# Man Catches Fire at Penn Station

**A 67-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering severe burns in an incident at Manhattan's Penn Station.**  The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the cause of the fire, which occurred Friday night.  The victim sustained burns to his legs and upper body and was immediately hospitalized.

<img alt="Penn Station" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/i9u3K4jM3eD_gBjAmypC5g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD0zNjA7dz02NDA7c209MTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/nbcu_713/62874d695bae5dcdbc51b99a4c5df996" width="640" height="360">

The NYPD's investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.



The New York Police Department is investigating how a man caught fire at Manhattan's Penn Station. According to the NYPD, a 67-year-old man was on fire on Friday night, and suffered burns to his legs and upper parts of his body. He was hospitalized with severe injuries and listed in critical condition. NBC News' George Solis has the details.

Critical Condition: Man Catches Fire at Penn Station!

# Ha's Snack Bar: A Culinary Fusion Sensation in NYC

![Ha's Snack Bar Exterior](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/03/12/multimedia/12rest-has1-wglm/11rest-has1-wglm-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)

Ha's Snack Bar, a **NYT Critic's Pick**, is taking the Lower East Side by storm with its unique blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine.  Chefs Sadie Mae Burns-Ha and Anthony Ha create a **rotating menu** of **innovative dishes** that are both **freewheeling and precise**. 

## A Taste of Heaven

Imagine **tamarind-butter snails** that perfectly balance richness and tang, or a **bruléed coconut bread pudding** with a perfectly scorched top and a bouncy crumb.  These aren't just dishes; they're **culinary experiences**. 

![Tamarind Butter Snails](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/03/12/multimedia/12rest-has2-kjgm/11rest-has2-kjgm-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)

## From Pop-up to Packed House

The duo gained a loyal following with their pop-up, Ha's Đặc Biệt, before opening the Snack Bar.  Despite minimal self-promotion, the tiny restaurant, with its charming bistro ambiance and surprisingly limited kitchen space (featuring a Wawa oven!), is always packed.  

![Ha's Snack Bar Kitchen](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/03/12/multimedia/12rest-has3-zlpb/11rest-has3-zlpb-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)

## What's Next?

While the Snack Bar is a hit, it's merely a stepping stone.  The chefs plan to open a larger, more ambitious restaurant nearby, offering a more casual menu with wine bar fare.  This current location is just a taste of what's to come!

**Address:** 297 Broome Street, Lower East Side
**Phone:** No phone

Ha’s Snack Bar plans to scale up in size and ambition, but it’s already turning heads with its freewheeling takes on French and Vietnamese flavors.

NYC's Hottest New Restaurant: Ha's Snack Bar is a Culinary Masterpiece!

# Iranian Plot to Assassinate Journalist in NYC Goes to Trial

The trial of Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, two members of an Eastern European criminal organization, began this week in a New York City federal court.  They are accused of plotting to assassinate Iranian-born journalist **Masih Alinejad** at the behest of the Iranian government.

## The Alleged Plot

Prosecutors claim Amirov and Omarov acted as “hired guns” for Iran, aiming to silence Alinejad for her outspoken criticism of the regime.  Alinejad, a Voice of America contributor and prominent activist, has been a vocal critic of Iran's human rights abuses and its suppression of dissent.  The prosecution alleges the Iranian government offered **$500,000** for the assassination.

Key evidence includes the testimony of Khalid Mahdiyev, the alleged hitman, who was arrested with a loaded AK-47 near Alinejad's residence.  Mahdiyev's testimony is expected to be crucial to the prosecution's case.

## The Defense's Argument

Defense attorneys argue their clients are innocent and that the prosecution's evidence is circumstantial.  They plan to discredit Mahdiyev, describing him as a “murderer, kidnapper, arsonist, robber, extortionist, scammer, fraudster, and liar.” One attorney suggested Omarov was a “scam artist” who simply conned the Iranian government out of money, without any intention of carrying out the assassination.

## Alinejad's Testimony

Alinejad's testimony will be pivotal.  She is expected to detail her reasons for opposing the Iranian regime and the threats she has faced, including attempts to kidnap her and imprison her brother.  Her activism, particularly her encouragement of Iranian women to defy the hijab mandate, is cited as the reason for her becoming a target.

This trial is significant, highlighting the lengths to which some governments will go to silence dissent and exposing the alleged involvement of organized crime in international assassination attempts.


On trial on a murder-for-hire count and other charges are Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov in connection to a plot to assassinate Iran-born journalist Masih...

Iranian Plot to Assassinate Journalist in NYC Goes to Trial

# Meow Wolf's Immersive Art Destination Coming to NYC!

Meow Wolf, the renowned immersive art experience, is setting up its first East Coast location at Pier 17 in Manhattan's South Street Seaport!  Expect a mind-bending adventure opening in 2027 or 2028.

![Meow Wolf Las Vegas](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/03/11/multimedia/11meow-wolf-01-fhkg/11meow-wolf-01-fhkg-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)

## A New Level of Immersive Art

This New York City installation will be Meow Wolf's largest yet, spanning nearly 50,000 square feet!  The experience is designed to be highly interactive, making visitors feel like they're actually *inside* a video game, where their choices impact the environment. Think *Sleep No More* meets House of Yes – a truly unique experience.

![Interactive Meow Wolf Installation](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/03/11/multimedia/11meow-wolf-02-fhkg/11meow-wolf-02-fhkg-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)

## From Santa Fe to the Big Apple

Meow Wolf's journey began in 2008 as a small art collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Now, it's a global phenomenon, employing nearly 1,000 people across various locations.  Their New York project represents a massive investment, with nearly 500 artists and designers involved in creating this extraordinary experience. They are also partnering with Seaport Entertainment Group for this ambitious undertaking.

The project promises to be **remarkable**, **immersive**, and a **significant** addition to New York's already vibrant arts scene.  Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the world of Meow Wolf!


The Santa Fe, N.M., company has found success tapping into the experience economy and artistic psychedelia.

Meow Wolf's Psychedelic Art Experience Invades NYC!

# NYC Prison Guard Strike Ends: Over 2,000 Fired

After a 22-day illegal strike, **New York State** has fired over 2,000 prison guards for failing to return to work.  The strike, stemming from concerns over **high-profile inmate deaths** and **allegations of guard violence**, ended after a new deal was reached with the union. 

While the state declared the strike over, the number of returning guards fell short of the 85% target. Nevertheless, the state honored the deal's overtime provisions.  The **National Guard** will continue supporting prison operations, and an aggressive recruitment campaign is underway to fill the staffing shortage.

## Key Issues and Aftermath

The strike, which began on February 17th, prompted **Governor Kathy Hochul** to deploy the National Guard. Inmates reported deteriorating conditions during the walkout.  The situation is further complicated by ongoing investigations into inmate deaths, including one case with “probable cause to believe” that nine correctional officers were implicated.  The death of a 22-year-old man at a prison near Utica is under investigation by a special prosecutor, following a separate case where six guards were charged with murder in the death of another inmate.

The deal includes a 90-day suspension of a state law limiting solitary confinement.  Guards returning to work by the deadline would not face discipline. 

This situation underscores serious concerns about prison conditions, staffing shortages, and accountability within the **New York State correctional system.**



State says most prison guards returned to work after deal to end wildcat stoppage but holdouts were dismissed

NYC Prison Guard Strike Ends: Over 2,000 Fired After Illegal Walkout

# Crown Heights' Newest Luxury Apartments

A new rental building, **Mason Gray**, has opened in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.  The development, featuring 158 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, has transformed a previously vacant parking lot in the historic district. 

This exciting new development brings much-needed housing to a vibrant and growing neighborhood. While specific details on pricing and amenities are not yet available, the sheer scale of the project indicates a significant addition to the Crown Heights rental market.  The transformation of a previously underutilized space into upscale housing exemplifies current trends in urban development. 

[Image of Mason Gray building would go here]

This project is sure to have a significant impact on the Crown Heights neighborhood. While the details of pricing and specific amenities are not widely available yet,  its size alone speaks volumes about the area's evolving landscape and the growing demand for housing in the area.



Mason Gray, with 158 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, makes its debut in the Crown Heights historic district.

Luxury Brooklyn Apartments Rise From Former Parking Lot!

# NYC Prison Guard Strike: Over 2,000 Fired After Illegal Walkout

New York State officials fired over 2,000 prison guards for participating in a weekslong illegal strike.  The walkout, which began on February 17th, violated state law prohibiting strikes by public employees.  Although a new deal was reached over the weekend to end the strike, contingent on 85% of staff returning to work,  that target wasn't met, resulting in the mass terminations. 

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/03/1200/675/nyguards.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Correction officers in New York">

## Key Issues and Aftermath

The strike stemmed from guards' frustrations over working conditions.  **The state declared the strike over** after enough officers returned to work, but the firings left significant staffing shortages.  The National Guard continues to support prison operations.  The state's prison security staff has dropped to approximately 10,000 from 13,500 before the strike. 

**Commissioner Daniel Martuscello** stated that termination letters were sent to over 2,000 officers who didn't return by the deadline.  The new agreement includes a 90-day suspension of a law limiting solitary confinement, which the state will reassess.  Guards will now work 12-hour shifts. 

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/03/1200/675/strikeprison.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Striking prison guards">

## Related Incidents and Investigations

The strike coincided with several serious incidents: the death of 22-year-old inmate **Messiah Nantwi**, potentially caused by correctional officers, is under investigation, with 15 staffers on administrative leave.  A special prosecutor is also probing this case, along with the death of another inmate, **Jonathan Grant**, and the murder charges against six guards in a separate incident.  The conditions in the prisons deteriorated, causing inmates to complain.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/03/1200/675/nystrike.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Prison guards">

##  The Ongoing Impact

The strike highlights concerns about staffing levels, working conditions, and inmate safety within New York's prison system.  The aftermath is still unfolding, and the long-term consequences of the mass firings remain to be seen.  The state is actively recruiting to fill the vacancies.

New York officials fired more than 2,000 prison guards on Monday for not returning to work after a weekslong wildcat strike that was deemed illegal under state law.

NYC Prison Guard Strike Ends, Over 2,000 Fired!

# NYC Protest Erupts After Arrest of Palestinian Activist

On Monday, hundreds of protesters rallied in New York City demanding the release of **Mahmoud Khalil**, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, who was arrested by federal immigration agents.  A federal judge intervened, ordering Khalil to remain in the U.S. to preserve court jurisdiction while a challenge to his arrest is considered. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-03/250310-nyc-protest-mahmoud-khalil-ac-530p-4ee4d2.jpg" alt="Mahmoud Khalil protest">

## The Arrest and the Fallout

Khalil was arrested for allegedly supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.  Authorities said the arrest was in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism. However, Khalil's attorney, Amy Greer, stated that ICE was informed that Khalil is a permanent resident with a green card but detained him anyway.  The arrest sparked outrage, with the People’s Forum organizing a rally at Federal Plaza with chants like “**Free, free Palestine**” and “**ICE off our campus now**.”

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-03/250310-nyc-protest-mahmoud-khalil-ac-529p-0fc276.jpg" alt="Mahmoud Khalil protest nyc new york March 10, 2025">

## Accusations and Reactions

President Trump claimed this was the "first arrest of many to come," alleging pro-terrorist activity on college campuses nationwide.  No evidence was provided.  Columbia University issued a statement that law enforcement needs a judicial warrant to enter campus buildings.  The New York ACLU called the arrest a “**gross violation of his constitutional rights**,” and other groups echoed concerns about free speech violations. Khalil's wife, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, has been unable to visit him at an undisclosed detention facility, though the Department of Homeland Security website states he is being held at an immigration detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.  A petition with over 900,000 signatures demands his release.

## Ongoing Controversy

The incident highlights a complex debate about free speech, political activism, and the treatment of Palestinian advocates in the U.S.  The case is now a legal battle, and the protests signal the widespread concern and outrage surrounding Khalil's arrest and the implications for similar student activists.


As hundreds of demonstrators rallied in New York City on Monday to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a federal judge just steps away blocked the Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate's removal from the United States.

Critical Condition: Man Catches Fire at Penn Station!

Summary:

Man Catches Fire at Penn Station

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