Animal Cruelty | Retire #5 Plea | Missing Girl Safe | Pizza Graffiti

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across New York. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories, from the worst situations imaginable to most wonderful, across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Animal Cruelty Charge For Man After He Denies Vet Care For Puppy: DA

The arrest unfolded after a good Samaritan found the puppy hit by a car, and brought it to a vet hospital, DA says.

Pleas To Retire Number Of Athlete, 18, Who Died: 'Dylan Deserves This'

Despite the cries from Dylan Newman's family and the community, the BOE is considering a "number of distinction" instead.

'God Gave Me A Gift Today': Father After Daughter, 14, Missing 25 Days Found

Frank Gervasi says his "prayers" were answered when his daughter, Emma, was found on Friday.

Officials Sound Warning About Flying Drones In Restricted Airspace

"Drones can be used maliciously. And this raises serious concerns about security and potential threats."

Starlink Glimpsed On New Year's Night

It's expected to appear over the next few days, according to findstarlink.com. Send us your photos.

Arrest In Woman's Fatal Christmas Eve Stabbing: Cops

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was remanded without bail, online court records show.

Norovirus Cases Are Surging, CDC Says: What To Know In NY

Norovirus is quickly spreading across the nation, with cases reported in New York.

Woman Honored For Rescuing Man From Icy Creek

Kayla Masotto slid out onto the ice to rescue a man who fell off a personal watercraft into the frigid water, officials say.

Resident Reports Home Fire Caused By Lightning Strike: Police

It started at around 11:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and multiple fire departments were called to the scene, police say.

Sentencing Delayed For 2 Involved In Grisly Body Parts Case: Court

Sentencing was delayed on Thursday for 2 people involved in the murder and dismemberment of 2 victims with knives and a meat cleaver.

Women's Rally Organized Before Donald Trump's Inauguration

"Remember that we are many, we are determined, we show up— and we won't give up." A women's rally will be held before the inauguration.

Man 'Tortured' Dog By Shooting Flame At It, Grabbing By Neck: PD

He was arrested for the second time in 2 days and found with crack cocaine, police say.

Man, 72, Dies From Train Strike: MTA Police

No criminality is expected, police said.

Contractor Accused Of Not Paying Prevailing Wage Speaks Out

"I was portrayed as a thief exploiting my workers. I did not, nor did anyone, 'pocket' money belonging to our employees."

Firefighters Extinguish Car Fire On Christmas Eve: Police

The fire department extinguished a fire on Christmas Eve after it broke out in a woman's car on Christmas Eve.

3 Arrested After Stealing From Clothing Donation Box: PD

The incident took place Sunday, police say.

Man Arrested After Mall Fight And Biting Police Officer: PD

A man was arrested by police after getting into a fight at a mall and biting an officer, police say.

1 Slice Too Many: Cops Say They Have Nabbed Suspect In Pizza Graffiti

Police said they have put the mysterious "one slice please" graffiti artist in the box for good.

Hochul Points Out 'Significant' Improvements To Roads, Bridges

What pothole-plagued roads on Long Island do you still think need attention, as the year draws to a close?

'Life-Saving Mission': Pet Sanctuary Fundraises For New Rescue Home

A pet sanctuary on Long Island is raising funds to build a new rescue home to save the lives of abandoned animals.

Sheriff's Office To Give Out Nearly 1K Toys And PJs On Sunday

There will be free hot chocolate, and a library system bus decorated with lights and a fireplace for holiday photo

Firefighter Behind String Of Hoax Emergency Calls To 911: NYSP

The 23-year-old new member of the fire department is facing five felony charges after his arrest on Monday.

NTSB Preliminary Report: Driver Pulled 1 Victim From Plane Crash

An eyewitness to the small plane crash on a busy highway also ended up being among the first rescuers on the scene.

Hockey Player Without A Pulse Saved Thanks To Quick Action

At around 11:30 p.m., police began getting 911 calls reporting a player unconscious on the ice during a late night hockey event.

Woman Charged Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash On New Year's Day: Police

A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by a medic, police say.

PSEG Completes Holiday Drive By Donating Hundreds Of Toys

Four community-based agencies received the toys for distributing to children.