Lauren Smith-Fields: Death of Bridgeport woman ruled accidental

The death of a Connecticut woman while on a date with a man she met online was ruled an accident as an internal investigation of the police response was underway.

‘A beautiful moment’: Kindergarteners embrace while learning about MLK

A heartwarming photo captured two kindergarten students sitting with their arms around one another while learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Teddy Roosevelt statue removed in NYC

A statue of Teddy Roosevelt has been removed from the front of the Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day marked in New York

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday honoring King's tireless efforts against racial discrimination and segregation. The holiday has also become known as a day of service to encourage Americans to participate in activities that give back to the community.

Photographer Steve Schapiro who captured March on Washington, The Godfather, dead at 87

Steve Schapiro, a prize-winning photographer whose indelible images ranged from the March on Washington to the set of "The Godfather" and other films, has died at age 87.

DC area marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with march for peace

The family of Martin Luther King, Jr. led a march for peace through the nation's capital in remembrance of the slain civil rights leader.

NBA commemorates MLK Day with games and celebrations

The NBA is honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with celebrations and games on the national holiday.

This MLK Day comes with calls for progress on voting rights

Dr. King's children fear new voting laws enacted since the 2020 election are stripping away the very rights their father fought to attain.

East Harlem restaurant's accessibility makes it welcoming to all

Contento is the brainchild of Yannick Benjamin, who has used a wheelchair since his 20s. He has created a restaurant that strives to be accessible for all. And it starts with hiring a staff that has empathy, Benjamin.

New Manhattan DA faces pushback on prosecution policies

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is facing criticism after telling his prosecutors to reduce charges for defendants in cases where no one got hurt and instead seek diversion programs. Even the new police commissioner said she was "very concerned" about the impact of this directive.

Maya Angelou becomes 1st Black woman featured on US quarter

A new U.S. quarter featuring the late poet Maya Angelou went into circulation on Monday, the U.S. Mint announced.

New York City is ordered to install signals to aid blind pedestrians

A federal judge has ordered New York City to install crosswalk signals to help blind people and those with bad eyesight in more than 9,000 intersections over the next 10 years.

Transgender opera singer debuts new baritone voice

Lucas Bouk had been a mezzo-soprano singer before his transition, and made his professional debut as a baritone at a performance in Manhattan in August.

Most popular books at New York City libraries

Reading and talking about books is a good way for people to stay connected, especially when they're stuck at home. The Brooklyn Public Library's Fritzi Bodenheimer said about half of the most popular books readers borrowed provide plenty of escape. But many others deal with racial issues.

'A Doll Like Me': Helping children with disabilities feel seen through personalized dolls

The doll maker behind “A Doll Like Me” makes dolls for children who don't see themselves on store shelves. The dolls resemble their owners: children with a variety of disabilities, so that every child feels seen.

Mayor-elect Adams appoints five women to top posts

Adams appointed five new deputy mayors — all of them women. Lorraine Grillo will be first deputy mayor. She was recently appointed as the city's COVID recovery czar.