Northeast
Former NYPD cop-turned-GOP candidate slams 'ludicrous' claims after $120K wrongful arrest settlements surface
![Former NYPD cop-turned-GOP candidate slams 'ludicrous' claims after 0K wrongful arrest settlements surface Former NYPD cop-turned-GOP candidate slams 'ludicrous' claims after 0K wrongful arrest settlements surface](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-1244335041.jpg)
A retired inspector in the New York Police Department running as a Republican for a key Hudson Valley congressional district dismissed characterizations of her service after controversy erupted Thursday over her conduct on the force.
Alison Esposito, through her campaign, pushed back after documents surfaced regarding her involvement in two controversial arrests.
One incident included an allegation that she and another officer were involved in a situation where there was an unlawful detention and “frisk[ing]” of an “infant plaintiff” in 2016.
That situation unfolded at an apartment on E. 101 Street in Harlem, and was alleged in an affidavit to be “malicious, unlawful and not based upon a warrant.”
“Let’s be abundantly clear: Alison did NOT handcuff, detain, or stop, question, and frisk an infant. This is a ludicrous and inaccurate assertion,” Ben Weiner, Esposito’s campaign manager said in response to the news first reported by City & State New York.
RULE OF LAW ON THE BALLOT IN NYC SUBURBS AS COP AND VETERAN TRADE BARBS OVER BORDER CRISIS, POLICING
The Empire State Building is seen along the Manhattan skyline in New York City on July 24, 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Weiner suggested that facts of the case were not highlighted in initial reports and documents.
“The perpetrator in question was a 17-year-old who decided that she was going to prevent the officers from arresting her drug-dealing, gang member boyfriend who was wanted for a shooting, by punching and scratching Alison in the face and neck, refusing to comply with lawful orders.”
In the other case from 2003, three women visiting from Philadelphia were shopping at a department store when they noticed a purse that appeared to have cash sticking out of it.
According to documents from a lawsuit against officers obtained by Fox News Digital, one woman wondered aloud why someone would leave a purse in such a state, while another “picked up the purse” and considered whether it was a “set up” before returning it.
Outside, the women were detained by three plainclothes officers, including Esposito, according to the lawsuit. The women accused the officers of “deprivation of [their] liberty” among other transgressions.
According to the affidavit, Esposito “grabbed [one of the plaintiffs] and held her.”
NEW YORK STATE RIPE FOR TRUMP’S TAKING, GOP PARTY CHAIR SAYS
![courthouse in upstate NY](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1723912944_651_Former-NYPD-cop-turned-GOP-candidate-slams-x27ludicrousx27-claims-after-120K-wrongful.jpg)
A general view of Dutchess County Courthouse in Poughkeepsie, NY, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)
The plaintiff, who admitted touching the purse later, alleged that she had been handcuffed with her “hands behind her back in an unnecessarily tight manner.”
The city ultimately settled both cases for a combined $120,000, according to City & State New York.
In comments to Fox News Digital, Weiner also called out Esposito’s opponent, Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y, saying the lawmaker and his “activists are trying to disgrace Alison’s 25-year NYPD career for political purposes.”
The two candidates have both burnished their law enforcement and military credentials, and Esposito previously derided Ryan’s similar move from service to politics.
Both candidates also describe themselves as rule-of-law problem-solvers in the Poughkeepsie area district that could decide the fate of the House next year.
As for the facts of the cases, Weiner said criminals often try to “scapegoat” law enforcement and embroil them in lengthy court proceedings, which leads municipalities to settle in order to avoid “costly litigation.”
NASSAU COUNTY BANS MASKS IN PUBLIC TO CURB VIOLENT CRIME, PROTESTS
![photo split of Pat Ryan and Alison Esposito](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Former-NYPD-cop-turned-GOP-candidate-slams-x27ludicrousx27-claims-after-120K-wrongful.png)
Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., is facing off against former NYPD Insp. Alison Esposito in November. (Getty Images)
He also said that one of the prior reports on the matter was “an obviously untrue story [done] without proper due diligence [which] highlights the lengths the far-left will go to admonish the police.”
Ryan did not return a request for comment.
The Democrat has pushed back on some of Esposito’s claims in the past, including that he made Ulster a “sanctuary county” while county executive.
In 2019, Ryan enacted an order adjusting procedures involving cooperation with immigration authorities, and he noted at the time that Ulster strenuously avoided “sanctuary city” terminology.
In previous remarks to Fox News Digital, Ryan also noted he was one of 15 Democrats to demand President Biden seal the border by-fiat – calling the situation down there a “crisis.”
In turn, Esposito has contended that Ryan honorably served his country but became a typical politician when he entered Congress.
She also called upon her NYPD service to highlight how she would take on the immigration crisis herself, citing Orange County in particular as subject to migrant-related crime.
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Vermont
The 10 Deadliest Animals in Vermont
![The 10 Deadliest Animals in Vermont The 10 Deadliest Animals in Vermont](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w1200-q80/upload/9b/0f/56/shutterstock-2500876103.jpg)
Vermont’s landscapes are home to a wide variety of wildlife. While the state’s natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, it also harbors a number of animals that can pose dangers to humans and pets. From the towering moose that roam the northern woodlands to the venomous Eastern timber rattlesnake hidden in rocky outcrops, the fauna in Vermont includes species capable of inflicting serious harm. These ten are the most deadly.
Black Bear
The American black bear is one of the largest omnivorous mammals found in Vermont’s forests and mountainous regions. With a coat that can range from jet black to a lighter brown or cinnamon, these bears are easily identifiable by their broad heads, small, rounded ears, and stocky bodies. Black bears in Vermont are primarily found in remote forested areas, particularly in the Green Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail, where they forage for berries, nuts, and insects.
What makes black bears deadly is their sheer strength and unpredictable behavior when they feel threatened. While attacks on humans are rare, they can be triggered if a bear feels its cubs are in danger or if it is surprised at close range. In such cases, the bear may become aggressive, and its powerful jaws and sharp claws can inflict serious injuries and death.
Eastern Timber Rattlesnake
![Timber Rattlesnakes.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/cf/ba/43/shutterstock-124497331.jpg)
The Eastern timber rattlesnake is one of Vermont’s few venomous reptiles, recognizable by its thick, muscular body and distinctive dark crossbands over a yellow, brown, or gray background. These snakes are endangered and rare to see in the state. They typically reside in remote, rocky hillsides, forests, and ledges in southern Vermont, preferring areas that offer plenty of sun exposure for basking.
Despite their elusive nature, timber rattlesnakes are highly dangerous due to their potent venom. A bite from this snake can result in severe pain, swelling, and even death if not treated promptly. The rattlesnake’s warning rattle is often the first sign of its presence, but if this signal is ignored or if the snake feels cornered, it may strike in self-defense. While fatalities are rare with modern medical treatment, the risk of a deadly encounter is real, particularly for hikers who may inadvertently come across these camouflaged serpents.
Moose
![Super Moose.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/45/37/a1/shutterstock-2277364055.jpg)
Moose are the largest animals in Vermont, towering over the landscape with their long legs, humped shoulders, and massive antlers that can span several feet across. These creatures are commonly found in Vermont’s northern forests, wetlands, and along remote roads, particularly in areas like the Northeast Kingdom. Their dark brown coats, long faces, and stature make them an iconic symbol of the state’s wildlife.
Despite their generally calm demeanor, moose are dangerous due to their size. Moose are known to charge when they feel threatened, particularly during the rutting season in the fall or when cows are protecting their calves. A charging moose can easily trample or gore with its antlers, posing a significant threat to humans.
Coyotes
![Coyote in the tall fall grass in the early morning fall light.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/15/fa/f6/shutterstock-2465354999.jpg)
Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found throughout Vermont, from the rural countryside to the edges of suburban areas. They resemble small wolves with slender bodies, bushy tails, and a coat that range from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. Coyotes often hunt in pairs or small family units.
Coyotes can become a threat, especially if they lose their fear of people or are protecting a den with pups. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and may attack and kill small pets or livestock, particularly during the winter months when food is scarce. In rare cases, coyotes have been known to act aggressively toward humans, especially if they are habituated to human food sources.
Bobcat
![Bobcat close up wild animal.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/94/60/be/shutterstock-2412491509.jpg)
Bobcats are predators native to Vermont, characterized by their short “bobbed” tails, tufted ears, and spotted coats. These medium-sized wildcats inhabit forests, swamps, and rocky outcroppings across the state, where they are rarely seen due to their solitary and nocturnal habits.
Although bobcats are not typically aggressive toward humans, they also can pose a danger to pets and livestock. If cornered or threatened, a bobcat may defend itself with sharp claws and powerful bites, which can cause serious injuries. Additionally, bobcats are carriers of diseases like rabies and feline distemper, which can be transmitted to pets and potentially humans. Their agility and strength make them formidable opponents if provoked.
Fisher Cat
![Fisher (Martes pennanti) Stands Up Tall In Tree Winter.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/1e/ab/a7/shutterstock-1742722820.jpg)
The fisher cat, a member of the weasel family, is found in Vermont’s forests, particularly in the more densely wooded areas. Despite its name, the fisher is not a cat but a sleek, dark-furred carnivore with a long body and bushy tail. They are highly skilled climbers and hunters, preying on small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and even porcupines, making them one of the few predators capable of tackling such prickly prey.
Fisher cats are known for their aggressive behavior and can be dangerous, especially to domestic animals like cats and small dogs. Their sharp teeth and claws make them formidable, and they often strike without warning. Their high-pitched scream, often heard at night, adds to their reputation.
White-Tailed Deer
![White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Buck in autumn.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/5d/7f/b1/shutterstock-2383347737.jpg)
White-tailed deer are one of the most common and recognizable animals in Vermont, found in forests, fields, and even suburban areas across the state. These graceful creatures are identified by their reddish-brown coats in summer, which turn grayish in winter, and the distinctive white underside of their tails, which they raise when alarmed. Deer are a frequent sight throughout Vermont, often seen grazing at dawn and dusk.
While deer are not aggressive, they are responsible for a significant number of road accidents, particularly in the fall during the breeding season, known as the rut. These accidents can be deadly, as a collision with a full-grown deer can cause serious damage to vehicles and result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants. Thus, while they might not be dangerous in the traditional sense, the risks associated with white-tailed deer are nonetheless significant.
Black-legged Ticks
![Parasitic deer tick waiting on green leaf.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/ef/ec/ea/shutterstock-2236136641.jpg)
The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is a tiny arachnid found throughout Vermont, particularly in wooded areas, grassy fields, and along hiking trails. These ticks are most active from spring through fall, lurking on low vegetation where they latch onto passing animals or humans. Adult black-legged ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, with a reddish body and black legs.
What makes black-legged ticks deadly is their ability to transmit Lyme disease, a serious and potentially chronic illness. When an infected tick bites, it can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease into the bloodstream. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash, but if left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe neurological, cardiac, and joint issues.
Porcupine
![Close-up portrait of the porcupine. It consists of brown, grey, and white colors.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/a3/62/9d/shutterstock-2327902519.jpg)
Porcupines are easily recognizable due to their spiky quills and are found throughout Vermont’s forests and woodlands. These nocturnal rodents are slow-moving and tend to climb trees in search of food, mainly feeding on bark, leaves, and twigs. Porcupines are well-equipped to defend themselves with thousands of sharp quills that cover their backs and tails. Their quills lie flat until the animal feels threatened, at which point they are raised in defense.
While porcupines are not deadly to humans, they can be lethal to pets, particularly curious dogs who may try to engage with them. A single swipe of the porcupine’s tail can embed dozens of quills into the skin of an attacker. These quills are barbed and can work their way deeper into the flesh over time, causing severe pain and infections.
Bald-Faced Hornet
![Bald-faced Hornet Fly (Dolichovespula maculata) pollinating a yellow Common Tansy wildflower.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/f5/ee/ae/shutterstock-2384827067.jpg)
The bald-faced hornet, despite its name, is not a true hornet but a species of yellowjacket wasp commonly found throughout Vermont. These insects are easily identified by their black bodies with white markings on their face and thorax. They build large, paper-like nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves, which can contain hundreds of workers. Bald-faced hornets are most active during the late summer and early fall when they become particularly defensive of their nests.
Unlike bees, these bald-faced hornets can sting repeatedly, injecting venom that causes intense pain and swelling. For those who are allergic to insect stings, a bald-faced hornet attack can quickly become life-threatening, leading to anaphylactic shock if not treated immediately. Even in non-allergic individuals, multiple stings can cause significant discomfort and require medical attention. Their nests, often hidden from view until disturbed, make accidental encounters dangerous, especially for outdoor workers or hikers.
While Vermont is often celebrated for its wilderness, it is important to remember that even in this setting, certain animals pose real dangers. Whether it’s the unpredictable aggression of a startled black bear, the silent threat of a black-legged tick carrying Lyme disease, or the sudden sting of a bald-faced hornet, these creatures remind us that nature, though beautiful, can also be perilous. Awareness and respect for the wildlife around us are key to safely navigating the state’s diverse ecosystems.
Boston, MA
Singer Thomas Day previews new song ahead of Saturday performance in Boston
![Singer Thomas Day previews new song ahead of Saturday performance in Boston Singer Thomas Day previews new song ahead of Saturday performance in Boston](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/08/17/2c553152-4c18-41e2-bd05-801ebfbfffc9/thumbnail/1200x630/49016b88bcd4f69c29264015f33814ab/434e4034af1734abc8300a8ab6495216.jpg?v=d8f7565ef3e8b72561ee316b5993cbf9)
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Pittsburg, PA
Pirates vs. Mariners Preview: Winning Streak Coming?
![Pirates vs. Mariners Preview: Winning Streak Coming? Pirates vs. Mariners Preview: Winning Streak Coming?](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3744,h_2106,x_0,y_102/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/pittsburgh_pirates/01j5g82aw53wnkr5qqps.jpg)
For the first time in 13 days, the Pittsburgh Pirates got back into the win column with a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night at PNC Park.
Now, Pittsburgh will look to make it two wins in a row in the second game of their three-game series against Seattle on Saturday.
Pittsburgh was riding an abysmal 10-game losing streak before Friday. Pirates ace Paul Skenes lived up to the billing, working around four walks to pitch six innings, allow three hits, two runs and he struck out six batters to earn his first win since July 11. After allowing a solo lead-off home run to Jorge Polanco in the ninth inning, Pirates closer David Bednar struck out the side, including Mitch Haniger, who was the potential game-tying run, to end the game.
The save was Bednar’s 21st of the season and his first since the Pirates’ 4-2 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 3.
Offensively, the Pirates got key contributions from Yasmani Grandal, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Andrew McCutchen and Oneil Cruz. Kiner-Falefa, Grandal and McCutchen each had one RBI apiece and a two-run double from Cruz extended the Pirates’ lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Cruz and McCutchen were forced to exit Friday’s game early. The team announced McCutchen was dealing with left knee discomfort and Cruz had discomfort in his left ankle. There haven’t been any further updates on their statuses heading into Saturday’s matchup.
Pittsburgh will have left-hander Bailey Falter on the mound on Saturday afternoon. Falter is 5-7 with a 4.07 ERA and pitched four innings, allowing four runs in his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Seattle will counter with one of the game’s best pitchers, Luis Castillo. Castillo is 10-11 with a 3.40 ERA and has struck out 148 batters this season.
Pirates vs. Mariners Broadcast Info
Location: PNC Park
Records: Pirates 57-63, Mariners 63-60
First pitch: 1:05 p.m. ET
TV: Pirates – SportsNet-PIT — Mariners – ROOTNW — National – MLB Network (out-of-market only)
Radio: Pirates – KDKA-FM 93.7 — Mariners – KIRO 710, KTTH 770
Pirates vs. Mariners Betting Odds via SI Sportsbook
Spread: Mariners -1.5 (-137), Pirates +1.5 (+110)
Total: Over 8.5 (-118), under 8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Mariners -154, Pirates +125
Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates
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