DEC ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING DAY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 IN NEW YORK STATE

 

Department of Environmental Conservation

Anglers Encouraged to Take Advantage of Fall Fishing Opportunities 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced a statewide Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 26. During any of the six designated Free Fishing Days, the fishing license requirement is waived for fishing on New York’s fresh waters. 

“Fishing in New York is better than ever,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Whether it’s chasing salmon on a Great Lakes tributary, pursuing bass on a scenic lake, or casting a line in a local stream, there’s something here for everyone. I encourage anglers to take advantage of New York’s Free Fishing Days and introduce someone new to the sport.” 

This Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and our abundant natural resources, and to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.     

DEC and its partners also hold free “learn to fish” clinics throughout the year. In addition to learning about local fishing opportunities, participants are taught about fish identification, how to cast a fishing rod, fishing safety, aquatic resource stewardship, and fishing regulations. A full list of programs can be found on DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year.     

DEC also offers a host of online resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch, and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. If you’re looking for a spot to fish during a Free Fishing Weekend, check out some publicly accessible locations on DEC’s Places to Fish site. You can also use the DECinfo Locator Map or Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app to find a fishing spot near you, along with information on parking, boat launches, and more. Anglers can also access their sporting license information, which serves as valid proof of possessing a fishing license. 

The final Free Fishing Day for 2026 will take place on November 11 (Veterans Day). On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website. 

Permits Filed for 740 East 175th Street in Crotona, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 740 East 175th Street in Crotona, The Bronx. Located between Clinton Avenue and Prospect Avenue, the lot is near the 174th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Franc Gjini of Paramount Homes Management is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 47-foot-tall development will yield 8,447 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 15 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 563 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 36-foot-long rear yard.

Fernando Geremia of Fred Geremia Architects & Planners is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed this month for the two-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Fast Buses: Mayor Mamdani Completes the Bronx’s First Busway on Tremont Avenue

 

Tremont Avenue busway speeds commutes for 39,000 daily Bx36 riders 

Bx36 buses travel in the recently activated busway on Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Credit: NYC DOT  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the completion of the Tremont Avenue busway, bringing faster, more reliable service to 39,000 daily Bx36 riders and making one of the Bronx’s busiest and most dangerous corridors safer. 

  

Tremont serves the Bx36, where buses historically traveled as slowly as 5 mph. The corridor connects riders to nearby subway routes and the Metro-North Railroad and is home to a transit-dependent community, where 72% of households do not own a private car. 

  

The busway is now operating seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Buses, trucks with six or more wheels, emergency vehicles and Access-a-Ride vehicles are permitted to travel the full corridor. Other vehicles, including taxis and for-hire vehicles, may enter only for local access and must exit at the next available right turn.  

  

With high ridership yet frequent delays, Tremont Avenue is one of the corridors prioritized in Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, Mayor Mamdani’s historic partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to make bus service faster and more reliable across 175 bus routes.  

  

The new busway also lays the groundwork for future bus rapid transit along a broader Tremont Avenue corridor. As outlined in Next Stop, future upgrades will include streetscape improvements, station-like bus stops with improved shelters and other investments to deliver world-class bus service. 

  

“Two months ago, we announced that the City would finally move forward with the Bronx’s long-delayed busway. Today, it’s officially up and running,” said Mayor Mamdani. “For 39,000 daily riders, that means less time stuck in traffic and more time getting where you need to go. This is what it looks like when we build a city that respects New Yorkers’ time and makes our streets safer for everyone.” 

  

“Fast, reliable bus infrastructure has arrived on Tremont Avenue. Bus riders will now spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where they need to be: with their families, friends and making it on time to work and appointments,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to building off the success of this busway to deliver true world-class, bus rapid transit upgrades in the future. We will be starting the public outreach process soon to share with the community how we can take this design to the next level with upgrades to streets, sidewalks and bus stops to bring comfortable, reliable and convenient transit options to Bronx residents.” 

  

“When the State, City and MTA are all on the same page, results come quick,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The Tremont Avenue Busway has been completed just two months after it was announced, and it’s going to build on MTA’s local bus network redesign to improve speeds and reliability for almost 40,000 daily riders.” 

Pedestrians cross a redesigned section of Tremont Avenue. Credit: NYC DOT

Tremont Avenue is among the most dangerous streets in the Bronx and a Vision Zero priority corridor. Between 2020 and 2024, four people were killed and nearly 630 people were injured in crashes along Tremont Avenue — an average of two injuries every week.  

  

As part of the busway installation, NYC DOT added safety improvements at eight intersections along the corridor and nearby streets: 

•   Tremont Avenue at Webster Avenue 

•   Tremont Avenue at Third Avenue 

•   Tremont Avenue at Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway 

•   Third Avenue at East 175th Street 

•   Southern Boulevard at Crotona Parkway and 180th Street 

•   Crotona Avenue and 180th Street 

•   Third Avenue and 180th Street 

•   Tremont Avenue and Washington Avenue 

  

The redesign includes painted sidewalk extensions that shorten pedestrian crossing distances and encourage turning vehicles to slow down. The curb extensions are reinforced with flexible delineators, granite blocks and bicycle parking to discourage illegal parking. 

  

In 2026, the Mamdani administration has advanced major projects to speed up bus service across all five boroughs, including: 

•   The Bronx: Fordham Road, 161st Street and Tremont Avenue  

•   Manhattan: 34th Street, 116th Street, Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue  

•   Brooklyn: Marcy Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Utica Avenue, Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard 

•   Staten Island: Victory Boulevard  

•   Queens: Broadway 

  

Together, these projects are part of the administration’s broader effort to make bus service faster, more reliable and safer for millions of New Yorkers who rely on it every day. 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on the Death of Shelton Ennis

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Shelton Ennis, who died on June 26, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage and medical records, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the involved officer committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges are not warranted in this case.

At 9:52 p.m. on June 26, NYPD officers saw Mr. Ennis toss away an open can of beer he had been holding in Riverside Park, near Riverside Drive and West 136th Street. The officers approached Mr. Ennis and repeatedly asked for his identification so they could issue him a summons. Mr. Ennis told officers he did not have identification on him and provided a false name and date of birth. The officers could not find the name in the NYPD database and told Mr. Ennis they would have to take him to the precinct to identify him. Mr. Ennis ran from the officers, two officers pursued him on foot, and one officer forcibly took him down from behind by wrapping his arms around Mr. Ennis’s upper body. Mr. Ennis and the officer fell forward, hitting the ground, and Mr. Ennis became unresponsive. When emergency medical services (EMS) arrived at the scene at 10:13 p.m., Mr. Ennis was breathing but unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m. Officers recovered a knife at the scene. The medical examiner deemed the cause of death to be the impact of Mr. Ennis hitting the ground when he was tackled, which caused a tear in a wall of the heart.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use physical force to the extent they reasonably believe it to be necessary when arresting or attempting to arrest someone for a crime. In this case, officers saw Mr. Ennis holding an open container of beer in the park, in violation of New York City law. When officers asked Mr. Ennis to produce identification, he provided a false name, and officers were unable to identify him or issue a summons for the violation. The officers were therefore authorized under the law to take Mr. Ennis to the precinct to identify and charge him and were legally permitted to use force, if necessary, to carry out the arrest.

Mr. Ennis ran away from officers when they were lawfully attempting to arrest him. Therefore, it was reasonable for the officer to pursue and apprehend Mr. Ennis. There is no evidence that the officer intended to cause injury, nor evidence of criminal recklessness or criminal negligence under the law. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer committed a crime, and OSI determined that criminal charges could not be pursued in this matter.

Unplug and Play: Governor Hochul Announces $67.5 Million for 89 Projects to Build and Improve Playgrounds Across New York State

More Than $36 Million Will Support Playground Projects in Underserved Communities

Funding Will Support New and Improved Playgrounds Across Every Region of New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $67.5 million in grants through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) for 89 projects to build, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State. The awards will help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities.

The $67.5 million in state funding will support playground projects representing more than $145 million in total investment. More than $36 million will support projects in underserved communities, expanding access to safe, high-quality outdoor recreation across the state.

“Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them,” Governor Hochul said. “Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

The awards will support 36 new playgrounds, 23 major expansions and 30 renovations across all 10 regions of New York State. Projects range from new adaptive and inclusive playgrounds to major improvements that will modernize existing neighborhood play spaces.

NY PLAYS is part of Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative, which encourages children and families to put down their devices, spend more time outdoors, be physically active and connect with one another. The initiative also includes the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) and Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS).

Highlights by region include:

Capital Region — $4.6 Million

• Central School District Towns of Lake George, Queensbury, Bolton and Fort Ann — $1.09 million for a new playground area at Lake George Elementary School.
• City of Watervliet — $650,836 to expand the Clinton Park playground.
• Village of Hoosick Falls — $640,000 for a new playground at Panther Park.

Central New York — $2.6 Million

• Town of Brookfield — $678,640 to transform the central Town Park into a multigenerational recreation destination with a new playground.
• Town of Sullivan — $646,099 to expand and renovate the Lake Street playground.
• Village of Moravia — $471,231 to renovate the playground at Ethel Fuller Park.

Finger Lakes — $8.2 Million

• City of Rochester — $1.2 million to renovate the Jackson Recreation Center playground.
• Village of Brockport — $786,609 for new playground equipment at Corbett Park.
• City of Batavia — $730,320 to replace an outdated playground.

Long Island — $6.1 Million

• Town of Riverhead — $2.4 million for a new adaptive children’s playground.
• Village of Hempstead — $1.61 million to renovate the Kennedy Memorial Park playground.
• Chabad of Mid-Suffolk — $750,000 to develop a new community park and playground.

Mid-Hudson — $15.5 Million

• Orange County — $2.5 million for a new playground at Camp LaGuardia County Park.
• Central UTA of Monsey — $2.1 million for a new playground at 236 Cherry Lane.
• City of Newburgh — $2 million for a destination playground at Delano-Hitch Park.

Mohawk Valley — $2 Million

• City of Rome — $1.99 million to create a community park at Stevens Field, including a new playground.

New York City — $15 Million

• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation — $2.5 million for a new playground at Gwen Ifill Park in Queens.
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation — $2.5 million to expand Lozada Playground in the Bronx.
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation — $2.5 million to expand the Kaiser Park playground in Brooklyn.

North Country — $4.6 Million

• Town of Plattsburgh — $1.28 million for a new playground at the Battlefield Memorial Gateway.
• Indian River Central School District — $811,200 to renovate the playground and adjacent tennis and basketball court at Calcium Primary School.
• City of Ogdensburg — $799,569 for new playground equipment and a new sports court.

Southern Tier — $3.4 Million

• City of Norwich — $1.18 million to renovate the playground at Weiler Park.
• Village of Montour Falls — $600,000 to construct an inclusive playground and adjacent ADA-compliant restrooms at the marina.
• Village of Endicott — $409,200 to replace and expand the playground at Riverview Park.

Western New York — $5.5 Million

• City of Buffalo — $2 million to create a fully accessible play space at Kingsley Park.
• Town of Cheektowaga — $1.82 million to redevelop the playground at Nokomis Park.
• Town of Pomfret — $821,221 for a new playground.

The NY PLAYS initiative is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Three Men Charged In Violent Midtown Manhattan Kidnapping

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that DANI AMANUEL, KENNY FETIERE, and KIBRET MELES have been charged in connection with their roles in an interstate kidnapping scheme. FETIERE and MELES were arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in Manhattan federal court. AMANUEL remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

“Our Office will work tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “A victim should not have to fear that a night out will end with him being forced across state lines at the hands of violent kidnappers. As alleged, the defendants carried out a calculated and vicious kidnapping—luring the victim into a waiting car in Manhattan, beating and robbing him as they drove through the Lincoln Tunnel, stealing his property, and abandoning him bloodied in New Jersey. Anyone who attempts to use violence and intimidation to abduct and rob others will face serious federal charges.” 

“These charges reflect the FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public and ensuring violent criminal activity is met with decisive action,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Working with our partners in the NYPD, the Southern District of New York, and Essex County, we quickly identified and apprehended those allegedly responsible for this terrifying abduction. No one should fear being kidnapped off the streets, and we will continue to prioritize cases that threaten the safety of our communities.”

According to the Indictment and other public filings:(1)

From on or about June 11 through June 12, 2026, AMANUEL, FETIERE, MELES, and others participated in a scheme to kidnap and rob an individual (the “Victim”) in New York, New York. As part of the scheme, the defendants lured the Victim from outside a club in Midtown Manhattan into a car they occupied, under the false pretense that they would give the Victim a ride to his hotel. After the Victim entered the car, the defendants restrained him and transported him from Manhattan, through the Lincoln Tunnel, and into New Jersey. During the abduction, the defendants demanded the Victim’s watch and iPhone and assaulted him by striking him with their hands and a sharp object. The defendants ultimately transported the Victim to West Orange, New Jersey, where they abandoned him. 

The Victim suffered multiple fractures to the bones around his face, a laceration to his finger that required stitches, and bruising. He was hospitalized for three days because of his injuries. An image of the bloodied Victim after the kidnapping is depicted below. His polo shirt was light blue before the attack.

AMANUEL, 28, of New York, New York, FETIERE, 26, of West Orange, New Jersey, and MELES, 28, of Livingston, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life 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 the judge.

Mr. McDonald thanked the FBI and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared D. Hoffman and Jorja N. Knauer 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.

1.  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 therein should be treated as an allegation. 

Court Allows U.S. Government to Exchange Land with SpaceX in South Texas

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas allowed a land exchange to proceed between the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and SpaceX in South Texas. The court denied a preliminary injunction request, finding that the plaintiffs failed to establish an injury in fact to support standing and they failed to establish irreparable harm. 

“This land exchange is a win-win for the American people that achieves significant benefits for conservation and national security,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD. “The United States will acquire several hundred acres of high-quality habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge that the Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to protect, and SpaceX will acquire land with a lower biological value that will help it achieve its mission for NASA and the Air Force.”

Attorneys in ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled this matter. 

ICE Lodges Detainers for Two Illegal Aliens Who Allegedly Killed a Man and Injured 3-Year-Old in a Head-On Collision in Texas

 

Both the driver who allegedly caused the crash and his passenger are illegal aliens from Mexico

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged detainers asking Texas officials not to release two criminal illegal aliens who are charged with intoxication manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest after attempting to flee the scene.

According to local reporting, on September 12th, 27-year-old Alex “Bubba” Nunez was killed in a head-on crash in New Braunfels, with his 3-year-old daughter being injured. Police say the driver who crashed into Nunez was Rafael Alejandro Arreguin-Ramirez, an illegal alien from Mexico. He was charged with intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Arreguin-Ramirez's passenger, Alejandro Aguillen Acosta, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged with evading arrest and criminal trespass after he fled the scene and hid in a nearby garage. ICE lodged detainers for both suspects with the Guadalupe County Jail the day after they were arrested.

The victim: Alex “Bubba” Nunez, 27

The driver: Rafael Alejandro Arreguin-Ramirez

The passenger: Alejandro Aguillen-Acosta 

“These two illegal aliens from Mexico have been charged with intoxicated manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest for their involvement in a fatal head-on collision in Texas that killed a man and injured a 3-year-old,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Alex Nunez should still be alive today because this tragedy was completely preventable. ICE has lodged detainers asking our partners in Texas to cooperate with us so that these criminals can be removed from our country after they face justice. My thoughts and prayers are with Alex Nunez’s family, as well as for the child’s speedy recovery.”

Arreguin-Ramirez illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location. Aguillen-Acosta first illegally entered the United States through Texas in March 2023 and was granted a voluntary return to Mexico. He then illegally re-entered the country through New Mexico in January 2025 and was deported that same month. He illegally entered the country for a THIRD time – a felony – at an unknown date and location.