Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and former President Barack Obama visited an early childhood education center in the South Bronx, where they read a children’s book to a group of toddlers and met with families.
In between singing wheels on the bus, the two leaders discussed the Mayor’s
New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of seven other attorneys general secured a court order halting the merger of Nexstar Media Group (Nexstar) and Tegna, Inc. (Tegna). Attorney General James and the coalition filed a lawsuit on March 19 to block the merger, alleging it would violate federal antitrust law by creating the largest broadcast station group in the country, controlling over 250 local TV stations that reach 80 percent of the country’s population. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California today granted a motion for a preliminary injunction, preventing Nexstar and Tegna from combining their assets.
“Consolidating hundreds of local TV stations under one corporate owner would mean higher prices and lower quality programming for consumers,” said Attorney General James. “Nexstar’s merger with Tegna illegally eliminates competition, and we won a critical victory in our effort to enforce the law and stop this merger from moving forward. We will keep fighting our case to ensure fair competition among local TV stations that serve communities across the country.”
Nexstar is currently the country’s largest local television broadcasting group, controlling more than 200 stations in 116 U.S. markets reaching 220 million people. Tegna is the nation’s fourth-largest broadcasting group, controlling 64 television stations in 51 different media markets. If the merger is completed, 31 media markets across the country where Nexstar and Tegna each own competing stations – including Buffalo, New York – would see diminished competition.
Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their lawsuit that the Nexstar-Tegna merger would significantly eliminate competition among local affiliates of the “Big Four” networks – ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Nexstar’s size would give it unprecedented power to raise fees it charges cable providers to retransmit its stations’ content to their subscribers – fees that would be passed on to consumers in the form of higher cable bills. Nexstar could also black out channels for providers that refuse to pay higher fees, depriving consumers of channels they rely on for news, sports, and primetime coverage.
The lawsuit also alleges that the merger would degrade the quality of local news, as Nexstar would likely eliminate newsrooms in media markets where it owns multiple stations. Newsroom consolidation and Nexstar’s notorious practice of airing identical programming across local news channels would eliminate the diverse perspectives that viewers count on to stay informed.
The court previously granted a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by DirecTV in a separate lawsuit. That case has been combined with the lawsuit filed by the states. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California today granted Attorney General James and the coalition’s motion for a preliminary injunction, preventing Nexstar and Tegna from integrating and consolidating their assets as part of the merger.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Canalside in Buffalo will host three free community watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stage. Soccer fans are invited to gather at the waterfront to support the U.S. Men’s National Team in their highly anticipated matches against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. These events are brought to the public through a partnership between the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Visit Buffalo and Buffalo Waterfront.
“New York is excited to be able to host visitors from across the globe and also give New Yorkers the opportunity to tune in to the world’s biggest sporting event,” Governor Hochul said. “The State is proud to play a major role in the FIFA World Cup and now communities across New York will be able to share in the experience.”
The USA Soccer Watch Parties will take place on:
The matches will be shown on a giant video board, with attendees able to enjoy drinks, food trucks, a live DJ, giveaways and family-friendly activities.
Part of Governor Hochul and Empire State Development’s effort to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to communities across New York, these free public watch parties are supported by the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. The Governor recently announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the grant program. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, New York State is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities across the state can participate in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Governor Hochul also announced two free, large-scale community viewing events at Stony Brook University on Long Island and Kensico Dam Plaza in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of a coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. Learn more about the large-scale community viewing events here. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York’s passion for the world’s game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small business participation and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website.
As part of the FY27 Budget, the Governor has also advanced NY Kicks, a new initiative aimed at expanding youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. NY Kicks also advances Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities, by activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.
These efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament.
Ready to go the distance?
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s 26.2 in ’26 Challenge — hike, run, stroll, or skip your way to 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime in 2026.
You choose the trails. You choose the pace. You choose the timeline. We’ll provide the routes, the swag, and the bragging rights.
Register to receive:
- A VCPA swag bag to get you started
- Invitations to exclusive guided hikes
- And your 26.2 in ’26 Finisher’s Pin when you complete the challenge
All for $52 ($26 for youth), supporting the park you love.
Let’s make 2026 the year you go 26.2 miles for Van Cortlandt Park.
See you on the trails!
P.S. When you sign up, you’re not just logging miles! You’re supporting free community programs, kids environmental education, and the volunteers who make Van Cortlandt Park a place for everyone.
Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org
Weekend ridership recovery across Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) services has risen faster than weekdays since the pandemic ended, with average ridership near 2019 levels and even exceeding it at times according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.
“Weekend ridership recovery has been a bright spot for the country’s largest transportation system,” DiNapoli said. “The MTA should continue to focus on increasing the reliability and frequency of service on weekends to meet the ongoing rise in demand. The authority can also work with its partners in government to address fare evasion’s impact on fare revenue, and focus on improvements in those areas where ridership recovery continues to fall short.”
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The New York State Common Retirement Fund and Comptroller DiNapoli, trustee of the fund, is urging investors to vote against a measure to reincorporate eXp World Holdings Inc., the cloud-based real estate brokerage, from Delaware to Texas and against all company directors after a Delaware judge ruled that a lawsuit be allowed to proceed against certain company officers and directors, including its founder and CEO Glenn Sanford, for allegedly concealing a pervasive “rape culture” at the company. Texas law limits shareholders’ rights to hold companies accountable.
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According to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in February 2026, New York lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland between 2024 and 2025. While the U.S. also experienced losses in this time period, the 1.6 percent loss of farms in New York was double the national rate of 0.8 percent, and the 1.5 percent decline in farmland was five times the national rate.
Comptroller DiNapoli has recommended in a prior report that State policymakers consider additional support for direct-to-customer and direct-to-institution marketing, helping farmers increase the share of New York-produced food that is sold in the state; continued research and services for climate mitigation measures and climate change resistant crops; and supporting new farmers by providing training, access to land and other necessary inputs.
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Tax collections for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26 totaled $127.5 billion, $2.3 billion higher than estimates made by the Division of the Budget in the 30-day amendments to the SFY 2026-27 Executive Budget financial plan, according to the March State Cash Report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.
“The state’s tax collections exhibited strong growth in the last fiscal year but economic growth, particularly employment, is projected to slow,” DiNapoli said. “Federal actions and geopolitical conflicts are injecting volatility into the economy that may affect future tax collections. State policymakers should utilize caution and ensure that the enacted budget for this fiscal year accounts for these risks.”
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SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY
SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NYCD16/15-INDIVISIBLE FORUM TO DISCUSS THE NY HEALTH ACT
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OP-ED: SENATOR RIVERA AND MARYLAND DELEGATE EMILY SHETTY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF STATES MAKING DINING OUT SAFE
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Senator Rivera and Maryland Delegate Emily Shetty recently wrote an op-ed that discussed the importance of their bills to require clear menu icons for high-sodium and added sugar items. Both legislators believe that informed decision-making should be encouraged so that consumers can make healthier choices for themselves.
Families deserve straightforward information about the food they are purchasing and consuming. Read their op-ed for City and State NY here.
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FRIDAY 4/24: NMIC HOSTS FREE IMMIGRATION CONSULTATIONS
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NYC DOT ANNOUNCES RETURN OF CAR-FREE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
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NYC DOT will celebrate the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Citi Bike will offer free one-day passes to all riders
New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced the return of Car-Free Earth Day — bringing car-free streets and events in all five boroughs. The annual event, hosted by NYC DOT, makes select city streets car-free and promotes activism and education surrounding climate change, environmentalism, and sustainable modes of transportation.
“Car-Free Earth Day is a reminder that we only have one planet—and that our streets play a critical role in our fight against climate change,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Transportation is the second biggest source of carbon emissions in New York City, and finding ways to make clean transportation options quicker, easier, and more affordable is key. We encourage all New Yorkers to come out to enjoy temporary public art, programming, music, and other activities at dozens of car-free streets around New York City.”
Through the support of Lyft, on Car-Free Earth Day, Citi Bike will offer unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours.
ABOUT CAR-FREE EARTH DAYFirst launched in 2016, Car-Free Earth Day originally converted select Manhattan streets into public plazas and car-free streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses. Car-Free Earth Day has expanded to locations throughout the five boroughs – connecting Open Streets, plazas, and accessing over 1,000 miles of NYC's Bike Network! Environmental programming is offered by City agencies and community organizations along the routes to promote activism and education surrounding climate change and sustainability. NYC DOT is proud to partner with local artists to bring exciting performances to the event.
Signature event locations are listed below, and additional information can be found at nyc.gov/carfreenyc.
SIGNATURE EVENT LOCATIONSManhattan:
Queens:
Brooklyn:
The Bronx:
Staten Island:
PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONSNYC DOT also commissioned artists to provide temporary, environmentally focused artworks through the NYC DOT Art program. The popular NYC Art Stop Letters will come to Car-Free Earth Day with an original design by NYC-based illustrator Molly Magnell, showcasing springtime in a car-free urban utopia.
NYC DOT Art will also present two sculptural installations at Car-Free Earth Day. New York-based interdisciplinary artist Duy Hoàng will present An Indicating Cycle, a sculptural book highlighting different indicator species that reflect current environmental conditions due to their sensitivity to climate change. The “pages’ reference figures and diagrams in scientific textbooks and museological specimen drawers. By turning the pages visitors can learn about the species’ life cycles while underscoring their active participation in the caring and stewarding our environment. A large scale-installation by New York-based artist Frahydel Falczuk, titled The Plastic Sea, will evoke the sensation of being submerged in a "sea of plastic," as a commentary on waste and consumption. Participants are invited to collaborate by weaving colorful strips of non-recyclable film plastic into green mesh, transforming discarded materials into immersive surfaces that ripple like ocean waves. Artists were selected through recent open calls from NYC DOT Art. More about NYC DOT Art initiatives and open calls at: nyc.gov/DOTArt
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