West Side Rag
@westsiderag.bsky.social
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The Upper West Side's source for news, events and opinions. Written by locals for locals.
Central Park's Women's Gate was meant to honor their 'all-important servicesâŠas maids, wives, and mothers.'
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/07/m...
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Meet Her at the Womenâs Gate
Photos by Yvonne VĂĄvra By Yvonne VĂĄvra Where I grew up, March 8th was one of the most celebrated days
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/07/meet-her-at-the-womens-gate
about 8 hours ago
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You could be the winner of a new West Side Rag T-shirt.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/w...
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WSR T-Shirt Contest: Who Can Come Up With the Best New Name for Absolute Bagels
WSR Shirt By West Side Rag It has been too long since West Side Rag ran a contest. While in
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/wsr-t-shirt-contest-who-can-come-up-with-the-best-new-name-for-absolute-bagels
1 day ago
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This weekend is the last chance (this winter) for ice skating at Central Park's new Gottesman Rink.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/u...
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UWS Weekend: Great Things to Do in (and Around) the Neighborhood
By Tracy Zwick March 6th through 8th Community Skate: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 6-8, at Gottesman Rink near Central
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/uws-weekend-great-things-to-do-in-and-around-the-neighborhood-58
1 day ago
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Get your hot and fresh new name, here.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/w...
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WSR Cartoon: Everything Bagel is on the Table
By Bob Eckstein About the cartoonist: Bob Eckstein is a writer, illustrator, author, and contributor of cartoons to The New Yorker and
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/06/wsr-cartoon-everything-bagel-is-on-the-table
1 day ago
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Trying to eliminate rats in NYC brings to mind Sisyphus pushing a boulder up a hill.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/t...
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The Secret to Rat Control on the Upper West Side? âItâs All About Food Availabilityâ
City health department official Caroline Bragdon speaks in the UWS's Straus Park about how to identify and deal with rat
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/the-secret-to-rat-control-on-the-upper-west-side-its-all-about-food-availability
2 days ago
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The attacks happened near West 60th Street and Amsterdam, police said.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/m...
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Man Randomly Punches 2 Women on the Upper West Side: Police
Courtesy of WSR. By Gus Saltonstall A man randomly punched two women Tuesday night on the Upper West Side, according
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/man-randomly-punches-2-women-on-the-upper-west-side-police
2 days ago
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The weather will get nice again (won't it?), and the Verdi gardeners will get to work.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/w...
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West Side Canvas: Preparing for Spring With the Verdi Square Gardeners
By Robert Beck I was tempted to say gardeners are great collaborators, but I donât know that to be true,
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/05/west-side-canvas-preparing-for-spring-with-the-verdi-square-gardeners
2 days ago
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Fencing and construction equipment have gone up in recent days in and around Lincoln Center.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/c...
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Construction Begins For Lincoln Center’s Campus Redesign: What to Know
The construction equipment set up on the south side of the Lincoln Center campus. Photos by Gus Saltonstall. By Gus
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/construction-begins-for-lincoln-centers-campus-redesign-what-to-know
3 days ago
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Upper West Siders have just one door option at the West 83rd Street post office, when they used to have two.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/e...
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Entry Door at Upper West Side Post Office Has Been Broken For Months
The out-of-order front door at the Planetarium post office at 127 West 83rd Street. Photos by Gus Saltonstall By Gus
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/entry-door-at-upper-west-side-post-office-has-been-broken-for-months
3 days ago
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A salon moves around the corner, a fitness center opens a second UWS outlet, and the UWS now has its first Wendy's.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/o...
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Openings & Closings: Johnny Was; Wendy’s; Kolorbar; PWR NYC 72; Mr. Byrdie’s Joint; United Vein and Vascular Ce
The Johnny Was clothing store on Columbus Avenue closed after nine years. By Natalie Demaree Johnny Was, a womenâs clothing
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/04/openings-wendys-kolorbar-pwr-nyc-72-mr-byrdies-joint-united-vein-and-vascular-centers
3 days ago
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The neighbor's in hospice. How soon can we ask his family if we can buy his apartment?
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/r...
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Ruthless Advice for Upper West Siders: All of the Answers With None of the Expertise
By Karen Bergreen and Cynthia Kaplan Editorâs note: This month, comedian Cory Kahaney is filling in for Karen Bergreen, who
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/ruthless-advice-for-upper-west-siders-all-of-the-answers-with-none-of-the-expertise-38
4 days ago
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The DOE will not be moving forward with a plan to begin phasing out the Community Action School next school year.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/c...
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City Halts Plan To Close Upper West Side Middle School: ‘Our Focus Must be on Healing’
The inside of the Community Action School on the Upper West Side. Courtesy photo By Gus Saltonstall Last month, countless
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/city-halts-plan-to-close-upper-west-side-middle-school-our-focus-must-be-on-healing
4 days ago
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Schoolchildren know who Bottcher is, thanks to his Poop Fairy campaign.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/a...
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A Conversation with Erik Bottcher, the Upper West Sideâs New State Senator
Eric Bottcher, former City Councilmember, now a New York state senator representing the UWS. Photos by Scott Etkin By Scott
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/03/a-conversation-with-erik-bottcher-the-upper-west-sides-new-state-senator
4 days ago
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The Absolute Bagels name is no more.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/02/n...
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New Absolute Bagels Changes its Name After Threat of Legal Action, Manager Says
The New Absolute Bagels is now 2788 Bagels. Photo by Gus Saltonstall By Gus Saltonstall The Absolute Bagels name is
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/02/new-absolute-bagels-changes-its-name-after-threat-of-legal-action-manager-says
5 days ago
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Cioppino originated when Italian immigrants at San Francisco's Fishermanâs Wharf would add some of their catch to a communal pot.
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Hereâs the UWS Dish: The Grand Feastâs Cioppino
The cioppino at The Grand Feast. Photos by Abigael Sidi By Abigael T. Sidi For those of you still in
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/02/heres-the-uws-dish-the-grand-feasts-cioppino
5 days ago
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A Gen Z candidate to replace Jerry Nadler dropped out, reportedly after seeing 'the sprawling underbelly of New York City politics.'
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/02/m...
5 days ago
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All aboard!
www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/01/e...
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Even the Snowmen Want to Get Out of Dodge
By Gary Martin Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/03/01/even-the-snowman-want-to-get-out-of-dodge
6 days ago
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The judge described shortcomings by the prosecution as "sloppiness at best."
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/m...
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Mistrial Declared in UWS Maria Hernandez Murder Trial; Lashawn Mackey to be Retried with a New Jury in April
The Criminal Courts Building in Lower Manhattan. Photos by Daniel Katzive. By Daniel Katzive The trial of Lashawn Mackey, accused
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/mistrial-declared-in-uws-maria-hernandez-murder-trial-lashawn-mackey-to-be-retried-with-a-new-jury-in-april
8 days ago
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A WSR conversation with NY-12 Congressional candidate Alex Bores.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/m...
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Meet the UES Candidate Running to Represent Both the UES and UWS in Congress
Alex Bores, who is running for the NY-12 congressional seat. Photos courtesy of Bores's campaign By Gus Saltonstall It is
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/meet-the-ues-candidate-running-to-represent-both-the-ues-and-uws-in-congress
8 days ago
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Mavis Staples, now 86, is at the Beacon Theater Saturday night. Her latest studio album (her 14th) is "Sad and Beautiful World."
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/u...
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UWS Weekend: Great Things to Do in (and Around) the Neighborhood
By Tracy Zwick February 27th through 29th Columbia Menâs Basketball: Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. at
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/uws-weekend-great-things-to-do-in-and-around-the-neighborhood-57
8 days ago
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He built this city. He built this city out of what was lying around the house.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/w...
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WSR Cartoon: Cabin Fever on the Upper West Side
By Bob Eckstein About the cartoonist: Bob Eckstein is a writer, illustrator, author, and contributor of cartoons to The New Yorker and
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/wsr-cartoon-cabin-fever-on-the-upper-west-side
8 days ago
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What do Olympians do when they're not out there competing? Learn from two Team USA members who study at Columbia University.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/c...
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Columbia Universityâs Athletes Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories From the Winter Olympics
Freestyle moguls skier Olivia Giaccio, wearing number 6, and her teammates give pointers to Winter Olympics commentator Snoop Dogg. Photo
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/27/columbia-universitys-athletes-share-behind-the-scenes-stories-from-the-winter-olympics
8 days ago
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The person was found unresponsive in Central Park around 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, police said.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/26/d...
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Dead Body Found in Central Park: Police
WSR. By Gus Saltonstall A dead body was found in Central Park on Thursday, a police spokesperson told West Side
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/26/dead-body-found-in-central-park-police-2
9 days ago
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Federal agents detained a Columbia University student on Thursday morning, according to the school.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/26/i...
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ICE Agents Detain Columbia University Student: School Says Officers Made ‘Misrepresentations’ To Get Into Building
A protest against ICE outside of the Columbia University gates, hours after a student was detained. Photo by Claudia Gohn.
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/26/ice-agents-detain-columbia-university-student-school-says-officers-made-misrepresentations-to-get-into-building
9 days ago
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Nina Schwalbe is running to succeed Rep. Jerrold Nadler in New York's 12th Congressional District.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/a...
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A WSR Conversation With Candidate Nina Schwalbe in the Race to Represent the UWS in Congress
NY-12 Congressional candidate Nina Schwalbe. Photo courtesy of Schwalbe's campaign. By Gus Saltonstall The most common word used to describe
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/a-wsr-conversation-with-candidate-nina-schwalbe-in-the-race-to-represent-the-uws-in-congress
10 days ago
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The plan calls for 50 studio apartments, the majority for formerly homeless adults and the rest for low-income individuals.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/n...
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New Affordable Housing Development Set For Upper West Side: What to Know
The Saint Agnes Residence. Photo by Gus Saltonstall. By Gus Saltonstall A new housing development for formerly homeless adults and
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/new-affordable-housing-project-set-for-upper-west-side-what-to-know
10 days ago
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Tamizdat Book Corner, which carries books banned in Russia, is opening Thursday in a corner of White Rabbit Books.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/o...
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Openings & Closings: Tamizdat Book Corner; Poppie Toys; Sisu Clinic; Farmer’s Market Cafe; THISBOWL
Tamizdat Book Corner will sell books that have been banned in Russia. Photo by Lisa Kava. By Lisa Kava Tamizdat
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/25/openings-poppie-toys-sisu-clinic-farmers-market-cafe-thisbowl
10 days ago
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After community pushback, the city is preserving the 'river' in a Riverside Park playground.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/u...
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UWS River Run Playground Keeps River and Other Historic Elements in Plans Approved by City
Rendering of the planned renovation for River Run Playground. Images courtesy of the New York City Department of Parks and
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/uws-river-run-playground-keeps-river-and-other-historic-elements-in-plans-approved-by-city
11 days ago
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A lesson from "What Is This?": Blizzard warnings are triggered by wind levels, not by a specific level of expected snow.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/t...
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âThis Is a Traffic Coneâ: UWS Coupleâs Videos Tell the Stories Behind the Neighborhoodâs Mundane Streetscape
Opening shots of two "What Is This?" episodes. By Scott Etkin In the opening shot of one of her recent
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/this-is-a-traffic-cone-uws-couples-videos-tell-the-stories-behind-the-neighborhoods-mundane-streetscape
11 days ago
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This photo was taken on the UWS, sometime in the past. Do you know where, when, and what it shows?
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/u...
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Upper West Side Historical Photo Challenge No. 21
By Rob Garber for the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group Welcome to another installment in the Ragâs Historical Photo Challenge. The
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/24/upper-west-side-historical-photo-challenge-no-21
11 days ago
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Central Park had received 19.7 inches of snow as of 1 p.m. on Monday.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/u...
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Upper West Side Snow Photos From The Blizzard: See It
A snow covered West 93rd Street. Photo by Deborah Sharp. By West Side Rag As of 1 p.m. on Monday,
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/upper-west-side-snow-photos-from-mondays-blizzard-see-it
12 days ago
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The shooting took place Sunday night on West 87th Street, police said.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/m...
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Man Shot on the Upper West Side: Police
WSR. By Gus Saltonstall A man was shot Sunday night on the Upper West Side, police said. A 28-year-old man
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/man-shot-on-the-upper-west-side-police-2
12 days ago
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Of all the dishes Iâve covered for this column, Florentinâs white bean msabbaha might be most straightforward, yet it's super tasty and vibrant.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/h...
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Hereâs the UWS Dish: Florentinâs White Bean Msabbaha
Photos by Abigael T. Sidi. By Abigael T. Sidi As I was planning for this weekâs piece, with yet another
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/heres-the-uws-dish-florentins-white-bean-msabbaha
12 days ago
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New Yorkers gathered at a bench in Central Park to remember Russian dissident Alexei Navalny on the anniversary of his death.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/m...
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Monday Bulletin: A Minute of Silence in Central Park for Late Russian Dissident; UWS’s Dubious Dog-Poop Distinction; Cycli
A ghostly Upper West Side, seen across the Central Park Reservoir, awaits the arrival of the blizzard. Photo by Ann
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/23/monday-bulletin-a-minute-of-silence-in-central-park-for-late-russian-dissident-uwss-dubious-dog-poop-distinction-cycling-club-sues-city-uws-shoe-stores-fundraiser-a-big-success
12 days ago
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Update: Allyson Friedman, a professor at Hunter College, sent a statement in an email to West Side Rag acknowledging she was the one who made the remarks at the Upper West Side schools meeting.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/r...
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UPDATE: Racist Remarks Shock Participants at UWS Schools Meeting: ‘We Take These Matters Very Seriously’
Participants in the meeting reacting to the racist remarks. UPDATE: Saturday, February 21 at 8 p.m.:Â Allyson Friedman, a professor at
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/racist-remarks-shock-participants-at-uws-schools-meeting-we-take-these-matters-very-seriously
13 days ago
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There will be no shortage of active limber caffeinated people on the UWS.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/22/t...
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The Pilates Proliferation on the Upper West Side
By Gary Martin Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/22/the-pilates-proliferation-on-the-upper-west-side
13 days ago
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What do snow piles on Upper West Side curbs, glaciers from 20,000 years ago, and the blankets we hide under in winter have in common?
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/21/u...
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Upper West Side Meltdown: All That the Ice Leaves Behind
Photo by Yvonne VĂĄvra. by Yvonne VĂĄvra One by one, theyâre disappearing. The ice banks that rose after last monthâs
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/21/upper-west-side-meltdown-all-that-the-ice-leaves-behind
14 days ago
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Broadway legend (and UWSer) Mandy Patinkin is in concert at Symphony Space on Saturday, performing show and classic American tunes.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/u...
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UWS Weekend: Great Things to Do in (and Around) the Neighborhood
Graphic. By Tracy Zwick February 20th through 22nd Silence and Sound: Arvo PĂ€rt's Music for Strings at the Cathedral of
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/uws-weekend-great-things-to-do-in-and-around-the-neighborhood-56
15 days ago
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"If you train a Black person well enough, they'll know to use the back," an adult said while an UWS child was speaking.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/r...
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Racist Remarks Shock Participants at UWS Schools Meeting: ‘We Take These Matters Very Seriously’
Participants in the meeting reacting to the racist remarks. By Gus Saltonstall Officials of the Upper West Side School District
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/racist-remarks-shock-participants-at-uws-schools-meeting-we-take-these-matters-very-seriously
15 days ago
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The helmet stays on.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/w...
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WSR Cartoon: Some Are Thinking, At Least itâs Not a Cartoon About Curling
By Bob Eckstein About the cartoonist: Bob Eckstein is a writer, illustrator, author, and contributor of cartoons to The New Yorker and
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/20/wsr-cartoon-some-are-thinking-at-least-its-not-a-cartoon-about-curling
15 days ago
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"We continue to remain focused on our Astor Place store," a Wegmans spokesperson wrote to WSR.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/19/a...
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A Less-Than-Enlightening Update on the Possibility of Wegmans Opening on the Upper West Side
Signage for Wegmans on the Upper West Side. Photo by Gus Saltonstall By Gus Saltonstall There are few subjects the
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/19/a-less-than-enlightening-update-on-the-possibility-of-wegmans-opening-on-the-upper-west-side
16 days ago
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My previous column was about the snow, and it felt like I was piling on, so hereâs something to look forward to.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/19/w...
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West Side Canvas: Down by the River
By Robert Beck Remember Fall? My previous column was about the snow, and it felt like I was piling on,
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/19/west-side-canvas-down-by-the-river
16 days ago
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The sidewalk shed on the west side of Broadway, between West 75th and 76th streets, has been up for nearly 12 years.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/w...
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What’s Going on With the 174 Yards of Sidewalk Shed Over The Astor on the Upper West Side
The sidewalk shed and scaffold at The Astor building. Photos by Gus Saltonstall. By Gus Saltonstall 522 feet. That is
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/whats-going-on-with-the-174-yards-of-sidewalk-shed-over-the-astor-on-the-upper-west-side
17 days ago
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"I wasn't sure at the beginning if it was something that we were capable of, but it really turned into something powerful."
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/a...
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After Weeks on the Picket Line, Nurses Head Back to Work
Nurses on the picket line at Mount Sinai Morningside in January. Photo by Claudia Gohn By Claudia Gohn Shella Dominguez,
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/after-weeks-on-the-picket-line-nurses-head-back-to-work
17 days ago
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Tap, a gluten-free Brazilian cafe at 267 Columbus Avenue, is expanding into the space next door.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/o...
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Openings & Closings: Tap; Mikado; Crepes on Columbus; Runaway Poppy; Grassroots Fitness Project
Tap. Photo by Lisa Kava. By Lisa Kava and Natalie Demaree Tap, a gluten-free Brazilian cafe at 267 Columbus Avenue
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/18/openings-mikado-crepes-on-columbus-runaway-poppy-grassroots-fitness-project
17 days ago
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Majorie Cleonese-Laporte was last seen on January 8, leaving her building on West 94th Street, between West End and Riverside Drive, police said.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/9...
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94-Year-Old UWS Woman Missing For More Than a Month: NYPD
Majorie Cleonese-Laporte, who has been missing since January 8, according to NYPD. By Gus Saltonstall A 94-year-old Upper West Side
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/94-year-old-uws-woman-missing-for-more-than-a-month-nypd
18 days ago
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Broadway Farm was closed on Tuesday.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/u...
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UWS Broadway Farm Grocery Store is Fully Closed, But Unclear For How Long
Broadway Farms was closed on Tuesday. Photos by Gus Saltonstall. By Gus Saltonstall For months, it has looked like the
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/uws-broadway-farm-grocery-store-is-fully-closed-but-unclear-for-how-long
18 days ago
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The Winter Olympics is an excellent excuse to watch daytime television.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/r...
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Ruthless Advice for Upper West Siders: All of the Answers With None of the Expertise
By Karen Bergreen and Cynthia Kaplan Editor's note: This month, a guest columnist, Emmy-Award-winning comedian Judy Gold, is filling in
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/17/ruthless-advice-for-upper-west-siders-all-of-the-answers-with-none-of-the-expertise-37
18 days ago
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Good morning đȘżâïž
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18 days ago
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A study showed that residents on the Upper West Side put 13.5% of their organic waste into compost bins last spring.
www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/16/c...
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City Resumes Enforcement of Composting; What the UWS Numbers Show About Participation
A brown bin for composting. Photo by Scott Etkin. By Scott Etkin At the start of this year, the NYC
https://www.westsiderag.com/2026/02/16/city-resumes-enforcement-of-composting-what-the-uws-numbers-show-about-participation
18 days ago
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