learning space for visitors to see many of the major crops grown in New York.
The Fair continues to highlight agriculture through agricultural exhibits and competitions, with several special days dedicated to highlighting the industry, including Agricultural Career Day, Beef Day, Maple Day, and Dairy Day. More information about Maple Day and Dairy Day this year will be announced in the coming days.
The 2025 New York State Fair will also be showcasing a variety of new grounds entertainment acts and top-notch performing artists on its entertainment stages. Eight new grounds entertainment acts are sure to dazzle fairgoers, from animal encounters and high-energy performances to spectacular shows and interactive exhibits, alongside the Chevrolet Music Series, which features dozens of nationally known recording artists. These concerts and entertainment acts are all included in the price of admission, with a single $8 admission ticket also giving fairgoers access to countless agricultural exhibits, diverse food choices, and so much more. The New York State Fair starts Wednesday, August 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25.
To help fairgoers make the most of their experience, The Fair also recently launched a new mobile app, designed to be the ultimate companion for fairgoers. The app, now available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, provides an interactive and user-friendly experience to help visitors purchase tickets, navigate the grounds, plan their day, and make the most of their time at The Fair.
The Fair continues to be one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, with admission remaining free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Defendant Allegedly Possessed $246,250 in Stolen Vehicles; Made $81,000 in Car Sales Over Course of Scheme
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on second-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and additional charges for forging car titles and selling stolen vehicles on the Facebook Marketplace.
District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly preyed on victims who were vulnerable, including a working single mother, and a woman who was caring for her sick mother. I encourage anyone that buys a vehicle to research the history of the car, as there are unscrupulous sellers online looking to take thousands of dollars from unassuming individuals.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Justin Vargas, 33, of 160 West 174th Steet, was arraigned today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Darlene Goldberg on second-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, second-degree Grand Larceny, four counts of thirddegree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, six counts of third-degree Grand Larceny, six counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, six counts of first-degree Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, six counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Scheme to Defraud, two counts of second-degree Scheme to Defraud, and four counts of third-degree Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. The defendant is due back in court on November 13, 2025, and bail was set in the amounts of 200k cash, 200k bond, 200k partially secured bond at ten percent.
According to the investigation, from July 1, 2024, to September 14, 2024, the defendant allegedly sold six stolen vehicles in the Bronx, a combination of Honda CR-Vs and Acura TLXs, which he advertised on the Facebook Marketplace. The defendant allegedly targeted vulnerable buyers and encouraged them to borrow tens of thousands of dollars for the transactions or take out loans. Vargas allegedly gained the trust of victims by showing them forged motor vehicle documents and would meet with buyers in the Bronx to do the sales. Before selling the vehicles, the defendant allegedly concealed the VIN numbers on stolen cars with another VIN number, and then “washed” the car titles by using new information to match the new VIN. The victims found out their cars were stolen, after bringing the forged titles to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register their cars. The defendant sold the cars to the victims for approximately $16,000 cash each. One of the victims had purchased a car so she can drive to college while living at home to take care of her mother with heart failure. Another was a single mother who depleted her life savings to get a car to get to work and care for her children. Over the course of the scheme the defendant allegedly made $81,000 cash in sales and possessed approximately $164,625 in stolen vehicles.
District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Kevin Falconer of the Auto Crime Division. for his work on the case.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
