MTA Worker Faked Stabbing For Time Off, Police Say: Top 5 NYC Stories

Good evening, New York City Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the city for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories around New York City:

1. A 54-year-old MTA worker reportedly lied to authorities about being slashed inside a New York subway station last month in an attempted to get time off work, according to authorities. (Read more on Patch.)

2. With the first day of classes less than a month away, leaders at Columbia University are weighing a major security overhaul. (Read more on Patch.)

3. One person's critique of "the bagel situation" on the Upper West Side sparked a lively discussion on which neighborhood classics are the best, and which bagels are "hard as a hockey puck." (Read more on Patch.)

4. A controversial development on a Crown Heights street is nearing completion, bringing new affordable units to the market. (Read more on Patch.)

5. Officials said a man is in critical condition after being shot twice in a New York City smoke shop. Two suspects are still at large. (Read more on Patch.)