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
Friday, Feb. 15, 2019
Happy Friday! It isn't spring, but it will certaintly feel like today with a few pop-up showers and highs in the 50s. As always, get the latest forecast at nbcnewyork.com/weather.
1. Amazon Bails on NYC, Abruptly Kills New Headquarter Plans
Amazon has canceled its plans to build a headquarters in Long Island City and will not look for another location — a stunning reversal after a yearlong search.
In a statement Thursday, the tech behemoth said it had come to the decision after "much thought and deliberation."
For Amazon, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires positive, collaborative relationships with state and local elected officials who will be supportive over the long-term,” Amazon said.
Local
Read more here.
2. Reports of Smollett Attack Being Hoax Are 'Inaccurate,' Cops Say
The Chicago Police Department threw cold water on reports Thursday night that "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett staged his own attack in response to his character being written off of the show.
"Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives," CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted. "Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate."
A CBS reporter also tweeted the theory, citing "top sources."
Read more here.
3. MTA Declares Love for Riders, Finds Its Feelings Unrequited
The MTA boldly declared its love for commuters in a Valentine’s Day message on Twitter — only to have its feelings crushed by riders who didn’t return the sentiment.
“We [heart] our customers!” the agency wrote in a tweet, accompanied by a scrolling video with affectionate, train line-centric statements like “You D-light me” and “You’re a grade A sweetheart.”
The responses may not have been what the agency hoped for when it put its feelings on the line.
Read more here.
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