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The Newsroom

Jun 9, 2026
Community

Mamdani Sits Down With Dimon and Solomon Over Tax Plans

NYC's mayor met with two of Wall Street's most powerful CEOs to discuss his higher-tax proposals.

Zohran Mamdani met with JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs' David Solomon as his administration pushes forward with plans to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. The meetings reflect the mayor's strategy to engage directly with business leaders even as policy tensions remain. Community members across the five boroughs are watching closely to see how these conversations shape the city's economic future.

The Dispatch

16 stories
Community
NY

NYC Councilwoman Slams Antisemitism Office as Ineffective

Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov says the city's antisemitism office fails to serve the Jewish community.

Council Member Inna Vernikov publicly criticized the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, calling it a "black hole" that lacks basic public resources and meaningful outreach. Her remarks come amid a rise in anti-Israel demonstrations and growing concern within New York's Jewish communities. Advocates are calling on city leadership to ensure the office is properly resourced and accessible to those it is meant to serve.

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Community
NY

Audible Opens Bookless Pop-Up Bookstore in New York City

Audible Story House brings a unique listening lounge experience to New York with no printed books in sight.

Audible has launched a first-of-its-kind pop-up bookstore in New York City that features no physical books — only audio. The Audible Story House aims to become a community hub where visitors can discover and enjoy literature through listening. The company hopes the New York launch will spark a broader cultural conversation about how we experience storytelling.

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Community
NY

Queens Community Garden Drops Anti-Zionist Membership Requirement

Sunset Community Garden in Queens settles a lawsuit and ends its controversial membership policy.

Sunset Community Garden in Queens has agreed to settle a lawsuit with New York City, ending its policy that had barred members who identified as Zionist. The NYC Parks Department confirmed the resolution of the high-profile, years-long dispute. The settlement marks a step toward ensuring public green spaces remain inclusive and welcoming to all community members.

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Community
NY

Swastikas Spray-Painted on Jewish Homes and Synagogues in NYC

NYPD is investigating antisemitic vandalism targeting Jewish homes, synagogues, and a Kristallnacht memorial.

Antisemitic graffiti including swastikas was spray-painted on Jewish homes, synagogues, and a memorial commemorating Kristallnacht across New York City. Police and city officials confirmed the incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes. Community leaders are urging residents to report any suspicious activity and to stand united against hatred in all its forms.

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Community
NY

Crowdfunder Launches in NYC, Seeks 50 Founding Nonprofits

Crowdfunder.com expands to New York City, offering match funding and new opportunities for local nonprofits.

Crowdfunder.com, a community-powered fundraising platform that has supported more than 80,000 campaigns, is officially launching in New York City. The platform is now accepting applications from 50 founding nonprofits and will offer Spark Match Funding to eight selected partners. This expansion brings a powerful new fundraising tool to one of the most active nonprofit communities in the country.

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Community
NY

Brooklyn School Partners With CUNY to Help Grads Find Jobs

East Brooklyn Community High School is linking students with paid work opportunities and college credits through CUNY.

As NYC graduates face a tough job market, East Brooklyn Community High School is teaming up with the City University of New York to connect students with paid employment and college credit opportunities. The partnership is part of a growing trend among public schools across the five boroughs to bridge the gap between education and career readiness. Community leaders see the program as a vital lifeline for young New Yorkers entering an uncertain economy.

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Community
NY

Rauw Alejandro Debuts New Song in NYC Ahead of World Cup

Buchanan's Whisky and Rauw Alejandro unite music and culture in a New York City FIFA World Cup celebration.

Reggaeton star Rauw Alejandro partnered with Buchanan's Blended Scotch Whisky to premiere the new song and music video "Dando Vueltas" live in New York City. The event celebrated community, culture, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing fans together across the Americas. The collaboration marks a unique intersection of music, sports, and cultural pride right here in NYC.

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Community
NY

NJ Man Charged With Threatening New York Jewish Nonprofit

A Newark man faces federal charges for allegedly emailing violent threats to a New York Jewish nonprofit organization.

A man from Newark, New Jersey has been charged federally for allegedly sending threatening emails to a Jewish nonprofit based in New York. The case is the latest in a string of incidents targeting Jewish organizations and institutions in the region. Authorities are urging community members to report any threats or suspicious communications immediately.

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Community
NY

New York City Parks Ranking Falls Seven Spots in National Report

A new national report shows NYC has dropped in public park quality rankings compared to other major U.S. cities.

New York City slipped seven places in the Trust for Public Land's 2026 Park Score Index, raising concerns about the state of public green spaces across the five boroughs. The report highlights gaps in park access, maintenance, and investment compared to peer cities nationwide. Advocates are calling on city leaders to prioritize parks funding to keep communities healthy and connected to nature.

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Community
NY

Stonewall Monument Named Among Most Endangered Historic Places

The National Trust for Historic Preservation names NYC's Stonewall Monument among 11 at-risk sites nationwide.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has included the Stonewall National Monument in New York City — the only national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history — on its annual list of the most endangered historic places in America. The 11 sites on this year's list reflect the country's 250th anniversary and highlight ongoing struggles for equality and justice. New Yorkers are encouraged to advocate for the preservation of these irreplaceable landmarks.

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Community
NY

ACA Enrollment Could Drop 5 Million as Costs Spike

A new KFF analysis projects a sharp decline in Affordable Care Act enrollment as rising costs push people out.

A new analysis from healthcare research nonprofit KFF projects that nearly 5 million people could lose Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage this year — a drop of more than 20%. Rising costs are being cited as the primary driver pushing enrollees out of the program. Community health advocates are urging residents in New York and New Jersey to explore all available coverage options before open enrollment closes.

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Community
NY

Rising Costs Threaten ACA Coverage for Millions Nationwide

Healthcare nonprofit KFF warns that spiking costs could shrink ACA marketplace enrollment by over 20 percent.

According to a KFF analysis, Affordable Care Act enrollment could fall by nearly 5 million people this year as costs continue to rise and federal subsidies remain uncertain. Those who remain covered may face higher out-of-pocket expenses, putting additional strain on working families. Project Drive encourages community members to reach out to local health navigators for guidance on maintaining affordable coverage.

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Community
NY

Tribeca Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years of New York Cinema

New York City's beloved film festival marks a major milestone with a fresh lineup of entertainment.

The Tribeca Film Festival is returning to New York City for its 25th anniversary, bringing the community together through the power of film. The festival continues to be a cornerstone of NYC's cultural identity, showcasing diverse stories and creators. Stay tuned for screening schedules and community events happening across the city.

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Community
NY

Mayor Mamdani Meets Wall Street Leaders Amid Tax Debate

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani sat down with top Wall Street CEOs as he pushes a higher-tax agenda.

Mayor Mamdani held individual meetings with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon as part of efforts to build bridges with New York's business community. The talks come as the democratic socialist mayor continues to advocate for higher taxes on the city's wealthiest residents. The discussions signal an ongoing dialogue between City Hall and major financial institutions.

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Housing
NY

NY Court Upholds Affordable Housing Tax Benefits

State appeals court rules tax incentives for affordable housing development are constitutional.

New York's affordable housing tax benefit—a tool that encourages developers to build homes for lower-income New Yorkers—will continue. The state appeals court rejected a challenge that could have eliminated the program, protecting an important mechanism for expanding housing access in a state where affordability remains a critical need.

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Housing
NY

Housing Affordability Crisis Deepens Across NY-NJ Region

Migration patterns and price surges are intensifying housing challenges on both sides of the Hudson.

As New Jersey home prices climb nearly 6% amid migration from NYC, the regional housing crisis is reshaping communities across the tri-state area. Real estate shifts reflect a larger truth: families and workers across New York and New Jersey need more affordable homes. Nonprofits and policymakers must work together to expand supply and protect renters and first-time buyers.

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