NYC Mayor Encourages Reading Despite Winter Storm

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani recently urged residents to pick up the homoerotic hockey novel “The Rivals” during a press conference held in conjunction with the New York City Emergency Management Agency (NYCEM).

During the event, Mamdani discussed safety measures for New Yorkers as a significant storm approached the city over the weekend. He recommended that people stay indoors to avoid the inclement weather and suggested reading a popular romance novel about a secret relationship between rival hockey players. “It’s snowing heavily in our city, and I can’t think of a better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home and take a long nap or connect with their local library. Anyone with a library card can access ‘Heated Rivals’ for free as an e-book or audiobook,” he stated.

The book, authored by Canadian writer Rachel Reid, kicks off a six-book series called Game Changers. An adaptation titled “Heated Rivals” debuted in November 2025, expanding the reach of this emerging media franchise.

Mamdani’s recommendation came shortly after the New York Public Library announced that readers could instantly download any title from the Game Changers series through February 14. All that’s needed is a library card.

Meanwhile, the city faced tragic news as at least three homeless individuals were discovered dead in the snow on Saturday morning. This came after New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul declined an offer of federal assistance from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the aftermath of the relentless winter storm. Hochul stated her willingness to accept aid hinged on changes to existing immigration enforcement policies from the Trump administration, explicitly requesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “stand back.”