🌱 Queens Roadway Closures + Astoria Podcast • Daily Digest

Good morning, Queens! It's Wednesday, Oct. 20. Motorists driving in and out of Queens this week are in for a challenge: The State Department of Transportation plans to reduce two major interchanges in Northeast Queens to 11-feet access through the weekend. See all the details below.

Today's weather: Mmmm, it'll be sunny and warmer. High: 76 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories today in Queens:

1. "Rehabilitation" work on two major interchanges could cause significant traffic snarls in Northeast Queens. See where construction will be underway. (Patch.com)
2. In a new episode of "This American Life," the public radio podcast takes a detour through the heart — and soul — of Astoria. (Patch.com)
3. Say farewell to Colin Powell, the Soldier from the Bronx. (The New York Times)
4. Here's how to integrate NYC public schools: See the view from Jackson Heights in Queens. (New York Daily News)l
5. A woman is stopped with a machete in her carry-on luggage at LaGuardia Airport. (WPIX 11 New York)

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Featured businesses:

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Events:

• How to Research and Document Your Family History with Nolan Altman (Oct. 20)
• Music with Friends: The eXtraordinary Xquartet! (Oct. 23)
• Musica Reginae presents XQuartet: Memories and Portraits (Oct. 23)
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For sale:

• Tools Tools and more Tools for Sale (Details)
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Housing:

• Open House 109-14 Ascan Ave. Apt.3A Forest Hills, NY 11375 (Details)
• Townhouse for sale (Details)
• Open House 67-25 Clyde St 2M 2:30 - 3:30 Saturday, Oct. 16 (Details)
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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Kevin Phinney

About me: Kevin Phinney has lived and worked as a writer and editor in Austin, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Seattle and New York City. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and was raised in El Paso. Phinney attended college in Austin. He has done television work as a reporter and commentator, and is a former host of a weekday drive-time radio show called "Kevin & Kevin in the Morning" on KGSR-FM (now known as Austin City Limits Radio). He is also the author of "Souled American, " a book tracking race relations in America through music. It was published by BILLBOARD Books, and is often used in college classrooms across the country.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Queens Daily? Contact me at kevin.phinney@patch.com.