Good Morning, New York!
Did you know? On this day in NYC — December 10, 1906, Theodore Roosevelt, New York’s most famous US president, became the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
In today’s NYC Newsletter:
Broadway under the stars, free tax consultation, America’s oldest magic shop, Bruce Blakeman runs for NY Governor.
Let’s get to it.
– Sofia Kurd.
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New York Question Of The Day
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NYC Trivia:
Which Manhattan street is officially the shortest by length?
A) Doyers Street
B) Edgar Street
C) Cortlandt Alley
D) Stone Street
Click reply, send me your answer, and the correct answer will be revealed in the next newsletter.
The answer from last week’s riddle was: Randall’s Island
Best Events
Wed, Dec 10: Fantastic Fiction at KGB Bar
A polished speculative‑fiction reading series hosted by editor Ellen Datlow and writer Matthew Kressel featuring acclaimed authors Daniel Braum and Martin Cahill at KGB Bar in the East Village, free admission.Wed, Dec 10 – 7pm (Monthly): Astronomy on Tap – Holiday Party Edition
A smart, social night of astronomy talks, themed games, and science storytelling at Somethin’ Else in DeKalb Market Hall, free admission.Wed, Dec 10: Mortified Storytelling Show
Adults share their most painfully funny childhood diaries, poems, and home videos at this beloved confession‑style storytelling show at Littlefield in Gowanus, $12–15.Thu, Dec 11: Film Comment Live: Best of 2025
A live countdown of Film Comment’s 2025 critics poll, hosted by Devika Girish, Clinton Krute, Amy Taubin, and Bilge Ebiri at Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (UWS); free tickets distributed one hour prior.Thu, Dec 11: Presentation Dating
Single participants perform PowerPoints, songs, or interpretive dances to impress willing attendees at this live dating show at The Gutter Spare Room (Williamsburg).Thu, Dec 11: New York Classical Players Concert Series
An elegant classical program featuring Kodály, Martinů, and Mendelssohn at NYPL’s Bruno Walter Auditorium (Thursday) and a Clinton Hill church (Friday), free with donations welcome.Thu, Dec 11: Broadway Under the Stars
Intimate Broadway performances and artist conversations at the Shops at Columbus Circle featuring Six, Two Strangers, and The Queen of Versailles, free admission.Through December — Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall — a major seasonal show staple.
Through December — The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet) performance— the beloved holiday ballet at Lincoln Center.
Through Dec 31: $5 Holiday Movies at Regal Cinemas (Various Locations) — Cheap-screening holiday classics or seasonal films.
Sat, Dec 13 — Washington Square Park Tree Lighting — at ~6:00 PM, the holiday tree in the park lights up, with live caroling.
Hidden Gems
We’ve tracked down some great hidden gems in the city to try this winter:
Local News
Bruce Blakeman Announces Run for New York Governor
The Nassau County GOP leader formally declared a bid for governor, setting up a contested Republican primary against fellow Trump‑ally Elise Stefanik. ABC News+1
Progressive politician Brad Lander announces run for Congress in Manhattan/Brooklyn district
Lander aims to challenge the incumbent in the 10th District, shaping up as a significant local political contest ahead of 2026. New York Post
Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani to Move into Historic $100M Gracie Mansion
Mamdani is poised to take up residence in the 226‑year‑old official mayoral home when he assumes office in January — a symbolic transition for the next administration. The Economic Times
Conner (CA) To Offer Free Tax Consultations To NYC Newsletter Subscribers
Inquire here: https://www.connercpa.com/contact-us/
Real Estate: Marcus Lemonis Cuts Price of Upper East Side Townhouse by $10M
TV‑star turned entrepreneur Lemonis slashed the asking price on his luxury townhouse to $24.5 M, reflecting changing economic winds in the city’s high‑end property market. New York Post
NYPD Watchdog Shake‑up: Mayor Eric Adams Appoints Interim CCRB Chair Ahead of New Administration
With just weeks left in office, Adams installed a pro‑police former journalist to lead the city’s civilian complaint board — a move seen as a political head‑fake to the incoming mayor. New York Post
Markets Shudder Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut, With NYSE in Focus
Major indexes slipped as investors braced for a possible Fed rate cut — a shift that could ripple through the NYC‑dominated financial sector. Reuters
NYC Immigrant Protections Tightened: New Bills Introduced to Strengthen Sanctuary Laws
Local lawmakers moved to shore up protections for immigrants following data showing a majority of those detained had no criminal record. NY1
FDNY unveils 25th‑anniversary plan for September 11 attacks memorial
FDNY announced plans for a major commemoration in 2026, including a tribute at Staten Island’s FerryHawks Stadium and a documentary honoring fallen and ill first responders. New York Post
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NYC Fact Of The Day
In the late 19th century, New York City was home to the first-ever fashion showrooms in the United States, thanks to department stores like Lord & Taylor and A.T. Stewart, which pioneered the idea of displaying clothes on mannequins and offering seasonal collections. These early showrooms on Broadway and Fifth Avenue laid the foundation for what would become the modern fashion cycle — spring/summer and fall/winter — influencing the rise of New York as a global fashion capital long before Fashion Week ever existed.
New Yorkers Through History
In the 1930s, Clare Boothe Luce was one of the most influential — and controversial — figures in New York’s social and intellectual circles. A playwright, editor, and later U.S. congresswoman, she first made her name in Manhattan as the sharp‑tongued managing editor of Vanity Fair, where she published emerging talents like Tennessee Williams. Her hit Broadway play The Women (1936), a biting satire of high‑society life, was written entirely without male characters — a bold move that drew both acclaim and outrage. Glamorous, politically savvy, and unapologetically ambitious, Luce was one of the first New Yorkers to fully bridge the worlds of fashion, media, and power.
NYC Predicts
Take this month’s NEW prediction survey and share your take on major NYC and national storylines. At the end of each month, we randomly select one respondent to receive a $75 gift card.
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