Secret Cash And Don't Do You | NYC Week In Review

NEW YORK CITY — Yes, it is Madonna, dancing in the streets of Washington Heights. Tokischa, too.

Here are the top stories of the week from the New York City Patch.

Read It Here First | Patch Exclusives

Harlem Clergy Took Secret Cash As They Sold Churches To Developer: AG

Religious leaders took nearly $2 million in secret payments after helping a developer swindle six Harlem churches, an investigation found.

'You Do You' MTA Masking Signs Draw Backlash As COVID Rules Relax

"'You do you' isn’t good public health policy in a continuing pandemic," said City Council Member Tiffany Cabán. "Not cute either."

Astoria Building Faces Demolition By Energy-Drink Magnate, Plans Show

A Broadway building that advertises a planned tower named after an energy drink is now facing the wrecking ball, plans show.

Pencils Down | NYC Schools

Inflation Concerns Hit NYC Teachers As New School Year Looms

"A lot of what we purchase is out of pocket," said one teacher who spent $1,000 in school supplies this year.

Refund NYC Public Schools Resolution Unanimously Passes City Council

"We're going to see...essential cuts to our schools that we simply cannot afford," said City Council Lincoln Restler. "They make no sense because the mayor has the resources at his disposal."

No More Snow Days For NYC Schools This Year, Chancellor Confirms

As classes start Thursday for the 2022-23 school year, students can anticipate the traditional snow day will be replaced by remote learning.

Dine And Em-Dash | NYC Restaurant News

• Astoria's 94-Year-Old Mike's Diner Closes Amid Landlord Dispute: The Astoria "landmark" closed after nearly a century below the Ditmars Boulevard subway stop, after its landlord sued for unpaid rent.
• NYC Gains 30 Restaurants In World-Famous Michelin Guide: The restaurants' official star rankings and other honors in the Michelin Guide will be unveiled Oct. 6.
• Forest Hills Volunteer Group Cleans Up Graffiti From Local Businesses: "We enjoy ourselves," said Michael Perlman. "Power to the people who understand and value their communities most by taking the initiative."

Stand Clear | NYC Transit

Taking Off: Magic Johnson Attends Queens Groundbreaking Of JFK's New Terminal One

That Tracks: NYC Tops 'Most Stressful' Commutes Among U.S. Cities, Study Finds

Anything Goes: Masks Are Now Optional On NYC Subways, MTA, Hochul Says

SEE IT: Madonna Throws Down In Washington Heights With Tokischa