Workers rallied on the Grand Concourse on Thursday demanding that they be properly paid.&nbsp;

Over a dozen immigrant workers told News 12 they have not received their wages from NGC Cleaning Services. They say that wages have been stolen&nbsp;in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn. &nbsp;

Those at the rally were joined by nonprofit New Immigrant Community Empowerment, who told News 12 that they’re owed more than $21,000. They say that this&nbsp;is unbearable&nbsp;on top of the adversity and abuse immigrant workers face in New York City. &nbsp;

News 12 tried to reach out to the cleaning service&nbsp;but&nbsp;was connected to a woman who owns a company with a very similar name. She told News 12 that she has been receiving calls from the IRS regarding these wage thefts that have been reported. &nbsp;

“We know that a lot of these companies are unlicensed, they’re picking up workers… or just those looking for work and they’re really taking advantage of the need of workers,” said Sara, a representative from New Immigrant Community Empowerment. “They need dignified jobs, not jobs that are paying less than minimum wage, not jobs that aren't paying them.”&nbsp;

News 12 reached out to the Better Business Bureau,&nbsp;which&nbsp;says&nbsp;it has&nbsp;no record of NGC Cleaning Services at this time. &nbsp;

Over a dozen immigrant workers told News 12 they have not received their wages from NGC Cleaning Services. 

Immigrant workers rally over unpaid wages

NEW: Cloudy, mild rainfall subsides ahead of a dry Friday with calm conditions.&nbsp;

NEXT: Downpours and gusts of wind are expected for Saturday.

Storm Watch Team Meteorologist Darryl Green says that tonight's wet weather will be followed up by a cloudy and dry Friday. Saturday brings showers and wind gusts up to 30 mph.&nbsp;

TONIGHT: Cloudy with coastal fog. On/off showers. Highs near 65. Lows near 46.

TOMORROW: Dry but cloudy. Limited breaks of sun. Highs near 53. Los near 41.

SATURDAY: Cloudy and showery. Gusty 25-30 mph. Highs near 50. Lows near 44.

SUNDAY: Sun and clouds. Highs near 60. Breezy. Low snear 42.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs near 57. Lows near 40.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs near 51. Lows near 36.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with showers. Highs near 49. Lows near 37.

Storm Watch Team Meteorologist Darryl Green says that tonight's wet weather will be followed up by a cloudy and dry Friday. Saturday brings showers and wind gusts up to 30 mph. 

WEATHER TO WATCH: Cloudy and dry Friday ahead of downpours on Saturday

A group of middle school students from New York City and Long Island are getting airtime on an original podcast they helped to create. &nbsp;

The podcast, called New York Edge Formative, has been up and streaming online for months. It’s run by student podcast hosts, who spoke to News 12 about why they decided to get on the mic. &nbsp;

“A lot of the times, what you see on the Internet is not the real person that’s inside,” said Allyson Melendez, a Bronx native. “I love getting to know those people.”&nbsp;

Melendez and Rokiat Odousanya are two of the dozens of students&nbsp;who&nbsp;are able to host this podcast virtually from their schools using professional podcasting technology. &nbsp;

“When you can create opportunities for young people, they flourish,” said Rachel Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge.&nbsp;

Gazdiack helped create numerous after-school programs that serve around 25,000 kids. When it comes to the podcasting, Gazdick says she prefers to be nothing more than a co-host. &nbsp;

“I decided to co-host with the kids, but in my&nbsp;mind, they would really&nbsp;take over,” said Gazdick. “They learn podcasting techniques, and they learn how to ask really sharp questions while interviewing so there is a lot involved.”&nbsp;

The students have become known for asking hard-hitting questions and even interviewing prominent figures such as authors, the ambassador of Switzerland, restauranteurs, and more. &nbsp;

New York Edge Formative podcast already has three seasons going and they plan to start their fourth season soon. &nbsp;

For more information on the podcast, click here.

New York Edge Formative podcast already has three seasons going and they plan to start their fourth season soon. 

Middle school students in NYC, Long Island find passion for podcasting  

Dawn Roe and the dedicated members of Girl Vow&nbsp;are&nbsp;committed to reuniting missing girls with their families. &nbsp;

The average New Yorker may not recognize the thousands of missing persons faces or know their names, but the Bronx-based organization that started back in 2015 aims to address the needs of at-risk youth that are reported missing. &nbsp;

“Enough is enough. We need to change the narrative. we need to change the direction we're going in terms of not addressing the issues properly when it comes to missing girls,” said Roe. &nbsp;

Roe’s connections to this issue stem from her own battles against depression and suicidal thoughts. She ran away when she was younger and wants to dedicate her work to making sure at-risk youth don’t make the same mistakes she did.&nbsp;

While she’s already helped change the course of troubled young New Yorkers who’ve returned home to their families, she’s also continually working against the clock to find those who haven’t gone home yet. &nbsp;

“We become the boots on the ground that the NYPD can’t be,” said Roe. “Often times in our community, we don’t want to communicate with the NYPD, so it makes the job a little more difficult.”&nbsp;

In April 2022, news broke of Scarlett Rivera and Mariah Sanchez both going missing. Enrique, father of Scarlett and foster care parent to Mariah, says a no-show to an&nbsp;after-school meetup turned into hours of radio silence. &nbsp;

The father quickly turned to social media, capturing the attention of Dawn Roe and Girl Vow. They helped him tap into a network of the teen’s relationships, giving ACS, police, and bounty hunter a point of direction. After searching in New Jersey and across the five boroughs, a phone call from Scarlett in Poughkeepsie led to a safe return. &nbsp;

“I’m better… I regret what I did and all the time back home I realized there was no reason for me to leave,” said Scarlett. &nbsp;

She now is wrapping up her final year in middle school, and while Roe continues to aid in the search for other missing girls, that family is happy after a perfect ending to a nightmare situation. &nbsp;

The Bronx-based organization that started back in 2015 aims to address the needs of at-risk youth that are reported missing.  

Local organization committed to finding missing girls

The Department of Health says that rat sightings are down in 2023, in part thanks to the rat academies&nbsp;it has&nbsp;held with New Yorkers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The DOH says&nbsp;it is&nbsp;holding around two rat academies per month.&nbsp;One&nbsp;of those academies in the Bronx&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;had a full house, a special guest, and plenty of Bronx residents eager for less rats on their streets. &nbsp;

The academy session was held with the effort of several community members in Longwood and groups&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Banana Kelly Improvement LLC. &nbsp;

Mayor&nbsp;Eric&nbsp;Adams joined Bronx residents and DOH representatives at the academy, assuring those in attendance that the city is dedicated to ending the ongoing rat crisis. &nbsp;

“The mere fact that you’re here in this packed space means, like me, you hate rats,” said Adams. &nbsp;

The academy gives people a chance to ask questions about the city’s ongoing efforts to rid the streets of rats. &nbsp;

Bronx residents were glad the department came, but some have taken matters into their own hands. Flor Sanchez says he got sick of seeing rats on his block, so he put out a big trap to catch one. &nbsp;

“All you see is bags, bags, come on. The rats eat through those bags and they’re having fun,” said Sanchez. &nbsp;

New waste setout times are coming on April 1, aiming to reduce how long trash is on the curb. City-owned buildings and agencies placing garbage on the curb will only be able to do it one hour before closing if the can has a lid, and only after 8 p.m. if it’s just the bags. &nbsp;

The DOH says&nbsp;it&nbsp;will continue rat academies, as&nbsp;it has had&nbsp;a consistent turnout of around 30 people in each class so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Eric Adams joined Bronx residents and DOH representatives at the academy, assuring those in attendance that the city is dedicated to ending the ongoing rat crisis.  

DOH: Rat count down in NYC thanks in part due to 'rat academies'

Austin Basis was inducted into the Mark Twain Intermediate School’s Hall of Fame on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Basis was a student at Mark Twain 30 years ago&nbsp;and&nbsp;starred in the Emmy award-winning Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. &nbsp;

“It’s a great thing to show kids the success that they can have in their passions and in their love,” said Basis. &nbsp;

As an inductee, the Brooklyn native joins a legacy of other talented individuals, including Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and Emmy award-winning choreographer and dancer Tyce Diorio. &nbsp;

Following his induction, Basis led students through a technique workshop. Students got the chance to perform their own monologues in front of the acclaimed alumnus. &nbsp;

“Our kids can come here and sit in the same chairs and act on the same stage and then launch a life successfully into these wonderful careers ... and inspire kids to do the same,” said Karen Ditolla, principal of Mark Twain. &nbsp;

Barbara Vann, co-president of the Parents Association, says adding another face to the wall is inspirational for her kids. &nbsp;

“He’s a Brooklyn kid who’s done well, he started here at Mark Twain, which is such a great opportunity for all of the kids here,” said Vann. &nbsp;

Basis reminded the aspiring students to remember to give back and not forget where they came from.&nbsp;

Austin Basis was a student at Mark Twain 30 years ago. Following his induction, Basis led students through a workshop.

Austin Basis from 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' inducted into Mark Twain Intermediate School’s Hall of Fame

Members of the Williamsburg community are up in arms about a practice that they say is disrupting their neighborhood’s quality of life. &nbsp;

Ralliers are&nbsp;sounding&nbsp;the alarm against the practice of apartment warehousing. They say landlords are holding apartments hostage and abandoning those who still live inside. &nbsp;

Neighbors filled the corner of South 4th&nbsp;and Hooper&nbsp;streets,&nbsp;hoping that their cries don’t fall on deaf ears. Grassroots groups joining in the rally say that this practice is running rampant in the area, leaving many in jeopardy. They claim landlords aren’t putting these apartments on the market, hoping to cash on higher rents later on. &nbsp;

For those living inside, they say that they aren’t accommodated with proper housing needs, often left with no heat and sometimes dealing with rats. They are calling on elected officials for new legislation that would protect tenants. &nbsp;

“We need to pass legislation in Albany to require that landlords pay fines… when they leave apartments vacant,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “This is urgent. It will make a huge difference in addressing the affordability crisis that we face in NYC.”&nbsp;

Grassroots groups joining in the rally say that this practice is running rampant in the area, leaving many residents in jeopardy.

Community members sound off on apartment warehousing practice 

A suspect has been arrested in an overnight hit-and-run in Bensonhurst that killed a woman.

Investigators say Elizabeth Perez, 60, was crossing the street when she was struck by an Acura TSX vehicle at Dahill Road and 63rd Street at 11:50 p.m.

Police say the driver, identified as 24-year-old Yerlin Garcia, crossed over the double yellow lines, hit Perez and drove off. Officers arrested Garcia minutes later. 

Garcia is facing multiple charges, including leave the scene of a deadly accident and driving without a license. 

Police say 24-year-old Yerlin Garcia, crossed over the double yellow lines, hit Elizabeth Perez and drove off.

Police: Suspect arrested in fatal Bensonhurst hit-and-run

The NYPD is searching for an explanation&nbsp;for the death of a woman found&nbsp;in her Bronx apartment on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Lissette Gomez, 38,&nbsp;was found dead&nbsp;around&nbsp;12 p.m. Police say they found Gomez&nbsp;unconscious&nbsp;and unresponsive inside of her apartment at 647 Cauldwell&nbsp;Ave. with trauma to her face and neck. She was pronounced dead&nbsp;at&nbsp;the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her older sister, Carmen Torrez, says that&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;was caught up in a bad relationship.&nbsp;Torrez&nbsp;says she filed a police report on her sister’s behalf to report the abuse, adding that&nbsp;her sister refused to press charges&nbsp;when officers arrived&nbsp;at&nbsp;the apartment. &nbsp;

Neighbors say they have seen&nbsp;Gomez’s&nbsp;boyfriend hitting her inside the building&nbsp;for months. After reporting the daily&nbsp;abuse, neighbors say that their complaints fell&nbsp;went unheard. &nbsp;

Gomez’s&nbsp;body was found lying in her bed in her first floor apartment, but neighbors suspect that she was killed in a building next door and then brought back to the apartment. &nbsp;

The NYPD Crime Unit was on the scene today, collecting evidence from both buildings in question. Police have not confirmed any of the aforementioned abuse allegations, and the chief medical examiner’s office has not determined the cause of death for&nbsp;Gomez. &nbsp;

Lissette Gomez’s body was found lying in her bed in her first floor apartment, but neighbors suspect that she was killed in a building next door and then brought back to the apartment.

Police looking for answers in death of woman found in Bronx apartment 

The Manhattan grand jury investigating Donald Trump over hush money payments met on other matters Thursday, further delaying a vote on whether or not to indict the former president, according to a person familiar with the matter.

There was no immediate explanation from prosecutors about why the grand jury was not taking up the Trump matter during its scheduled Thursday session after not meeting at all on Wednesday. There also was no word on when or if prosecutors might resume presenting evidence or ask for a decision on bringing historic criminal charges.

The panel is an investigative grand jury, meaning it hears other cases beyond the one focused on hush money paid on Trump's behalf during the 2016 presidential campaign to a porn actor who says she had a sexual encounter with him years earlier.

Even so, the grand jury's pause on Trump — confirmed by a person who was not authorized to discuss the proceedings and who spoke on condition of anonymity — has given an opening to the former president and supporters to claim the investigation is somehow stalled. Trump, who has denied any sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels, raised the specter on his social media site of "years of hatred, chaos and turmoil" if charges are brought.

In keeping with the secret nature of the grand jury process, prosecutors also on Thursday rebuffed a request from House Republicans for records and testimony on the investigation, a request that the general counsel to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called an "unlawful incursion into New York's sovereignty."

The prosecutors said Trump had created "a false expectation" about being arrested, and they offered no update on the timing for any possible. action.

Grand jury proceedings are closed to the pubic and the media, with prosecutors prevented by law from sharing any details of what takes place. But these proceedings have captivated public attention, each development magnified because the presumed target is a former president and because Trump himself said last weekend he expected to be arrested on Tuesday.

The limited snapshots of the investigation have largely come from witnesses and their attorneys, who don't share the same secrecy obligation. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer and a key government witness in this case, has spoken publicly about his appearances, as has another recent witness, Robert Costello, an attorney who presented testimony aimed at undermining Cohen's credibility.

The district attorney's office, which is leading the investigation, has offered no public indication of timing.

In a letter sent Thursday to Republican lawmakers who sought documents and testimony about the investigation, the office's general counsel, Leslie Dudek, wrote that Trump had "created a false expectation" on the timing of an arrest, and Dudek reiterated prosecutors' obligation to preserve the secrecy of the investigation.

"These confidentiality provisions exist to protect the interests of the various participants in the criminal process — the defendant, the witnesses and members of the grand jury — as well as the integrity of the grand jury proceeding itself," the letter said.

AP source: Trump grand jury hears other matters Thursday

A man threatened to jump from a high-rise building in Midtown Wednesday, according to authorities.

The man, identified as Ian Mitchell, was 31-stories high when he sat on a broken window and threatened to jump after officials say the FBI tried to service him a warrant for alleged wire fraud.  

The NYPD were able to get to the floor above and rappelled down and kicked Mitchell safely back inside.

Suspect of wire fraud Ian Mitchell threatened to jump off a building after FBI tried to serve him a warrant, officials say.

Man accused of wire fraud threatens to jump off building in Midtown

Hundreds of thousands of residents will be getting free internet and basic cable under the expanded NYC Big Apple Connect program and a joint effort between the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation and Optimum. 

The mayor announced the expansion Thursday. It comes following a pilot program in 2020 that tackled the digital divide in communities where families had no internet service or would share one computer for multiple generations.

City officials say 1 in 16 New Yorkers lives in public housing.

The mayor's office says in addition to free internet and basic cable, Wi-Fi is being expanded to 200 developments and 300,000 NYCHA families for a minimum of at least five years.

Altice USA and Optimum is a partner company of News 12.

NYCOTI, Optimum provide free internet, basic cable to residents as part of expanded NYC Big Apple Connect

Have you ever considered going vegetarian or vegan? One Brooklyn business wants to help others learn how to navigate the move as a part of National Nutrition Month.

The Executive Chef of <a href="https://brooklyn.news12.com/atlantas-slutty-vegan-burger-chain-opens-restaurant-in-fort-greene">Slutty Vegan</a> Jumoke Jackson joins News 12 to discuss the pros of starting a plant-based or vegan diet, what to look for at the grocery store, what to avoid and more.

One Brooklyn business wants to help others learn how to navigate the move to becoming a vegetarian or a vegan as a part of National Nutrition Month.

Brooklyn chef dishes on what you need to know about a vegetarian, vegan lifestyle

The Fotografiska Museum in Manhattan is holding a special exhibit to commemorate the <a href="https://www.fotografiska.com/nyc/exhibitions/hip-hop/">50th anniversary of hip-hop.</a>

"I think for a lot of people, when they think hip-hop, they just think rap. They think rappers and celebrities, but hip-hop is really about people and everyday people who make hip-hop a real thing," says Sacha Jenkins, the co-curator for the exhibit.

The Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibit displays photos from over 50 artists across the world through the history of the music genre in the South Bronx. Visitors will travel through the two-floor exhibit to where the music is today. Jenkins adds visitors will see how hip-hop is now more conscious of itself and more aware of its power and influence.

"There's something about it that's very accessible. There's something about it that's very common and natural and that's why I think it's so relatable to people around the world," says Jenkins.

From breakdancing portraits to 3D art, experience the global phenomenon of hip-hop and learn about its journey to mainstream music. The exhibit is open until May 20.

A new exhibit at the Fotografiska Museum takes visitors on a historical and cultural journey of hip-hop.

Road Trip: Fotografiska Museum's 50th anniversary of hip-hop exhibit

March 23 is National Puppy Day -- it's time to celebrate the furry friends in your life! Submit your pup photos and videos using the form below!

March 23 is National Puppy Day -- it's time to celebrate the furry friends in your life.

Your 2023 National Puppy Day Photos

Police say officers were involved in an exchange of gunfire with suspects in an attempted robbery Wednesday night.

The NYPD says a group of five men wearing masks made an attempted robbery of a motorcycle at 49 West 225th St. just before 9:45 p.m.

Police say officers arrived and one of the five suspects pointed a gun at the officers, fired and missed. Officers returned fire and also missed, they say. 

The suspects fled from the scene, according to the NYPD. No one was injured.

Anyone with information on the group is asked to contact the police.

Police say officers exchanged gunfire with five suspects in an attempted robbery late Wednesday night.

NYPD: Suspects wanted in Marble Hill shootout with police

Starbucks workers&nbsp;in Brooklyn were among the workers&nbsp;across the United States&nbsp;participating Wednesday&nbsp;in the "One Day Longer" national unfair labor strike.

The workers are demanding that stores be more fully staffed, and that they should be given what they’re calling a “real seat at the table” with partners, as well as contract negotiations. &nbsp;

“We’re bargaining for consistent scheduling, better safety measures,” said Arianna Ayala, a Starbucks worker. “We've had multiple meetings and setups for our bargaining time with lawyers and Starbucks lawyers. They refuse to show up or cancel last minute."&nbsp;

Starbucks provided News 12 with the following statement in response to the strikes: &nbsp;

"Rather than publicizing rallies and protests, we encourage Workers United to live up to their obligations by responding to our proposed sessions and meeting us in-person to move the good faith bargaining process forward."&nbsp;

Workers' demands include better staffing in stores and fairer interactions regarding contract negotiations. 

Brooklyn Starbucks workers join nationwide strike

A family is mourning the death of a father who was a victim of subway violence in Brooklyn and urging the NYPD to increase safety.&nbsp;

Tommy Bailey was attacked on a southbound L Train and killed at the Atlantic Avenue stop last September.

His death was said to be in part a catalyst of the 1,200 NYPD overtime shifts set to staff subway platforms.

As part of the News 12 special report&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrooklyn.news12.com%2Fteam-12-investigates-price-on-patrols&amp;data=05%7C01%7CAlyssa.Roth%40news12.com%7C8417a547dc3447773bd408db2b40aa52%7Ccf535dc073fc41eaa17417f37ced7fe7%7C0%7C0%7C638151329061677937%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6%2F%2FdLJjoKtcv6u7QuhJ8onncfszd5q244rXTAIefZ5s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Price of Patrols</a>, News 12 Investigative Reporter Katelynn Ulrich spent a month visiting different stops to check if officers were patrolling stations where violence happened, as state and city officials have pushed for.&nbsp;

However, she never spotted an officer at the Atlantic Avenue stop.&nbsp;

Nicole Lloyd and Eileen Luppens are both proud to call Bailey the father of their children and say they want to remember him for how he lived, not how he died.

“Nicole and I get to co-parent these siblings and make sure they know how much their dad loved them always,” Luppens says.

The two women say they want officers to be out on the platforms at the Atlantic Avenue stop because they don't want anyone else to know the pain their family feels.

According to the NYPD, Atlantic Avenue is a designated part of “patrol coverage,” meaning it's one of the stops officers inspect when they ride the train

Family mourns father killed at Atlantic Avenue stop, urges NYPD to to step up patrols

A two-alarm fire broke out in Flatbush on Wednesday night&nbsp;at a four-story family home, according to the FDNY.&nbsp;

Firefighters say the flames erupted just before 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Neighbors tell News 12 that they spoke with the fire marshal who said the fire is under control.&nbsp;The families that live inside say they don’t know how the fire started. &nbsp;

Many of the families in the building say they have children, and that they were able to exit the&nbsp;structure&nbsp;safely. A large number of pets were in the home, including 30 birds. &nbsp;

Members of the FDNY are still on the scene entering and exiting the home, and no families are able to re-enter at this time. Red Cross representatives are on the scene helping families who were impacted.&nbsp;

No cause of the fire has been determined.&nbsp;

Many of the families in the building say they have children, and that they were able to exit the structure safely. 

FDNY: Fire breaks out in 4-story family home

The&nbsp;calf&nbsp;that was spotted running through the streets of Canarsie on Tuesday has found herself a home at an animal sanctuary in New Jersey. &nbsp;

Mike Stura, the founder of Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in New Jersey, drove three hours to Lancaster,&nbsp;Pennsylvania,&nbsp;to pick up&nbsp;the&nbsp;calf. The slaughterhouse and farmer had a change of heart following the calf’s runaway attempt&nbsp;and&nbsp;have agreed to free her. &nbsp;

“We were able to get the farmer on the phone, and I had a&nbsp;three-way call with him and the slaughterhouse,” said Stura. “They both agreed to let me have the animal.”&nbsp;

Both Stura and News 12 were unable to speak with anyone from Saba Live Poultry Slaughterhouse on Tuesday, but&nbsp;Stura&nbsp;was able to get in touch&nbsp;today&nbsp;with the owner, who was fully on board with Stura taking the animal. &nbsp;

“I like to meet them, see who they are, then I name them,” said Stura. “Ninenty-nine percent&nbsp;of the time they end up with human names. The reason is to help humans see them as individuals.”&nbsp;

Stura says he plans on getting the&nbsp;calf&nbsp;examined by a vet to ensure she is in good health before introducing her to the 450 other animals&nbsp;at&nbsp;his sanctuary. &nbsp;

The slaughterhouse and farmer had a change of heart following the calf’s runaway attempt and have agreed to free her.