Upper East Side Deli Shutters After Nearly 50 Years: Top 5 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. Author Paul Auster, widely known for his books "The New York Trilogy," "Sunset Park”, “4 3 2 1,” and "The Book of Illusions”, has died at age 77, The New York Times reported. Read more.

2. A 36-year-old Brooklyn man pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. after he schemed to ship electronic components used in drones to companies affiliated with the Russian military, federal prosecutors said. Read more.

3. A 6.5 percent rent hike could be coming to New Yorkers after a powerful board's vote. Rent Guidelines Board members Tuesday approved potential higher prices for more than two million city dwellers who live in rent-stabilized homes. Read more.

4. A Crown Heights man has been indicted on felony assault charges after he punched a 57-year-old woman in the face and broke her jaw in an unprovoked attack, the Brooklyn District Attorney announced. Read more.

5. A local Italian eatery in Lenox Hill has closed its doors for good after nearly five decades of bringing authentic Italian staples to Second Avenue. Read more.