Prison For Pumpkin Attacker | Loyal K-9 Dies | Sloth Abuse Accusation

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.

2 Men With Guns Tie Couple During Home Invasion: Police

The two men fled during the overnight hours on Sunday, police said.

Kai, Retired Police K-9, Dies At 12: 'Heavy Heart'

Kai helped officers make arrests, conduct bomb sweeps and find missing persons. "He will be sorely missed but never forgotten."

Abandoned Vehicle With Saddam Hussein Poster Prompts Long Island Road Closure: Police

"If you see something, say something," police Chief Randy Dodd cautions public.

Man Punches 1 Cop Bites Another: Police

The man injured officers before and during his arrest, police say. He also committed two home burglaries in January, police say.

LI's Sloth Encounters Accused Of Abuse After Undercover Investigation

An undercover investigator with the Humane Society recorded a staff member hitting a sloth. The society called for the facility's shutdown.

'This Is A Crisis': NY Lawmakers Rally For New Legislation To Fight Fentanyl

"These individuals are not drug dealers, they are death dealers, and the punishment should match the severity of their crimes."

'Have Your Cake And Read It Too': An Edible Book Contest

Is it cake or a book? Yes. The rules are simple: bakers will make a cake that represents their favorite work of fiction or nonfiction.

Reward Doubled To $10K For Conviction Of Dog Abuser: SPCA

The pit bull was found in November with 17 stab wounds.

Man Pointed Fake Pistol At Woman, 3 Kids: Police

A woman, who had her three children in the car, was threatened with a fake pistol when she honked at a man in front of her, police say.

Passenger Who Assaulted Conductor With A Pumpkin Gets Prison

She threw the gourd in the conductor's face after a train fare dispute, causing injuries under the eye that required stitches.

'Parking Ticket' Scam Being Investigated By Police

Officials warn about con in which callers pose as court officials, promising a plea deal for non-existent parking fines owed by victims.

Woman, 89, Suffers 'Severe Trauma' To Legs After Crash: Police

Officers rendered immediate life-saving first aid by placing tourniquets on both lower legs to stop excessive bleeding, cops say.

Fallout Grows After Ugly Antisemitism Halts HS Basketball Game

A player and coach from the sports team have reportedly been removed, as elected leaders, including the mayor and governor, react.

Elise's Niece's Cafe Hosting 'Apres Ski Party'

There will be food, drinks, a DJ, and prizes for those best dressed in their ski gear.

Woman Drives Under Influence Of Drugs With 5 Children: Police

Johanna Gonzalez faces charges that include endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

LI Man Threatened To Hurt Multiple People, Burn House Down: Police

The man also hit someone and tried to attack police officers, authorities say.

High School Band Wins First Metallica Competition

The school band won $15,000 and new musical equipment.

Man Dies When Excavated Dirt Collapses

Masonry employees were installing cesspool rings when a man went into a hole, and the dirt collapsed on him, police say.

'Unconscionable': Facebook Marketplace Scam Seriously Injures Man; Man Indicted: DA

A man is in a wheelchair after another man stole money for a PS5 from him and then drove off while he was hanging from the car, the DA says.

Community Mourns Allan Wicklund, 78: 'Always There When Called'

"Allan was seen by all who knew him as dependable, honest, and trustworthy, and filled his life with laughter and love."

Girls Lacrosse Team Helps Local Food Pantry

The team collected items and food in time for the holiday season and helped those in need.

American Airpower Museum, Barry Tech, Prepare HS Students For Aviation Careers

Students maintained the museum's military aircraft while learning about aircraft mechanical systems and aviation history.

'Reprehensible': Man Pleads Guilty To Raping Daughter, 5: DA

He "disgraced his role as a father when he engaged in the unconscionable abuse of his own daughter," DA Ray Tierney says.

Center For Performing Arts Offers 'Unique' Education

Director Joan Albright strives to teach theater, music and acting in a "brain development business" environment, minus most technology.

Dog Lost After Crash Found Safe: 'Let's Keep Saving Them'

A team of angels came together to find the dog, who ran off after a crash in Hampton Bays last week.

School Custodian Exposed Himself On Social Media: Police

The custodian was working at an elementary school at night when he posted a video soliciting sex, police say.

Beloved Boat Captain Mourned: 'A Lifetime Of Memories'

A GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral expenses for a beloved mariner and fisherman who touched countless hearts.

'Blood Emergency' Declared In NY As Supplies Reach Critical Levels

The New York Blood Center said the move comes amid a nationwide crisis as a result of a "severe drop in inventory."

Holocaust Survivor Speaks At LI School To Fight Anti-Semitism

Marion Blumenthal Lazan was asked to speak to Riverhead students after two incidents when "reprehensible" swastikas were found at school.

Tesla Fire Spreads To Chevy Tahoe, Building

The Tesla was destroyed, police said.

Town Anti-Bias Task Force Host's Annual MLK Celebration

The event will be held Sunday at the town's recreation center in Peconic.

Senior Named Regeneron Scholar: 'Above And Beyond"

She is one of only 300 students from across the nation to earn the honor.