New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a crackdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, ordering 42 online retailers to stop selling non-compliant vehicles to city residents. The cease-and-desist notices target Amazon, Walmart, Temu and Target. Reports also name Best Buy and Wayfair. Retailers have until August 18 to comply or could face fines of $2,000 for each illegal sale. The action targets high-speed, non-compliant devices rather than legal e-bikes and e-scooters used across the city. ABC7 cited city data showing more than 500 e-bike collisions and 795 scooter collisions this year, up more than 28 percent from the same period last year. “As we continue to focus on this work, we will let New Yorkers know what the next steps are. For now, cease-and-desist orders are our focus,” Mamdani said at a press conference. The 34-year-old democratic socialist is New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Teen’s Death Intensifies Safety Debate The crackdown came one week after 17-year-old Gabriel Nacato died in a crash near City Hall while riding a Deepower QS7. The manufacturer advertises the model with a 1,500-watt peak motor and a top speed of 30 mph. That performance puts the vehicle beyond New York City’s definition of a standard powered bicycle. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection defines an e-bike as having a motor below 750 watts and a maximum design speed of 25 mph. Read More: Zohran Mamdani Faces Awkward Snub at Army Sergeant’s Funeral Separate operating rules set a lower limit. The Department of Transportation says e-bike and e-scooter riders cannot exceed 15 mph on any city street. Mamdani said retailers have sold vehicles that can travel far beyond legal limits. His administration is initially focusing on companies supplying such devices rather than a broader crackdown on riders already using them. City Council Plans Wider Review The New York City Council has also announced a “comprehensive review of existing laws” as officials search for additional street-safety measures. Council Speaker Julie Menin said: “Every New Yorker deserves to move around our city freely and safely, regardless of how they get around. But too many people have been seriously injured or killed in crashes involving illegal e-bikes, e-motos, and e-scooters.” “New Yorkers should never have to wonder whether a walk through their neighborhood or bike ride to work will end in an accident,” Menin added. Read More: Why Did NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani Reject a $47,000 Pay Raise? Council members are considering limits on sales of high-speed e-bikes, tougher action against unregistered mopeds and stronger penalties for riders who leave crash scenes. Other proposals include additional insurance requirements for delivery platforms and a trade-in program for illegal bikes. The crackdown marks a new phase in Mamdani’s micromobility policy. In March, his administration ended criminal summonses for low-level cycling and e-bike traffic violations while keeping civil enforcement.
Zohran Mamdani Faces Awkward Snub at Army Sergeant’s Funeral
Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad’s funeral in Queens on Friday, but organisers did not call him to speak. He arrived with prepared remarks and sat in the fourth row at Calvary Assembly of God in Ozone Park. Witnesses told that the Mamdani reviewed his speech on an iPad while other officials addressed mourners. “They kept calling names and then he was never called,” one attendee said. The witness claimed the mayor looked toward his staff in frustration before putting the tablet away. Read More: Why Did NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani Reject a $47,000 Pay Raise? Family Reportedly Wanted to Avoid Political Distraction Local media cited unnamed people involved in the funeral arrangements who said Rampersad’s family did not want Mamdani to speak. One source described the family as politically conservative and supportive of President Donald Trump. “The family is more conservative and wanted to limit any political distractions,” the source said. The allegation rests on anonymous accounts, and Rampersad’s relatives have not publicly endorsed that explanation. Governor Kathy Hochul, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, state Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and community leader Sam Esposito delivered remarks. New York Attorney General Letitia James also attended the service. Read More: New Year, New Mayor: Mamdani’s Unconventional Start Explained City Councilman Frank Morano said the mayor’s omission surprised him. “I didn’t understand why they would have lower-level officials speak and not the mayor,” he said. City Hall did not respond to the newspaper’s requests for comment. Mamdani’s press team later released his planned speech under the label “remarks as prepared.” “It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,’” Mamdani planned to say. His statement said Rampersad surrendered future birthdays, ordinary mornings and evenings with loved ones so others could remain safe. Queens Mourns Soldier Killed in Jordan Rampersad, 28, grew up in Ozone Park and graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her uncle’s military service inspired her to join the Army. An Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan killed Rampersad on July 17, according to the US Army. She served as a Signal Operations Support Specialist with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The attack also killed Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25. Their deaths raised the US military toll in the Iran war to 18. Read More: Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor, Takes Oath on the Quran Hundreds of relatives, neighbours, soldiers and community members attended Rampersad’s funeral. Hochul said she had come to admire the young soldier and viewed her with the affection of a parent. Daisy Davis-Credle, president of the Queens Sunday School Association, praised Rampersad’s ability to communicate with soldiers of every rank. After the service, NYPD officers carried Rampersad’s coffin to a hearse. A blocks-long police procession then escorted her toward her burial site on Long Island.
Why Did NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani Reject a $47,000 Pay Raise?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declined an 18% salary increase approved by the City Council, saying New Yorkers are more concerned about the rising cost of living than how much their mayor earns. His decision has sparked widespread debate online, with supporters praising the move while critics revived claims that his privileged upbringing makes such a gesture easier. The New York City Council voted 42 to 6 this week to approve the first pay increase for elected city officials in nearly a decade. Under the measure, the mayor’s annual salary would rise from $258,750 to $305,800, while council members would also receive salary increases. Read More: Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor, Takes Oath on the Quran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, quickly rejected the raise during a press conference. “I haven’t knocked on anyone’s door in New York City and they’ve said their concern is that the mayor makes too little,” he said. He added that he would rather see the money go into the pockets of “those who are struggling” in the city, a remark that drew applause from those attending the event. Mamdani is asked about NYC increasing his pay. pic.twitter.com/cNAMRDaThF — Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) July 17, 2026 The mayor said accepting an additional $47,000 each year would not align with his administration’s focus on reducing wasteful spending and directing resources toward affordable housing and other priorities. Critics Revive ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims While many social media users applauded Mamdani’s decision, political opponents argued that his financial background makes refusing a raise far easier than it would be for most public officials. One widely shared post claimed: “TRUMP DONATES HIS ENTIRE PRESIDENTIAL SALARY AND HE SCOFFS AT MAMDANI. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani comes from an exceptionally wealthy, elite, and highly privileged family background, which has led critics to label the Democratic Socialist a ‘nepo baby’ whose personal financial safety net allows him to make grand political gestures.” Another wrote: “Trump donates he’s presidential salary of $400k and you fks act like it’s nothing. Mamdani gives up a raise while he makes $258k a yr on tax payers and you’re down on your knees…” A third post stated: “He’s a LITERAL NEPO BABY. Donald Trump has refused to take ANY salary as the PRESIDENT.” Read More: Taylor Swift Paid Over $160,000 for New York Wedding Security The criticism has reignited discussion over Mamdani’s family background. His mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, while his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent author and Columbia University professor. Various published estimates place their combined wealth between $2 million and $10 million, although no official figure has been confirmed. By comparison, President Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, reportedly left behind an estate valued between $250 million and $300 million and established trust funds for his children and grandchildren. Salary and Net Worth Draw Fresh Attention The controversy has also renewed interest in Mamdani’s own finances. Before becoming mayor, he earned about $142,000 annually as a New York state legislator. After taking office, his salary increased to $258,750, a figure he will continue to receive after rejecting the proposed raise. According to Forbes, Mamdani’s personal net worth is estimated at around $200,000, largely tied to vacant land in Uganda that he disclosed in financial filings. Forbes also reported that his financial disclosures did not indicate significant liquid assets beyond that property. Read More: $1200 New York Tiny Apartment Goes Viral Over 44 Sq Ft Space The debate has also revived the term “nepo baby,” which The New York Times describes as children born into wealthy, famous or influential families who begin life with advantages through inherited wealth, status or connections. For supporters, Mamdani’s decision reflects his commitment to prioritising struggling New Yorkers over personal financial gain. For critics, it highlights the advantages of coming from a financially secure family. Either way, the mayor’s refusal of the pay rise has placed his salary, personal wealth and family background at the centre of New York’s latest political debate.
Taylor Swift Paid Over $160,000 for New York Wedding Security
Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 to New York City for permits and security linked to her wedding celebrations at Madison Square Garden, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed. The mayor disclosed the amount during a Friday press conference. He answered questions about whether taxpayers would bear the cost of policing the high profile event. His remarks ended speculation that the city had funded the security operation. “Taylor Swift has paid already the cost of the permit that was lodged, which was over $160,000 for that event and for the response to that event,” Mamdani said in remarks shared by C-SPAN. He said city officials approved the permit only days before the celebrations. Reporters asked whether Swift would also cover police overtime costs. Mamdani replied that the permit fee covered the required expenses. Swift, 36, married Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, 36, at Madison Square Garden last week. The wedding attracted global media attention. Reuters previously reported that city permits allowed street closures around the venue before the ceremony. Heavy security surrounded the celebration The permit covered police deployment, traffic management, street closures and other city services. New York normally charges organisers when private events require additional public resources. Media reports said about 100 guests attended a private gathering before a larger reception welcomed nearly 1,000 family members, friends and associates. Police secured the area around Madison Square Garden throughout the celebrations. Private security teams also helped control crowds. Reports said about 130 officers worked each day during the wedding weekend because of the extraordinary security demands. Swift has faced several stalking incidents and security threats in recent years. Those concerns prompted organisers to implement strict security measures throughout the event. Total wedding cost remains unknown The city confirmed the security payment. However, neither Swift nor Kelce has revealed the total cost of the wedding. Several US media outlets estimate the celebrations cost about $15 million. The estimate includes the venue, decorations, catering, logistics, entertainment and security. Those figures remain unofficial. Mamdani’s announcement settled the debate over who paid for the public safety operation. It confirmed that Swift covered the city’s permit and security costs herself. Before the ceremony, Mamdani said New York was preparing for several major events. They included FIFA World Cup activities, Independence Day celebrations and the Swift Kelce wedding. He said the city had experience managing events of that scale.
Zohran Mamdani Names Pakistani-American Lawyer Ali Najmi to Key Judiciary Role in NYC
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has named Pakistani-American attorney Ali Najmi as the new chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, placing a longtime confidant at the center of the city’s judicial selection process. In his new role, Najmi will oversee the committee responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and recommending candidates for judgeships in New York City’s Family and Criminal Courts, along with interim appointments to the Civil Court. The committee plays a critical role in shaping the city’s judiciary by vetting candidates before they are formally appointed. Announcing the appointment, Mayor Mamdani emphasized his administration’s commitment to reforming the judicial selection process. He said the goal is to bring greater transparency, fairness, and public trust to how judges are chosen, while ensuring the judiciary reflects the diversity of the city it serves and applies the rule of law equally. Mamdani praised Najmi’s decades-long legal career, describing him as uniquely qualified to lead the effort. He credited Najmi’s courtroom experience, integrity, and persistence as key strengths that will guide the committee’s work. The appointment also highlights the deep personal and professional bond between the two men. Both residents of Queens, Mamdani and Najmi first crossed paths in 2015, when Mamdani volunteered on Najmi’s City Council campaign in eastern Queens. Though the campaign was unsuccessful, it marked the beginning of a close relationship that has endured for years. Since then, Najmi has served as Mamdani’s legal advisor, election attorney, and mentor, supporting him through both his State Assembly run and his successful mayoral campaign. The pair have often spoken publicly about their close relationship, frequently referring to each other as brothers. Najmi brings extensive experience in election and ballot-access law. Over the past 15 years, he has represented a wide range of insurgent and anti-establishment Democratic candidates, carving out a reputation as a leading legal strategist in progressive political circles. As recently as June, he represented at least 18 candidates during the Democratic primary season. With Najmi at the helm of the Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Mamdani’s administration appears poised to leave a distinct imprint on New York City’s courts—one shaped by reform, inclusion, and a renewed focus on judicial accountability.
Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor, Takes Oath on the Quran
Zohran Mamdani has officially assumed office as the mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest to lead the metropolis in generations. The 34-year-old Democrat was sworn in just after midnight on Thursday at a rare and symbolic location — the long-decommissioned City Hall subway station in Manhattan. During the ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on the Quran while taking the oath, underscoring the city’s deep-rooted diversity and multicultural character. Calling the moment “the honour and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said the responsibility of leading the United States’ largest city was both humbling and deeply personal. The oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a close political ally, inside the historic station known for its ornate arches and architectural beauty. Zohran Mamdani becomes the mayor of New York City after taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. Mamdani was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath. pic.twitter.com/D6qyebCa6L — The Associated Press (@AP) January 1, 2026 Later in the day, Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in again at a public ceremony at City Hall. The oath will be administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime inspiration for the new mayor. The event will be followed by a public celebration on Broadway’s famed “Canyon of Heroes,” a site traditionally reserved for iconic ticker-tape parades. Beyond becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, Mamdani is also the first mayor of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and one of the most closely watched progressive politicians in the country. Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York City at the age of seven. Growing up in a post-9/11 America, he has spoken openly about the challenges faced by Muslim communities during that period. He became a US citizen in 2018. Mamdani rose to prominence on a campaign centred on affordability in one of the world’s most expensive cities. His platform includes proposals for free child care, fare-free buses, a rent freeze affecting nearly one million households, and a pilot programme for city-run grocery stores. As he takes office, Mamdani inherits one of the most demanding roles in American politics — balancing bold reform promises with the daily realities of governing a city of more than eight million people, from public transport and housing to sanitation, infrastructure, and public safety.
New Year, New Mayor: Mamdani’s Unconventional Start Explained
A Midnight Start for a New Mayor As New York City welcomes the new year, it will also welcome a new mayor in a highly unusual way. Zohran Mamdani, the city’s newly elected mayor, will take his official oath just after midnight on January 1. Instead of City Hall, the ceremony will happen in a long-abandoned subway station hidden beneath Lower Manhattan. The location is the Old City Hall subway station, a beautifully designed stop that opened in 1904 and closed in 1945. Although it has been sealed off for decades, the station remains one of the most striking spaces in the transit system. Mamdani’s team says the site reflects his focus on public infrastructure and working-class New Yorkers. Why the Subway Station Matters According to aides, Mamdani wanted his first official act to connect the city’s past with its future. For that reason, he chose a place built for everyday people, not political elites. The private ceremony will include close family and a few officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath. While the setting is symbolic, the timing also matters. By taking office at midnight, Mamdani officially begins his term the moment the new year starts. Supporters see this as a signal that his administration plans to move quickly on key issues like housing costs, transit funding, and city services. A Public Celebration Above Ground Later on New Year’s Day, the mayor will appear in public. A larger ceremonial event will take place on the steps of City Hall. Progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders, are expected to participate. The event will also feature music and community gatherings nearby. This two-part inauguration blends tradition with change. First comes the quiet, symbolic moment underground. Then comes a public celebration meant to include as many New Yorkers as possible. A Historic Political Shift Mamdani’s election marked a major shift in city politics. At 34, he is the youngest mayor in decades and the first Muslim to hold the office. He won by campaigning on affordability, fairness, and stronger public services. By starting his term beneath the streets of New York, Mamdani is making a clear point. His message is simple: leadership should begin where the city truly lives and works.
