16 Big NYC Stories You May Have Missed Last Week

NEW YORK, NY — Here are the 16 biggest news stories from across New York City last week — Monday, April 17, through Sunday, April 23 — as reported by Patch editors for our 28 neighborhood news sites.

5 Dead, Including 3 Kids, In Huge Queens Village Blaze

Five people were killed in a fire that ripped through a two-story home in Queens Village on Sunday afternoon — "the biggest loss of life in a fire in approximately two years," according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Another Fire In Queens Days Earlier Killed Firefighter William Tolley

That fire also injured three civilians.

Crown Heights Homeless Shelter Opening Blocked AGAIN By Brooklyn Judge

This is the third time the city's controversial new shelter has been blocked in court.

Pigeon Moves Into Williamsburg Apartment, Builds Nest In Pasta Strainer

The dangers of leaving your window cracked when you go out of town.

NYC Plans To Raise Cigarette Prices To Highest In Nation, Restrict E-Cig Sales

De Blasio revealed a package of five anti-smoking bills at a dramatic press conference last week.

Soon, North Brooklyn's Mountains Of Trash Will Be South Brooklyn's Problem

Relief is on the horizon for Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick communities "overburdened" with nasty, noisy garbage processing centers. Neighbors in Gowanus and Gravesend won't be so lucky.

Family, Friends Of NY Judge Found Dead In Hudson River Don't Think It Was Suicide

Sheila Abdus-Salaam's body was found last week in the Hudson. Police initially said they thought she may have committed suicide, but have since deemed her death "suspicious."

Brooklyn Principal Kicked, Punched 7-Year-Old Student: Police

Machael Spencer-Edwards is facing charges of assault and menacing after allegedly attacking a student who had slapped a teacher, police say.

L Train Bandit Slices Pants Of Sleeping Passengers

Police are looking for a man who has stolen five wallets and two cellphones from L train passengers by slicing holes in their pockets.

NYC Bakery Workers Stage 'Day Without Bread' To Protest Immigrant Firings

At least four Tom Cat Bakery workers were arrested during their demonstration Friday.

MTA Buses With Wi-Fi And Charging Ports Are Coming To Manhattan And Brooklyn

Here's a list of bus lines that will receive the upgrades.

NYC's Huge New Ferry Network: Route Maps, Schedules, Fares, Opening Dates And More

Ferry timetables released by the city last week will help you plan your whimsical future as an NYC sea commuter.

Drunk Midtown 20-Something Rips Turban Off Sikh Taxi Driver: Police

The attack is being investigated as a hate crime.

Sunset Park 'Disco Bodega' Was Illegal Nightclub, Authorities Say

The underground nightclub was allegedly "masquerading" as a humble corner store.

NYC Subway Groper Who Allegedly Pushed Victim Onto Tracks Charged With Attempted Murder

Kimani Stephenson, 24, is accused of approaching a 22-year-old woman as she waited on the F/M train platform at the 14th Street and 6th Avenue station and "grabbing her left breast and her vaginal area" — then pushing her onto the subway tracks when she told him to stop.

Uber Drivers Want City To Mandate In-App Tipping Option

The drivers claim it's too hard to make a living after the company cut their fares.

Lead photo courtesy of the FDNY