Good afternoon, New York!
The snowstorm dumped close to record snow in parts of the city, and now roads are cleared and trains back up and running again. MoMA opens its annual DOC FORTNIGHT with new international documentaries, smaller venues across Brooklyn are hosting live storytelling and indie screenings, and the comedy scene is experimenting with A.I. onstage. Downtown, the Tin Building has closed as the Seaport prepares its next concept, while debate continues over delivery wages and what that means for restaurant prices.
More events and news in today’s issue. Let’s get to it.
– Sofia Kurd.
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New York Trivia
About what share of NYC households don’t own a car?
A) ~25%
B) ~45%
C) ~55%
D) ~75%
Reply to this email with your response. The answer will be revealed in the next newsletter. No cheating!
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Best Events Feb 25-27
Wed 8pm – The Moth StorySLAM: “Zero Chill”
The city’s most beloved storytelling competition returns to The Bell House (Gowanus). Five-minute true stories based on the night’s theme — from slammed doors to dramatic exits.Wed 9:30pm – Alpina at Eataly – Escape to the Italian Alps
No passport required. Eataly’s winter pop-up ALPINA spotlights the cuisine of Northern Italy with a full alpine chalet atmosphere with mountain comfort food. On the menu: canederli bread dumplings), speck gnocchi, and a crisp cutlet layered with prosciutto and melted cheese.Thurs 7pm – A.I. vs Human Roast Battle
A human rapper faces off against machine-learning A.I. in a live roast battle. The Players Theatre (Greenwich Village).Thurs thru 3/12 – DOC FORTNIGHT 2026
MoMA’s annual nonfiction film festival marks its 25th year with 33 new international documentaries from emerging and established directors. Museum of Modern Art (Midtown West), $14 general.Thurs thru 3/8 – Suor Angelica (Regina Opera)
A fully staged Puccini one-act opera, sung in Italian with English supertitles, complete with orchestra, sets, and costumes. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Auditorium (Sunset Park). $25 general; free dress rehearsal 2/26.Thurs 6pm (Screenings 7:30pm) – Artists + Beers
A semi-monthly short film series pairing indie cinema with beers at Threes Brewing (Gowanus). Local shorts, docs, music videos. Free.Thurs 7pm – NYC Magic Ensemble
A lineup of magicians and mentalists performing close-up and stage illusions at Young Ethel’s (South Slope). $10.Thurs 7pm – Arounded
A parody of Jubilee’s Surrounded: one comic defends their hot takes against 20 others. Brooklyn Art Haus (Williamsburg). $15.
The Ness – Trampoline Class (Tribeca)
A trampoline workout class that’s harder than it looks. Classes combine controlled strength intervals with rhythmic cardio on individual trampolines. They have a cold plunge and steam you can use after class. Fun switch-up if you’re bored of standard HIIT or Pilates.Café Zaffri (NoMad)
Inside The Twenty Two, this Levantine-leaning restaurant delivers wood-fired breads, lamb dishes, and a lovely cocktail program in a warm, transportive space. Open to the public but feels low-key.Still Here (SoHo)
A downtown denim studio focused on small-batch, hand-finished jeans with subtle painted details and custom options. The space feels more atelier than store. If you care about craftsmanship and design over logos, this is worth checking out.
Local News
1) Historic Blizzard Dumps Up to 2 Feet of Snow on NYC
This week’s historic winter storm dropped up to roughly two feet of snow across parts of the five boroughs, placing the event among Central Park’s top ten snowfalls on record. Transit service is gradually being restored, though residential streets and secondary routes remain in active cleanup.
2) Rare “Thundersnow” Strikes Over One World Trade Center
Video captured a rare weather phenomenon — thundersnow — illuminating the sky around One World Trade Center during the blizzard that hit NYC. This happens when thunder and lightning occur during snowfall instead of rain; meteorologists noted it’s uncommon and speaks to how intense the storm was. See the video here.
3) The Tin Building at the Seaport Closes, Balloon Museum to Replace It
The Tin Building food hall at South Street Seaport has officially shut down after several years of operation. Developers plan to convert the space into the Balloon Museum this summer — an immersive inflatable art concept that has toured internationally. The shift marks another reinvention of the Seaport district as operators look to refresh foot traffic and experiential retail appeal.
4) THISBOWL Secures Fifth NYC Location
Australian fast-casual chain THISBOWL, known for Asian-inspired bowls and fresh ingredients, has signed a lease for its fifth New York City outpost at 1880 Broadway near 15 Central Park West. The deal underscores continued appetite for upscale casual concepts in prime residential corridors
5) Debate Grows Over NYC’s Restaurant and Delivery Regulations
A new City Journal essay argues that recent city policies — including a $21.44 minimum wage for app-based delivery drivers, expanded tip-prompt requirements, and proposed changes to the tipped-wage credit system — could increase dining and delivery costs across New York City. Supporters of the policies say they strengthen worker pay and transparency, while critics contend that similar measures in cities like Washington, D.C., and Seattle have led to higher menu prices, service fees, and reduced demand. The debate now centers on affordability: how to balance higher wages and labor protections with the cost of eating out and ordering in.
NYC History
In 1975, New York City was days from running out of cash. The municipal government couldn’t roll over its short-term debt, basic services were on the chopping block, and layoffs were already underway. The Daily News captured the mood with its now-famous headline: “Ford to City: Drop Dead,” after President Gerald Ford initially refused a federal bailout. Markets panicked. Confidence collapsed. Eventually, Washington relented and extended support. It led to strict outside oversight and forced the city to stop papering over deficits with short-term debt — resetting how New York budgets and borrows to this day.
NYC Polls
Share your voice and opinions on local NYC and national policies. Each month, we randomly pick one of all participants to win a prize. Feb 2026: $25 gift card.
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