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COVID-19 Pandemic

$1.7M Fraud Scheme: Hudson Valley Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced $1.7M Fraud Scheme: Hudson Valley Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced
$1.7M Fraud Scheme: Hudson Valley Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced A mother-daughter duo has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the government of approximately $1.7 million.  Westchester County residents Alicia Ayers and her mother, Andrea Ayers, both of Mount Vernon, were found guilty of submitting more than 300 fraudulent applications for US Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans.  Andrea Ayers was a former Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Mount Vernon Police Department. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress expanded the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program to provide low-interest …
Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens
Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens Big food news in the region with the reopening of a favorite restaurant that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lorenzo's Bistro, located in Sullivan County in Jeffersonville, reopened its doors on Monday, April 1, at 5002 Route 52 in the old Sal's Pizzeria building. Fans of the former Lorenzo's are already packing the restaurant.  Many of the "old favorites," such as the Cubano sandwich and Philly cheese steak, are back on the menu, as well as a lineup of everything from bagels and breakfast sandwiches to lunch and dinner entrees, including new Tex-Mex dishes. Resident Jason Dole …
'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business 'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business
'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business A popular restaurant in the region has closed after 31 years in business. Columbia County eatery Blue Plate Restaurant – located in Chatham at 1 Kinderhook Street – informed customers in a Facebook post on Monday, March 4. “A pretty good run of 31 years (minus a few breaks),” owner David Grunberg said. The landmark, three-story building has also been home to Hess’s Market, the Inn Between, Hail Columbia, and others over the years. Opened in 1993, Blue Plate kept longtime diners coming back with dishes like edamame gnocchi and grilled Moroccan shrimp, and appetizers like fried calamari an…
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept.
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. A New York midwife was found to have faked over 12,000 vaccines for children on Long Island and as far away as Erie County. Jeanette Breen, a licensed midwife who ran Baldwin Midwifery, located in Baldwin, Nassau County, was issued what the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) dubbed an “unprecedented” fine of $300,000 for her scheme. Starting at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Breen began supplying patients with a series of oral pellets called the "Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program." These fake pills are marketed as an alternative to vaccination by an out-of-stat…
Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart' Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart'
Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart' After eight years of good food and drinks, a beloved Hudson Valley pub and beer garden is closing its doors. Located in Ulster County, Schatzi's New Paltz will serve its last pierogi and cold beer on Sunday, Dec. 31. The owner, Jeremy Phillips, who announced on Facebook the closure, said it was with a "heavy heart" that he is closing the business. "New Paltz being my home town has and will always hold a special place in my heart," Phillips said. "I love this town and the people of this town." He added that many factors contributed to his decision to close the door including the pandemic,…
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…
Arlington School Superintendent Accepts Post In New District Arlington School Superintendent Accepts Post In New District
Arlington School Superintendent Accepts Post In New District A Hudson Valley school district is searching for a new superintendent of Schools following the resignation of the current one. Dr. Dave Moyer, superintendent of the Arlington Central School District in Dutchess County said he has taken a new superintendent position with the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District on Long Island beginning in January 2024. "Together we accomplished a great deal in a short period of time," Moyer said in a letter to the school community. "That is thanks to your collective commitment to our children, our community, and our school district." The…
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Region Closing ‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Region Closing
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Region Closing In the half decade since opening her restaurant in the region, Grace Thompson has met plenty of strangers - as well as a regular cast of “characters” - who have stopped in for a bite to eat over the years. Her Albany County eatery Gracie’s Kitchen, located in Voorheesville at 39 Voorheesville Avenue, will say goodbye to those characters on Sunday, Oct. 8, when the restaurant permanently closes. “Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has tackled historic inflation, a virtually empty labor pool, a volatile supply chain, and incredible disruption that has made it impossible for many res…
Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed
Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed After more than a month, the question of who backed the half-million-dollar bond to free embattled New York Congressman George Santos from custody while his federal criminal case plays out has finally been answered. Documents unsealed in US District Court in the Eastern District of New York on Thursday, June 22, show that Santos’ father, Gercino dos Santos, and his aunt, Elma Preven, are the co-signers on his $500,000 bond. Santos' lawyer had argued that publicizing his relatives' identities could subject them to harassment from news organizations, but the judge rejected the plea. The 34-…
ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37 ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37
ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37 ABC News "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" executive producer Dax Tejera died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 23. He was 37 years old. Tejera died of a heart attack, Mediaite reports, citing ABC News president Kim Godwin. He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and their daughters, Sofia and Ella. "As EP of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” Dax’s energy, passion and love for that show, ABC News, and you, shined every Sunday morning," Godwin said in a note to network staff obtained by adweek.com. "That same love was extended to his precious girls." View this post on I…
NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022 NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022
NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022 The New York State Department of Labor is on track to pay out more than $110 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced. A department investigation revealed that insurance fraud accounted for more than $11 million in benefits payments in August 2022 alone. The benefits were paid out almost exclusively to those who were already working while also collecting unemployment insurance payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s office said. Hochul said the state plans to go after those who received fraudulent benefits payments and…
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment A log of alleged harassment by their teacher dubbed the “Pedo Database” that was created by eight middle school boys in New England is now part of an official investigation into the teacher, The Boston Globe reports.  The Rhode Island teacher, who works at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, has been placed on administrative leave amid a probe into numerous claims of inappropriate behavior, including that he made female students dance for him, the outlet reports. One of the former students, now a 15-year-old high school student, told The Boston Globe that he and several other male…
Hudson Valley Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Hudson Valley Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say
Hudson Valley Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Three men are facing federal charges for allegedly using other people’s identities to defraud the New York Labor Department out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Errol Murray, age 21, of Yonkers; Taliek Lanier, age 22, of Albany; and Thomas Brace, age 61, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, formerly of Albany, were all arrested on federal charges of mail and wire fraud, plus identity theft. Federal prosecutors said the trio conspired with a 36-year-old Albany woman, Jamie Johnson, and provided her with the personal identifying information of other people. Jonson pleaded guilty in February 2022 of…
COVID-19: Man From Region Sentenced For $144K Pandemic Relief Fraud COVID-19: Man From Region Sentenced For $144K Pandemic Relief Fraud
Covid-19: Man From Region Sentenced For $144K Pandemic Relief Fraud A Capital District man who admitted to taking advantage of COVID-19 relief programs is heading to federal prison. Rensselaer County resident Hector Sanchez, age 30, of Rensselaer, was sentenced to 70 months - or just under six years - behind bars Monday, July 25, in federal court in Albany. It followed his prior guilty plea in March 2022 to charges of defrauding pandemic-related unemployment insurance and small business loan programs. Federal prosecutors said Sanchez raked in more than $131,000 by submitting false unemployment insurance claims to the New York State Department of Labor usin…
'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Hudson Valley 'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Hudson Valley
'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Hudson Valley He’s appeared on America’s Got Talent and performed for the likes of David Letterman, Howard Stern, and Chelsea Handler.  Now, comedian Joe Matarese is bringing “New York City’s best comedy” to Westchester County. On Thursday, July 28, the 30-year veteran stand-up will mark the grand opening of his latest venture, B-Side Comedy Club, a 60-seat venue located on Garth Road in Scarsdale. Joining Matarese on stage will be fellow comedians Nick Scopoletti, Pete Ungar, and Daniel Tirado. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Matarese (…
Dutchess Resident Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51 Dutchess Resident Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51
Dutchess Resident Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51 A Hudson Valley resident who worked in the hospitality industry in different states across the nation has died at the age of 51. Jason Antonelli died from an "unexpected cardiac event" in Newburgh on Wednesday, July 6, according to his obituary. Antonelli, who was known in his early years as Jason Reichgut, grew up in Hyde Park and graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he was a member of the varsity crew and varsity soccer teams. He graduated from SUNY Oneonta and went on to work in the hospitality industry. According to his obituary, his career took him across the country. "H…
COVID-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud COVID-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud
Covid-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud A woman from the Capital District is facing years in prison after admitting that she took advantage of loan programs meant to help businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Debra Hackstadt, age 67, of Albany, pleaded guilty Thursday, May 19, to fraudulently obtaining 32 government-backed loans, according to the US Attorney’s Office. The loans were issued to Hackstadt herself, various friends and relatives, and several companies that she controlled, prosecutors said. In all, investigators said she received more than $1.6 million between April 2020 and June 2021 through two separat…
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars With inflation skyrocketing across the country, causing the price of food and other merchandise to surge, one supermarket head vowed to keep a tight rein on costs for customers. Aldi US CEO Jason Hart penned a “price promise” letter to consumers this week making a pledge to keep costs down at the discount supermarket chain. Aldi CEO Jason Hart.Aldi “Saving you money is what we do best,” he wrote. “And in times like these, I’m incredibly proud to underscore this commitment to you: no matter what happens in the world around us, Aldi will always be the low-price leader in every community w…
Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System
Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System The personal data of nearly a million New York students has been compromised by hackers attempting to alter grades, investigators announced. In January, Illuminate Education, a taxpayer-funded software company that tracks grades and attendance for the New York City Department of Education, was targeted, resulting in the data of approximately 820,000 students being made available. Specifically, officials said that the hackers gained access to students’ names, birthdays, ethnicities, English-speaking, special-education, teacher schedules, and free-lunch statuses, though information including …
COVID-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items COVID-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items
Covid-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items A New York doctor will spend time behind bars after being sentenced for spending millions of dollars obtained through fraudulently obtained small business loans during the pandemic in an effort to live a luxury lifestyle. Long Island resident Konstantinos Zarkadas, who had a Nassau County practice in Glen Cove, was sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in COVID-19 emergency relief funds. In addition to his prison term, Zarkadas was also ordered to pay approximately $3.5 million in restitution after pleading guilty in November 2021 t…
Area Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days Area Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days
Area Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days A popular Hudson Valley eatery will serve its final meal this weekend, becoming the latest business victimized by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Nickerson, the owner of the Kitchenette in High Falls in Ulster County announced that she would permanently be closing down the restaurant on Route 213 as of Sunday, March 30 due to the financial hit caused by the outbreak of the virus. “I have had a great run for 41 years, but the last two years have proven to be a challenge that has proven to be more than we can overcome,” she announced. “I have had the support of so many wonderful people both busine…
Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Area Eatery Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Area Eatery
Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Area Eatery Celebrity chef Robert Irvine and the Food Network proved that saving one once struggling Hudson Valley dining spot in danger of closing was not “impossible.” In January 2020, Irvine and his “Restaurant Impossible” crew visited the Orange County eatery the Chianti Cow in Port Jervis in an effort to help prevent the struggling eatery from going out of business. Earlier story - TV Reality Show 'Restaurant Impossible' Spotlights Orange County Eatery During the episode, “Out With The Old, Into The New,” which initially aired on Jan. 30, 2020, Irvine's production crew, and a host of community …
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Sixty-six trains will be added to Metro-North's weekday schedule later this month as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority works to restore regular service to pre-pandemic levels. The new trains will be added to the schedule on Sunday, March 27, according to an announcement from the Business Council of Westchester. The business council said the addition of the trains will bring the railroad to 89 percent of its pre-pandemic service, although ridership during weekdays remains at around 50 percent of the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are seeing extremely strong ridership eas…
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says With tax season rapidly approaching, many Americans have started filing and are now anxiously awaiting their refund check from the IRS. Despite facing a backlog and staffing issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans can expect their refund checks to arrive within weeks of filing their taxes, according to officials. Once filed, the IRS said that Americans can expect their refund money to arrive within 21 days, pending certain delays. The cash can also be tracked approximately 24 hours after filing through the IRS website. Where’s My Refund? According to the IRS, in 2022, …
Dutchess County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Dutchess County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say
Dutchess County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say An eye doctor from Westchester who had practices throughout the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County who was previously charged with healthcare fraud has been sentenced for attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic through loan fraud. Westchester resident Ameet Goyal, age 58, of Rye, who operated The Eye Associates Group, with practices in Rye, Mount Kisco, Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County, and Greenwich, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison for orchestrating a seven-year fraud scheme and for obtaining government loans intended for small businesses during the pandemic. In addition t…
Longtime Schools Superintendent In Hudson Valley To Retire Longtime Schools Superintendent In Hudson Valley To Retire
Longtime Schools Superintendent In Hudson Valley To Retire A longtime educator in the Hudson Valley announced that he will be retiring after serving decades helping students in Westchester. Bronxville Schools Superintendent Roy Montesano announced that he will be retiring, effective as of Jan. 1, 2023 after five years at the district, prompting an extensive nationwide search for his successor. Before coming to Bronxville, Montesano also served as superintendent of the Hastings-on-Hudson School District and the Ramsey Public School District in New Jersey, where he was honored as the Superintendent of the Year there. In total, Montesano has served a…
Central Hudson Alerts Customers Of Higher Energy Costs Central Hudson Alerts Customers Of Higher Energy Costs
Central Hudson Alerts Customers Of Higher Energy Costs Central Hudson customers are going to see higher-than-expected energy bills, the utility company is cautioning. Central Hudson issued an alert on Thursday, Feb. 10 advising customers that there will be an increase in supply prices for both electricity and natural gas in the region due to a series of factors. Natural gas bills are expected to be increased by approximately 19 percent, electricity bills are going up around 46 percent, and 29 percent for combination electric and natural gas bills. Related story - Con Ed 'Sudden Rate Spike' Sparks Backlash, Reports Say The company cited a cold…
COVID-19: Dutchess County Family Charged For Using Fake Vax Cards To Work COVID-19: Dutchess County Family Charged For Using Fake Vax Cards To Work
Covid-19: Dutchess County Family Charged For Using Fake Vax Cards To Work A Dutchess County mother and her two daughters are facing charges for allegedly using fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to maintain and obtain employment at a Northern Westchester nursing home, the District Attorney announced. Poughkeepsie residents Antoinette Clarke, age 48, Dzjara Clarke, age 27, and Jajvia Clarke, age 22, were arraigned on Monday, Jan. 31 in Cortlandt Town Court, where they were charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony, for attempting to dupe a Croton-on-Hudson nursing home in Northern Westchester. Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Ro…
LEGOLAND Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences LEGOLAND Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences
Legoland Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences Everything is awesome at the Hudson Valley’s newest theme park as LEGOLAND prepares for opening day with new attractions and experiences. In Orange County, the LEGOLAND New York Resort announced that it will officially be opening for its first full season on Friday, April 8 with a host of improvements, including the debut of its new water playground. In July 2021, LEGOLAND New York opened up for the first time after years in development, representing the first major theme park in the region in more than 40 years. Earlier story - New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, No…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a public apology after being blasted by critics - including his own family - for making an Anne Frank reference during an anti-vaccine and mandate rally in Washington, DC. During the event on Sunday, Jan. 23, Kennedy drew the ire of many when he implied that Anne Frank had more freedom in hiding from the Nazis than people have under the current US vaccine policies. “What we’re seeing today is what I call turnkey totalitarianism. They are putting in place all of these technological mechanisms for control we’ve never seen before,” Kennedy said. “It’s been the…
Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley
Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley Embattled former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, once one of the state’s most powerful politicians, has reportedly died at the age of 77 in a Hudson Valley prison. A Democrat, Silver was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison in July 2021 on corruption charges and died at the Otisville Correctional Institution in Orange County on Monday, Jan. 24, officials announced. Silver, who at one point represented most of Manhattan, was found guilty of two counts of honest service wire fraud, two counts of honest services mail fraud, two counts of extortion under the color of off…