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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Everything to know about NYC Democratic primary mayor debate — and why Eric Adams won't be participating
The race to City Hall is heating up. Nine Democratic candidates for mayor will take the stage Wednesday night to face off on how to fix the Big Apple's biggest issues. The event, put on by the city's Campaign Finance Board (CFB), will give New Yorkers a thorough look at the candidates in the June 24 primary, their policies and their records. It will be frontrunner Andrew Cuomo's first time sharing the stage with the slew of other hopefuls vying for the party nod. The first Democratic mayoral primary debate is taking place Wednesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at NBC's iconic 30 Rockefeller Center studios. The event, which will be hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU and POLITICO New York, will be filmed and aired live. 'The debates at 30 Rock will be informative, engaging, and help voters make their preferred choices at the ballot box. Our team understands the critical issues facing the city, and we're listening to what New Yorkers want to hear from the candidates,' said Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47. The debate will be airing live on WNBC — and there are a couple of ways to watch for free. Viewers can claim a free trial on DIRECTV or Sling TV to access WNBC live if they don't already pay for cable. A packed field of nine candidates will be participating in the debate. Here's a brief overview of the mayoral hopefuls, in order of how they'll be standing on stage, left to right: Adrienne Adams: Speaker of the City Council since 2022 and a member since 2017. She hails from and represents South Jamaica, Queens. She is a progressive Democrat. Brad Lander: The City Comptroller since 2022 and a career pol, Lander is a Brooklynite by way of St. Louis, Missouri. He is a progressive Democrat. Jessica Ramos: Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, Ramos is a state senator representing Queens' 13th District since 2019. She is a pro-labor progressive Democrat. Zellnor Myrie: A Brooklyn state senator since 2019, representing its 20th District in Crown Heights, Myrie is a native of the borough and a progressive, pro-real-estate Democrat. Andrew Cuomo: The former governor of New York, hailing from Queens, is making a comeback bid for mayor. Facing a slew of scandals, he resigned in 2021 after serving for 10 years. He is a conservative Democrat. Whitney Tilson: A former hedge fund manager originally from Connecticut, the Harvard-educated Tilson is a conservative Democrat. Zohran Mamdani: A Queens state Assembly member representing Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway since 2021, Mamdani is a Democratic socialist originally from Uganda, who was raised on the Upper West Side. Michael Blake: A reverend from the South Bronx, Blake served as a state Assemblyman from 2015 to 2021 in The Bronx's 79th District. He is a progressive Democrat. Scott Stringer: The city comptroller from 2014-2022, the longtime pol was born and raised in Harlem. Though Stringer ran a progressive ticket in the 2021 mayoral race, he is a tad more center this go-around. Read more about the candidates here: The 110th mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, will not be on the debate stage. Though he ran as a Democrat in 2021, he withdrew from the Democratic primary this April — opting instead to seek re-election as an independent candidate. Yes! Leading Democratic candidates will have a second, smaller, but just as fiery debate next Thursday, June 12. Ramos and Blake didn't meet the CFB's fundraising requirements to make it to the second round — so Wednesday will be voters' only chance to see them square up against their opponents. WNBC has not yet confirmed if mics will be turned off after candidates' allotted time — like they were in 2024's presidential debate. There won't be a studio audience at this round of debates — with only select guest credentials being provided to campaign staff. MAMDANI vs. CUOMO: Mamdani has been slashing Cuomo's lead in recent polls — though the two candidates are on opposite ends of the Democratic spectrum. Wednesday's debate is likely to see both the conservative-leaning former governor and the socialist Queens Assemblyman go toe to toe on various issues and refute each other's policy proposals. CUOMO GANG-UP: Expect to see a barrage of blows fired at the former governor by all candidates on stage, particularly about his resignation and his handling of the COVID-19 nursing home crisis. ANTI-SEMITISM: With rising antisemitsm in the Big Apple and the conflict in the Gaza Strip, expect this topic to bring up heated points of view from candidates. Keep an eye out specifically for a sparring match between Cuomo, who is staunchly pro-Israel, and Mamdani, who has a history of Palestinian activism and controversial views on the Jewish state. SAFETY and AFFORDABILITY: Two hot-button issues on the ballot right now are safety and affordability — particularly when it comes to housing. Expect to hear a lot of talk about police, subway safety and housing solutions.
New York Post
2 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Everything to know about NYC Democratic primary mayor debate — and why Eric Adams won't be participating
The race to City Hall is heating up. Nine Democratic candidates for mayor will take the stage Wednesday night to face off on how to fix the Big Apple's biggest issues. The event, put on by the city's Campaign Finance Board (CFB), will give New Yorkers a thorough look at the candidates in the June 24 primary, their policies and their records. 10 Jessica Ramos attends the Pride Kick Off Mayoral Forum in New York City on May 31, 2025. Leonardo Munoz It will be frontrunner Andrew Cuomo's first time sharing the stage with the slew of other hopefuls vying for the party nod. When and where is the debate taking place? The first Democratic mayoral primary debate is taking place Wednesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at NBC's iconic 30 Rockefeller Center studios. The event, which will be hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU and POLITICO New York, will be filmed and aired live. 10 Candidate Adrienne Adams attends the Pride Kick Off Mayoral Forum in New York City on May 31, 2025. Leonardo Munoz 10 Candidate Michael Blake attends the Pride Kick Off Mayoral Forum in New York City on May 31, 2025. Leonardo Munoz 10 Candidate Brad Lander speaks at a Mayoral Forum hosted by Queers for Action on May 31, 2025 in New York City. Andrew Schwartz / 'The debates at 30 Rock will be informative, engaging, and help voters make their preferred choices at the ballot box. Our team understands the critical issues facing the city, and we're listening to what New Yorkers want to hear from the candidates,' said Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47. How to watch the debate: The debate will be airing live on WNBC — and there are a couple of ways to watch for free. Viewers can claim a free trial on DIRECTV or Sling TV to access WNBC live if they don't already pay for cable. 10 Former Governor Andrew Cuomo (pictured) is the current frontrunner ahead of Wednesday's debate. Stephen Yang Who is participating? A packed field of nine candidates will be participating in the debate. Here's a brief overview of the mayoral hopefuls, in order of how they'll be standing on stage, left to right: Adrienne Adams : Speaker of the City Council since 2022 and a member since 2017. She hails from and represents South Jamaica, Queens. She is a progressive Democrat. : Speaker of the City Council since 2022 and a member since 2017. She hails from and represents South Jamaica, Queens. She is a progressive Democrat. Brad Lander: The City Comptroller since 2022 and a career pol, Lander is a Brooklynite by way of St. Louis, Missouri. He is a progressive Democrat. The City Comptroller since 2022 and a career pol, Lander is a Brooklynite by way of St. Louis, Missouri. He is a progressive Democrat. Jessica Ramos: Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, Ramos is a state senator representing Queens' 13th District since 2019. She is a pro-labor progressive Democrat. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, Ramos is a state senator representing Queens' 13th District since 2019. She is a pro-labor progressive Democrat. Zellnor Myrie: A Brooklyn state senator since 2019, representing its 20th District in Crown Heights, Myrie is a native of the borough and a progressive, pro-real-estate Democrat. A Brooklyn state senator since 2019, representing its 20th District in Crown Heights, Myrie is a native of the borough and a progressive, pro-real-estate Democrat. Andrew Cuomo : The former governor of New York, hailing from Queens, is making a comeback bid for mayor. Facing a slew of scandals, he resigned in 2021 after serving for 10 years. He is a conservative Democrat. : The former governor of New York, hailing from Queens, is making a comeback bid for mayor. Facing a slew of scandals, he resigned in 2021 after serving for 10 years. He is a conservative Democrat. Whitney Tilson: A former hedge fund manager originally from Connecticut, the Harvard-educated Tilson is a conservative Democrat. A former hedge fund manager originally from Connecticut, the Harvard-educated Tilson is a conservative Democrat. Zohran Mamdani: A Queens state Assembly member representing Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway since 2021, Mamdani is a Democratic socialist originally from Uganda, who was raised on the Upper West Side. A Queens state Assembly member representing Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway since 2021, Mamdani is a Democratic socialist originally from Uganda, who was raised on the Upper West Side. Michael Blake : A reverend from the South Bronx, Blake served as a state Assemblyman from 2015 to 2021 in The Bronx's 79th District. He is a progressive Democrat. : A reverend from the South Bronx, Blake served as a state Assemblyman from 2015 to 2021 in The Bronx's 79th District. He is a progressive Democrat. Scott Stringer: The city comptroller from 2014-2022, the longtime pol was born and raised in Harlem. Though Stringer ran a progressive ticket in the 2021 mayoral race, he is a tad more center this go-around. Read more about the candidates here: 10 Mayor Eric Adams (pictured), will not be attending the debate as he has forfeited the Democratic race to run as an Independent. REUTERS Why isn't Mayor Eric Adams participating? The 110th mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, will not be on the debate stage. Though he ran as a Democrat in 2021, he withdrew from the Democratic primary this April — opting instead to seek re-election as an independent candidate. Will there be another debate? Yes! Leading Democratic candidates will have a second, smaller, but just as fiery debate next Thursday, June 12. Ramos and Blake didn't meet the CFB's fundraising requirements to make it to the second round — so Wednesday will be voters' only chance to see them square up against their opponents. 10 Candidate Zellnor Myrie pictured in an interview. Robert Miller Will there be live mics? WNBC has not yet confirmed if mics will be turned off after candidates' allotted time — like they were in 2024's presidential debate. 10 Candidate Whitney Tilson (left) at The Roosevelt House at Hunter College for a NYC mayoral candidate debate. James Messerschmidt 10 Candidate Scott Stringer speaking at a United Federation of Teachers meeting. Robert Miller Will there be an audience? There won't be a studio audience at this round of debates — with only select guest credentials being provided to campaign staff. 10 Candidate Zohran Mamdani (pictured) is polling in second place behind the former governor. Leonardo Munoz What to look out for: MAMDANI vs. CUOMO : Mamdani has been slashing Cuomo's lead in recent polls — though the two candidates are on opposite ends of the Democratic spectrum. Wednesday's debate is likely to see both the conservative-leaning former governor and the socialist Queens Assemblyman go toe to toe on various issues and refute each other's policy proposals. : Mamdani has been slashing Cuomo's lead in recent polls — though the two candidates are on opposite ends of the Democratic spectrum. Wednesday's debate is likely to see both the conservative-leaning former governor and the socialist Queens Assemblyman go toe to toe on various issues and refute each other's policy proposals. CUOMO GANG-UP : Expect to see a barrage of blows fired at the former governor by all candidates on stage, particularly about his resignation and his handling of the COVID-19 nursing home crisis. : Expect to see a barrage of blows fired at the former governor by all candidates on stage, particularly about his resignation and his handling of the COVID-19 nursing home crisis. ANTI-SEMITISM : With rising antisemitsm in the Big Apple and the conflict in the Gaza Strip, expect this topic to bring up heated points of view from candidates. Keep an eye out specifically for a sparring match between Cuomo, who is staunchly pro-Israel, and Mamdani, who has a history of Palestinian activism and controversial views on the Jewish state. : With rising antisemitsm in the Big Apple and the conflict in the Gaza Strip, expect this topic to bring up heated points of view from candidates. Keep an eye out specifically for a sparring match between Cuomo, who is staunchly pro-Israel, and Mamdani, who has a history of Palestinian activism and controversial views on the Jewish state. SAFETY and AFFORDABILITY: Two hot-button issues on the ballot right now are safety and affordability — particularly when it comes to housing. Expect to hear a lot of talk about police, subway safety and housing solutions.
New York Post
29-05-2025
- New York Post
After tot's scary brush with an e-bike, NYC must rethink its bike lanes
A Brooklyn toddler's near-catastrophic brush with an e-bike over the weekend proves that a major revamp of New York City's bike lanes is long overdue. In South Williamsburg on Sunday, a 3-year-old girl was injured when she exited a parked vehicle and dashed into the bike lane, directly in the path of a barreling e-bike. It's every parent's nightmare, and an indictment of the city's poorly planned bike lanes and feckless response to the rise of e-bikes. Advertisement It seems the rider broke no laws, but that's part of the problem: The city's progressive leaders have been so eager to make the streets cyclist-friendly that they've overlooked pedestrian safety — and common sense. The scene where the tot was hit is a prime example: A bike lane doesn't belong on Bedford Avenue, a busy street with high foot and vehicle traffic. Sabrina Gates, a Brooklynite running for City Council against long-time pro-cycling advocate Lincoln Restler, rightly called it 'a hazard.' Advertisement The Department of Transportation needs to more carefully review where it's putting bike lanes; despite activists' demands, not every neighborhood should have one. And the city needs to rethink the style of protected bike lanes that puts parking on one side and a sidewalk on the other; that gives bike riders a false sense of security that can render them less careful of their surroundings and adds to a sense of confusion over who has right of way on any given part of the road. As it is, cyclists, pedestrians and even drivers can assume precedence when they don't have it. Clearer guidance and better enforcement would help — which is why Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch's crackdown on lawbreaking drivers and cyclists is so important. Advertisement Without ripping out existing bike lanes (no matter how ill-placed), the city can and must take steps to boost safety. Bike lanes should have their own, posted speed limits; e-bikes can top 30 miles an hour, which is far too fast, and endangers pedestrians who don't expect a fast-moving vehicle when walking through or next to a bike lane. Brightly colored speed humps (especially at intersections) can encourage cyclists to stay under those limits. Advertisement More bike-lane red lights alone isn't enough: Too many cyclists barrel right through them. So: Install more speed cameras in bike lanes — and force all e-bikes to register their vehicles and use a license plate, as in the law City Councilmember Bob Holden has been trying to pass since last year. E-bikes aren't your grandma's Schwinn; they're faster, heavier and more dangerous. With tens of thousands on the streets, the city has to evolve its bike lanes and laws to match the new reality. Anything less is insanity — and puts New York's most vulnerable in danger.
Politico
28-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Key nod for Brannan in heated comptroller race
Presented by New Yorkers for Local Businesses With help from Cris Seda Chabrier Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will endorse Justin Brannan as his No. 1 pick for city comptroller today, giving his fellow Brooklynite the first citywide nod of the fraught race, Playbook has learned. Brannan, chair of the City Council's Finance Committee, is facing off against Mark Levine, the Manhattan borough president, in what appears to be a competitive contest to be the city's next fiscal watchdog. Williams will host a news conference today with Brannan but also plans to rank Levine as his second pick and state Sen. Kevin Parker as his third, a spokesperson for the public advocate said. Brannan and Levine split the support of their elected colleagues and labor unions, though Levine has a distinct advantage in fundraising. The two Democrats are set to face off Thursday in a live debate. At the heart of their race has been the question of who would better stand up to President Donald Trump as his agenda threatens funding to New York City. Williams says it's Brannan. 'Justin has always taken bold positions in a district where it would've been much easier to run from them,' the public advocate said of the council member's purple district in southern Brooklyn. 'With democracy on the line in Washington, Justin is the Comptroller we need who will stand up and fight back for New York City.' Brannan has said that he's shown with his push as finance chair against Mayor Eric Adams' budget cuts that he's ready to bring the ruckus, posting, 'Protecting our city from Trump is gonna take more than a few strongly worded letters.' The sitting city comptroller, Brad Lander, has yet to endorse a successor as he runs for mayor in a more crowded — and more lopsided — primary. Brannan's coalition also includes the left-leaning Working Families Party, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, several state and local elected officials, 32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. Levine's endorsements include four House members, including Rep. Adriano Espaillat; several state and local leaders; 1199 SEIU and District Council 37. Williams, who endorsed Lander and Adrienne Adams for mayor Tuesday, told Playbook his picks are not about ideology. He said he's backing candidates who 'can have a conversation with all New Yorkers, not just the ones on the left, not just the ones in center, on the right.' Levine has $2.6 million in campaign cash on hand compared to $1.8 million for Brannan as of the last filing. The Manhattan beep released two new ads Tuesday, Playbook reported, including one in Spanish. Levine campaign spokesperson Annabel Lassally said the candidate has built the 'most diverse and progressive coalition' and has proposed leveraging public pension funds and increasing the city's reserves to respond to Trump. — Emily Ngo HAPPY WEDNESDAY: Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE'S KATHY? In Nassau and Suffolk counties, and in New York City, making an economic development announcement. WHERE'S ERIC? In Las Vegas, attending the 2025 Bitcoin Conference. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'An indictment is not a conviction; a politically-driven indictment that has been dismissed and for which there is no corroborating evidence is worth nothing at all,' Abrams Fensterman attorney Robert Spolzino wrote in the suit filed by Mayor Eric Adams challenging the Campaign Finance Board's decision to deny him matching funds. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Conversation with Dasha Burns arrives Sunday, June 1 — and we're dropping a first look. Each week on her new podcast, Dasha will sit down with one of the most compelling — and sometimes unexpected — power players in Washington. This isn't just a podcast. It's a new kind of political interview show for a moment when politics feels more personal, more chaotic and more consequential than ever. Catch the video and audio trailer out this morning to see what Dasha's digging into this season. And subscribe to the podcast, wherever you listen or watch. ABOVE THE FOLD FIX'S HAUL: The Andrew Cuomo-allied super PAC reported raising just under $900,000 in the last week — bringing its total haul to nearly $10 million since forming in March. The group, Fix the City, reported contributions from entertainment executives, investors and longtime Cuomo allies, according to state elections filings made public Tuesday. Donations included $250,000 from Netflix Board Chair Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin. Broadway mogul James Nederlander gave $125,000. Retiring Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling, a former Mario Cuomo administration official, contributed $10,000. Investor Lee Fixel gave $100,000. Fix the City has easily dwarfed the money raised by other super PACs in the race. New Yorkers for Lower Costs, the group backing Zohran Mamdani, raised $5,000 in the last week from five donors. That group has taken in more than $200,000. Competent Leadership Now, which is supporting Scott Stringer, did not report any fundraising activity. The anti-Cuomo super PAC New Yorkers for Better Leadership has raised $2,000 since its formation. Fundraising by Fix the City has enabled the group to spend more than $7.5 million on TV and digital ads in the costly media market, according to AdImpact. The group's ads have been largely positive spots supporting Cuomo's candidacy and platform. — Nick Reisman CITY HALL: THE LATEST FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The New York League of Conservation Voters will co-endorse Cuomo and Lander this morning when it releases its slate of candidates ahead of next month's primaries. The group's president Julie Tighe said the former governor and city comptroller rose above the rest on environmental protection issues. She credited Cuomo for the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and 'generational investments' in clean air, water and parks. Tighe said Lander has led on 'climate finance, driving fossil fuel divestment from pension funds, helping to pass the nation-leading plastic bag ban and Styrofoam restrictions.' The endorsements come as Cuomo dominates the field of Democrats by double digits in public polling and Lander has become a prominent voice in the DREAM, or Don't Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor, campaign. The New York League of Conservation Voters is also endorsing Levine for city comptroller, Williams for public advocate and Keith Powers for Manhattan borough president. — Emily Ngo SEE IT: Acclaimed photographer Mark Ostow hit the trail for a few weeks, capturing the top contenders in the mayoral race in his signature stark style for POLITICO Magazine. These aren't the polished portraits coming to your mailbox — rather they're a documentary of the brutal race to lead the greatest city in the world. SIGN HERE: Mayor Eric Adams' campaign said it collected 47,000 signatures to get onto the general election ballot on two independent lines, far exceeding the statutory requirement and providing another indication the incumbent plans to pursue a narrow path to reelection despite dropping out of the Democratic primary. 'This milestone reflects the overwhelming enthusiasm for the Mayor's leadership and the strength of his campaign as it heads into a pivotal summer stretch,' spokesperson Todd Shapiro said in a statement. 'From lowering crime and building affordable housing to investing in working families and revitalizing the economy, Mayor Adams' record speaks for itself — and New Yorkers are responding.' As POLITICO reported last week, the most recent campaign finance filing from Adams showed the mayor is ramping up his campaign apparatus. After raising more than $155,000 over the last two months, he is spending on voter data, fundraisers and petitioning. While Adams submitted signatures last week, the deadline for an independent run ended Tuesday. And the petitions submitted to the New York City Board of Elections are likely to allow Adams to run on two independent ballot lines — Safe & Affordable and EndAntiSemitism — despite the long odds ahead of him. The incumbent has record-low polling numbers, has been denied millions in public matching dollars and has lost much of his base to primary frontrunner Andrew Cuomo. — Joe Anuta More from the city: — Cuomo hasn't paid rent or property taxes for the better part of 20 years. (Hellgate) — An umbrella group representing New York Teamsters unions is endorsing Levine, but some locals have split away from the pack to back Brannan. (Daily News) — Why Cuomo's critics are saying he's just like Eric Adams. (New York Times) — The Building and Construction Trades Council has endorsed Cuomo. (The Real Deal) NEW FROM PLANET ALBANY MOO YORK CITY: Two Democratic state lawmakers drew upstate Republican ire after they introduced a bill to ban large dairy farms. The measure would, in effect, prevent state regulators from issuing new licenses for dairy farms with more than 700 cows. GOP Assemblymember Chris Tague was especially galled by the bill's sponsors — Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and state Sen. Jabari Brisport — representing districts hundreds of miles away from upstate dairy country. 'The proposal just further highlights the ignorance the Democrat supermajority in Albany has of agricultural work, which is a true failure on their part since agriculture is one of our greatest industries in the state,' Tague said. 'City legislators need to do a better job at understanding this work and what the people on the ground really need to continue operating effectively, otherwise, we'll continue to lose family farms.' Rosenthal defended the bill to Playbook as one that's supportive of small family farms and noted that she's spent her legislative career on the Assembly Agriculture Committee. 'Most people know I'm very concerned about the welfare of animals, and in these large factory farms they're not living under the best of conditions,' she said. 'It's a perfectly reasonable bill unless you're shilling for large corporations.' The proposal does highlight a rural-urban divide in Albany that upstaters are sensitive to, though given the large contingent of non-New York City Assembly Democrats, the bill's passage has an uphill chance. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — State lawmakers are considering a permanent Census office to perform outreach programs. (Times Union) — Republicans are blasting a plastics reduction bill's potential impact on manufacturing jobs. (Buffalo News) — Hochul touted a drop in statewide shootings compared to the same time last year. (Spectrum News) KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION MEGABILL MEGASELL: House members are on recess from Washington and back in their districts this week with their tasks clear cut: Democrats are knocking the GOP megabill for slashing social services. Republicans are celebrating it for its tax cuts as they urge senators to preserve as much as possible in their rewrite process. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis gathered Republican state and local leaders Tuesday on Staten Island to tout the raising of the state and local tax, or SALT, deduction cap to $40,000 from $10,000, saying it's necessary to offset Democrats' 'bloated bureaucracy and wasteful spending.' The Republican lawmaker had lobbied throughout the tense SALT negotiation process for relief aimed at middle-class families, but she was not part of the final talks with House Speaker Mike Johnson to quadruple the cap. 'It could save the average family on Staten Island thousands of dollars a year, this provision alone,' Malliotakis said. Several New York Democrats, part of the minority on Capitol Hill, will take their turn today in working to shape the narrative on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen will convene several community leaders on Long Island to slam spending rollbacks to Medicaid, SNAP and other programs. — Emily Ngo More from Congress: — Central New York farmers and faith leaders unite with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to condemn the GOP megabill that cuts food aid. ( — House Democrats are teeing up a caucus election to fill the party's top job on the Oversight Committee, a race considered wide open after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opted against running. (POLITICO) — How Republicans hope to sell the 'big, beautiful bill.' (Punchbowl News) NEW YORK STATE OF MIND — Attorney General Letitia James fined Walmart for shipping realistic looking toy guns to New York. (Spectrum News) — The New York City schools chancellor is encouraging parents to continue sending their children to school after a 20-year-old student was detained in immigration court. (Gothamist) — New York City wants to turn vacant lots into pocket parks. (Gothamist) SOCIAL DATA MEDIAWATCH – Maia Hibbett is now managing editor of The Intercept. She most recently was politics editor of New York Public Radio and is the former managing editor of New York Focus. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Shirley Limongi of the New York City Council … Rudy Giuliani … Isabella Moschen Storey … Michelle Fawbush … Coleen Jose … Kim Ton-That … (WAS TUESDAY): Noam Scheiber ... Ben Cohen ... Joshua Fitterman … (WAS MONDAY): Cheryl Cohen Effron Missed Tuesday's New York Playbook PM? We forgive you. Read it here.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Superstitious Knicks fans take drastic measures to magically will team to beat Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals
Some die-hard New York Knicks fans with a superstitious streak will be pulling out the big guns – and putting away their jerseys and even TV sets – for Wednesday night's Eastern Conference Finals Game 1. 'I had success with not watching the second half, if the Knicks are down double digits, and instead playing Earth Defense Force 5 and checking the score intermittently,' one Reddit user posted on Friday. 'Guess I'll [be] doing this, if needed.' 6 Some die-hard New York Knicks fans with a superstitious streak will be pulling out the big guns – and putting away their jerseys and even TV sets – for Wednesday night's eastern conference finals game. Getty Images Other Reddit users noted they would skup watching the game in part or entirely in a bizarre good luck stance: 'I'm one of those guys, will not be watching and I will not be checking the score,' another user said. 'I've worn zero Knicks gear since the series … started, and now I refuse to wear anything Knicks related until this series is finished,' another added. At McMahon's Public House in Park Slope, Brooklyn, bartender Colette Reilly claimed she's the New York team's secret lucky charm — and believes that, just by showing up to work, she'll be helping the team cinch a win. 'Whenever I don't work they lose,' Reilly, 35, told The Post in a recent interview. 'So now they're all superstitious, so I was getting text messages from regulars saying, 'you better be here on Friday or we'll kill you.'' One regular at the Knicks fan-filled bar said another barfly uses the same straw every game. 'He carries it around and sits in the same seat every time,' Reilly said. 'He also promised to shave his beard off if I came into work and they won … and he did it on Saturday.' 6 Park Slope bartender Colette Reilly claims she's the New York team's secret lucky charm. William C Lopez/New York Post 6 27-year-old Danny M. told The Post he'll be donning his Jalen Brunson jersey for good luck on Wednesday. Robert Miller Outside Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, 22-year-old Dannysaid he'll be wearing his Jalen Brunson jersey in what has become a faithful tradition for the fan. 'I try to wear the Brunson jersey [for good luck],' he said. 'Sadly I have to work, but if I didn't I would be [outside MSG], or at one of the parks.' 'I just hope they pull it off,' he added. 'Even if they lose the first game — we're the comeback kids!' But not all Knicks fans are good- or bad luck charm believers. 6 New York Knicks fans at an outdoor watch party at Madison Square Garden. Getty Images Doug Berns, 37, who has penned a musical parody of each Knicks game since Nov. 13, told The Post he doesn't believe in the superstitions – and that some tricks even penalize other fans. 'To genuinely be locked in and paying attention is all a fan needs to be doing,' the Brooklynite and lifelong fan said, pointing to one 'unfair' trend of cancelling watch parties in fear of the gatherings being 'unlucky.' 'Different Knicks fan groups would have watch parties, and a lot of those were on Fridays against really good teams, so a lot of games this year resulted in losses – and people started a 'watch party curse,'' he lamented. 'What, we're not allowed to hang out with our friends and watch the game together anymore?' 6 Fans enjoy the New York Block Party outside Madison Square Garden before Game 6 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs on Friday. AP But Berns admitted that there are still some minor superstitions he'll uphold. 'I have like, 'oh, we won the last game while I was wearing this T-shirt, I'll wear it again,' stuff like that,' he added. 6 Queens resident Will Z., 27, says game one is already 'in the bag.' Robert Miller Will Z. said he doesn't have any superstitions to ensure a win because he believes Game 1 is already 'in the bag.' 'I'm going to go hang out with my friends and watch it with my friends,' Will said nonchalantly. 'Too bad I can't watch it [at MSG] because the tickets are outrageous. 'We got it in the bag,' Will added. 'Game 1, we got it.'
