Washington Heights

A half-mile section of Washington Heights in New York City has become an open-air market for illegally sold prescription drugs, including painkillers and erectile dysfunction pills, with some medications sold at significant markups.

The vacancy rate for rent-stabilized apartments in the city increased from 3.7% in 2016 to 5.6% in 2025, with a spike to 7% in 2021 during the pandemic. The data, obtained via a FOIL request, shows rising vacancies in most boroughs except Manhattan, though the reasons for vacancies remain unclear. Analysts suggest factors like post-eviction moratorium court cases and landlord financial struggles may contribute.

NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is launching a program called 'Fix The City' to target chronic, repeat-offender landlords by forcing transfers of ownership to responsible purchasers. The program aims to address long-standing tenant issues in buildings like one managed by A&E Real Estate, which faces thousands of open violations.

NYPD seized over $7M of fentanyl and 90 pounds of the drug from three packing mills in Washington Heights, Mount Eden, and Belmont. Authorities also found $30,000 in cash and two loaded guns during the operation.

Parents at PS/IS 187 in Washington Heights oppose the city's plan to build a new school building, citing concerns over construction dust, noise, and reduced outdoor play space.

A Chicago man has been charged with attempted murder following a 2024 shooting in Washington Heights. The incident occurred nearly two years ago, according to police.

The NYPD is investigating two men suspected of committing six jewelry thefts targeting women across New York City between June 4 and June 15, with four incidents occurring in Washington Heights and Inwood. The suspects are believed to be responsible for a city-wide spree.

Alan Greenspan, the former head of the Federal Reserve, died at 100 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Andrea Mitchell, announced his death in a statement highlighting his economic influence and personal passions.

Two people were shot in Washington Heights, Chicago, with one 59-year-old woman dying at the scene and a 55-year-old man hospitalized in serious condition. Police responded to a shots-fired call at a residence on South Parnell Avenue and are investigating.

A 38-year-old man was critically stabbed in the neck in Washington Heights on June 17, with the suspect fleeing the scene. The suspect is described as a heavyset man wearing a pink hoodie, blue jeans, and durag. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from local businesses near the pet grooming store where the attack occurred.

A 23-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition after an exchange of gunfire during a domestic dispute in Washington Heights. The incident occurred at a residence on South Ada Street, where both men shot at each other. A firearm was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing with no arrests made.

Moments for Life NY, founded by retired Detective Fred Washington, hosted a five-borough baby shower in the Bronx and Washington Heights to support mothers in need, offering resources like cribs, car seats, and healthcare. The event, sponsored by EmblemHealth, grew from 50 participants in 2021 to over 5,000 and includes services for domestic violence survivors and marginalized communities.

New York City is addressing an increase in complaints about pet waste left by irresponsible owners. Kumar Satya, a resident of Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, highlighted concerns about the issue affecting local parks and public spaces.

A new report highlights a significant increase in dog waste complaints in Manhattan, with Upper Manhattan, particularly Community Board 12, receiving the worst grade. The report links high complaint rates to a lack of public litter baskets and dog waste bag dispensers, while enforcement of the Pooper Scooper Law remains challenging.

A shooting in Washington Heights, Chicago, resulted in one death and one injury on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 400 block of West 98th Street, prompting a homicide investigation by Chicago police.

Two men were shot in Washington Heights, Chicago, and hospitalized in critical condition. A 29-year-old was shot in the chest on West 98th Street, while a 55-year-old shot himself in the neck. No arrests have been made.