Morning Briefing: Dec. 17, 2025

New York City residents can expect warming temperatures today, with readings currently in the 40s and highs reaching the mid-40s. Lows are forecast in the low 30s. Political Shifts and Transitions Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is prioritizing the staffing of his incoming administration. Aides are currently reviewing over 72,000 resumes as they seek to fill thousands … Read more

Hochul: I-95 corridor through Bronx, Westchester repaired as part of $61.8M project

A $61.8 million project to improve I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester has been completed, according to a statement released Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office. The work focused on resurfacing the roadway and repairing critical bridge infrastructure. Project Details The project encompassed four miles of I-95, stretching from Westchester Avenue to Pelhamdale Avenue. Crews … Read more

2 Bears Figure out How to Make a ‘See-Saw’ in Playful Moment Caught on Video (WATCH)

Playful Bears Today, Pioneering Conservation Tomorrow When two young Andean bears turn a simple branch into a see‑saw, the internet smiles. Beneath the cuteness, however, lies a powerful glimpse into the future of wildlife enrichment, habitat restoration, and digital education at zoos worldwide. Why Play Matters: The Science Behind Bear Enrichment Enrichment isn’t just fun—it’s … Read more

If it’s closing time for Jimmy’s Corner, then it’s last orders for New York – The Irish Times

Why Historic Bars Like Jimmy’s Corner Face an Uncertain Future In the heart of Manhattan’s theater district, a blue‑canopied bar that has served $3 beers since 1972 is now staring at an eviction notice. The story of Jimmy’s Corner is a micro‑cosm of a larger trend: beloved neighborhood institutions are being squeezed by soaring real‑estate … Read more

Coney Island Boardwalk to receive $1B

Mayor Eric Adams, together with senior officials from the city’s Parks Department, announced a major renovation of the Coney Island Boardwalk, backed by more than $1 billion in funding. Funding and Scope The initiative will reconstruct the nearly three‑mile‑long Iconic Reigelmann boardwalk. The plan calls for replacement of utilities, new structural piles and selective elevation of … Read more

Homeowners Lose Thousands in Equity as Prices Fall

Why Homeowner Equity Is Shifting in 2024 After several years of record‑setting gains, the U.S. housing market is entering a recalibration phase. Nationwide home values have risen roughly 52% since January 2020, yet the Fed’s higher interest rates are cooling demand and squeezing cash flow for many borrowers. Did you know? The collective equity of mortgaged … Read more

Home Prices Fall: First Decline in 2+ Years

The Housing Market’s Balancing Act: Where Are Prices Headed in 2026? After a period of rapid growth fueled by the pandemic, the housing market is undergoing a noticeable shift. While a dramatic crash like 2008 isn’t on the horizon, the days of double-digit price increases are firmly in the past. Recent data indicates a cooling … Read more

Zohran Mamdani Boycotts WABC Town Hall Over Kimmel Suspension

Zohran Mamdani’s Stand: A Sign of the Times in Political Discourse The recent decision by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to withdraw from a WABC town hall is more than just a local political maneuver. It’s a symptom of broader shifts in political discourse, media landscapes, and the power dynamics at play. Let’s … Read more

Luigi Mangione: Death Penalty Dismissal Motion Filed

Luigi Mangione Case: Is Public Outcry Jeopardizing Justice? The legal battle surrounding Luigi Mangione, accused of the high-profile murder of a UnitedHealthcare executive, is escalating. Mangione’s defense team is fighting to preclude the death penalty, arguing that excessive pre-trial publicity has violated his constitutional rights. But what does this case tell us about the intersection … Read more

Trump nominates White House aide to be top US prosecutor for office probing Letitia James

Trump’s Justice Department Shakeup: What It Means for the Future of Legal Independence A Controversial Nomination and Its Implications The recent nomination of Lindsey Halligan as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by former President Trump has ignited a firestorm of debate. This move, following the abrupt departure of the previous U.S. Attorney, … Read more