The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, nearing the lowest level in five years in a sign of resilience for the U.S.\ labor market.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 334,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

That was the smallest number of first-time applications since early May and near... » more

Clark Kent may never have to deal with subway crowds during rush hour, but that hasn't stopped him from leaving his mark in the city.

Through his various incarnations over his 75-year period, Superman has been spotted in various locations throughout Manhattan, which is often a stand-in for Metropolis in the comics, TV shows and movies.

Dan DiDio, the co-publisher of DC Comics said the... » more

With the MTA lacking a permanent chief since December, transit advocates want lawmakers to confirm the nomination of interim executive director Tom Prendergast to lead the agency.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in April picked Prendergast to lead the MTA, but the longtime agency official has yet to secure a hearing with the state Senate, which must approve of the nomination. Lawmakers are scheduled to... » more

Sarah Palin has returned to Fox News.

After she abruptly parted ways with the Rupert Murdoch-owned network in January, Fox said Thursday that Palin has signed back on to be a contributor starting next week.

The former governor of Alaska and vice presidential nominee will also have a position at the Fox Business Network and will make her debut on the morning show "Fox & Friends" on Monday.

"I... » more

More than $8 million in heroin was seized Wedensday from a Bronx drug ring brought down by a a coalition of law enforcement offices, authorities said.

Members of the NYPD, DEA and city's Special Narcotics Prosecutors Office said they uncovered a wholesale heroin packaging operation at 181 W 238th Street in the Bronx.

After months of surveillance, they arrested three men, one of whom... » more

News Corp. Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch has filed for divorce from his wife Wendi, the company confirmed on Thursday, just days before News Corp. itself splits into two.

The reasons for the filing were not immediately clear, though a spokesman for Murdoch said the marriage had been irretrievably broken for more than six months. Murdoch, 82, married the former Wendi Deng, 44, in 1999.

The... » more

The Brooklyn Nets made a major splash by naming recently retired point guard Jason Kidd as their new head coach on Wednesday.

Kidd retired at the conclusion of the New York Knicks' season, where he played the last of a decorated 19-season career that is likely to land him in the Hall of Fame.

The 40-year-old had a successful stint with the Nets from 2001-2008, which featured successive... » more

The mayor's plan to ban Styrofoam may have support from City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, but some area business owners say it will hurt their bottom line.

Restaurant owners rallied at City Hall Wednesday as Councilman Lew Fidler introduced the bill at the behest of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While the mayor has said food containers that use certain polystyrene items are dangerous to the... » more

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tim Tebow's religious devotion is one of the things he likes about his new backup quarterback.

"The fact that spirituality is so important to him is very appealing to me," Kraft said of the former Jet.

"If you want to win in this league, you need quality depth management," Kraft said yesterday, according to The Boston Globe.... » more

In the Democratic primary for public advocate, Sen. Chuck Schumer has endorsed state Sen. Daniel Squadron of Brooklyn, the campaign announced Wednesday.

Schumer cited Squadron's support of New York's recent gun laws and aiding victims of Superstorm Sandy.

"He'll be an enormously effective force for children, seniors and families who need a voice," Schumer said in a statement.... » more