by Betsy L. Mead (courtesy NearSay New York)

••• Union protesters set up an inflatable bedbug (instead of the same-old rat) outside the Hilton Garden Inn: “The protesters voiced concerns over the safety of hotel guests, as they remarked that non-union workers, who are paid less than their unionized-counterparts, can often be careless and unprofessional when working. […] ‘Often, they’re working on the same floor as guests,’ [said one protester.] What if they leave a screwdriver around and you step on the screwdriver?’” Chuckle! The bedbug is kind of brilliant, though. (NearSay)

••• DNAinfo visits with the Brooklyn-via-Australia couple who founded the non-denominational Liberty Church, which launches weekly services this Sunday at Tribeca Cinemas.

••• “Wichcraft just rolled out a slew of new menu items including some seasonal salads (shrimp and chorizo, chicken with walnuts) and sandwiches (potato leek frittata, mozzarella with butternut squash).” (Eater)

••• “A man pulled a knife on an acquaintance last week at Keg no. 229 on Front Street.” (DNAinfo)