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. 

ICE Lodges Detainer for Haitian Illegal Alien Arrested After Semi-Truck Crash that Killed Pennsylvania State Trooper

 

This illegal alien was granted a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by the sanctuary state of Massachusetts

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking Pennsylvania officials to not release from jail a Haitian illegal alien who was arrested after allegedly causing a semi-truck crash that killed a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

According to local reporting, the crash occurred on July 1 in Schuylkill County, when a semi-truck crashed into Trooper Michael Pahira while he was inspecting another commercial vehicle. Trooper Pahira, a nearly 20-year veteran, succumbed to his injuries.

The aftermath of the crash that killed Trooper Pahira

The driver of the truck that crashed into Trooper Pahira was Michael Bon, an illegal alien from Haiti, who was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter. ICE lodged a detainer for him the day after his arrest.

The suspect: Michael Bon

Bon was issued his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by the state of Massachusetts.

The suspect’s Massachusetts-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

“This Haitian illegal alien was RELEASED into our country by the Biden Administration, and the sanctuary state of Massachusetts gave him a Commercial Driver’s License,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Now, because of these reckless policies, a Pennsylvania State Trooper is dead after a crash that was 100% preventable. Illegal aliens should not be driving trucks on America’s highways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and the Pennsylvania State Police as they mourn this loss.”

In July 2024, Bon was released into the United States by the Biden Administration. He then filed an application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in October 2024, and it was never granted.

Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Drug Trafficking - Over 244 Kilograms of Methamphetamine

 

A Fort Worth man was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 244 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. 

“This 480-month sentence of Mr. Hidrogo sends an unmistakable message to those who flood North Texas communities with methamphetamine, you will be held accountable,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “The men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and dismantling the criminal organizations distributing this poison throughout the DFW Metroplex and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our communities.”.

Evaristo Hidrogo, 31, was sentenced on June 26, 2026, by Chief United States District Judge Reed O’Connor for possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance – over 244 kilograms of methamphetamine with a 100 percent purity level as well as other controlled substances and three firearms.

“This lengthy prison sentence serves as a warning to anyone distributing narcotics in the Northern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug traffickers, as we remain committed to make the communities in which we live safer.”  

Court records reveal that on November 18, 2025, Hidrogo was involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement.  After crashing into another vehicle, he continued to flee from officers in his vehicle.  Not long after, Hidrogo was apprehended.  During his arrest, police found 56 grams of methamphetamine on his person.  In his vehicle, they found another 823 grams of methamphetamine, 301 grams of heroin, 55 grams of cocaine, and two firearms.  Further investigation led law enforcement to search two additional locations, resulting in the seizure of additional narcotics and a firearm that were attributed to Hidrogo.  At a storage facility in Fort Worth, they found 244 kilograms of methamphetamine with a purity level of 100 percent.  At a residence, they found approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and two kilograms of heroin.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fort Worth District Office, with assistance from the Tarrant County Sherrif’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Garland prosecuted the case.

Governor Hochul Announces Admission Tickets and Parking Vouchers for the 2026 Great New York State Fair Go on Sale July 7

The Great New York State Fair to Run Wednesday, August 26 Through Labor Day, September 7

The Fair Offers New Yorkers an Affordable, Family-Friendly Way to Get Offline and Get Outside This Summer

Daily Passes Available and the Frequent Fairgoer Option Returns for Fair Superfans

Centro’s Park-N-Ride Direct Shuttles from Downtown Transit Hub, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to Return to The Fair

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that admission and parking passes for The 2026 Great New York State Fair will go on sale Tuesday, July 7, at 9 a.m. Packed with incredible value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural exhibits, live demonstrations, and the Chevrolet Music Series. Admission remains free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under, continuing to ensure that The Fair is one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, providing an accessible space for the whole family to get offline and get outside. This year’s Fair will include more programming than ever before, with dozens of live performances and demonstrations, returning fan favorites and exciting new competitions, food and beverages from regional producers including a fresh lineup of vendors in the Taste NY marketplace, daily events in the reimagined Empire Room, and much more to discover.

“The Great New York State Fair is a time-honored tradition, celebrating our agricultural heritage and a cornerstone of our summers here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “People shouldn’t have to break the bank to have fun. As of today, tickets for this affordable, family-friendly event that will be packed with old favorites and new attractions are now on sale. New Yorkers – get your tickets today and I’ll see you at The Fair this summer!”

For those fairgoers who have plans to attend The Fair multiple times over the 13-day run, the $25 Frequent Fairgoer option again allows fairgoers to enter The Fair once a day, every day during The Fair. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket is non-transferable and is available exclusively online. Parking for the Fair costs $12. Advance tickets for The Fair’s famous Midway, operated by Wade Shows, will go on sale in the coming weeks.

There are three ways fairgoers can buy admission tickets and/or parking: online, over the phone, and in-person from August 26 through September 7.

• Online: The link to purchase admission tickets and parking will go live at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at The Great New York State Fair’s website.
• Over the Phone: Starting July 7, tickets and parking may also be purchased over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
• At the Gate: Beginning Wednesday, August 26, kiosks positioned at all gates will be available for electronic ticket purchases. To minimize waiting time for the kiosks, large signs featuring QR codes will also be available at all entrances and in parking lots so fairgoers can use their smartphone to purchase tickets. Reverse ATMs are on site to convert cash into a usable card.

Including fees, the total cost for fairgoers will be:

• Admission: $8.32 per ticket ($8 admission, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 18 cents)
• Frequent Fairgoer: $25.70 ($25 Frequent Fairgoer pass, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 56 cents; note that the Frequent Fairgoer passes are available exclusively online)
• Parking: $12.41 per vehicle ($12 parking, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 27 cents)

The Great New York State Fair begins on Wednesday, August 26 and continues through Labor Day, September 7. The Fair’s hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, except for Labor Day, when The Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. Gates open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, Monday, September 7, when no entry will be permitted after 8:00 p.m.

The Orange parking lot opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, with the Brown, Pink and Gray lots opening daily at 6:00 a.m. The Willis Ave parking lot will be utilized on days with higher attendance. Upon arrival at The Fair, drivers must show their parking ticket to lot attendants electronically on their phones or through a printed copy. EZPass Plus will not be accepted for parking. Parking passes may be purchased with a credit or debit card at the lots, with reverse ATMs on site for those bringing cash.

For the convenience of fairgoers, trams will run continuously on the Fairgrounds and will follow a horseshoe traffic pattern, with 7 stops from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Plus, a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10, to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.* each day. On Monday, September 7, the trams stop running one hour earlier.

Centro’s Park-N-Ride direct shuttle service will once again provide passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to and from the Fairgrounds with drop-off and pick-up points to the left of the Main Gate. To ride the shuttle one way, the fee is $1 for adults, and 50 cents for senior citizens, children six to nine years old, and those who are living with disabilities. The last shuttle leaves the Fairgrounds each day at 11:15 p.m. Shuttles will run on a limited schedule after 9:00 p.m. on September 7 as The Fair closes earlier that day.

About The Great New York State Fair

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, TikTok, and Instagram. 

Five Defendants Plead Guilty to Gun Trafficking Charges

 

Defendants Trafficked 40 Firearms and Four Machine Gun Conversion Devices in Queens

Earlier today, in federal court, in Brooklyn, Rohnique Posey, also known as “Pioneer,” pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking conspiracy and distribution of cocaine base before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.  Posey’s four co-defendants, Karsem Allen, also known as “Short,” Carolyn Hicks-Torres, Henry McCummings, and Dominic Smith, all previously pleaded guilty to engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.  In addition, Allen and Hicks-Torres pleaded guilty to possession of machine guns and McCummings pleaded guilty to possession of a defaced firearm. 

When sentenced, all five defendants face a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the firearms trafficking conspiracy charge.  Posey also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for distribution of cocaine base; Allen and Hicks-Torres face a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of machineguns; and McCummings faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for possession of a defaced firearm. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty pleas. 

“Illegal gun traffickers fuel violence, endanger innocent lives, and threaten the safety of our communities,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella.  “These guilty pleas hold accountable these defendants. who sought to flood Queens neighborhoods with illegal weapons, including semi-automatic and defaced firearms, and ghost guns.  Every illegal firearm taken off our streets is a step towards safer communities, and our Office, alongside our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to stop the flow of illegal guns, combat gun violence, and protect the people of New York City.  I commend the brave members of law enforcement who took these deadly weapons off the streets and out of the hands of violent criminals. We are all safer thanks to their exceptional work.”

“These guilty pleas are the result of focused investigative work and the strong partnership between ATF New York’s Crime Gun Enforcement Team and the NYPD Ghost Gun Unit.  Together, we identified and disrupted a firearms trafficking network responsible for moving dozens of illegal firearms and machine gun conversion devices into Queens.  Our commitment to reducing violent gun crime and protecting the communities we serve remains unwavering.  We are grateful to the staff at U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for its continued partnership,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo.

“This case demonstrates once again that there will be consequences for those who attempt to bring illegal firearms into our city,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “That is the work behind the NYPD delivering record lows in murders, shooting incidents, and shooting victims for the first half of 2026: comprehensive investigations that remove illegal guns, dismantle trafficking pipelines, and hold the drivers of violence accountable. I thank our NYPD investigators, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe.”

As set forth in court filings, between December 2024 and June 2025, Allen, Hicks-Torres, McCummings, Posey, and Smith made multiple illegal firearms sales totaling at least 29 firearms, including semi-automatic and defaced weapons, inside apartment complexes in the Rockaways.  On the day Allen and Hicks-Torres were arrested, July 1, 2025, they sold an additional 11 firearms.  Allen and Hicks-Torres illegally obtained these firearms in North Carolina from straw purchasers and then transported the weapons to New York City to be sold through Posey.  On one occasion, Allen and Hicks-Torres sold four machine gun conversion devices, which are designed for converting semi-automatic pistols into machine guns.  McCummings and Smith primarily sold “ghost guns” which typically do not have serial numbers and therefore are untraceable.  Posey also sold crack cocaine on four occasions. 

Several firearms and machine gun conversion devices trafficked by the defendants are depicted below.

Mayor Mamdani Visits Venezuela Earthquake Relief Site in Brooklyn, Renews Call to Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

 

At Lulla’s restaurant, Mayor Mamdani joined owner Ivo Diaz, City officials and volunteers packing food, medicine and supplies for families in Venezuela 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani visited Lulla’s restaurant in Brooklyn, where he joined Venezuelan New Yorkers, community members, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Ana Maria Archila, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Faiza N. Ali and volunteers packing food, medicine and other critical supplies for families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. The restaurant has become one of the region’s largest donation hubs for earthquake relief. 

 

“In moments like this, it is ordinary people who show us what solidarity looks like. That is exactly what is happening at Lulla’s,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “New Yorkers are stepping up to care for people they’ve never met because they understand our humanity does not end at our borders. As families in Venezuela grieve unimaginable loss, we will stand with Venezuelan New Yorkers here at home. And we will keep demanding that the federal government redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela and restore humanitarian protections for those living in the United States. After two major earthquakes and years of political instability, no honest person can argue that Venezuela is safe to return to.” 

 

On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela near the coast west of Caracas. More than 2,000 people have died, and the United Nations estimates as many as 50,000 remain unaccounted for. The disaster struck a country already grappling with years of economic and political crisis, leaving hospitals and emergency services overwhelmed.  

 

“New York City is home to a growing Venezuelan community. For thousands of families across the five boroughs, this is not a distant tragedy – it is deeply personal. Within hours of the earthquakes, Venezuelan New Yorkers organized,” said Commissioner of International Affairs Ana Maria Archila. “Restaurants, businesses and volunteers transformed more than 20 locations across the tri-state area into donation hubs. Ivo Diaz turned Lulla’s into one of the first and largest collection sites. Our administration is identifying ways the city can support these community-led relief efforts while sharing our expertise as Venezuela moves emergency response to the long work of recovery and rebuilding.” 

 

The federal government moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, ending protections that had been scheduled to remain in place through October 2026. Although a federal appeals court found that decision unlawful, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have already lost their protected status while the litigation continues, and the remaining TPS designation is set to expire later this year. 

 

“For the thousands of Venezuelan New Yorkers who call our city home, this tragedy is not far away. They are anxiously trying to reach loved ones while finding every possible way to get lifesaving resources to families recovering from these devastating earthquakes,” said Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Faiza N. Ali. “Today's visit to Lulla's reflects the very best of New York City: our compassion, our resilience and our commitment to one another. We will continue working alongside community leaders to support relief efforts across our city. This disaster has deepened an already severe humanitarian crisis. We urge the federal government to use every humanitarian tool available, including authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure or redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, so Venezuelan families can remain safely in the United States while continuing to support their loved ones here and abroad.” 

 

New Yorkers who want to help can volunteer at Lulla’s, 169 Graham Ave. in Brooklyn.  

Justice Department Reaches Proposed Settlement with Willow Bridge, One of America’s Largest Landlords, to Resolve Information Sharing and Algorithmic Coordination Claims

 

Decree Would Prohibit Algorithmic Coordination and Exchanging Competitively Sensitive Data with Competitors

The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a proposed settlement today to resolve the United States’ claims against Willow Bridge Property Company LLC, as part of its ongoing enforcement action in the Middle District of North Carolina against algorithmic coordination, the use of competitors’ competitively sensitive data, and other anticompetitive practices in rental markets across the country. Today’s proposed settlement builds on the Justice Department’s success in obtaining proposed settlements in the same enforcement action against RealPage Inc. and three other large landlords, Cortland Management LLC, Greystar Management Services LLC, and LivCor LLC.

As alleged in Plaintiffs’ Jan. 7, 2025 complaint, Willow Bridge, alongside five other landlord co-defendants, actively engaged in a scheme to set their rents using each other’s competitively sensitive information through pricing algorithms. Willow Bridge and these other landlords shared competitively sensitive data to generate pricing recommendations using RealPage’s algorithms, which also included anticompetitive rules that aligned pricing.  Moreover, Willow Bridge and the other landlords spoke with one another on competitively sensitive topics, including pricing strategies, rents, and parameters for RealPage’s software. 

“Affordability for American consumers is only achieved when competition thrives, which requires companies to make independent pricing decisions,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Companies cannot share sensitive data and manipulate AI tools or algorithms to produce market aligned pricing. That is not only illegal, but exploitative of Americans’ everyday housing needs. This Department will not stand for it.”

“Corporate landlords have been destabilizing the rental housing market for too long,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will remain proactive in taking affirmative measures to stop pricing algorithms from harming renters.”

If approved by the court, the proposed consent decree would require Willow Bridge to:

• Refrain from using any anticompetitive algorithm that generates pricing recommendations using its competitors’ competitively sensitive data or that incorporates certain anticompetitive features;
• Refrain from sharing competitively sensitive information with competitors;
• Accept a court-appointed monitor if it uses a third-party pricing algorithm that is not certified pursuant to the terms of the consent decree;
• Refrain from attending or participating in RealPage-hosted meetings of competing landlords; and
• Cooperate with the United States’ claims against other defendants.

As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Danielle Hauck, Acting Chief, Technology and Digital Platforms Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 7050, Washington, DC 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.

Willow Bridge is a residential property manager headquartered in Dallas, Texas.