MSG may have to pack its bags and make room for Penn Station renovations... in five years.
Happening in the World: France, Germany, and the UK announced they would keep sanctions that were due to be lifted next week on Iran. The three countries allege that Iran stored uranium—often used to make explosives—to eventually sell to Russia. The US, UK, France, China, Russia, Germany, and Iran entered a deal in which Iran agreed to limit nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions eight years later. The US pulled out of the pact in 2018; Russia and China will not have to adhere to the deal if they do not place sanctions by October 18. (BBC)
Happening in the US: Tens of thousands of United Automobile Workers (UAW) union members in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri went on strike against General Motors, Ford Motors, and Stellantis Friday. UAW and the companies did not reach a bargaining agreement when the contract expired on Thursday. The union is asking for a 40% increase in wage over four years, the same percentage by which executives’ packages have increased over four years, in addition to shorter work weeks and wage increases that correspond to the increasing cost-of-living. (NYT)
Happening in NYC: On Thursday, City Council implemented a five-year extension of Madison Square Garden’s permit to utilize the space above Penn Station; the Council enforced half of the Department of City Planning’s ten-year extension recommendation. The action comes after the MTA has decided to renovate Penn Station and after officials have called for Eighth Avenue to be made into a public space. This is the shortest permit extension that Madison Square Garden has received since its opening in 1963. (Gothamist)
Happening in Our Community: The BIPOC Climate Justice Dialogue will take place at The Forum from 1 pm to 6 pm on Friday. The discussions, centered on strategies for climate justice for disadvantaged communities, will include BIPOC climate justice leaders, federal agency representatives, and Administration representatives. Register for the event hosted by the HBCU Green Fund, Donors of Color, Columbia World Projects, and Columbia University Climate School.
MSG via Wikimedia Commons.