Happy Wednesday in New York City, where the weather is, at least for the moment, playing its greatest hits. In honor of approaching spring, here is a trio of temperature-raising stories for you.
ICE-y: Mahmoud Kahlil, the former Columbia student and activist who became one of the first targets of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in New York City, is still facing deportation nearly a year after he was first detained. In an interview with the New York Times, Kahlil described his life under scrutiny from the Trump administration. “I literally cannot plan anything. Whatsoever. A piece of furniture we cannot buy right now because we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kahlil said. While Kahlil is currently barred from deportation, a series of legal setbacks in recent months has put his future in the hands of the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Warming up: The recent 70℉ weather brought out more than hibernating humans. Visitors to Randall’s Island Park on Monday were treated to a rare dolphin sighting in the East River, with videos from the day showing a pod of a dozen dolphins frolicking and leaping in the waters under the RFK bridge. Gotham Whale, a marine animal organization in New York, identified this species as the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin, as opposed to the more frequently sighted Bottlenose variety. Doubly rare!
Hot, Hot, Hot: A federal court in Manhattan just settled what may have been the city’s hottest legal dispute in years. Faycal Manz, a German tourist, sued the Times Square taco chain Los Tacos No. 1 after claiming its spicy green salsa caused him severe distress, including a burning tongue, racing heart and days of gastrointestinal discomfort and mouth sores. Manz argued in court that the restaurant should warn customers about the spice level, but District Judge Dale Ho —the same guy who presided over the prosecution of Eric Adams for fraud — tossed the case, noting that when it comes to salsa, “the spice is often the point.” It appears Manz went on a suit spree during his time in the U.S., including a lawsuit against Walmart over WiFi access and the NYPD over a 911 call.
Renovations to the Carroll Gardens Library dragged on as unexpected structural challenges pushed back the expected completion date by a year.
City Council identified nearly $1.7 billion in potential savings and revenue for fiscal year 2026, suggesting the city could balance its budget without tapping the Rainy Day Fund, and disputing a proposal from Mayor Mamdani.
After multiple snowstorms made it impossible to reach bus stops, City Council passed legislation mandating DSNY to notify transportation or communications agencies when bus shelters accumulate snow, ice or litter, and requiring operators to address conditions or face enforcement.
A five-alarm fire at an industrial building in Sunset Park sent plumes of smoke across the borough in the early hours this morning. The building’s roof collapsed and two injuries were reported.
A multi-vehicle crash involving a fire truck leaves one dead and 10 injured in Gravesend.
Yesterday, City Councilmembers and union leaders launched “$30 For Our City,” a campaign to increase the minimum wage in New York City to $30 by 2030.
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Our World In Photos
Photo: Emilio Morenatti/AP
ITALY — Overcoming any obstacle to compete: Robelson Lula, of Brazil, stands after competing in the cross-country skiing men's 10Km interval start sitting final at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, in Tesero, Italy, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
For more pictures like this, see Our World in Photos.
War in Middle East brings uncertainty and higher energy costs to already weakening US economy
A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse at the industrial area of Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. Photo: Altaf Qadri/AP
Although no one really knows how deeply the ripple effects of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran will impair the global economy, the Gulf kingdom of Qatar issued a dire warning on March 6 that reflects those concerns: “This will bring down the economies of the world,” Qatar’s energy minister said.
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For the Road
History in Action: The Center for Brooklyn History hosted the New York History Day contest, and 75 high school and junior high students won for their research on “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Read about the winning projects, which now go on to the statewide competition.
Happy Birthday to “Don’t Worry Be Happy” singer Bobby McFerrin!
On This Day in 1914, the Eagle reported: “Internal Revenue Collector William J. Maxwell was gratified today at the number of people who read his warning in yesterday’s Eagle, regarding faulty income tax calculations, and who appeared at his office today to correct the errors they had made.”
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