2003

Tom Robbins wins Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Award for his series "Lush Life of Rudy Appointee." Gary Giddins wins Jazz Writer of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Journalists Association. Chisun Lee wins the New York Press Club and New York State Bar Association Crystal Gavel Award for "Why the NYPD is Fighting for the Right to Spy on You." OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was named best album and OutKast's "Hey Ya!" was named best single in the Pazz & Jop Music Critic's poll. Lynn Redgrave wins the Obie Award for best performance for her role in Talking Heads, Mos Def wins for Fucking A and Edward Norton wins for Burn This. New York Times reporter Jayson Blair issues his resignation after the San Antonio Express-News catches him plagiarizing one of its stories. It is determined that Blair has faked quotes, entire interviews, plagiarized from other newspapers, and submitted false expense records to deceive the paper about his whereabouts. The Times calls the scandal "a low point in the 152-year history of the newspaper," and its managing and executive editors both resign. A the 3rd Annual Village Voice Siren Music Festival Modest Mouse, Idlewild, The Datsuns, Hot Hot Heat, Sahara Hotnights, Radio 4, Ted Leo/Pharmacists, !!!, The Kills, Northern State, The Dirtbombs, The Pattern, Oneida, and The Witnesses perform. Aspiring politician Othniel Askew shoots to death political rival City Councilmember James E. Davis in the City Hall chambers of the New York City Council. He is subsequently shot to death by police. Madonna and Britney Spears share a seconds-long french kiss live on stage at Radio City Music Hall during the MTV Video Music Awards. The two, along with third-wheel Christina Aguilera, went on to have—or, rather, perform—a threesome of "Like A Virgin." The last of New York subway tokens are phased out for MetroCards. Citywide smoking ban takes effect. Record-producer, rapper and former-J. Lo beau Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and now just "Diddy" runs the New York City Marathon to raise money for inner-city children. The Village christens a new street in the name of legendary punk rocker Joey Ramone, the late vocalist for the Ramones. Joey Ramone Place is located alongside the block where The Ramones got their start at CBGB in the mid-'70s. The Village Voice mourns the passing of Jill Goldstein, former senior editor.