A shoplifting story that could have been just a throwaway crime blotter item was transformed into front-page tabloid gold thanks to a series of photos taken at the scene of a prolonged scuffle outside an AutoZone in the Bronx yesterday. It all started when an unidentified shoplifter set off the store's alarm system when he tried to walk out with an electric drill and an Allen wrench set, worth a total of about $80. Two employees gave chase, even after the thief turned to them with a syringe in his hand and vowed, "I'll give you AIDS with this syringe!" more ›

Well, it lasted longer than it was supposed to: the Keith Haring tribute mural that went up last April on Houston and Bowery is being whitewashed today. The mural went up to celebrate what would have been the artist's 50th birthday, it underwent a modification by his former collaborator in July 2008, and was meant to be down by this past December, according to Animal NY. We contacted Deitch Projects, who along with the Keith Haring Foundation commissioned the recreation of the artist's piece, to find out what might go up on the wall next. We'll update the post when we hear back, but in the meantime, expect it to be tagged by some enterprising young street artists by sun up. more ›