Daily Bugle Now has breaking news regarding the leader behind the rise of newly outfitted gang the Underground. Eyewitnesses reported a masked figure on the streets of East Harlem, commanding orders to Underground goons. The faceless figure goes by the name Tinkerer.

Tinkerer is fearless, wielding the same programmable technology as the Underground and manifesting a neon-lit powerful sword at will. The leader’s confidence has rallied the Underground, turning their attention from wild acts of violence and vandalism towards a new target: Roxxon Plaza.

There are no sure leads on what Tinkerer wants from the corporation, but break-ins and property damage to the new East Harlem headquarters suggest the high-flying gang leader could be after Roxxon’s new proprietary energy, Nuform. In a startling response, Roxxon has increased its security measures, hiring armed guards to patrol its new facility and squash any trouble from Tinkerer and their growing army.

After Silver Sablinova worked with Spider-Man to put a stop to the terror Hammerhead imposed on New York — and recover her weapons commandeered by the Maggia leader — she swiftly returned to her home country of Symkaria. However, Sablinova would find little time for respite. Since her return, the small nation gained international attention as it battled its own internal war.

Sablinova looked to quell the fighting between rebel forces and the Symkarian government diplomatically, and restore peace among her battle-weary citizens. Months into the effort, tensions have eased and peace talks are on the horizon.

Only time will tell if Sablinova’s efforts will pay off and heal her beloved home.

As the year winds down, all of New York is looking ahead to the city’s jam-packed schedule of winter events.

The merrymaking begins with New York City’s famed menorah display for Hanukkah, rumored to have found a new spot in one of the city’s lush parks. Children are asking when Santa will visit Midtown’s mall to hear their Christmas wishes, while the local dance academy is promoting its much-loved annual Kwanzaa showcase.   

Perhaps one of the most exciting celebrations is East Harlem’s high-spirited King’s Day parade. Each year at CJ Walker Park, large crowds of all ages come together for one of the most colorful presentations of the year. Expect floats, performers and more as the parade makes its way through the streets.

But the holidays aren’t the only thing New Yorkers are talking about. Long-range weather models are predicting one of the biggest winter storms on record. Many are hoping it won’t affect the city’s holiday plans too much, and instead hope it will give them a festive season to remember.

As New York City spiraled into the hands of crime lords and Devil’s Breath tore through its boroughs, two heroes emerged: PDNY Officer Jefferson Davis and F.E.A.S.T. operations manager May Parker. Neither survived to see the crisis end, but their work created legacies that live on.

Rio Morales, wife of Officer Davis, is currently campaigning to become East Harlem’s representative in City Council. “He truly cared for this city and its citizens. I know Jeff would support everything our campaign is trying to achieve,” Morales says with a fond look in her eye.  

Many turned away from F.E.A.S.T. after its founder Martin Li was exposed as Super Villain Mister Negative. But today’s leaders like Gloria Davila look to May Parker as their guiding light. When asked about it, Davila said, “F.E.A.S.T. was founded by Mr. Li, but it is May’s legacy. Compassion, support and hope. That’s what she gave to anyone in need. And that’s what I’ll continue to do, no matter what.”

With Roxxon moving in, East Harlem will no doubt experience a huge influx of curious visitors to its neighborhood. Daily Bugle Now turns the spotlight towards the neighborhood, highlighting the vibrant business owners that make it a one-of-a-kind community.

Caleb Ward, owner of Caleb’s Clean Cuts

Ask anyone and the first person to welcome you to the neighborhood is Caleb Ward, owner of Caleb’s Clean Cuts. Cheerful, warm and kind, Caleb is always the first to lend a helping hand and let you know the best spots in the neighborhood for a bite to eat, the best art or just to people watch. 

Teo Alvarez, owner of Teo’s Bodega

Teo is an East Harlem native, having grown up and watched the community change over time. He owns a small bodega shop, offering not just the staples of a midday snack but the latest gossip on anything and everything happening in the neighborhood.

Camila Vazquez, owner of Pana Fuerte

East Harlem is known for its plethora of restaurants, but none come close to Camila Vazquez’s Pana Fuerte. After moving there, she opened her restaurant with the goal of serving up her favorite Puerto Rican dishes, like pollo al horno, to Harlem’s hungry residents.

Walk down any one of East Harlem’s streets and you’re bound to see its buildings dressed with larger-than-life murals. Some highlight the diversity of the neighborhood’s residents, while others memorialize the colorful history and characteristics that make it unique.

One of the latest to be painted in the coming weeks is dedicated to none other than our own Spider-Man. The hero has gained enormous popularity with citizens after simultaneously thwarting Kingpin, Mister Negative, Otto Octavius and his Super Villain cronies Rhino, Electro, Scorpion and Vulture one year ago.

But many are wondering whether the new Spider-Man deserves a spot next to his original web-slinging partner. When reached for comment on the final sketch for the Spider Wall, the muralist shrugged and said, “OG Spidey’s my guy. This partner of his, I don’t know about him yet.”

As the Underground widens their reach, it’s become clear that they’re not just another power-hungry gang. They’ve eliminated dozens of rivals, tagging their territorial conquests. And unlike other criminals, the Underground has the tech to back them up.

Are these street crooks smart enough to make it themselves? If not, who’s backing them? Local podcaster Danika Hart provided a leaked lab report on a weapon retrieved from an Underground hideout. Its analysts are baffled, with little to no consensus on the inner workings of the technology.

We showed the report alongside reader-submitted videos to our own science editor, Izzy Bunsen, for her thoughts.

Advanced gear

“Judging by how that purple matter runs through their jackets I suspect it’s infused into their gear. I’ve never seen this before.”

Programmable weapons

“They can switch it with the flick of a wrist! They must just think of what they want to use and it materializes from the purple matter. It seems like some type of programmable tech synced with their minds.”

High-tech crimes

“Oh it’s for sure wearable technology, which exists already. But for normal people, it’s a smart watch or phone, not an accessory to commit crimes.”

Bunsen’s input and the sparse lab report make it clear that we aren’t prepared to handle what the Underground has in store. Are either of the Spider-Men up to the task?

Norman Osborn is a scorned man. Otto Octavius now sits in jail. The highly regarded and inspirational scientific geniuses of yore have failed us. So we look to their successors, like NYC’s golden boy Harry Osborn — allegedly shirking his duties running Oscorp’s international operations for a hot fling in the Alps — and newcomer Simon Krieger, Head of Research and Development of Roxxon Energy.

Young Osborn, with his rooftop labs dedicated to analyzing air quality, water pollution and more has done wonders for living conditions across the city. And charismatic Krieger, with his ambition and intellect, has ushered Roxxon Energy away from the unsustainable efforts of electricity to a highly-anticipated, eco-friendly and dependable form of energy.

While they both have done so much, and still show great promise in their careers, are their plans and successes enough to inspire the youth of NYC to pursue a future in science?

They may share the same moniker, but the new Spider-Man is starting to define his own identity apart from his mentor. In addition to honing his own Spider moves, Spidey’s partner is starting to show New York City that he’s got an eye for fashion.

Take a look at two of the freshest suits we’ve ever seen, debuted by the new Spider-Man.

Crimson Cowl Suit: Could it be a two-piece? Spider-Man looks like he’s ready to hit the gym in this slick athletic suit. Some call it a hood, others call it a cowl. Regardless, it’s never been done before, and it’s a look our new Spider-Man owns.

T.R.A.C.K. Suit: The new Spider-Man swung through the city in a second suit that elevated his heroic silhouette. An evolution of his classic red and black suit, it looks like it’s made of a breathable fabric so Spider-Man can swing through the city without breaking a sweat.

The new Spider-Man has shown he’s eager to be not just a crime-fighter, but a hero of the people’s day-to-day issues. He’s often been clocked swinging from East Harlem to Midtown assisting first responders and chasing down lost pets, fully living up to the title “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.”

While he’s certainly shown he’s getting better at being a Super Hero, Spidey’s new partner has proven he’s also the humble hero, here to not only protect, but really serve the people of New York City.

It wasn’t so long ago that mega-corporation Roxxon Energy announced a shuffle in its executive leadership, naming Simon Krieger as the new Head of Research and Development. Young, ambitious and charismatic, Krieger quickly convinced the old-fashioned officials to reorganize Roxxon’s labs and prioritize clean energy initiatives that he believed could “save the world.”

Now, the new Roxxon executive has come forward with a breakthrough. He claims to have developed a brand-new form of energy that promises zero byproducts and could power parts of New York City for centuries. Krieger dubbed his invention Nuform. He was quick to report that the new energy passed “extensive testing” with flying colors — although what tests were conducted remains a mystery — and is preparing to bring the new energy to New York City.

The company’s rapid consumption of NYC real estate has claimed a new neighborhood: East Harlem. According to Krieger, this new site will reportedly be the first to use the Nuform reactor. While many East Harlem residents are skeptical towards its safety, the new Head of Research and Development has assured them it’s the solution to the blight of power outages that have plagued the neighborhood.

Recent polls and surveys show that people are picking up fewer copies of the Daily Bugle, especially since the ousting of former Editor-in-Chief, J. Jonah Jameson.

After the messy split, the fiery, bullheaded Jameson cashed in on his independence, building a brand that spans from his “straight-talking” podcast Just the Facts, to book deals and various self-titled product launches.

Inside sources report the owners of the Daily Bugle are holding quiet negotiations with Jameson to see if there’s a chance at a future reconciliation. But with his star on the rise, Jameson’s love may prove expensive to buy back.