Match Seven at NYNJ Stadium: What New Yorkers Need to Know

 

Tune in to the Mayor’s “Morning Pitch” briefing tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. for the latest weather and transportation updates     

   

Morning Pitch is available on YouTube, X, Instagram and Facebook

Tomorrow at 4 p.m., Brazil and Norway will face off in the seventh FIFA World Cup 2026™ match hosted at NYNJ Stadium.

As New York welcomes fans from around the world, the City is working to keep New Yorkers safe and moving. Here’s what you need to know:

Weather

The city may feel as hot as 93 degrees, and there’s a high chance of rain and periodic thunderstorms Sunday evening.

Our Heat Emergency Plan remains activated, and cooling centers will be open across the city. New Yorkers are urged to assess their heat risk and put their health and safety above any event or activity. Visit https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/ to find a cooling center and nyc.gov/beattheheat for heat safety guidance.

New Yorkers should be alert for heavy rain and strong winds. If storms hit, wait out the dangerous conditions indoors. Exercise caution while traveling.

New Yorkers and visitors can stay informed by texting SUMMER26, SUMMER26ESP or SUMMER26FRE to 692-692 to receive updates in English, Spanish and French.

Visit nyc.gov/beready for emergency preparedness information.

Transportation and Traffic

Tomorrow will be a Gridlock Alert Day.

New Yorkers should expect heavy traffic and travel delays throughout the day and are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation whenever possible.

Public transit remains the easiest and fastest way to get to NYNJ Stadium.

Matchgoers are encouraged to explore their transit options and purchase tickets in advance at nynjfwc26.com/getting-to-nynj-stadium/

Shuttle and bus priority corridors will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Access on the following corridors and lanes will be limited to NYNJ Stadium shuttle buses, MTA local buses, Official World Cup affiliate vehicles and emergency vehicles: 

• 42nd Street from First Avenue to Twelfth Avenue.   
• Two lanes on Sixth Avenue from 42nd Street to 59th Street.   
• Two lanes on Fifth Avenue from 42nd Street to 59th Street.   
• West 40th Street between 8th Avenue and 11th Avenue.   
• West 41st Street between 8th Avenue and 10th Avenue.   

Select streets around Penn Station will close by 10 a.m. to accommodate street-level queues.   

• 33rd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue and 32nd Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue will reopen after 4 p.m.   
• 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenue will reopen after 10 p.m. 

Truck deliveries in Midtown will be restricted from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. within the area bounded by 30th Street and 60th Street.

The restrictions apply only to trucks. Smaller delivery vehicles including cars, vans and cargo bikes are exempt, as are emergency vehicles, service vehicles and essential delivery providers operating within the zone.

Additional information is available in Mayor Mamdani’s Midtown Transportation Plan.   

Permits Filed for 78 West 180th Street in University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 13-story mixed-use building at 78 West 180th Street in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between Harrison Avenue and University Avenue, the lot is near the Burnside Avenue subway station, served by the 4 train. Yitzi Salamon is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 123-foot-tall development will yield 109,718 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 168 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 653 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have 18 open parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Housing Lottery Launches for 2351 Lorillard Place in Belmont, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2351 Lorillard Place, a nine-story residential building in Belmont, The Bronx. Designed by Leandro Nils Dickson Architect and developed by Westbridge Realty Group, the structure yields 90 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 18 units for residents at 40 to 100 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $58,046 to $152,700.

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, elevator, and a communal terrace. Residences include air conditioning, and name-brand countertops and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heat.

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are five three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,368 for incomes ranging from $58,046 to $84,160.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,297 for incomes ranging from $87,600 to $128,240, and six three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,631 for incomes ranging from $101,349 to $147,280.

At 100 percent of the AMI, there are two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,762 for incomes ranging from $101,280 to $152,700.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 24, 2026.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR NEW YORK CITY METRO REGION

 

In Effect for Sunday, July 5, 2026

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter for Sunday, July 5, 2026, for the New York City Metro region due to light winds and substantial cloud cover.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

The advisory will be in effect:12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. 

The Sunday, July 5, Air Quality Health Advisory region consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5)/DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf. 

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. 

Office of the New York State Comptroller DiNapoli - This Week: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

 

Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

Audit Finds More Effective Services Needed for Victims of Domestic Violence

A new audit from Comptroller DiNapoli found that calls and texts to New York’s domestic violence hotline were often not connected to a person who could help, and also found problems with the translations of calls from non-English speakers seeking services. Fortunately, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence responded positively to the audit and has acted on implementing recommended fixes to ensure New Yorkers get the timely help they need.

Learn More

NYC Department of Buildings Meets Critical Goals but Lags on Lower Priority Issues

A new report from Comptroller DiNapoli reveals that while the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is meeting its timeliness goals for high-priority demands, budget and staffing constraints are slowing its responsiveness for development and inspection activities. The report includes several recommendations to DOB to help it meet the new administration’s goals of accelerating building development as part of its affordability agenda, while prioritizing the safe and lawful use of the city’s buildings.

Learn More

A G E N C Y   A U D I T S

• Department of Health – Medicaid Program: Claims Processing Activity April 1, 2025 Through September 30, 2025
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Long Island Rail Road: Mitigation for Extreme Weather Conditions and Flooding (Follow-Up)
• Empire State Development: Real Property Portfolio (Follow-Up)
• Department of Civil Service – New York State Health Insurance Program: CVS Caremark Payments Made Under the Incorrect Plan
• Department of Health – Medicaid Program: Oversight of Clinical Trials

A L S O I N T H E N E W S

• Judge rules taxpayers not on hook for former Cuomo aide's legal fees

• Audit finds NY's domestic violence hotline calls often unanswered

• Nobody answers: Audit finds New York State's domestic violence hotline isn't doing enough

• Department of Buildings' response times increased for new applications and inspections: state Comptroller DiNapoli

• Clarendon Historical Society moves forward after guilty plea by former president

• Oceanside Woman Accused Of Stealing $80K In Late Father’s Checks Pleads Not Guilty: Court Records

P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

Happy 4th of July

 

AHEAD OF HOLIDAY WEEKEND, NEW YORKERS REMINDED TO STAY AIR AWARE

 

As New Yorkers gather across the state to celebrate the July 4th weekend and the Sail4th 250 event marking America’s 250^th birthday, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH) are joining in the excitement and encouraging everyone to enjoy these festivities safely. 

While fireworks displays are a highlight of the holiday weekend, the State wants to remind the public that these celebrations—along with the continuing heat wave—can result in localized, temporary spikes in air pollution. Fireworks can contribute to short-term increases in fine particulate matter, which may affect air quality in the immediate vicinity of a display. 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “As we approach Independence Day weekend, we want people to have fun and stay aware of air quality when participating in outdoor activities. New Yorkers should keep an eye on air quality advisories Saturday night and Sunday when heading out to celebrate and take precautions as necessary.”  

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Poor air quality from firework smoke coupled with high levels of ozone can pose serious health risks especially for those with heart conditions, lung diseases, such as asthma, young children, teenagers, those over 65 years old and pregnant individuals. To reduce exposure, limit strenuous activity outdoors and be mindful of air quality advisories.” 

New Yorkers are encouraged to stay informed about air quality conditions in their area throughout the holiday weekend and take precautions as necessary. 

• Monitor Real-Time Data:Visit AirNow.gov or call the State’s Air Quality Hotline at (800) 535-1345 for up-to-date information.
• Stay Informed: Follow the DEC’s official social media channels for timely updates. 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.   

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

Former USPS Mail Carrier Sentenced To 39 Months In Prison For Mail Theft And Fraud Scheme

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that Tameka Babulal, a/k/a “Tameka Williams,” a/k/a “Sharniece Williams,” a/k/a “Meek Williams,” a former United States Postal Service (“USPS”) mail carrier assigned to Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced to 39 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel for abusing her position as a mail carrier to steal checks, credit cards, financial mail, and personal identifying information from victims on her mail route, and using that stolen mail and information to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft.  The sentence imposed by Judge Seibel included 15 months on BABULAL’s mail theft, fraud, and false statement offenses, followed by a mandatory consecutive 24-month sentence for aggravated identity theft.

“Postal workers are entrusted with some of the most sensitive materials Americans send and receive: checks, credit cards, tax documents, Social Security information, and financial mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Tameka Babulal betrayed that trust by stealing from the very people on the mail routes she was paid to serve and then using their mail and identities to commit fraud.  This sentence makes clear that those who corrupt the mail system from within and exploit the public’s trust for personal gain will be held accountable.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court proceedings:

From in or about December 2022 through May 23, 2024, BABULAL conspired with others in a scheme to possess, steal, and misuse mail stolen from the USPS in Mount Vernon, New York.  BABULAL stole hundreds of mail items from hundreds of victims whose mail she touched, including checks, credit cards, financial mail, tax documents, Social Security cards, and other sensitive materials.  She kept those items at the Hempstead, New York, residence she shared with her husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal.  BABULAL’s victims included elderly people in their 90s, young adults in their early 20s, business owners, churchgoers, military personnel, and other everyday people.

When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Babulal residence on May 23, 2024, officers recovered, among other things, dozens of checks, treasury checks, and money orders in victims’ names, including blank or washed checks; 51 credit cards in other people’s names; unopened financial mail appearing to contain credit cards or checks; several Social Security cards and tax documents in other people’s names; bundles of unopened mail and packages; and a USPS postal bin filled with victims’ undelivered mail.

Using the mail and other items she stole from victims on her mail route, BABULAL carried out an extensive credit card, check, and identity theft fraud scheme involving dozens of victims.  BABULAL’s credit card scheme involved at least around $40,922.41 in fraudulent transactions using stolen credit cards.  Additionally, BABULAL’s check fraud scheme involved $13,510 in fraudulent transactions using stolen checks, and her possession of an additional at least $78,705.05 in checks and money orders.  To commit her crimes, BABULAL used various means of identification of her victims.  For example, BABULAL and her co-conspirators used their victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other identifying information to fraudulently open accounts, submit credit-card applications, activate payment cards, and attempt transactions.

The Government’s investigation also revealed that BABULAL made false statements to obtain her USPS position.  In her USPS employment application, she falsely claimed that she had previously worked at a Taco Bell restaurant under a supervisor named “Mark Khan.”  In fact, “Mark Khan” was not a real person, and both the name “Mark Khan” and the phone number she listed for him were used by BABULAL’s husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal.

On March 18, 2026, BABULAL pled guilty before Judge Seibel to conspiracy to steal and unlawfully possess mail, theft of mail by a postal employee, unlawful possession of mail, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statements.  BABULAL’s husband, Joel Babulal, pled guilty to conspiring with his wife and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2026.

In addition to the prison term, BABULAL, 38, of Hempstead, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPS, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.