Wegmans supermarkets in Manhattan and Brooklyn have started collecting biometric data from every customer entering their stores, capturing details such as facial features, eye scans, and voice recordings.

 

The new policy is highlighted by posted notices, claiming the measures are to protect shoppers and employees.

 

Unlike a previous pilot that collected data solely from employees and promised deletion of any accidental customer information, this broader rollout gives no guarantees, sparking concerns among local shoppers.

 

Some patrons fear they are being unfairly watched and question the lack of transparency, especially since Wegmans has not addressed how long data will be stored or if it could be shared with law enforcement.

 

Local legislation aimed at banning such surveillance remains stalled, even as other grocery chains adopt similar technology.

 

Privacy advocates warn this could expose vulnerable residents, particularly immigrants, to additional risks.

The NYPD brought joy and excitement to dozens of hearing and visually impaired youth during its annual Disability Engagement Event, giving them an inclusive front-row experience at the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square.

 

Children and young adults from all five boroughs, many connected with the Lexington School for the Deaf and St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, gathered for this special celebration.

 

Alden Foster, NYPD’s Assistant Commissioner of Community Affairs, noted the meaningful impact for those losing their vision or hearing, offering unforgettable access to a city tradition.

 

For participants like David Patrick Perez, a 22-year-old who is deaf, the event fostered a sense of belonging and excitement.

 

Accessibility was enhanced with ASL interpreters and a designated viewing area, while a Sensory Activation Vehicle offered a calming retreat for neurodivergent guests.

 

New York City’s commitment to inclusion ensures all residents can partake in unforgettable holiday moments together.

Central New York faces a challenging start to the New Year as a strong lake effect snowstorm blankets the region, creating dangerous conditions for travelers and residents.

 

Communities in Oswego County and the Tug Hill Plateau are expected to see heavy accumulations, with up to 3 feet of snow predicted by week’s end.

 

The National Weather Service has issued warnings, urging extreme caution due to slippery roads and severely reduced visibility.

 

In Onondaga County, another 2 to 6 inches of fresh snow is forecast before New Year’s morning, following Tuesday’s historic snowfall.

 

While the worst is expected to taper off by Wednesday afternoon, meteorologists warn a new system may bring more widespread snow and strong squalls on New Year’s Eve.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has mobilized state resources and urged all New Yorkers to stay alert, watch forecasts, and prepare for hazardous holiday conditions.