Snapshot | Last Night of Chinese New Year
Thursday, February 17, 2011

One-thousand red lanterns hang at Market Street and Division Street in Chinatown to mark the final day of the two-week Chinese New Year celebration. (Stephen Nessen/ WNYC)
Genetic Mutation Protects Fish from Hudson PCBs, Says Researcher
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A newly isolated mutation has helped a species of bottom-feeding fish called the tomcod survive Hudson River pollution.
Budget Cuts to Child Care Biggest in Decades, Advocates Say
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's budget proposal includes cutting close to 17,000 child care subsidies for kids in low-income families in what child advocates call the single biggest cut to child care since the 1970s.
Massive Queens Drug Bust Results in 62 Arrests
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A sweeping drug bust in Queens Thursday morning resulted in 14 indictments and 48 arrests for charges of selling powder and crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other recreational drugs.
Hevesi Advisor Sentenced to Prison
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A longtime advisor to ex-New York state comptroller Alan Hevesi was sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison for his role in a kickback scheme involving the state's multibillion dollar pension fund.
In Budget Address, Bloomberg Says Cuts Loom for Teachers, Services
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, outlining his budget plan, said on Thursday that the city will eliminate more than 6,100 teaching positions.
Christie Blasts Bipartisan Beltway Evasion on Nation's Fiscal Fix
Thursday, February 17, 2011
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie blasted both President Barack Obama and incoming Republican House members for what he said was failing to lead the country courageously when its fiscal future remains mired in debt during a speech before the American Enterprise Institute on Wednesday.
Manhattan DA Announces Charges Against Alleged Street Gang
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance has announced Wednesday that 14 alleged members of the "137th Street Crew" gang have been indicted on charges including conspiracy to commit narcotics and weapons offenses. Others are charged with more serious crimes, including attempted murder and firearms possession.
Workers Set to Testify at Second Wal-Mart Hearing
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wal-Mart workers, former and current, will testify Thursday at the City Council's second and final hearing into the labor practices of of the retail giant, which is expected to get blasted by the employees following a fiery council meeting that drew protesters two weeks ago.
Some Greenwich Villagers Keep Hospital Hopes Alive
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
One-hundred residents lobbying for a restored hospital in the area met last night to discuss the St. Vincent's bankruptcy proceedings and consider various strategies in the wake of the medical center's closure 10 months ago.
Drink to This: New York City's Watershed Deal Will Continue
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
New Yorkers proud of their water supply, filtered only by upstate forests and meadows, can now look forward to another 15 years of quality H2O. Under an agreement between the city, state and federal EPA, a land acquisition program targeting private properties in the watershed area will continue.
Advocates Hope Crash Data Will Bolster Traffic Safety
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Police will be required to provide monthly reports of traffic accidents and summonses under a package of bills passed unanimously by the City Council Wednesday. The legislation requires the information to be searchable by precincts and even intersections.
Mapping Complaints: 311 Dials Up Its Web Presence
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Next time trash is overflowing on your block or snow remains unplowed, New Yorkers can check if anyone else has called in the same complaint with the city's new 311 map.
Coney Island Eight May Return for Another Summer
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The group of boardwalk businesses known as The Coney Island Eight that have been fighting the eviction notices they received last fall in court and may live to see another sun-soaked season.
New Chapter for Indie Bookstores as Megachains Close Up Shop
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Not long ago, it seemed as if mega-bookstores like Borders would keep expanding, driving out small, independent bookshops. But as the chain declared bankruptcy, it turns out there are still plenty of indies -- and a few new ones around.
NYU Fellow Quits After Tweets About CBS' Logan Assault
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A fellow at New York University resigned after he posted offensive tweets about CBS chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan as news broke of her assault in Egypt.
New Yorkers Hail Turkish Taxi as Frontrunner in Cab Contest
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Taxi and Limousine Commission is hoping to get New Yorkers into the driver's seat when it comes to redesigning the city's cabs.
Somali Pirate Gets More Than 33 Years in Prison
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Somali pirate who attacked the Maersk Alabama cargo ship off the coast of Africa in 2009 was sentenced to 33 years and nine months in prison in federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday.
Rangel Files Paperwork for 2012 Re-election Bid
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Congressman Charles Rangel plans to run for re-election in 2012 despite his conviction on House ethics charges.
Regents Mulls Raising Graduation Standards
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The New York State Board of Regents wants to raise high school graduation standards to ensure that students are ready for college and work.