Emerald mining in Afghanistan's Panjshir province faces significant challenges as miners rely on basic tools to extract stones under harsh conditions. An auction recently sold nearly 3,000 carats of emeralds, valued at approximately 400 million Afghanis ($6.12 million). Despite the demand for Panjshir emeralds, the sector struggles with a lack of modern equipment and international investment.
A recent poll shows New York Governor Kathy Hochul leading Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman by 12.7 percentage points. Hochul has the support of 52.4 percent of respondents, compared to Blakeman's 39.7 percent.
The MTA is set to expand its glass fare gates to 20 additional subway stations in New York City, following a pilot program that showed a 35% reduction in fare evasion. The initiative aims to recover $100 million annually in unpaid fares, although it has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness and safety concerns.
Damien Neva, a teacher in Brooklyn, is under investigation for allegedly praising Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar in a group chat. The incident is linked to a lawsuit involving the Park Slope Food Coop, where Neva is described as a leader of a boycott movement against Israeli goods. Concerns have been raised about the implications of his comments for Jewish students in his classroom.
Suffolk County has increased its Flock Safety cameras from 25 to nearly 60 within a year, with over 30 new installations since August 2025. Funded by a state grant, these cameras record vehicle information and are searchable by police without a warrant, raising privacy concerns among critics.
Illegal vendors have returned to Canal Street, occupying a four-block stretch and causing pedestrian congestion. The NYPD has made multiple arrests and issued summonses in an effort to manage the situation, but vendors continue to reappear. Local officials are calling for a coordinated response to address the ongoing issue.
NYPD officers Julio Arias and Karolin Abreu Garcia rescued a choking infant in the Bronx on September 26. The child's mother, Janibel Montana, alerted the officers, who performed lifesaving measures that successfully revived the baby. A reunion took place later, where the mother expressed her gratitude to the officers.
In Oswego, New York, a crowd of around 50 residents intervened during a seven-hour standoff with Border Patrol, assisting two fugitives who had climbed onto a roof to escape arrest. The incident prompted a temporary lockout at a nearby elementary school, but students were dismissed safely after the situation was resolved.
A recent nor’easter has caused significant erosion at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, leading to dangerous drop-offs and the exposure of previously hidden jetties. Local officials are calling for immediate action to address the damage and ensure safety for residents ahead of future storms. The US Army Corps of Engineers is assessing the situation to develop a replenishment plan.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a program to give away 70,000 free tickets to the Metropolitan Opera, allowing New Yorkers who have not attended a performance to enter a monthly lottery for tickets. While the initiative aims to make opera accessible, it has faced criticism from some residents who argue that the city should prioritize more pressing issues. The program is funded through donations of unsold tickets from the Metropolitan Opera.
A swimmer went missing off the coast of Fire Island during a nor’easter that brought hazardous conditions, including 18-foot waves and high winds. The search for the swimmer was suspended due to darkness and is set to resume. The storm has also resulted in casualties and widespread power outages across Long Island and surrounding areas.
Fiji's government declared a national emergency in September 2026 due to a rise in HIV infections, attributed largely to a crystal meth epidemic. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention to address the public health crisis.
Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey declared states of emergency on Friday in preparation for an incoming nor’easter. Hochul specifically mentioned areas including Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, and Westchester as being under the emergency declaration.
The New York City Council has revised a plan for automatic enrollment in city benefits, citing privacy concerns for immigrants. The new legislation directs the Department of Social Services to study the feasibility of such a program while focusing on improving access to the Fair Fares transit program for low-income residents. The bill now awaits approval from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Residents in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, have expressed concerns about new tree plantings disrupting Feng Shui by blocking home entrances. The city plans to plant 18,261 trees this fiscal year as part of an Urban Forest Plan. City Councilmember Susan Zhuang is working with residents and the Parks Department to address their concerns while maintaining the initiative.
George Zamot, a UPS worker from the Bronx, was honored for his efforts in helping to apprehend Raul Morales, the suspect in a stabbing incident on the Upper West Side in July. Zamot followed Morales after witnessing the attack on Moshe Grunhaus and provided crucial information to the NYPD, leading to Morales' arrest. At a rally against anti-Semitism, Zamot highlighted the importance of community action in preventing hate crimes.
Ivory Coast will host Ghana in an AFCON 2027 qualifier on September 24 at Stade de Bouake. Both teams feature high-profile players and are managed by experienced coaches. The match will be the 38th meeting between the two nations, with Ghana leading the head-to-head record.
Howie Rose, the radio announcer for the New York Mets, hosted the Opening Day introductions prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. The event took place on March 26, 2026.
Tascha Van Auken, the commissioner of New York City's Office of Mass Engagement, has faced criticism for her comments about the office's role in organizing and developing leaders. Critics, including NYC councilwoman Vickie Palladino, have accused the administration of seeking political power rather than improving conditions for residents. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has defended the office's mission to increase public participation in government decision-making.
Funding for additional NYPD officers in the New York City subway has been depleted, leading the Mamdani administration to cover the costs. The funding, initially announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, was exhausted by July, coinciding with an increase in subway assaults. Despite rising crime rates, a significant portion of subway users still report feeling safe.
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