Ahead of FIFA World Cup, Governor Hochul Announces Activation of State Emergency Operations Center and Updates New Yorkers on Severe Weather

State Emergency Operations Center Activates June 10 through July 20 for Historic Summer of Events: FIFA World Cup, Sail4th 250 and America 250 Events

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Conducted Over 1,000 Trainings, Exercises and Assessments With State, Local and Federal Partners in Preparation for Summer Events

Feels-Like Temperatures in the High 90s, Low 100s and Severe Thunderstorms Possible for Areas Across New York State Thursday and Friday

Saturday Feels-Like Temperatures in the High 80s Align With First Match of the FIFA World Cup Taking Place in New York/New Jersey

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has activated today through July 20 ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Sail4th 250 and America 250 events happening throughout the state this summer. The State EOC activates for any incident statewide that requires State-level monitoring or response, serving as the state’s multi-agency hub for disaster response and recovery. Yesterday, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare for a multi-day stretch of high outdoor temperatures that will impact areas across the state through the weekend. Severe thunderstorms are also possible across the state Thursday and Friday, with the potential for power outages, downed trees and localized flash flooding due to heavy rain.

“Public safety is our top priority this summer, and we are standing watch so New Yorkers and visitors alike can enjoy all the state has to offer this summer,” Governor Hochul said. “But there are still things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Stay hydrated, dress appropriately for the weather and if you’re attending events in groups, come up with a place to meet in the event you get separated. Have fun this summer in the great state of New York.”

At the same time the EOC is activated, the State Fire Operations Center will also activate. Additionally, staff from the State Office of Emergency Management will also be embedded in various regional command posts throughout the state as well as New Jersey’s Emergency Operations Center for game days and around July 4. World Cup game days being held at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) are June 13, June 16, June 22, June 25, June 27, June 30, July 5 and July 19.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has prioritized coordination and preparation between State, local and federal partners ahead of this unprecedented summer of activities. As part of this effort to enhance safety and security preparedness, the Division conducted over 1,000 trainings and exercises with local, state and federal partners. That includes the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) organizing approximately 81 courses and the Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT) conducting exercises at 993 locations statewide and assessing 240 infrastructure locations across the State, including stadiums and arenas, malls and shopping centers, colleges and universities, airports, transit hubs and other mass-gathering locations. DHSES also coordinated major full-scale exercises at key transportation venues in NYC, including Moynihan Train Hall and Grand Central Terminal.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO REGIONS

 

In Effect for June 11, 2026

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday, June 11, 2026, for ozone for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions.  

The pollutant of concern: Ozone  

The advisory will be in effect: 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; and New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.

OZONE  

Increased heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

Ozone is not directly emitted, instead it is produced when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High AQI due to ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease (such as pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure) and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as feasible, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf.

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. 

PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S “BUILD-A-BUDGET” TOOL HELPS NEW YORKERS NAVIGATE CITY SPENDING

 

With just weeks to go before the city budget deadline, and as the city is now projected to take in $2 billion more in revenue than previously estimated, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams is helping New Yorkers weigh in on and navigate city spending with a ‘Build-a-Budget’ tool.

The Build-A-Budget simulator is an accessible, interactive way for people to visualize the way the city’s money is spent, where it comes from, and what goes into ensuring that it is balanced without slashing city services. Within the interface, users can raise and lower city expenditures across agencies and initiatives.

“While the state budget is settled, the hard decisions are far from over at City Hall, and the people who will feel the impact of investments or cuts deserve the opportunity to see what’s at stake, and to make their voices heard before the final vote,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “When we talk about the budget, we often talk about the few people in the room deliberating and making the decisions. That obscurity gives power to the few – now with the Build-A-Budget tool, people can engage with the numbers right from their phones.”

The interactive platform was originally launched to show the importance of state measures to close the city’s budget gap. Now that the numbers are re-balanced and executive budget deliberations are underway, the simulator allows New Yorkers to submit their balanced budget proposal to the Public Advocate’s office ahead of the deadline. The city’s FY 2027 budget must be adopted by June 30, 2026. 

The default budget allocations within the tool are reflective of Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Budget proposal for FY2027. They do not include future projected gains or deficits.  The budget process is often opaque, and the potential tradeoffs and implications can be difficult to navigate. The Public Advocate’s office designed Build-A-Budget to increase transparency and participation opportunities for the millions of New Yorkers impacted by budget decisions. New Yorkers can try to Build-A-Budget today at advocate.nyc.gov/BuildABudget.

Mayor Mamdani Launches Workers’, Immigrants’ Rights Blitz of Yellow and Red Cards Ahead of World Cup

 

Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs launches new ‘Referee Kit’ for immigrant New Yorkers

DCWP launches citywide Know Your Rights canvasses for fast-food, hotel workers

 

Find footage of Mayor Mamdani distributing workers’ rights materials to fast-food workers here

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Faiza N. Ali, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Sam A.A. Levine, and Commissioner Saloni Sethi of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) launched the NYC World Cup Referee Kit, a new “Know Your Rights” resource that features materials inspired by soccer’s “yellow” and “red” card system that will be distributed to consumers, low-wage workers, immigrants, and other New Yorkers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The administration is leading this $130K initiative to keep all New Yorkers safe.

“The World Cup is a time when people from around the world come together around a shared love of soccer. We have no tolerance for those who want to use the tournament as an opportunity to take advantage of New Yorkers, whether that’s through deceptive business practices, violations of our labor laws, or other forms of exploitation,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Our administration is launching this blitz to ensure that New Yorkers and visitors know their rights and know that our administration stands ready to uphold the law.”

The cards in the World Cup Referee Kit are designed to be easy to carry and provide simple, accessible information to ensure workers, consumers, visitors, and immigrant New Yorkers know their rights. The new resources will be distributed at citywide outreach events, through MOIA-led commercial corridor canvasses in immigrant neighborhoods prior to matches, public watch parties, libraries, and community events.

“Behind large-scale events like the World Cup are tens of thousands of hotel workers, taxi drivers, stadium workers, and countless others who make these events possible. Many of these workers are immigrants themselves, and we have a responsibility to ensure that they know their rights as workers, consumers, and as immigrant New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.

“As New York City welcomes visitors from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we want every immigrant New Yorker and traveler to be equipped with the resources to help keep them safe, informed, and supported," said MOIA Commissioner Faiza N. Ali. “No matter where you come from or what language you speak, the Mamdani administration remains committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed and empowered to know their rights throughout this global tournament and beyond.”

“As New York City prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup, we are making sure workers know their rights and the protections available to them,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “Over the next six weeks, DCWP will meet workers where they are—at transit hubs, commercial corridors, and other high-traffic locations across the city—to share information about workplace protections and connect New Yorkers with resources. Our message is simple: Every worker should know their rights, use their rights, and know who to turn to when those rights are violated.”

“Major sporting events can create conditions where workers, visitors and vulnerable community members face increased risks of harm, including human trafficking and labor exploitation,” said Commissioner Saloni of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV). “As New Yorkers, we have a shared responsibility to keep our communities safe and ensure service workers are treated with respect. ENDGBV’s services are free, confidential and available to everyone, regardless of immigration status. Anyone who experiences or witnesses trafficking or harassment can contact NYC’s 24-Hour Hope Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) to speak with an advocate.”

The World Cup Referee Kit includes resources that inform immigrant New Yorkers of their rights if they have interactions with ICE, worker and consumer protections for those working during the summer events, and various city hotlines that are free, safe, and confidential to use. The cards are translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bangla, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Urdu, French, and Wolof.

The yellow cards in the Kit include MOIA’s Immigration legal Support hotline, NYC’s Hope hotline for those experiencing domestic or gender-based violence, as well as victims of any crime, and a reminder to call 311 to report labor violations. The Kit’s red cards feature Know Your Rights information for those who may encounter ICE in their workplace, public spaces, or at home.

Mayor Mamdani joined Commissioner Levine today in Brooklyn to launch a Worker Rights Day of Action series aimed at educating New York City workers about their rights. From now through July 15, DCWP will conduct Know Your Rights canvass blitzes at high-traffic locations in all five boroughs to distribute the Workers’ Bill of Rights—a landmark guide to workplace protections—and inform 20,000 New Yorkers about their rights under the City’s Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Safe Hotels Act. Protections include the sufficient advance notice before cancelled shifts, additional pay for “clopenings”, and consistent weekly schedules.

Mayor Mamdani’s administration invites community partners and visitors to utilize the Referee Kit throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup and remains committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers and visitors are welcomed in our city regardless of immigration status.   

Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. to Pay $40M for Allegedly Reporting Inflated Drug Prices on Claims to Federal Healthcare Programs

 

Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. (Ahold Delhaize), headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay the United States and participating states a total of $40 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and state analogs by reporting inflated “usual and customary” prices on claims to federal healthcare programs.

“Federal healthcare programs rely on pharmacies reporting accurate pricing information used in the applicable payment formulas,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “If pharmacies report inflated ‘usual and customary’ prices on claims to federal healthcare programs, the programs pay more than they should on those claims.”

“Pharmacies are trusted with charging the contracted prescription prices to Medicare and Medicaid and not unfairly and unlawfully taking advantage of the government and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This settlement confirms that the United States will take all necessary steps to bring to justice dishonest pharmacies.”

“Pharmacies in federal health care programs must report truthful prices. Inflating those prices, as alleged here, puts the integrity of taxpayer‑funded programs at risk,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS‑OIG will continue to aggressively pursue such conduct to protect these critical programs and all the people who rely on them.”

The United States alleged that Ahold Delhaize supermarkets with in-store retail pharmacies – including supermarket chains operating under the names Giant, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, and others – operated prescription savings programs pursuant to which enrolled members received discounted prices on prescription drugs. The United States contends that, in light of the features and operations of those savings programs, and the applicable Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE program requirements (including, where applicable, contractual requirements), the discounted prices should have been reported as “usual and customary” prices on claims submitted to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Reported “usual and customary” prices serve as ceiling prices on payments to pharmacies under the applicable healthcare program payment formulas. The United States contends that Ahold Delhaize pharmacies failed to accurately report their discounted prices as their “usual and customary” prices on claims to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE, causing those programs to pay inflated amounts on such claims.

The Medicaid Program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states. Of the $40 million resolution announced today, the federal share is $32.9 million and the remainder will be paid to states participating in the settlement.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Lawrence LaBenne, who was a pharmacist at an Ahold Delhaize supermarket in Pennsylvania. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Mr. LaBenne will receive $6,083,587 from the federal share of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. LaBenne v. Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., et al., Civil Action No. 18-CV-925 (W.D. Pa.).

This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Health Agency, and state Medicaid programs.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Jeffrey A. Toll and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

13 Charged In Conspiracy To Sell Over 100 Stolen Cars

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 13 defendants in connection with operating a stolen car ring involving approximately 100 stolen cars worth millions of dollars.  The defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen vehicles, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Nine of the defendants were arrested and seven were presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis.  One defendant was arrested in the Western District of New York and detained.  

“When they head to work, school, or elsewhere, New Yorkers expect to find their cars where they left them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “As alleged, the thirteen defendants charged here shattered that everyday expectation.  By acquiring stolen cars, concealing their origin, and selling them to new victims, the defendants fostered a market for rampant theft, disrupted New Yorkers’ lives and security, and bilked innocent buyers out of their hard-earned dollars.  New Yorkers have no tolerance for thieves, and neither do the women and men of the SDNY and our law enforcement partners.” 

“As alleged, these defendants stole dozens of vehicles from the hardworking public, altered the identification numbers and paperwork, and sold them as legitimate cars to unsuspecting families,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas.  “A stolen vehicle is far more than lost property; this pervasive fraud upends daily routines, drains finances, and erodes the sense of safety that New Yorkers should be able to have in their own neighborhoods.  As a lead member of the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI New York will continue to relentlessly target, disrupt, and dismantle the criminal organizations that prey on our communities and threaten our livelihoods.” 

“These 13 defendants acquired approximately 100 stolen cars worth millions of dollars and then sold them to unsuspecting buyers,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “This elaborate scheme laundered stolen cars through multiple deceptive and illegal tactics designed to conceal their origins and take advantage of consumers. Thanks to the efforts of our NYPD investigators, along with our partners at HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, this pipeline has been dismantled and those responsible are being held accountable.” 

As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings:

From approximately June 2024 through May 2026, the defendants and others acquired cars that had been stolen from victims in New York City, obscured the fact that those cars had been stolen, and, ultimately, sold the cars to unsuspecting buyers in New York and elsewhere.  The defendants and their co-conspirators effectively laundered these stolen cars in a variety of ways, including by covering their true Vehicle Identification Numbers (“VINs”) with new, fraudulent VINs and by replacing their federal certification labels with labels containing the new, fraudulent VINs.  The defendants and their co-conspirators also created fraudulent titles for the stolen cars; took the stolen cars for oil changes and inspections to generate new, fraudulent histories for those cars; and advertised the stolen cars on a social media marketplace.  Through these methods, the defendants and their co-conspirators acquired approximately 100 cars, worth millions of dollars, and resold them to new victims for a huge, criminal profit.

NORBERTO PENA BRITO, a/k/a “Real,” 40, of the Bronx, New York; WILKINS MARTINEZ VARGAS, 38, of the Bronx; NOEMI SOLANO COMPRES, 41, of the Bronx; PAULA ABAD DIAZ, a/k/a “Mayi,” 35, of Yonkers, New York; MARLIN SEGURA MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Marlin Perez,” 35, of Yonkers; ANGEL HEREDIA PEREZ, 24, of the Bronx; LUIS VARGAS SANCHEZ, 24, of the Dominican Republic; JOEL ABAD BELEN, 28, of the Bronx; LUIS BRITO CAMPUSANO, 37, of the Bronx; TOMAS LORENZO JOSE, 38, of the Bronx; YEREMY LORENZO JOSE, 37, of the Bronx; JHOLKIS MELENCIANO COLON, 23, of the Bronx; and EDUARDO PEREZ ESTRELLA, 58, of the Bronx, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen vehicles, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the NYPD Auto Crime Division Major Case Team and the special agents and task force officers from the HSI New York Seaport Trade Group.

The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Bridget G. Johnston are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Responds to Border Czar Tom Homan and Stands Firm on Laws to Protect New Yorkers From Ice Overreach

Governor Hochul: “I want to make sure we also tell ICE that we do not want you to enter sensitive locations, like places of worship and schools and polling places. Also say we don't think that ICE agents should be terrorizing communities by wearing masks. It's intimidating, it's threatening, and no other level of law enforcement from local to town to state or other federal wears masks… I took these steps because I believe that ICE has been trampling on the basic rights of Americans and including here in the State of New York.”

Hochul: “We will work with you to deal with crimes — always have, always will. When someone has committed a crime and they're sentenced to jail and they complete that time, we will help you. I've sent over 1,600 people. We've contacted ICE and said, ‘These are the people you can take now. They committed a crime. They're convicted criminals. They should go.’ But what we're not talking about is cooperating when it comes to harassing ordinary people living in our state, going about their lives in a lawful way, and that's why I thought it was necessary to put in protections in our law.”

 I want to first of all respond briefly to comments that have been made by Border Czar Tom Homan saying that he's planning to send an unprecedented number of ICE agents into New York State and New York City. First, I'm proud that we passed nation-leading legislation enacted to protect communities like Syracuse and others from ICE overreach. Also, these are commonsense measures to make sure that law enforcement will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ferret out criminals.

And for anyone to say otherwise is not telling the truth. We are very focused on helping communities be safe, and local law enforcement should be working with ICE to help remove criminals — full stop. This is what President Trump said he would do — go after the “baddest of the bad,” the “worst of the worst,” — and that's what we're willing to support.

So we don't want the resources of our localities going after civil immigration enforcement, harassing people, because ICE is an $85 billion agency. They have the resources. They have the personnel and our local police need to be focused on local crimes, and that's what's behind the law I just enacted with the State Legislature — focus local police on local crimes, use our local jails for local criminals.

And so I want to make sure we also tell ICE that we do not want you to enter sensitive locations, like places of worship and schools and polling places. Also say we don't think that ICE agents should be terrorizing communities by wearing masks. It's intimidating, it's threatening, and no other level of law enforcement from local to town to state or other federal wears masks.

So we want that to stop. We want the out-of-control ICE agents to stop what they've been doing but also say we will work with you when it comes to keeping communities safe. And so I took these steps because I believe that ICE has been trampling on the basic rights of Americans and including here in the State of New York.

I've met with a lot of these families. I sat with the family of a husband who was sent away just for walking to the Home Depot with his son; a mother whose son was arrested on the way to church — her son was taken on the way to church — and a father who spent eight months, I just met him recently, eight months living in hellish detention center conditions; and a young man from Downstate who literally was deported right before he could have graduated, walk across the stage, would have earned high honors from his high school, and he was sent to a country he did not even know.

So these are the stories that are innocent lives I want to make sure people are aware of, that I think ICE agents should be aware of what they're doing. So know this: We will work with you to deal with crimes — always have, always will. When someone has committed a crime and they're sentenced to jail and they complete that time, we will help you. I've sent over 1,600 people. We've contacted ICE and said, “These are the people you can take now. They committed a crime. They're convicted criminals. They should go.”

But what we're not talking about is cooperating when it comes to harassing ordinary people living in our state, going about their lives in a lawful way, and that's why I thought it was necessary to put in protections in our law.

So I'm glad to hear Mr. Homan say he will not let a situation like what happened in Minneapolis happen in New York. But also, he should be reminded that the President of the United States told me one of the lessons of Minneapolis is, “We will not go where we're not welcome — where we're not invited.” And he looked right at me and he says, “I will not go to New York unless Kathy asks me.” I'm not asking. So let's hold to that. Let's dial back all the rhetoric and just get the job done.

 

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $392,000 WELCOME CENTER AND COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE IN CHINATOWN

Part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center Features Gathering Space for Arts, Culture, and Community 

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of the $392,000 Cultural Welcome Center, Think!Chinatown Studio, as part of Chinatown’s $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award. The new space will serve as a community gathering place for sharing intergenerational knowledge about culture and the arts with residents and visitors of all backgrounds interested in learning more about Chinatown. 

 

“Chinatown is a world-renowned cultural destination that reflects the rich history, traditions, and contributions of one of New York City’s most vibrant communities,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “With the completion of this new cultural center, residents and visitors alike will now have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the heritage and culture that makes Chinatown so unique. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued support through the DRI, this community-driven project will help preserve and celebrate Chinatown for generations to come.”  

 

The center has transformed a once-vacant 1,200 square foot commercial storefront into a gathering space for arts, culture, and community. Programming will include hands-on foodways, folk arts, and cultural workshops, exhibitions for art and urban planning, storytelling recording, tea education and experiences, talks, and cultural performances and demonstrations. The space will also provide office space for Think!Chinatown, which supports cultural programming work throughout the neighborhood, including Chinatown Nights (formerly known as Chinatown Night Market) the Chinatown Arts Festival, and the Chinatown Block Party. Think!Chinatown was a key participant in the overall community-led DRI planning process. 

 

Chinatown is an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Manhattan that contains the largest Chinese population in an urban area outside of China, as well as residents of Latin American, Italian and Eastern European Jewish descent and other backgrounds. The community prides itself on its diversity and broad array of cultural attractions, experiences and services. Through the DRI, Chinatown is creating welcoming landmarks, streetscapes and public spaces to draw visitors and encourage more foot traffic, and economic and cultural activity. 

 

Manhattan’s Chinatown was named the New York City Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fifth round in 2021. Other DRI winners in the region include Downtown Jamaica; Bronx Civic Center; Downtown Brooklyn; Downtown Staten Island; East Harlem; Long Island City; Greater Morris Park; and East Williamsburg. 

 

In addition to the Think!Chinatown Studio Cultural Welcome Center, the following projects are also funded by the DRI in Chinatown: 

 

• Chinatown Connections: Combining three projects: Beautify the Park Row Connection to Chinatown; Renovate Kimlau Square; and create a Chinatown Welcome Arch/Gateway. 
   

• Upgrade a Section of Sara D. Roosevelt Park: Expanding upon the larger scope of work currently planned for the Park, the City will renovate the area known as the Pit, Hua Mei Bird Garden, and adjacent perimeter sidewalk, paths, bike lanes, and walls. The improvements will provide expanded access and a welcoming public space with seating, shade, and landscaped areas for the multi-generational local community. 
   

• Create a Buildings Upgrade Fund: The Chinatown Partnership will establish a grant program to help existing small businesses and building owners make improvements to local storefronts and businesses. Eligible activities include: façade/storefront improvements, ADA accessibility improvements, awnings, signage, lighting, historic plaques and security cameras. 

 

• Open a Community Health and Wellness Center: Establish a new community health and wellness center at 60 Madison Street, which will offer much-needed high-quality and culturally accessible health and mental health services to the community. 

 

• Expand Light Up Chinatown Street Lanterns: This project consists of improving pedestrian lighting, expanding festive street lanterns, and installing illuminated standalone art installation(s), all within the Chinatown neighborhood.  Work includes creating a toolbox of lighting improvements that will result in greater street visibility and safety for residents, strengthening Chinatown’s cultural identity, and attracting tourists and visitors. 
   

• Reopen the Childcare and Family Support Center at Smith Houses (10 Catherine Slip): Repair the 4,700-square-foot childcare and family support center at New York City Housing Authority's Alfred E. Smith Houses to provide daycare and other supportive services. 
   

• Launch a Small Business Innovation Hub: Create an incubator storefront as part of a 2,500-square-foot hub centered on providing local small businesses with training, workshops, technical assistance, physical space and other resources to grow. The Hub, located at 115 Bowery, is a vital center for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation within the Chinatown community.  
   

• Create the Chinatown Art-Eries Public Art Fund: a grant fund focused on public art and cultural placemaking installations that will enliven public spaces and celebrate the cultural heritage and history of Chinatown and surrounding areas. 
   
   

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Think!Chinatown Studio will serve as both a gateway and gathering place, inviting people to experience the culture, creativity, and history that make Chinatown such an important part of New York City. By creating space for education, artistic expression, and community connection, this project helps ensure that Chinatown’s unique identity remains visible, accessible, and celebrated for years to come.” 

 

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “Through strategic development and targeted partnerships, this transformative state investment will enrich this community and create lasting benefits for both local residents and visitors alike. The new Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center is a wonderful addition to downtown New York City, and we extend our congratulations to NYSCA grantee Think!Chinatown, for this remarkable project.” 

New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Great neighborhoods thrive when residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizations have places to come together and share ideas. Think!Chinatown Studio creates that kind of anchor for Chinatown—supporting local activity, drawing visitors, and providing a flexible space where new programs and partnerships can take root. The Council was proud to support a project that strengthens the neighborhood’s future while building on the energy that already exists throughout the community.” 

 

Yin Kong, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Think!Chinatown said, “For too long, Chinatown has disproportionately lacked dedicated arts spaces. With the opening of Think!Chinatown Studio, we have created a new entry point for investment in the arts for Chinatown, and a new opportunity for the depths of existing Chinatown culture to find the spotlight. Having spaces like the Think!Chinatown Studio is essential to anchor our placekeeping practices and grow our feeling of belonging to this neighborhood that holds a special place in the heart of so many New Yorkers.” 

 

Lisa Gold, Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) said, “As the leader of an AAPI-serving arts organization, I know first-hand how vital the work of Think!Chinatown is to our community and the New York City creative ecosystem as a whole. Their programming and welcoming new studio space is needed in Chinatown more than ever and I am thrilled to celebrate their grand opening thanks to the State’s funding.” 

 

The new Think!Chinatown Studio will permit Think!Chinatown to expand its work with local artists and arts organizations.    

 

Chinatown Artist Arlan Huang said, “Every year we await with great expectation Think!Chinatown’s new program. Their arts and cultural programs always reveal new threads in the invisible weave that unites us as a community. It is a joy and always spectacular. As an artist concerned with the health of Chinatown I am humbled by their hard work and delighted to see the new Think!Chinatown Studio! They are quick to respond to community issues. They bring light and perspective with a moral and ethical integrity. And they are willing to defend it. I am proud to be a part of Think! Chinatown.” 

 

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative 

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State.