The Spirit | Your local newspaper for the Upper West Side

Leonides Baez, was murdered in Times Square on May 4, 2026.

Leonides Baez, was murdered in Times Square on May 4, 2026. ( Photo: GoFundMe)

Teen Indicted for Murder of Man Sleeping in Times Square

05 Jun 2026 | 10:18

A 17-year-old Brooklyn youth, Jayden Sanchez, has been indicted for a savage murder in Times Square of 39-year Leonides Baez, Jr. of Massachusetts this past May, as well as two additional stabbings. Sanchez pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

Sanchez’ road to being remanded also passed...

Longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley was fired one day after lacing into CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and the program’s new executive producer, former NYTimes tech writer, Nick Bilton.

Longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley was fired one day after lacing into CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and the program’s new executive producer, former NYTimes tech writer, Nick Bilton. ( Photo: Anders Krusberg/ Peabody Awards)

Turmoil at CBS and 60 Minutes; Pelley Fired after Lacing into Bosses

05 Jun 2026 | 01:16

Many years ago, I worked for CBS—well, its local affiliate in Los Angeles. Even for an entity far from...

The view from Broadway, looking west down 72nd Street, which currently has four lanes for vehicular traffic. The DOT’s plan to erect a protected bike lane will reduce the roadway to one lane of traffic on each side.

The view from Broadway, looking west down 72nd Street, which currently has four lanes for vehicular traffic. The DOT’s plan to erect a protected bike lane will reduce the roadway to one lane of traffic on each side. ( Photo: Brian Berger)

CB 7 Gives Thumbs Up to Controversial 72nd St. Bike Lane

05 Jun 2026 | 01:08

In a jam-packed Symphony Space auditorium, the Upper West Side’s Community Board 7 voted 26 to 19 on...

Maureen Donohue-Peters (right) owns Donohue’s Steak House, which is managed by her niece, Mary Barrie (left). The two began Donohue’s East in Westhampton Beach together in July 2025.

Maureen Donohue-Peters (right) owns Donohue’s Steak House, which is managed by her niece, Mary Barrie (left). The two began Donohue’s East in Westhampton Beach together in July 2025. ( Photo: Sarah Gassel)

Last Call for Donohue’s Steak House; UES Institution to Close After 76 Years

05 Jun 2026 | 10:25

Longtime patrons are lamenting the loss of Donohue’s Steak House, which has been family run since its...

Israel Ortiz offers a croissant to a raccoon in Central Park, part of a daily ritual he has maintained for nearly two decades.

Israel Ortiz offers a croissant to a raccoon in Central Park, part of a daily ritual he has maintained for nearly two decades. ( Photo: Zelda Nguyen )

The Raccoon Man of Central Park: Israel Ortiz and His Wild Friends

04 Jun 2026 | 11:47

Israel Ortiz tossed a peanut into the air. A woodpecker perched on a nearby branch immediately swooped...

James M. Lafferty was presented with the John H. Prentice medal for his heroic actions at a December 9 , 2025 fire during the annual FDNY medal ceremony.

James M. Lafferty was presented with the John H. Prentice medal for his heroic actions at a December 9 , 2025 fire during the annual FDNY medal ceremony. ( Photo: Martina Dimitrova)

Hero Firefighter Honored for Dragging Victim in UWS Fire to Safety

04 Jun 2026 | 09:01

When firefighters first got inside a raging fire at 201 W. 107th St. on Dec. 9, 2025,that would eventually...

FDNY Medal Day at City Hall, Mayor Mamdani at the podium.

FDNY Medal Day at City Hall, Mayor Mamdani at the podium. ( Photo: Brian Berger)

FDNY Medal Day Brings Firefighters & Families to City Hall

05 Jun 2026 | 11:04

Thousands of firefighters, their colleagues and their family members packed the grounds outside City...

Go back

1
2

Go forward

MOST VIEWED

MOST COMMENTED