Happy Monday — and so pleased that today, Juneteenth, is being marked for the first time ever as a paid New York City holiday. As Mayor Adams said yesterday: “Let’s remember the countless contributions of Black Americans to our nation and rededicate ourselves to building a more equitable nation.”

On Saturday, a two alarm fire at a five-story apartment building on 11th Avenue made all residents homeless. There was one minor injury, and a cat still missing. Read more…

Fire 11th Avenue

CEO and founder of Out Leadership and Hell’s Kitchen resident Todd Sears recalls a theater trip over 25 years ago to see Angels in America that changed the course of his life – and shares his West Side Story. Read more…

Todd Sears Hell's Kitchen

What we’ve been reading

Gov Hochul has put up $200m and waived regulations to get hotels converted to affordable housing. (Gothamist)

Over in Hoboken, they’ve not had a traffic death in four years! How’s that? (Curbed)

Having problems insuring pit bulls and other dog breeds? New York plans to unleash a law to help pet owners. (New York Times)

At the double… Mayor Adams wants NYPD officers to patrol solo again. (New York Post)

Internet Explorer, R.I.P. (Washington Post)

Freeze Frame

The Broadway League’s Juneteenth celebration honorees Leslie Uggams and Ben Vereen today at Duffy Square in Times Square taking in the music and the performances

Thanks to Christopher Murray for sending us this picture from yesterday of The Broadway League’s Juneteenth celebration honorees Leslie Uggams and Ben Vereen at Duffy Square in Times Square taking in the music and the performances.

Happy birthday to Cynthia Rhea, Peter Ungureanu and Matthew Currie.