Secretary Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott Visit CBP Cargo Processing Facility in Arizona

 

United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott toured a cargo processing facility in Arizona, seeing firsthand how CBP keeps harmful contraband from entering the United States.

At the cargo inspection facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, CBP personnel inspect imported goods for illegal drugs, fraudulent labeling, and other national security threats. Among the items that were seen during the visit were baseball jerseys that were labeled as being manufactured in Mexico, but were actually manufactured in China.

“The hardworking men and women of CBP look at almost every package that comes in, so that dangerous drugs, counterfeit products, and other harmful contraband does not come into our country,” said Secretary Mullin. “The patriots at CBP understand these criminals’ patterns, how the traffickers and cartels try to get around the duties and customs, and the way they try to ship things into our country. That’s why experience matters.”

Secretary Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (right) tour a CBP cargo inspection facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Secretary Mullin meets with CBP personnel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Secretary Mullin also oversaw several deportation flights out of Arizona, removing illegal aliens back to Mexico. Among those deported on Friday were pedophiles, violent assailants, drug traffickers, drunk drivers, burglars, and gang members.

Nigerian Man Sentenced To Eight Years For Hacking, Fraud, And Identity Theft Schemes

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced that CHUKWUEMEKA VICTOR AMACHUKWU, a/k/a “Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo,” a/k/a “So Kwan Leung,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to eight years in prison for his role in multiple fraud, hacking, and identity theft offenses. AMACHUKWU previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“Chukwuemeka Amachukwu believed he was operating safely offshore when he targeted his victims, but he has now been held to account and now faces a serious sentence for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Amachukwu took part in sophisticated schemes to hack into U.S. businesses, steal and use stolen identity information of victims, and commit fraud. These crimes imposed significant harm on the victims and the public, and so it is only appropriate that the crimes also come with a significant sentence for the defendant.”

According to the Superseding Indictments, public court filings, and statements made in court:

Beginning in at least in or about 2019, AMACHUKWU, his co-conspirator Kinglsey Uchelue Utulu, and other Nigeria-based conspirators took part in a scheme to hack into U.S-based tax preparation businesses. The conspirators utilized spearphishing emails to obtain access to these business’s electronic systems. Once they had obtained access, the conspirators stole the tax and other identifying information for at least approximately 800 of the business’ customers. The conspirators hacked into several U.S. based tax businesses, located in New York, Texas, and other states. 

The conspirators obtained the stolen identity information of thousands of individuals. They used this information to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million. 

In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.

In addition, AMACHUKWU took part in a fraud scheme in which he offered U.S. victims investments in purportedly valuable standby letters of credit. In the course of this scheme, AMACHUKWU impersonated a wealthy overseas financier in order to fool his victims. In reality, these investments did not exist, and AMACHUKWU and his co-conspirators were able to pocket more than $7 million in fraudulent proceeds. 

In addition to the prison term, AMACHUKWU, 40, of Nigeria, was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in an amount of $3,647,629.39 and forfeiture in the amount of $10,846,634.39.

Mr. McDonald thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its outstanding work.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.

ALLERTON HOMEOWNERS & TENANTS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY MEETING - OCTOBER 22ND 2026

Hello Neighbors,

Just a reminder about our meeting this Thursday.  Please join us for this informative presentation on the battery storage facility that will lease space on Boston Road.  

Come out and bring your questions.  Please share this and invite a neighbor.  

Remember, what affects one of us affects all of us.   

ALLERTON HOMEOWNERS & TENANTS ASSOCIATION 

ADVOCATING FOR THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

The Allerton Homeowners & Tenants Association invites residents to attend our 

October 22nd, 2026, 7 PM - Community Meeting. 

GUEST:

SPEAKER: MICHAEL PORTO

FROM: ORENDA INC. - 

TOPIC: BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY 

SITE: 2524 BOSTON RD.

WE WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSING THE PROPOSALS ON THE BACK OF THE BALLOT

BRING YOUR QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Elected officials' representatives will be present with updates

DATE: THURSDAY, October 22, 2026 - Time: 7 PM

Location: Kings Harbor 

2000 East Gunhill Road 

Please use the back entrance around the corner on Ely Avenue

Follow us on Facebook

Together, let us advocate for the change we want to see in our community.

Email us: allertonhomeowners@gmail.com

Mamdani Administration Announces 1,200 Sidewalk Sheds Taken Down, Unveils New Designs to Brighten City Streets

 

Sidewalk sheds across the five boroughs have declined by roughly 15% since start of Mamdani administration 

 

Two innovative new designs now on display in Lower Manhattan prioritize light, visibility and pedestrian space 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Ahmed Tigani announced New York City has reduced the number of sidewalk sheds by approximately 1,200 since January, a decrease of more than 15% in 10 months. 

 

The administration is also advancing new rules to bring better-designed sidewalk sheds to streets across the five boroughs. The new designs will let more light reach sidewalks and storefronts, improve visibility and create a more welcoming pedestrian experience while maintaining essential safety protections.  

 

Two new designs by the architecture firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) are now on display outside DOB headquarters in Lower Manhattan. Earlier this summer, DOB showcased two additional designs by architecture firm Arup. On Thursday, TIME magazine named Arup's design one of its Best Inventions of 2026. 

 

“In the greatest city in the world, New Yorkers shouldn’t have to accept dark, obstructed sidewalks as a fact of life. We’re taking down sheds that don’t need to be there and building a better alternative for the ones that do. That means brighter sidewalks, clearer storefronts and better public spaces that work for the people who use them every day,” said Mayor Mamdani. 

 

“With fewer sheds on our streets and new, more attractive sheds going up soon, we’re making significant progress toward safer and more welcoming sidewalks and open spaces. The teams at DOB, Arup, PAU and public servants across the city are dedicated to creating more vibrant streetscapes, and New Yorkers are already seeing results,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. 

 

“Thanks to the leadership of the Mamdani Administration, significant progress is being made to return valuable sidewalk space back to New Yorkers,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Enhanced oversight by DOB is helping to compel owners to start long-delayed building repairs, leading to the safe removal of hundreds of long-standing sidewalk sheds in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. At the same time, the city’s six new improved shed prototypes, created by our partners at PAU and Arup, are being recognized as a significant step forward in pedestrian-focused design. I encourage everyone to take a trip to our headquarters building in Lower Manhattan over the next several weeks to get a better understanding of how much better these new designs are compared to the old pipe-and-plywood sheds currently seen throughout the city.” 

 

The PAU and Arup designs are the result of a multiyear effort to rethink sidewalk sheds, improve the look and feel of city streets and prioritize pedestrians without compromising public safety. The designs are owned by the City of New York and may be freely copied to encourage adoption across the five boroughs. DOB expects to finalize agency rules making the new designs available for citywide use before the end of the year. 

     

The new Baseline Shed and Speed Shed models 

New sidewalk shed designs by PAU 

The two sheds now installed in Lower Manhattan are the “Baseline Shed” and the “Speed Shed,” both developed by a design team led by PAU. This marks the first time either design has been installed on a New York City sidewalk.  

• Baseline Shed: Available in heavy-duty and light-duty versions, the design features transparent polycarbonate decking and an innovative angled roof that lets in natural light, improves sightlines to ground-floor businesses and creates a more open sidewalk.  

• Speed Shed: Designed for lighter-duty use, this shed features an angled roof made with rockfall netting roof to catch debris while allowing light to reach the sidewalk. Detachable wheels allow the structure to be moved quickly between locations as needed. 

 

Stronger oversight and enforcement 

Following the passage of Local Laws 48 and 51 of 2025, DOB has strengthened oversight and enforcement requirements for sidewalk sheds, including more frequent permit renewals and stronger penalties for sheds left in place when no active work is taking place.  

 

DOB has also established new regulations to reduce the footprint of sheds on large “campuses,” including NYCHA properties and university campuses, limiting unnecessary coverage of open space far from buildings. 

QUEENS MAN INDICTED ON HATE CRIME CHARGE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE OUTSIDE JEWISH-OWNED BAGEL SHOP THAT DISPLAYED ISRAELI FLAGS

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Dawood Faisal was indicted for a hate crime for destroying property in May outside a kosher bagel store on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows that displayed Israeli flags. Faisal allegedly knocked over multiple plant stands outside the shop on two separate occasions and, in one instance, hurled dirt at Israeli flags and the front of the store.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, Dawood Faisal, repeatedly targeted a Fresh Meadows business specifically because it is Jewish-owned and featured Israeli flags, and destroyed property as an expression of antisemitism. Bias crimes are an affront to our entire community and will not be tolerated.”

Faisal, 22, of Fresh Meadows, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with two counts of criminal mischief in the third degree as a hate crime. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered him to return to court November 12.

If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on May 15, at approximately 6:18 p.m., Faisal knocked over nine metal plant stands outside Bagels & Co., a kosher shop on Union Turnpike where numerous Israeli flags and banners were on display. Dirt and plants spilled from the toppled containers onto the sidewalk. Faisal then picked up the debris and twice threw it at the shop.

On May 23, at approximately 1 a.m., Faisal returned to the Fresh Meadows shop. He pushed and kicked 11 metal plant stands causing plants and dirt to spill onto the sidewalk. After emptying each of the metal planters’ contents onto the sidewalk, Faisal attempted to kick over a large clay pot nearby without success then he manually uprooted the plants inside that vessel.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Lynaugh of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force in partnership with the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau.

Separately, Faisal was also arraigned on indictment charges in June of manslaughter, assault and other crimes for the death of 71-year-old Cara Trager in May. Faisal allegedly sped through two red lights on Francis Lewis Boulevard then collided with two cars, propelling one into a crosswalk where Trager and her husband were walking.

ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Sentenced for Attacking Guards While Serving Sentence for Separate NYC Terror Plot

 

Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 28, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced today to 50 years in prison for offenses related to a 2020 attack on correctional officers at U.S. Penitentiary Allenwood. This sentence will run consecutive to the 40-year sentence he is currently serving for his role in plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS.

“Bahnasawy, who is already serving a 40-year sentence in federal prison for plotting mass casualty attacks in New York City on behalf of ISIS, savagely attacked corrections officers once again on behalf of ISIS,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Today’s sentence will further ensure that Bahnasawy remains in prison, where he can do much less harm, for a very long time.”

“We will prosecute those who aid, attempt to aid, or commit violence on behalf of the pernicious ISIS ideology wherever they may be found,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s sentence reflects our unwavering commitment to fight those who perpetrate violence in the name of ISIS even behind prison walls.”

“Although he was behind bars, this convicted terrorist committed a horrific attack on two corrections officers in the name of ISIS, which they fortunately survived,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Today’s sentencing shows that violent attacks by those who support the evil ideology of ISIS or other foreign terrorist organizations cannot be tolerated by our society. Fighting terrorism is a central part of the FBI’s mission to protect the American people, and the FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold these vicious criminals accountable.”

Bahnasawy was an inmate at USP Allenwood who, on Dec. 7, 2020, attacked two corrections officers using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell. Bahnasawy stabbed one officer in the head and face, and, when a second responded to assist, Bahnasawy stabbed her in the hand. 

The first officer eventually lost his right eye as a result of the attack. When Bahnasawy was restrained, a note was found in his sock that read, “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.” A pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was also found taped to the inside of a locker door in Bahnasawy’s prison cell. Bahnasawy pleaded guilty in November 2025 to multiple counts of assault, assault with intent to commit murder, and possession of contraband inside a prison as well as providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. 

At the time of the attacks at USP Allenwood, Bahnasawy was serving a 40-year sentence for his role in plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS. Bahnasawy, a then-20-year-old Canadian citizen and resident, plotted with Talha Haroon and Russell Salic to conduct bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan in 2016, all in the name of ISIS.  

An undercover FBI agent (UC) infiltrated the co-conspirators’ terrorist plot, posing as an ISIS supporter prepared to join in the attacks. The FBI arrested Bahnasawy in May 2016 after he traveled from Canada to the New York City area in preparation for the attacks, and he has been in custody since that time.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.

Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced To Life In Prison For 2021 Murder And Other Crimes

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that RAMON RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Pollo,” was sentenced to life in prison plus twenty years’ imprisonment for the June 21, 2021, murder of Milton Grant during a robbery in Manhattan, the attempted murder of a second man, and other racketeering and firearms offenses. On February 20, 2026, RODRIGUEZ was convicted after a two-week jury trial. RODRIGUEZ was also sentenced in a separate case in which he pleaded guilty to an assault that left a fellow prison inmate seriously injured. U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff presided over the trial and imposed today’s sentence. 

“Today’s sentence holds Ramon Rodriguez accountable for these heinous crimes and reaffirms the commitment of this Office and our law enforcement partners to protecting the public from those who demonstrate such callous disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “Rodriguez decided that a watch was worth more than Milton Grant’s life, murdering him to steal it and then trying to kill Grant’s friend as he fled. Even behind bars, Rodriguez remained undeterred in his willingness to resort to violence, joining fellow gang members in a vicious assault on another inmate.” 

According to the Indictment, other documents filed in federal court, and evidence presented at trial:

From at least 2018 through 2025, RODRIGUEZ was a member of the Trinitarios and an associate of the Shooting Boys, a set of the Trinitarios that operated primarily in the Bronx and Manhattan. Members and associates of the Shooting Boys engaged in murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation.

On June 13, 2021, RODRIGUEZ and members of the Shooting Boys committed a robbery outside a Bronx nightclub. During the robbery, RODRIGUEZ shot a man in the leg, causing significant injuries. Just eight days later, on June 21, 2021, RODRIGUEZ and members of the Shooting Boys committed another robbery outside another Manhattan nightclub, during which they targeted the victim, Milton Grant, for his watch. During that robbery, RODRIGUEZ shot Grant in the head, killing him, and then stole Grant’s watch from his lifeless body. As Grant’s friend ran away, RODRIGUEZ shot at him as well, attempting to kill him.

After his arrest and detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, RODRIGUEZ continued to participate in the Shooting Boys gang, including by repeatedly possessing weapons. On December 3, 2023, RODRIGUEZ and other members and associates of the Shooting Boys ambushed, stabbed, and slashed an inmate whom the gang suspected was cooperating with law enforcement. 

RODRIGUEZ was sentenced to life in prison plus twenty years’ imprisonment for Grant’s murder, the attempted murder of Grant’s friend, and related offenses, and a separate concurrent term of 10 years’ imprisonment for the prison assault, to which he pleaded guilty. In addition to his prison term, RODRIGUEZ, 22, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. 

Governor Hochul Convenes First Meeting to Advance Evaluation of 2042 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Announces Full Membership of Lake Placid–New York City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee

Announces $2.5 Million in State Funding for Monument to a Miracle Project Honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and Five-Time Gold Medalist Eric Heiden

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the full membership of the Lake Placid–New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee, with nearly 90 members. The committee held its first full meeting in New York City today, marking the next phase of an evaluation of the feasibility of hosting a future Games in New York State.

Governor Hochul also announced $2.5 million in State funding to support the Monument to a Miracle project, permanent tributes to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and Five-Time Gold Medalist Eric Heiden.

“New York is an Olympic State. We have the history, we have the venues, and we have a passion for sports that’s second to none,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, I’ve assembled a team of the best and the brightest in sports, government, business and community leadership from all corners of the state to ensure we are in the best position possible to build a roadmap to bring the Olympic flame back to New York.”

Building on the Governor's June announcement of the Committee's leadership group and subcommittee co-chairs, the full Committee brings together leaders from government, business, sports and community organizations. The Committee will examine the opportunities, challenges and long-term considerations associated with a potential 2042 Winter Games in New York State.

Full Exploratory Committee Membership

The following individuals are serving on the Lake Placid–New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee.

Leadership Group

• Ashley Walden (Chair), Olympic Regional Development Authority
• Martin Brennan, Office of U.S. Senator Schumer
• Assemblymember Robert Carroll
• Jarred Jones, Office of U.S. Senator Gillibrand
• Deputy Mayor Jackie Kelly, Village of Lake Placid
• Secretary to the Governor Karen Persichilli Keogh, NYS Executive Chamber
• Commissioner Hope Knight, Empire State Development
• Deputy Mayor Julie Su, City of New York

Games Operations Subcommittee

• Marissa Shorenstein (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
• Andrew Weibrecht (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Mirror Lake Inn
• Jeff Byrne
• Kelly Cheeseman, NY Islanders and UBS Arena
• Claire DelNegro, FIL - International Luge Federation
• Tom Harris, Times Square Alliance
• Jill Lafer, 92NY
• Alex Lasry, FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee
• Martina Lussi, Grandview Lake Placid
• John Morgan, JFM Sports
• Laura Pegula, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres
• Jeff Potter, Monument to a Miracle
• Carlo Scissura, New York Building Congress
• Edward Smith, New York Athletic Club
• Craig Weatherup
• Tom Wright, Regional Plan Association

Finance Subcommittee

• Serge Abergel (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Hydro-Quebec Energy Services
• Peter Land (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Media Consultant and New York University
• Cali Brooks, Adirondack Community Foundation
• Greg Carey, Goldman Sachs
• Josh Cohen, NY Mets
• John Collins, NY Islanders
• Sharon Greenberger, YMCA of Greater New York
• David Heidercorn, L Catterton
• Reed Miller, High Peaks Resort
• Bruce Monette Jr., Adirondack Energy Products
• James Patchett, Gilbane Development Company
• Paul Pogge, IMA Financial Group
• Julie Samuels, Tech:NYC
• Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer
• Blake G. Washington, NYS Division of the Budget
• Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson, Town of Keene
• Ann Wool, United Entertainment Group

Legal Subcommittee

• Anthony Crowell (Subcommittee Co-Chair), New York Law School
• Robert Landau (Subcommittee Co-Chair), NBCUniversal
• Jarrod Bernstein, Morrison Cohen
• James Bilsborrow, Weitz & Luxenberg
• Rick Cotton
• Elizabeth Fine, Liz Fine Advisory LLC
• Adrienne A. Harris, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
• Walter Kane, Cary Kane PLLC
• Bill Kissel, Of Counsel Norfolk Beier
• Randy Levine, New York Yankees
• Alex McKhann, Chelsea Piers Foundation
• Stephanie Pianka, Adirondack Community Foundation

Community Engagement Subcommittee

• Grace Bonilla (Subcommittee Co-Chair), United Way of New York City
• James McKenna (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Uihlein Foundation
• Katie Brennan, Village of Lake Placid
• Victor Calise, Walmart
• John Calvelli, Wildlife Conservation Society
• Adele Connors, Point Positive
• Gary Gertzog, Fanatics
• Dan Kelting, Paul Smith’s College
• Pat Kiernan, Spectrum News NY1
• Tuffy Latour, Bobsled/Skeleton Coach
• Rich Maroko, Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO
• Frankie Miranda, Hispanic Federation
• Manny Pastreich, 32BJ SEIU
• Abby Praetorius, North Country Chamber of Commerce
• Andrew Rigie, New York City Hospitality Alliance
• Elinor Tatum, New York Amsterdam News
• Maria Torres-Springer, Charles H. Revson Foundation
• L. Joy Williams, NAACP New York State Conference

Strategic Advisors Subcommittee

• D. Billy Jones (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Clinton Community College
• Joe Martens (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Olympic Regional Development Authority
• Rebecca Dayton, Olympic Regional Development Authority
• Fred Dixon, NYC Tourism + Conventions
• Commissioner Mike Flynn, NYC Department of Transportation
• Steve Fulop, Partnership for New York City
• Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority of NY and NJ
• Andrew Heinrich, Project Rousseau
• James Katz, NYS Executive Chamber
• Andrew Kimball, New York University
• Erik Kulleseid, Open Space Institute
• Kevin Law, Empire State Development
• Ross Levi, NYS Division of Tourism / Empire State Development
• Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Olympic Regional Development Authority
• Emma Pfohman, Association for a Better New York
• Basil Seggos, Foley Hoag
• Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, NYS Department of Transportation
• Tait Wardlaw, Olympic Regional Development Authority

Exploratory Committee Begins Its Work

First announced in June, the Exploratory Committee is examining whether a modern, regionally coordinated Winter Games concept connecting Lake Placid and New York City could be feasible under the International Olympic Committee's current hosting requirements.

The Committee is guided by a Leadership Group chaired by Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ashley Walden and supported by five subcommittees focused on Games Operations, Finance, Legal, Community Engagement and Strategic Advisors.

The full Committee convened October 19 at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan for briefings on the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, perspectives from Milano Cortina 2026, and Lake Placid and New York City's experience hosting major events, most recently the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Over the course of the exploratory process, members will examine Lake Placid and New York’s existing infrastructure and operational capabilities, financial and governance models, and opportunities for a multi-region Winter Games concept to deliver long-term community and economic benefits. The Committee will engage communities across the state and solicit public input to shape the findings and recommendations outlined in its final report.

The exploratory process is expected to continue over approximately one year, with findings and recommendations provided to State leadership for review. The effort is not a formal Olympic or Paralympic bid, and no final decision has been made to pursue hosting.

Building on New York's Olympic Legacy

Lake Placid hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980 and continues to welcome international competitions, national teams and visitors from around the world. More than $750 million in State investments has modernized the region's Olympic sports infrastructure, supporting year-round recreation, athlete development and international competition.

Together with New York City's global connectivity, world-class venues, hospitality capacity and experience hosting major international events, these existing assets provide a foundation for exploring a modern, regional approach to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.