DEC SEEKS IMAGES OF TREES FOR ANNUAL ARBOR DAY POSTER CONTEST

 

Department of Environmental Conservation

Original Artwork and Photography Submissions Themed “Trees for Vibrant Communities” Accepted Until November 10 

Public Will Help Choose the Winning Image 

Winner to be Featured on the 2027 State Arbor Day Poster 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the launch of DEC’s annual Arbor Day Poster contest, encouraging photographers and artists of all ages to submit images that capture the power and beauty of trees. The winning poster is released annually by DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to celebrate and recognize the benefits of trees to people, nature, and the environment.  

“Arbor Day provides an ideal opportunity to promote the planting of trees to benefit our communities and make strides toward our goal of 25 million trees by 2033,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Through this poster contest, New Yorkers are encouraged to share inspiring photography and artwork that highlight the beauty and importance of trees and how they enhance our communities.” 

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Arbor Day Poster contest celebrates the importance of trees and highlights their impact on our lives. Trees contribute to beautiful scenery, clean air and water, and forest products that benefit our economy. I encourage New Yorkers to take part in the poster competition to demonstrate the benefits trees have on our communities.”  

Submissions should reflect this year’s theme, “Trees for Vibrant Communities,” expressing the importance of trees in building resilient, healthy, and livable communities, through original photos or artwork. DEC will accept submissions on behalf of the New York State Arbor Day Committee through November 10, 2026.

The winning image will be featured on the 2027 Arbor Day poster. The poster is distributed across the state for Arbor Day celebrations, the New York State Fair, schools, libraries, local conservation councils, and other events. 

The annual Arbor Day Poster contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborists Association, and Sylvamo North America. Entries must feature trees growing within New York State, be of acceptable image resolution, and are limited to one per person. To enter, read the complete contest rules and submit entries using the online submission form. 

For more information about the contest, Arbor Day, and DEC forestry programs, including Governor Hochul’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 initiative, visit DEC's website or email arborday@dec.ny.gov. 

Contact a local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9428 to obtain the previous year’s Arbor Day poster, while supplies last.  

GrowNYC - 🍅 This silent auction is In Season and open to all!

 

In Season, our 50th anniversary gala, is this Thursday — and a few tickets are still left. If you can't join us, you can still get in on the silent auction, which is open to everyone and closes Thursday night.

Keep reading for details 

In Season: Celebrating 50 Years of Greenmarket

When: Thursday, September 17 · 6:00–10:00 PM

Where: GH on the Park · 54 W 40th Street, overlooking Bryant Park

What: Curated culinary stations, interactive drink pairings, and a design-forward evening built around everything at its peak right now.

Fifty years ago, a dozen farmers set up under the Queensboro Bridge. Today Greenmarket is made up of 45 markets across five boroughs—and your support helps keep it growing.

Last chance for tickets →

 Exciting auction items up for grabs

You don't need a ticket to bid. Here are just a few of the items up for grabs—

•  Private In-Home Dinner by Chef Michael Anthony: A four-course dinner in your home for up to 15, cooked by Mike Anthony of Gramercy Tavern and Lena Ciardullo of Union Square Cafe, sourced from Greenmarket purveyors, with wines from both cellars personally selected by Danny Meyer.

•  Tea & Exhibition Tour at Christie’s: A private reception and tour for ten at the famed auction house, with a Christie's specialist guiding your group through works in an upcoming sale of your choosing.

•  A Weekend Staycation at the Times Square Edition: Two nights in a King Room, dinner for two at The Terrace with cocktail and wine pairings, and daily breakfast.

•  Consultation with Priya Parker: The author of The Art of Gathering coaches you through a gathering of your choosing — a wedding, a retreat, a milestone birthday — and how to make it actually matter.

•  Exclusive Bread-making Workshop at Bread’s Bakery: Learn how to make Bread’s challah recipe scratch and go home with your own decorated challah loaf, individual rolls, and everything else made together as a class.

And many more, including:

Prime Yankees Tickets · Afternoon tea for four at Wave Hill · A chef's tasting for two at Seventy Seven Alley · Brunch at Palo Santo · A night at the W Union Square · A five-class pack at Othership · A dinnerware set of your choosing from Fishs Eddy

 See every item and bid now →

Whether you're in the room Thursday or bidding from your couch, thank you for 50 years of showing up for local food.

With gratitude,

Team GrowNYC 

Mayor Mamdani Raises Emergency Snow Shoveler Pay to $30 an Hour, Streamlines Registration Ahead of Winter

New Yorkers who register this fall will be eligible for a paid orientation and faster payment

 

DSNY to host first of several registration events Saturday, September 19, in the Bronx  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson announced a modernized, streamlined process for Emergency Snow Shovelers, including early registration, a paid orientation in December, a pay increase to $30 per hour and faster payment.

The changes build on the widespread success of the program last winter, when more than 7,800 New Yorkers answered the call during historic storms.

“If this past year of blizzards, thunderstorms and heat waves taught us anything, it’s that it’s never too early to prepare for extreme weather,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Last winter, thousands of New Yorkers stepped up to help their neighbors dig out from heavy snow and ice. This year, we’re raising their pay and making it easier to join the program — because when the snow comes, our city needs to be ready.”

“New York’s Strongest prepare year-round for winter snowfalls,” said Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “From adapting to a changing cityscape to applying lessons learned from previous years, we constantly update and innovate to ensure a safer city after winter weather events. This year, we plan to enter snow season with Emergency Snow Shovelers prepared as well, to ensure that crosswalks, bus stops and other critical infrastructure are safe for commuters as quickly as possible.”

For decades, Emergency Snow Shovelers have removed snow and ice from public areas, including bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets. Last winter, a record number of New Yorkers — more than 7,800 — stepped up to help during heavy snowfalls, blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures.

For the first time, DSNY dispatched Snow Shovelers during active snowfall and on evening shifts to speed up snow removal. Together with DSNY workers, Snow Shovelers helped the City clear 135,000 crosswalks, 34,000 bus stops and 29,000 fire hydrants.

The City is now moving registration to the fall, well before the first snowflake falls. The new process will reduce paperwork and administrative burdens, ensure Snow Shovelers are ready to work when needed and ensure they are paid more quickly.

Snow Shovelers working this winter will earn $30 per hour, increasing to $45 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week. That is up from $19.14 and $28.71, respectively.

Emergency Snow Shovelers must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States and physically able to perform heavy, physically demanding work in adverse winter weather conditions.

Shovelers who register at a DSNY registration event before Nov. 30 will be eligible for a paid four-hour orientation in December and expedited payment processing, with the goal of receiving a paycheck within two weeks of working.

The first registration event will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Taft High School, 240 East 172nd Street in the Bronx.

To register, individuals must bring:

• A valid phone number and email address
• Social Security card
• Completed W-4 (Federal Withholding) and IT-2014 (NYS Withholding) forms
• Completed I-9 form along with its required supporting identification documents (see official I-9 Acceptable Documents list)

DSNY previously required Snow Shovelers to bring their own printed photographs. This year, photos will be taken at registration events, eliminating an additional barrier to joining the program.

Additional registration events across the five boroughs will be announced soon on DSNY’s @NYCsanitation social media channels and at nyc.gov/snowemploy.

After registering, Snow Shovelers will receive a confirmation email with an invitation to the paid orientation. They will then be assigned to a DSNY garage to report to during significant snowfalls based on borough needs and their location preferences.

Governor Hochul Announces $80 Million in Capital Funding Available to Support Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations Across New York State

Grants Range from $10,000 to $10 Million for Organizations of All Sizes; Applications Due January 12, 2027

Builds on $163 Million in NYSCA Grants Awarded in FY26 To Support Arts and Cultural Organizations

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants, and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture. The $80 million funding opportunity builds on the $82 million in capital awards made by NYSCA earlier this year, including multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking.

“New York’s arts and cultural organizations are a key driver of our thriving communities — fueling local economies and drawing visitors from around the world,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in new construction, accessibility improvements and environmental sustainability initiatives, these organizations can grow, expand and continue to inspire the communities they serve.”

NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund will support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking State funding for investments in capital improvements that allow organizations to sustain and expand cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of New York's dynamic arts and tourism sectors. Grants range from $10,000 to $10 million to support organizations and projects of all sizes.

The three FY27 Capital Projects Fund opportunities are:

Small and Midsize Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects initiated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations of any size, with construction and capital equipment grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements. Grants of $50,000 to $2 million support up to 50 percent of the project’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 are also available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions about organizational capacity and community needs that will positively affect the future of arts and cultural organizations across New York.

Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more (grants support a maximum of 50 percent of the project's total cost). This funding will support investments that allow organizations to thrive by expanding cultural programming, reaching new and diverse audiences, and promoting accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around economic development and will require all applicants to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers.

Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, for a maximum of 50 percent of the design phase’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 will also be available for organizations with budgets under $2 million.

The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA's website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is January 12, 2027, at 5pm. All eligible New York State nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 12, 2027, deadline. Grant awards are expected to be announced in late spring 2027.

Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the agency has awarded 739 capital grants, totaling over $382 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York's hospitality, food and beverage and retail sectors. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY26.

Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to grow New York’s pre-eminent arts and culture sector. The FY27 budget also includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists. These grants will be awarded at the end of the calendar year.

 About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. The New York State Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY27, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts. 

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER IN FATAL STABBING OF 17-YEAR-OLD

 

Defendant’s Mother Indicted for Tampering With Evidence

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Murder and Manslaughter for allegedly stabbing a teenager to death. The man’s mother was also indicted for tampering with evidence. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant is accused of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old boy who was hanging out with his friends and riding an electric scooter. The death of this young man has devastated his family and friends. We will do everything in our power to get justice for this victim and his loved ones.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Andrew Tollinche, 23, of Beach Avenue, the Bronx was arraigned today on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter and fourthdegree criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. Remand continues. Tollinche’s mother, Veronica Roche, 50, was arraigned on June 1, 2026, on Tampering with Physical Evidence, first-degree Hindering Prosecution, second-degree Hindering Prosecution and second-degree Criminal Facilitation before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. Both defendants are due back in court on September 21, 2026.

According to the investigation, on April 29, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Tollinche and his mother exited their apartment to confront a group that had gathered outside. Tollinche was allegedly in possession of a large kitchen knife and Roche was allegedly holding a stick. Jonathan Melo, 17, was on the block riding an electric scooter, but did not appear to be involved with the group. Nevertheless, Tollinche allegedly chased after Melo and stabbed the teenager in the back. Melo was rushed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, where he died.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Scott Schulman of the 43rd Precinct and Frank Locascio of Bronx Homicide for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE ARGUES FOR A.I. GUARDRAILS AND SCREEN TIME LIMITS IN SCHOOLS AT COUNCIL HEARING

 

After releasing a new report on the need for guardrails governing AI usage, New York City Public Advocate addressed the City Council on the impacts of screens and AI on students. During the hearing, he acknowledged the city’s recent efforts to engage with the rise of AI usage among students as a “first step, not a final word.”

“The new AI and screen time policies are not only an acknowledgement of the moment we find ourselves in—another turning point in the evolution of technology—but also a natural conclusion to the decades of data and research that highlights the negative effects of extended screentime for our youngest kids…" said Public Advocate Williams. "At a time when reading and math scores continue to decline year after year, it is important that our schools recommit to teaching the basics and do not allow machines to co-opt our children’s ability to learn and think critically.”

On Monday, the Public Advocate released Artificially Inevitable, a review of the role of artificial intelligence in government and what good governance of the technology can look like.. He also held a community forum to hear from New Yorkers about their concerns with the technology, which he then shared with the Council Committees today.

“Here are just a few pieces of the feedback we heard: 

• ‘AI needs to be nonpolitical’
• ‘The system is designed where you find out [about these things] after the fact’
• ‘We are skeptical about everything’
• ‘Please support AI guidelines.’

These quotes convey how everyday New Yorkers are thinking about AI and its impact on their daily lives.”

As AI industry experts offer increasingly dire warnings about the potential damage their products can cause and ask governments to implement guardrails, Artificially Inevitable analyzes the current AI landscape and proposes guidelines for good governance of a technology and industry that changes daily. It presents the public with the foundational facts about and framework of modern artificial intelligence, and proposes principles for government use as well as guardrails to enact on the technology. 

In calling for action, the Public Advocate declared that "The house is already on fire – it's about how we're going to allow it to burn."

The report urges the city to pass the Public Advocate’s legislation requiring entities to obtain consent for the collection and disclosure of personal and sensitive information pertaining to New York City residents, and inform them if their information is training artificial intelligence models. Additionally, it calls for the city to initiate workforce protections and worker trainings relative to AI, maintain AI-specific procurement standards, and hold public AI literacy trainings.

Read the full report here, and find video of his statement at the hearing here.

Secretary Mullin Hosts FEMA Roundtable and Meets with Angel Family in Nebraska

On Monday, United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited the state of Nebraska, where he hosted a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) roundtable and then met with an Angel Family.

At Omaha Fire Station #1, Secretary Mullin hosted a roundtable to discuss recent actions by FEMA to deliver disaster relief to the people of Nebraska. He was joined by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Omaha Fire Department Chief Kathy Bossman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 7 Jay A. Van Der Werff, FEMA Region 7 Executive Officer Ryan Lowry-Lee, Government Relations Manager Seth Voyles, and Douglas County Emergency Management Director Whitney Shipley. 

“I appreciate the work you guys are doing in public service. You’re constantly out there fighting,” said Secretary Mullin. “Our goal and focus in FEMA is a little different than it has been in the past. It’s a constant battle of figuring out how we can cut the red tape and allow local authorities to have the ability to go out, respond, and get refunded faster. So we’re constantly looking at how to better streamline that process. That is the number one conversation we have with President Trump. Every time we talk with him, it is about FEMA and how to reorganize it and get it back to what it was intended for.”

After the roundtable, Secretary Mullin went to a DHS facility in Omaha where he met with the family of Sarah Root, the 21-year-old student who had just graduated college in Nebraska when, in January 2016, she was killed in Douglas County by an illegal alien in a drunk-driving crash. The suspect’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit. After he was released on bond in February 2016, he fled the country to evade prosecution.

They were joined in the meeting by three of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents who were crucial in bringing Sarah’s killer to justice by extraditing him in March 2025. He was convicted and sentenced in February 2026 to 21 years in prison.

After this meeting, Secretary Mullin held a press conference with the Root Family, Senator Ricketts, and HSI Des Moines Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Cardiel.

Secretary Mullin holds a press conference with (from left to right) HSI Des Moines Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Cardiel, Senator Pete Ricketts, Sarah Root’s mother Michelle, Sarah’s father Scott, and Sarah’s brother Scott.

Sarah’s mother Michelle holding her portrait

Sarah’s mother Michelle speaks at the press conference

“I’ve said this multiple times, but one death at the hands of an illegal is 100% preventable,” said Secretary Mullin. “It should never take place. You should never have to stand up with Angel Families. There shouldn’t even be a term for this. But the truth is, unfortunately, there is a need for it. President Trump made it a mission when he came into office to eliminate as many of these deaths as possible, by taking these individuals who are illegally in our country off our streets and out of our country. The Department of Homeland Security enforces our nation’s laws. If you chose to come into this country illegally, you chose to break our laws. It is our job to hunt you down and send you back to where you came from.”

After the press conference, Secretary Mullin toured the facility.

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Ice Trafficker Receives Frosty 14 Year Federal Prison Sentence

 

A federal judge sentenced Lara Joy Ezell, 42, to over 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and distribution of 50 grams or more of meth. Ezell pleaded guilty to the charges on June 10, 2026.

“This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “By working together, we were able to disrupt the flow of methamphetamine and bring this defendant to justice. This federal prison sentence is a direct result of those collaborative efforts.”

“After numerous state court convictions this repeat offender should have learned her lesson, but instead she returned to her criminal drug pushing ways,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let me be clear, if you peddle poison for profit in EDNC we will catch you and we will send you to federal prison. Eastern North Carolina will be safer for it. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right.”

In April 2025, ATF and the Dunn Police Department opened an investigation into Ezell’s drug‑trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of meth from Ezell. They also determined that between June 2024 and April 2025, Ezell possessed and distributed approximately 1.3 pounds of Ice, also known as crystal meth.

Ezell has several North Carolina state convictions, including driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny and financial fraud, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and larceny.

“The Dunn Police Department is committed to working side-by-side with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that these investigations do not stop at the city limits or with a single arrest,” said Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay. “We will follow the evidence wherever it may lead and pursue those responsible at every level. If you choose to sell poison in Dunn, you should know that we are coming after you.”