FROM JULY 31 TRANSCRIPT: MAYOR ADAMS’ SELECTED REMARKS AT FUNERAL OF FALLEN NYPD DETECTIVE DIDARUL ISLAM

…This murder and the murder of others who were in the building, it cut me to my core. I spent my entire life defending and fighting for the innocent people of this city. And each step I take personally, because as the mayor, I am responsible for the safety of New Yorkers. That is my obligation. And that is my most basic function. 

…And I just want to say sorry to this family. I want to say sorry as one parent to another parent. And we must live in the spirit of Officer Islam and what he stood for and what he would always stand for and what he fought for. 

…I have hope that if we’re in this room together in this mosque, lifting up our hero, then we can enter the mosques, the synagogues, the churches, the Buddhist temples, the Sikh temples, and also cross-pollinate and coordinate on how we can make this city a greater place that a person would not believe violence is an answer to the question. 

I’m filled with hope and optimism today because of the life of Officer Islam. And I commend the mother and father of our officer. They instilled something special in him. Everyone we talked about, they talked about how special he was and what he represented. If we are true practitioners of the faith that we have embraced, then we should see God in each other. We saw God in Officer Islam. And now we must take that God-like energy that he offered to allow us to live out his legacy the way he will want to. 

Our hearts lift him up in prayer. Our city is with you. As one parent to another, I will continue to pray for you and your family. His mother, his wife, his children, his child on the way. And as the Quran states, we come from Allah and we return to Allah. I’ve learned not to question God. I learned to respect God. May God be with you.

In The News-New York State

Comptroller DiNapoli: Audit Highlights Opportunities for Improvement of Apprenticeship Programs to Enhance Value & Reach

DOL Agrees to Enhancements in Access, Oversight, and Data Accuracy

New York State’s over 900 registered apprenticeship programs provide thousands of people with paid, hands-on training in skilled, in-demand trades, ranging from information technology to health care. A new audit released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli highlights the potential of these programs but found key areas for improvements at the Department of Labor (DOL) which oversees them.

“Apprenticeship programs open doors for many New Yorkers to access well-paid jobs that become careers, while helping businesses and unions train the workforce they need,” said Comptroller DiNapoli. “My auditors identified where improvements are needed, and the Department of Labor’s planned response should lead to a speedier review of applications, strengthened monitoring of programs, improved apprenticeship data and expanded trade opportunities. I commend Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon and her team for their efforts in promoting New York’s apprenticeship programs.”

Registered apprenticeship programs offer a mix of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training, typically lasting one to five years. The programs are generally offered at no cost to participants by employers and unions. Apprenticeships often lead to industry-recognized credentials in high-growth fields, including construction, health care, information technology and manufacturing.

“Apprenticeship programs are the gold standard for developing a safe, skilled and diverse workforce that’s ready to meet the demands of New York’s construction and infrastructure projects,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the NYS Building & Construction Trades Council. “We appreciate State Comptroller DiNapoli’s efforts to strengthen oversight and ensure these programs remain accessible, accountable and focused on upward mobility for all New Yorkers.”

According to the audit, from April 2019 through August 2024:

• Programs operated in 58 of New York’s 62 counties, reaching nearly 40,000 participants.
• There were 905 registered programs across 163 trades, from electrician to machinist to sheet metal worker to skilled construction laborer, as of August 2024.
• DOL has made efforts to expand apprenticeships into new sectors, including information technology, health care, agriculture, hospitality and advanced manufacturing.

The Comptroller added that employers may also benefit through the Empire State Apprenticeship Tax Credit (ESATC), which provides refundable tax credits against New York state income or franchise tax to eligible employers with an approved program.

The audit recommends several changes at DOL to improve efficiency, oversight and data integrity. According to DOL’s response to the audit, some changes are planned or underway, including:

• Faster Application Approvals: DOL approved 23 long-stalled applications from employers, unions or trade associations seeking to sponsor apprenticeship programs after auditors found that some applications had remained pending for more than three years. DOL plans to implement a Registered Apprenticeship System that includes a new digital application portal for potential sponsors to submit materials, track progress and help reduce future delays.
• Improved Monitoring: DOL is taking steps to ensure that monitoring visits to programs happen on schedule. These visits help determine sponsor compliance with program terms and provide technical assistance.
• Improved Data: DOL said its planned system will capture more information to support staff oversight, allow sponsors to identify and report errors and include data validation mechanisms.
• Increased Outreach and Promotion: DOL plans to incorporate questions about promotion of new trades and tax credit opportunities during staff visits with program sponsors.

DOL officials noted the modernization of the Registered Apprenticeship system will address many of the audit’s findings, and their response is included in the audit.

“We thank the Office of the State Comptroller for taking a close look at this important program which provides a proven pathway to high-paying, in-demand careers, and a skilled workforce for businesses,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “We understand the importance of ensuring efficient use of every taxpayer dollar. I was glad to see the work we’re doing right now to modernize the Registered Apprenticeship program addresses many of the issues raised. The new online system will streamline applications, improve program oversight, and enhance data collection, reporting, and information sharing with both businesses and apprentices. This will ensure Registered Apprenticeships continue to evolve to meet the needs of New York’s economy and the workers who power it.”

Governor Hochul to Secretary of Homeland Security: Release FEMA Intelligence Funding to Secure New York City Metro Area

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem this week demanding the release of funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) through the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), following Monday evening’s mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.

According to the Governor, UASI funding is critical to building intelligence analysis capacity within the NYPD, enabling surge capacity when new threats are identified, and allowing the NYPD to provide federal law enforcement partners with intelligence collection and analysis capacity during large National Special Security events. UASI also supports security initiatives conducted by law enforcement and public safety agencies throughout Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Eliminating this funding — which totaled more than $156.1 million for New York in 2024 — would make New Yorkers less safe at a time when New York City remains a high-level target for acts of targeted violence, Governor Hochul asserted.   New York City, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, City of Yonkers, and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties all received awards through this funding.

To follow are excerpts from the Governor’s letter:

On Monday, it was once again apparent that New York City remains a high-level target for acts of targeted violence. Four New Yorkers lost their lives, including an NYPD officer, in Midtown Manhattan. The assailant responsible traveled from Nevada all the way to our nation’s largest metropolis to commit this heinous act.

Eliminating this funding — which totaled more than $553 million in 2024, $156.1 million of which went to New York — would make New Yorkers less safe, hamstring the NYPD’s efforts to confront terrorist threats, and reduce intelligence information sharing across local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This funding has been critical to building intelligence analysis capacity within the NYPD, enabling surge capacity when new threats are identified, and allowing the NYPD to provide federal law enforcement partners with intelligence collection and analysis capacity during large National Special Security events — all goals that until recently we were confident our federal partners shared with us.

On Monday, the same day as the latest targeted attack, your agency released several homeland security preparedness grants that we had expected to receive in May. However, you failed to also release UASI — the grant specifically designed to protect the nation’s highest urban terrorist targets.

In The News-New York City

MTA Announces Ridership Increases & Lower Operating Expenses, As Agency Savings Goals Narrow Budget Deficit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) this week released its July Financial Plan showing continued balanced operating budgets for 2025 and 2026 and narrowed deficits in 2027 and 2028. Over the last year, the MTA has narrowed the deficit by $198 million. And overall operating expenses are below the amount that had been budgeted. The July Financial Plan reaffirms the Authority’s previously forecasted $500 million annual cost savings beginning in 2025. 

The MTA also proposed a series of fare and ticket policy changes for New York City Transit’s subways and buses, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the Metro-North Railroad pursuant to the 2025 Budget approved by the MTA Board in December 2024. If approved by the MTA Board in the fall, the changes would go into effect in January 2026. 

“The ticket policy changes round out our efforts first launched in 2022 when we introduced fare-capping, and other fare promotions, to modernize our payment system and make navigating NYC’s transit system easier and more affordable,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “We shared our plan to finalize the tap-and go rollout, which is how 75% of subway and bus riders are already paying their fares; and on the railroads, these fare policy proposals offer clearer options and better savings – encouraging more travel with greater flexibility.”   

Proposed Fare Policy Changes For New York City Transit Subways and Buses 

Complete Transition to “Tap-and-Go” and Retire the Unlimited MetroCard Passes.    
The 7-day rolling fare cap, which allows customers to pay for 12 rides in a 7-day period and automatically ride free for the rest of the week with no pre-payment required, would become permanent. At the proposed base fare, no customer would pay more than $36 for subway and local bus rides in a week; reduced-fare customers would pay no more than $18 in a week.    

Fare capping would also be extended to the express bus network on a promotional basis. During this promotion, express bus riders would never pay more than $67 for unlimited express bus, local bus, and subway rides in any 7-day period.   

According to the MTA, with fare capping available to all subway, bus, and express bus customers, the 7-Day, 30-Day, and Express Bus Plus Unlimited Ride MetroCards will no longer offer substantial financial savings and will no longer be sold. 

Tap-and-go Would be Required for All Subway, Local Bus, and Express Bus Rides Once MetroCards Are No Longer Accepted as Fare Payment   
Cash and coins would continue to be accepted at card vending machines in subway stations and at one of the 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards. 

Proposed Rates   
Under the fare rate proposed, the base fare for subways, local buses, the Staten Island Railway and Paratransit would rise 10 cents to $3.00. Express bus fares would rise to $7.25, from the current $7.00. The reduced-fare would remain at half-off the base fare, rising from $1.45 to $1.50. Single-ride tickets on subways and buses will increase to $3.50 from the current $3.25. The fee for a new OMNY card would increase to $2 when the MetroCard is no longer accepted for fare payment later in 2026. To view the full NYC Transit fare table under the proposal, see here.   

Proposed Fare Policy Changes for LIRR and Metro-North Ticket 

More Flexible Ticket Offerings    
A new promotional Day Pass for unlimited travel would replace the Round-Trip ticket. The Day Pass would be valid on the day of purchase until 4 a.m. the following day. Unlimited Day Passes are also available for CityTicket and Far Rockaway ticketholders, priced at $14.50 in the peak and $10.50 in the off-peak.   

A new promotional discount would be available for mobile customers. After 10 peak or off-peak trips in 14 days, mobile customers would get an 11th peak or off-peak one-way trip for free in the same zone combination in the same 14-day period. Unlike today’s 10-Trip, which would be eliminated, this new fare product would not require customers to pre-pay for 10 tickets to receive a discount and introduces a new discount for 10-Trip peak customers. 

Reduced Fares
A promotional reduced fare product would be available all day, every day for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients, even in the morning peak period.   

Proposed Fare Rate Changes for LIRR and Metro-North   
For the commuter railroads, a proposed increase of up to 4.4% would apply to monthlies and weeklies. All other ticket types would increase up to 8%, with no fare increasing more than $2. To view the full LIRR proposed fare table see here. To view the full Metro-North fare table under the proposal, see here.    Monthly ticket fares will not exceed $500.    

The Off-Peak CityTicket would go from $5 to $5.25 and the Peak CityTicket from $7 to $7.25. These proposals also apply to the Far Rockaway ticket. The Peak CityTicket and Far Rockaway ticket, which are currently promotional, would become permanent fare products.   

Base fares for Metro-North’s West-of-Hudson services, the Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Line would increase by 4.4%. 

Proposed Toll Increases for Bridges and Tunnels  

For the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck, Verrazzano Bridges and the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey Tunnels the proposed toll would go from $6.94 to $7.46. The Henry Hudson Bridge would go from $3.18 to $3.42 and Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges would go from $2.60 to $2.80.

Next Steps  
A series of hybrid public hearings will be held on August 19 and 20. To view more details on the public hearings, see here. The registration for the public hearings and the online comment portal is open at mta.info. Additional opportunities for the public to comment in-person in September at various regional satellite locations will be announced at a later date. After considering public comments the MTA Board will vote on these proposed fare and toll changes, which would go into effect January 2026. 

NYC Council Bills to Protect New Yorkers from Immigration Legal Services Fraud Become Law

New York City Council legislation to prevent immigration legal services fraud became law this week.  The new laws are aimed at protecting New Yorkers from being the victims of fraud by immigration legal services providers falsely advertising services.  In addition, the laws increase financial penalties for fraudulent activities and create a citywide outreach and education campaign to alert New Yorkers of common scams.

Since January 2024, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) Immigration Legal Support Hotline has provided 64 fraud referrals to the New York State Office of New Americans Hotline. Between February and April of 2025, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP’s) field enforcement team conducted over 750 proactive inspections of businesses advertising as immigration service providers and employment agencies, resulting in nearly 80 summonses.

“At a time when our diverse immigrant communities are under attack by the Trump administration, it is critical that the City advances policies to protect all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These new laws, passed by the Council, will prevent city residents from falling victim to immigration services fraud. I thank Council Members Hanif and Won for their leadership on these important new laws.”

Local Law 98 of 2025 (Introduction 205-A) requires DCWP to develop an outreach campaign to educate New Yorkers about common fraudulent schemes committed by providers of immigration legal services and how to avoid them. The Department is required to conduct outreach through the media and have materials available at shelters and IDNYC registration sites.   The law also requires DCWP to report annually on its outreach and education efforts, as well as complaints and inspections related to providers of immigration assistance services. The law will take effect in 180 days.

“…Too often, we’ve seen bad actors offer false promises, charge exorbitant fees, and even derail immigration cases,” Council Member Shahana Hanif explained.  “With Intro. 205-A becoming law, the City is stepping up to educate our communities by helping people avoid scams, connect with reputable legal services, and report fraud when it happens.”

Local Law 102 of 2025 (Introduction 980-A) increases civil penalties for immigration assistance service providers that do not comply with applicable regulations, such as the requirements to execute a written contract with customers, include specific language in signage and advertisements, retain documents, and maintain a surety. The law also clarifies that immigration assistance service providers who advertise services must post, or include with the advertisement, a legally required notice of the services they are not authorized to provide. The law takes effect immediately.

“Starting today, anyone providing Immigration Assistance Services who attempts to take advantage of New Yorkers, will face double the penalties,” said Council Member Julie Won. “With the enactment of Local Law 102, our city sends a powerful message — that we will protect immigrant New Yorkers seeking legal assistance and the next steps in their dreams in the United States…”

Briefs

Comptroller DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Total $11.9 Billion in First Half of 2025, Up 3.7% Over Prior Year

Local government sales tax collections totaled $11.9 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of

3.7% ($423 million) compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Year-over-year growth in collections during the first half of 2025 almost doubled that for the same period last year (1.9%).

Each of the state’s 10 economic development regions, including New York City, experienced a year-over-year increase in first-half collections.   Additional findings from Comptroller DiNapoli’s report include:

• New York City’s sales tax collections totaled nearly $5.4 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of 4.7% ($242 million), year over year, while aggregate collections for the counties and cities in the rest of the state grew by 2.8% ($156 million).
• Outside of New York City, regional growth ranged from a low of 1.3% (Mohawk Valley) to a high of 4.6% (Southern Tier).
• Nearly 86% of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in first-half collections.
• Hamilton County saw the highest growth in the first half at 14.6%, followed by the counties of Delaware (12.9%), Orleans (12.1%) and Chenango (11.7%). Several other counties experienced strong growth, including Oswego (9.1%), Schenectady (8.4%) and both Franklin and Madison (8%).
• Among the eight counties that had decreases in first-half collections, St. Lawrence saw the steepest decline at -5.7%, followed by Livingston (-5.1%) and both Sullivan and Schoharie (-2.9%).
• Nearly 75% of cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced growth in the first half. Norwich had the largest increase at 19.3%, followed by Salamanca (15.4%). Conversely, the cities of Ogdensburg, Johnstown, Glens Falls, Mount Vernon and Utica each saw decreases in collections, ranging from -0.6% to -4%.

NYS Building Code Council Approves State Regulations Requiring All-Electric Buildings

The State Building Code Council approved the implementation of the All Electric Buildings Act, which beginning January 1, 2026 will require newly constructed single-family residences and low-rise buildings in New York to be outfitted with electric appliances.    The prohibition against building structures with gas or oil services will be extended to nearly all new buildings starting in 2029. 

Beginning January 1, with limited exceptions, all buildings less than or equal to seven stories must be constructed without fossil-fuel systems such as natural gas, propane or heating oil. Commercial spaces with less than 100,000 square feet in conditioned floor area also are subject to the rules. Projects that have a “substantially complete building permit application” on file before December 31 will not be subject to the rules. 

Alterations or renovations to existing buildings are also not subject to the regulations.   Gas stoves and heating systems can continue to be in use and added to already existing or in progress buildings.

In June, the Independent System Operator, which operates and manages New York’s power grid, warned that the state’s reliability margins are continuing to decline as fossil-fueled power plants are aging and being taken out of service while new sources of energy are not keeping pace with expected increases in demand.

NYC Expands Public Access to School Playgrounds and Basketball Courts

Legislation sponsored by Council Members Gale Brewer and Kevin Riley to expand public access to school playgrounds and basketball courts became law this week.  

Local Law 98 of 2025 (Introduction 566-B), sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, will increase public access to school playgrounds on weekends and during after school hours, prioritizing environmental justice neighborhoods. Local Law 99 of 2025 (Introduction 643-A), sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, will require the City to post information online on how basketball leagues can access Department of Education (DOE) indoor basketball courts when the weather does not allow for the use of outdoor courts and conduct a study to improve overall access to indoor basketball courts.  

According to the sponsors, there are currently 945 school buildings across the city with an outdoor school yard, but just 288 of them—about 30 percent—are open to the public outside of school hours. Additionally, the vast majority of basketball courts in the city are outdoors and access to them is limited during bad weather and in the coldest months. 

“Since 1996, the Trust for Public Land has partnered with city agencies and many City Council Members to convert over 230 asphalt lots into vibrant school-community playgrounds,” said Joan Keener, Deputy Director, Trust for Public Land. “Numerous studies show that access to outdoor play and nature relieves stress, increases physical activity, improves mental health, and decreases social isolation for both adults and youth. These shared schoolyards depend on annual custodial funding to ensure they remain safe, clean and accessible to the community outside of school hours. The passage of these bills provides an easy, cost-effective way to increase play space within a walkable distance from home. Opening additional schoolyards for public use each year, prioritizes those in environmental justice areas, helps to close the gap in unequal access to quality park space in the city.”

State Leaders Willing to Help Adult-Use Cannabis Shops Caught in OCM License Approval Snafu

State Leaders indicated this week that they are willing to assist over 100 adult use cannabis businesses whose licenses were incorrectly granted based on their proximity to schools or churches.

The State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) this week acknowledged that it has been miscalculating the distance requirements for retail cannabis dispensaries in relation to schools and churches.   Over 100 businesses statewide, including 89 in New York City, have been issued licenses in error. 

According to a notice on the OCM website, for licensees whose renewals are upcoming, “so long as a licensee submits a timely (submitted before the date of license expiration) and sufficient renewal application, they can remain fully operational, in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act § 401 (2), until the Cannabis Control Board makes a determination on the renewal. OCM will consider a licensee’s renewal application “sufficient” if there are no significant deficiencies in the application.”

At this time, the Office is proposing and “aggressively pursuing” legislation to address licensees whose businesses are at locations in conflict with Cannabis Law § 72 (6) that may allow them to remain in their current locations. The OCM noted that passage of proposed legislation is the prerogative of the New York State Legislature and is not a guarantee.

 There are currently 436 adult-use cannabis dispensaries across New Yok, according to the OCM.  Of these, 108 shops across the state were told they are too close to a school or house of worship.   An additional 44 are in the pipeline at the final stages of approval.  

“There’s no reason for anyone to be telling anyone you might have to close your store or move. Because this can be fixed,” said Manhattan Senator Liz Krueger, according to published reports.  “…In New York City, a standard lease is 10 years. Even if they had to move, they would still be on the hook for another nine years of rent. That’s impossible. They would never be able to reopen. In some of these circumstances, we’re talking about being out of compliance by 20 or 30 feet. Again, this is not revolutionary crisis stuff. It’s just not.”

Governor Hochul indicated that she will work with the Legislature to fix the issue.

“…we’re not going to let anything happen to them.  We’ll make them whole and I’ve got to go back to the Legislature and get them persuaded to change the law to be consistent with what we do for liquor stores, for example,” Governor Hochul said during an interview on NY1’s Inside City Hall.

Similarly, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said in published reports, “We’ll figure that out. I’m in conversation with the Governor’s office, but I don’t have an answer quite yet.” 

Coming Up

New York State 

Wednesday, August 6th  

New York State Board of Elections Commissioners’ Meeting, 40 Pearl Street, Albany, 12 p.m.

New York City

Wednesday, August 6th  

Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11 a.m.

Committee on Land Use, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11:30 a.m.