How did Steve Cohen's Casino License Bid Get this Far?

Did Billionaire Network TV News, Ignore Cohen's SAC Capital Insider Trading History, in Order to Enable the Fellow Billionaire to Keep Gaming Us & the System?

December 1, 2025 / NYC Business / NYC Politics & Government / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

SAC [Steve A. Cohen] Capital

Pleads Guilty to the Largest Insider Trading Scandal in Modern History

The short story on Steve Cohen is that in 1992 he founded a company that operated a number of hedge funds. He was so proud of it, that he put his name on it - SAC Capital - which is short for Steve A. Cohen Capital. Fast forward less than 20 years to 2010 and the SEC is investigating SAC Capital associates for insider trading. Fast forward another three years and SAC Capital has paid $1.8 billion and has pleaded guilty to insider-trading charges. It's one of the biggest insider trading scandals in modern history and the largest involving a hedge fund.

For details on the Steven A. Cohen Capital Insider Trading case see -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.A.C._Capital_Advisors

Did Cohen Foster a Culture of Corruption at SAC?

Cohen himself never personally pleaded guilty, in part because it's difficult to prove scienter - which is a legal term for intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. But that said, the Steve A. Cohen Capital firm, was founded by and run by Cohen for 20 years. And one of Cohen's high school chums, Michael Steinberg, became one of SAC's most senior portfolio managers. Steinberg was cited by one of his analysts, Horvath, as essentially telling Horvath to seek out non-public information, that they could trade on, which in essence is insider trading.

And while the Steven A. Cohen Capital firm says they take compliance with regulations seriously, a report by American University Business Law Review notes that SAC refused to give them even one example of its refusal to hire someone because of compliance concerns. On the other hand, the Steven A. Cohen Capital firm did hire people, such as Richard S. Lee, who was known to be a risk, as he had just been fired by a Chicago firm for altering his holdings in their accounting system on his first day on the job. Even SAC Capital Legal had reportedly advised against hiring him. Lee eventually ended up as one of the firm's employees who was convicted.

For further details on Cohen's alleged malfeasance use the following links.

https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1071&context=aublr

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hedge-fund-manager-steven-cohen-settles-with-commodities-agency

Has Cohen been Fostering a Culture of Corruption at the Mets?

Cohen Hires Matt Scherzer & Edwin Diaz - Both of Whom were Caught Cheating in 2024 & in 2023 Scherzer was Ejected & Suspended

At the end of 2021 Cohen hired Max Scherzer to pitch for the Mets. Scherzer has been rumored to have a reputation for using 'sticky stuff', some of which is no longer allowed. The second year of Scherzer's stint at the Mets, he was ejected from a game and suspended from play for 10 games, for allegedly using the 'sticky stuff' which he didn't contest.

In 2024, as the Mets took off in the standings, with the expensive new hires made by Cohen, three of the Mets pitchers got caught cheating with 'sticky stuff'. Two of them were players Cohen had signed [Scherzer & Diaz], and the third was a relief pitcher [Drew Smith], whose future was uncertain - meaning there was more pressure on him to do whatever it takes, to keep his job. On November 4, 2025 he became a free agent.

Given the Steven A. Cohen Capital firm's cheating with insider trading, and alleged culture of corruption, one has to wonder if the fact that the Mets were caught cheating with 'sticky stuff' in 2024 - 3x more than any other team - is more than just a coincidence? Cohen acquired the Mets in late October of 2020. The Mets were caught cheating in 2021. And then in 2024 as Cohen seemed to take a more visible and active role in managing the team they broke the record that year, and it seemed to change their fortunes to the upside.

To see how Cohen's new Mets team has been caught cheating see -

https://www.mlb.com/news/edwin-diaz-ejected-for-sticky-stuff-violation

And Scherzer's been accused of using 'sticky stuff' before he came to the Mets.

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-gerrit-cole-astros-justin-verlander-nats-max-scherzer-accused-of-doctoring-baseballs-in-lawsuit/

NYC's Allegedly Corrupt Mayor Adams Aids an Apparently Corrupt Cohen

It Appears These Two Collaborated to Make Cohen's Casino a Contender

CitiField is not an Ideal Site for a Casino from Either a Public or Private Transit Perspective

Steve Cohen has named his proposed casino Metropolitan Park. The casino will be housed on 50 acres of CitiField parking space. It's located along the #7 subway line, which is the third busiest subway line in NYC, so the casino is not ideal from a transit planning point of view. But billionaires don't ride subways, so Cohen is not likely to care. CitiField is also located just a mile away from LaGuardia Airport, which is an important transit destination with tight deadlines. Adding a casino to this area from the perspective of anyone using the airlines at LaGuardia is also not ideal, and like the subway, likely to only get more crowded aka worse.

Lastly, in December of 2024, ground was broken for a new soccer stadium just east of CitiField. See details further down in this report.

The Adams Administration Appears to be Breaking an Agreement with the USTA, in order to enable Billionaire Cohen's Proposed Casino in FMC Park

The USTA [United States Tennis Association] occupies space next to CitiField and hosts games that attract people from around the globe, in what is believed to be the highest grossing revenue event of the entire city by a wide margin.

The USTA has had to sue NYC because they believe Eric Adams' Administration has violated the lease agreement the USTA has with the city, by aiding Cohen in his effort to obtain a casino license. The violation is regarding the USTA's superiority clause for use of the CitiField Parking lot. The city owns the CitField parking lot and leases it to both the Mets and the USTA. But the USTA has a clause in their agreement which grants them priority over anyone or anything else during the U.S. Open. In the lawsuit the USTA claims that the agreement was also violated earlier this year.

Adams has done the billionaires' bidding since he set foot in the Mayor's Office in 2021, often with what seems a bullying disregard for the working class people who live and work here. Billionaire Cohen reportedly lives in Connecticut, which if true means he does not pay NYC nor NYS personal income taxes.

The Casino Would be Developed on the People's Parkland

In December 2024, ground was broken for the New York Football Club's 25,000 seat stadium adjacent to CitiField in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The stadium, named 'Etihad' Park, takes its name from the United Arabic Emirates, which is Arabic for 'federation' or 'union'. The stadium is expected to be completed in 2027.

https://www.newyorkcityfc.com/news/new-york-city-fc-break-ground-on-etihad-park-in-willets-point

Many of the people who live adjacent to the CitiField location don't want the casino. Many believe that their representatives on the community boards, who are recent political appointees who replaced the local community activist reps, are surrogates for the billionaire developers. I have been informed that a petition with over 1,000 signatures in opposition to the casino was sent to the gaming commission prior to the close of public comment. And protests have been made as well.

Conclusion - SAC Capital Cohen is not Suited to be Granted a Casino License

And CitiField is one of the Worst Locations Transit-wise; and both the USTA & Many in the Community, Oppose Eric Adams' & the Connecticut-based Billionaire's Casino Plans

The folks I have heard from, feel that Cohen's casino proposal has been a rigged vote. The opposition was cut off at the local community board meeting, and one of the key community board member votes was flipped without rationale or explanation. And State Senator John Liu also did an about face on the development going from a nay to a yea, including the alientation of parkland. Many believe that union members who may obtain jobs from such a development were used to create the impression that there was more support for the development in the community than there really is.

So we ask the NYS Gaming Commission to reject the Metropolitan Park Casino application for all of the reasons above.

https://gaming.ny.gov

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

November 28, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo at right was taken this week, along 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, on a rainy evening. While the rain may have put a damper on things, it certainly didn't stop them.

Sunrise 6.57 am. Sunset 4.30 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 9 hours & 48 minutes of daylight or five hours and 18 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. There's a 93% chance of about 1/3 inch of rain on Sunday between the hours of 11 am and 7 pm. Otherwise dry and partly cloudy the rest of the weekend. The temperature highs will be in the mid 40's on Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 40's on Sunday, while the temperature lows will be in the mid 30's on Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 30's on Sunday. The humidity will range between 40% - 70% on Friday, 40% - 60% on Saturday, and 60% - 90% on Sunday. The winds will range from 15 - 20 mph Friday, dropping to 5 - 10 mph the rest of the weekend. With the exception of Sunday afternoon, it looks to be another pretty nice Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Late Evening Edition @ 11.45 pm. Still quite a bit more to do, but holiday markets are up to date, and making progress on holiday events, which will be updated as early in the day as possible on Saturday. Follow directions below denoted by *** FYI *** for best results, keeping in mind that as a general rule, holiday markets come into full swing this weekend and next; while holiday events come into full swing next weekend and the weekend after that. Both markets and events have stragglers that run into the new year. Enjoy.

The Weekend News Updates will follow Saturday, so check back in, for some local news, that oftentimes gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New News Section Still a Work in Progress. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Manhattan

Winter Village & Outdoor Holiday Markets, Toy Train Show, the Rockettes, Big Apple Circus

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Thursday, November 13, 2025 - February 2026 - The 21st Annual Holiday Toy Train Show at Grand Central Terminal. On the ground floor at 89 East 42nd Street in Midtown. The hours are 10 am to 7.30 pm weekdays and closing at 6 pm on weekends - but closed for major holidays. For details see Midtown events below or https://grandcentralterminal.com/event/new-york-transit-museums-holiday-train-show/

The photo above or at right was taken in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week. While the holidays are generally joyous times, it's also important to do what we can. to help others less fortunate than ourselves. That is the true spirit of the season.

Friday, October 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 8 pm weekends & opening at 11 am weekdays - Bryant Park Winter Village & Holiday Shops - Between 40th and 42nd Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues in Midtown. The market features about 200 different vendors. For details see - https://bryantpark.org/activities/holiday-shops

There's also Chelsea Flea market on 25th Street, the Grand Bazaar on West 77th Street and numerous other fairs, fleas and markets. Use the links below to our pages of holiday markets and holiday events. And for details about both of these markets see the street fairs page link below or use these urls - https://www.brooklynflea.com / https://grandbazaarnyc.org

Ongoing _ UWS _ Friday, November 7, 2025 to Sunday, January 6, 2026 at various times - Big Apple Circus - at Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Ongoing _ Daily, November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026 at various times - 100th year of Rockettes Holiday Performances - at Radio City Music Hall at 1260 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Ongoing _ Monday, November 24, 2025 thru early January 2026 - the Origami tree will be lit at the American Museum of Natural History - at 200 Central Park West on the UWS. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Next Week.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 5.30 - 8 pm [there's a 7.30 pm meet & greet w/ ballerina Tiler Peck] - Tavern on the Green Tree Lighting Event. At Tavern on the Green at West 67th Street and Central Park West. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 begins at 6 pm - South Street Seaport Holiday Tree Lighting Event - at Water and Fulton Streets in the Seaport District in Downtown Manhattan. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 beginning at 5.30 pm / Line starts forming at 4 pm - Bryant Park Holiday Tree Lighting Event. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 7 - 10 pm - Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Event. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm - NYSE 102nd Annual NYSE Tree Lighting Event - at 11 Wall Street. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5.30 - 6.30 pm - Dana Discovery Center Tree Lighting Event - in the northeast corner of Central Park. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Gramercy Theater concerts - info coming but in the meantime - https://www.thegramercytheatre.com/shows

CLICK here for holiday markets Manhattan NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Manhattan NYC.

• Click here to view the Manhattan Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Manhattan Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• CLICK here to view Manhattan street fairs and festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Manhattan NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Manhattan Buzz NYC - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS - Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Manhattan Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Manhattan Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

November 2025 _ Purefinder is hosting a couple of tours each week in Manhattan thru late November - see MCAL link above for details and links.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Queens

Vazquez Family Circus & Affordable Art Fair

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Friday - Monday, November 21 - December 14, 2025 - Vazquez Family Circus - see the Parades & Festivals page for details - https://www.circusvazquez.com

The photo above or at right was taken on the Upper West Side earlier this week. Lincoln Center is one of New York City's most aesthetically pleasing, architectural landmarks. Sadly, it's an aesthetic that seems missing from the buildings erected since then [erected 1959 - 1966].

Thursday, November 6 to December 14, 2025 weekday evenings & weekend afternoons & evenings - Off the Wall Affordable Art Fair - at Culture Lab LIC at 5-25 46th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens. The fair hosts an opening reception from 6 to 9 pm on Thursday 11/6/25. The Gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Last year all art work priced was under $999 and I expect this year the same but I haven't confirmed that with anyone. For details see - https://www.facebook.com/LICArtists | the following are from 2024 - https://www.culturelablic.org OR https://www.licartists.org/off-the-wall-2

Next Week.

Fridays, December 5, 2025 from 6 to 10 pm - Bohemian Hall Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration - at 29-19 24th Avenue in Astoria. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

CLICK here for holiday markets Queens NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Queens NYC.

• Click here to view the Queens Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Queens Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to view Queens street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Queens NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Queens Buzz NYC - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBERCALENDAR EVENTS - Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Queens Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Queens Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups. This month includes

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Botanical Lightscape Show & Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 4.30 to 5.30 pm - Park Slope 5th Avenue BID Holiday Tree Lighting at the Old Stone House - located at 336 3rd Street in Central Brooklyn NYC. For details scroll down or see - INST https://www.instagram.com/oldstonehousebklyn/ OR https://theoldstonehouse.org

Friday November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026 from 4.30 to 8.15 pm - 5th Annual Lightscape Show - at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden at 990 Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights. They describe it as "light-splashed landscapes and luminous installations" showcasing the garden. Holiday things to do in Brooklyn. For $15 - $44 tickets / person and details see - https://www.bbg.org

In the photo above or at right is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after it was erected this year, but a week before being fully decorated and lit up. The tree will be lit on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with the festivities beginning at 7 pm.

Friday, November 28, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - Dyker Heights Neighborhood Christmas Lights - in Dyker Heights with the epicenter generally between 11th - 13th Avenues and 83rd - 86th Streets. Free holiday things to do in South & West Brooklyn NYC. There isn't any official website for this organic holiday lights competition among neighbors.

Next Week.

Friday, December 5, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm - Tree Lighting with Sinterklaas at the Lott House - at 1940 East 36th Street in Marine Park. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Friday, December 5, 2025 from 3 to 5 pm - Holiday Tree Lighting Event - at Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 5th Avenue and 60th Street in Sunset Park neighborhood of South & West Brooklyn. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Two Plays - Polonsky & Billie Holiday Theater.

CLICK here for holiday markets Brooklyn NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Brooklyn NYC.

• Click here to view the Brooklyn Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Brooklyn Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to view Brooklyn street fairs NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Brooklyn NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Brooklyn BLVD - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Brooklyn BLVD New Member Sign Up. Click this link Brooklyn MCAL - Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in the Bronx

Holiday Tree Lightings, Holiday Lights & Holiday Train Show

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Saturday, November 29, 2025 beginning at 7.15 pm - City Island holiday tree lighting - at Hawkins Park, followed by a reception at the Kaleidoscope Gallery at 271 City Island Avenue on City Island. Holiday events, things to do and tree lightings in the East Bronx NYC. For details & updates see - https://cityislandchamber.org

Ongoing _ Friday, November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 4.30 pm - Holiday Lights - at the Bronx Zoo at 2300 Southern Blvd. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day. Holiday events in the Belmont and Pelham Park neighborhoods of the Central Bronx. For $26 - $42 tickets [kids age 2 & under free] and details see - https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights

The photo above or at right was taken on the Upper West Side on Thanksgiving Eve this week. The balloons that fly in the parade on Thanksgiving, are all inflated and staged along Central Park West near the American Museum of Natural History, the day / night preceding Thanksgiving. This year the evening rain thinned out the crowd, allowing those of us who braved the inclement weather, to move around easily and freely.

Ongoing _ Saturday, November 15, 2025 thru January 11, 2026 from 10 am - 6 pm [closed holidays] - NYBG Holiday Train Show - at the New York Botanical Garden at 2900 Southern Blvd in the Belmont Neighborhood. Intricate handmade replicas of NYC landmarks and bridges, through which the train travels. Bronx holiday events & things to do nyc. Central Bronx. For $25 - $31 tickets and details see - https://www.nybg.org

The photo above or at right was taken in Bronx Little Italy along Arthur Avenue. Bronx Little Italy is a nice place to spend some of your holiday time, with good Italian food stores and restaurants.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 4 to 9 pm there's a Vegan Bazaar - at the Andrew Freeman Home - for details see street fairs page.

CLICK here for holiday markets Bronx NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Bronx NYC.

• Click here to view the Bronx Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Bronx Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to see Bronx street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in the Bronx NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Bronx Buzz - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Bronx Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Bronx MCAL Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week on Staten Island

Holiday and Christmas Fairs and Markets & Tree Lightings

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 4 pm to 8 pm - Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Event by the Grace Foundation - at 460 West Brielle Avenue near Manor Heights. Holiday market with multiple vendors, refreshments, Santa, performance and tree lighting. West Staten Island. For details see - https://graceofny.org/tree-lighting-event/

The photo above or at right was taken earlier this week outside a restaurant on a rainy day. The restaurant was busy in spite of the rain. On Sunday afternoon we are expecting to receive a bit more rain.

Next Week.

Monday, December 1, 2025 from 5 - 7 pm - Victory Blvd Holiday Tree Lighting Event - at 1958 Victory Blvd in Castleton [Safari Realty]. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 6 to 11 pm - Christmas Tree Lighting at Monsignor Farrell at 2900 Amboy Road in Richmond. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Historic Richmond Town _ Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5 to 6 pm - Historic Christmas Tree Lighting - at Historic Richmond Town [see next event]. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

CLICK here for holiday markets Staten Island NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Staten Island NYC.

• Click here to view the Staten Island Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Staten Island Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to see Staten Island street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend on Staten Island NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Staten Buzz - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Staten Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Staten Island Events - Member Events to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups. This month includes TBD.

Have a nice weekend.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

November 21, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo at right, taken at a Thanksgiving Day Parade in a prior year, shows a very famous native New Yorker dressed in costume, floating above the crowd ... like he always does. The parade returns next Thursday.

Sunrise 6.50 / 40 am. Sunset 4.33 / 40 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 9 hours & 58 minutes of daylight or five hours and 8 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. From shortly after midnight Friday until about 12 noon on Saturday there's a 70% chance of an 1/8th inch of rain. Otherwise dry and partly cloudy the rest of the weekend. The temperature highs will be in the low to mid 50's, while the temperature lows will be in the low to mid 40's, both, all weekend. The humidity will range between 70% - 90% on Friday thru Saturday afternoon, then dropping into the 60 - 70% range for the rest of the weekend. The winds will range from 5 - 10 mph Friday, dropping to 3 - 5 mph the rest of the weekend. With the exception of Saturday morning, it looks to be another pretty nice Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Mid Evening Edition @ 11.55 pm. Almost done, but have work to do on attendant pages, which may extend into Saturday morning. The holiday season has begun.

The Weekend News Updates will follow Saturday, so check back in, for some local news, that oftentimes gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New News Section Still a Work in Progress. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Epstein File Vote: TV News Misses the Point .. Again

Billionaire TV News Reports What They are Told (for ratings) with Scant Comprehension

November 18, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion.

Billionaire TV News Reports the Headlines but Misses the Meaning

Billionaire TV News is waiting at the Capitol to cover the House vote to open the Epstein files.

Like it actually matters.

If you have absolutely nothing else going on in your life, then stay glued to the TV News screen to find out how the House and Senate will vote on the issue.

But it doesn't matter and it won't make a difference, as Donald Trump is doing what he does best. Making fools on the American people and the rule of law, by deceiving them and finding loopholes in the law to exploit. Both skills that Donald J. Trump has been practicing all of his life.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report on TV News Misses the Point Again: Epstein File Vote.

* Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

November 14, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.40 am. Sunset 4.40 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 15 minutes of daylight or four hours and 51 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken recently in a Queens neighborhood. The leaves have turned color, many have fallen and the temperatures have been slowly heading down. Last week we even dipped into the high 30's, overnight. But we're expecting temperature highs in the low 60's next weekend, so while winter may be on its way, it does not appear imminent.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. The temperature highs will be in the low 50's Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 50's on Sunday. The temperature lows will be in the low 40's Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 40's on Sunday. On Saturday evening between 7 pm and 12 midnight, there's a 70% chance of an 1/8th inch of rain. Otherwise dry and partly cloudy the rest of the weekend. The humidity will range between 45% - 75% on Friday and Saturday, rising to 90% on Sunday, but fall back to 45% during the day. The winds will range from 5 - 15 mph Friday and Sunday, quieting down on Saturday to about 5 mph. Looks like another pretty comfortable Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Afternoon Edition @ 3.45 pm. Looking good. As you will see below there's more happening than there used to be, this late in the season. We still have to update associated pages, which should be done by the end of the day.

The Weekend News Updates will follow Saturday, so check back in, for some local news, that oftentimes gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

November 7, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.33 am. Sunset 4.45 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 11 minutes of daylight or four hours and 55 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken at the Green Room in Crown Heights in Brooklyn. It's been open about a year and a half and it's a great neighborhood dining and gathering place.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. There's a 60% - 80% chance of a 1/4 inch of rain forecast for between 10 pm tonight and 7 am Saturday morning. On Sunday there's the threat of less than a 1/4 inch of rain all day [so how likely is that?]. Because of the extreme dryness in our climate in recent years, we've noticed water weather systems tend to be over-forecast, as by the time they get here, they have dried out. While this may make for nicer weekends, it's a huge warning sign that the planet is drying up, which is going to wreak havoc on human and other life. Ignorance is bliss. The temperature highs will be between 60 and 65, and the temperature lows will be 55 - 60 all weekend. The humidity has been tending to peak around 7 - 8 am and dip in the late afternoon. Friday and Saturday the highs will be 80% and 95% respectively, while the lows will be 35% and 50% respectively. On Sunday it's going to be about 90% humidity all day. The winds will range from 10 - 15 mph on Friday and Sunday and from 5 - 10 mph on Saturday. Some wind, possibly a bit of rain, with moderate temperatures - all in all not a bad November weekend.

Friday Afternoon Edition @ 5.15 pm. Mostly done, but with some work to do on related pages. Should be done later this evening.

Our Weekly News Updates will follow later this weekend, so check back in for some local news that either gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News, or isn't covered well.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Halloween / Daylight Savings Time / NYC Marathon. Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

October 31, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 7.25 am. Sunset 5.53 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 27 minutes of daylight or four hours and 39 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken at the NYC Halloween Parade in a prior year. The parade returns tonite. See details below.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. Cloudy, but no rain all weekend, continuing an extremely dry Fall, and year in NYC & NYS, due to climate change. The temperature highs will be in the high 50's all weekend and the temperature lows will be in the mid 50's Friday, low 50's Saturday and the high 40's on Sunday. The humidity will range from about 50% to 90% on Friday, 50% 65% on Saturday and 50% to 80% on Sunday. The humidity highs peak each morning around 8 or 9 am and the humidity lows bottom out mid to late afternoon between 2 and 4 pm. The winds will range from 10 - 20 mph Friday, 10 - 15 mph on Saturday and from 5 - 10 mph on Sunday. Looks like another dry and comfortable Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday Morning Edition @ 6 am. Done.

Weekly News Updates will follow this on late Friday or early Saturday, so check back in for some local news that too often gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News. And while we will only partially update the Halloween page [also see below for parades and related events], the Halloween page contains the events from last year, which provides clues as to what might be planned this year. We include the urls so you can easily see what's in the works this year.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC Last Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

October 24, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 7.17 am. Sunset 6.02 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 44 minutes of daylight or four hours and 22 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right, was taken Wednesday at the Spectrum News NY1 NYC Mayoral Debate at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, in Queens. From left to right are Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa. The debate was suprisingly spirited and interesting. We'll provide details over the weekend, or early next week.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. No rain all weekend, continuing an extremely dry Fall, and year in NYC & NYS, due to climate change. The temperature highs will be in the 60's all weekend and the temperature lows will be around 50 all weekend. The humidity will range from about 50% to 80% all weekend with the humidity highs peaking each morning around 8 or 9 am and the humidity lows bottoming out mid to late afternoon between 2 and 4 pm. The winds will range from 5 - 10 mph all weekend. Looks like a very nice Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday Early Morning Edition @ 3 am. Done with the Front Page Weekend Post of events and attendant pages. Weekly News Updates coming later in the weekend, so stay tuned.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

November OpEds - Month to Date 11.30.25

• CLICK on the Header to this section (immediately above) to read all of these OpEds and more.

New York’s Millionaires Will Get a $12 Billion Federal Tax Cut Next Year

• by Andrew Perry of the Fiscal Policy Institute - 11.20.25

TAKE ACTION: Stop the Federal Government from Gutting Clean Water Protections!

• by Pat McClellan, Policy Director, NY League of Conservation Voters - 11.19.25

A NEW LOW: NYCHA is Suing Chelsea Seniors

• by Layla Law-Gisiko - Democratic District Leader AD75/A - 11.17.25

Developer Sued for Damage to Landmarked Building that Displaced Elderly, Rent-Stabilized Tenants — Demand the City Acts

• by Andrew Berman - Executive Director, Village Preservation - 11.11.25

A New York For All of Us

• by Marina Marcou-O’Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors at the Alliance for Quality Education - 11.5.25

Ballot Measures Deregulating a Broad Range of Development in NYC Are Approved

• by Andrew Berman - Executive Director, Village Preservation - 11.5.25

There’s No Place For Islamophobia In Our Schools Or City

• by Marina Marcou-O’Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors at the Alliance for Quality Education - 11.2.25

Live Interview with Key Representatives / Activists about FEC Chelsea NYCHA

9.10.25 _ Queens News / News Analysis & Opinion _ Click here to learn a bit more through an interview by Erroll Louis on Spectrum TV on August 28, 2025, who interviewed an author / community activist and the President of the FEC Tenants Against Demolition about what's going on there - NYC Oligarchy - Stephen Ross, Related Companies, Essence, Eric Adams transferring huge amount of public wealth & NYC billionaire TV doesn't much report it. Also on the front page scroll down to the Landlord Tenant Harassment button to become familiar with the bigger picture.  And click into the drop down OpEd section from the front page tool bar to learn more about the FEC Chelsea NYCHA land grab by Stephen Ross and Related Companies.  Ross and Related Companies have been the beneficiaries of the transfer of acres upon acres of prime public NYC land all over NYC for what seem like fire sale / corruption prices.

In the meantime, see front page, government and politics, neighborhoods and things to do sections.

City of Yes Passes by a Vote of 31 - 20

Stephen Ross, REBNY Members & the Adams Family Won & NYC Lost

December 6, 2024 / NYC Real Estate & Business / NYC Government & Politics / City of Yes Special Section / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz.

The City of Yes for Housing Opportunities bill passed yesterday afternoon / evening in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The City of Yes or NYC Municipal Legislative Bill - L.U. 181 & Res 689 - App. N 240290 ZRY (City of Yes Zoning for Housing Opportunity) amendment of the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York, modifying multiple Sections to expand opportunities for housing within all zoning districts, Citywide. *

The photo snapshot at right shows the NYC Council voting on the City of Yes.

City of Yes [Wo]Men - Roll Call Vote Tally 31-20

Voting For the City of Yes Members. Carlina Rivera District 2, Eric Bottcher District 3, Keith Powers District 4, Julie Menin District 5, Gale Brewer M District 6, Shaun Abreu District 7, Diana Ayala District 8, Yusef Salaam M District 9, Carmen De La Rosa M District 10, Kevin Riley Bx District 12, Pierina Ana Sanchez District 14, Oswald Feliz District 15, Althea Stevens District 16, Rafael Salamanca Bx District 17, Amanda Farias District 18, Francisco Moya Q District 21, Tiffany Caban Q District 22, Shekar Krishnan Q District 25, Julie Won Q District 26, Nantasha Williams Q District 27, Speaker Adrienne Adams Q District 28, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers Q District 31, Lincoln Restler District 33, Jennifer Gutierrez District 34, Crystal Hudson District 35, Chi Osse District 36, Sandy Nurse District 37, Alexa Aviles District 38, Shahana Hanif District 39, Rita Joseph District 40, Justin Brannan Bk District 47.

Pay attention to the delineation of NYC Council members by the boroughs noted above by letters. Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered enough Queens council member votes (7) in favor of the legislation, which had they voted as their Community Boards did, would have killed the City of Yes bill.

Did Adrienne Adams and these NYC Council members betray the people of Queens they were elected to represent? Well, if so, keep in mind they are up for re-election in June 2025. So please educate yourself, fact check the statements made herein by using the power of the internet, and then after you've done enough research to know what's true, start spreading the news and get behind people who will represent you, the voters, not the big money that funded their campaigns.

Voting in the Negative. Joann Ariola District 32, Chris Banks District 42, Joseph C. Borelli District 51, David Carr District 50, Eric Dinowitz District 11, James Gennaro District 24, Kamillah Hanks District 49, Robert Holden District 30, Linda Lee District 23, Farah N. Louis District 45, Kristy Marmorato District 13, Christopher Marte District 1, Diane Mealy District 41, Mercedes Narcisse District 46, Vickie Paladino District 19, Lynn Schulman District 29, Sandra Ung District 20, Inna Vernikov District 48, Kalmar Yeger District 44, Susan Zhuang District 43.

We will keep this roll call of the vote on our site indefinitely in the City of Yes Special Report Section, because you, the voters, can use it as one benchmark vote, that helps you understand who is representing you, and how they are representing you. This becomes particularly important as there is the Democratic Primary in June 24, 2025 and the general election is November 4, 2025. Almost all of the elections are decided in the June primary because 56% of NYC is Democratic and only 26% is Republican. The remaining 18% are independent.

* Editor's Note.  The summary of the bill leaves out the part about the NYC Council members forfeiting their power, and because they represent us, they are forfeiting our power and legal rights to weigh in on new developments in our neighborhoods.  The summary also leaves out the part where by rushed passage of the 1,388 bill, the real estate developers and international investors can harvest a huge amount of tax abatements for 'affordable housing' that would be 'affordable' to individuals making up to $141,000 and a family of three making up to $183,00 per year or making rental payments of $4575 per month.  And the summary leaves out the part about the negotiated deal, wherein how Eric Adams is going to miraculously fund the $4 billion, that magically appeared just by Eric Adams promising it, after Eric Adams tried to cut $100 million from the budgets of public schools in January 2024 and cut $22 million from the budget for public libraries as recently as November 2023.  Adams promise of $4 billion is just that, and only that - a promise - as it is NOT IN THE BUDGET. And we all know the value of a politician's promise, especially when it's made by someone like Eric Adams, who has a documented history of lying, and is managing a tight budget that doesn't have $4 billion of funding lying around. He's going to have to take that funding from other places like public schools, public libraries and the NYPD.

Buglisi Dance Theatre Company at Lincoln Center 911

Weekend Events / Things To Do & Update Coming Later Today

Reposted September 11, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / Things to do NYC / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

This is a video of one of the rehearsals for the Table of Silence performance this morning at Lincoln Center, commemorating the 19th anniversary of 911. They return to perform the Table of Silence at Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center on Thursday 9/11 at 8.10 am. Free.  Or catch the live stream - https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/lincoln-center-presents/table-of-silence-project-911-259

• Heartfelt wishes to all.  May you have a harmonious day and success working toward having a harmonious life.

Click for our report series on Landlord / Tenant Harassment in NYC

Please be advised that this series will be evolving slowly starting sometime in Q4 2025 and continuing thereafter. Thus far we've posted some of our historical coverage, but by far and away, the best is yet to come.

Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan

Updated April 5, 2025 vs 4.4.2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken a couple of weeks ago in the Elizabeth Street Garden in the NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. They are trying to get the city to preserve the area as a permanent community green space, and to build the proposed 'affordable housing' elsewhere. The city has been threatening to close the garden any day now, but given it's an election year, Adams may wait until after he loses it. We'll have an update of Eric Adams' latest shenanigans later today or over the weekend.

* No Foolin' - Elizabeth Street Garden Event - Tuesday, April 1, 2025

3.31.28 Manhattan _ Just in today, an event tomorrow at 4 pm, to commemorate the garden and its artistic inspirations. This is how they described the event, " ... We are calling on everyone to gather in the Garden tomorrow (Tuesday) at 4 PM to celebrate this special space. We’ll be there for a while, but please try to arrive at 4 PM if you can. We are still in federal court and doing everything we can. At this point, we're taking it day by day. If you're a painter, photographer, poet, or artist who has created something inspired by the Garden, please bring your work. We only ask that it be related to the Garden. We want to show everyone how much Elizabeth Street Garden means to our community and to New York City ...". See related story in the weekend post of 3.28.25 below, next to the E St Garden / Ramones photos. The short story also includes their website url.

Click this link for holiday parties, party venues, party halls and catering halls in Jackson Heights Queens NYC.

Get it While it's Hot - 'Affordable Housing' Lottery in LIC

150 'Affordable Housing' Units Available for Folks w/ Incomes of 'Only' $99K to $250K

October 23, 2024 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Real Estate & Business / Gotham Buzz NYC.

'Better hurry' to participate in this 'affordable housing' lottery for apartments in the Jasper at 49-20 5th Street in Long Island City, Queens. Studios are renting for the 'low, low price' of $2,900 per month and two bedroom apartments are a 'steal' at only $4,400 per month.

To qualify you 'only' need to be earning between $99,000 and $250,000 per year. These annual incomes, which are an eligibility requirement, are only 'slightly' higher [+50% to +291%] than the median NYC salary of $64,000 per year.

But don't worrry, if you miss this 'great' opportunity for 'affordable housing', because the real estate developers, real estate investors, billionaires, property owners and Mayor Adams, are pushing hard to get through the City of Yes Zoning Law changes, which will provide huge tax breaks to investors, billioinaires and real estate developers to make even more of this kind of 'affordable housing' available all over NYC.

Isn't that 'exciting'? It looks like more 'affordable housing' is finally on its way ...

See related stories below and in our City of Yes Special Report section on Gotham Buzz.

And you still have time to be heard by the NY City Council regarding your opinion of the City of Yes. Written Testimony is accepted for 72 hours after the hearing that was held Tuesday 10.22.24. Use this email address to send them your opinions - landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov. I believe the comment period expires at the close of business on Friday 10.25.24.

The LIC Summit 2024

The Changing Cultural and Real Estate Landscape in Long Island City

October 8, 2024 / LIC Neighborhood / Queens Real Estate & Business / Queens Buzz.

A. Prelude to Attending the LIC Summit 2024

It was a beautiful, sunny, dry day as I walked over to the Museum of the Moving Image in LIC / Astoria.  I arrived around 11 am to attend part of the second half of the LIC Summit, which is a real estate and business conference which examines in depth, an LIC centric world, but also mindful of the surrounding environment.

After I made my way through a flawless check-in, I found my way into the theater and sat down to listen in on the panel providing a Long Island City real estate update.  These panels are structured such that the moderator serves up a number of questions to the panelists for comment, which is then followed by audience questions, which sometimes are the best, because they are asked by people like you and me, who have lived and worked in the area for a long while and witnessed and have adjusted to the huge changes that have occurred in Long Island City over the past couple of decades.

I.  First Panel - LIC Residential Real Estate Update

This panel included Patricia Dunphy of SVP of Rockrose Development, Eric Benaim CEO / Founder of Modern Space, Dan Mogolesko SVP of the Durst Organization, Peter Papamichael Principal of the VOREA Group and Crystal Xu Director of Business Development United Construction & Development Group.

As I came in at the end of the panel presentation, I only caught the Q&A portion of the program, which follows.

A performance theater / school owner pondered aloud whether the developers were still interested in involving and supporting the arts and culture scene in Long Island City.  At the turn of the century LIC was well known as a thriving artists community, as it offered very competitive rents and good access to mass transit.  In the near quarter century since then many - if not most - of the artists have moved out of the area as they can no longer afford the rents, which have skyrocketed from under $1,000 / month to over $4,000 per month.

One of the panelists said they are interested in supporting the arts and he mentioned Culture Lab LIC as one of the arts institutions that has survived the changes.  But that was pretty much the full extent of the conversation surrounding the arts community.  So I reckon the short answer would be no.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report on the LIC Summit 2024 - Real Estate Development in LIC Queens NYC.

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