Local News

New York City is known for its diversity, culture, and opportunities, but also for its crime and violence. The city has been plagued by various gangs and criminal organizations for decades, some of which have roots in other countries and continents. These gangs are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, murder, and other illegal activities, and often clash with each other and the law enforcement. Here are seven of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over New York: 1. MS-13 MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, but has since spread to many parts of the US, Central America, and Canada. The gang is composed mostly of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and is notorious for its bru...

As excitement builds in New York City, part of Times Square will be closed to traffic for the highly anticipated Times Square Festival this Saturday. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the closure, emphasizing the festival's role in celebrating the vibrant culture and energy of the city. The Essence of Times Square According to the Times Square Alliance, “Times Square has always been a window into the soul of the city.” The area serves as a reflection of New Yorkers' fantasies, fears, dreams, desires, and aspirations. As a central hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping, Times Square embodies the essence of urban life in New York, showcasing both the love residents have for their city and the diverse experiences it offers. Street Closures and Fe...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the Southeast, leaving a trail of destruction after making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as the strongest hurricane on record. The storm, which hit on Thursday, has claimed at least 95 lives and left millions of residents in the dark across six states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee. Widespread Fatalities and Missing Persons North Carolina has been hit the hardest, with at least 36 deaths confirmed by state and county officials. South Carolina has reported 25 fatalities, including two firefighters in Saluda County. Georgia has suffered 17 deaths, two of which were caused by a tornado in Alamo. Florida has seen 11 deaths, with many victims drowning in Pinellas County, while Virginia ...

A mother from Detroit is demanding justice and answers after her 23-year-old daughter, Chelsea Heugel, died by suicide while in custody at the 36th District Court. Heugel, who was awaiting arraignment on September 17, tragically attempted suicide and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Her mother, Rebecca Fant, has been mourning the loss of her daughter for two weeks while struggling to understand how such a tragedy could occur under court supervision. Mental Health and Legal Struggles Chelsea Heugel was a mother of three children and had been battling mental illness, including bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and ADHD. Her life took a downward spiral after enduring a domestic violence situation, which led her to escape and eventually fall into dangerous s...

This year marks the 98th edition of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, set to take place on November 28, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. The 2.5-mile route stretches from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square, offering prime viewing spots along Central Park West and 6th Avenue. Exciting Performances and New Additions The 2024 parade promises to be a grand event with performances from music groups, Broadway stars, and various celebrities. It will be broadcast live nationwide on NBC-TV and streamed on Peacock, allowing millions to join in on the festivities from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Among the exciting new additions to this year’s lineup are balloons featuring beloved characters like Extraordinary Noorah, Marshall from PAW Patrol, Dora, and the debut float from the...