News, deep dives, and analysis — every New York story, newest first.
A hotel guest’s drone crashed into the New York Hilton Midtown early Friday, February 21, 2025, scattering debris across Sixth Avenue and prompting a temporary block closure—a drone incident that amplifies safety concerns in urban airspace, especially following DJI’s recent removal of geofencing restrictions. First reported by the NY Post, the crash at this iconic…
The Ossining Police Department successfully rescued a man who had fallen into an icy brook during a late-night emergency response on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, utilizing their department drone’s infrared camera and spotlight capabilities. The incident, reported by Daily Voice Ossining, showcases how drone technology can provide critical assistance during nighttime emergency responses. Technolog
In an innovative application of drone technology, retired State Police investigator Chad Tavernia has revolutionized pet recovery services in northern New York’s challenging terrain. Operating North Country Drone Search & Recovery, Tavernia has successfully located 42 dogs and 11 other animals in just over a year, demonstrating the powerful potential of thermal imaging drones in…
New York City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is exploring an innovative yet contentious drone enforcement program to address illegal dumping and enhance urban cleanliness monitoring. According to the Gothamist, the initiative would expand the city’s growing drone operations beyond current law enforcement applications into municipal services. Expanding Urban Drone Operations The proposed program
Hempstead Village Police Department has become the first municipality in New York State to introduce a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, partnering with Flock Safety to enhance emergency response capabilities within the community. The new program, announced today at the Hempstead Village Police Department headquarters, will enable the deployment of AI-equipped drones that can…
A former fire chief in Central New York faces criminal charges for allegedly forging Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) credentials required to operate the department’s unmanned aircraft system. Michael J. Leonelli, 46, was arrested Wednesday after the Caughdenoy Fire Department discovered irregularities with his purported Part 107 certification, according to Syracuse.com. The incident highligh
The Federal Aviation Administration has significantly expanded temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across New York City and surrounding areas, including a new restriction over Manhattan’s Hudson Yards development near Teterboro Airport that will remain in effect until January 19, reports LoHud. The expansion follows weeks of reported drone sightings across the mid-Atl
A holiday drone light show gone wrong in Orlando has triggered widespread industry repercussions, with the Federal Aviation Administration suspending a prominent drone show operator’s licenses and multiple high-profile events canceling their planned aerial displays. The incident, which resulted in the hospitalization of a 7-year-old boy, marks a critical moment for the rapidly growing drone…
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