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Early Addition: Bruce Blakeman's armed civilian group allegedly includes septuagenarians and people with arrest records
By
James Ramsay
Published Mar 4, 2026
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Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images
By
James Ramsay
Published Mar 4, 2026
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Good Wednesday morning in New York City, where we could be getting public drinking zones for the World Cup.
Here's what else is happening:
- The armed civilian group created by Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and New York Republican gubernatorial candidate, is facing criticism for allegedly counting among its ranks several people with arrest records and at least five people in their 70s.
- Here's a look at the new Amtrak trains coming to the Northeast Corridor (and elsewhere) later this year.
- The city's last Hooters — a franchise in Fresh Meadows, Queens — has closed.
- Meanwhile, this Irish bar in Midtown has become a hot spot for "Survivor" watch parties.
- SEE IT: A paddleboarder floating down the icy Hudson.
- "We’re essentially an input company": The head of News Corp announced a new AI content licensing deal with Meta.
- Even Parisians, the champions of a proper lunch break, have come around to the desk salad.
- And finally, some mobility work:
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James Ramsay
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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