Browse

Latest Headlines

Fresh headlines, crisp visuals — faster reading.

Jared Leto Faces Disturbing Allegations: What Really Happened?

Jared Leto Faces Disturbing Allegations: What Really Happened?

Jared Leto has been accused of sexual assault and further “criminal sexual conduct” by four women in a new BBC investigation. One woman, identified as Isabel (not her real name), claimed she was assaulted in a “dingy, gross motel” by the Oscar winner, 54, in 2002, when she was 17 and he was in his 30s. Isabel, now in her 40s, alleged that Leto called her into the bathroom while he was showering, and “I don't think there was many words exchanged, and he opened the shower curtain and started kissing me,” she said in a new BBC documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, released on Wednesday, July 29. She alleged that the actor and musician then used her hand to masturbate himself. She left the room shortly after, she said, and only later found out that Leto was in his 30s. A second woman alleged that the Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19, a third woman claimed he had sex with her when she was 17 and legally a minor in the state of California, and a fourth accused Leto of grooming her when she was 16. According to the BBC report, four more women said they received “strange and often very sexual phone calls” from the star when they were younger, while another woman claimed Leto made a “lewd comment” about her chest during an autograph signing when she was 14. The BBC said nine of the 10 women interviewed were “sharing their stories publicly for the first time.” Us has reached out to Leto’s representatives for comment. The BBC said that Leto did not respond to its “repeated attempts” to contact the actor. A former model, identified by the BBC as Alex, said she met Leto following a London concert in 2013. She said she was invited to a party at a nearby hotel, but when she got there, she realized that “it's really dark, and then I see that it's just him.” Alex, who was 19 at the time, said she was worried about having no cash and her phone battery dying and asked Leto if he had a phone charger or money so she could get home, but he allegedly said no to both. She claimed that she then inquired if she could sleep on the chaise longue in Leto’s room and that he responded that she would wake up with a “d*** in her ass” if she did. Clara, meanwhile, alleged she had sex with Leto at his house in California multiple times when she was 17 and he was 34. She claimed she had a conversation with Leto about the age of consent — which is 18 in California — and he “just kind of shrugged it off, like it wasn't a huge concern for him.” “He told me, 'I would like you to call me daddy.’ And it was either pretend to be a little girl or 'my little girl,’” Clara told the BBC. "It was only as time went on that I realized more and more how scary that really was.” In June 2025, nine women accused Leto of “sexual impropriety" in an article published by Air Mail. The actor denied all of the accusations against him at the time. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Jul 29, 2026
Meghan McCain's Emotional Tribute to Lindsey Graham at His Funeral

Meghan McCain's Emotional Tribute to Lindsey Graham at His Funeral

Meghan McCain chose to remember the good times she shared with Sen. Lindsey Graham after attending his funeral in Washington, D.C. “A beautiful, poetic send off for a patriotic man and an American icon,” McCain, 41, wrote via X on Tuesday, July 28. “I will always miss you Lindsey and forever cherish my family’s time together with you.” In her social media post, McCain shared a photo of the funeral program, which read, “In celebration of and in thanksgiving for the life of Lindsey Olin Graham.” Graham died on July 11 from a brief and sudden illness, his spokesperson previously stated. He was 71. Shortly after the news was confirmed, Meghan paid tribute to the South Carolina senator, who had a close relationship with her late father, Sen. John McCain. “The news of his sudden passing is shocking and deeply saddening for me and my family. Like many relationships in life, mine with Lindsey was complex in later years,” she wrote via X on July 12. “I choose to remember the endless laughter and joy he brought to my family so many times, in so many ways. These memories are some of the most precious of my life. I hope that he is at peace and I hope he is in heaven drinking a White Russian and fishing with my dad and Joe [Lieberman].” While Meghan often criticized Donald Trump for his controversial comments on her father, Graham remained one of the president’s closest allies. Trump, 80, Vice President JD Vance, congressional colleagues and world leaders all came together on Tuesday for Graham’s funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter & Saint Paul. During his eulogy, Trump described Graham as “a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate and a true American original who left us much too soon.” “For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it,” Trump said via NBC News. “Nothing of significance happened anywhere in the world without Lindsey Graham having a view on it, and no bill became law in the most exceptional republic in human history without Lindsey Graham having a say in it.” According to NBC News, Meghan’s mom, Cindy McCain, was also in attendance along with former Vice President Mike Pence, Fox News host Sean Hannity and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Lindsey’s only sibling, Darline Graham, who was appointed to take his place in the Senate, was seen walking tearfully up to the casket during the service.

Jul 29, 2026
Why Madonna's Daughter Mercy Is Turning Heads at Bravo

Why Madonna's Daughter Mercy Is Turning Heads at Bravo

Madonna’s daughter Mercy works for her mom’s playful rival, Andy Cohen, on “Watch What Happens Live.”A source told the Daily Mail Tuesday that they saw the 20-year-old working at the Bravo late-night show’s studio in New York City a few weeks ago.“She is lovely, just the sweetest most adorable girl,” the insider said. Madonna’s daughter Mercy (both pictured here) works for Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live.”A source told the Daily Mail they saw Mercy (seen above with Madonna) at the “WWHL” studio in NYC a few weeks ago.Madonna’s pal, Rosie O’Donnell, first revealed Mercy’s job in a recent interview with People.“We text each other often, and I just saw her daughter on ‘Watch What Happens Live,'” the comedian, 64, shared. “Her daughter, Mercy, works there.’“And it’s funny, Andy goes ‘look!’ And I thought he was introducing me to just a staff member,” said O’Donnell, who was last on the show on June 18. “And I was like, ‘Hi, what’s your name?’ And she goes, ‘Rosie, it’s Mercy!’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God, what are you doing here?'”O’Donnell added, “But she’s worked there for like a year or so. So I was very happy for her and proud of her.”Madonna has a playful rivalry with Cohen (seen above). Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty ImagesRosie O’Donnell (pictured above) was the first to reveal that Mercy works at “WWHL.” Raymond HallMadonna, 67, adopted Mercy from Malawi, Africa in 2009. The “Vogue” singer has five other children: Lourdes Leon, 29, Rocco Ritchie, 25, David Banda, 20, and twins Estere and Stella Ciccone, 13.Madonna previously shaded Cohen, 58, when he went to her “Celebration Tour” show in NYC back in December 2023. She spotted Cohen in the audience and jokingly dubbed him a “little troublemaking queen.”O’Donnell said she saw Mercy (seen here with Madonna) when she was on the show in June. madonna/ instagramMadonna (seen here) has never appeared on “WWHL,” which has been on the air since 2009.“If you say one more bad thing about me on your show,” she said, jolting her drink forward causing some spillage before cautioning: “Oh yeah, you’re gonna be in so much trouble.”Cohen mouthed in response, “I love you.”He reacted to the special moment by sharing the clip from the concert the following day, along with a compilation of his numerous mentions of Madonna on “WWHL” over the years.“I’m a life-long Madonna fan, so it’s a thrill and an honor to be called a ‘troublemaking queen’ by the Queen of Troublemaking. I BOW!” he wrote in the post’s caption.Madonna jokingly called Cohen (pictured above together in 2009) a “little troublemaking queen” when he attended her concert in NYC in December 2023. Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesCohen (seen here with Madonna in 2009) was overjoyed after she shaded him. Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesThen, Cohen exclusively told Page Six, “The fact that the queen of troublemakers has bestowed me the name ‘troublemaking queen’ is my honor.”“In the meantime, I have been kissing Madonna’s ass on ‘WWHL’ for many years and will continue to do so until she shleps down to see me in Soho!”Madonna has never appeared on “WWHL.” The show has been on the air since 2009. Community GuidelinesWelcome to the Page Six Community!Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!

Jul 29, 2026
Kristopher Karolkiewicz's Job Loss and the Tragedy That Followed

Kristopher Karolkiewicz's Job Loss and the Tragedy That Followed

Kristopher Karolkiewicz lost his job at National American Heart Association just weeks before his killed his wife, Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, and their six children in an apparent murder-suicide. Just days after the family died on Friday, July 24, the American Heart Association confirmed to Us that Kristopher, 47, was fired from his job. “The American Heart Association national headquarters is aware that one of its former staff members was among those who perished under tragic circumstances Friday in a western Michigan home. Kristopher Karolkiewicz was an employee of the American Heart Association from September of 2023 until earlier this month, July 2026, when his employment ended,” the organization said in a statement to Us on Tuesday, July 28. Kristopher “served as a national vice president of sales and marketing, supporting the division of the Heart Association responsible for CPR and first aid training and products,” according to the organization. “He worked remotely for the national headquarters operation from his home. He did not work in the local Michigan offices or with the local Michigan operations of the Heart Association.” “As an organization with professional staff who are dedicated to helping others, we are devastated by the news out of Grand Haven, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” the statement concluded. As Us previously reported, Kristopher, Mandy, 39, and their six children were found dead inside of their home in Grand Haven Township on the morning of July 24 after the residence had been set on fire. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Monday, July 27, that they believed Kristopher shot Amanda and the children before he set the home ablaze. Detectives ruled Mandy and the children’s deaths as homicide, while Kristopher's death was ruled a suicide. The family's pets died from smoke inhalation at the time of the fire. However, it’s not currently clear how many pets the family had. Two years before their tragic deaths, Mandy opened up about her and Kristopher’s alleged marital issues in a series of Reddit posts. In one post from 2024, she explained that they met when she was an intern while they worked for the same company. “He was divorced and older than me ... fast forward ten years and five kids, he was cheating with the intern again — the same age I was when I was the intern," Mandy wrote, per the Holland Sentinel. It’s not currently clear what company they were working at where they met or where Kristopher was working when he allegedly had an affair with an intern. "After about a year of self-loathing, I remember crying and looking at myself in the mirror and realizing how [expletive] it was that I was the one who was living so miserably because of what he did,” she allegedly wrote. “I finally realized that I had been the only person who has ever showed up for myself my whole entire life." Mandy also wrote that she was willing to work on fixing the marriage because of their six children. "I kept telling myself, 'I love my kids more than I hate my husband right now.' They have no idea — I faked it 'till we made it. We're in a much better place 4.5 years out, but it's still a fight to stay in a healthy place,” she allegedly said.

Jul 28, 2026
Mamdani's $70M Grocery Plan Sparks Debate: Is It Worth the Cost?

Mamdani's $70M Grocery Plan Sparks Debate: Is It Worth the Cost?

It’s no bargain.Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to build government-run supermarkets in all five boroughs will cost taxpayers at least $70 million — enough to buy Costco members for more than 1 million New Yorkers, critics noted.The social media-focused democratic socialist, who campaigned on government run markets with a promise to drive down cost, announced plans on Monday for the stores to offer select items at a 30% discount despite a host of questions about how the program will work — and how private businesses will be affected. The $70M earmarked for constructing Mamdani’s city-run grocery store program could buy over, 1,075,000 Costco memberships Christopher Sadowski“$70M for slightly discounted produce is ridiculous,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) said. “At this point it would be cheaper to just buy a million Costco memberships. We’d save $5M in taxpayer funds, and the public can buy their items in bulk. Win-win.”The estimated price tag just to build the locations — one in each borough — would be enough to buy eight basic Costco $65 memberships for every resident of East Harlem, or about an eighth of all residents of the Big Apple.The locations of only two of the five markets have been announced and the first one won’t open its doors until 2027 at the earliest.The first store is set to open in the South Bronx neighborhood of Hunts Point at The Peninsula — a former Juvenile Detention Center. A second store is planned in the 9,000-square-foot space at the Marqueta space in East Harlem.Councilman Phil Wong (D-Queens) compared the planned stores to something out of communist China.“Back in mainland China where my parents and grandparents fled, these state owned grocery are price controlled but because they are provide controlled the shelves are empty,” Wong said. Mayor Mamdani plans to open five city-run grocery stores. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post“They only way for you to buy them when people to rush to buy them is to ration ticket,” he added. “It doesn’t work. It’s simple economics, you have a supply and demand issue. We know it doesn’t work but the only person who doesn’t know it is the mayor and his people.”Democratic operative Hank Sheinkopf said the plan was good on paper but is now clashing with reality, with the price tag expected to grow.“It all sounds good until you have to do it. He’s running a great show,” he said. “Itss like free busses. It’s not going to happen.”City Hall estimates shoppers will save $90 a month once the stores open — more than a full year of Costco dues.City Hall did not respond to a request for comment.

Jul 28, 2026
Suri Cruise's Surprising Move: Legally Drops Dad Tom's Last Name

Suri Cruise's Surprising Move: Legally Drops Dad Tom's Last Name

Suri Cruise has officially severed ties with her estranged dad.The 20-year-old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes legally dropped Cruise and changed her last name to Noelle, Page Six can exclusively reveal.Public records show Suri registered to vote in Pennsylvania — where she currently lives — in October 2024 during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University.She registered in Allegheny County using the moniker Suri Noelle, indicating that is her legal name. Suri Cruise has officially severed ties with her estranged dad, Tom Cruise (pictured together in September 2010). FameFlynet / BACKGRIDThe 20-year-old (pictured in August 2025) legally dropped Cruise and changed her last name to Noelle, Page Six can exclusively reveal. Fernando Ramales / BACKGRIDPennsylvania courts confirmed to Page Six that residents must register to vote using their legal name.We can also confirm Suri did not file a name change request in Allegheny County, suggesting that she may have done so in New York before she left for college.Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, Suri lived with Holmes, 47, in New York, where name change requests are either automatically sealed or sealed upon request.It’s unclear exactly when Suri Noelle became her legal moniker, but she’s been using it publicly for years.Public records show Suri (pictured in August 2024) registered to vote in Pennsylvania — where she currently lives — in October 2024 during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University. Fernando Ramales / BACKGRIDSuri (pictured in July 2025) registered in Allegheny County using the moniker Suri Noelle, indicating that is her legal name. Diamond / BACKGRIDThough the rising thespian hasn’t had a relationship with Tom, 64, for most of her life, she first made headlines for not using his surname in the ceremony pamphlet of her graduation from LaGuardia High School in June 2024.At the time, a source told Page Six that Suri was “showing praise for her mother” by using Noelle — Holmes’ middle name — in such a significant way.Our source also explained that the then-teen wanted to “avoid the paparazzi,” establish her “own identity” and “start fresh at college.”We can confirm that Suri (pictured in August 2008) did not file a name change request in Allegheny County, suggesting that she may have done so in New York before she left for college. WireImagePrior to moving to Pennsylvania, Suri lived with mom Katie Holmes (pictured together in August 2025) in New York, where name change requests are either automatically sealed or sealed upon request. GC ImagesSuri caught the acting bug in high school when she landed the lead role of Morticia Addams in “The Addams Family: A New Musical.” She is now studying musical theater in CMU’s school of drama, Page Six recently revealed.In March, she portrayed the character Angel in “Cosmic Microwave Background,” a one-night-only staged reading at Pittsburgh’s New Hazlett Theater.Later this week, she will star in “Midsummer!” — a modern take on William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — alongside fellow CMU students at the Trust Arts Education Center’s Peirce Studio in Pittsburgh.It’s unclear exactly when Suri Noelle became her legal moniker, but she’s been using it publicly for years. (She’s pictured with her parents in November 2007.) AFP via Getty ImagesTom (pictured in July) is a devout Scientologist who hasn’t had a relationship with his youngest child for most of her life. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures“Midsummer!” is slated to make its UK debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month.Tom — a devout Scientologist — and Holmes welcomed their only child together in April 2006 before getting married seven months later.After the “Top Gun” franchise star and the “Dawson’s Creek” star divorced in August 2012, Suri stayed with her mom, who has admitted in recent years that they “kind of grew up together.”Reps for Tom and Holmes did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment. Community GuidelinesWelcome to the Page Six Community!Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!

Jul 27, 2026
Eric Bieniemy's Family Shock: Son Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Mother

Eric Bieniemy's Family Shock: Son Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Mother

The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been arrested for allegedly shooting his mother in the family’s Virginia home.  Elijah Bieniemy was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, according to a press release from the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, July 27.  Elijah, 27, was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center where he remains held without bond.  Police responded to a shooting at Northpark Drive in Ashburn, Virginia, at 7:32 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, where an “adult female” was found with multiple gunshot wounds. ESPN reported that the woman was Mia Bieniemy, Elijah’s mother and Eric’s wife.  Mia, 57, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of “serious injuries.” ESPN’s Nate Taylor reported that Mia was in “stable condition” on Monday morning. In a statement to Us on Monday, the Chiefs said that they are “aware of the incident involving Eric Bieniemy’s family.” “Out of respect for their privacy, we won’t have a comment at this time,” the organization said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.” Eric, 56, was with the Chiefs earlier on Sunday at their practice facility in St. Joseph, Missouri. According to ESPN, Eric left the team to support his family and was not in attendance at Monday’s practice. The coach rejoined the Chiefs as offensive coordinator in January. Eric was previously with Kansas City from 2013 to 2022, serving as running backs coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018.  Eric had stints with the NFL’s Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears, also spending one season as offensive coordinator at UCLA, before being brought back into the fold in Kansas City following the team’s decision to move on from previous offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.  Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gushed about Eric’s return to Kansas City on an episode of his “New Heights” podcast in January. “I think it’s great,” Kelce, 36, said. “I think the marriage is gonna pick up right where it left off. I can’t wait to see him back in the building man, he’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time.” The shooting at the Bieniemy home comes just over two years after a bullet was fired into the office of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.  According to the Kansas City Star, Reid, 67, was working alone inside his office in May 2024 when a bullet was fired from the outside of the building and broke through the glass. The bullet lodged in a wall between Reid’s bathroom and the entry door to his office, about 15 feet from where the coach was sitting at his desk. Reid was not struck or injured by the bullet, according to a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department.

Jul 27, 2026
Kelly Ripa's Surprising Absence from 'Live' After Painful Surgery

Kelly Ripa's Surprising Absence from 'Live' After Painful Surgery

Kelly Ripa is taking a brief break from Live With Kelly and Mark to heal from a painful surgery. During the Monday, July 27, episode of ABC’s talk show, Mark Consuelos confirmed his wife was absent as she recovers from gum graft surgery. “Kelly sends her love,” Consuelos, 55, told guest cohost Kevin Jonas. “There's a list of things you are not allowed to do. [No] talking, she has to eat soft food, can't suck out of a straw. You can't examine it, which means pulling down the lip. Last night, she was like, ‘Can you look?’ And I'm like, ‘I'm not pulling your lip down.’” According to the Cleveland Clinic, gum graft surgery is a dental procedure for treating thinning gums or gum recession. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks and the goal of the procedure is to reduce one’s risk of severe gum disease. “Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You could do it in about five years.’ And she said, ‘I didn't know I would still be on the air in five years,’” Consuelos recalled. “But the one thing about it — she is doing well, doing great — she is not allowed to talk.” Jonas, 38, jokingly chimed in by adding, “That has to be the hardest thing she has ever done.” Consuelos agreed that his wife is a great “conversationalist.” At the same time, rules are rules and communication is now mostly done via phone. “It's painful,” he added. “But she famously does not feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn't use the novocain. But this one hurts, so I know it's bad.” The Cleveland Clinic claimed bleeding should subside within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Swelling will continue for three to four days. Some patients may also develop bruising during recovery, but all those side effects are normal and should subside within the week. Ultimately, the show must go on, and both Consuelos and Jonas welcomed Common to the program as a guest on Monday. Both cohosts also discussed a variety of topics, including NBA player LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and the debate over family members tracking each other’s locations. Along the way, both cohosts praised their wives for having a high pain tolerance. (Kevin has been married to wife Danielle Jonas since 2009.) “They do have kids. They deliver kids,” Consuelos said. “We are not built for that.” Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays. Check your local listings online.

Jul 27, 2026
Mamdani's 30% Grocery Discounts: Why New Yorkers Are Skeptical

Mamdani's 30% Grocery Discounts: Why New Yorkers Are Skeptical

The basket of goods comes with a basket of questions.Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pitching a vague discount of 30% “below typical retail prices” on a “core basket of goods” at his promised city-owned grocery stores — but New Yorkers aren’t buying it.Folks interviewed by The Post have a list of questions about how the discount would work, what few items they’d have to choose from, and how much it would cost taxpayers to subsidize the lefty mayor’s scheme.“F–k that,” said Deborah, a 53-year-old lifelong Harlem resident. “We’re all paying for that. So, all the s–t we buy at the bodegas and these little local stores — iced coffee, bags of ice, fruit drinks — that’s never gong to be cheaper than in that supermarket.“He’s wasting our f–king time and money,” she said. “Again.”Mamdani announced Monday that a rotating list of items will be put up at “below typical retail prices,” with items including fresh produce, meat and seafood, plus staples like milk, cheese and bread.Mayor Zohran Mamdani announcing a plan to offer 30% discounts for a “core basket of goods” at the new city-owned grocery stores at a press conference in Brooklyn on July 27, 2026. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post“No exceptions, no gimmicks,” Mamdani vowed at a news conference at a Brooklyn food pantry.City Hall projects the markdown will save shoppers an average of $90 a month or $1,000 a year, roughly around 15% off their bill.He said individual prices can fluctuate under the framework, only requiring an “average discount of 30% relative to the retail price” for the suite of household staples.The five stores –one in each borough — will cost Big Apple taxpayers $70 million to build, according to early estimates and City Hall couldn’t say what subsidizing the discounts will cost taxpayers.The city recently put out a request for proposals to private grocery chains to run the stores, asking potential bidders to estimate the figure themselves through an annual “Affordability Payment” to cover the losses from selling below retail prices.The items that will receive the discount include fresh produce as well as other staples like milk and bread. Gregory P. Mango for NY PostHowever, the bids aren’t due until Oct. 16, and an official operator won’t be selected until spring 2027.Nearly $40 million has been earmarked for the first two selected locations while the remaining three still don’t have confirmed sites.Either way, the first store isn’t slated to open until at least late 2027 in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, with the second, East Harlem’s La Marqueta, not scheduled to open until 2029. A “30% off” sticker slapped on plantains at Mamdani’s announcement. Gregory P. Mango for NY PostWhen doors do open, shoppers won’t be able to find hot food or other common bodega staples like alcohol, cigarettes or lottery tickets.“It may not have all the items, but it’s going to be like a typical grocery store,” Economic Development Corporation interim chief Jeanny Pak told reporters Monday.Asked how the city will stop shoppers from clearing out 30%-off meat and produce to resell it, Mamdani said the program isn’t meant for people “to make a quick buck through reselling.”Examples of other items that may be offered at the reduced price when the city-owned stores eventually open. Getty ImagesPak said the city was weighing something “library-card-esque” to manage who’s buying.For everyday New Yorkers, it sounds like pie in the sky.“That’s stupid,” said 55-year-old city worker Lelina, a West Harlem resident. “You get lower prices when you just shop around. You can go to Costco or BJ’s, you know? You can buy in bulk and beat 30%.”She said the scheme is also vague about what items would actually be available at the cheaper rate.“What kind of bread?” Lelina added. “I’m not letting them choose what kind of bread I want. I’m not taking anything other than what I want. I won’t eat mayonnaise unless it’s Helman’s.”Juan Carlos Santiago, a Cuban immigrant from the neighborhood, said the gambit sounds suspiciously similar to conditions on the communist island he fled. “Cost less sounds very good,” Santiago said. “They did this where I come from. I grew up with this.“In the end, it all costs more, and you get less,” he said. Thank God, here you can go to another store. Thank God!”Meanwhile, small store owners also worry that the city subsidized discounts will take a bite out of their business. “I hear every day that my members’ rent is going up,” Radhames Rodriguez, president of United Bodegas of America, told The Post Monday. “Sometimes insurance companies don’t want to insure your stores.“We are getting killed by Con Edison,” he added. “A little store is paying $3,000 to $6,000 a month … for a store that’s 1,500 to 2,500 squrae feet!”RFP documents detail that operators are required to run a free membership card program that tracks sales and blocks “excessive bulk purchases.”City Hall and the EDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.“We are not looking to compete with bodegas or grocery stores when it comes to their ability to survive,” Mamdani said. Additional reporting by Lisa Fickenscher

Jul 27, 2026