Long Island Postal Clerk Accused of Stealing Holiday Cards and Gifts

 

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, many of us are busy sending well-wishes and thoughtful gifts through the mail. Unfortunately, for some unsuspecting recipients, their holiday cheer was stolen by none other than a postal clerk at a Long Island post office.

Jovanni Jamison-Lewis, a 35-year-old employee at the Oakdale post office, has been accused of stealing greeting cards and gifts that were meant for other people. The alleged thefts were uncovered after Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced that Jamison-Lewis had been caught on surveillance footage taking two envelopes from the outgoing mail at the post office.

Inside each envelope was a thoughtful gesture for the intended recipients—one contained a T.J. Maxx gift card, while the other had three New York State Lottery scratch-off tickets. According to prosecutors, Jamison-Lewis removed the gifts from the envelopes and returned the now-empty cards back to the outgoing mail, leaving the recipients unaware of the theft.

The very next day, surveillance cameras allegedly captured Jamison-Lewis using the stolen T.J. Maxx gift card at a store in Port Jefferson. Investigators were able to trace the purchases back to her and recovered the items bought with the stolen gift card when they arrested her.

District Attorney Tierney emphasized the seriousness of the crime, particularly during the holiday season when people are trusting the postal service with their gifts. "We want people to safely enjoy the holiday season, and for those bad actors who are going to exploit our citizens and steal their property, we will hold you responsible no matter what," Tierney said in a statement.

Jamison-Lewis was arrested on November 24, and investigators found even more stolen mail in her possession at the time. According to authorities, she had two stolen pieces of mail hidden in her pants and four more in her pocketbook. Following the arrest, investigators searched her home and vehicle, allegedly recovering an additional 20 pieces of stolen mail.

The former postal worker has been arraigned on charges including grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and official misconduct. In the wake of her arrest, Jamison-Lewis resigned from her position at the post office.

Although she was released after being charged, she is due back in court in January to face the charges. The case has raised concerns about the security of mail during the holiday season, a time when many people rely on postal services to send cards and gifts to loved ones.

Porsche Stolen in Union Square, Tracked Down and Crashed: Suspect Arrested

 

In the early hours of the morning, a stolen Porsche was tracked and recovered by authorities in a dramatic turn of events that led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man on a range of charges.

At around 3 a.m. in Union Square, police received reports of a vehicle theft after the car’s owner left the luxury Porsche running with the keys inside. Unfortunately, this lapse in judgment made the vehicle an easy target for thieves.

Authorities were able to locate the car thanks to an unlikely source: an iPhone left inside. This device, which was still powered on, helped officers trace the vehicle’s location. Using the phone’s signal, police followed the Porsche as it sped through city streets for nearly two miles.

The chase came to a violent end when the driver, later identified as Calvin Jones, lost control of the stolen vehicle. The Porsche crashed into several parked cars and ultimately flipped over near the intersection of 50th Street and Lexington Avenue. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.

Jones, a 40-year-old man with a prior criminal record, was quickly apprehended by officers at the scene. He was charged with a number of serious offenses, including grand larceny, resisting arrest, and possession of stolen property. Police revealed that Jones has a history of violent behavior, having been arrested twice before for assault.

This incident highlights the growing concern over car thefts in urban areas, particularly those involving high-end vehicles that are often targeted for their value. While authorities were able to quickly track down the stolen Porsche, the risk of such crimes continues to pose a challenge for law enforcement in cities across the country.

As the investigation into the theft continues, Jones remains in police custody, facing multiple charges that could lead to significant legal consequences.

Mamdani, New York Cities New Mayor

 

The 2025 mayoral election in New York City concluded with a historic outcome: Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assembly member, was elected as the next mayor of the city. He will take office on January 1, 2026. 

What’s new and historic

Here are some of the key facts about Mamdani’s election and what makes it noteworthy:

• He is the youngest mayor of New York City in over a century. 

• He is the first mayor of the city to be Muslim and of South Asian heritage.

•  His campaign ran on a progressive / democratic-socialist agenda, focused on affordability, housing, and increased taxes on the wealthy. 

  What this may mean for New Yorkers

  With a new leadership vision emerging in New York City, here’s a breakdown of how things may change — and what it could mean for everyday residents.

  1. Cost of living & housing

  Mamdani’s campaign highlighted major concern about affordability: rent freezes on stabilized units, more affordable housing, and other tenant-friendly measures.

  Implications:

• For renters: There may be expanded protections and increased pressure on landlords.

• For homeowners or investors: Policies may shift in a way that influences property values, regulations, and the rental market.

• Developers & real-estate sector: Some pushback or increased regulatory risk may emerge. (For example, some voices raised concerns about “radical” measures affecting the luxury market.)

2. Taxes and city budget

Because the campaign proposes asking the wealthy to pay more (and/or introducing new taxes), the city budget dynamics will likely change.

Implications:

• Residents may see changes in what services get expanded or prioritized.

• Businesses may face higher costs (if tax burdens increase).

• The mayor will also have to negotiate with the city council, state government, and other stakeholders: big promises will need realistic fiscal backing.

3. Social services and public infrastructure

With the focus on affordability comes a likely emphasis on things like:

• expanded public transit or subsidies (for example, free buses was mentioned in campaign vision)

• investment in public housing, affordable housing construction

• enhanced child-care, possibly higher minimum wages

Implications:

• Residents might benefit from stronger social infrastructure (especially lower-income communities).

• There may be debates about trade-offs: more services vs. tax increases or slower business growth.

• The speed and effectiveness of such changes may depend on how cooperative other parts of government are (e.g., state legislature, city council).

4. Public safety, policing & civic institutions

Given the progressive nature of the new mayor’s platform, and the fact that policing and public safety have been major issues in New York, changes are likely.

Implications:

• Police-community relations may shift: more emphasis on reform, community engagement, possibly changes in policing strategy.

• Some police unions or public safety advocates may be wary: for example, there were concerns raised about a potential “cop exodus” under more radical changes.

• For everyday New Yorkers: possibly different patterns in how the city handles crime, traffic enforcement, surveillance, and civic order.

5. Political culture & representation

Mamdani’s election signals a shift in New York’s political mood.

Implications:

• A new generation of leadership: younger, more diverse, potentially more progressive.

• Communities that previously felt under-represented (Muslim, South Asian, immigrant communities) may feel more empowered or visible.

• Business, tech, and traditional power centres in New York may feel challenged or may need to adapt to a mayor who talks more about social justice, redistribution, and affordability.

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Key questions and challenges ahead

While opportunities are high, there are some big challenges that will determine how impactful Mamdani’s tenure will be.

• Budget realism: Can his proposed housing and affordability programs be funded without destabilising the city’s finances?

• Coalitions & governance: He’ll need to work with the city council, state government (for some powers), and local agencies. Will his agenda be supported or blocked?

• Business & investment climate: How will investors, companies, and real-estate interests respond? Will there be flight of capital or adaptation?

• Managing expectations: Many residents will hope for immediate improvements (lower rent, better transit, etc.). Delivery takes time.

• Safety & order: Balancing reform with maintaining public safety will be a delicate act.

• External pressures: New York is a global city — economic cycles, global investment, migration, and federal/state policies will all impact what the mayor can realistically deliver.

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What New Yorkers can do to engage

• Stay informed about budget proposals and how your district may benefit (or be impacted).

• Attend community meetings or city-council sessions to voice your views.

• Monitor how the mayor’s campaign promises translate into action (housing programs, public transit changes, etc.).

• For renters: track tenant-protection changes, rent-freeze initiatives, or new regulations on landlords.

• For business owners: watch for changes in local tax/regulation policy and how the business ecosystem shifts.

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The election of Zohran Mamdani is a symbolic and practical turning point for New York City. For many residents — especially renters, younger people, and diverse communities — it promises renewed hope for affordability, fairness, and a fresh leadership style. At the same time, delivering on big promises will require navigating fiscal restraints, political realities, and institutional inertia.

For New Yorkers, it’s a moment to pay attention: how the mayor transforms campaign ideas into real policies will shape life in the city in the coming years.

Two Teens Dead Attempting Subway Surfing

 

 

Two teenage girls tragically lost their lives late Tuesday night while “subway surfing” on top of a moving train in Brooklyn, according to the New York Police Department. The fatal incident has reignited citywide discussions about the growing social media trend that encourages risky behavior for online views.

Authorities said the girls, both under 18, were riding on top of a J train when they lost balance as the train entered the elevated Marcy Avenue station. Emergency responders pronounced both victims dead at the scene.

“This is a heartbreaking and completely preventable tragedy,” said NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. “We’re asking parents, teachers, and community members to talk to young people about how dangerous this is. No online trend is worth a life.”

The Rise of Subway Surfing on Social Media

The NYPD reports that subway surfing incidents have increased by over 40% in the past two years, fueled by short-form video platforms where users record dangerous stunts for likes and followers.
In 2023, a 15-year-old boy also died while attempting the same act on the L train in Brooklyn, prompting the MTA to launch a “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign.

Transit officials have since increased surveillance and safety announcements, but the trend continues to claim young lives. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is also working with social media companies to remove videos that glorify the act.

“Every single one of these deaths is a reminder that the subway is not a playground,” said MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan. “We want to make sure these platforms take responsibility for removing this type of content before more teens are hurt.”

Community Reaction and Mourning

Local residents placed flowers and candles near the station Wednesday morning. One woman who witnessed the aftermath said she hopes the tragedy will serve as a warning to others.

“It’s so sad. They were just kids,” she said. “I hope no one else tries this again.”

Police said they are reviewing surveillance footage but have ruled out foul play. The names of the victims have not been released pending family notification.

 

A Taste of NYC at Home: Quinoa & Kale Buddha Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

In a city that never sleeps, New Yorkers are always looking for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that fuel their busy lives. What if you could bring that same energy into your kitchen? This Quinoa & Kale Buddha Bowl combines protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables into a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal with a modern NYC sensibility—fresh, colorful, and easy to prepare.

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Why This Meal Works (and Qualifies for Healthy  Guidelines)

• Balanced nutrition: includes whole grains (quinoa), greens (kale), plant protein (chickpeas), and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil).

• Simple ingredients: easy to source in city grocery stores or farmers’ markets.

• Scalable: you can make 1 single bowl or multiply for meal prep.

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Ingredients (serves 2)

Ingredient	Amount
Quinoa (dry)	½ cup
Water or low-sodium vegetable broth	1 cup
Kale leaves (stems removed, chopped)	2–3 cups
Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained + rinsed)	1 cup
Red bell pepper	½, diced
Cucumber	½, diced
Cherry tomatoes	6–8, halved
Avocado	1, sliced
Olive oil	1–2 tbsp
Lemon juice	from ½ lemon
Garlic	1 clove, minced
Salt & pepper	to taste
Optional: feta cheese or toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)	small sprinkle

 

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa
   In a small pot, bring 1 cup water (or broth) to a boil. Add quinoa, lower to simmer, cover and cook ~15 minutes, until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork.

2. Prepare the kale
   While quinoa cooks, toss chopped kale in a bowl with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Massage gently with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves soften slightly.

3. Roast or warm chickpeas (optional but adds texture)
   Preheat oven to 200 °C (390 °F). Toss chickpeas with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 10–12 minutes until slightly crisp. Or skip this and use as is.

4. Assemble the bowl
   In each serving bowl, layer: quinoa base → kale → chickpeas → bell pepper → cucumber → cherry tomatoes → avocado.

5. Make the dressing & finish
   Whisk olive oil + lemon juice + minced garlic + salt & pepper. Drizzle over the bowl. Top with feta or seeds if desired.

6. Serve & enjoy
   You can eat immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours (keep dressing separate until ready to eat).

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Nutritional Highlights & Health Benefits

• High in fiber — quinoa, chickpeas, kale all contribute to fullness and digestive health

• Plant protein — chickpeas and quinoa provide good vegetarian protein

• Healthy fats — from avocado and olive oil, which support heart and brain health

• Micronutrients — kale offers vitamins A, C, K; red peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants

• Low processed ingredients — avoids heavy sauces, refined sugars, or excess salt

Also, in New York City’s public health efforts, home cooking and plant-forward meals are promoted to improve community nutrition. For instance, NYC Health offers plant-powered recipes to help families eat more vegetables and whole foods. nyc.gov

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Tips for a NYC-Inspired Twist & Variations

• Swap kale with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to vary texture

• Use other beans (black beans, white beans) for different flavors

• Add roasted sweet potato or butternut squash for warmth and extra color

• Use a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a tahini-lemon dressing for variation

• For a seafood option, add grilled shrimp or salmon to boost protein

Bodega Worker Fatally Stabbed In East New York City

 

Police are actively searching for a suspect involved in the fatal stabbing of a deli worker in East New York on Friday afternoon. The victim, 33-year-old Diego Sandoval-Nava, was employed at a bodega on Hegeman Avenue when a confrontation over loose cigarettes escalated into violence. According to authorities, the suspect entered the deli around 3 p.m., displaying erratic behavior and shouting. After leaving briefly, he returned and attempted to access the area behind the counter where the cigarettes were kept. When Sandoval-Nava intervened, he was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen before the assailant fled the scene.

 

 

 

Sandoval-Nava was taken to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he ultimately passed away from his injuries. Fernando Mateo of United Bodegas of America expressed disbelief at the senselessness of the violence, questioning how anyone could take a life over something as trivial as cigarettes. Sandoval-Nava, who lived above the deli, was remembered by his community as a dedicated father and a kind-hearted individual who often helped others. One of his friends, Andy, recalled how Sandoval-Nava consistently checked on those around him, ensuring their well-being. The police have described the suspect as approximately 190 pounds and 5'10" tall with braided hair, but no arrests have been made, and the investigation is still ongoing. 

NYC Cops searching for man

 

 

 

 

 

New York City police are actively seeking a man in connection with an attempted murder case in the Bronx, where he reportedly held a gun to a woman's head and fired at close range. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on May 9, in front of 21 West 183rd Street. The 32-year-old victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was approached from behind by the suspect, who then aimed the firearm at the back of her head.

 New York City police are actively seeking a man in connection with an attempted murder case in the Bronx, where he reportedly held a gun to a woman's head and fired at close range. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on May 9, in front of 21 West 183rd Street. The 32-year-old victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was approached from behind by the suspect, who then aimed the firearm at the back of her head.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #20

 

 

 

 

 The annual New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, with over 50,000 finishers.

 

 

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #19

 

 

 The American Museum of Natural History houses over 33 million specimens and artifacts.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #18

 

 

 

The famous Beatles member, John Lennon, was shot in the archway of The Dakota Apartments on 8 December, 1980.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #17

 

 

 Broadway, the heart of the American theater industry, hosts over 40 professional theaters.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #16

 

 

 

 The New York Public Library, with its iconic lion statues, is the second-largest public library in the United States.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #15

 

 

The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop, with DJ Kool Herc hosting the first hip-hop party in 1973.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #14

 

 

 

Jackson Heights in Queens is one of the most diverse neighborhoods, with residents from over 70 countries.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #13

 

 

Harlem is known for its significant role in the African-American cultural movement, the Harlem Renaissance.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #12

 

 

 

Little Italy, once a bustling Italian neighborhood, still hosts the annual Feast of San Gennaro.

 

 

 

 

 

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #11

 

 

 

Chinatown in Manhattan is home to the largest Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere.

 

 

 

 

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #10

 

 

 Ellis Island served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #9

 

 

 The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, was the world's first steel-wire suspension bridge.

NYC Facts You Didnt Know #8

 

 

 The New York City Subway is one of the largest and oldest public transportation systems globally, with 472 stations.