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Westchester County Journal News

Police transparency is key to revealing misconduct. How we reported it

Police transparency is key to revealing misconduct. How we reported it

USA TODAY Network's reporting on a Hudson Valley officer's history of misconduct underscored the importance of police transparency.

Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against 'El Mayo' Zambada in California Following Life Sentence

Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against 'El Mayo' Zambada in California Following Life Sentence

A federal judge in California has dismissed charges against Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, following his life sentence in New York. The decision was made by Judge Dana M. Sabraw, who acted upon a request from U.S. prosecutors to close the case, which had been open since 2014. Zambada was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Brian M. Cogan in New York on July 20, 2026, for his role in leading the cartel and other drug trafficking offenses. The dismissal in California includes charges of organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The decision to dismiss the charges was based on the redundancy of maintaining parallel legal proceedings given Zambada's existing life sentence.

Defendant in Salman Rushdie stabbing declines to testify in terrorism trial

Defendant in Salman Rushdie stabbing declines to testify in terrorism trial

The man on trial in the stabbing of Salman Rushdie has chosen not to testify or call any witnesses in the federal terrorism case

Madison County Sheriff to Continue ICE Cooperation Despite State Law

Madison County Sheriff to Continue ICE Cooperation Despite State Law

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood has announced his intention to continue cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite a new state law prohibiting such collaboration. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, bans state and local law enforcement from assisting in civil immigration enforcement. Hood received a warning letter from New York Attorney General Letitia James but dismissed it as a political move. He plans to honor ICE detainer requests for undocumented immigrants charged with crimes, arguing that they pose a threat to public safety.

Investigation revealed 'devastating' reports of sexual misconduct at school supported by Epstein

Investigation revealed 'devastating' reports of sexual misconduct at school supported by Epstein

An investigation has turned up allegations of sexual misconduct against nearly 50 people who were formerly affiliated with a prestigious Michigan fine arts school

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Flash flood warnings issued as heavy rain pounds New York; beach hazards also posted

Flash flood warnings issued as heavy rain pounds New York; beach hazards also posted

Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of western New York after heavy rain overnight. Beach hazard statements are also in effect along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

New Jersey Man Charged After Dogs Found Locked in Vehicle in Extreme Heat

New Jersey Man Charged After Dogs Found Locked in Vehicle in Extreme Heat

Zachary D. Jackson, a 27-year-old man from Montague, New Jersey, has been charged with 11 counts of confinement of a companion animal in a vehicle under extreme temperature conditions. The charges were filed after deputies responded to a report of several dogs locked in a non-running vehicle at Batavia Downs, New York, with no food or water. The dogs were reportedly suffering from heat exhaustion. Jackson was arraigned in CAP Court on July 26, 2026. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities of pet owners to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.

Detroit Free Press

Epstein, others named in scathing Interlochen review. See full report

Epstein, others named in scathing Interlochen review. See full report

The full report includes details from 180 interviews. Although most accused are not named, administrators decided to identify some alleged abusers.

Three Arrested, Vehicles Impounded in Long Island Street Takeover

Three Arrested, Vehicles Impounded in Long Island Street Takeover

Police in Suffolk County, New York, arrested three individuals and impounded ten vehicles following a large-scale street takeover involving over 200 ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. The event, which took place in Hauppauge and Brentwood, saw participants performing stunts and causing disruptions. The police response aimed to restore order and address the illegal activities associated with the takeover.

Five Teens Arrested in New York for Subway Surfing, Facing Multiple Charges

Five Teens Arrested in New York for Subway Surfing, Facing Multiple Charges

Five teenagers in New York have been arrested for engaging in subway surfing, a dangerous activity where individuals ride on the outside of subway cars. The teens are now facing several charges, including reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing. Subway surfing has been a recurring issue in New York, posing significant risks to both the individuals involved and the safety of the subway system. Authorities have been cracking down on such activities to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of commuters.

Authorities say man killed his family, then himself, before all were found in Michigan home fire

Authorities say man killed his family, then himself, before all were found in Michigan home fire

Investigators say a man fatally shot his wife and their six children, then himself, before they all were found in their burning Michigan home last week

Ontario County Sheriff's Office Investigates Two-Car Crash in Hopewell Resulting in Hospitalization

Ontario County Sheriff's Office Investigates Two-Car Crash in Hopewell Resulting in Hospitalization

On Saturday, a two-car crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 4 and Freshour Road in Hopewell, New York. The Ontario County Sheriff's Office reported that a 43-year-old man from Naples failed to stop at a stop sign, leading to a collision with a car driven by a 30-year-old man from Geneva. Both vehicles veered off the road, with the Geneva man's car rolling over but landing upright. He sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital. The Naples man was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight and is in stable condition. The crash led to significant damage to both vehicles, which were towed from the scene. The road was closed for over three hours for investigation but has since reopened. Mercy Ambulance and the Hopewell Fire Department were also present at the scene.