
CITYWIDE — AS SNOW PILED UP across the five boroughs, Mayor Zohran Mamdani offered residents a bold, weatherproof plan: stay home, nap aggressively and read “Heated Rivalry,” a popular queer romance novel recently converted into a TV show on HBO Max, according to Hollywood Reporter.
During a Sunday press conference on the storm, Mamdani suggested New Yorkers take advantage of the New York Public Library’s surprise gift of instant access to all the “Heated Rivalry” books with no wait times.
“The snow is coming down heavily across our city, and I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap or take advantage of our public library’s offer of free access to ‘Heated Rivalry’ on e-book or audiobook for anyone with a library card,” Mamdani said.
The comment earned laughs from nearby staffers who, judging by the reaction, either know “Heated Rivalry” very well or now urgently plan to.
The limited-time library free-for-all runs through Feb. 14. “Heated Rivalry” is especially popular among Gen Z and the TV show inspired professional hockey player Jesse Kortuem to come out.
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.