Body of missing escort Shannan Gilbert likely found in Oak Beach, L.I. one year after disappearance
A year after the search for Shannan Gilbert led to the discovery of 10 bodies at Gilgo Beach, L.I., the missing escort’s corpse was found a few miles away, police said Tuesday. Gilbert’s purse, including her ID and cell phone, and her jeans and shoes were found in marshland last week, and police expanded their efforts to find her body. Skeletal remains were found at the Oak Beach site, and police said they believe they belong to Gilbert but have not confirmed it through forensics. Read More: Daily News
Seaburn Bookstore, Astoria’s only independent bookseller, to close this month
The only independent book store in Astoria selling mainstream titles is slated to close its doors for good this month. Seaburn Bookstore has been losing money for years and its owner tried to shutter the shop last year. But an outpouring of community support at the time — and a jump in sales — prompted the owner, Sam Chekwas, to keep the beloved store open. He even remodelled and added an Internet cafe to appeal to new customers. Read More: Daily News
Disabled Flushing resident says the Veterans Administration botched his wheelchair
Matthew Raible, a 63-year-old Vietnam veteran, said he waited nine months for the Veterans Administration to give him a proper wheelchair that he desperately needed for his everyday life. And less than a week after it arrived, both wheels fell off, he said. This is one of many complaints that Raible, a quadriplegic, has with the VA, which is responsible for providing his wheelchairs and other health care services. Read More: Daily News
Teacher has students do ‘God’s’ work
A Queens high school teacher got students to unwittingly do volunteer work for a controversial religious charity run by the son of Christian evangelist Billy Graham that has been accused of mixing its celebrated aid to the poor with proselytizing. Students in John Bowne HS said their math teacher, Mr. Joseph, asked them in class last month if they would bring in shoe boxes filled with toys, clothes and teddy bears for the Samaritan’s Purse annual Operation Christmas Child program. Read More: New York Post
