American activist and politician, New York City Public Advocate since 2019
Unionized residential building workers in New York City have been preparing for a strike set to begin April 20 after negotiations over wages, benefits, and healthcare have failed. The contract expiration is imminent, and the union is demanding better pay, pensions, and healthcare protections. The strike could impact 1.5 million residents across the city.
The New York Knicks have swept the Cavaliers 4-0 to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Amid the celebrations, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has drawn scrutiny after courstside appearances and social posts, with questions about ticket ownership and access.
The New York Knicks have closed to one win from their first NBA championship since 1973 after a dramatic comeback over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4. OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left sealed a 107-106 victory, giving New York a 3-1 series lead. Spurs had led by 29 before the rally.
Poetica Coffee has refunded Rep. Dan Goldman and barred him from its Brooklyn and East Village outlets after a social-media post accused him of being a “genocide juice” target. The Civil Rights Division is examining possible public-accommodation discrimination, and Goldman says he visited the shop with his daughter to use the restroom and bought a coffee in gratitude for staff’s kindness.
New York has held its first-ever Knicks ticker-tape parade after the team has won the NBA title, drawing an estimated two million fans to Lower Manhattan on June 18. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has presented the team with keys to the city; Alicia Keys performed and a heavy NYPD security deployment managed crowds and closures.
Protests outside Poetica Coffee in Park Slope have escalated after a social media post accused the shop of banning a Jewish congressman over his support for Israel. The Justice Department has opened a civil-rights investigation into the incident as demonstrators clash with counter-protesters. The controversy has drawn national attention and sparked debate about discrimination and free speech.