Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know
Flu Season Described As Worst In Years: Here's What To Know With data showing a significant rise in flu cases nationwide, medical experts are describing it as the worst flu season since before the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been over 24 million flu cases nationwide this season, a 10 percent increase over last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overall flu-related hospital visits are up 25 percent. During this season, there have been 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including at least 55 children. Hospitalizations due to flu also rose, with 8,905 new admissions reported for the week ending S…
NY Ranks Among Best States For Women’s Healthcare In New Study: Here’s Why NY Ranks Among Best States For Women’s Healthcare In New Study: Here’s Why
NY Ranks Among Best States For Women’s Healthcare In New Study: Here’s Why Several northeast states are among the best in the nation for women’s health, leading in healthcare access, affordability, and safety, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for women’s health in 2025, according to a study released by SmileHub on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The Bay State finished narrowly ahead of second-place Hawaii, while Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey rounded out the top five. The report evaluated all 50 states using 18 key metrics, including maternal mortality rates, hospital quality, and the cost of medical care. The findings highlight major disp…
Plane That Went Missing With 10 Onboard Found With No Survivors In Alaska Plane That Went Missing With 10 Onboard Found With No Survivors In Alaska
Plane That Went Missing With 10 Onboard Found With No Survivors In Alaska A plane with 10 people on board that went missing after taking off in Alaska has been found with no survivors. The commuter aircraft, which disappeared Thursday, Feb. 6, was found about 35 miles south of Nome, Alaska on Friday, Feb. 7, according to the US Coast Guard. The Cessna had taken off from Unalakleet, Alaska. Three of those onboard were found after the plane was recovered. "The remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane," the Coast Guard said.  The plane, which took off Thurs…
Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Westchester Park, Town Extends Closure (UPDATE) Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Westchester Park, Town Extends Closure (UPDATE)
Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Westchester Park, Town Extends Closure (Update) Health officials in Westchester County have confirmed that a dozen Canada geese found dead at a local park tested positive for avian flu, prompting town leaders to keep the area closed indefinitely.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) confirmed that two separate strains of avian influenza were detected in the geese found at Carroll Park in Thornwood on Sunday, Feb. 2, Town of Mount Pleasant officials announced on Friday, Feb. 7.  "The positive results are not surprising considering the presence of the disease being seen in various bird species acr…
NY Widow's Killer Nabbed Decades Later Thanks To Retired Detectives, DNA Evidence: DA NY Widow's Killer Nabbed Decades Later Thanks To Retired Detectives, DNA Evidence: DA
NY Widow's Killer Nabbed Decades Later Thanks To Retired Detectives, DNA Evidence: DA A chilling murder mystery in New York that went unsolved for over two decades has finally been cracked thanks in part to a pair of determined detectives long since retired, prosecutors said. On Long Island, Raul Ayala, 51, of Georgia, was indicted for first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Feb. 7, in the 2003 killing of Edna “Timmie” Schubert. The 88-year-old Schubert, a widowed former Department of Motor Vehicles employee who lived alone, was found dead inside her North Bay Shore home on Fredrick Avenue on Dec. 12, 2003, Suffolk County Police said. Her body was discovered b…
Worker Buried Alive: Contractor Admits 'Recklessness' In Westchester Trench Death, DA Says Worker Buried Alive: Contractor Admits 'Recklessness' In Westchester Trench Death, DA Says
Worker Buried Alive: Contractor Admits 'Recklessness' In Westchester Trench Death, DA Says A Connecticut contractor has pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment following the death of a worker who was buried alive at a Westchester construction site in 2021, officials announced.  Fairfield County resident Michael Conway, age 60, of Bethel, admitted to disregarding federal safety regulations that could have prevented the fatal collapse, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said on Friday, Feb. 7.  On May 4, 2021, 46-year-old Jose Vega was working inside a nine-foot-deep trench when it suddenly collapsed, completely burying him. The site lacked required cave-in…
Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread
Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread New York officials are taking aggressive action to stop the spread of bird flu. An order issued by the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) on Friday, Feb. 7, directed live bird markets in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to close for five days, Gov. Hochul’s office said. The emergency measure comes after health officials confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)–or bird flu–has been detected at seven live bird markets in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx since Friday, Jan. 31. Outbreaks have also been confirmed in Suffolk and Ulster counties, as D…
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia displaced countless residents, including Cornelius “CJ” Fannin, who lost his home and all of his belongings in the tragedy. CJ’s Story: Starting Over After Losing Everything CJ had just finished work when he learned the devastating news—his home had been destroyed in the fiery plane crash that claimed multiple lives and impacted 343 homes in the neighborhood. “As a single male with no family or support in the area, I find myself completely lost and homeless,” CJ shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Everything I built over the years…
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash A mother of three critically injured in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia has been identified as Dominique Goods-Burke, her family said. Dominique, a Day Bake Supervisor at High Point Cafe, was with her family at Macy’s in Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, when the medical jet crashed into the area, causing her car to catch fire. Fighting To Recover Dominique remains in critical condition but is responding well to treatment, her family said. Her recovery is expected to be long and challenging. Her employer, High Point Cafe, shared their support for Dominique…
First Goose Tests Positive For Bird Flu In This Hudson Valley County, Officials Say First Goose Tests Positive For Bird Flu In This Hudson Valley County, Officials Say
First Goose Tests Positive For Bird Flu In This Hudson Valley County, Officials Say A wild Canada goose in Rockland County has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu), marking the county's first confirmed case, officials announced. The Rockland County Department of Health said on Thursday, Feb. 6 that the infection was recently confirmed by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The bird was found near a county lake, but officials did not specify the exact location.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for monitoring and testing for avian i…
Man Pulls Gun On Contractor At Hudson Valley Home, Police Say Man Pulls Gun On Contractor At Hudson Valley Home, Police Say
Man Pulls Gun On Contractor At Hudson Valley Home, Police Say A man is facing charges after allegedly pulling a gun on a contractor at a Hudson Valley home. Ulster County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a West Hurley residence on Elks Park Road after a contractor claimed to have been threatened at the location at around 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The contractor told investigators that while working on the home’s heating system, a man threatened to shoot him, according to sheriff’s officials. Deputies arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of misdemeanor menacing. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. Authorities did not say whet…
Pets Killed, Homes Damaged: 500K Stoves Recalled Over This Fire Risk Pets Killed, Homes Damaged: 500K Stoves Recalled Over This Fire Risk
Pets Killed, Homes Damaged: 500K Stoves Recalled Over This Fire Risk Half a million electric ranges are being recalled after reports of the stoves accidentally turning on, causing fires and killing pets, officials said. LG is recalling about 500,000 stoves due to a fire hazard linked to front-mounted knobs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a news release on Thursday, Feb. 6. The recall includes LG Slide-In and Freestanding electric ranges with knobs that can be accidentally turned on by humans or pets. The issue has led to at least 86 reports of unintentional activation, resulting in 28 fires, the CPSC said. At least five fires caused exte…
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash 9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash Ramesses Dreuitt, the 9-year-old son of Steven Dreuitt, who was killed in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia, is fighting for his life after suffering burns on 90% of his body, family members said. Critical Injuries And Coma Ramesses was in the car with his father on the 2300 block of Cottman Avenue when the medical jet crashed and exploded on Friday, Jan. 31. While Steven was tragically killed, Ramesses survived but sustained severe burns across his body. Facebook/Steven Dreuitt He remains in a medically induced coma and faces a long and painful road to recovery…
$11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Westchester Stole Doctors' Identities $11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Westchester Stole Doctors' Identities
$11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Westchester Stole Doctors' Identities A nurse practitioner from Westchester County who stole the identities of over a dozen doctors and orchestrated a multi-million dollar disability loan fraud scheme will spend years in prison, federal prosecutors announced. Catherine Seemer, age 44, of Elmsford, was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday, Feb. 5, after pleading guilty to defrauding federal disability loan programs of more than $11.2 million, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. From June 2017 through March 2022, Seemer ran a scheme that falsely claimed student loan borrowers wer…
New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread
New Bird Flu Strain Detected In US Dairy Cattle Sparking Concerns Of Spread A new strain of bird flu has been detected in US dairy cattle, raising concerns about its potential transmission and impact on livestock and public health. The USDA confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, genotype D1.1, was found in dairy cows in Nevada following routine milk testing. This marks the first time this specific genotype has been identified in cattle. Previous cases in dairy herds involved a different strain, known as genotype B3.13.  According to the USDA, genotype D1.1 has been prevalent among wild birds, mammals, and domestic poultry across North …
Life-Saving Diabetes Alerts Could Be Silenced By App Glitches: How To Prevent Missing Them Life-Saving Diabetes Alerts Could Be Silenced By App Glitches: How To Prevent Missing Them
Life-Saving Diabetes Alerts Could Be Silenced By App Glitches: How To Prevent Missing Them The Food and Drug Administration is warning that critical alerts from diabetes devices may fail to reach users, risking severe complications or death. The FDA sent out the warning about the smartphone notification issues in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The agency said it has received reports of users missing alerts they believed were properly configured, leading to dangerous issues like diabetic ketoacidosis and deaths. Many of these smartphone-compatible devices allow users to customize how they receive alerts, choosing options like audible notifications, vibrations, or t…
Discovery Of 12 Dead Geese Prompts Park Closure, Bird Flu Concerns In Westchester Discovery Of 12 Dead Geese Prompts Park Closure, Bird Flu Concerns In Westchester
Discovery Of 12 Dead Geese Prompts Park Closure, Bird Flu Concerns In Westchester Officials in a Westchester town are urging caution after a dozen Canada geese were found dead at a local park, prompting concerns of possible bird flu.  The dead birds were discovered on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Carroll Park on Rollings Hill Road in Thornwood, Mount Pleasant town officials said on Wednesday, Feb. 5.  The geese were removed by a professional wildlife expert and sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for testing. As a precaution, town officials have closed Carroll Park until testing confirms there is no health threat to visitors. A lase…
Dad Killed, Son Critically Injured On Ground In Philadelphia Plane Crash Dad Killed, Son Critically Injured On Ground In Philadelphia Plane Crash
Dad Killed, Son Critically Injured On Ground In Philadelphia Plane Crash A 37-year-old father who was killed when a medical jet crashed into a busy Northeast Philadelphia street has been identified as Steven Dreuitt, police announced. Family Seeks Support For Steven’s Funeral Steven Dreuitt’s family is raising funds to cover funeral expenses and provide support for his loved ones as they cope with his tragic death. Organized by his god-sister, Shakirah Hill, the GoFundMe campaign aims to ease the financial burden on his mother and sister who are managing day-to-day needs while planning his homegoing service. The family shared their deep gratitude for the co…
Drivers Caught Passing School Buses In Hudson Valley (VIDEO): 'Be Patient,' Officials Warn Drivers Caught Passing School Buses In Hudson Valley (VIDEO): 'Be Patient,' Officials Warn
Drivers Caught Passing School Buses In Hudson Valley (Video): 'Be Patient,' Officials Warn Authorities in Orange County are urging drivers to obey school bus stop laws following repeated violations that continue to endanger children including many that have been caught on camera.  In a social media post on Tuesday, Feb. 4, Orange County Emergency Services shared a video showing numerous instances of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses—despite flashing red lights and extended stop arms.  🚨 Watch This Video 🚨 It highlights just a few of the alarming violations we frequently witness across Orange County of... Posted by Orange County Emergency Services- NY on…
UFO? No, That Was The SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Lighting Up East Coast Skies UFO? No, That Was The SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Lighting Up East Coast Skies
UFO? No, That Was The SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Lighting Up East Coast Skies A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaked across the East Coast sky Tuesday night, Feb. 4. The rocket launched the Maxar 3 mission into orbit from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, at 6:13 p.m. Skywatchers along the East Coast were treated to a stunning view of the rocket's ascent, with sightings reported from multiple states. A striking photo captured by Jo Lucas in Atlantic City shows the Falcon 9 cutting through the evening sky. X users up and down the East Coast shared their footage of the launch. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch was visible in Connecticut! Did you get a look? pic.twitter.c…
$40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police $40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police
$40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: Police Amid the avian flu outbreak, authorities are investigating the theft of "high-value goods" from a Pennsylvania business, State Police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Approximately 100,000 organic eggs, valued at $40,000, were stolen from a distribution trailer at Pete and Gerry's Organics in Antrim Township, according to PSP Chambersburg. The theft occurred sometime overnight on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Commerce Avenue facility, troopers detailed in the release. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.
Philadelphia Plane Crash Impacted 343 Homes With 20 Damaged, Destroyed Philadelphia Plane Crash Impacted 343 Homes With 20 Damaged, Destroyed
Philadelphia Plane Crash Impacted 343 Homes With 20 Damaged, Destroyed The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia caused extensive damage to the surrounding neighborhood, displacing families and leaving a trail of destruction. Extent Of Damage Officials confirmed that the crash on Friday, Jan. 31 had a wide-reaching impact on the Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard area: 4 homes were destroyed 6 homes sustained major damage 11 homes suffered minor damage 343 homes were impacted In addition to the structural damage, numerous vehicles were destroyed, and debris scattered throughout the area caused further property loss. NTSBgov…
‘Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?’ Young Philadelphia Plane Crash Survivor Says After Brain Surgery ‘Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?’ Young Philadelphia Plane Crash Survivor Says After Brain Surgery
‘Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?’ Young Philadelphia Plane Crash Survivor Says After Brain Surgery A 10-year-old boy critically injured when debris from the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia struck his family’s car is awake and asking about his 4-year-old sister, his family said. Andre Howard III Severely Injured In Crash Andre Howard III was inside a car with his family near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard when the Learjet 55 exploded upon impact after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday, Jan. 31. A piece of debris from the fiery wreckage smashed through the windshield, piercing Andre’s head as he tried to shield his little sister. He…
One Mystery Remains: 67 Recovered From Potomac River Plane Crash, Final Victim Unidentified One Mystery Remains: 67 Recovered From Potomac River Plane Crash, Final Victim Unidentified
One Mystery Remains: 67 Recovered From Potomac River Plane Crash, Final Victim Unidentified Nearly a week after a devastating mid-air collision over the Potomac River, recovery teams have identified 66 of the 67 victims killed in the tragedy. Among those lost were rising young ice skaters, nationally recognized coaches, and a group of Maryland hunters—each leaving behind shattered families and communities. The NTSB, in coordination with the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage, recovering wreckage of the Bombardier CRJ700 on Feb. 3. NTSB But as of Tuesday night, Feb. 4, authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the final victim. “This effort was made possible through the…
Hanukkah Shooting: Gunman Admits Opening Fire Outside NY Synagogue With Children Present Hanukkah Shooting: Gunman Admits Opening Fire Outside NY Synagogue With Children Present
Hanukkah Shooting: Gunman Admits Opening Fire Outside NY Synagogue With Children Present A New York man who fired a shotgun outside an Albany synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah pleaded guilty to federal civil rights and firearm charges. Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty to obstructing religious freedom by threat of force, unlawfully acquiring a firearm, and brandishing it during the crime in Albany federal court on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The formal confession came more than a year after Alkhader took an Uber from Schenectady to Temple Israel in Albany, where he walked up the synagogue’s steps and pulled a shotgun from a duffel bag on Dec. 7, 2023. He the…
No Charges for Troopers In Fatal Shooting Of Armed Man In Hudson Valley: AG No Charges for Troopers In Fatal Shooting Of Armed Man In Hudson Valley: AG
No Charges for Troopers In Fatal Shooting Of Armed Man In Hudson Valley: AG A year-long investigation into the police shooting death of a man in Rockland County has concluded with no charges, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced.  A report on the investigation into the death of Rakim Tillery following a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Ramapo in January 2024 was released by the AG's Office of Special Investigation on Tuesday, Feb. 4.  According to the report, Tillery, who had been linked to an earlier incident in Albany, was armed and fired at troopers on Jan. 3, 2024, as they approached his vehicle during the stop. One…
ICE Conducts Search In Another Westchester Locale, Mayor Says ICE Conducts Search In Another Westchester Locale, Mayor Says
ICE Conducts Search In Another Westchester Locale, Mayor Says US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present in another Westchester municipality, officials revealed. In an announcement, Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said that ICE agents were present in the village on Monday, Feb. 3 while looking for a certain individual.  The Ossining Police Department was not involved in the search, Levin added.  "At this point, we do not have any material updates on ICE activities since they are a federal agency independent of our local police," Levin explained.  The activity followed similar searches in Pleasantville, Peekskill, and Sleepy …
Former NYPD Officer Admits Role In Husband's Death After Driving Over 100 MPH In Hudson Valley Former NYPD Officer Admits Role In Husband's Death After Driving Over 100 MPH In Hudson Valley
Former Nypd Officer Admits Role In Husband's Death After Driving Over 100 MPH In Hudson Valley A former New York City police officer from the Hudson Valley has pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide after driving drunk at over 100 mph and causing the crash that killed her husband in Rockland County, authorities announced.  Bernadine Thomas, age 36, of Maybrook in Orange County, entered the guilty plea on Monday, Feb. 3 before Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.  Thomas admitted to driving with a blood alcohol content of .10 while reaching speeds of up to 109 mph on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Havers…
Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (VIDEO) Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (VIDEO)
Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (Video) The black box from the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia has been located, providing investigators with a key piece of evidence to determine the cause of the deadly crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced Sunday evening, Feb. 2. Black Box, Flight Data Components Recovered The cockpit voice recorder (CVR), commonly referred to as a black box, was found buried eight feet underground at the crash site, officials said. Investigators also recovered the plane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which may contain flight data cru…
Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NY After Child Sent To ER Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NY After Child Sent To ER
Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NY After Child Sent To ER Gerber is recalling and discontinuing all batches of its teething stick due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children, authorities said. Gerber and the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall for Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks in news releases on Friday, Jan. 31. The recall follows consumer complaints, including one involving a child brought to an emergency room. The affected products were distributed nationwide and in stores across several states, including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The …
Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY
Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY Mass deportations could significantly impact wages in states heavily reliant on foreign labor, according to new research.  An Oxford study suggests that removing a substantial number of immigrant workers may lead to labor shortages, compelling employers to increase salaries to attract native-born workers, Newsweek reports. The states most likely to be affected are New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Texas, the report said, because those states have large immigrant populations and economies that depend on foreign labor in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospita…