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Articles by Isoken Osagie
Street vendors in Queens rally for more permits, ask for less police enforcement and fines
(@QnsBPRichards/ Twitter) By Isoken Osagie (QUEENS, N.Y.) Thousands of street vendors rallied in Corona on Wednesday to petition for an increase in permit distributions across the city. Vivien Grullon, a Peruvian immigrant, has sold jewelry on Roosevelt Avenue almost every day for the past decade, reported to NY1. However, she does not have a street vending permit and lives in fear of being fined. “I am feeling so sad. Because I come here for my dream, my USA dream,” said Grullon.
Ally Bank becomes first major US financial institution to get rid of overdraft fees
(Ian Waldie/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Ally Financial announced Wednesday that it will be getting rid of overdraft fees entirely — becoming the first large U.S. bank to cut overdraft fees. NBC News reports that the move is a first for a major financial institution in the U.S. as most banks rely on overdraft fees to increase profits. “Overdraft fees can be a major cause of anxiety," said Diane Morais, president of consumer and commercial banking at Ally Bank, in a statement.
Gas prices expected to be highest on Memorial Day since 2014, says AAA
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie The American Automobile Association says gas prices will be around $3.00 per gallon over Memorial Day weekend — the highest since the 2014 holiday weekend. ABC News reports that the increase is an effect of the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack as well as increased demand.
United Airlines is giving away a year’s worth of first or business class tickets in effort to increase vaccination rates
(Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie United Airlines is offering customers a chance to win free flights in an effort to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates. Customers will have to upload a photo of their vaccine card to enter into the airline's "Your Shot to Fly" sweepstakes, according to ABC News. Entrants could win a roundtrip flight for two, in any class of service, to anywhere in the world that United services. 30 pairs of tickets will be given away in June.
Teenagers 13-17 can now trade stocks on Fidelity
By Isoken Osagie Fidelity Investments launched a commission-free brokerage account for 13- to 17-year-olds on Tuesday. According to , the accounts would allow teenagers to trade stocks on a mobile app as well as save and make use of a debit card. Teens will be able to purchase and sell domestic stocks — fractional shares will also be available. Additionally, the accounts have access to exchange-traded funds and Fidelity mutual funds.
Bank of America will increase its minimum wage to $25/ hour - News Break
(Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank, announced Tuesday that it will raise its minimum hourly wage to $25 by 2025. As part of the move, vendors will also be required to pay workers at least $15 an hour. CNBC reports that the financial institution recently completed a separate plan last year to get to a $20 minimum wage.
Target, CVS, Starbucks among retailers no longer requiring mask mandates for fully vaccinated customers
(Scott Olson/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Target, Starbucks and CVS Health are part of a growing number of retailers and restaurants moving to ease mask mandates for fully vaccinated customers — unless face coverings are required by local or state law. According to CNBC, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's announcement on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people will no longer have to wear face-coveringS indoors, many companies have changed their mask mandates.
McDonald's is raising US hourly wages by an average of 10%
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie McDonald’s will raise its employees' hourly wages for its U.S. company-owned restaurants by an average of 10% as the company seeks to hire 10,000 workers over the next three months. According to CNBC, the fast-food chain's move comes as the restaurant industry is facing a labor shortage. Fewer people are returning to the workforce and some maintain it is because workers in these industries aren't being offered a livable wage.
Uber, Lyft to give free rides to COVID-19 vaccine sites until July 4 as part of deal with White House
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. will offer free rides to and from vaccination sites until July 4 as part of a new partnership with the White House. According to the Wall Street Journal, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the move Tuesday in a call with governors. The initiative is part of President Joe Biden's effort to vaccinate 70% of the U.S. population with at least one dose by July 4.
New York City to fully reopen on July 1, Mayor de Blasio says: 'We Are Ready'
(Mario Tama/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday on the Morning Joe show that he plans to lift all COVID-19 related restrictions in New York City by July 1st. According to 6sqft, restaurants, stadiums and museums are expected to start operating at 100% capacity this summer. Schools will also fully reopen in the fall. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength," said de Blasio.
NYC's Madame Tussauds to add wax figure of Vice President Kamala Harris
(Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Vice President Kamala Harris will make history as the first vice president to get a wax figure at Madame Tussauds. According to Complex, the museum announced Wednesday that Harris, who is the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American vice president, will be getting a wax figure in honor of her first 100 days in office.
There's a quaint hidden speakeasy inside this Manhattan subway station — but you'll need to get past its insane waitlist - News Break
(Alexis Antoine/ Unsplash) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) There is a 600-square-foot speakeasy discreetly tucked behind a door inside Manhattan's 28th Street subway station called La Noxe.
NYC to pay back over 9,000 furloughed city employees
(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday that non-represented New York City employees who took unpaid furlough days will be able to get that money back. According to Gothamist, about 9,500 city employees were forced to take five days of furlough between October 2020 and March as New York City grappled with a budget crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As companies exit NYC, Bill Gates expands his footprint - News Break
(Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) While some companies are planning to leave New York City amid the COVID-19 pandemic, American business magnate Bill Gates is investing in expanding the office space of a biotech company he supports. According to the New York Post, the city has seen tax hikes and increased crime rates during the pandemic and the real estate industry has also taken a hit with office spaces being the emptiest they've been in 30 years.
Local arts initiative transforms empty NYC storefronts into vibrant galleries
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) A creative initiative called Art on the Avenue NYC is on a mission to turn empty storefronts into colorful and vibrant artworks. According to ABC 7 NY, the project adorns Manhattan's empty storefronts in order to aid New Yorkers in re-engaging with the city and world amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hudson River is home to around 70 species, including the northern Atlantic Lined Seahorse
(Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) The Hudson River has a reputation among New Yorkers for being muddy and uneventful, but the river is home to a number of unique and even surprising creatures.
Here's how to get involved in NYC Parks Earth Day events and activities - News Break
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Thursday marks the 41st Earth Day and New York City is celebrating the annual event which always falls on April 22. As such, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has put together fun and informational volunteer events and workshops for residents to participate in.
NYC to spend $30 million on ad campaign to boost tourism
(Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) New York City is allocating $30 million to an advertising campaign aimed at reviving the city's tourism and business industries. According to NY1, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the news at a press conference on Wednesday, highlighting that the campaign set to start in June will be the most expensive marketing effort in the city’s history.
Amazon expands palm-scanning payment system to Whole Foods stores
(Amazon) By Isoken Osagie Amazon announced Wednesday that it's expanding its palm-scanning payment system to a Whole Foods store in Seattle. According to the New York Post, the system uses Amazon One technology which employs high-tech imaging and algorithms to create and detect a person's palm signature. Amazon One debuted in September and is currently used at about 12 physical Amazon stores. First-time shoppers will be required to insert a credit card that will link to their palm print.
NYC will invest $50 million in 'Community Care Plan' to expand senior services
(Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new $50 million five-year "Community Care Plan" on Wednesday. According to CBS New York, the initiative will focus on expanding equitable access to senior services. The plan aims to provide 25 new senior centers in underserved neighborhoods and includes funding for senior transportation services and shopping assistance. The initiative will also work to expand home care assistance and home meal deliveries.
NYPD’s robot dog sparks 'Black Mirror' criticisms in Manhattan, De Blasio says 'we should rethink'
(Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) The New York City Police Department is facing backlash after a video of its robot dog when viral on Wednesday. The robot dog was seen coming out of a building after officers were called to the scene at 344 East 28th St. in Manhattan and made an arrest following a domestic dispute. The robocop was not used during the arrest.
US toilet paper sales reportedly decline following a year of panic buying
(Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Americans are buying less toilet paper, a shift from last year when the COVID-19 pandemic brought about panic buying and hoarding of the bathroom essential. The Wall Street Journal reported that toilet paper sales in January were 4.3% lower when compared to the same month last year, prior to the onset of COVID-19.
Saks Fifth Avenue plans to stop selling fur by 2023
(John Sciulli/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Saks Fifth Avenue plans to stop selling animal fur by the end of the fiscal year 2022, which is the period ending January 28, 2023. According to NBC News, the luxury department store chain will do away with its in-house-made fur clothing and fur clothing from vendor partners, both online and in stores.
NYC sees uptick in rat complaints as COVID-19 restrictions ease
(Ludovic Bertron/ Flickr) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) New Yorkers are complaining of an increase in city rats as more residents re-emerging from lockdowns and quarantine measures encounter the rodents, Bloomberg reported. There were 2,906 rodent complaints in March, an 80% increase from the 1,611 calls made during the same period last year, per The New York Post.
All NYC beaches to reopen over Memorial Day weekend
Posted by 51 minutes ago (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday that New York City’s beaches will reopen over Memorial Day weekend, which begins on Saturday, May 29. Public pools are also set to open on June 26. "It’s going to be a wonderful summer in New York City," said de Blasio during a press conference, per the New York Post.
United Airlines to open flight school, increase diversity in its pilots
Posted by 2 hours ago (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie United Airlines began accepting applications for its flight academy on Tuesday as it plans to hire 10,000 pilots by 2030. The move to invest in pilot recruitment comes as more United aviators near the federally mandated retirement age of 65. According to CNBC, United expects to train 5,000 pilots in its flight academy by 2030 and have half of those students be women or people of color.
NBA announces second $3 million grants program to create jobs, career advancement in Black communities
Posted by 2 hours ago (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie The NBA announced Monday its $3 million second round of grants aimed at supporting economic and career advancement in Black communities. According to CNBC, the $3 million grant is part of a $300 million commitment from the association to assist underserved areas.
LG taps out of making smartphones, exits Android world
Posted by 41 minutes ago (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie LG announced it's tapping out of the business of making smartphones on Monday. According to CNN, the South Korean tech giant will close down its mobile phone unit after facing years of losses. LG's mobile division is expected to shut down by July 31. However, the company may still sell some of its existing phone models.
NYC curfew for bars and restaurants extended till midnight, starting April 19
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced that the 11 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants will be moved to midnight. Additionally, the curfew for catered events will move from midnight to 1 a.m. The Patch reports that Cuomo stalled extending the curfew amid fears of alcohol-fueled customers spreading the coronavirus. However, the governor on Wednesday said it was time to loosen the economic constraint it put on eateries.
Farm accused of price-gouging gives 1.2 million free eggs to New York in settlement
Posted by 2 hours ago (@NewYorkStateAG/ Twitter) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday that Hillandale Farms will donate 1.2 million, or 100,000 cartons, of free eggs to New York as part of a settlement following a price-gouging lawsuit filed last August. According to NBC New York, the attorney general's office claimed that Hillandale Farms systematically gouged grocery stores and military bases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delta will stop blocking middle seats, starting May 1
Posted by 1 hour ago (Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday that it will stop blocking middle eats on its planes, starting May 1. According to NBC News, Delta first started blocking middle seats last April as a COVID-19 related policy to limit capacity on smaller planes. Delta also said many travelers chose their airline because of the policy.
It's Cherry Blossom season in NYC, here are some parks to visit to catch the flowers bloom
Posted by 59 minutes ago (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Spring is here! The Spring Equinox on March 20 officially began the season, and New Yorkers are shedding their coats and puffer jackets for warmer weekends with picnics and sunny weather. Excitingly, cherry trees are slowly beginning to bloom around the city — here some parks to visit for an early chance to spot the vibrant flowers of renewal. 1.
New York lawmakers finalize deal to legalize recreational marijuana
Posted by 23 hours ago (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) New York lawmakers reached an agreement late Saturday to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo who prioritized the legalization of recreational marijuana tweeted on Sunday, "Too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use & sale of cannabis, arbitrarily arrested & jailed. That time is coming to an end.
Tribeca Film Festival returns this summer with in-person screenings and activities in New York City
Posted by 1 hour ago (Mike Coppola/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) The Tribeca Film Festival announced Monday it will hold in-person events across New York City this summer. This June will mark the festival's 20th anniversary and it plans to participate in New York's arts scene revival as the first in-person film festival to be held in North America since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 12-day Tribeca Festival will run from June 9 to June 20.
Broadway expected to reopen in September, says de Blasio
Posted by 1 hour ago (Theo Wargo/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Mayor Bill de Blasio, on Thursday, announced that he expects Broadway to return in September. According to ABC 7 NY, the mayor said his priority is vaccinating Broadway and off-Broadway workers. "The whole theater community is crucial to the comeback of New York City," said de Blasio. "It's time to raise the curtain and bring Broadway back.
PayPal now lets customers check out with cryptocurrency
Posted by 53 minutes ago (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie PayPal announced Tuesday it will allow shoppers to make online purchases with cryptocurrency. According to the New York Post, PayPal already allowed users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through its platform and now, crypto holdings will be an additional payment option alongside the customers' bank account or credit card details during check out at eligible online stores.
Federal low-income housing program to receive nearly $700 million in grants
Posted by 3 hours ago (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie U.S. states will receive nearly $700 million in federal grants from a special program for low-income housing, over double the amount distributed last year. This year's grant is $689,565,492 — compared to $322,564,267 distributed the previous year.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announces NYC Racial Justice Commission
(Andrew Burton/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday a Racial Justice Commission aimed at tackling structural and institutional racism in New York City. According to NBC New York, the commission is tasked with finding racial injustices in the city's public agencies among other sectors and recommending solutions to eradicate them. The mayor said, "I'm asking the members of this commission to engage all elements in New York City society.
Brooklyn woman raises $100,000 to pay for Asian American's taxi rides amid rise in hate crimes
Posted by 2 hours ago (@cafemaddycab/ Instagram) By Isoken Osagie (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) Brooklyn resident Madeline Park raised over $100,000 in two days to provide Asian women in New York City a free taxi ride home if they are feeling unsafe during a commute. The initiative garnered community support amid the increase in hate crimes towards the Asian community in the city. "I didn't realize I would feel so fearful on the train," Park said describing a recent ride in the subway, per FOX 5 NY.
101 mixed-income units open close to the New York Botanical Garden, starting at $1,045/month
(NYC Housing Connect) By Isoken Osagie (BRONX, N.Y.) New mixed-income housing units have opened for applications in the Bronx. The apartments are located at a newly constructed rental on 2885 Marion Avenue. According to 6sqft, the building, known as Bronxview, is located a few blocks away from the New York Botanical Garden and Fordham University’s campus. Bronxview was developed by the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation — it's eight stories tall and houses 114 units.
U Thant Island: Manhattan's controversial tiny island that's off-limits to the public
(Nick Normal/ Flickr) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) U Thant Island, also known as Belmont Island, is a small artificial island in Manhattan. It is one of the lesser-known New York City islands that are strictly off-limits to the public. U Thant Island now serves as a bird sanctuary — but before this, it was leased by a Buddhist group and also declared a sovereign nation by a protesting artist. So what's the island's history and why can't people visit? First of all, where is it located?
New Yorkers age 50 and above now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine, Cuomo says
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday from Mount Vernon that New Yorkers age 50 and above will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, starting Tuesday. According to NY1, the move comes as 25% of New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and over 12% have completed the vaccine cycle.
80,000 New York City employees to return to office starting May 3
(krakenimages/ Unsplash) By Isoken Osagie (NEW YORK) Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday that New York City employees who have been working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic will return to their offices, starting May 3. According to FOX 5 NY, a spokesperson for de Blasio said about 80,000 city municipal employees will transition back to their worksites in a staggered process.
Pier 76 to undergo transformation, open as a public park in June
(@NYGovCuomo/Twitter) By Isoken Osagie (MANHATTAN, N.Y.) Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that a former New York City Police Department tow-pound on the Hudson River will be transformed into a public park. The park is expected to open as early as June 1 and 6sqft reports that construction for the 5.6-acre park is underway.
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