Another day, another expense to add to the high cost of living in New York City—and this is one that will affect almost every New Yorker.

On Monday, May 22, MTA officials announced at a committee board meeting that fare increases are proposed for this summer and would be enforced by Labor Day, in hopes of raising revenue for the MTA, which has had a reported 30% decrease in public transit ridership since the pandemic started in early 2020. 

The MTA’s proposed increase will raise base subway and bus fares to $2.90 — a 5% hike over the current $2.75 price per ride. Seven-day MetroCards will have a slightly smaller increase, a 3% raise, up a dollar to $34 instead of the current price of $33. 30-day unlimited passes will also increase by $5 to $132.

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For New Yorkers who commute by subway or bus daily, that’s an expected annual cost of $1,584 in public transit expenses. Given that the minimum wage hasn’t increased since 2019, the MTA increase may not be met with much enthusiasm. The last time the MTA increased fares was also 2019 when the seven-day unlimited MetroCard went from $32 to $33 and a 30-day pass increased from $121 to $127. Single-ride fares have stayed steady since 2015, when bus and subway fares increased by a quarter, from $2.50 to $2.75. From 2013-2015, a single ride was $2.25. 

Encouraging broader use of public transit, those who travel by car will have a higher burden by the MTA increases—the proposal suggests a 6% to 10% hike in tolls to cross MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels which include the Queens Midtown Tunnel, the Verrazano Bridge, the Henry Hudson Bridge and more connectors throughout the boroughs. 

Following public hearings in June, the MTA is slated to vote on the increases in July 2023. 

* This article was originally published here

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott launched his presidential campaign on Monday, offering an optimistic message he hopes can contrast the two figures who have used political combativeness to dominate the early GOP primary field: former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Scott, the Senate’s only Black Repubican, made the announcement in his hometown of North Charleston at Southern University, his alma mater and a private school affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

“Our party and our nation are standing at a time for choosing. Victimhood or victory?,” he told cheering supporters, adding, “Grievance or greatness?”

“I choose freedom and hope and opportunity,” Scott said, he said that the GOP needs a candidate who can energize more than just its base.

Scott has frequently denounced Democrats for raising what he calls false social and political grievances. But offering such sentiments about the GOP could be an alternative to Trump, who has for years repeated lies about how he was denied a second term by widespread fraud that did not occur during the 2020 presidential election. DeSantis, meanwhile, has pushed Florida to the right by championing contentious new restrictions on abortion, LGBTQ rights and by seeking to limit the corporate power of Disney, one his state’s most powerful business interests.

Scott, 57, planned to huddle with home-state donors after the kickoff event, then begin a whirlwind, two-day campaign swing to Iowa and New Hampshire, which go first in GOP presidential primary voting.

The announcement gathering included an opening prayer by Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, who said, “I think our country is ready to be inspired again.” Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, South Dakota’s other senator, has already announced his support for Scott.

A number of high-profile GOP senators have already backed Trump’s third bid for the White House, though, including Scott’s South Carolina colleague, Lindsey Graham. Trump nonetheless struck a conciliatory tone to start, welcoming Scott to the race in an online post Monday and noting that the pair worked together on his administration’s signature tax cut.

A source of strength for Scott will be his campaign bank account. He enters the 2024 race with more cash on hand than any other presidential candidate in U.S. history, with $22 million left in his campaign bank account at the end of his 2022 campaign that he can transfer to his presidential coffers.

It’s enough money, his team says, to keep Scott on the air with continuous TV ads in early voting states until the first round of votes next year.

Scott also won reelection in firmly Republican South Carolina — which voters third on the Republican presidential primary calendar — by more than 20 points less than six months ago. Advisors bet that can make Scott a serious contender for an early primary victory that could give him momentum heading deeper into the primary race.

But Scott is not the only South Carolina option. The state’s former governor, Nikki Haley, who also once served as Trump’s former United Nations ambassador, formally entered the primary race months ago.

Like others in the GOP race, including former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and “Woke, Inc.” author Vivek Ramaswamy, Scott’s early task will be finding a way to stand out in a field led by Trump and DeSantis, the latter of whom could announce his own bid as early as this week.

One way Scott hopes to do that is his trademark optimistic rhetoric. With his Christian faith an integral part of his political and personal story, Scott often quotes Scripture at his campaign events, weaving his reliance on spiritual guidance into his stump speech and even bestowing the name “Faith in America” on his pre-launch listening tour.

Scott said Monday that America’s promise means “you and I can go as high as our character, our grit, and our talent will take us.” “That’s why I’m the candidate the far left fears the most.”

The Democratic National Committee responded to Scott’s announcement by dismissing the notion that Scott offers much of an alternative to Trump’s policies. DNC chair Jamie Harrison, who ran unsuccessfully for Senate in South Carolina in 2020, released a statement Monday calling the senator “a fierce advocate of the MAGA agenda,” a reference to the former president’s “Make America Great Again” movement.

On many issues, Scott does indeed align with mainstream GOP positions. He wants to reduce government spending and restrict abortion, saying he would sign a federal law to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy if elected president.

But Scott has pushed the party on some policing overhaul measures since the killing of George Floyd, and he has occasionally criticized Trump’s response to racial tensions. Throughout their disagreements, though, Scott has maintained a generally cordial relationship with Trump, saying in his book that the former president “listened intently” to his viewpoints on race-related issues.

When he was appointed to the Senate by then-governor Haley in 2012, Scott became the first Black senator from the South since just after the Civil War. Winning a 2014 special election to serve out the remainder of his term made him the first Black candidate to win a statewide race in South Carolina since the Reconstruction era.

He has long said his current term, which runs through 2029, would be his last.

Scott rejects the notion that the country is inherently racist and has repudiated the teaching of critical race theory, an academic framework that presents the idea that the nation’s institutions maintain the dominance of white people.

“I will be the President who destroys the liberal lie that our country is evil,” he said Monday. “We need to stop canceling our Founding Fathers and start celebrating them.”

If Scott is successful, he would be the first Black person to win the Republican presidential nomination and the second elected to the presidency, following Barack Obama in 2008.

Other Republicans are still deciding whether to wade into the presidential race, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

President Joe Biden is seeking reelection and faces only token opposition in the Democratic primary. His party voted to move South Carolina to the leadoff spot for next year’s presidential primary calendar.

___

Weissert reported from Washington. Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP

The post Tim Scott launches 2024 presidential bid seeking optimistic contrast with other top rivals appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

From a Pride celebration for all – including your pets, to a dance series in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and an inaugural outdoor food festival, Manhattan West is the place to be this summer in NYC!

And, lucky for you, we got the inside scoop of what’s going on.

Manhattan West is New York City’s newest dynamic destination for food, culture, retail, and hospitality, located steps away from Moynihan Train Hall and Madison Square Garden. That’s why we totally weren’t surprised when we saw their lineup of amazing free summer events!

As June quickly approaches and our minds start wandering towards Pride, Manhattan West is bringing New Yorkers Woof Fest: Paws for Pride, a Pride celebration for all–even your pets!

The afternoon will consist of amazing live performances, fun canine activities, and fabulous treats. Humans and their four-legged friends alike can enjoy comedy, juggling, stilt walking, acrobatics, and music by Circus Amok, pet tarot card readings, pup caricatures, and even rainbow paw-dicures–because even your furry friend needs to look their best this year for Pride!

The Woof Fest event, which is free with advanced registration, is taking place Saturday, June 10 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

No canine sidekick? No problem–there’s still a ton more fun to be had.

Celebrate summer in the city at Manhattan West’s inaugural outdoor Food Festival. Taste exclusive seasonal dishes from Manhattan West’s unparalleled culinary portfolio including Ci Siamo, Zou Zou’s, Hidden Leaf, Daily Provisions, Citizens New York, and more. Enjoy chef-prepared fare in the plaza’s first open-air beer garden, while commemorating PRIDE Month with live DJ performances by Oscar Nñ, Ushka and others.

The Manhattan West Food Festival takes place June 14 and 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is suggested. More information here.

But wait, there’s even more culture to take in!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and Manhattan West is celebrating the cultural impact the genre has had on NYC, as they partner with Works & Process to present a music and dance series, taking place Wednesday nights beginning at 6 p.m., from July 5 – July 26.

Works & Process, the performing arts arm of the Guggenheim, brings its four-part dance and music series, originally commissioned for the museum’s renowned rotunda, to the performance circle on Manhattan West Plaza.

Featuring The Missing Element, LayeRhythm, Ladies of Hip Hop, Ephrat Asherie Dance and others, the final night of the series is a can’t miss, and will feature a full-blown dance party with fabled DJ Bravo LaFortune and other club legends.

Details and the full free performance schedule can be found here.

And, if you’re feeling artsy, don’t miss Feeling/Filling Into, a multimedia installation by artist duo LoVid in the lobby of Five Manhattan West, through July 21.

Feeling/Filling Into was created via digital and analog processes that convert electrical current into abstract visuals–leaving visitors immersed in a wondrous colorful installation.

Once you’re done having fun, why not grab a bite to eat?! Besides, their food options are endless! From Mediterranean grub with a Spanish focus at Casa Dani and traditional Italian at Ci Siamo to Asian classics at Hidden Leaf and healthy plant-based dishes at Plant Nation, you really have any cuisine you could want right at your fingertips.

Plus, if it’s nice out, why not take your food to go and enjoy it on the High Line–NYC’s elevated public park built on a historicrail line–which is easily accessible from Manhattan West via the block-long Timber Bridge section of the new High Line – Moynihan Connector!

Whether you’re enjoying live performances with your furry friend, stuffing your face with the most mouthwatering food, or viewing thought-provoking art, Manhattan West is a one-stop shop this summer!

Learn more at ManhattanWestNYC.com.

The post Enjoy Fabulous Free Events All Summer Long At Manhattan West appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass, admirably referred to as DUMBO, is one of the best neighborhoods to explore in Brooklyn. Over the years the area has grown from being filled with industrial warehouses to now being a vibrant area filled with delicious restaurants, heavenly coffee shops, and unique shops. Plus, it boasts some of the most gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline you can find.

Here’s our ultimate guide to DUMBO, so you can see for yourself all the best that the neighborhood has to offer.

Coffeeshops

1. BEEPUBLIC Coffee

Did you know bees are responsible for about 1/4 of coffee production and 1/3 of all food?! Yeah, neither did we, but BEEPUBLIC did, and so they serve responsibly-sourced food and drinks to save the rapidly declining bee population. Look at that, now next time you roll out of bed yearning for coffee, at least if you pick it up from BEEPUBLIC Coffee you’ll be doing yourself AND the bees a favor!

181 Front St, Brooklyn

2. Butler

A neighborhood favorite, Butler serves all your typical go to coffee drinks–from espresso and cold brew to lattes and cappuccinos. But beyond the coffee they also have a ton of other delicious options, such as matcha lattes, mushroom lattes, and turmeric ginger lattes.

40 Water St, Brooklyn

Brunch/Breakfast

3. Bread & Spread

Bread & Spread has been serving exquisite sandwiches, all roasted and toasted, since 2014, and they’re not stopping anytime soon (thankfully!) From the Porchetta, made with Creekstone duroc pork belly with garlic and fennel seed, picked red onions, arugula, red pepper spread, and aged provolone to the Cast-Iron Chicken Caprese, with organic chicken breast, fresh tomato, fresh basil, sundried tomato pesto, balsamic reduction, and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta their sandwiches are too good to pass up.

151 Front St, Brooklyn

4. Bluestone Lane

If you’re a breakfast all day sort of person, Bluestone Lane is for you. Their menu focuses on seasonal, health-oriented offerings that will make your mouth water, and we have two words: avocado toast. (P.S. pair it with the Honey I’m Home–BL cold brew, chocolate bitters, whisky, honey, vanilla bean and coffee liqueur–and you’re good to go).

55 Prospect St, Brooklyn

5. Westville

With a few locations around NYC, if you’re in DUMBO and you’re looking for brunch, be sure to stop by Westville. Don’t believe us? How does homemade waffles with berries, a breakfast burrito, herbed goat cheese flatbread, or eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon sound?!

81 Washington St, Brooklyn

DUMBO Restaurants

6. Cecconi’s Dumbo

If the modern day classic Italian food (think: hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizza) isn’t enough to get you here, imagine your meal being paired with stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline. They’re open for dinner, Friday lunch, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

55 Water St, Brooklyn

7. Ignazio’s

A Brooklyn staple, Ignazio’s is the place to go if you’re looking for good NYC pizza that won’t disappoint. From fan-favorite classic pies all the way to specialty pizzas they have it all. Plus, if you’re feeling up for a challenge, they even have a DIY pizza kit that has everything you need to make pizza in the comfort of your own home!

4 Water St, Brooklyn

8. Celestine

For absolutely delicious Mediterranean food in DUMBO, look no further than Celestine. Serving both brunch and dinner, guests can enjoy classic Mediterranean dishes including a mezze platter, lamb skewers, whole branzino, and more. When the weather’s nice be sure to sit out on the big outdoor patio, which boasts panoramic views of the city skyline.

1 John St, Brooklyn

DUMBO Bars

9. Gair

DUMBO’s newest addition is Gair, which opened earlier this year and is already iconic. Catering to three distinct waves of visitors each day–tourists who make the pilgrimage to snap a pic, the design and tech professionals who work here day-to-day, and the residents who crave a welcoming local option for drinks, dinner, and late-night rendezvous–it’s the perfect spot to people watch while sipping on a “Resting Spritz Face.” Read more about Gair here.

41 Washington St, Brooklyn

10. Randolph Beer

The ultimate summer spot, Randolph Beer is a brewery, restaurant, bar, and rooftop with self pour beer, classic arcade games, pinball, skeeball, and shuffleboard. Basically, if you’re looking to grab a drink and either play some games or enjoy golden hour on the rooftop, this is a good place to be.

82 Prospect St, Brooklyn

11. Harriet’s Rooftop

Located at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, this rooftop boasts absolutely stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. As one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn, guests can enjoy innovative cocktails, like the Flock of Seagulls made with Hendricks gin, Moet Ice, lychee, aloe vera, and cucumber, alongside eclectic Asian-inspired light bites. Plus, during the winter, the entire rooftop turns into a bar made entirely of ice!

60 Furman St.

Hotels in DUMBO, Brooklyn

12. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

One of our favorite hotels in DUMBO, Brooklyn is 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge–even if you don’t actually need a place to stay you still will want to check them out. From their gorgeous rooms, rooftop pool with stunning views, wellness spa, and more, it’s the perfect place to head to for a vacation or a staycation alike.

60 Furman St, Brooklyn

13. The Tillary Hotel

This boutique hotel is conveniently located to easily explore not only DUMBO, Brooklyn but also Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene. They even have their own indoor-outdoor beer garden, so you can enjoy a number of drinks including Brooklyn-themed cocktails and local brews.

85 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn

Unique Experiences

14. DUMBO Archway/Station

In DUMBO Archway you’ll find The DUMBO Station–a seasonal beer and wine concession stand. Located under the Manhattan Bridge, The DUMBO Station season runs from April to October (noon to 10 p.m.) and often has live music sets for dancing and drinking.

155 Water St, Brooklyn

15. DUMBO Gallery Walks

DUMBO is the center of Brooklyn’s art and creativity, and on the first Thursday of every month DUMBO’s galleries stay open late for their DUMBO Gallery Walks–and they’re completely free! Why go to just one gallery when you can go to multiple in one night, all without spending a dime?! Read all about the gallery walks here.

Various Locations

16. Brooklyn Flea

If you’re looking for furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers Brooklyn Flea is the place to go. This flea market has been around since 2008 and has grown into one of NYC’s top attractions that operates every weekend of the year.

DUMBO Archway – 80 Pearl St.

17. DUMBO House

For those looking to live the life of an NYC socialite, look no further than DUMBO House. This members only club has panoramic views of the NYC skyline, plus an expansive indoor and outdoor member space. Plus, when the weather’s nice you can take advantage of the rooftop pool and sun deck, bar, and terrace for outdoor dining.

55 Water St, Brooklyn

Parks

18. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Arguably one of NYC’s most gorgeous waterfront parks is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which arguably has the best views since you’re right on the water facing Lower Manhattan. Head here if you’re looking to have some fun at the tons of sports court and fields, glowing carousel, and even a small beach on Pier 4.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The post 18 Delightful Things To Do In DUMBO, Brooklyn appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here