Labor Day: A brief history of the holiday
Today, the US celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September to commemorate the social and economic achievements of American workers, but did you know it had been a federal holiday since 1894? That’s just 24 years after Independence Day and Christmas became federal holidays. Back before Read More...
Goats provide natural and effective brush management in New York park
If you’re visiting New York City this summer and head to Riverside Park, you may witness more than just other walkers and picnic-eaters. You may in fact see a whole herd of goats. The park has introduced its second annual weed-slaying goat grazing initiative, and the animals made their way to the Read More...
New York introduces mandatory racial impact studies for large developments
New development projects are a fact of life in urban areas, but unfortunately, these developments displace marginalized communities and families of color at a disproportionate rate. Communities that developers feel do not have the resources to advocate for themselves are taken advantage of and Read More...
This team of bird paramedics is saving migratory species in New York City
Large skyscrapers pose a dangerous threat to migratory birds who often cannot see directly in front of them while flying. In large urban areas, like New York City, thousands of birds collide with skyscrapers each year, but the bird paramedics of New York are here to help. About 30 volunteers Read More...
Study: Current Covid-19 vaccines highly effective against existing variants
As scientists marveled at the incredible efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, their only concern was how these vaccines would stand up against more contagious variants of the disease. Many are breathing a small sigh of relief as a new study finds that current Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines Read More...
Cosimo Scottuci plans to turn Times Square into a monument for diversity
New York’s iconic Times Square will soon transform into an art installation by the Italian artist and architect Cosimo Scotucci named “Spectrum, a monument for diversity.” The intricate urban-land-art installation is inspired by the concept behind Isaac Newton’s discovery of the color Read More...
New York’s cannabis legalization puts social justice front and center
The latest state to join the growing list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis use is New York. Signed into law this week, the bill makes recreational cannabis available for purchase and legal possession in 18 months when the state draws up regulations surrounding its Read More...
New Yorkers delighted by rare sight of dolphins swimming in the East River
New Yorkers gazing at the East River last week were treated with a surprising and delightful sight: a group of dolphins swimming through the water. Captured on camera by a sightseer near WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn, the dolphins can be see seen swimming in New York’s once famously polluted Read More...
New York State mandates fertility treatment coverage for same-sex couples
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 Women’s Agenda has already introduced a host of protections for women and LGBTQ+ New Yorkers such as mandating insurance coverage of in-vitro fertilization services, banning conversion therapy, and stronger protections for marriage quality. Most recently, Cuomo Read More...
This New Yorker built a new vaccine appointment website with less than $50
When New York City began distributing Covid-19 vaccines, senior residents eagerly started trying to make appointments to receive one. Unfortunately, the registration websites were glitchy and confusing, especially for older citizens with limited tech skills. Even Huge Ma, a 31-year-old software Read More...