Latest News from Time Out
Time Out
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
In rare move, the Rent Guidelines Board just voted to lower rent hikes for NYC apartments
In an uncommon twist for New York City's Rent Guidelines Board, Tuesday night brought a surprise rerun: the nine-member panel voted again on preliminary rent hikes for the city's nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments—and this time, they shaved down the potential increases for two-year leases. The new proposed range is 3.75-percent to 7.75-percent, down from the previously approved 4.75-percent floor. The board left the range for one-year leases untouched at 1.75-percent to 4.75-percent. It's a modest change, but one that affects roughly 2 million tenants and arrives amid a high-stakes mayoral primary in which the idea of freezing rents entirely has become a political flashpoint. With one absentee, the 5–3 vote came after what Board Chair Doug Apple described as an 'additional review of evidence.' But not everyone was convinced. Tenant representative Adán Soltren fired back, reported amNewYork, arguing the board's public members should have gone lower to reflect the city's affordability crisis. 'Tenants in New York are really struggling right now,' Soltren said. 'I think the data is reflecting that.' The decision marks a rare redo for the board, which usually holds a single preliminary vote before locking in rates at a final session—this year scheduled for June 30. The do-over was prompted in part by mounting pressure from tenant and landlord groups, who continue to clash over whether rent hikes should be capped or accelerated. On the tenant side, the response was swift. 'The only reasonable rent hike was no rent hike at all,' said Cea Weaver of the New York State Tenant Bloc, which recently endorsed mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, a vocal proponent of a four-year rent freeze. Mamdani has vowed to appoint tenant-first board members if elected. Mayor Eric Adams, whose office appoints all nine board members, has distanced himself from the steep upper range. After the board's original vote, he called the 7.75-percent figure 'far too unreasonable,' though he has stopped short of supporting a freeze outright. Front-runner and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has dismissed the freeze movement as 'politically convenient.' Landlord reps, meanwhile, are crying foul. 'This second preliminary vote of even lower adjustments would further cap rent increases,' Ann Korchak of the Small Property Owners of New York told amNewYork, citing a 6.3-percent rise in landlord operating costs. The Real Estate Board of New York echoed that sentiment, calling the move 'unprecedented' and misaligned with the board's own data. All eyes are now on the June 30 final vote, which, while not guaranteed to match the preliminary ranges, typically doesn't stray far. And with the mayoral race heating up, expect even more noise around a process that tenants, landlords and elected officials all agree is broken—but can't agree on how to fix.
Time Out
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Zeitz MOCAA honours late chief curator Koyo Kouoh
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town will close its doors on Thursday to honour the life and legacy of its Executive Director and Chief Curator, Koyo Kouoh, who passed away unexpectedly on 10 May in Switzerland. Kouoh was a towering figure in contemporary art and known as a visionary, cultural leader and a fierce advocate for African and Afro-diasporic artistic expression. Appointed in 2019, she led Zeitz MOCAA through a transformative period, redefining the museum's curatorial voice and positioning it as a globally recognised platform for contemporary African art. Her sudden passing came just months after she made history as the first African Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale, where she was curating the 61st edition titled 'In Minor Keys', scheduled to open in May 2026. The Biennale has confirmed that Kouoh's vision will still shape the exhibition, to be realised by her core team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeitz MOCAA (@zeitzmocaa) In a tribute shared via LinkedIn, David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront and Trustee of Zeitz MOCAA, said, 'It has been with shock and a profound sadness that I received news of the sudden passing of Koyo… In getting to know Koyo over the years since her acceptance of the job to lead Zeitz MOCAA, I, in the role of Trustee and Co-Chair of the museum, had come to appreciate a true sense of her love for what art and artists bring to the world. 'She held an intense conviction that elevating African art was her calling and she extended herself to creating spaces and relationships that would make this possible. Her passing is untimely, and I am going to miss her counsel and friendship immensely,' said Green. Tribute Details for Koyo Kouoh Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Time: 4 PM (SAST)
Time Out
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
Southwest is now charging for checked bags
It was a policy too beautiful and too fragile to live for long: Southwest's beloved 'two checked bags free' policy ended today, as reported by ABC 10. We can expect to see suddenly emptied baggage carousels and a tougher seating situation when boarding, because now the stakes are higher for passengers. They'll not only be scouting for the best seats they can (Southwest doesn't assign seating but only releases passengers into the aircraft by boarding group to grab their preferred seats) but now also vying for overhead bin space. Wait! I already booked a flight. If you booked a flight before today, May 28, don't worry. You'll still get to check your two bags for free. What is the new cost for checking bags? It's $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second. Does everyone have to pay the new rates? No. If you're a Rapid Rewards A-List preferred member or are traveling on a Business Select ticket, you can still get two free checked bags. If you're an A-List member, you can get one free checked bag. If you hold a Rapid Rewards credit card, you'll get a credit for one checked bag. Are there any other ways Southwest is changing how things work? Yep, unfortunately. The way it organizes fares is changing. There's a new "Basic" tier, and the existing ticket tiers of "Wanna Get Away Plus," "Anytime," and "Business Select" will be renamed "Choice," "Choice Preferred," and "Choice Extra.' Ugh. Can't they come up with more fun names? This is supposed to be the wacky, edgy airline! When do the new fare options start? In the third quarter of 2025. Anything else? Yes. Your portable chargers and power banks will have to be kept in plain sight while you're using them. This means if they burst into flame, the fire can be quickly addressed. This seems like a good idea. So, that's all? No. Starting next year, seating will be assigned and the whole zany 'grab that window seat before that other person does' zoo will become a memory. We're relieved, to be honest. Human nature has become increasingly unpleasant, with people reserving seats for others by throwing down bags and deliberately boarding with a better group number. It therefore makes sense to assign seats.
Time Out
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
New York Classical Theatre kicks off its free Shakespeare plays in Central Park next week
Clear your evening plans: New York Classical Theatre is returning to Central Park for its 26th season, and they're bringing one of Shakespeare's most overlooked comedies with them. All's Well That Ends Well opens Tuesday, June 3, at the West 103rd Street entrance to the park, offering a rare chance to catch this twisty, witty tale of love, ambition and unexpected redemption, with no ticket required. Directed by NY Classical's founding artistic director Stephen Burdman, the production stays true to the company's signature approach: free, fast-moving and totally accessible. You can show up any night (except Mondays) through June 22 and catch professional Off-Broadway-caliber performances under the open sky. There are no seats, no stage and no boundaries between cast and audience—just a story unfolding around you in real time. This year's cast includes Anique Clements as the determined heroine Helena and Paul Deo Jr. as Bertram, her reluctant love interest, alongside Carine Montbertrand, Karel Heřmánek and others. It's a spirited lineup that blends returning favorites with fresh talent, all performing for and with the city that raised them. And while the Bard is the main event, this season also adds some delightful extras. On Dog Night (June 4), you're invited to bring your pup, pose for pics in matching ruffs and snag some free swag. Family Nights on June 12 and 21 include pre-show crafts, crowns and circus performers to entertain younger theatergoers. And on June 20, Pride Night starts with a happy hour at VERS in Hell's Kitchen before a festive crowd caravans uptown for the show. Performances begin at 7 pm sharp, with special activities kicking off at 6:30 pm on themed nights. While reservations are free and encouraged (you'll get weather alerts and a digital program), walk-ups are more than welcome.
Time Out
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Asian Spice Afternoon Tea at ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Karin Chinese Restaurant at ANA InterContinental Tokyo is spicing things up this season with its Asian Spice Afternoon Tea, available through the end of August. The summer-inspired feast blends bold spices for a unique dim sum afternoon tea served in a beautifully crafted bamboo steamer. The tea set features ten savoury bites and eight desserts infused with aromatic flavours like cumin, star anise and cinnamon. Highlights include wok-fried wagyu beef with cumin and chilli, scallops in citrus-infused sweet chilli sauce, and creative desserts such as melon cream with star anise compote and bergamot mousse. Guests can also enjoy a free-flow selection of six Chinese teas and three original mocktails. The tea set is available during lunch and dinner, with an optional drink plan featuring sparkling wine, beer and Shaoxing wine.
