Category: New York Watch
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Brooklyn Medicaid Fraud Case Exposes How $68 Million Meant for the Vulnerable Was Looted
Two Brooklyn marketers pleaded guilty to a Medicaid fraud scheme that stole over $68 million aimed at aiding seniors and disabled individuals. Manal Wasef and Elaine Antao conspired to receive illegal kickbacks, leading to phantom service billing. They face up to 10 years in prison and have agreed to forfeit about $1 million.
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NYC Self-Defense Case Ends in Prison Term, Reigniting Debate Over New York’s Gun Laws
A Queens retiree cleared in a fatal act of self-defense is now behind bars for illegal gun possession, reigniting debate over whether New York’s strict firearms laws punish ordinary citizens while failing to deter violent crime.
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Former NYC Housing Liaison Charged in Bribery and PPP Fraud Case
Federal prosecutors have charged Anthony Herbert, a former New York City official, with bribery and fraud, alleging he exploited his position for personal gain. He faces six federal counts related to pay-to-play schemes totaling $16,000 and a fraudulent PPP loan application for over $20,000. Herbert, who pleaded not guilty, was released on bond.
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Bronx ‘Model’ Building Exposes Early Cracks in Mayor Mamdani’s Housing Agenda
A Bronx apartment building praised by Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a model for nonprofit affordable housing has nearly 200 unresolved housing code violations—including dozens deemed immediately hazardous—raising early questions about accountability, oversight, and the city’s housing agenda just days into the new administration.
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Who Is Running for Governor of New York in 2026?
The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, with party primaries on June 23. Incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul seeks reelection against Antonio Delgado, while Republican Bruce Blakeman is the frontrunner. Despite New York’s Democratic leaning, key issues like affordability and safety will shape the race dynamics.
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Federal Appeal Challenges Police Denial of Disability Accommodations in New Rochelle Case
A federal civil-rights appeal claims that the New Rochelle police violated the ADA by denying Marc H. Fishman reasonable communication accommodations during his interrogation. The case challenges the legal standard used in dismissing his claims, with implications for how police departments accommodate disabled individuals across New York and beyond.
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New York Wakes Up to a Socialist Mayor—and the Shock Is the Story
New York City’s youngest and first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, began his term with a focus on democratic socialism, sparking intense media and public reactions. While supporters see a chance for change, critics voice concerns over economic viability and policies. The backlash reflects deeper anxieties about socialism’s implications amid the city’s challenges.
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Former Broome County Family Court Judge Denied New Trial in Federal Harassment Case
A federal judge upheld a jury’s verdict against former Broome County Judge Richard H. Miller II in a gender-discrimination case, denying his request to overturn the ruling. The jury found Miller liable for creating a hostile environment, awarding $200,000 to former court secretary Rachelle Gallagher and highlighting judicial accountability.
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Bronx Car Fire Homicide Marks New York City’s First Killing of 2026
New York City marked the first hours of 2026 with tragedy after a 55-year-old rideshare driver was found shot to death inside a burning SUV in the Bronx. No arrests have been made, raising urgent questions about safety for gig workers and the city’s crime narrative heading into the new year.
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Brooklyn Family Court Ends Compulsion — But an Autistic Child Remains Missing
A Brooklyn Family Court ruling has relieved Jacqueline Pritchett of further obligations regarding her missing son, Jacob, an autistic boy last seen in 2025. Despite constitutional protections upheld, child safety remains at risk, and authorities lack information or leads in a case raising concerns about parental accountability and systemic failures in child welfare.
New York Bay News 