'Brutal' Torture: DA / 33 Lb. Drug Bust / Northern Lights! / Meth Mail

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 across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

33 Lbs. Of Drugs Seized From Home: DA

Around $80,000 in cash, and kilo presses - one with plates used for bricks of fentanyl and cocaine, stamped "COVID-19," DA says.

Racing Community Revving Up To Help Those Devastated By Hurricane

The collection began after Hurricane Helene: "The needs changed every day. First it was food, water, equipment. Then they needed body bags."

Woman Found Dead With Multiple Stab Wounds In LI Basement: Police

She was found dead in the basement of a Hempstead home Saturday night, police say.

Man's Home Put Up For Sale — Without Permission: PD

The property was listed for $675K, unbeknownst to the owner, police say.

Boy, 14, Beaten And Robbed On Wooded Trail Near School: Police

He told officers he was jumped by 10 to 12 teen boys, who stole his shoes and a necklace, Suffolk police say.

LI Man Indicted After 'Brutal Torture, Murder' Of Longtime Friend: DA

Grisly details have emerged about a brutal murder that rocked the quiet East Quogue community recently.

LI's Dazzling Northern Lights Due To Rare Geomagnetic Storm: Photos

The sky was alive Thursday night as Mother Nature brought the aurora borealis, or Northern lights, close to home.

Defense Attorney In Gotti Long Island Assault Case Speaks

"If it's going to be a next chapter, it's going to be in civil court, and the Gottis will defend themselves as they always have."

Long Island Pumpkin Picking Guide 2024

Your complete guide to the best and most fun-filled pumpkin picking and fall festivals across Long Island.

Eatery To Cut Prices 20% To Help Customers Fight Inflation

Owner Mike Scotto said his family could not afford to dine out growing up in Italy and challenged other business owners to lower prices.

State Legislation Planned To Combat Street Takeovers On Long Island

It was prompted by a recent spate of car meets, officials say.

Police Rescue Kitten From Car's Wheel Well: PD

Police blocked a lane on the highway to rescue a 7-week-old kitten from a car's wheel well, police say.

30-Foot Sailboat Crashes Into Jetty: Police

The captain of the vessel, who was alone on the sailboat, made it onto the rocks and was saved, police say.

Dollar Tree Clerk Threatened With Hammer: Police

He was startled and appeared to have left the discount store empty-handed, police say.

Trial For Accused Gilgo Beach Killer Could Be 'A Year' Away: Attorney

Attorneys for Rex Heuermann's wife, children say the family is slowly seeing the return of their possessions after exhaustive home searches.

LI Couple Revives Halloween Light Display After Hackers Stole The Show

Kevin and Kristy O'Reilly's Halloween light display returns after hackers stole the show in 2022.

Woman Reflects On Being In Israel When War Broke Out

Liat Cohen addressed the interfaith service at Long Beach's Temple Emanu-El to mark one year since Hamas attacked Israel.

Guilty Plea In 2 Slayings, 'A Selfish And Inexplicable Act Of Violence': DA

Brian Cordovano faces 30 years in prison in the 2022 killings of Ian Saalfield and Robert Julian, District Attorney says.

Reckless Driving Charge After Man Caught Doing Donuts At Intersection: Cops

He bolted from the scene, leaving the rented vehicle behind, police say.

Beloved Owner Of Greek Eatery Dies: 'We Will Make You Proud'

Spiro Laopodis was known for his warm smile and the hospitality with which he welcomed guests to Greek Bites. Funeral services are set.

Driver Makes Antisemitic Remarks, Threats: Police

Alvin Tirado was arrested on Friday afternoon after injuring a police officer, authorities said.

The Nutty Irishman Holds 20th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting

"Farmingdale is a great town ... we invest in this community because we're happy and we believe in it," owner Joe Fortuna said.

Inclusive New RVC Playground Named For Late Recreation Supervisor

Mr. B's Playground is named for a late recreation supervisor who left a legacy.

LI Tributes, Vigils For Anniversary Of Hamas Attack On Israel

More than 1,100 people were killed and 250 people were taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023.

Sentencing Date Set For Ex-Scout Leader Charged With Child Porn: DOJ

The former Scout leader shared child pornography on a messaging app under the handle "dirtydaddy341," prosecutors say.

Detectives Combing Video From 'Illegal Car Meet' Investigation: Cops

It's to hold motorists accountable for reckless driving and identify spectators for unlawful assembly, police say.

After Halloween, This Spirit Store Will Morph Into Spirit Christmas

A Spirit Halloween will be converted into one of just 10 Spirit Christmas stores, the company announced.

Crystal Meth Mailed To Board of Elections, Temporarily Closing Office

"The cowards that sent this dangerous chemical to our office failed in disrupting a single voter’s right to vote," one official said.

Conman Arrested After Posing As Lawyer: NYSP

He defrauded a victim in a virtual Alcoholics Anonymous group out of $7,500 for legal fees despite not actually being a lawyer, cops said.

'Mother, Nurse, Hero': Friends Help Woman Battle Cancer

"She is an amazing person and dedicated mother, wife, nurse and hero." - Israel Ramos, Nicole's husband.

Man, 92, Trapped Inside Car In Garage Rescued: Police

He was evaluated at the scene, police say.

Stabbing, Fatal Shooting, Post-Surgery Decamping And 1 Last Attack: NYSP

Man 1 stabs Man 2. Man 2 shoots Man 1. Man 1 dies. Man 2 leaves hospital, returns to scene where he's hit with a blunt object.

Fall Seriously Injures Child On School Field Trip

The child was airlifted after rescuers were able to bring the student down from the mountain with a UTV.

Replica WWI Fokker D-VIII Aircraft Caught Fire Before Crashing

Police said that the plane suffered "unknown mechanical issues," causing the engine to catch fire, killing the pilot.

LI's Sarah Grace Foundation Launches 14th Holiday Extravaganza

One ticket grants 30 chances to win prizes, including restaurant and retail gift cards, gas gift cards, cash prizes and more.

Mechanical Failure Shutters Popular Carousel, Possibly For Months

"Even in the best case scenario, a reopening by Christmas will take extraordinary work and coordination with multiple trades." — Mayor

LI Pizza Strong Unites Pizzerias To Benefit Crash Victims

For every pizza sold, $5 will be donated to the families affected by the fatal car crash. Here's what you need to know.