A University at Buffalo study found that wildfire smoke from Canada's record seasons reduced bird sightings in New York State during breeding seasons (2021-2023). Researchers suggest birds changed behavior, becoming harder to spot, rather than declining in numbers, highlighting an overlooked impact on wildlife monitoring.
New York state courts will ban all smart glasses starting July 20 to prevent surreptitious recordings. This statewide ban, affecting 1,240 courts, prohibits all eyewear and headwear with cameras and microphones, including prescription smart glasses.
Two bills aimed at adding caste as a protected category in New York's anti-discrimination laws did not advance in the current legislative session. The Coalition of Hindus of North America celebrated the outcome, arguing that the legislation would stereotype Hindus, Indians, and South Asians and that ancestry should be added to human rights law instead.
New York City is reviewing its press credentialing process after three supporters of accused murderer Luigi Mangione, known as 'The Mangionistas,' were issued press passes and made controversial public remarks. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated they should not have received passes, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing legitimate journalists from influencers and activists.
JPMorgan investment banker Lorna Hajdini, accused of sexual assault, has countersued her former colleague Chirayu Rana, alleging he fabricated claims to gain media attention and extract money. Hajdini seeks damages for defamation and emotional distress, while JPMorgan supports her defense.
Brent Sikkema, a renowned New York gallerist, was murdered in his Rio de Janeiro home. His estranged husband, Daniel Sikkema, is on trial for allegedly hiring a hitman, Alejandro Triana Prevez, to carry out the killing amid a bitter divorce and financial dispute.
The author, a UAW member, explains why they will join over 3,000 May Day protests across the US – double last year's count. Workers are calling for a strike against billionaire rule, angry at both Trump and a Democratic establishment that abandoned the working class. Drawing parallels to the 1886 eight-hour day movement and Haymarket Square, the author argues a new oligarchy is waging class war and workers must organize rather than wait for political salvation. The UAW has set contracts to expire on May Day 2028, preparing for a general strike.
