The last remaining elevated train line in Manhattan closes

The Third Avenue El opened in 1878 and was operated by an independent company, the New York Elevated Railway Company, and ran from South Ferry in Manhattan through the Bronx. Although the Manhattan portion closed in 1955, the elevated train would still run from 149th to Gun Hill Road in the Bronx as the '8' Train until April 1973.

The Brooklyn Grays hold their first baseball game

They played at Washington Park at 3rd Street and Fourth Avenue in Park Slope. After being known as the Grays, the Bridegrooms, and the Superbas, by 1895 the team would be nicknamed the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers and by 1913 the name would officially stick as the team was renamed the Brooklyn Dodgers. After a storied history in Brooklyn, the team's majority owner, Walter O'Malley, fought with the city to attain a new stadium site in Brooklyn, but instead moved the team to Los Angeles, with the final Brooklyn game played in 1957.

Two potential terrorists are arrested after acquiring weapons and expressing interest to attack city religious sites and the Empire State Building

It began when Ahmed Ferhani was arrested on a robbery charge and a detective overheard him espousing views on the treatment of Muslims across the world and his desire to participate in jihad. His statements led the NYPD to conduct an undercover investigation, befriending Ferhani and arresting him and an accomplice, Mohamed Mamdouh, when Ferhani accepted firearms and an inert grenade that the NYPD provided to him.

The final piece of 1WTC's spire is put into place, taking it to its final height of 1,776 feet

A rivalry between Shakespearean actors fuels the Astor Place Riot at the Astor Opera House results in 120 injuries and the deaths of 25 people

One actor was American and one was British, which stoked Revolutionary War sentiments, and the conflict would end with the largest number of civilian casualties since the Revolutionary War. As many as 10,000 people lined the streets as the performance began, and the American actor's fans sought to disrupt the British actor's performance. After losing control of the crowd, law enforcement called in the militia, who fired into the air and then into the crowd, killing both bystanders and rioters. In response to the killings, a crowd of thousands met the next night in City Hall Park and marched north to Astor Place to challenge the police, but law enforcement was better prepared and the confrontation stayed under control.

A Staten Island ferry strikes the dock at St. George Terminal, S.I., injuring 37

The crash came after engine problems caused reverse thrusters to malfunction and the ferry could not stop as it approached the dock.

The ferry involved in the crash, the Andrew J. Barberi, had only recently re-entered service after being involved in a fatal crash in October 2003.

The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is held in Manhattan

It was named for the Westminster Hotel at Irving Place where the dog owners met and was held at the first venue to carry the "Madison Square Garden" name at the corner of 26th Street and Madison Avenue. The Westminster show holds the title for the second-longest continuously-held sports event in the United States, with the Kentucky Derby being older by only two years. In modern day, the Westminster show takes place in February at Madison Square Garden, with as many as 2,800 dogs competing in seven groups and one Best In Show winner being crowned.

The RMS Lusitania sinks after being hit with a German torpedo

The ship sank off the coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 and leaving 761 survivors, after leaving New York six days earlier from Pier 54.

New York state passes the Municipal Police Act, establishing the NYPD

Debate over who would appoint the officers delayed the process until a year later.

A Norwegian freighter and Staten Island ferry collide in dense fog, injuring 71 of the 2,400 passengers

The M/V Høegh Orchid freighter was en route to Brooklyn when it impacted Staten Island ferry American Legion II just after 7am as it was traveling from S.I. to Manhattan. The NTSB found heavy fog and failure to properly communicate as the contributing factors.

National Air Flight 91 is hijacked from LaGuardia en route to Miami and forced to fly to Cuba

The first performance is held at a newly-constructed music hall on 57th Street that would later be renamed Carnegie Hall

Although only initially named "Music Hall", board members for the performance space convinced Carnegie to allow the building to be named after him two years after opening since he funded its construction. For the grand opening performance, Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky served as a special guest conductor.

The first Grammy Awards are held in a simultaneous ceremony in New York and Beverly Hills, California

In New York, the event took place in the Park Sheraton Hotel at 870 Seventh Ave, just south of Central Park.

'The Fantasticks' premiers at Sullivan Street Playhouse

It would go on to become the longest-running musical with 42 years and 17,162 performances.

Joe DiMaggio makes his major league debut

He played center field for the New York Yankees.

NYPD officer Brian Moore is shot and killed while on duty in Hollis, Queens

He and his partner had asked a suspicious man to stop, but the man drew a gun and fired at least two rounds, one which struck Brian in the head. He died in hospital two days later. The shooter was found guilty on multiple counts and received life in prison with no possibility of parole.

The NYC Ferry system begins operation

The first routes are with the East River and Rockaway routes.

Crowds gather in Times Square and near Ground Zero after President Obama announces to the nation that Osama bin Laden has been killed

Television crews and crowds flocked to the sites to celebrate the death of the man considered the mastermind of the September 11th attacks.

Terrorist attempts a failed Times Square car bombing at West 45th and Broadway

Two street vendors noticed the vehicle emitting smoke and alerted the police, which led to a massive response and the closing of Times Square while the bomb squad evaluated the vehicle. Officials described the bomb as being in the process of detonating, but it failed at some point, leaving the various explosives contained in the vehicle unexploded. The attempte bomber, Faisal Shahzad, was taken into custody two days later at JFK Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.

A woman jumps to her death from the Empire State Building observation deck

A spate of suicides throughout 1947 would prompt the installation of a mesh safety fence around the observation deck.

The Empire State Building officially opens for business

It became the tallest building in the world until the completion of the World Trade Center's North Tower over 40 years later. Led by former New York state governor Alfred E. Smith, construction began on March 17, 1930 on the site where the Waldorf Astoria once stood. 410 days later, the 102-story building was finished. Compare this to the 615 day construction time for the Chrysler Building, which had opened the previous year. At the ribbon-cutting, a ceremonial lighting of the lobby lights was performed by President Hoover via telegraph from the White House in Washington D.C., with the President stating that the building "must long remain one of the outstanding glories of a great city." Back in 2016, the building lit up like a birthday candle to celebrate its 85th anniversary, but there isn't always such a celebration with special lighting.

Did you know? On a clear day from the top of the ESB, you can see New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The first New York World's Fair opens at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Over a year and a half, 44.9 million people would attend the fair.

George Washington is inaugurated as the first U.S. President at Federal Hall on Wall Street

New York City was the capital city of the U.S. until 1790, when the government moved to Philadelphia. The original building at Federal Hall was torn down in 1812, and the current one was built in 1842 and features a bronze statue of George Washington that was unveiled in 1883. The inauguration came just days after George Washington had moved into the first Presidential Mansion, the Samuel Osgood House near the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Washington lived in the Osgood House until February 1790 when he moved to the larger Alexander Macomb House in Lower Manhattan. Both the first and second presidential mansions have since been demolished.

The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge opens to traffic

'Pennsylvania 6-5000' is first recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra

The song would become a jazz standard and make one of New York's phone numbers internationally known. The title references the style of using a word to remember a phone number's first digits, with the PE from 'Pennsylvania' representing numbers beginning 73 in the area around Penn Station. Combined with Manhattan's area code, the number is 212-736-5000, which will still to this day connect you to the Hotel Pennsylvania!

Here's the Ithaca High School Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Bill Makin performing Pennsylvania 6-5000 for their winter concert in 2016:

The first animated electric sign debuts along Broadway

The sign featured 2,000 light bulbs that depicted a cartoon scene, similar to how later neon signs would light up figures in sequence to show movement.

One of the year's best-selling artists are set to appear at the Macy's parade, but their name may be unfamiliar to American ears. Aespa is a four-member K-pop group formed by SM Entertainment in South Korea who have released a small number of massively popular songs over the past year.

Even though the group debuted during a global pandemic and only just passed their one year anniversary, Aespa gathered an unprecedented amount of attention online with two mega hits, "Black Mamba" and "Next Level", each with nearly 200 million views on Youtube. Their latest album "Savage" hit #1 on the Billboard World Albums chart and the South Korean Gaon chart and sold half a million copies within 15 days after its release.

Aespa will appear on the "Her Future is STEM-Sational" float by beauty brand Olay, but they are not scheduled to perform. In 2019, labelmates NCT 127 became the first Korean act to appear and perform in the parade.

Catch Karina, Giselle, Winter, and NingNing at the parade on Thursday, November 25th on NBC stations.

Bonus

Aespa is actually part of a sci-fi storyline called the SM Culture Universe where they are fighting a force that is trying to break their connection with four matching digital avatars who live in a virtual world. There are big plans for the storytelling universe, but so far the story has mainly shown up as references like a black mamba appearing in multiple music videos 🤷

Update

Watch new footage below as Aespa makes an appearance in Midtown and rehearses "Savage" outside Macy's — Looks like they may perform after all!

Incoming governor Kathy Hochul will take the oath of office on August 24th

After six years as lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul will serve out the remainder of Cuomo's term and intends to seek election as the 2022 gubernatorial candidate. The NY Daily News lays out the statewide challenges Hochul will face after taking office and CBS New York has details on some NYC names being considered for Hochul's Lieutenant Governor.

Given the quarreling between Cuomo and Mayor De Blasio, it's at least some solace to the city that Hochul has explicitly stated that she will work to cooperate with city officials: "You have smart people, I have smart people. How about doing it together and not in competition?"

Vaccination or testing required at Northwell Health

Beginning August 16th, all workers at NY's largest private employer will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or take weekly tests — ABC7

The health care provider has 77% of their workforce already vaccinated, but those opting out of vaccination will need to show weekly negative tests or face disciplinary action, including possible termination.

Many businesses have instituted vaccine requirements ahead of the city's "Key to NYC" program, which will begin requiring proof of vaccination for indoor services and events beginning August 17, with full enforcement beginning next month.

Learn more about coronavirus protection and Northwell's safety procedures

NYC Homecoming Week begins with concerts and events citywide

The city's planned Homecoming Week to celebrate the return of NYC culture begins this week, but it's not all Soul Sonic Force and C&C Music Factory concerts — You can also picnic in Bryant Park, play around at the Museum of Mathematics and even participate in events online.

Text messages are being sent to New York phone numbers falsely claiming that you need to visit a fake Department of Motor Vehicles website.

The message has at least two variations asking for your personal details, including one that mentions the Real ID program specifically. The website address included in the messages (nydmv.link) has been taken down, but more messages may continue to be sent with a new website. Always double-check any notifications you receive and visit the official DMV website, which is a .gov address.

The scam attempts to gather information by referencing the Real ID act, which will eventually change how drivers licenses are issued, but changes have been postponed until October 2021, and the Real ID process must be done in-person at a DMV office.

If you have entered any information into a scam site, realize that you are not alone. Follow the identity theft recovery steps from the FTC and carefully check your financial documents in the future, including your free annual credit report, which can even now be requested once a week during the coronavirus crisis.

Long Island City / Astoria, Queens
🛏 2 bed  🛁 1 bath
$2,250 per month

If you thought you needed to move to the suburbs for gated-community living, then park that moving truck and take a look at this private 2-bed right here in eastern Queens!

This rare find is the top unit in a townhouse development where the owner lives on the first floor. The community of townhouses is on a gated loop separated from the main road by a strip of businesses. If you're a driver, you can even add on a parking place for an extra $150 per month.

The apartment's layout gives you both a dining room and living room on one side of the home, connected to a newly-renovated kitchen with a pass-through window and bar area. Both of the rear bedrooms have built-in closets, with a very deep walk-in closet in the living room area.

Living near the LIC/Astoria border gives you quick access to Manhattan with the ability to enjoy quiet nights outside of the busy city.

For more information and to schedule a tour, contact Kelt Sering, the owner of the property who lives on-premises.

Get transit directions ↗️

What's nearby:

• Socrates Sculpture Park


• Long Island City High School


• Queensview Playground


• Broadway N/W Train


• Synergy Fitness Clubs


• 36th Avenue N/W station


• Citiview Gym


• Astoria Health Playground


• Sohmer and Company Piano Factory

Disclaimer: A Great Big City has no relationship with this property or brokerage and it is your responsibility to verify the property's accuracy. Be aware of housing scams and work with a reputable real estate brokerage when searching for a new home.

2114 Daly Avenue, West Farms, Bronx
🛏 1 bed  🛁 1 bath
$1,425 per month

If you get tired of the decorative wood floors and large windows in this rental, then step outside and you'll find a bit of nature!

Down the street from Daly Avenue is Vidalia Park, but a truly wild part of town starts just to the north, where the Bronx Zoo begins! Your new neighbors in the Zoo will be the giraffes, so even if things get wild, there won't be any roaring lions interrupting your sleep. 🦒

Inside your new place, the classic black-and-white checkered tile bathroom has a full bathtub and the bedroom has a built-in closet. The wood floors continue into the living room, with a detailed pattern along the edges. The separate kitchen has white tile floors and open space that you can customize to fit your life, whether it's extra shelving or a small breakfast nook. All the rooms have large windows facing the courtyard, bringing in bright light and a view of the trees, without leaving you staring at a brick wall or a ventilation shaft.

For more information and to schedule a tour, contact Mark Glick at G Y B Realty

Get transit directions ↗️

What's nearby:

• Bronx Zoo
• Vidalia Park
• 180&Southern Blvd
• West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue station
• River Park
• East 180th Street station
• West Farms Park

Disclaimer: A Great Big City has no relationship with this property or brokerage and it is your responsibility to verify the property's accuracy. Be aware of housing scams and work with a reputable real estate brokerage when searching for a new home.

Ocean Hill, Brooklyn
🛏 1 bed  🛁 1 bath
$1,795 per month

If it's time to find your own place, take advantage of pandemic price drops at this brand new building in middle of Brooklyn!

2175 Bergen Street sits at the intersection of multiple neighborhoods, with Crown Heights, Weeksville, and Broadway Junction surrounding the area. The building itself was built in 2020 and only recently opened, part of redevelopment adding more residential housing to this previously industrial part of Ocean Hill.

The real stunner are the interior finishes — You'll be living in new construction with clean, new appliances, all for a bargain-basement price! The modern kitchen has a black and silver color scheme that contrasts nicely with the light wooden floors and bright white walls. All of the apartment is brightly lit with floor-to-ceiling windows, and since this building is one of the tallest in the area, light streams in during the entire day. And you won't need to block those windows with a window A/C unit! There is a split A/C unit already installed that works with a thermostat.

As a bonus, the building includes amenities for residents, including on-site laundry, a gym, a courtyard, bike storage, and a virtual door attendant able to accept packages.

For more information and to schedule a tour, contact Daniel Nadew at Doorway NYC

• Eastern Park


• Ocean Hill Playground


• Rockaway Avenue A/C Train station


• Planet Fitness


• Atlantic Avenue L Train station


• Callahan Kelly Playground


• Broadway Junction A/C / L / J/Z Train station


• Boyland Park (Furman&Broadway)


• Trey Whitfield School


• Richies's Gym

Disclaimer: A Great Big City has no relationship with this property or brokerage and it is your responsibility to verify the property's accuracy. Be aware of housing scams and work with a reputable real estate brokerage when searching for a new home.

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman 🗽

Welcome to the AGBC News podcast! Listen below, learn more on our podcast page, and be sure to subscribe 👍

Visit agreatbigcity.com/support to learn how to support New York City local news and allow us to keep bringing you this podcast. If you are a New York-based business and would be interested in sponsoring our podcasts, visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

• 93 years ago on June 26, 1927 — The Coney Island Cyclone wooden roller coaster opens to the public

• 51 years ago on June 28, 1969 — Tensions between police and the gay community boil over into a revolt during an overnight raid on the Stonewall Inn




• 37 years ago on June 28, 1983 — Eight men are arrested in a $1.5 million gold heist




• 3 years ago on June 30, 2017 — A doctor opens fire at Bronx-Lebanon hospital, killing one and wounding six




• 21 years ago on July 1, 1999 — Area code 646 launches in Manhattan to supplement 212 and 917 numbers




• 34 years ago on July 3, 1986 — The opening ceremony of Liberty Weekend begins four days of celebrations around the Statue of Liberty's 100th anniversary and reopening after an extensive renovation

• 4 years ago on July 3, 2016 — A tourist steps on an explosive device in Central Park — If you have any information or photos from that day, contact NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477), via text message at CRIMES (274637), or via online form.




• 2 years ago on July 4, 2018 — A woman climbs the Statue of Liberty pedestal, causing Liberty Island to be evacuated and canceling many midday Fourth of July tours




• AGBC history:




• 3 years ago — Would $123 Convince You to Bike to Work? — Wednesday, June 28




• 8 years ago — The NYPD's Newest Helicopter Focuses on Spotting Terrorism — Friday, June 29




• 8 years ago — Occupy Wall Street - June 28th, 6PM — Friday, June 29




• 9 years ago — Blimp Race on the Hudson — Monday, July 4




• 1 year ago — A Great Big City Will No Longer Publish to Facebook — Friday, July 5




• 9 years ago — Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus detected in New York City — Thursday, July 7

A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

AGBC is more than just a news website: Every evening, just before sundown, A Great Big City checks the Empire State Building's lighting schedule and sends out a notification if the tower's lighting will be lit in special colors for a holiday or celebration. Follow @agreatbigcity on social media to receive the alerts.

Park of the day

• Mullaly Park — 1015 RIVER AVENUE, the Bronx — 15 acre park in West Concourse, Bronx, named for newspaperman John Mullaly, who also helped found the New York Park Association in 1881.

Today's fact about New York

Here's something you may not have known about New York:

• There is a birth in New York City every 4.4 minutes

Weather

The extreme highs and lows for this week in weather history:

Record High: 103°F on July 3, 1966

Record Low: 52°F on June 29, 1888

• AGBC Weather


• Weather.gov forecast

Thanks for listening to A Great Big City. Follow along 24 hours a day on social media @agreatbigcity or email contact@agreatbigcity.com with any news, feedback, or topic suggestions. Subscribe to AGBC News wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, or Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Overcast, or listen to each episode on the podcast pages at agreatbigcity.com/podcast. If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening and visit our podcast site to see show notes and extra links for each episode.

Intro and outro music: 'Start the Day' by Lee Rosevere — Concert Calendar music from Jukedeck.com

Not everything is as it seems 💰

Welcome to the AGBC News podcast! Listen below, learn more on our podcast page, and be sure to subscribe 👍

Visit agreatbigcity.com/support to learn how to support New York City local news and allow us to keep bringing you this podcast. If you are a New York-based business and would be interested in sponsoring our podcasts, visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

• 123 years ago on June 15, 1897 — A fire sweeps through Ellis Island's wood buildings




• 136 years ago on June 16, 1884 — America's first roller coaster opens in Coney Island




• 72 years ago on June 16, 1948 — Australian adventurer Ben Carlin and his wife Elinore launch their amphibious jeep into New York Bay in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe




• 67 years ago on June 22, 1953 — The Hollow Nickel Case




• 45 years ago on June 24, 1975 — Eastern Air Flight 66 crashes on approach at JFK Airport, killing 113 people




• 101 years ago on June 26, 1919 — The first issue of the Illustrated Daily News is published, which would become the modern-day New York Daily News




• Manhattanhenge Photography Tips and Viewing Locations

A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

AGBC is more than just a news website: It also automatically checks MTA data before morning rush hour and sends out notifications if there are delays on any subway lines, LIRR or MetroNorth trains, and bridges and tunnels. Follow @agreatbigcity on social media to receive the alerts.

Park of the day

• Michel Triangle — Clay Av bet. E 171 St and Claremont Pkwy, the Bronx — Michel Triangle is bounded by Clay Avenue, Webster Avenue, and East 165th Street. The road that is now Clay Avenue, between 164th and 167th Streets, was part of the old General Staats Morris' racetrack that had been laid out in 1750 and survived through the mid-1800s.

Did you know?

Here's something you may not have known about New York:

• The largest class of Staten Island Ferry can carry 6,000 passengers

Weather

The extreme highs and lows for this week in weather history:

Record High: 98°F on June 19, 1994

Record Low: 48°F on June 18, 1950

Weather for the week ahead:

Possible light rain on Sunday and Tuesday.

• AGBC Weather


• Weather.gov forecast

Thanks for listening to A Great Big City. Follow along 24 hours a day on social media @agreatbigcity or email contact@agreatbigcity.com with any news, feedback, or topic suggestions. Subscribe to AGBC News wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, or Overcast, TuneIn Radio, RadioPublic, or listen to each episode on the podcast pages at agreatbigcity.com/podcast. If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening and visit our podcast site to see show notes and extra links for each episode.

Intro and outro music: 'Start the Day' by Lee Rosevere — Manhattanhenge music: Anonymous420

Coming up on Tuesday, April 28th, the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will fly over New York to honor "COVID-19 responders and essential workers".

The 12 aircraft will begin their flyover performance at noon, with further details on their flight plan to be released the day before the performance. To counteract people traveling to parks or open areas to watch the flights, the press release suggests that the performance will be visible across both NYC and Newark, so even if you're snuggled away in your apartment, be aware that you may hear the sky rip open as fighter jets visit your neighborhood skies.

The performance will bring some of the spirit of Fleet Week to the city, which typically takes place during this time of year, but all 2020 Fleet Week events and exhibitions have been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

After the NY/NJ flyover, the group will depart for Trenton for a 1:45pm performance and then Philadelphia at 2pm.

Update

Here are some photos and video as the planes circled the city:

The Blue Angels just flew past One World Trade Center on live TV in honor of front line workers. Awesome moment. #abc7NY pic.twitter.com/eyBMVhlbOB

— Derick Waller (@wallerABC7) April 28, 2020

And there goes the @BlueAngels and @AFThunderbirds in #InThisTogether flyover over Downtown Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/2ZKO7r6pzF

— Jason Rabinowitz (@AirlineFlyer) April 28, 2020

Here's a better one, from directly underneath pic.twitter.com/3azlCwOoeK

— Steve Burns (@StvBurns) April 28, 2020

There's no social distancing in a tram car 🚡

Welcome to the AGBC News podcast! Listen below, learn more on our podcast page, and be sure to subscribe 👍

Visit agreatbigcity.com/support to learn how to support New York City local news and allow us to keep bringing you this podcast. If you are a New York-based business and would be interested in sponsoring our podcasts, visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

• [Coronavirus monologue — 7 northeast states form a joint committee to evaluate ending social distancing]




• 116 years ago on April 8, 1904 — Longacre Square is renamed 'Times Square'




• 107 years ago on April 9, 1913 — The first game is played at Ebbets Field




• 154 years ago on April 10, 1866 — The ASPCA is founded in New York City, becoming the oldest animal welfare organization in the United States




• 59 years ago on April 11, 1961 — Bob Dylan plays in Greenwich Village for the first time




• 115 years ago on April 12, 1905 — The Hippodrome Theatre opens




• 103 years ago on April 12, 1917 — The Bijou Theatre opens on 45th Street at Broadway




• 38 years ago on April 12, 1982 — Three CBS employees are killed after encountering a gunman abducting a woman on the top of the Pier 92 parking garage




• 17 years ago on April 13, 2003 — Subway tokens are phased out and replaced by the MetroCard




• 2 years ago on April 14, 2018 — David Buckel, a prominent gay rights lawyer and environmental advocate, sets himself on fire in Prospect Park




• 9 years ago on April 16, 2011 — Area code 929 enters service




• 1 year ago on April 17, 2019 — A man was taken into custody after attempting to enter St. Patrick's Cathedral with cans of gasoline




• 14 years ago on April 18, 2006 — Roosevelt Island Tram suffers mechanical problems, trapping 69 people in two tram cars in the air for seven hours

A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

AGBC is more than just a news website: Every evening, just before sundown, A Great Big City checks the Empire State Building's lighting schedule and sends out a notification if the tower's lighting will be lit in special colors for a holiday or celebration. Follow @agreatbigcity on social media to receive the alerts.

Park of the day

• Ionia Avenue Forest — A very densely-forested triangle at the southern end of Staten Island

New York Fact

Here's something you may not have known about New York:

• NYCHA, the New York City Housing Authority, oversees 325 housing developments citywide comprised of 2,418 buildings that house 400,000 New Yorkers

Weather

The extreme highs and lows for this week in weather history:

Record High: 92°F on April 16, 2002

Record Low: 22°F on April 12, 1874

• AGBC Weather


• Weather.gov forecast

Thanks for listening to A Great Big City. Follow along 24 hours a day on social media @agreatbigcity or email contact@agreatbigcity.com with any news, feedback, or topic suggestions. Subscribe to AGBC News wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, or RadioPublic, TuneIn Radio, Player FM, or listen to each episode on the podcast pages at agreatbigcity.com/podcast. If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening and visit our podcast site to see show notes and extra links for each episode.

Intro and outro music: 'Start the Day' by Lee Rosevere — Concert Calendar music from Jukedeck.com

How will the city be changed once the virus is gone? 🏙

Welcome to the AGBC News podcast! Listen below, learn more on our podcast page, and be sure to subscribe 👍

Visit agreatbigcity.com/support to learn how to support New York City local news and allow us to keep bringing you this podcast. If you are a New York-based business and would be interested in sponsoring our podcasts, visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

• [Coronavirus monologue — How will the city be changed once the virus is gone?]




• 69 years ago on March 29, 1951 — The 'Mad Bomber' begins his largest streak of attacks, planting a series of explosive devices in public spaces across New York




• 111 years ago on March 30, 1909 — The Queensboro Bridge opens to traffic




• April 1 in History: Greenwich Village Chase after Bleecker Street Armed Robbery




• March 24 in History: Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Rapid Transit System on "Tunnel Day"




• 5 years ago on April 2, 2015 — Two women are arrested in Jamaica, Queens for planning terrorist bombings




• 161 years ago on April 4, 1859 — The Civil War anthem 'Dixie' debuts in New York as part of a blackface minstrel show




• 87 years ago on April 4, 1933 — The USS Akron, one of history's largest airships, crashes into the ocean off the coast of New Jersey, killing 73 and leaving three survivors

  




• 53 years ago on April 4, 1967 — Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a speech at Riverside Church in Morningside Heights titled "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" — Hear the full audio of the speech.




• 47 years ago on April 4, 1973 — The twin towers of the World Trade Center officially open, becoming the tallest buildings in the world ☮️

A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

AGBC is more than just a news website: Every evening, just before sundown, A Great Big City checks the Empire State Building's lighting schedule and sends out a notification if the tower's lighting will be lit in special colors for a holiday or celebration. Follow @agreatbigcity on social media to receive the alerts.

Park of the day

• Haffen Park — 1750 BURKE AVENUE, the Bronx — Named after Louis F. Haffen, first Borough President of the Bronx. In 1996 Haffen Park received new modular play equipment (including slides, clatter bridges, and ladders), safety surfacing and paving. In 2006, a $1.2 million reconstruction project included the installation of a new synthetic turf field for both baseball and soccer, and a refurbished ballfield fence.

Did you know?

Here's something you may not have known about New York:

• You can take a free training course from the Department of Health to learn the right words to say to someone suffering with mental distress or substance abuse

Weather

The extreme highs and lows for this week in weather history:

Record High: 86°F on March 29, 1945

Record Low: 10°F on March 29, 1923

Weather for the week ahead:

Light rain throughout the week.

• AGBC Weather


• Weather.gov forecast

Thanks for listening to A Great Big City. Follow along 24 hours a day on social media @agreatbigcity or email contact@agreatbigcity.com with any news, feedback, or topic suggestions. Subscribe to AGBC News wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, or Player FM, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, or listen to each episode on the podcast pages at agreatbigcity.com/podcast. If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening and visit our podcast site to see show notes and extra links for each episode.

Intro and outro music: 'Start the Day' by Lee Rosevere — Concert Calendar music from Jukedeck.com

The coronavirus has thrown the calendar into chaos, and Caro Fidel, a poll worker for the Brooklyn Board of Elections, is sounding the alarm on an impending deadline for changing the date of the upcoming election that could result in poll workers being put in danger. — Editor

We're going through a lot (understatement) and it's hard to focus on anything right now. But for the next 24 hours, I need you to focus on this.

I'm sure you have read countless posts and seen the videos from elected officials in all branches of government about how we failed to properly prepare for this virus. We can prevent at least one failure by fighting for New York to adopt mail-in ballots.

I'm a poll worker and poll site coordinator in Brooklyn. Otherwise, I'm a freelance artist. The only upcoming income I have is after working this election. I would rather give that up for the safety of my fellow poll workers, the voters, and the rest of NY.

Thousands of poll workers are elderly. It's a 17 hour day. We arrive at 5AM in order to open the polls by 6AM. When the polls close at 9PM, we stay until at least 10PM uploading election results and cleaning the poll site. Imagine the state of our immune system throughout the day. Hospitals can't even get proper PPE — will we?

No one is asking us if we want to work an election that endangers our health, and for less than minimum wage. I've reached out to any poll workers whose contact information was still in my phone, and of those who replied, none think we will be safe working June 23rd.

The New York primary election was postponed to June 23rd, with the understanding that the deadline to change the format of the election is April 3rd.

A public election on June 23rd poses a risk to public health. Tom Perez, chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement:
"States that have not yet held primary elections should focus on implementing the aforementioned measures to make it easier and safer for voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote, instead of moving primaries to later in the cycle when timing around the virus remains unpredictable."

Holding this election in any physical capacity compromises the entire city. We will not meet the DNC's deadline, we will lose delegates, and we will be putting everyone in danger.

It isn't too late for mail-in ballots to be sent to all registered voters in New York. It would keep New Yorkers safe, and would easily meet the DNC deadline. It would use far less resources than a public election. There is already a system in place to send voter information before every election regarding their poll-site -- the same system can be used to send ballots to all voters registered as Democrats in the state of New York. This should go without saying, but voters should not have to provide postage when returning a ballot.

This isn't the fault of the DNC or the Board of Elections. The responsibility to change the format of the election to mail-in ballots falls to Governor Cuomo, and he must do so by April 3rd.

You can contact the Governor’s Office here or via phone at (518) 474-8390 and demand that New York immediately adopt mail-in ballots. Then tell your friends to do the same.

Stay home, be safe, and be kind — we all need it.

A first-gen Brooklyn native, Caro Fidel is a non-binary, multi-disciplinary printmaker. They are a poll worker for the Brooklyn Board of Elections, and a poll-site coordinator since 2018.

Twitter | Instagram

Local businesses are already suffering negative effects due to the on-going coronavirus shutdown, so AGBC will be offering lower advertising rates on both podcast and banner advertising.

Our ad formats are very flexible, so we urge New York businesses to get in contact with any creative ideas so we can work together to inform New Yorkers about your business!

Some businesses are able to remain open in a limited capacity or may be offering different services during the shutdown, but city residents may assume you are completely closed for business. Notify our readers and podcast listeners about your modified hours, special take-out or online services, or any other ways they may support your business during the shutdown, such as buying gift cards.

Read the full advertising details and get in contact if you have any questions or recommendations on how AGBC can continue to help the city during this unprecedented time 🙏

We're all in this together 🙏

Welcome to the AGBC News podcast! Listen below, learn more on our podcast page, and be sure to subscribe 👍

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• [Coronavirus monologue]




• 53 years ago on March 26, 1967 — Thousands of people gathered at Central Park's Sheep Meadow on Easter Sunday for one of the first hippie "be-ins" of the 1960s




• 5 years ago on March 26, 2015 — A gas explosion and fire destroys three buildings at Second Ave and St. Marks




• 57 years ago on March 28, 1963 — Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' Premieres in New York at the Palace Theater on Broadway




• 35 years ago on March 31, 1985 — The First WrestleMania is held at Madison Square Garden, featuring Mr. T and Hulk Hogan




• March 21 in History: Charles Lindbergh Receives the Medal of Honor in 1928




• March 23 in History: Elisha Otis Installs First Passenger Elevator




• March 27 in History: The Disappearing House




• March 28 in History: Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' Premieres in New York

A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more.

AGBC is more than just a news website: Our fireworks page monitors the city's announcements of upcoming fireworks, lists them on our site, and automatically sends out a notification just before the fireworks begin, so that you can watch the show or prepare your pet for the upcoming sounds of explosions. Visit agreatbigcity.com/fireworks to see the full calendar and follow @agreatbigcity on social media to receive the alerts.

Park of the day

• Estella Diggs Park — 3436 3 AVENUE, the Bronx — Formerly known as Rocks and Roots Park, the park was named after Estella Diggs, the first African-American woman to represent the Bronx in the NY State Assembly.

Did you know?

Here's something you may not have known about New York:

• If the NYC population was spread out at the same density as Wyoming, it would cover nearly half of the lower 48 states

Weather

The extreme highs and lows for this week in weather history:

Record High: 84°F on March 21, 1921

Record Low: 10°F on March 21, 1885

Weather for the week ahead:

Rain on Monday through Friday.

• AGBC Weather


• Weather.gov forecast

Thanks for listening to A Great Big City. Follow along 24 hours a day on social media @agreatbigcity or email contact@agreatbigcity.com with any news, feedback, or topic suggestions. Subscribe to AGBC News wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio, Spotify, RadioPublic, or listen to each episode on the podcast pages at agreatbigcity.com/podcast. If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening and visit our podcast site to see show notes and extra links for each episode.

Intro and outro music: 'Start the Day' by Lee Rosevere — Concert Calendar music from Jukedeck.com — Monologue music: ＠ｈｏｔｌｉｎｅ．ｇｏｖ by Anonymous420

Department of Health inspections from March 11 to March 12 found 7 businesses with critical violations in cleanliness and sanitation. The businesses below were ordered closed, but may reopen once violations have been corrected.

Learn more about the inspection process from nyc.gov and search the Department of Health inspection database for full details on any establishment that serves food.

Master Wok in Brooklyn

5100 KINGS PLAZA SHOPPING CT

Violations

• Insufficient or no refrigerated or hot holding equipment to keep potentially hazardous foods at required temperatures.


• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.


• Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.

Subway in Queens

7422 BROADWAY

Violations

• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Toilet facility not provided for employees or for patrons when required.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• No facilities available to wash, rinse and sanitize utensils and/or equipment.


• Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.

Icook Buffet in Queens

13324 41ST AVE

Violations

• Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.

Sunshine Paradise in Brooklyn

1344 UTICA AVE

Violations

• No facilities available to wash, rinse and sanitize utensils and/or equipment.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Sewage disposal system improper or unapproved.


• Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Golden Star Kitchen in Brooklyn

638 BLAKE AVE

Violations

• Food contact surface improperly constructed or located. Unacceptable material used.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.

Us Fried Chicken&Pizza in Brooklyn

1231 NOSTRAND AVENUE

Violations

• Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Hale&Hearty Soup in Manhattan

55 WEST 56 STREET

Violations

• Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Department of Health inspections from March 9 to March 10 found 6 businesses with critical violations in cleanliness and sanitation. The businesses below were ordered closed, but may reopen once violations have been corrected.

Learn more about the inspection process from nyc.gov and search the Department of Health inspection database for full details on any establishment that serves food.

Hui's Garden in Queens

4108 COLLEGE POINT BLVD

Violations

• Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

El Texano Restaurant in The Bronx

2031 WESTCHESTER AVENUE

Violations

• Live roaches present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

Obica Mozzarella Bar in Manhattan

590 MADISON AVENUE

Violations

• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Ming Bakery in Brooklyn

1412 AVENUE U

Violations

• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

Blue Bay Restaurant in The Bronx

3533 JOHNSON AVENUE

Violations

• Food, food preparation area, food storage area, area used by employees or patrons, contaminated by sewage or liquid waste.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.


• Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.


• Live roaches present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

Pegu Club in Manhattan

77 WEST HOUSTON STREET

Violations

• Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.

Department of Health inspections from March 4 to March 4 found 3 businesses with critical violations in cleanliness and sanitation. The businesses below were ordered closed, but may reopen once violations have been corrected.

Learn more about the inspection process from nyc.gov and search the Department of Health inspection database for full details on any establishment that serves food.

Samudra Restaurant in Manhattan

826 9TH AVE

Violations

• Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.


• Food, food preparation area, food storage area, area used by employees or patrons, contaminated by sewage or liquid waste.


• Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.


• Live roaches present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

Soldiers Caribbean Buffet Restaurant in Brooklyn

1439 ST JOHNS PLACE

Violations

• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Live roaches present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Insufficient or no refrigerated or hot holding equipment to keep potentially hazardous foods at required temperatures.


• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.


• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.


• Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.

Bottino in Manhattan

248 10 AVENUE

Violations

• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Page no longer being updated — Follow our Health Page for latest data, headlines, and health tips

Below you'll find continuing updates on the status of New York's coronavirus outbreak. Newest updates will be posted at the top of the list, descending in time as you scroll down the page.

Latest Updates

Thursday, March 12 at 3:16 PM 📎

Governor Cuomo announces bans on gatherings of more than 500 people, shutting down Broadway shows until April 13th. Most importantly, the St. Patrick's Day parade will also be postponed, an event which would have gathered between one and two million spectators next week.

Wednesday, March 11 at 6:36 PM Amtrak expects heavy losses, service cuts 📎

In a memo from an Amtrak Senior Vice President, the railroad is reportedly suffering losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars and may implement further service cuts. Coronavirus fears have led to a 300% increase in cancellations and a 50% drop in future bookings that the company expects to cost it somewhere in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Earlier this week, Amtrak had cancelled its new non-stop service from Washington D.C. and New York through May 26th, citing reduced demand.

Wednesday, March 11 at 5:09 PM — SUNY and CUNY closures 📎

For the remainder of the Spring semester, SUNY and CUNY will end in-person classes and adapt all classes to a distance-learning model. The move is intended to implement social distancing and delay the potential spread of coronavirus during in-person classes and meetings. The schools' campuses will remain open at this time and both school systems will work to begin distance-learning classes by Thursday, March 19th.

Wednesday, March 11 at 4:34 PM — Stock Market Drop Continues 📎

Stock markets closed down again today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Index dropping a further 1,400 points and all major market indices dropping more than 5%, extending losses and ending more than 20% down from February highs, enough to constitute a bear market.

The losses come after the WHO classified the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic and ahead of vague talks in the U.S. about a possible financial stimulus deal.

Wednesday, March 11 at 3:05 PM 📎

Latest number of confirmed cases:

• 121,977 Worldwide


• 1,135 in the U.S.


• 216 in New York State


• 52 in New York City

Wednesday, March 11 at 1:40 PM 📎

The World Health Organization has now classified the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus as a pandemic

Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.



Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.



We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus.



…



There’s been so much attention on one word.



Let me give you some other words that matter much more, and that are much more actionable.



Prevention.



Preparedness.



Public health.



Political leadership.



And most of all, people.



We’re in this together, to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world. It’s doable.



I thank you.



— WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Tuesday, March 10th at 1 PM 📎

Sad news that the Bergen County, NJ patient has now become the first death from coronavirus in the area. The unidentified man was in his 60s and had preexisting diabetes, which are two of the criteria that worldwide health experts say puts people in a "high risk" category. Worryingly, the man traveled between NJ and NY and his method of exposure is as-of-yet unknown, despite being one of the earliest cases in the area.

Tuesday, March 10 at 12:45 PM — New Rochelle Containment Area 📎

Latest numbers: During Tuesday's press conference, Gov. Cuomo announced that there are now 36 confirmed cases within NYC and 173 total statewide, with the largest number centered in New Rochelle in Westchester County, where the man who was the second positive case near NYC had traveled into the city and attended religious services before testing positive and going into quarantine.

The outbreak in New Rochelle has now caused more than double the number of confirmed cases within NYC, which led the Governor to call the situation "The single greatest public health challenge we have in the state right now". In response, the state has instituted a "containment area" in a circle around the main cluster of cases seen in New Rochelle. Within the containment area, the National Guard will help deliver food and decontaminate public areas.

BREAKING: NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces containment zone around New Rochelle, lasting until 3/25; National Guard to be deployed to assist in food delivery, cleaning.

"This is the single greatest public health challenge we have in the state right now." https://t.co/waOLY1RvC9 pic.twitter.com/ubq6lFo0yH

— ABC News (@ABC) March 10, 2020

Monday, March 9 at 6:30 PM — Stock Market Drop 📎

Financial markets worldwide continue to decline on coronavirus fears and dropping oil prices, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite indices all dropping over 7%. This was the largest one-day drop for the Dow Jones since October 15, 2008, during the Global Financial Crisis.

Just after the opening bell this morning, the S&P index dropped so sharply that it triggered an automatic protection mechanism that halted trading.

Monday, March 9 at 4:19 PM — NYS Clean 📎

Governor Cuomo announced that NY State will manufacture and distribute its own hand sanitizer, named NYS Clean. The hand sanitizer is made with 72% alcohol, smells like lilac, hydrangea, and tulips, and will be manufactured by prison inmates at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, Washington County as part of a skills training program. The hand sanitizer will be made available for free, beginning with high-risk areas where it is most needed.

Here's the super cut of Cuomo hawking NY State's new government made hand-sanitizer as a solution to the recent price gouging: pic.twitter.com/DvlTnAN8XJ

— Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) March 9, 2020

The Governor also announced that the statewide total number of cases has reached 142, with 19 cases within NYC.

Monday, March 9 at 3:07 PM 📎

The head of the Port Authority, Rick Cotton, has tested positive for the new coronavirus. His source of exposure is currently unknown, although he had been working at JFK Airport. Mr. Cotton, who is in his mid-70s, is self-quarantining at home, but was reportedly seen in public just two days ago.

Thursday, March 5 at 1:59 PM 📎

New cases announced by Governor Cuomo have been added to our Health Page, which include one Nassau County patient and 8 additional Westchester patients.

If you have questions about the coronavirus that you haven't seen answered on our Health Page, get in touch with AGBC and we will find the answer!

Department of Health inspections from March 3 to March 3 found 4 businesses with critical violations in cleanliness and sanitation. The businesses below were ordered closed, but may reopen once violations have been corrected.

Learn more about the inspection process from nyc.gov and search the Department of Health inspection database for full details on any establishment that serves food.

Vegan Love in Manhattan

263 E 10TH ST

Violations

• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Dairy Queen Grill&Chill in Manhattan

54 W 14TH ST

Violations

• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Catrina Deli Restaurant in Manhattan

2083 AMSTERDAM AVE

Violations

• Toilet facility not provided for employees or for patrons when required.


• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


• Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.


• Live roaches present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

Guo Ba Shabu Shabu in Queens

21232 48TH AVE

Violations

• Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.


• Wiping cloths soiled or not stored in sanitizing solution.


• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.


• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

On Thursday, Mayor de Blasio announced that two more city residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to four positive cases within the city.

With these new city cases and the cases confirmed so far in Westchester, the statewide total is now 13.

There are two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York City. One new patient is a man in his 40s, and one new patient is a woman in her 80s. Neither patient has a connection to travel nor any of the other local individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Both are currently hospitalized and in the intensive care unit. City disease detectives are tracing close contacts of both individuals and will ensure they are appropriately isolated and tested immediately.

– Mayor de Blasio

See our Health Page for full details, and remember to wash your hands. 🙏

Thursday, March 5 at 1:59 PM 📎

New cases announced by Governor Cuomo have been added to our Health Page, which include one Nassau County patient and 8 additional Westchester patients.