Police say the first incident happened on Jan. 20 in Locust Valley. Three days later, the same thing happened on William Road in North Massapequa, and again on Jan. 28 the thieves struck again in East Meadow.  The most recent incident happened on Tuesday in Massapequa on Division Avenue.

Joe Batista says he locked up his jet ski, but did not anticipate it being towed right off his driveway.

“I work very hard for what I have and then I get to watch it on camera,” said Batista. “Watch them take my stuff. It felt horrible. I felt defiled.”

Security camera footage from cameras on the street show individuals getting out of the U-Haul to hitch the jet ski to the truck and then calmly driving away. This occurred around 3 a.m., when most were sleeping.

David Gottlieb, of North Massapequa, said his jet ski was also stolen in the dead of night. He did not even know until he looked out his window. His security cameras also showed a U-Haul truck driving away.

“I don’t expect to get it back,” said Gottlieb. “This was so violating, unfortunately it’s a loss to me.” 

Nassau Police declined to comment but said there are some steps owners can take to secure their jet skis, like putting it behind a fenced in area, blocking the jet ski with a car to make it harder to steal, and to call police if they see or hear anything suspicious.

Batista just bought the jet ski for his kids to enjoy this summer. He hopes police will be able to locate it.

“Hopefully they will get them, I’m sure [the theives] will mess up soon,” said Batista. “And remember, it’s a U-Haul truck. So if anybody sees a U-Haul truck driving around at 3:15 in the morning, call the police.”

Police officials said the girl was in a car seat when she was struck in the back by gunfire around 7 p.m. on the night of June 30, as she sat in a car with her father.

According to court documents, the father and daughter were in their car near White Plains Road and East 213rd Street in the Williamsbridge neighborhood, waiting for two of the dad’s friends to arrive so they could attend a car show. After they arrived, one of the cars that dropped them off pulled alongside the father’s sedan and started revving the engine, causing it to backfire.

The sound of the backfire caused a group, including suspects Austin Morrishow and Curtis White, to scatter. Morrishow took cover behind a parked car and fired a .40-caliber handgun multiple times at the cars, prosecutors said. White chased the cars down the street with a gun as well.

The shooting reportedly took place near a memorial in progress for a man killed in a shooting the previous night.

After getting a few blocks behind them, the father checked on his daughter, which is when he realized she had been shot. The girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, police said at the time, and has since recovered.

The 26-year-old White was arrested not long after, but the 25-year-old Morrishow went on the run for nearly eight months before finally getting nabbed Wednesday afternoon, according to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.

Prosecutors allege Morrishow and White broke the law by possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony. Williams said the pair were on a busy sidewalk when they fired shots at three cars.

“Morrishow recklessly fired multiple rounds of illegally possessed ammunition at innocent New Yorkers, striking and injuring a young child and endangering the lives of other bystanders.  Instead of turning himself in, Morrishow fled for over seven months,” said Williams. “Today’s arrest keeps our promise to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to track down and capture fugitives — whether it takes seven days, seven weeks, or seven months — and bring them to justice.”

If convicted, Morrishow and White each face up to years in prison. Attorney information for the two was not clear.

The letter, obtained by NBC New York, said after an investigation of the May 16, 2023 incident, the NYPD determined the paparazzi acted in a “reckless” manner, though no charges have been filed.

In a statement to NBC News back in May, the couple’s spokesperson said the “relentless pursuit” of the couple, who were leaving an event, lasted for over two hours and resulted in near collisions with other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD police officers.

The spokesperson added that the “near catastrophic car chase” came “at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.”

Julian Phillips, the then-NYPD deputy commissioner of public information, said at the time that officers “assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

“There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging,” Phillips said in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”

In the NYPD’s letter, police said the paparazzi showed a “reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior.”

The NYPD and Manhattan District Attorney’s Office determined there was not enough evidence to arrest anyone involved, but the incident would lead to a change in security for the royals in the future.

The NYPD said it will be “enhancing the security resources afforded to the Duke and Duchess on future visits to the city,” according to the letter, which said the NYPD will add extra resource for the couple’s protection.

Cops were called to the scene at Southards Park Pond, off Siegel Boulevard in Babylon Village, shortly before 9 a.m. when a parent of the students who found the arm called 911. That came after the teens spotted a person’s left arm dumped in the bushes.

“One of the students called their father. The father responded, confirmed it was an arm on the side of the road and he called 911,” Suffolk County Police Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer said at a news conference.

A short time later in the early afternoon, a police dog searching another part of the large park found a human leg under leaves about a mile from the first location — and not far from a nearby elementary school. Later in the evening, a right arm was found as well, about 20 feet further into the woods from where the first arm was discovered in the morning, police said.

“There’s a mound of leaves. We don’t know what’s going to be under the mound. Once we clear the mound we may find the remainder of the body or we may not,” said Beyrer.

The superintendent of the Babylon Unified School District said in a letter to parents that students at the nearby school were kept indoors for recess while the investigation was underway, and that mental health resources would be provided “to assist our students at all grade levels, and we encourage any student feeling uneasy, anxious or scared in any way to please take advantage of them during this time.” The letter noted that the investigation is otherwise unrelated to any of the schools.

Homicide detectives were on scene throughout the day with crime scene tape stretched across an area usually frequented by school kids, joggers and people walking their dogs. Police said it appeared the body parts had been dumped recently.

Police didn’t immediately provide any further information on the limbs found, hoping that testing the DNA and examining tattoos could help lead them to an identification. Investigators were looking into all possibilities as to what may have happened, and did not rule out that it may have been gang-related.

Police did not share whether the body parts are believed to be of the same person or how the individual may have died.

The grisly find came a day ago, shortly after noon, when Lakewood Township Police got word about an unconscious man inside the trunk of a car parked near Fairview Court. Responding officers found the man dead.

Prosecutors described the investigation as “active and ongoing.” They said there is no known danger to the public, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Olga Brylevskaya of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 4105, or Det. Austin Letts of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.

Babylon Village is looking to put a stop to people feeding feral cats because of the impact the animals they say have on local wildlife. The proposed ban comes after complaints from residents about people frequently coming to certain spots — like near a local park entrance — to give the stray cats food.

That prompted village officials to take action. But advocates believe there are better options than an all-out ban, and are lobbying the village to drop the proposal.

“This mayor wants to starve these cats. That’s animal cruelty,” said Christine Lanteri.

She travels to Babylon every day to feed about five cats, and doesn’t understand why it would generate complaints.

“Cats will most certainly die,” said Virginia Scuddy, who operates a cat rescue group. She and Lanteri were among those voicing opposition to the feeding ban at a village board meeting on Tuesday.

“The village of Babylon, I’m shaking my head at them, all the board members. At the end of the day, you will be known as an inhumane village,” said Scuddy.

No Babylon Village officials would offer comment despite repeated efforts by NBC New York. No decision has yet been made on the feeding ban idea, as the board has yet to decide whether to move forward with it.

Scuddy maintains there is a better solution: An organized plan to trap, spay and neuter the cats, then release them. She says that course of action has been proven to reduce feral cat colonies while keeping survivors healthy.

“We have volunteers that feed colonies that we have helped to spay and neuter… what happens is you’re preventing unwanted litters. Also preventing illness and death,” she said. “Rather than scold them and say you can’t do this, how about properly educating them so that they’re doing right by the cats?”

Flight 94 was bound for Madrid after taking off from John F. Kennedy International Airport. Massachusetts State Police said an Alert 2 was declared for the flight at 9:46 p.m. because the windshield cracked.

An Alert 2 is defined by the Federal Aviation Administration as an indication that an aircraft is having “major difficulties,” which lead crew to believe “a difficult or crash landing may be expected,” according to a document on a Phoenix government website.

Police say the plane landed at Logan International Airport without any further problems, taxiing to the gate on its own at 10:14 p.m. ET.

“I know as captain on my airplane, when I am near an airport and a safe haven, I am going to come back and land,” said Dennis Tajer, a Boeing 737 captain. “We get paid to make judgement calls, and clearly, flying around with a cracked windshield when there is an airport right there is not the way to go.”

Tajer says all pilots have checklists they follow in these situations.

“What it comes down to are two trained and experienced pilots making those judgement calls to protect our passengers,” he added. “It is safe to fly, your last line of defense is literally me and thousands of other pilots out there, we are on the airplane with you. When it is safe to go, we are going to go.”

Passengers were escorted off the plane Wednesday night at Logan Airport and ushered into a line, where they waited for assistance.

“When it happened, it was kind of shocking. No one could believe it and then when we return, we land and they say, ‘OK, guys you have to spend the night in Boston.’ And I think everyone, not freaked out, but we got mad,” said Nico Moreno.

The passengers were told their new flight was scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday.

“We had a to spend the whole night. We don’t have food for morning or afternoon because we would have to come here before 2 p.m. and they don’t give us vouchers for the food, so that’s the situation,” said Moreno.

American Airlines told NBC10 Boston in a statement late Wednesday night that the plane was diverted “due to a maintenance issue.”

“The flight landed safely and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” the airline said. “Customers will re-depart for [Madrid] tomorrow on a replacement aircraft. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.”

No further information was immediately available.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest celebration of Irish heritage in the world. It is also a spectacular day in New York City, filled with unique sights and sounds you cannot find anywhere else.  We cannot wait to bring WNBC’s viewers on another memorable journey up Fifth Avenue,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York.

Broadcast coverage will be led by WNBC Weekend Today in New York anchor Gus Rosendale and News 4 New York investigative reporter Sarah Wallace. Rosendale will be joined in the broadcast booth by Ireland Calls Radio Show personality, Treasa Goodwin-Smyth and Tommy Smyth, world renowned sports announcer and commentator. They will be providing viewers with a fun and informative look at Parade’s rich history. Wallace will take viewers on a fun-filled trip along the Fifth Avenue parade route, featuring the traditional stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and interviewing Parade participants and spectators every step of the way.

“We are again delighted to partner with WNBC in the broadcast of the historic 263rd New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024. This parade that started in 1762 has survived; a war of revolution, World War I, World War II, the great depression, and the pandemics of 1918 and 2020, and this year we have bands coming from all across the United States and Ireland as well as a group coming from Australia, the ULURU- Friends of Erin. We are indeed looking forward to a fantastic day on March 16, celebrating our Irish heritage and culture in the greatest city in the world, New York City,” said Hilary Beirne, Founding Chairman of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Foundation.

Margaret “Maggie” Timoney was named Grand Marshal of the 2024 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Timoney is the President & CEO of HEINEKEN USA based in White Plains, New York. She is the first woman to serve as chief executive of a major beer company in the US and has worked for more than 20 years with the HEINEKEN Group in the US, Netherlands, Canada and Ireland. A native of Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, Maggie received both her B.A. and M.B.A at Iona University.  She resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Mar 17, 2023

ICYMI: Watch the 2023 NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

St. Patrick's Day Parade Mar 17, 2023

PART 1: 2023 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

About NBC 4 New York / WNBC

NBC 4 New York / WNBC is the flagship station of the NBCUniversal Local division of NBCUniversal, serving the New York Tri-State area for more than 75 years and featuring Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and Emmy® Award-winning journalists who are among the most accomplished in their field.  The station includes the NBC 4 I-Team, New York’s largest televised investigative reporting unit, Better Get Baquero which has recovered more than $10 million for Tri-State consumers and Storm Team 4, certified by WeatheRate for delivering the Tri-State’s most accurate local weather forecast using cutting-edge technology such as Storm Tracker 4, a high-frequency S-Band dual polarization fixed Doppler weather radar.

NBC 4 New York’s digital platforms are also among the most read and watched in the New York market and include the NBC 4 App, dedicated Peacock channel, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Amazon Fire, Google TV, Freevee, TCL and Local Now channels along with unique, out-of-home viewing in local taxis. For more information, visit nbcnewyork.com

About New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The New York City St. Patrick’s Parade marched for the first time in 1762, fourteen years before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.  The Parade is regarded as the most popular of the all the Parades in New York City, and honors Saint Patrick – the patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland. The New York Parade consists only of marchers and each year hosts some 250,000 marchers and two million spectators. The Parade has many outstanding marching bands, bagpipers in marching formations, high-school and college bands from throughout the United States and from all over the world. The occasion is televised live to millions of households nationwide for four hours by host station WNBC. The broadcast is webcast live via the internet through the Parade’s web site at NYCStPatricksParade.Org and through WNBC’s web site at www.nbcnewyork.com.

Disclaimer

Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.

According to police, the suspect, seen in the surveillance image above, followed the 20-year-old victim off a Queens-bound F train at 169th Street shortly after midnight on Saturday. Once in the mezzanine area, he punched her in the face multiple times and knocked her to the ground, where cops say he tried to take off her clothing in a sex assault.

The victim struggled and yelled as she fought back, alerting an MTA transit guard who intervened, officials say. Witnesses said the attacker ran off in the direction of 168th Place. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

“Thank goodness there was a transit guard who was alert, concerned, and in a position to safely intervene on behalf of a New Yorker in an awful situation,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

The attack comes amid a rash of high-profile cases of subway violence, including three homicides. Earlier Thursday, an on-duty subway conductor was slashed in the neck at a station in Brooklyn. He’s expected to be OK.

The MTA has condemned the violence. The NYPD’s transit chief says an influx of 1,000 officers in response to a January spike in crime is showing progress driving down the numbers.

Jurors sent out a note to the judge around 12:15 p.m. with questions about one of the counts of tampering with evidence.

Judge Kevin Randolph read the questions in court.

“In order to constitute tampering, does the defendant need to have physically altered, destroyed, concealed, or removed an item or thing, i.e. physical contact?” he read.

The second question had to do with the term accessory or accessorial liability. Jurors indicated the information never mentions those terms and they asked for clarification.

Judge Randolph brought the jury into the courtroom and read the instructions specific to those questions. He told them accessorial liability does not require physical contact. He sent them back to deliberations and told them if they need further clarification, then can send out another question.

On Wednesday, the panel began its first full day of deliberations.

Jurors deliberated for a little more than two hours Wednesday before sending a note to the judge requesting to rehear the testimony from Troconis’ friend, Carla “Petu” Duperron.

The judge brought the jury back into the courtroom and Duperron’s 38 minutes of testimony was played for them.

Jurors spent the rest of the afternoon deliberating on Wednesday but went home for the day without reaching a verdict. They will decide if Troconis is guilty or not guilty on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution. Troconis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jennifer Dulos, 50, went missing on May 24, 2019, and has never been found. Prosecutors told the jury her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, attacked her at her New Canaan home and drove off with her body. They were battling over their divorce and custody of their five children at the time, and Troconis was Fotis’ Dulos girlfriend and living with him at another home.

Troconis did not testify during the 27-day trial. Her lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, said the prosecution did not prove any of their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos or even if he was in New Canaan that morning.

“She did not know that Fotis Dulos planned to harm her,” Schoenhorn told the jury. “The state has made, what I would suggest, are unfounded and unfair assumptions and have speculated that Michelle Troconis had to know what was going on because she was romantically linked with Fotis, that she was somehow involved in this nefarious, murderous plot.

“But that’s not reality,” he said. “That’s more like one of these cable TV movies, scripted movies. It’s not based on the facts that you heard during this trial.”

In fact, a TV movie was made about the case, Lifetime’s “Gone Mom,” as the case drew widespread attention.

Jennifer Dulos was a member of a wealthy New York City family and a niece by marriage of fashion designer Liz Claiborne. Although her body has never been found, a medical examiner concluded suspected blood spatter in her garage and other evidence indicated she could not have survived. A state judge declared her officially dead in October.

Fotis Dulos was a luxury home builder originally from Greece. He killed himself in January 2020, shortly after being charged with the murder of Jennifer Dulos. He had denied the charge.

Troconis is a dual American and Venezuelan citizen who once had her own TV production company in Argentina and hosted a snow-sports show for ESPN South America.

The Dulos’ five children, who ranged from 8 to 13 years old when their mother disappeared and include two sets of twins, have been in the custody of Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, 88, in New York City ever since.

Prosecutors alleged Troconis must have known about the plot beforehand, because she answered Fotis Dulos’ cell phone on the morning of May 24 when he allegedly was in New Canaan — suggesting she helped him with an alibi. He had left his phone at their home in Farmington, about 70 miles away near Hartford, prosecutors said.

Later that day, Troconis accompanied Fotis Dulos to Hartford, where he disposed of several garbage bags in random locations — a trip partially recorded by surveillance cameras.

Police found some of the bags and said they contained clothing, zip ties and other items containing Jennifer Dulos’ DNA. Some of the items, including a shirt and bra, had blood-like stains on them. Some items had Fotis Dulos’ DNA on them, and a portion of one bag tested positive for Troconis’ DNA, a state forensics expert testified at the trial.

Schoenhorn said Troconis had no idea what Fotis Dulos was doing or what was in the bags. He also said Fotis Dulos could have touched her and spread her DNA to one of the bags.

The prosecutors also said Troconis helped Fotis Dulos write up a timeline of their activities to prepare for potential police questioning. Troconis told police she only did that at the request of Fotis Dulos and his lawyer. And she also went with him when he had the employee’s truck cleaned and detailed at a car wash, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Troconis lied to police during the first of her three interviews with them in 2019 when she said Fotis was at their home the morning of May 24. They say she acknowledged in a subsequent interview that she hadn’t seen him.

Schoenhorn said there could have been miscommunications because the interviews were in English instead of Troconis’ primary language, Spanish. A defense expert also testified that traumatic events, such as being interviewed by police, can affect people’s memory and recall of events.

A woman was arrested in the caught-on-camera bottle attack on a Herald Square musician as he performed for the evening rush crowd earlier this month, the NYPD said — but she was then released without bail hours later.

Amira Hunter, of Brooklyn, was charged Thursday with assault in the Feb. 13 attack at the midtown transit hub. It wasn’t clear if she had an attorney.

Even though she allegedly committed a violent crime that is bail eligible, and despite the district attorney requesting she be held on bail, the judge on Thursday released her without it.

Hunter has previous arrests for petit larceny, for which she has failed to show up in court multiple times.

“This was on film, a random attack against an individual. She goes gets arraigned — and is walking right back out on the street without a consequence, without spending a few nights in jail,” said former NYPD chief Terry Monahan. “It may be two three years now before this case gets resolved.”

Police allege Hunter is the woman seen on video smacking Iain Forrest in the back of his head with his metal water bottle. Video shows the woman leaning on a column at the 34th Street station while looking at her phone, then putting her phone in her bag and marching behind Forrest. She grabs his metal water bottle and whacks him forcefully.

“I just felt in the middle of the performance some terrible collision in the back of my head,” Forrest, a medical student and electric cellist with the stage name Eyeglasses, recalled.

The “Music Under New York” member said he didn’t know what had caused “a lot of pain” and was disoriented.

He also said it wasn’t the first time he’d been attacked in transit. Forrest says someone tried to steal his instrument when he was performing in Times Square within the last year.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore,” he announced on his Instagram two days of the latest attack. “I’m suspending subway performances indefinitely.”

While the MTA doesn’t log specific numbers of assaults on musicians in subway stations, Forrest says he believes tracking those numbers and diverting resources can help prevent future attacks.

“If you talk to any of these musicians, they’ll tell you something similar happened to them. They got assaulted. They got attacked, harassed,” Forrest said.

The musician has been entertaining locals and tourists in subway stations for nearly a decade. He also performed the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden last December.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Police swarmed the Rockaway Avenue subway station, on the C line, after getting a 911 call about the 3:40 a.m. attack. Investigators say he was on the job at the time, performing his duties on a southbound C train. He stuck his head out of the conductor’s cab, and got slashed by an unknown individual, authorities say. The slasher ran off.

The conductor yelled for help over the PA system and luckily a doctor was aboard the train. The conductor was later identified as Alton Scott, who has 24 years of service for the MTA.

“If it wasn’t for the doctor, he’s not sure if he would have made it. We are extremely grateful for the quick thinking and actions of this doctor,” said Demetrius Critchlow, the senior vice president for the Department of Subways.

Scott was treated for his injuries at Brookdale Hospital, getting 34 stitches before later being released. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

“His first words to me were, ‘I love my job, but, you know, I thought I was going to die,'” Critchlow said.

Police said Thursday no arrests have been made.

The slashing comes on the heels of new orange stanchions getting debuted this week to protect the front cabs amid a spike in violence that has seen three homicides in recent weeks. Over the weekend, a woman was followed off a train by a man police say tried to rape her in the subway station. He’s still on the loose.

MTA officials have condemned the string of violence. The Transport Workers Union blasted the MTA after the attack, saying the incident was “a horrific example of the epic, decades-long failure by the MTA and Chairman Janno Lieber to protect transit workers.”

“We stand ready to assist Local 100 as they confront this plague of violence – and transit executives who are either inept or indifferent to the harm inflicted on their own employees day and night,” said TWU President John Samuelsen. “On workplace safety, the MTA has been an abysmal failure. Assaults against transit workers in the subway increased nearly 60% last year. Unlike Lieber, transit workers don’t travel with a dedicated and armed MTA Police squad.”

The union pleaded with the MTA to deploy members of the agency’s 1,000-member police force — officers usually seen on the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Railroad — to start patrolling the subway lines across the five boroughs.

Alina Ramirez, a union spokesperson, stressed that the union did not authorize any official work stoppage or slowdown, despite claims posted on social media.

She said members working on the subway line where the attack occurred reported for work as usual Thursday but remained “on standby” in the hours after the attack until they received safety assurances from transit management, as is typical following such incidents.

Ramirez said workers have since resumed normal operations on the subway line.

Richard Davis, the president of the TWU Local 100, said it was “an attempted murder this morning that was committed, not just a slashing.”

Recent NYPD data paints a concerning picture, with 2023 seeing the highest number of subway assaults since at least 1996. Over that year, there were 570 assaults, marking a slight increase from the previous year and averaging about 1.5 incidents daily.

But NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper said “progress” is being made. An infusion of 1,000 more officers into the subway system — done in a direct response to a January crime spike — led to a 17% reduction in crime in February, Kemper said.

Though for the year, subway crime is still up 13% compared to 2023, with assaults on the transit system up 11%. NYPD transit police are investigating 86 assaults, up from last year’s 77. And three homicides in the first two months of the year mark a troubling start, especially when compared to 2023 at this time, when there were none.

Are you vehemently opposed to the MTA’s plan of charging vehicles at least $15 to enter Manhattan around midtown and below? Or perhaps excited to see what the influx of funds could do to help your subway commute each day?

Either way, now’s the time to let your voice be heard.

Thursday marks the first of four hearings, virtual and in-person, where the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed congestion pricing plan and suggest amendments before a final vote in the spring. Nearly 200 people signed up to speak — some of whom support the plan, some oppose it.

The hearing kicked off at 6 p.m., and there will be three more held over the course of the next few days:

• Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m.  
• Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m.   

The hearings will be held on the 20th floor of 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will also be a Zoom option, and they will be streamed on the MTA’s website.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings have to register in advance online or by calling 646-252-6777. Registration is now open, and closes 30 minutes after the start of the hearings.

The public can also send a written or audio comment through one of these methods:

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP  
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org  
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004  
Phone: 646-252-7440  
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.   

“The statute is the law of the land. A lot of work has been done. We are at the five yard line. But a lot of work has been done. The board is going to hear comments and take them into consideration,” said MTA President Richard Davey.

The hearings are set to begin a day after the MTA announced that 95% of its toll readers for its controversial congestion pricing program have already been installed and are ready to go, covering 104 of the planned 110 locations.

Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size. As it stands, the collection readers are scheduled to go “live” on or about June 15.

The MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure in December, saying charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan would contribute millions of dollars to the city’s aging transit system.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved in December, and what comes next in the process.

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll once for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that the plan would generate $15 billion, a cash influx that could be used to modernize subways and buses.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Four public hearings will be held, starting Thursday, as part of a 60-day public response period. The last of those hearings is March 4. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before a “final” vote later in March or in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Lieber said it’s “highly probable” the transit agency will prevail in the lawsuits filed on both sides of the Hudson River, both in New Jersey and in the city, which would give them the green light to begin the program sometime in June barring a surprise ruling from a judge.

Since the state legalized marijuana in 2021, unlicensed pot shops have proliferated across New York City, with limited pushback from authorities. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul called on online map and social media companies to stop listing them.

“If you type in ‘cannabis dispensaries’ in Google Maps or Yelp, you’ll get a long list of unlicensed illegal vendors,” Hochul, a Democrat, said Tuesday, speaking to reporters alongside some of the owners of licensed, legal weed stores that make up a tiny minority of the cannabis shops in New York City.

New York Feb 6

Connecticut has a shortage of marijuana. New York farms have had too much. What to do?

marijuana Feb 5

Judge rejects claim that New York's marijuana licensing cheats out-of-state applicants

marijuana Feb 1

From weed arrest to dispensary owner: Meet the owner of Dazed

In a statement, Yelp said the company believes “consumers have a First Amendment right to read and write about all businesses, even if unlicensed.”

“Allowing users to contribute and see information … about unlicensed businesses serves the public interest and provides a resource for regulators to determine whether any particular business has appropriate licenses,” the statement read.

Legal marijuana shops in New York pay a vice tax, purchase from local farms, and submit to quality control testing to ensure their products aren’t laced with other drugs and aren’t stronger or weaker than their label says.

But so far, fewer than 80 cannabis licensed stores have opened around the state, where strict eligibility requirements and lawsuits have contributed to slowing the rollout. Meanwhile, it’s common for a single neighborhood in New York City to have a dozen illegal ones.

Hochul vowed to crack down eight months ago, but has failed to make noticeable progress.

Aiming to avoid an echo of prohibition-era criminalization of drug sales, New York state’s marijuana legalization doesn’t include severe criminal punishment for illegal sales and doesn’t allow most law enforcement agencies to enforce pot laws.

Legislation that Hochul signed last May gave the state powers for inspections, seizures, fines that can reach $20,000 a day and, in some cases, close shops and go after landlords.

But the governor on Wednesday said she has since learned that it wasn’t enough. She said the fines aren’t high enough to deter people, and noted the appeals process takes many months, allowing shops to continue raking in tax-free profits off unlicensed products that are less expensive because they can be purchased out of state.

New York City itself has tried to stem the tide by going after landlords, but Mayor Eric Adams has been imploring Albany to grant the city more power to respond.

Hochul has asked the Democrat-controlled state Legislature to pass new legislation to grant more enforcement authority to city agencies, increase fines, and give law enforcement permission to shut down illegal stores before the appeals process plays out.

In the meantime, Hochul is asking tech companies “to not be posting the sites that are illegal and ensure that they’re posting the legal shops.”

Local cannabis entrepreneur Osbert Orduña said Google Maps keeps delisting his legal shops, one in New Jersey, and another in Queens, New York. He said he’s never had trouble with his listings on Yelp, though he’d like the site to delist illegal operators as well.

“Four times, Google has taken us down off of their platform for ‘violating their terms of service.’ We’ve done nothing other than have our store hours and our basic business information listed,” he said.

Google didn’t immediately respond to a query about Orduña’s specific circumstances, but noted in a statement responding to Hochul’s comments that it does remove listings for closed venues.

“If we can confirm that a business has closed for any reason – including license issues – we’ll reflect that it’s closed in the listing. We also prohibit cannabis ads in New York and remove them upon detection, often before they ever run,” the statement read.

Orduña said he also wants his illegal competitors, some of whom he knows personally, to be closed down. He says they tell him he’s playing a “sucker’s game.” But as a former Marine, he likes to do things by the book and even plans on expanding to open another store in Queens next week.

Hochul, a Democrat, approved the bill hours after lawmakers in the Democrat-dominated statehouse passed the measure with some Republican support, capping days of redistricting drama in the Legislature.

The lines are similar to both the existing congressional map and a proposal drawn by the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission, yet appeared far from the aggressive partisan gerrymander many expected after Democrats took control of the redistricting process earlier this week.

politics Dec 17, 2023

NY gerrymandering could make or break Dems' House hopes

Supreme Court Jun 8, 2023

Supreme Court strikes down Alabama's congressional map in win for Black voters

redistricting Apr 27, 2022

NY High Court Rejects New Congressional District Maps, Says Primary Delay May Be Needed

The biggest adjustments came in a small handful of suburban districts — areas important to the party’s plans for winning back a House majority.

The map could help Democrats hold on to a seat on Long Island that Democrat Tom Suozzi won in a special election this month, and it folds a couple left-leaning cities into a central New York district held by a Republican, potentially helping a Democrat in that race.

Democrats also reversed proposed changes from the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission that would have helped incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro retain his Hudson Valley district, instead drawing lines that could make the race there more competitive.

The changes, though seemingly minor, could have a big impact in the fight for control of the House, where Republicans are trying to hold on to a threadbare majority and both parties move to pick up seats through similar redistricting battles elsewhere.

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat leading the party’s effort to retake House seats in New York, said the map “delivers the type of fair representation that the people of New York State deserve.”

Republicans have threatened to bring a legal challenge against any map they feel violates New York’s prohibition on drawing lines that benefit one party over another. It is unclear if at least some Republicans would proceed with a lawsuit, but former Republican congressman John Faso, who advised the GOP on redistricting lawsuits in New York, said he doesn’t think the new map makes enough changes to the existing lines to warrant a legal challenge.

“Since there’s no material changes, there’s no reason to bring up a lawsuit,” Faso said.

Still, Democrats, wary of another protracted court fight over congressional boundaries, fast-tracked a separate bill that would limit where redistricting cases can be filed, a move to keep such suits from landing in front of conservative judges.

The Democrats’ restrained approach to mapmaking this week came as a surprise. The party tried in 2022 to jam through an aggressive partisan gerrymander that was tossed out by the state’s highest court, leading to a court-appointed expert having to draw up the state’s lines.

Republicans flipped seats in the New York suburbs under those congressional lines and won a narrow House majority. After the election, Democrats sued to throw out the map, with courts ordering the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission to draw new districts.

The commission came up with lines that looked much like the state’s 2022 boundaries. But then Democrats in the statehouse rejected that proposal and drew their own districts, which were signed into law by Hochul.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that Democrats feel that this map is better for Democrats, but I know I’ve spoken with many of my members in Congress who do think this is not a terrible map for Republicans,” State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt told reporters.

The suspect, 36-year-old Robert Rodriguez, was at his home in the Rockland County town of Haverstraw when he allegedly shot and killed Ronald Mann during the evening of Feb. 15, 2021. After carrying out the shooting, Rodriguez drove Mann’s car, with the dead victim inside, to Exit 16 on the busy parkway in the town of Stony Point, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh said.

He then parked the car in a snowbank off the side of the road in the early morning hours of Feb. 16, doused the vehicle in gasoline and set the car on fire, with Mann’s body still inside, according to Walsh. Rodriguez then took off on foot.

After an extensive New York State Police investigation, Rodriguez was arrested on Feb. 9, 2024 and was arraigned Tuesday on charges including murder, arson, evidence tampering, concealing a human corpse and weapon possession.

Attorney information for Rodriguez was not immediately clear.

They were given the case late Monday, but only had the chance to deliberate for about 30 minutes. By the end of the day, according to the judge, they requested an easel for their work.

Tuesday only yielded one question from the jury, which we have learned is made up of three men and three women.

The question was to listen back to the defense’s final witness, Clara Duperron, also known as “Petu.” The testimony lasted roughly 38 minutes and jurors had the chance to listen to the entire 38-minute testimony.

She testified to her close friendship with Troconis that she maintained to this day. She also testified to Troconis’ demeanor before, the day of and the days following Jennifer Dulos’ disappearance. Including demeanor, the day Troconis was arrested.

Duperron was also asked about a custody report that the defense asserts negates motive for Fotis Dulos to have hurt Jennifer. They submit the report was favorable to Fotis in the custody battle.

The state has submitted evidence that despite the report, nothing changed in the custody dispute, regardless of the report’s findings.

This was also the testimony the state had the chance to press Duperron on her hesitation to talk to police investigators in 2021 when they contacted her, because she doesn’t trust them. She claimed she has information that would hurt the state’s case against Troconis, but has not divulged that information to police.

Jurors wrapped up deliberation for the day just before 5 p.m.

The unusually warm late-winter weather that the region had seen ahead of the front on Wednesday will be replaced by wintry feel Thursday morning.

The strong southwest wind keeping temperatures in the 50s Wednesday evening will shift from the Northwest overnight and bring in drier, colder air. 

Overnight wind gusts will reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour, with winds continuing to be gusty into Thursday. 

By Thursday morning, temperatures in New York City will be near freezing, with wind chills near 20 degrees.  In fact, most of the tri-state will wake up to wind chill temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s.  In the higher elevations of the Catskills and Poconos, the wind chill could dip to single digits.

The day will feel cold start-to-finish.  In the afternoon, actual temperatures will climb to near 40, but it will only feel like the low 30s. 

The good news for those of you who are weary of cold weather is that the cold snap will be short-lived.  By the weekend, we can expect highs back in the 50s!

Charles Limmer, 75, of Commack, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to smuggle wildlife into the country and agreed to pay a $30,215 penalty as well as hand over his collection of roughly 1,000 butterflies, moths and other insects. He faces up to 5 years in prison when sentenced.

Some of the dried specimens include birdwing butterflies, which are among the rarest and largest in the world.

Limmer was indicted last year on six counts related to wildlife smuggling, including violations of the federal Lacey Act’s prohibitions on falsely labeling and trafficking in wildlife. He could have received a 20-year sentence if convicted at trial.

They said Limmer circumvented U.S. laws by labeling shipments as “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft” and “wall decorations.” He sold some of the dried lepidoptera specimens through an eBay account under the name “limmerleps,” pocketing tens of thousands of dollars.

Federal prosecutors said Limmer worked with overseas collaborators to smuggle some 1,000 lepidoptera, including some of the most endangered moths and butterflies in the world, even after his import/export license was suspended in Oct. 2022.

Federal law prohibits the commercial export or import of wildlife without permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Limmer’s lawyer didn’t immediately comment Wednesday.

Aranwood Kennels in Mahwah bills itself online as “trustworthy indoor/outdoor boarding for dogs.” But the owner, 57-year-old Richard Dubarton, has been arrested and charged after the jarring find was made by a customer the week of Feb. 18.

“The caller stated he located a Dutch Shepherd dog which appeared to be in near-death conditions located inside a garbage bag, which was inside a dumpster in the parking lot,” court records state.

New Jersey Feb 21

Nearly 100 mistreated dogs seized from self-described animal rescue group in NJ: ASPCA

pets Feb 17

What's the latest with the mystery dog illness that starts with a cough? What to know

animals Feb 7

Eight injured dogs rescued from suspected dog-fighting ring in NJ town

Miraculously, there is a bit of good news: The dog survived, police said.

Dubarton said “someone must’ve dumped it there.” Investigators said he got the dog months earlier from Irvington police after its original owner surrendered the canine.

Irvington officials had no comment, nor did the kennel when reached by phone by NBC New York.

Police said Dubarton has worked as an animal control officer in several New Jersey communities. That includes Plainfield, which said that after the Humane Society terminated its working relationship with the town in 2023, they started working with the kennel.

“We entered into a contract with them, hopeful that this partnership would provide a reliable and compassionate solution. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over this decision,” a statement from Plainfield officials on Thursday read. “Allegations of mistreatment within Aranwood Kennels have come to light, prompting an immediate investigation by our police department…in response to these disturbing reports, we acted swiftly to ensure the safety and care of our community’s animals, none of whom remain under the care of the implicated facility.”

Police said they have since recovered 37 dogs from Dubarton’s property. He locked “multiple dogs'” outside in sub-freezing temperatures for an extended period of time, according to court papers.

The animals taken away have since been vetted and taken to various rescue facilities, police said. Some of the rescued animals may have to be euthanized. An investigation is ongoing.

A voicemail for Dubarton was not returned. He is next scheduled to appear in court during the first week of March.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents carried out early-morning raids at two Bronx addresses, which records show are owned by Winnie Greco, a former fundraiser to Adams who now serves as a special advisor of Asian Affairs. Agents could be seen taking boxes of material away and loading them into an SUV.

The purpose of the investigation was not immediately clear, though it appears to be related to questions as to whether she asked for donations in exchange for access to official mayoral events, according to a report by The City.

Crown Heights Nov 2, 2023

FBI searches Crown Heights home of chief Eric Adams fundraiser: Sources

Eric Adams Nov 10, 2023

Mayor Eric Adams' phones, iPad seized by FBI amid campaign fundraising investigation

It comes as Adams and several members of his inner circle are facing federal scrutiny by Manhattan prosecutors related political fundraising during his 2021 campaign.

A person with knowledge of the investigation said the investigation was being overseen by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn and was separate from the criminal inquiry being conducted by federal prosecutors in Manhattan.

Neighbors of Greco’s said federal agents began searching the two homes, which are on the same block of Gillespie Avenue in the Pelham Bay neighborhood, at around 6:00 a.m. and remained in the area for several hours.

Greco was placed on administrative leave Thursday, according to a City Hall spokesperson. A prolific fundraiser, she had worked closely with Adams for over a decade, serving as his conduit to the city’s Asian-American communities.

In November, the city’s Department of Investigation opened a probe into her conduct following a news report that raised questions about her political fundraising and whether she used her position in the administration to obtain personal benefits.

According to that report, published by the local news outlet The City, Greco demanded that a city employee complete free renovations on her home when he was supposed to be working. The report appears to have led to DOI investigation as well as an FBI criminal investigation.

Greco is at least the third aide to Adams whose home has targeted by federal agents. In November, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, a top fundraiser for Adams, and Rana Abbasova, who worked in the mayor’s international affairs office. Four days later, agents quietly seized the mayor’s cellphones and an iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan.

That investigation, which is being led by Manhattan prosecutors, is believed to be focused on whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors, according to a warrant reported on by The New York Times.

Adams has repeatedly deflected questions about the investigation while stressing that he has not officially been accused of wrongdoing.

“Our administration will always follow the law, and we always expect all our employees to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a statement Thursday. “As we have repeatedly said, we don’t comment on matters that are under review, but will fully cooperate with any review underway.”

There was no immediate response to a voicemail seeking comment left at a phone number listed as Greco’s.

Inspectors with the Department of Buildings were called Wednesday afternoon to investigate reports of an illegal conversion inside a two-story commercial building on East Kingsbridge Road in the Fordham neighborhood. After arriving, they found that one of the stores in the building had been converted into illegal sleeping quarters.

The DOB said there were 34 beds found on the first floor, and another 11 beds tightly packed together in the basement. Inspectors also found extension cords, e-bikes, space heaters and hotplates on both floors.

A vacate order was issued due to what the DOB said were “hazardous, life-threatening conditions” inside the building, as well as a lack of natural light and ventilation, as well as severe overcrowding.

An official with the city’s Office of Emergency Management said they were coordinating a response to the situation, assessing any urgent needs of those living at the illegal shelter. They would also facilitate referrals to asylum seeker services if necessary.

Some of the migrant men who had been living inside the building were seen later in the evening collecting their belongings and loading them onto a bus. One of those residents said he and around 50 roommates would shower at a gym across the street.

Those who lived in the area said the illegal shelter was no secret. A neighbor who spoke with the men daily said they had been paying around $300-$600 a month to stay there.

“It wasn’t safe down there,” he said, referring to the basement where some of the beds were found. “No toilet, no bath, no nothing.”

The landlord was issued two violations for failure to maintain the building and for occupying the building contrary to city records. It is the same landlord who operated a similar illegal shelter for migrants at a furniture store in South Richmond Hill, in Queens.

On Tuesday, the DOB ordered Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture vacated due to “severe overcrowding and hazardous fire trap conditions,” and further investigation revealed 74 individuals had been living in the basement, reportedly sleeping in shifts to accommodate everyone, according to the landlord who spoke with NBC New York.

When inspectors arrived on scene, they “found that the first floor commercial space in the building and the cellar had been illegally converted into sleeping quarters, with 14 bunk beds and 13 bed tightly packed on both floors.” Additionally, inspectors found that plumbing work was done without permits and there was no means of exiting, ventilation or natural sunlight for the migrants living there.

Ebou Sarr, a migrant himself who runs the furniture store, said he felt sorry for the migrants, most of whom are from his native Senegal in West Africa and were trying to make a living in the U.S. — but had difficulty finding a shelter after the city limited the amount of time that single migrants can stay in city-run shelters to 30 days.

“When they started coming to me, telling me their stories, I started helping them. I didn’t want to do it. I thought about it twice,” said Sarr. “It broke my heart but I’m proud of them, they’re all hard-working people.”

He added that the basement shelter had rules, like no cooking on-site. Residents paid what they could each month for a place to sleep, and got breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by Sarr.

“They’re my people. I have to do something about it, so I started taking them in,” Sarr tearfully said outside the shop. “The city is saying they have no place for these people. It’s not true…This is what we’re trying to avoid, for them to be out in the cold.”

The shocking discovery came after a neighbor called 311 to report e-bikes parked near the side of her property and FDNY inspectors looked into that complaint. The neighbor told NBC New York she was scared for her and her family’s safety due to the recent fires that broke out due to defective lithium-ion batteries that garnered headlines.

The neighbor said she believes the unsanctioned migrant shelter in Queens had been running for at least two months.

Raised in Berkeley, California, amidst the activism of the Black Panther movement and the tumult of the Vietnam War, Wilson was imbued with a nuanced perspective on justice, informed by empathy and critical analysis. His educational path through Harvard College and Harvard Law School further honed his legal approach.

Wilson’s commitment to justice is deeply personal.

“I very much care about people,” he states, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring fairness within the court system. “And if that ends up making me liberal in somebody’s mind, OK. But, what I care about is that people who come into the court system, whatever the result is, think that the court system is treated unfairly.”

As the administrative head of the Unified Court System, with its 16,000 employees and a $3 billion budget, Wilson faces numerous challenges. He has particularly focused on addressing the needs within the family courts.

“It is more judges and the legislature and governor have given us more judges. And we’ve asked for even more, and we will get those. We need in addition to the judges, obviously, more court clerks, the court officers,” Wilson articulates, emphasizing the broader scope of necessities. “It’s not just that the courts need resources, it’s if we’re going to try and provide better outcomes for people, the state needs to have better resources for care both before people wind up in court.”

The issue of evictions in New York City, which have returned to pre-pandemic levels with approximately 1,450 evictions in January, is a significant concern for Wilson. He identifies the lack of affordable housing as a core problem, pointing out the judiciary’s limited capacity to address the systemic issues of housing scarcity and poverty.

Wilson made history as the first Black partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, emphasizing his leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly through his efforts to recruit Black candidates. This landmark achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also reflected his commitment to enriching the legal profession’s diversity.

Wilson is acutely aware of the complexities surrounding minor offenses, particularly in light of the increasing complaints of retail theft, which have surged by 77% from 2017 to 2022, according to data from the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. This context informs his reflections on the broader implications of such offenses within the justice system.

“If somebody steals, you know, a tube of toothpaste, which happens, right happens a fair amount, they need the toothpaste. But it also means we shouldn’t send them in Rikers, because they stole a tube of toothpaste, they probably have a variety of needs, some of them just poverty,” Wilson explains, underscoring the need for a justice system that addresses the root causes of offenses beyond mere punitive measures.

Justices of the New York Court of Appeals, including the chief judge, are appointed to 14-year terms. However, Wilson, who will turn 70 in 2030, is subject to the mandatory retirement age for judges in New York, meaning he will only be able to serve 7 years of his term.

Reflecting on his tenure, Wilson sees his role as a unique opportunity to effect meaningful change.

“I still consider this moving on up because I’m able to do much more good for the people of New York here in this job,” he notes.

With an acute awareness of the limited time he has to make an impact, he adds, “And you know, time is ticking. I have until 2030 before I age out of the job. And I’m going to try and use every single one of those years to the best of my ability.”

The 25-year-old “Euphoria” star was part of a group of more than 100 demonstrators who packed the lobby at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Monday afternoon to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, the group Jewish Voice Peace said.

Schafer and other protesters wore black shirts reading, “Ceasefire Now” and “Not in Our Name” while chanting “Let Gaza Live” and other slogans as Biden’s motorcade pulled into the area, according to videos and photos of the event provided by Jewish Voice Peace.

Late Night with Seth Meyers Feb 27

Biden jokes Taylor Swift endorsement is ‘classified,' jabs at Trump's mental acuity on ‘Late Night'

Joe Biden Feb 26

President Biden returns to NYC for campaign stop, ‘Late Night' taping

Schafer, who like many protesters also wore a facemask, is seen at one point seated on the floor as others hold up a banner behind her reading, “Jews to Biden: Stop Arming Genocide.”

Representatives for Schafer didn’t respond to messages seeking comment Wednesday, but protest organizers said she and others are due in court sometime next month.

“We commend her commitment to Palestinian freedom and to a future of justice for everyone,” Sonya Meyerson-Knox, of Jewish Voice for Peace, said in an emailed statement confirming the arrest Wednesday.

The NYPD on Wednesday said 30 people were taken into custody and issued summonses for trespassing following the hour-and-a-half-long demonstration.

Biden, meanwhile, said Monday he was optimistic a ceasefire would be reached in the coming days.

“I hope by the end of the weekend,” he told reporters after taping the late show interview. “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. My hope is by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire.”

Judge Arthur Engoron’s mail is all pre-screened daily, so he never came into contact with the letter. The source says it was addressed to him at 60 Centre Street in a standard business-sized envelope.

Two court staffers were exposed to the powder, according to the source, but did not immediately appear to have been harmed by their exposure. There was also a letter to the judge in the envelope, the source said.

The building did not have to be evacuated, and the powder was deemed to be safe.

Separately, New York State Police said they were investigating an envelope of white powder that was sent to 1 Empire State Plaza in Albany, where New York Attorney General Letitia James has an office.

State Police declined to say if it was sent to James, who brought the case against Trump, though two senior law enforcement officials said her office received a letter. The AG’s office confirmed they had received a letter containing white powder on Tuesday, but did not state to whom it was addressed.

No exposed individuals have reported symptoms, New York State Police say. They sent the substance to a lab for testing.

Trump’s attorneys have called the prosecution a witchhunt and Engoron’s judgment “unprecedented and punitive.” They filed a motion on Wednesday to stay the judgment.

The former president’s lawyers filed a notice of appeal earlier in the week asking the state’s mid-level appeals court to overturn Engoron’s Feb. 16 verdict.

Trump’s lawyers wrote in court papers that they’re asking the appeals court to decide whether Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he abused his discretion and/or his jurisdiction.

Engoron found that Trump, his company and top executives, including his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., schemed for years to deceive banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals. Among other penalties, the judge put strict limitations on the ability of Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, to do business.

The appeal ensures that the legal fight over Trump’s business practices will persist into the thick of the presidential primary season, and likely beyond, as he tries to clinch the Republican presidential nomination in his quest to retake the White House.

If upheld, Engoron’s ruling will force Trump to give up a sizable chunk of his fortune. Engoron ordered Trump to pay $355 million in penalties, but with interest the total has grown to nearly $464 million. That total increases by nearly $112,000 per day until he pays.

Joseph Rubino, of College Point was charged Wednesday with criminal possession of stolen property and other crimes, including unlawful possession of personal identification and a skimmer following a vehicle stop Tuesday — after he was arrested following a traffic stop.

Old Westbury police say they identified the minivan he was driving as one reported stolen in Suffolk County a month prior and coordinated the stop.

Later, while processing Rubino and the vehicle, investigators allege they found New York state driver’s licenses in various people’s names, a credit card skimming device and debit cards in multiple names.

Police believe Rubino used a website and cryptocurrency to illegally buy the personal information of unsuspecting victims, targeting those with high credit scores who live in affluent areas. He allegedly used the information to get driver’s licenses, and then open new lines of credit, in the victims’ names. He bought cellphones on those credit lines, police allege, and resold them via an online app, authorities say.

Investigators say victims may not yet be aware they’ve been victimized. The Old Westbury Police Department is working with other law enforcement agencies to identify any potential victims. They didn’t provide a total estimate.

Police say the booking process also yielded a “quantity of substances” that field-tested positive as fentanyl and methamphetamine. Rubino faces multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in addition to the other charges.

Information on a possible attorney for him wasn’t immediately available. Rubino is expected to be arraigned Thursday.

The MTA announced Wednesday that 95% of the toll readers for its controversial congestion pricing program have been installed, covering 104 of the planned 110 locations.

Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and below, while trucks could be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size. As it stands, the collection readers are scheduled to go “live” on or about June 15. MTA

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said Wednesday it’s “highly probable” that MTA will prevail in lawsuits on both sides of the Hudson and that the tolling program can begin as scheduled.

The MTA update comes a day before the first of four hearings, virtual and in-person, where the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan and suggest amendments before a final vote in the spring.

• Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:00 p.m. 
• Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m.  
• Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m.   

The hearings will be held on the 20th floor of 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will also be a Zoom option.

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings have to register in advance online or by calling 646-252-6777. Registration is now open, and closes 30 minutes after the start of the hearings.

The public can also send a written or audio comment through one of these methods:

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP  
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org  
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004  
Phone: 646-252-7440  
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.   

The hearings will be streamed on the MTA’s website.

The MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve the measure in December, saying charging drivers to enter a large swath of Manhattan would contribute millions of dollars to the city’s aging transit system.

The approval came after the Traffic Mobility Review Board delivered its report to the MTA on Nov. 30, laying out the general guidelines for the impending tolls, including costs, when certain prices will be in effect, who gets credits and more.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that was approved in December, and what comes next in the process.

How does congestion pricing work? Who gets charged — and how much?

Congestion pricing would impact any driver entering what is being called the Central Business District (CBD), which stretches from 60th Street in Manhattan and below, all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District. In other words, most drivers entering midtown Manhattan or below will have to pay the toll, according to the board’s report.

All drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles would be charged the toll. Different vehicles will be charged different amounts — here’s a breakdown of the prices:

• Passenger vehicles: $15
• Small trucks (like box trucks, moving vans, etc.): $24
• Large trucks: $36
• Motorcycles: $7.50

The $15 toll is about a midway point between previously reported possibilities, which have ranged from $9 to $23.

The full, daytime rates would be in effect from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. each weekday, and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the weekends. The board called for toll rates in the off-hours (from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. on weekends) to be about 75% less — about $3.50 instead of $15 for a passenger vehicle.

Drivers would only be charged to enter the zone, not to leave it or stay in it. That means residents who enter the CBD and circle their block to look for parking won’t be charged.

Only one toll will be levied per day — so anyone who enters the area, then leaves and returns, will still only be charged the toll once for that day.

The review board said that implementing their congestion pricing plan is expected to reduce the number of vehicles entering the area by 17%. That would equate to 153,000 fewer cars in that large portion of Manhattan. They also predicted that the plan would generate $15 billion, a cash influx that could be used to modernize subways and buses.

Do Uber, Lyft and other rideshares get exemptions? What about taxis?

There will be exemptions in place for rideshares and taxis, but much to their chagrin, they won’t get away completely scot-free.

The toll will not be in effect for taxis, but drivers will be charged a $1.25 surcharge per ride. The same policy applies to Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers, but their surcharge will be $2.50.

New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said in a statement that the plan is ” a reckless proposal that will devastate an entire workforce.”

Are there any other exemptions to congestion pricing tolls?

Many groups had been hoping to get exemptions, but very few will avoid having to pay the toll entirely. That small group is limited just to specialized government vehicles (like snowplows) and emergency vehicles.

Low-income drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year can apply to pay half the price on the daytime toll, but only after the first 10 trips in a month.

While not an exemption, there will also be so-called “crossing credits” for drivers using any of the four tunnels to get into Manhattan. That means those who already pay at the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, for example, will not pay the full congestion fee. The credit amounts to $5 per ride for passenger vehicles, $2.50 for motorcycles, $12 for small trucks and $20 for large trucks.

Drivers from Long Island and Queens using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will get the same break, as will those using the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Those who come over the George Washington Bridge and go south of 60th Street would see no such discount, however.

Public-sector employees (teachers, police, firefighters, transit workers, etc.), those who live in the so-called CBD, utility companies, those with medical appointments in the area and those who drive electric vehicles had all been hoping to get be granted an exemption. But neither the MTA nor the Traffic Mobility Review Board included any such exemptions for those groups.

So what comes next, and when will the tolls go into effect?

As for when the plan could go into effect, the MTA has maintained that the goal is to start charging the toll in late Spring 2024. But it’s likely that will be delayed a bit.

Four public hearings will be held, starting Thursday, as part of a 60-day public response period. The last of those hearings is March 4. Any possible tweaks to the plan (like Mayor Eric Adams’ request for more exemptions, for vehicles such as taxis) could be added before a “final” vote later in March or in April.

That would mean the earliest the tolls would go into effect would be late June 2024, at this point.

There had been fears of a toll as high as $23, but Lieber previously poured cold water on that idea, saying MTA board members were “trying to keep it well lower than that.” He added that in order to keep the standard toll price low, the transit agency would have to keep the number of exemptions low as well.

Any one of the lawsuits filed against congestion pricing could also bring the plan screeching to a halt, depending on how the judges rule. Many of the challenges focus on the environmental impacts of the plan, though proponents have said it will help cut down on emissions.

Lieber said it’s “highly probable” the transit agency will prevail in the lawsuits filed on both sides of the Hudson River, which would give them the green light to begin the program sometime in June, barring a surprise ruling from a judge.

Jurors deliberated for a little more than two hours before sending a note to the judge requesting to rehear the testimony from Troconis’ friend, Carla “Petu” Duperron.

The judge brought the jury back into the courtroom and Duperron’s 38 minutes of testimony was played for them.

Jurors spent the rest of the afternoon deliberating on Wednesday but went home for the day without reaching a verdict. They will continue their deliberations Thursday at 10 a.m.

On Tuesday, the jury heard two different tales of the 49-year-old Troconis as the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments.

The six-member panel began deliberations later that afternoon on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution. After pausing for the evening, jurors were set to continue Wednesday. Troconis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jennifer Dulos, 50, went missing on May 24, 2019, and has never been found. Prosecutors told the jury her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, attacked her at her New Canaan home and drove off with her body. They were battling over their divorce and custody of their five children at the time, and Troconis was Fotis’ Dulos girlfriend and living with him at another home.

Prosecutors Michelle Manning and Sean McGuinness told jurors Troconis was angry and fed up with the divorce case and had called Jennifer Dulos disparaging names.

“Jennifer is dead, and Fotis and Michcelle Troconis intended that to happen,” Manning said. “They agreed to work together to make it happen, and unfortunately they were successful in making it happen. But they got caught. This trial is very simple. It’s about a conspiracy and a coverup.”

Troconis did not testify during the 27-day trial. Her lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, said the prosecution did not prove any of their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos or even if he was in New Canaan that morning.

“She did not know that Fotis Dulos planned to harm her,” Schoenhorn told the jury. “The state has made, what I would suggest, are unfounded and unfair assumptions and have speculated that Michelle Troconis had to know what was going on because she was romantically linked with Fotis, that she was somehow involved in this nefarious, murderous plot.

“But that’s not reality,” he said. “That’s more like one of these cable TV movies, scripted movies. It’s not based on the facts that you heard during this trial.”

In fact, a TV movie was made about the case, Lifetime’s “Gone Mom,” as the case drew widespread attention.

Jennifer Dulos was a member of a wealthy New York City family and a niece by marriage of fashion designer Liz Claiborne. Although her body has never been found, a medical examiner concluded suspected blood spatter in her garage and other evidence indicated she could not have survived. A state judge declared her officially dead in October.

Fotis Dulos was a luxury home builder originally from Greece. He killed himself in January 2020, shortly after being charged with the murder of Jennifer Dulos. He had denied the charge.

Troconis is a dual American and Venezuelan citizen who once had her own TV production company in Argentina and hosted a snow-sports show for ESPN South America.

The Dulos’ five children, who ranged from 8 to 13 years old when their mother disappeared and include two sets of twins, have been in the custody of Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, 88, in New York City ever since.

Prosecutors alleged Troconis must have known about the plot beforehand, because she answered Fotis Dulos’ cell phone on the morning of May 24 when he allegedly was in New Canaan — suggesting she helped him with an alibi. He had left his phone at their home in Farmington, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) away near Hartford, prosecutors said.

Later that day, Troconis accompanied Fotis Dulos to Hartford, where he disposed of several garbage bags in random locations — a trip partially recorded by surveillance cameras.

Police found some of the bags and said they contained clothing, zip ties and other items containing Jennifer Dulos’ DNA. Some of the items, including a shirt and bra, had blood-like stains on them. Some items had Fotis Dulos’ DNA on them, and a portion of one bag tested positive for Troconis’ DNA, a state forensics expert testified at the trial.

Schoenhorn said Troconis had no idea what Fotis Dulos was doing or what was in the bags. He also said Fotis Dulos could have touched her and spread her DNA to one of the bags.

The prosecutors also said Troconis helped Fotis Dulos write up a timeline of their activities to prepare for potential police questioning. Troconis told police she only did that at the request of Fotis Dulos and his lawyer. And she also went with him when he had the employee’s truck cleaned and detailed at a car wash, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Troconis lied to police during the first of her three interviews with them in 2019 when she said Fotis was at their home the morning of May 24. They say she acknowledged in a subsequent interview that she hadn’t seen him.

Schoenhorn said there could have been miscommunications because the interviews were in English instead of Troconis’ primary language, Spanish. A defense expert also testified that traumatic events, such as being interviewed by police, can affect people’s memory and recall of events.

Watch full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis”

Watch the full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis” here.

The 45-year-old victim, identified as 45-year-old William Alvarez of the Bronx, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the city’s medical examiner, which determined the manner of death to be a homicide.

But questions still remain regarding the shooting death aboard the D train just before 5 a.m. Friday, such as a motive or what sparked the fight. Police have arrested three people — 24-year-old Justin Herde, 38-year-old Betty Cotto and 42-year-old Alfredo Trinidad — in connection with Alvarez’s killing.

Charges against the three were not clear, nor was the relationship between them. It didn’t appear they had any prior connection to the victim. Attorney information for the trio was not immediately available.

A senior law enforcement official said Trinidad had a gun on him when was arrested Sunday night at an apartment on Villa Avenue with his girlfriend and her brother.

According to the NYPD, Alvarez was riding the southbound D train when the trio boarded at Fordham Road. One of them sat next to Alvarez. An argument ensued.

The disagreement soon turned physical, and the other two suspects joined in to make it a three-on-one fight, according to NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. The train pulled into the next station, the 182nd-183rd streets stop, and the three suspects ran off.

Police were called to the scene on Grand Concourse and found the victim unconscious. He was seen being rushed out of the station on a stretcher and taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No weapon was recovered at the scene. Police initially didn't know the suspects' whereabouts after they fled. Officials said video from inside the train car showing the entire incident could be a key part of their ongoing investigation.

The violence was the latest in a series of subway incidents. On Feb. 12, six people were shot on the platform at the Mt. Eden Avenue subway station in the Bronx as teenagers exchanged gunfire. A 35-year-old was killed in the shooting.

Recent NYPD data paints a concerning picture, with 2023 seeing the highest number of subway assaults since at least 1996. Over that year, there were 570 assaults, marking a slight increase from the previous year and averaging about 1.5 incidents daily.

But Kemper said there is "progress" being made. An infusion of 1,000 more officers into the subway system — which was done in a direct response to a January crime spike — has led to a 17% reduction in crime in February (though for the year, still up 13% compared to 2023). He went on to call the high-profile killings "isolated incidents" but didn't share further details.

"We are looking forward to keeping this momentum moving forward," he said. "Out cops are out there, they are visible and are under immense pressure. They do a very challenging job."

Kemper and transit officials pinned the blame on the same thing for fueling the rise: recidivist criminals who are repeat offenders. MTA President Richard Davey said Monday there had been seven assaults against transit workers in 2024, for which four suspects have been arrested.

Among the suspects, they have a combined 50 prior arrests.

"My plea to the justice system: Make sure appropriate justice is delivered," said Davey. "Fifty strikes seems like a lot of godd---ed strikes."

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said prosecutors have rarely used a new tool available for those who attack transit workers: Banning them from using mass transit in the city.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Frank Costa and Jon Pucci burglarized nine businesses and set fires at three PSEG substations between Aug. 20, 2023, and Feb. 9, 2024, Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney said Tuesday. He said both men started the first with the aim being to cause power outages nearby, distracting law enforcement enough for the dastardly duo to pull off the heists.

They first targeted the PSEG substation along Nesconset Highway in Setauket on Aug. 20, and just under a month later, set a fire at the substation on Middle County Road in Centereach on Sept. 16, the DA’s office said. The third fire was allegedly sparked at the Medford/Yaphank substation on Manor Road on Feb. 5.

As for the burglaries, Costa and Pucci targeted gas stations starting in December, hitting a USA Gas in Middle Island, a BP station in Ride, and a Gulf station in Smithtown throughout the month, according to an investigation.

In January, the pair started hitting some other small businesses, including the Ideal Food Basket in Port Jefferson and the DJM Laundromat in Coram, both on Jan.12, Tierney said. Twolve days later, they allegedly burglarized the Back Country Deli in Yaphank, and less than a week later, hit the Kings Park Car Care in on Main Street.

The final spot was hit on Feb. 9, when the Shell gas station on Middle Country Road in Ridge was targeted, the investigation found.

“These alleged criminal acts have not only caused extensive damage, but have also put the lives of Suffolk County residents and first responders at risk,” said Tierney.

Costa, 54, and Pucci, 29, face burglary, attempted burglary, arson, weapon possession, possessing stolen property and more charges as a result, the DA’s office said. Costa was arraigned Tuesday and was ordered held on bond. He is due back in court on March 19, and is represented by Roger Rothman.

Pucci’s case is still pending. He is expected to be back in court on March 12 and is being represented by Pierre Brazile.

Officers who responded to the scene said it appeared that a driver was heading south in the northbound lanes of Pennsylvania Avenue when they hit another car near the intersection of Livonia Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York around 4:30 p.m.

After striking the other vehicle, the wrong-way driver careened into an MTA bus with riders inside, police said.

A total of 17 people were hurt, FDNY officials said. All of the injuries were considered to be minor, though 11 people were taken to nearby hospitals. The other six victims refused medical attention, according to fire officials.

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was hospitalized as well. Police sources said it is believed that driver may have been intoxicated at the time of the crash; the hospital was awaiting a toxicology report.

No other information was immediately available.

A state jury heard two different tales of the 49-year-old Troconis as the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments Tuesday in Stamford.

The six-member panel began deliberations later that afternoon on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution. After pausing for the evening, jurors were set to continue Wednesday. Troconis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jennifer Dulos, 50, went missing on May 24, 2019, and has never been found. Prosecutors told the jury her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, attacked her at her New Canaan home and drove off with her body. They were battling over their divorce and custody of their five children at the time, and Troconis was Fotis’ Dulos girlfriend and living with him at another home.

Prosecutors Michelle Manning and Sean McGuinness told jurors Troconis was angry and fed up with the divorce case and had called Jennifer Dulos disparaging names.

“Jennifer is dead, and Fotis and Michcelle Troconis intended that to happen,” Manning said. “They agreed to work together to make it happen, and unfortunately they were successful in making it happen. But they got caught. This trial is very simple. It’s about a conspiracy and a coverup.”

Troconis did not testify during the 27-day trial. Her lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, said the prosecution did not prove any of their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos or even if he was in New Canaan that morning.

“She did not know that Fotis Dulos planned to harm her,” Schoenhorn told the jury. “The state has made, what I would suggest, are unfounded and unfair assumptions and have speculated that Michelle Troconis had to know what was going on because she was romantically linked with Fotis, that she was somehow involved in this nefarious, murderous plot.

“But that’s not reality,” he said. “That’s more like one of these cable TV movies, scripted movies. It’s not based on the facts that you heard during this trial.”

In fact, a TV movie was made about the case, Lifetime’s “Gone Mom,” as the case drew widespread attention.

Jennifer Dulos was a member of a wealthy New York City family and a niece by marriage of fashion designer Liz Claiborne. Although her body has never been found, a medical examiner concluded suspected blood spatter in her garage and other evidence indicated she could not have survived. A state judge declared her officially dead in October.

Fotis Dulos was a luxury home builder originally from Greece. He killed himself in January 2020, shortly after being charged with the murder of Jennifer Dulos. He had denied the charge.

Troconis is a dual American and Venezuelan citizen who once had her own TV production company in Argentina and hosted a snow-sports show for ESPN South America.

The Dulos’ five children, who ranged from 8 to 13 years old when their mother disappeared and include two sets of twins, have been in the custody of Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, 88, in New York City ever since.

Prosecutors alleged Troconis must have known about the plot beforehand, because she answered Fotis Dulos’ cell phone on the morning of May 24 when he allegedly was in New Canaan — suggesting she helped him with an alibi. He had left his phone at their home in Farmington, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) away near Hartford, prosecutors said.

Later that day, Troconis accompanied Fotis Dulos to Hartford, where he disposed of several garbage bags in random locations — a trip partially recorded by surveillance cameras.

Police found some of the bags and said they contained clothing, zip ties and other items containing Jennifer Dulos’ DNA. Some of the items, including a shirt and bra, had blood-like stains on them. Some items had Fotis Dulos’ DNA on them, and a portion of one bag tested positive for Troconis’ DNA, a state forensics expert testified at the trial.

Schoenhorn said Troconis had no idea what Fotis Dulos was doing or what was in the bags. He also said Fotis Dulos could have touched her and spread her DNA to one of the bags.

The prosecutors also said Troconis helped Fotis Dulos write up a timeline of their activities to prepare for potential police questioning. Troconis told police she only did that at the request of Fotis Dulos and his lawyer. And she also went with him when he had the employee’s truck cleaned and detailed at a car wash, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Troconis lied to police during the first of her three interviews with them in 2019 when she said Fotis was at their home the morning of May 24. They say she acknowledged in a subsequent interview that she hadn’t seen him.

Schoenhorn said there could have been miscommunications because the interviews were in English instead of Troconis’ primary language, Spanish. A defense expert also testified that traumatic events, such as being interviewed by police, can affect people’s memory and recall of events.

Watch full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis”

Watch the full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis” here.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s office announced Raad Almansoori, 26, was indicted on two counts each of attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, and attempted sexual assault, as well as one count each of attempted armed robbery and theft of means of transportation. The grand jury indictments replace the direct charges filed against Almansoori last week.

Almansoori is suspected of stabbing an 18-year-old woman at least three times in the neck in a McDonald’s restaurant bathroom in Surprise. Phoenix police have also named Almansoori a suspect in the attack a day earlier on a woman who was stabbed in her car in that city.

The women in both Arizona attacks survived, but New York police say Almansoori is a suspect in the killing of a woman in that city earlier in the month. The body of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia was found by staff on the floor of a hotel room. Officers said her death was determined to have been caused by blunt force trauma to the head and a broken clothes iron was found nearby.

The Arizona Republic reported earlier Tuesday that Surprise police Detective Jeremy Goebel testified during a Monday afternoon hearing that Almansoori told him he wanted to rape and kill sex workers, and kill members of his own family.

Goebel also testified that Almansoori described to him how he tried to kill Oleas-Arancibia at the hotel because he thought she shorted him on time for paid sex, choking her, stomping on her head and putting a sock over her head in an attempt to suffocate her.

Almansoori’s defense attorney Dakota Johnson said his client was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and reported hearing voices in the past.

The Arizona case has sparked a political feud between Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, a Republican, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat.

Mitchell has balked at sending Almonsoori back to New York for prosecution before he is tried in Arizona in the stabbing attacks and implied that Bragg is lax on crime.

Bragg’s critics have distorted his record for bringing charges against former President Donald Trump. He has also faced backlash for his office’s decision not to prosecute certain low-level offenses.

The verdict was read Tuesday afternoon against Ronald Washington, a childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., the DJ’s godson. The duo was found guilty on charges of murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearm-related murder for killing the pioneering DJ over what prosecutors characterized as revenge for a failed drug deal.

After the verdict was announced, Washington stood up and yelled at the jury “y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me out of here.”

As he was being taken out, Jordan told his family he loved them — then a bit of chaos ensued. Family members started yelling at the jury “did they listen to the facts…y’all know he didn’t do it” as there was pushing and shouting. U.S. Marshals told the family they had to leave.

“Jason himself was an amazing talent. His life ended far, far too soon. I’m just glad that justice was served,” said Carlis Thompson, a cousin of Jam Master Jay.

“There’s a message to be heard loud and clear from this verdict: No matter the length of time, be a week, a month, a year or two decades, as it was in this case, justice will be served,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

But not everyone believed justice had been properly served, as the mother of one of the defendants told NBC New York that she thought witnesses had been given money to lie on the stand.

“I feel like I know that the feds, the government, paid those witnesses to lie on my son. My son had nothing to do with this crime, nothing at all,” said Jacqueline Gonzalez, Jordan’s mother.

Crime and Courts Feb 5

Jam Master Jay dabbled in drug sales ‘to make ends meet,' witness testifies

Crime and Courts Feb 1

She hoped to sing for a rap icon. Instead, she was there as Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay died

Crime and Courts Jan 31

Eyewitness to killing of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay testifies: ‘Then I see Jay just fall'

Born Jason Mizell, Jam Master Jay worked the turntables in Run-DMC as the group helped hip-hop break into the pop music mainstream in the 1980s with such hits as “It’s Tricky” and a fresh take on Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” Mizell later started a record label, opened a studio in his old Queens neighborhood and helped bring along other talent, including rapper 50 Cent.

Mizell was gunned down in his studio in front of witnesses on Oct. 30, 2002.

Like the slayings of rap icons Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. in the late 1990s, the Mizell case remained open for years. Authorities were deluged with tips, rumors and theories but struggled to get witnesses to open up.

Jordan, 40, was the famous DJ’s godson. Washington, 59, was an old friend who was bunking at the home of the DJ’s sister. Both men were arrested in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.

“Twenty years is a long time to wait for justice,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell had told jurors in a closing argument, urging them: “Don’t let this go on for another minute.”

The men’s names, or at least their nicknames, have been floated for decades in connection to the case. Authorities publicly named Washington as a suspect in 2007. He, meanwhile, told Playboy magazine in 2003 he’d been outside the studio, heard the shots and saw “Little D” — one of Jordan’s monikers — racing out of the building.

Prosecutors contend that the two men turned on the rap star over a cocaine deal.

Mizell had been part of Run-DMC’s anti-drug message, delivered through a public service announcement and such lyrics as “we are not thugs / we don’t use drugs.” But according to prosecutors and trial testimony, he racked up debts after the group’s heyday and moonlighted as a cocaine middleman to cover his bills and habitual generosity to friends.

“He was a man who got involved in the drug game to take care of the people who depended on him,” McConnell said in his summation.

Prosecution witnesses testified that in Mizell’s final months, he had a plan to acquire 10 kilograms of cocaine and sell it through Jordan, Washington and a Baltimore-based dealer. But the Baltimore connection refused to work with Washington, according to testimony.

According to prosecutors, Washington and Jordan went after Mizell for the sake of vengeance, greed and jealousy.

Two eyewitnesses, former studio aide Uriel Rincon and former Mizell business manager Lydia High, testified that Washington blocked the door and ordered High to lie on the floor. She said he brandished a gun.

Rincon identified Jordan as the man who approached Mizell and exchanged a friendly greeting moments before shots rang out and one bullet wounded Rincon himself. Three other people, including a teenage singer who had just stopped by the studio to tout her demo tape, testified that they were in an adjoining room and heard but didn’t see what happened.

Other witnesses testified that Washington and Jordan made incriminating statements about the Mizell killing after it happened.

Neither Washington nor Jordan testified. Their lawyers questioned key prosecution witnesses’ credibility and their memories of the long-ago shooting, noting that some initially denied they could identify the attackers or had heard who they were.

“Virtually every witness changed their testimony 180 degrees,” one of Washington’s lawyers, Susan Kellman, told the judge during legal arguments.

The witnesses said they had been overwhelmed, loath to pass along secondhand information or scared for their lives.

Washington’s defense also tapped a retired psychology professor, who testified that people’s recollections of any event can become a blend of what they actually experienced and subsequently learned.

The trial shed limited light on a third defendant, Jay Bryant, who was charged last year after prosecutors said his DNA was found on a hat at the scene. They assert that he slipped into the studio building and let Washington and Jordan in through fire door in the back so they could avoid buzzing up.

Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is headed toward a separate trial.

Testimony suggested that he knew someone in common with his co-defendants, but there’s no indication that Bryant was close with Mizell, if indeed they ever met.

Bryant’s uncle testified that his nephew told him he shot Mizell after the DJ reached for a gun, a scenario no other witnesses described.

McConnell said Bryant was “involved, but he’s not the killer.” Prosecutors’ theory doesn’t even place Bryant in the studio, though that’s where authorities found the hat with DNA from him and other people — but not the other defendants, according to court filings.

Still, McConnell suggested that Jordan or Washington could accidentally have left the hat behind after Bryant came into contact with it. But lawyers for Washington and Jordan portrayed the garment as a key piece of evidence in their clients’ favor.

“Jay Bryant is literally reasonable doubt,” one of Jordan’s lawyers, Michael Hueston, told jurors.

While the case may complicate Mizell’s image, Syracuse University media professor J. Christopher Hamilton says it shouldn’t be blotted out.

If he was indeed involved in dealing drugs, “that doesn’t mean to say his achievements shouldn’t be lauded,” said Hamilton, a former entertainment lawyer and Brooklyn prosecutor who grew up partly in Mizell’s neighborhood. Hamilton argues that acceptance from local underworld figures was a necessity for successful rappers of the ’80s and ’90s.

“You don’t get these individuals without them walking through the gauntlet of the street,” Hamilton said.

Terry Roberts, a guard for the G League’s Long Island Nets, was hurt while in Philly early Sunday.

“Terry Roberts was the victim of a crime on Sunday morning in Philadelphia, and we are in the process of gathering more information about the incident,” the Long Island Nets said in a statement. “He is currently in stable condition, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts are with him and family at this time. Due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation, we will have no further comment.”

The team didn’t reveal how Roberts was hurt or what he was doing in Philly. His team last played Saturday in Uniondale, New York.

Roberts, 23, is from the Long Island hamlet of North Amityville. He played his college basketball first at Bradley University before transferring to the University of Georgia. He joined the Long Island Nets in Oct. 2023.

Cindy Tappe, 57, of Westport, Connecticut, used her position at the Manhattan school to divert money intended for minority- and women-owned businesses, the offices of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a joint statement Monday.

Tappe pleaded guilty to grand larceny and has agreed to five years probation and $663,209 in restitution, according to the offices. She’s slated to be sentenced April 16.

“Her fraudulent actions not only threatened to affect the quality of education for students with disabilities and multilingual students, but denied our city’s minority and women owned business enterprises a chance to fairly compete for funding,” Bragg said in a statement.

Bragg and DiNapoli’s offices say Tappe improperly routed $3.3 million to two shell companies she created while serving as director of finance and administration for NYU’s Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and Transformation of Schools.

Some of the diverted funds were used to cover NYU-related expenses, including employee reimbursements, but more than $660,000 was used to pay for Tappe’s personal expenses, including renovations to her home in Connecticut and an $80,000 swimming pool, the offices said.

The diverted funds were related to $23 million in state Education Department grants awarded to the Metropolitan Center between 2011 and 2018, according to Bragg and DiNapoli’s offices.

Tappe’s lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday, but NYU said its internal audit office investigated Tappe and turned over its findings to state officials, leading to the criminal charges.

“We are deeply disappointed that Ms. Tappe abused the trust we placed in her in this way; she stole from everyone — the taxpayer, the University, the people the Metro Center is supposed to help,” university spokesperson John Beckman wrote in an email. “NYU is pleased to have been able to assist in stopping this misdirection of taxpayer money, and glad that the case has been brought to a close.”

Tuesday’s election will finally decide whether incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim wins another term or his former aide, John Gomes, takes the reins of Connecticut’s largest city.

Ganim declared victory in a speech about an hour after the polls closed. Shortly after, Gomes spoke to his supporters and acknowledged that his opponent has received more votes. The race has not yet been called.

Both Democrats have been trying to rally voters, many fatigued and frustrated, to once again cast ballots in a protracted race that’s been overshadowed by accusations of voting irregularities.

They have also sniped at one another. Ganim accused Gomes of running for mayor out of revenge for being fired as the city’s acting chief administrative officer, saying putting him in charge would be a “mistake.”

Gomes, in turn, has brought up Ganim’s criminal record. After an initial 12-year run as mayor, Ganim was convicted of corruption. He spent seven years in prison, then persuaded voters in 2015 to bring him back as mayor.

“I can no longer tolerate the abusive insults and ad hominem attacks aimed at me by a lawless, immoral, and unscrupulous disbarred lawyer who is bent on perpetuating a corrupt enterprise in the City of Bridgeport,” Gomes wrote in a recent opinion piece.

Bridgeport’s path to Election Day has been complicated, and to some in the city of 148,000, embarrassing.

There have now been two primaries. Ganim appeared to win the first one, held in September, but the result was voided by Superior Court Judge William Clark after security camera footage emerged showing what appeared to be at least two of the mayor’s supporters making repeat trips to ballot collection boxes and stuffing them with papers that looked like absentee ballots.

Longtime political observers in Bridgeport said it looked — at best — like evidence of ballot harvesting, an illegal practice where campaign operatives and volunteers cajole people into filling out absentee ballots for their candidate, and then collect and submit those ballots. Connecticut law requires most people to drop off their ballots themselves. Ganim, who has accused the Gomes campaign of committing voting irregularities, said he was unaware of any wrongdoing by his supporters.

Because the court decision came less than a week before the general election was scheduled, the November vote went ahead as planned. Ganim got more votes, but that result didn’t count, either, because of the judge’s ruling.

A new Democratic primary was held on Jan. 23. Ganim won again, this time more comfortably, but the two Democrats are facing off yet again Tuesday because Gomes had also qualified for the ballot as an independent candidate.

Some potential voters are exhausted.

“I hear customers talk about it,” said Nick Roussas, owner of Frankie’s Diner in Bridgeport. “A lot of people are tired that we’re coming to a fourth election.”

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said despite the fatigue, voter turnout during this protracted election has been modest yet steady. Also, she said election monitors have been in the Town Clerk’s office daily, conducting spot checks of absentee ballot applicants and reviewing video footage of outdoor drop boxes. Since Feb. 1, her office has made three referrals to the State Elections Enforcement Commission regarding possible election violations.

Ganim picked up support from top Democrats in the final days of his campaign, including endorsements from Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and appearance by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at a get-out-the-vote rally Saturday.

“Your support is crucial now more than ever,” he urged supporters in a Facebook post.

Besides Ganim and Gomes, Republican David Herz is running in the do-over general election. Herz didn’t attract much support in the first election in the heavily Democratic city.

FDNY fire prevention inspectors checking a tip about a collection of e-bike batteries posing a potential hazard, discovered 40 migrants sleeping in a Queens basement behind a furniture store, according to three city officials and the landlord himself.

Upon entry to investigate the reported fire risk at the South Richmond Hill home on Liberty Avenue, inspectors were surprised to find the migrants in cramped conditions, the officials said. The city Department of Buildings ordered Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture vacated due to “severe overcrowding and hazardous fire trap conditions,” spokesperson David Maggiotto said Tuesday.

Further investigation revealed that 74 individuals had been living in the basement, reportedly sleeping in shifts to accommodate everyone, according to the landlord, who spoke with NBC New York.

According to the Department of Buildings, when inspectors arrived on scene, they “found that the first floor commercial space in the building and the cellar had been illegally converted into sleeping quarters, with 14 bunk beds and 13 bed tightly packed on both floors.” Additionally, inspectors found that plumbing work was done without permits and there was no means of exiting, ventilation or natural sunlight for the migrants living there.

Officials said the FDNY issued a vacate orders for the premises. The DOB also issued a vacate order due to unsafe conditions found at the basement, including overcrowding and fire hazards identified by the FDNY. The city’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) referred people in need of shelter for further assistance.

The DOB issued two violations to the landlord — 132-03 Liberty Avenue Management Corporation — for illegal work without a permit and for occupying the two-story mixed-used building contrary to city records.

The shocking discovery came after a neighbor called 311 to report e-bikes parked near the side of her property and FDNY inspectors looked into that complaint. The neighbor told NBC New York she was scared for her and her family’s safety due to the recent fires that broke out due to defective lithium-ion batteries that garnered headlines.

“One morning I came out here to go to work, I see about 20 e-bikes,” said the neighbor, who did not wish to be identified. “I just couldn’t do it no more. People running in and out of there, I haven’t gotten a wink of sleep.”

The neighbor said she believes the unsanctioned migrant shelter had been running for at least two months.

Ebou Sarr, a migrant himself who runs the furniture store, said he felt sorry for the migrants, most of whom are from his native Senegal in West Africa and were trying to make a living in the U.S. — but had difficulty finding a shelter after the city limited the amount of time that single migrants can stay in city-run shelters to 30 days.

Although they can reapply for shelter at a reticketing center in the East Village, the landlord said the migrants he was helping were tired of waiting and sleeping outdoors and this was the best option he could provide for them. The landlord stressed that the city was simply not providing another alternative for the men who had nowhere else to go.

He said he accepted money from them when they could pay, but he didn’t charge them rent.

“When they started coming to me, telling me their stories, I started helping them. I didn’t want to do it. I thought about it twice,” said Sarr. “It broke my heart but I’m proud of them, they’re all hard-working people.”

He added that the basement shelter had rules, like no cooking on-site. Residents paid what they could each month for a place to sleep, and got breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by Sarr.

“They’re my people. I have to do something about it, so I started taking them in,” Sarr tearfully said outside the shop. “The city is saying they have no place for these people. It’s not true.”

One migrant who lived in the basement said he slept on the subway Monday night and wasn’t sure where he’d be able to go Tuesday night.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the issue Tuesday afternoon, saying the city “cannot create desperate situations.” The city said it would offer the migrants a ride to a place in the Bronx where they can wait for a new shelter bed. Other migrants said they were calling friends and anyone else they knew to find a place to spend the night.

The landlord continued to tell NBC New York that the basement with beds was the best he could provide. The migrants apparently slept in shifts and had access to only two bathrooms, although the landlord said he was in the process of finding porta-potties to better accommodate the migrants.

The city’s OEM which has been operating the city’s emergency shelter system for migrants, said it is assisting the now displaced tenants.

The discovery came amid an influx of migrants that has strained the city’s shelter system.

As of 2:30 p.m., AirNow was reporting moderate air quality in New York City with a rating of 71, in the middle of the moderate range.

According to the EPA, moderate air quality is when “Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be some health concern for a small number of unusually sensitive individuals.”

The peak of the smoke’s impact is expected Tuesday afternoon, Storm Team 4 reports.

The smoky skies will linger through Wednesday before clearing.

The overall smoke is expected to be light, and certainly nothing compared with what NYC experienced last summer with the heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

Nazim Berry, 37, was pronounced dead at a hospital after the 4:15 p.m. shooting on Franklin Avenue near Lincoln Place in Crown Heights. He had been shot once in the head.

The victim’s mother, Danette Hollie, said her son died over a single cigar. She said the shooter asked her son to buy him a Black and Mild and he refused. Then he left, allegedly returned with a gun and opened fire.

Berry’s mother says her son saw the weapon and the two struggled for the gun. A bullet hit Berry in the back of his head, she said.

“I knew it was senseless, I knew it was,” Hollie said. “I knew that it had to be over something stupid, because I know his heart.”

Surveillance video captured the sound of the gunshot ringing out in the mid-afternoon sun; someone is seen running east on Lincoln Place afterward. Police later released surveillance photos of the person suspected in the deadly shooting.

Denis Debranch, Berry’s former karate teacher, was at the scene among a sea of mourners who came to honor Berry. Candles and flowers honoring the victim were left outside the deli in a growing memorial.

Police on Tuesday went around the neighborhood posting signs offering a $3,500 reward for anyone with information that helps find the shooter. The United Bodegas of America is also offering a $10,000 reward in the case.

No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

A state jury heard two different tales of the 49-year-old Troconis as the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments Tuesday in Stamford. The six-member panel was given the case late Tuesday afternoon on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution. Troconis has pleaded not guilty.

Jennifer Dulos, 50, went missing on May 24, 2019, and has never been found. Prosecutors told the jury her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, attacked her at her New Canaan home and drove off with her body. They were battling over their divorce and custody of their five children at the time, and Troconis was Fotis’ Dulos girlfriend and living with him at another home.

Prosecutors Michelle Manning and Sean McGuinness told jurors Troconis was angry and fed up with the divorce case and had called Jennifer Dulos disparaging names.

“Jennifer is dead, and Fotis and Michcelle Troconis intended that to happen,” Manning said. “They agreed to work together to make it happen, and unfortunately they were successful in making it happen. But they got caught. This trial is very simple. It’s about a conspiracy and a coverup.”

Troconis did not testify during the 27-day trial. Her lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, said the prosecution did not prove any of their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos or even if he was in New Canaan that morning.

“She did not know that Fotis Dulos planned to harm her,” Schoenhorn told the jury. “The state has made, what I would suggest, are unfounded and unfair assumptions and have speculated that Michelle Troconis had to know what was going on because she was romantically linked with Fotis, that she was somehow involved in this nefarious, murderous plot.

“But that’s not reality,” he said. “That’s more like one of these cable TV movies, scripted movies. It’s not based on the facts that you heard during this trial.”

Michelle Troconis Feb 23

Defense rests in Troconis trial, no testimony from the defendant

Michelle Troconis Feb 23

Michelle Troconis decides not to testify in her trial, defense rests its case

In fact, a TV movie was made about the case, Lifetime’s “Gone Mom,” as the case drew widespread attention.

Jennifer Dulos was a member of a wealthy New York City family and a niece by marriage of fashion designer Liz Claiborne. Although her body has never been found, a medical examiner concluded suspected blood spatter in her garage and other evidence indicated she could not have survived. A state judge declared her officially dead in October.

Fotis Dulos was a luxury home builder originally from Greece. He killed himself in January 2020, shortly after being charged with the murder of Jennifer Dulos. He had denied the charge.

Troconis is a dual American and Venezuelan citizen who once had her own TV production company in Argentina and hosted a snow-sports show for ESPN South America.

The Dulos’ five children, who ranged from 8 to 13 years old when their mother disappeared and include two sets of twins, have been in the custody of Jennifer Dulos’ mother, Gloria Farber, 88, in New York City ever since.

Prosecutors alleged Troconis must have known about the plot beforehand, because she answered Fotis Dulos’ cell phone on the morning of May 24 when he allegedly was in New Canaan — suggesting she helped him with an alibi. He had left his phone at their home in Farmington, about 70 miles away near Hartford, prosecutors said.

Later that day, Troconis accompanied Fotis Dulos to Hartford, where he disposed of several garbage bags in random locations — a trip partially recorded by surveillance cameras.

Police found some of the bags and said they contained clothing, zip ties and other items containing Jennifer Dulos’ DNA. Some of the items, including a shirt and bra, had blood-like stains on them. Some items had Fotis Dulos’ DNA on them, and a portion of one bag tested positive for Troconis’ DNA, a state forensics expert testified at the trial.

Schoenhorn said Troconis had no idea what Fotis Dulos was doing or what was in the bags. He also said Fotis Dulos could have touched her and spread her DNA to one of the bags.

The prosecutors also said Troconis helped Fotis Dulos write up a timeline of their activities to prepare for potential police questioning. Troconis told police she only did that at the request of Fotis Dulos and his lawyer. And she also went with him when he had the employee’s truck cleaned and detailed at a car wash, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Troconis lied to police during the first of her three interviews with them in 2019 when she said Fotis was at their home the morning of May 24. They say she acknowledged in a subsequent interview that she hadn’t seen him.

Schoenhorn said there could have been miscommunications because the interviews were in English instead of Troconis’ primary language, Spanish. A defense expert also testified that traumatic events, such as being interviewed by police, can affect people’s memory and recall of events.

How to watch the trial

Our daily special, airing weekdays at 9 a.m. on the NBC Connecticut free streaming channel is available on Roku, Samsung TV plus, Freevee, and a number of other platforms. Here is more on how to watch.

Watch full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis”

Watch the full episodes of “Inside the Trial of Michelle Troconis” here.

It seems like we were celebrating scant snowfall in Central Park just a month ago (we were, we got an inch for the first time in 701 days) and now we’re bracing for thunderstorms.

Periods of rain are expected throughout the day Wednesday. By the evening commute, expect heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds as the spring-like cold front passes through.

Winds pick up ahead of Wednesday’s main cold front as well, with gusts up to 50 mph possible — and isolated gusts topping that number mph along the immediate coasts of New Jersey and Long Island. Check the latest weather alerts for your neighborhood here.

Thunderstorms possible

Wind gusts up to 50 mph expected

Highs will remain warmer than average, rising well into the 50s away from the coast, and it could top out near 60 degrees Wednesday for most. But, eventually, the wind direction will shift and usher in much chillier air for Thursday morning, when wind chills will be back in the teens and 20s.

Fortunately, it’s only a two-day cool break, as highs will rebound to 10 to 15 degrees above average by Friday, and stay at those levels well into next week. Temperatures will stay in the mid to high 50s into the following weekend.

Check out the 10-day extended forecast and our interactive radar below.

New York City has marked the anniversary of the 1993 bombing at the old World Trade Center that blew open a massive crater underneath one of the 110-story twin towers, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others years before the deadly attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey held a memorial Mass at St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan on Monday, followed by a solemn ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, located near the soaring, 104-story skyscraper that rose in place of the twin towers.

A bell tolled at precisely 12:18 p.m. to mark the time of the Feb. 26 attack, and a moment of silence honored the victims. Attendees then laid roses where their names are inscribed at a reflecting pool representing the footprint of the North Tower, where the underground parking garage bombing happened.

Charles Maikish, who was director of the World Trade Center Department at the Port Authority at the time of the bombing, said at the ceremony that the 1993 attack was “targeted at the heart of our free economic and Democratic system.”

“The intent was to inflict massive loss of human life and a lasting and permanent disruption of our economic system and way of life,” he said. “Well, they failed.”

The 1993 attack was carried out by Islamic extremists who sought to punish the U.S. for its Middle East policies, particularly its support for Israel.

The terror cell detonated approximately 1,200 pounds of explosives in a parked rental van, leaving a five-story, 150-feet-wide crater filled with 4,000 tons of rubble, according to the museum.

Six people were convicted of the attack, including the accused ringleader Ramzi Yousef. A seventh suspect in the bombing remains on the FBI’s most wanted list.

The attack was a harbinger of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that ultimately felled the city’s tallest skyscrapers, killing nearly 3,000 people in the worst attack on American soil.

Yousef’s uncle, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, would later become the self-proclaimed mastermind of 9/11, when hijacked planes were used as missiles to strike the buildings.

The Mohegan tribe will end its management of Atlantic City’s Resorts casino at the end of this year, both parties said Monday.

The move will conclude an agreement the tribe’s gambling arm, Mohegan Gaming Advisors, made with Resorts in 2012 six months after the casino’s co-owner, veteran gambling executive Dennis Gomes, died.

Gomes’ death left Resorts without crucial experience and know-how to compete in the ever-more-crowded northeastern U.S. casino market.

Mohegan’s successful operation of casinos in markets including Connecticut and Pennsylvania made it attractive to Resorts, which in 1978 became the first casino in the United States to open outside Nevada.

Now, Resorts says, the casino is able to stand on its own two feet.

“Mohegan has been a valuable partner, and we are grateful for their contribution to our success,” said Morris Bailey, who owns Resorts. “We entered into a management agreement with Mohegan at a time when Resorts faced many operational, economic and market challenges. Mohegan brought stability and direction to Resorts by helping to assemble a stellar management team which will remain in place. We are happy that, with Mohegan’s help, Resorts has reached a point where it is able to operate independently.”

As part of the 2012 deal, Mohegan acquired a 10% ownership interest in Resorts, which it will retain. Resorts became the first Atlantic City casino to be run by a Native American tribe.

“We’re extremely proud of our relationship with Resorts Casino Hotel and what we have helped accomplish,” said Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to our Resorts team members, guests and the Atlantic City community for their support and dedication throughout our tenure as manager.”

Mark Giannantonio, Resorts president, praised Mohegan “for the outstanding partnership over the past decade.”

Resorts had $130.8 million in gambling revenue in 2012, according to state gambling regulators. That total increased to $163 million last year.

During the time Mohegan managed Resorts, the casino signed a deal with DraftKings sportsbook and launched an online operation — Resorts Digital, which took in over $822 million last year, an increase of over 50% from the previous year.

Cross-marketing between Resorts and Mohegan casinos will end at the end of this year, but Resorts plans to launch new marketing programs.

Mohegan Gaming Advisors is a subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

In addition to Connecticut and Pennsylvania, Mohegan operates casinos in Washington and Nevada; Niagara Falls, Canada, and Inchon, South Korea. It also owns the Connecticut Sun WNBA team.

Attorneys had to work through with the judge the instructions for the jury following closing arguments. Historically, the charge conference was done off the record in chambers. But recently, the proceeding jumped on the record, though Randolph noted this is the first time in Connecticut to his understanding the charge conference was livestreamed.

“The first instructions the court would like to discuss are these…” Randolph noted as he read a few instructions attorneys had indicated they would like to have read to the jury including, a consciousness of guilt instruction, evidence of presumptive blood test instruction and hindsight bias instruction, among others.

The judge indicated he would accept some and deny other instructions when he posts his final instructions by the end of the court’s day, Monday.

Attorneys for Troconis and for the state worked through the instructions with the judge arguing cases for or against certain instruction being included and argued changes to language in jury instruction.

The conference sets instructions for the jury following the completed closing arguments, and general instructions include defining terms like burden of proof, presumption of innocence and credibility.

On top of instructions on language and jury responsibility, the charges also had to be defined.

“What they are alleging – transportation and other means – but they are not alleging money, weapons, disguise,” Assistant State’s Attorney Sean McGuiness said when explaining why and how they charged the hindering prosecution charge.

Certain charges in the state of Connecticut are defined certain ways, so the lawyers had the chance to simplify some language or change language when the charges are being offered to the jury so the explanation didn’t create confusion.

In this case, Troconis is being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of evidence tampering, two counts of conspiracy to commit evidence tampering and second-degree hindering prosecution.

She has denied all involvement in the disappearance and presumed murder of Jennifer Dulos.

The conference also gave some insight into how the attorneys plan to piece together their cases in closing arguments to cater to how the charges are brought.

“She was not present for the actual act of murder, we don’t want the jury to conflate the two,” McGuinness said while explaining the conspiracy to commit murder charge.

According to McGuinness, the state, in bringing that charge, had to prove Jennifer Dulos had been murdered beyond a reasonable doubt.

Defense attorney Jon Schoenhorn explained outside court, after presenting his concerns and arguments for his instructions, he has the chance to prepare closing arguments closely tailored to what the jury will be offered.

“I am going to go back and prepare my argument based on what the judge at least said he is going to include because obviously you don’t want to argue something the judge isn’t going to tell the jury,” Schoenhorn said.

Closing arguments are set to begin Tuesday morning and following housekeeping measures, the jury will be handed the case.

A 13-year-old boy was killed in a horrific car crash in Newark over the weekend, family and local prosecutors said.

Family members, who identified the victim of the crash as Edwin Ivan Martínez, told NBC New York that the tragedy unfolded just before 10 p.m. Sunday when he was returning home in a car with his cousin near the intersection of Montclair and Clifton avenues. It was here that Martinez’s family said the vehicle was t-boned.

According to family members, the boy was on the phone with his girlfriend at the time of the crash and she immediately called loved ones.

The family, who lives close to where the crash took place, raced to the location and his mother found him. Martínez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family and friends are devastated over the loss of such a young life.

“I looked at him like my little brother,” Erlin Tuciros, Martínez’s friend, said trying to hold back tears. “I looked out for him as my little brother. I always played soccer with him. He always used to be in front of my house […] It’s just crazy to me to find out the it was him.”

Remnants of the crash could still be seen on Monday with pieces of the car and shattered glass in the intersection, as a growing memorial with candles, flowers, and balloons was placed at the site of the crash.

It is unclear what led to the crash. Prosecutors said an investigation is ongoing.

Coming off a surprise playoff berth in 2022, the team earned a disappointing 6-11 record in 2023 and has plenty of free agency questions this offseason.

Luckily, the team is equipped with some ways to improve. They have the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and more than $30 million in cap space. 

How should the team use that cap space? Here are five free agents the Giants should take a look at this offseason:

RB Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

The Giants have been unable to reach a long-term deal with Saquon Barkley, and he is set to hit the open market after playing the 2023 season on the franchise tag. New York can elect to use the franchise tag on Barkley once again at a $12.1 million price tag.

While the Giants might not want to let Barkley go for nothing after drafting him No. 2 overall in 2018, they will have plenty of free agent options at running back. Josh Jacobs is facing a similar predicament as Barkley with the Raiders after playing on the franchise tag in 2023 and could very well be on his way out of Las Vegas. The 2019 first-round pick went from a league-leading 1,653 rushing yards in 2022 to 805 yards and six touchdowns across 13 games in 2023.

WR Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders

The Giants will have their pick of a top-tier wide receiver or offensive tackle with the No. 6 pick. Even if they bring a blue-chip prospect into the fold, both position groups will still have plenty of room for improvement.

Curtis Samuel would be a complimentary receiver even if the Giants take a wideout at No. 6, whether it’s the speedy Malik Nabers out of LSU or all-around threat Rome Odunze out of Washington. The 27-year-old Samuel reeled in 62 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns with the Commanders in 2023, though he only tallied five catches for 30 yards across two games – both losses – against the Giants.

Featured NFL Postseason Feb 7

Giants WR Hyatt discusses the influence of Sterling Shepard, ranks top 3 sour candies

NFL draft Jan 18

These 10 players are perfect fits for the Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft

OL Michael Onwenu, New England Patriots

New York has used valuable draft capital on offensive tackles in recent years, taking Andrew Thomas at No. 4 in 2020 and Evan Neal at No. 7 in 2022. Still, the team allowed 85 sacks last season – 20 more than any other team.

For that reason, the team will absolutely look to address the offensive line. Michael Onwenu has proven himself as a versatile offensive lineman on the interior and exterior. He’s a free agent after spending his first four NFL seasons in New England, and he reportedly informed teams that he has fired his agents ahead of free agency.

OL Jonah Jackson, Detroit Lions

Should the Patriots use the franchise tag on Onwenu or he sign elsewhere, the Giants could turn to Jonah Jackson. The 2020 third-rounder earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and started 12 games on a highly touted Lions offensive line in 2023.

DL Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks

Sure, the Giants traded Leonard Williams in October, but they could still use his talent on the defensive line.

After starting the season 2-6, New York netted two draft picks from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Williams. The 29-year-old will hit the open market after picking up four sacks in 10 games with the Seahawks.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman donated $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine — it’s believed to be the largest financial donation to any medical school in the country.

The gift has a single purpose: provide free tuition to all students.

The funds have an almost immediate effect. According to Monday’s announcement, students currently enrolled for a fourth year will receive a reimbursement for their spring semester tuition. Then, come August, all students going forward will receive free tuition.

“This donation radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it. Additionally, it will free up and lift our students, enabling them to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be prohibitive,” Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley Katz Dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said.

During Gottesman’s tenure at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, dating back to 1968, she worked for the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center where she developed screening tests used to help tens of thousands of children. In the 1990s, she started the Adult Literacy Program at the center and was named founding director of the Emily Fisher Landau Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities.

The $1 billion donation was made possible by Gottesman’s late husband, David Gottseman, also known as Sandy. Her late husband died in 2022 after a long career in Manhattan working at investment firms, according to The New York Times.

“I am very thankful to my late husband, Sandy, for leaving these funds in my care, and l feel blessed to be given the great privilege of making this gift to such a worthy cause,” Gottesman said.

The Times reports yearly tuition at the college is more than $59,000, with many graduating from the institution with debt surpassing $200,000.

“Each year, well over 100 students enter Albert Einstein College of Medicine in their quest for degrees in medicine and science. They leave as superbly trained scientists and compassionate and knowledgeable physicians, with the expertise to find new ways to prevent diseases and provide the finest health care to communities here in the Bronx and all over the world,” Gottesman’s statement said.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The former president’s lawyers filed a notice of appeal Monday asking the state’s mid-level appeals court to overturn Judge Arthur Engoron’s Feb. 16 verdict in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit.

Trump’s lawyers wrote in court papers that they’re asking the appeals court to decide whether Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he abused his discretion and/or his jurisdiction.

Engoron found that Trump, his company and top executives, including his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., schemed for years to deceive banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals. Among other penalties, the judge put strict limitations on the ability of Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, to do business.

The appeal ensures that the legal fight over Trump’s business practices will persist into the thick of the presidential primary season, and likely beyond, as he tries to clinch the Republican presidential nomination in his quest to retake the White House.

If upheld, Engoron’s ruling will force Trump to give up a sizable chunk of his fortune. Engoron ordered Trump to pay $355 million in penalties, but with interest the total has grown to nearly $454 million. That total will increase by nearly $112,000 per day until he pays.

James has been tracking the amount Trump owes through posts on X.

Trump maintains that he is worth several billion dollars and testified last year that he had about $400 million in cash, in addition to properties and other investments.

Trump’s appeal was expected. Trump had vowed to appeal and his lawyers had been laying the groundwork for months by objecting frequently to Engoron’s handling of the trial.

Trump said Engoron’s decision, the costliest consequence of his recent legal troubles, was “election interference” and “weaponization against a political opponent.”

Trump complained he was being punished for “having built a perfect company, great cash, great buildings, great everything.”

Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise said after the verdict that the former president was confident the appeals court “will ultimately correct the innumerable and catastrophic errors made by a trial court untethered to the law or to reality.”

“Given the grave stakes, we trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious verdict and end this relentless persecution against my clients,” Trump lawyer Alina Habba said.

If the decision stands, Habba said, “it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business.”

Trump wasn’t able to appeal the decision immediately because the clerk’s office at Engoron’s courthouse had to file paperwork known as a judgment to make it official. That was done on Friday.

Trump’s appeal is likely to focus on Engoron, whom Trump’s lawyers have accused of “tangible and overwhelming” bias, as well as objections to the legal mechanics involved in James’ lawsuit. Trump contends the law she sued him under is a consumer-protection statute that’s normally used to rein in businesses that rip off customers.

Trump’s lawyers have already gone to the Appellate Division at least 10 times to challenge Engoron’s prior rulings, including during the trial in an unsuccessful bid to reverse a gag order and $15,000 in fines for violations after Trump made a disparaging and false social media post about a key court staffer.

Trump’s lawyers have long argued that some of the allegations are barred by the statute of limitations, contending that Engoron failed to comply with an Appellate Division ruling last year that he narrow the scope of the trial to weed out outdated allegations.

If Trump is unsuccessful at the Appellate Division, he can ask the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, to consider taking his case.

The appeal is one of Trump’s many legal challenges. He has been indicted on criminal charges four times in the last year. He is accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. In Florida, he is charged with hoarding classified documents.

He is scheduled to go on trial next month in Manhattan for falsifying business records related to hush money paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels on his behalf.

In January, a jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for defaming her after she accused him in 2019 of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. That’s on top of the $5 million a jury awarded Carroll in a related trial last year.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Police late Sunday identified the trio as 24-year-old Justin Herde, 38-year-old Betty Cotto and 42-year-old Alfredo Trinidad. The relationship among the three wasn’t clear. It didn’t appear they had any prior connection to the victim.

A senior law enforcement official said Trinidad had a gun on him when was arrested at an apartment on Villa Avenue with his girlfriend and her brother. It was not clear what charges each suspect would face; attorney information for the trio was not immediately available.

According to the NYPD, the victim, identified as William Alvarez of the Bronx, was riding a southbound D train just before 5 a.m. Friday when the trio boarded at Fordham Road. One of them sat next to Alvarez. An argument ensued.

The disagreement soon turned physical, and the other two suspects joined in to make it a three-on-one fight, according to NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. The train pulled into the next station, the 182nd-183rd streets stop, and the three suspects ran off.

Police were called to the scene on Grand Concourse and found the victim unconscious. He was seen being rushed out of the station on a stretcher and taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators are still trying to determine what killed him. They say he had either a gunshot wound or a puncture wound to his chest. The medical examiner is working to determine Alvarez's cause of death, though police are referring to the incident as a homicide.

No weapon was recovered at the scene. Police initially didn't know the suspects' whereabouts after they fled. Officials said video from inside the train car showing the entire incident could be a key part of their ongoing investigation.

The violence was the latest in a series of subway incidents. On Feb. 12, six people were shot on the platform at the Mt. Eden Avenue subway station in the Bronx as teenagers exchanged gunfire. A 35-year-old was killed in the shooting.

Recent NYPD data paints a concerning picture, with 2023 seeing the highest number of subway assaults since at least 1996. Over that year, there were 570 assaults, marking a slight increase from the previous year and averaging about 1.5 incidents daily.

But Kemper said there is "progress" being made. An infusion of 1,000 more officers into the subway system — which was done in a direct response to a January crime spike — has led to a 17% reduction in crime in February (though for the year, still up 13% compared to 2023). He went on to call the high-profile killings "isolated incidents" but didn't share further details.

"We are looking forward to keeping this momentum moving forward," he said. "Out cops are out there, they are visible and are under immense pressure. They do a very challenging job."

Kemper and transit officials pinned the blame on the same thing for fueling the rise: recidivist criminals who are repeat offenders. MTA President Richard Davey said Monday there had been seven assaults against transit workers in 2024, for which four suspects have been arrested.

Among the suspects, they have a combined 50 prior arrests.

"My plea to the justice system: Make sure appropriate justice is delivered," said Davey. "Fifty strikes seems like a lot of godd---ed strikes."

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said prosecutors have rarely used a new tool available for those who attack transit workers: Banning them from using mass transit in the city.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.