Monday, December 23

Author: Grace Thompson

Legendary French Treasure Hunt “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” May Have Ended After 31 Years
US News

Legendary French Treasure Hunt “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” May Have Ended After 31 Years

After 31 years of captivating treasure hunters across France, the renowned hunt for the "Golden Owl" may have come to an end. Official social media accounts linked to the treasure hunt announced that the token required to claim the grand prize has reportedly been discovered, marking the potential conclusion of one of the longest-running treasure hunts in history. The hunt, officially named “On the Trail of the Golden Owl,” was launched in 1993 with the release of a book by author Régis Hauser, who wrote under the pseudonym Max Valentin, and artist Michel Becker. The book contained a series of 11 puzzles that participants had to solve, with an additional hidden 12th puzzle providing the final clues to the token’s location. Treasure hunters, known as "owlers," scoured France for over thre...
Poughkeepsie Man Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Wappinger
Crime News

Poughkeepsie Man Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Wappinger

A 23-year-old man from Poughkeepsie tragically lost his life in a fiery crash in Wappinger on Wednesday evening. The accident occurred at around 6:20 p.m. on All Angels Hill Road near Dugan Lane when the vehicle, a 2007 Infiniti sedan, crashed into a utility pole and caught fire. According to authorities, the Infiniti was carrying five passengers when it veered off the road and struck the pole, causing the vehicle to nearly split in half. The impact was so severe that it shattered the utility pole. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the car fully engulfed in flames, with two victims lying on the roadway outside the vehicle. One of the victims, Yanique Jackson, 23, who had been sitting in the rear passenger seat, was found in critical condition. CPR was administered by firefight...
Staten Island Man Arrested for Brutal Assault on 81-Year-Old Woman
Crime News

Staten Island Man Arrested for Brutal Assault on 81-Year-Old Woman

A Staten Island man has been arrested in connection with a violent, unprovoked attack on an 81-year-old woman on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The incident, which took place on September 13, involved Hansel Esparragoza, 37, who was charged with felony assault after knocking the elderly woman unconscious with a sucker punch. The victim, Geula Freeman, was walking her son’s dog near West 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue when the attack occurred. Security footage revealed that Esparragoza initially walked past Freeman but then turned back and randomly struck her in the face. The impact knocked Freeman to the ground, rendering her unconscious. She was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital for treatment of facial injuries and a concussion. Esparragoza, who has a history of 21 prio...
29-Year-Old Mother Fatally Stabbed in Bronx Bodega Feud
Crime News

29-Year-Old Mother Fatally Stabbed in Bronx Bodega Feud

A tragic scene unfolded in the Bronx on Thursday afternoon when Gwendolyn Guyton, a 29-year-old mother, was fatally stabbed during a violent confrontation inside a bodega. The deadly attack occurred at Jose Mini Market Inc., located on Southern Boulevard and East 149th Street, at approximately 3:15 p.m., according to police and witnesses. The incident began as a physical altercation between Guyton and another woman, who stormed into the store and engaged in a heated fight. Witnesses report that the confrontation quickly escalated, leading the assailant to stab Guyton multiple times in her neck and torso. A bodega worker, Alex, recounted his attempts to intervene in the situation. "I was trying to save the girl and get her out of the store before she got stabbed," Alex explained. "Whe...
Decomposing Bodies of Couple in Their 60s Found in NYC Apartment, Sparking Macabre Mystery
Local News

Decomposing Bodies of Couple in Their 60s Found in NYC Apartment, Sparking Macabre Mystery

Authorities discovered the decomposing bodies of a man and woman in their 60s in an Upper Manhattan apartment, igniting a disturbing investigation. The gruesome discovery was made on Wednesday night around 7 p.m. when police responded to a 911 call reporting two unconscious individuals in the sixth-floor unit on West 181st Street near Riverside Drive in Hudson Heights. Upon arrival, officers found the woman, aged 67, slumped in a chair in the living room. Meanwhile, the man, 60 years old, was located face-down in the hallway between the bathroom and the bedroom. Investigators have not found any drug paraphernalia at the scene, which raises questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. As of now, authorities have not determined whether any foul play was involved, and the...
Brantford-area Child Dies from Rabies After Contact with a Bat
Local News

Brantford-area Child Dies from Rabies After Contact with a Bat

A tragic incident in the Brantford, Ontario area has resulted in the death of a child due to rabies, as confirmed by local health authorities. Dr. Malcolm Lock, a medical officer of health with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, reported during a board meeting that the child was exposed to the rabies virus in the Timiskaming region, located just north of Sudbury. The unsettling discovery was made when the child woke up to find a bat in their room. The child's parents conducted a preliminary check and, not seeing any obvious signs of a bite or scratches, chose not to seek immediate medical attention for a rabies vaccine. Tragically, the child was hospitalized last month due to rabies complications, but further details, including the child's age, have not been disclosed. This incident ...
Over 200 Animals Rescued from Horrific Conditions in Woodbury Home
Local News

Over 200 Animals Rescued from Horrific Conditions in Woodbury Home

A deeply troubling case of animal neglect has come to light in Woodbury, New York, where the Nassau County SPCA rescued over 200 animals from a home in deplorable conditions. The homeowner, who has been identified as a veterinarian, was keeping a variety of animals—including dogs, cats, exotic birds, turtles, reptiles, geese, and other waterfowl—amidst piles of garbage and hoarded items, raising serious concerns about their welfare. The rescue operation was spearheaded by Nassau County SPCA detectives, who found that many of the animals were living in dire circumstances. During the initial phase of the rescue, six dogs were removed from the property. The dogs displayed severe signs of neglect, including overgrown claws and matted fur. Tragically, one of the dogs was so sick that eut...
Alert: New York Woman Sentenced for Using Counterfeit Money in Hudson Valley
Local News

Alert: New York Woman Sentenced for Using Counterfeit Money in Hudson Valley

A New York City woman has been sentenced to three to six years in prison for her involvement in a counterfeit currency scheme that targeted businesses in the Hudson Valley. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the sentencing of Carol Ntuli, 39, of Manhattan, after she pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree. This incident is particularly concerning as it highlights the impact of counterfeit money on local businesses. In March, Ntuli executed her fraudulent activities over two separate days, making purchases at various stores in the Town of Wallkill and a shop in the Town of New Windsor using counterfeit $100 bills. After her arrest the following week, police found her wearing the same clothes she had on while passing the fak...
Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing New York Woman Found in Hudson Valley
Local News

Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing New York Woman Found in Hudson Valley

In a tragic turn of events, authorities have confirmed that a missing New York woman was found dead in the Hudson Valley. The discovery has prompted an investigation, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The woman, who was reported missing earlier this month, was discovered by a search team in a wooded area near the Hudson River. Police had been searching for her for several days after her family expressed concern about her well-being. The circumstances of her death remain unclear, and authorities are treating the case as suspicious. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death and to gather further evidence. Local residents have expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Many knew the victim personally and described her as a kind and caring...
SSDI Payments Reaching Up to $2,452 for Eligible Families This October: Important Information
Social Security

SSDI Payments Reaching Up to $2,452 for Eligible Families This October: Important Information

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a vital program that offers financial aid to individuals and families when a disability prevents a worker from earning a living. For those who qualify, SSDI payments can be crucial for managing daily expenses. In October, many families are set to receive payments as high as $2,452, with some receiving funds within hours and others within six days. Understanding SSDI SSDI is a federally run program under the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible, workers must have contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes for a specified number of years and must have been unable to work for at least one year because of their disability. T...