Deformed turtle duck | Man kills mother, 85: PD | Horrifying fraud | Sting

This weekend we present a weekly review with the top stories and headlines from across New York. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You You can also find your local Patch and keep up with these stories by clicking here.

'Deformed' turtle that looks like duck gets second chance at life at 70

The turtle has improved dramatically, as the photo in the story shows. He can now eat and drink independently.

Man charged with murder of his mother, 85: Police

A woman died a week after her son was accused of beating her, police said. According to the police, the woman's daughter also has to answer for abuse.

Horrifying 'Kidnap/Ransom' Scam Reported: PD

“The caller might claim your daughter has been kidnapped – and you hear a woman screaming in the background.”

Search expands for information about 'Asiatic deer' found near Gilgo victims

According to Suffolk County police, new fliers were distributed in Vietnamese and Korean.

Funeral set for “organ donor heroine” Bella Trezza after tragic car accident

Funeral services are scheduled for Bella Trezza, 17, who died from injuries she sustained in a car crash that killed two teenagers.

Ralph Macchio Wants to “Give Back” to LI and Attends Breast Cancer Gala; Talks about new film

Macchio's wife was treated for breast cancer by the founder of the Maurer Foundation. “The Karate Kid” star now wants to “pay it forward.”

The district is taking action against the numerous threats in schools

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children, especially when they are in school,” said County Administrator Bruce Blakeman.

Whooping cough is on the rise in New York: What you should know about pertussis

Statewide, there were 14,569 cases of whooping cough in 2024, compared to 3,475 the previous year.

$450,000 was raised by Adventureland's Helping Hands Foundation at the VIP night

The charity donated $50,000 to Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism and awarded 13 $5,000 scholarships to high school students.

“Tex's Chicken And Burgers Opens First Drive-Thru on Long Island”

The fried chicken and burger chain has five other locations on the island.

Gang member pleads guilty in nightclub murder: DA

The case should serve as a warning to other gang members that violence “will not be tolerated” in the county, DA says.

Here are the 50 best public high schools in LI, according to a new ranking

The best public high schools in LI have been ranked in a new analysis.

Man charged with drink-driving after crashing into side of ferry: police

According to police, he crashed into the side of the ferry while getting out.

Food Drive raises over £14,000 for those in need

PSEG Long Island hosted the Power to Feed initiative at Shop and Stop collection events.

Residents send aid convoy to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts

County workers will also assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina.

Man sentenced to 27 to 30 years in prison for kidnapping girlfriend at Knifepoint: DA

“No one should have to live in fear, especially at the hands of someone who once claimed to love them.” – DA

“Disheartening”: LI parents and experts call for more funding for childhood cancer research

Advocates calling for more federal funding for childhood cancer research say children are receiving chemotherapy treatments designed specifically for adults.

Suspect used hatchet to rob 7-Eleven on Long Island: police

He used a hatchet to break a glass lottery display on the counter, and an employee handed him cash from the register, police said.

“Large Amount of Fentanyl” Found in Mastic Beach: Police

It was found last week during the execution of a search warrant, police said

Fundraiser honors slain detective with scholarship

Det. Jonathan Diller was killed March 25 during a stop in Queens.

False alarms from nearby drilling lead to closures

An electronic notification related to an ongoing lockdown exercise was sent in error.

He took a hot car on a test drive, cops say

Police said they found other people's credit cards and phones, as well as a loaded magazine for a 9mm gun, in the stolen vehicle.

Food truck vendor on “Operation Hot Lunch” Sting admits guilt

The street dealer was at the center of four drug and firearms trafficking conspiracies, investigators said.

Man arrested for neglect of 4 chickens, 3 ducks and 2 roosters: SPCA

Child Protective Services had been investigating the neglect of a teenager when they saw the animals living in “deplorable conditions.”

Body of missing Brooklyn woman found beneath Hawk's Nest

A 2008 Honda FIT registered to the missing woman was found at a stop, leading to the discovery.

'Guilty:' Spouse convicted of killing wife's ex-husband and stealing car

The ex-husband's body has still not been found and the Justice Department is seeking information about the couple or the body's whereabouts.

The $3.95 million estate where Eleanor Roosevelt built Dreams is for sale

The 10,500 sq. ft., 9-bedroom, 12-bathroom. The property was once one of the first lady's early passion projects, a pioneering vocational school for women.

Charges dismissed against Kimberly and Gianna Gotti: DA

DA says it was dismissed on procedural grounds. “We are waiting for the judge’s written decision and will consider our options.”

Former Long Island Brotherhood deputy prez sentenced to prison for hazing murder: AG

AG says nothing can bring back Penn State student Timothy Piazza, but the verdicts “bring closure to the criminal case.”

“Everyone is shocked” by Iran’s missile attack on Israel: AJC

Israel is expected to retaliate as the war approaches the one-year mark next week.

March To The Sea unites families in the fight against the opioid crisis

Long Islanders who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis can participate in the National Trail of Truth's March to Sea at Robert Moses State Park.