-
Federal authorities have indicted over 30 individuals, including NBA figures, for operating illegal, high-tech poker games tied to mafia families in New York City. The scheme involved rigged tables, high-profile players, and victims losing millions since 2019. The investigation highlights ongoing use of sophisticated technology in underground gambling.
-
The Erie Canal's bicentennial is marked by a reenactment featuring a replica boat, the Seneca Chief, retracing historic routes. The event highlights the canal's historical significance in shaping America's economy, westward expansion, and infrastructure development, with celebrations including water collection from key locations and symbolic plantings.
-
Former New Jersey governor James McGreevey is headed to a December runoff for mayor of Jersey City after finishing second in the nonpartisan election. He trails James Solomon, who led the vote but did not secure a majority. The race focuses on housing, safety, and city services amid a development boom.
-
Sean Combs, known as Diddy, is now incarcerated at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institute in New Jersey. He has served 14 months of a 50-month sentence for federal prostitution-related charges and is appealing his conviction. His lawyers seek early release and rehabilitation programs, with a scheduled release date of May 8, 2028.
-
A 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, NY, has been delivered to Rockefeller Plaza for this year's Christmas display. Donated by Judy Russ in memory of her late husband, the tree will be decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star. It will be lit on Dec. 3 and displayed until mid-January.
-
Liridon Kastrati, 32, was convicted of attempted murder after chasing police with a chainsaw in Paisley in May 2024. He was found guilty of attempting to kill PC Gary Cowan, with sentencing due in December. The incident involved a collision and a pursuit, with officers injured.
-
The Biden administration has proposed a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, which includes Russian territorial gains and military restrictions for Ukraine. The plan, negotiated without European input, faces strong Ukrainian opposition and raises concerns about future Russian aggression.
-
A home in San Francisco's Mission District was robbed in a targeted attack involving a fake delivery person. The suspect tied up the resident, stole $11 million in crypto, and fled. The incident highlights rising violence against crypto investors, with authorities seeking the suspect.
-
Pedro Hernandez, convicted in 2017 for the murder of Etan Patz, has had his conviction overturned and is now set for a retrial. The Manhattan DA's office announced readiness to proceed, with jury selection due by June 1, or Hernandez will be released. The case remains a landmark in child abduction history.
-
Frederick Green, 20, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder after shooting Jets player Boyd in midtown Manhattan on November 16. Boyd was hospitalized in critical condition but has been recovering and visiting team facilities. Green was tracked to Buffalo and surrendered after a three-week manhunt.
-
Hiram Carrero, 18, allegedly set a fire on a Manhattan subway train early Monday, injuring a passenger critically. He appeared in court and faces at least seven years in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about violence on public transit and mental health responses.
-
Brooklyn rapper Daniel Hernandez, known as Hernandez, has admitted to violating his supervised release with recent assaults and drug possession. His court hearing revealed ongoing threats and harassment linked to his cooperation with authorities in a gang case. The judge sentenced him to additional jail time, citing repeated infractions.
-
New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani has issued a video warning residents of their rights amid ongoing ICE operations. He emphasized that immigrants can refuse entry to federal agents without a warrant, and highlighted his commitment to defending the city's 3 million immigrants, especially following recent ICE raids in Chinatown.
-
Frederick Green, 20, was arrested in Buffalo after allegedly shooting NFL player Boyd outside a Manhattan restaurant on Nov. 16. Green faces attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. Boyd remains hospitalized with critical injuries. Green attempted to evade arrest by fleeing to Buffalo and altering his appearance.
-
Do Kwon, founder of Terraform Labs, has been sentenced to 15 years in U.S. prison for fraud related to the collapse of TerraUSD and Luna, which caused $40 billion in investor losses. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud, with prosecutors citing his role in a massive, epoch-defining crypto scam.
-
A woman in Manhattan was stabbed during a holiday shopping incident, and a child abuse case in Long Island resulted in a conviction. The NYC attack involved a homeless suspect, while the Long Island case involved a stepfather abusing a young girl for five years, leading to his conviction.
-
A pretrial hearing in Manhattan is set for May 18 to determine if key evidence, including a gun and notebook, can be used in the trial of Mangione for the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The case involves a warrantless search and potential evidence suppression.
-
New York City has officially stopped selling the MetroCard, ending a 30-year era. The transit system transitions fully to OMNY, a contactless payment system, amid mixed reactions. The MetroCard's legacy is celebrated in memorials, while new fare gates face safety and efficacy concerns.
-
New York City's new mayor, Mamdani, has begun his term with a focus on transit and social issues. He rode the subway on his first day, revoked controversial orders related to Israel, and announced plans to address housing and hate crimes, signaling a shift in city governance.
-
Venezuelan ex-president Nicolás Maduro was captured in Caracas during a U.S. military operation and appeared in a New York court, facing charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro claims he is the legitimate president and was kidnapped. The case involves allegations of drug conspiracy spanning from 1999 to 2025.
-
Recent protests in Iran against the regime have garnered limited international support, contrasting with the strong backing from US political figures and media. Critics argue this reveals a bias aligned with pro-Israel interests, with implications for Iran's future and regional stability.