Ann Givens

New York

Public Safety Editor at WNYC (New York, NY)

Editor at WNYC/Gothamist focusing on the safety and justice for all New Yorkers. Send news and tips to [email protected]

Articles

Ben Feuerherd joins the WNYC/Gothamist newsroom - Editor and Publisher

Feb 6, 2025 | editorandpublisher.com | Ann Givens

I’m excited to announce that a new reporter is joining the newsroom! Ben Feuerherd is our new Public Safety and Policing reporter. He joins the team from NY1, where he worked as an associate producer and assignment desk editor. Ben previously covered courts and policing at The New York Post and The Messenger. His reporting included stories about the NYPD’s little-known “rap unit” and the FBI investigation into Eric Adams. Last year, he also covered Donald Trump’s criminal trial for POLITICO.
Jury stalled on Daniel Penny manslaughter verdict as judge weighs option

Dec 6, 2024 | gothamist.com | Charles Lane |Ann Givens

The Manhattan jury considering the case of Daniel Penny told a judge Friday that they cannot agree on whether Daniel Penny is guilty of manslaughter, the top charge against him in the death of Jordan Neely. The jury would have to come to a decision on the manslaughter charge before considering the second charge against Penny, criminally negligent homicide. Judge Maxwell Wiley gave lawyers on both sides of the case time to consider what to do next.
Jury deliberations continue in New York City subway chokehold case

Dec 5, 2024 | gothamist.com | Samantha Max |Ann Givens

A Manhattan jury will continue to deliberate on Friday in the case of Daniel Penny, who is accused of choking a man to death on an uptown F train last year. Jurors began deliberating Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday, they asked to rewatch cellphone video recorded inside the subway car. They also asked to hear the legal definitions of recklessness and negligence, which are both factors in the crimes Penny is charged with. They will resume deliberations at 9:45 a.m. on Friday.
In a Deep-Red State, This Lieutenant's Blueprint for Removing Guns From Abusers Is Spreading

Nov 25, 2024 | thetrace.org | Alma Beauvais |Ann Givens

The Trace On February 2, 2023, when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced its decision to strike down the federal law banning domestic abusers under protective orders from possessing guns, Lieutenant Valerie Martinez-Jordan, of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, was inundated with phone calls and emails. More than 25 survivors reached out, voicing their fears that their abusers might regain access to their firearms.
It’s about to get hot. Some New Yorkers may qualify for a free air conditioner.

Jun 18, 2024 | gothamist.com | Ann Givens

The summer’s first heat wave is upon us, and city officials are reminding residents that they may qualify for a free air conditioner. But the units are available first come, first served — so don’t wait to apply. What would you get? Anyone eligible would be given one air conditioner, valued at $800 or less including installation. For an appliance that will go in an existing wall-sleeve unit (the metal device that holds the air conditioner in the wall), the city will pay up to $1,000.
Queens man pleads not guilty to killing an NYPD detective

May 7, 2024 | gothamist.com | Ann Givens

A Queens man pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges on Tuesday after prosecutors said he fatally shot NYPD Detective Johnathan Diller in March after Diller approached his car. Guy Rivera, 34, faces the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted, the Queens district attorney's office said in a press release. Rivera is being held in in jail and is set to appear in court again on July 22.
A Louisiana parish’s efforts to rein in domestic violence inspire action

Apr 6, 2024 | philasun.com | Ann Givens

ABOVE PHOTO: Valerie Martinez at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, which has implemented some of the strictest policies for protecting victims of domestic violence anywhere in the country. PHOTO: Annie Flanagan for The TracePolice officer Valerie Martinez put her small department at the vanguard. Her inventive policies are spreading.
You've been summoned to serve on a New York City jury. Here's what to expect.

Mar 23, 2024 | gothamist.com | Samantha Max |Ann Givens

Jury duty is among Americans' most critical obligations, but is also one of the obligations they dread most. Why else would prospective jurors on Staten Island pull out excuses like “my skin burns off monthly” and “I’m in a relationship and can’t do two things at once” to try to get out of it? To make the process a little less painful, Gothamist has answered some of your most pressing questions about jury service in the city. I got a summons in the mail. Now what?
What to know about NYC's many weekend street closures

Mar 16, 2024 | gothamist.com | Ann Givens

The Manhattan St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday and the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on Sunday will make this an especially hairy weekend to visit the city by car, the city Department of Transportation said. Major streets will be closed across the city, especially in Manhattan and BrooklynOn Saturday, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan will march up Fifth Avenue starting at 11 a.m. Many Midtown streets between 43rd Street and 83rd Street will be closed, the release said.
He's accused of killing a woman in SoHo. So why is he in Arizona?

Mar 6, 2024 | gothamist.com | Ann Givens

Gov. Kathy Hochul is working with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to extradite the suspect in a brutal SoHo murder who fled to Arizona before facing charges, spokespeople for both offices confirmed on Wednesday. Their effort to bring murder suspect Raad Almansoori back to New York comes after an Arizona prosecutor pulled what several legal experts said was an ugly political move last month by refusing to extradite him after saying she didn’t trust Bragg to keep him in custody.