What to Know
- Amazon canceled plans to build a headquarters in NYC and will not look for another location — a stunning reversal after a year-long search
- Cold water was thrown on reports 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett staged his attack in response to his character being written off the show
- The MTA boldly declared its love for commuters in a Valentine’s Day message on Twitter — only to have its feelings crushed by riders
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
1. Chicago Police Seek Follow-Up Interview With Jussie Smollett
Chicago police said Sunday they're still seeking a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett after receiving new information that "shifted" their investigation of a reported attack on the "Empire" actor.
The trajectory of the investigation "shifted" after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them late Friday without charges, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Saturday. He said police also reached out to Smollett's attorney to request another interview with him.
NBC's Andy Blankstein reported a source familiar with the investigation said the investigation into the alleged attack has shifted to whether Smollett paid the two men who were questioned and later released by police to fake the attack.
Read more here.
Local
2. Sailor in Iconic WWII Times Square Kiss Photo Dies at 95
The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday. George Mendonsa was 95.
Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal.
Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States. People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.
Read more here.
3. Move Over Pizza Rat, There’s a New King of NYC — Introducing Henny Rat!
Joining the likes of infamous rodent celebrities found in the streets of New York (here’s looking at you Pizza Rat, Flood Rat and Millennial Avocado Squirrel), we present to you...Henny Rat!
A picture taken of a rat seemingly "passed out" on a sidewalk while holding on to an empty Hennessy liquor bottle was posted on Twitter by Chris Williamson under the handle @CWilliamson44.
Read more here.
4. Bobby Flay Launches New Menus at Gato
Lauren caught up with Bobby Flay as he celebrates 5 years of "Gato," prepares for new shows and so much more.
See more here.
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