Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village A Hudson Valley village will soon see vital repairs to its water infrastructure after receiving a multimillion-dollar state grant. The Putnam County village of Cold Spring has been awarded $2.5 million by New York State for critical repairs to its Upper Dam, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23.  Village officials added that the funding came through the state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program.  The grant, announced just days before Christmas, will help fund a long-awaited project to reconstruct the dam’s stone wall…
Former NY Gov. Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser From Northern Westchester Former NY Gov. Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser From Northern Westchester
Former NY Gov. Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser From Northern Westchester Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, is suing one of his accusers, a Northern Westchester native, for defamation.  Cuomo, age 67, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Dec. 19 against former staffer Charlotte Bennett, a Northern Westchester native, who accused the former governor of sexual harassment in 2021.  Bennett had previously filed a federal lawsuit against former Gov. Cuomo in September 2022. However, she voluntarily dropped the lawsuit on Monday, Dec. 9, saying in a joint statement …
Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (VIDEO) Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (VIDEO)
Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (Video) A coyote was seen running on a public city street near an elementary school in Westchester, prompting concern from nearby residents.  The animal was captured in a video posted on Monday, Dec. 23 just after midnight by Fabrix Company on Instagram and shared by Frank Dee on Facebook.  In the footage, the coyote can be seen running in the middle of a New Rochelle street near Trinity Elementary School. The animal was also seen near the area of Glen Island Park, according to Dee. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, human development can make "s…
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills
Beloved Dog Injured In Hit-Run In Hudson Valley: Community Rallies To Help With Medical Bills A Hudson Valley family is reaching out for support after their beloved dog, Astro, suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident and required life-saving surgeries. The incident happened earlier in December and left Astro with traumatic injuries. Soon after, Astro underwent multiple surgeries with help from the Putnam County SPCA and Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster and is now recovering at home.  Despite Astro's resilience and steady recovery, the financial burden has been overwhelming for the family, with medical bills exceeding $35,000. This prompted them t…
Westchester Teacher Turned Hero: Man Earns Medal For Saving Woman In Subway Attack Westchester Teacher Turned Hero: Man Earns Medal For Saving Woman In Subway Attack
Westchester Teacher Turned Hero: Man Earns Medal For Saving Woman In Subway Attack A Westchester art teacher has been awarded a prestigious medal for his heroic actions in saving a woman from a violent attack on a New York City subway.  The award, announced by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, honors 29-year-old Scarsdale High School teacher John Catania, who risked his life on Nov. 22, 2022, to intervene as a man attacked a 28-year-old woman with a bladed weapon on a subway train in New York City.  Catania rushed at the 6-foot-4 assailant after witnessing him slash the woman’s face and strike her again. His brave intervention gave the woman time to escape to a…
What's That?: Sing Sing Prison Alarm Malfunctions In Ossining What's That?: Sing Sing Prison Alarm Malfunctions In Ossining
What's That?: Sing Sing Prison Alarm Malfunctions In Ossining No, that alarm you heard is not the end of the world—a prison alarm malfunctioned in Northern Westchester, police said. In an announcement on Friday morning, Dec. 20, the Ossining Police Department said that the alarm at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the village was not working correctly.  "There is no emergency at this time," the department added.  Now that you know there's no threat, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming film release all about the prison's Rehabilitation Through the Arts program that will premiere in theaters for the second time on Friday, Jan. 1…
New Rochelle Student Dies Leaving High School Community Reeling New Rochelle Student Dies Leaving High School Community Reeling
New Rochelle Student Dies Leaving High School Community Reeling The New Rochelle High School community is grieving the loss of a student whose untimely passing was announced by Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds on Thursday, Dec. 19. The student, whose name has not been publicly released, passed away on Monday, Dec. 16, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and ambition, Reynolds said. The student was admired by staff and peers alike for her unwavering commitment to her education and her goal of creating a better future for her family, the superintendent added. “Her memory will remain an inspiration to us all,” Reynolds wrote. “This st…
Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme
Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme Two people who worked as city building employees in Westchester are accused of taking part in a scheme to steal property and submitting fake deeds signed by deceased homeowners, officials said.  Both Charlene Humphreys, a former Code Enforcement Officer for the Mount Vernon Department of Buildings, and Damon Davis, a current city Code Enforcement Officer, were arrested on Thursday, Dec. 19 in connection with the scheme, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.  According to felony complaints submitted to White Plains City Court, Humphreys…
$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says $1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says
$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says A Westchester man is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating an arson scheme to burn down his home and claim over $1.3 million in insurance money, officials announced. Yonkers resident Majid Haddad, also known as Peter Haddad, age 59, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 17, by Yonkers Police and arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a six-count indictment, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said.  According to Rocah, Haddad allegedly conspired with a man to set fire to his single-family home on Odell Avenue in Yonkers between Feb. 20 and Feb. 28, 2021. Investigators said Haddad …
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu activity is now widespread across New York State, prompting an advisory from authorities. Under this declaration by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear masks in certain settings to protect vulnerable patients. “The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection,” said Dr. McDonald. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations.” Flu cases are surging across the state.  As of Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 23,000 cases have been r…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
New Lawsuits Allege Sexual Abuse At Westchester Juvenile Facility New Lawsuits Allege Sexual Abuse At Westchester Juvenile Facility
New Lawsuits Allege Sexual Abuse At Westchester Juvenile Facility Five former residents of a well-known juvenile center in Westchester have filed lawsuits against the facility alleging that they suffered sexual abuse while living there, according to attorneys representing the plaintiffs.  The lawsuits, filed in Westchester County Supreme Court on Wednesday, Dec. 18 by law firm Levy Konigsberg, name the Dobbs Ferry Children's Village campus, which operates residential foster care programs.  The plaintiffs, who were not named but were described as "brave survivors" by the attorneys, allege a pattern of sexual abuse enabled and perpetrated by …
Debunked! Drones Not Searching For Radioactive Material, NJDEP Confirms Debunked! Drones Not Searching For Radioactive Material, NJDEP Confirms
Debunked! Drones Not Searching For Radioactive Material, Njdep Confirms The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is pushing back on a theory that the mysterious drones in the New Jersey sky were being used to search for missing radioactive waste. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham floated the theory on "Good Day New York," citing a Nuclear Regulatory Commission alert confirming radioactive material was lost in transit in Newfield in Gloucester County on Monday, Dec. 2. In a release, the NJEP said the Ge-68 source was reported lost by the licensee during shipment of the material back to the manufacturer. The radioactive source – about 6 inches in …
“He’s A Fighter”: Westchester Man Raises Funds For Family Dog After Brutal Off-Leash Attack “He’s A Fighter”: Westchester Man Raises Funds For Family Dog After Brutal Off-Leash Attack
“He’s A Fighter”: Westchester Man Raises Funds For Family Dog After Brutal Off-Leash Attack A Westchester man is raising money to help cover extensive medical bills for a beloved family dog that is fighting for his life after being brutally attacked by two off-leash dogs. The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 11, when Mikey, a 5-year-old rescue dog, was being walked by an employee of the White Plains-based Paws Barkley dog walking service.  During the walk, Mikey was viciously attacked by two large, off-leash dogs, described as a gray pit bull and a black mix. The attack left Mikey with severe injuries, including a punctured windpipe, brain trauma, and severed muscles…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers
Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers Westchester County Executive George Latimer is calling on the federal government to take action and provide answers after a series of mysterious drone sightings in the region have sparked fear and confusion among residents. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and read aloud during a press conference on Monday, Dec. 16, Latimer highlighted growing public concern following recent incidents, including one that temporarily shut down Stewart International Airport in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, and raised anxieties about safety at Westchester County Airport.  “I have spok…
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much County officials have approved a nearly $70,000 pay increase for Westchester's next leader.  In a meeting earlier in December, the Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee on Budget and Appropriations approved a $69,240 salary increase for the position of County Executive.  This brings the position's salary from $160,760 to $230,000, according to county budget documents.  In a weekly update held on Monday, Dec. 16, County Executive George Latimer explained his reasoning behind the pay bump, saying that it would make sure the position is "properly compensated in…
$145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds $145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds A Northern Westchester man who earned the nickname “The Magician” for his ability to slash tax bills has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $145 million fraud scheme that spanned a decade, federal officials announced. Rafael Alvarez, age 61, of Cortlandt Manor, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US and aiding the preparation of false tax returns, according to Edward Y. Kim, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Alvarez, the CEO and owner of ATAX, a Bronx-based tax preparation bu…
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment As accused serial killer Rex Heuermann faces his seventh murder charge, the stories of his alleged victims – young women whose lives were tragically and violently cut short – offer a haunting reminder of the human toll behind the Gilgo Beach case. Here’s a closer look at the seven victims named in the indictment: Melissa Barthelemy, 24 Melissa Barthelemy Suffolk County Police Described by family as a talented hair stylist from the Bronx, she dreamed of opening her own salon. She was last seen alive on July 10, 2009, in her basement apartment on Underhill Avenue.  Barthelemy’s…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
Cat With Rabies Dropped At Westchester Vet Prompts Health Alert: Officials Seek Couple Cat With Rabies Dropped At Westchester Vet Prompts Health Alert: Officials Seek Couple
Cat With Rabies Dropped At Westchester Vet Prompts Health Alert: Officials Seek Couple Health officials in Westchester are urgently seeking two people who dropped off a sick and injured cat that tested positive for rabies at a veterinary hospital. The Westchester County Department of Health is searching for a man and woman who brought a black cat to the Yonkers Animal Hospital at 526 Saw Mill River Rd. on Thursday, Dec. 12, officials announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17.  The cat, which was sick, injured, and believed to have been struck by a vehicle, tested positive for rabies. Officials said the individuals left without providing their names or contact information. Now the h…
Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says
Drones Could Be Looking For Missing Radioactive Material, NJ Mayor Says Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has his own theory about the drones over New Jersey. He says they may be looking for radioactive material that went missing earlier this month. "We know we have drones flying in a grid-like pattern. In my opinion, they're looking for something. What might they be looking for? Maybe that's radioactive material," Melham said on Good Day New York. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daily Voice NJ (@dailyvoicenewjersey) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued an alert on Friday, Dec. 13, confirming radi…
Grand Jury Clears Police Lieutenant In Westchester Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains Grand Jury Clears Police Lieutenant In Westchester Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains
Grand Jury Clears Police Lieutenant In Westchester Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains A grand jury has declined to indict a Westchester County police lieutenant accused of deliberately mishandling evidence during a drug investigation, officials announced.  In a statement on Friday, Dec. 13, New Rochelle city officials said a Westchester County Grand Jury cleared New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Sean Kane of criminal charges connected to a misconduct investigation.  Kane was originally suspended in early August when the New Rochelle Police Department announced an investigation into his alleged mishandling of evidence.  According to the department, …
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with murdering a seventh victim. Heuermann, 60, of Massapequa Park, was indicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Valerie Mack in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Mack, a 24-year-old Wildwood, NJ woman was working as an escort when she disappeared in 2000. A group of hunters discovered her skeletal remains wrapped in a plastic bag in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. She had been decapitated, and both of her hands had been severed from her body, prosecutors said. Her right leg had a…
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans A new national poll from Emerson College reveals a startling trend among young American voters: More respondents aged 18 to 29 believe the targeted assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was acceptable than those who do not. The poll highlights a sharp generational divergence on the issue. A total of 41 percent of voters aged 18-29 find the killer’s actions acceptable, 24 percent somewhat acceptable and 17 percent completely acceptable), while 40 percent find them unacceptable. Noting that 68 percent of voters overall reject the killer’s action, Spencer Kimball, executiv…
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When An iconic New York hotel will soon be reopening after a years-long renovation. The Waldorf Astoria is on track to be up and running in the spring. It has been closed for renovation since February 2017. The hotel's online reservation system went live last week. An announcement on its website states, "We are opening Spring 2025 and are now accepting reservations for stays and groups beginning September 2025." Known for its Art Deco design and rich history, the Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since its original opening in 1931. Over the decades, it has hosted countless celebriti…
New Townhouse Community Planned In Northern Westchester Moves Closer To Approval New Townhouse Community Planned In Northern Westchester Moves Closer To Approval
New Townhouse Community Planned In Northern Westchester Moves Closer To Approval A proposed over-100-unit adult townhouse community that would generate a large amount of property taxes for a Northern Westchester school district has cleared a major hurdle. The Yorktown Town Board has approved a zoning change for a proposed 118-unit, age-restricted townhouse development at the Catharine Field Home property on Catherine Street, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 16. The project, led by developer Toll Brothers, would sit on a 50.5-acre parcel and include a clubhouse, pool, roads, and a stormwater management system as part of the new age 55+ community. The plan follows mor…