According to Business Insider, “Trader Joe’s is ending grocery delivery services in New York City on March 1 and has no plans to roll out delivery in other markets.” Trader Joe’s representative Kenya Friend-Daniel told the press, “Instead of passing along unsustainable cost increases to our customers, removing delivery will allow us to continue offering outstanding values — quality products for great everyday prices, and to make better use of valuable space in our stores.”

The chain, which is known for its low prices and unique items — some of which sell out early in the day — started posting signs last month that it was ending the service. The chain has 11 New York City stores, with seven in Manhattan. Those in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island have never offered delivery. Trader Joe’s will become one of the few Manhattan supermarkets without a delivery option.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is building a temporary roller-skating rink in the nave of the cathedral to host a roller-skating party on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Skates will be provided and the whole thing is free of charge:  Free Roller Skating Party 

At 2018’s final New York City Council meeting, members voted to co-name streets in honor of the Notorious B.I.G., the Wu-Tang Clan, and folk musician Woody Guthrie. Once approved by the mayor, Brooklyn and Staten Island will see new street signs honoring the three musicians.

Altogether, the Council approved 164 co-namings this year—a small tribute to New Yorkers from all walks who contributed to the city’s cultural, economic and political life.

https://www.wnyc.org/widgets/ondemand_player/wnyc/#file=/audio/json/905684/&share=1

On December 11, 1968, New York City became home to the largest co-operative housing complex in the world, Co-op City. The idea was to build affordable housing, under New York’s Mitchell Lama Program, to lure middle-income New Yorkers to the city’s outskirts.  And it worked. When it opened 50 years ago, almost all of its more than 15,000 units were sold out. Jami Floyd and I take a look back at how the world’s largest co-operative housing experiment turned out. Have a listen!

https://www.wnyc.org/widgets/ondemand_player/wnyc/#file=/audio/json/902123/&share=1                                                                                            

It will cost riders $5.80 just to sit inside a cab. The so-called “congestion fee” was approved by  Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature and is meant to fund mass transit. But some taxi drivers fear the new fee will scare off passengers and hurt their bottom line. Yellow taxis also charge riders a $1 surcharge for rides between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and a 50 cent night fee from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. App-based ride hails like Uber and Lyft will be required to implement a $2.75 fee for regular trips and 75 cents for carpool trips. The higher $2.75 surcharge will also apply to the city’s green cabs.

Howard Thompson made his first appearance on PIX11 in April, 1995 when it was called WPIX 11.  A little less than a month later, he became Help Me Howard, helping people across our area with problems large and small. Getting people refunds from landlords, realtors, car dealers and many others. He also helped viewers with life or death crises – people who were denied insurance benefits and needed transplants. Now, Howard decided he will leave TV news. After 38 years in the business, the last 23 years at PIX11. Here are some of “Help Me Howard” memorable moments.

Howard Thompson of ‘Help Me Howard’ signs off PIX11 after 23 years

It’s the end of an era for a historic Manhattan department store, and that means shoppers can score some major deals. Lord and Taylor launched its store closing sale starting today at the flagship location on Fifth Avenue. The 104-year-old store is shutting down for good after the holidays, but it’s starting to say goodbye now. There are even plans to scale back the iconic holiday decor from six window displays to just two. The window displays will be dedicated to thanking New Yorkers for decades of loyal business.

https://abc7ny.com/video/embed/?pid=4411255

Dunkin’ is dropping the donuts – The 68-year-old chain has toyed with the idea for a while. In 2006, it released a new motto – “America runs on Dunkin’ – that didn’t mention doughnuts. Last fall, it tested the “Dunkin'” logo on a new store in Pasadena, California; it has put the name on a few other stores since then. Doughnuts are still on the menu, but the company is renaming itself “Dunkin'” to reflect its increasing emphasis on coffee and other drinks. The name change will officially take place in January, when it will start appearing on napkins, boxes and signs at U.S. stores. The change will eventually be adopted by international stores.

Via is going back to 2013 giving $5 rides when they first hit the road for there 5th Year Anniversary. The promotion is only for rides in Manhattan until Friday.