Man Posed As Teen To Exploit Girls: Feds / Polar Plunge / Wind Energy

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.

$140K Raised At Town Polar Plunge

Around 650 plungers took part to help raise money for athletes in the Special Olympics.

LI Man Posed As Teen On Snapchat To Sexually Exploit Young Girls: Feds

He would coerce them and then threaten to expose them to family and friends, prosecutors said.

Woman, Dog Injured In LI Hit-And-Run On Thanksgiving Eve: PD

The driver of the Mercedes who hit the woman and her dog fled the scene, police say.

Caged, Emaciated Dogs Discovered In NY Apartment: Police

Eliakim Ishchayil is accused of having the five dogs and two young children living in unsanitary conditions, police said.

Beloved NY Resident At 50

"You are one of the kindest individuals I have ever met," town councilmember said.

Purchase-Based Pepsi Has Shaq Wishing He Was 'A Little Bit Smaller'

The cola giant's 90s spokesperson is back to celebrate Pepsi's 125th anniversary, with a little help from another icon from the era.

1st Offshore Wind Turbine Installed Off Coast Of Montauk

"NY is paving the way toward a clean energy future, and the installation of our 1st offshore wind turbine marks a momentous step forward."

Multiple-Horse Accident At Raceway, 4 Drivers Injured

Due to the accident, the final race on the program was canceled.

Veterans Of WWII, Korean And Vietnam Wars To Reunite At American Airpower Museum

The 45 veterans who took a free Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in September are set to see each other again in December.

Holiday Toy Drive For Childhood Cancer Patients Hosted By Sarah Grace Foundation

"For many of the children we serve, the gifts The Sarah Grace Foundation can provide are the only ones they will receive," the charity says.

Cats Die In NY House Blaze

The fire spread from a gazebo in the back and into the home. No people were killed, as 75 firefighters responded to douse the flames.

Paralyzed Former Asst DA Outlines Overcoming Adversity In Book

Ken Kunken details to Patch about his half-century struggle as a quadriplegic, but also his career and family life.

DEC Testing Park's Soil After 'Petrochemical Odor' Found

A 2022 boring study found "petrochemical odors" at the site of a planned basketball court project, causing a heated village board meeting.

Maverick Steals Our Hearts And Moves On To Better Things

The Labrador/Golden Retriever mix effortlessly became a part of the fabric of town, but he always had a higher calling to fulfill.

Two Ladders Brewery In Rockland Receives State Grant To Help Expand

"The system we have now is small," co-owner Peter Garrison told Patch. "We're killing ourselves trying to keep up."

Turkeys Saved Just Days Before Thanksgiving By LI Animal Advocates

"Turkeys, like dogs, enjoy having their bellies rubbed and light up when their favorite person is in the room." John Di Leonardo, Humane LI

Girls Inc. Of Long Island Wins $200,000 Grant From Bank Of America

"Through Neighborhood Builders, we will strengthen girls' opportunities for economic mobility," the organization's director told Patch.