New York, NY - Officials say identity thieves are feeding off New York City's vulnerable by stealing their food stamps. A fraud officer with the Human Resources Administration says it's become a common occurrence: Identity thieves break into welfare accounts and then steal the stamps. The agency has distributed flyers to inform clients that they could be targeted. Officials say the scammers...

Ogdensburg, NY - The city has acquired the Ahava kosher cheese plant on Main Street for delinquent property taxes. City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra said that St. Lawrence Food Corp., owned by Moise A. Banayan, didn't pay the 2006 tax bill on the property, totaling $89,000. The plant remains open and employs about 50 people. "The St. Lawrence Food Corp. is continuing to operate the plant, but...

Crown Heights, NY - On Tuesday, Brooklyn marked the 17th anniversary of the Crown Heights riots, one of its darkest episodes. The violence was sparked by the death of a seven-year-old black boy, Gavin Cato, who was hit by a car driven by a Hasidic Jew. When it was over, 29-year-old rabbinical student Yankel Rosenbaum was dead. In the years since, the families of the two victims have come...

Jerusalem - The Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday issued a renewed warning to Israelis abroad regarding Hizbullah's intent to abduct or attack Israeli citizens around the world. Slain Hizbullah commander... As part of its recommendations for Israelis, the PMO urged them to be wary of "unusual events;" to turn down any tempting offers relating to business or pleasure; to avoid letting...

Madrid, Spain - Up to 150 passengers are feared killed after a plane broke in half and burst into flames when it skidded off a runway at Madrid's busiest airport. "It is certain catastrophe," an emergency services spokesperson said. Reports have claimed at least 23 passengers have been taken off the Spanair MD-82 flight JK5022 alive and are now in critical condition. Some of the wounded...

Goshen, NY - A state judge has sided with Kiryas Joel in a court fight over which communities should get additional sewer service with the recent expansion of the Orange County-run sewage treatment plant in Harriman. The village had sued to stop the county from selling increased capacity to neighboring towns and villages that already use the plant but aren't part of the sewer district for...

Ramapo, NY - A proposal for a yeshiva and dormitory off a rural-like lane on the Pomona border will be reviewed next month by the town Planning Board. A public hearing before the board began to review the proposal of Congregation Khal Torath Chaim of Rockland to expand its facilities because of rising enrollment. The congregation already operates schools on School Terrace, Ashel Lane and...

Queens, NY - A doctor accused of billing insurance carriers for tests he didn't perform has pleaded not guilty to fraud and larceny charges. Prosecutors claim Dr. Yakov Raufov falsely filed insurance claims for nerve studies on 12 patients who had been in motor vehicle accidents. Defense lawyer Alex Bateman says Raufov "hasn't committed any fraud whatsoever." The doctor could face up to four...