Midtown Tribune

Category: NEW YORK NEWS

Adams Marks One Year of PATH Subway Outreach, Citing 20,100 Contacts and Gains in Safety

NEW YORK—Oct. 10, 2025—Mayor Eric Adams marked the first year of the Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH), a police-clinician “co-response” program launched in August 2024 to address homelessness and severe mental illness in the subway system. City officials said PATH teams have made more than 20,100 contacts, delivered services over 6,100 times, and connected nearly 1,900 people to shelter, while NYPD officers working with clinicians removed 2,100+ riders for rule or law violations. The initiative is a pillar of the Subway Safety Plan and the administration’s “End the Culture of Anything Goes” push, bolstered by 1,500 new Safe Haven and stabilization beds (4,000 total) and a $650 million mental-health and homelessness package. Mr. Adams also pointed to 2025 state law changes on psychiatric care and a proposed 2026 “Compassionate Interventions Act,” arguing the combined enforcement and outreach have contributed to record-low transit crime and steadier ridership.

Mayor Adams Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Path Co-Response Program Connecting New Yorkers in Need on Subways to Shelter, Health Care, and Support

– New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH) program — a public safety and social services co-response outreach initiative, launched in August 2024, to help keep New Yorkers safe and healthy on the subway system. The PATH teams have made over 20,100 engagements with unhoused New Yorkers living in the subway system, delivering critical services — including shelter, meals, medical care, and mental health support — more than 6,100 times. Additionally, NYPD Transit Bureau officers, working alongside PATH clinicians, have removed more than 2,100 individuals from the transit system for various violations of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) rules of conduct or state law.

Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Adams’ “End the Culture of Anything Goes” campaign, the administration’s landmark effort to change the culture and laws that prevented people with severe mental illness from getting the help they needed. This initiative simultaneously makes the investments necessary to support outreach, harm reduction, wraparound services, and housing — to make lasting impacts on lives and communities, and improve New Yorkers’ quality of life. Mayor Adams is bringing the same energy and approach that proved to be successful in carving a new path for people with severe mental illness to address other health crises playing out on city streets, like drug addiction, and he recently laid out plans realize that vision by connecting those suffering with treatment.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our number one commitment — especially on the subways, which millions of riders rely on every day,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our PATH program, which has already connected thousands of New Yorkers in need on our subways to critical services. When we took office, we made it clear: the days of ignoring people in need on our streets and in our subways were over. And since then, our administration has fundamentally changed the conversation on severe mental illness and fought to end the culture of ‘anything goes.’ Our PATH program shows that compassion, public safety, and justice must all go together — and this anniversary marks an important milestone in making New York City just that: more kind, more just, and safer for everyone.”

PATH teams bring together NYPD Transit Bureau officers, New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) nurses, and outreach staff from NYC Health + Hospitals to connect New Yorkers to services, including shelter, meals, medical care, and mental health support. From 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day, teams conduct targeted outreach across Manhattan stations and trains, engaging anyone who appears to be unsheltered.

The program is part of the city’s growing use of “co-response” — a crisis response model gaining traction nationally in which clinical professionals are paired with police to engage with members of the public in need of medical care and/or social services. Participating police officers receive specialized training in crisis de-escalation and allow their clinical partners to take the lead once safety is assured. While co-response is not meant to replace traditional outreach conducted without police involvement, in certain situations, the presence of police officers affords clinicians a greater sense of personal safety, enabling more meaningful engagement with those in need. Co-response also greatly enhances the ability of a clinician to initiate transport to a hospital for evaluation in circumstances where an individual exhibits symptoms of mental illness presenting a danger to themselves or others.

Co-response offers tailored support based on each person’s needs — from a hot meal and a bed for the night to medical attention or psychiatric evaluation — improving both the safety and effectiveness of outreach efforts and increasing the changes of connecting people to lasting care.

“Strengthening interagency collaboration through initiatives like PATH is vital to expanding the scope of the city’s outreach efforts and increasing reliance on social workers to ensure meaningful engagements with New Yorkers experiencing homelessness,” said DSS Commissioner Wasow Park. “We are grateful for the dedication of our outreach workers and nurses who always lead with dignity and compassion as they engage New Yorkers who have fallen through every safety net, building trust and connecting them to life-saving supports. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to reach and support some of our most vulnerable neighbors and improve health care and housing outcomes for them.”

“The PATH program is a critical initiative to address homelessness and other quality of life conditions in our subway system, and one year later, the results of this whole-government approach speak for themselves,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Thousands of New Yorkers are getting access to the resources they need and deserve, and transit crime is at record lows across the city. None of this is by accident — it’s because of the incredible work of the NYPD, DSS, DHS, and NYC Health + Hospitals that have all provided this important care, and Mayor Adams who has always put the safety of our city first.”

“We’ve known all along that more effective mental health outreach and treatment were needed in our subway system to help cut down on transit crime and deal with disorder underground,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Thanks to investments from Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, we’ve made progress on both fronts — as proven out by surging ridership and customer satisfaction.”

Addressing transit crime and homelessness in the subway system has been one of Mayor Adams’ top public safety priorities since taking office. In February 2022, Mayor Adams first launched the Subway Safety Plan to address public safety concerns, protect riders, and connect some of the city’s hardest-to-reach New Yorkers to services. Since the start of the plan, over 8,600 New Yorkers have been connected from the subways to shelter, with over 1,000 now in permanent, affordable housing. These outreach efforts, along with others, such as Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT), encounter a range of people living unsheltered with various needs.

In the fall of 2022, Mayor Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul deployed an additional 1,200 police officers to subway platforms and trains each day. Following the end of that deployment, in 2023, Mayor Adams again directed the NYPD to surge an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day to help keep New Yorkers safe and bring overall crime in the transit system down. In January 2025, in partnership with the Adams administration and Governor Hochul, the NYPD began deployment of two police officers on every train during overnight hours, seven days per week.

These safety efforts together are delivering indisputable results: overall transit crime fell 17 percent in September compared to the same month last year — the lowest level for any September in recorded history, excluding the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years. This follows record low major crime in transit for July and August, excluding the pandemic years.

PATH complements the city’s 24/7 above-ground HOME-STAT outreach efforts — one of the most comprehensive outreach programs in the nation — which have also resulted in vital connections to shelter services for thousands of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness across city streets, parks, and other public places. As of today, DSS has approximately 400 outreach staff canvassing the five boroughs around-the-clock; this includes a reliable network of contracted outreach workers from not-for-profit human services providers with extensive experience addressing unsheltered homelessness.

Throughout his administration, and as laid out in “Care, Community, Action: A Mental Health Plan for NYC,” Mayor Adams has been committed to taking a public health approach to supporting people with severe mental illness, focusing on prevention and intervention.

That Adams administration has opened 1,500 new low-barrier Safe Haven and stabilization beds for New Yorkers — bringing the total to 4,000 — and invested in innovative mental health programs like SCOUT, the opening of 13 new Clubhouses, and expanded Intensive Mobile Treatment teams.

Additionally, earlier this year, in his State of the City address, Mayor Adams announced a historic $650 million plan to tackle homelessness and support people with severe mental illness by dramatically expanding the city’s capacity to serve people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, as well as offering supportive, home-like environments to patients with serious mental illness who are ready for discharge from the hospital but do not yet have a place to go through “Bridge to Home,” a new innovative transitional housing model.

Finally, the Adams administration also successfully advocated for changes to state law, passed in 2025, that remove barriers to psychiatric care for those unable to recognize their own need for it, alongside increased transparency through public reporting of involuntary hospital transport data.

Building off all this work, in August, Mayor Adams announced a new change he is proposing in the 2026 state legislative session to support people struggling with substance use disorder and address public drug use on city streets that degrades quality of life and leaves a feeling of disorder among many city residents. The “Compassionate Interventions Act” will give clinical professionals the authority they need to bring someone who appears to pose a danger to themselves or others due to substance use disorder to a hospital and allow a judge to mandate treatment if the person is unwilling to enter treatment voluntarily. The change would help put New York in line with 37 other states that authorize involuntary commitment for substance use disorder as it builds on Mayor Adams’ successful work since the start of the Adams administration to address the interwoven crises of severe mental illness, addiction, and homelessness playing out on city streets.

By combining targeted enforcement with compassionate, evidence-based outreach, the PATH program and broader Subway Safety Plan — along with these other public safety, public health, and housing plans — are delivering safer subways, stronger communities, and better futures for New Yorkers.

October 10, 2025 NEW YORK

Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 11, 2025
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Message from Donald Trump

White House. In this message, President Trump condemns domestic violence as an attack on families and pledges strong action to protect survivors. He highlights support for victims, urging anyone in danger to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The statement outlines efforts to enforce the law, including arrests and prosecutions, strengthening border security, dismantling trafficking networks, and conducting large-scale deportations of violent offenders. It also notes the TAKE IT DOWN Act to protect children and families from online exploitation and deepfakes. The message closes with a promise to build safer homes and communities by holding abusers accountable and standing with survivors.

Presidential Message on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The shameful scourge of domestic violence is a direct assault on our Nation’s most sacred and fundamental institution: the family. For a family to be strong, all its members must feel safe.
Domestic violence, which particularly affects women, who so often are the backbone of our families, and their vulnerable children, is particularly corrosive This National Domestic Violence Awareness month, my Administration renews its commitment to ending domestic violence by restoring the rule of law, cleaning up our Nation’s streets, and aggressively arresting and prosecuting every criminal who terrorizes our fellow citizens and their families.

From the quiet seclusion of our homes and workplaces to the bustling centers of our cities and towns, every year, the violent plague of domestic violence inflicts searing pain, trauma, and heartbreak upon as many as 10 million precious American lives. As President, I am steadfastly devoted to uplifting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring they know they are never alone, and that help and support are always within reach. For immediate and confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

To further safeguard American communities and protect families from domestic violence, I am securing our southern border, dismantling human trafficking networks, and conducting the largest mass deportation operation in American history. We are removing dangerous illegal immigrants who have brought bloodshed and mayhem onto our streets—many of whom have been charged heinous crimes, including domestic abuse, against citizens of our Nation. I have also supported our law enforcement officers who so often must respond to and work to prevent domestic violence. And I signed into law the TAKE IT DOWN Act—a landmark step that strengthens protections for children and families against digital exploitation and deepfakes, which are far too often used by abusers to target their victims online.

This month, we affirm that the American Dream should be within reach for our fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. Under my leadership, violent criminals are once again being deported and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law—and we are once again a Nation committed to the sacred principles of law, order, and justice. Together, we will foster safer homes and stronger communities by striving to eliminate domestic violence in all its horrific forms, holding perpetrators accountable, and empowering survivors with unwavering support.

The White House

October 10, 2025

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October 10, 2025
Hochul Criticizes Federal Denial of $34 Million in MTA Security Grants
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned a federal move that left the Metropolitan Transportation Authority without $34 million from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program—the only one of 21 applicants to receive no award—saying the state will pursue legal remedies to restore the funds.
The MTA had earmarked the money for cyber defenses, hundreds of additional cameras and access controls, expansion of chemical-detection systems, TSA-required training for 16,000 employees, and MTAPD counterterror deployments and vehicles. Following a lawsuit by the state attorney general, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking FEMA from executing the reduction; FEMA hasn’t formally reinstated the grant. City and MTA security officials warned of operational impacts, while the governor pointed to state and city investments she says have pushed transit crime to multiyear lows and noted separate restorations of $187 million in homeland-security funding.

Governor Hochul Slams Federal Cuts to Counterterrorism Funding for New York’s Mass Transit Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul today called out Washington Republicans for cutting critical safety and security funding for New York’s mass transit system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had been slated to receive $34 million in federal Transit Security Grant Program funds, which support essential counter-terror and transit security functions. Last week, lawmakers were notified that the MTA was to be the only agency of 21 applicants nationwide to not receive federal security dollars via this program.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe, from our streets to our subways, is my highest priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Since 9/11, New York has relied on federal support to ensure that our transit system has the counterterrorism resources it needs to keep millions of riders safe every single day. The shocking actions of Washington Republicans to slash these funds and defund the police put New York City at risk. We will not tolerate these cuts; New York will take every action available to us — including the courts — to ensure the MTA gets this critical funding to keep millions of riders safe.”

The Transit Security Grant Program was started after 9/11. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these grants support critical functions to keep mass transit systems safe from security threats. The MTA carries a significant portion of the United States’ mass transit riders, with over 6 million daily trips taken on Metro-North, the Long Island Rail Road, and New York City Transit. In addition to approximately $12 million which would go to the NYPD, the MTA had planned to utilize this year’s grant funding to support the following public safety and counter-terror investments:
- Two cybersecurity projects, extending cyber visibility into MTA’s key systems, and a cyber lab to develop protections and vet operational technology systems.
- The procurement and deployment of approximately 330 tactical cellular cameras to replace & expand upon current unsecure offline devices in a cost-effective manner.
- The expansion of MTA weapons of mass destruction chemical detection system across 9 subway lines and a commuter rail terminal.
- The TSA mandated frontline security awareness training of 16,000 MTA employees.
- 374 deployments of MTAPD counterterrorism teams.
- The procurement of 3 MTAPD counterterrorism coordination and response vehicles.
- The installation of several hundred cameras, access control points, and laser intrusion detection systems at a major subway complex.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, MTA has made huge progress on every front – safety, reliability and ridership. It’s truly strange that Washington keeps spinning stories about subway crime, but then defunds the NYPD and MTA cops who patrol the system.”

MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper said, “I can’t overstate the importance of this grant funding in reinforcing and advancing our counterterrorism initiatives. It significantly enhances our operational capabilities, all with the goal of providing a safe and secure transit environment for our riders and workforce — a responsibility we take seriously every single day.”

“Keeping New Yorkers safe, from our streets to our subways, is my highest priority”

Governor Kathy Hochul

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “The NYPD’s counterterrorism operations are essential to keeping people safe both above ground and below ground on our subways. Withholding these critical funds from the busiest transit system in the country is a profound mistake, and one that will make New York City’s subways meaningfully less safe. Counterterrorism operations – and public safety in general – cannot be politicized, and I thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to ensure the NYPD has the resources it needs to protect New Yorkers.”

Following initial reporting that the MTA would not receive Transit Security Grant Program funding, the Office of the New York Attorney General filed suit in the Southern District of New York, which issued a Temporary Restraining Order barring FEMA from executing the cuts. To date, FEMA has not formally notified the MTA that their funding has been restored.

New York State and the NYPD continue to make significant investments in subway safety. These investments, which support an ongoing surge of NYPD officers in the subway system — including overnight train patrols announced by Governor Hochul in her 2025 State of the State address — have succeeded in reducing transit crime to historic lows in 2025. In 2022, Governor Hochul directed the MTA to install cameras in all 6,000 of its subway cars, which it completed last year. To further enhance safety, this year, the MTA began installing brighter, safer LED lights in all 472 subway stations as well as platform edge barriers to improve customer safety at 100 stations throughout the system.

Subway crime in September was down 31 percent from September 2024, and year-to-date, crime is down 4.3 percent compared to 2024. This summer was the safest summer in the subway since 2009, with major crimes down nearly 10 percent from 2024. Felony assaults in the transit system were down in September, and were down every month this summer when compared with the same month last year.

Last week, Governor Hochul successfully fought to restore $187 million in critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding cuts which had been planned by the Department of Homeland Security. These unprecedented cuts would have had a direct impact on public safety agencies throughout the state.

October 9, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 10, 2025
NYC Mayor Adams Hails Council Panels’ Approval of Jamaica Rezoning

New York City Mayor Eric Adams lauded votes by the Council’s Land Use and Zoning committees to advance his Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, sending the Queens rezoning to the full Council later this month. Framed as a bid to jump-start housing and jobs in a key transit hub, the proposal would map the city’s largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing zone across 230 blocks and is projected to unlock thousands of units, including permanently affordable homes. The plan also commits hundreds of millions of dollars to sewer upgrades aimed at reducing flooding. Adams cast the move as part of his broader pro-housing agenda to clear outdated rules and speed construction, while thanking Speaker Adrienne Adams, Land Use Chair Rafael Salamanca Jr., Zoning Subcommittee Chair Kevin Riley, and Councilmembers James Gennaro and Nantasha Williams for their support.

Mayor Adams’ Statement After City Council Committee Votes to Advance Jamaica Neighborhood Plan

 – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after the New York City Council Land Use and Zoning Committees voted in favor of the Adams administration’s Jamaica Neighborhood Planopens in a new tab, moving it on to a vote by the full Council: 

“With its rich history and diversity, Jamaica represents so much of what makes New York City the greatest city in the world. As a bustling commercial and transit center in Queens, it’s exactly where we should be building new homes and creating high-paying jobs. But unfortunately, Jamaica’s zoning has curtailed new housing opportunities and limited new businesses, making it harder for working-class families to stay in their community. It’s past time we changed that.

“With today’s vote, we’re one step closer to bringing forth an even more thriving and vibrant Jamaica where New Yorkers of all income levels can thrive. Spread out over 230 blocks, this plan will be the largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing zone ever mapped in New York City, unlocking thousands of new homes, permanently affordable homes, and jobs. Furthermore, this plan reflects our commitment to a more resilient future, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in upgraded sanitary sewer infrastructure to reduce flooding and help this community weather future storms.

“When it comes to housing, our administration is doing more than talking about it. We’re taking action every single day, cleaning up outdated zoning rules to get shovels in the ground and folks into new homes. Whether it’s crafting neighborhood plans like this one, passing the most pro-housing zoning reform in city history, or shattering affordable housing records year after year after year, we are proud to be the most pro-housing administration in city history.

Thank you to Council Speaker Adams, Land Use Committee Chair Salamanca, Jr., Zoning Subcommittee Chair Riley, Councilmember Gennaro, and Councilmember Williams for their support for this important proposal and for working with our administration to build the homes that New Yorkers need. We look forward to a full vote later this month and bringing this ambitious plan to fruition.”

October 9, 2025

NEW YORK

Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York BigNY.com
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October 10, 2025
Federal Grand Jury Indicts N.Y. AG Letitia James in Bank-Fraud Case

U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia said a federal grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on bank fraud (18 U.S.C. §1344) and false-statement (18 U.S.C. §1014) charges, calling the alleged conduct a serious breach of public trust. If convicted, Ms. James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, fines of up to $1 million per count, and forfeiture; actual sentences typically fall below statutory maximums and will be set by a federal judge under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James Indicted

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging New York State Attorney General Letitia James with Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. Section 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. Section 1014.

“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qGiY2iYyfy0%3Ffeature%3Doembed

If convicted, Letitia James faces penalties including up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count, and forfeiture. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

October 9, 2025Share

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia

ALEXANDRIA, Va

Contact: Press Officer
USAVAE.Press@usdoj.gov

Updated October 9, 2025

Sources: Justice.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 9, 2025
Hochul Unveils Secure Choice, New York’s Auto-IRA for Workers Without 401(k)s

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul launched Secure Choice, a state-run program that lets private-sector employees without workplace plans save automatically through payroll into portable Roth IRAs.
The initiative—free and simple for employers—follows a pilot and now applies to businesses with 10 or more employees that don’t offer a qualified plan, targeting the more than half of working New Yorkers lacking retirement coverage.
Ms. Hochul cast the rollout as part of her Affordability Agenda, saying automatic enrollment will boost long-term savings and help workers retire with greater security; legislative and city leaders praised the move as a practical fix for small-business employees and the self-employed.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New York State Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, a new state-sponsored retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a workplace retirement plan. Over 50 percent of working New Yorkers do not have access to a retirement plan through their employer — now for the first time in State history, those New Yorkers will have an easy way to save for their future. Governor Hochul continues to deliver on her Affordability Agenda, providing both direct financial assistance for today, and now with Secure Choice helping New Yorkers plan for tomorrow.

“With the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, we are expanding access to retirement savings and empowering New Yorkers to invest in their future,” Governor Hochul said. “The program provides another tool for employees to build long-term financial security and plan for a dignified retirement.”

New York Secure Choice is free and easy for employers, and allows employees to save automatically through payroll deductions into portable Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) they own and keep.

Following a successful pilot program, New York employers with ten or more employees that do not already offer a qualified retirement plan will now be able to provide their employees the opportunity to save for retirement at work.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “New York Secure Choice provides a simple way for workers in New York State to save for retirement with every paycheck. By making saving automatic, the program helps more New Yorkers take control of their financial future.”

State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “The launch of the NYS Secure Choice Savings Program marks a major step forward in our commitment to financial security for all New Yorkers. For too long, many workers, especially in small businesses, have lacked access to building a stable retirement. This program changes that, and I thank Governor Hochul for making this part of her agenda.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “I am eager to see the New York Secure Choice Savings Program finally launch from idea to implementation. By making it easy for employees and self-employed individuals to save for retirement and employers to facilitate the process, New York Secure Choice provides an opportunity for previously uncovered workers to participate in long-term savings for the future. With more than half of New Yorkers left without an employer-sponsored retirement plan and hundreds of thousands of workers across the state, this program fills a critical gap with accessible financial assistance. Economic security and the ability to finish a hard-earned career with dignity are not privileges, but rights that each working person deserves.”

Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright said, “As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I commend Governor Hochul for launching the Secure Choice Savings Program, which offers working New Yorkers a simple and reliable way to plan for their financial future. Too many older adults face economic insecurity in retirement because they lacked access to savings options during their working years. This program will empower employees to build stability and independence, ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to age with dignity and peace of mind.”

Council Member Yusuf Salaam said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in advancing the Affordability Agenda and for launching the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program. This initiative is a game-changer for the more than half of working New Yorkers who’ve had no access to retirement plans. By giving workers a simple, automatic way to save for the future, the Governor is helping ensure that more New Yorkers, including those right here in our community, can look forward to a more secure and dignified retirement.”

Council Member Keith Powers said, “It is crucial for all workers to plan for retirement. The time to prepare for the future is now, but employees who do not have the option to save for retirement lose out on the ability to let their savings grow and ensure long-term security. New York Secure Choice opens that opportunity to all, allowing New Yorkers to have power over their future.”
New York Secure Choice will notify employers required to facilitate the program and provide them with registration details. If you are an eligible employer, you can also enroll today by visiting www.NewYorkSecureChoice.com.

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news
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October 9, 2025
New York City, 73 Others Urge Ninth Circuit to Keep Block on Federal Guard Deployment

— New York City joined 73 other local governments in an Oct. 7, 2025 amicus brief backing Oregon in Oregon v. Trump, asking the Ninth Circuit to uphold a district court order blocking the Trump administration’s September deployment of National Guard troops to Portland. The coalition argues Washington overstepped its authority under 10 U.S.C. §12406, saying there was no invasion or rebellion to justify dispatching roughly 200 troops over local objections. City officials warn such deployments disrupt policing, chill commerce and shift costs to taxpayers—citing prior bills of $134 million in Los Angeles and an estimated $10 million in Oregon. The group frames Guard use as a last resort, not a tool for routine civil unrest, while the federal government seeks an immediate stay of the district court’s Oct. 4 temporary restraining order.

City of New York Takes New Action Opposing Federal Government’s Military Deployment in American Cities

– The City of New York — as part of a coalition of 74 localities from around the nation — has filed a new amicus brief supporting Oregon’s ongoing case against the federal government’s unlawful deployment of the National Guard in Portland. In the brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to affirm a district court ruling in Oregon v. Trump, which enjoined the federal government from deploying federal troops in Portland. The coalition warns against the Trump administration’s plans to deploy the National Guard at “anytime, anywhere, for any reason — based on nothing more than sporadic incidents of conflict or being a disfavored jurisdiction.” The coalition highlights the harms to local sovereignty, to local peace and tranquility, and to local economies from the federal government’s deployment of the National Guard to American cities on pretextual and political grounds.

“New York City is proud to — once again — partner with a multitude of localities to assert local control over our own domain: public safety,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration has been unrelenting in driving down crime, rooting out violent criminals, and protecting New Yorkers, and we have had record drops in crime thanks to our commitment to public safety and the precision policing of the NYPD. Collaboration with state and federal law enforcement has always been a key part of our public safety strategy, but we do not need a deployment of the National Guard to our city. Instead, we plan to continue to work with the federal government on areas where collaboration is warranted, such as stopping the flow of illegal guns to our city from the Iron Belt. We remain committed to keeping New Yorkers safe while upholding our constitutional rights.”

“As highlighted in this brief, the president is continuing to treat American cities as military ‘training grounds’ based on pretext and misinformation that is contrary to the facts on the ground,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “Federalizing and domestically deploying the National Guard can sow chaos in local communities and should be a last resort, not a primary tactic, reserved for exceedingly rare circumstances. The district court ruling enjoining the federal government should be upheld.”

In September 2025, the Trump administration deployed members of the National Guard to Portland, citing protests of immigration enforcement operations. On October 4, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that the deployment likely violated federal law because plaintiffs submitted evidence that the cited protests were not significantly violent or disruptive in the days or weeks leading up to the president’s directive. The federal government filed an application in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit seeking an immediate stay of the district court’s temporary restraining order.  

In the amicus brief, the coalition argues that the federal government has overreached its authority and that the lower court’s injunction should remain in place, based on longstanding federal laws prohibiting the National Guard from engaging in domestic law enforcement. The brief asserts that the federal government has provided no factual basis or legal justification for deploying 200 federal troops in Portland over the objection of local officials. The coalition states that there was no invasion or rebellion directed toward the federal government that would have allowed it to lawfully deploy the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406, and that this pretext dramatically increases the risk of irreparable injury by inflaming community tensions and interfering with local law enforcement personnel which is better trained to manage situations such as protests and crowd control.

Further, the brief cites the chilling effect that National Guard deployments have on the local economy and taxpayers — as more customers stay inside and local businesses lose customers. Also, taxpayers are stuck paying the bill for these deployments: $134 million for Los Angeles alone and, potentially, at least $10 million for Oregon.

Joining the City of New York and Portland, Oregon are the cities of Tucson, Arizona; Alameda, Anaheim, Berkeley, Culver, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San José, San Leandro, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, California; Denver and Ridgway, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Tallahassee, Florida; Bloomington, Chicago, and Evanston, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Cambridge, and Lawrence, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Bellevue, and Exeter, Michigan; Hopkins, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, Minnesota; Hoboken and Newark, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Hudson, Rochester, and Brighton, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh and Norristown, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, El Paso, Iowa Colony, and San Marcos, Texas; Burlington, Vermont; Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia; Tacoma, Washington; Madison and Exeter, Wisconsin; as well as the counties of Pima, Arizona; Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, California; Denver and Ouray, Colorado; Montgomery, Maryland; Ingham and Bellevue, Michigan; Columbia, Cortland, and Monroe, New York; Multnomah, Oregon; Allegheny, Bucks, Clarion, Dauphin, and Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Davidson and Shelby, Tennessee; Harris and Travis, Texas; Kings and Pierce, Washington; Dan and Exeter, Wisconsin.

October 7, 2025 NEW YORK

Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
Midtown Tribune news

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 8, 2025
White House. Domald Trump Revives Alaska’s Ambler Road to Unlock U.S. Critical Minerals

President Donald J. Trump has approved the appeal to advance Alaska’s 211-mile Ambler Road, reversing a Biden-era rejection and reopening access to the Ambler Mining District’s copper, cobalt, zinc, and other critical minerals. The White House decision—cited under ANILCA Section 1106—aims to strengthen U.S. mineral security, reduce dependence on China, and boost jobs, investment, and supply chains across Alaska. Backed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, Rep. Nick Begich, and industry leaders from Trilogy Metals, South32, and the Alaska Miners Association, the project is framed as a path to regional prosperity, lower costs of living, and national defense readiness. Supporters emphasize close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and environmental safeguards as agencies move to re-issue permits so construction and responsible development can proceed.

President Trump Revives Ambler Road Project to Unlock Alaska’s Critical Minerals, Boost Economy

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump approved the appeal for Alaska’s Ambler Road Project, a pivotal 211-mile industrial road connecting the Dalton Highway to northwest Alaska’s vast deposits of critical minerals. The decision reverses a Biden-era rejection, advancing American energy dominance and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries by securing resources essential for national security, economic growth, defense, and technology.

The move was quickly hailed by Alaskan leaders and mining organizations as a massive win for job growth, regional prosperity, and strengthened domestic supply chains:

Gov. Mike Dunleavy: “This decision will unleash development opportunities, create new jobs for Alaskans and secure access to strategic minerals. Thank you @POTUS”

Sen. Dan Sullivan: “I want to thank President Trump and his team, especially Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, for granting this appeal under Section 1106 of ANILCA, rolling back the Biden administration’s egregious and lawless denial of a right-of-way for the Ambler Access Project. This appeal is great news for Alaska, for jobs for our workers, for American national security, for reducing our country’s critical mineral dependence on China, and for the incredible Alaskans of the region. I just spoke by phone with the President about this important announcement, and he reiterated his strong commitment to advancing the Ambler Access Project, and so many other important projects for our state, including the King Cove Road and the Alaska LNG Project. I’ve always said the Ambler Access Project has to be done right, with close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and with respect for our environment and subsistence way of life. We were able to make great progress on these fronts under the first Trump administration, but the Biden administration came in and killed this project and the thousands of good-paying jobs, economic opportunity, and improved cost of living across the region that would come with it, subverting the clear intent of ANILCA. I’m glad to see another critically important project for our state’s economy and working families being put back on track.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track after it was derailed by politics at the end of the Biden administration. Congress enshrined this project’s approval into federal law in 1980 as part of a ‘grand bargain’ to conserve more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, and it has more national significance now than ever. The President’s re-approval will unlock a world-class mining district, deliver quality-of-life benefits for communities in the region, and help grow Alaska’s economy. It will also improve our national security by strengthening our mineral security and enabling us to produce more of our most important resources here at home. I look forward to federal agencies promptly re-issuing permits and authorizations so that the Ambler access project can finally proceed, and to working with the local people and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure a successful project.”

Rep. Nick Begich: “The Ambler Mining District is a strategic asset for Alaska and an important pathway to critical mineral development in the United States,” said Congressman Begich. “By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening America’s supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for our critical mineral needs. I applaud the President’s decision to support this appeal, and I look forward to working with the Administration, state leaders, and Alaska Native communities to ensure this project moves forward in a way that benefits all Alaskans.”

Alaska Miners Association Executive Director Deantha Skibinski: “We want to thank President Trump for overturning the harmful 2024 decision on the Ambler Road Project and prioritizing access to Alaska’s critical minerals. The Biden administration’s nearly unprecedented ‘no action’ alternative on the Ambler Road project and flat refusal to grant access that was promised in the Alaska National Interest Land Claims Act (ANILCA) was unconscionable. With stable policies in place, Alaska now stands ready to supply the nation with the minerals critical to our national security and our economy.”

Ambler Metals Managing Director Kaleb Froehlich: “We thank President Trump, his administration and members of Congress for recognizing the importance of the Ambler Road to Alaska and to the nation. This road will help secure the critical minerals our country needs for economic competitiveness and national defense, while also delivering meaningful benefits here at home. For rural Alaskans, this road represents opportunity, good-paying jobs, essential revenues for remote communities, and a chance to build a more resilient local economy. It’s a pathway to both national strength and regional prosperity.”

American Pacific Mining Corp. CEO Warwick Smith: “We extend our sincere congratulations to Trilogy Metals and to Alaskans that have worked for years to see responsible development advance. Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We are optimistic about the path ahead for Palmer and all projects contributing to America’s critical minerals supply.”

South32 CEO Graham Kerr: “We see great value in the U.S. Government’s intention to develop the Ambler Mining District. It is our aim to unlock the potential we see in this region, and secure critical mineral supply chains for the United States and create enduring economic activity and shared value for Alaska, particularly for communities in the surrounding region.”

Trilogy Metals President and CEO Tony Giardini: “This landmark decision is a turning point for Trilogy and for the future of domestic critical mineral development in the United States. The Ambler Road is not just a pathway to economic growth in Alaska – it’s a strategic asset for the United States. With the backing of the President and federal agencies, we are confident this project will move forward in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home.”

Valhalla Metals Chairman Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse: “We are excited that the Trump Administration has reversed the misguided Biden Administration’s ‘No Action Alternative’ finding for the Ambler Access Road Supplemental EIS. The Biden Administration decision was contrary to the clear directives set out in ANILCA. Using Section 1106 to right a wrong decision is exactly what Congress intended when ANILCA was passed into law 45 years ago. Thank you President Trump! We can now restart our exploration efforts to expand the known resources at the Sun deposit.”

The White House

October 7, 2025
#AmblerRoad #AlaskaMining #CriticalMinerals #AmericanEnergy #AlaskaJobs #SupplyChainSecurity

Sources: WhiteHouse.gov , Midtown Tribune News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 7, 2025
New York to Lower Flags, Light Landmarks Yellow on Oct. 7 to Mark Hamas Attack Anniversary
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered state buildings to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and directed landmarks—including One World Trade Center, the Mario M. Cuomo and Kosciuszko bridges, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, and Moynihan Train Hall—to be illuminated yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages. The move marks two years since the Hamas assault; Hochul said New York, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, mourns the victims and prays for the hostages’ safe return and a lasting peace. Citing a recent antisemitic attack in Manchester, England, she also ordered heightened State Police patrols at religious sites and increased engagement by the Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit and special-operations teams.

New York. Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-staff and Landmarks to Be Lit Yellow in Remembrance on the Anniversary of the October 7 Attack on Israel

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, October 7 in remembrance of the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. Additionally, the Governor directed landmarks to be illuminated in yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages who have not been returned home.

“Two years after the horrific attack on the people of Israel, we stand with Jewish people in New York and around the world today and every day, and remember the victims of that tragic day and those still held hostage today,” Governor Hochul said. “As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we mourn this tragedy and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace.”

Landmarks to be illuminated include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
Earlier this week, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar was marred by a horrific act of antisemitic violence in Manchester, England. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul directed New York State Police to increase patrols at religious sites and initiate outreach to Jewish communities statewide. Heightened uniformed patrols remain in place this week, and the state Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU) and special operations teams will be fully engaged.

October 6, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
Midtown Tribune news

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
October 7, 2025
New York Waives College Application Fees at SUNY, CUNY and Nearly 130 Campuses This October
ALBANY, N.Y.—New York declared October “College Application Month,” waiving application fees at SUNY (up to five applications per student, Oct. 20–Nov. 3), CUNY (NYC high-schoolers Oct. 27–Nov. 21; students outside NYC Nov. 10–21) and dozens of private colleges—nearly 130 campuses statewide.
With typical fees of $50–$90 per application, the move aims to cut costs for families and widen access to higher education. The state’s Higher Education Services Corporation is hosting 40+ events to help students complete the 2026–27 FAFSA, New York’s Tuition Assistance Program and the NYS STEM Incentive Program, with participating schools listed on the state’s waiver page.

Governor Hochul Announces Free College Application Submissions
for Third Consecutive Year as College Application Month Returns

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that students across the state can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this October. The announcement comes as the Governor has proclaimed October as New York State College Application Month (CAM), which includes waived application fees at The State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and dozens of private colleges and universities. With application fees typically ranging from $50 to $90 each, these waivers will save students and families significant money and help ensure that every New York State student has the opportunity to take the critical step of applying to college.

“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Governor Hochul said. “By waiving application fees at SUNY, CUNY and nearly 50 private colleges across the state, we’re saving families money and ensuring that more students can access the opportunities and futures they deserve. College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success. I want to thank our schools for their dedication and partnership in making this important initiative a reality.”

Application Waiver Periods
- SUNY: Waiving up to five application fees per student from October 20 through November 3.
- CUNY: Waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City High School students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.
- Private Colleges and Universities: Participating at various times throughout the month.
You can find a complete list of participating schools on the New York State Application Waiver webpage. Additional assistance with college applications and information on related events can be found on the Apply to SUNY and CUNY Month webpages.
Support for Students and Families
To help students make the most of this exciting opportunity, the HESC and its partners are hosting over 40 virtual and in-person events throughout October. With the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program applications now open, these events offer students and families the one-on-one support they need to complete their financial aid applications.

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing education is making a profound difference for students and families across New York. By waiving college application fees, we’re not only making higher education more accessible and affordable but also sending a clear message that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. I commend our participating schools for stepping up and playing a vital role in this initiative, ensuring that students have the guidance and resources they need to confidently take this important step toward achieving their higher education goals.”

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and SUNY is proud to promote College Application Month with Governor Hochul. We invite prospective students to apply for free from October 20 to November 3 to discover SUNY’s excellence and affordability.”

City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Waiving application fees is a simple but powerful way to encourage all students to apply to college, especially those who face logistical or financial challenges. College Application Month reinforces our shared commitment to making the admissions process more equitable, and CUNY is proud to stand with Governor Hochul and our state partners in making higher education, and the promise of a brighter future more attainable for thousands of New Yorkers.”

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “As a former educator, I know how important it is to remove barriers that stand between students and their dreams of higher education. Waiving college application fees gives every person the chance to take that first step toward a brighter future. I thank Governor Hochul, SUNY, CUNY, these private colleges, and HESC for working together to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said, “Governor Hochul’s initiative to waive college application fees sends a powerful message to all students in New York City Public Schools: we are making higher education accessible. By removing this financial barrier, we ensure greater equity across the board and empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic and career goals. This initiative is critical for providing our students with a clear pathway to college and a bold future.”

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “College Application Month sends a clear message: college is within reach. By eliminating application fees and providing guidance, we expand access and momentum for students — and our private, not-for-profit campuses stand ready to welcome them.”

New York State Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett said, “New York’s College Application Month is part of the national American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which has helped over 5 million students submit over 10 million applications since 2005. CAM in New York is coordinated by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in collaboration with the State Education Department, SUNY, CUNY, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), the Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC), and the NYC Department of Education.”

Additional information about New York State College Application Month can be found at hesc.ny.gov/cam.

October 6, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
Midtown Tribune News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
October 7, 2025