New York State Division for Historic Preservation Opens Its Doors at Peebles Island State Park

 

First Open House in More Than 15 Years Offers Rare Behind-The-Scenes Look at New York’s Historic Preservation Work  

Three-Day Event Features Conservation Labs, Historic Artifacts, Hands-On Activities, Tours, Presentations and Revolutionary War Exhibits 

The New York State Division for Historic Preservation will open the doors of its Peebles Island headquarters to the public for the first time in more than 15 years during a three-day Open House — Thursday, October 15 - Saturday, October 17, 2026. Free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, the Open House will offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how New York preserves, protects and shares its history.   

The special event will feature recent projects and ongoing work of the Division for Historic Preservation (DHP), part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Visitors are invited to explore the buildings and grounds of the Peebles Island Resource Center, meet with staff, participate in hands-on activities, watch demonstrations, hear presentations, explore specialty projects, and tour spaces. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring their curiosity and questions as they interact with archaeologists, historians, conservators, curators, historic preservationists, environmentalists, designers and technical experts. 

“New York is making historic investments in preserving our past and finding new ways to connect people with the stories that shaped our state,” said OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser. “Peebles Island is where so much of the behind-the-scenes work to preserve and share New York’s history happens. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, there is no better time to open the doors at Peebles Island and give New Yorkers an insider’s look at the people, expertise and craftsmanship that bring our history to life.”   

The Peebles Island Resource Center is home to DHP, including the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites (BHS). SHPO administers programs such as the State and National Registers of Historic Places, historic rehabilitation tax credit programs, historic preservation technical assistance consultation and review, the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, archaeological expertise, historic preservation grants, resource surveys, education and outreach. The Bureau of Historic Sites provides museum and historic preservation technical support to New York’s state-owned parks and historic sites, including collections care, conservation of objects, preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, research, exhibitions, interpretive signage and educational resources.  

Located at 1 Delaware Avenue North, Cohoes, NY 12047, Peebles Island State Park sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. The park offers fishing, spectacular river and rapids views, and miles of trails through a gently rolling and wooded landscape.  

Parking is available at the park but may become limited during the event. Carpooling is encouraged.  

Open House Highlights 

Programming will be offered throughout all three days, with additional activities on Saturday, October 17: 

Timed Tours and Special Activities 

• Visit the Conservation Labs to learn about current projects and the science we use to care for historic objects. Tour groups will rotate approximately every 30 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m., with the last group starting at 2:30 p.m.  

• Discover Peebles Island’s industrial past with a guided tour of the historic Cluett Peabody factory facility: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.  

• Turtle Time! Join us as we feed our resident snapping turtle Snaps: 11 a.m.  

• Explore history: guided History Hike by the Friends of Peebles Island: 11 a.m. 

• Explore nature: guided Foliage Hike: 1 p.m.

     SATURDAY ONLY 

• Birds of Prey special program with live animals: 10 a.m.  

• Reptiles special program with live animals: 11 a.m.  

• Bilingual Story Hour with Project Growing Minds will focus on archaeology: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  

Information and Resources Tables 

• State and National Register of Historic Places  

• Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027 Initiative  

• Historic rehabilitation tax credit programs, including the New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation program  

• Historic preservation grants and incentive programs  

• Snaps’ Snack Shack and informational table, hosted by Friends of Peebles Island State Park  

• Saratoga250 information and displays highlighting the Battles of Saratoga and the turning point of the American Revolution in 1777 

Behind-the-Scenes 

• Museum Exhibition Shop: Visit our workshop where we make museum displays, interactives, and signs for historic sites and parks across New York.  

• Digitizing Historic Collections - TMS: Pop in and check out our camera capture set-up that is helping us share our collections online through our new online database.  

• Historic Reproduction Dress Program: History can be sew interesting when you are outfitting living history professionals. Come learn about our ongoing program to make reproduction clothing for our interpretive staff.   

Ongoing Activities and Demonstrations 

• Sifting for Artifacts: What can you learn from the things you find? Meet with archaeologists and get hands-on with a special discovery activity.  

• Crafts: Get creative with some art!  

• Make a Historic Neighborhood by coloring different architectural styles and adding them to our big map 

• Make a Tricorn Hat out of construction paper 

• Make a Liberty Cap out of felt 

• Birding: Play the Bird Migration Game or borrow one of Peebles’ Birding Backpacks.

     SATURDAY ONLY

• Historic Trades: Watch historic window restoration in progress.

Displays 

• Revisit the Revolution traveling exhibition, talk with our interpretive staff as you explore banners, 21 historic objects, and an interactive kiosk.  

• Another Face of War: Enslaved and Free Blacks in the Revolution banner exhibition, part of the Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027 initiative.  

• Peebles Island: discover Peebles Island’s history and current activities in a new exhibition.

Presentations (approximately 20 minutes each) 

• Downtown Revitalization and Historic Preservation: Discover how Glens Falls is utilizing historic preservation for their Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI): 9:30 a.m. 

• From Hot Dogs to Roller Skates: Local businesses on the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry: 10 a.m.  

• New York’s Most Memorable: Discover the delightfully unexpected and quirky National Register listings in New York State – from the Big Duck to the Space Shuttle Enterprise: 10:30 a.m.  

• Highlights of the Commercial Historic Tax Credit Program: Learn about examples of successful building rehabilitations utilizing the federal history tax credit program in conjunction with the NYS commercial historic tax credit: 11 a.m.  

• Historic Rehabilitation Incentives for Homeowners: Own an historic home? Find out about the Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program in New York: 11:30 a.m.  

• About the Historic Barn Tax Credit Program: Learn more about this growing program and see some great before-and-after photos of completed projects: 12 p.m.  

• Capital Region Notables: Explore the noteworthy National Register listings in the Capital Region: 1 p.m.  

• Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027: Preview the upcoming commemoration of two significant events in New York history – the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in New York State and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans enslaved in the colony of New York: 1:30 p.m. 

• Exploring New York State’s Historic Places Online with CRIS: Find out how you can use our online database for your historic projects: 2 p.m. 

• Power Up! Solar Panels on Our Bleachery Building: We know firsthand that solar energy and historic preservation can go together: 2:30 p.m. 

For more information, contact DHP at (518) 268-2213.  

For those in need of reasonable accommodation for this event please contact OPRHP’s ADA Coordinator Owen Gilbo at (518) 402-2648 or Owen.Gilbo@parks.ny.gov.

The mission of the New York State Division for Historic Preservation (DHP) is to create meaningful connections to the dynamic history of the state for all residents and visitors, and the Division is committed to protecting historic and cultural resources. Part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the DHP strives to raise awareness of the value of historic places for future generations and to expand the complex narratives in order to tell a more complete story that represents the diversity of the state's people, both past and present. Learn more about the full scope of the Division's work online. 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. 

Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Man of Trafficking Meth to Illinois From California

 

The federal investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159

A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of trafficking methamphetamine to Illinois from California.

Hugo Steven De La Cruz Corona, 24, of San Jacinto, California, trafficked the meth on behalf of a Los Angeles-based drug trafficking organization that distributed narcotics throughout the country via the U.S. Postal Service. In October 2020, De La Cruz traveled to Chicago and attempted to pick up two parcels containing multi-pound quantities of meth that the organization had shipped from California. Unbeknownst to De La Cruz, law enforcement had intercepted both parcels and replaced the meth with sham drugs.

After a four-day trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on Sept. 25, 2026, convicted De La Cruz of both drug charges against him. The convictions are punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah set sentencing for Jan. 20, 2027, at 1:30 p.m.

The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Ryan Whalen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chester Choi and Holly Lanchantin. 

The federal investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The task force in this investigation was comprised of agents from USPIS, FBI, and DEA, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.

Four other defendants, including the leader of the drug trafficking organization—Marco Torres, Sr., 49, of Hesperia, California—pleaded guilty prior to trial. Torres Sr. is awaiting sentencing; a status hearing in his case is set for Oct. 13, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. The three other defendants were sentenced to prison terms of six years, five years, and 14 months.

ICE Lodges Detainer for Illegal Alien Charged with Sexually Assaulting a Minor in Tennessee

This illegal alien was RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking officials in Tennessee to not release an illegal alien who has been charged with sexually assaulting and exploiting a teenager in Nashville.

According to local reporting, Jerson Diaz-Diaz, a 22-year-old illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested and charged on September 23 with statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor. He allegedly admitted in police interviews that he lied about his age to a 15-year-old girl, claiming he was 16, so that he could sexually assault her. Police also found a sexually exploitative video of the girl on his phone after he denied having such images of her.

Jerson Diaz-Diaz

ICE lodged a detainer for Diaz-Diaz with the Davidson County Sheriff's Department the same day he was arrested.

“This illegal alien is accused of raping a teenage girl after lying about his age to her,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Had it not been for the Biden Administration’s open borders, this predator would not have been allowed into our country and this horrible crime never would have happened. ICE has lodged a detainer with Davidson County, Tennessee asking officials there to cooperate with us and make sure this criminal never gets back out onto the streets.”

Diaz-Diaz illegally entered the country through Texas in March 2021 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration.

Mayor Mamdani Brings Back Five-Borough Late-Night Soccer Fields Through Coming Year

 

Expansion follows successful summer pilot that welcomed more than 4,500 participants during 2026 FIFA World Cup

Late-night soccer program will return starting today and continue through September 2027, offering New Yorkers opportunity to play soccer from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced that the City’s NYC Open Play pilot — which offers New Yorkers the opportunity to play late-night soccer at fields across all five boroughs — will continue through September 2027. The pilot program was immensely successful, drawing more than 4,500 participants over the course of a month.

Initially launched during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and supported by the New York New Jersey Host Committee, the pilot program kept one soccer field in every borough open for late-night pick-up soccer throughout the summer. Following strong participation throughout the summer pilot, Open Play will return from October through November 2026 and again from April through September 2027, with extended play available from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.  The expansion offers New Yorkers the opportunity to play soccer late into night throughout this fall and next summer, including through the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. New Yorkers can sign up for a late-night field at https://nycopenplay.com/.

“This summer, we proved that the people’s game will always belong to the people. Long after the sun had set, our late-night soccer fields came alive with energy and enthusiasm as nurses, students and delivery workers passed, saved and scored,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The World Cup may be over, but our commitment to a city where every New Yorker can find joy for free continues. That is why we’re keeping the lights on at fields across the city and extending this program through next summer and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

“The strong participation we saw during the summer pilot showed us that there is a real demand for late-night play. We’re excited to bring Open Play back and continue creating more opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy their neighborhood parks,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Parks are places where New Yorkers can come together, stay active, and build community, and that should be possible beyond traditional recreation hours.”

“The measure of a successful World Cup is not only what happens during the tournament, but what continues long after it ends,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “Open Play gave thousands of New Yorkers greater access to the game during an extraordinary summer for soccer across our region, and its continuation is exactly the kind of lasting impact we hoped the World Cup would inspire. We’re proud to have supported the program and to see the City build on its success, creating more opportunities for New Yorkers across all five boroughs to play and connect through the game.”

New Yorkers ages 18 years and up will be able to play pickup soccer free of charge from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at five participating fields across the five boroughs: 

• Soundview Park in the Bronx 
• Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn 
• Harlem River Park in Manhattan 
• Astoria Park in Queens 
• Fairview Park on Staten Island 

NYC Parks will continue to manage field permits and lighting.

During the summer pilot, 4,531 participants took part in 696 field bookings, with each booking bringing an average of six to eight players to the field. Calvert Vaux Park in Brooklyn was the most utilized location throughout the six-week program, welcoming 1,448 players. Participation peaked between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., informing the schedule for the extended pilot. 

Onsite play will be facilitated by NYC Footy, and New Yorkers can continue to sign up online on our website https://nycopenplay.com/. NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officers will provide a dedicated presence at each site.

For more information about Open Play and participating locations, visit the NYC Parks website. 

Governor Hochul Declares State Disaster Emergency in Response to Ongoing Measles Outbreak

Executive Order Immediately Expands Network of Vaccine Administrators, Adding Paramedics, Advanced EMS, Midwives and Pharmacists; Adds Flexibility for Nurses To Order Testing

NYSDOH Continues To Assess Spread and Prevent Disease Through Monitoring and Vaccination In Partnership With Local Health Departments, Healthcare Providers and Community Partners

Governor Hochul Also Received Her Season Flu Shot and Urges All New Yorkers To Put their Health First and Do the Same

Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order today declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states. The Executive Order enables the State to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed. The Governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year's flu vaccine to protect against infection. The Governor is committed to putting New Yorkers’ health and safety first and has directed the New York State Department of Health to share frequent public notifications and resources throughout this flu season.

"After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease," Governor Hochul said."No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "I appreciate Governor Hochul’s swift action to help address ongoing measles cases. Department staff are working closely with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the current measles outbreak. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. I urge New Yorkers to check their vaccination status and make sure that they and their families are protected. I also ask health providers to be prepared to diagnose and treat any measles cases they encounter.”

The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing.

New York State Department of Health’s Measles Dashboard

Today's announcement builds on the State's ongoing measles response efforts, including the launch of a Measles Dashboard allowing the public and healthcare officials to track local health risks and raise awareness about measles.

In addition to clinical education and guidance for providers, epidemiological support for case investigation and contact tracing, and expedited laboratory testing, the State Department of Health continues to support local health departments with vaccines, community outreach efforts to increase awareness, data analytic support, and clinically accurate and culturally meaningful immunization education.

As of October 3, there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases.

Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State.

Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections.

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed.

Causes of Measles and Symptoms To Monitor For

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system's ability to fight other infections like pneumonia. This disease is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or, less commonly, by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling, immune amnesia and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a type of brain inflammation resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage years after the initial infection.

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those traveling domestically or internationally should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide 97 percent protection. Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad or to an area where measles is prevalent. After travel, these babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule for a total of three vaccines. Anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.

The Department has released a health advisory for healthcare providers on clinical guidance for measles.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days after exposure, and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms of measles can include the following:

Seven to 14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A rash can occur 3-5 days after symptoms become apparent:

• The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
• Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
• The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
• When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

How Individuals Can Protect Themselves

• Individuals should check their vaccination status. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should contact a healthcare provider or local health department.
• Know the symptoms. Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body. Those who are sick should call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department so infection-control steps can be taken.

Immunization Guidance

• The MMR vaccine is highly effective and is the best protection against measles.
• Most people born before 1957 are considered immune because they were likely exposed to the virus. Those who received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 may have received a vaccine that wasn't as effective and should talk to their health care provider about getting revaccinated.

Find the Department's travel advisory urging New Yorkers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel or travel to an area in the U.S. experiencing an outbreak.

Healthcare providers should report suspected measles cases to their local health department.

Visit the Department's dedicated measles website for information about measles, current case numbers, immunization data and information for providers. 

California Woman Arrested on Charges Alleging She Acted as Agent of China and Spied on Relatives of U.S. Based High-Ranking Taiwanese Government Official

Wanying Zhang, 34, also known as Heather Zhang, of Irvine, California, was arrested Sunday on a one count complaint charging her with acting in the United States as an unregistered agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including by conducting surveillance on family members of a high-ranking Taiwanese government official.

“The central allegation here — that Zhang, at the behest of the People’s Republic of China, covertly surveilled relatives of a high-ranking foreign government official in the United States — is deeply troubling,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.  “The National Security Division and U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the FBI and other law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant against threats like this on our soil.”

“Protecting our national security means confronting foreign governments that engage in covert operations in our nation,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Ms. Zhang is charged with acting at the direction of Chinese government officials to spy on the family of a senior Taiwanese official here in the United States. She violated our laws and will be held accountable in our courts. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute illegal foreign operations on American soil.”

“The complaint in this case lays bare a brazen plot directed by the Chinese government to conduct a covert surveillance mission on U.S. soil targeting close relatives of a Taiwanese government official,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Wanying Zhang’s arrest for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government makes clear how far China’s authoritarian regime will go to advance its goals. However, this case also demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to defending the sovereignty of our democratic allies and combating all attempts by the Chinese government — and any foreign adversary — to conduct transnational repression within our borders.”

Zhang was arrested prior to her planned departure from Los Angeles International Airport, where she planned to board a flight to China. She is expected to make her initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

According to the complaint, from June 2025 to September 2025, Zhang acted as an agent of the PRC without prior notification to the Attorney General of the United States, as required by federal law.

At the direction and control of PRC officials, Zhang coordinated with other individuals to promote the interests of China by, among other things, conducting surveillance on family members of a high-ranking Taiwanese government official at their residence in the United States.

In June 2025, Zhang traveled from Southern California to China, where she met with PRC officials and was tasked with conducting surveillance in the United States.

On Aug. 29, 2025, Zhang and another individual flew from John Wayne Airport in Orange County to Las Vegas. On Sept. 1, 2025, they flew from Las Vegas to the Pacific Northwest, where the victims reside. On that date, Zhang messaged a PRC official that she was “Boarding now” and sent a photograph of her boarding pass.

Upon their arrival, Zhang and the other individual traveled to the victims’ residence and conducted surveillance. Zhang sent the same PRC official the following message: “Saw him, young male, it’s the young one.” When this official asked her to join an audio call, she replied, “I am videorecording.” 

Zhang also sent the same official the license plate numbers for the two vehicles parked in front of the victims’ home.

If convicted, Zhang would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The FBI Los Angeles Field Office is investigating the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

BRONX MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER FOR KILLING 59-YEAR-OLD MAN IN RANDOM SUBWAY STABBING ON THE J TRAIN

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jyrell Thomas has been arraigned on murder and weapon possession charges for the fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Mesias Lojano on the subway Wednesday night. Thomas entered a busy subway car and stood alone until the northbound J train approached Woodhaven station, when he produced a knife and randomly targeted the victim, stabbing him repeatedly as other passengers scattered in fear.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this defendant caused mayhem on a rush hour train when he fatally stabbed a fellow passenger who was minding his own business and had no prior interaction with the perpetrator. All New Yorkers want, and deserve, to ride our mass transit system safely and without fear. I thank the good Samaritans who chased the assailant after the attack and our partners at the NPYD for quickly apprehending the defendant. We will seek justice for the victim and his loved ones.”

Thomas, 25, of the Bronx, was arraigned today on a criminal complaint charging him with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira D. Khan remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court October 6. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on September 30, at approximately 5 p.m., Jyrell Thomas boarded a Queens-bound J train at the Broadway Junction station in Brooklyn.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., as the subway car approached the elevated platform at Woodhaven train station near the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue, Thomas allegedly screamed loudly, produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed 59-year-old Mesias Lojano with whom he had no prior connection.

When the subway doors opened, Thomas ran from the scene dropping his weapon along the way. Fellow subway passengers chased after the defendant and NYPD officers responding to 911 reports of the incident apprehended Thomas two blocks from the station where he had climbed on top of a garage.

Police later recovered two kitchen knives — one broken knife left on the subway car and a second kitchen knife with blood on its blade allegedly dropped down the subway stairs by Thomas as he fled.

Lojano was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased with stab wounds to his chest, neck, lip and back.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Frank Lasala of the 102nd Detective Squad.

Mayor Mamdani Launches First-of-its-Kind Partnership With Organized Labor to Speed Up and Modernize Hiring for City Jobs

 

Civil Service Modernization Advisory Committee will identify in-house solutions and legislative fixes to City’s outdated, cumbersome hiring system 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with organized labor unions to revitalize the civil service system and speed up hiring for jobs in City government. 

  

The Civil Service Modernization Advisory Committee is comprised of government and labor partners and will prioritize both in-house solutions and legislative recommendations to improve the civil service system. 

  

DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei will chair the committee, with DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido serving as vice-chair. Committee members include: 

  

•   Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson 

•   Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion 

•   Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Sherif Soliman 

•    Law Department Corporation Counsel Steve Banks 

•    Chief Counsel Ramzi Kassem 

•    Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Erin Dalton 

•   CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton 

•   SEIU Local 246 President Joseph A. Colangelo 

•   SSEU Local 371 President Anthony Wells 

•   COBA President Benny Boscio Jr. 

  

“It should be easy, fast and fair to find a good-paying job serving the city we call home,” said Mayor Mamdani. “In this historic partnership with labor leaders, our administration is prioritizing the quick fixes and long-term solutions that speed up hiring in City government. From addressing the current time to hire to advancing new and innovative testing strategies, this committee is already at work coming up with ideas to build a civil service system truly worthy of our city.” 

  

“The civil service system is a foundational component of municipal work, and after over a hundred years, it is time to update,” said DCAS Commissioner Kitasei. “Through our first-ever modernization committee, we’ll be working with partners from across the city to make the civil service system faster, more transparent, easier for workers to navigate and aligned with the 21st-century workforce and operational needs.” 

  

“A strong, efficient civil service system is vital to both our municipal workforce and the New York City residents who rely on city services every day,” said OLR Commissioner Renee Campion. “By partnering closely with our labor leaders, we can cut through administrative hurdles and build a faster, more modern hiring framework. This committee is a crucial step forward in ensuring we continue to attract and retain the dedicated talent our city deserves.” 

  

The New York City civil service system, administered by DCAS, promotes fair, merit-based hiring and promotion, creates career pathways for job seekers and employees and provides important legal protections for the workforce. 

  

Though New York was the first state to adopt a civil service system in 1883, the system suffers from outdated technology, burdensome administrative processes, lengthy timelines and fragmented responsibility across agencies — limiting its ability to meet today’s needs.  

  

The Civil Service Modernization Committee will put forth recommendations for in-house solutions and legislative actions to create a hiring system that is fast, transparent and modern. Key priorities include: 

•    Fast and high-quality process: Faster ways to hire qualified talent while still ensuring a system of integrity. 

•   Transparent and trustworthy: A fair, merit-based, easy-to-navigate system that attracts top talent. 

•   Clear pathways: Easy access to City service opportunities and career advancement.  

•    Modern tech systems: A digital interface that meets the demands of the 21st-century and allows for seamless navigation for City workers and agencies alike.  

  

Since taking office, the Mamdani administration has prioritized connecting New Yorkers with job opportunities in City government. In July, Mayor Mamdani announced free civil service exams for New York City high school students and first-time test takers. In August, DCAS doubled the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, creating a direct pathway from college to City government careers for 400 New Yorkers. And just last month, the Mayor opened the Jobs NYC Center, a walk-in hub connecting New Yorkers to good-paying jobs in public service. 

  

The administration has also advanced new and expanded programs to increase opportunities and improve daily life for current City workers. Mayor Mamdani opened The Little Apple, the City’s first free child care center for municipal employees and their families and launched the City’s first undergraduate scholarship program for City workers. 

  

The City of New York employs one of the largest workforces in the nation, with more than 300,000 employees; approximately 80% of positions are typically filled through the civil service system via an exam. This includes positions like sanitation worker, electrician, caseworker and staff analyst. DCAS administers about 175 exams per year.