Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen, a Dallas MICHELIN Bib Gourmand winner, is opening a two-story East Village outpost at 85 2nd Ave with roughly 85 seats and a small bar.

A new Assembly bill would exempt pet food from New York sales tax; sponsors call it basic cost‑of‑living relief as pet expenses keep rising. Lawmakers in both chambers have introduced similar measures and fiscal questions remain.

Enrique Lerma and partners are planning a seafood-and-wine restaurant at 1614 Third Ave, the former Kaia space; Community Board 8 approved a liquor application and state sign-off is pending.

The Unification Church has a contract to sell its Midtown headquarters at 4 W. 43rd St. to an affiliate of Bentley Zhao’s New Empire, according to Crain’s. The move could clear the way for redevelopment near the Theater District.

Amit Forlit appeared in Manhattan federal court after extradition, pleading not guilty in a case alleging a global hack‑for‑hire scheme that targeted climate activists.

A Manhattan judge denied Bayer's bid to block Johnson & Johnson ads claiming Erleada halves the risk of death versus Nubeqa, leaving the Lanham Act suit to play out in court.

An 11th‑hour tentative deal between 32BJ and building owners averts a doorman strike as the contract deadline nears; membership ratification is next.

Police warn a jewelry-swapping scam is circulating on the Upper East Side. Keep chains and rings hidden and report suspicious approaches.

Ali Rashan admitted running a ClearMD testing scheme that prosecutors say billed insurers about $24 million. The plea sets up sentencing in September.

Bright red posters calling to "Boycott the Bezos Met Gala" have surfaced around Manhattan and Brooklyn, challenging the couple's role as lead sponsors.

The FBI is searching for former NYC volleyball coach Edgar Lazaro Castillo, accused of exploiting teen players over more than a decade; investigators are asking victims to come forward.

A 20,000‑sq‑ft Karbone lease at 605 Third Avenue — at about $120 per sq ft — marks new highs for renovated Third Avenue offices as availability tightens.

A Manhattan man has pleaded guilty in a Christmas Eve knife attack at Grand Central; prosecutors say sentencing is set for May 7, 2026.